For companies in the transportation industry, hiring safe drivers is obviously a top priority. But for many small and mid-sized companies in other lines of business, it’s often an afterthought.
But it shouldn’t be. Cars and trucks represent a significant liability exposure. And this can …
Thursday, May 17th, 2012 Tags: business insurance, Liability, Mid-State Insurance, risk management
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments 
“Could we have an earthquake here?” Even as I asked that question a year ago, I could sense what people were thinking. “Here? Are you kidding? This is New England – not California.”
Then a few months …
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 Tags: business insurance, disaster planning, earthquake insurance
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments
Imagine for a moment what happens to a family whose home is destroyed by a fire, hurricane, tornado or other disaster. As they survey the ruins, they find it difficult to remember all of their possessions. Or supposing a woman comes home from work …
Monday, April 30th, 2012 Tags: disaster planning, home insurance, home inventory, insurance claim, replacement cost
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments
Lately, it’s practically impossible to watch television without being bombarded with commercials urging you to pick up the phone and get a quote on your homeowner or automobile insurance.
The offer to find you the lowest rate may sound appealing. But as many people are …
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 Tags: auto insurance, home insurance, individualized solutions, Mid-State Insurance
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments
When I talk with CEOs or owners about the challenges facing their business, the conversation almost always turns to the rising cost of health insurance. And inevitably, the question follows: What can we do to control our company’s health care …
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 Tags: employee benefits, health care, health insurance, Mid-State Insurance
Category: Paul's Blog No Comments
Last year at this time, our area was being blanketed with record snowfalls. And the wild weather patterns didn’t stop there. In June, destructive tornadoes struck Springfield and other Western Massachusetts communities. In August, tropical storm Irene arrived, followed by the snowstorm labeled the …
Thursday, March 8th, 2012 Tags: auto insurance, home insurance, individualized solutions, insurance review, MA Insurance, Mid-State Insurance, umbrella insurance
Category: Jim's Blog 1 Comment
On March 11 at 2 a.m., Daylight Savings Time officially begins. As we ‘spring forward’ we’ll all lose an hour of sleep, but we’ll gain an extra hour of early evening daylight.
When we change our clocks in the spring and fall, let’s also get …
Monday, March 5th, 2012 Tags: carbon monoxide detectors, home insurance, home safety, Mid-State Insurance, smoke alarms
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments
Here’s the good news. Last year, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that in 2010, highway dealths fell to 32,885, the lowest number since 1949, even though Americans are driving more miles.
But here’s the bad news. Over 3,000 of those fatalities involved distractions. And …
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 Tags: auto insurance, distracted driving, teen drivers
Category: Jim's Blog No Comments
Lately, our Mid-State Insurance advisors have been getting calls from people who are planning a winter or spring vacation. Many of their questions are about car rental insurance. Does their personal auto insurance policy cover rental cars? Should they consider buying …
Thursday, January 19th, 2012 Tags: auto insurance, Mid-State Insurance, rental car insurance
Category: Maelee's Blog 1 Comment
It’s that time again. People are continuing to make resolutions for the new year. And, as always, topping most lists are resolutions to exercise more, lose weight, manage stress, and stop smoking.
To encourage this trend, many companies are implementing employee wellness programs. Others are …
Monday, January 9th, 2012 Tags: employee benefits, health care, health insurance, wellness programs
Category: Paul's Blog 2 Comments
