The Benefits of Working with an Independent Agent

insurance agentHaving worked in the insurance industry for ten years, I have received many calls, e-mails, and texts from friends and family regarding their insurance needs. I am more than happy to assist where I can, but my conversations with them seem to always end with one question, “Do you have an independent agent?” Like many not in the insurance industry, insurance can be an unknown. It’s something that you know you need to have, but don’t fully understand how it works. It’s an intangible product that you pay for every year and hope to never use. Here are three reasons I believe working with an independent agent is the best option for purchasing insurance. {Read More…}

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Insurance – What Are You Getting for Your Money?

cheap insuranceIt’s next to impossible to watch any type of TV programming without seeing a commercial advertising how you can save money on your insurance. So should you really purchase your insurance policy based upon the cheapest price?

Before I elaborate on this, allow me to ask you a different set of questions:

  • – Would you hire an attorney based solely upon who has the cheapest hourly rates?
  • – Would you hire a financial planner or investment advisor based solely upon their fees?

If you’re like most people, you probably answered these questions with a resounding “no.” Then why should making a decision on your insurance policy be any different? {Read More}

School Safety Saves Lives

distracted drivingIt’s back to school time and for many children, school is already in session. Today as I drove my son to school, I realized how important it is to use extra caution while driving, now that school is in session. This is the time of the year when we say goodbye to the leisurely summer traffic, and start sharing the road with hurried parents, new teen drivers, student pedestrians, and school buses. Not only do we want to send our kids off to school safely each day, but it is equally important that each of us make it to and from work safely. Why not start this school year by sharing the following safety tips from the National Safety Council:

    • Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods, especially near bus stops, playgrounds, and parks.

 

    • Leave enough time to get your destination, so you won’t be tempted to speed.

 

    • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

 

    • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it’s stopped to load or unload children.

 

    • Be alert; children are often unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

 

    • Be aware of inexperienced teen drivers who may struggle with judging gaps in traffic, driving the right speed for conditions, and turning safely.

 

    • Avoid distractions such as eating, putting on makeup, or using your phone for texting, talking, or apps such as Pokémon Go.

 

    • Acknowledge and encourage staff members who are willing to share ideas or experiences about how they exercised a little extra care and caution on the road.

 

  • Talk to your children about being aware of their surroundings (no walking while wearing headphones or while texting or talking), crossing only at cross walks, always walking on sidewalks when possible, and looking left, right, then left again before crossing the street.

Though many of us have probably heard or shared these tips before, I like to live by the motto that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Let’s join together in promoting a safe and accident-free school year. After all, nothing is more important than you, your family, and your staff making it home safely each day.

For more information or resources regarding this topic, please contact your loss control representative.

References:
“Slow Down: Back to School Means Sharing the Road.” Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers. National Safety Council, n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.
“A Teen’s Biggest Safety Threat Is Sitting on the Driveway.” Teen Driving. National Safety Council, n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.

Source: https://blog.central-insurance.com/2016/08/25/school-safety-saves-lives/

 

Good Vibes Only: Tips for Creating a Positive Workplace

happy workerHave you ever met someone who always seems to be in a great mood? It seems no matter what may come their way, they shake it off and move on. Or maybe you’ve seen just the opposite; someone who is always down and despite your efforts to bring up their spirits, they don’t budge.

Truth is, you’re likely going to experience both of these characters in the workplace. So what can you do to keep the balance and atmosphere as positive as possible? My advice is to keep it SIMPLE. [Read More]

Spring Into Safety with Loss Control

safetyI am sure most of us would agree that spring is such a beautiful time of year! Even though some of you may still be experiencing snow in your geographical regions, other areas are starting to show the early signs of spring, like the colorful heads of blooming flowers I’ve seen popping up around my home. So if you’re getting excited about emerging from your winter hibernation and trading in your winter coats and boots for shorts and sandals, you might also want to start thinking about your spring cleaning tasks. [Read More]

Calling All Millennials: Still Struggling With What To Do After College?

Row of graduates, focus on female graduate smiling

Graduating college is a very thrilling yet overwhelming experience. I myself just graduated last spring, and the reality is still slowly sinking in. If you are a millennial reading this, you can probably relate. Or maybe you have a son or daughter who is closing in upon graduation. Whatever stage of life you’re in, you […]

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Little Moments and Big Lessons

flowerTurning the page on my calendar is always an exciting moment for me. It’s something so simple yet it gives me hope and the opportunity for change. My particular calendar also includes an inspirational quote each month, and February’s seemed to be extra special. “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look […]

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Don’t Let Portable Ladders Let You Down

by Pete Scrivener

Did you know more people are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface? That includes roofs, scaffolds, balconies, and even stairs. We take portable ladders for granted because they’re so easy to use. If you set the ladder up correctly and know how to work safely when you’re on a ladder, you can […]

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