Consumer Tips

Start by talking to your insurance agent and reviewing your coverage and consider raising your deductible. 

Take time to shop around.  

• While most insurance companies are experiencing the same losses and financial challenges, it pays to compare policy options and prices from different companies. 

Consider “bundling” your home and auto policies with the same insurer.  

• Many companies offer a discount if you buy both polices from them. 

Improve your home security.  

• Many companies offer discounts for home security systems, doorbell cameras, or other ways to make your home safer. 

If you feel confused, contact the Insurance HelpLine.  

• The help line is a free service sponsored by IFM that offers non-biased answers to insurance questions. Dedicated, knowledgeable experts field questions on many types of insurance. 

To prevent frozen pipes and safeguard your home during a cold spell follow these tips:

• Keep the heat on. Maintain an indoor temperature of at least 55°F, even if you are away from home. 

• Let faucets drip. Allow cold and hot water to trickle from at least one faucet during extremely cold weather to keep water moving through the pipes. 

• Open cabinet doors. Open cabinets under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to let warm air circulate around plumbing, especially if they are located on an exterior wall. 

• Insulate pipes. Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. 

If you do experience damage caused by freezing pipes, take immediate action.  

• Turn off the water. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply immediately to minimize damage. 

• Document the damage. Take photos of any damage before starting cleanup or repairs. 

• Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. 

Don’t wait until after a storm to discover your policy lacks necessary coverage. Talk with your insurance agent and learn your options before you face storm damage. 

Standard policies cover sudden/accidental water damage caused by internal sources.  

• I.e. Burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, or rook leaks caused by rain or melting snow.  

• A rider, or amendment, might be included or available in the policy for a reasonable price.  

Standard policies do not cover damage caused by flooding from external sources. 

• I.e. overflowing rivers, heavy rain, or water rising from the ground.  

• A separate insurance policy is required for flood like events.  

• Consider adding flood insurance to your policy.  

• Do your homework, deal with reputable contractors and get references. 

• Check the licensing status of any contractor with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. 

• See ‘Scams’ for more talking points regarding this subject.  

Members of the public should be weary of unlicensed, unauthorized, and potentially fake companies and individuals that try to sell you “package protection coverage” for lost, stolen, or damaged packages. 

• Unlicensed entities are not legally allowed to sell insurance products and may claim these products are warranties, guarantees, or protection plans. 

• Often, these illegitimate companies and individuals will take your payment but won’t give you the protection you paid for. 

• If this happens, your state’s department of insurance (DOI) may not be able to help if the company or person is not licensed by your state’s DOI to sell legitimate insurance.   

Take steps to prepare for any water event regardless of coverage. 

• Keeping your gutters clear, make sure water can flow away from your home, and check your sump pump on a regular basis. Select a sump pump with a backup battery.   

• Loose items and equipment can be picked up by the wind and cause damage to your home. Secure outdoor objects like furniture, gutters, and downspouts. 

• Conduct an evaluation of your property to determine if any areas might be prone to water intake. 

• Maintain trees on your property by trimming them back 40 feet from your house, as recommended by FEMA. 

Documentation and reporting of any damage incurred by water/storm events is crucial for any possible claims or financial assistance.  

• Before cleanup begins, make sure to take photos or videos of the damage.  

• Dry out flooded areas with ventilation from fans or by opening windows.  

• Pull back carpet and furniture items to prevent mold from developing. 

• If significant damage has occurred, report your damage to local emergency management officials for assistance.  

• Some significant damage may be applicable for FEMA financial assistance, depending on several factors.