There are many different types of auto insurance coverages for you to choose from. Your local Farmers agent can work with you to decide what coverage combinations provide the best protection at a price that fits your budget.

• Fault or No-Fault - Depends on state law.
• Collision - Pays damages to your own vehicle.
• Comprehensive - Pays for losses from fire, theft, storm, etc.
• Deductible - The amount of a covered loss you agree to pay.
• Bodily Injury - Pays for injury to others when you are at fault.
• Property Damage - Pays for property damage when you are at fault.
• Medical Payments- Pays for your own or your passenger's medical expenses.
• Personal Injury Protection - In no-fault states, this covers a broad assortment of medical expenses.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist - Coverage for you if other driver is not insured or is underinsured.

In addition to basic auto insurance, consider these optional services to provide added protection for your vehicle:

• Emergency roadside assistance and towing service
• Windshield glass repair service
• Car rental reimbursement

Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the car. 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 on your coverage in this situation, contact your local Farmers agent.

The term full coverage generally means that the insurance policy has both liability coverage and coverage for damage to your vehicle. The term full coverage does not mean that everything is covered no matter what happens.

Your auto insurance policy declaration page lists the coverages you have selected.

Generally, being in an accident will not cause your policy to be canceled. However, after the facts of the situation are reviewed, you may be required to pay a higher premium for your policy upon renewal.

Car rental companies charge daily fees for "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. Check your policy or contact your local Farmers agent.

Under the Comprehensive and Collision portion of your policy, optional equipment (a CD player for example) is covered only if permanently installed in the opening of the dash where the manufacturer would normally install such equipment.

An endorsement is available to provide coverage for optional equipment not permanently installed in the dash and for theft of items such as tapes, discs or other equipment designed for the reproduction of sound.

Your Farmers agent for more information.

You can work with your Farmers agent to make sure your auto premiums are as low as they should be: Check to see if you're eligible for any discounts such as claim-free, driver education, auto/home or multi-car.

Ask how much you can save by increasing your deductible.

Ever wonder how insurance companies determine your premium? Auto insurance premiums change for the same reasons that the price of other goods and services you buy change.

The prices of the goods and services that insurance companies buy affect the prices they charge. Costs affecting the ultimate price of auto insurance are:

• Medical costs to treat injuries
• Auto repair costs
• Costs to adjust claims
• Inflation
• Uninsured drivers (your policy pays when the other driver doesn't have an auto insurance policy if you purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage)

Although insurance companies can't directly control these costs, we regularly monitor them to see how they are affecting the costs of the claims we pay. As they change, auto premiums must be adjusted. These costs can affect your auto insurance premium whether or not you individually have had an accident or claim.

Changes you make to your auto insurance policy or coverage's may also change the premiums. Adding or removing a driver, buying a new car, moving to a new location or changing how you use your car may influence the cost of your auto insurance.

We can't tell you in this brief message why your individual premium may have changed - your Farmers agent is the best person to do that. Give your agent a call if you have any additional questions after reading this.

What is Farmers doing to control auto insurance costs?

• We have a network of reliable auto repair facilities for the highest quality repairs at competitive prices.
• We vigorously oppose frivolous lawsuits.
• We have an active Anti Fraud Unit.
• We offer a youth driving safety education program to all parents of young drivers.
• We actively support organizations devoted to auto safety, including funding anti-drunk driving efforts and those dedicated to improving youth driving safety.

What can you do to help control your auto insurance costs?

• Take advantage of the Farmers Friendly Review offered by your Farmers agent to review your auto insurance coverages and the rest of your insurance needs.
• See that your young driver, if you have one, completes the Y.E.S program (You are Essential to Safety). Better yet, complete it along with your teenager.
• Drive defensively and avoid putting you or your vehicle in harms way. Also, lock your car when you leave it.

Your Farmers agent would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. And, of course, your agent is always ready to provide you with a personal Farmers Friendly Review.

At Farmers, we are always looking for new ways to keep the cost of insurance affordable When it comes to insurance, we know what you want. You want quality coverage from a solid, dependable company. You want the peace of mind that comes with knowing, in the event you need us, we'll be there to get your life back to whereit belongs quickly, compassionately and with as little hassle as possible. We also understand that you want all of the above at the best price possible.And you feel, rightfully so, that if you are a good risk, you should be rewarded with lower auto insurance costs. This page provides you with information on the Risk Assessment Indicator - a tool we use during the rating process to help us determine the premium you pay. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your business, and we hope this page will answer any questions you have.

What is a Farmers Risk Assessment Indicator?

A Farmers Risk Assessment Indicator is a code developed from and based upon credit report information. Depending on the kind of policy, Farmers'underwriters may use this indicator along with motor vehicle records, loss reports and/or other information to rate Auto and/or Homeowner insurance policies. Risk Assessment Indicators are highly predictive of future claimsactivities, and the use of indicators allows Farmers to charge customers a rate that is appropriate to the risk insured.

Where do Risk Assessment Indicators come from?

Risk Assessment Indicators are based on information from consumer credit reports from one of two institutions: Choicepoint or Trans Union, to develop acustomer's Risk Assessment Indicator.

Information used may include:

• Length of credit history
• Late payments, collections

What's not included in a Risk Assessment Indicator?

Risk Assessment Indicators do not use the following information:

• Ethnic group
• Marital Status
• Religion
• Nationality
• Age
• Familial Status
• Income
• Disability
• Gender
• Address

Who at Farmers has access to my credit information?

We believe in your right to privacy. Your agent and members of the agency staff do not have access to your credit file. You can, however, obtain a copy of your credit report from the consumer reporting agency that provided the information used to calculate your Risk Assessment Indicator.

Why does Farmers use Risk Assessment Indicators?

Industry experts have proven that a strong correlation exists between credit history and insurance risk. Because credit history is a fair and accurate way to predict probability of future loss, Farmers Risk Assessment Indicator uses credit data to determine discount availability for applicants and customers. Please keep in mind that this is only one of several factors used in determining your premium.

Can I improve my indicator and, if so, how?

You can improve your indicator over time by using credit responsibly. A Risk Assessment Indicator is a snapshot of your insurance risk based on information in your credit report. Farmers recommends that if you need assistance with understanding your credit history or advice on using credit responsibly, you should contact a qualified credit counselor. Farmers Agents and employees are not qualified credit counselors.It's also a good idea to periodically obtain a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus to check for any inaccuracies.

What if I don't get the best discount as a result of my indicator?

The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that we tell you if we take adverse action based upon information contained in your credit report.We will give you the name of the credit bureau that provided the information and advise you of certain rights you have under the FCRA so you can address any errors that might appear on your credit report.

What if the information in my credit report is wrong?

If you find an error in your credit history, you should report the error to the credit bureau. The credit bureau must investigate and respond to your request. Once you are certain that your report has been updated, please contact your Farmers agent. He/she will re-order a new Risk Assessment Indicator. Farmers will apply any changes to your premium retroactively to the original application or renewal date. Make sure the information in your credit report is correct by reviewing your credit report from each credit bureau at least once a year. Call these numbersto order a copy (a fee may be required):

• Choicepoint: (800) 456-6004
• Trans Union: (800) 645-1938
• Trans Union - Texas: (800) 605-9488

 

Protect your Home, Protect your belongings, and Protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for!

• Dwellings and other structures - For most of us, our home is the single, largest investment we will make. Homeowners insurance provides coverages for damage to your home and other structures on your property such as a shed or detached garage.
• Personal Property - Homeowners insurance also provides coverage for your household contents and personal belongings. You may think your couch, coffee table, sweaters, shoes, coats, TV, VCR and CD player aren't worth a lot but those items all add up.
• Personal Liability - Finally, in the event someone is injured on your property or you damage property that belongs to others, you could be held legally liable for the injury or damage. A homeowner policy provides liability and personal property insurance to financially protect you should this ever occur.

Enjoy the benefits of Homeowner’s liability insurance even if you rent or own a condominium. If you rent or own a condominium, you still need coverage for your household contents and personal belongings and personal liability. There are specific policies designed for those who rent or own condominiums.

Protect your belongings and Protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for!

• Personal Property - Apartment and Townhome renters insurance provides coverage for your household contents and personal belongings. You may think your couch, coffee table, sweaters, shoes, coats, TV, VCR and CD player aren't worth a lot but those items all add up.
• Personal Liability - In the event someone is injured on your property or you damage property that belongs to others, you could be held legally liable for the injury or damage. The renters policy provides personal liability coverage to financially protect you should this ever occur.

When you are ready to purchase your own home, discover the benefits of a Farmers homeowners or condominium policy.

How much Renters Insurance do you need?

Use our Home Inventory checklist to list all your possessions, when you bought them and the price paid for them. Review the list with your Farmers agent to decide the coverage you need.

At Farmers, we understand that no two customers have the same insurance needs. We'll work hard to give you the best coverage combinations to fit your lifestyle and budget. Please contact Bryson Insurance for more information on renters insurance.

Protect your home, Protect your belongings and Protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for!

• Dwellings and other structures - For townhouse owners, your townhouse and separate structures are covered for almost any type of damages except for a few common exclusions, such as wear and tear, earth movement, flood, nuclear hazard and earthquake.
• Dwelling Improvements, Alterations, and Additions - For Condominiuim owners, you are covered for accidental damage to improvements you make in your unit for which your association's policy does not provide coverage, subject to your condo insurance policy limits.
• Personal Property - Condominum insurance provides coverage for your household contents and personal belongings. You may think your couch, coffee table, sweaters, shoes, coats, TV, VCR and CD player aren't worth a lot but those items all add up.
• Loss assessment - You'll receive up to $1,500 for assessments arising from covered damage. This can be used to pay for your share of property damage or injury awards for which your association's policy does not provide coverage. Typically, up to $50,000 is available, but this may vary depending on your policy.
• Personal Liability - In the event someone is injured on your property or you damage property that belongs to others, you could be held legally liable for the injury or damage. The condominium policy provides personal liability coverage to financially protect you should this ever occur.

If you are considering buying a stand-alone house or renting, discover the benefits of a Farmers homeowners or renters policy.

Contact Bryson Insurance to review your insurance needs and make the most of your condominium policy.

Does my home owner insurance cover against losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, wind storms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism and theft?

Yes. Typically, your homeowners insurance covers a large number of perils, including all those listed. There are some limits, however, on the amount of insurance you have so you should always consult with us.

A pipe bursts and water flows all over my floors. Am I covered?

Yes. Typically, homeowners insurance covers you for accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system. Check your plumbing and heating systems once a year. While you are covered for this type of damage, who needs the mess and hassle?

A neighbor slips on my sidewalk and threatens to take me to court for damages. Does my homeowners policy protect me?

Yes. Homeowners insurance will pay for damages, if the accident is the result of your negligence. It will also pay for the legal costs of defending you against a claim. Also, the medical payments part of your homeowners policy will cover medical expenses arising from an injury to a neighbor or guest. Bryson Insurance can periodically review your policy limits to help ensure you have adequate coverage.

Is my jewelry covered by my homeowners policy?

On a homeowners policy, there is limited, standard coverage available for your jewelry. In most cases, you will need to purchase a Personal Articles Floater, which extends protection for your jewelry when its value is higher than the limits stated in your homeowners policy. Bryson Insurance can help determine if you need to purchase Floater coverage.

Generally, you should contact your agent about reviewing your coverage whenever you change something significant about your home or its contents, for example:

Generally, you should

• When you put on an addition to your home
• When you start a business from your home
• When you make a major purchase, such as jewelry, a computer
• When you purchase other residential properties either for rental or as a second home.

It only takes a few inches of water, and your home could need major repairs. Yet, most homeowners policies don't cover flooding. Find out the facts, then contact Bryson Insurance for flood coverage.

• Everyone lives in a flood zone.
  You don't need to live near water to be flooded. Floods are caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems.
• Flood damage is not covered by homeowners policies.
  You can protect your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from Farmers -- up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents.
• You can buy flood insurance no matter what your flood risk is.
  You can buy flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is a good buy even in low or moderate risk areas. Almost 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas.
• There is a low-cost policy for homes in low to moderate risk areas.
  The Preferred Risk Policy is available for just over $100 a year. You can buy up to $250,000 of coverage for your home and $60,000 of coverage for your contents.
• Flood insurance is affordable.
  The average flood insurance policy costs about $300 a year for $100,000 of coverage. In comparison, a disaster home loan for $50,000 can cost you more than $300 a month over 20 years.
• Contents coverage is separate, so renters can get flood insurance.
  Up to $100,000 contents coverage is available for homeowners and renters. Contents are not automatically included with the building coverage.
• Up to a total of $1 million of flood insurance coverage is available for non-residential buildings and contents.
  Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for non-residential buildings and up to $500,000 of coverage for their contents.
• There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect.
  Plan ahead so you're not caught without flood insurance when a flood threatens your home or business.
• Federal disaster assistance is not the answer.
  Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Nine out of 10 disasters in the United States are not declared by the President. Flood insurance pays even if a disaster is not declared.

Yes. Typically, homeowners insurance covers you for accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system. Check your plumbing and heating systems once a year. While you are covered for this type of damage, who needs the mess and hassle?

No. Earthquake coverage is available as an additional coverage to the homeowners policy. To determine whether you should purchase this insurance, talk to your local Farmers agent. In earthquake prone areas, the cost of this insurance is relatively high. In other areas, it is relatively inexpensive.

In California, California Earthquake Authority (CEA) coverage is available through your Farmers agent.

Homeowners who guard against theft, accidents and other losses can often get lower insurance rates. Here are some things you can do to help qualify for lower premiums:

• Secure your home with dead bolts and window locks
• Install a security system with outside signal and connection to local police.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors.
• Install a sprinkler system for fire.
• Install a fire alarm that automatically alerts the local fire department.
• Stop smoking.
• Keep walks and entrance ways clear of snow and ice.

You may also receive discounts on premiums when you buy both Homeowners and Auto insurance. Please contact us to discuss these and other money savings options.

If you have a family, many experts suggest that you need an amount equal to 5 to 10 times your annual salary. However, many people own higher coverages to provide more income for their family.

Your life insurance funds can be used for a number of needs, including:

• Any needs after the time of death, such as final illness expenses, burial costs and estate taxes.
• Funds for a readjustment period, to finance a move, or to provide time for family members to find a job.
• Ongoing financial needs, such as monthly bills and expenses, day-care costs, college tuition or retirement.

Compare Life Insurance: Term vs. Permanent

Term life insurance provides you with coverage for a specific period of time. It pays a benefit only if you die during that term. Some term insurance policies can be renewed at the end of the period. Premium rates may increase at each renewal date. Because term insurance premiums are generally lower than permanent insurance premiums, you can usually afford a higher level of coverage. Term insurance is good for responsibilities that will diminish or end over time, for instance, mortgages or car loans.

Permanent insurance is designed to be a lifelong policy and is known by a variety of names. As long as you pay the necessary premiums, the death benefit will always be there. These policies are designed and priced for you to keep over a long period of time.

In addition, permanent life insurance policies can build cash value over time. This is money that can be borrowed against and, in some cases, withdrawn to help meet future goals. Please note that accessing your cash value may reduce the death benefit and increase the risk of lapse.

Most often preferred rates require you to be in excellent overall health. Specifically, that means you must:

• Be within strict limits on height, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Have no family history of any significant health impairments
• Not use tobacco in any form
• Have no history of drug or alcohol abuse
• Not be engaged in any hazardous activities

In most cases, an exam is required. If so, we will pay the costs and have it done at a time and place convenient for you – often right in your home.

As long as you keep your premiums current, your policy will never be canceled because of a change in your health, and you will not be asked to provide evidence of good health in order to renew your policy each year. However, you have the right to cancel your policy at any time.

Many policies include an optional rider that provides a "waiver of premium" for total disability. In the event you become totally disabled (as described in the rider) for a certain period (typically six months or longer), then Farmers will pay your premium for you until you are no longer disabled.

Coverage for both spouse and children can be a very good idea. The financial strain on a family after the loss of a spouse can be significant, even if the deceased wasn't earning an income. Often the surviving spouse will want to take time off work or change jobs in order to spend more time with the children. Coverage for children is also available to cover final expenses. It can also guarantee insurability for the child's future.

Although most people submit a check with their application, there is no requirement to do so. The premium can be paid once the policy has been approved.

At Farmers, we make it our business to stay in step with the specialized insurance needs of your business.

Our coverage is specially tailored to the unique needs of different industry segments of solutions that can help you meet the challenges that come your way—no matter what kind of business you own.

Additionally, we offer Workers’ Compensation as well as another product to provide an extra measure of protection, Surety Bonds.

Just like building a business, building an effective insurance program is done in steps. A good first step is working with Bryson Insurance to put together the right policy for the unique challenges facing your business.

Would you like more information on what types of businesses are covered or what types of insurance coverage are available for your small business?

Do you have adequate insurance to cover your business from loss due to crime, fire, flood, equipment failure, injury or the death of a key employee? As a business owner, you need to choose the coverage that matches your needs.

Consider Farmers Business Insurance coverage for the following:

• Buildings - including improvements you have made.
• Business continuation - death of an owner, partner or key stockholder.
• Contents - personal property, stock and equipment.
• Crime - loss of money and securities through theft, burglary and robbery; employee dishonesty; forgery and alterations
• Equipment Breakdown - air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Computers - hardware, software, media and reproduction costs.
• Business Liability - premises, operations, products and completed operations.
• Personal Injury - libel, slander, defamation of character, wrongful eviction and invasion of privacy.
• Accounts Receivable - including a debt owed to an enterprise, arising out of the normal course of business dealings.
• Workers' compensation—life and health insurance coverage for employees while they are on the job.
• Loss of earnings or rents
• Valuable papers
• Glass
• Signs
• Medical payments
• Business auto
• Umbrella liability.
• Employer-sponsored pensions.

Would you like more information on what types of businesses are covered or what types of insurance coverage are available for your small business?

Please contact Bryson Insurance for more information.

Find out more about any of these specialized coverage options available for your business:

• Employee Benefits Liability Insurance
• Commercial Automobile Insurance
• Garage keepers Insurance
• Earthquake Insurance (where available)
• Umbrella Insurance
• Business Life Insurance
• Pollution Liability Insurance
• Surety Bonds
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance
• Building Ordinance Insurance
• Condominium Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
• Condominium Unit-Owners Insurance
• Personal Insurance

Your agent can provide valuable insight on non-insurance risk management practices to reduce claims and insurance expenses.

Need a quote for homeowners, life, business or other products? In only a few minutes, your local agent can provide you with a quote for one or more of our products.

The A.M. Best Company, who is responsible for evaluating the financial strength of companies, ranks Farmers with an A (Excellent) rating. This rating means that Farmers has the financial resources and favorable operating results to provide for our customers in the event of catastrophes, or other adverse events in the marketplace.