Bellamy Insurance Agency

Folks, other than some rain we've had a pleasant holiday season. Now, we're facing the first major (freezing) storm of the New Year.
First of all, if at all possible, please stay off the roads... the freezing rain will create aweful driving conditions!
Secondly, while I am sending my staff home early (so they won't have to drive on icy roads), Nationwide's toll free Service Center will be able to respond should you have a policy issue. That number is: 877-669-6877.
Finally, should you incur a claim event, please call our national, 24/7, toll free Claims number: 1-800-421-3535.

Warm regards for a happy New Year :)
Robert.

It's the end of Monday, and it's been a long two days!
Our claims activity has been light, but we've had a few with serious, tree-related damage. I'm just thankful that nobody was injured!

Our normal Nationwide Claims number, 800-421-3535, is good for all Nationwide policies, to include Flood policies.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our office (843-449-2511).

Remember, you need to take action to minimize additiional damage... ie, put a tarp over a hole in the roof or over a broken window; get the water out of the house and get the soaked carpet and padding out; etc., but, don't throw it away. Keep it so the adjuster can see it... and, take pictures.

Our Claims catastrophy response teams are in the area. If you need help with your claim, or if it's more serious than initially thought, call us. We can help.

At the end of the day I'm thankful for God's grace and for the beautiful, neighbor helping neighbor activity! RLB.

From an insurance perspective, our office will be open through Friday noon. After which, I plan on closing to allow my staff to get home and make their final preparations with their families. We will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so, even if it is Sunday.

Two important important points of contact:

1) Nationwide's Claims Reporting Call Center: 1-800-421-3535

2) Nationwide link for Disaster & Recovery Preparation: http://bit.ly/2bCrVQr

Friends, we have another severe winter weather event approaching; and, I'd like to provide a few snippets of information that may be beneficial...

- if you have to drive, please prepare your car in advance; sand bags, kitty litter, full tank of gas, ice scraper, tow rope, battery jumper cables, etc. for the car... water, high energy food bars and/or trail mix, blankets, cell phone, air activated hand/toe warmers, etc. for you, in case you get stuck. However, the best advice is to avoid driving in it, if possible!

- staying warm... the loss of electricity causes us to use alternative methods that are inherently more dangerous; such as portable propane or kerosine heaters; wood burning fireplaces, camping stoves; etc. Please read and follow all applicable instructions and practice using them to ensure operational familiarity and suitable function. Don't let a temporary situation lead to a permanent calamity such as losing your house to fire or a life to carbon monoxide poisining!
Please read the following for further precautions with heating things up! http://www.nationwide.com/winter-weather.jsp


- please be diligent about protecting your water pipes; dripping them, insulating them, draining them, etc. Did you know the average frozen pipe claim is more than $10,000, and repair of the damage can take weeks. Learn how to protect your pipes during freezing: http://www.nationwide.com/frozen-pipes-prevention-tips.jsp


Cold weather has settled in & you need to heat things up! Whether it's a space heater or a fireplace take precautions: http://www.nationwide.com/winter-weather.jsp

Frozen Pipes Infographic | Learn to Prevent Freezing Water Pipes Use this frozen pipes infographic to prevent damage to your home this winter.