Simple Ways to Live Green—and Save Money!

We all know that living green is good for the environment, but with such a big scope like that, it can be hard to see the tangible benefits, for both you and the environment. So here’s one for you: living green can save you money! You can save on your energy and water bills, you can reduce your gas mileage and you can save on the groceries and home supplies you buy. Try incorporating the following tips into your lifestyle and see how much money you can save by living green:

1.       Set your thermostat two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer. Blankets and fans can help you make up for those lost degrees.

2.       Ensure the proper insulation of your walls and ceilings.

3.       Use caulk and/or weather-stripping to seal any leaks around windows and doors.

4.       Install compact fluorescent light bulbs wherever you can.

5.       Turn off the lights when leaving the room.

6.       Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. You can also purchase a “smart” power strip that senses when these items are off and cuts phantom energy use.

7.       When shopping for new appliances, choose models that are Energy Star rated.

8.       Wash your clothes in cold water and only when you have full loads. As much as 85 percent of a washing machine’s energy consumption goes toward heating water.

9.       Shave time off your showers to reduce your water usage.

10.   Prepare at least one vegetarian meal a week.

11.   When grocery shopping, purchase locally raised/grown, humane and organic meat, eggs, dairy and produce whenever possible. Bonus: purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

12.   Recycle glass, aluminum, paper and plastics.

13.   Install a water purifier instead of buying bottled water to reduce waste.

14.   Use washable, reusable mugs and water bottles (aluminum or glass) for work and school, rather than using Styrofoam or plastic products.

15.   Use washable plates and utensils whenever eating at home or throwing parties.

16.   Donate or recycle old electronics (computers, cell phones etc.). E-waste contains mercury and other toxins and should stay out of landfills.

Protecting the environment helps you protect your home and loved ones as well. Call Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance at (614) 221-1500 for more information on Columbus homeowners insurance.

Should Young Adults Buy Life Insurance?

Many young adults maintain a sense of immortality well into their 30s and do not stop to consider the importance of life insurance. However, there are several benefits to purchasing Columbus life insurance at a young age, including locking in a lower rate and having guaranteed coverage if you develop health issues later in life. Term life insurance offers coverage for 10, 20 or 30 year terms and provides the most cost-effective solution. Let’s take a look at a few more benefits:

Early Death

No one expects to die early, but the truth is that it can happen to anyone. If you’re married, your spouse loves and depends on you. He or she would need time to grieve after your death. Having a financial cushion would let him or her go through that process without the need to worry about paying bills.

Married couples often buy homes based on both incomes. If one spouse dies, it may become difficult to pay the mortgage. Life insurance can help your spouse continue living the lifestyle he or she is accustomed to.

Dependents

Some young adults support children, elderly parents or disabled family members. A life insurance policy can provide financial support to ensure the continued care of these individuals. Every young adult with dependents faces increased responsibility and should plan his or her finances accordingly.

Funeral Expenses

Funeral and burial services can quickly add up to total over $10,000. A life insurance policy can cover these expenses and remove the burden from your family in the wake of tragedy.

Life insurance is designed to benefit individuals of all ages. Call Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance, Inc. at (614) 221-1500 for more information on life insurance.

Three Consequences of Not Offering Group Health Insurance for Employees

Providing health insurance for employees is not a legal requirement, except under certain conditions in the states of Massachusetts and Hawaii. However, while a business owner may look upon this as an opportunity to save costs, failure to provide healthcare insurance could be a false economy. Health insurance is a major outlay for any small- and medium-sized business, but there are some hidden benefits that could make sound business sense. Business owners who don’t offer healthcare benefits could find themselves at a disadvantage in their respective industries.

1. Your Business Could Be Perceived as a Second-Rate Employer

A business exists to sell either services or products in the marketplace, but a business is also in the market itself - for employees. The fight for the most experienced, best-qualified staff is fierce indeed, and in cases where a required skill set or experience portfolio is in high demand, a business that offers Columbus group health insurance benefits will have a clear and distinct advantage. Skipping health insurance for employees could leave a company with a relatively inexperienced, poorly-qualified workforce–something that can have far-reaching consequences for its commercial viability. 

2. Your Business Could Miss Out on Tax Breaks

From a completely selfish point of view, a business can treat employees’ health insurance costs as a tax-deductible expense. A business can benefit from a deduction of 100 percent of employees’ insurance costs for tax purposes, and if that business is incorporated, the owners’ insurance costs are also tax-deductible.

3. You Could Be Faced with Higher Employee Absenteeism

Many health insurance plans provide people with programs of preventative care and wellness, and this can promote healthy lifestyles and workplace practices. These programs, combined with an annual physical, could identify stress, repetitive strain, and a whole host of other work-related health issues before they result in long spells of absence.

Of course, there are some headaches involved with providing health insurance for employees. Although one of the aims of the much-maligned Affordable Care Act is to drive down the overall cost of healthcare in the U.S., health insurance is still a very costly benefit to provide at a time when many companies are struggling to survive. This added benefit also presents extra administrative costs, which can be burdensome for small companies. However, it is clear that a business that can provide health insurance as a benefit of employment stands to receive the goodwill of its employees and the inevitable increase in productivity that will result. If you want help or advice on health insurance benefits for your employees, give Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance a call on 614-221-1500, and one of our experienced insurance agents will explain all your options.

Pros and Cons of Universal Life Insurance

Every individual with dependents should have a Columbus life insurance policy to protect their family. Most consumers choose a term life insurance policy, which offers low premiums in exchange for coverage for a predetermined length of time. However, individuals who would like to invest, as well as provide insurance for their loved ones, may wish to consider universal life insurance. Universal life insurance is more costly than term life insurance, but it also retains cash value and can act as an investment. Below are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing a universal life policy.

Pro: Universal Life Insurance Can Be Used as an Investment 

Universal life insurance invests a portion of each premium paid, which then accrues interest quarterly. These interest rates are often tied to the value of an investment fund, so the amount earned each quarter will vary. Most universal life insurance policies do promise that the cash value of the policy will not decrease, even if the fund does not do well.

Con: Premiums Cost More Than Other Types of Insurance 

The largest disadvantage of universal life insurance is the high cost of the premiums. Individuals who purchase universal life insurance should carefully consider if they'll be able to afford a high premium during retirement.

Pro: Flexible Premiums Are Available 

Unlike other insurance policies, universal life insurance offers flexible premium policies in addition to single premium or fixed premium policies. Consumers can tailor the premium payments to their specific circumstances. Taking advantage of flexible premium payments can also offer a tax advantage to consumers who are earning money now but intend to retire soon.

Con: Interest Rates Are Not Guaranteed 

Universal life insurance interest rates are reset every quarter in accordance with the performance of the investment fund tied to the policy. Therefore, consumers who purchase a policy as an investment may be disappointed if their interest rate plummets.

Pro: The Death Benefit Is Adjustable 

If consumers' circumstances change, the death benefit can be increased or decreased to meet their new needs without issuing new policies. Of course, the premium will also change in accordance with the death benefit.

Con: Commissions on Policies Sold Are Front-Loaded 

Insurance agents charge a commission on the sale of each universal life policy. This fee is front-loaded, so it may take several years for the insurance policy to gain cash value.

Pro: The Cash Value of the Policy Can Be Withdrawn at Any Time

Consumers who need cash for an unexpected emergency can withdraw all or part of the cash value of their policy at any time. If the cash is withdrawn as a loan against the policy, consumers can also avoid taxes on the amount they receive. 

Con: Canceling a Policy Can Cost Hefty Fees

Consumers who decide they no longer want or can afford their universal life policy can cancel it and withdraw the cash value of the policy. However, the insurance company can charge surrender fees to cash in the policy. Most surrender fees are limited to a certain number of years, but the time range varies between insurance polices. 

Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy

Universal life insurance can be an excellent investment for some individuals, but can represent an unnecessary expense for others. Consumers who want to invest for their retirement and have already maximized their IRA contributions may find that universal life insurance can offer them tax-free income.
Individuals interested in purchasing any type of life insurance policy should call Gardiner Allen DeRoberts at 614-221-1580 for a free quote.

Secondhand Car Buyer? Quick Insurance Facts to Take Note Of

A secondhand car comes cheaper than a brand new one. However, buying a used car may turn out to be a harrowing experience if you are not aware of all the financial and insurance matters involved. Besides carefully assessing the dos and don’ts of getting a secondhand vehicle, you also need to review the insurance aspects that are associated with the deal. Being aware of some facts will help you choose the right kind of insurance for your used car. Knowing some tips on secondhand Columbus auto insurance policies will help you avoid problems that could haunt you later on when you make insurance claims.

• Insure your secondhand car as soon as you purchase it. The registration and ownership process, involving the transfer of the car in your name, can be completed only when the insurance is done. Also, as per rules, you will not be able to use the car if you do not have insurance. 

• If the secondhand car is your first vehicle, then you are not likely to secure any immediate benefit from the insurance company. 

• Check the history of the used car you are planning to buy. Its condition and safety factor will determine the way insurers will assess its risk and calculate the premium on your insurance.

• Find out if your chosen secondhand car has ever been involved in an accident or had any repairs made to it.   

• Review the statistics and records on the safety of your secondhand car's make and model. The insurance policy premium, the risks of insuring the secondhand car and the type of car insurance coverage it needs is often decided based on the number of claims made against that car model.

• Maintaining a clean driving record and steering clear of traffic fines, speeding tickets, and car accidents will help you get secondhand car insurance at a lower premium rate. 

• Assess the type of physical damage coverage you need for your secondhand car purchase. You may not necessarily need to settle for collision and comprehensive coverage, since this coverage is not always worth it for a used car.

• Choose an insurance policy that offers a higher deductible in order to pay a lower premium. 

• Settle for a plan with a lower deductible if you can shell out more money on a higher premium. This will help cover the cost of repairs in case of an accident or mechanical problems.

Understanding the above-mentioned facts will help you get the right insurance policy for your secondhand car purchase. Please give Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance a call at 614-221-1500 for more advice on finding the best secondhand car insurance policy.

Are Your Designer Items Covered by Your Home Insurance?

With the high cost of designer clothes, shoes and handbags, it is imperative that you have the right insurance coverage for your expensive items.  It is quite common for people to insure their jewelry and high-ticket electronics, but many forget about their designer collection.  If you have a collection of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are worth thousands of dollars, do not overlook coverage that will protect you against theft and burglary, fire or accidental damage. 

Handbag Insurance

Designer handbags are very popular items that are targeted by thieves. They can be worth thousands of dollars and the value of the contents in the bag can be quite significant. You may have expensive gadgets such as smart phones, digital cameras or music players. Think of the credit cards, cash and other valuable items that are in your bag. It can be an agonizing and stressful task to cancel credit cards, order new identification, get locks replaced and keys made. If you have handbag coverage as a rider to your Columbus home insurance policy, it will make your life a little bit easier and bring much needed peace of mind should your bag get stolen.

Wardrobe Insurance

If you have a collection of couture and designer clothing, it should be insured. These items are of significant worth and are finally recognized as such by auction houses and dealers. Some collections transcend their period, resulting in an increase in value. Keep details of your purchases; if your items get damaged and need to be repaired, you will be reimbursed for the cost. Your couture collection should be appraised to determine the value of insurance to place on it. Because of the higher value of these designer and couture collections, expect to pay a higher premium than on a regular home contents policy.  The coverage will typically be added as a rider to your regular policy.

High-Net-Worth Insurance

Another option to consider for coverage of your collections is to purchase high-net-worth insurance.  These policies are directed at high-net-worth individuals who own yachts, expensive homes, antiques, art collections, airplanes and so on.  Such an insurance policy will have much higher premiums that regular home insurance, even with coverage riders for a few expensive items.

If you would like to talk to a specialist for more information on ways to insure your designer items, give Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance a call at 614-221-1500.

What Coverage Does a Business Owners Policy Provide a Small Business?

If you own a small business, you know that the risks presented on a daily basis can be overwhelming. It is because of this added stress level that you and your business needs proper insurance coverage. Now, while there are specific insurance policies available that insure your business against certain risks, buying separate policies for every potential risk could unfortunately prove to be a rather expensive venture.

Buying multiple policies could also prove to be very time consuming. Choosing individual coverage requires you to not only educate yourself about what each policy covers, but also forces you to research who the best provider for that particular policy is. A business owners policy combines several of the most needed small business insurance coverages into one single product.
A business owners policy will differ from company to company, however, most of them offer coverage against the same risks. The biggest advantage of having a business owners policy in place is that it offers multiple coverage solutions while being a more affordable solution.
The first coverage offered in a good business owners policy is liability coverage. As a business owner, you can be sued by a customer or employee for an injury they may suffer while on your businesses premises. You could also face liability for any damages suffered by the general public as a direct result of your operations. Liability coverage insures your business in these situations, while also adding the additional benefit of covering the cost of your defense in the lawsuits.

Another benefit of a business owners policy is that it provides coverage if there is a loss of business income. Incidences such as the breakdown of your machinery or accidental damage to your shop could lead to the temporary loss of business income.  A business income policy supplements the lost income you suffer over a specified period of time. This gives you the opportunity to get your business back up and running normally.
A business owners policy can also provide contents coverage. A contents coverage plan insures the contents of your business against unforeseen incidences like theft. It is important to note that content insurance coverage insures just about all the contents on your businesses premises other than money, gold, or stock.
The last part of a typical business owners policy is property coverage.  Property coverage is mainly used to cover the structure in which the business is operated and any structures or buildings owned by the business. Remember, each insurance company has its own tailor-made business owners policy and picking the best one for your business requires doing a little homework.
If you'd like to know more about the coverage we offer, please feel free to give Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance a call at 614-221-1500 and we'll provide a free Ohio business insurance quote today.

High-Premium Cars: Which Rides Are Expensive to Insure?

Most consumers know there are a lot of factors involved in Columbus auto insurance premium calculations, but not everyone has realized how much a particular car choice affects what a driver pays for a policy. In fact, insurers play close attention to the overall statistics for the year, make and model of vehicle, and a lot of this analysis goes into setting policy rates.

Looking more closely at how insurers value a vehicle, in terms of risk, can help those shopping for a new or used car to make better purchasing decisions. Buying is one point where a driver, who needs insurance to legally stay on the road, has some influence in what he or she ends up paying for periodic coverage.

Luxury Cars, Exotic Cars, and High-Speed Sports Cars

Generally, drivers who buy a more expensive and sophisticated vehicle pay a lot more for car insurance. This includes luxury vehicles with a very high resale value, as well as many cars made by foreign auto companies. These types of cars are considered rare on the American roadway, and thus, more valuable.
Some companies even consider the difficulty of driving an exotic car as an additional cost factor in auto insurance policy setting. Some companies advertise themselves as more receptive to insuring trendy brand names and high-performance, high priced vehicles.

Irregular and Salvage Title Vehicles

Another category of vehicles that can be very expensive to insure are vehicles that have sustained a lot of damage. Vehicles that have been through flood, fire or a severe wreck, may have hidden damage, and insurance companies often factor that into whether they will cover a vehicle and how much they would charge. Many of these vehicles get marked with a ‘salvage title’ by the states where they are registered, so that buyers know they have been previously damaged. These cars can be bought cheaply, but insuring them can be expensive.

Insuring Vehicles by Theft Rates

Insurance companies can also charge a lot for any vehicles that tend to be stolen or vandalized at a higher rate. Insurance companies have their own means of determining these factors, but consumers can get information on theft rates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA.

High theft rates don’t always go along with what a driver might imagine is the most desirable type of car: for instance, in past years, the small but efficient Honda Civic was a top pick for thieves. Newer data indicates that some types of Pontiac models and Dodge cars have higher theft rates than average, which can lead to a more costly policy. For many drivers, it’s kind of a foreign concept that whatever criminals do, may end up costing them money. But this, along with premium calculations for a rougher zip code, a less responsible driver or a community with less insured drivers, a theft rate risk can also factor in.

This type of analysis is part of what insurance companies use to come up with the policies they offer their clients. Insurance companies like to say that switching between insurers can save consumers money, but in reality, making smart driving and vehicle purchasing decisions can save more.

If you have any questions about luxury car insurance, concerns about your current high-end vehicle, or need a quote please feel free to contact Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance directly at: 614-221-1500.

Employee Benefits - The 5 Benefits of a Wellness Plan

Employee wellness plans are becoming some of the most sought after types of Ohio employee benefits. These plans, often put in place alongside health insurance coverage, encourage employees to live a healthier life. The University of Michigan studied one such program over a nine-year period. Researchers found that the wellness program saved the company $4.8 million in employee health benefits as well as lost work time in that period. There's definitely a benefit in offering such a program.

What are the benefits? Consider the following to determine if this program could affect your business' bottom line and employee satisfaction.

#1 - Cost Savings

Some insurance providers reduce the upfront cost of health insurance if the employer agrees to encourage (or in some cases mandate) wellness programs within the company. This may be a percentage discount, for example, on the total cost of the health insurance package. Just by getting employees involved, it's possible to save money.

#2 - Health Benefits to Employees

Healthy employees are those that do not call off or miss long periods of work due to health factors. For example, employees who are fit rather than overweight are less likely to suffer complications to their health in the long run. This benefits the employee, of course, but also the employer. He or she is less likely to need to replace ill employees or pay overtime to others.

#3 - Employees Receive Access to Assessment Tools

Many employees skip doctor's appointments or physicals because they don't want to foot the bill for this type of care. Many times, this cost saving method on the employee's behalf means health conditions are undiagnosed until they become severe. However, with a wellness program in place, employees have access to screenings, blood tests, weight monitoring and other services that the wellness program provides. In the end, this provides a key benefit to any employee who wants to better his or her health.

#4 - Incentives Encourage Employees

Employers who want employees to engage in these programs often use incentives to encourage it. This may include offering a bonus to employees who complete a health assessment. They may receive a larger benefit for attending workshops, achieving health improvement, or getting health coaching. Employees benefit from the incentive and the employer benefits from having a healthy staff.

#5 - Improved Bottom Line

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, a wellness program can do much more. It can reduce overall healthcare costs to employers by as much as 55 percent. It can increase the productivity of those participating workers by as much as 52 percent. It can even reduce the amount of sick leave an employee takes by up to 32 percent.

Though health insurance may be a requirement for employers to pay, wellness programs can be an outstanding benefit that comes alongside these insurance programs. Employees benefit from the health services (getting aid when they are not sick is something many don't do.) Employers benefit from healthy employees who are happy with the company's plans and policies. For more information, contact a Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance agent today.

Are Part Time Employees Entitled To Employee Benefits?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees of large and medium businesses in the U.S. had greater access to employee benefits as of March 2012 than workers of small businesses. The question is; are part-time employees who did not enjoy these benefits entitled to the same? The answer is neither a straight yes or no, but it depends on a variety of factors.

A recent survey by the Health Research & Educational Trust and the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that approximately 45% of large firms (at least 200 workers) included health insurance as one of the benefits to their part-time employees in the year 2012. This is a 6 point increase from the figures of 2010. The same survey shows that premiums benefits for part-time employees are also on the increase.

Although the United States do not have laws that require firms to offer specific benefits to their part-time employees, many businesses are increasingly finding it beneficial to do so. Statistics seem to show that small businesses do not offer employee benefits as much as large businesses, the small ones stand to benefit from this practice more. Offering part-timers benefits is a good way of motivating them. In fact, it is also a useful tool for attracting top professionals who might otherwise stay away from small firms because of inadequate remuneration packages.

Firms that intend to offer their part-time employees benefits should consult with labor attorneys before commencing the practice. The department of labor can also be a useful starting point for those who wish to streamline their employee benefits. The next step after that is to determine exactly the minimum number of hours an employee must work each week to be labeled as a part-time employee. It is also a common practice to set the eligibility requirements one must meet before receiving the said benefits. For example, some businesses only offer benefits to employees they have had for at least three months.

Right now, there are regulations in the pipeline that will soon be used to streamline employee benefits for part time employees. It would be a good idea to start implementing some of these things before they are mandated by law, as that would help with smooth transition. An earlier adoption will also help firms to gauge the effects of offering these benefits to employees to a company.

For those who are planning to start offering benefits to part-time employees, it is best to ease into the transition slowly. Starting with easy and inexpensive benefits is a good idea, but most employees will still be grateful for them. Something like reimbursement for health club memberships is a good way to start. With time, other benefits may be added until the full package (as determined by the employers) is available to the part-time employees. If you need guidance on how to handle Ohio Employee Benefits or any other related issues, do not hesitate to call a Gardiner Allen DeRoberts Insurance agent today at 614.221.1500.