ODI Visits NW Ohio; Offers 12 Tips to Avoid Contractor Fraud
Members of the Ohio Department of Insurance’s (ODI) Fraud and Enforcement Division will be going door-to-door tomorrow in Millbury, and possibly other areas in Wood County hit by the June 5 and 6 severe weather, to warn residents about unscrupulous contractors that may try to defraud them out of insurance proceeds or act as an unlicensed public insurance adjuster. The 12 tips ODI recommends to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and where you can direct clients who may already be victims.



Judge Rules $3 Increase in BMV Fee for Driving Records Unconstitutional
A Franklin County common pleas judge struck down the new $3 increase in the fee the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) charges for copies of certified abstracts of driving records. Find out what Judge Richard Frye ruled in a 22-page opinion about why the fee is unconstitutional. 



Dental Insurance Now Available for PIA Members
In addition to the other high-quality insurance plans offered to PIA members and their employees, PIA now offers dental insurance. Highlights include your choice of a High or Low plan; $2,000 annual maximum per person on the High plan; no underwriting necessary; no waiting period for preventative and basic services on the High plan; and vision discounts at no additional cost.
•Get a quote for dental coverage
•Other available insurance plans



Insure Contractors? Make Sure They're Aware of New Law
The EPA's new regulation to reduce lead paint dust took effect April 22. The regulation requires contractors working on homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be trained and EPA certified in handling lead paint. Contractors can be fined up to $37,000 a day if they fail to comply. Find out how you can help your clients.



Agency Solutions: Five Ways to Keep Employees Happy and Productive
In the April issue of PIA's magazine, Professional Insurance Agents, you can learn five ways to avoid unhappy, unhealthy and unproductive employees. A recent survey suggests less than half of Americans are satisfied with their work. But there is good news.



Bulletin 2009-13: Guidance Governing Promotional and Advertising Items
ODI recently released Bulletin 2009-13 to provide guidance for agents regarding promotional and advertising items. The bulletin, which became effective Oct. 1,  sets a formal dollar amount at $50. To view the bulletin, click here.