Health Tips For Truckers

When you think of dangerous occupations, police officers and construction workers probably come to mind. But research has shown that truck drivers, in comparison to the rest of US workers, are twice as likely to be obese. Over 80 percent of truckers have at least one chronic disease risk factor like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Not to mention, the amount of time truckers spend on the road makes it statistically more likely for them to suffer an accident and/or other road hazards. These factors combined prove that trucking can be a hazardous occupation. Luckily, there are ways to improve your health, even with a sedentary job.

Rest stops make it easy to consume sugary beverages and greasy fast food. Combine that with sitting all day and you have a recipe for gaining weight and weakening your heart health. One simple step toward better health is to limit your soda consumption to no more than three beverages per week. Drinking good 'ole water is much better for keeping you hydrated on the road.

And drinking plenty of water can also curb cravings for snacks by making you less hungry, whereas sodas and energy drinks can actually enhance your cravings for junk food. Speaking of junk food, try to make smarter choices for meals and snacks. When you do indulge in an unhealthy favorite, remember that portion has a lot to do with your health. Try eating a healthy meal with an indulgent side dish or dessert. That's much better for you than eating an entire unhealthy meal.

During breaks and your time off, make sure you get in some quality exercise. That doesn't necessarily mean pumping iron at the gym. It can be as simple as going on a long walk or doing five to ten minutes of calisthenics at rest stops. Introducing exercise into your daily routine helps improve heart health, enhances your mood and reduces your risk for chronic disease.

Stay well while on the road. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint trucking insurance.

Surety Bonds for Contractors

As a contractor, you know that the industry has some strict regulations when it comes to state and federal projects, but it can be difficult to determine the right bonds for the job with so many options out there. You already know that you need certain bonds before you can legally break ground, but which bonds?

Here’s a brief overview of the most common bonds for contractors. For more details, contact your independent insurance agent.

·         Bid bond: Ensures that the contractor who wins the project bid will obtain a performance bond and begin work in a timely manner. Bid bonds are required during the bidding stage, before the contract is awarded.

·         Performance bond: Ensures that a contractor will complete the job according to the details and timeframe listed in the contract. If the contractor defaults, the surety company must find a replacement or compensate the project owner for losses.

·         Payment bond: Ensures that subcontractors, suppliers and laborers are compensated fairly for their contributions to the project.

·         Supply bond: Ensures that the project owner will be compensated in the event that the supplier cannot provide materials as promised.

·         Subdivision bond: Ensures that the contractor makes mandatory improvements during the construction of a subdivision, which may include sidewalks, curbs, gutters and other items as mandated.

·         Site improvement bond: Ensures that the contractor makes mandatory improvements to an existing building, while ensuring that new work remains within building code.

Questions about bonding your business? Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint surety bonds.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Basic liability insurance on your car or home covers losses, damages, lawsuits or other similar claims. If you are in a car wreck, your liability will cover damages to other people. Same for your home. If someone is injured at your house, liability insurance covers the costs medical expenses, lost wages and other associated costs.

However, there are limits on what insurance will cover. You can look at your policy or ask your agent what those limits are. Are they too low? That’s where umbrella insurance comes in.

Umbrella insurance takes over after those limits are met. An umbrella policy is usually written at a much higher limit than your auto or home insurance. If you are a fan of Dave Ramsey, you know that he recommends everyone have a minimum of $1 million of umbrella insurance. The $1 million is recommended because you want to protect your property. If you are sued and the costs exceed your regular policy, then your car and home may be in jeopardy. But, if you have an umbrella policy, then you have much more protection for your finances and assets.

But, what does umbrella insurance cover? It covers you if someone sues you for injuries from an auto accident or injury on your property. It can also cover legal fees, false arrest, libel and slander.
Umbrella insurance includes professional liability for teachers, psychologists, financial planners and investors. If your job involves providing services to clients, you need umbrella insurance on top of your professional liability insurance.

Umbrella insurance is what its name suggests. A liability insurance that covers a multitude of things. The best way to know if you need this insurance is to consult your independent agent.

Get the coverage you need. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint umbrella insurance.

8 Tips for Lowering Your Renters Insurance Rate

Renters insurance is well known for being inexpensive, making it very valuable coverage. But why settle for an inexpensive price tag when you could reduce the cost even more? Here are some tips for how you can save on renters insurance.

1. Location: You may qualify for a lower rate if your apartment is located in a safe area with a low crime rate. Your chances of saving may increase if you’re located near a fire station.
2. Credit score: Individuals with good credit scores are considered to be less risky and may qualify for lower insurance rates. Request a credit report and fix any errors or concerns as soon as possible.
3. Method of payment: Insurance companies often charge a processing fee when you make a payment. This is often a larger sum when you mail in a check and a minimal sum when you pay electronically.
4. Deductible: This is the amount you must pay when filing a claim before your insurer picks up the rest of the tab. A higher deductible equates to lower premium payments.
5. Bundle: When you purchase renters and auto insurance (and any other insurance policy you desire) from the same insurance provider, you are often eligible for a bundle discount. This provides savings across all of your bundled policies.
6. Protective devices: Items like smoke alarms, fire sprinklers, burglar alarms and deadbolts can all lead to discounts due to the reduced risk within your rental unit.
7. Nonsmoking: Homes of nonsmokers have a much lower risk of catching fire. Ask your independent agent if you qualify for a nonsmoking discount.
8. Customer loyalty: Years of business with the same insurance provider may earn you a customer loyalty discount.

Ask us how you can save today. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint renters insurance.

Is your Sleep Disorder affecting your Car Insurance?

If you suffer from a sleep disorder, it can affect every facet of your life. Most people don't give driving much thought, but if you haven't had a restful night's sleep due to sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, insomnia or sleep deprivation, you could be putting yourself and others in danger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sleep disorders are one of the major risk groups when it comes to driving drowsy. Every year there are 5,000 to 6,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents that can be contributed to driving while tired. These numbers are probably conservative, and there are just as many accidents that are not fatal.

If you would never consider driving while intoxicated, driving while drowsy has surprisingly similar consequences. The CDC found that if you haven't slept in 18 hours, your impairment level is about the same as a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05. Those that haven't slept in 24 hours have the same judgment and reaction time of a person with a BAC of 0.10, which is illegal in all states.

If you're driving down the road and find yourself yawning a lot, it's time to take action. If you are hitting rumble strips or are drifting into another lane, pull over. Take a rest or let someone else drive. At the very least, take a brisk walk and get some coffee.

Sleep disorders are difficult to deal with during the night, but the consequences of these issues have to be dealt with during the daytime too. If you have a sleep disorder, consider whether you should be driving a car, because you could be putting yourself or somebody else at risk.

Stay safe on the road. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint auto insurance.

3 Lesser Known Business Insurance Policies

Most business owners know the importance of property, liability and workers compensation insurance. But what about the assortment of additional business coverages that provide more well-rounded coverage for a variety of needs? This article discusses five lesser known business insurance policies that might be right for your business.

1. Key employee insurance: This policy protects your business from the loss of a key employee. Think about it—the continued success of your business is likely dependent on a few executive employees and their guidance. What would happen if one of them become disabled, fell ill or passed away? This coverage provides monetary rewards to compensate for the search for a new staff member, training said staff member and sometimes even lost profits that are directly related to the loss of the previous staff member.
   
   
2. Loss of income insurance: A covered event, such as a fire, tornado or severe storm, can interrupt daily business operations if the building is too damaged for employees to work. The lack of work can reduce profits, which can impact your business’ ability to uphold financial obligations, such as payroll, rent and utilities. This vicious cycle can be the demise of a business, unless you have loss of income insurance to cover the profits you’ve missed out on.
   
   
3. Equipment breakdown insurance: Businesses rely on computers and a variety of additional pieces of equipment in order to operate. If machinery or electronics get damaged or fail, this coverage can provide the funds to repair or replace such equipment. This includes phone systems, break room appliances, computers, printers, boilers etc.

We’ll help you find the coverage you need. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint MI business insurance.

Don't forget these Top Trucking Safety Tips

Trucking is a dangerous job, between the obvious road hazards and the effects of sitting for hours on end. While you can’t avoid all of the dangers while hauling cargo, you can employ certain tactics that make the job safer for you and everyone else on the road. Try some of these safety tips while behind the wheel of a big rig:

• Seat belt: Seat belts are essential for stabilizing a trucker’s body during an accident. Without one, a person can be thrown through the windshield or side window, causing more damage as the truck continues moving without a driver.
  
  
• Brake: Big rigs take longer to fully stop than passenger vehicles. Applying slow, steady pressure to the brakes well in advance is required for safely stopping.
  
  
• Bad weather: Drive slowly during bouts of rain and other bad weather to keep from sliding or jackknifing.
  
  
• Blind spot: Make good use of your mirrors when turning and changing lanes to avoid accidents in a truck’s blind spot (or no-zone).
  
  
• Exit ramps: Slow your speed when driving over highway entrance or exit ramps. Taking the curves too quickly can cause loss of control or a rollover because of trucks’ high center of gravity.
  
  
• Cell phones: Talking on a cell phone is more distracting than you may think and texting while driving can have worse effects than driving while intoxicated. Limit phone usage to your breaks and, if you must make a call, use a hands-free headset.
  
  
• Rest: A lack of sleep can make you sluggish and irritable, while reducing your reaction time. Get a full night of sleep before climbing behind the wheel (which goes for any form of driving!).
  
  
• Breaks: Take a break every two to four hours to stretch out your arms and legs. Walk a few circles around your truck to relieve the tension that develops from sitting for extended periods of time. Breaks help you stay focused and feel refreshed.

The right coverage is a great way to stay safe. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint MI trucking insurance.