Child Booster Seats

 The Institute for Highway Safety has provided a method to take much of the guesswork out of selecting the proper booster seat for your child. Seat belts are designed with adults in mind - so a child booster seat is an absolute necessity, and extra care needs to be taken when securing young children.

Children usually resist wearing a seatbelt because it is uncomfortable. Boosters elevate children so that the safety belts installed in vehicles by manufacturers will fit the child better. The booster seat allows the lap belt to fit properly over the child’s thighs and not their abdomen. The shoulder belt should fit across the middle of the child’s shoulder. Not only will the belt be more comfortable, it will provide maximum protection in a crash.

The institute’s researchers used a specially designed test dummy configured as a 6-year-old child. The researchers determined the effectiveness of how a 3-point lap and shoulder belt fit the dummy under a range of configurations representing many different automobile models. Based on a range of scores, a booster seat rating was assigned to each seat.  Click here to read more.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

Damage from Faulty Roof: Knowing What Is and Isn't Covered

  Upon buying a home for which the inspection showed signs of roof deterioration, the new homeowner immediately had the roof replaced. Several months later, after a heavy rain, water damage was noticed on the ceiling and wall. Further inspection revealed additional damage to silk drapery and a side chair that also had a silk covering.
The homeowner contacted his agent who requested the company have an adjuster meet with the policyholder and inspect the damage. After inspection by the adjuster, a contractor and the homeowner, it was determined that the damage was the result of the roofer improperly installing the flashing around the brick chimney. There was no damage found from any other source.
Determining what is and isn’t covered requires some review. The house was insured on an HO-3 special perils coverage form, a commonly used policy. Under this policy, the structure itself is insured for all perils subject to policy exclusions, but the contents are covered for the named perils listed in the policy.
It is not the purpose of the homeowner policy to respond to damage that should rightly be the responsibility of the craftsman. In this case, the homeowner had to contact the roofer to seek restitution. When the homeowner and roofer entered into a contract to install the new roof, there was an implied, and perhaps written, warranty that the work would be done in a skillful and professional manner.
Subject to underwriting review you may be able to add a special perils contents endorsement to your policy, which in this case would have covered the damaged contents. Give us a call if you have any questions.
Knowing the cause of the loss, the agent searched for coverage and found the following:

1. Damage to the interior ceiling and wallpaper were covered since these items were part of the structure, which was insured for all perils subject to exclusions.
2. The contents damage was not covered because contents coverage is subject to the named perils listed in the policy, and none applied. For coverage to apply for rain damage to contents, there must first be damage to the structure’s exterior.
3. The roof flashing repair was not covered because faulty workmanship and repair are both excluded causes of loss.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

 

Understanding Additional Living Expense (ALE)

Upon experiencing a covered loss to your home that renders it uninhabitable, your homeowner policy provides for the temporary increase in living expenses.  

ALE pays for reasonable costs for temporary living facilities, moving, furniture, appliance rentals, and meals out as needed. It pays almost any living expense that is truly additional. ALE pays for any expense that you would not have if your home hadn’t been damaged.  

Any amounts paid under this coverage are offset against living expenses that are lower, such as heating and cooling in your vacant house which is substantially cheaper during the period of absence.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

Rental Car Coverage

 Warm weather is just around the corner, and for many of us, so is our summer vacation. Some of you will use your own vehicle and drive to your destination, while others will choose a rental vehicle for the trip, or take some other form of transportation to the destination and rent a vehicle for use while there. Whatever your situation, you need to be aware of how coverage might extend to that rental car from your personal auto policy.

Car rental companies used to provide their own physical damage coverage with very large deductibles of $2,500 up to $5,000. They would make the renter responsible for that large deductible. If the renter had physical damage coverage on at least one of his own cars, and was involved in an accident in the rental car, the renter would limit his responsibility to his own deductible, probably less than $500. The personal auto policy would pay the amount up to the rental car company’s deductible, and then the rental car company’s own insurance would pay the balance.

To save money, most rental car companies stopped buying physical damage coverage on their large fleets. The rental contracts changed to make the renter responsible for the total value of the auto, including other indirect costs, such as their administrative fees and loss of rental use of the auto. This amount could easily move into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Rental car companies like for you to take out their collision damage waiver insurance. You should be aware that most rental car companies’ contracts for collision damage waiver will not pay if the renter violates any restrictions regarding the use of the rental car. Some of these restrictions might include use by an underage driver, failure to buckle up or engaging in risky behavior with the vehicle, such as racing or driving under the influence.

You don't have to navigate this issue on your own.  We're here to help.  Contact us to find out more about how your personal auto policy may or may not extend coverage to rental vehicles.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

Comments From the Backseat Driver

Looking over the driver's shoulder to keep them safe... 

 When you are driving, do you keep your eyes on the road at all times? You may be tempted to answer yes, but we all take our eyes off the road due to distractions. We have talked in the past about the dangers of cell phone use, and the fact that many states have already restricted cell phone use while driving. All the attention on cell phones has distracted our attention away from an equally threatening culprit – radios and CD players.

According to the California Highway Patrol, changing CDs or fiddling with your radio is the number one cause of distracted driving, even ahead of cell phones. Some observers point out that the numbers may be a bit skewed as some drivers use the excuse of radio or CD player use so they won’t have to admit doing something illegal, such as using their cell phone. However, some law enforcement officials request to examine cell phones to determine if they were in use at the time of the accident.

Experts say that taking our eyes off the road while traveling at freeway speed to search radio stations or dial a phone number is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without ever seeing what is around you. There are many culprits waiting to distract us while driving. Dealing with unruly kids and eating while driving are both in the top five causes of inattentive driver crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has produced a Driver Distraction Program to raise awareness.

The federal government has expanded their fight against driving distractions by pressuring automakers to rethink gadgetry they install in automobiles. Automakers advise they are trying to develop ways to provide useful amenities, but in a safe way. For example, automakers are working on systems that would mute ringers on in-car cell phones if the brake pedal is pressed or the headlights or windshield wipers are activated.

The fascination of all our modern gadgets, the use of which has become almost addictive, must be controlled to avoid needless accidents and injury. Many jurisdictions are making this kind of distracted driving a valid legal issue that, if proven, can result in a driver’s absolute liability in an accident.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

 

Old Man Winter Isn't Finished

  Aside from the most avid winter lovers, we are all eagerly anticipating spring. Unfortunately, we still have a few months of the ravages of winter storms and temperatures. Typically, February is one of our worst winter months with cold temperatures and snowfall extending well into March.

There are things that we need to do to protect against winter losses, regardless of the severity of the season.
Suggestions:

Vehicle tune-up - monitor antifreeze and wiper fluid levels, and make sure the battery is fully charged.

Tires - worn tires won’t help you much on snowy roads. They also present the possibility of a blowout; you do not want to be changing a tire in the snow and ice.

Emergency Gear - You should create a winter weather kit with sand, a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, snow shovel, and extra warm clothes. Keep warning devices available, such as flares and a piece of cloth to tie to your car antenna to signal your need for help. Keep some non-perishable food and spare batteries on hand.

When heading out in bad weather let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. Drive slowly and keep an eye open for changing weather conditions. By simply slowing down your driving you will have more time to react. Drive carefully and use common sense.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.

 

Subrogation... What Is It?

  Subrogation is a method by which your insurance company can seek reimbursement against a third party who is at fault in a claim that has resulted in a loss to you. Sometimes your insurer will pay a claim to you for property that was damaged by someone else. When your insurer acts on your behalf in this way, they ask you to transfer to them your rights to collect against the wrongdoer. Using rights of subrogation, your insurer then goes after reimbursement from the other party.

This can be very useful to you if the wrongdoer’s insurer is taking too long to settle a claim.

Reichley Insurance Agency is committed to excellence. We pride ourselves on offering our clients reliable coverage and great service. As an independent Ohio insurance agency, we can provide you with all types of insurance coverage from the top carriers in the country. Our team of trusted agents will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs – and falls within your budget.

 

Our dedication makes the difference...

    

 

 

Toll Free: 87-REICHLEY (877-342-4539)

Email: info@reichleyins.com

 

The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.