CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORP
SC 13D/A, 1998-07-29
LIFE INSURANCE
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                  SCHEDULE 13D

                    UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                               (AMENDMENT NO. 5 )*

                        Central Reserve Life Corporation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Name of Issuer)

                             Shares of Common Stock
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                   155055-10-6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (CUSIP Number)

 Marc C. Krantz, Kohrman Jackson & Krantz P.L.L., 1375 East 9th Street, 
                      Cleveland, Ohio 44114, 216-736-7204
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices
                              and Communications)

                                  July 3, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box [   ].

NOTE: Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed with
the Commission. See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies are to be
sent.

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).


                                Page 1 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   2


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6             SCHEDULE 13D   Page    2     of    9    Pages
         ---------------------                       --------    -------- 

  1       NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS                 
          S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON                

               Turkey Vulture Fund XIII, Ltd.           
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  2       CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*         (a)   [ X ]
                                                                    (b)   [   ]
 
  3       SEC USE ONLY

          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  4       SOURCE OF FUNDS

               WC,BK,AF           
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  5       CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                    [   ]
          IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)

          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  6       CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION                      
               Ohio
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                       7       SOLE VOTING POWER                    
  NUMBER OF                    1,781,365(1)
   SHARES              --------------------------------------------------------
 BENEFICIALLY          8       SHARED VOTING POWER                  
  OWNED BY           
    EACH               --------------------------------------------------------
  REPORTING            9       SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER               
 Person With                   1,781,365(1)
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                       10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER            
 
                       --------------------------------------------------------

 11       AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON     
          
          1,781,365(1)
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 12       CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN
          SHARES*                                                      [ X ](2)
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 13       PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)           
          14.0%(1)
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 14       TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
          O
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          1      Assumes the exercise of the Equity Warrant and the Guaranty 
                 Warrants.

          2      See Item 5 herein.


                   

                                                                    


               
                
              
               
                  
               
                     
              



<PAGE>   3
CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

         This Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 13D Statement is filed on behalf of
Turkey Vulture Fund XIII, Ltd., an Ohio limited liability company (the "Fund"),
for the purpose of reporting the acquisition of (i) a warrant (the "Equity
Warrant") to purchase 360,455 shares of Common Stock, without par value
("Shares"), of Central Reserve Life Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("CRLC");
(ii) a warrant to purchase 60,000 Shares (the "July 1 Guaranty Warrant") and
(iii) 720,910 Shares.

Item 3.  Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

         Item 3 of Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

         The Equity Warrant and Shares reported herein as being acquired, are
being purchased with a combination of working capital of the Fund and $2.0
million contributed to the Fund by Richard M. Osborne, sole Manager of the Fund.
Mr. Osborne borrowed the $2.0 million from Fifth Third Bank ("FTB") on July 5,
1998. In connection with such loan, Mr. Osborne executed a Promissory Note in
favor of FTB, dated July 5, 1998 (the "Note"), which matures June 30, 1999. The
Note, attached hereto as Exhibit 7.3, bears interest at the prime rate announced
by FTB from time to time and is secured by certain securities owned by
affiliates of Mr. Osborne.

          The July 1 Guaranty Warrant was issued in consideration of the
Guaranty of Mr. Osborne (described more fully in Item 4 to Amendment No. 4 to
Schedule 13D filed by the Fund on December 26, 1997 and herein referred to as
the "Guaranty").

Item 4.  Purpose of Transaction.

         Item 4 of Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

         Strategic Acquisition Partners, LLC ("SAP") assigned to the Fund
Partners' right to purchase the Shares and Warrants reported herein as being
acquired by the Fund, which right arose under the Amended and Restated Stock
Purchase Agreement by and between, Partners, Insurance Partners, L.P., Insurance
Partners Offshore, L.P. and CRLC, dated as of March 30, 1998.

         Mr. Osborne was elected to the Board of Directors of CRLC on July 3, 
1998.

Item 5.  Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

         Item 5 of Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

         (a) According to the most recently available filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission by CRLC and information known to the Fund, there are
11,495,172 Shares outstanding. If the Equity Warrant, the July 1 Guaranty
Warrant and the Fund's warrant to purchase 240,000 Shares, issued in connection
with the Guaranty (together with the July 1 Guaranty Warrant, the "Guaranty
Warrants") were fully exercised, there would be 12,155,627 Shares outstanding
(the "Outstanding Shares").


                                Page 3 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   4


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

         The Fund beneficially owns 1,781,365 Shares, assuming full exercise of
the Equity Warrant and the Guaranty Warrants, or approximately 14.0% of the
Outstanding Shares. As sole Manager of the Fund, Mr. Osborne may be deemed to
beneficially own all such Shares.

         Pursuant to the Voting Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 (the "Closing
Date") by and among CRLC; Insurance Partners, L.P. ("IP Delaware"); Insurance
Partners Offshore (Bermuda), L.P. ("IP Bermuda" and together with IP Delaware,
"Insurance Partners"); SAP; Peter W. Nauert; Michael A. Cavataio; Mercantile
Bank of Northern Illinois, Trustee of the Conseco Stock Option Director Plan FBO
Michael Cavataio #08590033; Mercantile Bank of Northern Illinois, Trustee of the
Conseco Stock Option Director Plan FBO Michael Cavataio #08590034; Karon Hill;
Val Rajic; Marc C. Krantz; Krantz Family Limited Partnership; Medical Mutual of
Ohio; United Payors and United Providers, Inc.; Howard R. Conant; Joseph
Cusimano IRA; Leg Partners SBIC, L.P. and the Fund (collectively, the
"Stockholders"), and attached hereto as Exhibit 7.8 (the "Voting Agreement"),
the Stockholders have agreed to cause the Board of Directors of CRLC to consist
of nine directors, some or all, as applicable, of whom shall consist of the
following individuals: (i)(a) four individuals designated by Insurance Partners,
so long as IP Delaware, IP Bermuda, their respective affiliates, the respective
officers, directors, and employees of the foregoing, and the respective limited
partners of IP Delaware and IP Bermuda (collectively, the "IP Group") own Common
Stock equal to at least 75% of the Shares owned by the IP Group on the Closing
Date, (b) three individuals designated by Insurance Partners, so long as the IP
Group owns Shares equal to at least 50%, but less than 75% of the Shares owned
by the IP Group on the Closing Date, (c) two individuals designated by Insurance
Partners, so long as the IP Group owns Shares equal to at least 25%, but less
than 50%, of the Shares owned by the IP Group on the Closing Date, and (d) one
individual designated by Insurance Partners, so long as the IP Group owns Shares
equal to at least 10%, but less than 25%, of the Shares owned by the IP Group on
the Closing Date; (ii)(a) two individuals designated by SAP, so long as SAP and
its affiliates (the "SAP Group") own Shares equal to at least 50% of the Shares
owned by the SAP Group on the Closing Date, and (b) one individual designated by
SAP, so long as the SAP Group owns Shares equal to at least 10%, but less than
50% of the Shares owned by the SAP Group on the Closing Date; and (iii) one
individual designated by the Fund, so long as the Fund and its affiliates (the
"Osborne Group"), own Shares equal to at least 25% of the Shares owned by the
Osborne Group on the Closing Date; (iv) John F. Novatney, Jr. until the earlier
to occur of (A) December 31, 1999 or (B) the first date as of which the Company
does not have a class of equity securities registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"); (v) Fred Lick, Jr. until the earlier
to occur of (A) December 31, 1999, (B) the first date as of which the Company
does not have a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act or
(C) expiration of the remaining term of his employment agreement with the
Company, as amended; provided that so long as the Company has a class of equity
securities registered under the Exchange Act, at least two directors remaining
on the Board of Directors shall be "independent" as such term is defined under
applicable Nasdaq National Market System, Inc. standards (such directors are
referred to herein as "Independent Directors"); provided that none of Insurance
Partners, SAP, or the Fund shall be required to designate an individual that
constitutes an Independent Director so long as two individuals who constitute
Independent Directors are nominated to serve as directors and Insurance
Partners, SAP, and the Fund vote for their election; and provided further that
CRLC shall not voluntarily be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market System,
Inc.



                                Page 4 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   5


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

except in connection with a going private transaction or if CRLC becomes listed
on another national securities exchange. Under Nasdaq National Market System,
Inc. standards, the term "independent director" means a person other than an
officer or employee of CRLC or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a
relationship which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere
with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities
of a director. Under the Voting Agreement, each of the Stockholders and their
respective transferees, granted each of IP Delaware, SAP and the Fund a proxy to
vote the Shares held by such person, in the event such person fails to vote its
Shares in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph. This
description of the Voting Agreement is not and does not purport to be complete
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Voting Agreement.

         In addition, the Voting Agreement provides that the Stockholders will,
as promptly as practicable after the Closing Date, vote in favor of an amendment
to CRLC's Articles of Incorporation, Code of Regulations, or Bylaws, as the case
may be, to eliminate cumulative voting in the election of directors.

         The Voting Agreement further provides that no Stockholder may effect,
cause to be effected, or permit any voluntary or involuntary sale, assignment,
or transfer ("Transfer") of any Shares or any interest therein, except for
Transfers pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule
144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), unless
the transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Voting Agreement and
the Stockholders Agreement (as defined below) and such Transfer is, where
applicable, made in compliance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement. Any
Transfer not complying with the provisions of the Voting Agreement will be void
ab initio, shall not be effective for any purpose, and any purported transferee
of such a Transfer shall not acquire any right or interest in such Shares.

         In addition, CRLC and the Stockholders entered into the Stockholders
Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 (the "Stockholders Agreement"). The
description of the Stockholders Agreement that follows is not, and does not
purport to be, complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Stockholders Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 7.10.
Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, each of the Stockholders is provided
certain rights in respect of its outstanding Shares in the event of certain
sales of Shares by other Stockholders. Specifically, if Insurance Partners
disposes of Shares representing more than 20% of the outstanding Shares, the IP
Group has the right to require each non-selling Stockholder (each, a
"Co-Seller") to transfer a portion of its Shares which represents the same
percentage of the fully diluted common stock held by such Co-Seller as the
common stock being disposed of by the IP Group represent of the fully diluted
Shares held by the IP Group. All Shares transferred pursuant to the foregoing
provision of the Stockholders Agreement will be sold at the same price and time
and otherwise be treated identically with the Shares being sold by the IP Group.

         The Stockholders Agreement further provides that if any Stockholder
desires to effect a transfer of Shares (other than a transfer in an underwritten
public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act) representing more than 20% of the outstanding Shares, then the
selling Stockholder must make an offer to each Co-Seller to include in the
proposed



                                Page 5 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   6


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

sale a portion of such Co-Seller's Shares which represents the same percentage
of such Co-Seller's fully diluted Shares as the Shares being sold by the selling
Stockholder represent of its fully diluted Shares.

         Because of the Voting Agreement and Stockholders Agreement, the Fund
and the other Stockholders may be deemed to be a group within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act. If the Stockholders are deemed to be a
group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, the Fund may
be deemed to beneficially own 12,351,000 Shares, or approximately 76.5% of the
Shares that would be outstanding if each Stockholder had exercised their
respective outstanding rights to purchase Shares. The Fund disclaims beneficial
ownership of the Shares held by the other Stockholders.

         (b) Except as set forth in the Voting Agreement and the Stockholders
Agreement, Mr. Osborne, as sole Manager of the Fund, has sole power to vote, or
to direct the voting of, and the sole power to dispose or to direct the
disposition of, the Shares owned by the Fund.

         (c) Since the filing of Amendment No. 4, the Fund acquired the Equity
Warrant to purchase 360,455 Shares, the July 1 Guaranty Warrant to purchase
60,000 Shares and 720,910 Shares from CRLC on July 3, 1998.

         (d) Not Applicable.

         (e) Not Applicable.

Item 6.  Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect 
         to Securities of the Issuer.

         Item 6 of Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

         Reference is hereby made to (i) the Voting Agreement attached hereto as
Exhibit 7.8; (ii) the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1998,
by and among CRLC and the Stockholders, and attached hereto as Exhibit 7.9,
which provides the Fund and the other Stockholders with certain rights to have
their shares registered pursuant to the Securities Act, including the right of
the Fund to one demand registration at the expense of CRLC (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"); and (iii) the Stockholders Agreement, attached hereto as
Exhibit 7.10.

Item 7.  Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

         Item 7 of Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:

                  Exhibit 7.3 -- Promissory Note, dated July 6, 1998, executed 
                                 by Richard M. Osborne in favor of Fifth Third 
                                 Bank




                                Page 6 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   7


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

           Exhibit 7.4   --   Pledge Agreement by and between the Richard M. 
                              Osborne Trust and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of 
                              July 6, 1998

           Exhibit 7.5   --   Pledge Agreement by and between Liberty Self Stor,
                              Ltd. and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of July 6, 
                              1998

           Exhibit 7.6   --   Third Party Collateral Agreement by and between 
                              the Richard M. Osborne Trust and Fifth Third Bank,
                              dated as of July 6, 1998

           Exhibit 7.7   --   Third Party Collateral Agreement by and between 
                              Liberty Self Stor, Ltd. and Fifth Third Bank, 
                              dated as of July 6, 1998

           Exhibit 7.8   --   The Voting Agreement

           Exhibit 7.9   --   The Registration Rights Agreement

           Exhibit 7.10  --   The Stockholders Agreement




                                Page 7 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   8


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

         After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.



Dated:  July 6, 1998                   TURKEY VULTURE FUND XIII, LTD.



                                       By:  /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE
                                          ----------------------------------
                                            Richard M. Osborne, Manager




                                Page 8 of 9 Pages

<PAGE>   9


CUSIP No. 155055-10-6

                                  Exhibit Index



Exhibit 7.3   --  Promissory Note, dated July 6, 1998, executed by Richard M.
                  Osborne in favor of Fifth Third Bank

Exhibit 7.4   --  Pledge Agreement by and between the Richard M. Osborne
                  Trust and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of July 6, 1998

Exhibit 7.5   --  Pledge Agreement by and between Liberty Self Stor, Ltd.
                  and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of July 6, 1998

Exhibit 7.6   --  Third Party Collateral Agreement by and between the
                  Richard M. Osborne Trust and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of
                  July 6, 1998

Exhibit 7.7   --  Third Party Collateral Agreement by and between Liberty Self
                  Stor, Ltd. and Fifth Third Bank, dated as of July 6, 1998

Exhibit 7.8   --  The Voting Agreement

Exhibit 7.9   --  The Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 7.10  --  The Stockholders Agreement




                                Page 9 of 9 Pages




<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.3


OHIO AFFILIATES





                           A Fifth Third Bankcorp Bank
                   Note: Retain Customer Copy for your records



OFFICER No. 0434                                          NOTE No.
            ----                                                  -----------
$2,000,000                                                       July 3, 1998
- ----------                                                    ---------------
City:  Cleveland,  State  Ohio                               (Effective Date)
                          ----

On or before the Due Date below, the undersigned, a (check one) [ ] corporation
[ ] partnership [ X ] individual [ ] limited liability company, for value
received and if more than one, jointly and severally, promise to pay to the
order of Fifth Third Bank of Northeastern Ohio, 1404 East Ninth Street,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114 (hereinafter referred to as "Bank") the sum of Two Million
and No/100 Dollars (hereinafter referred to as the "Borrowing") plus interest as
provided herein, less such amounts as shall have been repaid in accordance with
this note. The outstanding balance of this note will appear on a supplement bank
record and is not necessarily the face amount of this note. Such record shall be
conclusive as to the balance due of this note at any time.

The principal sum outstanding shall bear interest per annum at the rate of -0- %
greater than the "Prime Rate" (the rate announced by the Bank from time to time)
on the above Effective Date. In the event of a change in said Prime Rate, the
rate of this note shall be changed immediately to that rate which shall be
greater than the new Prime Rate by the amount stated in this clause. Interests
shall be computed based on a year of 360 days and charged for the actual number
of days elapsed.

Prior to the Due Date, Bank may (but is not obligated to) lend to the
undersigned such amounts as may from time to time be requested by the
undersigned provided that (a) the principal amount borrowed shall not at any
time exceed the Borrowing (b) no Event of Default as defined herein shall exist,
and (c) amounts advanced and repaid may not reborrowed hereunder.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                <C>                             <C>             <C> 
Interest shall be due and payable:  [   ]  At maturity on the Due Date set forth below:
                                    [ X ]  On the 30th day of each   [ X ] Month     [  ] Quarter beginning July 30, 1998.
Principal shall be due and payable on the Due Date set forth below.
</TABLE>

To secure repayment of this note and all modifications, extensions and renewals
thereof, and all other Obligations (as herein defined) of the undersigned to
Bank, the undersigned grants Bank a security interest in all of the
undersigned's now owned or hereafter acquired interests in all property in which
Bank is, at any time, granted a lien for any Obligation and all property in
possession of Bank including, without limitation, money, securities,
instruments, documents, letters of credit, chattel paper, or other property
delivered to Bank in transit, for safekeeping, or for collection of exchange for
other property, all distributions, dividends, warrants, securities or other
rights in addition to such property, all rights to payment from and claims
against Bank and all proceeds thereof, and all real and personal property
described below ("Collateral"). The undersigned agrees to immediately deliver
such additional dividends warrants, securities or other property or rights
thereto to Bank immediately upon receipt as additional Collateral and until
delivery to hold same in trust for Bank. The undersigned agrees that the Bank
may, at any time, call for additional Collateral satisfactory to it. All
documents executed in connection with this note and all Collateral, including
without limitation the following, further secure the Obligations:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Collateral listed on Exhibit A attached hereto
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Obligations secured by the Collateral (herein, "Obligations") shall include
this note and each and every liability of the undersigned jointly or severally
to Bank and all affiliates of Fifth Third Bancorp however created, direct or
contingent, due or to become due whether now existing or hereafter arising,
participated in whole or in part, created by trust agreement, lease, overdraft,
agreement, or otherwise, in any manner by the undersigned. The undersigned also
grants Bank a security interest in all of the Collateral as agent for all
affiliates of Fifth Third Bancorp for all Obligations of the undersigned to such
affiliates. Said security

                                      
<PAGE>   2



interest shall not be enforced to the extent prohibited by the Truth in Lending
Act as implemented by Federal Reserve Regulation Z.

The undersigned certifies that the proceeds of this loan are to be used for
business purposes. If this note is a renewal, in whole or in part, of a previous
Obligation, the acceptance by Bank of this note shall not effectuate a payment
but rather a continuation of the previous Obligation.

Bank may charge, and the undersigned agrees to pay, on the above Effective Date,
a note processing fee in an amount determined by Bank.

Events of Default:
This note, and all other Obligations of the undersigned to Bank, shall be and
become immediately due and payable at the option of the Bank, without any demand
or notice whatsoever, upon the occurrence of any of the following described
events, each of which shall constitute an Event of Default: 

1)     Any failure to take any payment when due of the principal or interest on 
       this note, the occurrence of any event of default as therein defined on 
       any other Obligation of the undersigned, or a default in the Obligations 
       under any security documents.
2)     The death or dissolution of the undersigned, of an endorsers or 
       guarantor, or if the undersigned is a partnership, the death or 
       dissolution of a general partner.
3)     Any failure to submit to Bank current financial information upon request.
4)     The creation of any lien (except a lien to Bank) or the issuance of an 
       attachment against or seizure of any of the property of, or the entry of 
       a judgment against, the undersigned.
5)     In the judgment of Bank, any adverse change occurs in the ability of the 
       undersigned to repay the Obligations, or the Bank deems itself insecure.
6)     An assignment for the benefit of the creditors of, or the commencement of
       any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or liquidation
       proceedings by or against the undersigned or any endorser or guarantor
       hereof.
7)     The institution of any garnishment proceedings by attachment, levy or
       otherwise, against any Collateral, any deposit balance maintained or any
       property deposited with the Bank by the undersigned or any endorser or
       guarantor hereof.
8)     Bank has called for additional security and the undersigned has not 
       furnished satisfactory additional security on demand.

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default herein described Bank may, at its
option cease making advances hereunder, declare this note and all other
Obligations of the undersigned, to be fully due and payable in their aggregate
amount together with accrued interest plus any applicable prepayment premiums,
fees and charges.

In addition to any other remedy permitted by law, the Bank may at any time,
without notice, apply the Collateral to this note or such other Obligations,
whether due or not, and Bank may, at its option, proceed to enforce and protect
its rights by an action at law or in equity or by any other appropriate
proceedings. Notwithstanding any other legal or equitable rights of Bank, Bank
in the Event of Default, is (a) hereby irrevocably appointed and constituted
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to exercise all rights of
ownership with respect to Collateral including, not limited to, the right to
collect all income of other distributions arising therefrom and to exercise all
voting rights connected with Collateral; and (b) is hereby given full power to
collect, sell, assign, transfer and deliver all of said Collateral or any part
thereof, or any substitutes therefor, or an additions thereto through any
private or public sale without either demand or notice to the undersigned, or
any advertisement, the same being hereby expressly waived, at which sale Bank is
authorized to purchase said property or any part thereof, free from any right of
redemption on the part of the undersigned, which is hereby expressly waived and
released. In case of sale for any cause, after deducting all costs and expenses
of every kind, Bank may apply, as it shall deem proper, the residue of the
proceeds of such sale toward the payment of any one or more of all of the
Obligations of the undersigned, whether due or not, to Bank, after such
application and the return of any surplus, the undersigned agrees to be and
remains liable to Bank for any and every deficiency after application as
aforesaid upon this and any other Obligation. The undersigned shall pay all
costs of collection incurred by Bank, including its attorney's fees, if this
note is referred to an attorney for collection, whether or not payment is
obtained before entry of judgment, which costs and fees are Obligations secured
by the Collateral.

If any payment is not paid when due (whether by acceleration or otherwise) or
within 10 days thereafter, the undersigned agrees to pay to Bank a late payment
fee as provided for in any loan agreement or 5% of the payment amount, whichever
is greater, with a minimum fee of $20.00. After an Event of Default, the
undersigned agrees to pay to Bank a fixed charge of $25.00 or the

                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>   3


undersigned agrees that Bank may, without notice, increase the above stated
interest by 6%, whichever is greater. Under no circumstances shall said interest
rate be raised to a rate which shall be in excess of the maximum rate of
interest allowable under the state and/or federal usury laws in force at the
time of such change.

The undersigned may prepay all or part of this note, which prepaid amounts shall
be applied to the amounts due in reverse order of their due dates. Upon such
prepayments including involuntary prepayment by acceleration, the undersigned
shall pay a premium of 2% of the maximum principal amount permitted under this
note. Partial prepayments shall not excuse any subsequent payment due.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: The undersigned agrees that there are no conditions or
understandings which are not expressed in this note and the documents referred
to herein.

WAIVER: No failure on the part of Bank to exercise any of its rights hereunder
shall be deemed a waiver of any such rights or of any default. Demand,
presentment, protest, and notice of dishonor, notice of protest, and notice of
default are hereby waived. Each of the undersigned, including but not limited to
all co-makers and accommodation makers of this note, hereby waives all
suretyship defenses including but not limited to all defenses based upon
impairment of collateral and all suretyship defenses described in Section 3-605
of the Uniform Commercial Code, as revised in 1990 (the "UCC"). Such waiver is
entered to the full extent permitted by Section 3-605(i) of the UCC.

JURY WAIVER: THE UNDERSIGNED, AND ANY ENDORSER OR GUARANTOR HEREOF, WAIVE THE
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

The declaration of invalidity of any provision of this note shall not affect any
part of the remainder of the provisions.

[ X ]    This note is supplemented by the terms and conditions of a commitment 
         letter dated July 3, 1998 between the undersigned and Bank.

Warrant of attorney: The undersigned, jointly and severally, authorize any
attorney-at-law to appear in any court of record after maturity of this note,
whether by acceleration or otherwise, to waive the issuance and service of
process and to confess judgment against them in favor of the Holder for the
principal sum due hereon together with interest, charges, court costs and
attorney's fees, and to waive and release all errors, rights of appeals,
exemptions and stays of execution. The undersigned also agrees that the attorney
acting for the undersigned as set forth in this paragraph may be compensated by
Bank for such services, and the undersigned waive any conflict of interest
caused by such representation and compensation arrangement. This warrant of
attorney to confess judgment shall be construed under the laws of the State of
Ohio.

WARNING -- BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT
TRIAL IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU
WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT
FROM YOU REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR
RETURNED GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT
OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.

DUE DATE     June 30, 1999                            /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE
             -------------------------                --------------------------

ADDRESS      7001 Center Street                           Richard M. Osborne
             -------------------------                --------------------------

             Mentor, Ohio 44060
             -------------------------                --------------------------



                                      - 3 -




<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.4

                           A FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BANK

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                  (SECURITIES)

This PLEDGE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this 6th day of July, 1998, by and
between Richard M. Osborne Under Trust Dated January 13, 1995, Richard M.
Osborne, Trustee,("Pledgor"), and Fifth Third Bank, 1404 East Ninth Street,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114 ("Pledgee").

1. Pledge. (a) Pledgor, jointly and severally if more than one, pledges,
mortgages, assigns, transfers, delivers, deposits, sets over and confirms as a
first priority security interest to Pledgee and its successors and assigns, for
itself and as agent for any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp, all of Pledgor's
right, title and interest in and to the securities listed on Exhibit A attached
hereto and all income, dividends and other distributions thereon and the
proceeds thereof (collectively, the "Interest"), as collateral security for
payment and performance of the following (collectively, the "Obligations"): all
loans, advances, indebtedness and other obligations of each of Pledgor and
Richard M. Osborne 7001 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060 (if different from
Pledgor, hereinafter referred to as "Borrower") owed to Pledgee and/or any
affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp, of every kind and description whether now
existing or hereafter arising including without limitation those owed to others
and acquired by Pledgee by purchase, assignment or otherwise) and whether direct
or indirect, primary or as guarantor or surety, absolute or contingent,
liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, whether or not secured by
additional collateral, and all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness arising
under this Agreement and all other instruments and agreements evidencing,
guarantying or securing any of the foregoing, and all obligations to perform or
forbear from performing acts, all amounts represented by letters of credit now
or hereafter issued by Pledgee for the benefit of or at the request of Borrower
or Pledgor, and all expenses and attorneys' fees incurred by Pledgee under this
Agreement or any other document or instrument related thereto or related thereto
including but not limited to the following: $2,000,000 Draw Note dated July 6
1998

(b) All dividends and distributions (in the form of cash, property, stock or
other securities) arising out of the Interest (collectively "Distributions")
shall immediately become subject to the lien and security interest of this
Agreement and upon


<PAGE>   2



acquisition of any such additional Interest, Pledgor agrees to deliver to
Pledgee, all documents evidencing the Interest and any additional documentation
requested by Pledgee to perfect and protect Pledgee's interest therein.

(c) All certificates evidencing the Interest are herewith delivered to the
Secured Party accompanied by assignments executed in blank.

2. Representations and Warranties. Pledgor represents and warrants to Pledgee
that: 
(a) Pledgor is the sole holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the
Interest, free and clear of any security interest, pledge, or other lien or
encumbrance (collectively "Lien"); 

(b) Pledgor has the right and requisite authority to pledge, mortgage, assign,
transfer, deliver, deposit, set over and confirm the Interest to Pledgee as
provided herein; 

(c) Pledgor has obtained all necessary consents, approvals, authorizations or
orders of any person, corporation, partnership, trust, governmental entity, or
other entity required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
delivery of the Interest to Pledgee as provided herein; and 

(d) there are no restrictions on the transfer of the Interest except as set
forth on the face of any certificate evidencing the Interest. 

The representations and warranties set forth in this Section 2
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

3. Default. Each of the following will be an Event of Default hereunder (herein
"Events of Default"): (a) the default in the payment or performance of the
Obligations or any part thereof; (b) the occurrence of a default or an Event of
Default under any instrument or agreement evidencing, guarantying or securing
any of the Obligations; (c) the failure of Pledgor to perform or observe any of
the provisions of this Agreement; (d) any misrepresentation by Borrower or
Pledgor to Pledgee for the purpose of obtaining credit or an extension of
credit; (e) the issuance of a court order lien or attachment against the any
part of the Interest; (f) the entry of a decree or order for relief by a court
having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Pledgor or Borrower in an
involuntary or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator,
assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of
Borrower or Pledgor or 


<PAGE>   3




for any substantial part of either of their properties, or ordering the wind-up
or liquidation of either of their affairs, or the filing and pendency for 60
days without dismissal of a petition initiating an involuntary case under any
such bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law; (g) the commencement by
Borrower or Pledgor of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency or other similarly law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by
either of them to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under
any such law or to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar
official) of Borrower or Pledgor or of any substantial part of either of their
properties, or the making by either of them of any general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or the failure of Borrower or Pledgor generally to pay
either of their debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate
action by Borrower or Pledgor in furtherance of any of the foregoing; (h) the
death or dissolution of Borrower, Pledgor or any endorser or guarantor of the
Obligations; or (i) the occurrence of any adverse change in the condition or
affairs (financially or otherwise) of Borrower, Pledgor or of any endorser,
guarantor or surety for any of the Obligations, which in the opinion of Pledgee
impairs Pledgee's security or the ability of Pledgee to recover repayment or
performance of any Obligations or the Pledgee deems itself insecure.

THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO, AND PLEDGOR AGREES TO BE BOUND BY,
THE ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF, THE
SAME BEING INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

Dated this 6th day of July, 1998.

PLEDGEE:                               PLEDGOR:

Fifth Third Bank                       Richard M. Osborne Under Trust
                                       Dated January 13, 1995

By: /s/ DAVID T. MERKEL                /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE, Trustee
    --------------------------         ------------------------------------
    David T. Merkel                    Richard M. Osborne, Trustee

Its: Vice President


<PAGE>   4


                                    EXHIBIT A



Security Name            Shares      Certificate Number     CUSIP Number

GLB Bancorp, Inc.        88,075      C-0089                 361778103
Great Lakes Bank         87,875      25






<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.5
                           A FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BANK

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                  (SECURITIES)

This PLEDGE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made this 6th day of July, 1998, by and
between Liberty Self Stor, Ltd.,("Pledgor"), and Fifth Third Bank, 1404 East
Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 ("Pledgee").

1. Pledge. (a) Pledgor, jointly and severally if more than one, pledges,
mortgages, assigns, transfers, delivers, deposits, sets over and confirms as a
first priority security interest to Pledgee and its successors and assigns, for
itself and as agent for any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp, all of Pledgor's
right, title and interest in and to the securities listed on Exhibit A attached
hereto and all income, dividends and other distributions thereon and the
proceeds thereof (collectively, the "Interest"), as collateral security for
payment and performance of the following (collectively, the "Obligations"): all
loans, advances, indebtedness and other obligations of each of Pledgor and
Richard M. Osborne, 7001 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060 (if different from
Pledgor, hereinafter referred to as "Borrower") owed to Pledgee and/or any
affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp, of every kind and description whether now
existing or hereafter arising including without limitation those owed to others
and acquired by Pledgee by purchase, assignment or otherwise) and whether direct
or indirect, primary or as guarantor or surety, absolute or contingent
liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, whether or not secured by
additional collateral, and all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness arising
under this Agreement and all other instruments and agreements evidencing,
guarantying or securing any of the foregoing, and all obligations to perform or
forbear from performing acts, all amounts represented by letters of credit now
or hereafter issued by Pledgee for the benefit of or at the request of Borrower
or Pledgor, and all expenses and attorneys' fees incurred by Pledgee under this
Agreement or any other document or instrument related thereto or related thereto
including but not limited to the following: $2,000,000 Draw Note. 
(b) All dividends and distributions (in the form of cash, property, stock or
other securities) arising out of the Interest (collectively "Distributions")
shall immediately become subject to the lien and security interest of this
Agreement and upon


<PAGE>   2



acquisition of any such additional Interest, Pledgor agrees to deliver to
Pledgee, all documents evidencing the Interest and any additional documentation
requested by Pledgee to perfect and protect Pledgee's interest therein. 
(c) All certificates evidencing the Interest are herewith delivered to the
Secured Party accompanied by assignments executed in blank.

2. Representations and Warranties. Pledgor represents and warrants to Pledgee
that: 
(a) Pledgor is the sole holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the
Interest, free and clear of any security interest, pledge, or other lien or
encumbrance (collectively "Lien");
(b) Pledgor has the right and requisite authority to pledge, mortgage, assign,
transfer, deliver, deposit, set over and confirm the Interest to Pledgee as
provided herein;
(c) Pledgor has obtained all necessary consents, approvals, authorizations or
orders of any person, corporation, partnership, trust, governmental entity, or
other entity required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
delivery of the Interest to Pledgee as provided herein; and
(d) there are no restrictions on the transfer of the Interest except as set
forth on the face of any certificate evidencing the Interest. The
representations and warranties set forth in this Section 2 shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement.

3. Default. Each of the following will be an Event of Default hereunder (herein
"Events of Default"): (a) the default in the payment or performance of the
Obligations or any part thereof; (b) the occurrence of a default or an Event of
Default under any instrument or agreement evidencing, guarantying or securing
any of the Obligations; (c) the failure of Pledgor to perform or observe any of
the provisions of this Agreement; (d) any misrepresentation by Borrower or
Pledgor to Pledgee for the purpose of obtaining credit or an extension of
credit; (e) the issuance of a court order lien or attachment against the any
part of the Interest; (f) the entry of a decree or order for relief by a court
having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Pledgor or Borrower in an
involuntary or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator,
assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of
Borrower or Pledgor or for any substantial part of 


<PAGE>   3

either of their properties, or ordering the wind-up or liquidation of either of
their affairs, or the filing and pendency for 60 days without dismissal of a
petition initiating an involuntary case under any such bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law; (g) the commencement by Borrower or Pledgor of a voluntary
case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similarly law now or
hereafter in effect, or the consent by either of them to the entry of an order
for relief in an involuntary case under any such law or to the appointment of or
taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian,
sequestrator (or other similar official) of Borrower or Pledgor or of any
substantial part of either of their properties, or the making by either of them
of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of
Borrower or Pledgor generally to pay either of their debts as such debts become
due, or the taking of corporate action by Borrower or Pledgor in furtherance of
any of the foregoing; (h) the death or dissolution of Borrower, Pledgor or any
endorser or guarantor of the Obligations; or (i) the occurrence of any adverse
change in the condition or affairs (financially or otherwise) of Borrower,
Pledgor or of any endorser, guarantor or surety for any of the Obligations,
which in the opinion of Pledgee impairs Pledgee's security or the ability of
Pledgee to recover repayment or performance of any Obligations or the Pledgee
deems itself insecure.

THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO, AND PLEDGOR AGREES TO BE BOUND BY, THE ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF, THE SAME BEING INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

Dated this 6th day of July, 1998.

PLEDGEE:                            PLEDGOR:

Fifth Third Bank                    Liberty Self Stor, Ltd.

By:  /s/ DAVID T. MERKEL            By: /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE, MG MBR
     -------------------------      -------------------------------------
     David T. Merkel                     Richard M. Osborne, Managing
Its: Vice President                       Member





<PAGE>   4


                                    EXHIBIT A



Security Name                     Shares
Pacific Gateway Properties        500,000







<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.6
                         5/3 A FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BANK

                        THIRD PARTY COLLATERAL AGREEMENT


City  Cleveland          State  Ohio         July 6, 1998

In order to induce Fifth Third Bank of Northeastern Ohio 1404 East Ninth St.,
Cleveland, OH 44114 and any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp (collectively,
"Bank") to make, continue, renew or extend a loan, loans or other financial
accommodations to Richard M. Osborne 7001 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060
("Debtor"), and in consideration thereof, the undersigned hereby consents and
agrees that the property (real or personal) described below (collectively, the
"Collateral"), of which the undersigned is the owner, may be and is hereby
pledged to Bank, for itself and as agent for any affiliate of Fifth Third
Bancorp, by the undersigned as collateral security for the following
(collectively, the "Obligations"): all loans, advances, indebtedness and other
obligations of debtor owed to Bank and/or any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp,
of every kind and description whether now existing or hereafter arising
including without limitation those owed to others and acquired by Bank (by
purchase, assignment or otherwise) and whether direct or indirect, primary or as
guarantor or surety, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, matured
or unmatured, whether or not secured by additional collateral, and all
liabilities, obligations and indebtedness arising all instruments and agreements
evidencing, guarantying or securing any of the foregoing, and all obligations to
perform or forbear from performing acts, all amounts represented by letters of
credit now or hereafter issued by Bank for the benefit of or at the request of
Debtor and all expenses and attorneys' fees incurred by Bank under any other
document or instrument related thereto or related to any of the foregoing,
including but not limited to the following: $2,000,000 Draw Note dated July 6
1998.

The undersigned agrees that the Collateral may be received, held and/or disposed
of by Bank subject and pursuant to all the terms and conditions of any and all
notes, mortgages, contracts or agreements heretofore or hereafter signed by
Debtor or the undersigned in any capacity whatsoever, and Bank is hereby
authorized and empowered to take any and all action with respect to the
Collateral as authorized by the terms of any such note,


<PAGE>   2



mortgage, contract or other agreement, all without notice to the undersigned,
except as otherwise provided by law. The undersigned further agrees that the
Collateral has been pledged with the same force and effect as if the Collateral
were owned by Debtor.

Without limiting Bank's powers and rights in dealing with the Collateral under
the terms and conditions of any note, mortgage, contract or agreement, Bank is
hereby authorized to act solely upon the instructions of Debtor relative to the
sale or other disposition of the Collateral, or any substitutions therefor, or
any proceeds thereof, and the receipt or acquittance of Debtor for the
Collateral or any part thereof, or any substitutions therefor, or any proceeds
thereof, shall be a valid and sufficient release and discharge of Bank's
liability to the undersigned.

The undersigned authorizes Bank at any time, without notice to the undersigned,
to transfer or cause to be transferred into Bank's name, or the name of its
nominee or nominees, any or all of the Collateral. The Bank is hereby given full
power at any time, without notice to the undersigned, to collect, sell, assign,
transfer and deliver all of the Collateral or any part thereof, or any
substitutes therefor, or any additions thereto, through any stock exchange or
broker's board or broker, or at private or public sale, without either demand on
or notice to the undersigned, or any advertisement, the same being hereby
expressly waived, at which sale Bank is authorized to purchase the Collateral,
or any part thereof, free from any right of redemption on the part of the
undersigned which is hereby expressly waived and released. In case of sale for
any cause, after deducting all costs and expenses of every kind, Bank may apply
the residue of the proceeds of such sale as it shall deem proper toward the
payment of any one or more or all of the Obligations of Debtor to Bank, whether
due or not due, returning the remainder, if any, to the undersigned, so long as
the Collateral is not pledged to secure the indebtedness of the undersigned or
any other party. Bank is hereby irrevocably appointed and constituted attorney
in fact for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to collect all
dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and to exercise all voting rights
connected with or arising out of the Collateral.

No delay on Bank's part in exercising any power of sale, lien, option or other
right with respect to the Collateral, and no 





<PAGE>   3








notice or demand which may be given to or made upon the undersigned by Bank with
respect to any power of sale, lien, option or other right with respect to the
Collateral, shall constitute a waiver thereof, or limit or impair Bank's right
to take any action or to exercise any power of sale, lien option, or any other
right with respect to the Collateral without notice or demand, or prejudice
Bank's rights as against the undersigned in any respect. In addition, no action
taken by Bank with respect to the Collateral shall in any way impair or limit
Bank's right to exercise any or all rights or remedies Bank may otherwise have
against Debtor with respect to any Obligations. This Agreement shall not, in any
manner, be construed as a compromise of any Obligations. The pledge of, and
security interest in, the Collateral by the undersigned to Bank are absolute,
unconditional and continuing and will remain in full force and effect until the
Obligations have been fully paid and satisfied. The pledge of, and security
interest in, the Collateral will extend to an cover renewals of the Obligations
and any number of extensions of time for payment thereof and will not be
affected by any surrender, exchange, acceptance or release by the Bank of any
other pledge or any security held by it for any of the Obligations. Notice of
acceptance of the pledge and security interest, notice of extensions of credit
to the Debtor from time to time, notice of default, diligence, presentment,
protest, demand for payment, notice of demand or protest, notice of making,
renewing or extending any of the Obligations and any defense based upon a
failure of Bank to comply with the notice requirements of the applicable version
of Uniform Commercial Code are hereby waived. Bank, at any time and from time to
time, without the consent of the undersigned, may change the manner, place or
terms of payment of or interest rates on, or change or extend the time of
payment of, or renew or alter, any of the Obligations, without impairing or
releasing the liabilities of the undersigned of its obligations to continue to
pledge or grant a security interest in the Collateral. Bank in its sole
discretion may determine the reasonableness of the period which may elapse prior
to the making of demand for any payment upon the Debtor or any guarantor and it
need not pursue any of its remedies against any other party before having
recourse against the Collateral.

                            DESCRIPTION OF COLLATERAL

                 Collateral listed on Exhibit A attached hereto.

As used herein "undersigned", if there be more than one, shall 

<PAGE>   4



mean "all of the undersigned or each of any of them", and in such case they are
jointly and severally bound.

If the "undersigned" be more than one, Bank may release from the obligations
hereof the Collateral of one or more of the undersigned, and no such release
shall in any way affect or modify the rights of Bank with respect to the
Collateral of any other undersigned which has not been released. The undersigned
hereby acknowledges and consents that in security documents executed and
delivered to Bank in connection herewith, the undersigned may be referred to as
"Debtor" or "Borrower", whether or not the undersigned is a maker of any
promissory note or any endorser or guarantor thereof.

WITNESS the due execution hereof as of the date set forth above.

ADDRESS:                              OWNER(S) OF COLLATERAL
7001 Center Street                    Liberty Self Stor, Ltd.
Mentor, Ohio 44060                    /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE, MG MBR
                                      ----------------------------------
                                      Richard M. Osborne, Managing
                                       Member







<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.7
                           A FIFTH THIRD BANCORP BANK

                        THIRD PARTY COLLATERAL AGREEMENT


City  Cleveland            State  Ohio             July 6, 1998

In order to induce Fifth Third Bank of Northeastern Ohio 1404 East Ninth St.,
Cleveland, OH 44114 and any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp (collectively,
"Bank") to make, continue, renew or extend a loan, loans or other financial
accommodations to Richard M. Osborne 7001 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060
("Debtor"), and in consideration thereof, the undersigned hereby consents and
agrees that the property (real or personal) described below (collectively, the
"Collateral"), of which the undersigned is the owner, may be and is hereby
pledged to Bank, for itself and as agent for any affiliate of Fifth Third
Bancorp, by the undersigned as collateral security for the following
(collectively, the "Obligations"): all loans, advances, indebtedness and other
obligations of debtor owed to Bank and/or any affiliate of Fifth Third Bancorp,
of every kind and description whether now existing or hereafter arising
including without limitation those owed to others and acquired by Bank (by
purchase, assignment or otherwise) and whether direct or indirect, primary or as
guarantor or surety, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, matured
or unmatured, whether or not secured by additional collateral, and all
liabilities, obligations and indebtedness arising all instruments and agreements
evidencing, guarantying or securing any of the foregoing, and all obligations to
perform or forbear from performing acts, all amounts represented by letters of
credit now or hereafter issued by Bank for the benefit of or at the request of
Debtor and all expenses and attorneys' fees incurred by Bank under any other
document or instrument related thereto or related to any of the foregoing,
including but not limited to the following: $2,000,000 Draw Note dated July
1998.

The undersigned agrees that the Collateral may be received, held and/or disposed
of by Bank subject and pursuant to all the terms and conditions of any and all
notes, mortgages, contracts or agreements heretofore or hereafter signed by
Debtor or the undersigned in any capacity whatsoever, and Bank is hereby
authorized and empowered to take any and all action with respect to the
Collateral as authorized by the terms of any such note,


<PAGE>   2



mortgage, contract or other agreement, all without notice to the undersigned,
except as otherwise provided by law. The undersigned further agrees that the
Collateral has been pledged with the same force and effect as if the Collateral
were owned by Debtor.

Without limiting Bank's powers and rights in dealing with the Collateral under
the terms and conditions of any note, mortgage, contract or agreement, Bank is
hereby authorized to act solely upon the instructions of Debtor relative to the
sale or other disposition of the Collateral, or any substitutions therefor, or
any proceeds thereof, and the receipt or acquittance of Debtor for the
Collateral or any part thereof, or any substitutions therefor, or any proceeds
thereof, shall be a valid and sufficient release and discharge of Bank's
liability to the undersigned.

The undersigned authorizes Bank at any time, without notice to the undersigned,
to transfer or cause to be transferred into Bank's name, or the name of its
nominee or nominees, any or all of the Collateral. The Bank is hereby given full
power at any time, without notice to the undersigned, to collect, sell, assign,
transfer and deliver all of the Collateral or any part thereof, or any
substitutes therefor, or any additions thereto, through any stock exchange or
broker's board or broker, or at private or public sale, without either demand on
or notice to the undersigned, or any advertisement, the same being hereby
expressly waived, at which sale Bank is authorized to purchase the Collateral,
or any part thereof, free from any right of redemption on the part of the
undersigned which is hereby expressly waived and released. In case of sale for
any cause, after deducting all costs and expenses of every kind, Bank may apply
the residue of the proceeds of such sale as it shall deem proper toward the
payment of any one or more or all of the Obligations of Debtor to Bank, whether
due or not due, returning the remainder, if any, to the undersigned, so long as
the Collateral is not pledged to secure the indebtedness of the undersigned or
any other party. Bank is hereby irrevocably appointed and constituted attorney
in fact for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to collect all
dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and to exercise all voting rights
connected with or arising out of the Collateral.

No delay on Bank's part in exercising any power of sale, lien, option or other
right with respect to the Collateral, and no 



<PAGE>   3











notice or demand which may be given to or made upon the undersigned by Bank with
respect to any power of sale, lien, option or other right with respect to the
Collateral, shall constitute a waiver thereof, or limit or impair Bank's right
to take any action or to exercise any power of sale, lien option, or any other
right with respect to the collateral without notice or demand, or prejudice
Bank's rights as against the undersigned in any respect. In addition, no action
taken by Bank with respect to the Collateral shall in any way impair or limit
Bank's right to exercise any or all rights or remedies Bank may otherwise have
against Debtor with respect to any Obligations. This Agreement shall not, in any
manner, be construed as a compromise of any Obligations. The pledge of, and
security interest in, the Collateral by the undersigned to Bank are absolute,
unconditional and continuing and will remain in full force and effect until the
Obligations have been fully paid and satisfied. The pledge of, and security
interest in, the Collateral will extend to an cover renewals of the Obligations
and any number of extensions of time for payment thereof and will not be
affected by any surrender, exchange, acceptance or release by the Bank of any
other pledge or any security held by it for any of the Obligations. Notice of
acceptance of the pledge and security interest, notice of extensions of credit
to the Debtor from time to time, notice of default, diligence, presentment,
protest, demand for payment, notice of demand or protest, notice of making,
renewing or extending any of the Obligations and any defense based upon a
failure of Bank to comply with the notice requirements of the applicable version
of Uniform Commercial Code are hereby waived. Bank, at any time and from time to
time, without the consent of the undersigned, may change the manner, place or
terms of payment of or interest rates on, or change or extend the time of
payment of, or renew or alter, any of the Obligations, without impairing or
releasing the liabilities of the undersigned of its obligations to continue to
pledge or grant a security interest in the Collateral. Bank in its sole
discretion may determine the reasonableness of the period which may elapse prior
to the making of demand for any payment upon the Debtor or any guarantor and it
need not pursue any of its remedies against any other party before having
recourse against the Collateral.

                            DESCRIPTION OF COLLATERAL

                 Collateral listed on Exhibit A attached hereto.

As used herein "undersigned", if there be more than one, shall 


<PAGE>   4



mean "all of the undersigned or each of any of them", and in such case they are
jointly and severally bound.

If the "undersigned" be more than one, Bank may release from the obligations
hereof the Collateral of one or more of the undersigned, and no such release
shall in any way affect or modify the rights of Bank with respect to the
Collateral of any other undersigned which has not been released. The undersigned
hereby acknowledges and consents that in security documents executed and
delivered to Bank in connection herewith, the undersigned may be referred to as
"Debtor" or "Borrower", whether or not the undersigned is a maker of any
promissory note or any endorser or guarantor thereof.

WITNESS the due execution hereof as of the date set forth above.

ADDRESS:                                OWNER(S) OF COLLATERAL
7001 Center Street                      Richard M. Osborne Under Trust
Mentor, Ohio 44060                      Dated January 13, 1995

                                        /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE, Trustee
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        Richard M. Osborne, Trustee


<PAGE>   5


                                    EXHIBIT A


Security Name            Shares         Certificate Number     CUSIP
Number

GLB Bancorp, Inc.        88,075         C-0089                 361778103
Great Lakes Bank         87,875         25
Pacific Gateway
   Properties            500,000




<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.8


                                VOTING AGREEMENT


         This VOTING AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is entered into as of July 1,
1998, 1998, by and among Central Reserve Life Corporation, an Ohio corporation
(including its successors, the "COMPANY") and the security holders listed on the
signature pages of this Agreement (or who may hereafter become a party hereto
pursuant to the terms hereof).

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement
dated as of March 30, 1998, by and among the Company and certain purchasers
identified therein (the "STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT"), the Company shall issue
7,300,000 shares of common stock, without par value, of the Company and warrants
to purchase up to 3,650,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the "WARRANT
SHARES");

         WHEREAS, upon closing of the transactions contemplated by the Stock
Purchase Agreement (the "CLOSING DATE"), the shares purchased thereunder shall
constitute a majority of the common stock of the Company; and

         WHEREAS, the parties desire to regulate certain aspects of their
relationship as holders of common stock of the Company.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and covenants herein
contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto
agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

                  "AFFILIATE" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person
         who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under
         common control with that Person. For purposes of this definition,
         "control," and "controlled by" and when used with respect to any Person
         shall mean the power to direct the management and policies of such
         Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
         securities, by contract, or otherwise.




<PAGE>   2



                  "COMMON STOCK" shall mean shares of the Common Stock, without
         par value per share, of the Company, and any capital stock into which
         such Common Stock thereafter may be changed.

                  "COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS" shall mean, without duplication
         with any other Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, any rights,
         warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable
         securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or
         convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock
         and securities convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock, whether
         at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence
         of some future event.

                  "DESIGNEE" shall mean an individual designated for election to
         the Board of Directors by IP Delaware, SAP, or Osborne pursuant to
         Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

                  "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
         thereunder.

                  "HOLDER" shall mean (i) a securityholder listed on the
         signature page hereof and (ii) any direct or indirect transferee of any
         such securityholder who shall become a party to this Agreement by
         executing a joinder agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

                  "INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR" shall mean a director meeting the
         standards of an "independent director" as defined in Rule 4200(a) of
         the rules of the NASD as of the Closing Date.

                  "IP"  shall mean, collectively, IP Bermuda and IP Delaware.

                  "IP BERMUDA" shall mean Insurance Partners Offshore (Bermuda),
         L.P., a Bermuda limited partnership.

                  "IP DELAWARE" shall mean Insurance Partners, L.P., a Delaware
         limited partnership.

                  "IP GROUP" shall mean IP Delaware, IP Bermuda, their
         respective Affiliates, the respective officers, directors, and
         employees (and members of their respective families and trusts for the
         primary benefit of such family members) of the foregoing, and the
         respective limited partners of IP Delaware and IP Bermuda.

                  "IP GROUP CLOSING DATE SHARES" shall mean the number of shares
         of Common Stock owned by the IP Group as of the date of this Agreement
         as set forth on Exhibit B hereto.



                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3

                  "LICK EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT" shall mean that certain Employment
         Agreement, dated as of December 15, 1997, between the Company and Fred
         Lick, Jr.

                  "OSBORNE" shall mean Turkey Vulture Fund, III, Ltd. an Ohio
         limited liability company.

                  "OSBORNE GROUP" shall mean Osborne, its Affiliates, and their
         respective officers, directors, and employees (and members of their
         respective families and trusts for the primary benefit of such family
         members).

                  "OSBORNE GROUP CLOSING DATE SHARES" shall mean the number of
         shares of Common Stock owned by the Osborne Group as of the date of
         this Agreement as set forth on Exhibit B hereto.

                  "PERSON" or "PERSON" shall mean any individual, corporation,
         partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association,
         joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, or government
         or other agency or political subdivision thereof.

                  "REQUIRED HOLDERS" shall mean Holders who then own
         beneficially more than 66-2/3% of the aggregate number of shares of
         Common Stock subject to this Agreement.

                  "SAP" shall mean Strategic Acquisition Partners, LLC, a Nevada
         limited liability company.

                  "SAP GROUP" shall mean SAP, its Affiliates, and their
         respective officers, directors, and employees, Peter W. Nauert, Michael
         A. Cavataio, Karon Hill and Val Rajic (and members of their respective
         families and trusts for the primary benefit of such family members).

                  "SAP GROUP CLOSING DATE SHARES" shall mean the number of
         shares of Common Stock owned by the SAP Group as of the date of this
         Agreement as set forth on Exhibit B hereto.

                  "STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT" shall mean that certain Stockholders
         Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1998, among the Company and the various
         stockholders party thereto from time to time.



                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4



                                   ARTICLE II

                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

                  SECTION 2.1 Board of Directors.

         (a) The Holders shall cause the Board of Directors of the Company to
consist of nine directors, some or all, as applicable, of whom shall consist of
the following individuals:

                  (i) IP Designees. Four individuals designated by IP, so long
         as the IP Group shall own a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
         at least 75% of the IP Group Closing Date Shares; three individuals
         designated by IP, so long as the IP Group shall own a number of shares
         of Common Stock equal to at least 50%, but less than 75%, of the IP
         Group Closing Date Shares; two individuals designated by IP, so long as
         the IP Group shall own a number of shares of Common Stock equal to at
         least 25%, but less than 50%, of the IP Group Closing Date Shares; and
         one individual designated by IP, so long as the IP Group shall own a
         number of shares of Common Stock equal to at least 10%, but less than
         25%, of the IP Group Closing Date Shares;

                  (ii) SAP Designees. Two individuals designated by SAP, so long
         as the SAP Group shall own a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
         at least 50% of the SAP Closing Date Shares; and one individual
         designated by SAP, so long as the SAP Group shall own a number of
         shares of Common Stock equal to at least 10%, but less than 50%, of the
         SAP Group Closing Date Shares;

                  (iii) Osborne Designee. One individual designated by Osborne,
         so long as the Osborne Group shall own a number of shares of Common
         Stock equal to at least 25% of the Osborne Group Closing Date Shares;

                  (iv) Novatney. John Novatney, until the earlier to occur of
         (A) December 31, 1999, or (B) the first date as of which the Company
         does not have a class of equity securities registered under either
         Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act; and

                  (v) Lick. Fred Lick, Jr. until the earlier to occur of (A)
         December 31, 1999, (B) termination of his employment under the Lick
         Employment Agreement, or (C) the first date as of which the Company
         does not have a class of equity securities registered under either
         Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act;

         provided, however, that until the first date as of which the Company
         does not have a class of equity securities either registered under
         Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, at least two of the
         individuals elected to the Board of Directors shall constitute
         Independent Directors; and provided further, that (i) none of IP, SAP
         or Osborne shall be required to



                                       -4-

<PAGE>   5



         designate an individual that constitutes an Independent Director so
         long as two individuals who constitute Independent Directors are
         nominated to serve as directors and SAP, IP and Osborne vote for their
         election; provided, that if the Company has cumulative voting with
         respect to the election of its directors, the SAP Group, IP Group and
         Osborne Group shall be permitted to vote in favor of the SAP Designees,
         IP Designees and Osborne Designee as provided in this Section 2.1(a) to
         the extent necessary to ensure the election of such Designees prior to
         casting any votes in favor of such Independent Directors; (ii) in the
         event one or two of the individuals to be designated pursuant to the
         foregoing provisions must constitute an Independent Director in order
         to meet the requirements of the immediately preceding proviso, then,
         first, IP shall designate as one of its designees an individual that
         constitutes an Independent Director, and, second, SAP shall designate
         as one of its designees an individual that constitutes an Independent
         Director.

         (b) For purposes of the foregoing provisions and Section 2.2, in
determining whether any person or group owns a specified number of shares of
Common Stock for purposes of comparison to the number of shares owned by a
person or group on the Closing Date, appropriate adjustment shall be made in
each case to give effect to any stock splits, dividends or combinations.

         (c) If, prior to his election to the Board of Directors of the Company
pursuant to Section 2.1, any designee shall be unable or unwilling to serve as a
director of the Company, the Holder or Holders who designated such Designee
shall be entitled to nominate a replacement who shall then be a Designee for
purposes of this Section 2.1. If, following an election to the Board of
Directors of the Company pursuant to Section 2.1, any Designee shall resign or
be removed or be unable to serve for any reason prior to the expiration of his
term as a director of the Company, the Holder or Holders who designated such
Designee shall, within thirty (30) days of such event, notify the Board of
Directors of the Company in writing of a replacement Designee, and either (i)
the Holders shall vote their shares of Common Stock, at any regular or special
meeting called for the purpose of filling positions on the Board of Directors of
the Company or in any written consent executed in lieu of such a meeting of
stockholders, and shall take all such other actions necessary to ensure the
election to the Board of Directors of the Company of such replacement Designee
to fill the unexpired term of the Designee who such new Designee is replacing or
(ii) the Board of Directors shall elect such replacement Designee to fill the
unexpired term of the Designee who such new Designee is replacing. If any Holder
requests that any Designee designated by such Holder be removed as a Director
(with or without cause) by written notice thereof to the Company, then the
Company shall take all actions necessary to effect, and each of the Holders
shall vote all of its capital stock in favor of, such removal upon such request.

         (d) Each Holder shall vote its shares of Common Stock at any regular or
special meeting of stockholders of the Company or in any written consent
executed in lieu of such a meeting of



                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6



stockholders and shall take all other actions necessary to give effect to the
agreements contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, the
election of Designees as directors as described herein) and to ensure that the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws as in effect immediately following the
date hereof do not, at any time thereafter, conflict in any respect with the
provisions of this Agreement. In order to effectuate the provisions of this
Section 2.1, each Holder hereby agrees that when any action or vote is required
to be taken by such Holder pursuant to this Agreement, such Holder shall use its
best efforts to call, or cause the appropriate officers and directors of the
Company to call, a special or annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, as
the case may be, or execute or cause to be executed a consent in writing in lieu
of any such meetings pursuant to applicable law.

                  SECTION 2.2 Continued Listing. Until the three year
anniversary of the Closing Date, each Holder shall vote its shares of Common
Stock in such manner that the Company shall not be voluntarily delisted from the
Nasdaq National Market, except (y) in connection with (1) a transaction that
would constitute a "Rule 13e-3 transaction" (as that term is defined under Rule
13e-3 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof) with respect to
the Common Stock or (2) any other transaction that, if it were effected by the
Company or an affiliate thereof, would constitute a "Rule 13e-3 transaction" (as
so defined) with respect to the Common Stock, or (z) if the Company becomes
listed on a national securities exchange.

                  SECTION 2.3 Proxy. Each Holder hereby grants to each of IP
Delaware, SAP and Osborne, with full powers of substitution, an irrevocable
proxy coupled with an interest as may be necessary to permit each of IP
Delaware, SAP and Osborne, to vote the shares of the Holder granting such proxy
in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.1 (by written consent or
otherwise) in event the Holder fails to vote its shares of Common Stock as
required under Section 2.1 within ten (10) days after notice from the party
holding such proxy requesting such a vote.

                  SECTION 2.4 Cumulative Voting. As promptly as practicable
following the Closing Date, the Company shall amend its Articles of
Incorporation, Code of Regulations or Bylaws, as the case may be, to eliminate
cumulative voting in the election of directors.

                  SECTION 2.5 Proxy Statement. In connection with any annual
meeting of the stockholders or special meeting of the stockholders of the
Company called for the election of directors, the Company shall prepare and
file, if required, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"COMMISSION") a proxy statement relating to such meeting (together with any
amendments thereof or supplements thereto, the "PROXY STATEMENT") which shall
include the recommendation of the Board in favor of electing the directors
specified in Section 2.1. Except in the event of termination of this Agreement,
no modification or withdrawal of such recommendation shall release the Company
of its obligation to submit the election of directors specified in Section 2.1
to its stockholders for their vote in accordance with applicable law. The



                                       -6-

<PAGE>   7



Company shall use reasonable efforts to assure the election of the directors
specified in Section 2.1.

                                   ARTICLE III

                            RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

                  SECTION 3.1 Restrictions Upon Transfer. No Holder may effect,
cause to be effected or permit any voluntary or involuntary sale, assignment or
transfer of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or any
interest therein (a "TRANSFER"), except for Transfers pursuant to an effective
registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless
the transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement and such Transfer is, where applicable, made in
compliance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement; provided, that the
Warrants and the Warrant Shares shall not be subject to this Agreement upon the
Transfer to a beneficial owner other than IP, SAP, or Osborne and their
respective affiliates; provided further, that nothing contained herein shall
restrict the sale, assignment or transfer of any warrants issued by the Company
pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated December 16, 1997 by and between the
Company and SAP. Any Transfer not complying with the provisions of this
Agreement shall be void ab initio, shall not be effective for any purpose and
any purported transferee of such a Transfer shall not acquire any right or
interest in such Common Stock or the Company.

                  SECTION 3.2 Restrictive Legends.

                  (a) For the term of this Agreement, each certificate
representing the shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents subject
hereto, and each instrument or certificate issued upon exchange or transfer
thereof, shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with the following legend:

                  "THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE
         SUBJECT TO TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS, VOTING LIMITATIONS, AND OTHER TERMS
         AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN A VOTING AGREEMENT DATED JULY 1, 1998 BY
         AND AMONG THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS, A COPY OF WHICH
         IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY."

                  (b) In addition, each certificate representing shares of
Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents subject hereto and each instrument or
certificate issued upon exchange or Transfer thereof shall be stamped or
otherwise imprinted with any and all legends required by applicable state and
federal securities laws.



                                       -7-

<PAGE>   8



                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  SECTION 4.1 Term. The term of this Agreement shall begin on
the Closing Date and shall remain in effect until the five (5) year anniversary
of the Closing Date.

                  SECTION 4.2 Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be
amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is
signed by the Company and the Required Holders; provided, that, no such
amendment or waiver: (i) that is adverse to any Holder that owns more than 5% of
the outstanding Common Stock shall be effective as to that Holder prior to the
three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date without the consent of such
Holder or (ii) shall amend Section 2.1(a)(iv), Section 2.1(a)(v), the first
proviso of Section 2.1(a) or Section 2.2 unless approved by a majority of the
Independent Directors.

                  SECTION 4.3 Successors and Assigns. All covenants and
agreements contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any of the parties
hereto shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and
assigns of the parties hereto including any and all subsequent Holders from time
to time.

                  SECTION 4.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, as applicable to
contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such state.

                  SECTION 4.5 Entire Agreement. Except as provided below, this
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and may not be modified or amended except in writing.

                  SECTION 4.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  SECTION 4.7  Enforcement.

                  (a) The Holders each acknowledge and agree that irreparable
damage will occur if any of the provisions of this Agreement are not complied
with in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, the Company will be
entitled to an injunction to prevent breached of this Agreement and to enforce
specifically its provisions in any court of the United States or any state
having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which the
Company may be entitled at law or in equity.



                                       -8-

<PAGE>   9



                  (b) No failure or delay on the part of any party in the
exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or
privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right,
power or privilege.

                  SECTION 4.8 Severability. In case any provision of this
Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any
reason, the validity, legality, and enforceability of any such provision in
every other respect and the remaining provisions shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.

                  SECTION 4.9 Notices. Any notices or other communications
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently
given if made by hand delivery, by telex, by telecopier, or registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid return receipt requested, addressed as follows
(or at such other address as may be substituted by notice given as herein
provided):

                           If to the Company:

                                    Central Reserve Life Corporation
                                    17800 Royalton Road
                                    Strongsville, Ohio  44136
                                    Facsimile No.: (440) 572-4501
                                    Attention: Fred Lick, Jr.

         If to any Holder, at its address listed on the signature pages hereof
or in any joinder agreement.

         Any notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been
given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered; when answered
back, if telexed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and five (5)
calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail (except that
a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until
actually received by the addressee). Failure to mail a notice or communication
to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to
other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided
above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

                                    *   *   *



                                       -9-

<PAGE>   10



                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be signed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers, all as of
the day and year first above written.

                                   CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION


                                   By:/S/ FRANK W. GRIMONE
                                      --------------------
                                   Name: Frank W. Grimone
                                   Title: CFO



<PAGE>   11



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            INSURANCE PARTNERS, L.P.

                                 By:  Insurance GenPar, L.P.,
                                      its general partner

                                      By:  Insurance GenPar MGP, L.P.,
                                           its general partner

                                           By:  Insurance GenPar MGP, Inc.,
                                                its general partner


                                           By: /S/ ROBERT SPASS
                                               ----------------
                                           Name: Robert Spass
                                           Title: ___________

                            Address:

                            One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                            44th Floor
                            New York, New York 10005
                            Attention: Bradley E. Cooper

                            Copy to:

                            Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                            767 Fifth Avenue
                            New York, New York  10153
                            Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts


<PAGE>   12



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                   INSURANCE PARTNERS OFFSHORE (BERMUDA), L.P.

                        By: Insurance GenPar (Bermuda), L.P.,
                            its general partner

                            By:  Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda), L.P.,
                                 its general partner

                                 By:  Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda),
                                      Inc., its general partner


                                 By: /S/ ROBERT SPASS
                                     ----------------
                                 Name: Robert Spass
                                 Title: ___________


                   Address:

                   One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                   44th Floor
                   New York, New York 10005
                   Attention: Bradley & Cooper

                   Copy to:

                   Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                   767 Fifth Avenue
                   New York, New York  10153
                   Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts



<PAGE>   13



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            STRATEGIC ACQUISITION PARTNERS, LLC


                            By: /S/ VAL RAJIC
                                -------------
                            Name:Val Rajic
                            Title: President


                            Address:

                            1750 East Golf Road
                            Suite 210
                            Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

                            Copy to:

                            McDermott, Will & Emery
                            227 West Monroe Street
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606
                            Attention: Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.



<PAGE>   14



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                             /S/ PETER W. NAUERT
                             -------------------
                             Peter W. Nauert

                             Address:

                             1750 East Golf Road
                             Suite 210
                             Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

                             Copy to:

                             McDermott, Will & Emery
                             227 West Monroe Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60606
                             Attention: Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.




<PAGE>   15



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                                    /S/ MICHAEL A. CAVATAIO
                                    -----------------------
                                    Michael A. Cavataio

                                    Address:

                                    3125 Ramsgate Road
                                    Rockford, Illinois 61114



<PAGE>   16



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                             MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                             TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                             DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                             MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590033


                             By: /S/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                 --------------------
                             Name:   Kathy A. Moffatt
                             Title: Trust Officer


                             Address:

                             P.O. Box 30
                             Freeport, Illinois 61032

                             Copy to:

                             Michael A. Cavataio
                             3125 Ramsgate Road
                             Rockford, Illinois 61114



<PAGE>   17



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                            TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                            DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                            MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590034


                            By: /S/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                --------------------
                            Name:   Kathy A. Moffatt
                            Title: Trust Officer


                            Address:

                            P.O. Box 30
                            Freeport, Illinois 61032

                            Copy to:

                            Michael A. Cavataio
                            3125 Ramsgate Road
                            Rockford, Illinois 61114


<PAGE>   18



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                             /S/ KARON HILL
                             --------------
                             Karon Hill

                             Address:

                             1750 East Golf Road
                             Suite 210
                             Schaumburg, Illinois 60173



<PAGE>   19



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                             /S/ VAL RAJIC
                             -------------
                             Val Rajic

                             Address:

                             1750 East Golf Road
                             Suite 210
                             Schaumburg, Illinois 60173


<PAGE>   20



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            TURKEY VULTURE FUND XIII, LTD.


                            By: /S/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE
                                ----------------------
                            Name:   Richard M. Osborne
                            Title: Manager


                            Address:

                            7001 Center Street
                            Mentor, Ohio  44060
                            Attention: Richard M. Osborne

                            Copy to:

                            Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                            1375 East Ninth Street
                            One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                            Cleveland, Ohio  44114
                            Attention:  Marc C. Krantz



<PAGE>   21



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                             /S/ MARCH C. KRANTZ
                             -------------------
                             Marc C. Krantz

                             Address:

                             Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                             1375 East Ninth Street
                             One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                             Cleveland, Ohio 44114


<PAGE>   22



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                             KRANTZ FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                             By: /S/ BYRON S. KRANTZ
                                 -------------------
                                 Byron S. Krantz, its General Partner


                             Address:

                             Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                             1375 East Ninth Street
                             One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                             Cleveland, Ohio  44114


<PAGE>   23



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO


                            By: /S/ ROBERT N. TROMBLY
                                ---------------------
                            Name:   Robert N. Trombly
                            Title: Corporate Secretary


                            Address:

                            2060 East Ninth Street
                            Cleveland, Ohio 44115
                            Attention: General Counsel



<PAGE>   24



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            UNITED PAYORS AND UNITED PROVIDERS, INC.


                            By: /S/ S. JOSEPH BRUNO
                                -------------------
                            Name:   S. Joseph Bruno
                            Title: Vice President and CFO


                            Address:

                            2275 Research Blvd.
                            6th Floor
                            Rockville, Maryland 20850
                            Attention: Joe Mott

<PAGE>   25



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT


                            /S/ HOWARD R. CONANT
                            --------------------
                            Howard R. Conant

                            Address:

                            c/o Lunn Partners
                            209 South LaSalle Street
                            Chicago, Illinois 60604
                            Attention: John Cochrane


<PAGE>   26



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                                JOSEPH CUSIMANO IRA


                                By: /S/ JOSEPH CUSIMANO, IRA
                                    ------------------------
                                Name:Joseph Cusimano, IRA
                                Title: ___________________________


                                Address:

                                c/o Lunn Partners
                                209 South LaSalle Street
                                Chicago, Illinois 60604



<PAGE>   27



                       SIGNATURE PAGE TO VOTING AGREEMENT

                            LEG PARTNERS SBIC, L.P.


                            By: /S/ LAWRENCE GOLUB
                                ------------------
                            Name: President of Golub GPII Corporation
                            Title: General Partner


                            Address:

                            230 Park Avenue
                            19th Floor
                            New York, New York 10169
                            Attention: Lawrence Golub



<PAGE>   28



                                                                       EXHIBIT A


                                JOINDER AGREEMENT

                  Reference is made to (i) that certain Voting Agreement, dated
as of _________, 1998, among Central Reserve Life Corporation, an Ohio
corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the persons signatory thereto (as amended and
in effect from time to time, the "VOTING AGREEMENT"), a copy of which is
attached hereto, and (ii) that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of
___________, 1998, among the Company and the persons signatory thereto (as
amended and in effect from time to time, the "STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT"), copy of
which is attached hereto.

                  The undersigned, _________________________ [print name], in
order to become the owner or holder of __________ shares of common stock of the
Company, hereby agrees that by the undersigned's execution hereof, the
undersigned is a party to the Voting Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement
subject to all of the restrictions, conditions and obligations applicable to
stockholders set forth in such agreements. This Joinder Agreement shall take
effect and shall become a part of each such agreement immediately upon
execution.

                  Executed as of the date set forth below.



                                             Signature:_________________________
__________

                                             Address:___________________________
__________
                                                     ___________________________
__________
                                                     ___________________________
__________

                                             Date:   ___________________________
__________


ACCEPTED:

CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION


By:_____________________________


<PAGE>   29



                                    EXHIBIT B

================================================================================
                            INVESTOR                         CLOSING DATE SHARES
================================================================================
Insurance Partners, L.P.                                           2,769,164
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance Partners Offshore (Bermuda), L.P.                        1,576,292
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter W. Nauert                                                      933,636
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael A. Cavataio                                                  130,316
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercantile Bank of Northern Illinois, Trustee of
the Conseco Stock Option Plan FBO Michael
Cavataio
#08590033                                                             37,764
#08590034                                                             13,738
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Karon Hill                                                           100,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Val Rajic                                                            100,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strategic Acquisition Partners, LLC                                      -0-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turkey Vulture Fund XIII, Ltd.                                       720,910
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Mutual of Ohio                                               363,636
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Payors and United Providers, Inc.                             181,818
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard R. Conant                                                      90,909
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Cusimano IRA                                                   90,909
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEG Partners SBIC, L.P.                                              181,818
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc C. Krantz                                                         4,546
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Krantz Family Limited Partnership                                      4,544
================================================================================


<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 7.9


                        CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

         This Registration Rights Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of July
1, 1998, is between CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation (the
"Corporation"), and the persons and entities set forth on the signature pages
attached hereto (the "Investors").

                                 R E C I T A L S

         The Investors have agreed to purchase common shares, without par value,
of the Corporation (the "Common Shares") pursuant to that certain Amended and
Restated Stock Purchase Agreement of even date herewith provided that the
parties hereto enter into this Agreement.

         The Corporation deems it desirable to enter into this Agreement in
order to induce the Investors to purchase the Common Shares pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement.

                                   AGREEMENTS

         In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein
contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement.

         "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Common Shares" means the Common Shares, without par value, of the
Corporation.

         "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         "Person" means a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, a
limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a
joint venture, an unincorporated organization or other entity, or a governmental
entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

         "Public Offering" means any offering by the Corporation of its equity
securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act or any comparable statement under any comparable federal
statute then in effect.

         "Registrable Shares" means at any time (i) any Common Shares then
outstanding which were issued pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement; (ii) any
Common Shares then outstanding and held by any Investor (including the Common
Shares issuable upon exercise the Warrants (as defined in the Stock Purchase
Agreement)); (iii) any Common Shares then outstanding which were issued as, or
were issued directly or indirectly upon the conversion or exercise of other
securities issued as


<PAGE>   2

a dividend or other distribution with respect or in replacement of any shares
referred to in (i) or (ii); and (iv) any Common Shares then issuable directly or
indirectly upon the conversion or exercise of other securities which were issued
as a dividend or other distribution with respect to or in replacement of any
shares referred to in (i) or (ii); provided, however, that Registrable Shares
shall not include any shares which have been registered pursuant to the
Securities Act or which have been sold to the public pursuant to Rule 144 of the
Commission under the Securities Act. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person
will be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Shares whenever such Person has the
then-existing right to acquire such Registrable Shares, whether or not such
acquisition actually has been effected.

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "Stock Purchase Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Stock
Purchase Agreement dated as of March 30, 1998, by and among the Company,
Strategic Acquisition Partners, L.L.C., Insurance Partners, L.P. and Insurance
Partners Offshore (Bermuda).

         2. Demand Registration.

            2.1 Requests for Registration. Subject to the terms of this 
Agreement, the holders of at least $5,000,000 of the then market value of the
outstanding Registrable Shares may, at any time, request registration under the
Securities Act of all or part of their Registrable Shares on Form S-1 or any
similar long-form registration ("Long-Form Registrations") or, if available,
then at the option of the Company, on Form S-2 or S-3 or any similar short-form
registration ("Short-Form Registrations"). Within ten (10) days after receipt of
any request pursuant to this Section 2.1, the Corporation will give written
notice of such request to all other holders of Registrable Shares, subject to
Section 2.4, and will include in such registration all Registrable Shares with
respect to which the Corporation has received written requests for inclusion
within thirty (30) days after delivery of the Corporation's notice. All
registrations requested pursuant to this Section 2 are referred to herein as
"Demand Registrations."

            2.2 Payment of Expenses for Demand Registrations. The Corporation
will pay all Registration Expenses (as defined in Section 6 below) for two
Demand Registrations initiated by Insurance Partners, L.P., one Demand
Registration initiated by Turkey Vulture Fund XIII, Ltd. and one Demand
Registration initiated by Strategic Acquisition Partners, L.L.C. (or its
principals or affiliates) (including those under Section 2.3) (whether a
Long-Form Registration or a Short-Form Registration). A registration will not
count as one of the Corporation-paid Demand Registrations until it has become
effective and the holders of Registrable Shares are able to register and sell at
least 90% of the Registrable Shares requested to be included in such
registration (or in the case of a shelf registration, it remains effective for
not less than 180 days); provided, however, that in any event the Corporation
will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any registration initiated
as a Demand Registration even though such registration shall not count as a
Corporation-paid Demand Registration. In a Demand Registration other than the
four Demand Registrations referred to in the first sentence of this Section
(including those under Section 2.3), the Registration Expenses of such
registration shall be borne by the holders of Registrable Shares to be
registered thereunder pro rata based on the number of Registrable Shares and
other securities requested or permitted to be included



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

in such registration pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

            2.3 Short-Form Registrations. Demand Registrations will be
Short-Form Registrations whenever the Corporation is permitted to use any
applicable short form. The Corporation will use its best efforts to make
Short-Form Registrations available for the sale of Registrable Shares. If a
Short-Form Registration is to be an underwritten public offering, and if the
underwriters for marketing or other reasons request the inclusion in the
registration statement of information which is not required under the Securities
Act to be included in a registration statement on the applicable form for the
Short-Form Registration, the Corporation will provide such information as may be
reasonably requested for inclusion by the underwriters in the Short-Form
Registration.

            2.4 Priority. If a Demand Registration is an underwritten public
offering and the managing underwriters advise the Corporation in writing that in
their opinion the inclusion of the number of Registrable Shares and other
securities requested to be included (by the Corporation or others) creates a
substantial risk that the price per Common Share will be reduced, the
Corporation will include in such registration, prior to the inclusion of any
securities which are not Registrable Shares, the number of Registrable Shares
requested to be included which in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold
without creating such a risk, pro rata among the respective holders of
Registrable Shares on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares owned by
such holders, with further successive pro rata allocations among the holders of
Registrable Shares if any such holder of Registrable Shares has requested the
registration of less than all such Registrable Shares it is entitled to
register.

            2.5 Restrictions. The Corporation will not be obligated to effect
any Demand Registration within 180 days after the effective date of a previous
Demand Registration. The Corporation may postpone for up to ninety (90) days the
filing or the effectiveness (but not the preparation) of a registration
statement for a Demand Registration if the Board of Directors of the Corporation
reasonably and in good faith determines that such filing would require a
disclosure of a material fact that would have a material adverse effect on the
Corporation or any plan by the Corporation to engage in any acquisition of
assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or any merger,
consolidation, tender offer or other significant transaction. In order to
postpone the filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.5,
the Corporation shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days), upon
determining to seek such postponement, deliver to each holder who has requested
the registration of all or any part of its Registrable Shares, a certificate
signed by an executive officer of the Corporation stating that the Corporation
is postponing such filing pursuant to this Section 2.5 and a general statement
of the reason for such postponement and an approximation of the anticipated
delay. Within twenty (20) days after receiving such certificate, the holders of
a majority of the Registrable Shares held who have requested the registration of
all or any part of their respective Registrable Shares and for which
registration was previously requested may withdraw such demand request by giving
written notice to the Corporation; if withdrawn, the demand request shall be
deemed not to have been made for all purposes of this Agreement. The Corporation
may postpone the filing of a particular registration statement pursuant to this
Section 2.5 only once.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

            2.6 Selection of Underwriters. The holders of at least a majority of
the Registrable Shares included in any Demand Registration shall have the right
to select the investment banker(s) and manager(s) to administer the offering,
subject to the Corporation's approval which will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, and any existing contract rights of Advest, Inc.

         3. Piggyback Registration.

            3.1 Right to Piggyback. Whenever the Corporation proposes to
register any of its equity securities under the Securities Act (other than
pursuant to a Demand Registration hereunder or on Form S-8 or S-4 or any
successor form thereto) and the registration form to be used may be used for the
registration of any Registrable Shares (a "Piggyback Registration"), the
Corporation will give prompt written notice (which shall be given not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the registration statement) to
all holders of the Registrable Shares of its intention to effect such a
registration and will include in such registration all Registrable Shares (in
accordance with the priorities set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 below) with
respect to which the Corporation has received written requests for inclusion
within fifteen (15) days after the delivery of the Corporation's notice.

            3.2 Priority on Primary Registrations. If a Piggyback Registration
is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Corporation and the
managing underwriters advise the Corporation in writing that in their opinion
the number of securities requested to be included in the registration creates a
substantial risk that the price per Common Share will be reduced, the
Corporation will include in such registration first, the securities that the
Corporation proposes to sell, second, the Registrable Shares requested to be
included in such registration, pro rata among the holders of such Registrable
Shares on the basis of the number of shares which are owned by such holders, and
third, other securities requested to be included in such registration.

            3.3 Priority on Secondary Registrations. If a Piggyback Registration
is an underwritten secondary registration on behalf of holders of the
Corporation's securities and the managing underwriters advise the Corporation in
writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included
in the registration creates a substantial risk that the price per Common Share
will be reduced, the Corporation will include in such registration first, the
securities requested to be included therein by the holders requesting such
registration and the Registrable Shares requested to be included in such
registration, pro rata among the holders of such securities on the basis of the
number of Common Shares or Registrable Shares which are owned by such holders,
and second, other securities requested to be included in such registration.

            3.4 Other Registrations. If the Corporation has previously filed a
registration statement with respect to Registrable Shares pursuant to Section 2
or pursuant to this Section 3, and if such previous registration has not been
withdrawn or abandoned, the Corporation will not file or cause to be effected
any other registration of any of its equity securities or securities convertible
or exchangeable into or exercisable for its equity securities under the
Securities Act (except on Form S-8 or any successor form), whether on its own
behalf or at the request of any holder or holders of such securities, until a
period of at least 180 days has elapsed from the effective date of such previous
registration.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

            3.5 Selection of Underwriters. In connection with any Piggyback
Registration, the holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Shares
requested to be registered shall have the right to select the managing
underwriters (subject to the approval of the Corporation which shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed) to administer any offering of the
Corporation's securities in which the Corporation does not participate, and the
Corporation will have such right in any offering in which it participates.

         4. Holdback Agreements.

            4.1 Holders' Agreements. Each holder of Registrable Shares agrees
not to effect any public sale or distribution of equity securities of the
Corporation, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for such securities or make any demand for registration under Sections 2 or 3
hereof, during the seven (7) days prior to, and during the ninety (90) days
following, the effective date of any underwritten Demand Registration or any
underwritten Piggyback Registration in which Registrable Shares are included
(except as part of such underwritten registration), unless the underwriters
managing the registered public offering otherwise agree. Nothing herein shall
prevent a holder of Registrable Shares that is a partnership from making a
distribution of Registrable Shares to its partners, a holder of Registrable
Shares that is a trust from making a distribution of Registrable Shares to its
beneficiaries or a holder of Registrable Shares that is a corporation from
making a distribution of Registrable Shares to its stockholders, provided that
the transferees of such Registrable Shares agree to be bound by the provisions
of this Agreement to the extent the transferor would be so bound.

            4.2 Corporation's Agreements. The Corporation agrees (i) not to
effect any public sale or distribution of its equity securities, or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities,
during the seven (7) days prior to, and during the ninety (90) days following,
the effective date of any underwritten Demand Registration or any underwritten
Piggyback Registration (except as part of such underwritten registration or
pursuant to registrations on Form S-8 or any successor form), unless the
underwriters managing the registered public offering otherwise agree, (ii) to
use all reasonable efforts to cause each holder of at least five percent (5%)
(on a fully diluted basis) of its equity securities, or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities to agree not
to effect any public sale or distribution of any such securities during such
period (except as part of such underwritten registration, if otherwise
permitted), unless the underwriters managing the registered public offering
otherwise agree, subject to the registration obligations of the Company under
the Common Share Purchase Warrants and (iii) if requested by the underwriters
managing the registered public offering, to use all reasonable efforts to cause
each other holder of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into
or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, purchased from the
Corporation at any time (other than in a registered public offering) to agree
not to effect any public sale or distribution of any such securities during such
period (except as part of such underwritten registration, if otherwise
permitted), unless the underwriters managing the registered public offering
otherwise agree, subject to the registration obligations of the Company under
the Common Share Purchase Warrants.

         5. Registration Procedures. Whenever the holders of Registrable
Shares have requested that any Registrable Shares be registered pursuant to this
Agreement, the Corporation will use its



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

best efforts to effect the registration and sale of such Registrable Shares in
accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof and, pursuant
thereto, the Corporation will as expeditiously as possible:

          prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement with
respect to such Registrable Shares and use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective (provided that before filing a
registration statement or prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto,
the Corporation will furnish copies of all such documents proposed to be filed
to the counsel or counsels for the sellers of the Registrable Shares covered by
such registration statement);

          prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements
to such registration statement and the prospectus(es) used in connection
therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for
a period of not less than nine months and comply with the provisions of the
Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such
registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended
methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration
statement;

          furnish to each seller of Registrable Shares and the underwriters such
number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement
thereto, the prospectus(es) included in such registration statement (including
each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents as such seller or
underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the
Registrable Shares;

          use its best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Shares
under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any seller
or underwriter reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things
which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller or
underwriter to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the
Registrable Shares (provided that the Corporation will not be required to (i)
qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not
otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph or (ii) consent to
general service of process in any such jurisdiction);

          promptly notify each seller of such Registrable Shares, at any time
when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the
prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement
of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, and, at the request of any such seller, the Corporation will
prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus or registration statement
so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Shares,
such prospectus or registration statement will not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading;

          cause all such Registrable Shares to be (i) listed on each securities
exchange on which similar securities issued by the Corporation are then listed,
(ii) authorized to be quoted and/or listed (to the extent applicable) on the
NASD Automated Quotation System or The Nasdaq National Market if the Registrable
Shares so qualify, or (iii) if no similar securities issued by the Corporation
are then listed on a securities exchange, a securities exchange selected by the
holders of at least a majority of the



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

Registrable Shares included in such registration;

          provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Shares
not later than the effective date of such registration statement;

          enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting
agreements in customary form) and take all such other actions as the holders of
at least a majority of the Registrable Shares being sold or the underwriters, if
any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of
such Registrable Shares (including, but not limited to, effecting a stock split
or a combination of shares).

          make available for inspection by any seller of Registrable Shares, any
underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration
statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such
seller or underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate
documents and properties of the Corporation, and cause the Corporation's
officers, directors, employees and independent accountants to supply all
information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney,
accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement;

          advise each seller of such Registrable Shares, promptly after it shall
receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by
the Commission or any state securities or other regulatory authority suspending
the effectiveness of such registration statement or the initiation or
threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use all best efforts
to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such
stop order should be issued;

          at least forty eight (48) hours prior to the filing of any
registration statement or prospectus, or any amendment or supplement to such
registration statement or prospectus, furnish a copy thereof to each seller of
such Registrable Shares and refrain from filing any such registration statement,
prospectus, amendment or supplement to which counsel selected by the holders of
at least a majority of the Registrable Shares being registered shall have
reasonably objected on the grounds that such document does not comply in all
material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations thereunder, unless, in the case of an amendment or supplement, in
the opinion of counsel for the Corporation the filing of such amendment or
supplement is reasonably necessary to protect the Corporation from any
liabilities under any applicable federal or state law and such filing will not
violate applicable laws;

          at the request of any seller of such Registrable Shares in connection
with an underwritten offering, furnish on the date or dates provided for in the
underwriting agreement: (i) an opinion of counsel, addressed to the underwriters
and the sellers of Registrable Shares, covering such matters as such
underwriters and sellers may reasonably request, including such matters as are
customarily furnished in connection with an underwritten offering and (ii) a
letter or letters from the independent certified public accountants of the
Corporation addressed to the underwriters and the sellers of Registrable Shares,
covering such matters as such underwriters and sellers may reasonably request,
in which letter(s) such accountants shall state, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, that they are independent certified public accountants within
the meaning of the Securities Act and that



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

in their opinion the financial statements and other financial data of the
Corporation included in the registration statement, the prospectus(es), or any
amendment or supplement thereto, comply in all material respects with the
applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act;

          make generally available to the Corporation's securityholders an
earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities
Act no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the twelve (12) month period
beginning with the first day of the Corporation's first fiscal quarter
commencing after the effective date of a registration statement, which earnings
statement shall cover such twelve (12) month period, and which requirement will
be deemed to be satisfied if the Corporation timely files complete and accurate
information on Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and 8-K under the Exchange Act and otherwise
complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act;

          If requested by the managing underwriter or any seller promptly
incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such
information as the managing underwriter or any seller reasonably requests to be
included therein, including, without limitation, with respect to the Registrable
Shares being sold by such seller, the purchase price being paid therefor by the
underwriters and with respect to any other terms of the underwritten offering of
the Registrable Shares to be sold in such offering, and promptly make all
required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

          cooperate with each seller and each underwriter participating in the
disposition of such Registrable Shares and their respective counsel in
connection with any filings required to be made with the NASD;

          during the period when the prospectus is required to be delivered
under the Securities Act, promptly file all documents required to be filed with
the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act; and

          notify each seller of Registrable Shares promptly of any request by
the Commission for the amending or supplementing of such registration statement
or prospectus or for additional information.

         6. Registration Expenses.

            6.1 Corporation's Expenses. Except as provided in Section 2.2
hereof, all expenses incident to the Corporation's performance of or compliance
with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, all registration and filing
fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws, printing
expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, and fees and disbursements of counsel
for the Corporation and all independent certified public accountants,
underwriters (excluding discounts and commissions) and other Persons retained by
the Corporation (all such expenses being herein called "Registration Expenses"),
will be borne by the Corporation. In addition, the Corporation will pay its
internal expenses (including, but not limited to, all salaries and expenses of
its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense
of any annual audit or quarterly review, the expense of any liability insurance
obtained by the Corporation; the expenses and fees for listing the securities to
be registered on each securities exchange, expenses



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

incurred in obtaining any comfort letters, and all fees and expenses associated
with filings required to be made with the NASD.

            6.2 Holder's Expenses. Except as provided in Section 2.2 hereof, in
connection with any registration statement in which Registrable Shares are
included, the Corporation will reimburse the holders of Registrable Shares
covered by such registration for the reasonable cost and expenses incurred by
such holders in connection with such registration, including, but not limited
to, reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel chosen by the holders of at
least a majority of such Registrable Shares.

         7. Indemnification.

            7.1 By the Corporation. The Corporation agrees to indemnify and
reimburse, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each holder of Registrable
Shares, its officers and directors and each Person who controls such holder
(within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorney's fees) caused
by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any
registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus, or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission of a material
fact, required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, except insofar as the same are directly caused by statements or
omissions made in reliance on and in strict conformity with the information
furnished in writing to the Corporation by such holder expressly for use therein
or by such holder's failure to deliver a copy of the prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto after the Corporation has furnished such
holder with a sufficient number of copies of the same. In connection with an
underwritten offering, the Corporation will indemnify such underwriters, their
officers and directors and each Person who controls such underwriters (within
the meaning of the Securities Act) to the extent customary. The payments
required by this Section 7.1 will be made periodically during the course of the
investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expenses incurred,
subject to an obligation of repayment in the event such indemnity is determined
not to be owed.

            7.2 By Each Holder. In connection with any registration statement in
which a holder of Registrable Shares is participating, each such holder will
furnish to the Corporation in writing such information as the Corporation
reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement,
preliminary prospectus or prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto
and, to the extent permitted by law, will indemnify the Corporation, its
directors and officers and each Person who controls the Corporation (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities
and expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material
fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary
prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or any omission or
alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such
untrue statement or omission is contained in any information so furnished in
writing by such holder specifically for inclusion in the registration statement
or prospectus; provided, that the obligation to indemnify will be several, and
not joint and several, among such sellers of Registrable Shares, and the
liability of each such seller of Registrable Shares will be in proportion to,
and provided further that such liability will be limited to, the net



                                       -9-
<PAGE>   10

amount received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to
such registration statement; further provided, however, that such seller of
Registrable Shares shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that prior
to the filing of any such registration statement or prospectus or amendment
thereof or supplement thereto, such seller has furnished in writing to the
Corporation information expressly for use in such registration statement or
prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto that corrected or made
not misleading information previously furnished to the Corporation

            7.3 Procedure. Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will
(i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying Person of any claim with
respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give
such notice shall not limit the rights of such Person except to the extent such
failure to provide notice materially prejudices the indemnifying Person) and
(ii) unless in such indemnified Person's reasonable judgment a conflict of
interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with
respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying Person to assume the defense of
such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified Person;
provided, however, that any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall
have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of
such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of
such Person unless (x) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or
expenses, or (y) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense
of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Person. If such
defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party as permitted hereunder, the
indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made
by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent will not be
unreasonably delayed or withheld). If such defense is assumed by the
indemnifying party pursuant to the provisions hereof, such indemnifying party
shall not settle or otherwise compromise the applicable claim unless (i) such
settlement or compromise contains a full and unconditional release of the
indemnified party or (ii) the indemnified party otherwise consents in writing.
An indemnifying Person who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the
defense of a claim will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more
than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying Person with
respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgmen of any indemnified
Person a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified Person and any
other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim.

            7.4 Each party hereto agrees that, if for any reason the
indemnification provisions contemplated by Section 7.1 or 7.2 are unavailable to
or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses,
liabilities, claims, damages, or expenses (or actions in respect thereof)
referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses,
liabilities, claims, damages, or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the actions
which resulted in the losses, liabilities, claims, damages, or expenses as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such
indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it
would



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7.4 were
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the holders or any underwriters or
all of them were treated as one Person for such purpose) or by any other method
of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations
referred to in this Section 7.4, The amount paid or payable by an indemnified
party as a result of the losses, liabilities, claims, damages, or expenses (or
actions in respect thereafter referred to above shall be deemed to include any
legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigating or, except as provided in Section 7.3, defending
any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7.4, no
holder shall be required to contribute an amount greater than the dollar amount
by which the net proceeds received by such holder with respect to the sale of
any Registrable Shares exceeds the amount of damages which such holder has
otherwise been required to pay by reason of any and all untrue or alleged untrue
statements of material fact or omissions or alleged omissions of material fact
made in any registration statement, prospectus, or preliminary prospectus or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, related to such sale of Registrable
Shares. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The holders'
obligations in this Section 7.4 to contribute shall be several in proportion to
the amount of Registrable Shares registered by them and not joint. If
indemnification is available under this Section 7, the indemnifying parties
shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections
7.1 and 7.2 without regard to the relative fault of such indemnifying party or
indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this
Section 7.4 subject, in the case of the holders, to the limited dollar amounts
get forth in Section 7.2.

            7.5 Survival. The indemnification provided for under this Agreement
will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or
on behalf of the indemnified Person or any officer, director or controlling
Person of such indemnified Person and will survive the transfer of securities.
The Corporation also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested
by any indemnified Person for contribution to such Person in the event the
Corporation's indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

         8. Compliance with Rule 144 and Rule 144A. At the request of any holder
of Registrable Shares who proposes to sell securities in compliance with Rule
144 of the Commission, the Corporation will (i) forthwith furnish to such holder
a written statement of compliance with the filing requirements of the Commission
as set forth in Rule 144, as such rule may be amended from time to time and (ii)
make available to the public and such holders such information as will enable
the holders of Registrable Shares to make sales pursuant to Rule 144. Unless the
Corporation is subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
Corporation will provide to the holder of Registrable Shares and to any
prospective purchaser of Registrable Shares under Rule 144A of the Commission,
the information described in Rule 144A(d)(4) of the Commission.

         9. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No Person may
participate in any registration hereunder which is underwritten unless such
Person (a) agrees to sell its securities on the basis provided in any
underwriting arrangements approved by such Person or Persons entitled hereunder
to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires,
powers of attorney, custody agreements, indemnities, underwriting agreements and
other documents



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided,
that no holder of Registrable Shares shall be required to make any
representations or warranties in connection with any registration other than as
to (i) such holder's ownership of his or its Registrable Shares to be sold or
transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, (ii) such
holder's power and authority to effect such transfer, and (iii) such matters
pertaining to the compliance with securities laws as may be reasonably
requested; provided, further, that the obligation of such holder to indemnify
pursuant to any such underwriting arrangements shall be several, not joint and
several, among such holders selling Registrable Shares, and the liability of
each such holder will be in proportion to, and provided further that such
liability will be limited to, the net amount received by such holder from the
sale of his or its Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration.

         10. Miscellaneous.

             10.1 No Inconsistent Agreements. The Corporation will not hereafter
enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent
with the rights granted to the holders of Registrable Shares in this Agreement.

             10.2 Adjustments Affecting Registrable Shares. The Corporation will
not take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to its
securities which would adversely affect the ability of the holders of
Registrable Shares to include such Registrable Shares in a registration
undertaken pursuant to this Agreement or which would adversely affect the
marketability of such Registrable Shares in any such registration, including,
but not limited to, effecting a stock split or combination of shares.

             10.3 Other Registration Rights. Except as provided in this
Agreement, the Corporation will not hereafter grant to any Person or Persons the
right to request the Corporation to register any equity securities of the
Corporation, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable
for such securities, without the prior written consent of the holders of at
least a majority of the Registrable Shares.

             10.4 Remedies. Any Person having rights under any provision of this
Agreement will be entitled to enforce such rights specifically, to recover
damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to
exercise all other rights granted by law, in equity, or otherwise.

             10.5 Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, the provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived at any time
only by the written agreement of the Corporation and the holders of at least a
majority of the Registrable Shares; provided, however, that the provisions of
this Agreement may not be amended or waived without the consent of the holders
of all the Registrable Shares adversely affected by such amendment or waiver if
such amendment or waiver adversely affects a portion of the Registrable Shares
but does not so adversely affect all of the Registrable Shares. Any waiver,
permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any such
holders of any provision or condition of this Agreement must be made in writing
and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in writing. Any
amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding
upon each



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

holder of Registrable Securities and the Corporation.

             10.6 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, all covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement by or on behalf
of any of the parties hereto will bind and inure to the benefit of the
respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto, whether so expressed or
not. In addition, and whether or not any express assignment has been made, the
provisions of this Agreement which are for the benefit of the Investors or
holders of Registrable Shares are also for the benefit of, and enforceable by,
any subsequent holders of such Registrable Shares.

             10.7 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited
by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of this Agreement.

             10.8 Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a
part of and shall not be utilized in interpreting this Agreement.

             10.9 Notices. Any notices required or permitted to be sent
hereunder shall be delivered personally or mailed, certified mail, return
receipt requested, or delivered by overnight courier service to the following
addresses, or such other address as any Person designates by written notice to
the Corporation, and shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery, if
delivered personally, three days after mailing, if mailed, or one business day
after delivery to the courier, if delivered by overnight courier service:

         If to the Corporation, to:

                  Central Reserve Life Corporation
                  17800 Royalton Road
                  Strongsville, Ohio  44136

                  with a copy to:

                  Latham & Watkins
                  5800 Sears Tower
                  233 S. Wacker Drive
                  Chicago, Illinois
                  Attention: Mark D. Gerstein

         If to the Investors, to the addresses set forth on the Signature pages
hereto.

         If to holders of the Registrable Shares other than the Investors, to
the addresses set forth on the stock record books of the Corporation.



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

             10.10 Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction,
validity and interpretation of this Agreement, and the performance of the
obligations imposed by this Agreement, shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Ohio applicable to contracts made and wholly to be performed in that
state.

             10.11 Final Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Stock
Purchase Agreement and all other agreements entered into by the parties hereto
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, constitutes the complete and final
agreement of the parties concerning the matters referred to herein, and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

             10.12 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall
be deemed an original, and such counterparts together shall constitute one
instrument.

             10.13 No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement
will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their
mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be used against any
Person.

                  [Remainder of page intentionally left blank.
                            Signature pages follow.]




                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15

         The parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above
written.


                                            THE CORPORATION:

                                            CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION



                                             By: /S/ FRANK W. GRIMONE
                                                 --------------------
                                             Name: Frank W. Grimone
                                             Title: CFO






<PAGE>   16



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 INSURANCE PARTNERS, L.P.

                                   By: Insurance GenPar, L.P.,
                                       its General Partner

                                       By: Insurance GenPar MGP, L.P.
                                           its General Partner

                                           By: Insurance GenPar MGP, Inc.,
                                               its General Partner

                                           By:  /s/ ROBERT SPASS
                                           Name: Robert Spass
                                           Title:________________________


                                Address:

                                One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                                44th Floor
                                New York, New York 10005
                                Attention: Bradley & Cooper

                                Copy to:

                                Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                                767 Fifth Avenue
                                New York, New York 10153
                                Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts







<PAGE>   17



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                              INSURANCE PARTNERS OFFSHORE
                              (BERMUDA), L.P.

                              By: Insurance Genpar (Bermuda), L.P.,
                                  its General Partner

                                  By: Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda), L.P.,
                                      its General Partner

                                      By: Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda), Inc.,
                                          its General Partner

                                      By: /s/ ROBERT SPASS
                                          ----------------
                                      Name:    Robert Spass
                                      Title:


                              Address:

                              One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                              44th Floor
                              New York, New York 10005
                              Attention: Bradley & Cooper

                              Copy to:

                              Weil, Goshal & Manges LLP
                              767 Fifth Avenue
                              New York, New York 10153
                              Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts





<PAGE>   18



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                               /s/ PETER W. NAUERT
                               -------------------
                               Peter W. Nauert


                               Address:

                               1750 East Golf Road
                               Suite 210
                               Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

                               Copy to:

                               McDermott, Will & Emery
                               227 West Monroe Street
                               Chicago, Illinois 60606
                               Attention: Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.




<PAGE>   19



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                             /s/ MICHAEL A. CAVATAIO
                             -----------------------
                             Michael A. Cavataio


                             Address:

                             3125 Ramsgate Road
                             Rockford, Illinois 61114




<PAGE>   20



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                                 TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                                 DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                                 MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590033


                                 By: /s/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                     --------------------
                                 Name: Kathy A. Moffatt
                                 Title: Trust Officer

                                 Address:

                                 P.O. Box 30
                                 Freeport, Illinois 61032

                                 Copy to:

                                 Michael A. Cavataio
                                 3125 Ramsgate Road
                                 Rockford, Illinois 61114




<PAGE>   21



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                                 TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                                 DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                                 MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590034


                                 By: /s/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                     --------------------
                                 Name: Kathy A. Moffatt
                                 Title: Trust Officer


                                 Address:

                                 P.O. Box 30
                                 Freeport, Illinois 61032

                                 Copy to:

                                 Michael A. Cavataio
                                 3125 Ramsgate Road
                                 Rockford, Illinois 61114





<PAGE>   22



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                                  /s/ KARON HILL
                                  --------------
                                  Karon Hill


                                  Address:

                                  1750 East Golf Road
                                  Suite 210
                                  Schaumburg, Illinois 60173




<PAGE>   23



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                                  /s/ VAL RAJIC
                                  -------------
                                  Val Rajic


                                  Address:

                                  1750 East Golf Road
                                  Suite 210
                                  Schaumburg, Illinois 60173




<PAGE>   24



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 TURKEY VULTURE FUND XIII, LTD.


                                 By: /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE
                                     ----------------------
                                 Name: Richard M. Osborne
                                 Title: Manager


                                 Address:

                                 7001 Center Street
                                 Mentor, Ohio 44060
                                 Attention:  Richard M. Osborne

                                 Copy to:

                                 Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz P.L.L.
                                 1375 East Ninth Street
                                 One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                 Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                                 Attention: Marc C. Krantz




<PAGE>   25



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                                 /s/ MARC C. KRANTZ
                                 ------------------
                                 Marc C. Krantz


                                 Address:

                                 Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz P.L.L.
                                 1375 East Ninth Street
                                 One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                 Cleveland, Ohio 44114




<PAGE>   26



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                KRANTZ FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                                By: /s/ BYRON S. KRANTZ
                                    --------------------------------
                                Byron S. Krantz, its General Partner


                                Address:

                                Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz P.L.L.
                                1375 East Ninth Street
                                One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                Cleveland, Ohio 44114





<PAGE>   27



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO


                                 By: /s/ ROBERT N. TROMBLY
                                     ---------------------
                                 Name:  Robert N. Trombly
                                 Title: Corporate Secretary


                                 Address:

                                 2060 East Ninth Street
                                 Cleveland, Ohio 44115
                                 Attention: General Counsel




<PAGE>   28



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                UNITED PAYORS AND UNITED PROVIDERS, INC.


                                By: /s/ S. JOSEPH BRUNO
                                    -------------------
                                Name: S. Joseph Bruno
                                Title: Vice President and CFO


                                Address:

                                2275 Research Blvd.
                                6th Floor
                                Rockville, Maryland 20850
                                Attention: Joe Mott




<PAGE>   29



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                                 /s/ HOWARD R. CONANT
                                 --------------------
                                 Howard R. Conant


                                 Address:

                                 c/o Lunn Partners
                                 209 South LaSalle Street
                                 Chicago, Illinois 60604
                                 Attention: John Cochrane




<PAGE>   30



                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 JOSEPH CUSIMANO IRA


                                 By: /s/ JOSEPH CUSIMANO, IRA
                                     ------------------------
                                 Name: Joseph Cusimano, IRA
                                 Title:________________________________


                                 Address:

                                 c/o Lunn Partners
                                 209 South LaSalle Street
                                 Chicago, Illinois 60604
                                 Attention: John Cochrane




<PAGE>   31


                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                LEG PARTNERS SBIC, L.P.


                                By: /s/ LAWRENCE GOLUB
                                    ------------------
                                Name: President of Golub GPII Corporation
                                Title: General Partner


                                Address:

                                230 Park Avenue
                                19th Floor
                                New York, New York 10169
                                Attention: Lawrence Golub



<PAGE>   1
===============================================================================




                                                                    Exhibit 7.10


                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                  by and among


                        CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION


                                       and


                         THE SECURITY HOLDERS LISTED ON
                           THE SIGNATURE PAGES HEREOF










                            Dated as of July 1, 1998








<PAGE>   2





                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

 1.1      Definitions.....................................................  1
 1.2      Rules of Construction...........................................  3
 1.3      Other Definitions...............................................  3

                                   ARTICLE II
                   CERTAIN OTHER ACTIVITIES; FIDUCIARY DUTIES

 2.1      Other Activities of the Holders; Fiduciary Duties...............  4

                                   ARTICLE III
                             TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES

 3.1      Drag Along Rights...............................................  4
 3.2      Tag Along Rights................................................  5
 3.3      Certain Events Not Deemed Transfers.............................  6
 3.4      Replacement of Securities.......................................  6
 3.5      Restrictive Legend..............................................  6

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                  TERMINATION

 4.1      Termination.....................................................  7

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

 5.1      Notices.........................................................  7
 5.2      Legal Holidays..................................................  8
 5.3      Governing Law...................................................  8
 5.4      Successors and Assigns..........................................  8
 5.5      Duplicate Originals.............................................  8
 5.6      Severability....................................................  8
 5.7      No Waivers; Amendments..........................................  8



<PAGE>   3







                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

         THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") dated as of July 1,
1998, is entered into by and among Central Reserve Life Corporation, an Ohio
corporation (including its successors, the "COMPANY"), and the security holders
listed on the signature pages of this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, mutual
covenants, and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1      Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:

                  "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" shall mean an "Accredited Investor," as
         defined in Regulation D, or any successor rule then in effect.

                  "AFFILIATE" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person
         who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under
         common control with that Person. For purposes of this definition,
         "CONTROL," and "CONTROLLED BY" when used with respect to any Person
         shall mean the power to direct the management and policies of such
         Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
         securities, by contract, or otherwise.

                  "AGREEMENT" shall mean this Agreement, as such from time to
         time may be amended.

                  "COMMON STOCK" shall mean shares of the Common Stock, without
         par value per share, of the Company, and any capital stock into which
         such Common Stock thereafter may be changed.

                  "COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS" shall mean, without duplication
         with any other Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, any rights,
         warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable
         securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or
         convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock
         and securities convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock, whether
         at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence
         of some future event.




<PAGE>   4







                  "COMPANY" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
         paragraph hereof.

                  "CO-SELLER" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

                  "FULLY-DILUTED COMMON STOCK" shall mean, at any time, the then
         outstanding Common Stock plus (without duplication) all shares of
         Common Stock issuable, whether at such time or upon the passage of time
         or the occurrence of future events, upon the exercise, conversion, or
         exchange of all then outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.

                  "HOLDER" shall mean (i) a securityholder listed on the
         signature page hereof and (ii) any direct or indirect transferee of any
         such securityholder who shall become a party to this Agreement.

                  "IP BERMUDA" shall mean Insurance Partners Offshore (Bermuda),
         L.P., a Bermuda limited partnership.

                  "IP DELAWARE" shall mean Insurance Partners, L.P., a Delaware
         limited partnership.

                  "IP GROUP" shall mean IP Delaware, IP Bermuda, their
         respective Affiliates, the respective officers, directors, and
         employees (and members of their respective families and trusts for the
         primary benefit of such family members) of any of the foregoing, and
         any Person that is a limited partner of IP Delaware or IP Bermuda.

                  "LEGAL HOLIDAY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
         5.2.

                  "PARTICIPATION OFFER" shall have the meaning set forth in
         Section 3.2.

                  "PERSON" or "PERSON" shall mean any individual, corporation,
         partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association,
         joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, or government
         or other agency or political subdivision thereof.

                  "REGULATION D" shall mean Regulation D promulgated under the
         Securities Act by the SEC.

                  "REQUIRED HOLDERS" shall mean Holders who then own
         beneficially more than 66-2/3% of the aggregate number of shares of
         Common Stock subject to this Agreement.

                  

                                       -2-

<PAGE>   5




                  "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                  "SECURITIES ACT" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
         amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
         thereunder.

                  "SIGNIFICANT DRAG SALE" shall have the meaning set forth in
         Section 3.1.

                  "SIGNIFICANT TAG SALE" shall have the meaning set forth in
         Section 3.2.

                  "SUBSIDIARY" of any Person shall mean (i) a corporation a
         majority of whose outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity
         interests with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect
         directors, is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such
         Person, by one or more subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person
         and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, and (ii) any other Person
         (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a subsidiary of such
         Person, or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person,
         directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x)
         at least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or
         direct the election of the directors or other governing body of such
         Person.

                  "TRANSFER" shall mean any disposition of any Common Stock or
         any interest therein that would constitute a "sale" thereof within the
         meaning of the Securities Act.

         1.2      Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: 
(a) a term shall have the meaning assigned to it; (b) "OR" is not exclusive; (c)
words in the singular shall include the plural, and words in the plural shall
include the singular; (d) provisions apply to successive events and
transactions; (e) the words "HEREOF," "HEREIN," "HEREUNDER," and words of
similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement; (f) words in the neuter or masculine
gender shall include the feminine, masculine, and neuter genders; (g) all
references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections of this
Agreement; and (h) "INCLUDE" and derivatives thereof shall mean "including,
without limitation."

         1.3      Other Definitions. Certain capitalized terms used in this
Agreement, but not defined in this Article I, shall have the meanings set forth
elsewhere in this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE II
                   CERTAIN OTHER ACTIVITIES; FIDUCIARY DUTIES

         2.1      Other Activities of the Holders; Fiduciary Duties. It is 
understood and accepted that the Holders and their Affiliates have interests in
other business ventures which may be in conflict with the activities of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and that, subject to applicable law, nothing in
this Agreement shall limit the current or future business activities of the


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   6





Holders whether or not such activities are competitive with those of the Company
and its Subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, shall
relieve any officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or
any Holder, of any fiduciary or other duties or obligations they may have to the
Company's stockholders.




                                       -4-

<PAGE>   7







                                   ARTICLE III
                             TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES

         3.1      Drag Along Rights.

                  3.1.1 Applicability. In connection with any Transfer by
         members of the IP Group of shares of Common Stock and/or Common Stock
         Equivalents representing more than twenty percent (20%) of the
         outstanding shares of Common Stock (provided, that for the purposes of
         such calculation, the following shares of Common Stock shall be deemed
         to be issued and outstanding: (i) any shares of Common Stock to be
         Transferred that are to be issued pursuant to the exercise or
         conversion of any Common Stock Equivalents and (ii) any shares of
         Common Stock underlying any Common Stock Equivalents that are to be
         Transferred) in any one transaction or series of related transactions
         (a "SIGNIFICANT DRAG SALE"), the IP Group shall have the right to
         require each non-selling Holder (each, a "CO-SELLER") to Transfer a
         portion of its Common Stock and/or Common Stock Equivalents which
         represents the same percentage of the Fully- Diluted Common Stock held
         by such Co-Seller as the shares of Common Stock and/or Common Stock
         Equivalents being disposed of by the IP Group represent of the Fully-
         Diluted Common Stock held by the IP Group. (For example, if the IP
         Group is selling sixty-five percent (65%) of its Fully-Diluted Common
         Stock position, each Co-Seller shall be required to sell sixty-five
         percent (65%) of its Fully-Diluted Common Stock position.) All Common
         Stock Transferred by Holders pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be sold
         at the same price and time and otherwise treated identically with the
         Common Stock being sold by the IP Group in all respects.

                  3.1.2 Notice of Significant Drag Sale. IP Delaware, on behalf
         of the IP Group, shall give each Co-Seller at least thirty (30) days'
         prior written notice of any Significant Drag Sale as to which the IP
         Group intends to exercise its rights under this Section 3.1. If the IP
         Group elects to exercise its rights under this Section 3.1, the
         Co-Sellers shall take such actions as may be reasonably required and
         otherwise cooperate in good faith with the IP Group in connection with
         consummating the Significant Drag Sale (including the voting of any
         Common Stock or other voting capital stock of the Company to approve
         such Significant Drag Sale). At the closing of such Significant Drag
         Sale, each Co-Seller shall deliver certificates for all shares of
         Common Stock to be sold by such Co-Seller, duly endorsed for transfer,
         with the signature guaranteed, to the purchaser against payment of the
         appropriate purchase price.

         3.2      Tag Along Rights.

                  3.2.1 Applicability. In the event any Holder desires to effect
         a Transfer (other than a Transfer in an underwritten public offering
         pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
         Act) of shares of Common Stock and/or Common Stock


                                       -5-

<PAGE>   8







         Equivalents representing more than twenty percent (20%) of the
         outstanding shares of Common Stock (provided, that for the purposes of
         such calculation, the following shares of Common Stock shall be deemed
         to be issued and outstanding: (i) any shares of Common Stock to be
         Transferred that are to be issued pursuant to the exercise or
         conversion of any Common Stock Equivalents and (ii) any shares of
         Common Stock underlying any Common Stock Equivalents that are to be
         Transferred) in any one transaction or series of related transactions
         (a "SIGNIFICANT TAG SALE"), and the IP Group does not elect to exercise
         its rights (if any) under Section 3.1, then at least thirty (30) days
         prior to the closing of such Significant Tag Sale, such Holder shall
         make an offer (the "PARTICIPATION OFFER") to each Co-Seller to include
         in the proposed Significant Tag Sale a portion of its Common Stock
         and/or Common Stock Equivalents which represents the same percentage of
         such Co-Seller's Fully-Diluted Common Stock as the shares of Common
         Stock and/or Common Stock Equivalents being sold by such Holder
         represent of its Fully-Diluted Common Stock; provided, however, that,
         if the consideration to be received by such Holder includes any
         securities, only Co-Sellers who have certified to the reasonable
         satisfaction of such Holder that they are Accredited Investors shall be
         entitled to participate in such transfer, unless the transferee
         consents otherwise.

                  3.2.2 Terms of Participation Offer. The Participation Offer
         shall describe the terms and conditions of the proposed Significant Tag
         Sale and shall be conditioned upon (i) the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated in the Participation Offer with the
         transferee named therein, and (ii) each Co-Seller's execution and
         delivery of all agreements and other documents as the Holder is
         required to execute and deliver in connection with such Significant Tag
         Sale (provided that the Co-Seller shall not be required to make any
         representations or warranties in connection with such sale or transfer
         other than representations and warranties as to (A) such Co-Seller's
         ownership of his or its Common Stock to be sold or transferred free and
         clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, (B) such Co-Seller's
         power and authority to effect such transfer, and (C) such matters
         pertaining to compliance with securities laws as the transferee may
         reasonably require). If any Co-Seller shall accept the Participation
         Offer, the Holder shall reduce, to the extent necessary, the number of
         shares of Common Stock it otherwise would have sold in the proposed
         transfer so as to permit those Co-Sellers who have accepted the
         Participation Offer to sell the number of shares of Common Stock that
         they are entitled to sell under this Section 3.2, and the Holder and
         such Co-Sellers shall transfer the number of shares of Common Stock
         specified in the Participation Offer to the proposed transferee in
         accordance with the terms of such transfer as set forth in the
         Participation Offer.

         3.3 Certain Events Not Deemed Transfers. In no event shall any
exchange, reclassification, or other conversion of shares into any cash,
securities, or other property pursuant to a merger or consolidation of the
Company or any Subsidiary with, or any sale or transfer by the Company or any
Subsidiary of all or substantially all its assets to, any Person


                                       -6-

<PAGE>   9







constitute a Significant Drag Sale or a Significant Tag Sale for purposes of
Section 3.1 or 3.2; provided, however, that all of Holders of Common Stock
receive the same consideration per share in such exchange, reclassification, or
conversion. In addition, Sections 3.1 and 3.2 shall not apply to any transfer,
sale, or disposition of shares of Common Stock solely among Holders.

         3.4 Replacement of Securities. If a mutilated certificate representing
Common Stock is surrendered to the Company or if the Holder of a certificate
representing Common Stock claims and submits an affidavit or other evidence,
satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that any such certificate has been
lost, destroyed, or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue a replacement
certificate if the Company's requirements are met. If required by the Company,
such securityholder must provide an indemnity bond, or other form of indemnity,
sufficient in the judgment of the Company to protect the Company against any
loss which may be suffered; provided, however, that no indemnity bond or other
form of indemnity shall be required from a Holder who is an Accredited Investor.

         3.5 Restrictive Legend. Each certificate representing Common Stock
issued to each Holder or a subsequent transferee shall include a legend in
substantially the following form:

             THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS SET
             FORTH IN THE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JULY 1, 1998, A
             COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL
             EXECUTIVE OFFICES.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   TERMINATION

         4.1 Termination. The provisions of this Agreement shall terminate on
July 1, 2003.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         5.1 Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if made by hand
delivery, by telex, by telecopier, or registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (or at such other
address as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided):

                  If to the Company:

                           Central Reserve Life Corporation
                           17800 Royalton Road
                           Strongsville, Ohio 44136
                           Facsimile No.: (440) 572-4501
                           Attention:  Fred Lick, Jr.


                                       -7-

<PAGE>   10








         If to any Holder, at its address listed on the signature pages hereof.

         Any notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been
given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered; when answered
back, if telexed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and five (5)
calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail (except that
a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until
actually received by the addressee). Failure to mail a notice or communication
to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to
other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided
above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

         5.2      Legal Holidays. A "LEGAL HOLIDAY" used with respect to a 
particular place of payment is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a day on which banking
institutions at such place are not required to be open. If a payment date is a
Legal Holiday at such place, payment may be made at such place on the next
succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest on the amount of
such payment shall accrue for the intervening period.

         5.3      Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND 
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO, WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

         5.4      Successors and Assigns. Whether or not an express assignment 
has been made pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, provisions of this
Agreement that are for the Holders' benefit as the holders of any Common Stock
are also for the benefit of, and enforceable by, all subsequent holders of
Common Stock, except as otherwise expressly provided herein. This Agreement
shall be binding upon the Company, each Holder, and their respective successors
and assigns.

         5.5      Duplicate Originals. All parties may sign any number of copies
of this Agreement. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them
together shall represent the same agreement.

         5.6      Severability. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be
held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the
validity, legality, and enforceability of any such provision in every other
respect and the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

         5.7      No Waivers; Amendments.



                                       -8-

<PAGE>   11







                  5.7.1 No failure or delay on the part of the Company or any
         Holder in exercising any right, power, or remedy hereunder shall
         operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise
         of any such right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further
         exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy.
         The remedies provided for herein are cumulative and are not exclusive
         of any remedies that may be available to the Company or any Holder at
         law, in equity, or otherwise.

                  5.7.2 Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived
         if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed
         by the Company and the Required Holders; provided that no amendment or
         waiver that is adverse to any Holder that owns more than 5% of the
         outstanding Common Stock shall be effective as to that Holder prior to
         the three year anniversary of the date hereof without such Holder's
         consent.


            [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]




                                       -9-

<PAGE>   12







         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first written above.

                             CENTRAL RESERVE LIFE CORPORATION


                             By:/s/ FRANK W. GRIMONE
                                ----------------------------
                             Name: Frank W. Grimone
                             Title: CFO






<PAGE>   13







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                           INSURANCE PARTNERS, L.P.

                                    By:  Insurance GenPar, L.P.,
                                         its general partner

                                         By:   Insurance GenPar MGP, L.P.,
                                               its general partner

                                               By:   Insurance GenPar MGP, Inc.,
                                                     its general partner


                                               By: /s/ ROBERT SPASS
                                                  -----------------------------
                                               Name: Robert Spass
                                               Title: ____________

                           Address:

                           One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                           44th Floor
                           New York, New York 10005
                           Attention: Bradley E. Cooper

                           Copy to:

                           Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                           767 Fifth Avenue
                           New York, New York  10153
                           Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts




<PAGE>   14







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                   INSURANCE PARTNERS OFFSHORE (BERMUDA), L.P.

                             By: Insurance GenPar (Bermuda), L.P.,
                                 its general partner

                                 By: Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda), L.P.,
                                     its general partner

                                      By: Insurance GenPar MGP (Bermuda), Inc., 
                                          its general partner


                                      By: /s/ ROBERT SPASS
                                         -----------------------
                                      Name: Robert Spass
                                      Title:_____________


                           Address:

                           One Chase Manhattan Plaza
                           44th Floor
                           New York, New York 10005
                           Attention: Bradley & Cooper

                           Copy to:

                           Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                           767 Fifth Avenue
                           New York, New York  10153
                           Attention:  Thomas A. Roberts




<PAGE>   15







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                      STRATEGIC ACQUISITION PARTNERS, LLC


                                      By: /s/ PETER W. NAUERT
                                         -------------------------
                                      Name: Peter W. Nauert
                                           -----------------------
                                      Title:
                                            ----------------------


                                      Address:

                                      1750 East Golf Road
                                      Suite 210
                                      Chicago, Illinois 60173

                                      Copy to:

                                      McDermott, Will & Emery
                                      227 West Monroe Street
                                      Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                      Attention: Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.




<PAGE>   16







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    /s/ PETER W. NAUERT
                                    ---------------------------
                                    Peter W. Nauert

                                    Address:

                                    1750 East Golf Road
                                    Suite 210
                                    Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

                                    Copy to:

                                    McDermott, Will & Emery
                                    227 West Monroe Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                    Attention: Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.



<PAGE>   17







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    /s/ MICHAEL A. CAVATAIO
                                    ------------------------------
                                    Michael A. Cavataio

                                    Address:

                                    3125 Ramsgate Road
                                    Rockford, Illinois 61114



<PAGE>   18







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                 MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                                 TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                                 DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                                 MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590033


                                 By:/s/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                    ------------------------------
                                 Name: Kathy A. Moffatt
                                      ----------------------------
                                 Title: Trust Officer
                                       ---------------------------


                                 Address:

                                 P.O. Box 30
                                 Freeport, Illinois 61032

                                 Copy to:

                                 Michael A. Cavataio
                                 3125 Ramsgate Road
                                 Rockford, Illinois 61114




<PAGE>   19







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    MERCANTILE BANK OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS,
                                    TRUSTEE OF THE CONSECO STOCK OPTION
                                    DIRECTOR PLAN FBO
                                    MICHAEL CAVATAIO #08590034


                                    By:/s/ KATHY A. MOFFATT
                                       ------------------------------
                                    Name: Kathy A. Moffatt
                                         ----------------------------
                                    Title: Trust Officer
                                          ---------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    P.O. Box 30
                                    Freeport, Illinois 61032

                                    Copy to:

                                    Michael A. Cavataio
                                    3125 Ramsgate Road
                                    Rockford, Illinois 61114




<PAGE>   20







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    /s/ KARON HILL
                                    ----------------------------
                                    Karon Hill

                                    Address:

                                    1750 East Golf Road
                                    Suite 210
                                    Schaumburg, Illinois 60173



<PAGE>   21







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    /s/ VAL RAJIC
                                    ----------------------------
                                    Val Rajic

                                    Address:

                                    1750 East Golf Road
                                    Suite 210
                                    Schaumburg, Illinois 60173



<PAGE>   22







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    TURKEY VULTURE FUND XIII, LTD.


                                    By: /s/ RICHARD M. OSBORNE
                                       ----------------------------
                                    Name: Richard M. Osborne
                                         --------------------------
                                    Title: Manager
                                         --------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    7001 Center Street
                                    Mentor, Ohio  44060
                                    Attention: Richard M. Osborne

                                    Copy to:

                                    Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                                    1375 East Ninth Street
                                    One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                    Cleveland, Ohio  44114
                                    Attention:  Marc C. Krantz



<PAGE>   23







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    MARCH C. KRANTZ
                                    ---------------
                                    Marc C. Krantz

                                    Address:

                                    Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                                    1375 East Ninth Street
                                    One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                    Cleveland, Ohio  44114




<PAGE>   24







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    KRANTZ FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                                    By: /s/ BYRON S. KRANTZ
                                       -------------------------------------
                                        Byron S. Krantz, its General Partner


                                    Address:

                                    Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, P.L.L.
                                    1375 East Ninth Street
                                    One Cleveland Center, 20th Floor
                                    Cleveland, Ohio  44114


                                      -22-




<PAGE>   25







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO


                                    By: /s/ ROBERT N. TROMBLY
                                       ----------------------------
                                    Name: Robert N. Trombly
                                         --------------------------
                                    Title: Corporate Secretary
                                          -------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    2060 East Ninth Street
                                    Cleveland, Ohio 44115
                                    Attention: General Counsel



<PAGE>   26







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    UNITED PAYORS AND UNITED PROVIDERS, INC.


                                    By: /s/ S. JOSEPH BRUNO
                                       ----------------------------
                                    Name: S. Joseph Bruno
                                         --------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President and CFO
                                          -------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    2275 Research Blvd.
                                    6th Floor
                                    Rockville, Maryland 20850
                                    Attention: Joe Mott



<PAGE>   27







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT


                                    /s/ HOWARD R. CONANT
                                    ----------------------------
                                    Howard R. Conant

                                    Address:

                                    c/o Lunn Partners
                                    209 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60604
                                    Attention: John Cochrane



<PAGE>   28







                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    JOSEPH CUSIMANO IRA


                                    By: /s/ JOSEPH CUSIMANO, IRA
                                       ----------------------------
                                    Name: Joseph Cusimano, IRA
                                         --------------------------
                                    Title:
                                          -------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    c/o Lunn Partners
                                    209 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60604



<PAGE>   29






                    SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                    LEG PARTNERS SBIC, L.P.


                                    By:/s/ LAWRENCE GOLUB
                                       ----------------------------
                                    Name: Lawrence Golub
                                         --------------------------
                                    Title: General Partner
                                          -------------------------


                                    Address:

                                    230 Park Avenue
                                    19th Floor
                                    New York, New York 10169
                                    Attention: Lawrence Golub







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