No one wants a claim. Unfortunately, despite our best loss prevention efforts, there are times when a loss occurs. It may be a fire destroying the lifelong investment of a home, the theft of possessions or the threat of legal action due to another’s injury.

Whatever the case, the Claims Department at Farmers Mutual of Tennessee becomes your ally by providing prompt, efficient service that is accurate and within the framework of your policy.

In the event that you experience a loss there are certain steps you need to take to avoid additional damage and to protect your property.

1.  Make sure your family is safe.

2.  Contact your local agent as soon as possible to report the claim and provide the date, time and cause of the loss as well as a description of the property that has been damaged. Your agent should give you instructions and authorization if temporary repairs are necessary. If you are unable to reach your agent, call us at (800) 824-9555.

3.  Take steps to prevent further damage until permanent repairs are able to be completed. This includes covering or boarding up of open areas caused by fire damage, wind damage, vandalism or malicious mischief.

-  In the event of a loss caused by theft, burglary, vandalism or malicious mischief you must promptly call your local law enforcement agency to report the event with a description and listing of all property affected.

-  If someone is injured on your property, seek medical attention (only administer first aid if qualified), secure appropriate information on the injured party, such as name, address and telephone number; and write down the events that happened while they are fresh in your mind ~~ get photographs if possible.

4.  You must give Farmers Mutual of Tennessee or our representatives an opportunity to view the damage before making permanent repairs.

5.  In the event you have damage to personal property you will need to provide a detailed inventory listing of the damaged property. It is important to keep receipts, instruction books, manuals, etc. for all valuable items. Photographs of each room will help you remember and document what you had at the time of a loss.

Of course the best way to deal with a claim is to prevent one.  The following are some loss prevention helpful hints:

1.  Remove any dead trees or tree branches from trees on your property. Ice, snow and wind can cause tree limbs to break and cause damage to your home, parked automobile and injury to pedestrians and may lead to a lawsuit against you.

2.  Keep sidewalks and steps clear of ice, debris and any other hazard. Make sure handrails are sturdy and in place. Someone falling on your property could lead to injury and a possible lawsuit.

3.  Clean gutters. Remove any leaves or debris to ensure that gutters are working properly. Ice and snow can build up and water can back up in gutters that are clogged with debris.

4.  Make sure fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are properly cleaned and maintained annually.

5.  Before installing a wood-burning stove, check with local officials for the proper installation codes and techniques. Also, contact your agent regarding new installation.

6.  Make sure buildings are properly heated during winter months.

7.  Drain plumbing lines and turn water off to vacant or unused buildings especially during winter months.

8.  Check water lines and connection to icemakers, dishwashers and washing machines every six months. To be safe, replace old and worn lines to prevent water damage every six years. When replacing washing machine and dishwasher hoses use a stainless steel braided hose, often called "burst-proof" or "burst resistant".

9.  Look around the base of your water heater for rust spots and seepage every six months. Slow leaks and rust spots can indicate a worn out unit. Drain the water heater annually.

10. Make sure pets are properly and legally leashed or fenced to prevent their running or injuring someone.

11. Promptly notify your agent when there are any changes in the ownership or occupancy of an insured property.