Author: Chris Gonzalez

The United States has 30.7 million small businesses that employ a massive portion of the entire working population. But business is inherently risky and small business owners need to be aware of all the risks and uncertainties of the small business world. Covid-19, for instance, has hit the small businesses hard resulting in 31% of… Read more »

by Sue Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in many ways, especially in the ways people obtain one of their most basic needs—food. As an item of necessity and often a source of entertainment, the ways we choose to consume sustenance play a crucial role in the food and… Read more »

The past week has seen devastating floods wreaking havoc here in New Jersey and New York. The president has had to direct federal aid after the deadly flooding that has left more than 50 people dead across six New Jersey counties and five New York counties. These are the repercussions of Hurricane Ida. According to… Read more »

By Sue Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE Everyone knows that fire extinguishers are a “must have” item in homes and businesses. However, most people probably do not know that different extinguishers must be used under different circumstances. Having the wrong type of extinguisher can be worse than not having one at all. Proper use… Read more »

By Sue Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE Twenty percent of the land in the United States is susceptible to sinkholes, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Sinkholes appear around the world, often without warning, causing nearly $300 million in damages each year. Helping clients understand the complicated issues surrounding sinkholes and insurance… Read more »

91.3% of households in the United States have access to at least one vehicle. The rate of car ownership is constantly on the rise thereby increasing the demand for car insurance. The average annual car insurance premium in the US is $1,548 with Michigan, the home of our own Motorcity, on the top of the… Read more »

By Sue C. Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE The pandemic of 2020 was marked with significant changes to how people thought about vacations and travel. With travel restrictions, fears about flying, and new ways of thinking about working or going to school, the idea of a second home that is within reasonable driving distance… Read more »

When to buy insurance can sometimes prove a tricky question to answer. Small businesses have different considerations at different stages of their lifecycle. But it’s true that similar questions are common with personal insurance too. Obviously, there are many good reasons to buy life insurance at any age. The reasons that are valid for younger… Read more »

By Sue Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE As temperatures fall, the demand for and use of supplemental heating sources rises. Portable heaters are commonly used when the main heating system is inadequate, or when just an area of the building needs to be heated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, supplemental heaters became essential equipment for… Read more »

Transfer of risk is a key component of most contracts. “Indemnify” and “hold harmless” are terms that are commonly seen, and often misunderstood, in contractual agreements. These agreements may be made between companies, individuals or a combination of the two. Helping clients decipher what hold harmless provisions mean and how they are used is a… Read more »