CEO Message: Get Ready for Autonomous Vehicles
The relentless advances in technology make it difficult for most of us to stay current. Even the most up-to-date, well-connected members of the millennial and "z" generations must find it challenging to keep track of all of the ways that new technologies affect our lives. Even so, we've all seen advances in safety features, driver assistance and automation in the cars we are driving and soon will drive. Ultimately, many new vehicles will have the capability to drive themselves, and that eventuality may occur sooner than many realize.
Read moreWhat's an Independent Insurance Agent and Why Does it Matter?
Not all insurance agents work the same way. In addition to classifying agents by the type of insurance they sell – property & casualty versus life & health, for example – agents can also be classified as either captive or independent. The arrangement makes a big difference in terms of how agents operate and the options they provide to their clients.
Read moreDo I Need UM/UIM Coverage?
Every year in the United States, more than 6 million crashes are reported to the police. Even if you’re a safe driver, the odds are high that you’ll be involved in one of these crashes at some point. To make sure any resulting medical costs and mechanical repairs are covered, you need the right auto insurance coverage. Here’s why it’s smart to include uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in your auto insurance package.
Read moreCEO Message: Why Work in Insurance?
I have noticed that there is a positive correlation between my tenure in the insurance industry and how often I am asked, “Why did you pick insurance?” In other words, the older I get, the more frequently I am asked why I picked what I did as a career choice. Perhaps those asking this question wonder why anyone would choose an industry as staid and traditional as ours. Or, these same people may wonder why someone like me (who is perceived as having a “plan” for everything) would pick insurance. Well, the truth is I didn’t pick insurance; I fell into it.
Read moreDay in the Life of an Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about claims adjusters – until you need one. When that happens, you might become very curious about claims adjusters, what they do and how their work will impact your insurance claim. To give you some insight, here’s an inside look at the day-to-day work of an auto adjuster.
Read moreThe Rise of Distracted Driving and What We Can Do About It
Today, we live in a fast-paced world where multitasking is the norm. Do you ever find yourself sipping coffee on your commute to work or scrolling through your email in stand-still traffic? Though these may seem like mindless acts, they both constitute distracted driving.
Read moreHow to Plan an Affordable Vacation
You don’t need to deny yourself a vacation to be financially responsible. You also don’t need to destroy your budget to go on vacation. There is a happy medium. With a few adjustments, it’s possible to plan an affordable vacation.
Read moreHow to Prevent Water Loss in Your Condo
We couldn’t live without water, yet too much of it – especially in the wrong place – can cause major damage. Water damage is a common cause of home and condo insurance claims. It’s a constant threat, and avoiding it requires constant vigilance.
Read moreIs It Necessary to Hire a Public Insurance Adjuster?
Your basement floods. Your kitchen catches fire. A tree falls on your roof. Good thing you have homeowners insurance. Now that you’re filing a substantial claim, however, you’re worried that you won’t get the payout you need. How will the insurance company even know how much the claim is worth? You’re thinking about hiring a public insurance adjuster. Before you make a decision, it’s helpful to understand the process.
Read moreThe Pros and Cons of a Named Perils vs. All-Risk Homeowners Policy
You probably spent a lot of time picking out the perfect home. Selecting the right homeowners insurance policy also requires attention to detail. Not all policies are the same. It’s not just the deductibles, limits and premiums that can vary. The types of claims covered also change depending on the policy. A high limit won’t do you any good if your claim is excluded, so understanding what your policy does and does not cover is absolutely essential.
Read moreKnow the Basics of Contractual Risk Transfer
As the contractor on a construction project, you face a multitude of serious risks. When you start bringing subcontractors into the project, those risks go up exponentially. Suddenly you could be exposed to liabilities for damages or injuries caused by those subcontractors working on your behalf, whether it’s an injury to one of the sub’s employees, an injury to a site visitor, or some type of property damage.
Read moreAnatomy of an Insurance Claim: 7 Crucial Steps
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t give your insurance much thought … until you need to use it. One day a devastating fire, water leak, or other disaster could leave your home with extensive damage. Do you know what comes next? Are you prepared to navigate the recovery process? Instead of waiting until disaster strikes, take a few minutes now to understand the claim process.
Read moreOccupational Safety: When, How and Where to Report Incidents
When it comes to occupational safety and health, all employers in Hawaii have reporting requirements with which they must comply. Understanding when and to whom incidents need to be reported can be confusing, especially for smaller employers or employers with very limited or sporadic experience with work-related injuries or safety incidents. Here are answers to frequently asked questions on this topic to help guide Hawaii employers through the reporting process.
Read moreWhat to Do After a Car Accident
More than seven million police-reported crashes occurred in the U.S. in 2016. Even if you’re a safe driver, the odds are high that you’ll be involved in a car crash at some point in your life. Even a minor fender bender is enough to ruin a person’s day, but mistakes after the accident can make it even worse. Prepare yourself with the knowledge of what to do – and what to avoid – after a motor vehicle crash.
Read moreShould I Refinance? Six Things to Consider
After paying your bills, getting groceries and handling all the other expenses that have a way of popping up, it may seem like you never have anything left to put toward important things, like your children's education and your own retirement. It's a common problem, and if it sounds familiar to you, you're probably looking for a way to cut costs.
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