March 18, 2025

COUNTRY Financial® Responding to Storm Claims 

The severe storms from the weekend (March 14 – 16, 2025) have resulted in more than 2,500 claims already filed by clients of COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliated insurance companies (“COUNTRY”). COUNTRY claims adjusters are making contact with our clients who have filed claims and are moving them through our claims process as quickly as possible. 

As of this morning, COUNTRY has received approximately 2500 claims from this event. The majority of COUNTRY client claims occurred in Southern Illinois and are mostly from wind and hail.

How to mitigate further loss 

If a client of COUNTRY believes they may have a claim arising out of the weekend storms, we encourage them to take the following steps:

1. Call 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879) or your insurance agent immediately to start the claims process. 
2. Take photos of any and all damage.
3. If there is spoiled food in a refrigerator, take pictures of the food products and refrigerator before throwing them out. 
4. Make an inventory list of all damaged property, including vehicles.
5. Save all receipts from emergency repairs, including receipts for basic items such as tarps or duct tape. 

Claims filing tips 

Once a COUNTRY client reports a claim, it will be assigned to a claims representative who will contact the client for more details concerning the claim. Depending on the type of claim that is filed, the damage may be inspected in person. The claims representative will contact the insured to adjust and settle the claim. 

Take advantage of digital capabilities during your claims processing experience, such as:

• Filing your claim digitally on countryfinancial.com.
• Emailing directly with your adjuster when needed.
• Uploading documents and materials digitally.
• If eligible, please use Electronic Funds Transfers for quick and efficient payments.     

If a COUNTRY client is considering using a public adjuster for their claim, keep these things in mind:

• A public adjuster’s fee may be charged against your settlement proceeds. 
• It may take longer to get your claim proceeds if the check is issued to both you and your public adjuster.

Home and auto insurance info 

These types of storms are always a good reminder for home and auto owners to check their policies and make sure they understand the coverages if something were to happen to their property. 

Home insurance in general provides protection against damage to your home caused by sudden, unexpected and accidental events like storms and fire. 

• In addition to the main structure, home insurance covers other structures on your property such as sheds, fences and detached garages.
• Damage to your home resulting from maintenance issues or ongoing wear and tear to appliances and systems are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.
• Home insurance does not cover damage caused by ground water flooding. Flood insurance must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. Sump pump failure and sewer back up coverage is, however, a common addition to home insurance that must be purchased separately.  You will need to have a sump pump failure endorsement added to your COUNTRY policy to be covered.
• Claims are paid based on your decision to buy actual cost value or replacement cost coverage. Understanding the difference will be helpful to your claim processing and expectation for payment.

If a COUNTRY client has questions, they can contact 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879) or visit countryfinancial.com for more details.

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