Graduation? Marriage? New Job? New Home? Call your Kentucky Insurance Agent

If your life changes; your insurance agent needs to know

It's crazy how many people don't think to call their Kentucky insurance agent when there is a major life change. With graduation and wedding season upon us, I thought it would be timely to mention a few reasons to get in touch with us; or your existing insurance agent.

• Graduation. If you are moving to a new location, your Kentucky auto insurance agent needs to know. You want important communications to keep up with you to avoid a lapse in coverage.
  
  If you are coming off your parents' health insurance, and either have not found a job or need to get a policy to span the time between when your employee benefits kicks in you may need Kentucky Short Term Health Insurance.



• Getting married? It pays to shop your coverages on Kentucky Car Insurance. Do not assume that adding a spouse to your existing policy is going to be the most economical. Shop with a Kentucky independent insurance agent. Independent agents offer comparisons with a number of companies; helping you find the best value for your money.
  
  What about wedding insurance? Travelers Insurance recently introduced a wedding insurance product in Kentucky. Be sure to insure your big day!
  
  Most importantly, do not forget about Kentucky Life Insurance. Young couples can purchase life insurance fairly inexpensively. Being married means being responsible. Set down with a Kentucky Insurance agent and explore your options.



• New job? Will you be driving your car more? Will you be driving it less? Commuting miles are a factor with many Kentucky auto insurance companies. Let your agent know. If you have had a significant wage increase, you may need to evaluate your disability insurance.



• New home? Obviously, your home owners policy will need to be updated. You may need an umbrella policy for additional liability, and maybe more life insurance to pay off the additional debt.



• New motorcycle or toy? Please do not assume it is automatically covered under a homeowners policy. Be sure you check with your Kentucky insurance agent.



• New baby? New grand baby? Life insurance on juveniles is very inexpensive. Call your agent for rates.




As many of you embark on "real jobs" outside the university community, and as you begin your life of wedded bliss, we wish you only the best. Find yourself a Kentucky Insurance agent who cares about you.

This posting is meant as a general guide to Kentucky Insurance. For legal and financial matters always consult a accountant and attorney. Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Insurance agent. Get Kentucky insurance quotes.

Bulding Kentucky Small Business Goals The importance of a Mission Statement

Thanks for asking

I received an inquiry from a college student in Colorado who works part time at a property casualty agency. He asked several questions about our mission statement.
With permission, I'll share the questions and my opinions and answers.

Here is our Kentucky insurance agent mission statement

Charlie Pinson Insurance is a service-oriented agency driven by sales excellence through client and vendor relations. Based in Pikeville Ky, our market area includes Kentucky and West Virginia. Our multi-line focus includes Commercial and Personal lines, with an emphasis on Kentucky health insurance.

As a family owned business, we believe in a family friendly work environment.
It is our goal to provide clients with the service they deserve and products to fulfill their needs. People make the difference at Charlie Pinson Insurance.

Here's the questions

• 1. Did you have a collaborative team to help you develop a mission statement? If so how was that team chosen?Yes, our statement was a collaborative effort. We established our goals of what we wanted to say; then assigned our copy writer (that's me) the task of sewing the patchwork of ideas together. Like your "scratch" start-up agency, we are small. It was a no-brainer to include all personnel.



• 2. What were some of the steps you used to arrive at your mission statement?First, we established WHY we even needed a mission statement. Our goal was and is, to define our identity for our clients as well as our carriers. Secondly, we were at a defining moment in our growth. Did we want to grow, or did we want to keep the status-quo? We opted for growth; but underlined the paths that had brought us success.



• 3. How long did this process take?We hammered this out in about a week. However, from time to time we revisit our mission statement. New products, new employees, and changes in the market influence who we are and who we strive to be.



• 4. What would you do differently in the process?Not a thing. We sat down and got it down. Don't over think. Don't get bogged down in committee. Put it in writing, and put it out there. It's not written in stone. Change is inevitable.



• 5. Do you feel like your employees are living the mission and vision of your agency? We continually strive to find balance between "service-oriented" and "sales excellence." We are getting there. We always focus on family, and clients.
  
  Our defining statement, "People make the difference at Charlie Pinson" reflects a two-fold philosophy. We believe our staff is one of the best in Kentucky. We also believe our customers are not a policy number. So even though we do business on the internet, as well as in a brick and mortar location, our message is Kentucky people helping Kentucky people. That is what we are all about. So yes, we live the mission and we live the brand.

For my collegiate pen pal in Colorado, I hoped this helped. You may want to check out Troy Korsgaden's "Power Position your Agency." For insurance agents, I think it is one of the best resources for attracting, building, and retaining business. At the moment, my copy is at the house. However, if memory serves Troy had a great section on developing mission statements. I wish you well in your endeavours.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Health Insurance Agent. With a background in Agricultural Economics, Public Relations, and Marketing she wears many hats (most of them cute) at Charlie Pinson Insurance Agency and it's sister Kentucky Health Insurance Agency, Triple B Insurance.

Kentucky Insurance Agent's Musing the Market

Weathering the Soft Market

Just so we are clear on this, I am a big Louisville Kentucky Derby Fan. I would rather be talking about Kentucky Derby than Kentucky Insurance this week. To solve this conflict, I blogged about the Derby over at Charlie's Kentucky Sports Blog.

So what about this soft market?

National Underwriter  reported yesterday that the soft market could change quicker than expected. In talking with several of our insurance reps, we hear rumors the rates may begin going up again by fall. If one of the big three companies announces rate hikes, the others usually follow.

Being an established Kentucky Insurance agency, we have seen the market go through its cycles. We do not worry like we once did; it's like the weather in Kentucky. If you don't like it today; it will be different tomorrow! LOL

For young agents, soft markets can be tough. Have determination. Make a plan for success and hang in there. Eventually, the pendulum will swing back.

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On the week before Kentucky Derby, it's really hard to concentrate on Kentucky Insurance. Please give me credit for making the effort. If you need a Kentucky Insurance Agent, check out our agency at www.pinsoninsurance.com

Kentucky Motorcycle safety awareness April 21-May 2

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Office of Public Affairs 502-564-3419

For Immediate Release
Media contact: Chuck Wolfe Chuck.Wolfe@ky.gov
Robin Jenkins Robin.Jenkins@ky.gov

Kentucky Motorcyclists and motorists encouraged to 'share the road'

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 18, 2008) — Motorcycle fatalities have doubled since 2003, and Kentucky’s fatality rate is now second-highest in the nation. One of every nine U.S. road fatalities involves motorcycle riders. The steady increase in fatalities over the past decade represents one of the commonwealth’s greatest highway safety challenges.

To increase awareness and safer driving practices, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is promoting motorcycle safety April 21-May 2. All travelers are encouraged to “share the road,” be courteous, and stay alert during the busy summer travel season.

“With warmer weather here, more motorcycles are back on the roads. Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra cautious,” said Secretary of Transportation Joe Prather. “Motorcyclists can be difficult to see, so it’s important that we all follow the rules of the road and stay alert.”

Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to death or serious injury than motor vehicle passengers in the event of a crash. Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car occupants are injured or killed. In fact, in terms of vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash.

Safe driving tips:

• Remember to allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in a traffic lane for both an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the full room to maneuver safely —never try to share a lane;



• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;



• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic or proceeding at intersections.



• Be aware that motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.



• Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motor¬cyclists. Be aware that motorcyclists may need to change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.



• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.



• Follow the rules of the road, be alert to other vehicles, and always wear your seat belt or DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.

“Our message to all drivers is clear,” Prather said. “Make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Help to share in the responsibility and do your part to share the road with everyone.”

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Save the Delta Queen Tomorrows Great Steamboat Race may be her last!

If you read my blog about theDelta Queen receiving an award this year, you know how much the Delta Queen means to me. Her appearances along the Ohio River communities are something to be treasured and protected. Encourage your representatives and senators to petition for her exemption from upcoming legislation. Otherwise, when the Delta Queen steams out of Louisville tomorrow night, amongst a huge fireworks display...it may be the last time the old girl will compete for the Golden Antlers. That is just too sad!

Delta Queen to be Feted on Steamboat Race Day

By: KDF Press Office
Posted: 4/2/2008 9:00:44 AM

The Kentucky Derby Festival is pleased to announce some special activities to celebrate what could be the Delta Queen’s last year to take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race. The Delta Queen, based out of the port of Cincinnati, is in jeopardy of losing its exemption to make overnight passenger cruises and thus would not be able to participate in future Great Steamboat Races unless another exemption is granted by this November. The Delta Queen raced the hometown Belle of Louisville in the inaugural Great Steamboat Race in 1963 and has been a contestant almost every year since. To help commemorate the heritage of this historic vessel, the Derby Festival has planned the following activities on Great Steamboat Race Day, Wednesday, April 30:

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A “Tea With the Queen” party will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chow Wagon at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. This family-oriented event will feature appearances by several former Kentucky Derby Festival Queens, dating back to 1957. They will be on hand to meet and greet the public and assist children with decorating tiaras and coronets that will be given out. A variety of refreshments will be served, including tea, punch, cookies and other finger foods. Derby Festival mascots Peggy and Gus will also be part of the festivities. Families may have their picture taken in front of the Delta Queen.

A Calliope Contest between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen will be held at 3 p.m. along the East Wharf on Louisville’s waterfront. The musical contest, featuring traditional tunes played on the boats’ steam whistles, will be judged by Louisville native Patrick Henry Hughes, a local celebrity since appearing on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” this spring.

The Great Steamboat Race Awards Ceremony will take place on the main stage at the Chow Wagon, beginning at approximately 7 p.m. The captain and crew of the winning vessel will receive the Golden Antlers and various dignitaries will make remarks. The winner of the Calliope Contest will receive an award created by Louisville Stoneware, presented by Patrick Henry Hughes.

A Mardi Gras party to celebrate the Delta Queen’s river heritage will take place at the Chow Wagon from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Zydeco Bon will provide musical entertainment and Mardi Gras-style beads will be distributed.

A fireworks show at 10 p.m. will accompany the Delta Queen’s departure from the wharf as she heads upriver to Cincinnati. All of the aforementioned Great Steamboat Race activities are free with a 2008 Pegasus Pin.

The Great Steamboat Race starts at the Clark Memorial Bridge and proceeds upriver to Six Mile Island before returning to the bridge for the finish. The 14-mile route takes about 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours. The Belle of Louisville leads the annual racing series on the Ohio River to 22 to 19.

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Joyce Pinson, that's me, grew up along the Ohio River and spent many summer days watching the Delta Queen steam by. It would be a terribly shame to loose the legacy of the Queen. She is an important part of our Kentucky history.

Eleven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Apr. 14 through Apr. 20)

Kentucky State Police Media Contact S. Bray 502.695.6353

Date of News Release: 04/21/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eleven people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Apr. 14 through Sunday, Apr. 20, 2008.

Nine of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles. Six of the victims were not wearing seat belts.

One fatality involved a motorcycle that occurred in Hardin county. The motorcyclist was exiting the Natcher Parkway onto southbound I-65 when he lost control of his Harley Davidson motorcycle with sidecar. After the motorcycle lost control, it struck a semi-truck before coming to a rest. Those on the motorcycle included a man, his son and the man's girlfriend. The man and his son walked away uninjured but the woman was killed in the crash. None of the victims were wearing helmets.

A fatal ATV crash occurred in Warren county and the driver was not wearing a helmet.

Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bracken, Carter, Graves, Leslie, Lyon, Warren and Whitley counties. A double-fatality crash occurred on KY 210 in Taylor county.

The fatality in Bracken county was the result of a motor vehicle collision with a railroad train on Mary Ingles Highway in Mt. Olivet.

Through April 20, preliminary statistics* indicate that 209 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 17 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 175 motor vehicle fatalities, 115 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 13 motorcycle fatalities, eight were not wearing helmets. Twenty pedestrians have been killed. A total of 43 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to Kentucky highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

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As a Kentucky independent insurance agency, Charlie Pinson Insurance KY represents a number of carriers including Progressive, Safeco, AIG, Hartford, Farmers, Travellers and more. Click for Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes.

Buying New Car? Think about Kentucky Insurance Costs before you buy

Cutting New Car Costs in KY

(NAPS)—One way to avoid sticker shock or buyer’s remorse when purchasing a new car is to consider expenses you may encounter down the road. For instance, experts say that while most people anticipate the purchase price, taxes and registration fees associated with a vehicle, many forget that the Kentucky Insurance they need to protect their vehicle could come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to keep insurance costs down while maintaining the type and amount of coverage a new car typically requires.

To help consumers control car costs from sticker price to Kentucky insurance premiums—The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies and Charlie Pinson Insurance KY offers these tips:

• Decide ahead of time how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs.


• Research crash test and accident data. You can see crash test video and analysis from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety online or at progressive.com.


• Check with several dealerships and get firm quotes in writing. Having quotes from several places can help you negotiate your best deal.


• Shop around for financing. Rates vary between institutions.

Kentucky Insurance Costs

Before you buy a car, you should check into how much it would cost to insure. Try talking with a Kentucky independent insurance agent—it may save you some money. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, Kentucky independent agents and brokers offer products from many different Kentucky insurance companies. That means more choice and more opportunities for you to find the best coverage and service at the right price.

Here are a few questions to ask a Kentucky independent insurance agent or broker.

• Can I get any discounts for my car’s safety features? Your Kentucky auto insurance premium is based in part on the car’s value, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.


• How does this KY insurance company handle claims? Price isn’t the only factor to consider. It’s a good idea to deal with a company that will be there for you when you need it around the clock.


• What coverage do I need? Your specific needs may vary by the age of the car, your personal situation and other factors.

Charlie Pinson Insurance KY will take time to answer your questions. Follow the link for a Kentucky Auto Insurance quote.

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With summer and Kentucky Derby season upon us, many people are shopping for new cars. Remember to factor in the costs of Kentucky Insurance when you are purchasing a new car. Prices for Kentucky car insurance vary by company. To shop multiple companies at one time select a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agency.