Tag Archives: weather

April Showers Bring…Potholes?

Posted on

We all know the old adage “April showers bring May flowers.” And while that may be true, all of that rain also brings a major driving hazard–potholes.

Each year, about 1 in 10 drivers experiences car damage severe enough to require a repair, according to AAA, which says the average cost is about $600 per repair.

Luckily, there are several smart moves drivers can make to help minimize and hopefully steer clear of the damage that these rocky pavement pits might cause.

How to Avoid Pothole Damage

Drive Cautiously and Stay Alert

Maintaining a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you will make it easier to see potholes and other hazards well before you encounter them. A 3-second distance, or at least a car length, is recommended. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, especially on unfamiliar roads. Before swerving around a pothole, check your surroundings so you do not collide with another vehicle or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

Avoid Puddles

Drive slowly or avoid puddles altogether if possible, as they can conceal a deep pothole that could cause major damage.

Minimize Damage

Avoiding a pothole is not always possible, but there are ways to minimize damage.

  • Slow down: If impact is unavoidable, try to slow down as much as possible before hitting the pothole. However, do not hard brake into the pothole, as that will transfer the weight to the front of the car, compressing the tires. Doing so could increase the risk of damage.
  • Stay Straight: You most likely will not have time to check all of your mirrors before hitting the pothole, so do not swerve into another lane. Instead, stay straight and attempt to strattle the pothole as much as possible.
  • Hold on Tight: Grip the steering wheel tightly to prevent the tires from jerking.

You’ve hit a pothole, now what?

Pay attention to how your car drives immediately after impact. If you feel any pulling, shaking, or other unusual behavior it is a good idea to find a safe, flat place to pull over to assess damages. Check all tires and wheels, and take photos of any issues you see. Even if there is no visable damage, there could be problems with the alignment or suspension, so it is a good idea to have the vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic.

Remember, at Farm Bureau Insurance we have local agents and adjusters ready to help. If you have suffered damages due to a pothole, please call our toll-free, 24/7 claims number at 1-866-275-7322.

Water Leaks and Fallen Trees-Prepare for the Unexpected

Posted on

Water leaks and storm damage are unexpected, messy and create an unwanted stress on your household. Preparing for them ahead of time can help ease some of that stress.

Water Leaks

Some common causes of water leaks are: cracked pipes, malfunctioning appliances, loosened connections, worn out seals, and freezing temperatures. Although it is difficult to know when a pipe or appliance will leak, regular inspections of old pipes and keeping an eye on aging appliances can help prevent water leaks in your home. As pipes age, they will show visible signs of rust and corrosion. Any slow leak needs to be addressed promptly by a plumber. Appliances that use water, such as water heaters, washing machines, ice makers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, will be at a higher risk to develop leaks as they age. When appliances near their 10-year mark their seals can become old and worn. If this occurs or the appliance is not performing as normal, it might not be a bad idea to call an appliance repair professional to inspect and service the appliance.

We live in a state that has extreme weather–and with this extreme weather comes freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst. However, this can be avoided with proper insulation and allowing faucets to drip during freezing weather. The small cost for a dripping faucet is far less compared to the costly repairs from a busted frozen pipe. In addition, water damage to your home can displace your family for weeks or months. Addressing leaks promptly, routine maintenance, and preventive steps can help your family avoid being displaced due to a significant water loss.

Should you be one of the unfortunate ones that does have a busted pipe or water leak, it is important to know what to do. Know ahead of time where the main water supply shut off to your home is. Turning off the main water supply is the first and most important step to take if there is a leak. Once you shut off the water supply, you will need to contact a plumber or appliance repair professional to locate the leak and do the proper repairs. The next step will be to start cleaning up the water immediately. A local and reputable water mitigation company can assist with the water cleanup. Friends and family that have had recent home repairs done are a good source to find a reputable water mitigation company. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent is another great resource to help answer questions and provide additional information regarding what water damage your policy covers. 

Fallen Trees and Storm Damage to Roof   

Storms are unpredictable, but some of the resulting damage can be avoided. Wind and trees near your home are not a good combination, so a little preventive care can avoid a storm turning into a disaster. Keep an eye out for dead trees near your home and have them removed promptly. In addition, keep trees near your home trimmed and remove any leaning or shallow root trees such as pines. Often a little routine maintenance and a preventive mindset can help avoid a major disaster.

What do you do if a storm topples a tree onto your home? First, remove the fallen tree from your home. You can do this yourself or call a local tree removal service/roofer. Once the tree is removed from your home the roofer/contractor needs to cover your roof to prevent additional interior damage.  Depending on your policy and the cause of the damage, insurance will often provide help to pay for the removal of the tree and the covering of your roof.

Always try to call a local tree removal service or local roofer/contractor to get the tree off your home. It’s also a good idea to agree to a reasonable price up-front and in writing if possible. Beware of door-to-door solicitors after a storm or anyone asking for payment for the entire job up-front. Verify that the contractor is licensed and insist upon a contract in writing. Friends and family that have had recent home repairs done are a good source to find a reputable contractor/roofer. Your Farm Bureau Insurance agent is another good resource to help answer questions and provide additional information regarding what storm damage your policy covers.  

If something does happen to your home and you need to file a claim, please call our toll-free number any time at 1-866-275-7322.

Article provided by: Chris Vandergriff, Claims