FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I let someone else drive my vehicle and they get into an accident?

Generally speaking, insurance goes with the vehicle. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else's vehicle, the owner's insurance would first, be applied toward damages to the vehicle. Your Auto insurance would also generally apply in the event that the owner of the vehicle had no Auto insurance or did not have enough auto insurance to pay for the damages. Personal Injury Protection, which varies from state-to-state, covers the individual under their individual policy. For example, if my friend is driving my vehicle and gets hurt in an accident, my Auto insurance will cover the damages caused to my vehicle, but their Auto insurance will cover injuries caused to their person.

What do I do if I am in a car accident?

First and most importantly, make sure that you and that everyone else is okay and get help for the injured. The next crucial step is to make sure to notify the police so that they can file a report. The police report is the most accurate and court relevant information available. Keep a notebook in your vehicle for taking down important information. Make sure to get names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license number, license plate number, car make and model numbers, witness phone numbers, etc. The more information that you can gather, the better. Also, if you or passengers are injured, make sure to save all medical bills and receipts.

What do I do if my car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, your first priority is the safety of the people inside the car.

  • Never get out of a broken down car to make a repair or examine damage. Move the vehicle to a safe place such as a wide shoulder or a designated emergency lane.
  • If you can't drive the vehicle, stay in the car and wait for help. Use your cell phone to get help or wait for help.
  • Remember to put on your hazard lights. Once you are in a safe place, mark your location with flares or triangles.
  • In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safe place before you attempt a repair - even if it means destroying the wheel getting there.

Cold weather suggestion: Always carry a warm blanket in your trunk in case you must wait for help in freezing temperatures. Also carry a shovel and sand in the event your car is stuck in the snow. Do not try to dig yourself out unless your car is in a safe place. At the moment of crisis call Farmers Claim Department at 1-800-435-7764 for assistance when you need it most.

Will my policy be canceled if I get into an accident?

Being in an accident will not generally cause your policy to be canceled. Depending on the circumstances, it may result in a non-renewal of your policy. After the facts of the situation are reviewed, you may be required to pay a higher premium for your policy upon renewal.

Am I insured if I am driving someone else's vehicle?

Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the vehicle. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else's car, the owner's insurance would apply first toward damages. Your Auto insurance would generally apply in the event the owner of the vehicle had no Auto insurance or did not have enough Auto insurance to pay the damages. For specific information and guidance about your coverage, please contact me at any time.

Do I have insurance if I am renting a vehicle?

Car rental companies charge daily fees for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage (which means their insurance will pay for all damages covered in your rental agreement). Rental car coverage under a private passenger policy varies state-by-state. In some states, your current Auto insurance coverage may already provide adequate coverage protection for you, even if you are renting a vehicle. So, you may want to contact your agent prior to renting a vehicle just to check into which coverage you currently have. Please feel free to contact me to review your current coverage or to talk about adding coverage to your current policy.

Will my premiums go up a lot if I get into an accident or get a speeding ticket?

The word "a lot" is subjective but unfortunately your premiums more than likely will go up. Because insurance is based on risk factors, and traffic violations like speeding attribute to being "higher" risk, your premiums will more than likely increase. Additionally, your premium may go up depending on the severity of the accident. Please contact me at any time if you have questions or further concerns about your premiums. I am always glad to help.

What if my home is burglarized?

Here are a few tips to help if you should encounter such a situation:

  • If you suspect a burglar is still in the house, don't go in! Go to a neighbor's house to call the police.
  • Wait until the police arrive before you enter and begin to take an inventory of what is missing. Don't touch anything. The police may dust for fingerprints.
  • Provide police with whatever information they require. Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. Make sure you write down the names and badge numbers of the police officers.

If you saw the burglar, you will be asked to provide a description which will include:

  • Height
  • Build
  • Clothing
  • Hair/eye color
  • Hair/beard style
  • Distinctive markings

Once the police have finished the investigation, make your own inspection. Use a Home Inventory Checklist to check for missing items, otherwise you may not discover the full extent of the theft until days or even months after the burglary. At the moment of crisis call Farmers Claim Department at 1-800-435-7764 for assistance when you need it most.

If i add safety features to my home, can I get a discount on my insurance?

Farmers provides premium discounts for taking precautionary measures. Protective devices such as alarm systems, deadbolt locks, local burglar alarms and central station burglar alarms all qualify for discounts but these discounts do vary by state. Contact me today to go over which discounts you may qualify for.

What happens if I have a fire in my home or my home is completely destroyed by fire?

The first step in being prepared for a fire, is to have a family evacuation plan. Plan a safe rendezvous point for you and your family in the event that you are separated during a fire.

Check out our tips for evacuating your home.

  • Do not return to your home until officials declare it is safe to do so.
  • Notify your Farmers agent. Make sure your representative knows where to contact you.
  • Make a detailed list of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Use pictures to help assess the damages.
  • Keep all receipts. Don't rush into signing repair contracts.
  • As soon as you and your family are safe, call Farmers Claim Department at 1-800-435-7764 for assistance when you need it most.

Farmers also provides the following tips for surviving a fire in your home:

  • Make sure all family members know how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
  • Have at least two exits from every room in your home. Invest in fire escape ladders for upstairs bedrooms.
  • Go through a practice drill every six months. With the whole family, practice what to do in a fire emergency.
  • Assign a tree or other landmark where family members can meet after they escape the burning house.
  • Teach children never to go back in the house. Train them not to hide from fire under beds, in closets or other places where rescuers cannot easily find them.
What if someone has an accident on my property or my pet bites someone?

The Insurance Institute estimates that up to one-third of homeowner liability claims are for dog attacks. What to do:

  • Make sure the injured person gets prompt medical attention.
  • Exchange names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Tell the person who was bitten to save medical receipts. Assure them that your Farmers agent will contact them.
  • Call your Farmers agent. Provide the information about the incident, the name and phone number of the victim and have your policy number on hand.
  • Report the dog bite to your local animal control center. At the moment of crisis call Farmers Claim Department at 1-800-435-7764 for assistance when you need it most.

If you own a dog:

  • Spay or neuter your dog to reduce aggressive tendencies.
  • Never leave infants or young children alone with the dog.
  • Do not play aggressive games, like wrestling, with your dog. Teach children basic safety guidelines around the dog and review them frequently.

If you are threatened by a dog:

  • Remain motionless. Do not run or scream.
  • If knocked down by the dog, lie still, cover your face and neck and remain in a ball.
  • If bitten by the dog, immediately report the bite.
  • Report stray dogs or dogs showing unusual behavior to your local animal control center.
What happens to all of my assets if I die?

Life insurance1 death benefits are distributed to the named beneficiaries of the policy. However, for distribution of your assets, it's important to create a living will in order to tell the probate court judge who should receive your belongings. This also helps to speed-up the process; without a living will, probate could take an extended amount of time, and be significantly more expensive.

What if I become disabled and unable to work?

Disability can occur for a number of different reasons and affect a number of different circumstances. If you are injured on the job you may be eligible for worker's compensation, but you should check to see which coverage options your employer provides. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that 53 % of those who are at least 40 years of age, will experience a long-lasting disability (90 days or more).

  • Social Security can be drawn on in the case of a disability but is usually reserved for disabilities that will last for longer than 1 year. Additionally, however, disability insurance can be purchased. Disability Insurance protects against financial losses that occur due to an injury or illness. If you have more questions about Disability insurance please contact me at any time. I can help you decide whether it is currently a part of your policy and if it is an option that you should consider.
  • http://www.iii.org/individuals/disability/lossofincome

Disclaimer: Farmers Insurance Group does not endorse Web sites, claims, or services made by outside parties as they are separate entities and operate separately from Farmers.

What if I lose my job?

Here are some tips to help you prepare: It's a good idea for everyone to have the equivalent of at least three months salary put away, should the unexpected happen. If you have a mortgage to pay each month, you should consider getting Mortgage Protection Life Insurance to ensure your payments are made.

Turn a negative experience into a positive one: Make it a learning experience! Take advantage of this opportunity to develop new job skills. Our education loans can help make it financially feasible for you go back to school and acquire new skills to stay competitive. Explore employment opportunities with Farmers Insurance! More than 30,000 talented professionals nationwide enjoy our dynamic, stable and forward thinking environment. Use this experience and your ability to cope with change as a strength, when interviewing with prospective employers. You'll have a lot to offer them. Many employers are looking for people who can deal with change - not dwell on the negative but have the ability to move with the times.

Do I need to cover my building if I rent?

Essentially renting a building for business is not all that different than if you were to rent an apartment. You still need coverage for all of your personal belongings and assets; essentially you need coverage for all of your office supplies and business assets. So, everything apart from the bricks and mortar of the building you are in should be part of your Business insurance policy. Please contact me at any time for questions about your current coverage or to obtain Business insurance coverage.

Which policy is best for my business?

There are many different variables for determining the best insurance products for a business. The insurance needs of a software company, for example, are far different than the needs of a car rental company. It's best to speak with an agent to review your overall business situation and to go over coverage options that are best for your business. Contact me to learn more.