Claims Department

How do I file a claim when no is at Filos after 5 and on the weekend ?
Recognizing Risk Hazards.
When is an adjuster going to contact me with a claim number?

How do I file a claim when no one is at Filos Agency Inc. after 5pm and on the weekend?

Filos Agency Inc. has office hours Monday through Friday from 9:00pap to 5:00pm. When we are not in you can check our claims contact list, or if your company is not listed you can check in your policy. There is usually a number to report a loss.

Please remember to do all you can to lessen further damage until an adjuster is able to see the damage. If possible toke pictures of any damage before any repairs are made if the adjuster has not had a chance to see the damage.

Most Important, on Monday give us a call and let us know what happened so that we can help you to get this claim resolved as quickly as possible.

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Recognizing Risk Hazards

Your home is your most valuable asset and you realize the importance of proper maintenance. But with today's hectic schedules, we don't always remember to monitor the wear and tear our homes encounter.

Your trusted independent insurance agent is only a phone call away, and he or she can advise you on how to better protect your investment. In the meantime, here is a checklist of all the issues to consider as you assess the potential risks on your property.

Remember, proper insurance coverage is a key element of a personal risk management plan. Keeping your home save is another!

The following represent helpful tips for assessing your risk exposures.

ROOFS

Look for curled or wavy looking shingles; this is a sign of deterioration and wear beyond its useful life.
Watch for sagging roofs; this is an indication of a weak roofing system caused by undersized rafters that are not sufficient to support the roof itself or the load created by the weight of snow. It may also be an indication of rotted sheathing caused by improper ventilation and insulation.
Watch for visible signs of rot along the soffits and fascia boards.

DECKS AND STEPS

As with all risk, beware of anything that appears unsafe. Steps or decks that are unsafe may be uneven, lean to one side, appear structurally unsound, contain broken treads, missing railings or visible signs of rot.
For decks it is recommended that a rail and baluster system be used to prevent falls. The balusters should be no more then 4 inches apart to prevent a young child from slipping through a rail system.

CHIMNEYS

Construction methods for chimneys can be brick, block, stone or metal-bestos.
Look for missing bricks, mortar, creosote and other signs of deterioration.
Watch for wood piles as an indicator of a wood stove for supplemental heat.

DEBRIS AND OUTBUILDINGS

Watch for debris around the insured's property and review the condition of out-buildings as they could present a fire or liability hazard. Look for pride of ownership.

HEATING SYSTEMS

Oil-fired systems, including vented kerosene heaters (Monitor) need yearly cleanings and tune-ups to prevent puff-backs.
Beware of power-vents on oil-fired systems. They were originally designed for propane or gas systems. The vent exits the house at the sill just above the foundation. They do not provide sufficient draft and are highly prone to puff-backs due to crosswinds and blockage. If an insured has an oil-fired heating system and no chimney, they have a power-vent
Wood stoves must be properly installed to code. Code does not permit the use of mixed fuels in a single flue chimney.
Wood stoves should not be used in older homes without a lined chimney – this is a severe fire hazard.
Beware of combination oil/wood stove furnaces. Because they are a mixed fuel in a single flue, the creosote build-up along with oil residue is a severe chimney fire hazard.
Seasonal properties should have the systems drained or be on automatic delivery with a heat sensor alarm to prevent freeze ups and water damage.

OIL AND KEROSENE TANKS

No underground tanks unless they have a monitoring system in place and DEP approved and inspected every year.
Above-ground/interior tanks last an average of 20 years and should be replaced at that time to avoid possible ruptures. They should also be on a level pad or blocks no more then 12" high with a protective shield over the line. If located outside, they should also be protected from falling ice and snow.

PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Code requires all residential water lines to be copper, as plastic pipes do not have the same pressure handling capability. (Some exceptions may be made for seasonal homes only.)
Beware of gray plastic pipes used in mobile homes and recently for heating systems for new construction and retrofits. This polybutyline pipe is prone to leaks especially at the fittings.

ELECTRICAL

Prefer circuit breakers over fuses. Updated systems are usually a panel change from fuses to circuit breakers. They may also reflect new service wire and a change from 60 amps to 100 or 200 amp service.
No aluminum wiring. This was used from the mid-1960's to early 1970's. It is a severe fire hazard.
No knob and tube that consist of paper or cloth-wrapped wire on porcelain knobs. It frays over time, rodents are drawn to it and the wire can contact the metal screw in the porcelain and cause a fire.