Ben Galbreath Completes Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy Program

Ben Galbreath

Congratulations to Producer Ben Galbreath on completing Leadership Clark County’s 2019/2020 Academy program! Participants completed eight sessions with a focus on leadership development, sensitivity to community needs and the history of Clark County. Each participant will receive a graduation certificate from Leadership Clark County and letters of commendation from Governor Mike DeWine, Senator Bob Hackett, Ohio Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague and Representative Kyle Koehler.

Leadership Clark County selects up to 35 participants for the Community Leadership Academy held September through March of each year. A volunteer selection committee bases its decisions upon the criteria of an applicant’s leadership potential, and its desire to assemble a class that reflects the diversity of Clark County. After graduation, participants are expected to actively apply the leadership training in the Clark County area through community service volunteer work or by memberships on Clark County area organization boards and committees.

Don’t Wait for a Tornado to Strike – Protect Your Family & Home With These Severe Weather Planning & Insurance Steps

Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio falls in March each year, but it’s important to stay alert throughout the spring into summer when tornados are most likely to occur.

Don’t wait for severe weather to strike – have a household plan in place now so you’re not caught off guard in the instance of a tornado or other disastrous storm. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing potential loss. Below are steps to take before, during and after a tornado.

Planning Before a Tornado Strikes

• Ensure your family knows the signs of a tornado. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes appear to be a funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar approaching. The sky often appears dark and greenish, and storms produce heavy rains, flash floods and hail.

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Meteorologists can often forecast when conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A WATCH means a tornado is possible; a WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon and you should take cover immediately. Don’t assume a watch won’t turn into a warning; take precautions and don’t risk your safety.

• Identify a safe place to gather in your home. Ideally an underground shelter with no windows – a basement, cellar or even an interior room at the lowest level of the house. Make sure everyone in your household understands to go to this designated area during a tornado. If you’re in a mobile home, find an alternative location you can go to such as a local emergency shelter.

• Learn about your workplace and children’s school emergency plans. Every building has a different plan of action. Talk to your child’s school or daycare and understand their emergency plan. You’ll feel much better if you know exactly where your child is during a storm.

• Create an emergency kit. Essential items to include: first aid kit, water and nonperishable food, manual can opener, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries and a whistle. If you have a baby or pets, keep in mind you’ll want to have diapers, formula and extra food on hand. If you require medications, try to keep extra prescriptions in your kit. Also consider keeping important documents here such as birth certificates, insurance policies, a household inventory and ownership certificates (cars, boat, etc.)

• Prepare your home. If a tornado is approaching and you have time, turn off utility switches and valves. Secure or bring inside anything that could be picked up by the wind. Close curtains and blinds to prevent shattered glass from flying.

• Practice your plan. Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home. Conduct a family tornado drill to ensure everyone understands the plan.

• Confirm your insurance coverage. Tornado losses will typically be covered under “windstorm peril” in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure you have adequate coverage and alert your insurance agent to any improvements, home inventory additions, etc.

What to Do During a Tornado

• Take immediate cover. Go to your designated safe room in your home or other shelter – remember to avoid areas with large glass windows or large open areas. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Listen to weather reports for storm updates.

• Further shield your body. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Put other materials around you such as blankets and large pieces of furniture.

• Don’t leave shelter until it’s safe to do so. The tornado may pass but can still produce high winds, flying debris and weak tree branches that can fall and cause injury. Tune in to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

Steps to Take After a Tornado

• If you are injured or trapped, don’t move. Cover your mouth with cloth to avoid breathing dust. If you have access to a phone, call or send a text. Otherwise, make noise by banging on a pipe or using a whistle.

• Continue listening to authorities for updated information. As previously mentioned, there can be continued severe weather following a tornado. Don’t go outside or move about until it has been cleared.

• Use extreme caution when assessing damage. Wear thick-soled shoes, pants, long sleeves and work gloves. Watch out for downed power lines and do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself.

• Take photographs/video of property damage. This will assist in filing an insurance claim and you should notify your insurance company of any storm-related losses as possible. Prevent further damage by covering up windows, putting a tarp over holes in your roof, etc.

Additional tornado safety resources:

American Red Cross Tornado Safety

Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Tornado Facts & Safety Tips

National Weather Service Tornado Safety

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Be Prepared for a Tornado

Questions about homeowner’s insurance coverage for tornadoes, flooding or other severe weather? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Creating a Home Inventory for Homeowner’s Insurance - Why You Should Do One Today

If your home and possessions were destroyed in a tornado, fire or other disaster, would you be able to remember everything you owned to file an insurance claim, or track down receipts for everything? For most of us, the answer is no. Spring is around the corner in Ohio, and unfortunately this brings tornado season and other severe weather that could be devastating in the worst-case scenario. It’s also the time of year for spring cleaning which means getting organized and ideally, creating a home inventory for insurance purposes.

A home inventory can be your best friend when you need to file a home insurance claim. Having an up-to-date list of your possessions with details such as the age and estimated value of each item will help settle your insurance claim faster, verify losses for your tax return and ensure you purchase the correct amount of homeowner’s insurance from the outset. The task of itemizing your personal property may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

What Your Home Inventory Should Include

• Start with big and valuable: Jewelry, major appliances, electronics, rugs and collectibles. If you have any items that are particularly valuable such as artwork or a fur coat, itemize those separately and check with your insurance agent to see if you need separate insurance coverage. Then you can move on to smaller items like clothing and books – no need to identify items individually, just the total number in each category, for example: 25 pairs of shoes and 10 pairs of pants. Tip: Start in a small room and work your way around the house so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

• Detailed descriptions: Describe each of the major items you’re recording with details such as where and when you bought it, what you paid, what condition it’s in, make and model, and any other details that would be important for a claim.

• Proof of value: Copies of sales receipts, estimated or appraisal value and purchase contracts will help settle the personal property portion of a loss. This is particularly important for valuable items. While there’s no physical value attached, you should also keep copies of financial and legal records with your home inventory to ensure these are replaced if there is ever a disaster.

• Don’t forget off-site or stored possessions: Items in a self-storage facility will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance and should be included in your inventory. Never put out the good China and have it stashed away in your basement? That should be documented as well.

How to Create a Home Inventory

There are a few methods to consider: pen and paper, spreadsheet, photos/videos saved to an external source (e.g. the cloud) or a home inventory app. There’s no right or wrong, but you should choose the one that will get you moving on this today, and you’ll keep organized and up to date.

• Pen and Paper: This is an inexpensive way to track your items and something you already have access to in your home. You can easily move from room to room documenting everything. However, this requires you to keep a hard copy on file and may not be the most effective list to hand over in the instance of a claim (how legible is your handwriting?).

• Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Docs will keep you organized and makes it easy to add or delete items as needed. The main drawback is that spreadsheets aren’t very user friendly on phones or tablets, so you’ll need to carry your laptop with you as you record, or go back to your desktop computer. You can start with pen and paper, and then record it in a spreadsheet, but this creates a two-step process and reduces the chance you’ll take the time to start.

• Photos and Videos: Most of us rely on our mobile phones for just about everything and one more use can be your home inventory. You can quickly walk into each room and take photos and/or videos, but you’ll need to make sure you’re saving everything where it can’t be lost such as iCloud or a thumbdrive stashed in a fireproof safe—just don’t save it to your home computer hard drive. Too, you’ll still need to record all purchase/value details requiring a separate document or print the photos and write information on the back (another extra step).

• Inventory App: There are several advantages to using an app: easily add photos of the items and receipts, data is safely stored, and you can access from anywhere. You’ll have to type in details which can be a bit tedious but no more than writing down information or entering into a spreadsheet.

Once you’ve compiled your initial list, send it to your insurance agent to determine if you’ll need additional home insurance or renter’s coverage. However, creating a home inventory doesn’t stop there—be sure you’re regularly updating with new purchases and keeping your appraisals current. Make a habit to add items as soon as you get them, so receipts are handy.

Additional Home Disaster Tips

Now that you’re on your way to getting an inventory in place, it’s important to go beyond this and have a family action plan ready if a disaster strikes. Below are a few more things to think about:

• Have an emergency bag ready to go with essentials. If you wake up in the middle of the night to a house fire, you may be forced to run out the door with only the clothes on your back. If you have a bag close by (under your bed or in a nearby closet), you can hopefully grab that and have a few things that are important to you. It’s helpful to include insurance and other key contacts here if you don’t have them readily available otherwise.

• Plan for animal care. An insurance company will typically cover $5,000 for necessities and put you up in a hotel or apartment, but if the housing doesn’t take animals, you’ll need to board your furry friends or have other arrangements.

• Once you’re in a safe place, contact your insurer. Let them know what happened and where you can be reached. Do not return to your home until it’s safe to do so.

Questions about homeowner’s insurance or recovering from a disaster? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

St. Vincent’s de Paul’s Casey Rollins Recognized as a “Remarkable Woman” of Dayton

Casey Rollins, Executive Director and Board President of St. Vincent de Paul, was recently named a finalist for Nexstar Media Group’s “Remarkable Women” contest. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and the quality of life. 

Casey and St. Vincent de Paul are longtime clients of Wallace & Turner, and we applaud their tireless efforts in Springfield and surrounding areas to feed, clothe and find shelter for people in need. We’ve seen first-hand, the impact Casey’s work has had in the community helping the impoverished, as well as through her position as a Visual Arts teacher at Catholic Central and Shawnee High School for more than three decades. 

View Casey’s Remarkable Women feature on WDTN.

One local winner of Nexstar’s nationwide 2020 Woman of the Year Award will be selected to earn a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to attend a taping of The Mel Robbins Show. The national winner will be named in mid-March. 

About St. Vincent de Paul

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

Wallace & Turner Sponsors Catholic Central’s Emerald Evening 2020

For more than 25 years, Catholic Central has hosted the Emerald Evening as an avenue for family, friends and alumni of Catholic Central to act as stewards and provide a fun way to contribute back to the heritage that has helped to make its students who and what they are today. The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, raffles, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go to scholarships and to improvements that advance student learning and development.

Wallace & Turner is a sponsor of Emerald Evening 2020, being held Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM in the Pavlatos Grand Hall of the Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center at 275 South Limestone Street in Springfield, Ohio.

Tickets are $100 per person and $50 for graduates from the class of 2006 or later. Purchase tickets here.

Be sure to check the site starting on March 13th to preview auction items and March 20th to bid on auction items.

Myles Trempe Fundraises for Champaign County Arts Council "Bad Art by Good People"

Congratulations to the top three winners of the Champaign County Arts Council "Bad Art by Good People" competition: Josh Jacobs, Bev Titus and Myles Trempe! The Bad Art by Good People fundraiser features non-artist celebrities competing to create a work of art and campaigning for the public's votes for their artwork. Wallace & Turner was a sponsor of the ninth annual event, held on February 28, 2020 at the BrownRidge Hall VFW in Urbana, Ohio. 

Thank you to everyone who voted and came out to support. View additional event photos here.

About the Champaign County Arts Council

The Champaign County Arts Council brings to the county professionals in every arts discipline, including but not limited to, the visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, architecture, and specialties in folk, ethnic and minority arts. It arranges concerts, performances, workshops, classes and exhibits for the public including seniors, persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. It develops special school and summer programming for our children, a major focus since its founding.

The Arts Council encourages local artists in all fields, underwrites arts events for community festivals and celebrations, and provides incentives and recognition for arts achievement. Additionally, it offers arts management, research and technical help and serves as a clearinghouse for arts information and as a meeting place for community arts planning.

Eliminating Food Insecurity – Wallace & Turner Sponsors Second Harvest Food Bank Champaign County Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Wallace & Turner was a proud sponsor of the Second Harvest Food Bank Champaign County Empty Bowls event on February 27, 2020 hosted at Urbana University. More than 350 people in attendance helped raise over $16,500 in support of the organization’s mission to eliminate food insecurities in Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties, Ohio.

About Empty Bowls

The Second Harvest Food Bank Empty Bowl events raise money locally to address food insecurity locally. Local artisans (Scott Dooley, Matt Johnson, Sandy Winter, Bruce Grimes, Thelma Matthews and The Cracked Pot Studio potters) donate handmade bowls, local school art departments (Wittenberg, Springfield High School, Graham Local Middle School, and Bellefontaine High School) have their students create and donate bowls. Local restaurants and bakeries donate gallons of soups and hundreds of loaves of bread to these. Hundreds of people volunteer on event nights and hundreds of people show up to enjoy great food and fellowship. 

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties

Second Harvest Food Bank collects, stores, and distributes consumable surplus food. The organization operates out of a 62,000 square foot warehouse, serving well over 75 non-profit member agencies in Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties. These agencies feed over 79,000 hungry families yearly. In 2012, over 2.8 million meals were served to over 370,000 men, women and children across the three-county service area. Approximately 1,200 seniors were served monthly. Second Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, who provides its members a national, recognizable branding, training, sustainability, and additional national product opportunities.

Myles Trempe Serves as Celebrity Bartender for Springfield Arts Council Fundraiser

Producer Myles Trempe served as a “celebrity bartender” to raise funds in support of the Summer Arts Festival, Arts in Education and other programs of the Springfield Arts Council. The fundraiser was held on February 18, 2020 at O’Conners Irish Pub. Myles is currently a board member for the Springfield Arts Council.

The Springfield Arts Council is recognized for leading the citizens of Springfield, Clark County and the region to an enhanced appreciation of the performing arts. The youth, young adults, diverse, and underserved populations of the community are also active participants and supporters of the performing arts and regularly attend events. Since 1967, The Springfield Arts Council has presented the annual "Summer Arts Festival," providing admission-free concerts, theater, and entertainment experiences at the Turner Pavilion in Veterans Park Amphitheater in downtown Springfield, Ohio. “Always Fun, Always Free!,” the Summer Arts Festival is a treasured tradition in the community, helping to fulfill the Springfield Arts Council’s mission “...to build a better community by sharing the performing arts with all citizens of Springfield, Clark County, and the region.”

Myles Trempe's "Bad Art" Featured in Urbana Daily Citizen

Producer Myles Trempe was featured in the Urbana Daily Citizen article “Trempe Spins His ‘Bad Art’” to promote the 9th annual Bad Art by Good People fundraiser, presented by the Champaign County Arts Council. The competition features non-artist celebrities creating works of art and campaigning for the public’s votes for their artwork.

About his artwork, Trempe said, “I’d call it a self-portrait with a ‘spin’ on the head.” The public can vote for their favorite artwork using PayPal on the Arts Council’s website, www.champaigncountyartscouncil.org. Votes can also be cast with cash, check or credit card at the Arts Council, 119 Miami St., Urbana. The office is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dinner Auction on February 28, 2020

A limited number of tickets are available for the dinner and auction, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the VFW hall, 220 East Court St. Tickets are $25 and include a catered dinner and dessert provided by “In Good Taste Catering.” The “Bad Art” will be auctioned after dinner. All proceeds will benefit the Arts Council. Tickets are for sale at the Arts Council’s office and online at the Arts Council’s website.

Wallace & Turner is a Silver Sponsor of the event.

Read the full article here.

Insuring Your New Valentine's Day Jewelry

Are you popping the big question this Valentine’s Day? Or just showing the one you love how much you care with a nice piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re even buying something special for yourself for some self-love. If you’re in the 21% of the U.S. population spending money on jewelry this holiday, you’ll want to ensure you’re protecting your bling.

Do I Need Jewelry Insurance?

Jewelry insurance is a policy designed to cover your jewelry, whether it’s an engagement ring, Rolex watch or your grandmother’s brooch. In exchange for the premiums you pay, your insurance carrier will reimburse your financial losses – or even replace the item – in the event of theft, loss or damage up to its specified value. If the item has an appraisal value

Your homeowners policy is limited to only a small number of causes, like theft, and has a cap of $1,500. If the item has an appraisal value of more than $1,500 or holds sentimental value, it’s worth obtaining coverage in the instance of a loss.

Getting Your Jewelry Appraised

When you purchase or receive a piece of jewelry, you’ll want to have it appraised as this is necessary to obtain insurance coverage. When selecting an appraiser:

• Obtain a recommendation from a dependable source such as your independent insurance agent, a museum professional, fine art dealer, auction house or another collector. You can also contact one of the three professional appraisal organizations: Appraisers Association of America, American Society of Appraisers or International Society of Appraisers.

• Ask for the appraiser's curriculum vitae to review their level of experience.

• Evaluate your specific needs. Depending on the jewelry or other valuable pieces, you may require an appraiser with different specialties and expertise.

• Ask if the appraisal you will receive meets the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

• Ask for a sample appraisal if it is the first time you are employing an appraiser.

• Request an explanation of the fee structure. Fees should never be based on commission or tied to the value of the appraised items.

Obtaining Insurance Coverage for Your Jewelry

You should be prepared to provide your insurance agent with the following:

• A copy of your receipt, which will provide the jewelry’s retail value.

• A copy of the appraised value of the jewelry.

Be sure to add your newly acquired jewelry to your home inventory.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Whether you’ll need to increase the limit on your existing homeowners policy, add schedules, or purchase a separate jewelry insurance policy, your independent insurance agent will be able to help you determine the best coverage.

Questions about insuring your jewelry? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Sources:

https://www.westfieldinsurance.com/resources/podcasts/the-insurance-policy-of-love

https://www.trustedchoice.com/homeowners-insurance/contents-personal-property/jewelry/

What You Need to Know About Purchasing Auto Insurance

Myles Trempe

There are a few essentials first time car insurance buyers should keep in mind when searching for an insurance agent and coverage.

A buyer, unless well-versed in auto insurance, should have an agent or broker explain the complexities of an auto insurance policy. They can offer real life examples, which are a great way to put coverage into context. Too, agents and brokers are also educated on regulations from state to state, and can help address any questions you may have if it’s your first time purchasing in a particular state.

What type of coverages should be placed on the vehicle?

Obviously liability, but what limits? What is the value of vehicle and does it warrant comprehensive and collision coverage? Comprehensive coverage typically helps cover theft and damage from vandalism and natural disasters, falling objects, fire, hail, flood or animals. But what if you are involved in a hit and run and do not carry collision? Bodily Injury Liability covers medical expense and lost wages to the other party. Property Damage liability repairs or replaces the other parties’ vehicle(s) also e.g., houses, offices, stores, trees, fences, lamp posts, telephone poles, etc., but does not cover damage to your vehicle.  

You should also determine if you’ll need rental or transportation expense coverage if your car goes in the shop after a covered claim. If you don’t have access to another car or would prefer not to rely on public transportation, your policy will need to cover these potential extra costs. Another important question is if you’ll need roadside assistance or towing and labor? Do you have AAA or similar service, or will you turn to your auto insurance to cover this?

What are the types of coverage that shouldn’t be ignored, even if they add some extra cost?

• Towing and labor

• Rental reimbursement

• Uninsured motorist property damage. (If no collision coverage purchased on your vehicle.)

• Guaranteed replacement cost on new vehicles in first 2 years

• Gap/Loan coverage if loaned or leased

• Umbrella Excess Liability

Are there any clear advantages and/or disadvantages with purchasing insurance from a local provider over a big name like State Farm, Nationwide, etc.?

The biggest advantage of working with an independent insurance agent is the service experience at claim time. A local agency may offer in-house claims or concierge services. You’re also working with someone locally that has a regional carrier with local adjustors.

Independent agencies work with various insurance companies to quote different options at different rates. So, even though you’re working with ABC Independent Insurance Agency, you may still have insurance through Nationwide, but you’re also gaining that personalized, local service experience through your independent agent.

How accurate are online quoting tools, and how much should consumers trust the quotes they get from provider websites, and also 3rd party insurance comparison sites?

Using online or third parties for quotes may give you a ballpark number but where they can lack is if you don’t provide full information. For example, if you enter your age, type of car, etc. but don’t enter any violations, claims or your credit score – these can all greatly impact a quote. Without offering complete information, you could get a quote of $650 when in fact, you had a past claim that would bump up the actual number to $1,000. If you’re able to provide comprehensive information, then these tools can be helpful, but otherwise, they’re not giving you an accurate number.

Questions about purchasing auto insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Slice of Springfield 2020 Benefiting National Trail Parks and Recreation District

Congratulations to the 2020 Slice of Springfield winners: The Hickory Inn - 1st place; Station 1 - 2nd place; All Inn Diner - 3rd place! Wallace & Turner served as a Premier Sponsor of the event on February 6th at Mother Stewart’s Brewing, benefiting our wonderful local park system operated by National Trail Parks and Recreation District. Thank you to all of the sponsors, pizza vendors and event participants for making this a fun evening. We can’t wait until next year!

To Purchase or Not To Purchase Rental Car Insurance, That is the Question

Ben Galbreath

You’re standing at the rental car counter and they inevitably ask the question that makes you second-guess your response, “Do you want to purchase insurance coverage for your rental?” You’re probably thinking, “Why do I need to purchase their insurance when I already have auto coverage? But if I don’t accept it, am I leaving myself exposed if I’m in an accident or the car is stolen?” The answer is, it depends. Do you carry collision and comprehensive coverages on your own car? Is this rental for personal or business reasons? How much are you willing to pay out-of-pocket if your policy doesn’t cover the damage? Your answers will guide the type of rental insurance coverage you really need.

What does the rental car insurance cover?

Purchasing the rental car insurance coverage from the rental car company can be costly, although an easier claims process, in the event of a loss. The insurance can be $30+ dollars a day after adding on all the different coverages the rental car company offers, e.g.  Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Damage Waiver for $19.99 to $25.99 per day, Personal Accident Insurance for $12.00 per day, and Supplemental Liability Protection $13.80 per day. By purchasing this coverage, the rental car company is essentially waiving its right to make you legally liable for loss or damage to the car while it’s in your possession, regardless of fault (with a few exceptions).

When you are considering renting a vehicle for a personal trip, your personal auto insurance will kick in, but to what amount? You will need to contact your insurance agent to review your policy. If you only have liability coverage on your personal auto(s), your insurance will not cover for physical damage of the rented vehicle. To cover the physical damage on the rental vehicle, you will need to have Comprehensive and Collision coverage on at least one of your owned vehicles. This will save you money when renting a car.

Loss of Use charges

One big problem for rental car coverage is called “loss of use.” Rental car companies can charge you after damage has occurred to the rental vehicle while it is not in service. They will charge you per day while the vehicle sits in a tow yard, at the body shop or while the claim is being settled by your carrier. This process could become very costly due to the negotiations between the rental car company and your insurance company. Insurance companies vary on how they evaluate this coverage. Be sure to speak with your insurance professional to see what your personal auto coverage will handle.

Check with your credit card company

Do your due diligence by calling your credit card company to see if any coverage is provided. Many do, although it seems credit cards are offering this perk less and less these days. The extent of coverage will likely vary from card to card so be sure you understand what they’re offering, or not. For example, your credit card may provide collision damage waiver coverage for the physical damage of a rented vehicle. In the U.S., it is secondary coverage, but the credit card company will pay for the deductible, then your personal auto coverage would step in for the rest if loss of use is charged. For international rentals, the credit card company may cover the rental car due to a collision loss for first dollar coverage (a type of insurance policy with no deductible where the insurer assumes payment once an insurable event occurs).

Rental car insurance for a business trip

If you are renting a vehicle for a business trip, there are many different factors that come into play. You will need to consult with your independent agent on how coverage will apply to the damage of the vehicle. “Hired auto coverage” will cover your liability for any damages you incur to the other party’s vehicle, but this will not cover the vehicle you have rented. It’s in your best interest to notify your agent about your business trip so they can review your coverage and make sure Hired Auto and Hired Car physical damage is included in the policy. In this instance, it would be advisable to use your company credit card and rent it in the company’s name. This is what triggers the business policy.

Generally speaking, if you’re renting a car and driving a long distance, the rental car company’s coverage may be the way to go. If something were to happen, you can simply call the rental car company, they deliver another vehicle and you’re on your way. This avoids the extra step of calling your insurance company, credit card company or any other outside companies to cover the rental car. On the flip side, if you’re going to drive the car locally wherever you are, personal coverage and/or your credit card company’s coverage should be sufficient, but as always, check with your agent first.

Questions about rental car insurance coverage? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Super Bowl Parties and Social-Host Liability Laws – P.J. Miller Discusses Homeowner Insurance Coverage with InsuranceQuotes

Throwing a party on Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s most enduring social traditions. According to a report from Statista, it is the second-largest day for food and alcohol consumption behind Thanksgiving. But what happens when your partygoers have a little too much fun? The combination of food, alcohol, and fan passion can sometimes lead to unintended calamities, which can include everything from damaged personal possessions to drunk-driving accidents. In addition to knowing the legal ins and outs of throwing a Super Bowl party, hosts should also know what their insurance may or may not cover in the event of an accident, either in the home or after someone leaves.

What about accidents caused by those who are legally allowed to drink alcohol? In an interview with InsuranceQuotes, Partner P.J. Miller said this is where things “get a little stickier.”

“The first thing a host needs to check are his or her homeowner insurance liability limits, which typically fall between $100,000 and $300,000, although I would strongly urge all homeowners to carry $500,000 at a minimum,” he commented. “After considering the value of your home and other assets, consider increasing the liability limit well before hosting a large event like a Super Bowl party.

What’s more, homeowners can also purchase an umbrella policy, which offers additional financial protection if the host maxes out his or her standard liability limit.

“Homeowner policies—and hopefully the personal umbrella that you have—should provide ‘Host Liquor Liability,’ which means you didn’t sell the beer to your guests, you merely provided it,” said Miller. “Keep in mind that gross negligence can not only be an insurance claim, it can also carry with it some civil and criminal implications. A personal umbrella policy would offer broader coverage and would also give you coverage for renting a location to hold a party where the homeowner’s policy coverage would be very limited.”

Of course, there are myriad non-alcohol-related accidents that may arise before, during, or after a Super Bowl party, in which case Miller says a typical homeowner policy should provide adequate coverage.

“For example, someone might trip and fall on an icy sidewalk leading to your house, guests might choke on food, or there might be fights between guests resulting in broken items. Typically, homeowner policies offer some protection for these types of non-alcohol induced accidents, but you might want to carefully review your policy just to be sure.”

He added: “None of this should scare you off from hosting a party, but be sure to review your homeowner’s policy to understand what it will and will not cover in the instance of an accident.”

Read the full article at InsuranceQuotes.

Questions about your insurance liability when hosting a party? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Understand the Xs and Os of Your Home Insurance First

Ben Galbreath

One of the biggest sporting events in the world is around the corner…naturally we’re talking about the Super Bowl. Whether your team is playing or not, chances are, you are either hosting or attending a party for the big game. While Super Bowl festivities are typically all fun and games, as an independent insurance agent, we have been conditioned to look for possible problems within every event to evaluate any potential loss and protect the assets you have worked so hard to build.

Potential Accidents at Super Bowl Parties

If you are planning to host a party, there are myriad potential accidents and occurrences that you need to keep in mind beyond your checklist of ordering pizzas, picking up ice and putting out plenty of chairs. For example: trip and falls on an icy sidewalk leading to your house, guests choking on food, fights between guests, pet bites, broken items, guests’ missing personal property. And probably the biggest item to think about is alcohol intake – are you providing an unlimited amount of alcohol? When should you cut-off guests and how can you ensure they’re taking a cab or Uber? What if they fall while intoxicated? You may be liable for any of these situations, and unfortunately, when it comes to friends and family, the loss usually gets nasty and harder to resolve; it also depends on the severity of the event.

Insurance Policies That Can Protect You

Typically, homeowner policies might offer some protection for the non-alcohol induced accidents mentioned above, but when it comes to the injuries, accidents of a non-motorized variety or the motorized kind, then things get a little stickier. Allowing someone to leave “after a few” is the misconception that it’s okay because, “they’re not drunk” (Note current advertising efforts: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”)  Now you’ve put yourself in the same position of your favorite bartender, meaning, “How do I get this friend out of here, safely and politely?”  And you thought the Super Bowl was going to be fun and relaxing!

Homeowner policies (and hopefully the Personal Umbrella that you have) should provide “Host Liquor Liability,” meaning you didn’t sell the beer to your guests, you merely provided it. While designed for this very situation, keep in mind that gross negligence can not only be an insurance claim, it can also carry with it some civil and criminal implications. A Personal Umbrella policy would offer broader coverage and would also give you coverage for renting a location to hold a party where the homeowner’s policy coverage would be very limited.

Generally speaking, as the host, your liability is fairly broad when it comes to your exposure. If things transpire into a lawsuit, your coverage would respond depending on how the lawsuit was written. You will need to notify your insurance company as soon as you receive the paperwork, and to trigger your liability coverage, attorneys will need to be involved. Liability coverage could respond in the event of being served with a lawsuit and/or you are found liable for the loss within the limitation of coverage. The cost is paying an attorney to defend you. The attorneys are usually provided by your insurance company if coverage is going to respond.

In the event of a medical visit to the hospital from an event on your premium, medical payments could come into play to help the guest with their medical bills.

Take Precautions Before Your Super Bowl Party

The above shouldn’t scare you off from hosting a Super Bowl party, but be sure to review your homeowners policy to understand what will/will not be covered in the instance of an accident. It’s also a good idea to take precautions such as locking up your valuables, keeping pets in a separate room, hiring a bartender, offering to let guests stay over and/or calling for cabs and Ubers.

Questions about your homeowner’s insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Vote Now! 2020 Bad Art by Good People

The Champaign County Arts Council “Bad Art by Good People” fundraiser features non-artist celebrities competing to create a work of art and campaigning for the public's votes for their artwork. Producer Myles Trempe contributed a painting to the competition and Wallace & Turner is serving as a sponsor of the event.

The ninth annual event will be held 6-10 pm on February 28, 2020 at VFW BrownRidge Hall. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased below or at the CCAC office.

VOTE HERE. (You may also vote at the CCAC office: 119 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078)   

BUY TICKETS.

The Champaign County Arts Council brings to the county professionals in every arts discipline, including but not limited to, the visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, architecture, and specialties in folk, ethnic and minority arts. It arranges concerts, performances, workshops, classes and exhibits for the public including seniors, persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. It develops special school and summer programming for our children, a major focus since its founding.

The organization encourages local artists in all fields, underwrites arts events for community festivals and celebrations, and provides incentives and recognition for arts achievement. It also offers arts management, research and technical help and serves as a clearinghouse for arts information and as a meeting place for community arts planning.

Wallace & Turner Sponsors Slice of Springfield 2020 Fundraiser

Who makes the best pizza in Clark County? Find out at the Slice of Springfield on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 4:30-7:00 pm at Mother Stewart's Brewery. Wallace & Turner is sponsoring this event which will include sampling pizza from up to eight area pizza shops and voting for your favorite AND raising money for a great cause! The Slice of Springfield fundraiser will donate 100% of proceeds from tickets to help support National Trail Parks and Recreation.

Your $25 ticket includes at least eight squares of pizza and a free drink (soft drink, beer or wine). Tickets purchased through Eventbrite on or before January 24 will receive an additional free drink! Youth tickets (12 & under) will be available for a discounted rate at the door.

Purchase tickets here.

Honored to Represent Westfield Insurance - Awarded #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the North Central Region

Customer care starts with truly caring about our customers. And that is why we are proud to represent Westfield Insurance, ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the North Central Region. Learn more: https://wf.insure/2m9FgLb

Wallace & Turner Proudly Supports the 2020 Springfield Firefighters Ball

Join local firefighters as we celebrate another year of safety and service. On Saturday, February 15, 2020, the Springfield Professional Firefighters Association will sponsor The Firefighters Ball. Bringing back The Firefighters Ball after more than 35 years, it has been an overwhelming success. Wallace & Turner is proud to be a sponsor of the event.

The Firefighters Ball is being held at the Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center and will include dinner, entertainment by Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos, DJ Chill and Not So Loud Silent Party, Games of Chance for prizes, and a cash bar all evening. All proceeds from this event will go to local charities and organizations.

Click here to purchase your tickets for the 2020 Springfield Firefighters Ball.

New Year's Resolutions - Protect Yourself in 2020 and Beyond

Happy New Year! It's time to set those resolutions for 2020 and we hope you consider the following to ensure peace of mind throughout the year. Download our app: https://bit.ly/2SHgQ9J