The Concklin Blog

Frozen pipes can bust, causing damage to your home or business, wrecking electronics, furniture and more. A busted pipe can be a very expensive and messy experience.

When we talk about distracted driving, we often think cellphones – texting, social medias, music… We all have that guilty memory of checking a text or trying to change what playlist is on.  We know these things are dangerous to do while driving, and we do them anyway, we think that because we know we are distracted we can be extra alert to compensate.  It’s simply not true. Distracted Driving is a serious problem. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 25% of all automobile crashes are related to cell phone use.  However, cell phone use is not the only form of Distracted Driving.  Driving while tired is another major problem.

Injury and illness prevention programs are an effective tool for reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Many workplaces have already adopted similar approaches as part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for small employers.

Jim plowed into the side of a passing car. The accident resulted in serious injuries to the driver and passenger of the other vehicle. Jim was sued, found at fault and ordered to pay $1 million for medical expenses, lost wages and the “pain and suffering” of the injured parties. After a hectic work week, Jim Marshall was looking forward to a relaxing weekend with his wife and kids. He was just a few blocks from home when his cellphone rang. He glanced down to see who was calling. That split-second distraction was all it took for him to miss the approaching stop sign.

 All jobs have some physical stressors, and waiting tables is no exception. While serving food and beverages, keep the following safe work practices in mind to stay healthy and injury-free.

If you are a Director or Officer, you could be. As a Director or Officer of your company you are open to litigation risks due to the decisions you make to influence the company.  How you choose to respond after a Data Breach and how you have influenced Cyber Security measures within your company could lead you to be held personally responsible for damages following a breach.  The acts you commit as a board member, including plans and decisions need to be protected.

What is a Lone Worker? Lone workers are classified as any person whose work is completed in isolation from other workers. They do not have direct supervision and are expected to fulfill their duties efficiently while adapting to any unforeseen circumstances and are generally expected to use their best judgement. With the increase in technology and automation the number of lone workers is rapidly increasing.  There are many industries in which employees may find themselves working alone, either on location, out in the field, or at home. This leaves great potential for safety concerns.

The Open Enrollment for 2019 Marketplace plans began November 1st, 2018 and will close December 15th 2018.  All plans purchased during this time will go into effect on January 1st, 2019. Many people find the process of enrolling on the Marketplace to be both intimidating and frustrating. 

Winter is more than cold weather, snow and hot cider – it’s also winter storms and ice, which means potential hazards and costly liabilities. If you deal with either commercial or residential property it is important to know what side effects of winter you are responsible for.

A wise way for homeowners to make additional income is to invest in properties to rent, manage, or renovate and sell. But without the right kind of insurance, these properties could potentially lead to lawsuits that could put homeowners’ other properties and assets on the line.

One major lawsuit can have the potential to drain a bank account and leave those involved with nothing — even if the incident was a complete accident. Therefore, nearly every state requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance and many protect their property with homeowners liability insurance. However, basic coverage might not be enough in certain situations.

Most of us rely on our vehicles to get to work, the store, and to social engagements every day. Because of this reliance, it’s important to get the insurance coverage you need to protect both yourself and your vehicle in case of an accident. Automobile accidents can cost thousands of dollars of property damage and bodily injuries — and that might just be to one driver!

Insurance is a necessity in today’s world. One car accident, fire, or other disaster could leave you paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, legal fees, or hospital bills. Because of this critical need to protect yourself, your family, and your assets, you’ll want to select a great insurance plan.

The worst has happened: Someone stole your car and stripped it to pieces! Now, all you’ve got left are fond memories of your slick ride and an insurance policy claim to file. All you want to do is put this whole ordeal behind you, buy a new car, and never look back. But will your insurance payout cover the cost of that same car? Understanding “replacement cost” versus “actual cash value” when it comes to your policies is important.

Insurance companies have used vehicle telematics for about two decades now as a way to bring more transparency and accountability to auto policyholders. Telematics are most commonly associated with the little modules that plug into your car’s Onboard Diagnostics Port (OBD-II), which relay driving data to insurance providers. Today, many insurance companies offer plug-and-play solutions and even apps that eliminate the need for modules altogether.

You’ve checked your auto and travel insurance policies and know you’re covered while on vacation, but what about the home you’ll be leaving behind? Burst pipes, broken appliances, and burglaries are easy potential hazards for those excited about upcoming trips to forget about. Fortunately, they’re easy to prevent, and this checklist can help make such prevention easier.

The sharing economy has brought about business model innovations, allowing people to monetize underutilized assets including cars, storage space, gear, and living space by renting them out. While this can create exciting opportunities, it can also present risks — particularly when it comes to home sharing. Having the proper insurance can help reduce those risks.

As glorious as the spring and summer months can be, they can also bring some of Mother Nature’s most destructive behavior. April, May, and June are peak months for tornadoes in the U.S. while hurricane season officially begins June 1 and lasts through November. Both can cause widespread catastrophic damage as well as injury and death. While those who live in areas prone to such natural disasters should have emergency plans in place to protect themselves and their families, what about their homes, businesses, and personal property? It’s impossible to predict or control the amount of damage such storms can cause, but it is possible to manage how well you bounce back and rebuild after such life-altering events. Ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage in advance is a huge step in protecting yourself amid such devastation.

Water. We need it to survive, but it can also be a relentless, unforgiving beast. In mere minutes, water can cause property damage that requires months of costly cleanup and restoration.

A thousand questions can race through a parent’s mind when hiring a new babysitter or in-home nanny: Is the candidate experienced? Good with kids? Responsible? Dependable? CPR- and first-aid-certified? Able to cook? Does he or she have reliable transportation?

For those who long to be out on the water, there is nothing quite like the freedom and thrill of a day spent on your very own powerboat. But with as much pleasure as boat ownership can bring, boating also carries with it inherent risks and responsibilities. Boat insurance, though not always required, is something every owner should understand and seriously consider when investing in a powerboat.