Judy Sivy, Author at ProtectAll Insurance

Blinded By The Light — The Sunlight!

I’m not one to complain about sunshine — especially since gray, cloudy days are just around the corner (and yes, I’ll complain about those too). But there’s something about fall sunlight that hits different… usually right in your eyes on the drive to work. And no, it’s not in your head — it’s science.

Fall Sunlight = Blinding
In autumn, the sun sits lower in the sky, which means it’s directly in your line of sight during morning and evening commutes. Add the fall equinox shifting sunrise and sunset times, and you’ve got a recipe for glare — and potentially, disaster.

You Gotta Wear Shades
According to the National Library of Medicine, bright sunlight raises the risk of life-threatening crashes by about 16%. To protect yourself:
• Keep your windshield clean. Dust and streaks magnify glare. Top off washer fluid and keep a spare in the car.
• Wear polarized sunglasses. They cut glare from the sun and reflections off car windshields and pavement.
• Use your sun visor early. Combine with sunglasses for the best defense.
• Increase following distance. Glare can mask brake lights and traffic signals.
• Slow down if visibility is poor. A few extra minutes is worth your safety.

The Good and the Bad
The good news: when clocks “fall back” in November, many drivers notice less direct glare during their commute. The bad news: more time driving in the dark as winter sets in. So, enjoy the sunlight while it lasts — just don’t let it blind you!

Stay safe. Stay protected. Stay informed.

If you want peace of mind knowing your auto insurance will be there when the unexpected happens, give us a call today.

Author: Judy Sivy

Let’s Review

Phones Down: Eyes on the Road

I pass drivers all the time who are looking down at their phones. It’s scary — and it makes me wonder why we don’t talk more about how dangerous it really is. If everyone understood the risks, wouldn’t more people put their phones down and focus on the road?

The statistics are alarming:

8% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes in 2023 involved distracted driving (NHTSA).

Nine people die every day in the U.S. from crashes reported to involve a distracted driver (CDC).

Young drivers are at the highest risk. In 2023, drivers aged 15–20 made up the largest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

Here in Ohio, lawmakers recognized the danger. In October 2023, the state enacted a “phones down” law prohibiting drivers from holding handheld devices. Since then, distracted driving fatalities in Ohio have declined by 19% (Ohio State Patrol). That’s a real, measurable improvement — and proof that change is possible.

But statistics and laws only go so far. The reality is, we all want to keep our loved ones — especially our kids — safe behind the wheel.

Telematics Can Be Used as a Coaching Tool

At ProtectALL, many of the insurance companies we represent offer telematics programs that track driving habits through a smartphone app or plug-in device. For families with young drivers, these programs are more than just technology — they’re coaching tools.

Parents can see patterns in their child’s driving, like hard braking, speeding, or phone use. Instead of waiting until there’s a ticket or an accident, you can have constructive conversations in real time to help your teen build safer habits.

Real Savings Available

On top of improving safety, telematics can also save families money at a time when premiums keep climbing:

Most carriers offer an upfront participation discount (5–10%) just for enrolling.

Safe drivers can unlock additional discounts up to 30–40% after the monitoring period.

Nationwide SmartRide®, Progressive Snapshot®, and Cincinnati RideWell℠ are just a few of the programs available. Those savings can add up quickly, especially for households already stretched by the cost of insuring young drivers.

The Bottom Line

Distracted driving is preventable — and we all have a role to play in changing the culture around it. By combining strong laws, family coaching, and tools like telematics, we can make the roads safer and ease the financial burden of auto insurance.

If you’d like to explore whether a telematics program is right for your family, our team at ProtectALL can walk you through your options. Together, we can protect what matters most.

Author: Judy Sivy

Stay safe and informed. Not distracted.

Why Rental Reimbursement Coverage Matters More Than You Think

In a previous blog, I shared a personal story: my husband was hit by an uninsured driver. Thankfully, he wasn’t injured and our Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on our auto policy was there to repair the damage to our vehicle. But that experience opened our eyes to another gap many people don’t realize exists until it’s too late: rental car coverage.

UM Coverage Isn’t the Only Coverage You Need

Uninsured Motorist coverage is designed to step in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. It protects you financially for damage to your vehicle and injuries.

But here’s the issue: it doesn’t automatically cover the cost of a rental car while your own vehicle is in the shop. That’s why you need Rental Reimbursement coverage — and if you don’t have it, or don’t have enough of it, you could be paying out-of-pocket.

Is $30/day Enough for a Rental Car?

Many people assume a rental car is $20–$30 a day. That might have been true years ago, but today it’s a very different story:
• Economy/compact cars: around $50–65 per day in Columbus.
• SUVs and larger vehicles: often $80–$110+ per day

Now, compare that to what’s in most policies. Many auto policies only cover $30 per day for rental, capped at 30 days. If your repair takes longer, or the daily rate is higher, you’re left paying the difference.

A Real-Life Example: Six Weeks in the Shop

When my husband’s car was hit by the uninsured driver, it wasn’t a quick fix. His car was in the shop for almost six weeks.

If we only had $30 per day that would have left a huge gap for us to pay:
• Average rental cost in Columbus: $60/day × 42 days = $2,520
• If the policy only covered $30/day (common in many policies): $30/day × 30 days = $900
• Out-of-pocket gap: $1,620

After an accident, it’s not unusual for repairs to take several weeks — especially with parts delays and body shop backlogs.

So What Do You Need To Do Right Now?

Review your auto policy to verify the following:

Do you have rental reimbursement coverage? While it’s optional, it’s essential coverage that you’ll be glad you have when you need it.

Daily limit – Is it enough to cover today’s market rates ($50–$65/day in Central Ohio)?

Maximum payout – Does it stop at $900, $1,500, or another limit? Will that realistically carry you through several weeks of repair delays?

Vehicle type flexibility – Can you rent something comparable to what you normally drive?

The Bottom Line

We were fortunate — our Uninsured Motorist coverage protected us from the financial impact of the accident, and we also had rental reimbursement coverage to help offset the cost of being without a vehicle for weeks. But the experience showed us just how quickly rental expenses can add up, and how inadequate coverage could leave many families with a hefty out-of-pocket bill.

Call ProtectALL Insurance today and let us review your auto policy with you. We’ll make sure your coverage matches real-world rental costs, so you’re not left paying thousands out of pocket after an accident.

Author: Judy Sivy

Let’s Review

What Kind of Insurance Does Your Small Business Really Need?

It takes guts to open your own business. Seriously — taking that kind of risk, putting your time, money, and energy on the line to build something of your own? That’s bold, admirable, and worth protecting!

You’ve taken a big chance and gambled on yourself — now don’t risk everything you’ve built by skipping out on the right insurance. Figuring out the right insurance coverage probably sounds boring, tedious and overwhelming, but we have good news! Business insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few key policies most small businesses need, and once those are in place, you’re off to a great start.

Here’s the basic policies most small businesses need:

1. General Liability Insurance

Accidents happen — and when they do, this is the coverage you’ll be glad to have. General liability protects you if someone gets injured at your business or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. It even covers legal fees if a claim turns into a lawsuit.

Example: A customer slips and falls at your business. You’re covered.

2. Commercial Property Insurance

Whether you own a storefront, lease an office, or run your business from a workshop or warehouse, property insurance covers your physical assets — like your building, tools, inventory, and equipment — from fire, theft, storms, and more.

Pro Tip: If your business operates from home, your homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover business-related losses. Property coverage tailored for your business is essential.

3. Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use a vehicle for business — even if it’s just one — you’ll want this. Commercial auto covers business vehicles and drivers, so you’re not left paying out of pocket.

Pro Tip: Personal auto insurance typically won’t cover accidents that happen while you’re working.

4. Umbrella Insurance

Think of this as a safety net. Umbrella insurance kicks in when a big claim exceeds the limits of your other policies — like general liability or auto. It’s the peace-of-mind policy that helps protect your business from large, unexpected losses.

There’s more available than just the basics

Depending on your industry and operations, you might need other coverage — like workers’ comp, cyber liability, professional liability, etc. Every business is different, which is why it’s smart to work with an insurance advisor who can help assess your risks and recommend the right protection.

Bottom line:
Taking risks is part of being a business owner — but leaving your business unprotected isn’t a risk you can afford.

Let’s make sure you’ve got the right coverage in place.
We’re here to help you protect what you’ve built — reach out today for a quote!

Author: Judy Sivy

BOP it!

Best Car Insurance for Columbus Families in 2025: Rates, Discounts & Smart Tips

Raising a family in Columbus means juggling it all — work, school, extracurriculars, and the most nerve-wracking challenge of all: teen drivers! With everything going on, finding the right car insurance might not be at the top of your to-do list — but it needs to be.

Car insurance for families in Central Ohio doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. In fact, with the right insurance agent, you can save money and get better protection at the same time.

As a locally owned independent agency based in Dublin and serving all of Ohio, we’re here to help families like yours make smart decisions that grow with you.

Why Does Car Insurance Costs More for Families?

When you have multiple drivers (especially teens), a few vehicles, and a busy household, your insurance needs become more complex. Common factors that impact your rate include:

Number of drivers (teens = higher risk)

Prior accidents or claims

Number and types of vehicles

Where you live (ZIP code matters!)

Credit score (used by most insurers in Ohio)

Bundled insurance policies (or if you don’t bundle, you’re missing out on saving opportunities!!)

Luckily, there are proven ways to lower your premiums while keeping your family safe.

Tip #1: Bundle Home + Auto for Big Savings

If you own a home or rent, bundling your home or renters’ insurance with your car insurance can save you up to 25%. More importantly, it simplifies billing and claims — especially when you’re dealing with severe weather or accidents.

And some insurance companies offer a single deductible for claims that affect both your home and vehicle (like hailstorms), which can save you hundreds.

Tip #2: Insure Teen Drivers the Smart Way

Adding a teen driver can cause your blood pressure and premiums to spike! Don’t worry, we have some smart ways to keep it under control:

Good Student Discounts: Teens with a B average or better can save up to 20%.

Driver’s Ed Courses: Many insurers reward additional training with lower rates.

Telematics or Safe Driving Apps: Let your teen opt into app-based driving programs. Many carriers offer up to 30% off for safe behavior. And you have peace of mind they are driving safely when you’re not in the car with them!!!

Pro Tip: It’s typically much cheaper to keep your teen on your family policy than to start a separate one.

Tip #3: Compare Quotes — the Right Way

Online quoting options may sound like a quick and easy way to compare but be careful because the devil is in the details!! You might get the lowest price but miss out on important coverages — or end up overpaying for things you don’t need.

As an independent agency, we do comparison shopping for you — across multiple top-rated carriers — and tailor coverage to your family’s unique needs.

We often discover that families are:

Paying for coverage they don’t need

Underinsured on liability (especially with teen drivers)

Missing out on hidden discounts like low mileage or multi-car

Tip #4: Take Advantage of Columbus-Specific Discounts

Living in Central Ohio has its perks — including special savings opportunities. Ask us about:

Low-mileage discounts if you commute less or work from home

Affinity discounts for educators, healthcare workers, and first responders

Our Recommendation

When it comes to car insurance for families in Columbus, it’s not just about finding the lowest rate — it’s about finding the right coverage for your lifestyle, your drivers, and your future. And having the best insurance agency that will help you protect what matters most to you!!

As your family grows and changes, your insurance should evolve with it.

Let The Risk Pros at ProtectALL find you the right coverage!

Need a coverage review or a fresh quote? We’re here to help.

Call us, visit our Dublin office, or [click here] to start your free quote today.
We’re local, independent, and we protect what matters most to you!

Author: Judy Sivy

Have any questions?

Why You Should Always Get a Police Report — Even for a “Minor” Accident

Last week, I was sitting at a red light, minding my own business… and bam! — I got rear-ended. Lately, my husband and I seem to be on a streak of bad luck with our cars. Just a week earlier, he was rear-ended in his own vehicle. I even wrote a blog about his accident — check out the post on uninsured drivers within our blog page to read the full story.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but as I pulled over and started the usual post-accident routine — checking for damage, exchanging insurance info, taking pictures — I was reminded of something I’ve seen too many times in my career:

If you skip calling the police, you’re setting yourself up for a he said / she said nightmare later.

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize:

Insurance adjusters will always ask for a police report.

Without one, there’s no official determination of fault — which means the other driver could change their story later. Especially, if the other driver stops responding to their own insurance company — like in my case this week — the adjuster has no statement from them and must rely heavily on the police report to prove fault.

Without that report, the process can drag on for weeks (or even months), delaying your repairs and your settlement.

The police report doesn’t just document what happened — it’s a third-party, unbiased account. When things get messy, it’s the document your insurance company can lean on to settle things faster and more fairly.

So, my advice from both personal experience and a lot of years in the insurance business:

Always check for injuries first.

Exchange contact and insurance information.

Take pictures of everything — vehicles, the scene, license plates.

And call the police, even if it feels like “no big deal.”

Because when it comes to protecting yourself after an accident, a little extra effort in the moment can save you a lot of headaches later.

Author: Judy Sivy

The Coverage You’ll Wish You Had: Uninsured Motorist 101

This morning, I got the kind of phone call every spouse dreads: my husband was in a car accident. Thankfully, no one was injured. But the driver who hit him? No license. No insurance. And now, we’re staring at thousands of dollars in damage to our car—damage that someone else caused, but that we’ll be responsible for cleaning up.

Unfortunately, this kind of situation isn’t rare. Ohio has some alarming stats:
• Around 13 % of Ohio drivers lack insurance—about one in eight—mirroring the national average.
• In some parts of Ohio, as many as 15 % of drivers are in violation of financial responsibility laws.
• Nationally, uninsured rates have climbed from ~11–12 % pre-pandemic to over 15 % by 2023.

So, when one of those drivers crashes into you, you need to ask yourself a hard question: Who’s going to pay for the damage? And that’s when uninsured motorist coverage comes to the rescue.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a protection built into your auto policy that steps in when the at-fault driver can’t because they don’t have insurance.

What does it cover?
• Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you’re injured.
• Repairs to your vehicle or property.

Some states require UM coverage; others make it optional—Ohio law makes it an optional but that doesn’t mean unnecessary. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, do you have thousands of dollars to pay for property damage? What if you or your loved one is seriously injured? Who will pay for the medical bills and loss wages?

It Matters More Than You Think

You can drive responsibly. You can carry the right limits. You can even avoid high-risk areas. But you can’t control what someone else does behind the wheel.

And if you’re hit by someone who’s uninsured, you’ll be left holding the financial bag—unless you have proper UM coverage.

In our case, we’re lucky we added robust uninsured motorist protection years ago. Now that it’s real—not just a line item on a policy—we’re grateful we did. It means we won’t be out-of-pocket for someone else’s mistake.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

If you’ve never reviewed your uninsured motorist coverage, now is the time. A few questions to ask:
• Do you have enough UM/UIM coverage to match your liability limits?
• Does your policy include property damage protection as well as bodily injury?
• Have you reviewed your deductible recently?

In a collision with an uninsured driver, those answers could make the difference between peace of mind and a financial nightmare.

Final Thought

Auto insurance isn’t just about covering the “what ifs” you cause—it’s also about the ones you can’t prevent. Uninsured motorist coverage is the safety net you hope you never need…until you do.

If you’re not sure whether your policy has the right protection, now’s the time to talk to your agent. Waiting until after the accident is too late.

Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Protected.

Author: Judy Sivy

When a CEO Resigns in Scandal—Who Pays? (Hint: Hopefully You Have A D&O Policy)

When a high-profile executive steps down amid controversy—whether due to misconduct, conflict of interest, or just bad judgment—it’s not just a PR crisis. It can be a financial disaster for the company, its board, and its investors.

That’s where Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance is necessary. And if you’re running a business, sitting on a board, or advising one—you need to understand what this coverage really does (and what it doesn’t).

Real World Example: Recent Leadership Scandal

Recently, a tech company CEO resigned after being caught in a questionable relationship with the company’s head of HR. What’s the potential fallout? Damaged reputation, questions of fiduciary duty, internal disruption, and potential legal exposure for the board.

The questions to consider:
What if investors sue, claiming leadership mismanagement?
What if employees file complaints about a hostile or unfair work environment?
What if stakeholders demand a full investigation?

D&O insurance steps in to cover defense costs, settlements, and judgments related to claims of mismanagement, breach of duty, or decisions that financially impact others.

What Exactly Does D&O Cover?
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Misrepresentation or failure to disclose material facts
• Employment-related decisions made at the executive level
• Shareholder or investor lawsuits
• Regulatory investigations

D&O covers the individuals (directors and officers) personally, as well as the company itself in many cases. Without it, decision-makers could be risking their personal assets.

Who Needs D&O Insurance?

D&O isn’t just for publicly traded and high-profile companies. Here’s who should have it:

Private businesses with outside investors or a board of directors
Startups with VC backing
Nonprofits (yes, their boards can be sued too)
Any business where leaders are making decisions on behalf of others

Common Misconceptions We Hear

“We’re small—we don’t need D&O.”
Size doesn’t shield you from lawsuits. If you have stakeholders, you have exposure.

“It’s just for securities lawsuits.”
Wrong. Claims can stem from employment decisions, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and vendor relationships.

“We’ll just pay out of pocket if something happens.”
Even a frivolous lawsuit can cost six figures to defend. D&O protects against that drain on your business or your personal finances.

Let’s Cut To The Chase

The cost of a D&O policy is minor compared to the cost of defending a claim. And in today’s climate—where leadership behavior is under a microscope—it’s one of the smartest insurance purchases a business can make.

Need help evaluating whether D&O coverage makes sense for your business?
Let’s talk—no pressure, just education!

Author: Judy Sivy

Flood vs. Water Damage

Water, Water Everywhere — But Are You Really Covered?

Rain, rain, go away… and maybe skip Central Ohio for a while!
If you’re like most of us, you’ve had enough. This summer alone, we’ve seen more rainfall than we did all last year—and with all that water comes a big question:

If water damages your home, are you actually covered?

Unfortunately, this is where a lot of homeowners get caught off guard. One of the most common misconceptions we hear is:

“I have water backup coverage, so I’m covered for flooding… right?”

The answer? No. And that misunderstanding leads to countless claims denied every year.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is Water Backup Coverage –It has to be added to your homeowners policy

What it covers:
Water that comes up into your home—through sewers, drains, or sump pumps.

Common claims:

Sump pump failure during a storm

Sewer backup into a basement

Water entering through floor drains after heavy rain

Key point:
This coverage is not automatically included in most homeowners policies. You have to add it—and it usually has a limit ($5K, $10K, $25K+).

But it is NOT flood insurance.
It won’t cover water that enters from outside and rises into your home.

Flood Insurance – It’s not part of your homeowners policy!

What it covers:
Water that enters your home from outside and rises—like flash flooding or overflow.

Common claims:

Heavy rain overwhelms storm drains and floods your home

Creek or river overflows

Water rushes through doors or foundation walls

Key point:
Flood insurance is never included in a homeowners policy. You must buy it separately!

EVERYWHERE IS A FLOOD ZONE– The question is do you live in a high risk or low risk zone?

And yes, it matters even in “low risk” areas:
Over 20% of flood claims come from properties outside flood zones.

Bottom Line

Too many homeowners don’t realize their biggest risks aren’t covered—until it’s too late. That’s why we always say:

If it involves water, ask us!

If you’re unsure what’s included in your current policy—or want to explore adding these two different coverages—we can help you review it and make sure you’re protected.

Let’s make sure the next surprise storm doesn’t come with a surprise denial.

Stay Dry. Stay Protected. Stay Informed.

Contact Us!

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