Reinsure v\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } o\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } w\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } .shape { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#VML) } Did you know that catastrophic losses both domestic and abroad can raise your personal and commercial insurance premiums?  Due to recent hurricanes in New York and New Jersey and a devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri the companies that reinsure your insurance car...

Insure Your Love February is Insure Your Love month at Etler-Kettenacker Agency.  Life happens and it happens fast.  Life insurance can protect your loved one.  As an example, as a husband how much money would your wife need to pay for your funeral expenses?  How much money would your wife need to pay off the mortgage and any debt?  If you have children and your wife is a homemaker how much money would she need to return to the workforce?  Would your loved one need...

How are you as a consumer shopping for your auto and home insurance?  What is important to you as an insurance consumer when purchasing your auto and home (personal lines) insurance?  Is it the fact that you can go to your agent’s website and request a quote for the plan you want?  Or, would you prefer to speak with a live agent or representative? In a recent article it stated that young consumers in their 20’s and 30’s prefer to do their personal insurance s...

Home Ins Yesterday Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on home insurance specifically relating to replacement cost and actual cash value.  This page discusses the differences and benefits of these replacement options available with your home insurance policy. Replacement cost comes with a slightly higher premium but is worth the expense.  It makes you whole after a loss to your home with current prices of materials for repair or the current cost to replace your home. Ac...

Insurance Branding Etler-Kettenacker Agency just posted a page on insurance branding how much revenue is being spent by insurance carriers on insurance branding.  You can find the full article at http://www.ekagency.com/insurance/branding.aspx.  In 2011 insurance companies spent $5.7 billion on insurance branding.   With the introduction of Flo in 2008 by Progressive other companies have been shelling out billions on celebrity spokesperson such as Dean Winters as Mayhem w...

Insurance Agents This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted and article on insurance agents; what they do, their responsibilities and their importance to you and our economy.  Check out the full informative page regarding insurance agents on Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s website  http://www.ekagency.com/insurance/agents.aspx.   Etler-Kettenacker Agency is an independent agency and employs independent insurance agents.  Every EK Agency insurance agent is licensed...

Wedding Insurance This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on wedding insurance and what wedding insurance covers.  The full page can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/wedding/insurance.aspx.  Many brides and grooms and parents are unaware that wedding insurance is an option.  EK Agency and Travelers offers a comprehensive wedding insurance plan at a very reasonable price.   The wedding insurance plan covers and protects against; severe wea...

Safeco Boat Insurance This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page about the rolling out of Safeco Boat Insurance new boating insurance plan.  You can find the full page at http://www.ekagency.com/safeco/boat_insurance.aspx.   Safeco Boat Insurance has a comprehensive competitive plan to cover your boat, personal property and equipment.  Safeco Boat Insurance covers your personal property up to $750 and if a Captain’s Package is purchased this value is increa...

Pekin Insurance This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency is highlighting three unique and valuable coverages offered by Pekin Insurance.  Please visit for the full page, http://www.ekagency.com/pekin/insurance.aspx for a complete overview of each of the following Pekin Insurance coverages.    Pet Coverage offered by Pekin Insurance helps reduce the cost of veterinary expenses for your pet.  Pet owners know very well that the cost of veterinary care can be expensive if ...

Insuring Your Stay-At-Home Partner This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on the importance of insuring your stay-at-home partner and a few reasons why it is important.  You can read the pull page at http://www.ekagency.com/insurance/stay_at_home_partner.aspx.   No one wants to think about the loss of their partner however, life insurance can’t be purchased after the fact.  The incoming-producing partner must determine what they will have to pay...

Golfing Liability This week Etler-Kettenacker posted a page regarding golfing liability.  The page includes a story based on an actual golfing liability civil case.  You can read the story at http://www.ekagency.com/liability/golfing.aspx.    Etler-Kettenacker Agency is always available to discuss with you in detail what your liability coverages include under your homeowner’s insurance.  In most cases your homeowner’s policy will cover your...

NSI Niche Markets This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency introduced NSI, owned by West Bend Mutual Insurance Company.  NSI niche markets offer affordable and necessary insurance coverage for specialty; niche markets.  Some of the NSI niche markets include; special events liability, social services organizations, sports and leisure clubs and teams, contract bonds and commercial surety.  Again, this is just a short list of NSI niche markets that are available.  For the full pag...

Health Club Insurance Program This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page about West Bend’s health club insurance program.  You can read the entire page at http://www.ekagency.com/healthclub/insuranceprogram.aspx.  Health clubs are considered a niche market and require a specialized approach to ensuring the health club and all the services they provide are properly covered.  The coverages offered by West Bend’s health club insurance program include liability a...

Yoga Studio Insurance This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted the third page regarding niche markets that are covered by West Bend Mutual Insurance Company.  This is the final page in the West Bend series.  This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page about yoga studio insurance.  You may read the entire page at http://www.ekagency.com/yoga_studio/insurance.aspx.   Many may think that a yoga studio would fall into the category of a niche market howev...

Life Insurance Awareness Month This week and for the next three weeks Etler-Kettenacker Agency with LIFE is going to observe Life Insurance Awareness Month.  LIFE (The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education) is a non-profit organization that has the primary goal of educating insurance producers and the public on how to best protect their financial health and financial future.  LIFE has selected our own Boomer Esiason to be the 2013 Life Insurance Awareness Month Spokesp...

LIAM: Life Insurance Products This blog is the last of four installments for LIAM (Life Insurance Awareness Month) at Etler-Kettenacker Agency.  The past blogs have discussed why you need life insurance; Life Happens,” how much your life is worth and the stages of your life when you will want to evaluate your life insurance coverage.  This last week, EK Agency gives you a very broad overview of the two main types of life insurance products; term and permanent life insur...

Properly Insure Your Jewels Today, gold closed at $1309.10 per ounce.  Etler-Kettenacker Agency is urging their clients and friends to re-evaluate your jewelry insurance needs.  In order to properly insure your jewels you will most likely need to have an appraisal performed on your fine jewelry if the pieces have been purchased more than a year ago.  The cost of gold, platinum and some gem stones are going up on a daily basis.  For this reason, it is important to have you...

Frankenmuth Insurance This week is Part 1 of a two part series showcasing Frankenmuth Insurance.  Etler-Kettenacker Agency has been a trusted agent for Frankenmuth Insurance for many years and continues to match numerous clients with their products.  The complete Part 1, highlighting Frankenmuth’s personal lines products, can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/frankenmuth/insurance.aspx.             Frankenmuth...

Frankenmuth Insurance Commercial Lines This week is part two of Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s two part feature on Frankenmuth Insurance.  This second part focuses on Frankenmuth Insurance Commercial Lines.  To see the first installment on Frankenmuth Insurance Personal Lines visit http://www.ekagency.com/frankenmuth/insurance.aspx.      For the full page on Frankenmuth Insurance Commercial Lines go to http://www.ekagency.com/frankenmuth_insurance/co...

Saving 15% This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency has posted a story and the Jones family and the Smith family who both experienced a devastating tornado.  The Jones family chose not to switch insurance carriers thus not saving 15%.  The Smith family chose to switch to a new carrier and ended up saving 15%.  To find out what happened to each family read the story at http://www.ekagency.com/saving/15_percent.aspx.   If you have any questions regarding your homeowne...

Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s Year in Review      This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency wanted to review with our clients and friends some key insurance topics discussed in our articles and blogs of 2013.  The Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s Year in Review article can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/etler_kettenacker_agencys/year_in_review.aspx.  Please take a moment to review the article and the key issues of 2013.   The purpos...

Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s Disaster Preparation Paid Off Early morning January 10th, EK Agency’s disaster preparation was put to the test.  All week EK Agency had been servicing many of their clients with water burst claims due to last week’s sudden plunge to sub-zero temperatures when they faced the same crisis.  As seen in the photos the damage to the building that houses EK Agency was extensive from the rupture of sprinkler system pipes.  To see the full p...

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Philadelphia Insurance Companies has made it a priority to educate drivers on the importance of staying aware while behind the wheel.  Etler-Kettenacker Agency stands behind this campaign to make drivers aware of the dangers of driving while distracted.  First, we must admit we all do it.  Our cell phone rings and we glance to see where it is on the seat next to us or in our purse.  We glance away from the road just for a few se...

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...

Is travel insurance necessary?  The answer to this question is an emphatic yes when traveling outside of the U.S.  To give you the “why” here is a true situation that proves trip insurance can save your life and your financial security.   It was a Tuesday morning and I had just sat down to my desk to review the new appeals that had been assigned to me the previous day.  I was working in the Grievance and Appeals department of a large health insurance...

Last week EK Agency provided you with a true scenario about traveling abroad and what can happen if you or your loved one becomes ill while overseas.  There is insurance for that!  This week’s blog is dedicated for people who travel inside the U.S. or overseas that need similar protection but also would like the benefits of trip interruption or trip cancellation insurance.  To better understand the coverages of trip insurance the following is a brief synopsis of what trip in...

It was a sunny Saturday morning and Laura was unloading boxes from her car along with the help from her Mom and Dad.  Its Laura’s first time living away from home.  She will be starting her first day of her college career on Tuesday.  Instead of living in the dorms she and her parents decided it would be cheaper and better for Laura’s study needs to rent a small apartment off campus.  She plans to stay in her apartment over the summers as well therefore Laura want...

In Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s last blog we outlined an event that happened to a couple while traveling.  There are many reasons to purchase a travel insurance plan.  This blog is dedicated to touching on the types of travel insurance offered by Seven Corners.  Seven Corners offers several plans for the occasional traveler to the frequent traveler the benefits and plan coverages have been outlined in previous EK Agency blogs.  Before wrapping up our “types of trave...

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...

Now that summer is in full swing the waters in the Tri-State area are busy with pleasure boaters and sports fishing boats.  Occasionally, we as boat owners should be reminded about some of the key Ohio Boat Navigation Rules.  If we all keep some of these key and simple tips in mind while operating our boats then our waterways will remain safe.  So far this summer, if you are a boater, you have already witnessed some boaters that are not aware of Ohio Boat Navigation Rules and were...

No one likes to talk about life insurance -- or really, any insurance, for that matter. Because insurance implies that something bad could happen -- and no one wants to think about that. The ultimate "something bad" is death, right? Not to get all philosophical before youve had your morning coffee or anything. Instead, lets just outline the basics of life insurance, and how you can save money by bundling it with your other policies. Life insurance is, by definition, protection against the...

Since today is tax day, it seemed as good a time as any to talk about spring cleaning. I mean, weve all filed those returns, March Madness is over, and the weather is gorgeous -- so theres no more excuses for not getting the cleaning done! We know how daunting spring cleaning can be, and were here to help! Heres a list of items that should be on everyones spring cleaning to-do: 1. Change the furnace filter: Just because youre not running the heat, doesnt mean you shouldnt change your f...

Ok, ok -- last "spring cleaning" post for awhile. Todays topic: stuff you should do to "spring clean" the outside of your house. Because, from an insurance agents perspective, this stuff matters! Not to mention, a well-kept lawn just looks nice (hello: curb appeal!). 1. Mow your lawn. Mowing will force you to pick up loose sticks and branches -- which, if youre noticing lots of dead branches in a particular area, you might need to do some pruning. Dead branches arent just unsightly; theyre al...

Today, we are going to begin our "Insurance 101" series. In this series, well discuss all things related to insurance: terms, topics, types -- if its insurance-related, we will be talking about it. While this insurance stuff gets us really fired up, we realized its not the most exciting stuff for most people. So, well try to make this short, sweet and fun! And dont worry -- this is an ongoing series; we wont be bombarding you week after week with this stuff (in fact, we have a really fun sum...

Can you believe this weekend is Memorial Day? This all-American holiday means barbecues, pools, and summer. As insurance agents, we are always thinking about safety. There are many things to keep in mind as you head outdoors this summer; but today, we are going to discuss something that will be happening in homes across America: grilling. Did you know that 7,500 grill fires occur each year? Gas grills are responsible for the bulk of these fires, which cause roughly $70 million in damag...

Memorial Day kicks off pool season, with community, private and residential pools opening their doors until Labor Day. Keep your kids safe this summer with the following precautions: The Community Pool/Swim Club In addition to protecting your kids from the sun with appropriate hats/sunscreen, your kids should never run by the pool, as its usually very wet and slippery. As soon as possible, enroll your kids in swim lessons. Everyone should know how to swim -- especially little kids. Swim ...

Its June, which not only marks the start of summer, but also wedding season! For those of you with June anniversaries: happy anniversary! For those couples planning a June (or summer) wedding, this post is for you! June weddings have been popular since the dawn of time -- well, at least since Early Roman times. Two thousand years ago, the Romans celebrated a festival in honor of the deity Juno, wife of Jupiter and goddess of marriage and childbirth, on June first. Fast forward to Victoria...

So, maybe you just got married and are about to go on your honeymoon. Or schools out, so you and the fam are taking a summer vacation. Or maybe you recently retired, and you and the spouse are about to travel the world! Summer is by far the most popular time to vacation. Did you know that 45% of Americans take some type of summer vacation? While youre putting together your check-list of supplies to buy, arrangements to make and what to pack, add another item to your list: travel insurance...

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...

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...

As temps heat up, its important for us all to stay cool -- pets included. The same precautions we take when venturing outdoors on a hot day applies for our pets. This includes things such as: Making sure our animals have lots of cold water Keep your animal inside during the hottest times of the day (12-4 pm) Watching your animal for signs of heatstroke: lethargy, disorientation, vomiting, etc. Call your vet immediately if you observe any of those signs. Never, ever,...

For both parents and kids, summer camp isnt just a quintessential part of summer: its a rite of passage! Sending your child to summer camp, whether its half-day, full-day or overnight, is a big step! If your child is headed to camp this summer, there are certain safety issues youll need to consider. So, check out our list, and set your child up for summer camp success! Be aware of bugs Ticks, mosquitoes, spiders -- spending increased time outside opens your child up to potentially ser...

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...

If you are sending your kids off to college this fall, you might be wondering about insurance. Specifically, insuring all that stuff you bought for your college-bound kid: computer, books, bikes and, in some cases, furniture. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that the average family will spend roughly $900/college student -- on back-to-school supplies alone. If your child is going to live in a dorm, add $126 to that number for furnishings, the NRF says. For a full breakdown of b...

Happy Fall, friends! Hard to believe, but cooler temps, fall colors and football season are just around the corner! In a nationwide survey, nearly 30% of Americans chose fall as their favorite season -- and it isnt any wonder why. Cincinnati is drop-dead gorgeous in the fall -- our skies big and blue, trees rich orange and red hues and weather perfectly cool-but-not-cold-nor-hot-nor-humid. However. If youre a homeowner, you might not be singing the praises of fall quite so... enthusias...

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. ...

Most of us probably remember the massive information breach at Target in late 2013. For many who shopped at the mega retailer between November and December 2013, the holidays werent so merry that year as their personal information was compromised. Its estimated that some 70 million records were stolen in the breach, which resulted in $40 million stolen from the company. As of January 2015 it spent $252 million in costs related to the data breach, which was partially offset by $90 million i...

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...

Last week we talked about trick-or-treating tips for your kids; this week, its all about safety guidelines for homeowners. Lots of people really get into Halloween decorations, with homemade "cemeteries" in their lawns, DIY Haunted Houses on their driveways, loads of lights, and lots of hanging skeletons, cobwebs and, of course, Jack o Lanterns. But, as with anything, these decorations can pose a safety risk if youre not careful. Here are 5 safety tips every homeowner needs to follow: ...

This week, were wrapping up our Halloween-themed posts with a fun one: alternative treats to hand out. Now were not suggesting you hand out toothbrushes or boxes of raisins; but nowadays, there are lots of treat options that wont put you at risk for having a tree full of toilet paper on November 1! Here are 25 ideas: Cereal bars/Nutrigrain bars Mini bags of microwave popcorn Snack bags of pretzels or Goldfish crackers Juice boxes Applesauce cups or squeeze...

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...

Alright: its quiz time! Today we are going to play a round of "Would You File an Insurance Claim If...". Answer the following questions honestly -- and remember, this makes a great game for the next family get-together! Would you file an insurance claim if... you got into a fender-bender in the parking lot at Preschool dropoff? Would you file an insurance claim if... a tree branch fell and damaged your gutter? Would you file an insurance claim if... your teenage son backed i...

If youre a fan of live Christmas trees, youre not alone! According to Statistics Brain Research Institute, the number annual sales of live trees outnumber fake by a margin of more than 3:1. Of the people on Team Real Tree, some 84% of them purchase a pre-cut tree. This is dangerous for a few reasons: You dont know how fresh that tree is, and The trunks are often sealed, meaning you cant properly water the tree (and therefore creating a fire hazard. If youre one of the peo...

So youre at the checkout, about to click "purchase" on your online order, when a box pops up asking if youd like to pay an extra $70 for an extended warranty. Youre splurging on a brand-new, $600 DSLR camera... so you hesitate. Should you buy the extra insurance? Is the $70 worth it? Probably not, say the experts. Heres why: New products rarely require repairs. According to Consumer Reports, research reveals that most products usually dont break during the two-to-three-year period...

Happy New Year! If one of your 2016 resolutions was to get your finances in order, youll want to bookmark our blog. All year long, well be talking about ways to save money and get on track. Today, we are looking at Emergency Funds. Why an Emergency Fund? Simply put, life is unpredictable. An emergency is a life-changing event you cannot plan -- like a hospitalization or job loss. Consider your absolute necessities – the things you can’t live without. If you depend ...

For many of us, paying our insurance premiums every month can feel like, well, a waste of money. If were lucky, we dont actually see our money being put to use -- because, the majority of the time, those worst-case catastrophes never happen. Heres the thing: insurance doesnt just protect you from worst-case, life-changing events, it also protects you from that annoying, ugh-why-is-it-happening-to-me-now stuff that can really put a damper on your monthly budget. Safeco coverage is added to...

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 ...

Its going to be a cold week here in Cincinnati, which can only mean one thing: high heating bills. (And snow!) Guess what? You can stay warm and save money!  We have put together a helpful guide that can help you reduce the amount of money you’re spending each month. Here are 5 tips to saving money on your home electricity bill: 1. GET AN ENERGY AUDIT DONE ON YOUR HOME Youve probably gotten energy audit notices from Duke in your mailbox, and tossed them. Dont! A...

Today we are going to talk about liability coverage -- and why you might need to increase yours! Liability coverage covers injuries or damage to other people or property if youre at fault for an accident. Its part of your auto insurance policy, and is covers two types of damage: Bodily Injury: Covers costs if you cause an accident that injures or even kills another person. Bodily Injury will cover hospital and medical bills, rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, funeral expenses, ...

Your teen was likely thrilled to score that part-time job delivering pizzas: Free pizza? Getting to drive around town on the clock? Tips? However, your teen might want to reserve some of those tips for car insurance. In fact, they may need to up their coverage, or, in some cases, switch from a personal to commercial policy. Simply put, personal policies are written with the average private citizens habits and needs in mind, whereas commercial policies are designed to address t...

One of the ways you can save major money on car insurance is by opting for a plug-in diagnostic kit. Known as SmartRide, Snapshot or In-Drive (depending on your insurance company), this device attaches to the inside of your car (like an external hard drive connects to a USB port) and gives you personalized feedback to help you make safer driving decisions. All of your actions while behind the wheel -- miles driven, speed, acceleration, deceleration, what time of day you drive and how quickly...

Driver education classes, "practice" driving hours and memorizing road rules are all important parts of learning to drive -- but there are things only seasoned drivers know (like how you just know that guy in front of you is going to stop suddenly and turn, despite his turn signal not being on). A lot of driving is just getting experience, but you can do your best to set your teen up for success! Before you kid hits the road this spring, be sure you’ve shared the following 3 items: ...

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...

With warmer weather here, perhaps you’re dusting off the motorcycle for the summer! Or, maybe you’re in the market for one of these fun (and fuel-efficient!) vehicles. Before you hop on your hog, please consider the following: 1. Consider upping your liability coverage Liability insurance is required in most states; however, how much coverage a driver has can vary. Liability insurance pays for damages or injuries you cause in an accident, as well as your legal defense if neede...

Most local schools are out for summer this week. While kids everywhere are rejoicing, working parents are faced with the issue of summer childcare. If you’re thinking of hiring a nanny this summer, there are several important factors to consider: Taxes If you hire a nanny, you should think of them as an employee, as far as taxes go. The IRS has criteria to help you determine who is and isn’t an employee, which can be found on their website. If your housekeeper or nanny is your...

If you’ve always dreamed of renting an RV and hitting the open road, we’ve got some important info to share! Whether you want to take the RV around your home state or on a cross-country trip, you’ll need to make sure you’re adequately insured. Here’s some food for thought: 1. Call Your Insurance Agent Talk to your insurance company to find out whether youll be covered while driving the RV. Your regular policy might not cover it, but you may be able to get a ...

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...

In the story of The Three Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf is able to enter the Straw and Stick Houses, as they were flimsy and easy to access. The Brick House, however, was strong and steadfast against the Wolf. Let this be a lesson to all of us to reinforce those doors! As a matter of fact, recent data suggests that burglars aren’t so much breaking and entering, as they are kicking and entering. Nowadays, burglars are simply kicking in doors to get into the house or garage. During a ...

By now, we’ve all heard about the Pokémon Go craze; recently, headlines have shifted to the myriad accidents this cyber game is causing. From fender benders to falls, catching Pokémon has become quite dangerous! Whether you’re behind the wheel or your business’ counter, insurance can help protect you as you capture Pikachu. Homeowners/Renters Insurance This insurance protects your home while you’re away — so if there’s a break-in or fir...

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...

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...

As the weather cools, back porch grill outs become backyard gatherings round the fire pit. (Even for adults, nothing beats a warm fire and smore!) If you have a fire pit, or are considering adding one to your yard, here are 4 things to consider: 1. Permanent or Portable? If you want a more seasonal addition to your yard, youve got options. There are fire bowls that come in a variety of materials: copper or stainless steel bowls are usually lighter, but heavier cast iron bowls a...

Hurricane Matthew is moving toward the U.S. coast -- and for people living down South, the devastation is predicted to be huge. Specifically, the Consumer Federation of America is predicting upwards of 100,000 insurance claims for wind damage, with payouts for damages exceeding $7.4 billion. While were tucked safely in the Midwest -- if you have family or friends down South, please pass along these tips from the CFA: Review your policy Locate your homeowners or renters policy, a...

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, you may be rethinking that holiday vacation to the beach. Before you cancel your trip to Disney World, consider travel insurance! What it is: Like all insurance policies, travel insurance covers the what ifs and worst-case scenarios. Travel insurance is a broad term that encompasses insurance against four major types of losses: medical, trip/flight cancellation, loss or damage to baggage and evacuation. You buy the policy, and if you need to cancel y...

Halloween is Monday, friends! While its certainly one of our favorite holidays of the year, it comes with its own set of safety concerns. Follow these tips for a safe and fun Halloween! Tips for kids: 1. Never let your child trick-or-treat alone. Children should only trick-or-treat with a group that includes enough responsible adults to manage excited kids in costumes that might make it difficult for them to be seen. A little reflective tape on costumes can also help here, ens...

Happy November! Fall is a great time to review your insurance policies and make any necessary changes. And, when it comes to making changes or asking questions regarding your policy, nothing beats one-on-one human interaction. Customer service is key when it comes to insurance. Nowadays, there are lots of options for purchasing insurance online; but, as a recent J.D. Power Studies U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study reports, customers are happier and more satisfied when able to deal di...

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...

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays -- but its also one of the most hazardous. All that turkey and stuffing prep means lots of work in the kitchen, which is almost always ground zero for house fires. Protect your house -- and your guests! -- this year by following a few simple safety precautions courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association: Watch the bird Check your turkey often - and dont leave anything unattended in the oven! If you have any last-minute errands, wai...

Ohio was in the headlines this week -- but not for great reasons: Despite incidents of copper theft trending downward in recent years, Ohio still leads the U.S. in the number of insurance claims for this type of felony. Its the fifth straight year Ohio has claimed this title. Ohio policy-holders filed more than 4,000 claims in for the theft of copper, bronze, brass or aluminum from 2013 to 2015, or 11 percent of the 36,000 such claims nationwide, according to the National Insurance Cri...

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...

Today were sharing 4 buzz-worthy insurance articles weve read this week. From health insurance to home insurance, our industry is making all sorts of headlines this week. As you finish up your last-minute holiday prep, consider giving one (or all!) of these recent articles a read! Insurance company sets Christmas tree on fire to demonstrate holiday fire hazards (Cleveland 19 News) As we reported last year, indoor Christmas trees are potentially very dangerous! One Cleveland company d...

As 2016 draws to a close, were reflecting on some of our favorite stories from the year. From hot news stories to details on a range of insurance topics, we hope our blog has helped you out this year! (Need more help? Call one of our agents!) Here are our top stories from 2016: Why Equipment Breakdown Coverage is Worth It "At a mere $2/month, Equipment Breakdown Coverage from Safeco is less than that latte you got for work this morning!" The Basics of Travel Insurance "Like all ...

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...

Januarys here -- which means its time to take inventory of your insurance needs! The beginning of the year is a great time to take stock of your current insurance needs, considering whats changed since last year, and what you anticipate in the upcoming year. Heres your New Years Insurance Checklist: Auto Insurance Here are a few things to consider: Are all the drivers in your household listed on your policy? Are you taking advantage of all possible discounts? Can you afford highe...

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...

Life insurance is something most of us need -- but choosing the type, terms and amount of life insurance can be daunting. Do you want term life insurance, or universal? Is a higher premium better? Do you really need a $1 million dollar life insurance policy? Today were explaining everything you need to know. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and peruse our ultimate guide to life insurance! Types of Life Insurance The two major types of life insurance are term life and permanent life (...

Does your business need environmental insurance? Probably. Virtually every construction or commercial type of business has at least one environmental liability exposure. Conditions could include a discharge of pollutants brought to the work site, release of pre-existing pollutants at the site or other environmental issues. (By the way, a pollutant is legally defined as something that ends up where it doesn’t belong -- so it can be anything from chemicals to garbage to water.) He...

So you got engaged for Valentine’s Day — congrats! Or maybe your sweetie surprised you with that rose gold bracelet you’ve been subtly dropping hints about for months. Or, perhaps you’re the jewelry buyer, and wondering if you should purchase insurance on your hefty new investment? Today, we’re talking about jewelry insurance; namely, engagement ring insurance (but these rules pretty much apply to any expensive piece of jewelry). What it is: Just...

As homeowners, there are lots of simple things we need to do in order to ensure the safety of our house: regularly checking smoke detectors, replacing furnace filters, making sure our locks are safe, watching our outlets. Add "cleaning dryer vents" to your list of homeowner to-dos; this simple chore could literally save your house. Between 2002 and 2009, clothes dryers were the culprit for almost 14,000 fires, 10 deaths and some $84 million in damages. Many were caused by blocked drye...

If youre a business owner, tax time is likely causing you quite a headache. Getting all your expenses/receipts in order, knowing what tax breaks you qualify for and what you can deduct... the list goes on. While were not accountants, we are insurance experts -- so we can help you out with one particular deduction. Namely: Can I deduct my business insurance? Yes. Yes you can. According to IRS.gov, business expenses are the cost of carrying on a trade or business. These expenses are ...

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...

Homeowners insurance is homeowners insurance... right? Its not. Picking a homeowners policy is about as straightforward as choosing a home -- there are lots of options, lots of hidden costs, lots of variety. Dont assume that the same company youve been using for your car insurance will be the best for your homeowners insurance. While its true that bundling policies saves money, you could save more money by moving your policies to a new insurer. Dont be afraid to look around! Here are ...

If the recent rainfall has you nervous about wet basements, backed-up lines or leaky roofs, youre not alone. Lately, Cincinnati could easily be mistaken as Seattle -- and many of us are probably lacking a key form of coverage in our homeowners policy: Flood insurance. Thats right -- Ohioans need flood insurance, too! Flood insurance covers physical damage to structures affected by flooding from heavy snowmelt and runoff following heavy rainfall. Your flood insurance policy will also co...

Spring has sprung in Cincinnati, which means its storm season! Thunderstorms can obviously wreak havoc on your home and yard, but there are several things homeowners can do to prepare. Here are 6 storm preparation tips for homeowners: 1. Clear your gutters You probably havent done this since the fall -- and leaf buildup, ice melt and even dirt have likely collected since then. Keep your gutters in tip-top shape with regular, seasonal cleanings. 2. Consider a portable generator Th...

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...

Do you have flood insurance? If so, your rates may be going up. Beginning April 1, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policy premiums will increase by an average of 6.3%. How much your insurance will increase depends on the type of policy you have. Seeing the biggest (up to 25%) up in premiums will be those with the following insured "risks": Pre-FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) subsidized non-primary residential properties; Pre-FIRM subsidized non-residential bus...

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...

Mothers Day is this Sunday, and the most thoughtful gift for Mom may be a new insurance policy! If you can answer "yes" to any of the following scenarios, give your agent a call to see if you need to change or add an insurance policy: Is it Moms first Mothers Day? She may need life insurance. Becoming a parent is a game changer, and its important that both parents are covered by life insurance. Read all about life insurance here. Did Mom recently upgrade to a minivan? Hooray --...

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...

Technology cant replace humans -- especially when it comes to insurance. However, a recent article published in VentureBeat, called "How chatbots can settle an insurance claim in 3 seconds," challenged this idea. Citing AmazonGo, the article presented the idea that chatbots, those "smart" robots a consumer texts with, offer a fast and convenient option that is especially appealing in the insurance industry. Writer Alex Sun argues that, since the insurance claims process is usually less t...

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 ...

Becoming a rideshare driver (think Uber/Lyft) is a great way to earn a little extra income. You set your hours and schedule, and are your own boss. But, did you know theres a gap in your auto insurance coverage when you drive for a transportation network company (TNC)?  Nearly every carrier’s auto policies exclude coverage for incidents that occur when a personal vehicle is used to transport paying passengers; i.e., during ridesharing. Heres the truth: the entire time your TNC app...

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...

  Heres a statistic: according to a 2016 survey, 28% of owners had plans to remodel their existing homes within the next 12 months. (For millennial homeowners aged 18 - 29, the number climbed to 37%). As insurance agents, its important to stay in touch with clients in order to provide the best, most up-to-date coverage. Many homeowners arent familiar with remodeling insurance, how renovations will affect their homes value (and therefore, homeowners insurance), and what delays/changes ca...

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...

  In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, many of us are likely thinking about flood insurance. While Southwestern Ohio isnt in hurricane territory, we arent immune to the effects of hurricane season and/or flooding (see above picture of the Cincinnati riverfront from the 2015 flood). Heres what Ohioans should know about flood insurance: Ohioans need flood insurance, too! Flood insurance covers physical damage to structures affected by flooding from heavy snowmelt and runoff following hea...

Theres (a little) good news for homeowners: last Friday, President Trump signed legislation reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program until Dec. 8, 2017, which essentially buys more time for Congress to consider reforms of the program. As we reported recently, the NFIP was set to expire in a few weeks on Sept. 30. The NFIP extension is part of a Congressional resolution raising the debt limit and funding the U.S. government through the beginning of December. It also authorizes $15....

If you have a student just starting college: congrats! As you take mental inventory of the many (expensive) supplies needed for this venture, you may be wondering about dorm insurance. Are dorm-dwelling college students insured? Weve got all the answers in todays blog. The short answer is: yes, your kids are probably covered, in some shape or form. But it depends on where your college student is living. If your kid is living in on campus housing (like a dorm), her belongings may be covered...

  We all know we need life insurance, but coverage depends on a variety of factors; most notably, age. Heres a breakdown of life insurance coverage by age: In your 20s... Life insurance may be the furthest thing in your mind during your 20s, but it shouldnt be. In fact, its important to have life insurance if youve have had kids gotten married provide financial support to a parent and/or spouse have private debt, such as with student loans, a car or ...

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...

As your life changes, your insurance needs change, too. In fact, there may even be types of insurance you didnt know you needed! An "umbrella"  is one of these oft overlooked policies. Umbrella insurance is extra liability insurance thats designed to help protect you from major claims and lawsuits -- and as a result, it helps protect your assets and, ultimately, your future. While the general opinion is that only the wealthy need umbrella insurance, thats a misconception. Here are thr...

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 ...

There are lots of ways technology can be seen as a negative: smartphones are to blame for the recent increase in car accidents, robocalls flood our phone lines, consumers have to worry about online identity theft, the list goes on. However. Insurance is a very personal industry, and technology has complimented and enhanced tactics that agents have been using since the beginning of time insurance. Dont believe us? Here are 4 ways technology makes the insurance industry better - and how clien...

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,...

  My name is Jaime and I’m an agent at Etler Kettenacker Agency. Before I got into the insurance industry I did not really understand the importance of insurance or how it worked.   I swear I would hear the teacher from Peanuts when someone would talk insurance!     Since I just told you how confusing I thought insurance was, you may be asking why the heck I would decide to go work in insurance? 2 words… Life Insurance. My husband, Jason, was our fa...

This week is National Teen Driver Safety week!  It feels like just yesterday your kiddo was born and today, they’re getting their driver’s license.  It’s exciting and terrifying all at the same time!  You have to trust that your child has listened to all of your words of wisdom, when they take control of that 3,000 pound vehicle/death machine.  Take a deep breath parents!   While no one can take away the concern you will have when you w...

Are you a dog parent? We all love our furry family members and hope that they would never bite anyone, but in reality we all realize that there is always a chance! According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually. This results in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention.  More than 50% of dog bites happen on the owner’s property this accounts for one-third of homeowner’s insurance ...

When you receive your Insurance policies do you read them?  If you do, do you understand what you are reading? Give me a few minutes of your time to help you understand what your policy says and why it’s important!   We drive our cars every day!  We drive to work, to school, on vacations, and running errands.  How many times have you worried about an uninsured driver hitting you?  What if they have insurance, but not enough?  Now how many times have you a...

  Why do you need homeowners insurance? What if your home were destroyed in a storm, where would you go?  How would you replace your home, clothing, furniture? A homeowner’s policy will provide coverage on your dwelling (home), and personal property along with offer liability insurance if anyone were to be injured on your property or cause property damage.  If you have a loan on your home your lender will require you to have insurance; they want to make sure that their fi...

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...

    During this crazy time that our world is going through, its nice to be able to say that WE are here for you!  Our partner insurance companies are here for you!  All of our companies have put special modifications in place for their client’s auto, home, and some commercial policies.  Check the companies listed below to see what your company is doing to help you by putting money back in your pocket.      Encova Formally Motorists Mu...

“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...