Do you know what impact a particular house has on your insurance premium?

Some types of homes can qualify for a discount, thus reducing your insurance premium. At Farmers, there are a variety of discounts that may save you thousands of dollars over the time you own your home. They include the following:

• New Home Discount - If your new home was constructed in recent years, you may get a break on your premiums.
• Home Renovation Discount - If your new home was constructed long ago but the heating & electrical or plumbing systems were recently renovated, you may be entitled to a discount.
• Protective Devices Discount - If your new home has burglar or fire alarm that contacts a central alarm company when triggered, you may get a reduced rate. Or if you have an automatic sprinkler system inside your house that activates in the event of a fire, you can get a discount.
• Fire Safeguard Discount - If your new home has automatic shut-off values professionally installed on all gas or propane lines, you can get a lower premium

Can the type of home affect insurance premiums?

Certain homes, even if they don't qualify for these discounts, may have lower insurance premiums than other homes because of certain features. These include:

• More disaster resistant components - If your new home has a reinforced roof made of stronger material, you may get a lower premium. In the East, a brick house may withstand wind damage more easily, whereas in the west, a frame house may hold up better against earthquakes. The right house in the right location may lead to lower premiums, not to mention a home that you can still go back to.
• Robust fire-fighting facilities nearby - Homes near a fire hydrant and close to fire stations with a professional staff may have lower insurance premiums than those close to volunteer fire departments or far from any fire station or fire hydrant.
• Low-risk location - Homes in some areas, such as coastal Texas or the Alabama waterfront, are vulnerable to storms and will therefore have higher premiums. Similar homes, just a few miles inland, may have lower premiums.

You may want to keep in mind the above information as well as the discounts available to you when purchasing your new home as the type of home you purchase can affect the amount of premium you will pay.
Even if you have fallen in love with a home that has a high insurance rate, your local Farmers agent can review your policy with you to see if you qualify for any other discounts not mentioned here or discuss with you other ways that you may be able to reduce your premium.

What Should I Do After An Auto Accident?

What should I do after an auto accident? 

If you are the driver:     

* Stop your car, put on your hazard lights and get help for the injured.    

* Exchange names, addresses and phone numbers.     

* If there are injuries or property damage, ask someone to call the police or highway patrol.     

* Provide police with the information they require. Ask the investigating officer where to obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it.     

* Take notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment. Write down the following items:        

   o Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.        

   o Car license numbers, make and model of each car involved.         

  o Operator's drivers license number and insurance policy number.         

  o Names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible.        

  o Names and badge numbers of police officers.     

* Record the details of the accident while they are fresh in your memory. Draw a diagram to recreate the scene. We recommend that you carry a small disposal camera in your car and photograph the accident scene.     

* At the moment of crisis, Farmers customers can call HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) where individuals are ready to help get you back where you belong. A Farmers HelpPoint representative will guide you through the claims process and arrange for an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle and property. Just one call can be all you need to get everything from a rental car, glass repair, and adjuster appointment. Of course your Farmers agent will also be there to help in any way that they can.  If you are the passenger:      

* If you, or anyone in the car is injured, get prompt medical attention.    

* Collect all your belongings from the damaged car, if safe to do so.     

* Get the name, address and phone number of the driver and his/her auto insurance company.     

* Save all of your medical bills and receipts.