June marks the beginning of summer, and it's fun to see all of the juniors enjoying a little freedom from school. We've been experiencing unprecedented rain in Virginia, and while it provides us with the green grass we love, showing at Upperville and the Loudoun Benefit earlier this month was a little tough on the weekend  for the exhibitors and spectators alike.

This month we're talking about two important insurance topics: exclusions on insurance policies and, fittingly, our Tip of the Month subject is flood insurance for your farm. 

Many clients choose not to report injuries or sicknesses because they are afraid of an exclusion on their policy. Typically, exclusions only come into play at renewal. Unless there's a preexisting condition, there would be no exclusions on new business.   

However, if you report an injury or sickness, you will know where you stand when we issue you a renewal offer. If you don't report an injury or sickness and after the renewal it reoccurs, then you've lost your option for a claim to be paid as the veterinarian would state that the animal has been treated prior to the renewal.

Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball, but as your agent we would encourage you to report any claims so there are no surprises.

Best wishes for a wonderful and safe July 4th!

EMO...Ride with the leaders!

E. Sue Bopp

Flooding is the No. 1 natural hazard in the United States.

Many parts of the country have experienced torrential rains and flooding this spring, and with hurricane season officially underway on June 1, it's a good time to think about flood insurance and your barn.

Nearly all parts of the country are prone to floods and flash floods for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to hurricanes/tropical storms, heavy rains, snow melt, winter storms, poor drainage and run-off. Even if your barn isn't in a certified flood plain, it can still be susceptible to flooding and water damage.

It takes just a few inches of water to do thousands of dollars of damage to your barn and contents. Without flood insurance, the destruction to your tack and equipment, farm structures and farm machinery could be financially devastating.

Most insurance companies offer flood insurance, but it's a separate policy that you must add on. And since standard homeowner's insurance and farm insurance doesn't cover flooding, it's important to know your options and have protection.

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

The NFIP reports that at least 25 percent of businesses that close after events, like a flood, never reopen. From 2007 to 2011, the average commercial flood claim was more than $75,000. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss.

Flood insurance is available to those who own, lease or rent a barn, and costs will vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers and the property's flood risk. 

Your insurance agent can assist you in determining whether your property is located in a flood zone or high-risk area, and in many states you'll need a certificate from your county to determine and obtain the proper insurance policy.

Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. That means now is the best time to buy flood insurance before an impending storm.

It's also important to know that flood insurance is a prerequisite for receiving federal disaster assistance when property is located in a special hazard area

For more information on flood insurance for your barn, please call your EMO agent or the main office (800) 347-3552. For additional information about the NFIP, interactive coverage calculators, new flood maps and more, see www.floodsmart.gov.

Liza Boyd and Brunello captured the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Summer Classic.

EMO congratulates Liza Boyd for sweeping the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on June 14 at the Atlanta Summer Classic. Liza guided Brunello, owned by the rider and Janet Peterson, to the victory, followed by Fieona, owned by Kelley Maloney, and Quatrain, owned by Finally Farm and Janet Peterson, to the top three spots.

Christine McCrea piloted Candy Tribble & Windsor Show Stables' Avenir to top billing in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, held May 26 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.