Top 5 things to look for in an agent

When you choose an agent to place your Livestock Insurance coverage, a good reputation is a must. Most people in the industry have no easy way to know how well covered you are until it’s too late.

To learn during a claim whether your agent is good or bad shouldn’t happen. Those in the industry who made claims can paint a clear picture of how good your agent or insurance company are.

The majority of our business done here at Wilkins Livestock is done through word of mouth.

Wilkins Livestock Insurers was founded by Mike and Janet Wilkins. Mike, Janet and their family grew up showing world-caliber cutting horses. Bob joined the agency 29 years ago. Stacy Miller joined us 25 years ago.

“We have been in the livestock business most of our lives,” Bob said. “We understand the joy and sometimes the pain livestock owners experience.”

“Full Mortality and Theft” (death and theft) is your base policy. These are standard coverages throughout the industry. What changes its quality are added endorsements.

The companies we deal with add two endorsements as part of their base policy:

• A $5,000 “Colic Surgery” endorsement with a 12-month extension
• “Agreed Value” endorsement whose cost varies based on the age, breed, specific use and value of the horse.

Other coverages can be added at additional charges. “Major Medical” would be the most common. “Major Medical” reimburses vet bills caused by accident, sickness or disease. It doesn’t cover routine care, elective procedures or performance-enhancing treatment.

This added endorsement is where you will see big swings in cost and limitations from company to company.

All policies have set deductibles. But many companies add a 20 percent co-pay. Say you take your horse to the vet and get a $5,000 bill. Not only are you responsible for the deductible but also $1,000 for the 20 percent co-pay.

Some companies also restrict payments for non-surgical lameness. For example, your horse hurts its leg and you get an MRI done. You have to do stem cell on the horse’s leg. Since those policies have a non-surgical lameness limit of $2,500, the MRI uses most of that up. You’re left to pay the rest.

Wilkins’ “Major Medical” coverage has neither a 20 percent co-pay nor an unreasonable limit on non-surgical lameness.

We at Wilkins Livestock believe your referrals come from this area of our business. We expect our adjusters to handle our claims like they’re family. We want prompt polite service. “And I’m here to personally help my customers through this process,” Bob said.

At Wilkins Livestock Insurers, we believe you can get most horses insured anytime of the day. As agents, we always have our cell phones available. Our phone numbers are on our website at www.livestockinsurance.biz.

“We’re here to answer questions,” Bob said, “and to make your insurance-buying experience simple, easy and cost-effective.”