Western Illinois Mutual Insurance Company

04/27/2026

Beware tomorrow. There’s potential for lots of bad stuff.

We won't sugar coat it. Tomorrow has the potential to be very bad for some in IL, but also has a potential to be minor for many.

We know, some of you will say what's the point then if we don't truly know. Well, when we see a potential for strong, potentially violent tornadoes and destructive hail, we want to convey that. We also want to convey why it could be limited too. Here's what we're seeing:

We know a morning round of thunderstorms will move in after 3AM and continue into the lunch hour. Some of these could carry wind and hail, maybe an isolated tornado. That is why central IL has start times as early as 8AM to account for this.

These storms will exit, but when they exit is critical:

1. If they exit by noon and we see some clearing, then more of central IL(the pay close attention region) will see significant severe weather including long track tornadoes and massive hail, turning into a destructive wind and embedded tornado risk as they grow upscale.

2. If these storms hang around until 2-3PM and cloud cover stays, then storms in the "pay attention region" will be lesser severe in the afternoon but still pose some risk for isolated tornadoes and strong winds.

Right now it could go either way. This is why we want you to pay attention because it's a boom or bust situation for you.

If you live in the "be prepared" region, we feel the potential is higher for you as storms will be more north of you midday and instability will really stream in. This region has the highest potential for significant severe weather including hail up to tennis ball sized, tornadoes potentially strong to violent and destructive winds. That is strong wording we know and it isn't something we post lightly. This set up really is that conductive. Be prepared in this region and look into postponing plans and traveling.

Up north in the "still be aware" region, we still think some wind risk will materialize in the afternoon as we have a very high sheared environment. A few isolated tornadoes are on the table but we think the higher tornado risk is to your south. Still be aware that there is some potential though and don't discount it.

Weather Anxiety: We know nerves are high. We know wording was strong. We know you're tired after a long season already. That is all valid. Please, stay prepares and aware. This will keep you safe. Knowing your location and surrounding counties means you can seek shelter well in advance when storms are nearing your neighboring towns. Also, keep in mind that even in the biggest tornado outbreaks a majority will still be fine. Have a plan in place, follow updates tomorrow and be aware, this will keep you okay and we'll all be enjoying the beautiful forecast coming up after this.

Is it safe to send kids to school? Yes, schools are prepared for this and they will be watching closely. We can't speak for schools but we wouldn't be surprised to see some early dismissals tomorrow if the forecast starts to trend in the stormier scenario. This is just something we're mentioning so you're not caught off guard. After school activities may also be cancelled in some parts. Just have a plan in case this does happen.

Monitor for updates and we'll be watching closely all day for you tomorrow.

Forecaster: Carlos Wyant

03/19/2026

We were very happy to once again host the Hancock County CEO Class and try to give them some information about insurance!

03/12/2026

If you had storm damage, watch out for scammers.

BE CAREFUL OF STORM DAMAGE REPAIR SCAMS! THESE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS FROM THE BIG I ASSOCIATION WHO SUPPORTS INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS & CONSUMERS IN ILLINOIS.

1. Be wary of anyone coming door to door offering free inspections.
2. Ask for recommendations from people you know and use established local contractors if possible.
3. Visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if a business has any complaints.
4. Never rush into a deal.
5. Don't trust a contractor who
- lists only a telephone or PO box number and solicits you for repair work
- refuses to provide proof of insurance and references when requested
- offers to inspect your home for free without authentic identification establishing their business status.
6. We recommend not signing anything, but if you do sign a contract get all terms of a contract in writing and get a copy of the signed contract.
7. Be aware public adjusters don't work for insurance companies and may charge additional fees. You can submit a claim to your insurance company and they can provide an adjuster at no additional cost.
8. If in doubt, contact your trusted insurance agent!

03/04/2026

Less tornadoes than last year looks like it still means we might have an "AVERAGE" tornado year.

Wind and flood damage are top concerns.

02/17/2026

To: Illinois Carriers, Agents, and Policyholders

Deadline: 12 p.m. Central, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026

Action: Ask Your Legislators to Vote "NO" on HB 3799

HB 3799 hurts Illinois consumers. It would raise premiums, reduce competition, and destabilize a market that has served families well for decades. No state in the nation has a prior approval system in place like what HB 3799 is proposing. This new system could cause homeowners' insurance premiums to increase by approximately 20 percent or $230 on average.

HB 3799 was recently defeated in a veto session and has been brought back, proving that bad ideas don't go away.

Why HB 3799 is harmful:

Creates uncertainty by allowing the Illinois Department of Insurance to revisit and overturn past rate approvals, calling previously accepted rates "excessive" long after the fact.

Provides no timelines or due-process protections for insurers that request a hearing, opening the door to indefinite delays and inconsistent enforcement.

Gives the department broad, undefined authority to decide what qualifies as an "excessive" rate, without objective standards to guide those decisions.

Allows the department to mandate retroactive refunds based solely on its own reinterpretation of rates that were already approved, exposing carriers to unpredictable costs.

Illinois cannot afford to mirror California's broken system, where fewer insurance companies mean higher premiums and fewer choices for consumers.

Click Here to Contact Your Legislators Today and Urge Them to Vote "NO" on HB 3799

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

HEY Illinois!! The old joke is that if you don't like the weather here, wait a day and it will change! It can always be worse...

A storm has knocked down trees in Hawaii after dropping more than 30 inches of rain and mountain snow.

01/29/2026

Here's an interesting idea!

"If passed, the bill will allow Kansas tax filers to open up an ISA at a financial institution and make contributions up to a set amount, depending on their tax filing status. Account holders can then use the money contributed to pay for any property and casualty insurance expense including home and auto insurance premiums and their associated deductibles. A married couple contributing the maximum to an ISA can save up to $670 on their taxes every year."

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt this week testified in favor of a bill that would create an Insurance Savings Account (ISA). The Kansas

01/27/2026

This great information applies to everyone, not just Missouri residents!

"The first piece of advice is to document any damage before making temporary repairs or emergency fixes.

The department also tells property owners to keep any receipts for emergency fixes or repairs."

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance(DCI) is offering guidance to Missourians impacted by winter weather.

01/22/2026

The cold snap is here and will get worse for a period this weekend. Maintaining heat to your house will help keep piping from freezing. If you will be leaving, consider shutting the main water line to avoid a mess when you get back. The temperature you keep your house and the temperature outside meet in the middle of the exterior walls. -30 outside, 70 inside = 20 degrees in the wall where your pipes are. Opening cabinet doors to allow warm air can help and even trickle water to avoid freezing pipes.

11/27/2025

Winter is on its way, and now's the time to prep your home and avoid common cold-weather insurance claims. Swipe through for simple, proactive tips that make a big difference when temps drop.

From smart thermostat settings to old-school gutter checks, these steps can help keep your home safe and your policy stress-free this season.