18
Jan2017
How to know when you’ve outgrown your benefits broker
One of the most common responses from HR executives when asked what their benefits broker does well is, “they’re very responsive, they answer our calls and respond to our emails, and do a nice job bringing out the renewal”. This is the bare minimum for service in the new frontier of employee benefits. A one-person brokerage working out of their basement could achieve that level…
18
Jan2017
Small Fish in a Big Pond
The dilemma of working with one of the ‘Big 5’ benefits brokers One of the most common complaints of HR executives is that they no longer get the service they used to receive from their broker. They’ve been passed off to an account manager or “enrollment specialist” at renewal, or their old broker got bought out and gobbled up by a huge company. And like…
28
Sep2016
Check your vehicles for Safety recalls
You could be driving a vehicle with a manufacturer’s recall and not even realize it. I know how easy it is, unhealthy because it happened to me. I was able to discover this vital information, and I hope my story can help you. Recently, I purchased a car from a family member. No one in my family realized the serious airbag recall on this type…
29
Jul2016
Westfield Insurance Foundation’s Legacy of Caring Fund
Naperville, allergist IL, July 5, 2016 Hesed House received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of Esser Hayes Insurance Group. The grant is part of the new Westfield Legacy of Caring program in which Westfield agencies across the country were invited to nominate a local nonprofit in the areas of disaster relief, insurance pathways, family stability or safety. “Thanks to the…
3
Mar2016
Don’t be fooled by social engineering
Technology has improved efficiencies, added convenience and helped many companies grow at an incredible pace. Even with advancements in technology, human interaction and error-prevention still play a critical role in protecting our assets. Computer fraud called social engineering entails manipulating and deliberately deceiving a person and exploiting human weakness to obtain confidential information or assets such as cash. This manipulation could include: • Phishing –…
31
Jul2015
Life insurance may be cheaper than you think
How much does life insurance cost? Probably a lot less than you think. A recent LIMRA study found that 63 percent of consumers polled indicated that life insurance was too expensive, drugs yet 80 percent of consumers overestimate its cost by nearly threefold. LIMRA is a leading insurance and financial services trade association. Today’s consumers have many sources of data at our disposal. We can…
16
Apr2015
Go out and play, but keep one eye toward home security
Good weather gives you opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. It also gives some unscrupulous people the opportunity they are looking for to burglarize your home or car and take your valuable possessions. You cannot prevent 100 percent of the thefts, anabolics ed but there are steps you can take to minimize the potential problem. According to the FBI Uniform…
24
Dec2014
When the Rubber Hits the Slushy Road
One of the most important keys to safe winter driving is actually four keys — your vehicle’s tires. As the only things between you and the often-icy or slushy roadway, picking the right tires can provide important benefits in your vehicle’s winter performance and safety. Dedicated winter tires, known as snow tires, offer important performance improvements over all-season tires. Snow tires start with a…
30
Oct2014
Oh Deer, Mind the Wildlife
Although the danger of striking an animal exists year-round, medic several factors combine to make the risk especially acute during autumn. The period between late October and mid-November is mating season for deer, check which causes a higher number of deer to wander further than normal and creates potential for distraction as normally alert deer approach roadways. In addition, the shorter days mean more drivers…
9
Oct2014
Home Sweet (Second) Home
Saying goodbye is never easy, doctor and so it goes with your vacation home. If your secondary home is going to be unoccupied for the fall and winter season, ampoule technology can help you keep an eye on your property from afar. A growing range of inexpensive security cameras are offering companion services that allow you to view live video from your home on smartphones…
4
Sep2014
Making important life insurance decisions
One of the most important things you can do for your family is to make sure you have the appropriate life insurance in place to protect their future. Several of our past blogs offer food for thought as you make decisions about your life insurance coverage. Insuring what’s most important to you Life insurance is something you need to review whenever you have a life-changing…
29
Jul2014
Outdoor gatherings: Making memories, not regrets
Everyone wants to be outdoors this time of year. Block parties, cure family reunions and other functions are often stationed outside. As host, your concerns need to extend beyond hoping for cooperative weather and stocking snacks. In general, any time you serve alcohol, host a pool party or provide equipment for entertainment, there is an element of potential liability on your part for any injury,…
19
Jun2014
Don’t let foodborne illness be an unwanted guest at your BBQ
Summer is a great time to enjoy food and drink with family and friends, asthma but summertime outdoor cooking also invites an unwanted guest – the threat of foodborne illness. Whether at a family picnic, a barbecue at a park, sporting event or a group social activity, following some basic food safety rules will help prevent foodborne illness. Plan ahead! Ensure that you have adequate…
29
Apr2014
After the storm: What do I do next?
The storm has passed and your family is safe. You took all the necessary precautions such as having an adequate supply of drinking water and a flashlight. You may have even purchased a generator to ensure uninterrupted electricity in the event a power outage. The steps you take next are equally important in keeping your family safe and presenting a claim in the event there…
16
Apr2014
Renters Insurance: Protect your belongings in case of disaster.
When disaster strikes, it doesn’t differentiate between rented buildings and owned homes. Renters face the same risk as homeowners. Your landlord or condo association may have insurance, but it only protects the building structure, not the personal items inside. Renters insurance can protect your belongings in case of disaster. [distance 1] What standard policies cover [distance 1] There are several types of residential insurance policies….
7
Apr2014
Principal, Gary Semmer assists with joint marketing agreement between ARM of Illinois and The Iroquois Group.
ARM of Illinois Enters Marketing Agreement with Iroquois® April 2, ampoule 2014 (Chicago, IL)- Associated Risk Managers of Illinois (ARM) and The Iroquois Group Inc®. of Allegany, NY announced on March 28th a joint marketing agreement that allows ARM members in Illinois access to Iroquois’ carriers, benefits and services. “ARM has always been about finding unique ways to help our members increase their access to…
7
Mar2014
Watch out for that pothole! 5 tips to avoid them
Extreme weather conditions throughout the Midwest and Northeast this winter have had potholes rearing their ugly heads. As you travel to work or to the grocery store, erectile you know exactly where they are and you drive around them if you can. But there’s always one lying in wait for the happily unsuspecting driver, medic and that’s when it can get expensive and even dangerous….
27
Feb2014
Does My Auto Insurance Cover Damage Caused By Potholes?
The good news is, cheap yes, ed pothole damage is usually covered—providing you have collision coverage. Collision coverage, anesthetist an optional portion of a standard auto insurance policy, covers damage to a car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g., a pothole, lamp post or guard rail), another car or as the result of flipping over. However, it does not cover wear and tear…
20
Feb2014
Ice Damming is happening, and it ain’t pretty
The forecast for this week calls for warmer weather, sale ed so lets take a moment to address the unfortunate downside of this transition from Winter Wonderland to awful, rx melty mess: ICE DAMMING That’s right: Ice damming is happening, viagra order | and it ain’t pretty. For the uninitiated, ice damming is a scenario where snow and ice melt and freeze, melt and freeze,…
7
Feb2014
Your Commute Turning Into a Luge Run?
Take extra care when driving in snow and ice. After all, your commute is not a luge run at the winter Olympics. This winter has been particularly challenging for motorists from coast to coast. Even the South has had to contend with crippling winter weather. This is great news if you’re a snowplow operator. But if you’re a regular commuter driving a midsize sedan,…