Join the Cause: Save Our Food
Find an agent Find an Agent Near You
 
 
 
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Resource Center > FAQ
Why are we calling this coverage Identity Fraud Expense Coverage instead of Identity Theft Coverage?
There are two important reasons. First, Identity Fraud Expense Coverage is the name of the endorsement filed on our behalf by the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS).  Second, the use of the term Identity Fraud will help to clearly distinguish this optional coverage from the Identity Theft Resolution Service membership benefit.  As a rule, both of these terms are used interchangeably.  The general population relates to the term Identity Theft while law enforcement relates to the term Identity Fraud.
What is the annual premium charge, coverage limit, and deductible?
$40 per policy / $25,000 per occurrence / $100 per occurrence
How does the endorsement define Identity Fraud?
Identity Fraud means the use of personal identifying information of an insured without the insured’s permission, in a manner that violates federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to purchasing goods or services; obtaining credit; borrowing money; or committing a crime.
What types of expenses are and are not covered?
The actual expenses related to the fraudulent use of the insured’s personal identifying information are not covered. (e.g. credit card charges made by the fraudulent user of the card).  What is covered are the insured’s out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the identity fraud.  This includes costs for obtaining, reproducing, notarizing, or sending affidavits or other pertinent documents; costs for telephone calls; research fees; lost earnings ($250 per day/$5000 total); loan reapplication fees; and attorney fees. 
Will the insured be required to use the Identity Theft Resolution Service before a claim can be filed?
No.  However, the insured should be strongly encouraged to do so since the purpose of the resolution service is to provide expert assistance and lessen the likelihood of out-of-pocket expenses.
Is this coverage available in all Homeowner programs?
Yes, with the exception of the Fire & Casualty Landlord-Dwelling program.
How can I add this coverage to an existing policy?
Coverage is available for policies renewing effective on and after June 15, 2006.  This coverage can be added by making a request to your Agent.
What benefits do I get with my membership?
The Membership Advantage gives you more than the opportunity to buy insurance with personal attention and fast claims service when you need it most. With the Membership Adavantage you also get great benefits like the safe advantage, programs to help protect you and your loved ones. The travel advantage, helps save money on rental cars, hotels and travel planning services.The healthy advantage, discounts on Lasik Eye Surgery and a prescription drug program. The auto advantage, $500 off the purchase or lease of select Dodge vehicles along with competitively priced auto and truck tires. And most importantly you are giving back to your community by helping agriculture prosper so you can have fresh, safe, locally grown food on your table.
How do my dues support Agriculture?
Through grassroots efforts, Farm Bureau lobbies for legislation that will help strenghthen Virginia farms, ensuring that everyone can have fresh, safe, locally grown food. Through a variety of promotions, workshops, websites, and printed materials, we strive to educate the general public about farming, it's history, and how it touches their lives. Additionally, Farm Bureau works to educate today's youth about farming through it's support of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Programs to give farmers the tools they need to succeed are provided through financial workshops, risk management conferences, and industry specific meetings. Farm Bureau also supports a variety of farmland preservation programs to help keep farms in production for future generations and speaks out against legislation that is potentially harmful to farms and their surrounding communitities.
Why can’t I get insurance here without having to pay dues?
Farm Bureau Insurance is not just an insurance company, but a company that was established on the foundation of supporting agriculture and through your dues we are able to continue our support for such an important cause.
Can you insure people other than farmers?
Yes, Farm Bureau Insurance is a full multi-line insurance company and can meet the needs of all Virginians.
What Is An Insurance Score?
An Insurance Score is a number that helps an insurance company determine one’s likelihood to file a claim based on a snapshot of their credit information. This score is used in conjunction with other information such as motor vehicle records and loss reports to determine eligibility and policy pricing. Since scores are dynamic and change over time, insurers typically update such scores on a regular schedule.
Is An Insurance Score The Same As a Credit Score?
No, but they are similar.  A Credit Score is used by a financial institution to help determine the likelihood that a loan applicant will have difficulty making payments on a loan.  The less likely that one is to default on a loan, the lower the loan rate.  An Insurance Score is a measure of one’s likelihood to file a claim.  The less likely one is to file a claim, the lower the premium charge. 
Why Do Insurance Companies Use Insurance Scores?
Insurance Scores provide insurers with an objective, accurate and consistent tool to offer coverage to more individuals at a price that better reflects their likelihood to file a claim. For many, the use of insurance scores results in a rate lower than could otherwise be offered.
What Information Is Used To Develop An Insurance Score?
Insurance Scores are based on information from consumer credit reports that insurers obtain from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A score is based on such information as:
  • Outstanding debt
  • Length of credit history 
  • Late payments, collections, bankruptcies
  • New applications for credit
  • Types of credit in use

Factors not included in the development of a score include:

  • Address
  • Age
  • Ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Income
  • Marital Status
  • Nationality
  • Religion
  • Handicap
How Do Insurers Know That Scores Work?
The validity of Insurance Scores to predict loss payments has been studied by not only insurance companies, but independent organizations as well. A strong correlation exists between credit history and the likelihood of insurance claims.
What If I Am Turned Down For Insurance?
If consumer credit information played a role in an insurer’s decision to decline your insurance policy, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that the insurer tell you, and give you the name of the credit bureau that provided the information. In these situations, you are entitled by law to receive a free copy of your credit report to help you better understand your credit and to challenge any errors that might appear on your report.
How Can I Improve My Score?
An Insurance Score is based on information in your credit report that reflects your credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information.
To improve a score, you should:
  • Pay bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
  • Keep balances low on unsecured revolving debt like credit cards.
  • Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.
  • Increase your score over time by using credit responsibly. It’s also a good idea to periodically obtain a copy of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus to check for any inaccuracies.
What If The Information In My Credit Report Is Wrong?
If you find errors in your credit report, you should report the errors to the credit bureau. By law, the credit bureau must investigate and respond to your request within 30 days. If you are in the process of applying for an insurance policy, you should immediately notify your insurance company about any incorrect information in your report. Small errors may have little or no affect on the score.
 
Make sure the information in your credit report is correct by reviewing your credit report from each credit bureau at least once a year.  Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the national credit bureaus. Consumers can also order their free credit reports by going directly to the central site at www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.
 
National Credit Bureau
Equifax:
800-685-1111, www.experian.com
TransUnion:
800-916-8800, www.transunion.com
Experian: 888-397-3742, www.equifax.com
Where do I report a glass claim?
If it’s a Glass Claim Only (not including headlights, taillights, mirrors or body damage)  have your policy number ready and dial 1-800-GLASS14.  LYNX Services will take the report and set up an appointment with a glass shop for replacement or repair.  The bill will be sent to VFB.
Will my rates go up because I file a claim
Many variables come into play in determining whether one’s premium may be impacted by a claim.  Factors such as the policy coverage, type of claim, loss amount, claim history, driving record if applicable and nature of existing discounts, among others, can influence whether a rate must be adjusted, policy discount removed or surcharge applied.  It would be a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns with your local Farm Bureau agent who could offer you additional guidance.
I was in an accident. Should I get estimates?
It’s best to wait and talk to a Claims Rep.  In some cases, it may not be necessary to obtain body shop estimates because we have (in some areas) an Auto Claim Rep or a drive-in facility.
I received an estimate from a shop I’m familiar with. They want to begin repairs immediately.
The Claim Rep needs to review the estimate BEFORE the repairs can begin.  If the estimate is written based on new parts and the vehicle is an older vehicle, we may utilize alternative parts.  Therefore, you may be responsible for the difference. 
I just had an accident and need a rental car.
For a rental to be set up, the car MUST BE:  non drivable because of safety reasons or severe damage OR already in the shop ready for repairs to begin.    If YOU are insured with VFB, have rental coverage and must have a rental car immediately, call Enterprise Rent-a-Car (We have a discount program with them)   OR you may call any other rental company.  But please understand your rental coverage is limited to $600 max.  You’re entitled to a rental for a reasonable time it takes to repair your car.  So, if you get a rental too soon, you run the risk of exhausting your coverage before your car is repaired. 
You took care of my vehicle damage for me because the other company didn’t respond quickly. Where is my deductible?
We make every effort to collect the insured’s deductible as quickly as possible.  However, often times, this may not be a quick process due to the circumstances of the loss;  Or it may not be possible at all.  Please call us for the status of your deductible and a full explanation will be given.
I have broken windows in my car. There is no other damage.
If it’s a Glass Claim Only (not including headlights, taillights, mirrors or body damage)  have your policy number ready and dial 1-800-GLASS14.  LYNX Services will take the report and set up an appointment with a glass shop for replacement or repair.  The bill will be sent to VFB.
My car had to be towed. There was no accident.
Send your bill to your county office.  They’ll forward the bill to the handling Claims Rep and you will be reimbursed (providing you have towing coverage).
I have a Cancer policy with VFB. What do I do?
To report a cancer claim, the insured must complete a Cancer Claim form.  If you don’t have a claim form, contact us.  We’ll fax or mail one to you.  Once we receive the completed form, a claim is set up, contact is made, insured is advised to forward copies of medical bills or Medicare statements for review.  The policy does not allow us to duplicate government coverage.

Need a copy of policy?  Call us. We’ll fax or mail a copy to the insured.
Who is my Claims Rep?
Contact us.  We’ll look it up on our system and advise.
When will I be contacted by a Claims Rep?
Claims are dispatched in the order they are received.  You should be contacted within the next business day, possibly sooner.  Please be sure we have all your contact information.
How can I help in the claims process?
Have your policy information ready then report your claim immediately; notify the police, if necessary; protect your property from further damage, take photos, retain bills/receipts. 
One of my cows is dead. I think it was struck by lightning.
Contact a veterinarian to verify the cause of death and submit a written report. We will reimburse the vet fee. 
Lightning struck our TV, computer, or large appliance.
DO NOT throw out the item or immediately buy a new one.  After reporting your claim, you may be asked to have the items checked by a licensed independent repairman who will provide a written statement verifying the cause and extent of damage, and whether the item can be repaired or not.  If there is a fee for the repairman’s services, we will pay that fee as part of the claim.  It is best to talk to your Claims Rep before discarding the damaged property.
Is it a good idea to take photos of my home and contents?
Absolutely.  No one ever expects to have a loss of great magnitude, but if it does happen, having photos of your home and contents is an excellent way of documenting everything.
Someone broke into my home and many items were stolen.
First, report this to the police!!!!!  Then contact us to report the loss.
I’ve had a loss and just want to know if it’s covered.
Report all losses.  The Claims Rep will review your policy in depth to determine if your loss is covered.
If I have a livestock loss, can I immediately bury the body?
No.  First contact your veterinarian to come out and determine the cause of death and provide written documentation.  This is a required form of documentation for any livestock loss.  We will reimburse the vet fee. 
I have water in my basement. What do I do?
A Claims Rep will need to investigate to determine the applicability of coverage; however, in the meantime, do your best to stop the flow of water; protect any items from further damage and extract water if at all possible.  Please remember to keep all items for inspection.
How does the Rollover Protective Structure Incentive work?
The ROPS Incentive is available to Virginia Farm Bureau members and was developed to encourage them to retrofit their older model farm tractor(s) with an approved ROPS and seat belt. Incentives awarded equal $200 per retrofit.  Members must complete installation and then submit the ROPS Incentive application with other requested documentation to VFB Safety. 
How can I take advantage of the ATV Helmet Incentive?
Current Virginia Farm Bureau members are eligible to apply for the ATV Helmet Incentive for the purchase of new helmets that are DOT, ANSI and/or Snell certified for ATV use.  After purchasing the approved helmet, the member must send a completed application with other requested documentation to VFB Safety.
How can I purchase car seats at a discount with my Virginia Farm Bureau membership?
The Child Saver Program offers quality child safety seats that will help protect your child while saving you money!  The program offers an infant carrier, a 5 pt. convertible car seat, and two booster seat styles at our members-only discount. 
How can my teenager earn a $1,000 savings bond from Virginia Farm Bureau?
The Teenage Driver Safety Education Program offers a $1,000 savings bond to teenage drivers who enroll in the program by signing a contract with their parent and Farm Bureau agent and then, for three consecutive years, maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license, remain insured on a Virginia Farm Bureau auto insurance policy, and maintain an accident-free and conviction-free driving record.  For more information and program details, click here or call your local Farm Bureau office today!
Where can I purchase farm safety products, such as slow-moving vehicle emblems, at affordable prices?
VFB Safety offers various farm safety products to our members at our cost.  These items include metal SMV emblems, SMV decals, red/white reflective tape kits, red/orange/amber extremity marking kits, and amber strobe lights.  For more information or to order, please contact your local Farm Bureau office.  
 
Twice a year, once during the spring and once during late summer, VFB offers these same farm safety products to our members at reduced costs through the Highway Safety Promotion.
 
In addition, members who insure certain pieces of self-propelled can take advantage of our Fire Extinguisher Program.  Policyholders can receive the loan of a 10 lb. ABC fire extinguisher and bracket for each piece of eligible equipment by simply visiting their local Farm Bureau office and completing a request form. 
Is it possible to include my membership dues with my insurance premium?
Yes, the $40 dues can be included in a single check with the insurance premium.  The company will direct it to the respective departments.
Why did I get a bill?  Isn't my mortgagee supposed to pay this premium?
If you read your bill you should see that it is just a statement and the bill has been sent to your mortgagee.
Can I pay my membership dues online?
New members can now join and pay the membership fee online at SaveOurFood.com.
Does Farm Bureau Insurance accept a credit card payments?
Yes, please have your policy number handy and call our Policy Services Center at 1-888-236-7716.  Press 3 and then choose the option that best describes the policy you’re calling about.  An associate will be able to take your credit card payment and then give you confirmation.
How do I insure my Farm Use vehicles?
You can typically insure your Farm Use vehicles with an auto policy.
Do I have to purchase insurance for a rental car or does my policy cover me?"
Please call your Agent so that he/she may review your coverages and advise you accordingly as this depends on your current coverages, use of the rental vehicle, etc. 
If a tree in my yard falls on my neighbors house or car does my insurance company pay to fix their damage?
Not normally.  If it falls because of high winds (etc,) it is considered an act of God. However, there are instances where the insured "could be" liable and the insurance company would pay for the damage.
If my child's computer is stolen or damaged while they are at college does my homeowners policy cover that?
Yes it does.
Why should I consider purchasing an Umbrella (Excess) Liability policy? 
The Personal Liability Umbrella policy provides you with protection in addition to your Auto and Homeowner policies. When a claim is covered by one of these primary policies, we will pay the outstanding balance up to your umbrella limit. As money awarded to individuals in liability suits increase, it's important to protect your current assests and your future earning potential.
What happens when someone borrows my car and has an accident?
If you gave permission, then your auto policy coverages for that vehicle would apply. If you didn’t give permission, we would try and recover the money from the driver (if the accident was his/her fault).
Am I covered if I purchase a new vehicle and can’t notify my agent right away?
Generally, if you have a vehicle insured under a Personal Auto policy with full coverage and purchase another Private Passenger vehicle, you would get automatic coverage for that new purchase.  However, it is best to always call your Agent’s office the next business day to make certain that they are aware of your purchase or trade.  Auto dealerships may call your agent at the time of purchase.
Get a Quote