Insurance

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by Hurricane Laura, in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Resources Available

MetLife’s National Catastrophe Response Team is ready to handle any incoming claims, and their claim personnel are prepared to:

• Help customers secure shelter, as needed.
• Guide customers through temporary repairs.
• Issue advances for immediate expenses using debit cards and electronic fund transfers.
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property.

Filing a Property Claim

If you need to file a property claim:

• Phone: 800-854-6011
• Fax: 866-743-1546
• Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

Filing a Flood Claim

If you need to file a flood claim:

• Phone: 877-254-6819
• Email: metlifecs@torrentcorp.com
• Customer website: metlife.managemyfloodpolicy.com
• Agent website: metlife.torrentflood.com

Tips for Staying Safe

These are other resources that can help you stay safe! Please share these links with your family and friends:

• Preparing for hurricanes and tropical storms
• Packing a grab-and-go bag in case of disaster
• YouTube — 3 quick hurricane tips
• MetLife Hurricane Support
• MetLife Cares Twitter 

This important update was brought to you by Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance. MetLife Auto & Home^® lets union members compare and save on home and auto insurance.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

These seven DIY home improvement projects can help you fall in love with your home again:

1. Paint Your Walls 
   Whether you choose a bright white to make a small room feel larger or an inky blue for a dramatic effect, there's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to make a space feel new. Feeling adventurous? Add a pop of color to your ceiling too.


2. Spruce Up Your Porch 
   A new doormat and pretty planter can lend your front entrance a fresh new look and curb appeal. 
    
3. Pressure Wash Your Exterior
   You'll be amazed by how much dirt and grime washes away from your house, porch, patio, and driveway.
    
4. Updated Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
   New hardware can make an older kitchen or bathroom vanity feel modern again. Look for an updated finish that speaks to your style. 


5. Rearrange Your Furniture
   With a few shifts, you may find a space configuration that works better for your space. Don't be afraid to mix furniture and accessories from different parts of your home. 


6. Get Organized
   De-clutter and take stock of your belongings. A few floating shelves or pretty wicker baskets can make a big impact on your storage needs. 


7. Make Your Home Smarter 
   From lightbulbs that connect to an app to smart thermostats and camera-enabled doorbells, some new technology can help introduce greater function to your home.  

And of course, no matter how you DIY your home, as a union member, you have access to homeowners insurance with MetLife Choice^SM, allowing you to quickly and easily compare home coverage from top companies.

Call 855-666-5797 to get started on your free quotes. 

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by severe weather in Kentucky and Tennessee. As of March 3, there have been reports of at least 22 deaths and heavy damage, particularly in the Nashville area.

Resources Available

MetLife’s National Catastrophe Response Team is ready to handle any incoming claims, and their claim personnel are prepared to:

• Help customers secure shelter, as needed.
• Guide customers through temporary repairs.
• Issue checks for immediate expenses.
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property.

Filing a Property Claim

If you need to file a property claim:

• Phone: 800-854-6011
• Fax: 866-743-1546. OR
• Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

Catastrophe Response Vehicle Updates

Updates on CAT vehicle locations will be provided as available.

Tips for Staying Safe

These are other resources that can help you stay safe! Please share these links with your family and friends:

• On Facebook - 30 Second Advance Planning Video - 3 quick tips.
• On Twitter- #Hurricane evacuation prep & simple tips.
• Hurricane Safety - Staying safe and what to pack in your emergency kit.

This important update was brought to you by Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance. MetLife Auto & Home^® lets union members compare and save on home and auto insurance.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

Be prepared for these five conditions:

Fog

The key is to take it slowly; this means avoiding the highway, if you can. Driving slowly gives you more time to react to other drivers, and vice versa.

• Use your low-beam headlights — high beams simply reflect the fog, making it difficult to see lane dividers and shoulders.
• Keep your windows open. This helps you hear other drivers you might not see.

Flood

Over half of flood-related deaths occur when cars are driven into floodwaters. Floodwaters move quickly, and drivers often underestimate the current's force. If you approach a flooded roadway, the safest choice is to find an alternate route.

Hail

Avoid stopping on the side of the road or beneath an overpass, which can contribute to dangerous traffic jams.

• Pull into the first parking lot you see.
• Stay in your car but move toward the center of the vehicle in case the hail shatters a window.
• Take cover under a blanket or coat.

Straight-line Winds

Often accompanying thunderstorms, straight-line winds equate with tornadoes in strength.

• Leaving your car might not be an option. Instead, keep both hands on the wheel and pull over to a low-lying area.
• Turn on your hazard lights and wait for the wind to subside.

Tornado

Don't try to outrun the storm. Tornadoes move quickly and can change directions unexpectedly.

• Exit your vehicle and seek shelter. Head straight for the basement or a bathroom of a nearby building. If no buildings are nearby, look for treeless, low-lying land. Crouch and cover your head as you wait for the storm to pass.

Don't Forget — Keep Your Car Ready

It's always good to be prepared. Store basic first aid supplies in your car in case of injury. Keep a blanket on hand so it can shield you from shattered glass and falling debris. If the forecast looks grim and you can't stay home, make sure your phone is charged and someone is aware of your travel plans.

These tips were brought to you by Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance. Drivers have saved an average of 23%* a year on their auto insurance when they switched to MetLife Auto & Home^®.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

Adopt these four safety habits to keep your dogs and cats safe during winter:

1. Use "Pet-Friendly" Antifreeze 
   Thankfully, it's well publicized that antifreeze is tempting to pets, as well as a detriment to pet health. Accidental ingestion is a big reason why pet owners are so thankful for the services of their pet insurance company every year.
   
   Some antifreeze brands have an added bitterant to keep pets and children from ingesting it, and others, like Prestone LowTox Antifreeze Coolant, are less toxic blends. You should still be careful to keep your pet away from it, but if accidental ingestion should occur, results may not be fatal.


2. Bang on Your Car Hood Before Starting the Car 
   Feral and loose cats know how to find warm sleeping spots, often including wheel wells and warm car engines. Too often, these cats are run over or maimed by rotating fan belts or engine components. Get in the habit of always banging on the hood as you approach your car, and then honking the horn before you start it, to scare away potential heat seekers.
    
3. Screen Your Fireplace
   Cats love to use fireplace soot as cat litter but should never be allowed to get in the habit of entering an open fireplace. Secure screens or glass doors to fireplaces. Another option is laying something undesirable in front of the fireplace, like double sided tape or a "scat mat."
    
4. Microchip or Invest in a GPS Collar
   Microchipping is a great way to ensure your pet always has identification, but the chips only work if your pet is found and scanned correctly. A GPS pet tracking collar is a great backup, especially in the winter. Of course, leash safety should be of prime concern year-long, but microchips and GPS collars can really pay off if your pet becomes lost. 
   
   If a winter-related accident or illness occurs with your pet, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately so they can help you determine what to do next.

With Union Plus Pet Health Insurance, Accident Only¹ plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs. If you'd like to include illness coverage, there are comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans² available.

Learn MORE ABOUT
Union Plus PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Choose the Right Pet Costume

• Make sure that nothing is too tight, especially around the neck and never over the snout. You don’t want to create a choking hazard, or restrict breathing in any way. 
• Make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with your pet’s movement, and make sure that your pet can see clearly. 
• Don't force your pet to wear a costume. You should be able to tell when your pet is not happy or uncomfortable, so don't let the holiday spirit override the special ways your pet communicates with you. 

Take Your Pet Trick-or-Treating

• Make sure your pet is leashed at all times, with a collar and current identification. 
• As always, micro-chipping your pet is a good idea.
• Remember that you and your pet will be encountering some spooky sights and sounds, so be diligent in case your pet gets scared. 
• Keep an eye out for candy on the ground because your dog may want to gobble up candy that is not going to be safe for your pet to eat. 

Know Your Candy Safety

• Dogs and cats should never eat chocolate or raisins, and most candy has too much sugar for your pet to eat safely and could lead to an upset stomach. 
• Candy and candy wrappers can also pose choking hazards, so always keep an eye on your pet, especially if you have small children who may leave uneaten candy or wrappers out. 
• If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately for a consultation. Try to determine what was eaten, and the quantity to assist pet care professionals. 

Prepare Your Home For Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure your pet is never alone outside, and is kept away from the doorway if your pet is easily spooked.
• Only you know how comfortable your pet is when visitors ring your doorbell, so take steps to keep your pet calm and limit stress. If your pet gets anxious when the doorbell rings, consider disconnecting the doorbell for Halloween or place a sign on the door asking trick-or-treaters to knock. 
• After the festivities are over, check to make sure any gates are closed before you let your pet out into your yard. You want to make sure that your last trick-or-treater did not leave the gate open, which could allow your pet to escape. 

Find Pet Friendly Events

• For some pets, Halloween is the perfect time to dress up and enjoy the festivities. Many neighborhoods have family events and often welcome pets. 
• There are also many Halloween pet parades and events especially for pets. For example, the Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in New York City attracts hundreds of dogs and thousands of spectators each year since 1990. 

Keep the Scary Out of Halloween 

• Keep in mind that Halloween can be extremely stressful for some pets because of so many strangers, in strange costumes, coming by your house.
• If you have Halloween decorations, make sure that they don’t pose any risk to your furry family members, especially curious pets who will want to investigate, smell, touch and possibly eat decorations. 

The holidays are always more enjoyable when the entire family can be together, and your pets are an important part of the family. With a few precautions, Halloween can be fun and safe, as well as create memories to cherish forever.

Learn How Union Plus Pet Insurance Can Help

The Union Plus Pet Insurance program is powered by Pets Best and offers plans to fit all budgets and coverage needs. Accident Only¹ coverage starting at $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs can help you protect your pet and your pocket from Halloween mishaps.

If you have questions about whether your pet’s behavior is normal or whether their health is at risk, you have access to the 24/7 Pet Helpline powered by whiskerDocs. 

Join now and save up to 10%² off any Pets Best BestBenefit Pet Insurance Plan.

LEARN MORE 

Spring is in the air! And so are pesky allergens that can cause allergies in every family member including your four-legged friends. While dogs and cats, like humans, can have allergies any time of year, they can also have seasonal allergies. These arrive with the warm weather as nature comes out of hibernation and pollen fills the air.

My Dog Has Allergies!

Dogs can have allergic reactions to a variety of common environmental and household substances but are prone to spring allergies. This is due to the extra pollen in the grass and air. Other common causes of pet allergies include dust, dust mites, grass, ragweed, mold, dander, feathers and flea bites.

Allergies are more common in Terriers, Retrievers, Setters, and dogs with short snouts including Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.

Can Cats Have Allergies?

Cats can also develop seasonal allergies, especially those that spend time outdoors. Like dogs, cats can have allergic reactions to pollen and other allergens that are more active in the spring. Reduce the chance of your cat having a spring allergy by keeping them indoors, particularly on dry, windy days. Also, keep kitty inside after mowing the lawn, weed pulling, or gardening. Using the air conditioning instead of fans will also reduce the pollen in the air indoors, as well as dusting and vacuuming frequently.

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms that may indicate your pet has an allergy: itching (including excessive scratching, hair loss, red skin or skin irritation); red, watery eyes; excessive paw licking; ear infections (watch for excessive head shaking or scratching of ears), or sneezing (and “reverse sneezing” in dogs, and rarely in cats, when air is inhaled rapidly through the nose)
If your pet is showing any of these five common signs of allergies you should consult your veterinarian.

How Can I Relieve My Pet’s Allergies?

Sometimes symptoms for seasonal allergies will overlap with food allergies or other environmental allergies so diagnosis may be difficult and is best managed by a veterinarian who can prescribe medication if necessary. Diet can help treat allergies such as feeding your dog Omega 3 fatty acids, and yucca for cats and dogs. To treat itching or skin conditions due to allergies, make sure to wipe your pet’s paws after walking outside, and use shampoos that contain pet friendly moisturizers or soothing emollients. Antihistamines are effective in only 20% of pets, and you should consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog or cat. Enjoy the spring with healthy pets, not sneezing pets.

How Can Pet Insurance Help with Allergy Care?

Don’t wait until your pet’s allergies have already developed as pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. Protect your wallet by covering your pet before illness or accident happens.

The Union Plus Pet Insurance program is powered by Pets Best and offers plans to fit all budgets and coverage needs.

Visit unionplus.org/pets to learn more about
which plan is best for your pet!
 

Learn how you can identify allergies in your pet and help them cope with the symptoms.

Common Causes of Pet Allergies 

Pets are just like people in that they can have allergic reactions to a variety of common environmental and household substances. Common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Grass
• Ragweed
• Mold
• Dander
• Feathers
• Flea bites

Look out for these common symptoms that may mean your pet has an allergy:

• Itching (including excessive scratching, hair loss, red skin or skin irritation)
• Red, watery eyes
• Excessive paw licking
• Ear infections (watch for excessive head shaking or scratching of ears)
• Sneezing (and “reverse sneezing” in dogs, and rarely in cats, when air is inhaled rapidly through the nose)

How Can I Reduce My Pet's Allergies?

Reduce the chance of your pet having a spring allergy by keeping them indoors, particularly on dry, windy days. It's also important to keep pets inside after mowing the lawn, weed pulling, or gardening.

Use air conditioning instead of fans to reduce the amount and movement of pollen indoors, as well as dusting and vacuuming frequently.

Ways to Help Treat Your Pet's Allergies

Sometimes symptoms for seasonal allergies will overlap with food allergies or other environmental allergies, so diagnosis may be difficult and is best managed by a veterinarian who can prescribe medication if necessary. Diet can help treat allergies such as feeding your dog Omega 3 fatty acids, and yucca for cats and dogs.

To treat itching or skin conditions due to allergies, make sure to wipe your pet’s paws after walking outside, and use shampoos that contain pet friendly moisturizers or soothing emollients. Antihistamines are effective in only 20% of pets, and you should consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog or cat. 

If your pet is showing any signs of allergy symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Enjoy the spring with healthy pets, not sneezing pets.

With Union Plus Pet Health Insurance, you can consult a veterinary expert about your pet's allergies with the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline! Accident Only¹ plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs. If you'd like to include illness coverage, there are comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans² available. 

Learn MORE ABOUT
Union Plus PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Thanksgiving is around the corner and that means it's time to feast. However, many popular dishes aren’t safe for pets to consume. It’s important to know which foods are bad for dogs and cats.

Here are seven Thanksgiving food items to keep away from our four-legged friends:

1. Stuffing 
   Thanksgiving dressing is often made with onions, scallions or garlic. These ingredients, however, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and can cause a life-threatening anemia (destruction of the red blood cells). It’s best to avoid feeding any amount of stuffing to pets.
    
2. Ham 
   Ham and other pork products can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Pork is also high in fat, which can lead to obesity in pets. Even a small amount of ham can contribute a very large amount of calories to a small dog or cat's diet.
    
3. Turkey Bones
   Bones can cause severe indigestion in dogs and cats, potentially causing vomiting and  obstructing the bowel. Bones may also splinter and cause damage to the inside of the stomach and intestines. In some cases, turkey bones may even puncture through the stomach and cause a potentially fatal abdominal infection.
    
4. Dairy Products 
   Foods that contain butter or milk can cause diarrhea in lactose intolerant pets, such as mash potatoes, cheesecake, and buttermilk biscuits. 
    
5. Spices 
   Some recipes that call for onion powder or garlic are very toxic to pets, including green bean casserole and gravy.
    
6. Salads with Grapes/Raisins 
   There are many salads served at Thanksgiving that include grapes or raisins as an ingredient — from fruit salad, to waldorf salad, to ambrosia. However, grapes and raisins are very virulent and potentially deadly. Grapes can cause severe, irreversible and sometimes fatal kidney failure in dogs. Be sure to keep all dishes that include grapes and raisins away from pets.
    
7. Chocolate Desserts 
   While pumpkin pie is the most famous Thanksgiving dessert (canned pumpkin also has many pet health benefits), many people offer a variety of chocolate desserts at Thanksgiving. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, yet dogs love the smell and taste of it. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Keep all chocolate desserts out of the reach of pets to prevent an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

Also, don't forget to inform your dinner guests about these seven food items, so they don’t feed them to your cat or dog. If they do eat any of these foods, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately. The most important part of holiday pet safety is early action, which may prevent more costly and serious complications from developing.

With Union Plus Pet Health Insurance, Accident Only¹ plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs. If you’d like to include illness coverage, there are comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans² available.

Learn MORE ABOUT
Union Plus PET HEALTH INSURANCE

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