1/19/2012 - Four in 10 drivers have delayed car repairs   A new survey indicates that in an effort to save money, many Americans have put off having their vehicles serviced, even though doing so jeopardized their driving safety. The poll, conducted by Consumer Reports, indicated that 40% of respondents said they had postponed having their car checked out by a mechanic for repairs on such things as brakes, tires and headlights. Among these motorists, 44% admitted that doing this could...

James just got a part-time job with a new company in Cincinnati that offers rides to patrons for a slightly cheaper fare than typical taxi services.  Patrons simply request a ride through an app on their mobile phone and James arrives to take them to their destination.  James uses his own car to transport the patrons.  With this new job his car became a care for hire.  One evening James had two passengers and was headed from a downtown bar to their home in Mt. Adams, oth...

On this Independence Day EK Agency is excited to announce Etler-Kettenacker Agency Monthly New Car Contest!  Everyone has been keeping up with our weekly blog regarding various types of insurance, insurance laws and spotlights on companies and carriers that work closely with EK Agency and EK Agency appreciates their clients, readers, fans and followers.  Now, we want to add some extra fun and give something back to our clients and friends.   What is Etler-Kettenacker...

During these summer months I am sure you have encountered a bicyclist on a main road and you weren’t quite sure what traffic laws they were supposed to abide by and how you should approach the situation.  I have.  Particularly when there is heavy traffic and you need to get around the bicyclist to prevent further traffic issues.  Bicycling on Ohio Roads is this week’s EK Agency blog topic and will cover a few bicycling traffic laws, offer a few tips on encountering a b...

So youve booked your vacation, purchased your travel insurance, and are all packed for your trip! The only thing left is getting there. Whether youre traveling by car or plane, renting a car or taking your minivan, there will likely be some form of driving on your trip -- even if its just to the airport! So today, we are talking about driving safety. Heres your safe-driving checklist: Have your car serviced before a long trip! This way, you wont run into any car trouble at 1 am when you...

So if you are expecting, about to become a grandparent, already a parent or you (or your child) just got a summer job as a nanny or babysitter: READ this post! Car seat safety guidelines have changed radically in the last few years. So, even if you have younger kids, you might not be aware of the new rules. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their recommendation on car seat guidelines, urging parents to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until the...

The recent shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church claimed the lives of nine people, and is a somber reminder the worst can happen anywhere. While places of worship are generally considered safe, bad things can still happen. While church shootings are rare, church personnel should be aware, trained and prepared. Heres how: Establish and Educate a Team Get an "action team" in place, and make sure everyone knows their roles. Create a phone list in your mobile phone, and m...

Car seat guidelines have changed dramatically in recent years. For instance, the AAP now recommends that babies continue to ride in their rear-facing seats until age 2 (at least!). However, after your childs second birthday, there are still strict safety rules you need to follow. After your child turns 2, the AAP advises continuing to use the rear-facing seat until he or she exceeds the manufacturers recommended height and weight limits. Once that happens, you can then switch your childs ...

Weve all been there: youre signing the papers to rent a brand-new Ford Focus for a week, when the representative asks: "Are you interested in purchasing rental insurance?" Um... are you? Is it a good deal? Do you really need it? Today we are talking about Rental-Car Insurance -- the pros, the cons, and whether you do, in fact, need it. The 411 on Rental-Car Insurance Just like every other type of insurance, rental car insurance is there to protect you in the event of an accident...

Mortgage/rent, groceries, savings, insurance... these are the non-negotiable expenses in someones monthly budget. And lets face it, most of us arent exactly thrilled to shell out a portion of our hard-earned money for insurance -- especially car insurance. The fact of the matter is, many of us pay our car insurance premiums diligently every month -- and never actually have to use it. We dont get into any major accidents -- and small scuffs from taking a curb too close simply arent worth filin...

With many Tri-State schools starting up this week, we thought it appropriate to issue a little PSA: Dont text while driving. Please. Whether youre a 16 year old who just got their license or a veteran driver -- please, put the phone down! A few facts and figures: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2012 driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes – with 3,328 people killed – and crashes resulting in an injury &...

Its been a crisp, beautiful fall week here in the Tri-state -- perfect for pumpkin patches, hay rides and football! This cooler weather also serves to remind us that yes, fall (and eventually winter) are upon us. For homeowners, fall is the time to take care of your yard! View this work as an investment -- the maintenance and preparation you do now will protect your lawn from damage that can be caused by the elements, and allow grass, trees and plants to emerge victoriously come spring. ...

Weve all been there -- youre driving on the road, minding your own business, when a deer suddenly jumps in front of your vehicle. Or, perhaps you notice a squirrel or bird in the middle of the road as you approach -- but it doesnt seem to notice you. Or, youre in your neighborhood when a cat wanders into the street. As the temperatures cool down, youll notice more animals wandering around -- especially deer. You generally have precious few seconds to react -- and how you respond could be the ...

With temps starting to dip into into the 40s at night, you may be tempted to run your furnace. And while conserving energy is great -- its actually a good idea to get the ole furnace running sooner rather than later. Testing your furnace out before winter hits is a wise choice, as it allows you to make sure there arent any leaks, odd smells or issues. Here are 3 things every homeowner should do to make sure the furnace is running in tip-top shape: 1. Change the furnace filter. When yo...

We "fell back" last weekend; and while that may have bought you an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, you were probably shocked to find it getting dark at 5 p.m. Daylight savings time brings winter, shorter days and longer nights -- which means youll likely be driving in the dark a lot more. Here are our top tips for making sure you stay safe as you navigate the dark: 1. Check your vision Even if you have 20/20 vision, youll find your depth perception isn’t as keen at night. If you...

It has been COLD around here lately -- and theres still lots more time before Mr. Groundhog makes any predictions about spring. In addition to being a nuisance, cold weather can also wreak havoc on your pipes, gutters, cars -- you name it! Here are 5 tips to help avoid any weather-related damage to your property this winter: 1. Check your attic Make sure there arent any leaks, which can lead to roof damage, ice dams and higher heating bills! While youre up there, insulate any areas...

Its Valentines season, and we are feeling the love. Any small business owner will tell you that the highest compliment they can receive is a customer referral. One of the top reasons to choose a small business over a larger one is the quality of customer service we can offer. For local businesses without the marketing budget of a big corporation, or the cache of a publicly traded company, referrals are the most effective way to attract new business. "Word of mouth" can make or break a ...

If youve been asked to swipe your credit card lately, you may have noticed a new machine at checkout. Or perhaps you opened the mail to find a brand-new Visa with a shiny microchip embedded in the front. In fact, by the end of the year, your whole wallet will have undergone an overhaul, with all your old credit cards replaced with new-and-improved chip cards. Here are the details: Whats a Microchip Card? These microchip cards have been around in Europe awhile, but are relatively ...

Happy Spring! With Sunday marking the first official day of spring, we naturally got to thinking about spring cleaning. Since we recently outlined all things tax-related, we felt it only appropriate to start with ways to spring clean your wallet. (You know, that catch-all for paper receipts, membership cards, pictures and spare change.) 1. Ditch the Social Security Card If your social security card is in your wallet, remove it immediately. Not only is it unnecessary, but if someone ...

It may sound like something out of The Jetsons -- but self-driving cars are here! According to recent data, as many as 10 million cars will be outfitted with self-driving features by the year 2020. While exciting, these futuristic vehicles have opened up a whole can of worms. Especially for insurance companies. How are they insured? Who’s to blame in the event of an accident? Can you trust machine over man? We don’t know the answers to these questions, but here are some f...

We all know we shouldn’t text and drive. So when Apple introduced its CarPlay system, we had lots of questions.. and concerns. Here’s a brief breakdown of the issues at play. What: The CarPlay is a system that integrates the iPhone with in-car entertainment systems. The setup includes a console touchscreen as well as buttons on the steering wheel that activate Siri, Apples voice command system. CarPlay allows drivers to make calls, listen to voicemails, hear and dictate text mess...

By its most basic definition, insurance is protection against the unexpected. It’s paying for piece of mind. No one expects to run into car trouble an hour into their road trip -- but things happen! As you hit the road for vacation this summer, we recommend adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy. Think of Roadside Assistance like AAA; only, instead of having to purchase a separate AAA membership, you can bundle this extra coverage into your current policy. Generally...

Tis the season for lawn care! As you walk the aisles of Home Depot in search for a new lawn mower, you’ve probably come to realize it’s not as simple as just picking the one that’s on sale. There are so many options, and what’s best for you is dependent on a number of factors, including: Yard size Lawn topography Mowing frequency Your age/physical fitness level How “green” you are Not to worry; we’re breaking ...

We’ve all been there: you’re driving down the highway and a rock flies into your windshield, immediately cracking it. Or maybe you come out to your car after work to find a brand-new chip in your windshield. Windshield chips are unfortunately part of driving. Stuff happens! As drivers, we’re probably unsure of when we should seek professional repairs - and, more importantly, how much repairs will cost and what’s covered by our insurance. Small Repairs As a gen...

If you get into a car accident, what do you replace the damaged parts with? Will any old part do, or should you replace with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts? Does it matter? And, more importantly, what does your insurance cover? You may think you need to replace with original parts, but thats not always the case. Or the most economical. Heres what you should know: Unless youre a car enthusiast, you wont notice a difference. According to the Consumer Insuranc...

If you’ve ever joked about hiring a chauffeur to shuttle your kids to and from their various activities, you’re not alone! With back-to-school season upon us, many of us are in desperate need of a little help getting our kids around town. Between transporting your kids to and from school, extracurriculars, soccer practice, weekend football games, study sessions and playdates, your family minivan is probably feeling more like the family taxi. For working parents, the 9-5 sc...

Weve talked about self-driving cars before, debating the pros and cons of these cars of the future. However, this week, Bloomberg Technology posted a bullish case for self-driving cars. In this article, the media mogul quoted a recent study by insurance broker Aon Plc. According to Aon, premiums for U.S. auto insurers may drop more than 40 percent once the use of automated vehicles has been fully adopted by 2050. Aon analyst Paul Mang was careful to specify the conditions under which ...

Next time you hail an Uber in Pittsburgh, you might end up riding in a machine-run vehicle! In August, NPR reported on Ubers plan to run an experiment in Pittsburgh, where it will test the first-ever self-driving fleet thats available to everyday customers. For safety purposes, an Uber staff member (an engineer or specially trained driver) will be inside, acting as a human "co-pilot." So technically, its not a car without a human. In fact, for the time being, a human co-pilot is a neces...

Tis the season for the holidays -- leaving our waistlines a little bigger and our bank accounts a little smaller! While we cant offer any advice for keeping your diet on track (thats what Januarys for, no?), we can help you save a little money this holiday season. How? By reviewing your car insurance policy, of course! As the inforgraphic ave illustrates, there are many ways to trim your auto policy. Here are some more top money-saving tips: 1. Bundle up! Were not talking about out...

Cincinnati got its first snowfall of the season yesterday -- and all the traffic holdups and headaches that come with it. According to the National Weather Service, this snowfall is a preview of whats to come: recent reports indicate that this season will bring more of that white stuff than last year. Dont panic -- prepare! Here are 3 car insurance tips for the winter: 1. When possible, stay home! Theres a reason local schools close when it snows -- slick roads mean more accidents! No...

2017 has just begun -- but, as this video shows, the future is already, in fact, here. Weve talked about self-driving cars before; most notably, how these smart vehicles could affect insurance premiums (both negatively and positively for consumers and insurers!). However, the biggest "pro" on the Self-Driving Cars Pro/Con list, is, of course, the potential for safer driving conditions and fewer accidents. Realizing that an accident was about to occur on the A2 highway in the Nether...

Its common knowledge that one of the quickest and easiest ways to lower your car insurance premiums is to raise your deductible. But is it worth it? Here are 3 scenarios where you should think twice about raising your deductible: 1. You have a new car Congrats -- you have a new pair of wheels (and likely, a new car payment...). Before you change your deductible, consider what would happen in the event of an accident. There is no getting around needing full coverage that includes the coll...

As we get older and go through lifes many milestones, our car insurance premiums can change. We know its probably the furthest thing from your mind (especially as youre saying "I do!" or welcoming a new baby), but its true. Much of the time, these life changes affect your premiums for the better; meaning, theyll result in significant savings. Here are 5 life milestones that affect your car insurance: 1. Getting Married Saying "I do" doesnt just mean metaphorically joining your li...

Looking for something to cheer you up on this gloomy Wednesday? Consider this: it costs less to drive in Ohio than almost every the other state in the county. In fact, Ohio auto insurance is second only to Maine in its affordability. As of 2016, drivers in Ohio will spend, on average, $899/year on car insurance. The national average is $1,325. Why is Ohio so much lower than the rest of the country? It has to do with the number of insurance carriers in the state, as well as Ohios "s...

Picture this: you buy a new car, taking advantage of low financing and no down payment. A month later, you get into an accident. In this scenario, what you owe on the car is greater than what your car is worth. In other words, theres a "gap" between the vehicles value and your loan -- and youre responsible for the difference. This is why gap insurance exists. Gap insurance covers the gap between what your vehicle is worth and what you are actually on the hook for in regard your ...

A recent accident involving self-driving cars has once again put this new technology in the news. Last month, an Arizona driver turned left across three lances of traffic just as the light was turning from green to yellow. According to a report from the Tempe, Ariz., Police Department, the first two lanes were backed up with cars, and the driver crossed them at a speed of about 20 mph. Then, she approached the third lane when a self-driving Uber SUV came through the intersection, hitting...

Car seat safety is so important -- and many of us are (unintentionally) putting our kids at risk due to improper car seat use and installation. Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a series of videos aimed to educate the public on proper car seat safety. These videos are definitely worth a look if you have young kids or grand kids (or are expecting them!):   For more information car seat safety, read ou...

Its a fact: most car accidents are the result of distracted driving. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each day over 8 people are killed and 1,161 are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Whats more alarming, is that the number is likely much higher due to inconsistencies in reporting. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. The CDC classifies three main types of di...

Summers here -- which means its golf season! And if you drive a golf cart, you may need to be thinking about golf insurance. Yes -- golf insurance. If you drive a golf cart only around the links, you might not don’t need additional insurance. But if you own a cart and use it anywhere else, you might. In fact, you likely need golf cart insurance even if you drive exclusively on your own property or around your residential neighborhood! (FYI: most home and/or auto insurance polic...

Summer breaks here, and more and more of us are likely hitting the road for vacation! And with increased driving comes increased risk for accidents. Before you hit the road, however, its important to be prepared in the event of an accident. That means having your car insurance agent on speed dial, and stocking up the glove box with the following: Insurance ID Card, Vehicle Registration Card, Medical Info Card, Emergency Contact Numbers, Pen and Paper, and P...

When planning a summer vacation, the question of whether or not to purchase travel insurance is a tricky one. Most credit card companies offer some form of travel insurance to cardholders who use their card when booking a vacation. (Thats an important caveat: you can only purchase travel insurance from the credit card company from which the vacation was booked.) Recently, WalletHub compared the travel insurance offered by 92 different credit card companies. Of those 92 companies 93% offered ...

Insurance provides peace of mind for whatever life throws your way, which is priceless. However, insurance itself does come with a price. And, while there are many ways to save money with your policies, the truth of the matter is, not all policies are worth it. But there are certain types of insurance every single person needs, period. So read on and make sure youre covered in these areas! Here are 5 types of insurance you absolutely need: 1. Homeowners/Renters If you have a mortgage, insu...

Have a kid in a car seat? The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines recently on car seat usage and safety. The CDCs updated guidelines are more concise and transparent, making life much easier for parents! Heres what you need to know about the CDCs updated car seat guidelines: 1. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years of age or, preferably, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer...

We all know we shouldnt be texting while driving. Soon, Apple will make it impossible to text and drive. Apples iOS 11, a new version of the operating software for Apple mobile devices, will contain a "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature. Whenever the device is connected to a car using either Bluetooth or a cable -- or if the car is moving -- the phone will withhold any notifications for things like text messages or news updates. (Dont worry about being rude -- the sendee will get an auto...

Car insurance companies are paying out claims in record high numbers. Inevitably, this will have an effect on your insurance premium, as insurers have to raise rates to offset these claims. Whats causing this spike in claims, and what can you do? The experts at Selective Insurance explain the 4 reasons your car insurance rates are rising: 1. Drivers are driving more Maybe its due to airfare being expensive, having to commute to work or gas prices making car travel more affordable - but Ame...

The insurance industry has been hit with hundreds of thousands of claims in the wake of recent hurricanes - but its not just homeowners and business owners who are filing the claims. Car owners have flooded insurers with claims, the New York Times reports. Roughly 100,000 claims have been filed so far, with analysts expecting that number to climb as high as 500,000. Unlike most homeowners policies, which generally exclude flood damage, comprehensive car insurance policies do cover flooding, m...

  Self-driving cars promise to transform the automobile industry - and not just for insurers. A recent report in Insurance Journal states that self-driving cars will completely change life for motorcyclists -- for the better. Its a simple safety equation: when robots are at the wheel, far fewer bikers will die on the road. As a result, more people will be inclined to use this alternative form of transportion, which previously had been seen as too dangerous. How, exactly, will self-dr...

If youre about to spring for a new vehicle, you may be wondering about the various warranties and coverage offered through the dealership and your insurance company. Specifically, you may be hearing about "New Vehicle Replacement Coverage" - and wondering whether thats something you should ask your agent about. While we always recommend talking to you agent about any insurance-related questions you have, heres a brief look at New Vehicle Replacement Coverage: What it is In the event of an ...

If you have older parents, youve likely had to think about some sort of long-term care plan. Long-term care refers to the help that people with chronic illnesses, disabilities or other conditions need on a daily basis over an extended period of time. This type of help needed can range from assistance with simple activities (such as bathing, dressing and eating) to skilled care thats provided by nurses, therapists or other professionals. Long-term care policies can pay different amounts for d...

The holiday season is here! And so is the holiday shopping season. Those last-minute deals online are too good to pass up: 40% off and free, 2-day shipping? Quadruple rewards points? And no long lines at the mall? Online shopping is a great way to snag great deals -- all from the comfort of your own home (and in your pjs with your favorite warm drink!). However, the like any transaction, there are security issues to keep in mind when buying online -- but by following a few basic guidelines,...

We’ve had a very mild winter so far, but January is here and cold weather is sure to follow! When you are preparing yourself for cold weather you should also include your vehicle.  Follow these tips to help make sure you are prepared when the temperatures start dropping.   Important items to keep in your car. No matter what the weather there are some items that are always good to keep in your car.  Below is a list of items you should have in your car in the event of ...

Many times we receive the question, "Why is my auto insurance more expensive than my neighbors or friends?"  There are many different factors that go into insurance rates and no one is exactly the same.  Here are just a few of the components of auto insurance rating.  Insurance score- Each company has their own way to calculate your insurance score, but most follow this method. They calculate your score from information on your credit report, accident, and insurance claim h...

“An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction. Independent agents are not considered employees of any specific insurance company."    I have found that many people dread talking about insurance or to anyone who works in insurance. This...

If you are looking to add a Kia or Hyundai to your insurance, you may have a hard time due to a new social media trend.  This trend is teaching people how to hotwire certain vehicles that do not have an engine immobilizer.  This has caused many companies to halt writing new business with these vehicles.   How do you know if your vehicle falls under this risk? Your vehicle may be included if it is a Kia between the years of 2011-2021, or a Hyundai between 2015-2021 with a standar...

If you are looking to add a Kia or Hyundai to your insurance, you may have a hard time due to a new social media trend.  This trend is teaching people how to hotwire certain vehicles that do not have an engine immobilizer.  This has caused many companies to halt writing new business with these vehicles.   How do you know if your vehicle falls under this risk? Your vehicle may be included if it is a Kia between the years of 2011-2021, or a Hyundai between 2015-2021 with a standar...