Category: Uncategorized

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: 

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: 

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

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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

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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

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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: 

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: 

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!

ProtectALL Insurance Q3 2025 Newsletter

We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, and staying cool out there! Check out our third-quarter 2025 Newsletter the art department at ProtectALL Insurance has put together to share with you!

Check it out!

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Selling a Great Product? Make Sure You’re Covered with Product Liability Insurance

You’ve poured time, energy, passion, and brainpower into creating something amazing but even the best products can come with unexpected risks. That’s where product liability insurance steps in to protect your business from costly surprises. 

What Is Product Liability Insurance?

Product liability insurance covers your business if a product you make, sell, or distribute causes harm to someone or damages their property. It helps pay for legal fees, medical costs, settlements, and more—so a lawsuit doesn’t wipe out everything you’ve worked for.

Who Needs It?

Short answer? Anyone who makes or sells a physical product. That includes:
• Manufacturers & wholesalers
• Online retailers & e-commerce shops
• Artisans & crafters
• Food & beverage businesses
• Importers & private label sellers

If your product is out in the world, your name could be on the line if something goes wrong, even if the issue started with a supplier or manufacturer. Product liability coverage is an easy and affordable way to protect your reputation, your finances, and your future.

Why It’s a Smart Move

Let’s face it: accidents happen. A customer could have an allergic reaction, a part might malfunction, or instructions get misread. Even if you’re not at fault, you could still get pulled into a lawsuit. Don’t incur unexpected legal fees out of pocket!  Product liability insurance gives you peace of mind and helps keep your business on solid ground.

Let’s Build a Safety Net Together

Not sure if you need it or how much coverage is right for your business? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our team will customize a plan that fits your product and your budget.

Protect Your Business with Liquor Liability Insurance

If your business serves alcohol—whether it’s beer, wine, cocktails, or champagne at special events—it’s essential to consider the risks involved. 

What Is Liquor Liability Insurance?

Liquor liability coverage helps pay for legal fees, settlements, and damages if someone you serve alcohol to causes injury or damage. Whether you’re running a neighborhood bar, a trendy restaurant, a wedding venue, or hosting a one-night event, you could be held responsible if an intoxicated guest causes a problem after leaving your property. 

Who Needs It?

If you’re serving alcohol, even occasionally, liquor liability insurance should be on your checklist. That includes:
• Bars, restaurants & nightclubs
• Breweries & wineries
• Caterers & event planners
• Retail stores that sell alcohol
• Private events with alcohol service

Why It Matters

Here in Ohio (and many other states), businesses can be legally liable under “Dram Shop” laws if someone they served causes an accident or injury. One unexpected incident can lead to costly lawsuits or even the loss of your liquor license.

We’ve Got You Covered

Need help selecting the right policy? Our experienced team is here to guide you toward the coverage that fits your needs and budget—so you can move forward with confidence.

Tips for Staying Awake and Alert on Long Drives

While the first hour or so of driving is filled with anticipation of your much deserved trip, the remainder of the road trip can become tedious and lead to fatigue or even drowsiness. To ensure that your vacation is a safe one, here are six pointers on staying alert on your long drive:

Combat Sleepiness with Sleeping

The most potent antidote to drowsiness is sleep. That means getting plenty of sleep the night before your trip. Whenever you start feeling drowsy, pull over at a safe spot, such as a rest area, and take a fifteen to twenty minute nap. Try following the nap with a coffee. Or, if you’re traveling with others, try swapping drivers.

Know the Signs of Drowsiness

Besides heavy eyelids, repeated yawning and nodding off, other signs of drowsiness include not remembering the last five minutes of driving, mistakes such as missing exits, disconnected thoughts and drifting into another lane. Don’t just roll down the window or turn up the radio; look for a place to get off the road.

Drive During Your Normal Waking Hours

People have a natural wake/sleep cycle. Rather than fight against it, let it work for you. Plan your driving so that you’re on the road during the day, and sleeping seven to eight hours at night.

Plan Regular Breaks

Rather than waiting until you’re about to fall asleep before pulling over, plan a rest stop every two to four hours, even if you don’t feel particularly tired. The rest stops are also a welcome break from the tedium of constant driving. This is a great chance to use the restroom and try some of the local cuisine.

Chew Something

If you’re alone and feeling drowsy but haven’t reached a rest area yet, use an old truck driver trick and chew a stick of gum or place a piece of candy in your mouth. The desire to sleep is a powerful instinct, but so is the body’s desire to eat. Actively chewing something in your mouth is a short-term solution for staying awake until you can safety pull over for a break. Cooling down the inside of your car will also help.

Alert driving means being smart about how you drive. Follow the above tips, make sure your car insurance is up-to-date and enjoy your vacation.

Your safety is our priority. Call ProtectALL Insurance at (833)-377-6832 for more information on Ohio auto insurance.

How Does Local Weather Impact Home Insurance Costs?

When determining your home insurance premium, insurance companies look at many factors. One of them is weather. Here in Ohio, our home insurance risks are significantly different than those homeowners in Florida or Oklahoma.

The risk of damage to your home is always based on your property specifically. However, the weather in your region plays a role in that cost. Here’s how it may apply.

Add Up the Costs

How many severe weather events happened in your area in the last year? You may be thinking about things like extreme heat and extreme cold, or maybe a drought. These events, while unpleasant, are less likely to increase your home insurance risks. However, some types of severe weather can. Here are some examples.

Hurricane Risks

Home insurance in hurricane risk areas is a critical investment, as hurricanes cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes. Yet, many policies restrict coverage to highly-prone areas along the East Coast. That said, others will extensively cover wind damage caused by hurricanes. You may be able to secure a policy endorsement to cover some of these risks if you need extra protection. But keep in mind that since hurricanes are high-risk, rates might increase.

Wildfires

Many regions in the western United States suffer from wildfire risk. However, wildfires can happen anywhere. This risk often increases in areas of drought. If you live in an area prone to this type of risk, you may need to consider insurance specifically designed to target this concern. As parts of Ohio are heavily wooded, this can be a pressing issue in times of drought.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Another key risk factor is the severe thunderstorm. They can produce high winds and damaging hail. Lightning can cause fires. This can cause damage to homes. Though not all areas experience frequent tornadoes, many times these are also likely when severe thunderstorms occur. If you are in an area prone to tornadoes, your insurance may represent this.

Flooding

Inland and coastal flooding are expensive losses. Yet, they are big risk factors throughout the country. When it comes to protecting against floods, recognize that most home insurance plans in the U.S. do not include flood insurance. You may need a separate flood insurance policy to gain this coverage.

What weather is present in your area? Find out what could impact your home insurance rates. Then, see if any modifications to your home can help reduce those risks, such as improved siding and roofing.

What Business Interruption Insurance Covers

Business Owners Policies, or BOPs, are business insurance coverages that package several types of insurance into one place. These are usually the most-essential types of coverage that a small business could use. One of these usually is business interruption insurance. It’s there to help you in the event you have to temporarily close the business. What costs will it pay for you?

When setting up your BOP, ask your Consolidated Insurance Markets agent if it will include business interruption coverage. In many cases it will. Take some time to familiarize yourself with this coverage.

Business Interruption Insurance

Following incidents in your business, you might not be able to make money. That could equal a big loss of money in addition to the damage costs you might already face.

Say, for example, that a fire damages your restaurant. The repairs will take time, but you expect to reopen. However, during that closure time, you can’t make money.

Therefore, not only will you face a lot of unexpected costs related to the fire, but you might also not be able to make the money to cover some of these. As a result, you could face a significant loss of income just trying to afford your recovery.

If you have business interruption insurance, it is this coverage that can help you recoup such lost funds. Because your operations have been interrupted, coverage will help you recover some of the lost income and pay ongoing bills that might beckon during the closure.

What Your Business Interruption Coverage Can Pay

Business interruption coverage can help you pay for a variety of costs related to the temporary stoppage of work. Three of the most-common costs it can cover are:

If you have other types of coverage, such as equipment breakdown insurance, those policies might also pay for some degree of lost income. For example, if a piece of machinery breaks down, then coverage might help you cover income lost during the failure.

Keep in mind, some policies don’t pay the full lost income related to the operation. For example, you might have to remain closed for a certain number of days for the coverage to kick in. But in many cases, once coverage starts, it can remain in place until you reopen.

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