Q. Why did my premium increase?

A. Several factors go into our decision to increase premium. When we review the insurance coverage in your particular state we take a look at our overall loss history and experience and trends in repair costs. Then we use actuarial models to make projections about the kinds of losses we can expect in the future. For example, in recent years there’s been an increase in weather damage across the country. Not all of it makes news like hurricanes and earthquakes, but even small storms can do serious damage. New models for predicting the occurrence of these storms have caused us to rethink our prices in many areas of the country.

Q. How much would your policy cost me?

A. It’s hard to give you a definitive answer without knowing some more information about where you live and the type of home in which you live. If you’d like to fill in our online estimate form just click on Online Estimate. We’ll be glad to give you a free, no-obligation estimate for a policy through the Foremost AARP Mobile Home Insurance Program. If you’d prefer to talk with a representative please give us a call at 1-800-752-2461.

Q. Why don’t you take credit cards, debit cards, bank wire transfers or allow customers to set up their premium for an automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account?

A. This is something we are exploring because our customers are requesting it more and more often. We’re not ready to do it right away, but we are working on the possibility. Check back with us again later for an update.

Q. When is my next payment? Did you receive my money?

A. We want to make it easy for you to check on your billing status. You can call our toll-free number for a quick and easy check. Not only will it tell you if we’ve received your money, it will also let you check on the date of your next payment and answer many other billing questions. It’s easy to use this automated system. You’ll need your policy number and a touch-tone phone. Then dial 1-800-752-2461 and choose option 3. The system will ask what type information you want and will tell you when to enter any numbers it needs.

If you prefer to talk with a billing representative please call us:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. ( Eastern time )

If you’d prefer to send us an e-mail be sure to include your policy number and a brief note detailing the information you need. A representative will check on your payment status and either call or e-mail a response to you. If you’d prefer we call, please include your telephone number in your e-mail.

Q. Do I have to pay my premium in full before the policy is issued to me?

A. No. That’s one of the many conveniences Foremost offers its customers. We’ll issue your policy with a zero down payment. When you receive your policy, your bill will be with it. On the bill you’ll get a choice of annual payments or a budget payment plan.

Q. How do your payment plans work and when is my next bill?

A. We have four payment options: annual or one-payment, two-payment, four-payment and 10-payment plans. If you choose a multiple payment plan, your second bill will list the dates and amounts of future payments. You can also use the automated phone system to check on your next bill. It’s easy to use this automated system. You’ll need your policy number and a touch-tone phone. Then dial 1-800-752-2461 and choose option 3. The system will ask what type of information you want and will tell you when to enter any numbers it needs. If you prefer to talk with a billing representative please call:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. ( Eastern time )

Also, if you choose a payment plan, your second bill will have a printed schedule of your remaining payments on the back of the notice.

Q. Can I choose the dates my payments will be due?

A. Our payment plan dates can’t be altered. Instead, we offer several payment plans to help you budget your payments, but the dates that you receive your bills will depend on the date that your policy goes into effect.

Q. How can you handle my claim if you’re in Michigan? Do you have claims representatives in my area?

A. We have field claim representatives all over the country. Our field claim representatives work out of their homes so they can be close to the customers they need to serve. They connect with the home office and our regional claim offices by phone and computer.

Q. What do I do if I have a claim?

A. Call our toll-free number just as soon as you can. That’s 1-800-752-2461 and choose the claims option. You can call 24 hours a day, even in the middle of the night, on a holiday or a weekend. You can also file your claim online at www.foremost.com. We set a goal of returning all claim calls the next business day. Many claims can be settled right over the telephone. If you have a claim that requires a visit from a field representative, one of our staff will make an appointment with you.

Q. What does your policy cover?

A. The Foremost AARP Mobile Home Insurance program is a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies are broader policies because they cover just about any kind of accidental loss cause (such as fire, wind, hail, water) unless that cause of loss is specifically excluded in the policy. At Foremost we pride ourselves on the broad coverages our policy offers. Because some states have different requirements for insurance companies to meet, our policy coverages do vary from state to state. That’s why we encourage you to call a Foremost sales agent at 1-800-752-2461 and find out what our policy offers you as a mobile home insurance customer. If you already have a policy through the Foremost AARP Mobile Home Insurance program you can call a member service representative to go over the coverages your policy includes.

Q. Can I remove my earthquake coverage?

A. Yes, you can remove earthquake coverage from your policy. When you receive your renewal offer from us, there will be a form that accompanies your policy that gives us authority to remove your earthquake coverage. Fill it out, sign it and send it back to us. We’ll confirm that we received your instructions in a letter.

Q. Can I save money by changing my deductible?

A. We offer several deductible choices so you can choose the deductible that suits your needs. Some people don’t like large deductibles. Others are willing to share a little more of the risk and save some money by choosing a higher deductible. Because your options vary from state to state, we urge you to call a Foremost AARP Member Service representative at 1-800-752-2461 and find out the deductible options we can offer you.

Q. Can I save money by changing the amount of insurance coverage I have?

A. Yes, but before making any changes to your coverage limits, you should determine the value of your mobile home and whether it is increasing or decreasing.

Q. Can I increase my coverage if I add a structure to my property?

A. Look over your policy and see how much coverage you have for the other structures on your property. It may be enough for your needs. If it’s not, then please call a Foremost AARP Member Service representative at 1-800-752-2461 for information about your coverage options.

Q. I need to remove my spouse/significant other/family member from my policy due to a death/divorce. How do I do that?

A. Any changes that you need to make to your policy can be easily done by calling a Foremost AARP Member Service representative at 1-800-752-2461.

Q. The company that made the loan on my home is telling me that I don’t have a policy with you. They’re putting other insurance on my home and I don’t want that. Help!

A. Usually when this happens it’s because we have an incorrect name or address for the lender. We can fix the situation by faxing a copy of your policy to your lienholder. The fastest way to get that done is to call us directly at 1-800-752-2461 and ask the representative to fax a copy of your policy to the lienholder. We’ll need your name, policy number, your lienholder’s name, address and fax number. Foremost's AARP Member Service representatives can assist you:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. ( Eastern time )

Or, you can go to Update lender information and e-mail us the information we need to get an updated policy to your lender.

Q. How do I get a copy of my policy sent to my lienholder?

A. Just give us a call at 1-800-752-2461 and ask the representative to mail or fax a copy of the policy to your lienholder. We’ll need your name, policy number, your lienholder’s name, address and fax number. You can also e-mail us that information at Update lender information, but calling us is faster. We’re open:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. ( Eastern time )

Q. Why do you monitor calls?

A. Not because we’re snoopy. Seriously, we pride ourselves on friendly service and prompt attention to your needs. We monitor calls to make sure our representatives are consistently providing the friendly service we expect to our customers. Monitoring is a training tool. Representatives have a chance to listen to the monitored calls and discuss ways to improve their customer service skills with their supervisors.

Q. Can I buy an insurance policy for only six months?

A. No, we only provide annual policies.

Q. Do you insure autos?

A. AARP has selected The Hartford as the auto insurance provider for AARP members. You can call The Hartford at 1-800-932-9922 or visit their Web site at http://www.thehartford.com/.

Q. How do I change my mailing address/unit address?

A. Send us an e-mail or give us a call at 1-800-752-2461. We’ll need your name, policy number and the details of your address change.

Q. What is this "minimum earned premium" that shows on the page that describes my coverages?

A. If you cancel your policy after the initial effective date there is a minimum charge. That’s to cover processing fees and other expenses. This fee includes the time you were covered before cancellation. That’s what we call "minimum earned premium."

Q. What does comprehensive mean?

A. A comprehensive policy covers losses from damage to your property as long as two conditions are met: the cause of the damage must be direct, sudden and accidental and the cause of the damage is not listed as excluded from your policy. A comprehensive policy covers all perils (causes of loss) that are not specifically listed on the policy as excluded.

Q. What does replacement cost mean?

A. Replacement cost is the current cost of replacing a building or possessions today. With replacement cost coverage, your insurance will provide you the resources to replace your home, personal belongings and other structures with new items of like kind and quality. Replacement cost does not cover the value of the land where the building sits because the land is not damaged by fire or most other perils.

Q. What is liability insurance?

A. Liability insurance covers losses that result when another person is accidentally injured or their property is damaged and you’re legally responsible. Liability often includes coverage for defense costs in a liability lawsuit.