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Well the numbers are out and the good news is it is getting ever less likely that your car will be stolen. National numbers for car thefts are in sharp decline with enhancements both in part identification, car tracking, and improved police techniques. That’s the good news.

The bad news is car break-ins in our area are on the upswing according to information presented by several local police departments in Lorain County. Items that thief’s are after are easy to sell electronics such as cell phones (especially smart phones), ipods, gps and other gadget type items. The worst part is most items value is well below the deductible and are out of pocket expenses to the owner when taken.

What can you do to protect yourself. Believe it or not, just a couple of pro-active steps will greatly reduce your chances of a loss.

• Lock your car doors. We know this sounds overly simple, but according to local authorities many of the items that were targeted were done so because of the ease of the theft. Meaning the car was unlocked!
• Keep your gadgets and loose change or valuables out of plain sight. Most break-ins occur when a thief spots a item of value when scouting areas for targets. Out of sight, out of trouble, that’s the best rule to protect yourself.
• Write down the serial numbers of valuables. Most folks never record the serials numbers of their gadgets, and they all have one. If the police are fortunate enough to recover your items, they have to have something to go on to get them back in the right hands. Keep a list of what’s yours.
• Park in well lit areas at night.

These are all basic items, but you would be surprised at how many people do not take steps to protect their valuables.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your coverage, please contact your TEAM-ATD rep. We’re here for you!

So I’m driving down the road and the news program on the radio has a guest from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Seems that they have just done a lot of research into the root causes of many of the accidents you hear about. Guess what they concluded? Technology is wrecking our society, sorta speaking.

Gadgets from fancy phones to music players and even fiddling with a GPS is causing an estimated quarter of all accidents on the road, and the number may actually be higher.

From the article: ‘”Most distractions involve more than one of these types, with both a sensory – eyes, ears, or touch – and a mental component. For this report, distraction occurs when a driver voluntarily diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver’s eyes, ears, or hands..’”

The lesson for you and your family is “the more tech, the more likely a wreck”. Keep your family safe from distractions. Talk to your drivers about avoiding texting and other dangerous activities while driving.

Need more info? Here is the full report.

OR contact TEAM ATD and ask how we can help.

With all the rain, hail, and wind that we have been getting this spring we are all worried about the damage our cars are at risk for..

Has your car ever been damaged by hail? One of the worst sounds a motorist can hear is the sudden thumping while driving during a storm. Hail comes in many shapes and sizes and often times does little damage. But there are times where it can get rather large and cause headaches for car owners.

Here are some tips to help you out should you get caught in a downpour of hail..

• Often times there is very little you can do, but slow down and try to find a place to pull over, or better yet some covered parking.
• Be cautious of roads covered in hail as they may be extremely slippery.
• If not already on, make sure you lights are on to alert other motorists of your presence.
• If you do not have a camera on your cell phone or typically keep one with you, buy an inexpensive disposable camera and keep it in your car to take pictures to help document any damage you may need to report.
• Be sure to contact your TEAM ATD representative as soon as you are able if you have a claim. We will get to work right away helping you sort out the details.
• DO NOT DRIVE WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD! Have a glass expert examine and repair or replace a windshield that has hail damage.
• Same goes for headlights or tail lights. You should not drive a vehicle unless all of your external safety equipment is in proper working condition.

Hail can cause serious damage to your car and would be covered under your comprehensive coverage of your policy. Comprehensive Coverage is part of full coverage but needs to be added to vehicles that just have liability insurance.

Many customers call and ask if they are covered only to realize they have liability coverage on their vehicle and are inadequately protected from this type of damage. Don’t wait for the next storm to check your policy, it is always best to prepare for the next rainy day while the sun is still shining! So please check your policy, call TEAM ATD, or stop by our office and we can advise you if you have the proper coverage.

It’s better to have coverage and not need it, then to need it and not have it. That’s the TEAM ATD difference, we are always here to protect you!

Despite the rain and occasional sogginess, there is little that can stop the toys from coming out of storage in Northern Ohio in May. Whether it’s Harley’s or Corvettes, Jeeps or Mustang convertibles, or maybe even a jetski or two, the sun beckons.

Many of our clients lower their coverage for the months that their vehicle is storage. If that is you, and you only keep comprehensive coverage on your vehicle while in storage please DO NOT forget to call your agent and have the full coverage put back on the vehicle.

To make sure everyone is protected, your TEAM ATD customer service rep needs to be made aware of when you are taking the vehicle in/out of storage to insure that you are properly covered.

So remember, we cannot process any changes without hearing from you by phone or in writing. So before you rev the engine, pick up the phone and check your policy first!

TEAM ATD… we always have your back.

This is kinda like the opposite of one of those Twilight movies. The sun has finally made an appearance in northern Ohio after 27 of the last 31 days have had measurable rainfall. One thing you can count on when the sun comes out and that is so do children who have been couped up for too long. The kidos will be out in force on bicycles and skateboards, some on foot and all manner of rolling contraptions including battery powered cars and trikes.

What we ask is that you take time to be just a little more vigilant then normal. It takes a while for both kids and cars to get used to the new patterns of warm weather.

So whether it is stopping in your local fast food joint, or swinging by the local ice cream stand, just take it easy as you go and be on the lookout for the little guy who probably is not paying attention to you.

TEAM ATD, Keeping kids and families safe since 1902

Allen-Thorley-DeLloyd Insurance, an Independent Agency, with offices in Elyria and Vermilion, Ohio, is proud to introduce our newest team member, Mr. Derek M. Thomas.  Derek and his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Sydney, live in Westlake.  Derek has been licensed with Ohio Department of Insurance since 2008.  He specializes in Personal & Commercial Insurance, as well as Accident, Health, and Life insurance.

As an Independent agent representing many companies, Derek will obtain the best plan for you with the most competitive rates.  Derek is a lifetime resident of Lorain County, a graduate of Lorain Catholic and attended Bowling Green State University.  You can contact Derek at the Elyria office at (440) 322-5447, 5201 Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio or at the Vermilion office at (440) 967-3188, 5237 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, Ohio.  Derek Thomas is available to assist you with all your insurance needs.   Allen-Thorley-DeLloyd has been providing insurance services since 1902.

Your tired, yet there is still so much to do. You have a choice, get in your car and drive knowing your fatigued putting you or others at risk, or stop where you are and make a decision to find someone to drive you or get enough rest that it’s safe to drive yourself.

You would think the choice would be easy. Unfortunately more and more we hear about accidents, sometimes fatal, occurring due to drivers falling asleep behind the wheel. Being sleepy behind the wheel is dangerous! Sleepiness impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and decreases your awareness. Most Importantly, it can cause you to crash. Get plenty of sleep at least one to two nights before you take a trip. Make frequent stops for activity, naps and caffeine. Have someone ride with you to keep you awake or let someone else who has slept and is alert do the driving.

Protect yourself and others drive rested.

April showers may bring May flowers, but it can also greet you with unexpected trouble if care is not taken when drivng on slippery surfaces. We all know driving in the rain can be a harrowing experience, but it becomes considerably more so if you are going too fast or following to closely.

Often times in rain related accidents a wedge of water builds up in front of the cars tires, and if  going too fast, the tires themselves can actually begin spinning on the surface of the water. If you have ever had this experience before, you know that hydroplaning feels like driving on ice–a terrifying situation you want to avoid at all costs.

Here are some tips on how to prevent and handle hydroplaning and keep you and your loved ones safe……

Preventing Hydroplaning:

• Slow down when it starts to rain. High speeds are the number one cause of hydroplaning, and slower speeds can help you avoid the issue before it arises.
• Rotate your tires and replace them when the tread becomes worn. Treads are supposed to shunt water away from the wheels–once they wear down, you are far more likely to lose control.
• Turn off cruise control at the first sign of rain! This otherwise convenient driving system can be deadly if it continues spinning the tires while you are hydroplaning.

Handling Hyprolaning when it occurs:

• Take your foot off the accelerator as soon as you feel the car hydroplaning. Slowing down in this way is far preferable to slamming on the brakes, which in non-ABS-equipped cars can send you into a deadly skid.
• Turn in the direction you are drifting to get the maximum friction from all four tires. If you need to avoid an obstacle, tap the brakes.
• Wait until you can feel the road again beneath your car. The effect should be instantaneous and easy to sense, like you have once again landed on pavement.
• Proceed with caution and test the brakes periodically to ensure that they aren’t flooded.

So please so down and take your time in order to get to where you need to be in the safest way possible. After all, you don’t want to miss it if the sun comes out tomorrow! – Team ATD

Ohio is notorious for its freeze thaw cycle. Every year about this time we emerge from the comforts of our homes often bewildered by the damage that has taken place to our streets. For those of us who commute great distances it is just a matter of time before you hit the inevitable frame bending, teeth jarring, wheel busting pothole.

You can be the best driver in the known universe and somewhere there is a pothole with your name on it. The downside is under most policies your deductibles usually cover the majority of pothole damage repair costs.

What about the city?

Cities have themselves covered in most cases as Potholes are covered under “sovereign immunity” status. Meaning if your vehicle is damaged while driving on locally maintained roads Cities are not responsible, similar to act of nature clauses. However, some municipalities have ordinances in place stating that if vehicle damage by a pothole that has been reported to the city for repair, the city may be responsible for covering your insurance deductible. Several municipalities also allow you to appeal to City Council under “moral claim”, but it is far from likely a city will choose to cover these costs.

How about state or federal roads?

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a claims process as well. You can submit a reimbursement claim for your deductible due to damage caused by potholes or if the damage was less than the deductible but caused on state roads (system of roads includes all Interstates, as well as US and state routes outside of municipalities). ODNR CLAIMS FORM HERE

So what can you do to protect yourself?

• Slow down. You only have seconds to react so the slower you go, the better chance you have of spotting a rim buster.
• Use great caution when reacting to a pothole, such as changing lanes. You don’t want to cause a worse accident trying to avoid the lesser one.
• If you hit a pothole and notice steering or performance problems be sure to pull clear of traffic to inspect possible damage. Don’t stop and get out near moving traffic.
• If you notice a vibration, steering wheel is off-center, unusual tire wear or the vehicle handles different then prior to hitting the pothole have your vehicle checked by a certified mechanic. You don’t want to continue driving at any speed if there is a problem.

Here’s hoping you (and your cars front end) get through the spring without issue. If you need help or would like more information on what you polciy covers contact your TEAM ATD representative. We’re always here for you!

Spring is just around the corner and as excited and anxious as we are waiting for the sunshine and nice weather to arrive, we also hope everyone stays safe as activity increases. When the weather gets warm you start to see more and more people emerge from their winter hibernation and get active on the streets and sidewalks where we all travel.

With warmth it sometimes seems that cars go drive faster as drivers are anxious to get home and enjoy the weather. With more people out and about, especially the little ones, we need to be ever vigilant until we get adjusted to these new traffic patterns. No one wants to see anyone hurt, so try to be patient and on the lookout for pedestrians.

Also, it is the time for motorcycles to come out. Drivers tend to get used to having big vehicles around us then warm weather comes and that changes with smaller more nimble motorcycles increasingly re-introduced to traffic patterns, so please stay sharp and on the lookout for our friend the biker. Plus, Mr. Biker you can help to by wearing protective gear just in case, after all it’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Get warm, be safe – From your friends at TEAM ATD