If you use your personal vehicle to deliver food, groceries, or goods, your standard car insurance likely won’t cover you while you’re on the job.  This is because most personal auto policies exclude accidents that occur during work-related activities. Without the right coverage, a single incident could leave you financially vulnerable.

• Most personal policies exclude business use of your vehicle.
• Claims from accidents while delivering may be denied.
• You could be left responsible for:

                 Vehicle repairs
                 Medical expenses
                 Liability for injuries or property damage

You may need to consider additional coverage if you deliver for:

• Food delivery apps (like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
• Grocery services (like Instacart)
• Local businesses (like restaurants, florists or pharmacies)

Commercial Auto Insurance

• Best for full-time or frequent delivery drivers
• Covers business use and higher-risk activities

Delivery or Rideshare Endorsements

• Add-on to a personal auto policy
• Suitable for part-time or app-based delivery work

​Presented by Insurance House Risk Solutions 

Tornadoes are violent storms and one of the most destructive types of natural hazards. While there are reliable warning systems available, tornadoes can still develop with little to no warning, resulting in property damage, business losses and injuries. As such, it's important to take preventive action to minimize such risks from occurring. 

Consider the following when preparing your business before, during and after a tornado: 

Technological advancements can have a major impact on our homes and our safety. Furthermore, implementing certain technologies in your home, such as smart devices, can have direct financial benefits.

Consider how these devices and systems may help keep you and your family safe while also potentially qualifying you for insurance discounts:

Smoke detectors—Smart smoke alarms can send a notification to your phone and even call emergency services, potentially limiting damage and making you less risky in the eyes of insurance companies.

Security features—Surveillance cameras, motion detectors, smart locks, window monitoring systems and smart garage door openers can all improve your home’s safety. By reducing your risk of break-ins and burglaries, you may enjoy lower home insurance rates.

Water leak detectors—If not addressed promptly, even small water leaks can inflict monumental damage. Smart detectors can recognize leaks, identify issues and notify you of the problem, subsequently helping to limit resulting damage.

Thermostats—Smart versions of these devices can do more than just keep your home comfortable. They can also detect temperature changes and adjust to prevent potential issues, such as freezing pipes.

Smart home technology can help fortify your home and save you money, but it’s important to keep your insurance company apprised of any changes and installations to make sure you’re on the same page.

Contact us today for more resources regarding home safety and smart technology.

If others depend on you for financial support, part of your financial plan should include how you will provide for them in the event of your death. To help you decide which option is the best for you, we’ve covered the basics.

There are two basic types of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance. The type of life insurance policy that best suits you will depend on your unique needs and financial goals.

Just as its name implies, term life insurance covers you for a specific period of time, or term, that you choose (e.g., 10, 20 or 30 years). A lump-sum payment, or death benefit, may be paid to beneficiaries if the policyholder dies during the term. There is no cash value for the policy, and coverage ends when the term is over. Since it offers a death benefit but no cash value, term life insurance is an inexpensive way to protect your beneficiaries for a specified period of time.

Renewal term life insurance can be renewed at the end of the term for a limited number of successive terms. It can also be converted, or exchanged for a permanent insurance policy, without evidence of insurability down the road. It’s important to note that rates generally increase along with the insured’s age.

Permanent life insurance can last a policyholder’s entire life as long as premiums are paid. Examples are whole life, universal life and variable life. These policies combine a death benefit with a long-term, tax-sheltered savings plan.

Whole life is the most basic type of permanent life insurance. It provides coverage that lasts a lifetime and also builds up a cash value that you can borrow against, withdraw or use to pay future premiums. When you enroll, you can lock in your premium rate for the duration of the policy.

A life insurance policy with a cash value is ideal for those who have a lifetime need for insurance protection, prefer stable premiums over the life of the policy, want a policy that allows them to build tax-deferred values, and value the high degree of coverage the policy affords. While rates for a whole life insurance policy remain stable over the life of the policy, premiums are initially more costly than for term insurance.

How Much Insurance Do I Need? To find the right amount of coverage, it’s important to weigh your dependents’ current lifestyle and spending needs against their future sources of income and assets. We can help you figure out how much your family will need to replace this lost income over this length of time should something happen to you. Contact us to learn more at 618-997-1311.

Though your homeowners insurance policy provides the protection that you need in the event of a loss such as a fire, tornado or burglary, your policy can only pay for items that you can document. In order to ensure that all your prize possessions will be replaced, you should conduct a home inventory so you have a finite record of everything that you own. This inventory will assist you in determining which items were destroyed or stolen.

To complete a full home inventory, walk through every room in your home and identify all of the contents. It is also wise to take photographs or make a video of all of your possessions, and keep this media documentation with your list. Then, place all of this information into a fireproof safe or safety deposit box at your bank.

Periodically update this list as you purchase more items for your home.

Not only can a household inventory checklist assist you in the event of a loss, it can also help you determine whether you have enough insurance coverage. Your coverage should equal the cost of your possessions at today’s prices. Items such as jewelry, furs and fine art should be appraised on a regular basis to ensure that you have enough insurance to cover their high-priced value.

Once you have completed your home inventory walk-thru, contact Insurance House Risk Solutions for more assistance with your insurance needs. (618-997-1311)

Provided by Insurance House Risk Solutions

Distracted driving is a safety risk that can lead to vehicle accidents, injuries and even fatalities. Employers have a responsibility to encourage safe driving habits among their employees, especially those who operate company vehicles or drive for work-related tasks.

This article provides 10 strategies for employers to address distracted driving among their employees.

A comprehensive distracted driving policy should prohibit the use of handheld devices, eating, grooming, and any other activities that divert attention from driving. It should outline permissible driving activities, approved technology use, strategies to minimize distractions, guidelines for making hands-free phone calls, the procedures for reporting violations and emergency protocols, and measures to address driver fatigue. Employers should clearly communicate company expectations and mandatory employee adherence to the policy. Additionally, employees should receive training on the distracted driving policy and procedures. Having a strong distracted driving policy that leadership takes seriously helps promote compliance with the policy and emphasizes leadership backing.

Regular training sessions and workshops on the dangers of distracted driving can help reinforce safe driving habits. Employees should be educated about the risks of multitasking behind the wheel, and real-world examples should be used to show the consequences of distracted driving.

A no-texting or hands-free calling rule while driving is beneficial, as it complies with most state laws. Employers should identify employee cellphone use that is acceptable. If employees must communicate while on the road, they should be required to use hands-free devices or, preferably, pull over to a safe location before making or answering calls or texting.

​Leveraging technology to help employees stay focused while driving can help with distracted driving. Mobile apps and in-vehicle technology can block incoming calls and messages while the vehicle is in motion, preventing unnecessary distractions. In-cab camera use can provide alerts to employees if they are distracted or drowsy while driving, helping to prevent accidents. Moreover, monitoring employees’ compliance with distracted driving policies can be done through periodic check-ins, vehicle tracking systems and safety reports. If employees know they are being monitored, compliance will likely improve.

Building a workplace culture that prioritizes safety is essential. Employers should emphasize that meeting deadlines or answering calls should never take precedence over safe driving. Recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate safe driving behaviors can further reinforce this culture. Furthermore, leadership should show their commitment to this policy. When leaders show support, it improves employee buy-in.

​Employers must make sure repercussions and penalties for repeated or severe policy violations are defined. Clear documentation of these consequences helps ensure transparency and allows employees to understand the expectations and potential outcomes of their actions. Establishing a structured disciplinary process fosters accountability and reinforces a culture of professionalism within the workplace. Furthermore, consistent enforcement across all employees is essential for fairness and to
prevent bias.

Recognizing and rewarding employees who consistently follow safe driving practices can help with motivation. Providing bonuses or gifts for those who are driving safely can create awareness among employees and create an incentive to reduce distracted driving.

Accident investigations can help identify high-risk behaviors and prevent future accidents from occurring. Employers can analyze patterns and contributing factors to determine the root cause of an accident. Once a trend, pattern or root cause is identified, employers can then refine policies, enhance training and introduce preventive strategies to improve overall road safety.

Employees who are driving while fatigued can contribute to distracted driving. Drowsy employees are more likely to lose focus on the road and react slowly. Employers should implement policies that require employees to take scheduled breaks during long trips to stay alert and refreshed.

Limiting passengers in a company vehicle helps prevent distracted driving by reducing conversations, noise and other in-car distractions that can take a driver’s focus off the road. Fewer passengers also minimize unnecessary movements, such as reaching for items or adjusting controls, which can lead to dangerous lapses in attention. Additionally, limiting the number of passengers helps maintain a calmer driving environment, allowing the driver to stay fully focused on safe navigation and decision-making, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents. This ensures that employees stay focused on driving safely, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall workplace safety. Passengers should be limited to those who are necessary to be in the vehicle.

By utilizing these strategies, employers can significantly reduce distracted driving among employees and create a safer work environment. For additional distracted driving resources, contact us today 618-997-1311

​Spring can bring about some of the year’s most dangerous weather and wreak havoc on many aspects of a company’s operations. This article discusses the weather threats to watch out for during spring and measures businesses can take to minimize damage.

Unexpected severe weather increases the risk of property damage, injury and even death.

​Here are some common types of spring weather events:

• Tornadoes—According to AccuWeather, tornadoes are by far the most extreme event in the spring. Winds from tornadoes can exceed 200 miles per hour, sending debris flying.
• Thunderstorms—Severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds, large hail and lightning. If lightning strikes in a dry area, fires can occur.
• Flooding—Snowmelt, ice jams and heavy rain can produce large amounts of water runoff in a short period of time, resulting in floods. 
• Blizzards—Snowstorms that occur in the spring may cause power outages or property damage. They can also force businesses to shut down. 
• Excessive heat—The second half of spring typically brings higher temperatures, leading to heat-related disorders or illnesses if employees work in outdoor environments.

While springtime weather may be unpredictable, businesses can minimize risks to both people and property by preparing for all situations. Business leaders should consider the following precautions:

• Develop a plan. If employees have to travel to work, severe spring weather could put them in danger on the road. In addition, shelter-in-place orders or power outages could also pose threats to onsite employees, clients and customers. Having a plan in place can help everyone remain safe during an emergency. Outline what employees should do in different circumstances—such as a power loss—and have a communication protocol. Conduct drills until the plan becomes second nature.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand. This kit should contain emergency supplies, including flashlights, water, a first-aid kit, blankets, extra batteries, a toolset and current contact information for state and local entities.
• Secure the property and outdoor assets. Dead trees, weak structures and unsecured materials can become airborne hazards during windstorms, damaging buildings or external systems. If severe weather is in the forecast, complete preventive maintenance, close windows securely, bring outdoor furniture inside and clear out storm drains.
• Back up data. Severe weather can cause power outages and may physically damage equipment. Back up critical data often to help smoothly rebuild systems.
• Obtain proper insurance coverage. An experienced insurance broker can help business leaders understand and plan for the impacts of catastrophic weather. Complete a coverage review to ensure there are no gaps in coverage that will result in an uncovered loss.

By minimizing the opportunity for property damage, preparing employees to act and working with an experienced broker to ensure the appropriate insurance coverage is in place, businesses can better mitigate risks during the springtime. For more information, contact us today, at 618-997-1311.

Insurers must often deal with regulatory constraints and market competition when updating auto insurance policies. As a consumer, it's crucial to understand these dynamics and explore ways to lower costs without compromising coverage quality. Auto insurance is typically a constant and unavoidable expense for drivers. 

Research potential discounts

• Insurance providers offer discounts that you might not know about. Your agent can assist in pinpointing the discounts that are relevant to your circumstances. 

Consider usage-based or pay-as-you-go insurance

• Usage-based insurance (UBI) tailors your premium based on your driving patterns. UBI could offer substantial savings if you drive infrequently or have safe driving habits. Pay-as-you-go insurance plans can benefit those who drive fewer than 10,000 miles annually and could be a good fit for people who work remotely or have hybrid schedules. These programs may offer the potential for lower rates if you drive safely, meaning good driving habits could lead to savings. 

Research car models that are more affordable to insure

• If you're in the market for a new car, ask your agent to identify vehicles that may be less expensive to insure. For example, a vehicle with advanced safety features may qualify for lower insurance rates than one without. 

Switch to paperless, automatic payments

• Most insurers offer discounts for online payments, paperless billing and automatic payments. Paying your annual premium in full, rather than monthly, can also result in savings. 

Evaluate your current coverage

• A local insurance agent can be an ally for optimizing your auto insurance coverage. One of the key areas they can assist with is determining coverage types and amounts based on your specific vehicle and driving habits. 

Our agency is here to help you navigate the changing insurance market. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you find the auto policy that's right for you. 

Provided By Insurance House Risk Solutions 

Many significant trends and patterns impacting the homeowners insurance market may be beyond the control of the average policyholder; however, policyholders can still take steps to mitigate rising premiums. Retaining adequate insurance protection is vital for financial security, even during difficult times. 

Weatherproof your home

• Homeowners may want to consider upgrading their roofs, affixing storm shutters on doors and windows and removing trees or flammable brush from around their properties. 

Upgrade security

• When quoting rates for homeowners, carriers may be more likely to offer favorable costs when homes include certain security features, such as deadbolt locks, home security systems and smart smoke alarms. 

Update coverage.

• Many homeowners may explore the possibility of changing their coverage to achieve lower rates amid rising premiums. 

Bundle policies

• This refers to the process of purchasing multiple types of insurance from the same carrier, which can often unlock discounts and overall cost savings for policyholders. 

Limit liability risks

• Reducing the possibility of being liable for other parties' losses, such as by restricting access to attractive nuisances (e.g., swimming pools and playground equipment) and refraining from hosting large gatherings, can lead to savings. 

Research discounts

• Many insurance carriers may offer discounts, such as if a policyholder has not filed a claim against their coverage for a certain period of time (e.g., at least three years). 

Improve your credit score

• A homeowner's credit score may be used to calculate what is known as a credit-based insurance score in most states. 

Ultimately, a trusted insurance professional is often a policyholder's best option for assessing various home insurance options available on the market. Our agency is here to help you navigate the changing insurance market. Contact us today. 

Provided By Insurance House Risk Solutions 

Even if you consider yourself an expert chef and know every nook and cranny of your kitchen, you should remain mindful of the following precautions:
​

• Prepare your home. Clean appliances by removing any grease buildup and inspect them to ensure they’re working properly. Additionally, check your smoke alarms and strongly consider having a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Avoid fires. Make sure an adult constantly oversees cooking appliances and keeps any flammable materials away from them.
• Consider foodborne illnesses. Store meat, chicken, turkey, seafood and eggs separate from other foods and use a meat thermometer to ensure all dishes have been prepared to a safe temperature. Wash your hands after handling the aforementioned products and clean utensils and surfaces between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean up as you go. Take care of clutter and spills throughout the cooking process, as such messes could increase the risk of accidents.
• Stay sober. Alcoholic beverages are often enjoyed amid the revelry of the holidays, but when working with sharp utensils and hot surfaces, you should limit your intake.

Provided by Insurance House Risk Solutions  618-997-1311