Mohamed Ould Mohamed Sidi

On March 16, 2011 Mohamed Sidi was killed in a senseless car accident in downtown Cincinnati exactly 8 years to the day he starting dating his wife. Mohamed was the step father of Leslie Ross, a valued Newman and Tucker employee.  As many of you have seen on the news he was the cab driver killed by a man who was being chased by the police. The community and his family are devastated by the loss of a great man. Mohamed and Kathy did not have a life insurance policy. Please help by donating any amount to 5/3^rd bank in the Memorial Fund for Mohamed Sidi.

On October 8, 2010 Mohamed became an American citizen. One of the proudest moments of his life!

About Mohamed

Mohamed Ould Mohamed Sidi came to America in 1999 seeking political Asylum. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2002 were he started driving a taxi at CVG. He met his future wife Kathy and they went on the first date March 16, 2003. It’s like a true love story. He was an extremely hard worker, working to take care of his family both here and in his home country Mauritania. He always helped others with such thing from hooking up electronics to helping their children with homework and translating documents to taking people to appointments. Any time someone needed his help Mohamed would travel the country to help those in need. Mohamed was an amazing man and anyone who came in contact with him was truly blessed.

It’s a great time to purchase an annuity to help meet your long-term needs for retirement income. Along with guarantees against the loss of principal, you’ll have tax deferred accumulation opportunities and the potential for indexed interest – all with the reassurance of a death benefit for beneficiaries before you begin annuity payments.

Call Mark Wagner at (859) 525-8335 for complete information. 

National Tragedy Affects The Workplace –

Personal Tragedy Affects The Workplace – Personal tragedy, such as an employee, co-worker, or family members death or illness; an employee filing bankruptcy, or incidences of home or workplace violence, also commonly have an affect in the workplace. These personal tragedies are typically less public than national tragedies, but there’s still the same sense of wanting to help and not being sure what to do. 

Regardless of the type of tragedy, it usually has a substantial impact on workers. There are organizations that provide a support system to help people cope with tragedy and the helplessness and grief that often follows. There are also actions that employers can take to help employees as they experience tragedy in the workplace: 

What to do…

Ensure Safety
In cases where the incident occurs in the workplace, safety is the primary concern. The disaster plan should immediately be implemented. Be sure that the disaster plan includes emergency evacuation routes and a designated meet-up location. Be sure to account for the safety of all employees with an attendance call at the designated meet area.

Assess For Personal Involvement
Offer time off, transportation, moral support, assistance getting more information, and such if the tragedy affects a worker on a personal level. There may also be a need for shelter, compensation, or relocation if the tragedy is something that impacts the workplace on a widespread level, such as a local natural disaster.

Be Understanding
Naturally workers can’t instantly return to everyday work after hearing about a tragedy, or at least not in a productive and safe manner. Distracted and distraught workers are very likely to make errors and poor decisions. So, be understanding and tell the workers that it’s okay to focus their attention on what’s happening. In doing so, workers can safely resume work once their need for information is met.

Offer Information
Information can help workers process whatever is going on. If possible turn a radio, television, or computer into an information portal for the employees to stay informed. This might be confined to a break room only, but it’ll still be an information source. Keep employees as up-to-date as possible, without divulging confidential information. Do recognize that employees might want to call friends and family to gain or share information.

Offer A Talking And Gathering Location
Some find comfort in being close to others during a tragedy. A quiet conference room can provide just such a gathering point. It might also be helpful to provide employees an opportunity for interaction, sharing of grief, encouragement, and support by bringing a lunch for employees to eat in a central location. Encourage a brown bag or potluck lunch for the next few days, as some may take longer than others to share their suffering.

Have A Meeting To Share Information
Regarding personal tragedy, it’s crucial that confidentiality isn’t compromised. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to offer as much factual information as permitted. This will not only keep the rumors down, it’ll also mean that employees will spend less time seeking information from other sources. The meeting may also include how employees or the company can help those involved in the tragedy.

Offer Ways To Help
As evidenced by the overwhelming amount of people that volunteered after Hurricane Katrina and 9-11, many take comfort in easing the pain of others and helping to solve issues. Depending on the context of the tragedy, a company fundraiser event, blood drive, charitable donation, offering of flowers or food, and such may be applicable.

Encourage Employees To Utilize Resources
Make sure that employees are aware if there’s an Employee Assistance Program or counseling through the company health plan available.

Have HR Staff And Managers Available
These staff members are critical during a tragedy and should be visible and available. It’s helpful for key staff members be seen in all work areas and stop to listen and support those that need it.

Be Prepared
All companies should have a disaster plan that includes plans for any disaster that could occur in the area – fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, etc… Every employee should be trained to know appropriate disaster and personal injury actions. It’s too late to make the plan once the disaster has occurred!

Include Grief Training As Part The Training Program
Many are unsure what actions to take after a tragedy; for example, employees might be unsure what to say or do once a widowed worker returns to work. Employees should have grief training that includes points like the stages of grief and dealing with self-grief and grief of others. Having this training will help support a positive workplace moral and decrease the long-term affects of tragedy.

Everyone will experience some sort of tragedy at some point in life, and those tragedies are very likely to find their way into the workplace. Hopefully, these tips will offer an effective starting point for employers to address tragedy as it unfolds in the workplace.

Contact us to make sure you are prepared for events that you can control so you have the  piece of mind to handle what you can’t control.

Mark also is responsible for life insurance quoting and reviews, and can provide plans from the simplest final expense policies to complex estate planning and business succession plans for high value estates and businesses. He can explain the relative benefits of term life, indexed universal life, guaranteed universal life, and survivor life policies, and recommend which of these is the best alternative for each client.

Mark can also compile quotes for Long-term Care coverage to provide benefits to a nursing home or in-home care giver that can care for a loved one. This line of coverage can be an indemnity plan that will have an ongoing premium due each year to provide the protection, or can be funded with a single lump sum payment.

Both fixed and indexed annuities can be an attractive alternative to low-yield C.D.’s, for IRA roll-overs, for the proceeds of the sale of a business or family farm, and for inheritances received from parents or grandparents. These products can guarantee an income stream from an invested asset that the annuitant will never to out-live.

The following are some of the life events that usually warrant a review of current life insurance and investments to guaranteed they are up-to-date:

• Marriage or Divorce,
• Purchase of a home or business,
• Birth or adoption of a child,
• Promotion at job / Change of career,
• Retirement, and
• Receiving an Inheritance

Calls to Mark can be forwarded from either the Cold Spring or Florence locations, or he can be reached on his direct line at 859-525-8335, or via e-mail at mwagner@newmantucker.com.

Join Mark’s Network at

Since buying a boat is a huge investment, owners should protect their boat with comprehensive insurance coverage. Plans are often based on the type and size of the boat. Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies provide limited coverage for property damage if the boat’s engine is less than 25 mph horsepower or if it is a small sailboat, but without additional insurance, no liability coverage is included.

Owners of larger, more powerful boats and yachts will need to purchase a separate insurance policy for their boat. The insurance company will take into account the size and type of boat, its value, and where the boat sails when drawing up the conditions and cost of the policy.

Separate boat and watercraft insurance policies provide much more coverage to the owner. These policies generally include loss and damage coverage to the boat’s hull, machinery, furnishings, fittings, and any permanently attached equipment, like a navigation system.

Liability coverage is extended to:

• Bodily injury to other persons
• Damage to other’s property
• Legal expenses associated with non-consensual operation of the boat
• Medical costs for injuries to the owner and passengers
• Boat theft

Policyholders can choose the liability limits of their plan, ranging anywhere from $15,000 up to $300,000. The deductible cost for property damage is $250, and it ranges between $500 and $1,000 for theft and medical expenses. Of course, policies can be individualized based on the boat owner’s needs. Other endorsements and coverages can be added to the policy to cover the boat’s trailer, fishing gear kept aboard the boat, and any other accessories. Also, make sure to ask whether or not the policy covers the boat while it is being towed.

Just as car insurance providers offer discounts to their policyholders, discounts for watercraft policies apply in certain cases. For example, insurance companies favor diesel-powered engines over gasoline ones because diesel fuel is more stable, making the engine safer to operate.

Other discounts are related to safety equipment kept on the boat. Having items like fire extinguishers approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and ship-to-shore radio equipment could reduce the amount of the premium. Also, completing a boater’s safety course offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, or the U.S. Power Squadrons can gain some favor with the insurance company.

Maintaining a clean boating record is just as important as being accident-free on the roadways, when it comes to lowering insurance rates. Premiums are usually discounted for every two years the boater goes without an accident or filing a claim. Bundling your watercraft insurance with homeowner’s and vehicle policies is another good way to save money on coverage costs.

A solid insurance policy gives boaters the peace of mind needed to set sail and enjoy the open waters. Nothing is more relaxing than knowing your investment is covered.

Contact us for more information or to get your boat properly insured today!

Ice Dams

When a snowfall is followed by periods of fluctuating temperatures the accumulating snow and ice has the potential to form what is called an ice damn. An ice dams happens when snow freezes at the gutters, trapping melted water on the roof. If left too long, the water seeps through your shingles and into your home. 

Homes with flat roofs—like those typically found on older homes— are particularly at risk, even from a light 1 to 2 inches of snowfall. If the problem is left untreated for too long it will cause significant structural damage to your home. In some severe cases, ice dams have even caused some roofs to collapse.

Solutions

Many people wonder how much is too much snow, and what is the best way to remove it. Anytime there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow we recommend clearing it away. Remember that safety is the most important factor when removing snow from your roof.  If your roof is flat and is accessible from a stairway, simply shovel the snow off the roof. If you have a slanted roof it would be best to use a roof rake. This tool can also be used to clear icicles, which are many times a sign of ice dams. 

Another option is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride (available at any hardware store) and place it vertically along the ice dam so it can melt a channel into the dam. This will allow the water to flow out. 

If you are uncertain, and if the job appears too dangerous, please give us a call.  We will gladly recommend an experienced snow removal contractor. If you are searching for one on your own, make sure they are insured and bonded.  

Of course there are ways to take preemptive measures against snow and ice damage.

Prevention 

You may not be able to control the weather but you can prepare your home for it. Below are listed preventive measures you can take to protect your home:

• Keep your gutters clear. Having clean gutters allows melted snow to drain efficiently.
• Clear away the first couple feet of snow with a roof rake. Make a habit of keeping the eves of your roof clear so that ice dams will   not have a chance to form.
• Install a water membrane under your shingles. If you ever replace your roof make sure to put in a water membrane. This extra barrier will keep water from coming through the cracks in your shingles. 

Signs Of Damage And How We Can Help:

Unfortunately, the damage caused from snow and ice can remain largely unseen. Normally the first visible signs are leaks or water damage on the ceiling of your home. If you have found, or even suspect this type of damage, you are not alone.  Early detection can make all the difference in this instance.

Contact us if you have more questions or need to file a claim so we can get your problem solved.

Umbrella policies also offer protections that traditional homeowner’s or auto policies do not cover, including false arrest; libel or slander; invasion of privacy; wrongful entry; eviction and more. While an umbrella policy offers additional protection, there are still claims that are not covered. For example, if you own a business, only a business insurance policy will cover general liability claims. Most umbrella policies do not cover punitive damages. Additionally, some umbrella policies are only available to policyholders who carry both their homeowner’s and auto insurance policies through the same insurance carrier.

Since umbrella policies are tapped only after the liability limits from your homeowner’s or automobile policies are exceeded; they are usually quite inexpensive. A policy with a million dollar limit can usually be obtained for $200-300 dollars per year.

Personal umbrella policies are growing in popularity. In the past, only wealthy individuals and families purchased this coverage. Today, middle-income families also may procure this policy for protection in our society’s increasingly litigious climate. As the tendency to sue for damages rises and awards granted by the courts grow, the personal umbrella policy is increasingly seen as an insurance necessity rather than a
luxury.

Consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy if …

• Your total assets are greater than your underlying liability limits.
• You are financially responsible for the actions of a young, inexperienced driver.
• You live in an exclusive and affluent neighborhood.
• You have a high profile career or high income.
• You frequently host guests on your property.
• Your residence includes a swimming pool.
• You own waterfront property, a farm, or a ranch.
• You own watercraft, aircraft, or off-road vehicles.
• You own numerous rental properties.
• You engage in extensive international travel for pleasure.

Perhaps you believe there is little risk of a burglary where you live.  But what about fire?  Fires strike randomly and can begin in electrical wiring over which you have no control.  It’s horrifying to contemplate, but you could come home to find that everything you own has been destroyed.  With renter’s insurance you would have a check in hand quite soon to begin refurnishing your life.

Yet another scenario for which renter’s insurance can be of enormous benefit is personal liability. If a guest is injured in your home, for example, by slipping on a throw rug, you could be liable for her medical bills.  Renter’s insurance would cover this liability.

Sometimes renters mistakenly think their possessions are covered by their landlord’s insurance.  This is seldom true.  Usually, the landlord’s insurance covers loss or damage to his property, not yours. Your landlord’s insurance also covers his liability in case anyone is injured on the property, though not always injuries inside your apartment.

Most renters can get comprehensive coverage for two hundred dollars or less a year, depending on where they live.  Considering the risks covered by renter’s policies, this is a low cost for the potential benefits.

Before talking to an agent about renter’s insurance, look around your house or apartment and take an inventory of items you would need to replace in the event of a catastrophe. Take note of high value or difficult to replace items such as antiques, furs, jewelry, or expensive art.  Before you get a policy or immediately thereafter, you should record information on all your high value items, including details about the make, model, serial number, age, and costs (both purchase and current replacement).  It may also help to have photos of these items for identification purposes.

A basic policy usually pays only for the actual cash value of your items at the time they were lost.  In other words, they would be valued not at what you paid for them originally or what it would cost to replace them, but at their actual value as used items.  So a 3-year-old computer would be covered for its initial cost minus depreciation.  Since computers depreciate quickly, yours may be worth little by the time it’s 3-years-old, so your insurance proceeds will be limited.

If you have expensive items like electronics that are subject to depreciation, you probably should consider replacement cost coverage.  With this type of policy, you would be reimbursed for the current cost of buying a new equivalent item.  Thus, in our example of the $2,000 computer at 3-years-old, you would receive a check that would enable you to buy a new computer.  Of course, replacement cost coverage is more expensive.  It’s up to you to decide which type of coverage-actual value or replacement cost-best fits your needs and budget.

Like most other insurance policies, your renter’s policy will have deductibles, that is, an amount of loss you will have to absorb yourself before receiving any money from the insurance company.  For example, let’s say you have a policy with a $500 deductible.  You have cameras you bought for $2,000 several years ago.  If you have replacement cost coverage and the cameras are lost in a fire, you would receive a check for $1,500 from the insurance company.  Of course, you can lower your insurance premium by accepting a higher deductible, but this means if there is a loss, you must absorb more of it from your own pocket.

Renter’s insurance usually doesn’t cover damage from floods or earthquakes, but you may be able to get endorsements for these and other “acts of God.”  An endorsement extends the perils covered by your policy.  Obviously, you must pay an extra premium for the extra coverage.

Be sure to discuss any special high value items, such as furs, antiques, or jewelry, with your insurance agent, since you may need extra coverage for these.

As mentioned, a basic renter’s policy includes liability coverage should someone be injured in your rented home or apartment.  As with car insurance, there is a per-incident limit on this coverage, and you should make sure this is high enough to protect your assets.

To illustrate how these limits interact, it is necessary to examine each one in detail:

The General Aggregate Limit – The maximum amount the insurer will pay during the policy period for all damages including bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury except for any amount paid as damages because of bodily injury or property damage included within the products-completed operations hazard. The definition of the products-completed operations hazard is outlined in the policy and a separate aggregate limit applies to this type of claim. Also included within the general aggregate are damages paid for medical payments.

Products-Completed Operations Aggregate Limit - The maximum amount the insurer will pay for damages because of bodily injury or property damage included within the products-completed operations hazard. The specified hazards are those described within the definition of the products-completed operations hazard and are limited to bodily injury or property damage that:

1. Occurs away from the insured’s premises.
2. Caused by the insured’s products that are no longer in the insured’s possession or an insured’s work that has been completed.

Personal and Advertising Injury Limit – The maximum amount the insurer will pay if legally obligated to pay damages due to personal and advertising injury offenses. The personal and advertising injury limit applies separately to each person or organization that sustains damages because of a covered offense. However, regardless of the number of persons or organizations claiming damages, or the number of offenses claimed during the policy period, the insurer is only obligated to pay up to the general aggregate limit.

Each Occurrence Limit - The maximum the insurer will pay for the sum of all damages due to bodily injury, property damage and medical payments. Keep in mind that there is an aggregate limit for bodily injury and property damage claims that arise from the products-completed operations hazard and a separate limit for all other bodily injury and property damages. However, the each occurrence limit does apply to all sums paid for medical payments.

Damage to Premises Rented to You Limit – This coverage is actually an exception to certain exclusions found in the bodily injury and property damage coverage. The first exception provides coverage for property damage to a premises and its contents, rented to the insured for 7 or fewer consecutive days if an insured is legally obligated to pay for such damage due to any cause except fire.

The second exception provides coverage for damage to the premises only if an insured is legally obligated to pay for property damage due to fire. However, if an insured is held liable solely due to an agreement to be responsible for the property or for damage to the property, there is no coverage. Liability has to be imposed on the insured as the result of a lawsuit in order for coverage to apply.

The Damage to Premises Rented to You limit applies to any one premises. Any property damage paid under this limit will reduce the each occurrence limit for that same occurrence and will also reduce the general aggregate limit.

Medical Expense Limit – The medical expenses coverage is a separate insuring agreement that obligates the insurer to pay reasonable medical expenses for bodily injury, caused by an accident, without regard to fault. Medical payments are subject to the medical expense limit. The medical expense limit applies separately to each person. However, medical payments will reduce the each occurrence limit for that same occurrence and will also reduce the general aggregate limit.