Business Insurance: How to Prepare your Business for the Winter Season

shutterstock 69377056 199x300 Business Insurance: How to Prepare your Business for the Winter SeasonThe winter is tough on everyone and unless your business is seasonal and the benefits come during winter, you are most likely dreading the winter season slow down. MHB Insurance has prepared several tips to avoid winter damages and a cost saving approach to winter.

Evaluate Property Damage Risks. Evaluate your property by thoroughly looking for potential problems.

  • Inspect your water pipes by looking for small leaks and any cracks. Once these pipes become frozen, you will be left a bigger problem. One way to battle this is to constantly leave your water dripping. By doing so, it will allow water molecules to continuously move, making it harder to freeze.
  • Observe for property damage such as cracks on the building.
    • Cracks in the exterior of the building could result in heat loss, which will run your electricity bill up.
  • Check all sealant around doors and windows, replace if needed.

Calculate for Business Interruptions. Using a scale of a week or a month, prepare an annual budget. In this budget, calculate your operating costs and cash flows for the year, so you know how much is needed when a problem arises. It is also not a bad idea to occasionally order from a secondary vendor. Though it might be more expensive, it will diminish your overhead, so if your primary vendor experiences winter hardships themselves, you can turn to a secondary backup vendor. If possible, one of the best ways to be prepared for these situations is to build up a cash reserve.

Review your Insurance Coverage. Find out if you have the proper coverage. You may be over paying or over covered. MHB Insurance are leaders in the insurance industry that specialize in Business Insurance, more specifically Claim & Loss control, property & renters Insurance. We can provide you with the proper coverage for your business needs.

Build a Communication Plan. If the big storm does hit or if your business is experiencing problems caused by winter, make your staff, customers, vendors, and contractors know what’s going on. Establishing an email alert system is the first step to establishing a clear communication. Create a mail folder that you can access and send emails to everyone that would need to be aware of your current situation. Remember do not use this often, only for emergencies. Make sure you have primary and secondary email addresses for your employees, and everyone you do business with.  Use a Facebook Business page and Twitter to keep the public aware you’re still in business, and that you’re in the process of recovering after a disaster.

Work from Home.  See if working from home is an option. Tele-sales and online web sales can still generate income when your storefront is not open. Coordination of activities and what staff should do can be done through conference calls or online video chatting and followed through with email reports.

Now these tips won’t work for every business in winter but you can find successful ways to prevent your business from winter disasters. However one of the most important aspects against winter damage is proper insurance coverage. Don’t fail to neglect your current coverage, have MHB Insurance inspect your property and really make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

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Homeowners Insurance: Hurricane Irenes Aftermath

shutterstock 83592340 adj 300x199 Homeowners Insurance: Hurricane Irenes AftermathAt the midst of Hurricane Irene’s end, Peekskill’s torn and broken town is looking for assistance from governmental aid. An application has been sent in on Peekskill’s behalf to the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA.

Officer Sean Echols gave a presentation this past Monday to discuss the Office of Emergency Management or OEM. The OEM is a program that originally was created to deal with emergencies that related to the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. However in recent years OEM has extended their services to work with residential fires, large power outages and bad weather.

Echols, who oversees the OEM program, addressed his concern about the damage left by Irene claiming that it could cost millions of dollars for repairs, which he hoped FEMA would help with the financial aid. “There haven’t been any FEMA awards due to a disaster until recently,” Echols said. “Irene was awarded disaster status and we do have an application in and we expect to recoup quite a bit of the cost for that storm.”

It is OEM’s responsibility to coordinate the city’s emergency responders and departments during times of need. The Office of Emergency also prepares volunteers with proper training towards multiple disaster scenarios. Echols stated that preparing and educating their team for worst disaster scenarios before they happened paid off once Hurricane Irene hit.

Because of OEM, the department of public works was able to quickly respond to numerous problems. One major problem that occurred was a down tree, but because of the extra personnel and the water department they were able to quickly remove the issue. Echols said “The chipper was out and the roads were open for emergency services if they needed them.”

Mayor Mary Foster addressed her concern for the city residents on whether or not they are able to access FEMA disaster funds. Echols explained that FEMA officials had gone door-to-door to talk to residents on how to apply for FEMA aid.

Natural disasters and tropical storms will continue to occur, and the best way to protect our loved ones and prized possessions is proper coverage. Whether you are a business owner, homeowner or even just a vehicle owner, we at MHB Insurance understand how Insurance should be. This is our community as well as yours, and keeping it safe is in everyone’s best interest. We know times can be tough, so let us help you save money on your auto insurance, business insurance, and homeowners insurance. We know how it feels to have the unexpected happens, so make sure that you are properly covered.

Residents can apply for FEMA aid on its website

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Auto Insurance: The Newly Licensed Driver

new driver 300x200 Auto Insurance: The Newly Licensed DriverIt is scary to watch our young ones grow up. One of the most terrifying fears as a parent comes around the age of 16, the legal driving age in New York.  When this time comes you know your new driver will be more excited about the experience than yourself. However, a time will come when your little ones leave the nest and take to the open road. The best way to prepare for their first flight is proper auto insurance.

One of the most common questions regarding this area is, “Am I paying too much for my auto insurance?” There are several factors that determine this rate and it is not just age of the driver but several other inputs.

Premium rates for new drivers are typically high. You can count on spending on average near $1000 every six months on new drivers. Many agencies include a family plan where the new driver is covered under the parent’s policy. Customers have found this to be a significant amount of savings.

Factors to consider when looking over auto insurance coverage rates for your new driver:

  1. Vehicle – The type of vehicle the driver will be driving primarily is the one the most important factors.  With high performance vehicles which are measured on engine size and the amount of modifications done to the car, you will see the highest rates. New cars also draw higher premiums because in most cases it is required to have a full coverage policy, where you are able to assign your new driver to a liability policy with a used car or a car that is already on the policy.  Think this logic, the smaller the car, the smaller the engine, the smaller the premium.
  2. Gender – Believe it or not gender is a factor. Statistical data has proved that female teenaged drivers are safer and more responsible when compared to males. Typically, females have a lower premium when compared against males of the same age with the same make and model car.  Based off a study, studies have shown that teenage males account for 30% of injuries caused my motor vehicles annually because of the failure to indentify hazardous situations and are more likely to underestimate dangerous ones.
  3. Safe Driving Records – You think of course my new teenage driver will be safe and has no traffic history however insurance agencies prepare for the worse. This does not last forever though. Customers have seen a large decrease in their premiums after 1-2 years of the teenage driving with a safe and clean record. With no claim on the new driver’s record the cost of premiums will drastically reduce.

There is no way to reassure an insurance agency that your new teenage driver will be safe and not be involved in a claim to save money on premiums. The only way is by understanding how the premiums are configured and what it takes to lower those. Shopping around for auto insurance in New York is hard, but a smart way to approach this is to go online and compare it to physical auto insurance agencies.  If you or someone you know has a new or soon to be teenage driver, we at MHB Insurance would love to look over your policy.

 

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Announcement: Current Schedule and Overview for The Insurance and Risk Management Series

MHB Risk Man pic1 Announcement: Current Schedule and Overview for The Insurance and Risk Management Series

September 22nd 10AM- Social Media & Employment Practices Liability. What employers need to know about creating and enforcing a social media policy to protect themselves from unforeseen use of the internet, email systems and social websites by their employees? Speaker Jason Plans USLI Insurance Company.

 

November 17th 10AM- Easing your business’s cash flow using Exact Pay payroll deduct workers compensation, and CPP Payroll Services. Let us show you how you can avoid workers comp premium audits, and spread your payments out through CPP Payroll Services, and also save big on your payroll processing. Speaker Austin Fish CPP Payroll Services Inc.

 

January 19th 10AM-Voluntary payroll deducted benefits that cost the employer nothing. In these tough economic times offer your employees valuable benefits that they need and want, at no cost to you. This seminar will discuss how simple, and easy it is to add valuable benefits like auto, home, life ,disability and more, on a payroll deduct basis at no cost to the employer. Speaker Mike Vanderwerker MHB Insurance and Steve Nichols Travelers Insurance.

 

March 15th 10AM- Business Insurance 101. “what you don’t know can hurt you!” as a business owner you risk you capital every day to succeed. Learn ways you can reduce, transfer, and eliminate many of the risks you face doing business in today’s marketplace.  Speaker Mike Vanderwerker MHB Insurance and Carole Marolda, Hartford Insurance.

 

May 17th 10AM- Insurance for you’re Non-Profit. Non-Profit’s are the life’s blood of our community, and benefit society in so many ways. Learn what you need to know to make sure your organization, its members, those you serve, and your board are properly protected. This seminar should not be missed if you’re a nonprofit.  Presented by USLI Insurance.

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Announcement: Insurance and Risk Management Seminar

Chamber of Commerce Announcement: Insurance and Risk Management Seminar Insurance & Risk Management Seminar

 Social Media & Employment Practices Liability

 HVGCC Conference Room

 September 22, 2011

 8:00AM to 10:00AM

                                                   PLEASE RSVP NOW!

Please RSVP for our Insurance & Risk Management Seminar presented by MHB Insurance being held this Thursday, September 22nd from 8am-10am at the Chamber office! Please email Marissa atmcunningham@hvgatewaychamber.com if you’d like to attend!

MHB Risk Man pic Announcement: Insurance and Risk Management Seminar

 Social Media & Employment Practices

Liability

Join speaker Jason Plans of USLI Insurance Company to learn what employers need to know about creating and enforcing a social media policy to protect themselves from unforeseen use of the internet, email systems and social websites by their employees.

 RSVP RIGHT NOW!!

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Life Insurance: How Important Is It?

3366720659 b746789dfd Life Insurance: How Important Is It?Life insurance is something almost everyone has heard of but not all people have or fully understand.  When it comes to life insurance there are several questions an individual should ask in order to figure out if they need to purchase a life insurance policy or not.  If there is a need for a life insurance policy the individual has to decide how much they are willing to take out for the policy. Talking with an insurance agent can help explain any questions or concerns an individual might have of particular coverages in the policy to develop the most comprehensive and personalized insurance plan possible.

Life insurance is misunderstood by most people, in regards to what it’s truly intended for or how it exactly works.  Many people are under the false assumption that the policy is taken out in order to pay for the burial expenses of the particular policyholder.  Although, it can cover burial expenses,  estate taxes, debts and others, the main purpose of a life insurance policy is to supplant the income of the policyholder, in the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s death.

Life insurance is a necessity for some individuals and rather unnecessary for others. If a person has dependents, such as a spouse or children, life insurance can provide those dependents or beneficiaries with income in the case of the individual’s death.  Young, single individuals without any dependents don’t really have the same need for a life insurance policy.

Uncertainty about whether or not to take out a life insurance policy is common.  Weighing the options of purchasing a policy or passing it up can cause some anxiety and most individuals have a hard time deciding the right size policy that is both feasible and comprehensive.  The best advice is to ask as many questions as possible and gather as much information in order to find the right life insurance policy.

For questions and advice about purchasing a life insurance policy, contact MHB Insurance.   MHB Insurance offers several different life insurance policies and can help select the right life insurance policy for individuals living in the state of New York.

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Morris H. Bannister and Son Announces

12 Morris H. Bannister and Son Announces

Peekskill,NY 8/26/2011 Claims reporting during Hurricane Irene

As it has been reported in the news, due to Hurricane Irene, The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather advisory for the East Coast of the United States from the Carolinas through Maine. We are currently under the threat of heavy rains, winds and flooding which could impact our surrounding area on Sunday and Monday.

 

Many insurance companies are in the process of initiating their emergency preparedness plans which includes establishing special hotlines for claims reporting and additional claim staff available to respond to their clients’ needs.

 

The Bannister Agency is well prepared to assist our clients in the unfortunate event you suffer a direct loss resulting from the impending storm. We have established a dedicated 24 hour claim service hotline available to provide you with the appropriate contact information for your insurance company to report a loss. Our service can be reached at 866-389-2408. The emergency claim number is to be utilized in the event our office is unable to operated due to storm damage, and outside our normal business hours of 9-5 Monday thru Friday.

 

Please take this storm serious, and take every precaution to protect yourself. Property can be replaced, but people cannot.

 

Sincerely


Michael Vanderwerker

President

MHB Insurance Inc

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Good News For Microbrews…And Microbreweries in NY

2832475585 56d17a86b8 Good News For Microbrews...And Microbreweries in NYEvery brewer knows hops are a key ingredient in the process of brewing.  The hop plant is a climbing herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of greater than twenty feet.  Any brewer will tell you that hops play an integral role in “balancing” a brew, as well as adding a slight bitterness, and certain accents and aromas to aide in the end result of a smooth, well-crafted beer.  The main production regions of the hop plant are in Hallertau, Germany, where the plant was originally cultivated, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Yakima Valley in Washington,Western Canyon County in Idaho and Kent and Worcestershire in the United Kingdom.

Local brewers in New York are pushing for more locally grown hops and research on how to go about it in the Northeast, in regards to production of the hop plant, as well as varieties. The growth and expansion of microbreweries throughout the United States, especially in the Northeast has generated a demand for greater production of hops on a local level to cut down costs and maintain the freshness of the vital ingredient. According to the article, Microbrewers boost NY Hops production, “Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County has recruited hops specialist Steve Miller to lead a statewide effort to promote local hops production.” Many local brewers are hoping that Miller can bring more interest and knowledge to Northeast and cultivate more production of the hop plant in the area. To view the original article click on the link http://www.wten.com/story/15097954/microbrewers-boost-ny-hops-production

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Your Guide to Safe Auto Travels

4872692737 43541034b0 Your Guide to Safe Auto TravelsThe arrival of summer means that you and your family might be planning a long-distance road trip. Before leaving home, there are several important tasks to complete in order to ensure a safe and fun car vacation. First, make sure to have your car fully serviced and loaded with emergency and safety gear such as a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, a quart of oil, your car manual, a gallon of water and some tire chains if you expect to encounter snow. Check your spare tire and the status of your jack and road emergency kit including jumper cables and a gas can. All of this equipment should be in good shape and easily accessible. Roads can become very crowded during the busy summer months, so you may wish to make reservations at motels or campgrounds well in advance of your trip, particularly if your family will be visiting national parks or other popular destinations. The American Automobile Association (AAA) can be an excellent resource for information and maps, and you may wish to consider renting a portable GPS device if you do not already own one. It may prevent you from getting lost on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere. Finally, don’t forget to pack your cellular phone and car charger. If you run into any trouble along the way, you’ll be glad to have emergency phone numbers and contact information for airlines, rental car agencies, hotels and your family physician at the ready. MHB Insurance wishes you and your family a safe and fun summer road trip!

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Could the Yellow Brick Road lead to Peekskill New York?

P1 BA944 YELLOW G 20110530175753 Could the Yellow Brick Road lead to Peekskill New York? A historian in sleepy Peekskill, NY believes he has found the original yellow brick road that inspired Frank L. Baum to write his classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Although residents of Kansas and South Dakota may disagree, city historian John Curran insists that a 50-foot stretch of crumbling yellow bricks located near the Peekskill commuter railroad station is the last remaining section of the street that was the inspiration for the fantasy world of Oz. According to old maps from the era of Dutch settlement, the road which is made of golden-hued Dutch pavers originally stretched from the Hudson River all the way up to the Peekskill Military Academy that Baum attended in 1868 as a 12 year-old boy. Curran and several fellow supporters of the yellow brick road idea have been trying for years to raise money to help rescue and restore the section, but the Town of Peekskill has been slow to offer any assistance, financially or otherwise. In 2010, city officials decided that there was not enough funding in the town coffers to finance a life-size bronze cast of characters from the Wizard of Oz, the cost of which would have exceeded $200,000. In response to criticism the town cited a tight budget and already high property taxes, while Mr. Curran maintains that preserving the road is preserving an important piece of history. Much of the problem lies in the fact that no one is sure if the Peekskill road was the true inspiration for Baum’s famous yellow brick road of Oz. Although this may never be determined, Curran and his followers will continue to fight for preservation of these bricks. To see the original article, please visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405 702304066504576343420557189888.html.

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