Blackadar Insurance Agency

Here we grow again!

donblackadar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:06:35 +0000

Our Personal Lines team has been enhanced by the hiring of Dana Layou. Dana has been in the insurance industry for the last 14 years and she obtained her AAI Professional Designation in 2007. Dana may be reached at 407.831.3832 extension 116.

New Ban on hand-held phones for commercial drivers.

donblackadar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:52 +0000

Effective January 3, 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented a ban on hand-held cellular phones when driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for interstate trucking.
This new regulation significantly changes the methods that all drivers can legally use to communicate while on the job. Details regarding these changes can be reviewed in the Frequently Asked Questions link found below.
If in violation, drivers could receive a maximum civil penalty of $2,750. They could also have their license suspended for 120 days. Employers are subject to a maximum civil penalty of $11,000 per violation if they fail to require their drivers to comply with this new law; or if they encourage or allow hand-held mobile telephone use while driving.
Although this new ban is limited to cell phone use in CMVs, United Fire Group encourages all employers to evaluate their specific business needs and individual methods of communications for all drivers. Elimination of driver distractions will greatly minimize the risk to your business, your employees and the public.
Follow these links to help you learn more about this policy and additional information to help your clients comply with this new law.
FMCSA Definitions:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=390.5
Frequently Asked Questions for the Ban on Hand Held Cellular Phones:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/cellphone-ban-faqs.aspx

United Fire Group

New Employees

donblackadar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:45:43 +0000

Blackadar Insurance Agency is proud to announce the addition of two new employees.

Stephanie Lewis has joined us as a Personal Lines salesperson and she will be responsible for personal lines new business production. Stephanie has an extensive sales background and is very familiar with the Central Florida marketplace. Stephanie can be reached at 407. 831. 3832 extension 120.

Judy Koput has joined our Group Benefits department. Judy brings a wealth of experience to our agency in individual/group insurance, life insurance and Health Care coverages. Judy will be responsible for new business sales and service. You can call Judy at 407.831.3832 extension 105.

Valentine’s Day and Life insurance

donblackadar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:42:58 +0000

When thinking about Valentine’s Day one rarely considers giving the gift of life insurance. However, if you think about it, we generally buy life insurance to protect the ones we love. We want to make certain that they will be protected financially and that they will be able to maintain the standard of living they are accustomed to.

We work hard for our loved ones. We go to great lengths to make certain that we are providing them with comfort and a sense of well-being. We adjust schedules to meet the activities of our children and we deny ourselves little things so that we can save for that special event.

Yet, if you were to pass away, how would your family be protected? This is precisely where life insurance comes into the picture. It can keep your family strong financially and keep your family in an environment that they know.

If you think you need life insurance, or need to add more, now just might be the time to take action. Expressions of love are always well received. The gift of life insurance, a gift of love, is a promise to provide for those you love, even after you have departed.

Why should I purchase insurance?

donblackadar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:39:24 +0000

While attending a seminar recently, one of our employees was asked by an attendee, “Why should I purchase insurance? I could save the premiums I have paid for so many years and invest those dollars and use them in case I have a claim.”

He provided his standard answer as he has for more than thirty years. Insurance is designed to protect you from a catastrophic loss, be it to a loved one, your home, automobile or business. The premiums you might have saved over time would not, in most cases, be enough to pay a claim. Simply put, insurance eliminates the uncertainties of life and the premium you pay transfers this risk or uncertainty to the insurance company you choose to provide your protection.

Insurance is indeed the life-blood of our economy. How many buildings could be built without it? How would businesses exist if they could not purchase insurance? Would you be able to secure a loan to purchase a new car or home without having the protection provided by an insurance policy? These are just a few examples of the need for insurance in our day to day lives.

The response has been the same throughout his career. Commerce would cease to exist without the availability of insurance.

Drunk Driving Statistics

donblackadar — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:24:58 +0000

With the holiday season still fresh in our minds, we, at Blackadar Insurance Agency, would like to remind all our clients that during any festive occasion it is important to keep in mind the potential dangers of driving after having some celebratory cheer. The information below provides some very sobering reminders.

2009 National Statistics

. 33,808 people were killed in traffic accidents. 10,839 of these deaths was a result of alcohol

(32% of all traffic deaths)

• An additional 254,000 suffered injuries due to an alcohol related accident

• Drunk drivers kill someone approximately every 48 minutes

• High BAC drivers (.15% and higher) account for more than half of all deaths in alcohol related accidents

• 181 children age 14 and younger died in alcohol related accidents in 2009. Over half (92) were riding WITH THE ALCOHOL IMPAIRED DRIVER!

• In 2009 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence. This is less than 1% of the amount self-reported by adults. (147 million self-reported episodes of drunk driving)

• Among motorcyclist killed in fatal crashes in 2009, 29% had a BAC of over o.o8%

• An average drunk driver will drive drunk 87 times before being pulled over!

• Drunk driving costs each adult in this country around $500.00 a year

• 1 in 3 people will be involved in an alcohol related crash in their lifetime

• Among drivers killed in fatal crashes, 30% have BACs of 0.08% or greater.

• Among drivers involved in fatal crashes, those with BAC levels of o.o8% or higher were eight times more likely to have a prior conviction for DWI than were drivers who had not consumed alcohol.

• 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

A New Years Resolution

donblackadar — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:01:23 +0000

The New Year always ushers in resolutions – be they for your health, family or financial future. One resolution that Blackadar Insurance Agency suggests you make is that you take the time to have your agent review your entire insurance program. Do you have all your insurance with one agency? Or do you have your auto insurance with one agent, your homeowners insurance with another, your business insurance with still another and your life insurance with someone else. Having multiple agents handling your insurance matters can result in coverage gaps and/or overlaps.

Allowing Blackadar Insurance Agency to handle all your insurance needs provides us with the opportunity to see the whole picture so that we can design an insurance program that provides proper protection and peace of mind.

Service is made easier when you work with an individual agent. One call to our agency will enable you to make a change to your policy, report a claim or inquire about your billing. Allowing us to manage your complete insurance portfolio will give you peace of mind knowing that you are well protected, service is seamless and your premium dollars will be maximized.

Call Blackadar Insurance Agency today to make an appointment for your review you just might be satisfied that this was one resolution you kept.