Current News

Road Trip Rentals…Are You Covered?

by Jeff Foster  From Central Insurance Companies

Memorial Day is just around the corner.  What began nearly 150 years ago as a holiday to remember American war dead has evolved into a three-day weekend filled with parades, cemetery observances, auto racing, outdoor grilling, and the unofficial start of summer.

Along with the onset of summer, Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer driving season. Americans by the millions will take to the road to embark on the annual family vacation.

Although many people drive their own personal vehicles on family road trips, others opt for the convenience and utility of renting a car for vacation travel.  By going this route, families are able to save the mileage and wear and tear on their own personal vehicles and in many cases, obtain a larger vehicle with more space than their own car would provide.

You may be a person considering a rental for vacation travel. If so, don’t forget to think about any insurance implications a rental might present!

Most personal automobile policies cover you for losses caused by other-than-collision (also known as comprehensive) or collision in a rental car—provided you have that coverage on at least one vehicle on your policy.  Your policy’s comprehensive and collision coverage will extend to other members of your household and even to friends who may be traveling with you.

However if you don’t have full coverage on at least one vehicle on your personal policy, you may need to look into purchasing the rental car company’s Collision Damage Waiver that’s offered at the point-of-rental.

Another option that’s available to you in many cases is coverage that’s provided through your credit card.  Several national credit card companies offer Collision Damage Waiver coverage automatically if the rental fee is charged using the credit card.  Generally this coverage tends to be “excess” over any other coverage that’s in place—including your own personal insurance coverage—meaaning that the credit card’s coverage is only available after the limits of other policies have been reached.

Still not sure what you need to do?  Here are some tips to help you decide how to handle insurance coverage issues on your next rental:

• Ask the rental car company ahead of time exactly what you will be held responsible for under the rental agreement in the event of a loss.

• If you’re paying for the rental with a credit card, call your credit card company before you rent to find out if Collision Damage Waiver coverage is available.

• If you choose to rely on your own personal insurance policy as coverage, carry a copy of it with you on your trip, both as proof of insurance and as a handy source of the terms of coverage.

• Before you pull out of the rental car lot, inspect the car for existing damage and have it noted in your rental agreement.

• Most importantly, contact your independent insurance agent to help guide you through the decision-making process of ensuring that your rental vehicle is properly insured.

What kinds of summer road trips do you have planned? Do any of those trips involve renting a car, SUV or minivan? I’d love to hear from you!

Contact one of our personal insurance professionals with any questions or to review your coverages.

Simple Sump Pump Maintenance - video from Central Insurance Companies.

This short video provides a demonstration of the steps a homeowner should take on an annual basis to maintain their sump pump and help prevent costly water losses.

Dwelling Value vs. Market Value: What Are You Insuring?

With home values significantly reduced for the past few years, I have grown accustomed to phone calls from customers insisting that the dwelling value listed on their insurance policy is way too high. They typically say, “I could never sell my house for that much.” With spring in full swing and home buyers out scouring real estate listings again, it might be a good time to explain what home buyers are actually insuring.

An insurance company is never going to sell your home, just rebuild it. Therefore, your insurance carrier must insure the home for the amount of money it would cost to rebuild your home, not what the real estate market estimates as its worth. Market values and contracting costs differ greatly. At this point in time contracting costs exceed market values, which is part of the reason you are not seeing new homes built as often as in years prior.

Contracting costs include labor, materials, and contractor’s overhead, among other things. I hear people grumble about this as well, stating that it would never cost as much to rebuild their home as they are insuring it for. Insurance coverage is based on the replacement cost of your dwelling, not what it will sell for. Insuring your home for less means you may not get all the upgrades you currently enjoy, such as granite counter tops, maple or cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, etc.  Debris removal is another piece of the dwelling value puzzle that people often overlook. Most policies include coverage to remove the charred remains of your home after a fire. The cost of debris removal is significant. Local ordinance may also require the undamaged portion of your home be removed if it sustains significant damage.  Each town ordinance requires demolition when a certain percentage of damage is reached, usually 60% or more.  In cases like this, your dwelling value is not only covering the rebuilding of your home, it is also covering the demolition of the undamaged portion of your home as well as the cost of hauling that debris out so that your new home can be constructed.

As you can see, there is more to insuring your home than you would think. Most carriers use inflation guard to keep dwelling values in line with rising contracting costs. This is a yearly coverage increase by a certain percentage, and over time can throw your dwelling value out of whack. It is best to reassess your dwelling value with your agent every 3 to 5 years to ensure your home’s replacement cost keeps in line with rebuilding costs.

Contact one of our personal insurance professionals with any questions or to review your coverages.

Our big announcement -

Forrest Sherer Insurance will be sponsoring Player of the Game athletes for all three Vigo County high schools (Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South & West Vigo) boys and girls basketball! Medal presentations, certificates, autographing the Player of the Game official basketball and more to come! We will be sharing photos of the winners and more! We appreciate all the hard work these athletes and coaches have done and wanted to recognize it. Be watching for updates!

Award to honor HS basketball players

From TribuneStar

Updated: Thursday, 15 Dec 2011, 9:20 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 15 Dec 2011, 9:20 PM EST

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Forrest Sherer Insurance and the Vigo County School Corporation are introducing a new award designed to honor high school basketball players in county schools.

It’s called the “Player of the Game” award, and it will be given to varsity boys and girls basketball players who perform exceptionally well in one of six pre-selected games during the season, planners said.

Students given the award will be given a medal and certificate and will be asked to autograph a special basketball.

Those students’ schools will also be given $500.

Forrest Sherer Insurance's, Jacque Pentell, Secures Health Insurance for the City of Lawrenceville, Illinois

August 4, 2011

The City of Lawrenceville will change health insurance companies to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, effective September 1. The new insurance agency will be Forrest Sherer Insurance Agency, and Jacque S. Pentell is the new agent.

In addition to health insurance for city employees, staff may opt to have coverage for a spouse and/or one or more dependents. City employees also will have the choice of taking dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for an additional fee.

Brian Straub, Mayor of Lawrenceville, is pleased with the new plan. "I am happy that we have substantially reduced the cost to taxpayers while maintaining - and in the case of dental and vision - improving the coverage for our employees."

He went on to explain, "In these economic conditions, employees will be asked to shoulder a bit of the load. But, I believe the City Council, and the Insurance Committee in particular, did a great job with this highly competitive bid."

This decision was made after extensive research, marketing efforts, and presentations to the City Council Insurance Committee by several different insurance agencies. The members of the City Council Committee are Chairwoman Bobbi Metheny, Ron Waldrop, and Bill Carrithers.

Jacque Pentell, a Lawrenceville native and Forrest Sherer Insurance representative, said the newly-selected insurance agency will focus on wellness and helping employees to keep health costs down.

"We will implement several employee education programs on site," said Pentell. "We also provide a dedicated employee assistance team for Lawrenceville."

Forrest Sherer Welcomes Clay Ladd into the Forrest Sherer Insurance Family!

Clay Ladd Insurance president Jim Brown has announced finalization of a merger of his company with Forrest Sherer Insurance, Inc., effective December 28, 2010.

Clay Ladd Insurance was founded in 1908 by Brown’s great-grandfather, Clay Ladd. Brown’s father, Lee, was involved in the business until his death in 2003. Brown and his wife, Anna, are now principals in the firm. They still serve many customers who have been with the agency for 50 years.

“Our agency has always been known for customer service,” Brown said. “Our objective in this merger is to assure we can continue that tradition into the future. Forrest Sherer is a solid, long-term Terre Haute firm like our own. We know it has the reputation and customer service infrastructure to provide our customers with excellent service for years to come.”

Forrest Sherer president and CEO John Lukens welcomed Clay Ladd customers, saying, “This merger with the Clay Ladd agency is a good fit for us. Clay Ladd has been associated with quality carriers over the years just as we have, and the two agencies share an emphasis on superior customer service.”

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley. Today it has a staff of more than 60 professionals and represents 40 insurance companies. 

For the next few months, Clay Ladd will continue operation in its current location at 819 Ohio, while the Forrest Sherer Personal Insurance Center, just four blocks east at 1219 Ohio, is being remodeled. At that time, Brown and customer service representative Robin Wilson will relocate to that office and will continue to service the accounts of Clay Ladd customers. Notice to customers will be provided in advance of that move.

Brown said anyone who has questions or concerns during the transition can call the current Clay Ladd phone number, 812-235-6171. Calls will be answered “Clay Ladd/Forrest Sherer Insurance” until the transition is complete.

Forrest Sherer Insurance Opens Evansville Office

A ribbon cutting and open house are scheduled for February 10 to introduce the new Evansville office of Forrest Sherer Insurance. Located in the Court Building, Room 303, 123 N.W. Fourth St., the office services the firm’s customers in the Evansville area.

Founded in Terre Haute in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance has been a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001 and provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products throughout Indiana and surrounding states.

The Evansville office is staffed by Glen Stover, commercial lines account executive; Jacque Pentell, employee benefits vice president; Neil Marchese, commercial lines vice president; and Scott Hendrix, senior loss prevention specialist. They offer all lines of insurance including commercial/business, employee benefits/group, loss prevention and personal.

The February 10 open house will be from 3 to 6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting set for 4 p.m. For more information call toll free 877-232-0441or go to the Forrest Sherer web site at www.fsiinsurance.com.


Judy Tingley Closes Out 50-year Insurance Career

After 50 years in the insurance industry, 26 of those with Forrest Sherer Insurance, Judy Tingley will officially retire from the Terre Haute firm on November 1.

Tingley’s career in the insurance industry began in 1960 working for local insurance agencies as a customer service representative and processor. She joined Forrest Sherer in 1984 at the Personal Lines office at 1219 Ohio Street. 

A reception was held for Tingley on October 22, where she was recognized and thanked for her years of hard work and dedication with Forrest Sherer. She is looking forward to spending time at her Marshall, Illinois home enjoying the peace and quiet of retirement with family and friends.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation, provides commercial insurance, surety, employee benefits, life and long term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Glen Stover Joins Forrest Sherer Commercial Lines

Glen E. Stover, CPCU, CIC, has joined Forrest Sherer Insurance as a Commercial Lines producer.

Stover is a 1985 graduate of the Indiana University Kelly School of Business. He obtained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1993 and his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation in 2006. He has 25 years of insurance experience in manufacturing, construction, wholesale, contract surety, professional liability, executive protection, and global risk management.

He began his insurance career in 1985, spending five years as a multi-line claims adjuster traveling southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky. His most notable assignment as an adjuster was the catastrophic tornado at Petersburg, Indiana, in 1990. Stover is an experienced and well-respected insurance professional with more than 25 years in the Evansville area.

Stover is a former President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville, Inc. and the Tri-State Association of Insurance Adjusters. He served on the Board of Directors of the Ark Crisis Prevention Nursery from 1999 to 2004 and has been involved in numerous community projects.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation since 2001, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Retiring After More Than 22 Years of Service with Forrest Sherer Insurance

After more than 33 years in the insurance industry, Linnea M. Fulk will officially retire from Forrest Sherer Insurance on January 29, 2010.

Linnea began her career in the insurance industry in 1977. She joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in September 1987, and has worked at the 24 N. 6th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana, office since that date. Linnea’s career at Forrest Sherer Insurance began in insurance accounting and over the years, she took on additional responsibilities in accounts receivable and collections. Linnea was later promoted to Collections Manager and has served Forrest Sherer well in that capacity for many years. Linnea plans on gardening, quilting, spending time with her grandson, and enjoying her retirement.

Forrest Sherer Insurance invites its customers and friends to a retirement breakfast reception to honor Linnea for her many years of hard work and dedication. The reception will be held at the main office at 24 N. 6th Street on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long-term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Retiring After 50 Years of Service to Insurance Industry

Following a 50-year tenure in the insurance industry, Margaret "Peg" Ogden will officially retire from Forrest Sherer Insurance on September 11, 2009.

Peg started in the insurance industry in July 1959 and has remained working at the same location at 1219 Ohio street, Terre Haute, Indiana, all 50 years. She started working as an application processor and customer service representative. Peg then moved into accounting and claims, and currently works with accounting and as a receptionist. Peg plans on traveling, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying her retirement.

Forrest Sherer Insurance invites the public to a retirement reception to honor Peg for the years of hard work and dedication at our Personal Lines office at 1219 Ohio Street on Friday, September 11, 2009.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation, provides commercial insurance, employee benefits, life and long term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Forrest Sherer Insurance Appoints New Board Member

Forrest Sherer Insurance, a leading business and personal lines insurance agency in Indiana, announced in the Annual April Board Meeting, the appointment of David W. Marietta to its Board of Directors.

David W. Marietta joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1977 as a producer in the Commercial Lines Department and currently is a Vice President of Commercial Lines and an Account Executive.  His areas of expertise are in Commercial Construction and Energy Contractors.  David has over 43 years of insurance experience.

In addition to Mr. Marietta, the members of Forrest Sherer’s board include Chairman of the Board John W. Dinkel; John S. Lukens, President and CEO; Robert F. Prox III, Senior Vice President; John B. Douglas, Vice President of Surety; Dennis Michael; Jerome Mueller; and Norman L. Lowery, who is the CEO of First Financial Corporation.

Founded in 1920, Forrest Sherer Insurance, a member of First Financial Corporation, provides commercial, employee benefits, life and long term care, financial services, and personal insurance products to the Wabash Valley.

Forrest Sherer Insurance promotes within.

At the annual Forrest Sherer Insurance board meeting, two employees were approved for promotions. Forrest Sherer Insurance announced that Jacque Pentell was promoted to Vice President of Employee Benefits and Financial Services.  Pentell also recently accepted the manager position for the Employee Benefits Department of Forrest Sherer Insurance.  Pentell was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Employee Benefits in 2008.  Prior to joining Forrest Sherer Insurance in 2003, Pentell worked as a large group underwriter for a major health insurance company and as a college instructor in insurance and medical coding classes, owned and operated an insurance agency that sold and serviced all lines of insurance, and served as an insurance investment manager and manager of bank-related insurance products for eight bank locations.  She carries multiple state licenses, and is the recipient of several awards including the President’s Award for insurance based on sales and service.  Pentell earned Forrest Sherer’s “Producer of the Year” award in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. 

Jon Stinson was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Loss Prevention.  Stinson joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1990 and serves as the Loss Prevention Manager.  He received a B.S. in Safety Management from Indiana State University in 1986.  His experience began with Maryland Casualty Insurance and the Orion Group / EBI companies as a senior Loss Prevention Consultant.  Stinson is an authorized OSHA Construction and General Industry Outreach trainer for 10- and 30-hour courses.  His areas of specialization are Workers Compensation, Fleet, General Liability Insurance and property appraisals.  Stinson has been the District Safety Director for Little League Baseball, served on the Boy Scouts of America, worked on the Allocations Committee of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, and is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Indiana Statewide Safety Council.

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National Recognition Earned by Forrest Sherer Insurance Employee

Debbie Craig, CISR, ACSR, CPIW of Forrest Sherer Insurance has been recognized as a National Finalist in the 2008 National Outstanding CSR of the Year Awards. 

Since 1991, the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, in conjunction with the Society for Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC), has presented the National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award to honor the professionals who expertly keep many plates spinning to ensure that the agency runs smoothly and insureds receive great service.  Craig earned top honors as being one of the top five recognized in this annual tribute.

Craig is an Account Manager in the Construction and Surety division of Forrest Sherer Insurance with more than 12 years of insurance experience.  She is a member of the National Association of Insurance Woman (NAIW) and the Insurance Professionals of the Wabash Valley (IPWV).  She is also the NAIW Indiana Council Director for the 2008-2009 term and is very active at the local, state, regional and national level.  Craig is also a member of the Insurance Grassroots Network, Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society for Community College) and the Society of CISR and sits on the CISR advisory board.

Forrest Sherer Insurance’s Employee Benefits Producer Earns Top Honors

Jacque Pentell,  Assistant Vice President of Employee Benefits at Forrest Sherer Insurance has been invited to serve as a member of the Agent Tech Advisory Board for United Life Insurance Company.  This advisory group consists of ten agents who come from various insurance backgrounds and regions.  The group meets on an annual basis and reviews technical issues regarding the company’s products, procedures, and website.  The group then offers suggestions and helpful advice from an agent viewpoint.   Jacque will participate in a two-day meeting at the United Life Home Office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in November.  

Pentell was also instrumental in Forrest Sherer Insurance being designated as a top 25 agency with United Life Insurance Company.  She was invited to attend the honorary Number One Club meeting scheduled for November at Cedar Rapids.

Pentell is a group benefits producer.  Prior to joining Forrest Sherer Insurance in 2003, she was with First Financial Bank of Olney for five years.  She also has 27 years of insurance agency experience before coming to the agency.  Her primary focus at Forrest Sherer is on writing group benefits programs for businesses. 

New Producer added to Forrest Sherer Insurance Sales Team

Forrest Sherer Insurance announced the promotion of Jennifer Moreland to Commercial Lines Producer.  Jennifer changed from Assistant Manager in Commercial Placement to producer in Commercial Sales.

Jennifer became a member of Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1999 as a Marketing Assistant.  She has since held customer service and supervisory positions.  In 2006, she was promoted to an Account Executive.  She has completed part of the Insurance Institute of America's Program in General Insurance, and Indiana Insurance's coverage training schools.  Jennifer holds her Property and Casualty, as well as her Life and Health insurance licenses.  She also is certified in Sales and Marketing from Allied Insurance Sales University.  Jennifer is a graduate of Terre Haute North Vigo High School in Terre Haute, Indiana and attended Indiana Business College.  She is a member of the Insurance Professionals of the Wabash Valley, National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW) and is actively involved in the Young Agents Committee of Indiana.

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Forrest Sherer Insurance Acquires Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc.

Forrest Sherer Insurance, a leading provider of insurance, financial services, and risk management to the Wabash Valley and surrounding areas, announced that it has purchased the assets of Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc. as of April 1, 2006 .

As a result of this acquisition, Forrest Sherer Insurance will increase its Personal Lines market share in the Wabash Valley . "This is a great opportunity for both Forrest Sherer Insurance and Jeff Reynolds ," said John Dinkel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Forrest Sherer, Inc., "as Jeff has joined our Personal Lines office staff and added his expertise to our knowledgeable staff, while adding his clients to our extensive client base." With Forrest Sherer Insurance's access to over 20 Personal Lines companies, customers are provided the selection of multiple quotations and services, along with the expertise of their knowledgeable Personal Lines staff located at 1219 Ohio St .

All of the current clients of Jeff Reynolds Insurance Services, Inc. have been transferred to Forrest Sherer Insurance. In consideration of Jeff's relationships with his clients, he will continue to service and maintain those accounts. This will allow Jeff to offer additional insurance lines, such as homeowners, to those clients. Anyone with questions may now reach Jeff Reynolds at (812) 232-6011 or stop by the Personal Lines Insurance Center at 1219 Ohio St. , Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Forrest Sherer Insurance can also provide commercial insurance, life and health benefits, financial services, and loss prevention services with information and access on our website, www.forrestsherer.com.

Forrest Sherer Insurance Promotes from within

At the annual Forrest Sherer Insurance board meeting, three employees were approved for promotions. Forrest Sherer Insurance announced that Anita Alabaugh has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Customer Service and Human Resources. Alabaugh has been with Forrest Sherer Insurance since 1984 and is our Commercial Lines Service Manager. She has received the Indiana Accredited Customer Service Representative (IACSR) designation and has attended Indiana Insurance Company's Agent Training Schools. Alabaugh is a graduate of the former Staunton High School in Staunton , Indiana , attended Indiana State University and then received an Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Ivy Tech State College. She is a member of the Insurance Professionals of the Wabash Valley and the Indiana Young Agents Committee, a graduate of Leadership of the Wabash Valley , a member of the Seelyville United Methodist Church and the Share Food Program. Her interests include her son's and daughter's sports and school activities.

Kathy Sprouls has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Systems and Chief Information Officer. Sprouls joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in July of 1991 as a Personal Insurance Customer Service Representative. She became Systems Administrator in January of 1999. Sprouls attended Indiana State University and currently attends St. Mary of the Woods College . She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Carol Koehler has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Koehler joined Forrest Sherer Insurance in 1980, and is the Accounting Manager. She has completed the Insurance Institute of America's Program in General Insurance INS 21, 22 and 23 courses. She is a graduate of the former Brazil High School in Brazil , Indiana and received her B.S. degree in Business Education from Indiana State University . Koehler enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Forrest Sherer has Loss Prevention Services Available

Do you feel your business is doing everything it possibly can to prevent loss to personnel or property?

The goal of our loss prevention and safety management services at Forrest Sherer Insurance is to offer programs to help reduce loss and improve safety. Forrest Sherer's loss prevention and safety consulting services are available on a fee-for-service basis, to ANY business. Loss prevention and safety management programs protect people, property and assets, ultimately reducing accidents and costs.

This is another service of Forrest Sherer Insurance which gives our clients The SHERER Edge. Let us show you what our loss prevention services can do for your business.

Get the facts and learn about our Loss Prevention solutions. Call us at (812) 232-0441 for more information.

Forrest Sherer Offers Long Term Care insurance

There is a 50% chance you’ll need Long Term Care in your lifetime. The average American couple will have their life savings wiped out if 1 spouse spends 13 weeks in a Long Term Care facility. The cost for Long Term Care can range from $25,000 to over $100,000 per year. Your other insurance plans (including Medicare) will pay less than 3% of Long Term Care costs.

Scary stuff, huh?

If you are like most people, your assets are your only coverage for these types of expenses! If you are like most people, you probably don't have money to waste!

Get the facts and learn about solutions. Call us at (812) 232-0441 for more information.

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