1st Guard Gains Customer Confidence with Strict Security Standards

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!

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.