Nothing puts an end to the excitement of a family vacation or a road trip with friends like a gridlock traffic jam. Smiles fade, boredom sets in and conversations slowly stall to a halt once those orange cones and flashing “ROAD CONSTRUCTION” signs come into view. While reactions like this to road construction can be found pretty much in every car, there are ways to beat the road construction blues this summer and enjoy the trip.

Here are 3 tips to beat road construction this summer:

#1: Stay Informed

Most of the frustration with road construction occurs because you simply don’t expect it. To avoid this frustration, do some research! Stay on top of any potential road construction conditions that maybe  along your route. To do this, visit MoDOT or any state’s Department of Transportation website. This way you can plan an alternate route or just mentally prepare for a delay.

Also, look at your local city websites and major attraction websites as they often post current travel information for potential visitors. Don’t wait on your iPhone or Android’s navigation services to warn you, because it will be too late.

#2:  Road Construction is Good!

The one thing most people hate more than being stuck in road construction is a road in terrible shape. Do you ever recall cruising down a highway and hitting potholes every 5-10 seconds? What about that huge pothole or uneven road in your neighborhood?

One way to beat road construction this summer, is to remember that it is for the better of your community! Most cities offer opportunities to send in bad road condition complaints online or on the phone so you can be an advocate for your community and help improve the roads.

#3:  Stay Positive and Think About Safety

Road construction workers take pride in their job. They understand that orange cones and blocked lanes means slow traffic, but they know that their job keeps the road safe for you, your family and your vehicle. Keep this in mind next time you feel a fury of road rage come on while sitting in construction traffic. A positive outlook at these changes helps keep your mind at ease and also keeps the construction workers safe as you drive.

Just Remember, Road Construction is Good!

All in all, don’t let summer road construction get you down this year. Remember  to plan ahead, stay calm and that the workers on the road are there to keep you safe, so do your best to keep them safe as well.

When people think of insurance, the usual policies come to mind – rental insurance, car insurance, home insurance – but did you know that there are policies to insure legs, body hair and even alien invasions? We kid you not… here are the top 10 weirdest types of insurance policies we could find.

1. The American singer, Tom Jones, apparently thinks his chest hair is his most redeeming quality, as he has had it insured for several million dollars.
2. Twentieth Century Fox insured actress Betty Grables’ legs for a staggering $1 million each. What is impressive is this was during the 1940’s – when a million dollars was equivalent to about a billion dollars today.
3. Kim Kardashian’s rear is insured for a reported $21 million dollars. Whether you believe it’s real or fake, Kim K’s rear end is still worth more money than most people make in a lifetime.
4. Bruce Springsteen has his voice insured for an impressive $6 million. If something were to happen those vocal cords of his,he will still be living pretty comfortably.
5. Magic Finger Keith Richards, the guitarist for the hit rock band, The Rolling Stones, has his middle guitar finger insured for more than $1.5 million dollars. Not the whole hand, just a single finger.
6. In the UK, employers can purchase insurance against having 2 or more employees quit because they won the National Lottery. This policy would only pay out if the company lost at least two employees during the same drawing, which would be extremely rare and bad luck for the employer, but really quite impressive!
7. The classic game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” is insured against the possibility of a contestant actually winning. Apparently, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” doesn’t want anyone to be a millionaire!
8. Cigars. The most expensive insurance policy issued for a cigar was written by Lloyd’s of London. The cigar in question in over 12 feet long and was made from more than 15,000 tobacco leaves.
9. Alien Abduction…Yes, it is possible to purchase insurance against alien abductions. More than $10 million dollars in alien abduction insurance has been written, with higher payouts available for people who are abducted frequently. One question – how do you prove an abduction?
10. The Loch Ness Monster has been an item of hot debate for decades, but there are those among who are willing to bet that it will never be found. The Cutty Sark Company, located in London, has a prize of $1.5 million for anyone who captures the creature alive. To cover their own losses, they have an insurance policy that will pay out if someone actually does come forward with Nessie on a leash.

There plenty of other weird types of insurance policies out there that can be added to this list, just proving that anything (and we mean just about anything) can be insured. Do you have something out of the ordinary that is valuable you want insured? Check with your insurance agent to see what policies are out there!

These days home-based businesses are becoming more and more popular, especially with the internet and advanced digital platforms which allow business owners to run their empires from home. Running your own business is both exciting and rewarding. It also takes a lot of coordination and sacrifice, so what happens if there is an accident with a client or a disaster out of your control that affects your ability to work?

Some home-based business owners may assume their homeowners insurance will provide the necessary protection in the event of a loss. But more often than not that is not the case— there are plenty of insurance options out there that can protect your business in the case of an accident, fraud or injury.

Here are 5 types of insurance to consider for your home-based business:

1. Business property coverage: This protects items such as computers, signs, merchandise and other business-related property against certain instances of loss.
2. General liability coverage: This protects you in case someone files a lawsuit against your business due to an accident, an injury or a claim of negligence.
3. Data compromise coverage: Hackers are beginning to target small businesses on a regular basis and such an attacks can result in customers’ or employees’ data being stolen from your computers. This type of coverage can help you recover from such a situation.
4. Employment practices liability coverage: If you hire an employee, this type of coverage protects you if you ever face allegations of wrongful termination or other employment risks.
5. Business interruption coverage: This provides business income in the event your home-based business is interrupted by a “covered loss,” such as a fire or a tornado.

Insure your business and protect your small home-based business

A business insurance policy helps protect you against many of the common issues at-home business owners face. Running your own business takes a lot of coordination, make sure that your insurance policies will cover your business so you don’t face any setbacks in the case an event occurs that is out of your control. Talk with your insurance agent to see what policies best fit your needs.  Don’t hesitate to call the GR Team to ask questions. (844) 272-0283

I just bought a speed boat – do I need insurance?

The short answer is to check with your state requirements. In most states, speed boat insurance is not required, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it.

Boat accidents are more common than most would like to admit. No matter what our level of boating experience, accidents do happen and it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from unforeseen expenses should there be an accident.

Want to Lessen Your Chances of an Accident? Here are some helpful safety reminders:

• Don’t operate a boat until you take a safety training course
• Don’t allow inexperienced drivers to operate your boat
• Always look in all directions when deciding where to navigate your boat
• Avoid racing
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol while operating a speed boat

Because accidents do happen, here are 4 types of insurance to look into:

1. Property Damage Liability Coverage: Property damage liability insurance covers you in case you damage another boat, a dock, or other structure.
2. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage protects you in case you injure another person while operating your speed boat.
3. Collision Coverage: Collision insurance covers your boat and trailer if an accident damages your boat.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Whether you are driving, docking, towing, or storing your boat, it is at risk of many types of damage, for example vandalism. Comprehensive coverage covers instances like this.

Are there any ways to make boat insurance more affordable?

If you are a speed boat enthusiast, practicing safe driving and remaining claim-free is the best way to keep your boat insurance costs down.

Have Fun, Be Safe

This summer have fun but make sure you, your loved ones and your boat are protect by practicing safe boating techniques and having the right insurance. Before hitting the water, check with your insurance agent to make sure you have enough coverage in case of an accident.

With summer just around the corner, it’s that time of year to make plans! Whether it’s a road trip, international vacation, or a weekend getaway with your loved ones, a lot goes into planning your trips so you can relax and let loose.

Today, there are so many options out there to save on planning your trip from cheap hotel websites, to trip discounts, restaurant deals and everything in between – what do you do when it comes to travel insurance? Is this an expense you should try to save on too and just not purchase? After all, what could really go wrong?

There’s no mistake in trying to save some money, but there are a few reasons why you may not want to skip out on travel insurance this summer.

Let’s say that you have an awesome 2 week vacation planned with your family – it starts with a cruise, then renting a car for a quick road trip and flying back home. Two weeks of outdoor activities, good food, lots of laugh and a ton of memories to make. Nothing can go wrong . . . until a storm decides to come through putting a stop to all your plans. Now what? Can travel insurance help?

While this doesn’t happen often, here are a few tips to help you decide whether or not you need travel insurance for your big summer trip:

#1) How much will this vacation cost?

When booking your trip, take note of how much cancellation fees or date change fees will cost. For a weekend getaway, this may not be much, for a two week getaway, cancellations and changes in plans make dig a big hole in your pocket. In the case of the 2 week getaway mentioned above – definitely take advantage of travel insurance to make sure you don’t spend a fortune in cancellation fees.

#2) What coverage does your current homeowner’s or renter’s policy provide?

Let’s say your bags don’t make it to your room on the cruise ship. Now what? Before leaving on your trip, talk to your insurance agent to see if your personal policies provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, personal belongings and rental cars. 

#3) Will your credit card provide any protection?

Check with your credit card company to see if they offer protection based on the type of cardholder you are. Some companies may provide rental car coverage, coverage for lost or stolen baggage, or even coverage for if your travel provider discontinues service. 

#4) What’s your activity level going to be?

If you vacation plans include relaxing on the beach with a margarita in hand, the chances of you being injured on your vacation are slim to none. BUT if your vacation includes physical activities like biking, rock climbing, surfing or scuba diving, you should consider a travel insurance policy.

You want to have a true vacation, especially when it’s only for two weeks.  Eliminate any possible hitches and consider what other coverage you may need.

As most homeowners know, homeowner insurance policies are important because they provide protection and coverage for their personal property.

But, did you know that there are some instances where your homeowners insurance is limited? Did you also know that if something happens to your personal property (ie it’s stolen), you may still be responsible for paying your deductible?

Unless you have chosen to have specific items to schedule, or have noted in your policy to cover certain items for a particular amount, you may still be responsible for paying your deductible.

It’s common for homeowner to choose a high deductible to reduce their premiums, but that means that you will not receive payment if your deductible is more than the amount of the loss.

Here’s an example – let’s say a vintage stone ring is stolen from your window sill. While it’s not as valuable as a diamond ring, it still is valued at $400, not to mention it was your favorite ring. Unfortunately, your deductible is $500 and you will be stuck with the payment to replace your ring.

So, how can you avoid this?

Here are 2 ways to make sure your valuables are covered, no matter what their value.

Replacement Cost Coverage

With this coverage, your insurance will pay the cost to replace (or in another instance repair) your ring without factoring in any deduction for depreciation. The amount of money you receive will not be any more than the replacement cost (or the cost of full repair) at the time of the loss

Agreed Value Coverage

This is coverage that you would set up with your agent, designating a specific amount for specific possessions. In this case, if you had purchased this coverage for your ring, you would receive the full $400 amount. With scheduling specific items, you will have broader coverage without a deductible.

Here are some examples of other items that can be scheduled specifically:

• cameras
• collectibles and antiques
• coins
• fine art

Be sure to talk with your insurance agent to make sure your valuables are covered, should anything happen to them.

*Photo Credits: skorpilphotography

You say that your new barbecue spot is going to be the best in Jackson. Not only do you have a secret technique that makes the tender barbecue meat glide off the bone at the touch of your fork, you’re also throwing in a fusion of modern, organic flare.

You’ve done your leg work, secured your investors, and lined up your suppliers, and you’re finally realizing that starting a new restaurant is hard. It takes a lot of time, a lot of money, and has a ton of unanticipated events and expenses. From the little things like napkins and kitchen utensils, to employee salaries, there’s a lot of expense to account for.

But once you get your restaurant concept off the ground – make sure it stays off the ground with the right insurance coverage. You wouldn’t want to lose out on income because your free-range chicken supplier failed to deliver two weeks in a row.

Here are 3 insurance coverages restaurant owners need:

#1.  Business Income Insurance

Business income coverage can help in a number of ways including:

• Replace lost net income
• Pay for continuing expenses, such as mortgage, advertising, taxes and payroll
• Pay for relocation expenses and advertising fees if you have to move to a temporary location
• Coverage for events beyond your control such as fire, wind, hail, vandalism or damage from vehicles

#2.  Extra Expense coverage

Extra expense insurance covers expenses that are beyond your normal operating costs. Depending on your type of business, extra expense insurance by itself can sometimes be enough coverage in case of a financial emergency, but be sure to discuss this with your insurance provider.

#3.  Dependent property coverage

If your restaurant depends on the delivery of a specific product, then dependent property coverage is for you. Dependent property coverage comes into play when:

• Your suppliers are unable to produce goods or services that your restaurant depends on
• Your customers are unable to receive your company’s goods or services
• Companies that manufacture products for direct delivery to your customers can no longer fulfill orders
• A company in your immediate vicinity that’s responsible for attracting customers to you goes out of business

Be sure to talk with your insurance agent so you can run through the list of things to anticipate when starting and running a restaurant – it’s best to be prepared for all situations when your business, employees, and amazing new concept are on the line.

Just because you have a great organic, modern fusion restaurant concept in play, it doesn’t automatically translate into immediate success. Having the right coverage will help you protect that path to culinary success, and perhaps even to Food Network fame.

With spring comes warmer weather, the glimmer of the sun, blooming flowers and unfortunately, flooding. Make sure your home is prepared this spring to help avoid any costly flood damages. Even if you think your home is not at risk, it’s best to be prepared.  Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance don’t typically cover losses due to flooding, so if you’re new to the area or new to your home, be aware.

Here Are 4 Tips to Prepare for Flooding:

1. Build an emergency kit: From bandages to fresh water, you never know what you may encounter in a flood.
2. Install “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home through your drainage system.
3. If possible, put up barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home. Sandbags are a great way to divert water and block it from finding a way into your home.
4. If your power has gone out, turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box.  It’s better to be over prepared than under prepared, especially when it comes to protecting your home.

Sometimes, regardless of how much you prepare for flood season, water damage will happen to you home.

Does your insurance policy cover water damage and flooding? Contact your insurance agent so you have a full understanding of what coverage you have.

photo courtesy: www.jerryzeinfeld.com

You made it through the financial and housing market crashes. You watched your industry grind to a halt and slowly claw its way out of a black hole of job loss, financial ruin and inactivity.

Things are finally on the upswing again as construction is a thriving industry with a positive outlook. So, what is the reason to worry?

The new construction crisis

If you are a contractor or construction business owner you might believe your days of worrying are over. However, now you are faced with a problem completely opposite of years past: too much work and not enough workers.

How is too much work a problem?

In theory having so much work demand that you can’t keep up sounds like a dream scenario, especially compared to a few years ago when the exact opposite was the case.

Think about it. More jobs equals more money. More jobs means not having to lay off workers or make tough business businesses. More jobs means an end to all problems right?

Wrong.

While there are now more jobs, there aren’t more workers and this is becoming a big problem.

Why is there a labor shortage?

The construction industry is facing a shortage of newly qualified workers. There aren’t enough skilled individuals to fill the jobs at the performance levels needed to do quality work in a safe manner.

Why not just hire a bunch of young workers?

While you surely don’t notice a shortage of young people responding to your job postings, you might notice a lack of skills among applicants.

Hiring unqualified workers is as big a problem as not having enough workers to complete a job, if not more so.

Why are unskilled workers dangerous?

Unskilled workers, at any age, are problematic. However, nowadays, many younger employees lack the training and skills needed to compete within the industry.

One of the biggest liabilities you might face as a contractor or construction business owner is the risk of injury.

Construction can be dangerous to begin with, but workers that don’t know safety hazards pose an even greater risk.

In fact, according to a recent Insurance Journal article, Rick Keegan, president of the Construction Business Unit at Travelers, estimates that up to 40 percent of all work-related industries in the field happen during the first six months of employment.

Inexperienced workers not only get injured more frequently than seasoned workers, but the injuries tend to be more severe as well.

How does this hurt my business?

You are often left to pay high medical costs, workers’ compensation wages and deal with periods of long disability. In addition, your company’s risk profile may be affected and you might risk not having enough efficient help to complete your jobs.

You might think a solution to this problem is just to hire veteran workers. However, the industry is currently aging and many skilled workers left the field during the economy downturn. Others are retiring, leaving a big skill gap in their wake.

Also, another problem you might face is injury to other seasoned employees. While these injuries happen less, they can often be more costly, making the labor shortage problem even trickier.

There are many angles to this crisis that must be explored but we can handle the insurance end of things. Contact us to see how we can help.