2/23/2012 - Ford recalls 539,000 vehicles   Leading automaker Ford recently announced several safety recalls that will impact approximately 539,000 vehicles worldwide. According to Ford spokesman Dan Pierce, Ford will recall 286,000 Ford Escape SUVs for model years 2001 and 2002. It will also recall 253,000 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans for model years 2004 and 2005. The automaker indicates that some of these SUVs and minivans were furnished with faulty brake maste...

The best family vehicles of 2012   U.S. News and World Report recently released its list of the vehicles that are the best to own for families. According to the news magazine, eight separate brands won awards in 18 different automotive categories, such as the best family compact car, sports utility vehicle, wagon and minivan. Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars, explained how the magazines editors picked the winners. "American families need cars that are...

Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks This week Etler-Kettenacker’s page is dedicated to sharing the toad with semi-trucks.  To check out things to consider when sharing the road with tractor trailers and learning why truck drivers perform the maneuvers they do, check out http://www.ekagency.com/sharing_the_road/with_semi_trucks.aspx.   This blog is a brief overview of semi-truck and passenger vehicle accident statistics to demonstrate why sharing the road with semi-truck...

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...

The topic of this blog, "Observing Safety Vehicle on the Road" was inspired by several recent witnessed events between emergency vehicles and passenger vehicles.  Many readers may think this is common sense when traveling the roadways but we all should be reminded that these laws are in place to save lives.  What if your loved one was in one of those emergency vehicles racing to the hospital?  Or you were killed in a collision with an emergency vehicle?  Lives would be change...

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...

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 ...

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 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...