Blog

Our Response to COVID-19

To our valued customers: As your trusted independent insurance agency, our goal is to help protect your quality of life. During these uncertain times we understand there are a lot of concerns about how COVID-19 will affect your life in one way or another. Our goal is to reduce the risk of exposure and protect […]

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Coronavirus: Compliance Issues for Employers

As the number of reported cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rise, employers are increasingly confronted with the possibility of an outbreak in the workplace. Employers are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, but are also subject to a number of legal requirements protecting workers. For example, […]

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Be Prepared: Identity Theft

We’ve all heard the horror stories about how difficult it is recovering from having your name, Social Security number or credit card numbers stolen. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help minimize the risk of identity theft. Mail Check your home mailbox daily, and drop your outgoing mail into a secure postal mailbox […]

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CMS Disclosure Requirement for Employer Health Plans

Do you offer health coverage to your employees? Does your group health plan cover outpatient prescription drugs? If so, federal law requires you to complete an online disclosure form every year with information about your plan’s drug coverage. You have 60 days from the start of your health plan year to complete the form. For […]

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Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

Between the hype of costumes and candy, it’s easy to forget the safety hazards posed by Halloween night. With increased foot traffic on and around the streets in the evening, it’s important for both pedestrians and drivers to be hyper-aware on All Hallows’ Eve. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, […]

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Employer Medicare Part D Notices Due Before October 15

Are you an employer that offers or provides group health coverage to your workers? Does your health plan cover outpatient prescription drugs — either as a medical claim or through a card system? If so, be sure to distribute your plan’s Medicare Part D notice before October 15. Purpose Medicare began offering “Part D” plans — […]

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Back-to-School Bus Safety Tips!

September means back to school for many children here in New York State. Whether you are sending your children to school or simply sharing the roads with school buses on your morning commute, it is important for you to be up to date on the current laws and expectations regarding school buses. According to the […]

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Tips for Preparing Form 5500

At this time of year, many employers and benefit advisors begin preparing Form 5500, the annual report required for most employee benefit plans. Form 5500 must be filed with the federal government within seven months after the end of the plan year. The following are the most frequently asked questions about Form 5500 for employer-sponsored […]

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Grilling Safety Tips

You may be the kind of person who fires up the grill all year long at tailgating parties, or maybe you wait for a warm summer day and a backyard full of friends before you put on your apron. Either way, grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, where there is fun there […]

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Cyber Security: A Continuing Threat … Are You Prepared?

Cryptomining. Ransomware. Business email compromise. Spear phishing. This is the new language of business risk. Whether it’s a massive data breach that exposes customer information like the Marriott incident reported in November 2018, or an automated ransomware attack that extorts bitcoin payments from a medi-spa owner, the cybercrime wave continues to swell as the cybercrime […]

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Home Update for Lower Home Insurance Rates

Save money on your home insurance by remodeling your home smartly. Homeowners are always looking for the most affordable homeowners insurance. They want to keep their pockets lined but receive ample coverage and protection for their home, naturally. Keep in mind that you may not always need to sacrifice coverage in order to obtain an […]

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Make Your Diet Healthy in Honor of American Heart Month

Improve your diet in honor of American Heart Month. February is American Heart Month, which means it’s time to pause thinking about Valentine’s Day and, instead, think about your old ticker. It’s what keeps you going, and deserves some quality attention. While heart disease continues to be one of the top killers for men and […]

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Driving Tips for Parents with New Teen Drivers

Teach your teen good driving habits with these tips. As a parent, you may be feeling equally anxious and excited about your teen getting behind the wheel. At last, you won’t have to drive them all over the place, but the thought of them driving could fill you with dread. As an adult, you understand […]

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Benefits of Listing Specific Items on Your Homeowners Insurance

How homeowners insurance can protect your high-value items Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home and belongings from disasters and accidents. However, every policy has its limits. To ensure that your prized possessions have the best coverage possible, it’s a good idea to review your coverage and consider scheduling your property. Most homeowners policies […]

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What to Consider Before Buying Car Insurance

What you should consider before buying auto coverage. If you are looking for auto insurance coverage, you may be overwhelmed with the sheer number of policies and insurers on the internet. To help streamline the process of acquiring the right coverage for your needs, take these considerations to take into account. Know the basics. Familiarize […]

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This New Year, Resolve to Review Your Insurance

The new year is the perfect time to review your insurance coverage. As the calendar turns from 2018 to 2019, it is likely that you will be thinking of New Year’s resolutions. Whether you vow to quit smoking, lose weight, or save money, we recommend you start off with at least one easy resolution: checking […]

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The Importance of Personal and Commercial Umbrella Policies

Could you or your business benefit from an umbrella policy? When it comes to getting insurance, many individuals and business owners purchase the bare minimum and hope that the worst won’t happen to them. The reality is that disasters can happen to anyone and any business. When the worst does happen, an umbrella policy can […]

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How to Protect Your Vehicle from Road Salt Damage

Reduce salt corrosion with these basic car care tips.   Winter in New York is here! The temperatures have dropped and motorists across the state are facing adverse driving conditions. When the weather forecast predicts snow and ice, salt on our roads is a welcome sight. Although heavy-duty road salt is fundamental to our winter […]

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How to Avoid Common Winter Hazards at Home

Guarding against these winter home hazards. As the weather turns cooler – and in New York, downright cold – we spend more time in our homes, and the risk for some types of potentially catastrophic home damage increases. To prevent disasters during the merriest of seasons, check out these tips. Water Damage The colder temperatures […]

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