In most aspects of life there exists insurance to help in protecting assets in the case of damage or unfortunate loss. When it comes to farms this is no exception; however, the typical business insurance or ordinary car insurance will not meet the bar when it comes to insuring the farm and tractors. It is advisable that if your business is farming or you are thinking about purchasing a weekend farm getaway that you consult with an insurance professional with experience in farming.
There is a famous saying that “knowing is half the battle,” so our goal is to review a few areas that have specific insurance needs. This way when you meet with an insurance professional you can get on the right track. As a general rule farm property is covered under specifically qualified policies to include farm machinery, livestock, farm trailers and even irrigation equipment. Depending on the coverage there may even be automatic coverage for new equipment up to $100,000 for the first 60 days – similar to a new born child being under the parents insurance until the child is individually registered. There are other types of equipment such as antennas and satellite radio devices typical on farms in extremely rural areas. In addition to coverage for these types of items there are other optional coverages that should be considered.
Depending on the exact type of farm things like chicken coups, silos, fences and feed racks have the ability to be covered under a farm policy. For those living in the city the details of a chicken farm and the equipment to keep it functioning are just not a reality. However for the farmer, these are essential aspects to their daily life. This is precisely why insurance companies carefully address all the details involved in farm life. Additional coverages are even defined as to the type of use of the equipment, because farm life can vary drastically.
One of our insurance professionals will review your farm and equipment to explain all available coverages and its intricacies.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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One of the most troublesome environmental issues is water shortage. As the population increases, industries develop, and weather patterns change, the issues of water shortage become more prevalent. The agricultural industry requires a tremendous amount of water to operate and it is in the top industries for water consumption. Everyone knows that crops require soil, sun, and water. In some cases of hydroponics soil in not even utilized, it is solely reliant on water. Since an industry is hinged upon the variable of the existence of water, the insurance industry has developed a form of protection for those in the agriculture industry – agricultural insurance.
Crops are the predominate victim in a water shortage and depending on the crop will determine the sensitive to water issues. Farmers should immediately discuss the specifics of crop insurance to account for potential water shortage issues. Typically, the farmer must select the percentage of the crops covered and at a specific price point. A common range can vary from 50% – 85% of a crop. In order to meet necessary criteria for each crop, there are guidelines specific to time of year, type of crop, and deadlines to applying to obtaining coverage. This is a simple process, but because there are many intricacies it is always advisable to connect with and insurance expert to help navigate individual needs.
The reason for the many variations and deadline surrounding crops is directly connected to the federal laws and regulations that spearheaded the industry to protect farmers and food protection in the United States. Some of the information that is weighed when obtaining the right coverage for water shortage risk are things like the type of harvest, production history, yield, and environmental history. These factors are important in determining type of policy and when reporting of water shortage damage. A specific accounting and log of crop damage is vital to maintaining in line with an agricultural policy, due to the already sensitive nature of crops.
Don’t make the mistake at going at this alone. Contact one of our agents today.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Your grandparents love you. After all they let you have dessert before dinner, take you shopping and get you anything you want, and dote all over you. They even grab your cheeks and make cute noises. Okay, so maybe they don’t do that anymore (and if they do, you may want to have a nice chat with them), but they still love you unconditionally. Which is why you should celebrate them.
September 8th is National Grandparents’ Day and we have put together a list of ideas for you to use to celebrate with them.
- Make them breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just break out the yumminess, strap on an apron and give it your best. I know they would love whatever creation you come up with.
- Take them on a nice walk. Offer to carry the bag for them.
- You take them shopping this time.
- Take them out to dinner. The early bird special is delicious!
- Do chores around the house for them. Get into those hard to reach spaces.
- Ask them about their history. Everyone loves talking about what has made them the person they are today. You could find some rich family history by chatting up a storm with them.
- Make them a nice card. I know it’s cheesy to give homemade stuff but really, it’s what they love. I mean have you looked on their fridge decorated with your accomplishments?
This Grandparents’ day, make it special for them. Love on them and celebrate, after all they didn’t tell your mom that you spilled the grape juice on her new white outfit.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Everyone knows that homeowners insurance will cover any structural damage done to your home inside and out. Your roof gets hit by lighting and has damage? Homeowners insurance will cover it. A nasty storm knocked a tree into your kitchen and destroyed it? Homeowners insurance will cover it. But that’s not all homeowners insurance will cover. There are some surprising little known coverages in your homeowners policy. Such as:
- Any mandated upgrades. If an ordinance passed stating that all homes needed to have solar paneling, and you needed to get your roof fixed, homeowners insurance would cover the addition of the solar paneling. Check with your policy, because there generally is limits.
- Food replacement. Yup, that’s right, your homeowners insurance will replace any food that is no longer edible. Most policies will have a $500 limit.
- Are you getting sued for slander? Your homeowners insurance will defend and cover you.
- Did Marmaduke bite the postal worker? Your homeowners insurance will all damages associated with your pooch.
- Did your neighbor hit run over you with her bicycle? Some homeowner’s policies will cover your medical expenses. Homeowners insurance will cover a number of accidents similar to this. Scurich Insurance Services can help you navigate through the specificities of your policy.
- Rough winters. Rough winters can damage your pipes, the weight of snow on your roof can cause damage and other winter damages, can cause you to have to find temporary shelter with additional living expenses. Your homeowners insurance will cover your additional expenses.
To find out everything else that your policy covers, contact Scurich Insurance Services today.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/things-your-home-insurance-covers.aspx#slide=1
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Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1st this year. In observance of the holiday, Scurich Insurance Services offices will be closed on Monday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Not sure how you want to make the most out of your Labor Day weekend? Here are a few suggestions:
- Go on a nice long hike with your family. Some great hikes to go on? Meadow Trail Loop at Mount Madonna, Mt. Madonna Loop, or Sprig Trail and Merry-Go-Round Loop. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
- Spend your time giving back. Volunteer at your local charity organization.
- Indulge your taste buds. Food festivals happen all the time and man do they have some delicious tasting treats for you. Go ahead and yum it up!
- Go fly a kite. Okay, so this doesn’t happen as much as it did in the past, but flying a kite is a lot of fun. Head out to the beach and take your kite with you.
- Go camping. In your backyard. Remember the good ol’ days, when you pitched a tent in your backyard and pretended you were camping. The thrill and excitement of it all? Get in touch with that inner child and camp.
Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day weekend, we hope it’s a fantastic one! Be safe!
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-ideas-for-labor-day-family-fun/#slideshow=slide2 and http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-watsonville-california
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Getting into an accident is an inconvenience and there are certain states that don’t make it any easier. When you file a claim auto insurance rates have a tendency to rise. Did you know that if you file a claim for anything $2,000 and higher can cause your insurance to jump up to 40% in some places?
If you live in one of the places listed below, you could find yourself on the short end of the stick when it comes to rate increases.
- Massachusetts rates jump up 67% when claims are filed.
- California claims will get you a 62% increase.
- New Jersey has 59% increase.
- North Carolinians will see a 47% increase.
- Minnesota raises their rates 45%.
If you have a claim that is $2,000 or less and you can afford the repair, it would be better for your insurance rates in the long run to pay out of pocket than it would be to file the claim.
On the flip side of things, here are the states that have the lowest rate increases:
- Maryland with just a 20% increase.
- Alabama at 22%.
- Michigan & Wyoming both have a 23% increase.
- Oklahoma has a 25% increase.
If you find yourself in this situation, Scurich insurance services can help. Anyone of our friendly staff will be able to help guide you through this process.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Sources: http://www.ibamag.com/news/5-states-where-you-dont-want-to-file-an-auto-claim-16616.aspx
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