1st Guard Truck Insurance

First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed “A” Rating by A.M. Best

2011-10-21T16:12:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida (October 21, 2011) – Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Company (Oldwick, NJ) has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. Since 2004, First Guard Insurance Company has maintained the rating of A (Excellent). For the latest ratings, visit http://www.ambest.com/.

The “A” (Excellent) rating of First Guard reflect its solid capitalization, balance sheet liquidity, history of excellent underwriting and operating profitability. First Guard’s expertise in the trucking physical damage market for leased owner operators coupled with prudent underwriting standards and conservative operating strategy continue to play a strong role in their long-term profitability and stability.

While the first half of 2011 proved challenging in regards to higher than expected claims losses due to storm/weather related activity the rigid underwriting and pricing discipline at First Guard continues to produce favorable results in comparison to competition.

“We are very pleased that AM Best has once again affirmed our "A" rating,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “The significant investments that First Guard continues to make in underwriting, marketing and automation processes are clearly paying dividends. Notwithstanding the challenging economy our surplus stands at an all time high.”

The Great American Trucking Show 2011

2011-08-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

The verdict is back. The Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, TX was this past week (Aug. 25-27th) and the 1st Guard team had a great show! The foot traffic was steady all three days with Saturday being the highlight. We saw a ton of our customers who are very satisfied with our services and spoke with hundreds of potential customers that hopefully will call for physical damage and nontrucking liability quotes on their trucks.

As an aside, we had fun handing out 1st Guard bumper stickers - Diesel is a hit with all ages, especially little kids. The pictures don't lie!

Lastly, we'd like to congratulate Dan Ribar, 1st Guard truck show roady and CIO, for participating in the BIG RIG 5K run on Friday. We're glad you had a great run and ran for a great cause.

Copy Cats - Are They Flattering?

2011-08-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

Recently, we fumbled through the trucking publication Movin' Out and discovered an advertisement that struck very close to home. If it wasn't for the picture of Flo, we would have been convinced the advertisement was ours. Subsequently, the chairman of 1st Guard, Ed Campbell, sent a friendly email to Progressive's Trucking Division Marketing Executive Bill Kampf. Here's what he had to say.....
___________________________________________________________________________________

Bill,

I'll say I was a bit chagrined but also flattered when I stumbled across your recent ad in Moving Out.

Glad we're still the inspiration for the largest truck insurer in the country. Still, I would have thought a company with Progressive's marketing reputation and resources could have come up with something original as opposed to lifting from our 18 month old campaign theme.

If you insist on learning the business from 1st Guard we'll eventually have to start charging.

Ed
___________________________________________________________________________________

Left image is 1st Guard'scampaign. The right image is Progressive's so-called original campaign. Sure looks a lot like ours, doesn't it?

Truck Insurer 1st Guard Broadens Communication with Customers via Auto-Dialer

2011-07-28T08:29:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – July 28, 2011 – Truck insurer 1st Guard recently expanded their communication platform by implementing an auto-dialer, a technology-based program that automatically calls customers with a pre-determined announcement. The auto-dialer enables 1st Guard to increase communication with their customers in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The purpose behind the auto-dialer is to reach out to as many customers as possible within a short period of time. In fact, the auto-dialer can place up to 20 calls in a few seconds without bogging down the operating systems. The messaging behind the auto-dialer could vary from customer accounting information to weather-related alerts. In the instance of customer accounting messages the customer has the option to press a prompt to be transferred to a 1st Guard customer service agent for assistance.

Beyond bridging the communication between insurance company and customer, the auto-dialer alleviates the time it would normally take an agent to contact customers about simple account-related information such as non-pay cancel notices or invalid credit card expirations. Thus, increasing the productivity of the agents to focus on sales or service related issues. 1st Guard also uses the auto-dialer to wish their customers a “Happy Birthday.”

1st Guard’s Chief Information Officer, Dan Ribar, believes the auto-dialer is another example of using technology to reduce risk. “Any chance we get to communicate better with our customers we jump on it,” added Ribar.

Every effort is taken to streamline the truck insurance process at 1st Guard for their customers and the auto-dialer is no exception. “The auto-dialer is a prime example of how technology can be used to increase communication with the customer base without using an extreme amount of manpower,” concluded Courtney Wilson, marketing director for 1st Guard.

Fuelcard+ Giveaway Is On A Roll

2011-07-13T11:41:00.000-04:00

In April we launched the Fuelcard+ Giveaway, a referral program tied to monthly $500 fuel card drawing and truck charity donations. Since then we've given away $1500 in fuel cards to three lucky owner operators and donated over $3,000 to St. Christopher Fund. With your help we are hopeful that we can donate much more to SCF over next few months. The Fuelcard+ referral program will run through the end of the year.

To get entered into the fuel card drawing, follow these steps:
1) Current 1st Guard insureds must refer an owner operator to us for a truck insurance quote
2) Make sure your friend mentions your name when they call for a quote and the fuelcard+ referral program
3) You and your friend that called for a quote will get entered into the fuel card drawing & $25 will be donated to a trucker charity (SCF) in each of your names
4) The more times you refer an owner operator to 1st Guard the more times you will be entered into the fuel card drawing in addition to more $25 donations to a trucker charity.

It's that simple! Spread the word to all your owner operator friends now. Click here to learn more!

Not All Physical Damage Policies Include Towing

2011-05-10T12:12:00.000-04:00

When an owner operator calls 1st Guard for a physical damage quote, this question is often asked:
Does your policy include towing? Well of course, why wouldn't it? But as we sit back and digest this question further it makes pefect sense why owner operators ask this question. Simply put, most physical damage policies available to the market do not provide adequate towing coverage. In fact the question at hand is further prompted because the owner operator likely got burned by a previous physical damage carrier that stuck the tow bill on them.

We will make it very clear: 1st Guard's physical damage policy does include towing and storage to the nearest repair facility. Additionally, our policy does not have a sublimit or cap to the amount of towing expense. Less the deductible, we'll pay the rest.

On the contrary, it is important to point out that many physical damage policies available to owner operators have a CAP or LIMIT to what they will pay towards towing expenses. Typically it is $5,000 to $7,000 or a % of the value of the vehicle. We've seen tow bills upwards of $20,000 - so if an owner operator had a physical damage policy that had a $5,000 cap on towing they would be stuck with a $15,000 tow bill - which could most definitely put them out of business!

It is our advice to review your physical damage policy when you get a chance to see what the towing coverage and/or limitations are. I don't know about you but I'd rather pay a little extra each month on my physical damage policy knowing that I had FULL coverage when I needed it.

After you check your policy, make sure to give us a call for a quote. Call 800-995-4827 or visit http://www.1stguard.com/.

You need to protect yourself and your truck. That's what it's all about.

Truck Insurer 1st Guard® Makes Donation to Trucker Charity

2011-05-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

1st Guard's Donation Check to St. Christopher Fund

Venice, Florida – May 3rd, 2011 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leading truck insurer for leased owner operators, announced today they will present Knoxville, TN-based trucker charity, St. Christopher Trucker Development and Relief Fund, with a $2400 donation check. The money generated for this donation comes from 1st Guard’s customer Fuel Card+ referral program. Every time a trucker is referred to 1st Guard via a referral card they are entered into a monthly fuel card drawing and $25 (twenty-five dollars) is automatically donated to trucker charity for their call.

“We are thrilled to make this donation to such a wonderful charity in the trucking community,” stated 1st Guard’s Director of Marketing, Courtney Wilson. “We chose the St. Christopher Fund because they help truckers in financial hardship to get on their feet,” added Wilson. “This donation is a way for us to potentially help some of our own customers.”

1st Guard plans to donate monthly through the end of December 2011 to a trucker charity in conjunction with their customer referral program. “We’re happy with our first monthly donation amount considering we just kicked off the program the end of March,” remarked Chairman, Ed Campbell. “The word is spreading quickly within the owner operator grapevine and we hope each month we’re able to give back even more to a trucker charity,” concluded Campbell.

First $500 Fuel Card Giveaway Drawing Set for May 2nd

2011-04-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

The Fuel Card+ Giveaway referral program, which was launched at the Mid America Truck Show, is getting a lot of buzz amongst the owner operator community. We've given a lot of new truck insurance quotes to owner operators who spoke to us at the truck show plus our existing customers have been spreading the word like wildfire. We are very pleased with the response and now we are looking forward to the first $500 fuel card drawing on May 2nd.

Remember, with each new quote that is tied to the "referral card" a $25 donation will be made to St. Christopher Fund (http://www.truckersfund.com/) in the truckers name and they will get entered into the monthly fuel card drawing. It's really a win-win for everyone.

Great rates on truck insurance = Donation to a great charity = A chance to win a $500 fuel card.

For more information please view our website http://www.1stguard.com/2011Referral.aspx

Truck Insurer 1st Guard® Ties Referrals to Trucker Charity Donations

2011-03-28T11:32:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – March 28, 2011 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leading truck insurer for leased owner operators, announced today they will kick off a new referral program ,The Fuel Card+ Giveaway, on March 31st at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. 1st Guard will be exhibiting in the North Wing, #13056.

The premise behind the Fuel Card+ Giveaway is to increase customer referrals and new business quotes by passing along a “referral card” to a leased owner operator who needs truck insurance. Thousands of “referral cards” were recently mailed to current 1st Guard insureds to jump start the program. When a customer refers a leased owner operator to 1st Guard for a truck insurance quote – both the customer and the person who called for the quote will be entered into the monthly $500 fuel card giveaway. As a bonus, for each referral 1st Guard will donate $25 in the truckers name to St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund – a not-for-profit organization providing assistance to professional truckers whose medical problems have led to financial hardship. 1st Guard will also be handing out referral cards at truck shows and other trucking events so the chance to win a fuel card and donate $25 to a trucker charity has great magnitude.

“Our motto for this program is simple: help yourself, help your friends, help trucker charities,” sums up Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s marketing director. “By referring a leased owner operator to us, our customer and their friend who called us get a chance to win a $500 fuel card. Even better still, the referral is tied to a charitable donation. Everyone involved in a winner,” added Wilson.

The first fuel card drawing is scheduled for Monday, May 2nd and the last drawing is December 1st, 2011. To learn more about the Fuel Card+ Giveaway program visit http://www.1stguard.com/.

40 Days Until the 40th Mid America Trucking Show

2011-02-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe there are only 40 days left (and counting) til the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. This year marks the 40th Anniversary for largest truck show in the United States. Through great times and tough times, MATS (commonly used acronym in the trucking industry) has stood the test of time. Trucking industry vendors from all around the globe target this particular truck show as the 'premier show' to exhibit their product/service to such a diverse yet captive audience. The same holds true for trucking industry attendees - from coast to coast and even overseas, truckers alike make all efforts to attend at least one day of the show.

1st Guard - The Trucker's Insurance Company - has exhibited at MATS continuously since 2005. We find being present at the show is great brand awareness, and if you're not there - people notice immediately. As always, we enjoy talking with our current customers and hearing their stories of being on the road. But the greater purpose of our presence is to talk to lease owner operators that need physical damage and nontrucking liability and DO NOT have 1st Guard insurance.

This year we will be exhibiting at the show with a completely new booth and a new approach. We've always been able to quote truck insurance on the spot with minimal information supplied; however, this year we are going completely minimal and will be quoting truck insurance via iPads instead of computers. Pretty sleek huh? The iPads allow us more versatility in our methodology of quoting - we can stay near our booth or wander a bit into the aisles. The other added advantage of our new booth and wireless quoting system is the drastic reduction in time spent setting up and taking down the booth. We're getting smarter and smarter in our years of exhibiting as well as one of the most advanced truck insurance exhibitors at the show.

Our booth this year is located in the North Wing, #13056. You can't miss us or the bold Mastiff (yes, it is a Mastiff, not a Bull Dog) logo. If you are a customer of 1st Guard - please stop by and say hello! And if you are an owner operator - please make sure you stop by and get an instant quote. We have good rates on truck insurance and even better rates for great drivers!

See you in 40 DAYS!

Chairman Ed Campbell as Guest of The Dave Nemo Show

2011-02-08T16:30:00.001-05:00

1st Guard's Chairman, Ed Campbell III, will be a guest on The Dave Nemo Show on Wednesday, February 9th. Campbell will discuss how the trucking insurance business has changed over the 25+ years of his career. In particular he will highlight the owner operator pitfalls when it comes to truck insurance. The themes Mr. Campbell will touch upon are many of the same themes heard on the current 1st Guard "Gut Check" commercials run on Sirius-XM Road Dog and Fox News channels.

Tune into The Dave Nemo Show (Road Dog 147/171) this Wednesday (2/9) at 9 AM EST to listen to the intriguing discussion between Nemo and truck insurance specialist, Ed Campbell.

First Guard Insurance Company Announces Winners of 2010 Fleet Safety Award

2011-01-17T09:52:00.001-05:00

Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company (rated A by AM Best) announced today the winners of their 2010 fleet safety awards. Four trucking companies were selected for the awards. The winners were chosen based upon their claims experience over the past year. Their superior commitment to safety also played a significant role in the selection. Each winner has owner-operator fleets.

The winners of the 2010 fleet safety awards are listed below.

• Baggett Transportation Company (Birmingham, AL)
• Butler Trucking Company (Woodland, PA)
• Schwend, Inc. (Dade City, FL)
• Turner Brothers Trucking (Oklahoma City, OK)

Of the four winners, Baggett Transportation previously won the award in 2008.

“We’re very proud of our association with these outstanding trucking companies,” commented Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Despite a very challenging economic environment our best customers continue to invest in safety. These companies clearly recognize the correlation between safety and the bottom line,” he added.

# # #

About Baggett Transportation

Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Baggett Transportation hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.

About Butler Trucking Company
Located in Woodland, Pennsylvania, Butler Trucking handles a variety of freight types and operates with owner operator and company trucks.

About Schwend, Inc.
Located in Dade City, FL, Schwend Inc has been servicing the agricultural industry since 1977 with the use of hopper-bottom grain trailers and pneumatic trailers.

About Turner Brothers TruckingLocated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Turner Brothers is a heavy-haul and specialized transportation company serving the needs of the industrial, wind, energy, power, oil and gas markets.

Truck Insurer 1st Guard® Puts Chairman on Front Line for Satellite Radio Campaign

2011-01-04T09:50:00.002-05:00

Venice, Florida – January 4, 2011 – Truck insurer 1st Guard has just inked a deal with Sirius XM satellite radio to air commercials for the 2011calendar year on Road Dog (Sirius 147; XM 171) and Fox News (Sirius 131; XM 121). The commercials star 1st Guard’s Chairman, Ed Campbell, III. Mr. Campbell is pulling the curtain back and unveiling the truth about the truck insurance business in a series of commercials entitled “Gut Check.” While many CEO’s do not engage publicly in advertising campaigns that put themselves on the front line, 1st Guard believes the best spokesperson for this series is the Chairman. “Mr. Campbell is compassionate about the American Trucker and who better to deliver our message,” stated Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s Marketing Director.

The Gut Check campaign uncovers truck insurance secrets not commonly known by the consumer. For example, many physical damage policies have a limit on towing expenses. Unfortunately, truckers do not know this fact until it’s too late and they’re forced to pay the difference which could ultimately put them out of business. Owner operators should know the policy terms up front and not be swayed by a dirt cheap rate. A 1st Guard® physical damage policy; however, will pay towing in full after the deductible is paid. Themes similar to this one are the center of the Gut Check campaign. “Creating awareness amongst the owner operator community along with saving them money on t heir truck insurance costs are the main goals of this campaign,” added Wilson.

1st Guard is a pioneer in advertising on satellite air waves. Dating back to 2004, 1st Guard was the first truck insurer to run commercials on XM satellite radio and then quickly followed suit when Sirius satellite radio entered the trucking market in 2006. Now the two companies have merged – Sirius XM – but commercials air respectively on both satellite networks. 1st Guard is also a sponsor of the Dave Nemo Show (www.davenemo.com), a popular talk show geared towards the trucking community.

Increase Demand for Mobile Technology for the Mobile Customer

2010-12-28T09:08:00.000-05:00

Insurance Networking News recently published an article about how mobile technologies create opportunities and challenges for today's property/casualty carriers. 1st Guard is one of several insurers featured in this article, but is the only TRUCK INSURER! The article focuses on 1st Guard's foresight in creating a mobile app for truckers - TRUCKER1 - which enables mobile customers to conduct business with just a few clicks. To read the entire article, please click on the following link: http://www.insurancenetworking.com/issues/13_11/insurance_technology_mobile_applications_strategy-26578-1.html?zkPrintable=true

Merry Christmas to you!

2010-12-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

Mobile Technology is Finally Making a Move

2010-12-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

1st Guard is quoted extensively in CRM Magazine's article "Anywhere is Everywhere," written by Lauren McKay. This article portrays how mobile devices and technology applications can help improve efficiency with the ease of doing business and increase overall consumer satisfaction. 1st Guard's implementation of an electronic signature app created by DocuSign (www.docusign.com) is featured in this article.

Please click on the link below to read the entire article.
http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/Editorial/Magazine-Features/Anywhere-Is-Everywhere-72089.aspx

1st Guard Gains Customer Confidence with Strict Security Standards

2010-10-28T08:47:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – October 28, 2010 – 1st Guard Corporation, a specialty insurer for long-haul truckers, takes monumental steps in re-engineering the way they store customers' sensitive credit card information by embracing PCI (Payment Card Industry) data security standards. In fact, 1st Guard no longer "stores" an entire credit card number, only the last four digits plus the expiration date are given on the payment screen. This information is kept on file with an outside merchant services vendor for a maximum of 90 days and then destroyed. Long gone are the days of storing multiple credit cards for a single policyholder as well. By reducing the amount of personal financial information stored at 1st Guard the chance of any security data breach is drastically decreased, if not eliminated. "Being PCI compliant is all about protecting our customers' and building a positive, trustworthy business image with them," stated Dan Ribar, Chief Information Office at 1st Guard. "Customers enrolled in the automatic payment plan are extremely confident in the way we conduct business and are happy witih our early adoption of the best security measures," added Ribar.

The Grill of a Truck is No Place for a Deer!

2010-10-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

According to the Insurance Information Institute there are an estimated 1.6 millionn deer-vehicle collisions each year resulting in 200 fatalities and over $3.6 billion in vehicle damage. Another billion is spent on medical payments for injuries and out of pocket expenses by vehicle owners. Unfortunately these numbers are increasing every year. Right now it's matting season for deer and that means the deer are EVERYWHERE!

The following precautions should be taken to avoid a costly deer claim:

Pay attention to deer crossing signs. Areas with woodlands and agriculture are safe havens for deer.
Deer are herd animals. When you see one deer there usually is another not far behind!
Deer frequently travel at dusk and right before dawn. Be particularly attentive during these times as this is the highest risk for deer-vehicle collisions.
Use high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic.
Always wear a seat belt. Deer collisions can cause severe damage to both you and your truck.

Celebrate National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week!

2010-09-19T09:37:00.002-04:00

We appreciate truckers 365 days a year.

Technology for Truckers - A Webinar Designed for America's Leased Owner Operators

2010-09-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

1st Guard is proud to announce a series of webinars that focus on technology for truckers. These webinars will highlight the advantages technology can bring to leased owner operators as small business owners. We are extremely excited to share our knowledge on this topic and hope you can join us for an hour of educational fun. Sign up now!

Please click here for more information.

Listen to Courtney Wilson's Interview with Eric Harley of the Midnight Trucking Radio Network

2010-09-07T08:23:00.001-04:00

Courtney Wilson, Marketing Director for 1st Guard, had the pleasure talking with Eric Harley of the Midnight Trucking Radio Network (MTRN) at GATS. To listen to her interivew, click on the following link...

www.youtube.com/truckinsurance

First Guard Insurance Company Makes the Grade Again: A Rating Reaffirmed by AM Best

2010-08-30T13:49:00.000-04:00

Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Company has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. For the latest ratings, visit www.ambest.com.

First Guard’s solid capitalization and balance sheet liquidity coupled with a history of excellent underwriting and operating profitability attribute greatly to the company’s A (Excellent) rating. The effective use of technology to leverage efficient policy issuance, billing, claims handling and communication with the leased owner operator targeted segment distinguishes First Guard amongst the competition. Management’s effectiveness and aversion to unreasonable risk also play strongly to long-term profitability and stability.

“We are very pleased that AM Best has affirmed our "A" rating,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “First Guard's surplus continues to grow even in this challenging economy. Over the past year we have fine tuned our operating model concurrent with the development of new products for truckers. As a direct writer First Guard is well positioned to gain market share from competitors who remain beholden to agency and broker distribution channels,” concluded Campbell.

1st Guard had a blast at The Great American Trucking Show

2010-08-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - August 30, 2010 - It's hard to believe the Great American Trucking Show is over and now we are focusing on truck shows for 2011! 1st Guard had a great time speaking with existing customers (man, did we see A LOT of them!) and providing quotes on truck insurance for potential customers. The SAVINGS alone was enough to get the "buzz" circulating around the show...leased owner operators were stopping by our booths asking US for quotes. The all female crew did a great job rallying the crowd.

Visit our Facebook page to see all the truck show pictures.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Guard-Truck-Insurance/103274905019
Click on Photos and then Great American Trucking Show 2010 photo album.

Visit 1st Guard at GATS 2010 - Booth #16131

2010-08-18T14:13:00.000-04:00

1st Guard is gearing up for the Great American Truck Show August 26-28 in Dallas, Texas. As always, we are excited to see our customers and thank them for their continued business and support. But more importantly, we are looking forward to saving more leased owner operators money on their physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance. We'll be giving instant quotes at our booth #16131 in the upper level near the recruiting pavillion.

It will be sizzlin' at the 1st Guard booth. We look forward to seeing you soon!

DocuSign Electronic Signature Service Helps 1st Guard Close the Final Mile in Trucker’s Insurance

2010-08-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

Insurance Firm Offers Flexibility and Convenience to Mobile Customer Base with DocuSign

SEATTLE – August 3, 2010 – DocuSign®, the market leader and global standard for electronic signature, today announced that 1st Guard® Corporation integrated the DocuSign electronic signature management service to complete and sign insurance applications online. 1st Guard, a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, trusts the DocuSign eSignature platform to quickly, securely and completely transact insurance documents online from anywhere, anytime.

“Our clients are truckers, essentially on the road 24x7 so we needed a flexible, mobile solution to meet their unique needs,” said Dan Ribar, chief information officer at 1st Guard. “With DocuSign, we get it all—ease of use, digital forms, legal compliance and complete mobility. Being able to complete election forms electronically is a huge benefit for our customers.”

1st Guard has eliminated the logistical nightmare of faxing, printing and mailing applications to customers constantly on the move. By integrating DocuSign into their online workflows, 1st Guard customers can complete insurance election in minutes. Plus, DocuSign offers the convenience of signing using an Apple iPhone, RIM® BlackBerry® or any other smart phone. DocuSign provides 1st Guard customers with a fast and trusted method to complete insurance forms, thereby significantly reducing the time, environmental impact and cost of traditional paper-based processing.

Insurance companies across the country are adopting the DocuSign electronic signature management. Industry leaders such as Amica, BannerLife, First Premium, iPipeline, QuickQuote and hundreds of other insurance carriers and agencies have migrated to DocuSign to ensure compliance and enhance client satisfaction. For more information on how the DocuSign eSignature management service can positively impact the insurance industry, visit http://www.docusign.com/e-signatures/insurance.

"We are pleased to be the trusted eSignature provider for 1st Guard and look forward to working with them continue to quickly and conveniently serve their clients," said Steve King, president and CEO of DocuSign. “Customer service is a top priority for insurance carriers and we’ve seen a steep increase in the adoption of DocuSign across the insurance ecosystem. By automating the signing process and enabling consumers to complete forms online, from anywhere at any time, companies like 1st Guard can strengthen their ties with their customer base while cutting costs and improving efficiencies.”

About DocuSign, Inc.
DocuSign, Inc. is the market leader and global standard for electronic signature. DocuSign provides the world’s largest and fastest growing electronic signature platform, empowering businesses to complete transactions online quickly and securely while improving compliance and dramatically reducing costs. To learn how DocuSign can accelerate your business, visit http://www.docusign.com/ or call (866) 219-4318. Subscribe to the DocuSign blog at www.docusign.com/blog and follow DocuSign on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DocuSign.

1st Guard Truck Insurance Offers Webinars to Fleet Customers

2010-07-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

July 26, 2010 – Venice, Florida –Truck Insurer 1st Guard Corporation has implemented a series of webinars for their fleet customers. The webinars are conducted at the 1st Guard office while attendees participate at the convenience of their desk. A compatible computer with Internet access is the only tool needed to view and listen to the webinar. The webinars are educational and interactive -- allowing participants to ask questions during and after the webinar.

“We provide the best Internet experience to our fleets and want to make sure they are aware of everything available to them at their finger tips,” remarked Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard. “There is no doubt everyone who participates in the webinars will gain something of value from the sessions, including 1st Guard.”

The introduction of webinars for fleet customers adds to 1st Guard’s robust technology portfolio. Fleet customers are first in line to experience the webinars. Plans to offer a webinar series to direct customers (those not affiliated with a fleet program through their trucking company) are underway.

New Version of TRUCKER1 Available

2010-07-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – July 21, 2010 - 1st Guard Corporation, a truck insurer for physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance for leased owner operators, announced today the release of version 1.06 for TRUCKER1. This release focuses on taking advantage of the new features in Apple’s iOS4 for the iPhone. Added functionality includes:

• Multi-tasking functions. When switching between apps, TRUCKER1 will go in to ‘sleep mode.’ This avoids having to restart the app every time.
• Enhanced security features.
• Access to better vehicle and coverage information for customers making it easier to view insurance in the palm of your hand.

TRUCKER1 is the only app of its kind created for truckers by the Trucker's Insurance Company -- 1st Guard Corporation. TRUCKER1 is still FREE. Visit Apple’s itunes store to download TRUCKER1.

1st Guard on The Midnight Trucking Radio Network

2010-04-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - April 6, 2010 - While attending the Mid-America Trucking Show 1st Guards chairman Ed Campbell appeared on The Midnight Trucking Radio Network. Click here to view.

RoadTweet Now in TRUCKER1

2010-04-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - April 6, 2010 - Truck insurer 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announces RoadTweet. RoadTweet Automatically tweets your current location, speed and altitude. This allows you to keep your friends and family updated on your current location safely while driving. RoadTweet can be found inside the TRUCKER1 iPhone application along with other tools to help truckers stay in touch with their loved ones.

1st Guard Attends the Mid-America Trucking Show

2010-03-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL - March 4, 2010 - Truck insurer 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced it will be attending the Mid-America Trucking Show held in Louisville Kentucky. You can find 1st Guard at booth #13056 located in the North Wing. You will be able to receive an instant quote, meet some of 1st Guard's staff and enter to win a $500 fuel card. Be safe out there and we hope to see you all in Kentucky.

New Look, New Feel and Better Rates

2010-02-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

It's a new year and things are changing for the better. Our brand new website has made it easier to get an instant quote, access documents, report a claim and manage your account any time day or night. We also have new rates and discounts that reward you as a trucker -- especially if you have a clean MVR.

Call 800-995-4827 or click here for an instant quote to see how much you can save.

1st Guard
The Trucker's Insurance Company

1st Guard® Develops another iPhone® Application for Truckers

2009-11-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL– November 30, 2009 - Truck insurer, 1st Guard Corporation, has developed another iPhone application called AheadofMe, designed for the American trucker in mind. AheadofMe can be easily downloaded for free from the Apple iTunes store.

Simple in design, AheadOfMe takes into account the users current location and factors in speed and direction of travel to determine the future destination. Additionally, the application displays the high and low temperature along with speed, latitude & longitude and course direction giving the user a full view of their environment.

“AheadOfMe is the first app of its kind that gives our customers quick information pertinent to them being on the road. It was designed specifically for long-haul truckers who will benefit from knowing destination and weather info at a glance,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer of 1st Guard Corporation.

Truck Insurer Offers New iPhone® App

2009-10-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – October 26, 2009 – Truck insurer, 1st Guard Corporation, today announced that TRUCKER1, a free mobile application for the iPhone, is now available on the Apple App Store. TRUCKER1 is the first mobile application developed specifically for owner operators. “The iPhone provides a perfect platform for extending information to and communication with our customers.” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard Corporation. “For owner operators, TRUCKER1 represents a new level of productivity.”

Anyone can download TRUCKER1 and use the free tools for transmitting route and location details to the e-mail and Facebook accounts of friends and family members. However, TRUCKER1 has added functionality for 1st Guard® customers including instant coverage verification, which replaces the need to carry insurance ID cards, and an easy but technically advanced claims submission process. “We used the full gambit of technologies – GPS, reverse geo-coding, social-networking, geo-stamping images, web services and more to define what an app like this should be” commented Ribar.

1st Guard Corporation has announced a 10% insurance discount for all qualifying users beginning January 1, 2010. The company anticipates that TRUCKER1 will ultimately lead to lower processing and customer service costs. “We’ve literally put an insurance company in the palm of our customers’ hand and topped it off with premium savings,” said Mr. Ribar. That’s commitment to truckers!

First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirmed “A” Rating by A.M. Best

2009-09-08T15:37:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida (September 8, 2009) – Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that A.M. Best Company has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. For the latest ratings, visit www.ambest.com.

First Guard’s solid capitalization and balance sheet liquidity coupled with a history of excellent underwriting and operating profitability attribute greatly to the company’s A (Excellent) rating. In addition, management’s effectiveness and aversion to unreasonable risk play strongly to long-term profitability and stability.

“Notwithstanding the challenging economic environment – particularly for truckers, 2008 was our most profitable year ever, and our results for the first eight months of 2009 have us on track for another record year. Surplus now stands at an all time high. We remain committed to the direct writing model as the most efficient and cost effective means for delivering insurance. The “A” rating from AM Best lends credence to our approach for marketing and underwriting truck insurance.” said Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company.

First Guard Insurance Company Adds South Dakota to License List

2009-07-24T10:39:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida (July 23, 2009) – Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today they received the Certificate of Authority to write business in South Dakota. Currently, First Guard is licensed in twenty-five states, primarily concentrated east of the Mississippi. The addition of South Dakota brings the total to twenty-six. First Guard Insurance Company is rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best.

“South Dakota broadens our reach westward where we see great potential for growth,” commented Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company.

First Guard Insurance Company is the only specialty truck insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.

Save Trees. Save Money. Protect Your Identity.

2009-06-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

Did you know you can reduce the risk of identity theft by eliminating paper bills and signing up for one of 1st Guard’s® electronic payment options? Stolen or lost checkbooks and discarded billing statements largely attribute to identity theft. Protecting our customers’ identity is extremely important to 1st Guard®. In fact, we don’t even store your credit card information on file. [For further information, please click here].

Best of all, when you enroll in one of our “green-friendly” electronic payment plans, you have the potential to save up to 15% on your truck insurance and positively impact our environment.

How to sign up?

Simple. Just call 1st Guard toll-free at 866-FAST234 to speak with a customer service agent about the variety of electronic payment methods.

Please Note: Discount may not be applicable in all states.
Call 1st Guard for an instant quote to see if you are eligible for this potential savings!

1st Guard Corporation Joins Facebook & Twitter

2009-05-20T15:57:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – May 20, 2009 – 1st Guard Corporation, a premier truck insurance firm for lease owner operators, can now be found on Facebook and Twitter. Friend 1st Guard® on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and get the inside scoop through updates, wall posts, photos, and press releases.

The social network of Facebook and Twitter will give customers a new way to interact and communicate with 1st Guard®. Customers will be able to preview upcoming product and service enhancements not yet released to the public. They will have the opportunity to provide feedback about any future enhancements allowing 1st Guard® to serve their customer base better. Beyond that 1st Guard® will also use Facebook and Twitter to post the latest blog entries, exciting news and noteworthy events.

“1st Guard® is a leader in innovation and joining Facebook and Twitter made perfect sense in creating new paths of communication with our customers,” commented Colin Cowne, Online Systems Analyst for 1st Guard Corporation.

1st Guard Corporation is the only truck insurance firm currently using social media outlets to connect with their customers.

First Guard Insurance Company Adds QuickDox Feature to Mobile Device Application

2009-05-11T08:46:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – May 11, 2009 – Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company has added another feature to their 1st Guard® Mobile (1G-Mobile) website called QuickDox. Available on all mobile devices that have Internet access, QuickDox enables truckers to request an e-mailed copy of certificates of insurance or their last truck insurance invoice. A customer must enter the last six digits of the tractor or trailer’s VIN plus the account zip code. The requested documents are then automatically sent to the email address on file. The QuickDox application intentionally does not ask for any e-mail addresses for the protection of the customers. From start to finish, the turnaround time to receive requested documents is less than one minute.

“Most websites make users login and search for documents – we give them an extremely fast path to get the information they need. Most of the time in less then a minute they have their documents in hand,” said Chief Information Officer, Daniel Ribar.

“The ability to retrieve insurance documents instantaneously via mobile devices is revolutionary,” commented Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “No one has introduced this high level of technology to their customer base; First Guard continues to be on the leading edge.”

First Guard Insurance Company Closes Claims 34% Faster

2009-05-06T09:39:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – May 6, 2009 –Specialty truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company reports closing claims 34% faster as a direct result of new claims processing software. Developed internally by First Guard’s automation group and launched in 2007, the claims processing software caters to doing business 100% electronically. All information pertaining to each claim is housed electronically eliminating paper files and enabling instant access to necessary data. Additionally, the software includes capabilities to allow customers to report claims from mobile devices and PDA's, which has also enhances processing time. “The days when fax and US mail were the standard ways of settling claims made it difficult to close claims quickly,” commented Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Handling claims electronically has reduced the time it takes to settle a claim and has helped First Guard leverage compatibility with all realms of technology,” added Campbell.

Beyond electronic filing, the claims processing software incorporates a claims management tool that monitors the daily progress of each claim. Proactive in nature, this tool helps manage the workload of each claim and streamline the claims process, ultimately reducing the amount of time a claim is open. “The faster we close a claim, the more beneficial it is for everyone involved,” said Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer.

Advanced technology and automation contribute to closing claims faster but the picture would not be complete without the stellar performance of First Guard claims personnel. “Consistent communication with our insureds, body shops and adjusters attributes greatly to First Guard’s success in closing claims fast and efficiently,” remarked Betsy Stealey, Director of Claims for First Guard Insurance Company. “We don’t give in and we fight for our insureds until the end,” added Stealey.

First Guard Insurance Company Launches Mobile Claims Submission

2009-04-13T14:24:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – April 13, 2009 – First Guard Insurance Company, one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, recently launched the capability to report a claim via a mobile Smart Device. “The ability to submit new claim information using a mobile device is an incredible feature that no other truck insurer offers,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company.

In order to submit a claim from a mobile device, a First Guard insured has to go to their website http://www.1stguard.com/ and click on the Quick Claim icon. The process takes less than five minutes to complete. Once all the information is submitted to First Guard, a licensed claims adjuster will call the insured within normal business hours to initiate a formal claim. The quick claim icon on the mobile device is similar to a Contact Us page – it is a fast and effective way to transmit pertinent information to First Guard. It is important to note that the mobile claims submission is for new claims only.

“First Guard’s goal is to make life easier for the trucker, and anything we can do, such as the mobile claims submission is definitely a step in the right direction,” added Campbell.

1st Guard Corporation Safeguards Customers by Eliminating Storage of Credit Card Information

2009-03-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida - March 16, 2009 – 1st Guard Corporation, a specialty insurer for long-haul truckers, recently implemented a monumental change in the way they store policyholder credit card information. This change eliminates the storing of all credit card numbers onsite and drastically reduces [if not eliminates] the exposure to a security breach and the liability associated with it. It is all too common these days to hear about companies that have lost hundreds of thousands of customer credit card numbers in a single devastating event. “1st Guard’s® priority is to protect our policyholders,” commented Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer at 1st Guard Corporation. “People count on us to provide reliable insurance services and it is our duty to deliver just that,” added Ribar.

For each customer that pays their premium electronically, only one primary card will be stored on file. 1st Guard® will no longer store multiple credit cards for a single customer. This change immediately reduces the exposure to a security breach. Additionally, only the last four digits of the credit card with the expiration date will appear on the payment screen at 1st Guard®. All sensitive numbers that make up the entire credit card will be stored at merchant services which are kept on file for a maximum of 90 days.

Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation stated, “The hacker stories on television have made everyone cognizant that security is a huge issue in daily business operations. 1st Guard took the initiative to make sure the best security measures are in place to protect our policyholder’s financial information.”

1st Guard Corporation Launches 1st Guard® Mobile: A Website Application for Smart Device Users

2009-02-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida – February 17, 2009 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to lease owner operators, announced today they have launched 1st Guard® Mobile, a website interface that is accessible from any mobile Smart Device. A Smart Device is considered an iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pilot, WindowsMobile and the like. The premise behind 1st Guard® Mobile is to allow a user access to 1st Guard®’s website [www.1stguard.com] using a mobile device instead of a PC. Beyond typical phone capabilities, Smart Devices are being used more frequently to access the Internet and carry out day to day business operations. “It is important for us [1st Guard] to be on the cutting edge, if not bleeding edge, of technology and automation,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard Corporation. “Through innovation we strive to provide everything our customers and future customers would need at their finger tips. 1st Guard® Mobile is a prime example of that,” added Ribar.

1st Guard® Mobile is simple in design, but mechanically driven and extremely functional. To access the 1st Guard® website on a mobile device, a user must go to http://www.1stguard.com/, which automatically takes you to a mobile version of the website. The functions are the same on the mobile device as they are using a computer to access the Internet. A user can obtain an instant quote on a tractor/trailer, view products and FAQ’s, and submit an inquiry for a 1st Guard® representative to call them back.

1st Guard® Mobile is in production mode and will reflect any changes that are made to the public website. For example, in the Spring 1st Guard® anticipates releasing the enhanced version of My Account. This is where a current insured can access his account, view and print documents, make a payment and much more. When this capability is made available on the public website, it will also be available on 1st Guard® Mobile. “To be able to access your truck insurance account in real time on a mobile device any time, any place is an amazing feature that no other truck insurer offers,” remarked Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard.

First Guard Insurance Reports 98.5% Customer Satisfaction for Claims Handling

2009-02-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida – February 4, 2009 – First Guard Insurance Company, a specialty truck physical damage insurer for long-haul truckers, recently reported a 98.5% customer satisfaction rating for claims handling for 2008. As a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, First Guard operates their own in-house claims division that deals with tractor trailer claims on a daily basis. First Guard does not use a third party administrator (TPA). Betsy Stealey, Director of Claims for First Guard Insurance Company, commented “In the truck insurance business, it is extremely important to provide our customers with fast, reliable claims service so they get back on the road as quickly as possible. Receiving such a high customer satisfaction rating is not only gratifying but an achievement that will resonate within the owner operator community.”

Each time a claim is settled a claims survey is automatically sent to the insured. In hopes of increasing the percentage of returned surveys, a self-addressed pre-paid envelope is included. The survey consists of four key questions that target adjuster responsiveness and overall service. Each question is weighed individually and then averaged to compile the overall claims satisfaction rating. For 2008, the satisfaction rating for each question ranged between 97.8% to a high of 99.7%.

“Handling truck claims are not easy,” commented Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “But we have the philosophy here that just because a lease owner operator has a claim doesn't mean his business has to come to a halt. It’s quite the opposite when you deal with First Guard. We get them back on the road in no time so business can continue as usual.”

Save BIG with 1st Guard

2009-01-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Did you know you could Save up to 15% on your physical damage premium if you sign up for one of the electronic payment methods offered by 1st Guard?

Electronic payment methods include: debit card, credit card or automatic draft from a checking/savings account. Forget the hassle of writing a check and making sure it arrives on-time. Your physical damage premium is on-time, all the time when you pay electronically. Generally speaking, no deposit (escrow) is collected when you pay your premium electronically. That means less money out of your pocket!

The savings attributed to paying a physical damage premium electronically is offered only to lease owner operators that buy direct from 1st Guard.

True Statistic

The average 1st Guard customer saves $295 PER YEAR
when switching to an electronic payment method.

Please Note: Discount may not be applicable in all states. Call 1st Guard for an instant quote to see if you are eligible for this potential savings!

1st Guard® Launches Customer-Oriented Website

2009-01-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida – January 12, 2009 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, launched a new version of their public website this past weekend. The website received an overhaul in design and functionality, incorporating navigation tools that allow the customer to use the website with ease. Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer of 1st Guard Corporation, stated “It boils down to the customer and making their life easier. It’s not about us, it’s about them [customers] and that’s the mindset we used when developing the new look and feel of the website.”

The new version of the 1st Guard® website, which can be viewed at www.1stguard.com, is very straightforward. There are four main activities that a customer, or potential customer, would visit the 1st Guard® website for: 1) Get an Instant Quote 2) Purchase Online 3) Manage My Account and 4) Submit a New Claim. “We got rid of the fluff and honed in on simplicity and functionality for the customer,” added Ribar. Beyond functionality, the 1st Guard® automation group integrated additional layers of security, making the website an extremely safe place to do business.

The last revision of the website occurred in April 2006, which relatively speaking is not that long ago. However, in business it is essential to never let things go stale and the redevelopment of the website goes along these lines. “1st Guard® is the only truck insurer that provides online business activities with such ease. We want to deliver the best service possible to our customers and the website revamp drives this point home,” remarked Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation.

DD&S Express Awarded Fleet of the Year 2008

2009-01-07T16:27:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL – January 7, 2009 – First Guard Insurance Company announced today that DD&S Express Inc., a heavy and specialized transportation company based out of Baltimore, Maryland, has won Fleet of the Year for 2008. This is the fourth time DD&S Express has won this prestigious award. They also received Fleet of the Year in 2002, 2004 and 2005.

The Fleet of the Year award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.

Rick Seleski, Vice President & General Manager for DD&S Express, said “Not only is it an honor to receive this award for the fourth time, but it is a testament to our culture at DD&S. As a specialized heavy haul carrier we must put safety front and center. This commitment has enabled us to

maintain the safest, most professional owner operators on the road.” Scott Furley, Director of Safety & Recruiting, added “We are happy to bring this award back to DD&S Express this year. With the help of First Guard's staff and our owner operators we will make another run at it in the new year.”

Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company, knows what an accomplishment it is to win the Fleet of the Year award. “There is no doubt DD&S Express raises the bar for safety standards in the owner operator trucking community,” commented Campbell. “To win the Fleet of the Year award four times is almost unheard of. DD&S Express definitely deserves a round of applause for their amazing safety and compliance management.”

DD&S Express was established as a division of Davidson Transfer & Storage Company. In 1995, DD&S Express became their own company, making a niche in the trucking industry for super loads (heavy –specialized) while supplementing with standard shipments. In September 2008, DD&S Express became a division of Security Storage Company, a moving, storage and logistics company located in Washington, DC.

Picture (left to right): Larry Depace, President & Rick Seleski, General Manager for DD&S Express

1st Guard® Offers Hassle-Free Truck Insurance Quotes On-Line

2008-11-10T16:57:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL – November 10, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, recently unveiled an updated version of their instant quote, which is available on-line at www.FAST234.com.

The updated instant quote features a multiple vehicle quote option that calculates the monthly premiums for all vehicles quoted. Prior to this feature, an owner operator could only get one quote at a time. “Owner operators often have more than one vehicle that needs truck insurance; that’s where the multiple quote capability comes into play. It makes it more efficient for the owner operator,” remarked Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard®. A savings calculator appears once a quote is complete. The savings calculator allows the owner operator to enter his current physical damage premium for the week, month or year and then compare it to the quoted 1st Guard® premium. Typically, 1st Guard® can usually save owner operators a truckload.

Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, stated “Being a direct-writer enables us to provide instant quotes with very minimal truck information. We make purchasing truck insurance fast and hassle-free by eliminating the middleman and passing along the cost-savings to the owner operator.”

1st Guard® is the only truck insurer that offers a truly instant and anonymous truck insurance quote on-line as well as over the phone.

Towing Included in a First Guard Physical Damage Policy

2008-10-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – October 15, 2008 – Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company offers a comprehensive physical damage policy for lease owner operators that includes all towing expenses incurred from a covered accident to the nearest repair facility. Additionally, First Guard has no limit or “cap” associated with towing expenses. “Increasingly, our competitors are placing limits on towing costs or charging extra premium for a towing endorsement,” stated Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “Unfortunately, by the time owner operators get around to reading the small print, they’re already looking at towing bills that can run thousands of dollars,” added Fortuna.

With a First Guard physical damage policy, lease owner operators do not have to worry about towing co-insurance costs once they meet their deductible. Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company believes every consumer should review their insurance policies to find out exactly what is covered. “In today’s environment, it is extremely important to know what you are getting for your money At First Guard we offer excellent coverage at a cost-savings price for lease owner operators,” said Campbell.

First Guard Insurance Company Reports Record 3rd Quarter Earnings

2008-10-06T15:55:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – October 6, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company, a specialty truck physical damage insurer for long haul truckers, announced record results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2008. Earnings exceeded last year’s record 3rd quarter by over 10%.

Ed Campbell, III, First Guard’s chairman said, “We continue to refine our underwriting and data mining techniques to good effect. We’re now achieving these outstanding underwriting results while concurrently leading the way in offering competitive insurance rates to truckers. Our direct writing formula has given us a tremendous cost and logistical advantage.”

“The trucking industry of course continues to face very challenging times as does the entire economy,” Campbell added. ‘While we have always emphasized underwriting profitability over growth, our investments in marketing and brand development have positioned us for expansion as well, particularly when the freight environment for truckers improves.”

On a related note, Campbell mentioned that First Guard Insurance Company has never owned any mortgaged backed securities and that its investment portfolio consists entirely of AAA and AA rated bonds.

First Guard Insurance Company Insures High Value Equipment

2008-10-01T15:38:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – October 1, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company, one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, now has the capability of underwriting and insuring high value tractors. A high value tractor is considered a tractor with a custom size sleeper over 100 inches. “We've modified out rating methodologies and reinsurance structure to accommodate high value tractor trailer combinations up to $300,000,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Unlike our competitors, we are a direct-writer for physical damage insurance. This enables us to cater to the growing need of insuring super size rigs and offering rates owner operators can feasibly afford,” added Campbell. “There are not many truck insurance companies out there that will insure tractors of such monetary value, and if they do, they’ll charge the owner operator an outrageous premium. At First Guard, we’re all about helping owner operators save money,” remarked Campbell.

First Guard offers fast, simple and hassle-free quotes over the phone or on the Internet. Call 866-FAST234 to speak with a customer service representative. Or, go online to http://www.fast234.com/. First Guard Insurance Company is currently the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.

First Guard Insurance Company “A” Rating Reaffirmed by A.M. Best

2008-09-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

September 16, 2008 - Venice, FL – First Guard Insurance Company, one of the nation’s premiere truck physical damage insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, announced today that A.M. Best Company has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook. In 2004, First Guard received an upgrade in rating to “A” and since then has been able to maintain this solid rating. A.M. Best expects First Guard’s excellent capitalization and operating performance to continue in the medium term.
For the latest ratings, access www.ambest.com.

“Our excellent underwriting and tight-run operations have helped secure our position in the truck physical damage market and as an insurance company on the whole,” remarked Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Because of our niche market (lease owner-operators) we need to execute well on all levels to deliver superior service to our customers,” added Campbell.

First Guard sets itself apart from its competitors by leveraging technology to provide quick and efficient policy-issuance, billing and claim handling service. Additionally, First Guard relocated the company’s claims operations to the home office location in 2007.

First Guard Insurance Company began operations as a reinsurer in 1997. It started writing truck physical damage insurance directly in 2003. Presently the company holds licenses in twenty-five states. First Guard Insurance Company is the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.

1st Guard® Aims for Quality at the Great American Trucking Show

2008-08-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL – August 27, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, recently exhibited at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Convention Center from August 21st – August 23rd, 2008. Several 1st Guard® staff members worked the booth consecutively over the three-day event.

“In past years, our goal was to get as many physical damage quotes as possible; however, we re-directed our thought-process this year and focused on quality over quantity,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and also a participant at the 1st Guard® booth. “The change in direction allowed for more meaningful conversations with potential customers, which is exactly what we were aiming for. At the end of the day, our story resonated very well with the lease operators and our approach deemed successful for 1st Guard®,” added Campbell.

Beyond the implementation of a new sales approach at this truck show, 1st Guard® also hosted a sell-out breakfast with Bill Mack, a popular radio personality on XM satellite radio trucking channel The Open Road (Channel 171), the morning of Friday, August 22nd. Bill Mack “This past March, we hosted the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville. We had a great turnout and rave reviews, so without hesitation, we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” remarked Courtney Wilson, Marketing Director for 1st Guard Corporation and also event coordinator for the breakfast. “There is no doubt that the breakfast with Bill Mack has become an event to attend amongst the owner operator community,” commented Wilson.

Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance which is placed through their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best. Being a direct-writer enables 1st Guard® to provide fast, efficient and anonymous “on the spot” quotes.

Have Breakfast with Bill Mack at the Great American Trucking Show

2008-08-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

August 7, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today they are hosting a breakfast with Bill Mack at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. This is 1st Guard’s® second breakfast with Bill Mack this year.

“We held the first breakfast with Bill Mack at the truck show in Louisville in March,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “The event was fun, the food was great and everyone had a good time. Because we had such an overwhelming response at that breakfast, by popular demand we decided to bring the breakfast to Dallas,” added Wilson.

The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Dallas Convention Center on Friday, August 22nnd from 8:00 am to 10:00 am in room D174, located on the ground level of the convention center (just below the registration lobby). The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®.

The breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis; however, reservations are encouraged due to limited space. For advanced reservations call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234. 1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at booth #13039 all three days of the show, August 21st – 23rd. Make sure to stop by their booth for an instant, customized truck insurance quote.

New Software for 1st Guard® Improves In-Bound Call Capacity by 25%

2008-07-23T11:23:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida - July 22, 2008 - 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced today that their inbound call handling capacity has increased 25% due to the implementation of ATHIA, a software program developed internally by 1st Guard® personnel.

ATHIA’s comprehensive navigation tools has shortened the time it takes to deliver a quote, thus improving the productivity of customer service and increasing inbound call capacity. “We’ve compiled and compressed the required information into only a few screens, eliminating the hunt for information that would typically consume a lot of time when an insured calls,” stated Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer for 1st Guard Corporation. “In one instance we reduced the customer service agent screens from 17 to 3 – now that’s how you increase efficiency and help more people,” added Ribar.

More importantly, the efficiency and effectiveness of ATHIA has allowed 1st Guard® to handle more inbound calls without adding to staff, a significant accomplishment in today’s economy. “This important breakthrough gives 1st Guard® an added cost advantage that ultimately sets the stage for future growth, and helps assure that our trucker customers will continue to enjoy competitive premiums,” remarked Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation.

ATHIA, which stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation, was launched June 1st, 2008.

About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

Another Perfect Year of 100% Customer Satisfaction for 1st Guard®

2008-06-17T12:57:00.000-04:00

June 17, 2008 - Venice, Florida – 1st Guard Corporation, the leader in truck physical damage insurance for lease operators, announced today they are celebrating another perfect year of customer satisfaction. They have received nothing less than 100% from their new and existing customers.

These surveys are sent at random to 1st Guard® customers. Whether a new customer is activating coverage or an existing customer is making changes to a policy, they are automatically qualified to potentially receive a customer satisfaction survey. The format of the survey is short and concise, which helps increase the overall response rate. The questions asked on the survey cover five distinct areas of customer service:

1. Knowledgeable
2. Friendly
3. Fast & Efficient
4. Pleasant Experience
5. Highly Recommendable

“1st Guard® takes great pride in ensuring every experience is a positive one for our customers, both new and existing", stated Clinton Thornton, Director of Client Services for 1st Guard Corporation. “Our surveys are essential to the ongoing development of our customer service call center. The feedback helps us focus on any areas of improvement that may need to be addressed and continue to reinforce areas of strength. We take the response received from our surveys very seriously”, added Thornton.

The inception of the customer satisfaction surveys began in January 2007.

1st Guard Corporation Launches New Software Program to Enhance Efficiency

2008-06-05T15:24:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – June 2, 2008 – 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they have launched and successfully converted to a new software program. The software program, notably referred to as ATHIA, stands for Applied Technology for Higher Intelligence and Automation. This project has taken over two years to complete by 1st Guard® personnel. ATHIA is unique to 1st Guard® and tailored to the truck insurance industry.

“The reason why we [1st Guard®] undertook such a huge project was because we wanted to enhance our efficiency and productivity in the office which translates into better customer service for current and potential customers,” stated Daniel Ribar, Chief Information Officer at 1st Guard® and project manager of ATHIA. “Technology can either slow you down or speed you up depending on how well you apply it,” added Ribar, “and at 1st Guard® we are all about automation through applied technology.”

ATHIA is a next generation web application that encompasses all aspects of the [truck insurance] business. Available from any Internet connection, ATHIA transcends typical business systems by applying complex automation. 1st Guard® is well known in the truck insurance industry as the fastest truck insurance on the road and now, with ATHIA in place, 1st Guard® will be even faster than before.

Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and First Guard Insurance Company, summed it up by saying “We’ve had a leg up on our competitors for quite some time but with the launch of ATHIA, we will blow them out of the water. Everyone will benefit from the ingenious behind this software.”

First Guard Insurance Company Reduces Driver Error Claims By 25%

2008-05-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - May 27th, 2008 - Truck insurer First Guard Insurance Company announced today that it has reduced driver error claims by 25% as a result of better underwriting.

After observing an upward spike in claims during the forth quarter of 2007, First Guard decided to focus attention on specifically reducing the number of claims attributable to driver error. These types of claims average over $10,000 per incident. Among other measures, the company performed an extensive review of its claim and underwriting databases. This data mining effort revealed a variety of discernible findings seemingly common to most claims involving driver error. For First Guard it then became a matter of re-working its underwriting formula to better address these themes. "We always prefer underwriting solutions to rate increases. It's better for our customers," stated Donna Fortuna, the President of First Guard Insurance Company, "obviously a reduction of this size has a very positive impact on the bottom line that will help assure our competitive position in the market."

The truck insurance business is characterized by extreme pricing cycles. Presently premiums remain near historic lows. First Guard enjoys unique standing as one of the most competitive and profitable companies in this segment. Despite the soft market the company recorded its highest underwriting profit ever in April 2008.

About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, provides truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and small fleet owners. The company is located in Venice, Florida.

1st Guard Corporation Shines among the Lease Operators at the Mid America Trucking Show

2008-04-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida - April 2nd, 2008 - 1st Guard Corporation, a leader in providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators, announced today they had another successful truck show. This year marked the 37th annual Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the largest truck show in the United States.

Courtney Wilson, 1st Guard’s® Director of Marketing and also a participant at the booth stated “The show was a hit for us. Despite high fuel costs and freight shortage, attendees were plentiful and our booth had a constant flow of traffic. The condition of the economy did not seem to be a significant talking point with our customer base,” added Wilson. “Rather, it was just something we all would have to overcome.”

1st Guard's® booth design enabled leased owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for a quote was the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. There were no other insurance vendors at the truck show who could provide such accurate information. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance, placing coverage with their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best.

Besides the daily truck show regimen, 1st Guard® hosted a breakfast with Bill Mack for leased owner operators and their immediate family members. Bill Mack is a well-known radio personality in the trucking industry and has his own show on the Open Road channel (171) on XM satellite radio. “The breakfast allowed current 1st Guard® customers and potential customers to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the same time,” noted Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® will be hosting more breakfasts with Bill Mack in the future. It was a tremendous success for us,” added Wilson. Bill Mack has a huge fan base in the trucking industry and his popularity has helped solidify 1st Guard’s® presence in the leased owner operator community. For the past several years, Bill Mack has produced commercials for 1st Guard Corporation.

Courtney Wilson was joined by Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer, Dale Pikula, Network Administrator and Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard® sent a team of top executives.

1st Guard® Hosts Breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show

2008-03-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

March 10, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they hosting a breakfast with Bill Mack at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of this month. The breakfast is complimentary and will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Friday, March 28th at 8:00 am in room C104, located in the South Wing hall. The breakfast is open to lease operators and their immediate family members. Those planning on attending the breakfast do not have to be a customer of 1st Guard®. The only qualification is you must be leased on to a trucking company.

“This event is the first of its kind and we expect a good turnout,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Over the years, we have developed a strong friendship with Bill Mack and what better way to bring the XM Satellite Cowboy to our target audience than to host an event at the largest truck show in the world,” added Wilson.

The complimentary breakfast is based on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited so it is important to arrive at the Kentucky Exposition Center is a timely manner. To reserve a spot in advance for the Breakfast with Bill Mack, call 1st Guard® directly at 866-FAST234.

1st Guard Corporation will be exhibiting at the truck show all three days, March 27th – 29th. Make sure to stop by their booth, #62144 in the West Wing, for a customized truck insurance quote.

First Guard Insurance Company Awards Baggett Transportation Company Fleet of the Year

2008-01-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida – January 9, 2008 – First Guard Insurance Company announced today that Baggett Transportation Company, a general freight transportation company located in Birmingham, Alabama, has won the “Fleet of the Year Award” for 2007. This is the first time Baggett Transportation has won this prestigious award.

The “Fleet of the Year” award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.

“Winning Fleet of the Year is a noteworthy award for any trucking company,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “This award goes beyond achieving the lowest physical damage loss ratio. It really boils down to the structure and implementation the trucking company takes in regards to safety and compliance. Baggett Transportation deserves this award because of their strong safety measures and quality drivers,” added Campbell.

Baggett Transportation Company got its start in 1928, specializing in hauling dynamite to local coal mines in Birmingham, Alabama. Not too long after, a world war broke out and Baggett Transportation was summoned by the Department of War (Defense) to haul munitions due to its experience hauling dynamite. Baggett Transportation still remains a major hauler for the Department of Defense today.

About Baggett Transportation Company
Baggett Transportation is located in Birmingham, Alabama and hauls explosives for the Department of Defense. They also have a less-than-truckload division that hauls a variety of general commodities within the state of Alabama and other Southeastern states.

Claims Division of First Guard Insurance Company Now Under One Roof

2008-01-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida (January 3, 2008) – First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles,
recently relocated their claims office to their Venice, Florida home office. Both the insurance company and the claims division now reside in the same building. “For many years we used 1st Guard Adjustment Company out of Sterling Heights, Michigan to handle all 1st Guard® claims,” remarked Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “But First Guard Insurance Company has grown to the point where it strategically made sense to have underwriting and claims in one location,” added Fortuna.

“We are a progressive company and this is the right move at the right time,” added Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Having the two power-houses of our company under one roof is advantageous for our customers because they are dealing directly with the insurance company and not the typical insurance agent. When our customers have questions, we have the answers.”

First Guard Insurance Company does not broker through agents but rather deals directly with the owner operator. By cutting out the middle-man they are able to pass on cost-savings to their customers. FGIC specializes in truck physical damage insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier.

1st Guard® Announces Concierge Style Loyalty Program For Truckers

2008-01-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

January 2, 2008 – Venice, Florida - 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in truck insurance for owner operators leased to a motor carrier, announced today that they are launching a customer loyalty program for their most prestigious group of customers. The program is called the Class 8 Elite. Class 8 signifies the type of vehicle (tractor trailer) 1st Guard® insures.

“We are launching the first elite customer program in the insurance industry similar to the elite status that hotels and airlines confer on their best customers,” stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Corporate Communications for 1st Guard Corporation. “The goal is to recognize our best customers and support them with a concierge style experience.” added Wilson.

Class 8 Elite members will enjoy an array of perks that will enhance their experience as a 1st Guard® customer. Some of the more notable benefits include a special customer service number that guarantees their call will be answered first, VIP tickets to select truck shows, invitations to all 1st Guard® special events and access to 1st Guard’s® top executives via telephone or e-mail. “As the program grows in the number of members we anticipate the expansion of benefits as well,” commented Wilson.

“We are excited about the launch of the Class 8 Elite loyalty program,” stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. “We have always been on the cutting edge in the truck insurance industry,” added Campbell.

1st Guard Offers Instant Quote On-Line for Physical Damage Insurance

2007-11-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

November 6, 2007 – Venice, FL – 1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in owner operator truck insurance, continues to be the only truck insurer to offer an instant quote on-line for truck physical damage insurance. The quote is instant and in real-time. “If you scour the Internet you will see many insurance agencies advertising instant quotes or quick quotes, but the fact of the matter is there is nothing instant about their quotes,” remarked Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “In this case, the owner operator has to submit requested information and then wait for an agent to call him back. It could take days before the agent has a quote for the owner operator and by that time, it is too late,” added Wilson. “With 1st Guard®, all it takes is four clicks of the mouse and the owner operator has his truck physical damage quote. It is truly an instant quote.”

1st Guard Corporation launched their version of an instant quote several years ago. Subsequently, each day their website receives hundreds of clicks for truck insurance quotes. In order to obtain an instant quote, the owner operator must select the state of residence and the year, make and type of tractor or trailer. The quote is based upon having the monthly premium automatically drafted from a debit card, credit card, checking or savings account. “Our goal is to make truck insurance fast, simple and hassle-free for the owner operator leased to a motor carrier. The on-line, instant quote is one example of this,” stated Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. “Beyond the instant quote, we also offer the owner operator the ability to purchase their truck physical damage policy on-line, 24/7.” This feature is called Buy It Now.

To obtain an instant quote, owner operators can go on-line to http://www.1stguard.com/ or http://www.fast234.com/. They can also call direct at 866-FAST234 to speak with a customer service agent.

First Guard Insurance Company Reaffirms “A” Rating

2007-09-28T14:59:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida (September 28, 2007) - First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, today announced that A.M. Best Company has affirmed its financial strength rating of A (Excellent) with a stable rating outlook.

“The A rating certainly validates the merits of our direct writing model,” commented Ed Campbell, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “It all comes down to execution. As a direct writer we not only save truckers money but we deliver superior service as well. Independent agents, at least in the truck insurance business, look to go the way of the dinosaurs. They’re good golfers, but they simply don’t add value.” added Campbell.

First Guard Insurance Company began operations as a reinsurer in 1997. It started writing truck physical damage insurance directly in 2003. Presently the company holds licenses in twenty-five states, recently adding North Carolina and New Jersey to their license list. First Guard Insurance Company is the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.

First Guard Insurance Company Adds North Carolina and New Jersey To Their License List

2007-09-27T14:31:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida (September 27, 2007) – First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), one of the nation’s premiere physical damage truck insurance companies for commercial (Class 8) vehicles, today announced they will start writing business direct in North Carolina and New Jersey beginning January 1, 2008. Currently, FGIC is licensed in twenty-three states, primarily concentrated east of the Mississippi. The addition of North Carolina and New Jersey brings the total to twenty five. First Guard Insurance Company is rated “A” by AM Best.

“Strategically, North Carolina and New Jersey make sense for our business model. A lot of truckers live in those states. It made sense to get licensed and write some more business.” stated Donna Fortuna, President of First Guard Insurance Company. “As a direct writer we are able to pass on the cost-savings to the owner operator by cutting out the middle man,” added Fortuna. “Customers in these states are going to enjoy the benefits of dealing direct.”

First Guard Insurance Company is the only truck specialty insurer in the country that does not market through independent insurance agents.

1st Guard® Receives 100% Customer Satisfaction from Survey

2007-08-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

August 22, 2007 - Venice, Florida – 1st Guard Corporation, the nation’s leader in owner operator truck insurance, announced today that they have received a 100% customer service satisfaction rating year-to-date. Surveys are sent at random to new 1st Guard® customers. The format of the survey is short and concise, which helps increase the overall response rate. Simple yes or no responses are required along with extra space for additional comments. The questions asked on the survey cover five distinct areas of customer service:

1. Knowledgeable
2. Friendly
3. Fast & Efficient
4. Pleasant Experience
5. Highly Recommendable

Since the beginning of the year, 1st Guard® has received an overwhelmingly positive response from surveys sent to customers. In fact, they have yet to receive anything less than 100%.

“We take great pride in providing our customers with fast, friendly, and competent service – every time,” stated Clinton Thornton, Director of Client Services for 1st Guard Corporation. “The feedback received from the surveys helps us tweak any areas of improvement and continue to reinforce areas of strength,” added Thornton. “We will continue to send out these surveys indefinitely.”
The customer service satisfaction survey is also a useful tool for the marketing department. “Word of mouth is an important referral source for 1st Guard®, as is with many companies,” said Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard Corporation. “Existing customers, previous customers and friends and family referrals are referrals that stay with us [1st Guard®] for the long-term,” noted Wilson.

About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

Owner Operators Flock to 1st Guard® at the Great American Trucking Show

2007-08-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – August 28, 2007 - 1st Guard Corporation announced today that they surpassed previous truck show records for the number of truck physical damage quotes given to leased owner operators at this year’s Great American Trucking Show held at the Dallas Convention Center, August 23rd – 25th, 2007. During this three-day event, 1st Guard® gave 530 physical damage quotes.

“Each show we up the ante for the overall number of physical damage quotes, and at the end of each show, our truck show team easily meets and beats the goal set,” stated Courtney Wilson, the marketing director for 1st Guard Corporation. “We’ve been attending these shows with a great presence for the past few years and it is clear that we are making a lasting impression,” added Wilson. “There is no doubt 1st Guard® has become the name brand for the truck insurance industry.”

1st Guard’s® booth design allows owner operators to receive physical damage quotes on the spot. The only information required for the quote is the state of residence, the year and make of the tractor/trailer, and the type of tractor/trailer. The quote is strictly anonymous and within seconds, the owner operator knows exactly how much physical damage insurance would cost with 1st Guard®. Unlike their competitors, 1st Guard® is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance which is placed through their affiliate, First Guard Insurance Company, rated “A” by AM Best. Being a direct-writer enables them to provide fast and efficient “on the spot” quotes.

Courtney Wilson was joined by team members Dan Ribar, Chief Information Officer and Dale Pikula, Network Administrator, both of 1st Guard Corporation and Ed Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “Rarely do you see the Chairman of a company working the trade show booth,” remarked Wilson. “Having Mr. Campbell present and interacting with our customers and prospects added to the strength of our booth.”

About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

1st Guard Corporation Offers Anti-Theft Device Discount on Physical Damage Insurance

2007-07-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

1st Guard Corporation, an insurance firm specializing in owner operator truck insurance, continues to offer customers a discount on physical damage insurance for anti-theft devices installed in their tractors. In fact, 1st Guard® has offered an anti-theft device discount for several years. “We realized the importance of anti-theft devices several years ago and decided to reward those individuals who had one in their vehicle by offering a discount on their physical damage insurance,” stated Donna Fortuna, President of 1st Guard Corporation. “It not only saves the customer money on their monthly premium but it also reduces the risk of stolen trucks,” added Fortuna. “It’s a win-win situation.”

“The message is clear,” stated Ed Campbell III, the Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. “Offering a discount on insurance because an anti-theft device is installed is positive reinforcement for our customers. We end up saving them money, which is critical in today’s world of rising living costs.”

1st Guard® offers a standard discount to all customers who have an anti-theft device in their tractor regardless of name brand or type of device. The anti-theft device discount is available nation-wide and is applicable to tractor trailers that are newer than twenty years old.

About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

First Guard Insurance Company Receives a 99.83% Claims Satisfaction Rating

2007-06-15T10:55:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida – First Guard Insurance Company [FGIC] announced today that they received a 99.83% claims satisfaction rating from their physical damage customers for the 2006 calendar year. This unbelievable rating benchmarks an all-time high in the company’s history. In 2005, they received a 99.56% rating, which beat out the previous year’s record.

“The claims survey gives us insight on where we need to improve and where we need to continue to be strong,” stated Terry Brosnan, Vice President of First Guard Insurance Company. “Each year our execution of the claims process continues to be fine-tuned, and each year our customer satisfaction rating for claims continues to increase. It is apparent the surveys are definitely working,” remarked Brosnan.

A survey is sent to each customer who has a physical damage claim on his or her tractor/trailer. The questions on the survey address the major areas of claims, including prompt response to the claim, efficiency in processing the claim, fair settlement of the claim and courteousness of the claims representative.

“If an owner operator experiences a covered loss and cannot operate his power unit, it is our job to make sure we fix it and get him back on the road as quickly as possible. I think this philosophy is what makes us so unique in this business,” added Brosnan.

About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for physical damage insurance for leased owner operators and small fleet owners and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

First Guard Insurance Company Names Donna Fortuna President

2007-06-15T10:51:00.000-04:00

June 12, 2007 – Venice, FL - First Guard Insurance Company (FGIC), a truck insurance company specializing in physical damage insurance for leased owner operators, announced today the appointment of Donna Fortuna as President. She will be in charge of the daily operations and fiscal allocations of the company. Prior to her promotion, Fortuna was Secretary of FGIC.

“Donna is an exceptional leader with tremendous knowledge in both the trucking and insurance industries,” said Edmund B. Campbell III, Chairman of First Guard Insurance Company. “She is a progressive thinker, always trying to keep our company on the cutting edge. She is a dynamic individual and definitely an asset to our company.”

Fortuna has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years.

About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct writer of physical damage insurance for leased owner operators and small fleet owners and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation, based out of Venice, Florida.

First Guard Insurance Company Receives a 99.83% Claims Satisfaction Rating

2007-01-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida - January 26, 2007 - First Guard Insurance Company [FGIC] announced today that they received a 99.83% claims satisfaction rating from their physical damage customers for the 2006 calendar year. This unbelievable rating benchmarks an all-time high in the company's history. In 2005, they received a 99.56% rating, which beat out the previous year's record.

"The claims survey gives us insight on where we need to improve and where we need to continue to be strong," stated Terry Brosnan, Vice President of First Guard Insurance Company. "Each year our execution of the claims process continues to be fine-tuned, and each year our customer satisfaction rating for claims continues to increase. It is apparent the surveys are definitely working," remarked Brosnan.

A survey is sent to each customer who has a physical damage claim on his or her tractor/trailer. The questions on the survey address the major areas of claims, including prompt response to the claim, efficiency in processing the claim, fair settlement of the claim and courteousness of the claims representative.

"If an owner operator experiences a covered loss and cannot operate his power unit, it is our job to make sure we fix it and get him back on the road as quickly as possible. I think this philosophy is what makes us so unique in this business," added Brosnan.

Freeport Transport Wins Fleet of the Year Award for 2006

2007-01-25T12:53:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida - January 25, 2007 - First Guard Insurance Company announced today that Freeport Transport, a general freight transportation company located in Freeport, Pennsylvania, has won the "Fleet of the Year Award" for 2006. This is the first time Freeport Transport has won this prestigious award.

The "Fleet of the Year" award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency amongst trucking companies and their owner operators.

"It is an honor to present this award to Freeport Transport. They have been a customer of 1st Guard since 1986 and it has always been a pleasure doing business with them," stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. "Don Smetanick [President of Freeport Transport] is a great businessman and a great friend. There is no one more deserving of this award than Freeport Transport," added Campbell.

Freeport Transport has quite an eventful history in the transportation industry. Founded by Andy Smetanick, Don's father, the company prospered throughout the 1970's only to come head to head with the teamsters towards the end of the decade. Freeport Transport prevailed against the Teamsters organizing effort and continued to prosper in the 80's and 90's under Don Smetanick's leadership.

About Freeport Transport
Freeport Transport is based in Freeport, Pennsylvania and hauls a variety of freight through the 48 states and Canada.

Insurer Asks New Congress to Repeal McCarran Ferguson Act

2007-01-15T11:26:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL – The President of First Guard Insurance Company, Edmund B. Campbell, III, broke ranks with other insurers and encouraged the Democrat controlled congress to repeal the McCarran Ferguson Act. “I have no argument with the system of state regulation,” stated Mr. Campbell. “However, the provision of McCarran Ferguson that provides anti-trust exemption and allows service firms like ISO to accumulate and publish collective loss, expense and rating data clearly discourages creativity and competition in our industry.”

Mr. Campbell has offered to testify before both the House and Senate Judiciary Committee’s in favor of repeal. Many leading Democrats including Representatives John Conyers of Michigan and Robert Wexler of Florida have expressed a desire to hold hearings on this issue. Even Republicans such as former Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlene Specter have articulated a need to review the anti-trust exemptions permitted by McCarran Ferguson.

Congress originally passed the Act in 1945 to establish state regulation over insurance. The Act includes a provision that exempts the industry from federal anti-trust laws and allows insurers to share loss and expense data to help with policy pricing and form development.

“Well run insurance companies understand their cost structures and exposure to risk,” said Campbell. “First Guard Insurance Company does not need or rely upon data collected from our competitors. We operate with a different model. If Congress repeals McCarran Ferguson it will force this industry to pay more attention to its excessive overhead costs and to become more entrepreneurial in the assessment of risk. Consumers in the end will benefit.”

About First Guard Insurance Company
First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct writer of physical damage insurance for independent truckers.

SOURCE: First Guard Insurance Company
CONTACT: Courtney Wilson, Director of Corporate Communications
941-485-6210 e-mail: Courtney@1stguard.comwww.1stguard.com

1st Guard Launches Buy It Now…Online!

2007-01-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida – January 2, 2007 – 1st Guard Corporation, a truck insurance specialist, has launched Buy It Now, a tool that allows leased owner operators to securely purchase physical damage insurance on their truck or trailer over the Internet. 1st Guard® is the first and only truck insurer to provide physical damage coverage with just a few clicks of a mouse. “A few years ago, we were the first truck insurer to offer instant quotes on-line and today, we are the first to offer truck insurance coverage on-line,” stated Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation.

Buy It Now provides an alternative resource for owner operators looking for physical damage insurance. Owner operators are constantly on the road and it is difficult for them to make calls during normal business hours. Buy It Now provides them [owner operators] the opportunity to secure coverage any time of day or night. “The Internet is a valuable tool for businesses today and that includes truck insurance,” added Campbell. The Buy It Now tool is completely safe for the end-user.

In December 2006, 1st Guard® discretely unveiled Buy It Now on their website (http://www.1stguard.com/) on trial basis. During this period of time, 1st Guard® was able to secure several physical damage policies for owner operators who used the Buy It Now tool. Currently, the only product available on-line for purchase is physical damage (comprehensive/collision) coverage.

“We have always been on the cutting edge of technology, and a leader in the truck insurance industry. Buy It Now is an example of the direction we are headed,” commented Dan Ribar, Systems Engineer for 1st Guard Corporation. “We are excited to further develop this tool to offer more unique products and services to our customers,” added Ribar.

About 1st Guard Corporation
1st Guard Corporation is a leading truck insurance firm providing physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is a direct-writer for truck physical damage insurance and an affiliate of 1st Guard Corporation based out of Venice, Florida.

1st Guard Partners with The Chrome Shop Mafia of Trick My Truck

2006-08-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida - August 21st, 2006 - 1st Guard Corporation announced a new partnership today with the Chrome Shop Mafia featured on the popular television show, Trick My Truck. The Chrome Shop Mafia are mechanics who perform sweeping big rig makeovers for owner operators profiled on the show. Last year the show debuted on the CMT (Country Music Television) network, creating an unforeseen following within the trucking industry and even among the general public. Trick My Truck is comparable to the hit TV show on ABC, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

"It makes perfect sense from a business and marketing stand point to partner with the Chrome Shop Mafia," stated Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard®. "These guys are geniunely interested in helping our customer (owner operators) and what better way to connect them," added Wilson.

Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation and a huge fan of Trick My Truck and the Chrome Shop Mafia, could not be happier about the partnership. "Now in conjunction with our longstanding relationship with Bill Mack on XM radio, the 1st Guard® brand comes to television compliments of the Chrome Shop Mafia," stated Campbell. "I enjoyed watching Trick My Truck long before we struck up this important alliance. We believe our commitment to the show will only grow from here. Personally, I'd love to end each episode with a year's worth of truck insurance from 1st Guard®."

1st Guard Reaches Year-End Goal by the Close of 2nd Quarter

2006-07-31T12:26:00.000-04:00

Venice, Florida - July 31st, 2006 - 1st Guard Corporation announced today that it met and surpassed their projected year-end goal for total number of "direct-bill" insured vehicles. Direct-bill business is comprised of individual owner operators that obtain insurance through 1st Guard®, and not through their fleet. At this pace, 1st Guard will likely set another record year.

"So far, 2006, has been a record-breaking year. The company has never experienced such tremendous growth in a short amount of time," stated Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. "We set our goals within reason, but always try to strive for a little more. We had no idea we would reach our year-end goal by the end of the 2nd quarter. It is apparent that the word is out about 1st Guard and how we can save owner operators money on their truck insurance" said Campbell.

"It was just a matter of time before the word spread about the superior products and services we provide owner operators" added Courtney Wilson, Director of Marketing for 1st Guard. "The consistent marketing efforts are a key to our success. The proof is in the numbers."

1st Guard Adjustment Company Raises the Bar…Again!

2006-05-25T12:23:00.000-04:00

Sterling Heights, MI - May 25, 2006 - 1st Guard Adjustment Company announced today that from the time period of January 1st, 2006 to May 17th, 2006, they received a claims service satisfaction rating of 99.93% from customers. If they continue at this pace, they will surpass 2005's record rating of 99.56%.

1st Guard Adjustment Company sends each claimant a survey to complete. The questions on the survey address the major areas of claims, including prompt response to the claim, efficiency in processing the claim, fair settlement of the claim and courteousness of the claims representative. The survey is a great tool used for service enhancement and betterment.

"Our staff is charged with the responsibility of expediting each and every claim received regardless of the size of the claim. We look for avenues in which to get claims funds to policyholders as quickly as possible so they can get their truck fixed and get back on the road," stated Terry Brosnan, President of 1st Guard Adjustment Company. "The surveys provide us with the tangible evidence we need in order to improve and fine-tune our services. And each year, our claims service satisfaction rating continues to increase," added Brosnan.

1st Guard Launches New Website

2006-04-07T12:21:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - April 7, 2006 - 1st Guard Corporation unveiled today the latest revision to its highly acclaimed truck insurance website. Located at www.1stguard.com the revised site offers a user friendly presentation that sets a new standard for on line truck insurance.

Ed Campbell, III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation commented "No other insurer makes the truck insurance process faster or easier for owner operators and trucking companies. Our new website really drives that point home."

Owner operators looking for a quick quotation on truck physical damage insurance will enjoy the new "Instant Quote" tool located on the home page. "When owner operators inquire about insurance they usually want to know what it will cost," said Campbell. "Our 'Instant Quote' tool delivers that answer in seconds. Contrast that with our competitors who generally make you wait until they wrap up on the golf course." Early traffic to the site tends to validate Campbell's theory. The company observed more than one hundred unique request for quotations on the site's second day of operation.

In addition, the new site offers a password activated module called the Power Center, which allows customers instant access to policy, claims and accounting information. Power Center users can also make premium payments on-line. Walt Augustinowicz, Vice President of 1st Guard, stated "This website allows owner operators and trucking companies to access policy information 24/7 in real-time. You just do not get that kind of access or information from other insurers."

From a graphical standpoint 1st Guard's new site presents more pictures of people than trucks. "That's because this business is really about people not trucks. Truckers have become very sophisticated. You do not need to flash a picture of a truck to communicate your message to a trucker in this day and age," added Augustinowicz.

1st Guard Shines at the 2006 Mid America Trucking Show

2006-04-04T12:18:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - April 4, 2006 -1st Guard Corporation announced a new record for the number of truck insurance quotes given at this year's Mid America Trucking Show. Owner operators were lined up from both sides of the booth waiting to receive a physical damage insurance quote from the 1st Guard® staff. This year marked the 35th Anniversary of the Mid America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the largest truck show in the United States.

Courtney Wilson 1st Guard's director of marketing and also a participant at the booth stated "The show was unbelievable for us. We thought last year went well for us, but this year we surpassed all goals by quoting truck insurance for hundreds of owner operators."

"A steady stream of vendors, new prospects and existing customers kept our booth constantly active. Word about 1st Guard has clearly caught on. We feel very good about the position of our brand among owner operators." added Wilson.

Ms. Wilson was joined by Walt Augustinowicz, Vice President of 1st Guard and Ed Campbell, the President of First Guard Insurance Company. It was noteworthy that of all the insurance vendors exhibiting at the show only 1st Guard sent a team of top executives. Summing it up Mr. Campbell offered this observation, "If you're not willing to spend a little time in Louisville in March, you can't be serious about doing business with owner operators."

Third Times A Charm for DD & S Express

2006-01-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida - January 26, 2006 - 1st Guard Corporation announced today that DD & S Express, a heavy and specialized transportation company, has won the "Fleet of the Year Award" for 2005. This is the third time DD & S Express has won the award in the past four years.

The "Fleet of the Year" award is presented once a year to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. The purpose of the award is to promote safety and efficiency among trucking companies. In 2002 and 2004, DD &S won this award because they had a zero percent loss ratio, meaning they had no physical damage claims for the entire year. Amazingly, in 2005, DD & S was able to replicate the zero percent loss ratio, a feat that is hard to accomplish in the trucking industry. DD & S Express has an owner-operator fleet comprised of approximately 80 vehicles.

"Not once, not twice but three times! At the rate they are going, DD & S will capture this award every year from here on out - they are tough to beat," stated Ed Campbell III, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. "For a company of their size, a zero percent loss ratio is unheard of and speaks volumes about the quality of their drivers and the commitment of their management team to safety, added Campbell.

Robert Schuhmann, Vice President of DD & S, remarked "We are thrilled with our achievement and will continue to implement strong safety programs. It is apparent from our physical damage loss ratio that we are doing something right."

About DD & S Express DD & S Express was established in 1986 as a division of the Davidson Transfer & Storage Company in Baltimore, Maryland. The company offers heavy and specialized transportation along with standard shipments.

2005 Marks Record Year for 1st Guard

2006-01-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

Venice, Florida - January 13th, 2006 - 1st Guard Corporation announced today that the total number of insured vehicles for 2005 surpassed more than 14,000. From 2004 to 2005, 1st Guard® saw an increase of nearly 10% in the total number of insured vehicles. This growth pattern is stable and consistent with the company's business plan.

"Our record vehicle count certainly validates the direct writing business model. The traditional truck insurance agent doesn't provide much value anymore. Automation has made him obsolete, and now he just adds an extra layer of cost" stated Ed Campbell, Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation. "It's great when we can save customers money and make the truck insurance process surprisingly pleasant. 1st Guard® has struck a chord with owner operators, and the good word continues to spread," added Campbell.

1st Guard Ends 2005 With 99.56% Customer Satisfaction Rating

2006-01-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sterling Hts, Michigan - January 6, 2006 - 1st Guard Claims Adjustment Company announced today that its customer satisfaction rating reached a record high of 99.56% for 2005, surpassing last year's phenomenal rating of 99.29%. This increase is openly welcomed in light of the record-breaking hurricane season and devastation brought to many industries, including the trucking industry.

"We were successful in our quest to expedite aid to our policyholders in those areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma" stated 1st Guard Adjustment Co. President, Terry Brosnan. "Taking a pro-active approach by contacting all policyholders within the affected areas to assess damages and settle their claims in a prompt manner along with the normal claims presented each year, helped to increase our customer satisfaction rating to 99.56%, the highest in company history. Challenges such as these only drive our staff to look for new and innovative avenues to increase the level of customer service to our policyholders, The American Owner Operator," added Brosnan.

About 1st Guard Adjustment Company
1st Guard Adjustment Co. of Sterling Heights, MI provides claim services for First Guard Insurance Company, a leader in truck physical damage for leased owner operators and small fleet owners. First Guard Insurance Company, rated "A" by AM Best, is affiliated with 1st Guard Corporation, based out of Venice, Florida.

99.29 % Claim Satisfaction For 2004

2005-02-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

Sterling Heights, MI. - "Responding to the needs of our policyholders remains our top priority," commented 1st Guard Adjustment Company President, Terry Brosnan. "We make every effort to expedite the settlement of each and every claim. Then we closely monitor the effectiveness of our efforts through customer service surveys."

Having tallied the 2004 survey results for quickness of response, courtesy of representative, fairness of settlement, promptness of settlement, and future recommendation of 1st Guard, our policyholders resounded in a total overall satisfaction rating of 99.29%.

"This rate is the highest in the history of this company and will only drive us toward the future goal of seeking steps to reach the 100% mark," Mr. Brosnan said. He also stated that: "our staff considers it a personal challenge to expedite each claim and to make certain that our owner operator customers receive the level of service we promise".

1st Guard Corporation is a leading provider of Physical Damage Insurance to the "American Owner Operator" and 1st Guard Adjustment Co. is the Sterling Heights, Mi. provider of their claim services.

DD&S Express Awarded Fleet of the Year for Second Time

2005-01-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

Venice, FL - For the second time in three years DD&S Express of Baltimore, Maryland has won the coveted 1st Guard Corporation "Fleet of the Year" award.
1st Guard Corporation started the "Fleet of the Year" competition in 1997 to recognize the safest and most productive trucking companies in the country. The annual award is presented to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. Interest in the competition continues to grow. In fact many trucking executives now regard "The Fleet of the Year" award as the de-facto mark of quality when it comes to judging fleet safety.
Said one trucking executive, "This is the Superbowl of fleet safety awards. Most industry sponsored competitions boil down to good ole boy backslapping. Winning 'The Fleet of the Year' award actually means something."

DD&S' physical damage loss ratio for 2004 was zero. They did not have a physical damage claim for the entire year. The company operates close to 100 power units and moves heavy specialized loads across the country.

"To win the award once is a major accomplishment," commented 1st Guard Chairman, Ed Campbell. "To win the award twice - both times with a zero percent loss ratio - is unprecedented. DD&S Express has taken the practice of safety to a new level. I only hope more trucking companies follow their lead."

Robert Schuhman, Vice President of DD&S Express, remarked that "we don't view accidents as an automatic given in this business. People say we've set an unrealistic standard, yet we've hit the mark two out of the last three years. Don't tell me it can't be done."

DD&S Express was established in 1986 as a division of the Davidson Transfer & Storage Company. The company offers heavy and specialized transportation along with standard shipments. 1st Guard Corporation and its affiliate First Guard Insurance Company provide truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and trucking companies across the country.

First Guard Insurance Company Upgraded by Best to "A"

2004-09-28T12:38:00.000-04:00

VENICE, FL - First Guard Insurance Company announced that A.M. Best Company has upgraded its financial strength rating from A- (excellent) to A (excellent). Best views the rating outlook on the company as stable.

"The rating reflects the company's strong capitalization reflecting its very low underwriting leverage, excellent operating profitability and solid balance sheet liquidity," said Best. As further basis for the upgrade, the rating agency also cited First Guard's expertise in underwriting and servicing truck physical damage insurance for owner operator truckers.

First Guard Insurance Company operates as a direct writer of truck physical damage coverage. "The upgrade from Best only reinforces our commitment to this model," commented First Guard's President, Edmund B. Campbell, III. "Increasingly truckers prefer to deal directly with their insurance company, and insurers that cling to outdated marketing models will find it harder to compete."

1st Guard Chairman to Appear on The Midnight Trucking Radio Network

2004-04-26T12:33:00.000-04:00

Venice, FL - Ed Campbell, III, the Chairman of 1st Guard Corporation will appear as a special guest on the Midnight Trucking Radio Network on the morning of April 29th. The show will broadcast at 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time (12:00 a.m. Central).

Along with hosts Eric Harley and Joe Kelley, Mr. Campbell will discuss truck insurance issues relevant to owner operators. Truck insurance has become an increasingly complex and expensive issue for owner operators. Mr. Campbell will share his extensive knowledge on the subject to help the show's listeners gain a better understanding of the truck insurance process.

The Midnight Trucking Radio Network broadcasts live from Dallas each morning through affiliate stations across the country. The show is replayed during afternoons on Sirius Satellite Radio (channel 141). For more information on the Midnight Trucking Radio Network visit http://www.midnighttrucking.com.

Claims Service Satisfaction Reaches New High

2004-01-05T12:31:00.000-05:00

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI. - Survey results show that customer satisfaction with 1st Guard's physical damage claims service has reached an all time high in 2003 of 98.69%.
"We take great pride in this number." commented, Terry Brosnan the President of 1st Guard Adjustment Company. "People buy insurance for the future promise of responsive claims service. We're glad our customers recognize that 1st Guard works very hard to deliver on that promise."

Any delay that prevents an owner operator from using his truck can add up to big dollars in terms of lost revenue. 1st Guard's emphasis on settling claims in a fair and efficient manner makes it the preferred truck insurance source for many owner operators.

Upon payment of every covered claim, 1st Guard Adjustment Co. sends the customer a short survey covering five distinct areas of the claim process.

1.) Did we respond quickly following your report of the loss?
2.) Was our representative courteous?
3.) Was our settlement fair, in your opinion?
4.) Were our final settlement, repairs, and replacement, completed within a reasonable time?
5.) Would you recommend 1st Guard Corporation based on the claims service you received?

The percentages of "yes" answers given to each question appear below:
1.) 99.26% 2.) 99.70% 3.) 98.05%, 4.) 98.50%, 5.) 98.95%

"Taking all of the above percentages into account, the analysis has determined that our customers have advised that their overall total claim satisfaction percentage is 98.69%." said Mr. Brosnan.

1st Guard Adjustment Company based in Sterling Heights, Michigan provides physical damage claims adjusting services for 1st Guard Corporation a leading provider of physical damage insurance to the trucking industry.

First Guard Insurance Company Receives Rating Upgrade

2003-04-15T12:47:00.000-04:00

VENICE, FL - Rating firm A. M. Best upgraded First Guard Insurance Company yesterday from B++ (very good) to A- (excellent). Best sited First Guard's consistently favorable operating results, solid capitalization and conservative investment strategies as the basis for the rating upgrade.

First Guard Insurance Company began operations in 1997. Yesterday 1st Guard Corporation Chairman, Ed Campbell, III remarked. "We started First Guard Insurance Company to reinsure our truck physical damage program. In that capacity the company has performed extremely well. Our customers have enjoyed stable rates, and we have sidestepped the reinsurance problems that continue to plague so many other trucking programs. Now we want to take the process further and position First Guard Insurance Company to write business directly. The rating upgrade we received yesterday will certainly facilitate this course of action."

The upgrade for First Guard Insurance Company comes at a time when many insurance companies have actually seen their ratings decline. Poor underwriting results and a weak investment environment have hit the insurance industry particularly hard. In contrast, First Guard Insurance Company has always generated an underwriting profit. Annually it has outperformed the industry's loss ratio for automobile physical damage coverage by roughly 10 points. The company has avoided stock market losses by keeping its capital invested exclusively in U.S. Treasuries.

Advancements in Paperwork Reduction

2003-02-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

VENICE, FL - In an effort to eliminate customer paperwork and make it easier than ever to buy truck insurance, 1st Guard Corporation has introduced digital voice authorization. Filling out paperwork to join their popular automatic credit card and direct debit (ACH) programs is now a thing of the past. New voice digitizing techniques designed by 1st Guard's® in house software developers allow customers to give voice authorizations over the phone.

"This eliminates the faxing of hard to read forms and the added frustration of filling them out." Said company president, Donna Fortuna. "We only recently added this capability and it has been an instant success. Almost all of our customers now choose this method of payment authorization. We believe people are fed up with the mounds of paperwork required by many providers of truck insurance and are turning to 1st Guard®."

INTERNET DIVISION REPORTS FIRST PROFIT

2003-02-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

VENICE, FL - The Internet sales division of insurance firm 1st Guard Corporation reported a profit in January of 2003 after just five months in operation. The company anticipates that the division will remain profitable and expects profit margins and sales volume to show further increases in the months to come.

"We're fourteen months ahead of our target." Said division manager, Walt Augustinowicz. "The demand for on-line insurance quotations and policy service has surpassed all expectations."
The company attributes its on-line success to a combination of factors. 1st Guard® invested very heavily in Internet delivery technology in the late nineties. Now the company enjoys an edge over its competitors at a time when interest in the Internet among truckers is surging. Today most trucking companies have high speed Internet networks and increasingly owner operator truckers keep track of their expenses and stay in touch with their families using laptop computers.

"We don't require you to enter tons of personal information to get a firm insurance quotation. We developed this site with the customer's privacy and convenience considerations in mind."

2002 FLEET OF THE YEAR CHOSEN

2003-01-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

VENICE, FL - Insurance firm 1st Guard Corporation has awarded its prestigious "Fleet of the Year" designation for 2002 to DD&S Express. Traditionally this annual honor goes to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio and strongest safety program. The loss ratio measures the percentage of premium dollars paid out in claims. Usually it figures highly into the determination of insurance costs. In general insurers consider a loss ratio of 50% or less very favorable.

"Although many fleets performed well in 2002, DD&S won the award hands down," said 1st Guard® Chairman Ed Campbell. "They remained claim free all year. For a company of their size, a zero percent loss ratio is unheard of and speaks volumes about the quality of their drivers and the commitment of their management team to safety."

DD&S Express was established in 1986 as a division of the Davidson Transfer & Storage Company, headquartered in Baltimore. The company offers heavy and specialized transportation along with standard shipments. Determined to win the award, DD&S fine-tuned its safety programs. And the effort paid off handsomely. According to DD&S Vice President, Bob Schuhmann, "The accompanying favorable publicity that goes hand in hand with winning this award only adds to the sense of accomplishment. We've always run a great trucking company. The "Fleet of the Year" designation validates our story for everyone we do business with now and everyone we hope to do business with in the future."

1st Guard Corporation started the "Fleet of the Year" competition in 1997. In 2003 they decided to post the results on their website 1stguard.com to give worldwide recognition to the company's best customers.