We are so busy getting ready for the celebration that we can’t possibly call all of you, so this is a start.  But if you want to call us, we would love to hear from ya, 330-966-0080!  Happy October.

New Drivers: How to deal with the wheels January 5, 2011

“Statistics show that most deer/vehicle accidents occur in November,” said Director Hudson.  “It’s important that Ohioans be on the lookout while driving so they can avoid our four-legged friends.” 

Deer/vehicle accidents are covered by your auto insurance policy if you have purchased physical damage coverage.  If you have only purchased liability coverage, the costs to repair your vehicle would not be covered by your auto insurance policy.  A deer/vehicle accident is considered a comprehensive, or “other than collision”, claim.  Your claim would reduced by the amount of this deductible.  A deer hitting a vehicle can costs thousands of dollars to repair, depending on the size of the deer, how fast the vehicle was moving and the type of vehicle.

Director Hudson encourages Ohioans to speak with their insurance company or agent to determine their auto insurance coverage needs.  Together, you can decide if purchasing physical damage coverage is appropriate.  You can also determine what deductible amount to choose.  The higher the deductible, the greater the premium savings, but, you would have to pay more out of pocket if an accident does occur.  

The Ohio Department of Public Safety offers the following advice when it comes to avoiding deer during the breeding season:

• Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs. 
• Most crashes occur in the months of October through January, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise. 
• If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect others to follow. Slow down and be alert. 
• After dark, use high beams when there is no opposing traffic. High beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. Don’t rely solely on high beams to deter collisions. 
• Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. 
• If a collision with a deer seems probable then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. The alternative could be even worse. 
• Stay alert. Deer are always unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metro areas. 
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours. Note: Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of it by first obtaining a deer possession receipt (available from law enforcement or state wildlife officers, and from local Division of Wildlife district offices). 

Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 . Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov .

Cash Value Life Insurance  September 22, 2010

	Cash Value Life Insurance is a type of insurance where the premiums charged are higher at the beginning than they would be for the same amount of term insurance. The part of the premium that is not used for the cost of the insurance is invested by the insurance company and builds up cash value that may be used in a variety of ways.
You may borrow against a policy’s cash value by taking a policy loan. If you don’t pay back the loan and the interest on it, the amount you owe will be subtracted from the death benefit when you die, or from the cash value if you stop paying the premiums and take out the remaining cash value. You can also use your cash value to keep life insurance protection for a limited time or to buy a reduced amount without having to pay more premiums.
You can also use the cash value to increase your income in retirement or to help pay for needs such as a child’s tuition without canceling the policy. However, to build up this cash value, you must pay higher premiums in the earlier years of the policy. Cash value life insurance may be one of several types; whole life, universal life and variable life are all types of cash value life insurance.

1. Tasks normally performed as a function of the job 
2. Tools/technology used 
3. Education/knowledge required to perform the job 
4. Skills and abilities needed