Consumer Tips

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:

• Union Plus Credit Card Program²
• Union Plus Mortgage Program
• Union Plus Personal Loan
• Union Plus Life Insurance
• Union Plus Accidental Death Insurance
• Union Plus Auto Insurance 
• Union Plus Retiree Healthcare

To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:

1. Your residence must be in a county qualifying for “Individual Disaster Assistance” from FEMA. To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
    
2. You must have had a Union Plus Credit Card for at least three months, Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months, Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance or Union Plus Auto Insurance for at least 12 months with that account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).

If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-622-2580.

If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a disaster relief grant, call 1-800-472-2005.

The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Michael and Florence, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.

Chance favors the prepared home so follow these fall maintenance tips from Kiplinger.com to prepare your home for cold weather.

1. Check your heating system
   Beating the rush now means you’ll be able to have a technician check out your furnace and thermostats before the crowds start calling on the first cold day. While you’re checking out your furnace, take the time to replace those furnace filters you bought at the hardware store at the start of the summer.
2. Reverse your ceiling fans
   If your fans have a reverse switch, now is a good time to change directions. Switching the air flow creates an updraft, sending the hot air from the ceiling down into the room. Result? You stay toastier.
3. Prevent ice dams
   If you’ve ever seen those telltale giant icicles hanging from the edge of your roof, you know that ice dams (and their potentially serious flooding) are forming in your home. To prevent these damaging shelf-like formations of ice, contact a contractor or home-energy expert to seal up any potential insulation issues in your attic before they can cause damage. Cleaning your gutters is another great way to keep ice dams at bay.
4. Install storm windows
   Keeping your home warm is so much easier when air isn’t stealthily escaping through gaps in older windows. If you can get your storm windows in before it gets really cold, you’ll be ahead of the game when the mercury falls. Caulking around windows and doors can also help keep the heat inside for you to enjoy.
5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
   Fall is firmly upon us and winter is coming, so use that as a reminder to test your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and change the batteries. When the winter edges back into spring, test them and change the batteries once again.
6. Shut off outdoor water systems
   Disconnect all garden hoses, drain outside faucets, and if your faucets aren’t frost-proof (mainly a feature in newer homes) shut off your water using the valve inside your house. Similarly, if you have an outdoor sprinkler system, now is the time to have it drained by an irrigation company.
7. Drain all fuel-filled equipment
   Drain the gas tank of your mower and any other equipment that uses fuel, so that it can be stowed safely for several months…and so it will start up again when you need to do those first spring chores.
8. Stock up on winter products
   Stock up on ice melting pellets, antifreeze, and any other winter products you know you’ll need. It’s also a good time to buy a new shovel or snowblower, or contact a snowplow service to sign up, if you live in an area where heavy snow is the norm.
9. Inspect your fireplace
   If you have a fireplace, now is a great time to have it inspected and thoroughly cleaned, along with your chimney. By the time the seasons change, you’ll be ready to relax with your favorite cozy holiday beverage, enjoying your snug and winterized home!

By the time the seasons change, you’ll be ready to relax with your favorite cozy holiday beverage, enjoying your snug and winterized home.

Learn more about Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Things might look a little different this year, but the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar is here to help. Check out, car shopping expert, Matt Jones’s top Black Friday car shopping tips below!

1. Start early
   Find the best deals by starting your research early. With plant closures earlier this year and halted vehicle production, inventory may be tight. It’s a good idea to come up with second and third options, in case there is low inventory of your first choice.
2. Trading in or selling an existing vehicle?
   Decide whether you’re planning to sell or trade your vehicle. You’ll need to get an appraisal, and you can use the Union Plus Auto Buying Service tool to get a True Cash Offer on your current vehicle. About 50 percent of shoppers trade in a car when buying something new. If you’re one of these 50 percent, make sure you get your appraisal early.
3. Understand the auto market
   This year, it really pays to understand the current automotive climate and pricing. For some hot vehicles with low inventory and high demand in this climate, paying sticker price might be considered a good deal. If you are looking for a specific vehicle and if that vehicle is new or in short supply, it might be sold at or even above sticker price.
4. Being flexible will help you get a better deal
   Be willing to consider expanding the distance radius of dealerships for additional options. Being flexible about your search could give you greater inventory options. Don’t want to drive far to get your new car? You may be able to skip the trip to the dealer. More on that in tip 5.
5. Have a game plan
   If you want to go to the dealership in person, be sure to arrive early. This is important because as the day wears on, more shoppers will hit the store, which can slow down your shopping process. Alternatively, many dealerships now allow shoppers to do all, or some, of the purchase process online. You can spot dealers offering remote paperwork processing and home vehicle delivery when shopping on the Union Plus Auto Buying Service — just look for the Buy From Home dealer badge.
6. Test-drive early
   If you can, get behind the wheel for a test-drive at least a few days ahead of time. The showroom will likely get flooded with shoppers, and salespeople may not be available for test-drives on Black Friday. Make an appointment to test-drive on a weekday, before Thanksgiving.
7. Be patient
   Remember to have patience with the sales process. Some dealerships will run out of salespeople or some salespeople may have to juggle more than one customer at a time. This is especially likely this year, because many dealerships are running with slimmer staff than usual due to the pandemic.

Bonus Tip: Start your shopping and research now so you can compare Black Friday deals and see how good a deal you’re really getting. Union Members have saved thousands off MSRP¹ on new cars and find great deals on pre-owned vehicles using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service, powered by TrueCar. Plus, you may be eligible for additional member perks like a $100 rebate on new union-made cars² and up to $2,000 in post-sale benefits³.

Earlier this year, 25 Union Plus mortgage holders were the lucky recipients of $1,000 each. Entrants were asked to describe their homeownership dream being realized; their experience as a union member mortgage holder; or what they would share with a friend about the program.

	Justin Dix, HFIU, Local 2 "The process was easy. Just a couple of papers needed to be signed by my union representative. Its a good safety net incase of a layoff."

Pamela Goodman, AFSCME "When I applied to refinance my mortgage [my lender] informed me about [the Union Plus Mortgage Program] and what a great asset! It's so nice to have something positive to reflect on when there's quite a bit of negativity going on in our world right."

Erin Sweeney, UA, Local 1 "I loved my experience with the Union Plus Mortgage Program. It was an easy way to access a great rate, fantastic customer support, and extra protections for ease of mind."

Bradley Thomley, UFCW, Local 1189 "Having the mortgage assistance available with our loan gives us a peace of mind, especially during the current situation. Hopefully we will never need to use the help but just knowing it is available is fantastic."

Other lucky winners of the 2020 Union Plus Happy Homeowner Sweepstakes

To learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program designed for union families visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

During your lifetime, you may need legal help more often than you think. Getting married, buying or selling a home, starting a family, dealing with identity theft, sending your kids off to college or caring for aging parents are just some scenarios where MetLife's experienced attorneys can provide expert legal advice. With the legal plan, you can get access to legal help for all of these issues and more, all for a monthly fee.

Q. How does the plan work?
A. Getting started is easy. You simply choose an attorney from MetLife's network, which is available online or by calling their Client Service Center. You can also choose an attorney outside of their network and be reimbursed according to a set fee reimbursement schedule.¹ They will then give you an assigned case number to share with your attorney when you make an appointment. It’s that simple. You can speak to MetLife's Network Attorneys face to face, by phone, or you can submit questions online to their Law Firm E-Panel^® — whatever works best for you. And for certain legal matters, your attorney may be able to represent you in court without you having to make an appearance. MetLife's Network Attorneys are there for you, whenever you need advice on any personal legal matter or representation on a number of legal services covered under your plan — giving you peace of mind that you’ve got an expert on your side, for as long as you need them.

Q. Can I get help finding the right attorney for my needs?
A. Yes, MetLife's Client Service Center representatives are here to help you find the right attorney for your legal matter, whatever that might be. They’re committed to ensuring you receive the expert legal help you need, when you need it. Peace of mind knowing you have access to the expert attorneys you need, whenever you need them.

Q. How are attorneys selected for the network? What are their qualifications?
A. MetLife only selects attorneys who meet their selection criteria and agree to their Attorney Code of Excellence. Attorneys in the network have an average of 25 years experience in the practice of law, have graduated from an accredited law school, and must maintain valid state licensure. Additionally, the attorneys must agree to provide superior customer service to all legal plan members. MetLife routinely monitors their attorneys to ensure their members’ needs are being met and conduct an annual re-credentialing audit that looks at legal activity, member feedback, verification of malpractice insurance, and more.

Q. Whom do I contact if I have a problem with the legal plan or an attorney?
A. Send an email to clientservice@legalplans.com or call the Client Service Center at 800-821-6400, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST/EDT when you have questions or concerns about MetLife's legal plan benefits, Network Attorneys, or other matters involving the legal plan. They operate a full-service Client Service Center at the headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Their representatives are trained to answer questions and resolve problems, and will take immediate action to resolve any issues that arise.

Q. Can I use the plan outside my state of residence? Is international coverage available?
A. MetLife operates a national network of more than 18,000 Network Attorneys in all 50 states and most U.S. territories. Plan members may receive service from Any Attorney. Anywhere. Anytime.^® Plan members traveling outside the United States may also use the plan. Simply contact the attorney of your choice in your area. You will be reimbursed according to the out-of-network fee reimbursement schedule. You may call the Client Service Center at 800-821-6400 to get a copy of the out-of-network fee reimbursement schedule.

Q. Can I use an attorney who is not in the network?
A. Yes, you can use any attorney you’d like. If you choose an attorney outside of MetLife's network, they’ll reimburse you for services based on a set fee reimbursement schedule.¹

Q. Can I use an attorney more than once?
A. Yes, you have unlimited use of the plan for covered legal matters as long as you pay your monthly premium.

Q. How much will it cost?
A. Less than you might think. For less than a dollar a day, you can have MetLife legal experts on your side, for as long as you need them.

Q. How do I pay for my coverage?
A. It’s easy. Your legal plan premium is paid for through a monthly fee charged to your method of payment.

Q. Are my spouse and family members also covered by my plan?
A. Yes, your spouse and dependent children are covered under the plan.

Q. Are claim forms required when using the legal plan?
A. No. MetLife makes using your plan easy. When you use a Network Attorney, there is nothing for you to do. Plan services are covered in full, and billing is between MetLife and the Network Attorney. There are no waiting periods, no copays, no deductibles and no claims forms.

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by the East Troublesome Fire in Grand County, Colorado.

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
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property

MetLife Auto & Home urges residents to pay close attention to local authorities and evacuation orders. Important phone numbers, email addresses, and online resources are included below for customers. When disaster strikes, it is critical to contact MetLife as soon as possible and report the claim to the appropriate area.

Reporting Property Damage Losses
If you need to report property damage losses:

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

Catastrophe Van Service
Although MetLife's CAT Van is not deployed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the safety of insureds and claims associates, they have emergency service providers engaged and have secured prioritized service for MetLife customers needing assistance.

Billing Accommodations
Updates on billing accommodations for impacted policyholders will be provided as they become available.

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

• Wildfire Safety Tips Video
• Packing a grab-and-go bag in case of disaster
• Incident Information System
• 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

Here are some ways you can prepare for a hurricane:

Know your neighborhood
Even far inland, flooding can occur in low-laying areas. Visit FloodSmart.gov to view flood maps and find out if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone. 

Plan your evacuation route
Your local emergency management office and American Red Cross are good sources for planning.

Stock up on supplies
Keep sandbags and plastic sheeting on hand. Be prepared to board up doors and windows, and secure or remove loose items outdoors. 

Stay on top of the news
Listen to local news outlets for evacuation orders, or check trusted social media sources, list your city council's Facebook page Twitter feed. Act quickly to avoid traffic. 

Turn off your utilities
If you are in a hurricane surge zone, keep written instructions on how to turn off your home utilities in a central location. Gas, water, and electricity should be shut off before you evacuate. 

Make an emergency kit!
Your kit should include: 

• A three-to-seven-day water supply (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food and cooking tools
• A change of clothing, seasonal gear, and sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Emergency tools, including a NOAA weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and paper maps
• A first-aid kit, including any prescription medication
• An extra set of keys, cash, and a credit card
• Important paperwork
• Personal Hygiene products
• Phone charger
• Recent family photo

Make sure your home and most valuable possessions are covered with home insurance from MetLife Auto & Home^®. As a union member, you have access to home insurance with MetLife Choice^SM allowing you to easily compare auto and home coverage from top carriers.

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

Get your free quotes

Here are eight fun and safe ways you can enjoy this summer with your pet:

1. Buy a kiddie pool for you dog.
   Let them play in and cool themselves off in it. Always keep an eye on your dog while playing in the kiddie pool — and of course make sure they like the water.
    
2. Take your dog (or cat if they like the car) on a scenic drive.
   It’s social distancing while also getting you and your pup out of the house.
    
3. Go hiking with your dog.
   Organize a trail hike appropriate for your dog’s fitness level and breed. Be cautious not to go in the heat of the day, and be sure to bring a doggie water receptacle for breaks.
    
4. Take your dog camping with you.
   Dogs love being outside and will appreciate the nature getaway. Bonus points for letting them sleep in the tent!
    
5. Go to a lake or other safe body of water for an afternoon of swimming. 
   Many breeds love the water, see if your dog is one of them! Consider a canine lifejacket for them if you’re boating with your dog.


6. Go for a summer bike ride. 
   For small dogs, a bike pull trailer meant for children can be easily converted to accommodate dogs, allowing you to take the littlest members along for leisurely summer bike rides. Be sure your pet is safely harnessed in so that he or she can’t leap out. And always avoid roadways with dogs.


7. Check out the local dog park. 
   Most cities have some designated parks where dogs are allowed to roam off leash. Always ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations when frequenting high dog-trafficked areas.


8. Take a scenic car ride with the windows (partially) down. 
   If your dog loves to stick her head out the window, consider getting her "doggles," which are canine goggles designed to protect eyes and shield from the sun as well. 

By getting outdoors and including your furry friend in family outings this summer, you’ll be sure to make lasting memories while also helping your dog to be the best companion possible.

Protect your pet from summertime injuries 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

The coronavirus pandemic stalled the start of the traditional spring buying season, and has many buyers and sellers wondering what to do next. If you’re in that group and wondering whether to move forward with your buying plans, here are a six things to consider:

1. Take stock of your personal homebuying goals and finances. 
   Did the pandemic change what you’re looking for at all? Is a home office more important than a backyard patio? What about your finances? Do you feel secure in your job? Do you already have savings set aside for a down payment as well as for a rainy day fund?
    
2. Know what you can afford. 
   The recent health crisis reinforces the reality of economic ups and downs and the fact that disasters can happen. It reinforces the importance of not overextending yourself in buying; you want to be able to weather any economic cycle. As you consider this, know that a bright spot is that mortgage rates are very low right now, which helps stretch your dollars when you decide to buy.
    
3. Start your house hunt from home.
   If you’re worried about venturing out, rest easy in knowing you can do a lot of the groundwork from home. As a result of coronavirus, virtual tours and agent-led video walk-throughs and video chat tours have all been added to the mix of showing homes. Lenders are available to serve you remotely, too, and are always available to have conversations about the lending process by phone.
    
4. Understand your down payment options.  
   There are still financing options available that don’t require you to put 20 percent down. Low down-payment options include our own yourFirst Mortgage^® program and government programs like VA and FHA. How much you put down is a financial decision to weigh as you look at your own finances and personal situation. It’s important to note that putting more down can reduce your monthly payments, which can free up dollars for other parts of your budget, including savings.
    
5. Double down on your rainy day fund. 
   It’s always been a good idea to have a little to fall back on. Owning a home means you’ll have expenses for repairs and updates. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic also reinforces the importance of having money to fall back on if you have an unexpected expense or loss in income.


6. Embrace digital tools. 
   Just like shopping for your perfect house, you can apply for a home loan from your kitchen; you never really need to step into a bank. Many tasks can be handled online, from starting the loan applications to signing disclosures and uploading needed documents during the loan process.

The current crisis has many Americans reflecting on their living spaces and thinking about their long-term financial goals. While no one knows exactly what will happen in the economy, if you are weighing whether buying is right for you, take a minute to focus in on your own unique goals, opportunities and circumstances and make the best decision for you.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE

Here are four questions you may be asking yourself and how Wells Fargo home mortgage can help:

1. How can I save for a down payment? 
   It's never too early to start saving. To help you identify your need-to-haves, cut back on nice-to-haves, and put aside money you’ll need to buy a home, you can take advantage of our online budgeting and savings tools. You could also set up a separate “first home” savings or investment account and have a set amount directly deposited into it every month. The set amount could be automatically deducted from the account where you deposit your paycheck or other income.
    
2. What if I am not able to make a 20% down payment? 
   There are several mortgage loans and programs that may help homebuyers reach their goals with less available cash. Just remember, if you make less than a 20% down payment, you will likely be required to purchase mortgage insurance.
    
3. Can I use gifted money to help me make my down payment?
   Some loan program guidelines may allow you to use monetary gifts from family as part of your down payment.
   Keep in mind: You will most likely be required to provide written proof that the funds were truly a gift and not a personal loan. There are limits on how much gift money you can receive per year without increasing your tax obligations. Speak with a financial advisor, tax accountant, or your home mortgage consultant to learn more about how these options can impact your overall home financing plans and future goals.
    
4. Are there any other down payment sources I may be able to use? 
   Not-for-profit down payment assistance programs (DAPs) provide funds to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. Many DAPs don’t require repayment, if you meet their guidelines. Your home mortgage consultant can help you find out which programs are available in your area, explain their details, and see if you qualify.

There are many types of mortgages with different down payment requirements available to you. Ready to take the next step? Your Wells Fargo home mortgage consultant can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE