In December 2017, commercial truck operators will be required to use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) to track hours of service (HOS) and records of duty status (RODS) if they are currently using paper logs or other logging software. Operators currently using an Automatic Onboard Recording Device (AOBRD) have until December 2019 to comply with the mandate. Most operators will need to comply, but there are a few exceptions to the rule: Operators of vehicles that were made before the year 2000. Drivers that currently operate under short haul exceptions and are not currently required to keep records of duty … Continue reading

Fall is here! It is time to prepare your home for the winter season and take care of any potential problems before they arise. Here are some suggestions for fall maintenance: Check smoke detectors and change the batteries in each detector. Inspect your fire extinguisher to be sure it’s fully charged. Or, if you don’t have one, make sure to purchase one. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned. Check gutters and downspouts to be sure they are secured properly to your home. Don’t forget to clean out any leaves or debris that may be accumulating in them … Continue reading

You never want to think that you would have an employee that would steal, but unfortunately it does happen. However, there are some ways to reduce your risk: Do not give signature authority to just one person and require two signatures on checks. Separate check issuance and bank reconciling functions. If corporate credit cards are issued, require expense reports with original receipts to validate purchases. Require an original invoice to issue a check. Perform annual audits – both internal and external. Employee dishonesty coverage can also be purchased, either as an addition to your current insurance policy or on a … Continue reading

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, National Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed to recognize the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which occurred during the week of October 9th. More than 250 people perished and thousands of buildings were destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless. There are many stories about how the great fire may have started, but nobody can deny the tragic results of the fire.  Our firefighting capabilities today are much better than they were back in 1871, and if that same fire happened today, it likely would not result in as much damage. However, we recognize this … Continue reading

From an economic perspective, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are quickly becoming top natural disasters in US history. Harvey hit south Texas, while Irma hit Florida, and brought torrential rain and forceful wind, causing damage and flooding. Both hurricanes hit large centers of population. Some people literally have no place to go. Homes have been destroyed or are no longer habitable due to damage from rain, wind, and flooding. Public infrastructure will need to be repaired, which will take time and taxpayer funding.  People in the workforce cannot get back to work. Businesses are affected because they are closed and aren’t … Continue reading

While many people are in “Back to School” mode and feeling like summer is over, it doesn’t officially end until September 22!  There are still plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the warm weather and evening sunshine. I encourage you to enjoy the outdoors and here are some great late summer activities – which I would argue are even better done when it’s not too hot outside: Hiking – a hike when it’s a little cooler is great, especially if you’re taking kids or pets with you. Depending on where you live, you might see the leaves changing color … Continue reading

You may think that you have no auto liability risks if you don’t own any vehicles, but hired and non-owned auto liability coverage is exactly what you need! If your employees ever drive their personal auto for use in your business, then you have a non-owned business auto liability exposure. An auto that is rented or borrowed is considered a hired auto. You can obtain coverage for both hired and non-owned auto liability either by adding the coverage to your commercial general liability policy, or by purchasing a separate policy to only cover hired and non-owned autos. If already you … Continue reading

What is a vacant building? There are a couple of factors that determine vacancy. Generally speaking, most insurance carriers will consider a building to be vacant if less than 30% of the total building square footage is not used for an operating business – either by the building owner or a tenant. Why should you care? A commercial property insurance policy contains a vacancy clause which limits coverage for buildings that become vacant during an insurance policy term. Typically, if a building has been vacant for 60 or more days before a loss occurs, there will not be coverage for … Continue reading

Most people wouldn’t even consider NOT putting insurance on their new home or car. You want those items repaired or replaced if they are damaged. We receive requests on a daily basis to insure cars, homes, and recreational vehicles.  But the calls we receive to purchase life insurance are less common. Why is that? Life insurance protects the people in your life, which I believe most people would agree is more important than their home or car.  I understand a person cannot be replaced and thinking about your own mortality is not necessarily pleasant, but it is necessary. Loss of … Continue reading

The definition of wellness according to Merriam-Webster is “the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal.”  Good health is a broad term and can have many facets. Our ZEN committee holds “Lunch & Learn” sessions throughout the year on a variety of topics.  Our session this month focused on the most important meal of the day – breakfast! Angie Cherette from Sage and Spry came to our office and taught us (in one hour) how to make almond milk, green smoothies, and chia overnight oats. Everything was simple and delicious!  Personally, I’m pretty … Continue reading