Spring is finally here.  Unfortunately, that means tornado season is also upon us.   All of us here at HJ Spier want you and yours to be safe.  Below is an article from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) with tips and information for       Staying Safe in a Tornado   To stay safe during a tornado, prepare a plan and an emergency kit, stay aware of weather ... Read more →

When you visit your doctor, it's a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions to ask.  May I suggest that you use the same idea for your next visit with your insurance professional? Three questions that I suggest are as follows: 1. WHAT THINGS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER MY POLICY? 2. WHAT COVERAGES AM I MISSING? WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK? 3. IF I HAVE A CLAIM, HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR AGENCY GOING TO HELP ME?  Every insurance policy has certain things that are e... Read more →

Our agency has received a number of requests for coverage on new or used boats.  It is crucial that first-time boaters get instructions as to operating boats safely.  Also, each boater should check that all life vests and other safety equipment are present and in-use when all operators and riders first enter the boat and as they exit the boat. Read the article below by Cincinnati Insurance Company on other boating saftey tips! https://blog.cinfin.com/2017/05/25/safety-tips-b... Read more →

  If your business has more than 1 location it would be wise to consider blanket coverage for your building and/or contents insurance. If you blanket the total values, that provides a cushion in the event of a loss compared to having specific values listed per location. For example, if Business A has 2 locations with values of $100,000 on the building and $50,000 of contents for location 1, and $200,000 on the building and $100,000 of contents at location 2, and you blanket t... Read more →

As the weather warms up, pools are preparing or have opened for the summer. Memorial Day is the traditional opening day of the summer swim season.  Swimming is the most popular summer time activity. A new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that the number of reported fatal child drownings in swimming pools involving children younger than 5 has actually decreased 17 percent nationwide since 1910.  Unfortunately, drowning is still the #1 cause of un... Read more →

Graduation time is upon us, and with it is a time to reflect and celebrate accomplishments!  It is an exciting time for graduates and the entire family, but before seniors and parents begin their parties, please take the time to talk with them about keeping safe and alcohol free while driving.    Unfortunately, what is supposed to be a happy time can end in tragedy.  Car accidents are the leading cause of fatalities among teenagers.  Please review the followin... Read more →

  April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month as observed by The National Safety Council.  Now more than ever this is an important topic for consideration and action!  If you are like me, it is amazing how many people you can see driving that are looking down at their phone. Insurance companies have experienced an increase in the number of claims related to distracted driving over the last several years particularly in the case of one vehicle accidents.  According to... Read more →

CMS has issued a new one year extension on the transitional relief policy for pre-ACA “grandmothered/legacy” plans. This gives groups with grandmothered plans the opportunity to remain on their current plan until December 31, 2018. Here is what we know so far:                 Anthem Groups ·         Plans that renew September-December will have no ren... Read more →

HealthiestYou is a telemedicine product that HJ Spier is integrating into Employee Benefit Plans. We love it so much that we use it ourselves! With Healthcare costs on the rise we are always looking for tools to help Employers AND Employees lower their spend. HealthiestYou brings FREE 24/7 telemedicine to your employees. Members can call, go online, or download an app to access board-certified, licensed physicians that can diagnose and prescribe, whether members are at home, at work, or... Read more →

The most predictable thing in Indiana is the unpredictable weather.  This is a true statement for any time of year, but it’s especially true for the Fall and Winter Seasons.  Therefore, we must be prepared for what “Mother Nature” throws our way and protect our property, loved ones, and others the best we can. BUSINESS OR HOME PROPERTY:   Check those windows to be sure they’re sealed to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Be sure... Read more →