Farm Family offers tips to help policyholders after snow storm
March 16 2017 - 4:37PM
Farm Family’s thoughts are with the people dealing with the
aftermath of this week’s severe snow and ice from Winter Storm
Stella.
Claim Reporting: Visit a local agent’s office
or call the Farm Family 24-hour claim hotline at 1.800.948-3276.
When property claims are reported, ask about services which may be
available to you. Repair-related receipts should be saved so they
can be included in claim reports.
For vehicle damage, appraisers will be available to assist with
inspections. Policyholders who have obtained estimates can forward
them to Farm Family for desk review. They can also provide photos
of damage at the time of the claim report for immediate adjusting
of more minor vehicle damage.
Claim Payment: Farm Family offers the
convenience of direct deposit of payments to policyholders. Ask
your agent or claim representative about direct deposit of your
insurance proceeds.
Ice Dam Tips:
Policyholders can avoid property damage due to ice accumulation at
the edge of a roof, usually near the gutter, known as an ice
dam:
- Keep attic temperatures below freezing. This means stopping
warm air from inside the house from entering or building up in the
attic.
- Ventilation - A properly ventilated roof
allows warm air to escape from the attic.
- Insulation - A well-insulated attic reduces
how much warm air enters the attic from the living areas below.
However, make sure the insulation doesn't cover the soffit vents
because that will reduce needed air circulation.
- Air Leakage - Normal insulation does not
account for air leaks related to a host of items that penetrate
into the attic, such as plumbing vents, electrical wiring, light
fixtures and pull-down attic stairs. Use the appropriate caulk,
urethane spray-foam or weatherproofing to make the areas around the
penetration air tight.
What to Do:
- If you are faced with an ice dam despite taking preventative
measures, there are steps that can be taken to relieve the
problem.
- Be careful. Efforts may involve ladders, tools and climbing
onto the roof in a snowy/icy environment. Taking further steps
yourself can be extremely dangerous. Consider hiring a contractor
who is experienced in ice dam removal. The cost of paying a
contractor is minimal compared to the costs associated with a
serious injury due to a fall.
- Another reason to hire a contractor is that there are problems
associated with almost all methods of alleviating ice dams:--
Snow Rake - This is a long handled tool designed
to allow someone on the ground to pull loads of snow off the roof.
By removing snow, the source of continued ice build-up is removed
as well. However, care must be taken to not actually rake down to
the shingles or there is a good chance of shingle damage.--
Salt or Calcium Chloride - While this will help
melt the ice dam it may also corrode metal gutters and downspouts.
Also, the run-off may damage plants and lawns.-- Chip Away
Ice - Bad idea! Using shovels, ice picks, hammers and
other implements to chip away ice is almost universally a bad idea.
Besides being dangerous, there is a good chance the roof and/or
gutters will be damaged in the process.
Additional informational and resources to help policyholders
dealing with the aftermath of winter weather can be found under the
loss control section of farmfamily.com.
About Farm Family
Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Farm Family Life
Insurance Company and United Farm Family Insurance Company,
Glenmont, New York, have been protecting the plans and property of
individuals, families and businesses for more than 60 years. The
Farm Family group serves 13 Northeastern and mid-Atlantic States.
Farm Family’s agents offer life insurance, annuities and property
and casualty insurance including auto and home insurance,
agribusiness insurance and insurance coverage for certain
commercial exposures. For information, go to
www.farmfamily.com.
About American National
American National Insurance Company (American National),
headquartered in Galveston, Texas, was founded in 1905 and is
licensed in all states except New York. American National and its
subsidiaries offer a broad line of products and services, which
include life insurance, annuities, health insurance, credit
insurance, pension products and property and casualty insurance for
personal lines, agribusiness and certain commercial
exposures. The family of companies operates in all 50
states.
American National established a dedicated property and casualty
division in 1973 with American National Property And Casualty
Company, Springfield, MO. This company serves 38 states not
including NY. To better serve the unique insurance needs of the
agricultural market, American National acquired the Farm Family
group of insurance companies based in NY in 2001. For
corporate and investor relations information, please visit American
National’s website at www.AmericanNational.com.
CONTACT: Jeff Mills Executive Vice President-Chief Claims Officer
417.887.4990 Ext. 2199
American National Center
1949 East Sunshine Street
Springfield, MO 65899
jeff.mills@AmericanNational.com
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