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What is a Surety Bond Indemnity Agreement?
When contractors pursue bonded projects, they often focus on the surety bond itself—whether it’s a performance bond, payment bond, or bid bond. Yet, a critical piece of the puzzle is the indemnity agreement that is part of the bond. Understanding how indemnity agreements work is essential for contractors, business owners, and even their families, as these agreements outline financial responsibilities if claims arise. What is an Indemnity Agreement? An indemnity agreement is
Travis Spitnale
3 days ago


Protecting Your Home from Mold: Coverage, Exclusions, and Prevention
Mold is more than just an eyesore — it can pose serious health risks and lead to costly property damage if left unchecked. One of the most common causes of mold growth is moisture intrusion, which can result from leaky roofs, poor ventilation, plumbing issues, or even storm damage. Because mold often develops slowly, insurance coverage for mold damage can be tricky . In many standard homeowners insurance policies, mold remediation is only covered if it resulted because of
Stephanie Ehman, CIC, CPRM, CISR, CPSR
3 days ago


Life Insurance for People with Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know
Life insurance provides financial protection to individuals and families in the event of a death. When you have pre-existing conditions, securing life insurance can be more complicated, but it may still be possible. Insurers consider the specific pre-existing condition, its severity, how well it's managed, and your overall health. Full transparency is key when applying for life insurance. Disclose all pre-existing conditions and provide accurate medical records. Failure to
Stephanie Ehman, CIC, CPRM, CISR, CPSR
6 days ago


Hiring New Drivers? Here’s How Their Record Affects Your Insurance
When you hire a new driver, you’re not just trusting them with your equipment and freight. Every new driver affects your insurance rates and risk profile. Whether you're a single-unit owner-operator or managing a growing fleet, your insurance company will look closely at every driver behind the wheel. Driving History Matters Insurance carriers review each driver’s Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to assess the exposure. Accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other violations are
Greg Corbitt
Mar 4


How Remote and Hybrid Work Are Changing Business Insurance Policies
The rise of remote and hybrid work models has transformed the way businesses operate—and how risks should be managed through insurance. Traditional business insurance policies were often designed around a centralized office, but with employees splitting time between home and the workplace, it’s important to reassess your coverage to ensure it reflects these new work environments. Here are the key insurance considerations to review as your business embraces remote or hybrid w
Wendy Harris, CRIS
Mar 3


How to Leverage Excavation Insurance to Win Bigger Contracts in 2026
In today’s competitive construction landscape, having excavation insurance isn’t just about protecting your business--it’s about positioning for growth. As we move into 2026, more general contractors and project owners are tightening their insurance requirements. If your excavation company wants to win larger, higher-value contracts, your insurance program can either open doors or close them. 1. Meet or Exceed Certificate Requirements Larger projects often demand higher gene
Phil Bowles
Feb 13


Winter Damage Doesn’t Discriminate — But Elite Coverage Makes All the Difference
When temperatures drop, the risks to luxury properties rise. From frozen pipes to roof collapses, winter weather can cause extensive and expensive damage to high-end homes. For homeowners with valuable real estate and assets, taking preventive steps and ensuring proper insurance coverage is critical during the coldest months of the year. Know Your Risks Winter damage often starts subtly--a small draft, a slow drip--but it can quickly escalate. Frozen pipes can burst, causin
Destiny Olmstead
Feb 10


Your Winter Accident Kit Should Include These Items
A winter accident kit isn’t just a nice extra to keep in your vehicle—it’s a practical layer of protection when cold weather turns a minor inconvenience into a dangerous situation. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can leave drivers stranded for hours, and having the right supplies on hand can make the difference between discomfort and real risk. A well‑prepared kit ensures you can stay warm, visible, and safe while waiting for help. A strong winter accident kit starts wi
Marlene Levengood
Feb 3


Is it time to switch benefits providers? 5 Red flags to watch for.
Employee benefits are one of the most valuable tools a company has to attract and retain top talent. Health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs play a major role in shaping employee satisfaction and overall workplace culture. But not all benefits providers deliver the level of service and value your organization's needs. If your current provider isn’t meeting expectations, it may be time to consider making a change. Here are some red flags that signal it may be
Michelle Willard
Jan 26


Cyber Insurance + Proactive Cybersecurity Practices = Sound Strategy for Data Breaches
In today’s digital-first business landscape, data breaches have become a costly and growing threat. From small startups to large enterprises, no organization is immune. As hackers become more sophisticated and regulatory requirements increase, the financial fallout from a cyberattack continues to climb—making cyber insurance not just a nice-to-have, but an essential safeguard. The True Cost of a Data Breach The financial impact of a data breach extends well beyond the immed
Knight Insurance Group
Jan 26


Winter Weather Risks: How Snow, Ice, and Other Winter Storms Impact Trucking
Whether you operate a local fleet or run over-the-road trucking, winter weather poses serious challenges to safety and efficiency. As we move deeper into the winter months, it’s critical for trucking companies to understand the risks and take proactive steps to prevent accidents, insurance claims, and hidden costs. Key Winter Hazards for Truckers Icy Roads and Black Ice: Reduced traction increases the risk of hydroplaning, longer braking distances, and loss of control—espe
Greg Corbitt
Jan 1


When Disaster Strikes: How Business Interruption Insurance Can Help You Recover Faster
Disasters can bring business to a sudden halt. Think about how a fire, winter storm, or severe wind could damage your business and halt operations. When operations stop, so does revenue, but expenses like rent, payroll, and utilities don’t pause. This is where business interruption insurance plays a critical role in helping your business recover. As your insurance partner, we understand that physical damage to your property is only part of your investment. The financial impac
Holly Reif
Jan 1


The Impact of Inflation on Your Life Insurance Needs
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time and directly impacts the real value of your life insurance policy's payout. A policy purchased today might not provide the same level of financial security to your beneficiaries in the future due to rising costs of living, healthcare, and education. Therefore, it's essential to consider inflation when determining the appropriate coverage limit. One strategy to mitigate the impact of inflation is to opt for a policy w
Stephanie Ehman, CIC, CPRM, CISR, CPSR
Jan 1


The Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Surety Bond Underwriting
In today’s unpredictable business climate, economic uncertainty is becoming a growing concern for industries across the board. From rising interest rates to inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions, the ripple effects of financial instability are reshaping the way companies operate. One area where this is especially evident is in surety bond underwriting. Surety bonds, which serve as a financial guarantee between contractors, project owners, and sureties, are heavi
Travis Spitnale
Jan 1


Cold Weather Hazards: Protecting Your Business from Slip-and-Fall Claims
As temperatures drop, the risks to your business rise , especially when it comes to slip-and-fall claims. Icy walkways, wet floors, and unpredictable winter conditions can lead to accidents that not only injure customers or employees but also expose your business to costly liability claims. We’re here to help you stay protected before the first snowflake hits the ground. Slips, Falls, and Lawsuits: What’s at Stake? If someone slips and falls on your property, your business
Mitchell Fink
Dec 1, 2025


Surety Bonding 101: Common Terms Every Business Owner Should Know
If surety bonding is an essential part of your business, then understanding key terms is a necessity. An informed and educated business owner is a smart decisionmaker. This article outlines basic surety terms to clear up misinterpretations. Do you know what terms like obligee , principal , or bond premium mean? Here are some essential surety terms: Bonding. A financial instrument used to ensure accountability in contractual agreements. At their core, surety bonds involv
Travis Spitnale
Oct 24, 2025


How to Protect Your Home from Winter Weather Damage
Winter weather poses challenges for homeowners, from freezing temperatures to heavy snow and ice. Taking proactive measures can help prevent damage and keep your home safe and comfortable. Here are several simple ideas that can mean the difference between a secure home and a loss. Seal Windows and Doors : Drafty windows and doors increase heating costs. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. Adding storm windows or window film provides extra insulation. Protect Your
Stephanie Ehman, CIC, CPRM, CISR, CPSR
Oct 24, 2025


Economic Instability Is Affecting Employees’ Finances and Mental Health
Economic uncertainty has become a familiar challenge for Americans. After navigating a pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, concernsnow center on shifting tariffs, stock market volatility, and whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. A recent CNBC/SurveyMonkey poll reports that 73% of adults feel “financially stressed,” with two-thirds pointing to tariffs as a key driver. This instability is straining workers’ financial confidence. Changing tariff p
Michelle Willard
Oct 24, 2025


Social Engineering Attacks: Are You Prepared for Human-Centered Cyber Threats?
Social engineering is one of the most challenging cyber threats because it targets the human element. Hackers use deception to manipulate employees into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds. Imagine if a convincing email or phone call led an employee to unknowingly give access to the business’ bank accounts. How would your business handle the fallout? Social engineering attacks can take many forms, including phishing emails, pretexting (impersonating a tru
Knight Insurance Group
Oct 24, 2025


Jobsite Theft and Vandalism: Preventing Losses as Daylight Hours Decrease
As October rolls in and daylight hours grow shorter, excavation contractors face an increased risk of jobsite theft and vandalism. With less light and more opportunity for after-hours activity, construction sites become prime targets for stolen equipment, tools, and materials. For excavation businesses, these types of losses aren’t just inconvenient — they’re expensive and can delay projects. Here's how to stay ahead of the risk and make sure your business is protected both
Phil Bowles
Oct 24, 2025
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