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How To Stop Texting While Driving

Some of the worst claims I have seen for both Personal and Commercial Customers is texting while driving. All of us are guilty of texting or checking text while driving. All of these type claims end in death or severe damages in most cases. If you have employees that drive trucks or spend most of their time on the road, I recommend Cell Control. One of my agent friends insures a large electrical contractor with 20 trucks and suggested Cell Control since they averaged 1 claim per ...

ISO Changes to Additional Insured Status

Effective April 1, 2013, most of the additional insured endorsements announced by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) to be attached to the ISO Commercial General Liability Coverage Form (April 2013 Edition) include three significant changes: Insurance provided to an additional insured will apply only to the extent permitted by law; If additional insured coverage is required in a contract or agreement (which is customary), the additional insured will not be provided coverage that is any broader than required in that contract or agreement with the named insured; The ...

A Ray of Insight: Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Sunscreens have changed a lot over the years, and recently labeling guidelines and recommendations for how to use them have changed, too. It may seem challenging at first to learn and keep up with the new information, but protecting yourself and your family is worth it. The sunscreen that people used a generation ago came in a one-size-fits-all type of lotion. Those products were often very greasy, would burn your eyes if you took a dip in the pool and were often difficult to apply ...

50+ Employee Health Groups Penalty Extension

"Pay or Play" Requirements Delayed Until 2015 The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that it will delay enforcement of the "pay or play" requirements for one year. As a result, any penalties (also known as employer shared responsibility payments) will not apply until 2015. The "pay or play" provisions require large employers--generally those with at least 50 full-time employees and full-time equivalents--to offer affordable health insurance that provides a minimum level of coverage to full-time employees (and their dependents) or pay a penalty tax if a full-time ...

Individuals Under Affordable Care Act

Understanding the Affordable Care Act: the Individual Mandate In 2011, 16 percent of Americans, 49 million people, had no health insurance. The Affordable Care Act is intended to make health insurance available to more people. One of the changes from the Affordable Care Act is an "individual mandate" that requires most U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health insurance starting Jan. 1, 2014, or pay a fine. What Does the Individual Mandate Mean for Me? If you already have health insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements as ...

Understanding the Affordable Care Act: Preventive Services Benefits

One of the changes from the Affordable Care Act is related to certain types of care called preventive services. These services include regular physical examinations, immunizations and certain medical screening tests that have proven to promote health and wellness and help prevent illness. Under the Affordable Care Act, you and your family may be eligible to receive these recommended preventive health services without having to pay a deductible, coinsurance or copay when you see a doctor in your network. Some of the preventive services that ...

Put the Brakes on Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone while driving may quadruple your odds of having a crash that sends you to the hospital. Plus, hands-free models aren't as safe as you might think. The main risks with either kind of phone are answering, dialing and other tasks that lead you to take your eyes off the road. The best place to have the call is before or after you are on the road. Teens, frequent mobile phone users, are four times more likely than adults to have a ...

New Obamacare Rules Released

HHS Releases Final Rule on Health Insurance Market, Rate Review The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a final rule on Feb. 22 that implements key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the requirement to cover people with pre-existing conditions. The final rule further implements five provisions of ACA that are applicable to non-grandfathered health plans: Guaranteed Availability Individual and small group policies will be guaranteed available subject to open and special enrollment periods in the individual market. Health Insurance Premiums ...

Insurance Check-up this Tax Season Part I

Tax season is a great time to reexamine your financial risk with your insurance adviser, says Bill Siddons, III, owner of Hill County Insurance Agency. You may be wasting money on unnecessary coverage or not realize where you are vulnerable to serious losses. In addition, the insurance landscape is changing in Texas. The billion dollar hail storm in Dallas recently is one of many catastrophic events sending ripples through the marketplace. We are seeing companies require higher roof deductibles and inspections. Because there are so ...

Buying a New Car ?

Tips for Saving Money on Auto Insurance By Bill Siddons, III, Agent January clearance sales are when millions of Americans buy new cars. Yet only one-quarter of drivers annually review their insurance coverage, and most don't know how to reduce their costs. Before you hit the road this spring, consider this: Sitting down and discussing coverage with your insurance agent is important. It can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible on your auto policy; and it may even keep you and your ...

New Workers' Comp Notice Forms Effective Jan. 1

Effective Jan. 1, the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) approved new forms to help employers meet requirements for reporting coverage status and providing notice to employees. Texas law requires employers to notify employees if they carry workers' compensation insurance, including a written notice of coverage or non-coverage to new employees when they are hired. In addition, a new employee must be provided written notice of the employee's right to individually reject workers' compensation benefits and retain his or her common law ...

Testimonial

We have been back in Hillsboro for about 7 years now and we have gradually moved lots of our business over to local companies. I know everyone has their preferences, but if you are looking to make a change you should really check into the wonderful local businesses we have here in Hillsboro.... The company that compelled me to post this is First National Bank of Central Texas. The personal attention and "above and beyond" service we get at this bank is amazing. I want to ...