http://www.theagentron.com/ Description http://www.theagentron.com/blog.php?id=72 Man's best friend is shaping up to be an insurer's worst nightmare, and is why America’s Insurance Agency asks you to call us before you purchase or adopt a dog, to see if it affects your homeowners insurance. According to new statistics released today by the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims have chomped on insurers' legs to the tune of $412 million in 2009, an increase of 6.4% from 2008. Bites also accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2009. Since 2003, the cost of these claims has risen nearly 30%. Additionally, the number of claims has increased 4.8% to 16,586 in 2009 from 15,823 in 2008. More than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in an estimated 900,000 injuries, with half of those being children that require medical attention, says, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of dog bite related injuries is highest for children aged five to nine years old; the rate decreases thereafter. Almost two-thirds of these injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls.With more than 50 percent of bites occurring on the dog owner’s property, the issue is a major source of concern for insurers. There are 2 kinds of law that impose most of the liability on owners: 1. Dog-bite statute: The dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes, even without provocation. 2. Negligence laws: The dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because he or she was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog. In most states, dog owners are not liable for losses incurred by trespassers who are injured by a dog. A dog owner who is legally responsible for an injury to a person or property may be responsible for reimbursing the injured person for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage. Some people purchase dogs for the purpose of guarding their homes; however, deadbolt locks and home security systems are safe burglary deterrents, which will often earn you a discount on your insurance premium. theagent@zoominternet.net (Ron Nanosky) Agent Blog Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:18:22 -0400 http://www.theagentron.com/blog.php?id=71 ‘The Agent’ and America’s Insurance Agency is inviting our clients to a Summer Client Appreciation Party! To thank you for being a valuable part of our success in Auto, Home, Life, & Business Insurance, we would like to invite all active policy holders to a little Summertime fun at Camelot Lanes in Boardman, Ohio. The party will be on Thursday evening, August 19th, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Camelot Lanes Bowling and Fun Center, located at 628 Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman. We will provide the Bowling and Rental Shoes, along with some Snacks, Games, and Prizes. There will also be a full menu and cocktails for you to purchase. Camelot Lanes also has an arcade and pool tables that you can buy tokens for as well. Because space may become limited, we ask that you R.S.V.P. by phone or email to the agency by August 16th. You can call 330-758-3339 or email us with how many in your household will be attending, to info@theagentron.com theagent@zoominternet.net (Ron Nanosky) Contests & Events Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:28:09 -0400 http://www.theagentron.com/blog.php?id=69 Wednesday, July 21st, will be the last day that homeowners are eligible to file claims on storm damage from last year’s heaviest storm of the season in most Mahoning Valley neighborhoods. There have been numerous claims filed and more and more are being denied by the carriers due to a deluge of fraudulent claims in the area. Response has been so heavy, that representatives from the Ohio Department of Insurance will visit the Valley on Wednesday, July 21st, to warn residents about the dangers of “unscrupulous contractors” in response to reports from the Youngstown Better Business Bureau. The reports claim that “fly-by-night contractors” are trying to convince people that their homes incurred damage from a June 2009 storm. Officials from the department’s Fraud and Enforcement Division and the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Ohio insurance carriers will visit homeowners in Youngstown, Boardman, Hubbard and Austintown to educate them on various fraud schemes. Representatives will wear identification. theagent@zoominternet.net (Ron Nanosky) Agent Blog Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:30:09 -0400 http://www.theagentron.com/blog.php?id=68 The May/June Referral Contest is officially over and we have a winner.... First we want to thank all of our wonderful and loyal clients for referring 28 of their friends and families over the past 2 months. We have made some great new friends and awesome clients. The big winner gets an outdoor BBQ Gas Grill and a $50 Gift Certificate to the Westside Sparkle Market to find something to put on the grill. Congratulations goes to Charles Rhoads,Owner and Master Detailer. Enjoy your new grille and hope you all have a great Summer. theagent@zoominternet.net (Ron Nanosky) Contests & Events Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:00:47 -0400 http://www.theagentron.com/blog.php?id=67 Ready to invite the friends and family over this Summer for the annual get-together? Well, if you refer your friends and family to America’s Insurance Agency for a free quote on their auto, home, life, or business insurance during the month of May, you will get a $5 gas card just for the referral if we quote them, and entered into a drawing for a free Gas Barbeque Grill and $50 dollars worth of Groceries from Westside Sparkle Market in Youngstown, if your referral signs for coverage with us. Just ask how much our winner enjoyed the brand new Blue Ray DVD player he won in our last referral contest. What a way to start the Summer, a brand new barbeque to grill up some of your favorites, $50 worth of hot dogs, hamburgers and fixings, and not only will your friends and family thank you for the great service they will receive at AIA from their friendly agents, but they will ask to be invited over to help you fire up your new grill. All you have to do is call the agency with your friends and families names and phone numbers, or tell them to stop by or call and make an appointment and let the agent know that YOU referred them. Remember the chance to win the free Gas Barbeque Grill is only for referrals who sign with America’s Insurance Agency in the month of May. Break out your address book today! You can also win bonus entries into the drawing by mailing in or bringing in a receipt of $50 worth of groceries or more from the Westside Sparkle Market location. Good Luck. theagent@zoominternet.net (Ron Nanosky) Contests & Events Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:11:09 -0400