Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2015
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
The week of March 15-21 was declared Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Indiana by Governor Pence. On average, 21 tornadoes occur on an annual basis in Indiana. If you find yourself in the middle of a severe storm watch or warning, here are some suggestions:
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Seek shelter in a sturdy building. Go to the lowest level of the building, preferably the basement, and get under something sturdy, like a table or bench.
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If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior hallway or room. Make sure to stay away from windows. Getting into a bathtub or under a bed is not a bad idea.
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Once in the appropriate spot, cover your head with your arms/hands and remain low to the ground.
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If you are on the road, get out of the vehicle. Vehicles can easily be tossed around. Do not try to outrun a tornado. Lie down on the ground and cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris. While a ditch might be the lowest spot, these could quickly fill with water so this may not be the best option.
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Never seek shelter under a highway overpass as the wind blows stronger under them due to the wind-tunnel effect.
After the storm has passed, you may find yourself needing to submit a claim for property damage. If so, we will be here for you.
Let's Talk Rental Cars
You hope you never have an accident that leaves your vehicle undriveable, but it could happen. Rest easy though because as long as you have physical damage coverage on your vehicle, you are automatically given rental coverage at the rate of $20/day with a $600 maximum without having to pay any additional premium. Indiana Farmers has negotiated a $19.99 daily rate with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. However, this rate does not include taxes so that is a small piece of the rental cost you would incur.
Enterprise is not your only option. You may want a larger or different vehicle than what they offer for $19.99. The next time you are reviewing your policy with your agent, consider purchasing higher rental limits. You can purchase $30, $40 or $50 per day coverage for a relatively small amount of premium.
Insurance is all about deciding what portion of the risk you want to hold onto. There are so many things you have to consider, like what your deductibles will be, who is covered, how you pay, etc. You may want to keep the $20 limit, but we want you to know you have other options too. Your agent can assist you with making the decision that gives you the greatest peace of mind.
Home Maintenance Tips for Spring
Now that the snow has melted and the temperatures are rising, it’s time to get outside and do some upkeep on the exterior of your home. Here are some good tips:
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Check for loose or leaky gutters. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.
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Examine roof shingles (from the ground) to see if any were lost or damaged during winter.
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Look for damage to the exterior of the chimney. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
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Remove firewood stored near the home. Keep firewood at least two feet from the house and slightly elevated off the ground. This will reduce the likelihood of attracting termites and other insects or rodents.
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Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage, especially after the extreme cold we had this winter.
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Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system.
In addition to these tips, make sure when you get outside that you always wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. It wouldn't be good to have a well-maintained home and yard at the expense of a sunburnt and drained you.
Help Us Support Local Businesses
We take great pride in writing insurance only in the state of Indiana, and want to support our fellow Indiana business owners.
Do you know a local business owner?
Share all about them and their business by liking our Facebook page and sending us a message about them. Not only will your message count as an entry for a chance to win a $20 VISA gift card, but we’ll also send one to the business you highlight.
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter as we’ll soon be offering chances to win free tickets to the 2015 Indiana State Fair.
Tell us what you want to know. Email your questions to apeterson@indianafarmers.com, and we may include them in the next newsletter. Either way we’ll get you an answer to your question or get you more information on the topic.
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