http://www.rankininsurance.com/blog/View Rankin and Rankin Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.rankininsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:3dd4263d-032b-4d83-ac95-974738364f7eurn:uuid:8f3b0803-d475-4bcb-aff8-6fd08b8c237c1. Bodily Injury Liability This coverage applies to injuries that you, the designated driver or policyholder, cause to someone else. You and family members listed on the policy are also covered when driving someone else&rsquo;s car with their permiss...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:22:28 -0600<h2><strong>1. Bodily Injury Liability</strong></h2> <p>This coverage applies to injuries that you, the designated driver or policyholder, cause to someone else. You and family members listed on the policy are also covered when driving someone else&rsquo;s car with their permission.<br /> <br /> It&rsquo;s very important to have enough liability insurance, because if you are involved in a serious accident, you may be sued for a large sum of money. Definitely consider buying more than the state-required minimum to protect assets such as your home and savings.</p> <h2><strong>2. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)</strong></h2> <p>This coverage pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers of the policyholder's car. At its broadest, PIP can cover medical payments, lost wages and the cost of replacing services normally performed by someone injured in an auto accident. It may also cover funeral costs.</p> <h2><strong>3. Property Damage Liability </strong></h2> <p>This coverage pays for damage you (or someone driving the car with your permission) may cause to someone else's property. Usually, this means damage to someone else&rsquo;s car, but it also includes damage to lamp posts, telephone poles, fences, buildings or other structures your car hit.</p> <h2><strong>4. Collision</strong></h2> <p>This coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car, object or as a result of flipping over. It also covers damage caused by potholes. Collision coverage is generally sold with a deductible of $250 to $1,000&mdash;the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Even if you are at fault for the accident, your collision coverage will reimburse you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible. If you're not at fault, your insurance company may try to recover the amount they paid you from the other driver&rsquo;s insurance company. If they are successful, you'll also be reimbursed for the deductible.</p> <h2><strong>5. Comprehensive</strong></h2> <p>This coverage reimburses you for loss due to theft or damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object, such as fire, falling objects, missiles, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, hail, flood, vandalism, riot, or contact with animals such as birds or deer.<br /> <br /> Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible, though you may want to opt for a higher deductible as a way of lowering your premium.<br /> <br /> Comprehensive insurance will also reimburse you if your windshield is cracked or shattered. Some companies offer glass coverage with or without a deductible.</p> <h2><strong>6. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage</strong></h2> <p>This coverage will reimburse you, a member of your family, or a designated driver if one of you is hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.<br /> <br /> Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when an at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to pay for your total loss. This coverage will also protect you if you are hit as a pedestrian.</p>urn:uuid:eaf4e892-ea2e-43f4-9c87-5ddf2942e730Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to m...Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:46:35 -0600<p>Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared. </p> <p><b>Weather</b><br /> At any temperature -- 20&deg; Fahrenheit below zero or 90&deg; Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers. </p> <p><b>Your Car</b><br /> Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes: </p> <ul> <li>Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts. </li> <li>Changing and adjusting the spark plugs. </li> <li>Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve. </li> <li>Inspecting the distributor. </li> <li>Checking the battery. </li> <li>Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. </li> <li>Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line. </li> </ul> <p>Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power. </p> <p><b>Necessary Equipment</b><br /> An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk: </p> <ul> <li>Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack </li> <li>Shovel </li> <li>Jumper cables </li> <li>Tow and tire chains </li> <li>Bag of salt or cat litter </li> <li>Tool kit </li> </ul> <p><b>Essential Supplies</b><br /> Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include: </p> <ul> <li>Working flashlight and extra batteries </li> <li>Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth </li> <li>Compass </li> <li>First aid kit </li> <li>Exterior windshield cleaner </li> <li>Ice scraper and snow brush </li> <li>Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container </li> <li>Scissors and string/cord </li> <li>Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy. </li> </ul> <p><a name="stranded"></a>In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets. </p> <p><b>If You Become Stranded...</b></p> <ul> <li>Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation. <br /> <br /> </li> <li>To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist. </li> </ul>urn:uuid:d685ed69-6f18-40d4-a2bb-1d61a79edbccLet's face it. Launching and running a business takes capital, motivation and yes, even physical stamina to handle the stress and demands of a new or growing venture. And it's risky. In fact, one out of every five businesses fails within the first fi...Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:25:43 -0600<p>Let's face it. Launching and running a business takes capital, motivation and yes, even physical stamina to handle the stress and demands of a new or growing venture. And it's risky. In fact, one out of every five businesses fails within the first five years of opening. <br /> <br /> Handling inventory, scheduling time, purchasing supplies, handling payroll -- there are a myriad of procedures every home or small business entrepreneur needs to know, but one of the most critical and often neglected is buying proper insurance coverage.&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Taking a Business Inventory</strong></h2> <p>What would happen if a fire or other disaster destroyed your property, making it impossible for you to get back to business right away? Would you remember what property had been destroyed? One way is by taking a complete inventory of all your personal business property, determining its value, and deciding what's worth insuring. Having an up-to-date business inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your business' income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.<br /> <br /> Start by making a list of personal business property, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have.&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>What Is the Right Coverage for You?</strong></h2> <p>Then there's the question of what types of coverages you'll need. Aside from personal business property, there is liability insurance, business income, insurance for the building, boiler and machinery, human failure, employee protection and management protection, among others. The type of coverage you need depends on a number of factors including what kind of business you operate.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Make sure that you are working with an agent that understands your type of business.</p>urn:uuid:12e628f0-047a-4a25-b7ea-17b61afc5b27 As a businessowner, you need the same kinds of insurance coverages for the car you use in your business as you do for a car used for personal travel -- liability, collision and comprehensive, medical payments (known as personal injury protection in ...Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:16:41 -0600<div id="inner_page_content_large_marg"> <p>As a businessowner, you need the same kinds of insurance coverages for the car you use in your business as you do for a car used for personal travel -- liability, collision and comprehensive, medical payments (known as personal injury protection in some states) and coverage for uninsured motorists. In fact, many business people use the same vehicle for both business and pleasure. If the vehicle is owned by the business, make sure the name of the business appears on the policy as the "principal insured" rather than your name. This will avoid possible confusion in the event that you need to file a claim or a claim is filed against you.<br /> <br /> Whether you need to buy a business auto insurance policy will depend on the kind of driving you do. A good insurance agent will ask you many details about how you use vehicles in your business, who will be driving them and whether employees, if you have them, are likely to be driving their own cars for your business. <br /> <br /> While the major coverages are the same, a business auto policy differs from a personal auto policy in many technical respects. Ask your insurance agent to explain all the differences and options. <br /> <br /> If you have a personal umbrella liability policy, there's generally an exclusion for business-related liability. Make sure you have sufficient auto liability coverage.</p> </div>urn:uuid:198d17cd-8e98-44bd-96dd-499a6c24f79cYour homeowners insurance policy places limits on certain types of property. In your policy there is a section titled "Special Limits on Certain Property." This section will list various items and place a dollar limit on each type of property - such ...Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:32:13 -0600Your homeowners insurance policy places limits on certain types of property. In your policy there is a section titled "Special Limits on Certain Property." This section will list various items and place a dollar limit on each type of property - such as jewelry, fine arts or money.<br /> <br /> Why do insurance policies contain such provisions? The homeowners insurance policy is written to provide coverage for the average policyholder. Most of us do not own collections or keep large amounts of cash at our homes. While the policy provides some limited coverage for special types of property, it in no way serves the needs of the unique collector.<br /> <br /> There is, however, a solution for the collector or owner of unusual property items. It is possible to amend your homeowners policy, by endorsement, to provide special coverage for unique collection items such as coins or stamps. By asking your agent to include a scheduled property floater in your coverage, you can specifically insure items of special interest. The personal property floater also expands coverage for perils not included in the homeowners policy.urn:uuid:c637b3cb-f965-4c5f-bb92-bfaeba3ffdc8Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter: 1) Furnace Inspection &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:43:11 -0600<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; background: white;">Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter:</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>1) Furnace Inspection</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>2) Get the Fireplace Ready</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>4) Inspect Roof, Gutters &amp; Downspouts</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drain gas from lawnmowers.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Service or tune-up snow blowers.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>6) Check Foundations</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Secure crawlspace entrances.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drain all garden hoses.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>9) Prepare Landscaping &amp; Outdoor Surfaces</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.</p> <p style="margin: 0.25in 0in; background: white;"><b>10) Prepare an Emergency Kit</b></p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.</p> <p style="background: white; 13: ;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 13.5pt; background: white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.</p>urn:uuid:d0531515-2d3d-4d88-a6a5-ffa6509801e3A home and its contents frequently represent a major portion of a person's net worth. Failure to keep coverage current could result in a claim not being covered. Whose responsibility is it to maintain adequate insurance coverage? When all is said and...Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:34:43 -0500A home and its contents frequently represent a major portion of a person's net worth. Failure to keep coverage current could result in a claim not being covered. Whose responsibility is it to maintain adequate insurance coverage? When all is said and done, it is the policyholder's responsibility to review the policy regularly and inform his/her agent of any needed changes.<br /> <br /> Your agent can search through the maze of complex coverages, advise you how to insure your property and help you with claim settlements, but you are the one best prepared to determine what you have that needs covered.<br /> <br /> For instance, did you tell us about the remodeling project you did on your home or the jewelry you recently bought or inherited? Did you remember to tell us that you are now operating a business from your home? You need to notify your agent when changes like these occur.<br /> <br /> Carefully consider the type and amount of liability coverage you need. Under the standard liability coverage, if a guest slips and falls on your wet patio, you would be covered for the individual's medical expenses, your defense costs and a specified limit for actual damages. If the amount awarded exceeds your policy's limits, however, your personal assets could be threatened. A personal umbrella could help you in this case. The umbrella liability policy typically affords $1 million liability coverage and blankets over your auto and home policy. This provides extra coverage if your auto and home policy limits are exhausted.<br /> <br /> Don't be complacent and just file your renewal away. Review your policy and make notes of needed changes or questions. Call us for an appointment so we can make sure you have the coverage that you expect.urn:uuid:d801bdda-fcec-4e5d-8595-6099d187bfe3<img src='http://www.rankininsurance.com/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/Building%201.jpg' align='left' />Office for Sale 1100 E Brandywine Blvd Zanesville, OH 43701 Call Jason Lyall - (740) 452-7575 &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Location, Location, Location Office Complex Just Off Maple Ave at Brandywine Blvd ...Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:50:19 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 48px;"><strong>Office for Sale<br /> </strong><img alt="" width="640" height="281" style="width: 500px; height: 331px;" src="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/Building%201.jpg" /><br /> </span><strong>1100 E Brandywine Blvd<br /> Zanesville, OH 43701<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 24px;">Call Jason Lyall - (740) 452-7575<br /> </span></strong><br /> <img alt="" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/Building%204.jpg" />&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/Building%202.jpg" /><br /> <br /> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <ul> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Location, Location, Location</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Office Complex</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Just Off Maple Ave at Brandywine Blvd</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Lease Options Available</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Ample Parking</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Professional Atmosphere</span></strong></div> </li> <li> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Maintenance Free</span></strong></div> </li> </ul> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="266" height="202" style="width: 218px; height: 115px;" src="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/Rankin%20Logo.jpg" /></p>urn:uuid:c44c8f56-13c4-48d8-b796-641a2d60f1daSixteen percent of Ohio drivers don&rsquo;t have insurance, a number that has climbed during the economic downturn. The estimate is higher than the national average, where it&rsquo;s expected that 13.8 percent, or one in seven drivers were uninsured ...Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:35:03 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Sixteen percent of Ohio drivers don&rsquo;t have insurance, a number that has climbed during the economic downturn. The estimate is higher than the national average, where it&rsquo;s expected that 13.8 percent, or one in seven drivers were uninsured in 2009, the most recent year of data available, according to the Insurance Research Council.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Because some motorists drive without insurance, other drivers carry the financial burden if they&rsquo;re in an auto accident, whether or not they are at fault.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Tracey Abrams, 48, of Hamilton, Ohio, has dealt with two accidents involving uninsured drivers, the first in 2008, and the second, in 2009 when her husband was in an accident. Both times, she paid a $1,000 deductible, even though Abrams and her husband weren&rsquo;t at fault in either accident.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In 2010, there were 1.07 million Ohio drivers who had their license suspended because they didn&rsquo;t have auto insurance, according to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Ohio law requires motorists to have insurance, but if a person decides to get behind the wheel without coverage and they are caught, it&rsquo;s not a criminal offense, according to Hamilton police Lt. John Nethers.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">There&rsquo;s no code for not having insurance that we can cite a person for,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If I pull you over and you don&rsquo;t have insurance, I can&rsquo;t write you a ticket for no insurance. You have to get a ticket for something else. If you get a speeding ticket, then we mark it on the ticket.&rdquo;</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">When the driver makes their court appearance for the ticket, it&rsquo;s noted that the driver didn&rsquo;t have proof of insurance at the time of the citation. If they can&rsquo;t show proof o the court, the information is sent on to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the division that handles license suspension and fines.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The first time a motorist is caught driving without insurance; they are subject to a 30-day license suspension, 60 days on the second offense, and on the third offense, a forfeiture of their license, according to the Ohio BMV.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Most hit-skip accidents, where a driver leaves the scene of an accident, often involve a driver without auto insurance, he said.</p> For unsuspecting Ohio motorists, the 2009 statistics indicate that if they are in a crash, there&rsquo;s a 16 percent chance that another driver involved is without insurance. That means if a driver is involved in an accident where the at-fault party doesn&rsquo;t have insurance, they could still be left to pay damages.urn:uuid:e175ec95-95de-4574-b57e-76feef095be3One very large advantage to insuing unique and unusual items on a personal property floater is that this policy provides broader coverage than provided by the contents coverage in your homeowners policy. This adds special emphasis to insuring items t...Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:32:15 -0500One very large advantage to insuing unique and unusual items on a personal property floater is that this policy provides broader coverage than provided by the contents coverage in your homeowners policy. This adds special emphasis to insuring items that, while there is no specific limit in the policy, may be subject to loss from perils that the personal property section of you policy does not provide.<br /> <br /> An example might be fine arts, such as a Hummel collection. These fine arts items are especially susceptible to breakage, yet the named perils coverage found in the homeowners policy provides no coverage for simply dropping and breaking your piece of fine statuary.<br /> <br /> Some other items with special limitations in the homeowners policy you might seek a higher limit under the personal property floater include jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, furs, guns and silverware, to name a few. While this is an incomplete list, it demonstrates why certain items are limited separately in the policy because of their uniqueness. The modern homeowners insurance policy is written in&nbsp;easy-to-read language the average person can review.<br /> <br /> If you are unsure about your coverage after personal review of your policy, contact our office so we can work on this together.urn:uuid:df783b1c-1ff6-48dd-baea-1f59a0819584Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds and practice a family tornado drill, especially when small children are involved. Get in the basement under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a ma...Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:40:23 -0500Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds and practice a family tornado drill, especially when small children are involved. Get in the basement under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refridgerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you. Be sure to have a radio or a NOAH Weather Radio, as well as a communication device like a cell phone. Have a predetermined place to meet when it is safe.<br /> <br /> In a structure with no basement, go to the lowest floor. Seek shelter in a small center room or interior hallway. Even in an interior room you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding to protect against falling debris. Try to avoid windows. If you are in a mobile home, leave immediately and seek safe shelter. If safe shelter cannot be located, find a depression and lie flat covering your head with your arms.<br /> <br /> Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your arms.<br /> <br />urn:uuid:7e40f09c-fd4a-450a-ad46-110ace2a3e7fOnly our imaginations limit what we will collect. Antiques, jewelry, stamps and figurines make up some of the most common special property an insurance agent sees, and for this type of property there are specific considerations. The homeowners poli...Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:47:40 -0500Only our imaginations limit what we will collect. Antiques, jewelry, stamps and figurines make up some of the most common special property an insurance agent sees, and for this type of property there are specific considerations. <br /> <br /> The homeowners policy is designed to provide coverage for the average policyholder because not everyone owns expensive paintings or jewelry. The homeowners policy sets limits on certain types of property that fall outside the normal needs of the average policyholder. For instance, porperty such as jewelry, stamps and precious metals have minimal limits of coverage. These limits can be found in your policy in a section titled "special limits on certain property."<br /> <br /> Antiques present a special situation. When you have a loss to personal property, the homeowners policy pays the depreciated value of the damaged item until it is actually replaced. How do you replace an antique with exactly the same item? You can't. Antiques are very unique and require special coverage considerations.<br /> <br /> There is an answer for all these coverage concerns. If made aware of the need, we can add a rider to your policy for handling these types of issues. If you were to look down and see that your $5,000 engagement ring is missing,&nbsp; and you have no idea what happened, there would be no coverage under the homeowners policy since it provides coverage for personal property for specific perils, and mysterious disappearance, is not a covered peril. Not only does the scheduled personal property floater provide special limits for your unique property, it also usually provides much broader perils such as mysterious disappearance. The personal property floater provides coverage on a nearly all-risk basis. If you had that ring scheduled on a personal property floater, there would be coverage.urn:uuid:01db751a-a392-4d25-9f84-a98cde20470dAn Ohio representative has introduced a bill to ban texting while driving statewide. Ohio Rep. Rex Damschroder, R-Fremont, and Nancy Garland, D-Gahanna, introduced House Bill 99 this week. Damschroder plans to testify at a hearing on the bill in two ...Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:43:48 -0600An Ohio representative has introduced a bill to ban texting while driving statewide. <p>Ohio Rep. Rex Damschroder, R-Fremont, and Nancy Garland, D-Gahanna, introduced House Bill 99 this week. Damschroder plans to testify at a hearing on the bill in two weeks.</p> <p>The bill would make the practice of texting while driving a primary offense, meaning drivers can be pulled over if police see the driver texting while driving. Individuals caught doing this would be subject to a misdemeanor charge and a $150 fine.</p> <p>"I am proud to take the first step today to ban the dangerous practice of texting while driving in Ohio," Damschroder stated. "All you have to do is pick up the newspaper and you can read about incidents happening where motorists are killed due to other motorists engaging in this reckless activity. This bill will save lives."</p> Read more at <a href="http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20110218/NEWS01/102180311">http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20110218/NEWS01/102180311</a>urn:uuid:9959f33d-9f9b-46d3-88d0-cc5f5fa9776aResearchers at Medica Insurance Company, Minnetonka, Minn., and Life Time Fitness Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn. reported findings from a study that compared health plan participants to a control group of 3,249 participants whose demographic, health statu...Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:28:18 -0600Researchers at Medica Insurance Company, Minnetonka, Minn., and Life Time Fitness Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn. reported findings from a study that compared health plan participants to a control group of 3,249 participants whose demographic, health status and health care habits were comparable. The study proved that those individuals who participated in a plan incentive to be used toward a fitness center membership, requiring exercise of at leaast two days a week,&nbsp; had significantly lower healthcare costs than the other members of the control group.<br /> <br /> After two years, the average claim cost for the participants taking advantage of the exercise incentive plan was about 34 percent lower than the average for members for the control group,&nbsp; the researchers report.<br /> <br /> Prescription drug claims for the recipients of the exercise incentives were 9.2 percent lower, physician claims were 13 percent lower, and facility claims were 64 percent lower,&nbsp; the researchers report.urn:uuid:cc29fdd0-5c75-4136-8f7f-bc23e034e134If your teenager has just gotten a driver's license, you have probably heard the words Miata, Mustang and Camaro more than you care to admit. The first years a teen spends driving are the most risky. Teen drivers have the highest death rate of any a...Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:06:03 -0600If your teenager has just gotten a driver's license, you have probably heard the words Miata, Mustang and Camaro more than you care to admit.<br /> <br /> The first years a teen spends driving are the most risky. Teen drivers have the highest death rate of any age group. While getting a driver's license is an important milestone in a teen's life, it can provide untold frustration and worry for parents. The Insurance Institute for HIghway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute both advise that concerned parents can go a long way in protecting their teen driver by choosing a safe vehicle.<br /> <br /> <strong>Avoid vehicles that encourage reckless driving. </strong>Teen drivers not only lack the experience, but may also lack maturity. Sporty or flashy cars encourage speeding and reckless behavior.<br /> <br /> <strong>Choose a stable vehicle</strong>. Sport utility vehicles, especially the smaller ones, are inherently less stable than cars because of their higher center of gravity.<br /> <br /> <strong>Pick a vehicle with good crash protection.</strong> Teenagers should drive vehicles offering state of the art protection. Crash statistics can be found at several Web sites, such as <a href="http://nhtsa.dot.gov">http://nhtsa.dot.gov</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Don't choose a small vehicle.</strong> While economical, small vehicles offer much less protection in crashes than larger ones.urn:uuid:fe4ca4f1-8788-4107-ace5-f32297711119Now that your young teen driver has a driver's license and you are reasonably secure with their driving abilities, you need to make sure that driver's education doesn't end at traffic laws. Your new driver needs to be made aware of proper automotive ...Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:37:42 -0600Now that your young teen driver has a driver's license and you are reasonably secure with their driving abilities, you need to make sure that driver's education doesn't end at traffic laws. Your new driver needs to be made aware of proper automotive maintenance. Who better than the regular driver of the vehicle to be made responsible for such things as maintaining fluid levels, regularly checking tire pressure and keeping windshields and headlights clean.<br /> <br /> All cars, new or old, need regular attention. Make sure your new driver knows the vehicle maintenance schedule. Make your child aware of the importance of maintaining a safe, operating vehicle, and also the large amount of money that he/she will save by maintaining the automobile properly. Use the owner's manual, sharing the information contained therein about maintenance and safety.urn:uuid:b8815dc3-8a4f-4f72-ae95-f127d271c25fQuestions about insurance coverage for your trees and other landscaping seldom come up until after a claim and your 80-year-old oak tree is no longer in its usual vertical position. The most common cause of loss for trees and shrubs are wind and ligh...Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:01:40 -0600Questions about insurance coverage for your trees and other landscaping seldom come up until after a claim and your 80-year-old oak tree is no longer in its usual vertical position. The most common cause of loss for trees and shrubs are wind and lightning. The weight of ice or snow is also a frequent cause of loss.<br /> <br /> Coverage for trees and shrubs is limited in property policies due to the inability to provide protection from their high susceptibility to damage by Mother Nature. Typically, a tree would not be covered for its actual loss caused by wind, but if there is resulting damage to an insured structure. For the loss of the tree itself, coverage is usually limited to around $500, but only for the perils of fire, lightning, explosion, theft, aircraft, vehicles not owned by the resident, and vandalism and malicious mischief.<br /> <br /> The next most frequent question we get concerning tree damage is, "What if the tree is located on my neighbor's property?" It doesn't really matter if the tree is on your property or someone else's. If it falls on your house or other insured buliding structure and does damage, you should file a claim. You may seek monetary reimbursement from your neighbor if it is determined that the tree was in poor condition. If successful in recovering this money from the neighboring property owner's insurance company, you can be reimbursed for your deductible.<br /> <br /> In the event that your automobile is damaged from this claim event, the comprehensive portion of your auto policy is where coverage would be found,&nbsp; and payment will be subject to your auto deductible.<br />urn:uuid:7205a751-4160-44d7-92bf-c88080100e8aCollision Test 1959 vs 2009 Chevrolet Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:56:39 -0600<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Collision Test 1959 vs 2009 Chevrolet<br /> <br /> <br /> <object width="500" height="500" classid="clsid:6BF52A52-394A-11D3-B153-00C04F79FAA6" type="application/x-oleobject"> <param name="URL" value="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/crash.wmv"/><embed src="/img/~www.rankininsurance.com/crash.wmv" width="500" height="500" type="application/x-mplayer2" pluginspage="http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/MediaPlayer"></embed></object></span></strong></p>urn:uuid:2d90dee3-8a0a-426c-9c04-c19d4f7e1a39According to a September 2010 survey released by global human resources consultants Hewitt Associates, companies' health costs will rise about 9% on average in 2011 as a result of the aging workforce, growing medical costs and health law-related chan...Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:05:25 -0600<p style="line-height: 115%;">According to a September 2010 survey released by global human resources consultants Hewitt Associates, companies' health costs will rise about 9% on average in 2011 as a result of the aging workforce, growing medical costs and health law-related changes. The survey of 350 medium to large firms found companies "will spend $9,821 per employee on average for insurance next year, up from $9,028 this year."</p>urn:uuid:e159e8e9-1567-45d2-b988-9cef7fde794aYour business liability policy covers you for claims due to your negligence. Medical payments coverage provides payment for bodily injury to third parties that occur on the premises you own or rent as a result of your operations regardless of neglige...Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:25:18 -0600Your business liability policy covers you for claims due to your negligence. Medical payments coverage provides payment for bodily injury to third parties that occur on the premises you own or rent as a result of your operations regardless of negligence.<br /> <br /> The rationale for this coverage is insurers believe an injured party is less likely to sue you if they receive prompt payment for their medical expenses. Medical payments coverage expedites payment to an injured party without their having to sue.<br /> <br /> A relatively high medical payments limit chosen by you might reduce the chances of a minor claim escalating into a lengthy and expensive claims process.<br /> <br /> For claims that might be larger than your chosen medical payments limit, the liability portion of your policy would apply if it were determined that you were negligent. Regardless of your fault the commercial liability policy will provide a defense if you are sued by a third party, even if the claim is groundless.urn:uuid:2588f56b-b8da-466b-a9d3-aa78728c4f38Many of us are concerned about the condition of our retirement savings after the roller coaster ride we have been on for the past two years. In 2008, Americans saw their retirement assets drop by 22 percent on average. Fortunately, those folks who s...Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:49:08 -0500Many of us are concerned about the condition of our retirement savings after the roller coaster ride we have been on for the past two years. In 2008, Americans saw their retirement assets drop by 22 percent on average.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, those folks who stayed the course saw their retirement assets jump back up by two trillion dollars, or 14 percent, largely driven by investment returns. Nearly two-thirds of America's retirement assets are held in employer-sponsored plans.<br /> <br /> The financial crunch of 2008 has no doubt changed retirement plans for many Americans. The values in retirement accounts are rising slowly. If you have a short-time until retirement, a conservative investing approach is advised. Diversification is also very important.urn:uuid:0cd3be8b-e916-4965-9bbc-0062822b0853Water can enter your home in ways other than actual flooding. The most common water-related loss occurs when water backs up through sewers, drains or sump pumps. The damage can be devestating, easily amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in damag...Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:20:44 -0500Water can enter your home in ways other than actual flooding. The most common water-related loss occurs when water backs up through sewers, drains or sump pumps. The damage can be devestating, easily amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in damage. You can lessen your chance of flooding by not living near a body of water, and you can reduce your risk of basement water with proper drainage, including landscaping and gutters.<br /> <br /> If your attempt to avoid or lessen the impact of water damage falls short of what you think is prudent, you can purchase flood insurance. The federal program provides insurance only for the peril of flooding. Your property policy does not provide this coverage. For damage caused by water which enters through a sump pump or drain, you can buy sewer and drain backup coverage by adding an endorsement to your homeowner policy. These endorsements do vary substantially from company to company, and are rarely automatic.<br /> <br /> The sewer and drain backup coverage endorsement covers water damage and cleanup. The coverage is activated by water that backs up through your sump pump, or backup from a sewer.urn:uuid:3e57a6d5-1812-43d7-9168-a1f3b59da7c7A couple of American icons are finding a new home at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Vince and Larry, the crash-test dummies whose numerous bangs, brusies and breaks helped usher in safer highways, are moving to the Smithsonian. The m...Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:12:20 -0500A couple of American icons are finding a new home at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Vince and Larry, the crash-test dummies whose numerous bangs, brusies and breaks helped usher in safer highways, are moving to the Smithsonian. The most significant contribution made by Vince and Larry was convincing the public of the importance of wearing safety belts.<br /> <br /> It was 25 years ago that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) introduced the American public to a series of public service announcements starring Vince and Larry, crash test dummies, who talked to us and gave us warnings about what could happen if we failed to buckle up. The campaign continued for 13 years using slapstick humor to spread the safety message about utilizing seat belts.<br /> <br /> The NHTSA tells us we now have a record-high rate of sealt belt usage hovering around 84 percent.urn:uuid:4a6a3b90-f211-46f7-aff4-0b57c3da9a59States have laws requiring drivers to carry auto insurance, sometimes referred to as financial responsibility laws. There are a number of ways a driver can show his ability to pay for injuries and damages. By a wide margin, auto insurance is the most...Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:23:57 -0500States have laws requiring drivers to carry auto insurance, sometimes referred to as financial responsibility laws. There are a number of ways a driver can show his ability to pay for injuries and damages. By a wide margin, auto insurance is the most common form of financial responsibility compliance and is the most frequently puchased form of insurance.<br /> <br /> The two basic components of auto insurance coverage are liability and physical damage coverages. Liability coverage will pay for your negligence resulting in bodily injury and/or property damage. Claims for bodily injury could include claims for medical expenses, lost wages and consequential damages including pain and suffering. Property damage coverage pays for the damage you may do to the property of others. Liability coverage includes the cost of defending yourself against liability claims. A companion coverage that is of great value is uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you if you are injured by an uninsured driver.<br /> <br /> Physical damage coverage can provide collision and/or comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage provides payment for damage to your automobile as the result of collision with an object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your auto by causes other than collision. Collision and comprehensive coverages are optional and not required by law. If you have alien on the automobile, the lender will require you carry these two coverages.urn:uuid:86f88182-aec7-48bd-a4a6-70a738da6157In 2009, Ohio removed the registration exemption for all-purpose vehicles (APVs) being used on private property.&nbsp; Now, in addition to this change, a new license plate requirement recently took effect and operators of APVs are now required to dis...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:30 -0500<p>In 2009, Ohio removed the registration exemption for all-purpose vehicles (APVs) being used on private property.&nbsp; Now, in addition to this change, a new license plate requirement recently took effect and operators of APVs are now required to display a license plate and validation sticker.</p> <p>According to Ohio law, an &ldquo;all-purpose vehicle&rdquo; or APV is &ldquo;any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes.&rdquo; The definition of &ldquo;all-purpose vehicle&rdquo; <i>does not </i>include golf carts or utility vehicles that are designed to transport materials or cargo.</p> <p>What does this mean?&nbsp; Because APVs must now be registered with the Ohio BMV, this excludes them from liability and physical damage coverage under the standard Homeowners Policy.&nbsp; To provide liability and physical damage coverage, APVs should be written on&nbsp;a Personal Auto Policy.</p> <p>There is an exception to this rule:&nbsp; APVs operated primarily for farm use are exempt.&nbsp; This exemption only applies if the APV is operated on farm land; use on public roads requires a license and registration.&nbsp; APVs that are operated for agricultural purposes may use public roads and rights-of-way when traveling from one farm field to another.&nbsp; </p> <p style="vertical-align: top;"><strong></strong></p>