ATDinsurance.com

Money spent on marketing insurance in this country is in the hundreds of millions. Did you ever wonder who pays for it? Whether it is cavemen, lizards, a lady in an insurance grocery store in heaven or even a pretend insurance academy, there is a never ending stream of commercials and advertisements aimed to get your attention via your funny bone. One of the claims many of these commercials use is the speed at which you can sign up or transfer, which is great unless you miss out on coverage you need do to haste.

At TEAM-ATD many of the customers who change over from other companies to ours do so because they realize long after the sign-up period that they are either missing coverage they need or are having a difficult time contacting customer service agents for help.

This is where we still do things the proper way. Instead of spending money on commercials we spend it on helping you dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Sure, we have all the technology, but we back it up with people. People right here from Northern Ohio. You can call and get a live receptionist who will direct you to a TEAM ATD service rep all without pressing another button on your phone, and  little waiting if any. You can walk in our office and talk to a service rep who will sit down with you and answer any question you have about your policy. The best part is when you need help, we are right here. For over one hundred years we have been here through every kind of insurance claim imaginable side by side with our customers helping them recover.

Can your insurance agent say that?

So don’t let comical marketing or the lure of an overly easy sign up process get in the way of having your family or business properly protected the TEAM-ATD way. Which is to say all the way protected.

We’re right here when you need us.

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.

Every year the 4th of July weekend is known as the milestone of summer. Time to spend with family picnicking, boating, swimming and look forward to fireworks as we celebrate the founding of our great country. Professionally done fireworks as those done at amusement parks, and other outdoor areas by properly trained and insured personnel are a joy to watch on a clear evening.

There is, however, a larger danger that also lurks during this weekend and that is illegal amateur backyard firework enthusiast. Every year area emergency rooms are witness to people who took it upon themselves to indulge in explosives of all kinds and were severely burnt or injured. The saddest part is very often it involves children and innocent bystanders.

So this year we ask that you take time to make the right choice and keep your family away from the unnecessary risk of amateur fireworks.

Enjoy your weekend and Happy Birthday America from all your friends here at TEAM ATD.

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.

With some of the most unstable weather in Northern Ohio in a decade, the question we hear quite often is about fallen branches and whole trees causing damage on personal property. Who is responsible, and better yet are you covered?

Fortunately for all, the answer is straightforward. If a tree hits a home or other insured structure such as a detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage the tree does to the structure and the contents within it. This includes trees felled by a windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet.

Furthermore, it does not matter whether or not a tree was actually growing on your property; if it lands on your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company. After a hurricane or windstorm trees, shrubs and branches can become projectiles capable of traveling significant distances. Insurance companies do not waste time trying to locate exactly where the tree originally lived.

There are some instances where insurance companies may pursue the insurance of the property where the tree was located. But that will not effect a homeowner from getting damaged repaired as it is a company to company matter. In most instances, unless the tree of a neighboring property were known to be in poor health of in danger of falling, the damaged properties insurance would be responsible.

If a tree hits an insured structure, there is also coverage for the cost of removing the tree, generally up to about $500 to $1,000, depending on the insurer and the type of policy purchased. If the fallen tree did not hit an insured structure, there is generally no coverage for debris removal; however, some insurance companies may pay for the cost of removing it if the felled tree blocks a driveway or a ramp designed to assist the handicapped.

Cars damaged or destroyed by falling trees are covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

For more detailed information about your coverage or for any question you may have please contact TEAM ATD

(A special thanks and acknowledgement to www.ohioinsurance.org for source material)

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

We have certainly had our share of rough weather the last couple of weeks. The Storm system that passed through mid-week brought with it some damaging winds and rain. Hundreds of our customers were without power. Despite all the weeks events we can consider ourselves fortunate compared to those families struggling in the south. While our hearts go out to the families struggling to get their communities back on track, we wanted share some information that might be helpful in the event you find yourself dealing with natures aftermath.

Keep safe during a power outage!

Here are some basic tips that will keep you, your family and your employees safe while the power is out:

• Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away.
• Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.
• Run your portable generator outside your house or building, and connect appliances or equipment directly to it.
• If you leave your home, turn off all appliances or turn off your main breaker.
• Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety.
• Never leave candles unattended or sleep while candles are burning. It’s best to use battery powered light wherever possible. Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

If returning to your home, Do not enter if:

• You smell gas.
• Floodwaters remain around the building.
• Your home was damaged by falling debris or fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Other tips of note:

• Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.
• If returning to your home for the first time, Flashlights should be turned on outside before entering a home – the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
• Be wary of wildlife and other animals
• Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and flooded bridges, roads, and sidewalks.

If you need assistance with your policy please do not hesitate to contact your TEAM ATD member, we are here to help you.

Sometimes the best strategy is to stay put. The National Weather service has issued severe storm and tornado warnings for much of northern Ohio for this afternoon. We have already experienced a lot of rain already and with the threat of more we have a lot of nature related threats to keep an eye on.

What can I do?

• The best thing to do is hunker down. You should avoid driving if you don’t have to. High winds and rain make for some pretty formidable driving conditions.
• If you have to drive, take it slow and test you brakes frequently to make sure they are dry and functioning.
• Turn your headlights on in any rainfall.
• If the rain starts to get so heavy you cannot see, turn on your lights and four way flashers should you have to slow down or pull over to a safe area.
• Avoid driving through large puddles. It doesn’t take much to hydroplane a car.
• At home, make sure you have plenty of water and food for a day or two.
• Check to make sure you have a working flashlight and a portable radio in case of temporary power failures. Candles are also helpful but should never be left unattended when burning. Never use candles if you intend to get some rest or take a nap.
• Also make sure that you have  pales and buckets and cleaning supplies. A wet/dry shop vac can come in handy should you get into a basement water backup situation.
• Don’t shower or talk on the phone in an electrical storm. Also, be sure to turn off all non-essential electronics, especially computers and vital gear at the first sound of thunder.
• Surge protectors should be used to protect your expensive electronics. Make any surge protector you use has both Amp and Volt protection such as those from APC.
• Let someone know where you are and check on elderly neighbors and friends who do not have help nearby. Know where your kids are.
• Take time to read your insurance policy, you may need to know what is and isn’t covered.

There are many other steps you can take, we felt these are a few of the most important ones to aid you in the next several hours as the unstable weather crosses our area. If you need assistance or would like to discuss what is covered in your insurance policy please contact TEAM-ATD today.