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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!

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!

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)

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.

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

Northern Ohio has two sure signs of spring. The Cleveland Indians opening day, and boats headed into the water all throughout the Lake Erie region. Did you know that in 2010 were nearly 432,000 registered boats in Ohio?

So before you start to polish and buff the hull or get the jib ready, you should check on your boat insurance policy. Team ATD has been serving the boating public for over 100 years. We know the importance of proper coverage on the high seas and also understand how important it is to get claims resolved so you spend more time on the water and less time in the service garage. Boating is a great recreational sport for the whole family, whether it’s fishing, pleasure cruising or just sitting at the dock watching a sunset, you’ll always have piece of mind knowing Team ATD has you covered.

So this year, make sure your policy is as ship-shape as your crew. Call Team ATD and let us quote your vessel and so you can spend less time worrying about coverage and spend more time in the sun!

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