Important COVID-19 Updates

06/02/20

IMT continues to monitor COVID-19 status around our six state writing territories. You remain top of mind. It is our hope that you are finding peace among the crisis. While the uncertainties are still around us, we continue to take positive steps towards returning to our new normal.

IMT Employee Status
We continue to operate with alternative work arrangements for all employees. In addition, all non-essential business travel continues to be suspended. We have an exceptional group of employees who have taken the transition into work from home in stride.

The IMT Claim Department continues to adjust claims when called upon. We have improved our virtual inspection capabilities to reduce the need for face-to-face interactions in certain scenarios. The entire Claim staff continues to distance themselves when making visits, including restriction of tools and equipment to their own only. Should an interior inspection be needed, the adjuster is communicating their arrival time and asking the property owner to have interior doors open and lights on to minimize contact. This approach will continue until further notice.

The IMT Loss Control Department continues to inspect locations. Similar to the Claim Department, all Loss Control Representatives continue to distance themselves making visits and minimize their contact with policyholders. In addition, the Loss Control Department has utilized virtual inspection technology as well.

A phased approach, complete with the proper safety measures and equipment, is planned for a future return to the Home Office, along with all field positions. A small percentage of employees will be allowed in the Home Office in each Phase. We truly appreciate your patience as we all navigate this together. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 800-274-3531 or your local IMT Agent if we can be of assistance.

04/17/20

Policyholder Assistance Update: As previously communicated below, IMT Insurance is pleased to announce personal auto base rate reductions for policyholders have been approved by Insurance Departments in all six of our writing states! The rate reductions will be applied to personal auto policies for the next 12 months from the effective date shown below:

State	Effective Date	When will renewals begin seeing this?
Illinois	June 1, 2020	30 days prior to effective date – May 2, 2020
Iowa	May 22, 2020	30 days prior to effective date – April 22, 2020
Minnesota	June 21, 2020	65 days prior to effective date – April 17, 2020
Nebraska	May 22, 2020	30 days prior to effective date – April 22, 2020
South Dakota	May 22, 2020	30 days prior to effective date – April 22, 2020
Wisconsin	June 21, 2020	65 days prior to effective date – April 17, 2020

In addition, IMT withdrew previously approved homeowners base rate increases across all states. Assuming all of our policies renew, this would result in an annual premium reduction of nearly $5 million for our policyholders. Unlike a one-time refund, these rate change decisions will have a lasting and permanent effect going forward.

Thank you for your loyalty to IMT Insurance. We are here for you during these unprecedented times.

04/10/20

Policyholder Assistance Update: As many of our agents and policyholders are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that you are getting information overload. Most likely, you and your families are experiencing additional stress and having concerns about the uncertainties of when and how things will return to what we knew as ‘normal’. We are, too. At IMT, our employees pride ourselves on living, working and volunteering in the same communities that you are in. We are having the same worries as you and we want to help.

IMT is a 136 year-old mutual insurance company. We are not here for the short-term fix. We have, and will always, base our decisions on the best, long-term interest of our policyholders. We are committed to providing support and financial relief to our policyholders the IMT Way.

After careful consideration on how we could create the largest financial impact, instead of a small one-time refund, we have decided to reduce our personal auto premium base rates upon your next renewal and withdraw previously approved homeowners base rate increases across all states. Assuming all of our policies renew, this would result in an annual premium reduction of nearly $5 million for our policyholders. We are working with the Insurance Departments in all six of our writing states to approve these base rate changes as quickly as possible. Unlike a one-time refund, these rate change decisions will have a lasting and permanent effect going forward.

We understand that life is not easy right now. We hope our decisions will financially assist our policyholders through these difficult times and they remain worry free for years to come.

If you are an IMT Policyholder, have been affected by recent COVID-19 events, and are unable to make a premium payment, please contact your IMT Agent to discuss payment options.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate this fluid situation together. We can assure you we are here for you as your trusted Midwest insurance carrier. IMT Insurance continues to operate with a strong balance sheet, as indicated with A.M. Best's Rating of "A" (Excellent) for both IMT Insurance Company and Wadena Insurance Company. Amidst this pandemic, we are positioned to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

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As a reminder, IMT Insurance offers the following tools to policyholders:

Access and/or pay your policy online

- My Policy+: Access your IMT policy 24/7 via My Policy+. Don't have a My Policy+ account? No problem! Click 'Create Account' to get setup.

- One-Time Payment: Make a one-time payment to your policy.

- Worry Free App: Access your policy, contact your agency, and pay your bill! iOS | Android

- Pay by Mail: P.O. Box 402001, Des Moines, IA 50940-2001

- Call your local IMT Agent

To report a claim, please follow the steps listed below:

Contact your local IMT Agent
If your Agent is unavailable, please call 800-274-3531. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Worry Free App: Limited types of claims can be reported through the app iOS| Android

04/08/20

Policyholder Assistance: IMT continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, and is continually thinking about all of our agents and policyholders. As a mutual insurance company, we evaluate our decisions based upon the best, long-term interest of our policyholders. We are currently investigating options to assist our policyholders and intend to notify you as soon as a resolution has been determined.

03/25/20

IMT Insurance has extended the alternative work arrangements for all IMT offices indefinitely effective March 25, 2020. While the conditions around us continue to change, we can assure you that we are here for you. Please contact your local IMT Agent or our office if we can be of assistance.

03/20/20

IMT Insurance extends our sympathy to those affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The economic impact could be significant, particularly on small businesses and those in the travel, food and beverage, and related industries.

If you are an IMT Policyholder, have been affected by recent COVID-19 events, and are unable to make a premium payment, please contact your IMT Agent to discuss payment options.

We continue to monitor federal legislation and state regulatory activity related to these issues.

IMT Insurance continues to operate with a strong balance sheet, as indicated with A.M. Best's Rating of "A" (Excellent) for both IMT Insurance Company and Wadena Insurance Company. Amidst this pandemic, we are positioned to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

If you have any questions related to COVID-19 and your policy, please contact your local IMT Agent. Your patience is appreciated as we continue to navigate this fluid situation.
____________________________________________________________________________

As a reminder, IMT Insurance offers the following tools to policyholders:

Access and/or pay your policy online

- My Policy+: Access your IMT policy 24/7 via My Policy+. Don't have a My Policy+ account? No problem! Click 'Create Account' to get setup.

- One-Time Payment: Make a one-time payment to your policy.

- Worry Free App: Access your policy, contact your agency, and pay your bill! iOS | Android

- Pay by Mail: P.O. Box 402001, Des Moines, IA 50940-2001

- Call your local IMT Agent

To report a claim, please follow the steps listed below:

1. Contact your local IMT Agent

2. If your Agent is unavailable, please call 800-274-3531. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Worry Free App: Limited types of claims can be reported through the app iOS | Android

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03/16/20

IMT Implements COVID-19 Response Plan

IMT Insurance has been actively monitoring the COVID-19 for the past several weeks. As a result, we are currently deploying a Social Distancing response plan. This plan is designed to maintain business continuity and decrease the risk of exposure to our employees, agents, mutuals, policyholders, partners, and surrounding communities. The safety and well-being of these parties is our utmost concern.

While the conditions are changing quickly during this unparalleled event, we can assure you that business will proceed as usual. However, we wanted to make you aware of the following implemented guidelines aimed to do our part to help mitigate the potential spread of the virus:

Effective Immediately:
- No outside visitors will be permitted at any IMT office.
- All non-essential business travel has been suspended for IMT employees. This includes our Territory Managers ceasing face-to-face meetings through April 10^th. The IMT Claims and Loss Control departments will continue to operate as usual, being mindful of their in-person exposure.
Alternative Work Arrangements:
- All IMT offices will temporarily begin operating with alternative work arrangements beginning Monday, March 16^th through Friday, April 3^rd.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

Is Your Heating System & Fireplace Ready For Winter?

When it’s cold outside, you need to keep your home warm and toasty, but you also want to keep it safe. Heaters, fireplaces, and other methods of warmth can also create fire hazards. While fireplaces may be designed to contain fire, they still require caution and regular maintenance to effectively manage flames, embers and smoke.

Here are some tips to make sure you are keeping your home safe this winter:

Test your smoke alarms on a consistent basis and keep fire extinguishers handy.
Sweep dust bunnies regularly.
Place your heater a minimum of three feet from all flammable items.
Make sure candles are kept away from flammable objects.
Use the 1:1 rule — only plug one heating appliance into an electrical outlet at a time.
Unplug appliances and completely put out fires in the fireplace before you leave the room or your home.
Have fuel tanks filled and maintained throughout the season.
Use a fireplace screen to prevent hot embers from flying out and catching your possessions on fire.
Service wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Winter Weather Maintenance Practices for Your Home

Along with fire prevention, homeowners should perform winter maintenance to keep temperatures inside the house warm when it is cold outside.

Do not set the heater lower than 55 degrees, as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than in living spaces. Also, keep doors open within the house to maintain an even temperature throughout.
Prevent drafts and heat loss by adding weather stripping around doors and caulking windows. Install storm windows, if appropriate.
Check for water leaks and make repairs, if needed. If a water pipe is exposed in an unheated area, such as a garage or crawl space, wrap the pipe in UL-listed heat tape; use only thermostatically controlled heat tape on plastic piping.
Learn where water pipes are located and know how to shut off the water supply in the event of an emergency to prevent damage.
Clean out your dryer lint trap or lint screen after EVERY use. It takes only a couple of seconds and can help stop a potential fire before it ever becomes a significant risk factor. Debris that builds up in the lint trap can catch fire when exposed to the appliance’s heat settings.

Winter is prime time for house fires, with more deaths occurring in December through March than any other time of the year. Develop an exit strategy with your household and run practice drills with your family to help avoid preventable tragedy.

Related: Creating a Fire Escape Plan

With knowledge of the most common fire risks, our tips for fire prevention and a strong emergency response plan in place, you and your loved ones will be well equipped to protect yourselves and your home.

6 Tips To Protect Your Vehicle From Potholes This Winter

Freezing rain and fluctuating winter temperatures can leave roadways littered with potholes, causing vehicle damage and costly repairs for motorists! Potholes tend to form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road surface. As temperatures rise and fall, the underground moisture expands and contracts. This results in broken up pavement, which is then continually impacted by the weight of passing cars.

Blown tires, dented rims, damaged wheels, dislodged wheel weights, displaced struts, dislocated shock absorbers and damaged exhaust systems are all costly common automotive issues. Other signs include misaligned steering systems and ruptured ball joints.

How Can You Protect Your Vehicle From Winter's Potholes?

AAA suggests making sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. To check the treat depth, insert a quarter into the treat groove with Washington's head down. The tread should cover part of Washington's head! If it doesn't, it's time to start looking for new tires!
Keep an eye out for potholes when driving — stay focused on the road ahead and don't get distracted! If you need to swerve to avoid a pothole, make sure to check surrounding traffic to avoid causing a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.
If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce speed and check the rearview mirror before any abrupt breaking. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds increases the likelihood of damage to tires, wheels, and suspension components.
A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole. User care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes!
Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle's wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If a vehicle pulls to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a qualified technician.
Any new or unusual noises or vibrations that appear after hitting a pothole should be inspected immediately by a certified technician. A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break break suspension components.

Follow the steps above to help avoid and prevent potholes and keep your vehicle safe this year!

Fall Season Home Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

The autumn season when leaves turn color and start to fall, along with cooling temperature, is a good time to take care of some annual maintenance around your home. By being proactive, you can avoid costly (and in some cases, dangerous) issues when the weather turns even colder.

Have your furnace or boiler serviced by a licensed contractor to check annually for any repair or concerns. This is a good time to clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems. If you have a chimney, have it checked and serviced by a licensed contractor as well. Make sure to remove creosote buildup from chimneys that are connected to woodstoves and fireplaces.

Falling leaves and outdoor debris can clog drains and gutters. The fall is a good time to check that these are clean. Clogged gutters can cause a few issues, but the big one for most homeowners is roof leaks. If your gutters can't drain properly, that excess water can soak through shingles, eventually leaking into your home. This can cause mold to grow, along with damage from the water itself. Melting snow can also fill up your gutters, causing similar issues! A good rule of thumb is, clean your gutters twice a year.

While gutters are being cleaned, take a few minutes to inspect your roof. Look for obvious holes and damaged (or missing) shingles, but also take some time to really comb over the details. Keep an eye out for cracks and general wear and tear!

If there’s any loose tree limbs around your property, consider trimming or cutting them before they become destructive. Tree limbs that fall on a house or other insured structure on the property would be covered for both the damage inflicted and the cost of removing the tree, generally up to about $500.

Explore your home and property to remove any trash, old papers and dense clutter in areas like your garage, basement and attic. This can create the perfect fuel for a fire. Household items, like improperly stored batteries and even glassware sitting in a beam of sunlight, can generate enough heat to ignite a fire. Pay close attention to other common, highly flammable items you may keep in a garage or storage shed, including gasoline, chemicals, and gases used for grilling.