Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Our Team



Our most recent team photo!

Back row (left to right): Steve Devlin, Logan Kirk, Jeff Kirk, Mike Dostal, Dave Dostal, Denise Livingston

Front row (left to right): Carissa Chester, Megan Rowlinson, Heather Evans, Diana Adelman

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Our newest team member, Logan Kirk




Logan joined the agency in 2016. He grew up in Shelby where he graduated from Shelby High School in 2010. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from the Farmer School of Business at Miami University.

After graduating Miami in 2014, Logan completed a 2-year fellowship with the Ohio Mutual Insurance Group in Bucyrus. This provided him extensive exposure to underwriting in personal, farm and business lines as well as claims and loss control practices. At the agency he specializes in new business production for personal, business and farm insurance lines. Logan holds the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation and is currently pursuing his CPCU designation.

Logan is involved in various groups in the communities he works and lives including Crawford County Young Professionals, Columbus Young Professionals, Short North Running Club and St. Christopher Catholic Church of Grandview. In addition to community involvement he operates a side auto detailing business, a venture he started at age 14.

Logan resides in the Grandview neighborhood of Columbus. He enjoys running, travel, cars and spending time with friends and family.

Contact Logan at:
Email: 
lkirk@dostalkirk.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Do you know the facts?

10 Reasons Not to Buy Disability Income Insurance

You may have your reasons for not buying individual disability income insurance (DI).  But do you know the facts?

10.  Social Security will take care of me.
          Fact: For those who do qualify, the current average monthly benefit is only $1,191. (1)

9.    It won't happen to me-- I expect to stay healthy.
          Fact: One in four of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67. (2)

8.   It costs too much.
          Fact: The average annual cost is typically only 1 to 3 percent of what you earn.

7.   My Financial needs change so fast.  What policy could keep up?
          Fact: A DI policy from Principal Life Insurance Company is flexible.  You can change it as                   needed.

6.    I want a policy that keeps pace with my income-- without medical underwriting.
          Fact: Principal Life offers riders that allow you to increase your coverage without providing                   evidence of medical insurability.

5.   I have coverage through my employer.
          Fact: Group disability insurance typically covers 60 percent of gross income, and benefits
                   are usually taxable.  Can you afford more than a 40 percent pay cut?

4.   I would have to be totally disabled to receive benefits.
          Fact: There are ways to protect your income in the event of a partial disability.

3.   My family and friends will help me.
          Fact: Are your loved ones in a position to support you?  Do you want them to?

2.   I can always buy coverage later.
          Fact: People usually don't get healthier as they grow older, and coverage will cost more.

1.   I can rely on my savings.
          Fact: Even if you save 10 percent of your salary, one year of disability could easily wipe
                   out many years of savings.

Please contact us today to discuss the importance of disability income insurance, and how we can help create a customized plan to fit your needs and budget.

(1) Social Security Administration, January 2013.
(2) Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet February 2013.


Principal Financial Group
WE'LL GIVE YOU AN EDGE®
Principal Life Insurance Company, Des Moines, Iowa 50392
www.principal.com
Disability income insurance has limitations and exclusions.
For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your
Principal Life financial representative.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Umbrella insurance: a business necessity

By: Mike Mirizzi
The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

There is a misconception that only large companies or corporations need umbrella insurance, that the coverage is expensive and may be unnecessary.  On the contrary, an umbrella policy is a vital piece of coverage that can protect you and your business from losses that exceed your primary policy limits.

The truth is you don't have to have a million dollars to be sued for a million dollars.  It can happen quickly, and your livelihood could be greatly affected.

Costs for an automobile accident with property damage or serious injuries to multiple people could easily exceed a standard insurance policy limit, leaving you or your business to pay out of pocket if you are found to be legally liable.  Injuries due to work you performed or because of a product you distributed or manufactured also could result in lawsuits that could put your business in jeopardy and potentially your personal assets as well.

An umbrella policy provides limits in excess of your primary liability policies and adds that extra layer of protection and peace of mind.  The value in this "extra" layer of protection does not stop there.  Not all umbrella policies are the same.  Ask your independent insurance agent to place your insurance with a company whose policy provides:

  • No self-insured retention (similar to a deductible).  Some insurance companies may require you to retain liability and pay the first $10,000, $15,000 or sometimes $25,000 for specific claims covered by the umbrella that were not covered by the primary liability policies.  Ask your agent for a policy that eliminates this requirement.

  • Unlimited defense payments.  Some umbrella policies offer you true unlimited defense payments when your primary liability policy limits have been exhausted.

  • Coverage for items not covered in your underlying policy.  Some umbrellas will provide "first dollar drop down" coverages for specific situations, meaning that if your underlying primary policies do not cover a loss, your umbrella might. 

Look for an insurer that can provide an umbrella policy with your commercial insurance package.  Having all your insurance with one company, in one package, is easier to manage.

Additionally, an umbrella policy may help your company have a competitive advantage when bidding on a contract as you will already have the required "extra" insurance in place.

Managing these liability exposures makes financial sense, no matter how big or small your business.

Not all umbrella policies are the same.  Please contact us today to explore coverages and options available to you.