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Congratulations! You've decided to take the plunge into homeownership. It's an exciting time, but with so much to think about, it can also feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 key things to consider before you embark on your house hunting journey:

1. Location, Location, Location: This adage holds true for a reason. Consider your commute, proximity to work, schools, amenities, and the overall feel of the neighborhood. Think about your lifestyle - do you crave a quiet suburban street or a bustling downtown vibe?
2. The House Itself: Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves in terms of size, bedrooms, bathrooms, and features like a garage or backyard. Be realistic about your needs and how long you plan to stay in the house.
3. Affordability is Key: Don't get carried away by your dream home if the mortgage payment stretches your budget thin. Factor in not just the monthly payment but also property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and potential maintenance costs. There are resources available to help you determine how much house you can afford.
4. Get Your Finances in Order: Having a good credit score will qualify you for better mortgage rates, saving you money in the long run. Aim to pay down debt and build a healthy down payment. Explore first-time homebuyer programs that can offer financial assistance.
5. Know the Market: Research current market trends in your desired area. Is it a buyer's or seller's market? Understanding market conditions will help you set realistic expectations and make competitive offers.
6. The Power of a Pre-Approval: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage lets you know exactly how much you can borrow and strengthens your offer to sellers.
7. Team Up with a Real Estate Agent: A good agent can be your guide through the home buying process. They can help you find the right house, negotiate the offer, and connect you with the necessary professionals like inspectors and lawyers.
8. Don't Skip the Inspection: A home inspection by a qualified professional is crucial. It will uncover any major repairs needed and give you bargaining power with the seller.
9. Be Prepared for Closing Costs: Closing costs include fees associated with finalizing the purchase, like origination fees, title insurance, and taxes. Factor these into your budget to avoid surprises.
10. Enjoy the Journey! House hunting can be fun! Make a list of your dream features and keep an open mind to possibilities.

Owning a home is a significant investment, but with careful planning and these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect place to call your own. Happy house hunting!

If you have any questions or need homeowner insurance in Illinois, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As we approach Earth Day, the annual event dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability, it's imperative for businesses to reflect on their role in preserving our planet. While Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22nd, the commitment to environmental responsibility should extend far beyond a single day. Every business, regardless of size or industry, has the power to make a positive impact on the environment. In this blog post, we'll explore actionable steps that businesses can take to honor Earth Day not just on April 22nd, but every day of the year.

Embrace Sustainable Practices:

One of the most impactful ways for businesses to contribute to Earth Day is by integrating sustainable practices into their operations. This can include reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and adopting eco-friendly materials and technologies. Implementing energy-efficient lighting, installing solar panels, and using recycled or biodegradable packaging are just a few examples of sustainable practices that can significantly reduce a company's carbon footprint.

Support Environmental Causes:

Businesses can demonstrate their commitment to Earth Day by supporting environmental causes and initiatives. This could involve partnering with non-profit organizations dedicated to conservation efforts, participating in tree-planting events, or sponsoring clean-up activities in local communities. By actively engaging in environmental stewardship, businesses not only contribute to meaningful causes but also foster goodwill and loyalty among customers who share their values.

Educate and Empower Employees:

Empowering employees to take action is essential in fostering a culture of sustainability within a business. Providing education and training on eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable commuting options, can empower employees to make environmentally conscious choices both at work and in their personal lives. Additionally, businesses can incentivize green behaviors through recognition programs or rewards for eco-friendly initiatives.

Invest in Renewable Energy:

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Businesses can invest in renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, or geothermal power to power their operations sustainably. In addition to reducing environmental impact, investing in renewable energy can also result in long-term cost savings through lower energy bills and potential tax incentives or rebates.

Collaborate with Supply Chain Partners:

Collaboration across the supply chain is key to achieving meaningful progress in sustainability efforts. Businesses can work with suppliers and partners to source responsibly sourced materials, optimize transportation routes to reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain. By setting sustainability standards and holding suppliers accountable, businesses can leverage their influence to drive positive change beyond their own operations.

Conclusion:

Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. As stewards of the environment, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead by example and effect positive change. By embracing sustainable practices, supporting environmental causes, empowering employees, investing in renewable energy, and collaborating with supply chain partners, businesses can make every day Earth Day and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

As we celebrate Earth Day this year and beyond, let's recommit ourselves to taking meaningful action to safeguard the planet we call home. Together, we can make a differenceone sustainable decision at a time.

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it's time to shake off the winter chill and prepare for the boating season ahead. If you've been following our recent blog posts on spring preparations, perhaps you've already dewinterized your RV and are now eager to get your boat shipshape for the water. de-winterizing your boat is essential to ensure it operates smoothly and safely throughout the upcoming season. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to dewinterize your boat effectively.

Inspect the Exterior:

Start by giving your boat a thorough inspection to check for any signs of damage or wear that may have occurred during storage. Look for cracks or chips in the hull, loose or missing fittings, and any areas of corrosion. Inspect the propeller, rudder, and other underwater components for damage or debris. Clean the exterior of the boat to remove any dirt, grime, or residue that may have accumulated over the winter months.

Check the Engine:

Next, it's time to inspect the engine and related systems. Remove the cover from the engine compartment and visually inspect the engine for any signs of damage or corrosion. Check the oil level and condition, and replace the oil and oil filter if necessary. Inspect the fuel lines, hoses, and connections for cracks, leaks, or deterioration, and replace any damaged components. Check the battery and connections, and charge or replace the battery as needed.

Flush the Cooling System:

If your boat has been winterized with antifreeze, it's important to flush the cooling system to remove any residual antifreeze before starting the engine. Connect a garden hose to the intake port on the lower unit or outdrive, and turn on the water. Start the engine and allow it to run for several minutes to flush out the antifreeze and ensure proper circulation of coolant throughout the cooling system.

Test the Electrical System:

Check all electrical components and systems on the boat, including lights, navigation equipment, gauges, and accessories. Test the battery voltage and charging system to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any burned-out bulbs or fuses, and repair or replace any damaged wiring or connections.

Check the Fuel System:

Inspect the fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks, corrosion, or other damage. Check the fuel filter and replace it if necessary. If your boat has been stored with fuel stabilizer, drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel. Add a fuel conditioner or stabilizer to the fuel tank to help prevent moisture buildup and fuel degradation.

Start the Engine:

After completing all necessary inspections and maintenance tasks, it's time to start the engine and run it at idle speed for several minutes to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations, and monitor the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges for any signs of overheating or low oil pressure. If everything checks out, you're ready to hit the water!

Test Drive:

Before venturing out on an extended voyage, take your boat for a test drive in calm waters to ensure everything is working as it should. Pay attention to how the boat handles, accelerates, and maneuvers, and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Test all onboard systems and equipment, including the steering, throttle, trim, and navigation electronics, to ensure they are functioning properly.

Safety First:

Finally, always prioritize safety when de-winterizing your boat. Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment onboard, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and a first aid kit. Check the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out, and let someone know your planned route and expected return time. And don't forget to review basic boating safety rules and regulations with everyone onboard.

With these steps completed, your boat should be ready to take on the open water once again. By taking the time to properly dewinterize your boat and perform necessary maintenance and inspections, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating season ahead. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your cooler, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories on the water!

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As the warmer weather approaches, it's time to dust off your RV and prepare it for another season of adventures on the open road. If your RV has been sitting idle during the winter months, it's essential to take the necessary steps to dewinterize it properly before hitting the highway. de-winterizing your RV involves reversing the steps taken to winterize it, ensuring that all systems are in good working order and ready for use. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of de-winterizing your RV, so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors in no time.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you begin de-winterizing your RV, gather all the necessary supplies. This may include fresh water, RV antifreeze, a water pressure regulator, a water filter, a water heater bypass kit (if applicable), and basic tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers.

Flush the Plumbing System:

The first step in de-winterizing your RV is to flush the plumbing system of any antifreeze that was used to protect the pipes during the winter months. Start by draining the RV's fresh water tank and opening all the faucets, including the hot and cold water taps, to allow any remaining antifreeze to flow out. Once the water runs clear, close the faucets and refill the fresh water tank with clean water.

Check for Leaks:

After flushing the plumbing system, inspect all the water lines, fittings, and connections for any signs of leaks or damage. Tighten loose fittings and replace any damaged components as needed to ensure that your RV's water system is leak-free.

Sanitize the Fresh Water System:

To ensure that your RV's fresh water system is clean and safe to use, it's important to sanitize it before filling the tank with fresh water. Mix a solution of water and RV-approved sanitizing solution according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then pour it into the fresh water tank. Turn on all the faucets, including the hot water taps, and run the water until you smell the sanitizer. Let the solution sit in the system for at least 12 hours before draining and flushing it out with clean water.

Test the Water Heater:

If your RV is equipped with a water heater, it's important to test it to ensure that it's working properly. Turn on the water heater and let it run for several minutes to heat up the water. Check the temperature of the water coming out of the faucets to make sure it's hot enough. If you notice any issues with the water heater, such as strange noises or a lack of hot water, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance.

Check Appliances and Systems:

Once you've dewinterized the plumbing system and tested the water heater, it's time to check the operation of other appliances and systems in your RV. This includes the refrigerator, stove, oven, air conditioning, furnace, and electrical system. Make sure all appliances are functioning properly and address any issues before hitting the road.

Inspect the Exterior:

Finally, don't forget to inspect the exterior of your RV for any signs of damage or wear and tear that may have occurred during the winter months. Check the roof, windows, doors, tires, and awnings for leaks, cracks, or other issues. Make any necessary repairs or replacements to ensure that your RV is in top condition for your upcoming travels.

By following these steps to dewinterize your RV, you can ensure that it's ready for another season of adventures on the open road. Taking the time to properly prepare your RV now will help prevent problems and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. So, dust off those cobwebs, fill up the tank, and get ready to hit the road in style!

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As parents, guardians, or caregivers, one of our top priorities is keeping our children safe. With the joy and freedom that comes with riding a bike also comes the responsibility of teaching and enforcing proper bike safety practices. Whether your child is just starting to pedal around the neighborhood or gearing up for more adventurous rides, here are some essential tips to help ensure their bike rides are both fun and safe.

Wear a Helmet:

The importance of wearing a helmet cannot be overstated. A properly fitted helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. Make sure your child's helmet fits snugly and sits level on their head, covering the forehead and not tilted backward or forward. Replace helmets if they have been involved in a crash or if they are damaged or too small.

Utilize Elbow and Knee Pads:

In addition to wearing a helmet, consider outfitting your child with elbow and knee pads for extra protection. These pads can help cushion and protect vulnerable joints in the event of a fall or collision, reducing the risk of scrapes, bruises, or more serious injuries. Look for pads that are specifically designed for biking and ensure they fit comfortably and securely.

Check the Bike:

Before each ride, take a few moments to inspect the bike to ensure it's in good working condition. Check that the tires are properly inflated, the brakes are functioning correctly, and the chains are clean and lubricated. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs before allowing your child to ride.

Dress Appropriately:

Encourage your child to wear clothing that is both comfortable and visible while biking. Bright colors and reflective materials can help make them more noticeable to drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Avoid loose-fitting clothing or items that could get caught in the bike's moving parts.

Follow Traffic Rules:

Teach your child to ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and to obey all traffic signs and signals. Emphasize the importance of stopping at stop signs, looking both ways before crossing intersections, and using hand signals to indicate turns. Remind them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles.

Stay Alert and Aware:

Encourage your child to stay focused and aware of their surroundings while riding. Remind them to watch out for obstacles such as potholes, debris, or pedestrians on shared paths. Discourage distractions such as using electronic devices or wearing headphones while biking, as these can impair their ability to hear and react to potential hazards.

Practice Safe Riding Habits:

Teach your child to ride predictably and defensively. Remind them to keep both hands on the handlebars, use designated bike lanes or paths whenever possible, and give clear signals before turning or stopping. Encourage them to ride at a safe speed and to adjust their pace according to the conditions of the road or path.

Supervise and Set Boundaries:

For younger children, especially those who are just learning to ride, it's essential to supervise their biking activities closely and set clear boundaries for where they can ride. Start in a safe, traffic-free environment such as a park or empty parking lot, and gradually introduce more challenging terrain as their skills improve. Always accompany young children on bike rides until they demonstrate the ability to ride safely on their own.

Lead by Example:

As adults, we have a responsibility to model safe biking behaviors for our children. Practice what you preach by wearing a helmet, following traffic rules, and demonstrating courteous and considerate riding habits. By setting a positive example, you not only keep yourself safe but also instill important lessons that your children will carry with them as they grow and become more independent riders.

Bike safety for children is a crucial aspect of enjoying the many benefits of biking while minimizing the risks of accidents or injuries. By following these essential tips, including wearing protective gear like helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads, and teaching your child to be a responsible and conscientious rider, you can help ensure that their biking adventures are both enjoyable and safe. So, strap on those helmets, pump up those tires, and pedal your way to fun-filled, worry-free rides!

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

According to NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually in the United States with fraudulent odometer readings, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion for American car buyers each year. Mileage fraud, also known as odometer tampering, is a serious crime that can cost car buyers thousands of dollars. In this blog post, we'll discuss what mileage fraud is, how to spot the signs, and how to protect yourself when buying a used car.

What is Mileage Fraud?

Mileage fraud is the act of tampering with a vehicle's odometer to make it appear to have fewer miles than it actually does. This can be done in a number of ways, such as using a rollback tool to physically rewind the odometer, or by replacing the odometer with one that has a lower mileage reading.

How to Spot the Signs of Mileage Fraud

There are a number of signs that can indicate that a car's mileage has been tampered with. Here are a few things to look for:

• Inconsistent wear and tear: If the car's interior or exterior shows signs of wear and tear that is inconsistent with the mileage on the odometer, it could be a sign of fraud. For example, if the car has a lot of scratches and dents, but the odometer only reads 50,000 miles, it's likely that the mileage has been tampered with.
• Mismatched service records: If the car's service records show mileage readings that are significantly different from the odometer reading, it could be a sign of fraud.
• Discoloration or scratches around the odometer: If the odometer appears to have been tampered with, there may be signs of discoloration or scratches around the odometer itself.

How to Protect Yourself from Mileage Fraud

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from mileage fraud when buying a used car. Here are a few tips:

• Get a vehicle history report: A vehicle history report will contain information about the car's ownership history, accidents, and repairs. This can be a valuable tool for spotting potential problems, including mileage fraud.
• Have the car inspected by a mechanic: Before you buy a used car, it's important to have it inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic can check for signs of mileage fraud, as well as other potential problems.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true: If the price of a used car seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be suspicious of cars that are priced significantly lower than similar cars with the same mileage.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from mileage fraud and ensure that you're getting a good deal on your next used car.

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As spring arrives and the days get longer, the sun feels warmer, and fresh buds start to pop out of the ground and on tree branches, green thumbs can't wait to get their hands in the dirt. Those living at higher elevations typically have to wait a bit longer to dig in than other flatlanders, as the nights can still be frosty, and the soil may still be wet from the snowmelt.

But alas, there's a lot that gardening enthusiasts can do right now to get ahead. Spring is a great time to prep your gardens, flowerbeds, and lawns. In addition, you can clean up shrubs and trees and cut back perennials before they grow, getting rid of last year's growth.

Here are some other top tips for spring landscaping:

Start where you can: Most likely there's a sunny side of your home that's ready to work on, while the other side may still be covered in snow. Work around your yard as the ground permits, but make sure the soil is dry before doing so, which leads to the next...

Don't manipulate the mud: You may be anxious, but if you try to work in muddy soil, you're not doing your lawn or gardens any favors. Manipulating soils or gardens when it's muddy brings out all the clay aspects and creates rock-hard clods. If there's a sunny, warm week the soil might dry out, giving you a window to work the soil before the next rain (or snow!) comes. If it's taking a while to dry, you can still work the perimeters to clean out the dead.

Out with the old: By getting rid of last year's dead, you are creating a healthier environment for the new growth to thrive and flourish. For perennials, cut them back to one to two inches from ground level. Ornamental grasses can be cut back to three to five inches from the ground.

Lawn prep: When the snow melts your lawn is most likely still home to some dead leaves leftover from fall. It's also most likely home to vole tunnels, as this mouse-like rodent digs and feeds on the juicy stems of grass throughout the winter. When the yard is clear, rake up the debris to make way for healthy new growth.

Adding flowers: Dying to have some color in your garden in the spring? Go for Pansies, which hold up incredibly well to frost. Hold off planting most other annuals, until early summer, or when the temperatures consistently stay above 55 degrees, and cover them up if the temperatures drop below freezing.

Cover up: Dragging your flowerpots and garden starts in and out can get old and also cause serious damage to the plants. Instead, consider using a real frost blanket; they work incredibly well, and can save you time. And they are reusable, so you can pack it in the garden shed for the following spring.

Get plant ready: When the ground is dry, and you've cleaned up from last year, spring is a great time to replenish flower and garden beds and add nutrients with compost and fresh mulch. When you're ready to plant, and once the plants begin to grow, add some fertilizer, preferably organic fertilizer to protect the area's watershed from pollution.

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

In our modern homes, various appliances play crucial roles in enhancing comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. Many of these appliances rely on filters to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Filters help remove impurities, contaminants, and debris from air, water, and other substances, ensuring that our appliances function effectively and our living spaces remain healthy and comfortable.

In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of filters in common home appliances and provide guidance on when to clean or replace them to ensure continued efficiency and longevity.

Air Purifiers and HVAC Systems:

Air purifiers and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems work tirelessly to maintain indoor air quality by filtering out dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles. These systems typically use filters such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, activated carbon filters, or pre-filters.

When to Clean or Replace: Check the manufacturer's recommendations for specific intervals, but as a general rule of thumb, it's advisable to inspect and clean or replace filters every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty environment.

Refrigerators:

Refrigerators with water and ice dispensers often feature water filters to remove impurities, chlorine, sediment, and odors from the water supply. These filters ensure that the water and ice you consume are clean and safe.

When to Clean or Replace: Most refrigerator water filters need to be replaced every 6 months to maintain optimal filtration performance. Some models may have indicator lights that signal when it's time for a replacement.

In addition to water filtration, many modern refrigerators also come equipped with air filters. These filters help remove odors and contaminants from the refrigerator compartment, keeping your food fresher for longer and maintaining a clean and odor-free environment inside the fridge.

When to Clean or Replace: The frequency of cleaning or replacing air filters in refrigerators can vary depending on usage and environmental factors. As a general guideline, it's recommended to inspect and clean or replace air filters every 3 to 6 months. If you notice strong odors inside the refrigerator or if the filter appears visibly dirty, it's a good idea to clean or replace it sooner.

Vacuum Cleaners:

Vacuum cleaners rely on filters to trap dust, allergens, and debris from floors, carpets, and upholstery. Common types of vacuum filters include HEPA filters, foam filters, and cloth filters.

When to Clean or Replace: Check the vacuum's user manual for guidance, but in general, it's recommended to clean or replace filters every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently for heavy usage. Regular maintenance helps prevent clogs and ensures efficient suction.

Range Hoods and Exhaust Fans:

Range hoods and exhaust fans in kitchens are equipped with filters to capture grease, smoke, and cooking odors, preventing them from spreading throughout the home and accumulating in ducts and vents.

When to Clean or Replace: Clean or replace range hood filters every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if you cook frequently with high heat or use your range heavily. Grease buildup can impair ventilation and pose fire hazards.

Washing Machines and Dishwashers:

Washing machines and dishwashers may contain filters to trap lint, food particles, and debris during the washing cycle, preventing them from redepositing on clothes or dishes.

When to Clean or Replace: Inspect and clean washing machine lint filters regularly, ideally after every few laundry cycles, to prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance. Dishwasher filters should be cleaned or replaced every few months to prevent food buildup and ensure thorough cleaning.

Tips for Maintenance:

• Follow manufacturer recommendations: Consult the appliance's user manual for specific maintenance guidelines and filter replacement schedules.
• Keep track of filter replacements: Use calendars, reminders, or indicator lights to stay on top of filter maintenance.
• Use high-quality filters: Opt for genuine replacement filters recommended by the appliance manufacturer to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Monitor appliance performance: Pay attention to signs of reduced efficiency, such as decreased airflow, unusual odors, or poor water quality, which may indicate the need for filter cleaning or replacement.

By regularly cleaning or replacing filters in your home appliances, you can optimize their performance, extend their lifespan, and maintain a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Make filter maintenance a priority in your household routine to enjoy the full benefits of your appliances for years to come.

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As winter thaws and spring showers begin to pour, homeowners face the risk of flooding, a common and potentially costly hazard. Spring flooding can result from various factors including melting snow, heavy rains, and overflowing rivers. However, with proactive measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of flood damage to their property. In this article, we'll discuss practical steps that homeowners can take to safeguard their homes from spring flooding.

Understand Your Property's Risk:

Before spring arrives, it's essential to assess your property's susceptibility to flooding. Determine if your home is located in a flood-prone area or near bodies of water prone to overflow. Check flood maps provided by local authorities and insurance companies to understand your flood risk level accurately.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts:

Clean gutters and downspouts of debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt to ensure proper water drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to water infiltration into your home's foundation and basement. Regularly inspect and repair any damaged gutters or downspouts to prevent leaks.

Install Sump Pumps:

Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace to remove excess water and prevent flooding. Ensure that your sump pump is in good working condition by testing it periodically and installing a battery backup system to ensure operation during power outages.

Landscape Grading:

Properly grade your landscaping to direct water away from your home's foundation. Ensure that the ground slopes away from the house to prevent water from pooling near the foundation, which can lead to basement flooding and structural damage.

Seal Foundation Cracks:

Inspect your home's foundation for cracks and seal any openings to prevent water infiltration. Use waterproof sealants or epoxy injections to fill cracks and gaps in the foundation walls, basement floors, and around windows and doors.

Elevate Electrical Systems:

Raise electrical appliances, outlets, and circuit breakers above potential flood levels to minimize damage in case of flooding. Consider relocating electrical panels and HVAC systems to higher ground or elevating them on platforms to prevent water damage.

Install Flood Barriers and Waterproofing:

Invest in flood barriers such as sandbags, flood gates, or inflatable barriers to protect vulnerable areas of your home from rising water levels. Additionally, apply waterproof coatings or sealants to basement walls and floors to prevent seepage.

Review Insurance Coverage:

Standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance can be very affordable and is often a good idea, even for homes and property not historically considered flood risks.

Create an Emergency Plan:

Develop an emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and procedures for shutting off utilities in the event of a flood. Share the plan with family members and ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Stay Informed:

Stay informed about weather forecasts and flood warnings issued by local authorities. Monitor river levels and flood alerts in your area through official channels and be prepared to take action if flooding is imminent.

By taking proactive measures to prepare for spring flooding, homeowners can minimize the risk of damage to their property and protect their families from potential harm. Investing time and resources in flood prevention measures can provide peace of mind and ensure a safer and more resilient home environment.

If you have any homeowner insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

If the hood of your car unexpectedly pops open while you're driving, it can be a dangerous situation and should be handled with caution. Here's what may happen and what you should do:

Limited Visibility: The hood obstructing your view can significantly reduce your visibility, making it difficult to see the road ahead and other vehicles around you. You can sometimes view through the gap under the hood and your car.

Sudden wind resistance: The open hood creates significant wind resistance, which can affect your car's stability and control. This can lead to swerving, difficulty steering, and even loss of control.

Loud bang: The hood popping open can create a loud bang, which can startle you and affect your driving ability.

Loss of Control: The sudden distraction and potential obstruction can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially if you're traveling at higher speeds.

Damage to Your Car: The hood can potentially damage other parts of your car, such as the windshield or roof, as it flips open.

Safety Risk to Others: Besides endangering yourself, there's also a risk to other drivers and pedestrians if the hood flies open and debris is ejected from your vehicle.

If the hood of your car does pop open while driving, follow these steps:

Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and focused despite the unexpected situation.

Signal and Pull Over: Use your turn signals to indicate your intention to pull over to the side of the road safely.

Slow Down Gradually: Gradually reduce your speed while keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control of your vehicle.

Activate Hazard Lights: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there's an issue with your vehicle.

Do Not Attempt to Close the Hood: It's not safe to attempt to close the hood while driving. Instead, focus on safely pulling over and assessing the situation once your vehicle is stationary.

Turn off the engine and do not attempt to close the hood yourself. It's important to have a qualified mechanic inspect the latch and ensure it's safe to close before proceeding.

Call for Assistance: The hood could have unexpectedly opened due to a malfunctioning latch, a broken cable, or another mechanical issue, there may be underlying problems. In such cases, it's advisable to contact roadside assistance or a tow truck for professional assistance

Remember, safety should always be your top priority in such situations. Take necessary precautions to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

If you have any insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

The love month is upon us, when, on February 14, baby Cupid flies around with a bow and arrow. While many people celebrate the tradition with chocolate, flowers, or a night of fine dining, it's likely that not many have knowledge of where and how this holiday began. According to the History Channel, that's because much of the background is still a mystery aside from the fact that the Catholic Church recognizes a Saint Valentine and Cupid is based on Greek mythology.

However, when it comes to love and romance, more recent studies have uncovered information about love in this day and age. Here are some to ponder:

Love & Health

Studies from the University of Utah, among many other universities, have found people in positive loving relationships actually live longer, have lower blood pressure, better heart health, a stronger immune system, heal from illnesses faster, and are more physically fit, among other things. In a nutshell, this has to do with the fact that healthy, happy relationships put people at ease and create less stress and anxiety in daily life. In addition, many give up bad habits to make their significant other happy.

Love & Happiness

Other studies have shown that the feelings associated with love trigger the release of hormones that promote a sense of joy and contentment. Oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone," plays a crucial role in bonding and emotional connection. Dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter, surges during moments of love and reinforces positive feelings. Additionally, serotonin levels may rise, contributing to an overall improved mood. These hormonal responses create a physiological basis for the euphoria and contentment experienced when in love, highlighting the intricate interplay between emotions and our biochemical makeup.

Love & Mental Health

The hormones described above, clearly improve mental health, but there's more than just overall positive feelings that come with those chemical releases. Being in love is said to promote one's overall well-being due to reduced stress and anxiety, fostering better mental health. Additionally, the emotional support that comes with healthy relationships also provide a strong helps individuals navigate challenges and cope with life's ups and downs; the sense of belonging from having a deep connection can lead to increased feelings of security and fulfillment; and feeling loved and valued by a partner can contribute to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-image.

If you have any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

If you've picked up a newspaper in the past year, you've heard about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Most of the media coverage pertains to the down sides, including fears of privacy breaches, the spread of misinformation, biased algorithms, plagiarism, job displacement, and the list goes on – to the point where legislation and policy changes are being considered around the globe.

However, what's not commonly reported on is the fact that, if used property and ethically, AI has the potential to benefit small businesses in a number of ways. Here are some common misconceptions about the use of AI for business, along with ways it can actually help business owners in the long run.

Myth: AI is only useful for large corporations and too complex for small businesses.

Truth: AI can be tailored to suit businesses of any size, and it can really come in handy by atomizing those mundane tasks that often bog down owners and employees, giving them more time to dedicate to work that generates revenue.

Myth: AI is going to replace humans in the workplace.

Truth: It's true that AI can replace jobs that involve repetitive, automated tasks – such as answering and fielding routine customer service questions and managing inventory and data. However, small business owners and employees might want to instead consider how it can benefit and enrich their jobs, allowing them to dedicate more time to top-level, creative, complex projects that benefit the bottom line. As Harvard Business School professor Karim Lakhani said in a recent interview on CNBC: "Machines won't replace humans, but humans with machines will replace humans without machines."

Myth: AI requires training that can be expensive and time consuming.

Truth: While it's true that integrating AI into the workplace requires training, there are user-friendly AI tools designed for small businesses that require minimal technical expertise. Consider starting small by using Chatbots for online customer service issues, customer relationship management (CRM) tools to enhance sales and marketing efforts (such as HubSpot or Zoho). Allowing certain employees to dedicate their time towards learning about and implementing AI automations will undoubtedly be financially worth it in the long run.

To speed up the learning process, business owners might want to consider online AI courses for beginners. Look into those offered on Coursera, Udacity, and edX, among others, and look for local workshops or online webinars hosted by AI experts. Look for training programs tailored to your specific industry or those designed for small businesses. Many industry associations also offer targeted AI education.

For more information about insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

If you live in the colder northern regions of the U.S., you've most likely experienced your fair share of snow... shoveling it, driving in it, trudging through it, and, of course, playing in it. And while each winter sport – from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing – has its own inherent risks, there are a number of other snow-related things to keep on your radar.

Winter Recreation:

A 2018 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that more than 200,000 people went to the emergency room for snow sport injuries, including 76,000 from skiing, 53,000 from snowboarding, 48,000 from ice skating, and 22,000 from sledding. More recently, ski fatalities hit a 10-year high for the 2021/22 season.

These statistics are not meant to keep you from having fun in the white stuff, but they do serve as reminders to follow certain precautions. The most important being the use of helmets and other safety gear such as padding, googles, and – for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers – an avalanche transceiver and shovel.

Avalanche Danger:

Avalanches occur when loose snow or snow slabs dislodge and begin to move downhill, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and causing major destruction in their wake. Some avalanches are caused by humans, but many are triggered by sudden changes in wind, weather, or temperature. While avalanche danger is much more common for those exploring the backcountry, massive slides have been triggered in neighborhoods, resulting in fatalities and severe damage to homes.

Get Covered:

Whether you're an avid backcountry skier or a homeowner in an area susceptible to avalanches, there are things you can do to make sure that you and your family will be able to recover from any loss or damages that occur as the result of an avalanche. Here are a few options:

Snowmobile insurance: Just like car insurance, snowmobile insurance can be purchased to cover multiple vehicles and drivers under a single policy. A basic plan will cover damage to you or your snowmobile in the event of an accident or collision. Extended plans may include uninsured/underinsured driver coverage, accessory coverage, or increased liability coverage. Snowmobile insurance is required in some states and national parks.

Travel insurance: If you are planning a getaway to a snowy wonderland, consider purchasing winter travel insurance, especially if your agenda includes winter recreation. In addition to the basics of any travel policy, which protect you in the event of delayed flights or stolen luggage, a winter travel insurance policy will cover losses due to accident or injury related to a variety of winter sports, from ice hockey and snowshoeing to more risky sports like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.

Natural disaster insurance: Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover natural disasters like avalanches, but it's easy to get additional coverage if your home is at risk. If you live in an area prone to avalanches, look into purchasing a supplemental policy and make sure your home is fully insured.

For more information about insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Perhaps it's the shorter days and colder weather, but the winter doldrums are real. It's a proven fact that, for some people, this time of year can bring on feelings of depression, lethargy, and boredom. Still, communities around the globe have found ways – both wily and weird – to brighten the winter blues.

Here are some festivals and traditions that are bound to make you smile:

A hot spring business in Canada's Yukon Territory started the International Hair Freezing Contest, which encourages contestants to soak their hair in icy water and sculpt it into creative frozen shapes. Each year, the winners of different categories, including best male, female, and facial hair, take home $2,000.

Every February, a temple near Okayama, Japan hosts the Hadaka Matsuri, in which thousands of men wear only loincloths in the dead of winter while trying to make their way to a shrine that removes bad luck and symbolizes the purification of the soul.

The Frozen Dead Guy Days is celebrated over St. Patrick's weekend every March in Estes Park, Colorado, as homage to a frozen corpse that was allegedly stored in a shed nearby in the late 1980s. The event features live music, coffin races, and a polar plunge.

On Christmas day, communities in Peru celebrate with the Takanakuy festival, which, roughly translated, means "to hit each other" – allowing locals to settle grievances through physical combat to promote community reconciliation.

Every February, the town of Ivrea in northwestern Italy hosts the three-day Carnevale di Ivrea, or the "Battle of Oranges." In this massive food fight, approximately 900 tons of oranges are used as projectiles during a re-enactment of the town's liberation from tyranny during Medieval times.

Each February, the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival in Iceland celebrates the play of light and darkness with stunning light installations, fireworks, and cultural events that take place in all six municipalities of the capital region.

Every January, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, aka the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival, takes place in China and is renowned for its gigantic ice sculptures and structures that transform the city into a magical, frozen wonderland. It also includes ice and snow sculpture competitions, winter fishing, winter sports, a parade, and five theme parks.

The World Championship of Shovel Racing took place every February at Angel Fire Ski Resort in New Mexico, up until 2020, featuring participants racing downhill on modified snow shovels, reaching surprising speeds on the icy slopes, which likely resulted in the end of a 40-plus-year tradition.

For any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Have you ever noticed that your skin changes with the seasons? In the summer, we tend to spend more time under the harsh rays of the sun, which can certainly dry out the skin, although the humidity in some parts of the country can help your skin stay more hydrated and younger looking. In the winter, we bounce between cold outdoor temperatures and heated interiors, the latter which is known to dry out the skin. This fluctuation often results in itchy, flaky winter skin.

Here are some tips for taking care of your precious skin – the body's largest organ – during the colder season.

Protection & Prevention

Sunscreen: It's cold and snowy, and perhaps the sun is hiding behind the clouds, but sunscreen – especially for outdoor enthusiasts – is still a must. It's proven that winter activities can lead to sunburn and skin damage, due to the fact that many snow sports take place at higher elevations where ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels are more magnified. The snow also reflects the sun, making the UV rays more powerful, even when it's hiding behind the clouds.

These days, many people shun the sun, as the idea that tanned skin looks "healthy" has been overshadowed by fears of skin cancer, wrinkles, and irreversible damage. Rightly so. Melanoma is the fastest spreading skin cancer with the highest death rate, and then there's the more treatable pre-cancers such as squamous and basal cell carcinomas.

In both winter and summer, broad-spectrum (blocking both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreens are recommended, and there are a variety of more natural formulas that not only block the rays, but also nourish the skin.

Add Moisture: The dry air produced from heating systems can diminish the skin's natural moisture. Especially in the winter, it's important to use a moisturizer every day, especially after a shower. (Speaking of showers, it's best to keep hot showers short and use a moisturizing soap.)

As stated above, since humidity can help add more moisture, a quality humidifier should be used in common living spaces. If you are using one, make sure to clean it regularly, otherwise bacteria and fungus can build up.

Natural Healing

If you are suffering from dry, flaky, and itchy winter skin, many remedies can be found on grocery store shelves. Here are some natural, ways to tend to winter skin:

Oils: Coconut oil and almond oil are great dry skin soothers and deep moisturizers. Warm the oil up by placing the container in a bowl of hot water before the shower, and apply a thin layer right after to seal in the moisture.

Moisturizers: Look for moisturizing skin creams that are based on naturally healing ingredients such as jojoba, aloe vera, honey, and oils.

For any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Those in colder climates don't have to hibernate in the gym all winter to break a sweat. Instead, with the right gear and know-how, you can take your workouts outdoors for the ultimate mind-clearing energy boost. Here are some tips for braving – and actually enjoying – outdoor exercise in the snowy season.

Take Cover: When the wind is howling or the snowflakes are flying, use the protection of tree-lined trails or tall buildings, as opposed to running in open areas.

Map Your Route: Because safe footing is key, head to areas with less ice, such as regularly plowed roads and try smaller loops that you can repeat as many times as you like.

Start Small: If you run 4 miles in the summer, start with 2 miles in cold weather and work your way up. The cold can dry out and occasionally irritate the airway, so this can help your lungs and overall body acclimate.

Keep Sipping: Don't forget to drink water, even if you're not sweating as much as you do in warmer weather. Many people don't feel as thirsty as they do in the heat, making it easy for them to become dehydrated and exhausted. For longer runs, wear a Camelbak with an insulated hose or carry a water bottle under your clothing to keep it from freezing.

Watch the Clock: On really cold days, hold off on workouts until the middle of the day if possible. Noon is when the sun is most intense, and the UV rays can heat up clothing more effectively.

Dress for Success:

With today's high-tech winter exercise gear, you don't have to be bundled up like the Michelin Man to stay warm. Layers and the right materials can keep you comfortable and cozy.

Stay away from cotton, which absorbs sweat and stays wet against the skin, making you colder. Instead, stick with form fitting microfiber wicking materials, such as a spandex-polyester blend and polypropylene. These fabrics draw the moisture away from the skin to the outer layer where it dries quickly. It also holds in heat to regulate your body temperature.

People tend to overdress for winter exercise, leading to excessive sweating and less mobility. Shedding or adding thin layers – even if you keep one tied around your waist – is recommended to regulate body temperatures. Thin fitted gloves and hats made from wicking fabric can hold in heat, or use wind-blocking mittens on the colder days.

For the feet, use sturdy trail running shoes, and when it's really icy or snowy, use YakTrax or something similar, with metal spikes that strap to running shoes and grip the surface.

For any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Winter is the time of year when those creepy, crawly cold and flu germs come out of hiding in search of a warm place to snuggle up and reproduce. On just about every public surface – and harboring on cell phones and computer keypads among many other places in our homes – they prey on adults and especially love finding their way onto children who just can't seem to keep their fingers out of their mouths and noses.

But alas, there is help out there, different techniques to keep your immune system in fighting form and fend off the dreaded germs.

#1 Stock the Supplements:

From classics like good 'ol vitamin C to formulas designed specifically for immune system health, some supplements have been proven to help. The National Institute of Health lists the best choices as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics – the live cultures in yogurt and other fermented foods, and also in pill or powder form. It sounds like a lot to swallow, but there are many vitamin and herbal blends on the shelves that contain the whole gamut in one daily dose.

#2 Stay Sanitary:

It's old news, but thorough, regular hand washing and/or hand sanitizer can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding germs and staying healthy. However, most people still don't do it as well or often as they should, like every time the bathroom is used, before eating, and after coming in contact with a lot of shared surfaces or objects.

#3 Eat Well:

Yeah, yeah, you've heard it before, but nutritious foods can go a long way, especially during flu season. This includes eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean protein. Also throw in some of these foods that have been tagged for helping to boost immunity: Citrus fruit, Red bell peppers, Broccoli, Garlic, Ginger, Spinach, and Yogurt.

#4 Drink Well:

Water that is... Sipping water throughout the day can flush out and prevent pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, from getting into the eyes, nose and mouth. In fact, good hydration helps the whole body function properly.

#5 Hit Snooze:

Over time, stress and lack of sleep can lead to illness any time of year. However, during flu season, it especially helps your body fight off sickness. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

For any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

It's true that hearing loss comes with age, in fact, a reported up to 50% of those over 75 are affected. However, the World Health Organization reports that approximately 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s have signs of hearing loss, and much is likely noise-induced, especially in this digital day and age.

Taking proactive steps to protect your hearing can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and contribute to overall auditory well-being. Here are some things to note:

Primary Causes of Hearing Loss:

Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds – whether it's at the workplace, from frequent concerts, or from cranking the volume on your ear buds – is the number one culprit.

Aging: An obvious one, as explained above – but it's been proven that hearing gradually declines with age.

Genetics: According to the National Institute of Health, 50% of hearing loss can be blamed on genetics.

Ear Infections: These come about more often with babies and toddlers, and recurrent or untreated infections can lead to impaired hearing down the road.

Certain medications, cardiovascular issues, loud workplace environments, and even smoking can also impact hearing.

Preventing Hearing Loss:

Regular hearing check-ups can help track your auditory health, and taking protective measures against excessive noise can also help mitigate the impact of hearing loss across all age groups. Aside from the obvious – such as using ear protection in loud environments, keeping music and other audio devices at moderate levels, and keeping your distance from sources of excessive noise, others include: Taking listening breaks from continuous exposure to loud sounds in order to recover; maintaining ear hygiene; consulting with healthcare professionals about the potential side effects of medications; adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.

For all of your insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Holiday cheer in the workplace can spice up the regular workday for both customers and employees. At the same time, business owners need to consider setting up some guidelines to ensure that the office remains free of discrimination. Aside from legal considerations, it's important to be respectful and inclusive of all staff and clients when decorating the office and planning holiday parties, if you choose to host one.

Holiday office parties can be great; they're an opportunity to show appreciation for your staff, for co-workers to get to know each other better, and to lighten the overall mood and company culture. However, let's be honest: Many workers do not look forward to this annual event and would rather spend their free time associating with their chosen friends and family. To be more specific, a poll by Human Resources Director (HRD) magazine reports that:

• 34% do not enjoy spending time with colleagues at parties
• 30% dread the office cliques that are often more pronounced at these parties
• 27% believe fun shouldn't be something that's forced on them by management

That said, according to those statistics, more than half do enjoy partying down with their colleagues, and much of this depends on the size and culture within the company. If you do decide to host a holiday celebration, here are some tips for success:

Tone Down Decorations: According to federal guidelines, wreaths, lights, Christmas trees can be set up in lobbies and other public spaces. However, overtly religious decorations like nativity scenes are more likely to cause controversy and religious discrimination, so leave those out.

Consider Party Size: For larger corporations, HRD magazine reports that 23% would rather attend smaller gatherings with their teams instead of with the entire workforce. Ask around to see how the different team members feel.

Set a Time Limit: It's a good idea to call it a night after two to three hours, especially if there's alcohol involved. This can help prevent those embarrassing moments from happening – the ones that other workers talk about until the next one rolls around.

Provide Transportation: If alcohol is served, this is an important safety measure for the employees and company's liability.

Don't Force the Fun: More introverted employees might find these to be painful, and some would rather do something else with their free time. Make sure employees understand that it's fine to sit these parties out.

Common sense, moderation and an attitude of inclusiveness are the keys to success when it comes to celebrating the holidays at work. Take our suggestions to ensure a fun, safe and festive holiday season on the job.

For all of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Whether you specialize in carpentry, web design, or accounting, the availability of online resources and professional networks enables almost anyone to engage with potential clients and manage essential day-to-day business tasks independently. This growing pool of freelancers and self-employed professionals has simplified the process for employers, making it easier than ever to hire independent contractors to fulfill specific business needs.

There are many benefits to using contractors instead of employees, but it's important to understand the differences in order to avoid the legal and financial consequences of misclassifying an employee. Whether you're an employer or an employee, here's what you need to know:

What's the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?

An independent contractor is someone who performs a service for multiple clients, negotiates his or her own wages, and generally controls his or her hours and workflow. An independent contractor may also have employees of his or her own. Alternately, an employee usually works for a single employer, and his or her hours, workflow, and that employer primarily controls duties. Independent contractors tend to work on short-term projects, while employees stick with a single employer long-term.

What are the pros and cons for business owners?

The primary benefit of hiring independent contractors is that it almost always saves the business owner money in the way of employment taxes and insurance fees. Additionally, if your needs can change from one month to the next as far as amount or type of work available, it might make sense to hire contractors on an as-needed basis.

Alternately, if your company requires staff that really understands the ins and outs of your particular business and will benefit from having long-term staff, it may make more sense to take on employees rather than outsource your worker needs.

What are the pros and cons for independent contractors?

Making your own schedule, choosing your clients, and an increased ability to negotiate compensation are major perks of being your own boss. The tradeoff is that you may lose certain benefits and worker protections that come with having an employer. Independent contractors are also responsible for paying their own taxes on income earned.

What employers need to know:

Intentional misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor is against the law. In addition to the criteria above, it's important to note that workers who are "economically dependent" on a single employer may be considered employees, even if their work is minimally controlled or directed by the employer. In addition, if the work a contractor does is integral to your business, he or she probably qualifies as an employee.

For questions about business insurance in the Illinois, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

As many of those over 40 know, eyesight seems to get worse every year thereafter, resulting in a hearty sprinkling of reading glasses around the house. When you think about it, we rarely think about our ocular health unless our eyes are giving us problems.

The eyes can be affected by a number of conditions from allergies and infection to inflammation and, in more serious cases, a variety of eye diseases. Many of these diseases do not include symptoms in their initial stages, but they typically can be detected early on with regular check-ups. Some eye issues can also indicate other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Here are some tips to keep your vision in tip-top shape...

Schedule Annual Eye Exams:

Most eye doctors agree that an annual comprehensive exam, including a dilation procedure, is essential for staying on top of eye health and revealing early signs of other eye or health issues.

Take Screen Breaks:

In digital eye fatigue is a concern, and The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule to keep vision fatigue to a minimum. This means taking a break from digital devices every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away for approximately 20 seconds.

Maintain Overall Health:

By maintaining your overall physical health, you can positively contribute to the health of your eyes. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, staying well hydrated, and getting adequate sleep.

Use Eye Protection:

Always wear appropriate safety gear to protect your eyes in the workplace and in the home workshop. In addition, use protection when participating recreational activities that could result in eye injuries, and wear quality sunglasses that block out both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Stay Clean with Contacts:

Practice common sense hygiene, especially with contact lenses, in order to prevent eye infections that can become quite serious. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contacts or touching your eyes; clean your contacts and their case regularly; and store contact lenses properly, following the manufacturer's and your eye doctor's instructions.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Holidays have a bad rap when it comes to the fattening, unhealthy foods that generally accompany them, not to mention the extra boozing and grazing that occurs at many of the seasonal parties. But not all holiday foods can be blamed for packing on the pounds. Some elements of our traditional holiday feast even have "superfood" qualities.

Superfoods are plant-based foods that pack a nutritional punch, usually due to high levels of naturally occurring vitamins, phytochemicals and antioxidants. According to the American Diabetic Association, these elements can help prevent different forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, diverticulosis and cataracts, among other things.

Along with the inevitable mouth-watering pies, casseroles, cookies, and gravies this season, here are some ingredients you can feel good about:

Pumpkin: Pumpkin pie is a holiday tradition that also happens to be rich in nutritional value. Pumpkins are a great source of fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, B-complex vitamins, and alpha- and beta-carotene which boosts the immune system and promotes eye health.

Sweet Potatoes: Hidden in casseroles, covered in marshmallows, or served creamy and mashed, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, and also pack in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Cranberries: This famous holiday condiment is a powerhouse of nutrition, with high levels of health promoting anti-oxidants, inflammation-reducing phytochemicals, and immune-boosting vitamin C.

Cinnamon: An essential spice for holiday cookies and baked goodies, cinnamon can spice up your health as well. Studies show that cinnamon can relieve arthritis pain and reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Nutmeg: Often used as a complimentary flavor to cinnamon, nutmeg is another super spice that is known for calming the stomach, relieving joint pain, improving circulation and concentration, regulating anxiety, and promoting sleep. It also has been shown to have antibacterial properties for mouth health.

Nuts: People go nuts for nuts around the holidays in the form of pecan pie, warm chestnuts, and party snacks. And a small handful goes a long way, helping control weight and protect us from certain cancers, while also serving as a plant-based protein that's high in fiber and a good source of mono-unsaturated fats that protects heart health.

Brussel Sprouts: Although it has a reputation for scaring kids away, this veggie has a slew of health enhancing characteristics, including beta carotene and flavonoids that are especially protective against cancer. Brussel sprouts are also high in fiber, potassium, and calcium.

Chocolate: We tend to assume that anything sweet is bad for us, but dark chocolate – with 60 percent or more cocoa content – includes flavonoids for heart health, reduces blood clots and can sharpen mental health.

For all of your questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

With colder temperatures and snow on the horizon for those located in the northern part of the country, this is the time of year to batten down the hatches as they say. In doing so, one of the most important factors to check is your insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps the cold out, but it also keeps the energy bills down.

Most homeowners understand the importance of insulating the walls, roof, and attic – and hopefully that insulation is up to date, with the correct materials and thickness, "or R-Value". (If not, schedule an energy audit with a professional or a free home efficiency assessment through your energy company.) However, along with the obvious places, there are a number of smaller areas around the home that – if sealed properly before winter weather sets in – can keep the coziness-value intact.

Doors & Windows: These portals to the home are responsible for much of the drafty air that can enter. To prevent this, seal gaps around windows with weatherstripping or cover them with plastic film kits to create an extra barrier against the cold. For doors, install weatherstripping and sweeps to keep them draft-free.

Water Pipes: During those colder-than-usual snaps, exposed water pipes can freeze and, God forbid, even burst. Insulate those that are located in unheated or poorly insulated areas of the home – like basements, garages, or crawl spaces – using foam pipe sleeves or heating tape.

Water Heaters: A water heater insulation blanket can help to keep the water inside the tank warm, reducing energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy, these can reduce heat loss by 25 to 45 percent, saving homeowners about 7 to 16 percent in water heating costs.

Outlets & Switches: Believe it or not, these small openings in the walls can let a large amount of cold air inside the home. Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switches to prevent drafts. Found at any hardware store, thes are made from fire-retardant foam that is pre-cut to fit around your outlets or switch plates.

Recessed Light Fixtures: Insulating around recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling can help reduce heat loss and drafts. Use specialized covers designed for this purpose.

Mail Slots: Those old fashioned door slots can let in a lot more than just the mail. Install a draft-proof cover or seal around the mail slot to prevent heat loss and cold drafts.

HVAC Ducts: Seal and insulate HVAC ducts that are located in unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, or garages to minimize heat loss during distribution. Air leaks can be sealed by using mastic sealant or metal tape for insulation. Regardless of its name, duct tape is way less efficient than aluminum-backed tape.

For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

In many cases, the reasons for letting someone go are quite obvious and difficult for employers to ignore. This includes things that can be measured, like a decline in performance made clear by shrinking sales numbers and frequent absences. Then there are the ones that are witnessed or reported from other workers, such as poor team dynamics and low overall morale.

However, sometimes employee deficiencies, poor behavior traits, and performance issues are more subtle and easily overlooked by managers and business owners. Here are some less glaring signs that might mean it's time to let someone go.

Negative Behavior: Keep an ear open to feedback and reports from other managers and workers, as an employee's constant negativity or toxic behavior can have a significant impact on team morale and productivity over time.

Lack of Engagement: Employees who appear disinterested, unengaged, or emotionally detached from their work can eventually become a drag on the team's performance.

Resistance to Feedback: If an employee consistently resists feedback or refuses to make improvements, it can hinder their professional growth and the company's progress.

Poor Communication: An inability to collaborate effectively with colleagues can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and productivity issues.

Leaning on Others: Employees who rely heavily on others to complete their tasks may not be contributing their fair share to the team's success.

Lack of Adaptation: In rapidly changing industries, employees who struggle to adapt to new technologies or methods can hinder the company's competitiveness.

While these signs can be indicative of a problem, it's important for employers to assess each case individually and consider addressing these issues through coaching, training, or counseling before resorting to termination.

What to know before letting someone go...

• As an employer, it's up to you to understand the laws that exist in your state that pertain to job termination.
• Make sure to have fair and appropriate documentation that begins as soon as a problem arises or is reported.
• Have an employment contract that explicitly states things like the length of probationary periods and termination procedures, while also outlining behavioral and performance expectations.
• Employees may not be terminated for discriminatory reasons, or for taking advantage of employee benefits, like using all of their vacation time or taking advantage of sick days.
• Employers can't fire employees at-will; they must demonstrate or have documented just cause in order to do so.

For all of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Once upon a time, kids roamed free, going from yard to yard, playing with the neighborhood kids, organizing their own games, and coming back at dinnertime totally wiped out. Today, between screen time, school, organized lessons and sports, homework and a parental fear of letting children out of sight, this kind of free play has mostly gone out the window. What's gone out with it is a whole spectrum of growth and development opportunities, from communication skills and physical health to innovation and creativity, which all play big roles in shaping our children for a positive future.

During the school year, many kids are simply too busy to even play outside, and when they do have down time, many spend it in front of a screen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention kids spend an average of six to nine hours per day in front of a screen, depending on their age. These days, parents just about have to force their children to entertain themselves.

Allowing children to have some control over their time and choose what they want to do with it (away from the screen), is an important part of childhood development, and a factor that most parents overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here are ways parents can help kids blossom outside of school:

Schedule down time: As they drive the little ones around from one activity to another, parents these days are just about as busy as their kids. Although they do it with the best intentions, with the hopes of giving them opportunities to grow through things like music lessons and gymnastics, kids need down time to grow in other ways. And just like adults, children need alone time as well, even if they don't admit it. When left alone, before long he/she will come up with something to do, whether it's an imaginary game, building something or reading a book.

Unstructured exercise: Parents may feel that their kids' little league practice constitutes playtime or free time, but studies have found that these organized sports are turning kids into passive observers instead of leaders. Here, the kids are being told what to do by a coach instead of being allowed to solve their own problems. Instead, send kids outside every once in a while with a baseball or a soccer ball, and let them create their own game. This teaches them how to get along with other people and solve their own problems, using critical thinking.

Get into the wild: Many studies have found that nature has a calming effect, allowing people to use different parts of their brains. Instead of using directed attention in school or in front of screens, time in nature allows kids to use all of their senses. It also creates a calming sense of wonder.

For any questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Aside from school starting, September still feels a lot like summer in many regions, with sunny days and a break from the August heat. But once October hits, fall sinks in; the leaves start changing with the colder weather.

For those with summer cabins and lake houses, this is the time to batten down the hatches and close 'er up until next spring. In doing so, there are several important tasks to run through in order to ensure the structure is protected during the off-season.

Cleaning:

• Remove all perishable food items
• Clean kitchen counters & floors, leaving no crumbs left for potential critters
• Empty trash cans
• Wash linens and towels

Pest Control:

• Ensure windows and doors are properly closed and sealed
• Seal any gaps or cracks that pests could enter through
• Consider placing traps or using pest deterrents

Home Systems:

• Unplug all appliances and non-essential electronics
• Turn off and unplug the water heater
• Drain and winterize water pipes and tanks
• Flush toilets and add antifreeze to prevent freezing
• Shut off the main water supply
• Adjust the thermostat to a lower setting
• Clean or replace furnace air filters
• Remove batteries from remote controllers

Security:

• Lock all windows and doors securely
• Consider installing security cameras or an alarm system if you don't already have one
• Remove valuable items or store them securely
• Let trusted neighbors know your plans and share contact information in case of emergencies

Other:

• Store or protect outdoor furniture and equipment, such as grills and lawnmower
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters
• Inspect the roof for damage or leaks
• Arrange for periodic check-ins or maintenance visits
• Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date

Making sure to properly shut down the summer home will allow you to sleep better throughout the winter, knowing a fun visit is on the horizon.

For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Are teens really the worst drivers out there? Is texting the main reason for car accidents, or is it driving under the influence? Here are some interesting statistics about life on the road.

Speeding:

• National data reported by Fortune magazine determined that a 10-mph speed increase ups the risk of a crash by more than 9 percent.
• According to TeenSafe, more than 50 percent of the 5,000,000 car crashes in the U.S. each year are caused by aggressive drivers, with speeding being the most prevalent contributor.
• In 2019, the Insurance Information Institute reported that speed-related crashes cost Americans $40.4 billion each year.

Teen Drivers:

• In 2018, the NHTSA reported that drivers between the ages of 15 to 20 had the highest rate of speed-related fatalities compared to other age groups.
• According to DriveTeam, teenage crashes most often involve left-hand turns, rear-end accidents, and running off the road.
• The Oregon Department of Transportation reported that those without driver education between the ages of 15 to 20 are responsible for 91% of teen driving accidents.
• According to TeenSafe, when a teenage driver has an additional passenger, they are twice as likely to get into a fatal car crash. When two or more passengers are present, they are five times more likely.
• Speed was a factor in 31 percent of U.S. teen driver fatalities.

Driving Under the Influence:

• Three in five people will be involved in a crash due to impaired driving in their lifetime, says a report by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
• When drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol, they are 36 times more likely to crash, reports the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that, while alcohol is the substance most linked to impaired driving, marijuana is the second.

Texting:

• A report by Driver Knowledge says that one out of three people text while driving.
• Texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times.
• TeenSafe reports that at least 11 teens die in crashes caused by texting and driving every day.

For all of your car insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Whether you're looking to expand operations, launch a new product, or overcome a temporary financial challenge, having access to capital is essential. While different lenders have particular standards and regulations, there are some basic steps business owners can take to improve their chances of scoring a loan.

1. Build a Strong Credit History: Your credit score is one of the first things lenders will look at. Having good credit, both personally and through your business, will increase your chances of getting approved and securing a lower interest rate.
2. Create a Detailed Business Plan: A thorough business plan that details your company's objectives, financial projections, and tactics showcases your vision to potential financiers. Make sure to include strategies for sustaining cash flow to manage business operations, expenses, and, most importantly, future loan payments.
3. Identify the Loan's Objective: Explain the overall purpose of the loan, how much you would like to borrow, and how it will be used to grow or sustain your business.
4. Outline Your Track Record: Lenders often consider how long your business has been in operation, with banks often requiring two years and online lenders requiring at least one year. Businesses with a successful track record are more likely to secure a loan.
5. Research Lenders: Explore different options, including traditional banks, online lenders, and credit unions. Make sure to compare their terms, interest rates, and requirements to find the best fit for your business.
6. Prepare Legal & Financial Documents: Lenders will want to review your business's financial records, including balance sheets, profit & loss statements, and tax returns. In addition, many will want proof of your business license, any commercial leases, and articles of incorporation (if that applies), among other things.
7. Understand the Different Loan Types: It's important to educate yourself about various types of business loans, such as term loans, SBA loans, lines of credit, and microloans. Each has unique features that make it suitable for various uses.
8. Submit a Clean Application: Make sure to thoroughly edit your application, ensuring that it's polished, accurate, and appealing. Make sure you've addressed all lender requirements and that your presentation is professional and persuasive.

Once your business loan has been approved, make sure to compare the different interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and the speed of funding to determine the best fit.

For all of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Business is a great way to supplement your income, pursue your passions, or build a foundation for a future full-time venture. However, it's important to be aware of the risks involved before you take the plunge.

There are a number of potential risks associated with side businesses, including legal liability, property damage, business interruption, company vehicle accidents, death or disability of key employees, natural disasters, and hackers and technological issues.

Some Side Business Risks:

There are numerous risks that accompany a side business. Be aware of these possibilities if you plan to start a side business of any kind.

• Legal Liability: A business is liable for injuries to its employees, customers, or vendors that occur on the company premises or off as a result of the company's negligence. A business is also liable for product-related problems due to defective merchandise or inadequately performed services.
• Property Damage: Any business can sustain property damage, whether it is due to burglary, a fire, an accident, severe weather, or vandalism.
• Business Interruption: If a business suffers a loss, such as property damage, it may be forced to shut down for a period of time. Unless there is insurance to cover business interruption, this break in business can be financially catastrophic.
• Company Vehicle: A business vehicle is vulnerable to damage and destruction, and many businesses require at least one vehicle in order to operate.
• Death or Disability of Key Employees: Some experts argue that the most valuable assets to any business are its employees; without them, the business cannot function. Any health issues or deaths can significantly compromise a business.
• Natural Disaster: Natural disasters can cause property damage, injuries or deaths to employees, severe loss of client base, and many other misfortunes that can effectively ruin a business.
• Hackers and Technological Issues: Many businesses are heavily reliant on their websites to function, but hackers, viruses, and other issues can seriously disrupt their Internet presence.

Insurance Coverage for Side Businesses

The good news is that all of these risks can be covered with the right kind of insurance policy. There are a variety of packages available to suit the needs of side businesses of all sizes and industries.

If you're thinking about starting a side business, be sure to do your research and invest in adequate insurance coverage. This will give you peace of mind and help you to protect your business from financial ruin in the event of an unexpected event.

For all of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

A little bit goes a long way, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. These are common sayings that certainly pertain to auto maintenance. For most people, their automobile is likely one of their biggest investments and also one of the things they depend on most. Here are some easy things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and minimize future repairs.

Change Oil & Fluids:

The general rule of thumb is if your car was manufactured in the last 15 years, you can probably drive 5,000 miles between oil changes. If you have a car with an electronic service reminder system, go with the flashing light; or check your owner's manual for the best guidance. When you do take in your vehicle, go for the full-service option and have your other fluids checked and filled if needed.

Check Tire Pressure & Wear:

Check and adjust your tire pressure once a month to increase fuel efficiency and the life of your tires. Also, inspect your tire tread to check for wear and tear, and if you notice any wobbling or vibrating while driving, reduce your speed and have your tires checked right away. Tires should also be balanced and rotated every six months.

Keep it Clean:

Washing a car is not just for looks, as, over time, dirt, mud, and other debris that's stuck to the undercarriage can cause more wear. Washing the interior preserves the life of the seating materials.

Replace Wiper Blades:

As the rubber wears down, wipers can unnecessarily scratch the windshield. Rub your finger along the blade edges to check for bumps or cracks. These can be replaced during an oil change.

Check Brakes:

Pay attention to any screeching or grinding noises from your brakes and increased stopping time. Because your tires need to be removed in order for an auto technician to get a good look at the brakes, it makes sense to have your brakes inspected when you get your tires rotated or replaced.

Belts, Batteries, and Basics:

Replace your air filters regularly, inspect your battery and keep it clean, and have your belts looked at every once in a while, or if you suspect a problem. Tending to these things will keep your car running smoothly and prevent major safety issues down the line.

Know your Automobile:

Depending on the make, model, and year of your car, as well as the kind of driving you do, these guidelines can vary quite a bit. Crack open your owner's manual and check out the specific recommendations for your vehicle. This could potentially save you a lot of money over the life of your vehicle.

For any automobile insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Having adequate RV insurance is essential to protect your investment and peace of mind while traveling. As with auto insurance, your rates are based on the make and model of your RV, your driving history, and other factors. You may have the option to add RV coverage to your regular auto insurance, but this isn't always recommended. Because your RV is both a home and a vehicle, it may require specialized insurance to provide the right kind of coverage. Each person's RV insurance needs are unique, so choose a policy tailored to your specific requirements and budget.

Types of RV Insurance: There are different types of RV insurance, including liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Understanding these options helps you choose the right policy for your needs.

Coverage for Personal Belongings: RV insurance can provide coverage for personal belongings inside the RV, such as clothing, electronics, and camping gear, in case of theft or damage. Those who use their motorhome often or live in an RV full-time probably travel with many if not most of their important personal belongings. If this describes you, make sure your precious cargo is protected by purchasing Personal Property Coverage, also known as Contents Coverage. Similarly, consider insuring costly additions to your RV such as a satellite dish, grill, or awning.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time: RV insurance takes into account whether you live in your motorhome year-round, or only use it for part of the year. Part-timers can save a significant amount of money by purchasing a "storage option," which suspends certain coverages (like collision) during the months you are not traveling. Although policies vary, your RV will likely still be protected in case of fire, theft, or other damage. If you live in your RV full-time, you may need specialized coverage, as standard policies might not fully protect your unique needs.

Other Considerations:

State Requirements: RV insurance requirements vary by state, so it's essential to know the minimum coverage required in your state of residence or where you plan to travel.

Consideration of Value: Consider the value of your RV when choosing coverage. Newer, more expensive RVs may need higher coverage limits.

Bundling Options: Many insurance providers offer discounts if you bundle your RV insurance with other policies like auto or home insurance.

Deductibles: Understand the deductibles associated with your policy, as it impacts how much you'll pay out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Emergency Expense Coverage: Look for policies that include emergency expense coverage, which helps with temporary accommodations and transportation if your RV becomes uninhabitable.

Compare Quotes: It's crucial to compare quotes from different insurers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.

Review Policy Details: Before purchasing RV insurance, thoroughly review the policy to understand what is covered, what's excluded, and any additional endorsements available.

RV Usage: Be transparent with your insurance provider about how you plan to use your RV, whether it's for occasional vacations or full-time living, as this affects the coverage you need.

Insurance Claims Process: Familiarize yourself with the insurance company's claims process so you know what to do in case of an accident or damage.

For any questions about auto insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

New parents have their hands full. While the nine months leading up to the birth of a child afford plenty of time to research the best gear and make necessary preparations, the list of concerns for that fragile bundle of joy can be intimidating. And selecting the right car seat is one of the most challenging. Between reviews, recalls, budgets, and difficult-to-understand instructions, the world of car seat shopping is not for the faint of heart. But it needn't be so complicated: once you know the lingo and your needs, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your vehicle and family.

Types of Car Seats:

There are three types of car seats that meet the U.S. federal safety standards; rear-facing, forward-facing, and boosters. Regardless of type, each car seat will have weight, height, and age limits to help determine the right fit.

Children should be placed in a rear-facing car seat until age 2, or until they reach the highest weight or height indicated by the manufacturer. Children should rear-face for as long as possible to best support their head, neck, and spine in the case of a front-end collision (the most common).

Once a child outgrows the rear-facing specifications, they should be moved to a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness system and top tether. If the child eventually exceeds the weight limit for the lower attachments, but still fits the height specifications, the car seat may be configured to utilize the vehicle's seat belt (while the top tether remains secured). Regardless, this seat should be used until the child outgrows the weight and/or height limits, at which point a booster seat can be used.

Booster seats utilize the vehicle's lap-and-shoulder seat belt to safely secure the child. Review seat belt placement recommendations to ensure a proper fit. Remember that booster seats offer significantly more freedom to the child, so they should only be considered when a child is responsible enough to remain safely seated.

Convertible car seats, with rear and forward-facing installation options can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing single, stand-alone models. Sometimes, these seats even include a booster option. Many rear-facing models also incorporate a carrier that clicks into a base that remains in the vehicle. This allows parents to easily move newborns and babies without disrupting sleep and minimizes exposure to surfaces while out and about.

Placement:

Regardless of the type, all car seats should be placed in the back seat, preferably in the center if possible. Not all vehicles allow for car seat placement in every spot; consult the vehicle manual to determine the safest location.

Installation:

Car seats should be correctly installed according to manufacturer specifications and vehicle manuals, and ideally inspected by a car seat technician. Safe Kids, as well as a number of other local entities, host car seat clinics and check-up events providing free inspections in most areas; visit safekids.org to find an inspection station in your area or consult with local children's outreach and pediatric offices for recommendations.

Car seats should all be held in place with the strongest system available in the vehicle, either the seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. For the seat belt, simply feed the belt through the car seat's belt path – directions are often printed on the car seat base – and secure a top tether. For LATCH, use the car seat clips to attach the seat to the vehicle's lower anchors. Both options are safe, but should not be combined at the same time: try them both and select the option that offers the most secure, movement-free fit. (Do the inch-test to check: car seats shouldn't move more than an inch from side to side or front to back.) Keep in mind that the LATCH system carries its own weight limit; once a child exceeds the LATCH limits, switch to the seat belt.

Other Considerations:

• Stay away from used car seats: if a seat has been in a car crash or is missing any parts, it's not safe.
• Register your seat to stay informed about recalls and other safety concerns.
• Winter coats and bulky clothes should NOT be worn in a car seat; they prevent a secure fit.
• Car seats expire, so keep track of those dates and replace as needed.
• A child can safely graduate from a booster to a seat belt when the belt can be placed over the shoulder and the lap portion sits low on the hips.

For insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

For small business owners, hiring and managing employees can be a rewarding but stressful part of the job. During uncertain times, maybe you need extra help but are thinking twice about committing to an official employee. So when should you hire, and when might an independent contractor or outsourcing company be a better fit? Here are some tips to guide that decision.

Look Long Term:

Maybe you only need help with one or a few short term projects. Or maybe you'd like to hire but are unsure whether you'll be able to offer consistent work during the pandemic. Maybe you can work with someone on a contract basis with the hope of hiring them at a later date. Take a look at what your needs really are and what you can reasonably commit to.

Be Transparent:

If you decide to hire, be up front with your needs, expectations, and what you can really offer. You might get a great candidate who is out of work and willing to take the risk, simply because some employment is better than none.

Get Creative:

If you don't need someone with specialized skills and you're unsure of what the future holds for your business, there may be ways to get your business' needs met without hiring a regular employee. Can you offer an internship or hire a younger person who doesn't need to rely on your wages? Perhaps your town has an agency that places people with developmental disabilities or offers vocational rehab services. Look for ways to get that extra help that will also benefit your community.

Develop Relationships:

Perhaps you do need long term help, but don't feel comfortable with the risk of taking on a long term employee. Developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships with independent contractors is a way to find people you can rely on and who know your company. Treat them well and give them work often, and it will be almost as good as having someone in house.

Communicate:

Whether you're working with independent contractors or hired employees, continue to communicate with your staff about where the business is at and what your challenges are. Nobody wants to be out of work, but it's worse to believe everything's fine and then feel blindsided. The people who work for you will appreciate your straightforwardness, and will be more likely to get back on board if and when your business makes a full recovery.

For all of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

There are many reasons you might have additional buildings or structures on your property. Often, these buildings will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. But in some cases, it makes sense to buy more or different coverage for these buildings or what's inside. Here's everything you need to know about insuring other structures on your property.

Just the basics:

If you have a detached garage, shed, deck, fence, play equipment, gazebo, guest house, or any type of external structure that is not uncommon for a regular home. It's likely covered by your homeowner's insurance, but it's always a good idea to check. If you build a new shed or outbuilding, be sure to let your insurance company know.

Other outbuildings:

If you live on a large property, such as a farm, with multiple outbuildings, barns, stables, granaries, and the like you probably want to look into additional coverage. This also applies to any outbuildings used primarily for business purposes.

Check your risks:

Regular homeowner's insurance will cover loss or damage due to certain risks, such as fire, hail or theft. If you choose to cover your outbuildings under your regular homeowner's insurance, be aware that those external structures will only be protected for the same reasons. If you're concerned about flooding, earthquakes, or other risks not covered by your policy, you'll want to purchase additional coverage.

Get an appraisal:

Depending on what you store in your outbuildings or how you use them, they might actually be worth more than your home or at least worth more than would be reasonably covered by your homeowner's insurance. On a regular homeowner's policy, it's customary for external structures to be covered for 10 percent of the value of your home. Make sure the coverage you have for your outbuildings matches the value of what they're actually worth.

Secure the contents:

If you store expensive items in your outbuildings, you want to make absolutely sure they are covered to the degree you would like, just in case. Outbuildings can more easily be broken into, so it's important to understand the value of their contents and secure separate coverage if necessary.

Maintain your property:

Just as with other aspects of your home, your insurance company may not cover damage or injury related to other structures on the property if they are not well-maintained and safe for guests and visitors. Even if they don't get a lot of use, make it a point to regularly inspect the other structures around your home and take care of any problems or safety concerns.

For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Have you thought about safe driving lately?

According to the National Safety Council, someone is killed in a car accident every 15 minutes, and many more are injured each day. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death in the U.S. year after year, and yet, reducing our risk on the road isn't something most of us think about once we've passed the exam and joined the ranks of everyday drivers. Here are some basics to review to make sure that you're doing your part to be a responsible driver, and to protect yourself and your community.

8 Safe Driving Tips:

• Use your seatbelt: It can be tempting to skip the seatbelt when you're just running down the street for eggs, but don't do it. If you're in a crash, wearing a seatbelt sharply reduces your chance of death or injury, by about 50 percent. So always use your seatbelt, especially if you're driving a familiar route; which may cause you to pay less attention.
• Obey speed limits: Speeding makes it more likely you will be in an accident, and can increase your risk of serious injury. Speeding includes both driving over the speed limit and driving too fast in higher-risk conditions, such as bad weather, fog, icy roads or construction areas.
• Stay back: Maintaining a healthy distance from the cars around you can save your life if something happens and you need to stop or react quickly. It's also a good idea to stay away from drivers that are behaving erratically or driving aggressively.
• Pass responsibly: We all know the extremely frustrating experience of being stuck behind a slow driver. But don't let that frustration lead you to make a decision to pass when conditions are not truly safe. Instead, try to relax, back off, take in the view and arrive alive.
• Drive sober: According to the CDC, about 28 percent of all traffic related deaths involve an impaired driver. And yet, every year millions of Americans report getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Alcohol, prescription drugs and marijuana can all cause impaired driving. If you're not sober, ask someone else to drive.
• Stay awake: Driving while tired can be fatal, and just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. It may be tempting to just grab a cup of coffee and power through, but if you're too tired to drive it's better to pull over and rest, or switch drivers.
• Check your settings: Before getting on the road, you should always check your mirrors, make sure your front and back windshields are clear, adjust your seat, and generally make sure that you can see and access everything you need to operate your vehicle safely.
• Stay visible: Especially when driving on the freeway, avoid other vehicles' blind spots, and don't loiter in the passing lane. Remember: if you can't see their mirrors, then they can't see you.

Follow these tips and commit to safe driving for yourself and your loved ones.

For more information about auto insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Spring is fast approaching and for some drivers that means it's time to shop for a new car. The following cars are rated as the top ten most expensive cars to insure. However, at the end of the day, several factors affect your car insurance premium, not just the price tag on your dream vehicle.

1. Jeep - Wrangler Freedom
2. Honda - Odyssey LX
3. Subaru - Crosstrek
4. Subaru - Outback 2.5I
5. Fiat - 500X Pop
6. Mazda - CX-3 Sport
7. Mazda - CX-5 Sport
8. Jeep - Compass Sport
9. Honda - HR-V LX
10. Ford - Escape S

Vehicle cost is tied closely to insurance cost:

One of the most major factors to take into consideration include the cost of the vehicle itself. High-end sports and luxury cars' price tags usually match the price of their premiums. Insurance companies consider how much it will cost to repair the vehicle in case of a devastating accident given the expensive high tech amenities and safety features. Nowadays, most new cars, luxurious or not, come equipped with safety features that are proven to decrease the risk of accidents, causing lower premium rates. However, such features are more costly to repair.

Car insurance costs affected by more than the vehicle:

While the cost of the vehicle is important, personal situations have a major effect on your premium as well, including your driving record. Those with major traffic violations and accidents will pay a greater amount versus those with a clean history. Insurance companies will base your premium on your credit score as those with lower scores have a likelihood of filing a claim. Location is also taken into consideration by insurance companies; where you reside and the location's safety plays a part of your premium's cost.

Other situations to consider when shopping for a new car may be out of your control, which include age and sex. Teenagers and people under the age of 25 tend to have higher accident rate which make their premiums higher. Women, statistically, have a lower accident rate, causing insurance premiums to lower than that of men.

Customize your insurance policy to get the right coverage and control cost:

How you choose to customize your insurance plan plays a part in premium costs. Most states require liability insurance though required limits are seldom adequate protection for most people. Banks and other lenders, in the event your vehicle is financed, also require comprehensive and collision insurance. Typically, with insurance limits (the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay you for a covered loss), the higher your coverage limit, the higher your premium may be but we have options to minimize the cost of improved protection.

Checking insurance rates should be part of car shopping:

A great way to find out an insurance premium within your budget is to collect several cars on your wishlist and get quotes from several insurance companies. Even if you're not in the market for buying, it's smart to shop for insurance every six to twelve months ensure you're receiving the best coverage at the right price.

For any car insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

The Federal Highway Administration database claims that the total number of reported collisions in the U.S. are around 300,000 per year, with many more going unreported for various reasons. Colliding with an animal is a traumatizing experience for all involved, and it's important that every driver knows what to do when it does. Here are some tips to avoid hitting animals in the first place, and how you should handle it if you do.

Driver Precautions:

Hitting domestic animals is a risk for any driver; and in some areas of the country, colliding with wildlife is a serious possibility as well. To minimize your risk of hitting a larger animal, pay extra attention during the hours around sunrise and sunset, at night, and during peak seasons. Look for road signs to alert you of places where wildlife on the highway is more common. Scan the landscape for eyes or movement. Use your headlights and, when you can, your high beams. Honking can sometimes scare away animals if you do it early enough.

If you do find yourself on a collision course with a large animal, it is recommended that you do not swerve. Instead, put your foot on the brakes or stick to your current speed (but don't accelerate) and get your head out of the way of the windshield as much as possible before driving straight through the animal.

What to do if you hit a deer or other large animal:

1. Make sure everyone is safe. Pull your car off the road and put on your hazard lights.
2. Call the police. If you hit certain animals with your car, such as a dog, deer, goat, or pig, you are legally required to call the police. You should also call the police if anyone is injured or if another accident happened as a result of trying to avoid the animal.
3. Stay away from the animal. Injured or frightened animals can be dangerous, so resist the urge to approach or help the animal. The only exception is if the animal is clearly dead, and it is possible to safely move the animal out of the way of traffic.
4. Document the scene. When the scene is safe, it's a good idea to take pictures of the animal and any damage to your vehicle, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
5. Contact your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, it will probably cover collision with an animal. Your insurance agent can help you through the steps of filing a claim. You will also need to pay your deductible before any benefits kick in.

Accidents involving domestic animals:

If you hit a domestic animal, like a dog, cat or cow, you must call your local police or animal control or you may be in violation of the law. So even if you and your car are completely fine, stop and make the call. Just as with wildlife, injured dogs and cats can be dangerous: it's up to you whether you want to give first aid to an injured animal or wait for professional help to arrive. Talk to animal control if you need help deciding the best course of action. You may want to contact the animals owner, and in some states, it's required that you make an attempt. Use your best judgement to stay safe, and to do what you would want someone who hit your pet to do in the same situation.

For an auto insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Most of the modern world is plugged in these days to smartphones, ipads and laptops, among other things. And many of us complete the loop by coaxing earbuds into our ears, turning up the sound to shut the world out, even just for a minute. But this practice, along with the increased amount of dangerous noise present in the modern world, is causing epidemic levels of early hearing loss in children, adults and teens. Read on to find out what you can do:

Who is it affecting?

A September 2016 study found that one in six U.S. teens has high frequency hearing loss due to chronic exposure to harmful sound levels. Fifteen percent of people ages 18 and over report some kind of hearing loss; and by age 65, one in three people has hearing loss. About 10 percent of Americans also suffer from a chronic ringing or buzzing noise in the ears, known as tinnitus.

Why is hearing loss a problem?

Hearing loss caused by exposure to dangerous noise is often irreversible, and can affect students' ability to do well in school and communicate with both friends and family. In adults, hearing loss is linked to dementia, and can exacerbate social isolation, depression, and other health issues.

What is "dangerous noise" and where is it happening?

Although each person's sensitivity varies, it's generally accepted that sounds above 85 decibels especially when listened to for an extended period of time can cause permanent damage to important cells in the cochlea (inner ear). Harmful noise levels can be created by sudden, loud sounds, like fireworks or a gunshots, or everyday sounds like traffic, construction, or loud music.

What you can do:

Several countries have taken steps to ensure that manufacturers cap device volumes at a certain level, and the U.S. isn't one of them. Although the type and brand of headphones does make a difference, it's known that playing an iPod at full blast most definitely exceeds the recommended 85 decibel level, it's more like attending a rock concert (which is often well over 100 decibels). Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Use volume controls: Just like child safety controls on the internet, many devices will allow you to cap the maximum volume at a certain level. In fact, you can even do this to your child's iOs device and then set a numeric password so that he or she can't change it! Make sure to use the headphones and not just the display to find a reasonable cap.

Throw away the earbuds: Older-style headphones are safer because they do double duty by blocking out noise in addition to amplifying sound, so you're less inclined to turn them up all the way in the first place. Lucky for you, old-school headphones (with the big band, that look like earmuffs) are back in style, so you don't have to feel silly when you make the switch.

Pay attention to how you're using volume: Be wary of using headphones in especially noisy environments, and never increase the volume just to block out sound.

Protect your ears in other potentially harmful situations: Carry disposable earbuds for use in cities, at concerts, or on especially noisy worksites--and make a habit of wearing them.

Follow these tips and encourage your loved ones to follow them too; and prevent early hearing loss for you and your family.

For any health insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

1. Find a need. Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg urges aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to look for a "problem to solve," rather than trying to figure out what type of business venture will make you the most money. By building your business around something that people are already looking for, you'll automatically have an audience for what you're trying to sell.
2. Trust your gut. In a talk she gave at Stanford Business School, self-made billionaire Oprah Winfrey described how, at age 19, while working as a news anchor in Nashville, Tennessee for $10,000 a year, she turned down a $40,000 a year job offer to be a TV news anchor in Atlanta, Georgia. Even though it was an enormous amount of money at the time and seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Oprah said her intuition told her that she wasn't meant to be a reporter. "I was torn between what the world was saying to me and what I felt to be the truth for myself," she said. Oprah got "demoted" to talk show host at the station where she worked, and the rest is history.
3. Forget the phrase "That's not my job." College dropout-turned-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates and the wildly successful eBay entrepreneur Sophia Amoroso agree: If you're an egomaniac and/or expect to be rewarded without doing any work, you're in for a rude awakening. If you want to get to the top, be ready to work extremely hard and take on tasks you might think are "beneath" you - because they're not. Even millennials have to pay their dues.
4. Accept failure. The mantra "Fail better," lifted from playwright Samuel Beckett's work, is a trendy thing to say these days, but what does it really mean? Basically, if you're on the right path, failure is just another step along the way, as long as you don't let it stop you.
5. Be of service. Billionaire Tony Robbins, motivational speaker and mentor to the stars, says that the key to getting what you want is helping others, and focusing on their needs above your own. "I really believe it's the secret to not only wealth, but real lasting happiness," he said. "In my soul I believe the secret of living is giving."
6. Throw out your idea of what "wealthy" looks like. We envy the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous we see on TV, but the reality is that most people who live that way eventually go bankrupt. In his book The Five Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me, Richard Paul Evans explains that most wealthy people are actually very frugal and careful with their money, and don't lead "lives of excess." Re-frame your idea of what it means to be successful, and it just might be closer than you think.

For any business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Perform a thorough inspection on all systems and equipment:

• Fuel System: Check fuel lines, filters, clamps and, of course, the fuel tank for damage or wear and tear. Look for leaks, cracks and secure fittings between elements. If anything seems off, don't take the risk: just replace it.
• Belts, Cables and Hoses: Winter weather can cause these items to crack or become brittle. See that all belts fit snugly and that cables don't show any cracks or swelling.
• Propellers and hulls: Inspect propellers for cracks or dings and other damage; be sure it is securely in place and replace bearings if necessary. Thoroughly clean the hull and decks and make sure the drain plug is secure.
• Battery and electrical system: Be sure your battery is charged and check all electrical connections for corrosion before getting out on the water. Because a boat's electrical system is inherently different and presents unique risks, always use an experienced marine electrician and be sure to have your wiring inspected by a professional on a regular basis.
• Fluids: Check fluid levels, power steering fluid, oil and coolant.
• Safety gear and equipment: Check lights, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detector and other safety equipment to be sure it's in good working order. Make sure you have an adequate number of life jackets in proper sizes, as well as flotation devices for emergency.

Review boating rules and regulations:

• Check that your registration is current and meets the requirements of your state.
• Although most states do not require that you have a special license to drive a boat; many states do require a safety course or have other regulations, depending on the age of the driver. Make sure you are familiar with your state's licensing requirements before getting on the water or allowing someone else to drive your boat.
• Similarly, laws regarding water skiing, noise, boating under the influence and marine sanitation vary by state. Review your state laws and guidelines to ensure a safe and stress-free boating season.

Spring is a great time to clear away the clutter and freshen your living and working spaces for the year ahead. Why not borrow the idea and give your personal finances a thorough "cleaning" too?

Follow these 6 steps to achieve a bright and shiny financial picture this year:

1. Collect data:
   If you've been working to stay comfortably in denial about your personal spending habits, the first step is to take an unflinching look at where your money is going. There are many different tools you can use, from apps like Mint or HomeBudget to a simple spreadsheet on your computer. Super low-tech options like saving receipts, printing out bank statements, or using plain old pencil and paper can be just as effective. Choose a method that works for you and gather data for at least one month.
2. Take Care of the Basics:
   Start by making a list of your regular bills and income money you can be pretty darn sure is coming in and going out every single month. Then, take the necessary action to make paying bills as simple and streamlined as possible. Sign up for an automated bill pay service, rearrange due dates so they are either at the beginning or the end of the month, or sign up for budget billing with your energy company.
3. Experiment with a Budget:
   Now that you know what's probably coming in and what is definitely going out, it's time to look at what's left and where that money is going. Use your data to determine roughly how much you're spending on necessities, such as groceries, that don't take up the exact same amount of your paycheck every month. Get a weekly or monthly average for each of these categories, then subtract those from your income (subtract bills, too). Finally, decide how much you need each week in discretionary income, and how you plan to allocate anything left over.
4. Plan to Save:
   It doesn't matter how you trick yourself into saving money; it just matters that you do it. Innovative apps like Qapital sync with your bank account and let you create "rules" like rounding up to the nearest dollar on every purchase and saving that amount that make saving totally painless. And it always feels good to keep a little cash in between the mattresses, too. Whatever you do, make it a point to make saving a part of your budget.
5. Enlist an Expert:
   Depending on the details of your financial situation, it may be wise to enlist the help of a debt counselor or financial planner for guidance. Don't be afraid to ask for help from an expert, especially if you're in over your head.
6. Ask the Tough Questions:
   Now it's time to go back to those bills, monthly necessities and discretionary purchases, and look for ways to improve your financial health. Do you really need all those digital subscriptions? Is there a way to reduce any of your other monthly bills? How about packing a lunch or eliminating one dinner out per month? A savings of just five dollars a week will yield about $250 bucks in a year's time--enough to use towards something that has real value.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

You Aren't Just Anyone

Insurance policies are made to be customized for a reason. The business executive has more income and assets to protect from liability claims than the recent college graduate. Families have more people to think about than young single people or an empty nester. And it is worth noting that the single person, the recent college graduate, the business executive and the empty nester can all be the same person...at different times. We all have different pursuits, different incomes, different bank balances at different points in time. The insurance policies that make up your insurance program - your blanket of protection - need to be tweaked from time-to-time so that you are getting the right protection and benefiting from all available discounts.

Big Changes Impact Insurance Needs and Discounts:

Big events can influence our insurance options and decisions, though we don't always connect the event with insurance. Here are a few of the larger life changes that have implications for your personal insurance program:

• Buying a new house
• Remodeling your house or adding a new pool
• A change in your marital status
• Welcoming a new child into your home or proudly watching one leave
• A significant change in home values and building costs

Little Changes Matter Too:

And it's especially easy to miss the connection between less consequential milestones and your insurance. Here are a few of those

• One of your kids makes the honor roll
• Your new vehicle has updated safety equipment
• Hooray! You pay off your car loan
• You begin to travel more
• A business opportunity has allowed you to work from home
• You shift more of your purchases to online

We Make Insurance Reviews Easy:

These lists aren't anywhere near to being inclusive, but as exhaustive at the list of possibilities might seem, an insurance review doesn't need to be exhausting. We would love for all of our clients to stop in and see us and let us help them review their needs over a cup of coffee, but not everyone has time to carve out for a meeting. That's why Olsick Insurance Group has a Personal Annual Review Wizard. You can get your review started in just a few moments with just a few simple questions all handled right from your smartphone, if you want. Try out the Personal Annual Review Wizard

When Hurricane Katrina touched down in 2005, humans were not the only species affected by its destruction. And because emergency relief agencies were not in the business of saving pets, nearly half a million animals were left behind, devastating many owners and causing public outrage on their behalf. Passed in 2006 as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Act now requires state and local agencies to consider pets and service animals in their emergency preparedness plans. While most of us won't experience a disaster like Hurricane Katrina in our lifetimes, it's still up to us to consider our beloved companion animals when planning for emergencies, big and small. Here are a few things you can do:

ID your pet: If your dog gets lost, he won't be able to give his name and number to a good samaritan. Make sure your pet always wears up-to-date ID tags that include your pet's name, your name and phone number. Consider microchipping your pet as an additional precaution; if your pet is rescued by an animal organization they will be able to scan the chip to obtain your information. Finally, carry photos of your pets so that others can help you find and identify them if you are separated.

Stock pet supplies: Just as it's a good idea to keep 72 hours' worth of non-perishables and water for emergency situations, it's also a good idea to set aside extra food (preferably canned), medicine and other necessities for your pets. You may also want to include a pet first aid kit, an extra collar and leash, a blanket, toys, and copies of your pet's medical records, including vaccinations. Finally, invest in a sturdy carrier for your animal that they can be transported easily and have a safe place to rest in the event of an emergency.

Find shelter: If you need to evacuate and cannot stay with your pets, it's important to have a plan to keep them safe and cared for. Check with local animal shelters or pet boarding facilities to see if they accept pets during emergencies, prepare a list of hotels that are pet friendly, or arrange with a friend or family member to keep your pets until you can be together again.

When disaster strikes: If your home or city is not safe for humans, it's probably not safe for pets, either. Ideally, you should take your pets with you when evacuating in an emergency. If this is not possible, use a rescue alert sticker so that emergency workers know there are pets inside your home. (To obtain a free sticker go to aspca.org.) Lastly, remember that the stress and confusion caused by an emergency affects animals just like it affects humans. Comfort your companion animal and don't be surprised if your cat or dog exhibits unusual behavior in a stressful and scary situation.

Watch this video, and see the checklist from the Humane Society of the United States:

Everyone in Illinois agrees that cyber safety is important, but what, exactly, does it mean to be "safe" online? And what do parents really need to know? Here are the top five things you can do to teach your kids how to become responsible digital citizens:

1. Teach them about privacy settings: If you have young children, it's best to use parental controls yourself to limit and monitor your kids' online activity. Older children can be taught how to use privacy settings so their photos and messages cannot be seen by just anyone on the web. Whether they're using Facebook, Instagram, or another web-based application, show your kids how to navigate privacy features or help them set up their accounts using appropriate limits. Show them how to disable location on any device or app they are using, so that they cannot be easily found by others. Regardless of your child's age, help them to understand that keeping their information secure is a priority, and to assume what they put on the web is accessible to anyone unless they take steps to protect it.
2. Teach them to post responsibly: Kids should understand that once they put something on an app or website, it cannot be taken back (even if it seems like it can); so they should think carefully before posting comments, photos, or anything else online. Teach your kids not to post anything that they would not say in person, or that they wouldn't want their parents or a college admissions counselor to find later on. Finally, teach kids to respect others' privacy by not posting information or photos of somebody else without permission.
3. Teach them how to interact with others: Just as in real life, children should be taught to recognize inappropriate behavior online and to respond by telling a trusted adult.
Kids should learn to look for these red flags: strangers who ask to meet in person; messages that contain offensive or lewd material or that simply make them uncomfortable; or anyone who asks them for pictures or personal information. Teach them to never give out their address or phone number, and to always ask before purchasing anything online.
4. Teach them that online activity is not anonymous: Kids should learn that just because they are physically alone doesn't mean that their online activity is anonymous, even if they are not using personal information. Most web browsers, email services, social media, and ecommerce sites track online activity and collect data on users constantly. Same as with posting, teach kids to avoid online activities that they wouldn't want their parents or teachers to know about.
5. Teach them to communicate: Cyber safety advocates agree that an ongoing dialogue with young people about their online activity is the best way to promote responsible use and prevent potentially dangerous situations from happening. As a parent, you should know what your kids are doing online, including who they're talking to, sites they visit, and what types of material they are putting out there. In addition to these tips, keep the discussion going to ensure that your children acquire the skills necessary to navigate the always changing cyber-universe.

For any insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks.

When considering the potential hazards of winter, snow shoveling probably doesn't come to mind as an obvious one, but it should. According to the U.S. Product and Safety Commission, more than 200,000 people visited the emergency room last year alone due to injuries sustained while shoveling or removing snow and ice. The most common snow shoveling injuries? Overworked muscles, back injuries, and broken bones (from falling), followed by heart problems. And those over the age of 55 were more than four times more likely to get injured while shoveling.

So, if you live in a snowy region, or have close friend or family members who do, here are a few tips to pass along covering ways to wield your shovel responsibly this winter:

• Dress for the weather: Don't try to shovel without gloves, sturdy boots, and a coat that is warm, yet breathable. This will keep your body at the right temperature and working the way it should as you engage in physical activity.
• Warm up: Just like any workout routine, make sure and warm up your muscles before you start, or start slowly to get warmed up before really digging in.
• Use the right tool: Purchase a decent quality shovel that feels right for your height and strength. Make sure it has a sturdy handle that won't break or twist off. If you're not that strong, choose a plastic blade rather than a heavier, metal one.
• Practice good form: Just as with any exercises at the gym, there is a proper way to shovel snow in order to avoid injury and strain. If possible, push the snow off to the side rather than lifting and depositing it. If you have to lift snow, use the correct lifting posture: back straight, knees slightly bent. Avoid extreme twisting motions.
• Listen to your body: Shoveling can be a truly strenuous activity, so don't push it. If you start to feel especially cold, hot, or exhausted, or if you feel pain, take a break.
• Don't procrastinate: The more you keep up with the snow, the less likely you are to get injured. So don't wait for the snow to accumulate; instead, shovel early and often.
• Consult your doctor: For some populations, snow shoveling is a truly dangerous activity because of the level of strain it can put on the heart. If you are older, pregnant, or have heart disease, be sure to run your snow shoveling plans by a physician.

Unfortunately, those of us who live in chilly climates cannot avoid the necessity of snow removal throughout the winter season. Follow these tips to be sure this common activity doesn't end up in injury or worse.

Just for fun, let's take a look at some of the weirdest insurance policies out there.

UFO Insurance: Don't think it won't happen to you: UFO and alien insurance will give you peace of mind when it comes to abduction or impregnation by aliens. Zombie attack coverage sold separately.

Fantasy Football Insurance: If you're the owner of a fantasy football team, an injured imaginary player might cost you several hundred dollars. Well, some have protected their teams with Fantasy Football Insurance, with the goal of helping them to recoup some of their investment should a key player get benched.

Golfer's Insurance: Accidentally give somebody a concussion with your golf club? No problem! If you have golf insurance and you or somebody else gets injured, or loses a limb or an eye, don't sweat it: you're covered. Best of all, this policy will pay for you to party on the golf course for up to 48 hours if you ever get a hole-in-one.

Body Part Insurance: Hearing about celebrities who purchase insurance for their vocal chords, killer legs, freakishly long tongues, or backsides never seem to get old. But as bizarre insurance policies go, body part insurance is starting to seem, well, kind of normal.

Haunted House Insurance: Haunted houses are supposed to be fun, but just in case a visitor gets scared to death literally haunted house insurance will give you the necessary protection from liability. But with policy restrictions like "no actors jumping out at patrons," trap doors, live animals, or pyrotechnics, you might just want to take that risk.

Multiple-Birth Insurance: Mothers who purchase this additional coverage early in their pregnancies are awarded an extra lump sum if they find out there's more than one on the way. Although taking out extra insurance just in case you have twins or more might seem strange, it's probably one of the more practical weird insurance policies out there: babies are expensive!

Weather Insurance: From a birthday party that gets hit by a tornado to an unacceptable amount of snow, a weather insurance policy can cover all kinds of unusual scenarios, rain or shine. You can't control the weather, but maybe you can get your money back if it ruins your week.

Riot Insurance: Most business insurance will cover losses due to riot, strike, or "civil commotion," but if the riot happens at your house, you're out of luck. Fortunately, specialized coverage is out there for those who live in riot-prone areas. But don't get too excited, "civil commotion" doesn't apply to your upstairs neighbors who are still partying at 3 a.m.

For questions about your insurance policy, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Know what's covered before the storm hits

Most homeowner's policies cover damage due to tornadoes, wind, hailstorms, severe temperatures, ice, lightning, and fire. In general, homeowner's insurance does not cover flooding; and your policy may have other restrictions based on what exactly caused the damage to your home, even if it happened during a storm. Talk to your insurance agent about additional coverage if you live in a high-risk area.

Exercise caution immediately following a storm

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean your home has not been damaged. If you're unsure, it might even be a good idea to stay somewhere else for a few days. If you decide to temporarily relocate, your insurance policy may help you cover some of those expenses. Finally, consider hiring a professional storm inspector to assess your home if you are not sure if you can do the job safely.

Document potential damage

Common types of damage after a storm include roof, window, and structural damage as well as exterior damage to paint or siding. After the storm passes, treat your home like it's a crime scene: before moving anything, take plenty of photos and/or video, inside and out. Carefully document all damages.

Call your insurance company

Make contact with a claims agent as soon as possible. They will help you to properly assess the damage to your home and understand what's covered by your policy, as well as walk you through the claims process.

Click here to view a list of insurance company claim phone numbers.

Make temporary repairs

After a severe storm, be sure to cover broken windows and exposed areas, and remove glass, tree limbs, and debris where it is safe to do so. Quickly address downed power lines or other electrical hazards by calling 911.

Hire a credible contractor

Did you know that some contractors travel to areas hit by storms to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners? To avoid hiring one of these "storm chasers," do your research. Ask around, make sure they are licensed, and check online reviews before signing on the dotted line. Verify your contractor is local, certified, and has insurance coverage to practice in your state.

Work with your insurance agent to negotiate the claim

Ideally, the contractor you hire will have extensive experience working with an insurance company and will be able to help you navigate the process of getting repairs paid for and completed. Regardless, it's a good idea to get any quotes approved before proceeding with work on your roof or home. Save all receipts, including those from any temporary repairs made to your home.

For more information about storm damage and insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

A standard homeowner's or renter's policy will cover many of these items, but only to a limited extent and under certain circumstances, such as loss due to fire or theft. If your homeowner's policy doesn't provide adequate protection, it's possible to amend your policy to increase the cap on a reimbursement or extend your coverage to include additional causes of loss. If you can't negotiate the coverage you need within the confines of your homeowner's insurance, consider purchasing a separate, specialized or scheduled policy for the following items:

Jewelry: It's pretty likely that the standard cap on your homeowner's insurance will not accommodate the value of most expensive jewelry. An easy option is to increase the liability limit for these items by paying a slightly higher premium but this still may exclude many accidental causes of loss. A good standalone or supplemental policy offer protection from the "mysterious disappearance" of precious jewelry, as well as stones that fall out of their settings, among other things.

Artwork: If you own one or two high-quality pieces of art, it's a good idea to have them appraised regularly and covered under a fine art "floater" on your homeowner's insurance. But if you are a collector or if your art is frequently moved around to different venues, a standalone policy is highly recommended. Art insurance specialists can help you accurately value your collection, and a specialized policy will guarantee coverage in a wider variety of circumstances.

Bikes: If you own a state-of-the-art bicycle, it's definitely a good idea to check into specialized coverage that will garner you the highest reimbursement in the event your bike is lost, damaged, or stolen. Policies for serious cyclists may offer coverage for rental bikes, theft away from home, and even event fee reimbursement.

Identity: Identity theft insurance (sometimes called identity fraud insurance) is now commonly available as an endorsement to a standard homeowner's policy or a standalone product. According to the Insurance Information Institute, "Identity theft insurance provides reimbursement to crime victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing credit reports." This means it may help pay for everything from stamps to legal fees should your information be stolen. An identity theft policy does not reimburse you for money stolen via identity theft; however, it just helps you to pick up the pieces.

Instruments: If you're a casual player who uses your instrument at home, your homeowner's insurance may be enough to cover you if your instrument is stolen or damaged in a fire. But if you regularly travel with your instrument or own an especially expensive antique, chances are a homeowner's policy will not protect your instrument against the most likely causes of loss or damage. Musical instrument and gear policies are relatively inexpensive and will give you much more peace of mind.

Computers: Knocking a cup of coffee onto your laptop might ruin your day, but it doesn't have to become a nightmare. At the very least, be sure your homeowner's policy covers the replacement value (not the actual cash value) of your desktop or laptop. If you choose to go with a standalone policy, you can get coverage for all kinds of accidents, plus hard drive crashes, LCD issues and even WIFI failure.

The sky's the limit: No insurance company starts out with a standard vocal chord coverage policy so if there's something that is especially valuable to you, talk to your agent to see if it's possible to get more comprehensive coverage. Remember, if you choose to schedule valuable items under your homeowner's insurance rather than purchase specialized coverage, it's up to you to keep track of their value and regularly update your policy.

Questions? Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Strange discrimination: Most employers know that they are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, religion, sex or disability, among other things. But you might be surprised by how broadly these categories have been interpreted by employees who file discrimination lawsuits. In 2013, an Ohio high school teacher sued the school district after she was transferred to a junior high, claiming they knew she suffered from pedophobia, or "a fear of young children." In New Jersey in 2014, a turnpike toll collector sued for religious discrimination after her supervisor allegedly requested she stop saying, "God bless you" to drivers.

Ghost worker: A business owner in Tampa Bay, Florida was upset and irritated when he found out he was being sued by two former employees for alleged unpaid overtime. But he was even more surprised to find out that one of the litigants had never even worked for his company! Somehow the woman got on the company's payroll, even though the company had no record of hiring her, and she was employed at a full-time job elsewhere. The woman and her boyfriend failed to get all of their stories straight; they eventually dropped their lawsuit.

Please [don't] kick me: In 2013, an Intel employee sued after his co-workers taped a "Kick Me" sign to his back, after which several other employees followed the sign's suggestion. The two employees charged with harassment were convicted of battery, fired, and sentenced to community service. The man's federal lawsuit is still pending.

Crime pays? Speaking of community service, in New York City, two small-time criminals filed a class action lawsuit in 2014, claiming they should be paid minimum wage for the community service required as part of their sentences. The defendants argued that community service met the legal definition of "employment" and that they were being exploited by the city for unpaid labor.

Something smells funny: In 2005, a DJ was awarded a major settlement after her employer refused to accommodate her severe perfume allergy. The DJ had complained that her co-worker's perfume made it difficult for her to breathe and asked her employer to adopt a no-scent company policy or relocate her. In 2010, a similar case settled for $100,000.

Penny paranoia: A frustrated fashion-conscious attorney from Florida decided to sue Forever 21 after she returned items on two separate occasions and was credited less than the amount she originally paid by one penny. The woman alleged that the company was running a penny scheme with the intention of stealing millions of pennies from unsuspecting customers and making thousands of dollars as a result.

For answers to any of your business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

For their abilities to help a business run smoothly and thrive, today's Internet-related technologies leave business owners wondering if the companies they have worked so hard to build are truly safe in cyberspace. Here, we take a look at weak spots, and how you can protect your business and your clients in Illinois.

Potential Cyber Security Weak Spots:

• Email - Non-secure email is sent through the web without encryption, making it as potentially visible as, say, a postcard sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Verify that your email is secure by making sure the "https//:" phrase is always visible in the URL bar; it should precede the address of your email provider.
• Websites - Non-secure websites are also places in cyberspace in which businesses can be vulnerable. Apply the same rule to websites that you do for email: look for the "https//:" in the URL. If it isn't there, don't have anything to do with that site, as any information you share on it may not be secure.
• Browsers - Make sure your Internet browser (for example, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer) is up to date. Most browsers will let you know when they're due for an update, but you can always check by clicking on your computer's software update option to see what needs to be brought up to speed. An up-to-date browser has all the latest additions that maximize your security and protection online. An out-of-date browser makes you more vulnerable to cutting-edge viruses, hackers, and the like.
• Virus Protection - Speaking of viruses, let's not forget adware, malware, spyware, and all the other futuristic-sounding threats to security that are very much a present-day reality. Install a protection program on your computer if you haven't already, and try not to open suspicious-seeming emails that land in your junk folder because your email has deemed them "unsafe."
• Passwords - Be wary of sharing passwords. Chances are, not everyone in your employ needs to know every password. Change passwords routinely once a month is not excessive and always after an employee with knowledge of a password has left your company. Create complex passwords with capital and lower case letters as well as numbers.
• Third parties - Think carefully and do serious research before allowing any third party a tech company, a consultant access to your customers' information. Even the most seemingly helpful, educated, expert third parties can also be identity thieves, or be interested in selling your customers' info to identity thieves. Check references and proceed with caution before letting other pairs of eyes fall on your company's precious data.
• Wi-Fi networks - Make sure your company's Wi-Fi network is private, not open for others who wish to have Internet access free of charge. Lock it and change the password required to access it frequently.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today with any questions about your insurance needs.

Did you know this April 26^th through May 3^rd is National Immunization Week? It's a great time to boost awareness about immunizations and, of course, ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations.

In recent years, immunization has come under scrutiny, as many a protective parent has feared there's a link between vaccinations and human health issues such as autism. There's been so much back and forth about the topic that it seems hard to know just which course to take. What are a conscious parent and/or citizen to do?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, these are the myths and truths surrounding immunizations:

Immunization Myth #1:

Vaccines contain dangerous amounts of mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde

It is true that trace amounts of aluminum, mercury, and formaldehyde exist in vaccines; what's also true, however, is that these are all substances to which a baby is naturally, and frequently, exposed. Breast milk contains more aluminum and mercury than any vaccine. A baby's body produces 10 times more formaldehyde through natural metabolic processes than is found in any vaccine. And ethyl mercury, the type of mercury found in vaccines, is less likely to cause harm to the body than methyl mercury, the mercury found in nature.

Immunization Myth #2:

No one needs vaccines because the diseases for which we vaccinate have all been wiped out!

Truth: More than one developed country has decreased its immunization usage in response to the apparent disappearance of numerous diseases, only to see those vaccine-preventable diseases come back with a vengeance. This proves that continuous vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases is a necessity, even in developed countries with excellent sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition.

Immunization Myth #3:

The Thimerosal preservative and mercury in vaccines cause autism

Truth: There's an infamous 1998 study at the root of the Thimerosal-mercury-autism myth. It was conducted by Andrew Wakenfield, and subsequently found to be so flawed and unethical that Wakenfield was actually prevented from practicing medicine in Britain. Since then, multiple studies have shown no link between the Thimerosal preservative, which contains mercury, and autism. Nevertheless, just to assuage parent's fears (and not for any scientific reasons), Thimerosal has been pulled from most vaccines.

Immunization Myth #4:

Too many vaccinations at once can damage a child's developing immune system

Truth: Kids make contact with numerous foreign antigens every day in the form of food, water, air, and dirt. Many of these antigens are the same ones found in vaccines. Just as a typical day of play doesn't damage a child's immune system, so have multiple studies shown that simultaneous immunizations are safe. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recommend the simultaneous administration of immunizations when appropriate because the data has shown again and again that this practice not present danger to the immune system or increase the risk of side effects. However, if a parent decides to split up the immunizations to occur over more frequent visits, that is an option.

Immunization Myth #5:

Vaccines cause many harmful side effects

Truth: Most vaccine side effects amount to a sore arm or, at worst, a mild fever. Some possible side effects are serious, but those ones are also extremely rare. The risks associated with choosing not to vaccinate are more serious than those associated with vaccinating.

Take some time to explore the facts. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today with any questions about your health insurance policy.

The largest contributor of indoor air pollution is smoke from cook stoves. Households in less developed countries, along with poorer households within the U.S., rely on biomass fuels such as wood, coal, and agricultural waste to heat their homes and cook their foods. Respiratory problems, cancer, asthma, and other health issues, as well as infant mortality, are consequences. Socioeconomic development is seen as one way to minimize indoor air pollution around the world. By decreasing poverty, we can increase people's ability to upgrade to household heating and cooking methods that don't cause health problems, such as oil and electricity, or solar and wind power.

Indoor air pollution isn't just a problem affecting the poor, however. Even the most expensive, fancy, impressively outfitted homes and offices are full of pollutants. Take this quiz to test your indoor air pollution savvy, and take steps to clean up the air in your indoor environments.

Test your air home pollution knowledge:

1. True or False: It is only necessary to test for radon in a home built in 1980 or earlier.
2. A typical plug-in air freshener will:
   1. Release as many as 20 different volatile organic compounds (V.O.C.s)
   2. Actually remove toxins from the indoor environment
   3. Improve the cleanliness of indoor air by releasing fresh odors
3. True or False: Chemical-based cleaning products such as Lysol, Windex, and Clorox, will improve indoor air quality.
4. There's a good chance that lead paint still exists on your walls if your home was built:
   1. After 1990
   2. Before 1978
   3. Between 1980 and the present
5. True or False: The single most important aspect of indoor air pollution is secondhand cigarette smoke.

Answers:

1. False) Even modern homes can have radon problems. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
2. A) A typical plug-in air freshener will release as many as 20 VOCs many of which are known to be toxic or hazardous into the air. As an alternative, use 100% natural essential oil sprays to freshen the air in your home. A simple recipe is 3 drops of lavender essential oil added to a cup of water in a spray bottle.
3. False) While they may seem to make surfaces clean, such products actually decrease indoor air quality. Switch to all-natural, inexpensive cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, and citrus essential oils, all of which can do just as good a job as their chemical-laden counterparts. Find recipes online.
4. B) There's a good chance that lead paint lingers in homes built before 1978.
5. True) Secondhand smoke does more to pollute indoor air than anything else.

Questions about your Illinois home or renters insurance? Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Well, nobody can be young, careless, and irresponsible forever. Towing around tiny babies, temperamental toddlers, noisy children, and hormonal teens should make every driver re-think his or her habits. After all, no matter how they might complicate matters, these are the passengers we love and treasure most. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children aged two to 14. If you drive with kids, here are some ways to ensure your precious cargo stays safe:

• Make all children 12 and under ride in the back seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children are not big enough for the front seat until they have entered their teens.
• Stay focused and never take your eyes off the road. Kids can be the most distracting of passengers. Avoid the temptation to look at or otherwise engage with your child when you should be paying attention to your driving. While you may feel like you aren't paying her enough attention, you're actually doing her a favor by making sure she stays safe.
• Consider making long car trips with children at night. This way, they are more likely to sleep and will not be distracting to you while you drive.
• Pack snacks and activities for children to enjoy during car trips. Again, this minimizes the likelihood of distractions, not to mention fights between siblings and the dreaded query, "Are we there yet?"
• Let little passengers get out and stretch. This is particularly applicable to those who must still ride in car seats. Since little kids' muscles are still developing, it isn't healthy for them to be confined in car seats for too long. Stop for stretch breaks every couple of hours.
• Remove passenger airbags unless the teen riding in the passenger seat is big enough for one. Airbags were designed to protect adults weighing at least 160 pounds. They can actually do more harm than good if they open up against a small, slender teen.
• Keep big and/or heavy objects in the trunk, not in the backseat. In the event of an accident, such objects can move or fly around and cause even greater injury. It's best to keep them stowed away where they can't hurt any passengers.
• Obviously, make sure every child wears a seatbelt at all times!

Questions about driving safety or auto insurance? Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Asbestos is a hidden health hazard that can lurk right in the place where you should feel the safest: home. While those who work in the construction industry are considered the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure, especially repeated exposure, it's important to keep in mind that even very limited exposure-such as what you might experience during a simple renovation project-can have long-term negative effects. Make it a priority to prevent you and your family members from coming into contact with this dangerous material.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the term used to describe a group of natural minerals-including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Together, these minerals can resist heat and corrosion, which is why they have historically been used in the construction of homes and other structures.

Where does asbestos lurk?

Asbestos has been used in innumerable products, even vehicle brakes and clutches. It was used most heavily between 1930 and 1970, but in the U.S. and Canada, the two nations that have not yet banned it, asbestos is still in use today in spite of the fact that it is a known human carcinogen. At home, it may be present in the following places:

• A sprayed coating on support beams
• Attic insulation
• Insulation in ceiling, window, and door panels
• Roof shingles and tar
• Drywall and drywall glue
• Insulation on pipes
• In vinyl or thermoplastic tile flooring
• In textured coatings used for decorative purposes, like popcorn ceilings

Asbestos can be present in the ceiling that shelters you, the walls that support it, and the floor under your feet.

Why is asbestos so dangerous?

It's surprising that something "natural" can pose such a threat, but asbestos can cause a number of serious diseases, some of which may develop slowly over time. But once they manifest, there's often little that can be done to remedy them. Asbestos is, in a word, deadly. Some of the health-related consequences of asbestos exposure include:

• Lung cancer, which looks very much like lung cancer caused by smoking
• Pleural thickening, in which the lining of the lung swells to an uncomfortable degree
• Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs and the lining of the lower digestive tract; once diagnosed, it is usually fatal
• Asbestosis, a painful and sometimes fatal scarring of the lungs

How can you avoid exposure to asbestos?

Even though asbestos may be present in various parts of your house, you aren't likely to develop mesothelioma just by living there. You are most likely to be exposed to asbestos during DIY home renovation projects or repairs. And if you have professionals come in to do renovations and repairs, it is extremely important that they understand asbestos and do not release any fibers of damaged or crumbling asbestos into the air, where they can circulate and be inhaled by everyone around. When renovating or repairing home areas where asbestos is present (or may be present-you don't always know, especially if you live in an older home), take the following precautions:

• Wear a suitable mask-not just a flimsy dust mask, but one designed to keep asbestos at bay
• Use hand tools, not power tools
• Clean up with a vacuum cleaner, not a broom, as you work
• Put any asbestos waste in labeled, heavy-duty bags

Do additional research before beginning any home project during which you might encounter asbestos, and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

For any information or questions about home insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Homeownership is one of the great American dreams, an achievement virtually all of us aspire to. There's something about having a little part of planet Earth to call your own that inspires a sense of both security and pride. Getting the keys to your very first home is almost always cause for celebration: you open the door, cross the threshold, and enter your very own castle - whether it be an apartment, a condo, or a single-family home - and prepare to reign happily over a kingdom characterized by peace, coziness, and serenity, a haven and sanctuary from the travails of the world outside.

But what happens if you're one of those unfortunate homeowners who makes the bone-chilling discovery that you, your family, and your pets are not the only ones inhabiting your home sweet home? Perhaps a series of unexplainable occurrences, sounds, or sensations has led you to conclude that the house you worked so hard to obtain is actually (gulp) haunted.

As horrified homeowners have known for centuries, ghosts make their presence known in a variety of ways, including the following:

• Pets seem to see the unseen! Fido and Fifi bark, cower, whimper, or moan for reasons you can't see or sense. There's no intruder in the house, no storm on the horizon, and nothing physically wrong with the pets, but they behave as if there's a presence in the house - a decidedly unwelcome one.
• There are spontaneous light shows. Lights flicker on and off, seemingly of their own accord. No one in the house - at least no one among the living - is playing with the lights, but some entity seems to be having a good time giving you the creeps.
• Hot and cold spots abound. You move from one room to another and pass through an icy-cold or blazing-hot spot or which there is no logical explanation. Only a spirit could alter the temperature in your home in such a strange and noticeable way.
• You hear noises with no discernible origin. Footsteps, creaks, scratching sounds, and knocks occur, but neither you nor any of your housemates are responsible. You can be sure that ghosts are finding weird ways to alert you to their paranormal presence.
• Shadows appear, but you can't see what's casting them. Also known as "shadow people," these dark, mobile images on walls and floors - often shaped remarkably like humans - are cast by spirits who feel frighteningly at home in your home.

Living in a haunted house can be stressful for a variety of reasons. There's the psychological stress that comes with being perpetually spooked, as well as the financial stress that can result when particularly aggressive ghosts wreak havoc around the house: they break things, and send the energy bill sky high with their constant tinkering with the lights! Moreover, it's certainly unsettling to feel as though you are never alone, and always being watched, especially in the one place you hope for a little privacy.

What's the owner of a haunted house to do? Here are a few options:

• Resign yourself to cohabitating with creeps, and turn your home into a tourist attraction, a la the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA, Franklin Castle in Cleveland, OH, McPike Mansion in Alton, IL, or the terrifying Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA.
• Call in the experts. Go online to find a paranormal research professional in your area, and have him or her come over to suss out the situation, and provide solutions.
• Cleanse the house. Burn a bundle of sage and allow the smoke to waft into every room and every nook and cranny of your home. Sage has long been used to purify environments and sends the message to evil spirits that they should skedaddle!
• Talk to the ghosts directly. Some spirits may simply be afraid to make the transition over to the other side. Encourage them to go. Tell them that it's even better over there than it is in your house - hard for any proud homeowner to admit, but quite possibly true!

For any other spooky questions about insurance, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

What would we do without our handy power strips? Those convenient blocks of electrical sockets, which enable us to convert one outlet into several, make it possible to plug in all the gear that we can't live without these days. A typical location for a power strip is the home office, where it helps computers, speakers, printer, monitors, and all sorts of other necessities come to life. But many households have power strips in multiple rooms, if not every room, since there are so many items that require plugging in these days. Hairstyling tools, cooking equipment, and phone chargers come to mind!

If a power strip has 10 outlets, it's safe to assume you can go ahead and use them all, right? Not necessarily. In fact, power strips are culprits in many devastating house fires. Use the following power strip safety tips to protect your home and property:

• Learn the circuit capacity of the main outlet you are using, as well as the power requirements of the items you plan to plug into your power strip. If the requirements of the items exceed the circuit capacity, you are overloading the circuit and creating a fire hazard.
• Understand that a surge protector, which is a facet of some but not all power strips, may protect your electrical equipment (such as your computer) from damage in the event of a surge of electricity; it does not function to prevent fires.
• Using many power strips in your home is a sign that you have too few outlets. For fire prevention, arrange to have more outlets installed at your house and lessen your reliance on power strips.
• Never "piggy back" or create a "daisy chain" with power strips. This means plugging one power strip into another power strip to markedly increase the number of outlets. Power strips are not designed to be used this way, and doing so can result in a fire.
• Do not use standard power strips in moist environments, such as a bathroom, a kitchen countertop, or a garage that is not climate controlled. Water and power strips don't mix, and if they do, a fire may result. If you must use a fire strip in an area that is prone to moisture, buy one that is specially designed to be safe in such conditions. If you require a power strip in your garage, have a professional electrician hard wire a moisture-resistant one and mount it to a wall.
• Outside, there are many hazards, including moist weather, falling debris, and even insects, all of which can compromise the safety of a power strip. There are power strips designed for outdoor use; only these are appropriate for use outside of the house. As is the case with garage power strips, it's smart to have an outdoor power strip mounted to a wall rather than left on the ground.
• Know what you are buying. When you shop for power strips, look for the following: make sure they are UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) certified; make sure you choose a power strip that is rated for the appropriate amount of amperage according to your needs. Choosing one that is rated for more amperage than you require is okay-this can help you avoid an overload.

Needless to say, if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your power strip, such as a failure to work, don't wait and see what happens, replace it promptly. Some electronics recycling services take unwanted power strips, as well as a variety of other materials, like USB cords and more, for green disposal.

For any questions about home insurance, Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

For most of the children in the Illinois, the end of August means those lazy dog days of summer are coming to a close, and those books and desks are what will be opening up next. For parents, the back-to-school season is a great time of year to look over insurance policies, and make sure they are up to date. Here are some insurance situations to consider as the kiddos hit the books.

Auto Insurance:

Do you have a new driver in the house, or one that will be in driver's education this school year? If so, it's time to talk to Olsick Insurance Group about setting them up on your auto insurance policy. Although new drivers can be a costly addition, there are some ways to save money, including the completion of safety courses and good grade discounts that you may want to discuss. That's right, what a great incentive for your child to boost grades, right? Typically, the child needs a B average or more to be eligible, and we will line you out on the specifics as they pertain to your car insurance policy.

Health Insurance:

Do you have a child going off to college? Is your child prepared for the inevitable onslaught of cold and flu season that seems to occur each fall and winter, with germs that spread quickly throughout the schools? This is a good time to make sure you and your family are adequately covered for any medical emergencies or random sicknesses that may occur. And with the college students, you can generally keep them on your policy if they are attending school full-time. However, many universities offer affordable health insurance for full-time students, and this may be worth looking into.

Home Insurance:

Because we seem to acquire new things year round, it's always good, anytime of year, to make sure your home and belongings are adequately covered in your home insurance policy in case of a fire or robbery. And if you have a child going off to school, they are most likely toting some of their own valuables (or yours!) with them, such as a stereo, sports equipment, and jewelry. It's a good idea to talk to your insurance provider about ways to add this onto your home insurance policy, in case of dorm room theft.

Back to school, whether it's a first timer entering kindergarten or a child packing up for college, is an exciting time for families. It's also a great time to cover all of your bases insurance-wise.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today to discuss back-to-school insurance needs.

Contractors are people, too. What does that mean? Well, even though they may have licenses and many years of experience in their profession, they are fallible. There are good ones and bad ones. Some are ethical and honest, while others seem to be missing a conscience. Just as you would be careful about choosing a nanny, a personal accountant, or a used car salesman, so should you use caution in selecting a contractor before you begin that home building project, renovation, or repair. Here are some good tips to avoid getting taken for a ride:

• Do your research. The Internet is a great place to find consumer reviews of anything and everything, including contractors. Pay attention to what others have said about their experiences with contractors in your area. Usually, if someone takes the time to post a review online, it's for either a very good or a very bad reason.
• Before meeting with a contractor, check with the Better Business Bureau to see what his or her track record is like, and if any complaints have been filed.
• Ask for references. Bear in mind that most contractors already have what they know will be three stellar references in their back pocket. Ask for four or five.
• Keep in mind that flashy advertising does not a good contractor make. On the contrary, many of the best contractors thrive due to great word of mouth, and don't even need or bother to advertise. Don't be fooled by slick marketing.
• Stay away from contractors who don't have a local address, is not affiliated with any recognizable trade association, and/or has unverifiable license or insurance information. Make sure your contractor has insurance to cover his or her employees in the event that any of them are injured while on the job at your house.
• Draw up a contract with clear start and finish dates. Have an attorney look over the contract to make sure it's solid.
• Once work begins, you should know exactly how many and what types of supplies, appliances, and fixtures will be purchased for the job.
• Pay as you go. It's not uncommon for consumers to pay contractors in stages as the job progresses. And it's smart to withhold part of the final scheduled payment if there are any loose ends that remain to be tied, or little repairs that need to be made.

If you are hiring a contractor in Illinois to help rebuild after any sort of natural disaster or accident, and your insurance company is footing some or all of the bill, don't hesitate to involve your insurance company or agent if you have any questions or concerns. He or she will be a good, trustworthy resource as you navigate the ins and outs of employing a contractor.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a term for insurance that sits "over the top" of your auto and homeowner's insurance policies. It supplements your existing policies and provides increased protection to your current assets as well as your future income. Unlike pure "excess insurance," which kicks into gear only after all the underlying insurance policies have been exhausted, umbrella insurance can also fill in any gaps in coverage between other insurance policies.

How Much is Umbrella Insurance Worth?

Most umbrella insurance policies are sold in increments of one million dollars. A one million dollar umbrella insurance policy, coupled with an already-existing auto insurance policy with a $300,000 liability limit, will afford $1,300,000 liability coverage in most auto liability situations.

What Type of Coverage Does Umbrella Insurance Offer?

Umbrella insurance is a liability coverage, which means that if any mishap has been deemed your fault or responsibility, the liability insurance will cover expenses that would otherwise have to come out of your pocket. Umbrella insurance can come in handy in all kinds of situations, including the following:

• You are found to be at fault in a car accident on a residential street that results in a fire causing $800,000 worth of damage to a home. Your auto insurance policy has a $100,000 liability limit. The umbrella insurance, which you have obtained in a one million dollar increment, would take care of the remaining $700,000.*
• You host a party at your own home and a guest falls down some crooked stairs. His medical bills amount to $700,000, and you are liable. Since your homeowner's insurance policy has a liability limit of just $500,000, your umbrella insurance opens up to take care of the extra $200,000. *
• You're at fault in a car wreck with a woman whose injuries prevent her from ever returning to work. A jury decides to compensate her with $3 million, all of which is supposed to come from you. Fortunately, you've purchased five million dollars worth of umbrella insurance, which means you get to hold on to your paychecks, your home, your car, and all your other assets.

How Much Does Umbrella Insurance Cost?

Think umbrella insurance is an exorbitant form of added security that only the wealthy can afford? Think again. It's actually quite affordable, costing as little as $150 annually for the first million dollars in coverage.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today about how an umbrella insurance policy might help to keep you high and dry when life brings an unexpected storm.

*All umbrella policies have limitations and exclusions. The examples here do not supersede insurance policy language. If you have umbrella insurance, you should check the policy language or check with your insurance agents for any applicable limitations or exclusions.

Home sweet home is an obvious place to give a good scrubbing once springtime in Illinois arrives. It's time to wipe the grime out of every nook and cranny, wash the carpets and curtains, and pack away the space heaters and down blankets.

Doing so can revitalize your business and put a new spring in the steps-no pun intended-of all your employees. Here are some tips:

• Declutter: Rid your business environment of all extraneous, unnecessary stuff: papers, broken supplies, ancient inventory that you can't seem to sell, etc. When doing so, remember to be earth conscious: recycle everything you can, dispose of all chemicals in the appropriate manner, and take used electronics to a facility that can repurpose or restore them, or make tax-deductible donations of still-useful items to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
• Liven Up the Landscaping: Consider planting some brightly colored flowers and lush plants around the exterior of your place of business. This may help to attract new customers, and is a natural mood-lifter. If you can't make these alterations to your business's outdoor environment, bring some potted plants and flowers inside. Let their fragrance and hues breathe new life into your business!
• Improve Functionality: Spring is a good time to upgrade and purchase tools, equipment, or technology for your business that is more functional and efficient. For example, consider replacing outdated cash registers or credit card machines with a multi-tasking computer system. Get rid of bulky file cabinets and scan all your documents into digital files that can be stored on a hard drive.
• Go Green: Spring is a time when we tend to appreciate the earth's beauty and bounty, so it makes sense to do what we can to preserve it. Consider making your place of business greener by installing a solar heating system, putting energy-efficient light bulbs in all fixtures, using recycled rainwater to hydrate your landscape, or designating special bins where employees can deposit their recyclable waste.
• Re-Evaluate Relationships: Relationships-between employees and between the business and its customers-are really what make a company thrive. This spring, re-evaluate the way your business approaches relationships. Do you have healthy relationships with your employees and do they get along well with each other? How do you maintain positive connections with your current clients? How to you attract new clients? Consider incorporating community-building activities into the workplace, such as potlucks, picnics, or sports events. Create a newsletter to stay in touch with your existing customer base, and try new forms of advertising to gain new customers.

For any of your insurance questions, Contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Happy 2013!

Resolving to make improvements to your health and habits in 2013 can do more than just improve your longevity, your quality of life, your appearance, and your attitude; it can also work to put more money in your pocket! How? Well, in addition to all the cash you'll save by foregoing that daily double mocha with whipped cream, you can also reap the benefits of having decreased insurance rates. That's because many insurance providers will give you a break if you make changes for the better. For example:

If you resolve to improve your credit, you may eventually see decreased home and auto insurance premiums. This is because, in some states, home and car insurance providers look at your credit report and score before determining just what your monthly premium will be. So, by keeping credit card balances under 30 percent of the credit limit, paying bills on time, or, better yet, paying them off, you can improve your credit rating and possibly get a lower rate on your insurance. To request a free copy of your credit report and check it for any factual errors (which are not unheard of), visit annualcreditreport.com.

Quit smoking and see your life insurance premium go down. Quitting smoking cannot only add years to your life; it can also drastically reduce the amount of money you spend on term and permanent life insurance, along with disability and long-term care insurance. Though the majority of life insurance companies require you to have been cigarette-free for at least a year before endowing you with "nonsmoker" status, some offer quit smoking incentive programs that enable you to save money sooner.

Shed excess pounds to save on life insurance. As is the case with being a smoker, being overweight can add digits not only to the numbers you see on your scale, but also to your life insurance premium. It's possible to save as much as fifteen percent on your life insurance costs if you get yourself into shape; this can be true whether you are applying for a new policy or are already insured. Some life insurance providers will reconsider your policy rates if you prove you participate in a health diet and exercise program. Talk to your insurance agent for details.

Decrease your home insurance costs by increasing your home's safety. Some homeowners' insurance providers offer safety and security discounts. Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group to see if this is a possibility for you. This could be the easiest New Year's resolution of all: simply vow to install deadbolts on your doors and better locks on your windows. In some cases, this is enough to see a decrease in your premium. To take things a bit further, you can also install a home security system, or upgrade to a fire-safe roof.

Bike to work and save on auto insurance. Getting out of the car and onto a bicycle can do wonders for your heart health, your physique, and for the environment. Moreover, it can also decrease the cost of your auto insurance premium. You already know that the less you drive, the less you pay. This is even better now with the pay-as-you-drive plans that some auto insurance providers are offering. They install a special device on your vehicle that records how much you drive, as well as how good of a driver you are (Braking too hard? That's a no-no.) In order to determine the fairest possible premium.

So, if you make a change, you might save some change-and it may be more than mere pocket change. Happy New Year! Here's to sticking to those resolutions!

Contact Olsick Insurance Group to discuss these and more ways you can save in the New Year.

The invitations have been sent, the hors d'oeuvres ordered, the house decorated, and the liquor cabinet replenished. You're ready to host a fabulous holiday party! Before you open the front door to a flurry of friends and family, however, make sure that you have the necessary insurance in place.

Insurance?

That's right. Just thinking about it may seem like a great big party pooper, but having the right homeowners' insurance coverage will protect you from an assortment of not-so-far-fetched holiday party mishaps. In addition, there are simple steps you can take to make sure your holiday party is one that will go down in history-for all the right reasons.

Serve Alcohol Sensibly:

Alcohol is typically the go-to social lubricant at parties. We even serve special drinks (eggnog, anyone?) exclusively during the holidays. As a party host, however, you may be declared responsible for injuries or accidents suffered or caused by guests who drink alcohol at your house. Keep this in mind when you're tending bar, and keep a close eye on your guests. Stop serving guests who have imbibed too much alcohol, and prevent those who have had too much to drink from driving home. Never serve alcohol to any minors, and put an immediate stop to illegal drinking in your home. (Keep an eye out for the neighbors' teenage son sneaking sips of peppermint schnapps behind the Christmas tree.) Have a homeowners' insurance policy in place that will protect you in the event that someone gets hurt on your property due to overconsumption of alcohol. That way, when your Uncle Charlie pulls a groin muscle while enthusiastically showing off his dance moves after one too many whiskeys, you won't have to pay out of pocket for his medical expenses.

Create a Safe Environment:

Be a Good Neighbor:

Be considerate of the neighbors who aren't attending your party. Ask your guests not to block their driveways with their cars or, worse, park on their lawns; a disgruntled neighbor can always ask you to pay the towing company's bill or to cover the cost of any damage to his landscaping. Keep your music at a reasonable volume, and try to quiet down any screamers. If your community has a "quiet hour," make sure to observe it and avoid a visit from the cops.

Keeping all of this in mind will not only save you from added stress, but also ensure your holiday shindig is a true success.

Most of us in Illinois have insurance for our homes, cars or businesses. We know life insurance is part of any good financial plan and health insurance can protect us from catastrophic medical bills. But there are a few other programs that we come in contact with - we don't usually think of these programs as insurance, but they are.

Social Security

Social Security is a form of social insurance that began when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. Its purpose was to improve poverty rates among senior citizens, which, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, exceeded 50 percent. Today, Social Security benefits people of all ages. In 2010, it functioned to lift over 20 million people out of poverty. Those people included: over 1 million children; over 5 million non-elderly adults; over 13 million adults over the age of 65. In that year, the poverty rate among senior citizens decreased from 44 percent to a mere 9 percent. If you haven't already benefitted from Social Security, chances are you will when you reach age 65.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation is another form of social insurance that serves to protect working people from losing money due to injuries sustained on the job, which may cause them to have to miss work, sometimes for lengthy periods. If a construction worker, who relies on his job to feed his family, gets hurt while building a house, workers' compensation keeps his wages coming and covers his medical expenses, so neither he nor his loved ones will suffer unduly. In 2010, workers' compensation helped 128,000 people stay out of poverty.

Unemployment Compensation

Unemployment compensation insurance works to assist those who have lost their jobs and are actively seeking new employment. This form of social insurance makes a big difference in the lives of those who have been unexpectedly laid off, often due to the fact that many corporations are scaling down in order to cut costs. Unemployment insurance makes it possible for those who have lost their jobs to continue to eat, pay rent, and cover other living expenses while trying to get back into the workforce. You may be a stellar employee who does everything right, but if your employer can no longer afford to pay your salary and you are let go, it can be comforting to know you'll still have some money coming in until you land a new position elsewhere.

For more information, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

The law of large numbers is a statistical concept that relates to probability. It is one of the factors insurance companies use to determine their rates.

The Law of Large Numbers Defined

There are several ways to explain the law of large numbers. Unfortunately, they are all rather convoluted and confusing. Basically, the law of large numbers means that the larger the number of units that are individually exposed to an event, the greater the likelihood that the actual results of that exposure will equal the expected results.

In Layman's Terms

Let's try to understand the law of large numbers from a different angle, using eggs as an example. Say that for every three-dozen eggs sold by a grocer, an average of one of those eggs is cracked. Therefore, we expect that every time we buy three-dozen eggs, it is likely (though not guaranteed) we will find one cracked one. The more eggs we buy, the more likely this is. If we buy 12-dozen eggs, the likelihood that one for every three-dozen will be cracked increases. If we buy 18-dozen eggs, the likelihood that one for every three-dozen will be cracked increases even more. The more eggs we deal with, the more likely we are to find that one out of every three-dozen is cracked!

How the Law of Large Numbers Relates to Insurance

Insurance companies use the law of large numbers to lessen their own risk of loss by pooling a large enough number of people together in an insured group. The size of the pool corresponds to the predictability of the losses, just like the more eggs we deal with, the more likely we are to know how many will be cracked.

For example, an auto insurance company may record and study the number of accidents caused by a very large population of 18-year-old males. They will be able to predict how many 18-year-old males will cause an accident in a given year. They will know that in a given year there is a high probability that X number of 18-year-old males will cause an accident. Knowing this, they partially can determine how much an 18-year-old male should pay for auto insurance (excluding other factors, such as the type of vehicle, region where the driver resides, etc.) This is how the law of large numbers helps insurance providers determine their rates, and why the rates vary from one type of individual to another.

For more information about your insurance policy and how your rates are determined, contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

Fire Marks

Times have changed substantially since the dog-eat-dog days of fire marks-distinctive plaques fashioned of lead or copper that home and business owners displayed on their property to indicate that it was insured against a fire. In the 18th and 19th centuries, fire insurance providers gave these plaques to policyholders who paid in advance for their protection. If a home or business caught fire, the fire insurance provider (who also ran the fire brigade!) would look for that all-important fire mark before going to the trouble of putting out the flames. If there was no fire mark to be found, they would turn around and leave, letting the building burn.

Cold? Heartless? Mercenary? Try all of the above. One has to admit, though, that those old fire marks are pretty cool to look at today, if you can find one (they're still visible on some buildings in older American cities).

Modern Times

These days, fire insurance is handled in a decidedly less primitive fashion. For one thing, the insurance provider is not the one with the power to put out the fire. There are different degrees of fire insurance available: some plans can cover the physical building itself; others cover the structure as well as the belongings inside of it.

All contemporary fire insurance policies, however, generally have four distinct parts:

• Part One pertains to the building itself, be it a home or business, and is termed the "insuring agreement." This part of the policy simply states the address of the building, as well as its monetary value.
• Part Two is the definitions section of the policy. This explains what other buildings, if any, may be included. In the case of a home, this might include a garage or shed. The section also provides definition to key terms used in the insurance policy document.
• Part Three of the policy details the exclusions, or, in layman's terms, what isn't covered by the insurance policy - both in terms of property and types of loss.
• Part Four lays out just how much the insurance policy will pay in the event of a fire.

*More common are insurance policies, such as homeowner, condo owner or business owner policies, that combine fire insurance with other types of insurance such as liability.

Fire Insurance Pools

Some home or business owners have property in an area that is particularly vulnerable to fires; classification codes, known as Public Protection Classifications (PPC or PC). These range from 1 - the best, to 10 - the most scant fire protection. Home and business owners with property in areas with high Protection Class ratings may find that the cost of fire insurance is exorbitant, or that they can't even find a provider to sell them a policy. Fortunately, there are state-run pool plans that enable home and business owners in high-risk areas to obtain coverage; these plans pool together several home and business owners whose properties are vulnerable to a similar degree of risk, and insure them against loss.

Fire Insurance Pools are also managed by some insurance companies. These companies pool together properties subject to comparable fire risks, and insure their owners against significant loss. The companies calculate the statistical potential of loss for each individual property using underwriting methods, including physical inspection and a credit report check. Everyone in the pool pays in a little, and whoever has the misfortune of suffering loss of property or belongings in a fire has protection.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today about your own business and personal fire coverage, and about protecting your home or business from fire-related financial loss.

It's the place where we seek rest and respite from the demands of the workday and the outside world. It's where we spend quality time with friends and family. It's where we cook, eat, sleep, shower, and sit by the fire. It's home, and it really is sweet.

But is it healthy?

Surprisingly, your home can be more than just your hiding place; it can also be the hiding place of many unexpected, unseen dangerous things that may be harmful to your own health and your loved ones. Fortunately, with a bit of effort, you can make your Illinois home base a healthy place. Here are some tips:

• Curb Carbon Monoxide - Carbon monoxide detectors that plug into electrical outlets are both affordable and easy to install. Put one on every floor of your home, and one in every bedroom. These potentially life-saving devices can protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning that can result from a gas heater or fireplace.
• Manage Mold - Though it is a natural development, mold can wreak havoc on your health. It triggers allergies, headaches, chronic sinus conditions, and other ailments. To prevent mold from growing in such common areas as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, install drywall designed to resist mildew, and use ventilation fans to keep moisture from hanging around.
• Put Your Purse Out of Reach - Mommy's purse can store a plethora of potentially harmful products that should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Small items, including coins and makeup, are easy to choke on. Prescription and even over-the-counter medications can be deadly if they fall into the wrongs hands (or paws). Keep your purse on a hard-to-reach shelf so its contents are inaccessible.
• Toss Toxic Toiletries - Common lotions, soaps, sunscreens, makeup products, nail polish, and perfume all contain toxic ingredients known to be harmful to humans, including phthalates, which can disrupt the endocrine system, and preservatives known as parabens, which have been linked to cancer. You can find non-toxic toiletries and beauty products at health food stores and online, as well as at some mainstream beauty-supply retailers and supermarkets.
• Purge the Plastic - Many plastics leech toxic chemicals, like Bispehnol A (BPA), that are harmful to humans because they are known hormone disruptors. Replace your plastic food and water storage containers with glass ones or BPA free plastic ones. Avoid storing food in plastic wrap, which contains phthalates and vinyl chloride, a human carcinogen.
• Use Canned Goods with Caution - Canned foods are convenient and handy, but, like plastics, many cans are coated with BPA, which can leech into the foods they contain.
• Clean Green - Household cleaning products and laundry detergents are notoriously unhealthy for humans. Rife with chemicals, they create a home environment that may be "clean," but is hardly safe. It's easy to clean green! Baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are just a few harmless and effective products that clean a variety of surfaces. Like green toiletries, green cleaning products are now readily available at health food stores and many mainstream supermarkets.

Call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today about any concerns you may have with the health or coverage of your home.

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Before winter strikes in Illinois, most of us tuck away our summer clothes and bring out the sweaters, coats, and scarves that will keep our bodies cozy when there's a chill in the air. But how many of us take similar steps to prepare our homes for winter weather? Readying your home for winter, also known as "winterizing," will not only help you and your family to stay snug and warm while saving money on energy bills, but it may also protect your home from damage that can lead to costly repairs.

In the winterization process, take your region's climate into consideration. After all, a home in Southern California will not require the same degree of winterization as one in Montana. Here are 10 smart ways to prepare your home for cold, snow, ice, and other signs of winter:

1. Clean Gutters Clogged gutters can cause blocked water to freeze and seep into your house. Make sure that all downspouts carry water away, not toward, your home's foundation. Water should spill out 10 feet from the house.
2. Seal Leaks Recessed lighting, window and doorframes, and electrical outlets all tend to be drafty areas. Seal them up with caulk or tacky rope on your home's interior, and with weather-resistant caulk on its exterior. Install outlet gaskets on outlets that share your home's exterior walls.
3. Insulate Your attic requires 12 inches of insulation. When adding new insulation, make sure it does not have paper backing, which can cause moisture problems.
4. Examine the Furnace Turn on your furnace to make sure it works properly. Change its filter, and continue to do so once a month throughout the winter season. Clean filters improve airflow and efficiency, and can help to prevent fires.
5. Repair and Vacuum Ducts Check ductwork for pinched areas or gaps, which can prevent the flow of heated air. Use metal-backed tape, not duct tape, to make repairs; it stands up better over time. Vacuum your ducts every few years to remove pet hair, dust, and other debris that may cause respiratory problems.
6. Install Storm Windows Or, if they aren't in your budget this winter, consider a very effective alternative: a window insulator kit. Such kits consist of plastic sheeting that is applied to interior windows and may be removed in the spring. At just $4 per window, this is an affordable option.
7. Inspect the Chimney Have a professional chimney sweep give your chimney a good once over and check it for debris. Cleaning the chimney prevents ash from building up and turning to lye, which rots the mortar and metal damper.
8. Reverse Ceiling Fans Setting your ceiling fans to turn in the opposite direction will push warm air down and help it to circulate. A ceiling fan viewed from below should turn clockwise in the winter.
9. Wrap Pipes Freezing nights can result a costly misfortune: burst pipes. Prevent them by insulating with foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Make sure to shut off the water to your hose bibs via a turnoff valve in your home.
10. Check Alarms Since you're checking on so many other aspects of your home, you might as well make sure your smoke alarms are all functioning, and replace the batteries as needed. Verify that you have a functioning fire extinguisher as well. The winter season is full of warm nights by the fire and plenty of cooking, so it's smart to keep accidental blazes at bay.

Talk to your Illinois insurance agent about any other winterization steps they recommend and make sure you're home insurance coverage is appropriate.

For all of your home insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

The heat and humidity that tend to lurk around in the summer months around Illinois create the perfect recipe for thunderstorms. Occurring either late in the afternoon after big black clouds slowly build up and rumble or springing up out of nowhere, they often come with high winds and heavy rains.

According to FEMA, about 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe, meaning that they can do real damage to homes, property and people. This classification means there's either hail of three quarters of an inch in diameter, winds of more than 58 miles per hour or a tornado present.

Even though only a small percentage of storms are severe, FEMA also reminds us that all thunderstorms are dangerous.

Basically, every thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning, which injures up to 300 people in the U.S. per year and kills an average of 80. Along with that are other storm-related dangers, from tornados and hail to flash floods and wildfires.

Thunderstorms are obviously an inevitable part of our natural world, but there are some precautions that can greatly reduce health hazards and property damage, and therefore insurance claims, that can occur during any storm.

• Property Preparations: Clear property of dead or rotting trees or other hazards that could fall or blow away during a storm or high winds. Secure shutters if you have them or close blinds,
• Indoor Preparations: FEMA says there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, so if possible go inside when you hear the first rumble. If there is no shelter, stay in the car (hard-topped). Once indoors, it's important to avoid messing with water and electrical outlets, stay away from doors and windows, don't lie or lean on concrete, and unplug appliances to prevent surges.
• Outdoor Preparations: Stay away from hilltops, open fields, the beach, open water, natural lightning rods (like an isolated tree), anything metal, and isolated outbuildings.
• Storm Terms: FEMA recommends that you know your storm-related terms, often announced on local radio stations, so you will know how to react most effectively. A "Severe Thunderstorm Watch" announcement will tell you where and when a storm may take place. In this event, stay tuned for more info. A "Severe Thunderstorm Warning" announcement means that the storm has been reported to be in progress, and precautions should be taken immediately.

If there is harm to property or health from any type of thunderstorm, make sure to call Olsick Insurance Group or Contact Us and report claims.

Reality television has a way of glamorizing good, old fashioned outdoor work, with shows like "Extreme Loggers," "Deadliest Catch" and "Dirty Jobs." And although it can be hard to tear yourself away from these shows, we have to admit that part of the intrigue is the extreme dangers these people face every day on the job, especially compared to those of us sitting at a desk.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4,340 fatal injuries were recorded in the U.S. in 2009. The video above reports the Top 10 most dangerous jobs and the death tolls that arise from them-from construction workers to commercial fishermen-and seven out of the 10 jobs are predominately outdoor jobs.

Some of the biggest risks involved in outdoor work include:

Transportation: According to the SafetyResource.org, "Three of the top five most-dangerous jobs have a majority of fatalities from transportation accidents." This means that workers using company vehicles of any kind should be trained to always wear seat belts, consistently check the condition of their vehicles and have proper training and testing with the vehicle's controls.

Weather: Outdoor workers often have to face the elements, from extreme heat and humidity to extreme cold and snow. Then there are the risks from electrical storms and those weather hazards that seem to come out of nowhere, like tornados and flash floods. Employees should be properly trained on how to dress and protect themselves from the elements, should be allowed to break regularly, seek shelter whenever possible, and know when it's time to stop work in certain conditions.

Diseases & Chemical Exposure: Some outdoor workers, including loggers, fishermen and farmers, are faced with exposure to different kinds of disease-carrying animals, allergy-causing plants and hazardous chemicals. Employers should be sure to cover all of their bases, and include training and emergency rescue measures to be taken in case of exposure to anything that could potentially harm workers.

Noise & Hearing Loss: According to the CDC occupational hearing loss is the most common work related injury in the U.S., with a reported 22 million employees exposed to hazardous levels. Many outdoor workers are faced with this risk; think chain saw and construction machinery, for starters. The CDC recommends that employers make sure to remove the hazardous noises if at all possible, and/or always provide and train employees on the use of hearing protection devices.

As an employer in North Carolina, you want to make sure you have adequate business insurance that covers all potential employees and the liabilities they face on a daily basis. To make sure your company and employees are protected and covered from all potential risks, call or Contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

In these cost-conscious days, everyone is trying to save money wherever and whenever they can. It seems that people may especially look to their insurance policies as a place to realize some savings.

More customers are now requesting a reduction in the dwelling limits on their homeowners policy or a reduction in the policy's liability limits.

Some customers are even requesting a reduction in the limits of liability on their auto insurance policies. In most cases, these types of requests are not wise ones. We cannot stress enough how much you have to lose if a liability judgment goes against you -- for example, in an auto accident or if someone gets hurt at your home.

A wiser and certainly more consumer-friendly way to save money on your insurance premiums is to increase your property deductibles. On a homeowners policy, going from a $500 to a $1,000 deductible may result in a savings of between 10 and 15 percent on the premium. We understand; we've heard customers tell us previously: "But if I have a claim, I can't come up with $1,000 at one time." The important thing for you to remember is this: you only have to come up with $500 more than you would right now (the difference between your current deductible and $1,000) And remember, with the savings you will experience in the premium, you will probably save that $500 in less than 2 years.

Higher deductibles on the physical damage section of your auto insurance are also a good way save some money on the premium. A $1,000 deductible on both comprehensive and collision can save you to 30 percent on these coverage lines. A $1,000 deductible may result in savings of up to 40 percent.

If you cannot take the big leap from a $500 deductible to $1,000, consider a graduated approach. We'd like to suggest going to a $1,000 deductible now and putting the premium you save into a "deductible fund." Then in a couple of years, you will have enough in that fund to increase the deductible to $1,000.

The point to remember is this: don't risk a lot in order to save a little.

Copyright 2008 Insurance and Risk Management Institute, Inc. (www.irmi.com) reproduced with permission

If you have a domestic employee, such as a gardener, housekeeper, or nanny, who drives his or her own auto while working for you, there is a potential for you to incur liability arising from their driving that would not be adequately insured. If your employee negligently causes an accident, you as the employer can be drawn into the lawsuit and held liable. Your employee’s own insurance, if any, will protect you up to its policy limits, but you are on your own after that. And your personal auto policy may not respond to cover the difference. The courts have ruled in different ways on these types of loss situations.

For example, assume your housekeeper negligently injures someone in a serious accident in her own vehicle while out buying groceries for your household. Further assume she has low liability limits or even no auto liability insurance. If she is sued, the injured party may uncover information about you, her employer, and how her driving in this incident was related to her employment with you. As a result, your “deep pockets” may just get you named in the lawsuit.

If you engage domestic employees or contract workers who may drive their vehicles in their work for you, the following tips may prove helpful.

Ask any employees or prospective employees to provide you a current copy of their driving record. The employee can order this online. If they do not have a good driving history, do not allow them to run errands for you.

If the domestic employee has a good driving record and you ask her to occasionally use her own car to run errands, ask for a copy of her current auto policy and verify that it has at least moderate liability limits.

Ask your insurance agent to confirm with your auto insurance company underwriter that your PAP policy will provide a defense and cover judgments in excess of your employee’s limits if you are ever named in one of these suits. If possible, get a copy of a letter from the underwriter.

If the domestic employee has an excellent driving record and a sterling employment history with you, consider having her use your auto to run errands to avoid any question that your PAP will protect you if she negligently causes an accident while working for you.

Periodically review your employee’s driving record and auto insurance policy.

Consider procuring a personal umbrella policy that will normally provide coverage on top of your PAP. However, if the loss is not covered under your auto policy but is covered under the umbrella form, you would only be responsible for the retained limit or deductible amount, which ranges from $250 to $1,000.

Copyright 2008, International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (www.irmi.com) reproduced with permission.

What do real estate firms, golf courses, law offices, banks, farm owners, contractors, dry cleaners and gas stations have in common? Exposure to environmental or pollution lawsuits. Companies that deal with the transfer and storage of hazardous materials, like waste haulers, or fuel oil distributors all have an obvious need for insurance against environmental hazards. But businesses involved in property sales transactions (banks, realtors, lawyers) can pick up the pollution liability that comes along with the subject property. Many businesses use chemicals and substances that are benign, when confined to intended purposes (golf courses, farms, dry cleaners). But improper storage of these materials, inappropriate use, or run-off (pesticides and herbicides) can lead to environmental damage, personal injury and a lawsuit.

Business Owners Policies (BOP) and General Liability policies (GL) broadly define and then exclude pollution damages from coverage. These policies can be endorsed to include some pollution coverage. This approach is inexpensive, but may also be inadequate. Endorsements to GL insurance policies typically define pollution narrowly (sudden and accidental discharge vs. gradual and prolonged seepage, for instance). GL insurance policy endorsements will also usually include constraints for permissible reporting period required for the grant of pollution insurance coverage.

A comprehensive assessment of environmental hazards will take into account more than just substances with the potential to pollute or damage the environment. For instance, mold caused by the improper installation of insulation or application of exterior building materials could result in an environmental claim.

In the fluid and changing landscape that is environmental, or pollution insurance, a number of companies have introduced insurance policies specifically designed to protect a wide range of pollution losses. In many cases, an umbrella policy with high liability insurance limits can be written over the top of these policies.

Does your business have an environmental exposure, and if so, what is the best way to handle it? The place to start is with a professional assessment of your businesses' pollution liability exposures. The assessment will identify the largest, or most likely environmental hazards, and some of these can be reduced or eliminated through risk management - changes in or cessation of certain business practices, training and education, etc. The assessment exercise will also help identify and quantify the elements that should be present in an environmental insurance solution.

Large or established businesses often have top level management and policies guided by a board of directors. But boards exist all around us and not just in a corporate setting. In each case, individual board members can be held liable for their actions or the actions of the board of directors and subject to lawsuits.

Most business insurance policies are designed to protect the assets and earnings of the business entity. Directors and Officers Insurance, commonly called D&O Insurance, is a little different in that its purpose is to protect the personal assets and income of boards of directors and corporate officers.

Sitting as a director on a co-op, condo, or non-profit board can also create exposure to personal liability for unintentionally failing to disclose conflicts of interest, breach of duty, or commingling personal and business monies and assets.

D&O Insurance Helps Protect Corporate Board Members

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policies vary a great deal but all of these policies will provide a wide range of insurance protection against legal actions. However, not all lawsuits are covered under a D&O insurance policy. For instance, often claims related to employment practices (hiring, firing, and promoting) are not covered under D&O Insurance. In cases where a D&O policy excludes employment related claims, an Employment Practices Liability (EPL) policy may fill the gap.

For these and other reasons a D&O insurance policy isn't something that should be purchased in isolation but should be considered in coordination with a businesses' (or homeowner board's, etc.) total insurance program.

It's worth noting that a significant proportion of claims filed against boards and individual members are frivolous and are ultimately dismissed. But even though a case is thrown out, legal defense costs are usually incurred and can be significant. Because of this, coverage for legal defense costs is one of the most important components of a D&O Insurance policy.

For any business insurance questions, call or contact Olsick Insurance Group today.

No matter if your food service establishment is a cafe, deli, diner, or upscale restaurant, all such businesses share certain common risks.

The most cost-effective and efficient method to secure coverage for property and liability is likely through a Businessowners Policy (BOP) tailored specifically to food service risks. While marketed under various names, these policies generally include provisions similar to those found in the property insurance and liability insurance sections of a BOP.

PROPERTY INSURANCE

The BOP extends coverage to the real estate owned by your business. If your business leases or rents its premises, the BOP offers coverage for tenants' improvements and betterments in the event of a covered loss. These encompass fixtures, alterations, installations, or additions made to the space that cannot legally be removed from the landlord's property.

The BOP also safeguards your equipment, tableware, food supplies, and other business assets. Your fundamental policy is likely to incorporate two coverages that are crucial for business continuity in the aftermath of a disaster: Business Income and Extra Expense Insurance, also known as Business Interruption Insurance. Business Income Insurance aids in covering ongoing expenses during business downtime after a loss and helps compensate for lost profits. Extra Expense Insurance facilitates a quicker recovery by reimbursing additional expenses incurred due to the loss, such as temporary quarters' rent. If these coverages are not part of your basic policy, they can typically be added for an additional premium.

Any food-serving business faces the risk that its products could lead to food poisoning or the transmission of communicable diseases. By adding the Food Contamination Endorsement to your policy, you gain coverage against this risk. In most cases, the insurer will cover lost income if the restaurant is shut down by government order, as well as expenses for cleanup, food replacement, medical tests for affected employees, and extra advertising expenses to restore your reputation.

Other valuable property coverages include:

Spoilage: Compensation for property value lost due to temperature control system breakdown beyond your control.

Mechanical Breakdown: Protection against mechanical or electrical breakdowns in your boilers, refrigeration systems, pressure vessels, mechanical and electrical machinery, or apparatus utilizing mechanical or electrical power.

Outdoor Signs: Coverage for non-attached outdoor signs.

Burglary and Robbery: Protection against theft by external parties.

Employee Dishonesty: Coverage for certain theft risks involving your own employees.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

Liability risks are inherent in any business undertaking. A BOP covers a broad array of potential liability scenarios, ranging from slip and fall accidents to claims of defamation or slander.

However, there are liability risks not encompassed by a BOP. One example, particularly relevant for businesses serving alcohol, is liquor liability. If you serve alcohol to someone already intoxicated, you could be held liable for any harm caused. A Liquor Liability Endorsement provides coverage for your defense and any damages up to the policy limit.

BUSINESS VEHICLE INSURANCE

Your personal auto policy may extend coverage for some business use of your vehicle. However, if the vehicle primarily serves business purposes, a personal auto policy is unlikely to provide coverage. It also won't cover vehicles owned by your business. For such vehicles, a business auto policy is necessary.

In the event that you use your personal vehicle for business reasons and are liable for an accident, an injured party could sue you personally. If your personal auto policy's coverage falls short, a lawsuit could target your business. If you employ personal vehicles for business purposes, ensuring sufficiently high coverage limits to safeguard your business is crucial. Discuss this matter with your insurance agent.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE

Different states have varying regulations regarding when employers must offer workers compensation insurance. If your business employs three or more individuals, it's recommended to consult your state's department of workers compensation to determine whether providing workers comp insurance is mandatory.

As winter starts to set in most of us will be spending more time indoors. Now is a good time to review this checklist for safety, comfort, and savings.

Around your home...

• Make sure your fireplace and chimney have been cleaned
• Install motion detection lights on the outside of your home - it will save energy and add a touch of safety
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly and have good batteries
• Make sure all furnace ducts and hot water pipes are sealed and insulated
• Consider using a programmable thermostat for energy conservation
• If you regularly arrive home after dark, use a timer on interior lighting for safety so lights are on when you arrive home

Your car...

• Check fluid levels
• Get an engine tune up
• Check your tire tread and review winter driving tips
• Be aware of children playing around streets after dark
• Check your battery; starting power is more crucial when it is colder
• Keep a blanket, flashlight, and shovel in the trunk

For Halloween...

• Choose safe costumes for your child. Make sure their vision is not obstructed in any way, that the costume allows for comfortable movement and breathing, and is flame resistant.
• Make sure adults accompany smaller children when trick-or-treating
• Send kids out with flashights, and if appropriate, a cell phone
• Make sure children cross streets at well light intersections and obey traffic signals
• Be sure to check your kid's candy before they eat any

1. Immediately following an accident, make sure that no one is injured, either a passenger in your car, in other vehicles, and don't forget about pedestrians or others who may have been nearby.
   
   
2. Move to a place of safety, away from traffic.
   
   
3. Do not admit fault, no matter the accident circumstances, and do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your insurance company and the police.
   
   
4. If there are no police on the scene, call them to file a report, even if the accident takes place in a parking lot or seems minor.
   
   
5. Get instructions from the police on how to obtain a copy of the accident report.
   
   
6. Record the accident details, including place, time of day, and description of damages to your vehicle, other vehicles, and other property. (TIP: use your smart phone camera to take pictures of damage)
   
   
7. Get this information from the other driver(s) and anyone else involved:

   Name
   Address
   Phone Number
   Drivers License Number (for drivers involved)
   License Plate State and Number (state involved)
   VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) - often on a metal plate on the dash or driver's side door frame
   (TIP: use your smart phone camera to take pictures of license plates, drivers licenses and the accident scene from multiple perspectives)
   

8. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible with the information above, as well as your own drivers' license and vehicle license information.
   
   
9. If you need any help or guidance Please Contact Us.
   
   

See Also: Insurance Company Claim Phone Numbers and Website

See Also: What you need to do after a homeowner loss

1. If a loss involves fire, flood, or another dangerous situation, make sure all family members and pets are safe and accounted for.
   
   
2. If a homeowner loss involves property damage, take practical steps to prevent further damage. For instance, if windows are broken, board them up. The extra cost of preventing further damage is actually included in homeowner insurance policies.
   
   
3. If and when you can safely do so, take an inventory of damaged and destroyed personal property.
   
   
4. If there is ever any doubt about whether a small accident will result in a claim, file a claim with your insurance company. Minor dog bites and slip-and-fall accidents are in this category; failure to promptly report a claim could result in denial of coverage.
   
   
5. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible with the claim details.
   
   
6. If you need help with any of this, Please Contact Us.
   

See Also: Insurance Company Claim Phone Numbers and Website

See Also: What to do after a car accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distractions are a contributing cause in approximately 25 percent of all motor vehicle crashes or about 1.2 million accidents. However, distractions can be hard to quantify, and the number of accidents due to driver distractions is difficult to define. What can further complicate matters is that there may be more than one distraction, such as texting while chastising a child in the backseat.

Cell phones are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more communities are placing restrictions on drivers' use of cell phones. And more states are now passing laws banning the practice of texting while driving. The U.S. Congress is even considering a federal law related to this ban. The following tips are offered to motorists in regards to cell phone use in vehicles.

• You should never text message while driving. One study indicates that when drivers engage in texting, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting. Another study found that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunken driving.
• You should wait until the car trip is complete before placing a call. Your cell phone's voice mail feature should answer a call while you are driving.
• Absolutely essential calls should only be performed while stopped. However, it is not wise to pull over on the side of the road, where a rear-end collision is possible. Instead, you should pull into a parking lot to perform this task.
• The phone should be placed where it is easy to see and reach.
• You should take advantage of speed dialing capabilities.
• You should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened.
• If you must occasionally use a cell phone while driving, you should consider using a hands-free cellular phone since some studies indicated that these are safer to use.
• Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (www.irmi.com) reproduced with permission

Defective electrical wiring systems cause approximately 40,000 residential fires annually, according to a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study. In addition, electric cords and plugs are involved in about 7,000 fires annually. The National Electrical Safety Foundation offers numerous tips to safeguard the home against electrical fire and related losses, including the following.

• Verify that outlets and extension cords are not overloaded.Examine electrical cords to ensure they are not frayed, damaged, or placed under rugs or carpets.
  
• Verify that the proper wattage bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
  
• Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens. This device protects people against electrocution by shutting down the electrical system if it detects any imbalance in the electricity.
• Take steps to safeguard electrical appliances from power surges. A power surge is a sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit that can last up to several seconds and can ruin electrical appliances and equipment, such as computers. You can purchase surge protection devices to safeguard against the problem.
• Consider updating the entire electrical system if the home is over 40 years old. Older homes are more susceptible to electrical fire. For example, many older homes contain aluminum wiring, which is much more susceptible to starting fires than the copper wire required by modern building codes.
• Install child tamper-resistant electrical outlets to prevent a child from inserting something into the outlet holes.
• Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) to avoid fires caused by arc faults. An arc fault is a discharge of electric current across a gap. This can be caused by improper electrical connections, pinched wire insulation, and overheated wires.

Note that many insurers offer discounts for some of these electrical safety improvements. Please call for details.

Yes. Floods, earthquakes, and acts of terrorism are typically not included in coverage.

Safeguarding against flood damage.

Standard property insurance policies often do not provide protection for damages caused by flooding. To determine if your business is situated in a flood-prone area, reach out to your local government office or commercial bank. Additionally, inquire about any historical instances of flooding in your vicinity. It's important to note that government initiatives to map flood-prone zones might lag behind new developments.

If you require flood insurance, get in touch with your insurance agent or consider the National Flood Insurance Program. For further details about this program, you can call 888-CALL-FLOOD or visit their website at https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance. In situations where buildings within flood zones don't adhere to flood plain construction codes and sustain damage exceeding 50 percent of market value, the federal government mandates their demolition. To manage the additional expenses associated with tearing down and rebuilding such structures, consider obtaining "ordinance or law" coverage. Should your policy incorporate a coinsurance clause, ensure that your property is adequately insured to comply with this provision.

Safeguarding against earthquake damage.

Most property insurance policies, including those for homeowners and businesses, do not encompass coverage for earthquake-related damages. If you reside in an earthquake-prone region, you will need a specialized earthquake insurance policy or a commercial property earthquake endorsement.

Earthquake policies typically feature a distinct type of deductible – a percentage of coverage as opposed to a fixed monetary value. For instance, if your building is insured for $100,000 with a 5% deductible, your business would bear the initial $5,000 in damages following an earthquake.

It's important to keep in mind that business interruption insurance, which compensates for lost income during periods of closure, exclusively applies to damages covered by your business property insurance policy. In the event that earthquake-related damage forces your business premises to shut down, you must have earthquake coverage to file a claim under a business interruption policy.

Safeguarding against losses stemming from terrorist attacks.

As per the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, only businesses opting for optional terrorism coverage are eligible for compensation in the event of losses caused by acts of terrorism. Workers' compensation, however, provides coverage for injuries and fatalities resulting from terrorist acts.

What is risk management?

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks to an organization. It is important for businesses of all sizes to have a risk management plan in place to protect themselves from financial losses.

Risk management requires leadership

Risk management starts at the top of an organization. If the leadership team is not committed to risk management, it will be difficult to implement and maintain a successful risk management program.

Resources for risk management

There are many resources available to help businesses with risk management. These resources include insurance companies, risk management consultants, and online resources.

Loss control and insurance

Loss control is the process of reducing the likelihood and severity of losses. Insurance is a way to transfer the financial risk of a loss to an insurance company.

Preventing fire losses

• Training employees in fire safety
• Having the right type and number of fire extinguishers
• Modernizing the electrical system
• Situating the business in a fire-resistant building
• Installing a fire alarm system
• Installing a sprinkler system
• Installing smoke detectors
• Posting "No Smoking" signs
• Regularly checking the heating system

Reducing vulnerability to theft

• Making the premises an unattractive target
• Installing security measures
• Training employees on how to prevent theft
• Having a policy on reporting theft

Controlling liability risks

Businesses can reduce their liability risks by behaving lawfully and responsibly. They should also have policies in place to deal with potential liability claims.

Conclusion

Risk management is an important part of business planning. By identifying and managing risks, businesses can protect themselves from financial losses.

Long Term Care Insurance (LTC) is designed to reimburse you for expenses for everyday living assistance, should something happen to you. Traditional medical insurance and Medicare will not cover extra costs should you need help with activities we take for granted like bathing, eating or simply getting out of bed. LTC insurance options can provide for nursing home costs as well as home health care and assisted living.

Long Term Care is often mistakenly considered an issue affecting only the elderly but, according to the National Family Caregiving Association, more than 50 million Americans are serving as caregivers for their aged or chronically ill family members¹. In a 2004 MetLife market survey of nursing homes the average cost of a private nursing home room was $70,080 per year with an average stay of 2.4 years and costs continue to rise.

Long Term Care Insurance can be an effective way to provide for your own care or that of a family member and protect your assets from being consumed by the cost of care. But it isn't for everyone. For instance, as with life insurance, it gets more expensive the older you get. LTC Insurance can also be prohibitively expensive or unavailable if you are already sick or disabled. Before you purchase LTC insurance here are a few other considerations:

• Do you have other insurance that will respond to LTC needs?
• Do you have sufficient assets outside insurance to cover these costs?
• Do you have enough assets to warrant purchasing the insurance to protect those assets?
• Do you otherwise qualify for Medicaid (coverage may be available if you have low income and limited assets)?

Business Wire, 11/17/2005

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200 people in the United States die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning, usually due to faulty gas appliances. Other organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA), estimate much higher rates of death. The AMA has reported that carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.

Carbon Monoxide gas is difficult to detect because it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Underwriter's Laboratories itemizes several early warning signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that are detectable: "...streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances; the absence of a draft in your chimney; excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets; moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms; fallen soot from the fireplace; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe; damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney and rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home.

CO poisoning may be the cause of flu-like symptoms such as headaches, tightness of chest, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and breathing difficulties. Because CO poisoning often causes a victim\'s blood pressure to rise, the victim\'s skin may take on a pink or red cast."1

Carbon monoxide alarms are essential protective devices in homes with gas appliances, gas heaters, and fireplaces. It is recommended that these alarms be connected to the smoke alarm system so that any alarm in the house becomes activated if a problem arises. These alarms should be periodically tested according to the manufacturer\'s instructions. The average life span of carbon monoxide alarms is relatively short, averaging from 2 to 3 years.

Should a CO detector go off check all family members to see if they are exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. If no household members show signs of acute CO poisoning turn off all CO producing appliances and ventilate the home by opening doors and windows. Have fuel burning appliances checked by a qualified technician.

Prevention is always preferable to detection and there are several things you can do to reduce the chances of CO poisoning.

• Never use an un-vented kerosene or gas space heater indoors.
• Don't let your car idle in the garage.
• Do not use any gasoline fueled engines like mowers, weed trimmers and electric generators in enclosed spaces.
• Never use your gas oven to heat your home.
• Don't use a charcoal grill indoors, even if you think you have vented it by placing it in a fireplace.
• Have your heating system inspected at the beginning of every system and have vents and chimney flues checked and cleaned at least annually.

http://www.ul.com/consumers/monoxide.html

Business Interruption Insurance (BII) is an often overlooked insurance coverage that protects against exposures to loss every bit is vital as fire or litigation.  If your business is forced to close your risk is not limited to temporary loss of income, which can be devastating in and of itself.  You also run the risk of losing customers who turn elsewhere for their product or service needs.  You may have difficulty paying key suppliers during an income interruption causing further long term loss as those suppliers sever their business relationship with your company.

Business Interruption Insurance is designed to protect businesses from these types of risk.  BII is often part of packaged commercial insurance policies or is purchased in conjunction with business property insurance.  One reason for this is that the perils, or causes of loss, are usually the same for property insurance as for Business Interruption Insurance.  A variation in BII designed for those enterprises that depend heavily on outside suppliers is called Contingent Business Interruption Insurance.  Loss in business income due to the inability of a supplier to provide goods or services can be insured against in many circumstances.

How much BII your business needs will depend on several factors such as how easily you could continue operations at temporary location and how long your business might be sidelined. You will also need to consider what income is being insured.  It could be average daily, weekly or monthly; income, income for the most recent accounting period, peak income or some hybrid.

BII usually requires a 48 hour waiting period before kicking in and indemnity will be based on the financial records of your business.  So it goes without saying that you will need to keep your records up to date and in a safe place.

Disability Insurance is designed to reimburse lost wages in the event of a disabling accident or illness. Different policies have different stipulations but nearly all require a waiting period before disability payments begin and will reimburse for a pre-defined percentage of your income, generally 45% - 60%. There are two broad categories, Long Term Disability (LTD) and Short Term Disability (STD). Premiums and waiting periods will differ between the two types along short term and long term category lines.

Many people forgo disability protection because they don't think about it or assume that their employer's benefits or Social Security will provide for disability income. Yet the need for disability protection is greater than for life insurance, at least when considering the probability of becoming disabled for some significant interval versus dying prematurely. The American Council of Life Insurers determined that a 35 year old is six times more likely to become disabled than to die before age 65.*

Employer plans vary and may not replace as much of your income as you might need to maintain your household. The same is true for Social Security. Another area where employer plans or Social Security may fall short of meeting your protection needs is in the Benefit Period or that interval of time during which benefits will be paid. Some policies provide only up to two years.

Finally, it pays to look at the definition of disability which also varies by policy. Social Security, for instance, bases the definition of disability on inability to work - not inability to perform your current job or run your business.

*Independent Agent, April, 2006

Ocean marine insurance is sometimes referred to as "wet" Marine Insurance. Since Ocean marine insurance is designed for property transported by water it would seem to make sense that Inland Marine Insurance would apply to goods and property transported by land and could be called "dry" Marine Insurance. That is accurate enough but not nearly a complete description of Inland Marine Insurance.

Inland Marine policies cover a range of situations and property. In the same way that Ocean Marine provides insurance for the instrumentality of water borne transport, the ship, Inland Marine provides insurance for various instrumentalities of land transportation like bridges and tunnels.

Less obvious is that Inland Marine policies are used to insure instrumentalities of communication like transmission towers. Even more arcane is the notion that Inland Marine policies are used to cover property whose value, use and very condition are under constant change. Examples of property whose value change are schedules of tools, jewelry, furs or other valuable property. For property with constantly changing use consider construction equipment that is used on jobs at different locations subject to different conditions of land and weather. Finally, the condition of buildings and materials under construction change by definition as construction moves from start to completion. All this property and these situations are typically insured under an Inland Marine policy.

Here is a partial list of less obvious kinds of Inland Marine coverage: Accounts Receivable Insurance, Installment Insurance, Installation Insurance, Equipment Floaters Insurance, Valuable Records Insurance (Papers), Consignment Insurance and Parcel Post Insurance. The list is not all inclusive but does give you a good idea how inadequate it is to think of Inland Marine as simply "dry" Marine Insurance.

Typical causes of loss, or perils, insured against on an Inland Marine policy include fire, lightning, windstorm, flood, earthquake, landslide, theft, collision, derailment, overturn of the transporting vehicle, and collapse of bridges.

Ocean Marine Insurance is generally regarded as the oldest form of insurance. In fact, the term 'underwrite', which dates back to 1430, was literally the practice of accepting risk for the transit of ocean vessels and their cargo by signing your name under a contract listing a description of the shipment. Today, ocean marine insurance policies are used to cover watercraft of varying descriptions (hull coverage), cargo and liability related to various marine activities. The common policy types that fall into the broad category of ocean marine insurance include: Hull Insurance, Marine Cargo Insurance and Yacht Insurance.

Cruise liners, pleasure yachts, huge container ships, tugboats and more are eligible for this type of policy. In fact, offshore oil rigs are also protected by this variety of insurance. Despite the fact that the insurance category specifically references 'ocean' not only sea going vessels are covered by ocean marine insurance. Vessels plying inland waters and other related risks are also protected by this kind of coverage.

Goods shipped by water are often offloaded and reloaded to and from land based transportation. An ocean marine policy will cover goods during the entire process including during land transit or temporary storage on land. Typical causes of loss (perils, insured against), include sinking, stranding, heavy weather, collision with other watercraft or submerged objects, fire and explosion. Coverage for excluded perils, like acts of war, can sometimes be bought back.

Ocean Marine Insurance is typically purchased by the owner of a vessel but may be purchased by any party with an interest in insurable property subject to maritime perils. In this way, even land locked businesses may find themselves in a situation where ocean marine insurance is called for.

Professional Liability Insurance...what is that and who needs it? If we changed the name to 'malpractice insurance' most of us would answer the question right away by responding 'doctors'. But the fact is 'malpractice' is a concern for professionals across many fields of endeavor.

The first thing that is important to understand is that, in the context of legal liability, 'professional' has a broad definition. Basically, anyone who is expected to have in-depth knowledge or training in their field can be the subject of professional liability. Besides doctors, professions in the medical field with malpractice exposure include nurses, rehabilitation therapists and pharmacists, to name a few. Engineers and architects also can become targets for lawsuits alleging failure to perform to standards expected of their profession. When it comes to professional liability, teachers and athletic trainers are considered professionals every bit as much as lawyers and accountants.

The second thing to understand about professional liability is that if you do not have a specialty insurance policy covering the pursuits of your profession, you almost certainly do not have insurance protection for those professional pursuits. General liability policies for business (Commercial General Liablity or CGL) and liability protection found in homeowner or automobile coverage do not include protection for professional conduct.

If you have doubts about whether you could be considered a professional and whether you might need protection from professional liability, the best thing to do is to check with your insurance agent who, by the way, is also a professional.

A survey of 422 businesses in May and June of 2006* indicated that, for 89% of the participants, at least one new law suit was filed in the prior year. Lawsuits brought by employees, both current and former, has been a litigation growth area in the recent past. And prospective employees who feel they were wrongfully passed over for an employment opportunity are also more likely than ever to bring suit.

There are basically three tiers to protecting your business from financial damage as a result of employment practice claims: Identification of risk areas, Developing and Managing your company’s employment policies and procedures and Insuring against financial loss. It is a good idea to develop a program that incorporates all three.

Here is a list of exposures to employment practice lawsuits common to most businesses:

• Hiring decisions
• Promotion, discipline and termination
• Discrimination
• Sexual harassment
• Invasion of privacy

This is not by any means an all-inclusive list but it is a good place to start. Inconsistency in handling decisions in these areas and a lack of a documented policy regarding these practices creates a vulnerability to financial loss. Many smaller businesses, who do not have a dedicated human resource or loss control function or in house counsel, are often more at risk because of this lack of dedicated focus.

Having a written policy in place for hiring, reviews and office conduct is vital. That can seem daunting for a small business but there are resources available for help. Checklists for interviewing, job descriptions and qualifications; performance expectations and measurements; job salary grades, pay for performance plans and performance evaluation procedures are basic documents that, when properly used, can minimize risk of lawsuits in many risk areas. Once completed, these policies, procedures and documents should be reviewed periodically to make sure they stay up to date.

A training program will be needed for managers so they know how to implement the overall program, conduct reviews, provide feedback and document issues. Employee training should cover workplace conduct as well as any changes in job evaluation. Finally, no policy or procedure is very valuable unless it can be demonstrated that it is followed consistently and with uniformity across the company. Development of procedures and policies is only the first step. Training and documentation are also necessary.

Even the most well managed business, with sound, well executed employment practices and excellent overall employee morale can still wind up in court. As a final layer of risk management Employment Practice Liability Insurance (EPLI) is becoming a standard part of many business insurance programs. Broadly speaking, this type of insurance covers claims by employees and job applicants who believe their legal rights have been violated. There are many different kinds of policies that provide differing levels of protection.

One thing all EPLI policies have in common is that they are more affordable when it looks as if your business is less likely to encounter a claim. Thorough identification of risk areas, training and management to address those risks will, as with other kinds of insurance, reduce your overall program costs.

*Litigation Trends Survey conducted by Business Development Directives

Twenty five percent of the businesses forced to close due to a disaster or emergency never reopen. Smaller businesses are especially vulnerable because they do not typically have the resources to cover continuing expenses if income is interrupted. A business can greatly reduce the chances of a disaster becoming a death sentence for you business by planning ahead. Here's what you need to have in place.

Step 1:

Identify natural disasters most likely to occur in your area. Recognize that some disasters can be very localized, like a tornado or brush fire and others can affect a wide area like hurricanes or flood. You will need a plan that is flexible enough to deal with both situations.

Step 2:

Review your insurance protection. First, you need to understand what is covered and what is not covered. For instance, while many business insurance policies cover loss of income that only applies to causes of loss specified in business insurance policies. Flood, earthquake and acts of terrorism are often excluded as covered causes of loss. Moreover, when a disaster does not affect you directly, even if the cause of loss is covered, you would not be compensated for lost business income. Scenarios like this include a major supplier suspending operations or a significant part of your customer base being forced to evacuate due to flood or fire.

Once you understand what is covered you need to review the amounts of insurance you need. Will your insurance protection be enough to see you through a transition period and get your business up and running again?

Step 3:

Assign key responsibilities to employees and make sure everyone knows who is responsible for what in the event of a disaster. Typical responsibilities include deciding whether to implement the emergency plan, contacting employees, setting up temporary operations, etc.

Step 4:

Make an emergency contact list that includes names, addresses, phone numbers and email and make sure all employees have a copy. Contacts should include local fire, police and federal authorities like FEMA and the SBA. You should also compile a list of your largest and most important suppliers and customers.

Step 5:

Make sure you have an up to date and accessible copy of important records and data. Few businesses can run for very long or recover very easily without the information that is the life blood of commerce.

Step 6:

Identify alternative business locations for the short and long term. Many employees may be able to work from their homes if your business location becomes inaccessible. But you may need to make provisions for temporary office space in the event that is not possible. Likewise, you may want to identify a facility where you could set up operations or outsource work during a recovery period.

Step 7:

Take an inventory of business property and equipment including serial numbers. Include the price, when bought and vendor or retailer. You will need this information for insurance reimbursement and tax purposes should business property become damaged or destroyed.

Step 8:

Walk through plans. What looks good on paper often breaks down in practice. Consider different scenarios. For instance, if you will rely on cell phones for short term communication what happens if the cellular network is down or overloaded? How will you let employees know what to do?

Step 9:

Put regular reviews and updates for you plan on your planning calendar.

No matter where we live we all need to be aware of the extra precautions necessary to safe winter driving. Those of us living in climates where winter is non-existent or an infrequent visitor may need to take special heed. We don't get much practice driving on ice or in snow but business trips or vacations may require us to drive in foreign conditions. It's better to prepare ahead rather than rely on a crash course (sorry for the pun).

Winter weather can be unpredictable and varied. Rain, sleet, ice, snow and just plain cold temperatures affect not only the driving experience but also the way your vehicle runs. Often times, in the face of inclement weather, the best decision is simply not to venture out at all. Weather and driving conditions that deteriorate so rapidly in just a few hours can also improve as quickly. But when you must drive in less than ideal conditions there are a number of things you can do before you get behind the wheel as well as when you are driving.

• Cold temperatures affect the way your vehicle starts and runs. Make sure fluid levels, particularly anti-freeze, are topped off.
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible (at least half full). Empty tanks allow condensation and moisture in the gas lines which can freeze making a car or truck hard to start.
• Make sure your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated.
• Have you vehicle checked to make sure that the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and any traction control system (e.g., AWD) is working properly. These systems won't do you any good if they are not functioning.
• Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Include jumper cables, a snow/ice scraper, sand or salt, a shovel, deicer, a blanket, gloves and even boots. If your vehicle gets stranded you'll appreciate the warmer clothing.
• Make sure your windshield and windows are clear before leaving your driveway or parking spot. You may be in a hurry but dangerously reduced peripheral, especially when driving snow may already reduce visibility, is an accident waiting to happen.

• Leave the engine running if you are running the heater or any electrical options, even if you are stuck in traffic or parked. Listening to the radio, using interior lights, watching a DVD or using the windshield wipers will run the battery down and cold weather places a strain on car batteries; when you try to start the engine again you may not have enough battery power.
• Give your car a chance to warm up. Cars are like people we need to warm up our bodies, and get the blood flowing before doing anything strenuous. Likewise, oil, needs to be lubricating your engines pistons and coolant needs to flow freely before you reach highway speeds. Why is this tip in the on the road section? Because you can conserve gas and warm your car up effectively by driving at 25 ' 30 miles per hour for the first mile or two instead of letting it idle in the driveway for five minutes. Moreover, idling in the driveway or parking spot does not warm up drive train components.
• All wheel drive (AWD) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are no substitute for driving sensibly. AWD and ABS can help you maintain control but they won't make you invincible. Maintain safe distances and drive at speeds appropriate for conditions.
• Should you become stranded remember it is usually best to stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

Your home or small business wireless network comes with security but it won't work if you don't turn it on.  Doing so is a little involved but most of us, even the most timid, can accomplish the task.  The software with most wireless routers includes a security, called WPA or WEP with newer routers, which will allow you to randomly generate an encrypted 'network key'.  This key is required to access your wireless network.  Each computer using your network will need to be configured one time with the key.  After that everything is automatic.

If you don't use these security features anyone can piggyback on your network and access the internet through your resources.  The wireless radio signals radiate out up to 300 feet in all directs and go through walls and other structures making it easy for someone to hop on your signal.  Piggybacking can be unintentional but sometimes the practice is intentional; the more crowded your neighborhood or workplace the more vulnerable you are to this theft.  Either way your bandwidth is being stolen and your own internet signal can be slowed or interrupted.

Worse, hackers can use readily available software to look at files on your computer.  Sensitive private and financial information can be easily hijacked as long as your wireless network is open.  For free advice on setting up and securing a wireless network check out www.jiwire.com.

6 tips to manage yo ur homeowner premium:

1. Insure your home adequately but don't overdo it. You want to be sure your homeowner insurance limits are sufficient to replace your home but it is not necessary to insure the value of your land. It is worthwhile to have your home's replacement cost checked from time to time.
2. Periodically check the value of any items you may have insured separately on a schedule. The market value of jewelry, art, collectibles and other items fluctuate up and down so, particularly if you have significant amounts of this type of property insured, you will want to take stock of their values at regular intervals.
3. Take the highest deductibles you think you can afford. There are two benefits: immediate credit for higher deductible and less likely increases or cancellations due to claim frequency.
4. Put as much of your insurance as possible with one insurance company. Most companies provide credits for multiple policies.
5. Explore all premium credits that might be available to you. Credits abound and vary by company, both in terms of availability and amount. Here is a quick list of some common credits that can save you money:

   Multiple Policy. As mentioned above, insurance companies will often provide premium credits when you have more than one type of insurance with them.

   Safety Device Credits

   Common safety devices like dead bolt locks, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers will earn you premium credit; more extensive safety devices like central station burglar and fire alarms will save even more.

   Mature Homeowner Credit

   Many companies will offer credits for retired homeowners who are generally at home during the day.

   Non-Smoker Credit

   Often, companies have credits available if all household occupants are non-smokers due to a reduced fire risk.

   Loss Free or Renewal Credits

   Insurance companies will often reward policyholders who have renewed with them over several years and have no losses with additional credits.

6. Your needs change and sometimes it is time to switch insurance companies. That's why we are here. We do our best to keep up with your insurance needs but, if you ever feel it is time for a change, let us know. As an independent agent we represent many insurance companies and will save you time and bother in reviewing options for you.

What is a small business? Small is a subjective word, meaning different things to different people. As we explore the kind of risks you face and the kind of insurance you might need we're going to take a life-cycle approach, starting with the most incidental of business pursuits and work our way up to the Fortune 500 level.

Technology and social trends have driven a wave of telecommuting. Many of us work at home at least on some days while some may work from home all the time. For that reason, more and more homes contain a designated office area; with increasing frequency that area is a room.

If the work you do is not for your own business you can often amend, or endorse, your Homeowner, Condominium Owner or Renters Policy to extend liability protection for incidental office exposures. Modifying your Homeowner policy is also an easy and inexpensive way to increase the limits for coverage of business property. A standard limitation is usually $2,500 for loss to business property on your residence premises but only $250 for business property away from your residence. Many insurers will, in exchange for some small additional premium, allow your Homeowner Policy to cover $5,000 or $10,000 of business property. And for a telecommuter, that's often the best solution.

According to the Casey Home Based Business Study, 62% of all small business are home based and this includes real estate sales and sales and distribution of products as a part time business. If your home based business is not your main source of income you still need to consider additional risks which may not be covered, even under an amended Homeowner policy. Here are a few:

• Business-related personal property (equipment and furniture) in excess of the Homeowner Policy limitation - both on and off premises
• Inventory you store or have on hand
• Business property of others while in your care or under your responsibility
• Accounts receivable
• Valuable papers and records
• Electronic data coverage
• You may need liability to extend to personal injury, products and completed operations, incidental contractual liability, and general commercial liability.
• Automobile - If you are driving people around for business reasons, transporting supplies or products or visiting customers your personal auto policy may not provide coverage.

Most of these additional risks and more can be picked up through a Home Based Business policy. These policies usually allow for up to 3 employees and will allow more adequate limits of protection for liability and property.

If your home business is your primary source of income you will want coverage for business interruption and extra expense. Fortunately, this protection is usually included in a Home Based Business policy. There are a few other kinds of insurance you should be thinking about as well.

• Disability Insurance - If you become disabled and are unable to work and generate income, this insurance will help to keep you "paid" during that period. It won't cover ongoing business expenses, however.
• Life Insurance - Many employers provide at least some life insurance protection to their employees. Since you are the employer, you are on your own on this one. Life insurance is also used as a vehicle for perpetuating a business in the event of the death of an owner; this is sometimes known as Key Man Life.
• Health Plan - The same thing applies here as to Life Insurance. If you don't have an employer supplying or subsidizing this important protection for you, you'll need to get it on your own.
• Workers Compensation -- All states require employers, even home based ones, to purchase Workers Compensation if they have employees. Workers compensation insurance offers a schedule of benefits for employees unable to work because of a job or workplace related injury or illness.

Most Home Based Business Insurance policies assume most of your business is done from home. If that is not the case, you may need a type of policy that will provide coverage for you as you work away from home. There are also limits for Home Based Business policies regarding number of employees and maximum protection limits for Business Personal Property, Business Interruption and Loss of Income and other risks. If you find your business has grown beyond the kind of protection a Home Based Business Policy can provide you may need to consider a Business Owners Package policy.

A Business Owners Package policy (BOP) is a bit like a homeowner policy for your business. A BOP provides a certain amount of coverage for your Building, Business Personal Property, Business Interruption, Liability and more in one package. The policy can be customized to include protection for automobile and business specific exposures as disparate as those related to accounting firms, retailers and dry cleaners.

BOP policy requirements vary from insurer to insurer but if you employ 50 employees or less, have relatively few business locations and are in an easily categorized industry, your business may qualify for a BOP. The same coverage can be acquired by mixing and matching other policies but combining everything in a Business Owners Policy usually results in a lower premium than customized coverage. Many companies also construct BOP policies around very specific kinds, or classes, of business. These are often referred to as program policies.

Additional protection you might want to consider at this stage of the business life cycle, other than those mentioned above, include:

• Employment Practices Liability - EPL protects you from claims made by current or former employees of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment and related allegations.
• Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance - E&O, formerly known as professional liability, covers a variety of advisor or professional roles and pays legal costs and damages should a mistake you make cost a client money. Some common business that might need E and O Insurance include financial planners, computer consultants, real estate agents and appraisers, mortgage brokers, consultants, graphic designers and hair stylists. The list of types of businesses that might need E&O is quite long; one provider alone lists 160 classifications.
• Directors and Officers Insurance - D&O is like an E&O policy for company officers. It can pay legal costs and damages if officers are sued for their performance in running the company.

As a business moves through the business growth cycle and becomes larger and more complex, more kinds of risks are introduced and more kinds of insurance may be needed. It becomes more difficult, and eventually impossible, to address all the risk needs of a business with just one policy. The list of extra policies is not all inclusive, of course. The more additional policies your business needs the less it shares the characteristics of a small business and starts to look like a medium sized one. We'll address some of the issues for a medium sized business in Medium Sized Business Insurance Basics.

First let's tackle the question of whether you need a separate insurance policy for your boat at all. If your boat is small and has limited or no power, the chances are that your homeowner insurance policy will afford you all the protection you need, although you may need to modify, or endorse, your homeowner policy.

A typical homeowner policy includes liability protection for small boats with horsepower for only modest speeds. Some examples of boats like this include canoes, small sail boats and small power boats. Your homeowner policy will also provide some insurance for damage or loss to the boat, motor and trailer. In most cases the amount of protection will be limited to $1,000 or 10% of the home property value - and that's for the aforementioned boating equipment combined.

A Boat Owner or Watercraft Policy may be for you if you need more protection for your basic boating property; need to cover other equipment like fishing gear, boat covers, fenders or navigation or communication equipment. You may also need a Boat Owner Policy if your boat is larger or is capable of speeds in excess of 25 mph

A Boat Owner Policy combines a number of different kinds of coverage including:

Liability and Medical Payments, Theft, Physical Loss or Damage to the hull, machinery, fittings, furnishings and permanently attached equipment; Towing and Assistance; Uninsured Boater

There are few other things you need to know about. Insurance companies will draw a line on boat size, often at 26 feet in length, and after that consider the craft to be a yacht. If that describes your boat then you are eligible for yacht insurance.

Your homeowner policy may not provide adequate protection for Jet Skis and Wave Runners so you should look into a separate policy, often called a Personal Water Craft Policy (PWC).

Your boat policy will come with a deductible and the deductible may apply differently to different types of property and loss. Reimbursement for physical loss to property may be on an agreed amount, actual cash value (ACV, which is cost new less depreciation) or a replacement cost basis. Again, reimbursement for different types of property may be handled differently by the same policy.

It may be important to you to make sure you have coverage during storage, while the boat is in transit or if you hire a crew. There is more variation in boat policies offered by insurance companies than there is for auto insurance, even though the types of coverage are similar. This variation also extends to the area of discounts. Discounts may apply for:

• Lay Up Periods
• New Boats
• Burglar Alarms
• Coast Guard Approved Fire Extinguishers
• Safety Courses (see these websites: http://www.cgaux.org, http://www.usps.org)
• Ship-to-Shore Radio
• Diesel Power
• Multiple Policies with the Same Insurance Company (e.g., Auto, Home)

• Make sure your vehicles have full gas tanks.
• If you have to leave a vehicle behind, make sure it is not in a low lying area prone to flooding.
• Top off or fill fuel tanks for outdoor grills in case they become your primary cooking appliance.
• Stake small trees, shrubs and garden plants that could break in strong wind.
• Any home ornamentation such as flags, wreaths or wind chimes should be stowed away.
• Bring in any lawn furniture or grills.
• Portable basketball backboards should be wheeled into the garage or laid down and firmly staked to the ground.
• Mobile home dwellers should check tie downs and leave the mobile home as soon as possible.
• Make sure pool covers are secure.
• Check to see that storage building doors are closed and secure.
• Secure shutters on windows and doors, if you have them. If not, cut ½ inch plywood panels to cover these openings. Marine plywood is best; do not use particle board. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws in advance of putting up the plywood.
• Trim dead or weak branches from trees and clear similar debris from the ground around your home.

Download Hurricane/Flood Disaster Supply Kit    (Excel)     (PDF)

	Quantity	Item	Comments
	1 gallon per day per person	Water	Enough to last 3 to 7 days
	Enough to last 3 to 7 days	Food	Non-perishable foods only – dry or canned. Enough to last 3 to 7 days
	1	Manual Can Opener
		Paper plates
		Utensils
		First Aid Kit	Antiseptic, assortment of bandages, pain reducer such as ibuprofen, tweezers, safety pins, latex gloves
		Prescription and Other Drugs
		Toiletries / Hygiene Items	Water free hand cleaner or towlettes
		Bedding	Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
		Seasonal Clothing	Rain gear, water proof work boots and gloves
		Batteries	Enough for 3 – 7 days for all devices
		Flashlight	Have at least one back up flashlight
		Radio	Battery powered
		Cash	Banks and ATMS may not be open or accessible
		Keys
		Toys, Games, Books	Children as well as adults need a way to pass the time without electricity
		Important Documents	Store important documents in a water tight pouch or container. Remember insurance papers, social security numbers, medical records, credit cards and bank account information, proof of residence (drivers license, e.g.)
		Pet Supplies	Leash, food, kennel, medication, bowls
		Clock	Battery powered or wind up
		Tools	For clean up and repair after the storm; hammer, utility knife, screwdrivers, shovel, crow bar, pliers
		Duct Tape	Quick repairs and instant waterproofing
		Common Nails	Quick repairs
		Plastic Sheeting or Tarps	To cover holes and minimize water damage
		Contact Information	Phone numbers and email addresses for those you need to contact post storm
		Mosquito Repellent	Include citronella candles
		Plastic Trash Bags
		Ice
		Coolers
		Charcoal
		Grill
		Wooden Matches

Download Hurricane/Flood Disaster Supply Kit    (Excel)     (PDF)

• Make sure your vehicles have full gas tanks.
• If you have to leave a vehicle behind, make sure it is not in a low lying area prone to flooding.
• Top off or fill fuel tanks for outdoor grills in case they become your primary cooking appliance.
• Stake small trees, shrubs and garden plants that could break in strong wind.
• Any home ornamentation such as flags, wreaths or wind chimes should be stowed away.
• Bring in any lawn furniture or grills.
• Portable basketball backboards should be wheeled into the garage or laid down and firmly staked to the ground.
• Mobile home dwellers should check tie downs and leave the mobile home as soon as possible.
• Make sure pool covers are secure.
• Check to see that storage building doors are closed and secure.
• Secure shutters on windows and doors, if you have them. If not, cut ½ inch plywood panels to cover these openings. Marine plywood is best; do not use particle board. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws in advance of putting up the plywood.
• Trim dead or weak branches from trees and clear similar debris from the ground around your home.

• Identify ahead of time where you will go. The home of a friend or family member may be an option. If not, be sure to make hotel reservations as soon as possible; occupancies will be scarce along evacuation routes as the storm progresses.
• Be sure all family members know how to get in touch with each other, in the event you are split up.
• Keep all contact numbers handy.
• Make sure your vehicles have a full tank of gas, well before an evacuation order might be issued.
• Have a road map of the local area in case flooding or damage forces you to abandon familiar routes.
• Leave early. Traffic will build quickly once the evacuation order has been given.
• Listen to the radio for evacuation instructions, even after the evacuation has begun.
• Make arrangements for pets. The may not be allowed into emergency shelters or hotels for health and safety reasons. The local humane society will have information on animal shelters.
  

Today many of us have a multitude of passwords to keep track of at work and at home. As passwords multiply it is easy to succumb to the temptation of using easy to guess words or simply leaving a sticky note on your computer. But these are generally bad ideas. Better is to come up with a strong password and keep it secret.

What is a strong password? The fact is, any hacker with enough skill and time can crack almost any password with the computing power and tools available today. But, because of the time and effort involved, most really sophisticated hacking is confined to cracking large, commercial networks. For the rest of us a little common sense and a few tips will keep our information safe from novices.

• Never write your password down and leave it where it can be easily obtained, in fact you should never write your password down, period. This goes for keeping passwords in your PDA.
• Your password is your password, don't share it with anyone.
• Avoid easily guessed words or names like the names of your children, pets or your nickname. Avoid birth dates, addresses and other sequences of numbers that are easy to guess.
• Passords based on any dictionary word is fairly easy to crack so stay away from those.
• Never use the same password for more than a few sites.
• Change your password several times a year.
• Keep your passwords between 6 and 8 characters (long enough so they take some effort to crack, but not so long that they are hard to remember and tedious to input).
• Use a combination of upper and lower case letters and special characters (punctuation or the characters above the number keys).

Here are some examples of how to construct a password that is hard to crack but easy to remember (Please don't use these passwords!):

Choose a phrase that you can remember, such as How now, brown cow? Your password could consist of keeping the first character of each word as well as any punctuation. That way your password would be Hn,bc?. Some punctuation and other symbols may not be permitted as characters in password strings on some internet sites. In that case, just swap a symbol, like '?' with another, like '$', or a number like '3'.

Another approach might be to use the title of your favorite book as a base, select every third character (your lucky number), include spaces as characters but use a special symbol instead of a space (like #). How Green Were Our Values would become wrne#rae. You could stick with your lucky number and capitalize the third character of the password you derive. If you did that you would have wrNe#rae as a variation.

The important thing is to pick a scheme that makes sense to you and is one you will recall. Then all you have to keep track of is the phrase or title you used as a base.

Finally, to keep password management less complex, you might take a multi-tiered approach. For instance, if you frequent news sites, like the Wall Street Journal, relatively little harm can come from another person learning and using your password. For sites like this you might actually use a common name or something really easy to remember.

For other web sites, like a research or news clipping service where you have saved other than personal information, you might find it quite a nuisance if someone guessed your password and deleted your saved information. For these sites a somewhat more difficult password may be in order. You might still use a common word but add upper case letters or numbers to make it harder to guess.

Finally, for those sites where personal financial information is saved or exchanged, you should use a strong password, as previously explained.

Download Home Inventory Worksheet (Excel)

Keeping a home inventory is an important exercise that aids you in three ways:

• It helps you establish as precisely as possible the replacement cost of your possessions so that you can determine if your insurance protection is adequate.
• It substantiates ownership, which can be useful in the event you have a loss covered by insurance.
• A complete inventory can help you avoid overlooking items for which you should be compensated in the event of a covered loss.
  

A simple way to do an inventoryis to take a video or photos of your possessions. The easiest way to do this is to go room by room. Be sure to capture the make, model and serial number of your property. Once you have completed the video or photo record you should store the images away from your home. A safe deposit box or a relatives home are alternatives.

• Go room by room when doing your inventory. This is an easy way to ensure you don't leave out some items.
• Start with the five most expensive items in the room. Work your way to the next five and then the next. Within a very short time you will have documented the lion's share of value in the room. The Know Now Knowhow worksheet has the items that are typically the most expensive in each room displayed at the top of the item listing for each room to help you get started.
• Group like items, such as CDs and DVDs, together. Start by counting the number you have and estimating a cost per item. You can add titles and other information as a second step.
• Don't forget items you have tucked away under beds, in closets or stored in attics. Attics, basements and similar storage areas frequently contain high concentrations of valuable possessions. Similarly for items tucked in the back of closets.
• Don't overlook things you see everyday but may take for granted, like pictures or paintings on the wall.
• Current replacement cost may be quite different from what you originally paid for an item. If a lot of time has elapsed since you bought something the price may have changed. You may have bought something on sale or at an outlet. If you had to replace possessions suddenly you would not have the luxury of seeking out bargain prices.

Download Home Inventory Worksheet (Excel)