Blog

Cow Appreciation Day: What It Means to Me

Ryan Wiles, CIC, CISR, AFIS

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

I’ve been raising and showing beef cattle for almost 40 years now. Until recently, I had no idea there was such a thing as “Cow Appreciation Day.” My daughter and I continue to actively travel across the United States...

Adopting a stop-loss insurance policy is common for employers who offer their employees a group health plan.  Having a group health plan is important for business growth.  Employees are the heart and soul of the business...

Why is Insurance so Expensive?

Adam Dyer, CPCU

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Insurance comes in many different forms: life, health, auto, property…you name it.  If there’s one constant, it’s the fact that everything is subject to change.  We can’t prevent the unexpected from...

Recent union-organizing activities at corporate giants like Amazon, Starbucks and Apple have thrust unions into the national spotlight. Learn the impact of these developments and get tips on how to avoid compliance missteps under NLRA.

Learn how to conduct a workplace investigation in a way that gets to the bottom of the issue and minimizes your legal risks.

Artificial intelligence and automated decision-making tools can be a major asset to your recruitment and retention goals. But they can also expose you to discrimination lawsuits.

Are you considering an acquisition with an organization that has a different applicable large employer status? If so, the Affordable Care Act may leave you with as many questions as answers. Work with your advisors, & read on for guidance.

Use this checklist to spot red flags before signing a lease and fill any gaps in your renters insurance.

Choosing the right auto insurance coverage and limits can be daunting. This guide will help you select the most appropriate options.

With any business, payment processing can be extremely stressful.  Finding and choosing the right payment processing solution can be daunting, knowing dealing with it could be costly and time-consuming.  Plus, once you have...

Whether you are just launching your business or have been in business for years, having a strong online presence is important. 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase. A digital marketing strategy is no longer...

Running your own small business can be an expensive process.  You have your employees to pay, you have to buy your supplies and space, and you must decide how to promote your business.  Though these may seem simple...

Your business insurance might be up for renewal soon. Use this checklist to review your business operations and seal any gaps in liability protection.

With constant exposure of your life to the public, social media influencers face unique risks. Therefore, influencers should receive protection from liabilities. Here’s why social media influencers need insurance.

What are deductibles?

Brittany Stewart-Snodgrass

Friday, June 17, 2022

When you’re shopping for coverage with an insurance company, you may have several options from which to choose.  Having some knowledge of the basic terminology is beneficial in understanding the plans and picking the one...

How we respond to stress is unique to each of us. Learn to recognize what makes you anxious and how to design a plan to combat that anxiety in the workplace.

A productive start to the week can help set you up for success for the entire week. Learn strategies for staying focused at work every day.

The convenience of a business owners policy is attractive to many business owners. Even so, you might get better coverage, customization and overall savings with a commercial package policy that’s designed for your industry.

When parents put too much pressure on their kids to perform, it can be at serious cost to the child. Learn some ways to take the pressure off.

Post-accident drug positivity rates are up significantly over preemployment drug tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates and oxycodone. Learn some practical pointers for legally compliant workplace drug testing.

Secure disposal of physical data like paper printouts, disc drives, devices and hardware is often overlooked, but vitally important.

Improve your diet by cooking healthy foods in delicious ways. Learn about healthy preparation techniques, equipment and spices.

Experience modification, commonly referred to as “e-mod,” is an important calculation in determining your worker’s compensation premium. From IRMI, an experience modifier is a factor developed by measuring the...

Plumbing has its rewards – and its risks. You could be cleaning a sewer line, connecting a gas stove, or on your back all day under a sink. There are risks of injury, liability if you make a mistake, & property damage.

Livestock & Equine Mortality - Are you protected for the unexpected?

Ryan Wiles, CIC, CISR, AFIS

Monday, May 23, 2022

I was down at my daughter and I’s barn this afternoon watching our beautiful, one day old heifer calfrunning around the pen. All of our cows have really good bloodlines and this little calf’s Momma topsthe list. I...

A home is the largest investment you will probably ever make.And according to Nationwide, about two out of three every American homes are underinsured. The underinsurance amount is typically 22%. This means that millions of people...

Filing a claim brings your insurance experience full circle; the coverage that you have been maintaining is now being put to use for your protection. Read here to learn how insurance claims work.

For those fortunate enough to travel, there are few things as important as securing the best possible travel insurance in case of an unforeseen incident or illness.

Tame your gas usage with these fuel-saving techniques.

In 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) provided new recommendations for heart-healthy eating for the first time in 15 years. Here are some ways to incorporate sustainable tips into your daily eating habits.

No doubt, video and internet games are designed to keep your children engaged. But can gaming be unhealthy? When does gaming become an addiction?  

Uncertainty fills many people with fear and anxiety. Fear is a natural response that our bodies developed over time to protect us from danger. Learning how to manage fear of the unknown is crucial to your health and long-term happiness.

2022 Compensation Trends — What Employees Want From Wages and Benefits

Rebecca Wilson

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Wages are expected to rise by nearly 4% in 2022, according to The Conference Board’s Salary Increase Budget Survey. This amounts to the biggest wage-cost hike since 2008. According to the report, there are likely two primary...

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic back pain, you know it’s a challenge. Chronic pain can affect your ability to live your life. Read these tips to learn how to manage chronic back pain without opioids.

In your 20s you are typically focused on starting the next phase of your life. You may be concerned about rent or mortgage payments, paying off your student loans, or saving to buy a car or house. Life insurance is not high on your...

State Mandated Employee Benefits

Rebecca Wilson

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Federal law requires medium and large organizations to provide their employees with five main benefits; however, each state also requires additional benefits.    The government mandated benefits are:  Social Security and...

With the large shift to remote and hybrid workforces — and the growing likelihood that some of your employees may work from home in different cities and states — it’s important to pay close attention to your wage and...

Start reviewing your mandatory arbitration agreements. That’s what labor and employment law firms across the country are recommending now that the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 has...

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects employers from the costs of allegations of wrongful acts arising from the employment process. Are you fully covered in the event that an employee sues?

Liability lawsuits are unpredictable. Juries are increasingly giving outsized awards to plaintiffs, and about any accident can become prey to unscrupulous – even manufactured – claims of severe injury. While...

Liability lawsuits are unpredictable. Juries are increasingly giving outsized awards to plaintiffs, and about any accident can become prey to unscrupulous – even manufactured – claims of severe injury. While...

No home or business is completely safe from flood damage. Are you fully covered? Why risk it?

Before you can buy life insurance you need to determine how much you actually need.  Life insurance is a vital investment to protect your loved ones if you pass away. It pays more than just funeral expenses, although, this is the...

  Cybercrime is predicted to cost us $10.5 trillion by 2025 globally.   According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report, 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small to medium sized businesses and only 17% are...

Long-Term Care Insurance FAQs

Mike Cumberland

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Trying to figure out how long you'll live and how much money you’ll need in retirement is a hard calculation to make for most people. That’s why many adults consider purchasing long-term care insurance. Long-term care...

Automobile Liability Insurance  You are in the market for auto insurance and the only thing on your mind is "what's the cheapest option?" Typically, your lowest cost auto policies means state minimum coverage. While this may save...

You have a legal and moral obligation to keep employee information safe. Here is how to safeguard your data in 3 easy steps.

Is Telematics Right For Your Fleet?

Megan Prince

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Is Telematics Right For Your Fleet? The use of commercial vehicles involves a wide range of risks and costs. There's the potential for traffic accidents, thefts, injuries, fatalities and liability claims, and that’s even before...

Should I Bundle My Home & Auto Insurance?  Finding the right personal insurance for your unique needs is challenging. That is why our team will work with you to ensure you are always getting the best coverage and best price we can...

Why You Need Personal Cyber Insurance T-Mobile was hit by five cyberattacks in four years. Over 50 million former and prospective customer accounts were affected in the most recent cyber attack, exposing personal information ranging...

Providing nutritious food options has benefits within and beyond the workplace. How can you help your employees build healthier eating habits?

What is a surety bond?

Stephen Rogers

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

A surety bond is not an insurance policy. It’s a three-party contract that guarantees you will complete the work according to the timeframes and costs outlined in a construction agreement. Does your job call for a surety bond?

Post-Pandemic Workforce Trends Could Lead to Liability Though retail and restaurants have been hit particularly hard by the lack of employees this year, technology, insurance, healthcare, and other skilled-worker sectors are also...

You've Been Hacked, Now What?  Cyberattacks are on the rise. The total number of cyberattack-related data compromises was up 27% in 2021, and on average, a cyber-attack will cost your company over $200,000. The aftermath of a...

Do You Have A Solid Cyber Incident Response Plan? Cyberattacks have become one of the most prevalent security concerns in recent years, with businesses commonly at the center of the storm. There are frequently stories in the news,...

What is Term Life Insurance?

Luca Tesselli

Monday, February 14, 2022

What is Term Life Insurance?  There are many financial products on the market that can increase protection for your family in the event of your death, but one in particular targets high-payout, short-term needs. Term life...

Should You Consider Telematics or Usage-Based Insurance? Traditional Automobile Insurance costs are based on factors relating to your vehicle and driver profile, neither of which have to do with your day to day driving habits. ...

Is It Time To Address Sick Days for Your Remote Employees? Over the past few years, the rise in remote work has become crystal clear. But an issue that remains hazy is the role of sick days for remote employees. Two-thirds of remote...

Why Metrics Are So Important in Your DEI Efforts In October 2021, big-name companies including Google, Apple and Twitter pledged to improve collective efforts and accountability for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the...

Rethink Your EAP To Increase Employee Awareness and Usage The first employee assistance programs (EAPs) were created in the 1930s to help employees manage their personal challenges and remain productive at work. But while they’re...

The Growing Need for Personal Cyber Insurance  The internet has made our lives easier, but it comes with its share of risks. In just one week, you could receive a threatening automated phone call, 200 junk emails, five worrisome...

Business Inventory Checklist

Conn Laughlin

Friday, January 28, 2022

Business Inventory Checklist  Creating a detailed business inventory is nobody’s favorite task, but it’s an important one. In the wake of a theft, fire or natural disaster, it may be too late to reconstruct a full...

Are You Prepared if Something Happens to Your Business Partner?

Mike Lopez

Friday, January 28, 2022

Are You Prepared if Something Happens to Your Business Partner?  Your business general liability policy usually covers liability threats from the outside, but what happens when the liability occurs within your business and...

Own a Historic Building? Consider These Unique Situations

Nick Dyer

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Own a Historic Building? Consider These Unique Situations Historic buildings give businesses an opportunity to serve their customers from one-of-a-kind locations, often with stunning architecture and charming curb appeal, while...

Creating a company Culture by Boosting Employee Engagement We hear the term ‘Company Culture’ often.  But this leaves many Employers scratching their heads.  Do we have a Company Culture?  How do we create...

What is Whole Life Insurance?

Luca Tesselli

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Who Needs Whole Life Insurance?  Whole life insurance, also known as permanent life insurance, lasts a policyholder’s whole lifetime, provided required premiums are paid. This is in contrast to term life insurance, which is...

2022 Benefits Trends When it comes to employee benefits, no year is ever the same. But the past few years have made “different” seem like a vast understatement. Expect more changes in 2022 in the midst of ongoing pandemic...

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather Winter is here, so make sure you are prepared. Don’t get caught off guard this winter. Use this checklist as a guide to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather and assemble your roadside...

The 10 Most Important Terms in Your Auto Policy Excited about your car insurance? As soon as you received your policy, you read it from cover to cover, right? Truth is, most people don’t ever bother to read their auto...

Can Crop Insurance Save My Farm?

Ryan Wiles, CIC, CISR, AFIS

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Can Crop Insurance Save My Farm? I have the privilege of talking to many farmers each day. No matter if they are grain farmers, hay producers, or have a livestock operation, the common concern that is on everyone’s mind for 2022...

Life Insurance 101

Luca Tesselli

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Life Insurance 101 Not everyone needs life insurance. If you are unsure if you need it, ask yourself if anyone relies on you financially or if you share debt with anyone. If you answer yes to either of these, you probably need...

Here's What You Need to Know About Insurance Premiums Rising

Adam Dyer, CPCU

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Here's What You Need to Know About Insurance Premiums Rising  Businesses are reopening across the nation and a sense of normalcy is cause for celebration. But you might want to hit the brakes on the festivities when your...

Personal Inland Marine Insurance If you are purchasing or already purchased a high-value item it is important to reach out to your insurance agent to verify that it is insured. In many cases, your...

Understanding Umbrella Insurance Liability lawsuits are unpredictable. Juries are increasingly giving outsized awards to plaintiffs, and about any accident can become prey to unscrupulous – even manufactured –...

Your Church Needs Professional Liability Insurance A church is much more than just a building, it is a place of spiritual renewal and gathering for prayer, counsel, ministry, and community.  The...

Holiday Safety Tips Am I ready to host my home holiday event? It is officially, what the world describes as "Holiday Season". As we bound forward into Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. For many it is truly the most wonderful time...

Nine Tips To Protect Yourself While Online Shopping Online shopping is efficient and fast. From clothes, to appliances, to groceries - anything you could possibly want to purchase is at your fingertips! You search what you are looking...

Is Your Farm Protected?  Growing up, I was somewhat blessed to be raised by parents who had a bit of a gypsy soul. Depsite their divorce, and living on opposite sides of the country, they managed to instill some of the same values...

Are Your Grains Protected?

Ryan Wiles, CIC, CISR, AFIS

Friday, October 29, 2021

Are Your Grains Protected? A question we hear frequently is, "I have my grain bins & grain complex insured on my farm policy. Isn'tthe corn and soybeans stored in them covered automatically?" Unfortunately, No, they aren't...

Lower Your Commercial Auto Insurance

JC Wallace

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Lower Your Commercial Auto Insurance Business insurance can be a major expense for many companies. Finding ways to minimize costs can be extremely helpful to your commercial business. Finding ways to minimize your commercial auto...

Why Do I Need Insurance? Life happens.. Right? To often I hear people say, "Insurance is a rip off", "We are being forced to pay for nothing" or "I don't need insurance, I am safe, careful and prepared".. But ARE YOU REALLY? I can't...

How To Protect Your Company From A Phishing Attack

Adam Dyer, CPCU

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Save Your Company From Cyber Crime? Cybercrime is a lucrative business. Nefarious fraudsters never tire of dreaming up new and inventive ways to target businesses and their employees. Could you be sleepwalking into a major...

Agritainment: Consider This

Ryan Wiles, CIC, CISR, AFIS

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Agritainment: Consider This It’s that time of year - the leaves are changing, it’s time to go pumpkin picking, grab an apple cider, and traipse through a corn maze.   As a farm owner, you know farming...

Does Your Policy Cover Rebuild Costs? However, when your contractor applies for the construction permits, there's a new wrinkle: Your home isn’t up to current electrical code standards. Since you’re technically rehabbing a...

How to Prevent A Phishing Attack

Jason Call

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

How to Prevent a Phishing Attack Phishing scams are the most common cyber attack you're likely to experience. We've all seen one a scam promising us a million dollars if we act now, or a fake email from Amazon wanting to provide an...

A Wellness Plan Could Save You Money Disengaged workers cost the U.S. economy more than $450 billion in lost productivity each year. (source: Optum)  However, employers offering wellness programs report...

Do You Need Professional Liability Insurance?  If you provide a service, chances are you need professional liability insurance. Also known as errors and omissions insurance, this coverage protects your company and your bottom...

Don't Lose Sleep Over Cyber Security On average, a cyber attack will cost a company $200,000 on average. Causing many to go out of business. Having a solid cyber security plan in place is the first step in protecting your business....

What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

John A. Latimer IV, CIC, CRM

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

What is Professional Liability Insurance?  If you regularly provide professional advice or services, you can be sued - even if you do everything right. Do you have the right insurance to protect yourself? Professional liability...

Self Funded vs Fully Insured vs Level Funded Plans

Rebecca Wilson

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Types of Health Plans When it comes to group health insurance there are three types: fully insured, self-funded, and level funded.   A fully insured plan removes most of the risk from the employee and employer and puts...

A home is the largest investment most people will ever make. And according to Nationwide, about two out of three every American homes are underinsured. The underinsurance amount is typically 22%. This means that millions of people...

Why Insure Jewelry? Jewelry is covered under most homeowners and renters insurance policies, but many have exclusions and coverage limits. A basic policy may have limits as low as $1,500. While theft is typically a covered peril,...

Do You Need Gap Insurance?  Few things are more upsetting than learning you owe money for a vehicle that was wrecked or stolen through no fault of your own. But that is often the case for those without guaranteed asset protection,...

Whether you’re purchasing your first set of wheels or shopping for better coverage, we’ve got a personal auto insurance plan that’s right for you. From families with teen drivers to the owners of classic cars, we...