tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43743610217675263212024-03-13T02:09:30.495-07:00Insurance Anythingmerak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-85700902585474343162015-07-02T06:27:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.207-07:00Ohio Teen Driver ChangesEffective July 1, 2015 there have been some changes to the laws for drivers under the age of 18 in the state of Ohio that all teens and parents of teens should be aware of. The changes are as follows:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVaK-OVQ0G0Oj4b5MNDR1xhUmMzt7rV71b7gp0OdV39DhOBTW4zzMn1_MCtZ7g8dVLps0wEm16WvzcA4Cha_lA2bHBTqL0cdHVXg4q9oZs7KZ8lTw5avHYwV0jcRqifClScre_F8QxVk/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVaK-OVQ0G0Oj4b5MNDR1xhUmMzt7rV71b7gp0OdV39DhOBTW4zzMn1_MCtZ7g8dVLps0wEm16WvzcA4Cha_lA2bHBTqL0cdHVXg4q9oZs7KZ8lTw5avHYwV0jcRqifClScre_F8QxVk/s320/pic.jpg" width="320" /></a>-No driving between midnight and 6 a.m., unless a parent or guardian accompanies the youthful driver. Those with valid documentation from work, school or church allowing for travel for activities between these hours are exempt.<br />-No driving with more than one non-family member in the car<br />-All passengers must wear safety belts at all times<br />-Prohibits the use of mobile communication while driving<br /><br />For more details about this change check out <a href="https://www.ohioinsurance.org/oii-reminder-stricter-teen-licensing-laws-effective-july-1/" target="_blank">this article from the Ohio Insurance Institute</a>. merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-73600948273999405932015-06-04T11:57:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.286-07:00Cincinnati Insurance Company AdCincinnati Insurance Company has a wonderful new ad.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/121133841?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/121133841">Everything Insurance Should Be®</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user33572623">The Cincinnati Insurance Company</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-421160685918096332015-05-08T08:47:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.363-07:00Tornado Truths That Can Help You Stay Safe <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Tornadoes have caused severe and irreparable damage to tens of thousands of Americans and their property in recent years. On top of the physical and emotional fallout, many have also lost their lives as a direct result of a tornado.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Although you can never control the weather or the outcome of a destructive storm, there are steps you can take to help you and your family remain protected in the event of a tornado. Those steps of action begin with knowing fact from myth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are a few tornado truths that could help keep you and those you love safe:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">indoors</b>, shut all windows and doors. Do not leave them open in an attempt to follow the mythical need to “pressurize” your home because the result would more likely be debris flying through the window and causing severe harm, or wind pressure working to lift the roof off the house from the inside. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">inside your home</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">or other structure</b>, retreat to the lowest level (a basement is ideal) or the room closest to the middle of the home or farthest from windows and doors. Do not seek a “corner” of the structure for your retreat; instead, go to the center-most point, away from windows and anything heavy that could fall on your head.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">outdoors</b>, find the lowest spot, such as a ditch or dry river bed, and lie flat on your stomach, covering the back of your head with your hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not follow the myth of seeking shelter underneath a bridge or overpass because it could collapse on top of you or large debris and winds could come rushing underneath and potentially sweep you up into the tornado itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in a vehicle</b>, abandon the vehicle and try to find shelter in a structure or outdoors in a low place where you should lay stomach-down and cover the back of your head with your hands. Most importantly, do not attempt to drive away from the storm unless it’s very obviously far away and moving in the opposite direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not take shelter near a road or foothill and expect the tornado to miss you. Some myths say that tornadoes will reverse their directions when nearing a road or foothill, but a tornado doesn’t discriminate and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> keep on its path.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep head gear handy. Head protection can be the number-one most important factor in remaining protected from flying debris—indoors or outdoors—so know where bike, football, batting, boxing and other helmets are in the house, and make them easily accessible. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">At <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Fey Insurance </span>we want to help you know the tornado truths that will help keep you and your family safe. For more tornado safety tips, visit the Storm Prediction Center’s comprehensive guide at </span><a href="http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-79945414677234973482015-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.397-07:00After-School Safety Tips for Parents and Kids <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parents, weather is starting to warm up in southwest Ohio, so you’ve likely already reviewed the basic safety tips for kids who walk or bus to and from school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those tips, of course, are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: auto auto 10pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Walk with a buddy<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: auto auto 10pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Stay in well-lit areas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: auto auto 10pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Never accept a ride with strangers <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: auto auto 10pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Once home, lock the door and don’t let anyone in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, </span></span><a href="http://micheleborba.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Michele Borba</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, urges you not to overestimate your kids’ safety smarts. Kids under 10, for example, may not grasp the concept of crossing a street safely, she says. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She suggests teaching them: “Stop. Left. Right. Left.” Meaning that children should, “</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">stop at the curb, look left, right, then left again before crossing, and keep looking as they cross.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Another thing kids need to know, says Borba, is how to ask for help. Have kids practice saying, “I need help,” out loud and instruct them to </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“find a uniformed employee, a police officer or a woman, preferably with a child,” when they need assistance, she says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once home, kids will likely use the Internet, so be sure to discuss digital safety too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Staying Safe Online<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Intrnet safety advocate </span></span><a href="http://suescheff.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sue Scheff</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">author of Wit's End and </span></span><a href="http://www.googlebombbook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Google Bomb</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, says that,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> “we need to put parental controls/security measures on computers and cell phones. Unfortunately, these aren’t guarantees, so having a <i>cyber-smart</i> child is your best defense.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teach kids about the dangers of sharing personal information, such as their home address and phone number, online. And about using social media responsibly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While online, it’s best for kids – and adults – to converse and connect only with people they truly know and trust, to keep their social accounts private and to still be cautious even then. After all, photos and information that go online today will still be there years later, when kids apply for college scholarships and jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Above all, stay involved in your kids’ digital lives. Let them know you’re there for them, always – to talk, not to judge or punish, says Scheff. “Many kids fear having their Internet removed if they <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">tell their parents</span> they are being bullied online,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So keep the lines of communication open to help keep everyone safe, both in and outside of your home.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">-Safeco Insurance Article</span></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-17733860047036417732015-03-04T05:25:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.408-07:00Prevent Water From Going Where it Shouldn’t <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79xytcLVpbgHYyVnvEWCaOBXz8IsO_AkRzlMJMe0LQVC4eBiTq9O-D2LJfji3s-XzyBV5DA6x9EIP7vS6ITw54eI2b7lSfFZ3xeHbDvLlNdipkILViNBp6fOBMIuFJDzMOJFW19N3UPQ/s1600/water.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79xytcLVpbgHYyVnvEWCaOBXz8IsO_AkRzlMJMe0LQVC4eBiTq9O-D2LJfji3s-XzyBV5DA6x9EIP7vS6ITw54eI2b7lSfFZ3xeHbDvLlNdipkILViNBp6fOBMIuFJDzMOJFW19N3UPQ/s1600/water.png" height="279" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most disheartening experiences is to find flooding or extreme water damage to your treasured home in Oxford or Cincinnati, OH.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At <a href="http://www.feyinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Fey Insurance</a> we know you want to protect what’s important. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s why we’re offering these tips to help you prevent many of the most common causes of water damage. <o:p></o:p></span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Just a little time and some effort can prevent a lot of heartache and hassle.</span><br /> <br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Make sure your water pressure is not set too high. For just $6 or so, you can purchase a gauge that will help you test your pressure for the appropriate level, which should be set between 60 and 80 PSI.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Standard hoses on new appliances are not as durable as they used to be. So check your appliances. If they’re rubber, either replace them with longer lasting stainless steel braided hoses or replace them every three years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep water from leaking into the walls or floor of your bathroom by replacing cracked tiles and re-grouting when it’s needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Examine the shingles on your roof. Worn, curled or missing shingles allow water in, so replace them as soon as noticed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider buying a water alarm, which can help you find leaks, or automatic shut-off mechanisms, which can help avoid bursts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A lot of water damage occurs when you and your family are away from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a practice to avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher while you’re out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When you leave for vacations, turn off the water supply to appliances.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep up maintenance on all appliance hoses, because slow leaks from worn out hoses can cause major damage (and they are not covered under Homeowners insurance). <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At Fey Insurance </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">we hope these pointers will ensure your house stays nice and dry this year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">-Safeco Insurance Article</span></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-76057917610424637362015-01-30T12:46:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.485-07:00Why your privately held business needs Directors & Officers Insurance<em>by Tom Kelly, Cincinnati Insurance Company</em><br /><br />Every corporation relies on the guidance of its board of directors for success. Although lawsuits against larger, publicly traded companies receive the lion’s share of media attention, privately held corporations are also vulnerable to lawsuits by competitors, government agencies, creditors and employees. You can protect your hard-earned success by purchasing directors and officers insurance (D&O) coverage for your company.<span id="more-2142"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEOLhERpdOpwhEPHtBnToM6s7QNkVIF-yhFbMRx_6tDzLhJxUykf9Qtt-PUJ01SBxuXZpqRaE81p9O3iPeAI4wWA7ZeqBVaNUhMVfL9Zo_Ka-kNGxSHQE65iymNuovizecM_GXNdr7RE/s1600/mixed-group-in-business-meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEOLhERpdOpwhEPHtBnToM6s7QNkVIF-yhFbMRx_6tDzLhJxUykf9Qtt-PUJ01SBxuXZpqRaE81p9O3iPeAI4wWA7ZeqBVaNUhMVfL9Zo_Ka-kNGxSHQE65iymNuovizecM_GXNdr7RE/s1600/mixed-group-in-business-meeting.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>Having directors and officers insurance coverage in place can help you attract the talent you need for your board. Directors or officers of privately held companies who do not insist that the company purchase D&O insurance are putting themselves, their spouses and their estates at financial risk. D&O insurance minimizes risk to their personal assets.<br />Not having D&O coverage can have a serious impact on a company’s viability. Even a financially sound business may have insufficient funds to defend officers and directors in the event of a lawsuit. A D&O policy will take care of defense costs and settlement, even if t<br />he company ends up in bankruptcy.<br />States impose statutory duties on corporate directors. D&O coverage protects the company and its directors from claims arising from alleged or actual failure to uphold those duties. Directors are under legal obligation to govern their corporation and carry out their responsibilities of office:<br /><ul><li>in good faith</li><li>in the best interest of the corporation</li><li>with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances</li></ul>Similar duties are imposed on officers of a corporation who may or may not serve on the board. Both directors and officers share the duty to:<br /><ul><li>grow the company by prudently managing the affairs of the business</li><li>exercise due diligence that is standard for operating the business</li><li>maintain loyalty to the corporation to avoid conflicts of interest</li><li>obey the corporate charter and state corporate statutes</li></ul>Policy limits and other factors can vary. Your legal advisers and local independent insurance agent can help you determine how much coverage you need. Premiums are based on the coverage limit requested and other factors such as type of business, financial strength, claims history and deductibles.<br />Additional coverages, such as employment practices liability, fiduciary liability and cyber liability insurance, may also be available to eligible companies for an additional premium.merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-84641807285491623432015-01-06T16:50:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.494-07:00To Shovel or Not to Shovel? Here's the Law in Ohio <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKnp6rdHRI7GONyexoY1h_mJUTRKg3JnA4fM6xOWidacgDGyEaSuCXoApuGLFQ0h3d7sbrvs8xYtaoUixdU-vSkgYpdDjN6BV2LNzrHQ9YEA1DyGvh7Mjcm5j6w5KJO5LV1ru3o1Ze0s/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKnp6rdHRI7GONyexoY1h_mJUTRKg3JnA4fM6xOWidacgDGyEaSuCXoApuGLFQ0h3d7sbrvs8xYtaoUixdU-vSkgYpdDjN6BV2LNzrHQ9YEA1DyGvh7Mjcm5j6w5KJO5LV1ru3o1Ze0s/s1600/pic.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">As far as Ohio law goes, homeowners don’t have a legal obligation to shovel sidewalks due to a natural accumulation of snow and ice, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to maintain them.<br />In December 1993 the Ohio Supreme Court upheld this law when a guest attempted to sue a homeowner in Franklin County for a slip and fall outside of the homeowner’s house.<br />In the case <i><a href="http://bit.ly/1xB6NSw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #247679; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Brinkman v. Ross</span></a></i>, the court ruled that you are walking at your own risk when Mother Nature calls. The case stemmed from a visit by the Brinkman’s to the home of the Ross’ in February 1989. Ms. Brinkman slipped outside the Ross home breaking her ankle. She sued her hosts in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The court threw out the complaint, indicating that it had long been established that Ohio homeowners are not obligated to remove natural accumulations of snow and ice.<br />The decision was reversed in the court of appeals, saying that if a homeowner knows of a hazardous condition and invites guests to visit, there is an obligation to at least warn them. The case then went to the Ohio Supreme Court where the judgment was overturned.<br />It’s up to your guests and other pedestrians to assume that due to the nature of Ohio winters, there’s always a risk of a slip or fall due to the natural accumulation of ice and snow.<o:p></o:p></span><br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Local snow removal ordinances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Local municipalities may invoke snow removal ordinances. If your city or township has an ordinance that requires residents to keep walkways free of snow and ice, then you have a responsibility to maintain your sidewalks. Some Ohio cities with snow removal ordinances levy fines for not removing snow in a timely manner while others issue warnings.<br />However, a local ordinance does not automatically implicate a homeowner if someone slips and falls on their uncleared property.<o:p></o:p></span></div><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Examples of local snow removal ordinances/requirements<br /></span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Below are links to information and/or snow removal ordinances for several Ohio cities and communities. The Ohio Insurance Institute suggests checking with your local municipality on any snow removal policies or requirements. Many provide this information online. Use the key word search “snow removal ordinance” along with your city or local municipality’s name.</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">• <a href="http://city-egov.cincinnati-oh.gov/Webtop/ws/council/public/child/Blob/33199.pdf;jsessionid=D4E7C6EB23D6FBAC96E7E10614FEE4DE?m=32074" target="_blank"><span style="color: #247679; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cincinnati</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">• <a href="http://www.fairfield-city.org/publicworks/sidewalksnow.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #247679; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Fairfield</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">• <a href="http://www.cityofcenterville.org/content/view/711/1236/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #247679; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Centerville</span></a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">• <a href="http://columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=73592" target="_blank"><span style="color: #247679; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Columbus</span></a></span></span></span></span></span>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-30690209418482401742014-12-24T06:13:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.572-07:00Safe Travels this Holiday <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCnBLI1DQYF_u1wVvG3PNKi5uiEcC2AyXuq7eFy1TTgZPWmVaFMEv39lUXKzv4KQSDwgqU-cn5ZRp-3o1z10XlBNgajAvjs4XLr4RuIBMpWxkXfZ_NUB3iAR0zoqAlhSacYMVi2QQma8/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCnBLI1DQYF_u1wVvG3PNKi5uiEcC2AyXuq7eFy1TTgZPWmVaFMEv39lUXKzv4KQSDwgqU-cn5ZRp-3o1z10XlBNgajAvjs4XLr4RuIBMpWxkXfZ_NUB3iAR0zoqAlhSacYMVi2QQma8/s1600/pic.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Holidays are in full swing and with Christmas just a day away; many have already started their Holiday travels. Being the insurance people that we are, here are a few tips for a safe and secure season of travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1) Make your home seem like someone is still there. You can do this several ways. Leave your front and back porch lights on so that at night your house is lit up. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail while you are gone so it doesn’t stack up. You can also ask the post office to hold if for you until you get back. Another way to make it look like you are home is to ask a neighbor to pull in and out of your driveway at some point if it snows giving the appearance that you have been in and out of your house.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2) Don’t show off to the Facebook world that you are on vacation. I know this can be tough for some but letting everyone know you are out of town on Facebook can be dangerous. We recommend waiting until you get home from your trip before you post vacation pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3) Car travelers should be prepared for heavy snow at all times. The best way to do this is to make sure you have extra blankest, windshield washer fluid, ice scrapers and even a small shovel. You never know when you might need any of those things. Also, be sure to have your phone charged during the trip so that you have it in case of an emergency.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4) Don’t skimp on heat in your home: we recommend to keep the heat in your house at a reasonable level so your pipes don’t freeze. <br /><br />Those are just a few simple tips. We here at <a href="http://www.feyinsurance.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #073763;">Fey Insurance</span></a>hope you have a wonderful Holiday and Merry Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-56818864167334254232014-12-10T17:07:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.583-07:00Home Security System<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdg4NPXssro98cGimRCk8PdZ7sasfVzmXEdfj_xqU8BSY8xl__Se0Gf7QRD2cunBsJ5m5czoP6tQfgkPCZr_29HvKLetjlEcGBzTMgp46xB8BSbrgoQb9kCZH2q2-f41r6eFVc6-QbFc/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdg4NPXssro98cGimRCk8PdZ7sasfVzmXEdfj_xqU8BSY8xl__Se0Gf7QRD2cunBsJ5m5czoP6tQfgkPCZr_29HvKLetjlEcGBzTMgp46xB8BSbrgoQb9kCZH2q2-f41r6eFVc6-QbFc/s1600/pic.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On a daily basis you see ads on TV for home security systems. We at Fey Insurance highly recommend the installation of a Home Security System to add additional protection for you and your family. Insurance will work to put your property back in place after a fire or burglary, but a Home Security System will work to prevent or minimize the effects of that fire or burglary. If you are interested in such a Home Security System, please call us and we will tell you our opinion of the various manufacturers and what features to consider. For example battery backups are usually included in Home Security Systems, but we would also recommend cellular backups for your system in the event your normal phone service goes down or even disabled by a potential burglar. We would include carbon monoxide detectors in your system especially if you have a natural gas furnace or hot water heater. Central station monitoring is preferable to systems that go directly into a police or fire dispatch. Both are considered superior to a system that only sounds a local alarm in your home. There are discounts on your Homeowner policy for the installation of a Home Security System. Please call us to review those discounts. But the most important reason, in our opinion, to install such a system is for additional security for your family and peace of mind that you are doing everything to protect your family and your property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-52272886260398965112014-11-26T08:50:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.660-07:00Alternate Sources of Home Heating <br /><div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc2SpLZbrwWcxbEnPgAruhWCJyJ6uaR5aN6qEgFg0fM944i_7mvXIR-cZbA95aEG5Pj7yynosOs4_pQQ3fXZ9UZL9A3rX9aPafZ-5BVXnkQ-2Qs_xIyXQ6Iw1onkVER7fih1B5mAjC3I/s1600/MP900414059%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc2SpLZbrwWcxbEnPgAruhWCJyJ6uaR5aN6qEgFg0fM944i_7mvXIR-cZbA95aEG5Pj7yynosOs4_pQQ3fXZ9UZL9A3rX9aPafZ-5BVXnkQ-2Qs_xIyXQ6Iw1onkVER7fih1B5mAjC3I/s1600/MP900414059%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>The high cost of home heating and the current recession have led many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. Many of these sources of heating may be acceptable if appropriate safeguards are used. However, be aware these supplemental heating devices are responsible for thousands of home fires each year.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>WOOD STOVES</strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Wood stoves cause more than 4,000 residential fires each year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Cleaning more often may be necessary. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS</strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Space heaters need space, keep combustibles at least three feet away from the heater. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>KEROSENE HEATERS</strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heaters use in your community. Never fill your heaters with gasoline or cam stove fuel, both flare up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill an portable heater and never fuel the heater when it is hot. Use the kerosene heaters in a well-ventilated room. Kerosene heaters pose perhaps the worst exposure largely due to improper use and the fact they contain a highly flammable liquid-not to mention potentially dangerous fumes.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>FIREPLACES</strong></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Fireplaces and wood stoves regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and crack to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs, and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Do not wear loose fitting clothes near any sealed metal container outside the home.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Always remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Source: US Fire Association</div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-47784686755674149432014-11-12T10:36:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.740-07:00Insurance Things to Consider on Rental Properties <br /><div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUHp500A7k6GXa8bXdrKQEcyoIdje5HItpZVK-fA0QCuPica8zIFP3NbIHNm4O7QeW_tzEFzihe7iw8TG1VxOd1reWStD9Qkw53FxV2bGkvWyUCVrt9_rRtlIblYsCDj_8j7QELKCg7g/s1600/MP900442456%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUHp500A7k6GXa8bXdrKQEcyoIdje5HItpZVK-fA0QCuPica8zIFP3NbIHNm4O7QeW_tzEFzihe7iw8TG1VxOd1reWStD9Qkw53FxV2bGkvWyUCVrt9_rRtlIblYsCDj_8j7QELKCg7g/s320/MP900442456%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a>Over the last few years many homeowners have turned into landlords. With the real estate market drop, those that decided to purchase a new house also decided to not sell their prior home for fear of a financial loss on the property. Instead, they have turned their prior house into a rental. The trend still continues today even after the real estate market has rebounded some because landlords are seeing great cash flows from renting. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Here at <a href="http://www.feyinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Fey Insurance Services</a> we insure a number of these properties and on occasion we are asked by clients if we have any insurance tips in renting a property. When asked we always mention these five things:</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">1. Temperature Requirement in the Lease: It is a good idea to include a clause in your lease that requires the tenant to keep the heat no colder than 59 degrees. This is important because around the Holidays many tenants will travel and if they want to try and save a buck they may turn off the heat. Pipes do not enjoy this especially with a polar vortex threatening again this year. This way, if they do turn the heat off and pipes break you can pass that damage on to the tenant.</span><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">2. Renters Insurance for Tenants: Since you may have passed on the risk of pipe freezing damage to your tenant you then want to make sure they have insurance in place to pay for such damages. Requiring tenants to have renters insurance is a good idea. Not only does it protect their contents (which is excluded under your policy), it protects your property if they are negligent in causing damage to your property. I would recommend they have liability limits at least the value of your property.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /><div>3. Dogs: Know your states laws on dog attacks. For example, in Kentucky there was a law recently passed that could drag landlords into dog attack claims. This may make it difficult to get insurance for a property that has a dog. If you are going to allow dogs to live on your premises it is best to limit which kinds as some insurance policies exclude coverage for "vicious dogs".</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Loss of Rents Coverage. Make sure your rental property insurance policy includes coverage for loss of rents. If you sign a year's lease with someone and then have a fire a month later, you are going to be out 11 months of rent or at least however many months it takes to rebuild the house. You can recoup this loss with loss of rent coverage. Also, make sure that you have enough loss of rent coverage. Many polices give you 10% of your dwelling limit or give you a flat $25,000. Add up your annual rents and make sure you have enough coverage.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Certificates of Insurance from Contractors: Unless you yourself are handy, you may be employing contractors to do fixes around your rental property. We strongly recommend you ask these contractors for proof that they have insurance. If they were ever to cause damage to your tenants contents or to your tenants person, you would want to make sure they have insurance to cover such things.</div></div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-2677702648766498112014-10-29T04:13:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.774-07:00Road trip! Know the laws where you driveBefore you head out on your road trip, consider your itinerary. Traffic laws and enforcement in states that you visit may differ from the state where you live.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhQppjZgRJMoFTg6LeFq7xVDeLaoTAIqR1Lkrc13unhkcNA-iJNaneor8bgECQi3HOgdCiT_8xqBmE4tQ1v9zjzP78tLMZPAUQmO_5kUvW2eEAvg7SFfFKwpuFbz-0aChl1bqw52mbUY/s1600/car-with-luggage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhQppjZgRJMoFTg6LeFq7xVDeLaoTAIqR1Lkrc13unhkcNA-iJNaneor8bgECQi3HOgdCiT_8xqBmE4tQ1v9zjzP78tLMZPAUQmO_5kUvW2eEAvg7SFfFKwpuFbz-0aChl1bqw52mbUY/s1600/car-with-luggage.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a website with a map detailing state <span style="color: blue;"><a class="external external_icon" href="http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/state-laws.html" id="externalicon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Third Party Website Icon Link"><span style="color: blue;">distracted driving laws</span></a></span>. Click on the state to see restrictions on cell phone and texting use by age, in school zones or construction zones.<br /><br /><span id="more-831"></span>The <span style="color: blue;"><a class="external external_icon" href="http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/index.html" id="externalicon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Third Party Website Icon Link"><span style="color: blue;">Governors Highway Safety Association</span></a></span> also offers a convenient map describing many traffic-related laws. Click on the state for a list of laws and restrictions connected to seatbelts, speeds, older or younger drivers, motorcycle helmet use, child safety seats, impaired or aggressive driving and driving in work zones. Another source for state traffic regulations is the <span style="color: blue;"><a class="external external_icon" href="http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics" id="externalicon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Third Party Website Icon Link"><span style="color: blue;">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</span></a></span>.<br /><br />Your automobile or travel club may also be able to provide information specific to the states you plan to visit.<br /><br />Here’s a summary of some common traffic-related laws:<br /><b>S</b><b>peed limits</b> for passenger cars vary from 55 to 75 mph on interstate highways, and limits can change between urban and rural areas.<br /><b>Cell phone</b> restrictions vary widely. In 11 states and the District of Columbia, all drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones. Several other states ban all cell phone use – handheld or hands-free – for young drivers.<br /><b>Texting while driving</b> is a bad idea no matter who or where you are, but the penalties you may face for breaking the law could vary. In 41 states and the District of Columbia, text messaging is banned for all drivers. Some states put additional restrictions on young drivers.<br /><b>Seat belt enforcement</b> may be either primary or secondary. For a primary offense, a law enforcement officer can cite you directly for not using your seat belt. In states where enforcement is secondary, you would be cited only in conjunction with another traffic infraction.<br /><b>Child safety seats</b> are required in all 50 states for children who meet certain requirements, and all states except Florida and South Dakota also require booster seats for older children. <span style="color: blue;"><a class="external external_icon" href="http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html" id="externalicon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Third Party Website Icon Link"><span style="color: blue;">Check the chart</span></a></span> for weight limits and fines in each state.<br /><b>Young drivers</b> in some states are limited in the number of passengers they may carry, and passengers may be limited to immediate family members only.<br /><b>Headlights </b>may be required even during the day in some states if weather conditions require you to use windshield wipers or when visibility is restricted by fog. Look for a sign at the state line.<br /><b>Stop light and speed cameras</b> may be in use in some communities. Most states do not have laws restricting these enforcement measures, so don’t be surprised if you drive through a municipality that uses them. In most cases, the use of enforcement cameras is posted on signs at city limits.merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-63055840527033093122014-10-08T03:46:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.785-07:00Why "Spending 15 Minutes or Less" Can Hurt You <br /><div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Buying insurance is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Who you buy it from can be the difference between devastation and recovery when disaster strikes.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">We are grateful that you chose to buy through an independent insurance agent.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Today’s TV and media ads bombard you with the message that purchasing insurance is as simple as grocery shopping. In truth, it’s not. You can’t pick a product off the shelf and be on your way.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Finding the right coverage requires due diligence on your part and ours, something you can’t get from a 15-minute phone call, a celebrity or even a talking lizard.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>Why do people prefer independent agents?</b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2VHKbQFxWv91Qp_FPxgphxb88x51OcyVPkL2tDXMHBBU-VAZPpd_UeK-xMuQz0kuVRNTZ5D9-menuQS5SpJiElxWIgTKdTdLcAfNCz8Ddf-fMgctIOihq6UPTrtzFGjLoACw2MGROLE/s1600/MP900430721%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2VHKbQFxWv91Qp_FPxgphxb88x51OcyVPkL2tDXMHBBU-VAZPpd_UeK-xMuQz0kuVRNTZ5D9-menuQS5SpJiElxWIgTKdTdLcAfNCz8Ddf-fMgctIOihq6UPTrtzFGjLoACw2MGROLE/s1600/MP900430721%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Consumers feel the difference. Almost 60 percent of consumers who purchased insurance through a direct channel 10 or more years ago reported switching back to an independent agent because they wanted more value, according to a 2013 study conducted by InsightExpress, an independent marketing research firm.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Consumers switched back to an independent agent because they wanted one point of contact to handle their insurance questions and needs. They wanted guidance from an experienced insurance professional, the study said.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">That’s what we do. Independent insurance agents represent multiple insurance companies. We are familiar with underwriting styles and have researched the nuances of numerous policies.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>Risk management is key</b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">We also provide advice on the ins and outs of risk management, meaning we explain coverage options and how having or not having that coverage could impact your entire situation.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Our philosophy is to look at the big picture. We believe your insurance program is there to protect all of your assets. What you choose for one type of coverage, such as auto insurance, can have an impact on all of your assets.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Some competitors will lure you with a lower rate on a single type of insurance, but less coverage. You may think you got a deal, but you could get burned later.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">When our clients ask for a quote, we don’t just do the comparison shopping and run the numbers – we strive to find the best coverage and rates for your particular needs.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>How things go wrong</b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Independent agents offer a complete package, whereas some competitors are interested in only one piece. For example, they might sell auto insurance and tell you that insurance shouldn’t be “bundled.” Looking at it piecemeal instead of as an entire solution is where we’ve seen clients get hurt.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Imagine you purchased lesser coverage through a company that said they’ll take 15 minutes to save you money on auto insurance. When you signed up, the representative didn’t ask about the value of your home or tell you that your level of coverage should involve looking at the value of your assets. Later, you cause a major car accident. Your auto insurer writes a check that doesn’t cover the victim's expenses, and with that, the insurer’s obligation to you is over. But this doesn’t cover a hurt passenger’s expenses, so he sues you for $1 million. If your home is your biggest asset, you face losing it</span><span> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><i>and</i></span><span> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">your savings.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>When you work with an independent agent</b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">In that scenario, we could have helped and suggested umbrella coverage. But with a telephone or online quote, this may not have been an option. Our agency is here for you throughout the life of your policy. We answer questions, handle issues and adjust your coverage as needed. To file a claim, you call us, not an 800 number. We advise you and walk you through the process. Personal attention is part of the package.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Our competitors are at a disadvantage because they sell for a single insurance company and are limited to the options offered by their employer.</span><span> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><b>Bottom line, our competitors represent their insurance company. As independent insurance agents, we represent you. </b></span></span></div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-61316265791938770432014-09-11T04:52:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.819-07:00How to Avoid Contractor Fraud<br /><div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin: 4pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Starting a house project? Read these helpful tips before you hire a contractor. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDMn-LZDLZ3ZsIP4C5dQMm_TJIHlSTDvHBDOT03WkTGjCVHdkxSgWMuVD1fWGF9yaE_u8HIJS2NGHxtPoCdFnBo3GvowGr_CjJKJ-KapXfBW6tGBEzkkvbBqAbBEQ9cKRX_fHotzmpl8/s1600/MP900182819%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDMn-LZDLZ3ZsIP4C5dQMm_TJIHlSTDvHBDOT03WkTGjCVHdkxSgWMuVD1fWGF9yaE_u8HIJS2NGHxtPoCdFnBo3GvowGr_CjJKJ-KapXfBW6tGBEzkkvbBqAbBEQ9cKRX_fHotzmpl8/s1600/MP900182819%5B1%5D.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Get a list of reputable contractors from your insurance company, the Better Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization like Angie’s List. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Contact multiple contractors, and obtain more than one estimate. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Don’t allow a contractor to inspect your property if you’re not home. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-When the contractor is inspecting your property, personally watch him conduct the inspection. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Obtain the terms and conditions of the project in writing, including details on specific supplies being used and who will purchase and deliver them. Include an estimated completion date and a price-deduction schedule if work takes longer than promised. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Ask about warranties on work. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Make sure the contractor gets the necessary permits and puts them in his name. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Ask for references from recently completed work. Call them and look at the work if possible. Ask if there were issues and if the homeowner would use the contractor again. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Ask the contractor if he has liability insurance, and get the policy number and agency’s name. Call the agency, and ask them to provide you with a liability certificate of insurance. There should be no charge to you as a customer of a contractor. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Avoid signing the contract until the document is reviewed fully and/or discuss the terms of the contract with a legal representative or a knowledgeable source. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Pay the contractor by check or credit card rather than in cash. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">-Don’t pay for work in advance. If possible, don’t pay until the work is done. If you do agree to pay portions at different stages, make sure the bulk of the payment is made at the end of the project after inspections are passed. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">-Get these details in writing. </span></span></span><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p></span></span> </div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p> <span style="font-size: x-small;">-Ask for proof of insurance and get certificates of insurance especially workers compensation.</span></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A2"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;">Sources: Ohio Department of Insurance, PIAA of Ohio, and Ted Kinney, CIC, CPCU, ARM</span></span><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-67367544849324973432014-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.830-07:00Insurance Tips Before and After A Disaster <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“If only I knew.” Four words spoken after disasters by people who’ve learned they don’t have the insurance coverage they thought they had. In our agency, we never want you to be in that situation, so here are some tips to help. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><b><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Advice you need before a disaster </span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You might have purchased your insurance a long time ago. Do you remember the coverage choices you made and your deductibles, endorsements and exclusions? These details can make or break a family after a disaster, so take a few minutes to call us to see if your coverage fits your current needs. Be sure to report life changes and significant purchases or home improvements. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you know how much coverage you have if your home or possessions are damaged by rain, hail, lightning or tornadoes? If your roof was damaged in a storm, would it be repaired or replaced? How soon after a storm do you need to report a loss? Are you aware that most renters and homeowners policies don’t cover floods or earthquakes? Do you have loss-of-use coverage in case you have to vacate your home temporarily? If a tree falls on your car, do you have the right auto coverage? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">If you don’t know the answers, it’s important to call us to learn what your policy specifies. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="A1">Another helpful tip is to create a home inventory every few years. It sounds like a headache, but anyone who has filed a claim will vouch for its value, and technology has made the process quick and easy. Videotape or photograph your possessions room by room. Get close-ups of valuable items, and keep receipts. Create an inventory by downloading an app or using a website like knowyourstuff.org, recommended by the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA). Store this inventory on the web or somewhere outside your home to keep it protected. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><b><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Insurance tips for after a disaster </span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Inspect your property and vehicles. Make a list of what is damaged and how. Take photos for documentation. And report your loss in a timely manner. Also take steps to protect possessions from further damage after the disaster. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">If you need to move out of your residence temporarily, provide us with a phone number where we can call you. Find out the monetary limit your loss-of-use insurance covers before you choose a hotel. When you file a claim, back it up with written estimates and your home inventory information. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="A1"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Prepare now, and your family will be grateful if there ever is a disaster.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-27943578714222313232014-06-27T13:17:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.865-07:00PIAA Takes Lead in Helping Fix Workers’ Comp Exposure for Ohio Employers <em>PIAA wrote the following article on 6/27/14 with news on the resent Ohio Workers Compensation program. The article is as follows:</em><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT BUSINESSES WITH EMPLOYEES WHO WORK IN OTHER STATES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you know some states do not recognize Ohio’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage? Many Ohio business owners have no idea that they are at risk for compliance audits and fines when their employees travel to other states for business. </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As of June 16, 2014, this issue is on its way to no longer being a problem. Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 493 into law, which offers an insurance coverage solution for all Ohio employers whose employees cross state lines.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">H.B. 493 permits the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to enter into an agreement with an insurer to provide limited other-states’ workers’ comp coverage for Ohio employees who are temporarily working in another state. With this arrangement in place, Ohio businesses will no longer have to fear the repercussions of aggressive states like Pennsylvania and Kentucky that do not accept Ohio’s workers’ comp because they require local workers’ comp coverage for all work performed in-state, regardless of whether coverage exists in Ohio. <span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While local workers’ comp coverage can be obtained in these states, it is not necessarily cost-effective. In addition, obtaining blanket cost-effective out-of-state workers’ comp coverage has been a challenge in the current marketplace where such a product is hard to find. With H.B. 493, this will soon be an issue of the past, as BWC works to create the opportunity to provide guaranteed issue workers’ comp coverage to resolve the problems many Ohio businesses have faced due to other states workers’ comp requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>How did this issue surface?<br /></b>Independent insurance agents throughout Ohio found their trucking, contracting, plumbing and other clients were being hit with audits, fines, taxes and other compliance enforcement actions from border states because Ohio’s workers’ comp insurance was not compliant with the insurance requirements of other states. These compliance issues were putting Ohio businesses at a competitive disadvantage. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Professional Independent Agents Association of Ohio, of which your agent is a member, created a task force of independent insurance agents who serve a variety of businesses. These agents worked with the Ohio <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">BWC </span>and representatives from other industries, like trucking and contracting, to develop a solution to this problem. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s Next?<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that the bill has been signed into law, BWC will begin the competitive bid process to identify an insurance carrier(s) to provide limited other states’ coverage for Ohio employers who need it. <span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While this process will take some time, the outcome will ensure that Ohio businesses will finally have guaranteed access to a workers’ comp insurance product that provides the type of out-of-state coverage that will protect their business and meet their needs. Furthermore, employers and insurance agents will no longer have the burden of trying to determine all the different workers comp requirements of each and every state where work is performed, since there will be access to a workers’ comp product that is accepted in all states. <o:p></o:p></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-37199215012480875522014-06-06T09:07:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.874-07:00Rental Car Insurance: Buy or Not Buy <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">During the summer our agency receives a lot of phone calls from clients who are sitting at the airport getting ready to sign up for a rental car. The rental car employee has just asked them if they wish to purchase the “extra” insurance from the rental car company, and they are not certain if their personal auto insurance protects them on rental cars or not. So they pull out the cell phone and call </span><a href="http://feyinsurance.com/"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="color: #073763;">Fey Insurance Services</span></span></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;">Our answer is always this, “It is not a black or white answer. </span><br /><div><div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEvayboPNf3uzPtQmY8E_gUaoM6uO5gltQOr37KN3Uqg0mwl9vyNJUI-J-VlRi39pb1F_L2CY26wgsLAA1W6nJ2YdrtEO_aewc81Uynz-oehImyZmLJHDZZZzW9sG6iHl8K4vDWWtUjE/s1600/MP900400851%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEvayboPNf3uzPtQmY8E_gUaoM6uO5gltQOr37KN3Uqg0mwl9vyNJUI-J-VlRi39pb1F_L2CY26wgsLAA1W6nJ2YdrtEO_aewc81Uynz-oehImyZmLJHDZZZzW9sG6iHl8K4vDWWtUjE/s1600/MP900400851%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;">Unfortunately it is a gray answer so we recommend you purchase at least the “Collision Damage Waiver”. Normally the client is somewhat confused on what the “gray” answer is but the beach is calling and they want to get on their way. So, I thought with this blog article I would hit on two reasons why it is a “gray” answer when it comes to purchasing insurance from the rental car company on a rental car.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;">The first reason is contract language. Two contracts would be involved if you did not purchase rental car insurance from the rental car company. The contracts would be the one between you and the rental car company (the one you sign in order to rent the car) and the contract between you and your personal auto insurance company. Each of these contracts can be different depending on which rental car company you are using, which state you are in and which personal auto insurance company you have. Because of this there are all kinds of possible gaps in insurance coverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An example gap is “loss of use”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of rental car companies will charge you for the loss of use of the car while it is in the repair shop after you caused an accident that damaged the vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that if it takes a week for the car to be repaired they will charge you a week of rental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some insurance companies do pay this extra cost and some don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gaps like this can be avoided by just spending the extra money on “Collision Damage Waiver”.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;">A second reason we feel it is a gray topic and you should just purchase the extra coverage is that often times you drop off a car after your trip and no one from the rental car company is present to help you check for damages to the car. We have had a couple of cases where our clients received a letter from the rental car company seeking money for a ding or scratch. They swear they never caused any damage to the car. Unfortunately, when they turned the car in there was no one to sign off that the car was returned undamaged. So, when another vacationer in an unfamiliar car at an unfamiliar airport (who is late for their flight) pulls in next to you to drop off their rental car, and they bump into the car you had just dropped off twenty minutes ago, you have no way of proving you where no longer responsible for the vehicle when the damage occurred.</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times new roman;">So we recommend you play it safe next time you rent a car and purchase at least the “Collision Damage Waiver”.</span></div></div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-60215079189947290442014-04-10T12:47:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:07.909-07:00Auto Liability Basics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyNwrTdWz6fIc1lMgHHlIM5bOPa4NINQn5SoX2NpdJFgiEmkuogzczbceJkh-NF6TaH0q_JY3I5yjH-0CvDmdDDQiBvAzZy-vP0dIdhShqCkzvBBhXvupefQyBMkYJbd_YlGnb4YQwQU/s1600/MP900309408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyNwrTdWz6fIc1lMgHHlIM5bOPa4NINQn5SoX2NpdJFgiEmkuogzczbceJkh-NF6TaH0q_JY3I5yjH-0CvDmdDDQiBvAzZy-vP0dIdhShqCkzvBBhXvupefQyBMkYJbd_YlGnb4YQwQU/s1600/MP900309408.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Auto insurance liability limits come in a few different forms as well as in many different levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two main forms of auto insurance liability are “Split Limits” and “Combined Single Limit”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One main thing to first understand about auto insurance liability limits is that these limits are what’s used by the insurance company to pay out on your behalf the damages that you cause to someone’s body and or property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Auto insurance liability limits are not used to pay money toward your injuries or property damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those coverages are auto insurance medical payments coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not be addressing those items in this blog post.</span> <br /><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Split Limits have three different ceilings or maxes that the insurance policy will pay out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those three different maxes are “bodily injury per person”, “bodily injury per accident” and “property damage”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often you will see insurance policies with split limits of $250,000 bodily injury per person and $500,000 bodily injury per accident and $100,000 in property damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What this means is that if you cause an auto accident the most that one individual will get for their bodily injuries is $250,000 from your insurance policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there are multiple people in the other party’s vehicle then the most the policy will pay out is $500,000 in bodily injury to all involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accidents that you cause will usually result in property damage to others and $100,000 is the max that the above example limits will pay for someone else vehicle or property.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Combined Single Limit still covers bodily injury and property damage but there is only one lumped together limit for the policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example if you have a $500,000 combined single limit policy than the most the other party will receive for their bodily injuries (no matter how many people are in the vehicle) and property damage that you cause is $500,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not a per person limit sublimit nor a property damage sublimit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></o:p><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There are many different levels of auto insurance liability limits you can have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each state has a minimum which means you at least have to have the amount they require in order to legally operate a vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This limit is usually very low and in order to best protect your assets and help restore people that you cause injury and damage to we recommend much higher limits of insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously the higher the limits of insurance you purchase the more money the insurance policy will cost but extra money you spend could be the difference in protecting your assets after a large claim or have the possibility of losing some of your assets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-53664575101827104502014-02-05T04:46:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.920-07:00Snow Emergencies OverviewWith all the snow and ice today I though it would be good to have a refresher on what snow level emergencies meant. <br /><br />Find emergency classification details and Ohio law pertaining to snow emergencies online at: <a href="http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/SnowEmergencyClassifications.aspx"><span style="color: #073763;">http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/SnowEmergencyClassifications.aspx</span></a>Snow emergency levels and enforcement<br /><br /><strong>LEVEL 1</strong>: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Drive cautiously.<br /><strong>LEVEL 2</strong>: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.<br /><strong>LEVEL 3</strong>: Roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it’s absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. During a Level 3 emergency, drivers may be subject to arrest and/or fines.<br /><br />When a Level 2 or 3 is issued, motorists are advised to seek public transportation. In a Level 3 emergency, conditions are not safe and driving is limited to emergency personnel and personal emergencies. One purpose for issuing a Level 3 snow emergency is to enable snow removal equipment to adequately clear roadways without the obstacle of motorists. Citations could be issued for reckless or unnecessary driving during a Level 3 emergency.<br />merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-72092636111761405462014-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.954-07:00Small Businesses Need Liability Insurance<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today many small businesses are popping up. The reasons for this vary. Many want to be their own boss, some people are creating their own job since they are unable to find one or many corporate companies are encouraging their employees to become 1099 consultants to help save on benefits. Either way, people are setting up on their own and it is to these people that I write this blog article.</span> </span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2xSKgCU6LKOeJQakre-9mEd2rhNUOPa5Z1KS0HtPY-bO-1yn6J_MQqLUCgdDLKtOKyrR-e745DSpT_nR96B2oRIJ2xHWtKJnX7Z3Jhvm6OPzXU3M8vbS42weMmacbM7YFgxMtSvcr5E/s1600/MP900422149%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2xSKgCU6LKOeJQakre-9mEd2rhNUOPa5Z1KS0HtPY-bO-1yn6J_MQqLUCgdDLKtOKyrR-e745DSpT_nR96B2oRIJ2xHWtKJnX7Z3Jhvm6OPzXU3M8vbS42weMmacbM7YFgxMtSvcr5E/s1600/MP900422149%5B1%5D.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Start up costs are a difficult things to manage when you are just beginning your business. Many demands are placed on your budget but one thing I would encourage you to put top on that list is liability insurance. All business, big or small, should have liability insurance to both protect the business itself and its customers. Here are four reasons I would strongly recommend liability insurance even for theone person shop.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>1) Contracts</u>: Contracts are king these days. Customers require contracts to do business with you. In many contracts you will see insurance requirements so it is best to have that in place at all times to be able to meet those requirements, especially if you are bidding for a job. Many start up business work out of their home but for those that lease space elsewhere you will find insurance requirements in your lease contract that need to be met.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>2) Slip and Falls</u>: As I write this article Ohio is dealing with cold weather, snow and ice. Already claims are coming in where people have slipped and injured themselves outside of businesses. Whether you are negligent or not in these situations there is still a cost to defend yourself when someone comes to your door on crutches handing you their medical bill from the fall they took on your premises. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>3) Product Liability</u>: Retailers who sell products have the exposure of something going wrong with their products and causing injury. Especially if your product is used in cooking or toys for children, this risk is always there and could be very costly.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>4) Property Damage to Others</u>: Contractors face this risk the most. If you are mowing a customer's yard and cause rocks to damage near by cars or houses you will be liable to pay for the damages. If you are a contractor working on a customers building and end up damage a portion of the building you are not working on, that damage will be your responsibility. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">These are just four examples of where businesses risk having claims. Each of these would be covered by a general liability policy setup for your business. Be sure to consult with an independent agent that can help pinpoint the type of coverages that best suit your business and stay protected from unexpected expenses.</div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-51693075007149391402014-01-02T13:03:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:07.965-07:00Extended Dwelling Coverage on a Homeowner<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P1cesMyTV0JRoOJLIxGuHi-amBAA_741zAuD79mxLAI5epzIbBzjcnv3fVPpUGf1czjbGPCs_PbF2zaky34hSd_Oldvg89pSxOz3v6tUyqD8UH5XK8XrQt9Ha3MaDsW9fca1eQfH_aA/s1600/MP900442644%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_736709="null" gua="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P1cesMyTV0JRoOJLIxGuHi-amBAA_741zAuD79mxLAI5epzIbBzjcnv3fVPpUGf1czjbGPCs_PbF2zaky34hSd_Oldvg89pSxOz3v6tUyqD8UH5XK8XrQt9Ha3MaDsW9fca1eQfH_aA/s320/MP900442644%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Many moons ago all insurance companies used to have guaranteed replacement cost endorsement you could put on your homeowner policy. This endorsement would guarantee that the insurance company would rebuild your house exactly as it was prior to the claim even if your limit of insurance on the house was lower than the cost to rebuild. Today many insurance companies limit that endorsement to only homes that are considered high value (homes valued at $500,000 or more). The endorsements also require that the insurance companies send out professional reconstruction appraisers to figure out as best they can what it would cost to rebuild your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">For those homeowner clients who have a house valued at less than $500,000 the endorsement that needs to be added to the homeowner policy is Extended Dwelling Coverage. What this endorsement does is give a percentage of the homeowner limit as extra coverage in case of a total loss on the home. For example, if you have 25% Extended Dwelling Coverage and your house is insured for $200,000 then you would actually have $250,000 if your home suffered a total loss ($200,000 X 1.25 = $250,000).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />We feel this coverage is important for two reasons. One reason is we do not send out professional reconstruction appraisers to every house. Instead, insurance companies use in house software that helps determine reconstruction cost on your house using things like square footage, construction type, location, year built, etc. to come up with a value. These programs are usually very accurate but nothing replaces the accuracy of an in home visit with measuring tape and details of the type of amenities in the house. The Extended Dwelling Coverage endorsement helps make sure that if for some reason the calculations on the house are a little off, there is still enough insurance there to replace the house to its original state.<br /><br />The second reason we encourage this endorsement is for catastrophe situations. Let’s say a tornado wipes out not only your house but two other neighborhoods worth of homes. Every builder and building supplier in town will be in demand. Economics 101 will tell you that if demand goes up and supply is the same, then prices are going to rise. That home that only cost $200,000 to rebuild just got a lot more expensive but if you have the Extended Dwelling Coverage on your homeowner you would be in a much better situation.<br /><br />One thing to note about this endorsement, you can’t use it to underinsure your home. In our example above, you can’t insure the house for only $160,000 and add the 25% Extended Dwelling Coverage (which would put your total insurance at $200,000). That is not the intent of the coverage. The insure companies will use their software to figure out a good estimate of the cost to rebuild your house and you would have to have it insured for that amount in order to add the coverage.</span><o:p></o:p></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-61285076155305005382013-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:08.000-07:00Rental Car Coverage <br /><div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The Holiday Season brings on a lot of travel. People are either taking advantage of time off to go on vacation or they are traveling to see loved ones in other areas of the country. Either way they often rent a vehicle during the Holiday Season so we thought it would be a good idea to post our thoughts on whether to buy or not buy rental car insurance. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DtVHuC5OsSEU90LNwP7VIQRFiuAQCG-XIi9U2DvJ3uR55yFRryFwaqKSXIWT_fjgiO0J3-Oi7S0Lagrqmi5TIWYJIl4-vXDcSk2NAs8uPTY3-bAbfYTNk_McT1diIibwZ0IwNua0DY8/s1600/Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DtVHuC5OsSEU90LNwP7VIQRFiuAQCG-XIi9U2DvJ3uR55yFRryFwaqKSXIWT_fjgiO0J3-Oi7S0Lagrqmi5TIWYJIl4-vXDcSk2NAs8uPTY3-bAbfYTNk_McT1diIibwZ0IwNua0DY8/s320/Pic.jpg" width="213" /></a>The first question we get from customers asking about rental cars is "does my insurance cover a rental car that I rent?" Our answer is always a "gray" answer because it just depends on the coverage they selected on their personal insurance policy, what state they will be traveling in and what rental car company they are using. Because of this "gray" response we always recommend at least take out Collision Damage Waiver from rental car companies. Here are four reasons why this is always a safe option:</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">1. <u> Chance of claims is higher when traveling</u>: In our opinion the chance of a claim when you are driving around an unfamiliar city are much higher then when you are around your hometown. You are not often sure of where you are going so you may spend more time looking at road signsor GPS devices instead of focusing on other vehicles. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">2.<u> Claims paid out by your own policy can cause your rates to increase</u>: As mentioned in item 1, the chance of a claim is higher when in unfamiliar areas and if you were to have a claim and did not buy the Collision Damage Waiver than the payment of the claim would come from your personal auto policy. This could cause your rates to increase. If, however, you had purchased the Collision Damage Waiver from the rental car company the damages to the rental car would be paid by the rental car company and not your personal auto policy. This would help preserve your claims history.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">3. <u> Your auto insurance deductible would apply</u>: If you have a claim and need to go under your own insurance, often your auto policy deductible would apply. If, however you take out the Collision Damage Waiver there would be no deductible.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">4. <u>Dealing with out of state accidents is difficult</u>: If you were to cause an accident while on vacation you would have to work with the rental car company on getting their car fixed by your insurance company (again, assuming you didn't purchase the Collision Damage Waiver). You also run the risk of them automatically charging the damages to your credit card which some rental car contracts let them do. If you did have the Collision Damage Waiver, however, you would just simply turn the car over to the rental car company and they would then deal with all the repairs and not bother you with getting payment for the damages.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It is because of these four points that in <a href="http://www.feyinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Fey Insurance Service's</a> opinion it is always good to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver from the rental car companies. If anything it gives you peace of mind during your Holiday travels.</div></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-48822592117617889502013-11-07T06:06:00.000-08:002015-07-03T12:45:08.010-07:00Named Peril vs. Open Peril Homeowner Policies <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many today feel all homeowner policies are the same, that they are a commodity of sorts. In our professional opinion this is not the case. One glaring difference between homeowner policies is whether they are “Named Peril” or “Open Peril” homeowner policies. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFosB81jQX1LZbOxL8qLPbxVr4heD145jGXxEz1ItadiibwTOS_-xC9KiaJVwQ4znByfouR8n406tBpUKOnjTjHglegGAboLUmgrgchz3_UP9e-F6wj1Um0nOkAaRitmA8xmBoQu450/s1600/Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFosB81jQX1LZbOxL8qLPbxVr4heD145jGXxEz1ItadiibwTOS_-xC9KiaJVwQ4znByfouR8n406tBpUKOnjTjHglegGAboLUmgrgchz3_UP9e-F6wj1Um0nOkAaRitmA8xmBoQu450/s320/Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Named Peril insurance policies specifically list the risks they will cover your home for. The policy contract will cover such happenings as wind, lightning, fire, smoke, theft, etc. If something happens to your home that doesn’t fall into the insurance policies definitions of the name peril terms than there is no coverage.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Open Peril insurance policies state that all risks are covered except for a list of exclusions that are outlined in the policy contract. This type of contract gives broader coverage than a Named Peril because the incident that happened to your home or personal contents doesn’t have to fit into a certain definition of coverage. As long as the incident isn’t excluded it is covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A homeowner policy that is using a “Named Peril” contract will always be cheaper than an “Open Peril” contract. It is important to know this so that you don’t fall victim to purchasing solely on price. You may be excited to see a savings from one policy to the next but that savings could be at a much higher cost and exposure to you. Unfortunately you may not know this until you actually have a claim and are staring at a bill that would have been covered under an Open Peril policy but is not covered now under your Named Peril policy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is just one example of what may be different between homeowner policies. Other things like deductibles, specialty items coverage, fallen tree coverage, water backing up sewers and drains, and earthquake coverage are a few others to consider.</span>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-74224963033029320552013-10-02T05:28:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:08.044-07:00Douglas M. Fey<a href="http://www.feyinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Fey Insurance Services</a> morns the loss of Douglas M Fey who served those in our agency as an owner, brother and uncle. We will greatly miss him and his warm spirit around the office. Below is his obituary.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkajeUEdH2LhGuOdGNqXpCLNYzUoB-YqV_rR68dZiLkkPF04f82zHCaXKLWx5mqQ9cwHrwpphQln__2AaVon3lMj1LHQl92iAZnQ-IWTjCtRiW8bLcwH-styGiGjxgJXnzMqEM-1ZCeSw/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkajeUEdH2LhGuOdGNqXpCLNYzUoB-YqV_rR68dZiLkkPF04f82zHCaXKLWx5mqQ9cwHrwpphQln__2AaVon3lMj1LHQl92iAZnQ-IWTjCtRiW8bLcwH-styGiGjxgJXnzMqEM-1ZCeSw/s320/IMG_1372.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>FEY, Douglas Michael age 64, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 27, 2013. He was born on December 30, 1948 in Cincinnati, OH, the son of Ralph N. Fey and Ruth Yvonne Curpen "Bonnie" Fey. He attended school in Oxford graduating from Talawanda High School and later attending Miami University in Oxford where he was awarded a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1971. While at Miami he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he served as Chapter Treasurer. Following graduation he entered the U. S. Army serving in the Finance Branch in the United States and for 18 months in South Korea. Upon completion of his military service he returned to Oxford to begin working in the family insurance business with his father, older brother, his sister-in-law and later his nephew. Doug was Vice President of Fey Insurance Services. He loved to fly and held a commercial instructor's rating, and at one time he owned a vintage 1946 Piper Cub which he hangered at his family's farm. In addition, he was at various times a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, the Oxford Kiwanis Club, the Oxford Rotary Club and the Oxford Country Club. On October 17, 1993, Doug married his beloved Paulette, and they moved to Lebanon, OH where he lived the rest of his life. Doug and Paulette loved to travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren. He leaves his brother, Thomas Curpen Fey (Cathy) of Oxford, Ohio, Paulette's daughters Amber Mitchell (Jon) of New Carlisle, Ohio, Kim Martin (Zach) of Loveland, Ohio and Laura Hockett of Lebanon, and thirteen grandchildren including Samantha Mitchell, Milo Mitchell, Ulyana Mitchell, Ilia Mitchell, Anastasia Mitchell, Slava Mitchell, Olga Mitchell, China Martin, Nova Martin, Cherokee Martin, Zion Martin, Ivy Hockett, a niece, Elizabeth Fey Mundy (Al) of Cincinnati, Ohio and nephew, Brian Douglas Fey (Kate) of Cincinnati, Ohio and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 2nd from 10:00-12noon at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home with a service immediately following. Interment will take place in Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting <a href="http://www.hoskinsfh.com/">www.hoskinsfh.com</a>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374361021767526321.post-66335544445710415232013-06-20T12:35:00.000-07:002015-07-03T12:45:08.052-07:00Employment Practices Liability <br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A popular insurance text starts with, “The growth of federal and state legislation dealing with employment discrimination and sexual harassment, the changing legal views on wrongful termination, and the increasing tendency of aggrieved parties to turn to the courts for settlement of such disputes have caused insurers to specifically exclude coverage for such employment-related claims in the commercial general liability policy.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZG3ORrsIrXrFqVxQecCB_BW27OHxsLoxWGdyV-NEJWMJ72DP7by7gYdf_I_nD0ia7YcdT4vs4sbnphXsPmkejRWsy-C9sJDUnfoM1pKVrIPI-3_ywGBMPMZBnF8smQ7gk6aKP1IN6Hc/s1600/MP900400367%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZG3ORrsIrXrFqVxQecCB_BW27OHxsLoxWGdyV-NEJWMJ72DP7by7gYdf_I_nD0ia7YcdT4vs4sbnphXsPmkejRWsy-C9sJDUnfoM1pKVrIPI-3_ywGBMPMZBnF8smQ7gk6aKP1IN6Hc/s320/MP900400367%5B1%5D.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To fill this gap, a number of insurers are offering employment practices liability (EPL) coverage as an endorsement to the commercial general liability policy or as a stand-alone policy. Independently developed by each company, the EPL coverage forms vary by company, however, most policies are similar in terms and conditions. </span></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">EPL policies are usually written on a claims-made basis, which means that for a claim to be covered, it must occur during the policy term. Extended reporting periods from one to three years can be added for an additional premium. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In addition to damages paid for judgments or settlements, the cost of defense is covered. However, it is usually paid from the limit of liability, not in addition to the limit of liability. Most EPL policies specifically cover back pay. Back pay is commonly awarded to successful claimants in discrimination and wrongful termination actions. </span></span></span></div><br /><div class="Pa0" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Typically, the definition of “insured” in an EPL policy includes the corporation, its directors and officers, its employees, and, in most policies, its former employees. Some policies limit the definition of “insured” to include only managerial employees. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="A3"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The deductible for this coverage ranges from $1,000 to $250,000, depending on underwriting factors. One difference from other types of policies is that the EPL policy usually requires the insured to participate in losses exceeding the deductible. The amount that the insured contributes after the deductible has been satisfied is based on the “participation rate.” Participation rates are usually 5 to 10 percent, but can reach as high as 25 percent depending on underwriting factors.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>merak duahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00146120290794059872noreply@blogger.com0