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  • Top 10 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

    Top 10 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

    Many Americans are under the impression that identity theft only happens to people with credit or social security cards; this simply isn’t true. In this day and age it is impossible to totally eliminate the risk of becoming a victim to identity theft. Here are a few tips to help “you” remain the only “you” out there:

    Protect Yourself

    1. Protect your social security number. Make sure you ask questions when asked to provide it. “Is there another form of ID that I can provide?”
    2. Photocopy front and back of all cards you carry in your wallet and store that information in a safe place.
    3. Never routinely carry your social security card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.
    4. Shred your confidential trash with a cross cut or diamond cut shredder.
    5. Never give personal information to anyone from an unsolicited computer, telephone or personal contact.
    6. Subscribe to a true identity theft restoration company versus a reimbursement or credit monitoring company. There is a big difference.
    7. Ensure your computer is protected with a firewall, and against viruses and spyware. Encrypt wireless networks.
    8. Order your credit reports at least three times per year (Free) www.annualcreditreport.com
    9. Monitor your financial accounts daily and report any unusual activity immediately.
    10. Don’t leave outgoing mail with personal information in your mailbox for pick-up.

    Identity Theft Protection Should Provide:

    • Protection in ALL facets of ID Theft
    • Real-Time Monitoring
    • Credit Restoration
    • Legal Council

    In a time when personal information is so easily accessible and everyone is at risk of identity theft, the issue of our safety is a growing concern. Tips like these from our friends at Lawley are a step in the right direction and a reminder that there are people with your best interests in mind.

  • Lawley Employee Benefits Holds Annual Spotlight Awards for 2018

    Lawley Employee Benefits Holds Annual Spotlight Awards for 2018

    On Monday August 20th, 2018, the annual Lawley Employee Benefits Spotlight Awards were held at the Buffalo Club. Lawley Employee Benefits works with many different partners – vendors, administrators, carriers, and more. They count on the people that work with these partners to resolve any issues quickly, effectively, and professionally – ultimately to benefit Lawley’s clients.

    The Lawley Employee Benefits team knows the importance of recognizing the outstanding efforts and achievements of their business partners with the annual Spotlight Award, where winners are recognized for their stand-out service.

    Individuals nominated for this award must meet the following criteria:

    • Demonstrates one or more of Lawley’s Core Values – Relationship Building, Respect and Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Commitment to our Community
    • Conducts business in a professional manner with excellent follow through
    • Anticipates the needs of the clients
    • Consistently provides accurate and thorough information
    • Is a true stand-out/role model

     

    This year’s winners were:

    • Gretchen Gleaves Jolly, Managing Director, Fidelity Investments
    • Bryan Minicucci, Account Executive, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
    • Angelo Alabisi, Account Manager, Independent Health
    • Lorraine Byrnes, AVP, Program Services, Berkley Accident and Health

    Remarks were said about each recipient:

    Gretchen is a tremendous Relationship Manager. She is extremely responsive and supportive of Lawley Retirement Advisor’s business model. She assisted us with a large service issue on a plan that is not even her responsibility. She provided Lawley with a process to address the issue within the resources at Fidelity.

    Bryan’s level of service is a model for how to service clients and business partners. His knowledge, patience, and positive attitude are refreshing. He is a valuable team player not only to BlueCross BlueShield, but to Lawley as well!

    Angelo is responsible, personable, reliable, attentive, knowledgeable, and very trustworthy. I could not be successful at my job without him; he helps me maintain strong client relationships. Lawley is very fortunate to work with such a reliable and responsive professional!

    Lorraine Byrne who could not attend wrote in these comments: “To know that I have somehow succeeded in gaining recognition of my efforts by a group of professionals that I hold in such high esteem, is truly rewarding indeed.  It is only when we work with the best that we can deliver our best.  Thank you to the Lawley Organization for giving me the opportunity to work with such a high performing team.”

    Congratulations goes out to all of the recipients. It is relationships like these that helps ensure great customer service for clients.

  • Do You Have $1 Million to Cover a Cyber Attack?

    Do You Have $1 Million to Cover a Cyber Attack?

    Before you read, register for the upcoming Cybersecurity Seminar to learn more about how to protect yourself against hackers. The event will be put on by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership: Register Here

    You already know that data breaches can be tough on the bottom-line of your business. Every day on the news, it seems another well-known big-box or small business is apologizing to the public for a breach.

    Apologizing to customers and clients is not enough. What about the costs to resolve a breach? Lawsuits? Implementing new IT defenses? Help is available to offset many of these expenses and hassles –Cybersecurity insurance.

    Cybersecurity insurance is not just for large organizations. In fact, it could be more vital to a small business that cannot afford the financial hit when a cyber-attack occurs. With over 60 percent of small businesses going out of business after a breach, understanding how cybersecurity insurance helps mitigate the first-party costs that occur when a breach happens is very important.

    The costs of dealing with a breach can quickly add up, even before a lawsuit is presented. Your costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars for the credit monitoring, notification costs, and public relation efforts. All costs that a small business can incur that may put them out of business. Cybersecurity liability insurance is designed to help protect a company in the event of a data breach and help offset many of these costs.

    Minimum premiums can start at around $1,000 a year for small businesses and nonprofits, with limits of one million dollars of coverage. This goes a long way to cover the costs that can be inflicted once a data breach occurs.

    Think about a small business – one million, two million, or three million of revenue. When you start looking at the credit monitoring, the legal costs, the forensic costs, you can easily be in the $200,000 range. How many businesses can afford $200,000 after a data breach? The answer is: not many.

    Businesses don’t usually have the financial capacity to survive an interruption of their online presence, not to mention legal action brought against your company by government agencies or affected individuals. The cost alone to defend one of these claims could be catastrophic to your business. Cybersecurity Liability coverage may provide you with the necessary protection from a wide range of losses that could arise out of a network failure or data breach.

    When it comes to a data breach these days, it is not a matter of “if”, but “when.” If you’re worried about when you’ll get hacked, talk to a cybersecurity insurance specialist today to stay ahead of the curve.

  • Lawley is on the Move – 51st on the Top 100 Brokers and Top 40 Largest Independent Property & Casualty Agencies in the Country

    Lawley is on the Move – 51st on the Top 100 Brokers and Top 40 Largest Independent Property & Casualty Agencies in the Country

    In the summer of 2018 Lawley is making moves. We are proud to announce that we have landed in 38th place on the top 40 largest independent property/casualty agencies in the country, according to Insurance Journal’s annual list of agency rankings and 51st on the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business released by Business Insurance.

    At Lawley, we focus on the customer first – protecting what they’ve worked so hard to build, from homes and automobiles, to families, employees, and businesses. In addition to that, we have adapted and modernized our technology and operations to meet the ever-changing demand of the insurance world.

    Bill Lawley Jr., Principal at Lawley, says “Specialization is a major contributor to our success. Several years ago, we decided to form practice groups in various market segments where we had a critical mass of clients and in-house experts. Clients appreciate working with a staff that concentrates exclusively in their organization’s field. We know their everyday challenges, as well as the appropriate insurance coverages and risk management techniques to help them drive down claims and ultimately their cost of risk.”

    Other highlights for Lawley in 2018 include:

    • A workers’ compensation alternative for nonprofits where Lawley performs loss control for qualifying organizations at no cost. Additionally, Lawley can place nonprofits with an A+ rated insurance carrier where rates are priced competitively to help them manage their risk at an affordable price.
    • A team of Insurance Consultants specializing in Individual Benefits & Medicare solutions. Adding this team to the Lawley Benefits division means that they can help employers insure their employees and also help individuals and seniors afford the coverage they want at the price they need.
    • “Out of the box” insurance solutions such as “captives” (a type of self-insurance) and cutting-edge benefits technology.

    Insurance is a fast-growing field where creativity is key, and staying ahead of the trend is critical. “Our strength comes from our associates. These people live and breathe insurance. To them, helping a client avoid financial hardship, while protecting what they have worked so hard to build, is everything. Just talk to someone on our team and you’ll see the passion and commitment they bring to the insurance industry. We couldn’t be prouder of our associates and teams. They are our greatest asset and the reason we keep moving up on these types of nationally-rated lists,” says Lawley Principal, Mike Lawley.

    About Lawley

    Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty and personal insurance, employee benefits and risk management consulting and ranked among the 100 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S., according to Business Insurance magazine.

    For over 60 years, Lawley’s team of more than 400 associates have developed customized property, casualty, surety and benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families. Lawley is consistently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Buffalo Business First.

    Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Lawley has branch offices across New York in Amherst, Batavia, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Mahopac, Plainview, Purchase and Rochester along with Darien, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey. To find out more, visit lawleyinsurance.com.

  • BACK TO SCHOOL: Are Your Kids Covered at College?

    BACK TO SCHOOL: Are Your Kids Covered at College?

    This is the time of year that Lawley associates receive questions about the coverages needed to protect students while they are away at school. These requests are common for parents sending their children off to college for the first time.

    Courts have long determined that a dependent child away at school is still legally a resident of their parents’ household. On the most commonly used homeowners policies, a student under the age of 24 is covered by his or her parents’ homeowners policy as long as they are enrolled full-time in school and were a resident of the household before moving out to attend school.

    So what coverages apply to your student while they are away at college?

    First and foremost, they are protected by the personal liability section of your homeowners policy for bodily injury or property damage they cause. However, it’s important to note that intentional acts are not covered. Your son or daughter will be facing new responsibilities and exposures, so it’s a great time to consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy to provide an extra layer of liability protection for your family.

    As far as all the gear that will be moved into the dorm room, coverage for personal property is available up to an amount that is equal to 10 percent of the personal property coverage limit on the parents’ policy. Personal property includes things like clothing, small furniture and appliances and electronics. Of course, the policy deductible would apply in the event of a property loss, such as theft of personal property.

    Electronics, such as a laptop or tablet, may be one of the greatest concerns. In some cases, the student (or parents) may sign a lease for an off-campus apartment. While it’s possible that coverage may still be available by way of the parents’ policy, this is often a good opportunity to equip the student with their own renter’s insurance policy to ensure that there’s no coverage question.

    Last, but not least, Lawley occasionally receives requests to add an apartment building owner to a renters policy. Essentially, this means the landlord is requiring the renter to carry insurance coverage – particularly liability coverage. In these instances, the landlord can be added to the policy as an additional interest. This allows the building owner/landlord to be listed on the policy declarations and to be notified in the event that the renters insurance cancels. The additional interest endorsement does not provide any coverage to the landlord.

    We hope that this summary is helpful to families that will be heading to campus this fall. Lawley is a family-owned business that understands this – Lawley Insurance has been protecting individuals and families for over 60 years. We value the trust we have earned over the years more than anything.

  • Are You a Liability to the Gym?

    Are You a Liability to the Gym?

    Avoid a Gym Liability

    Many people choose to exercise at workout facilities such as gyms, recreation centers and health clubs. In 2016, the total number of gym memberships in the U.S. was 57.25 million in over 36,000 facilities. While the increased physical activity is a good thing, people often overlook the dangers found at such facilities. In fact, for many people, the gym may be the most dangerous environment they visit on a regular basis. Many people performing strained movements in close proximity using heavy, free-moving equipment can be a recipe for disaster. To ensure you only end up sore from your workout, here are some gym safety tips to follow:

    Know your body: Certain health conditions can sneak up with physical activity so before you start an exercise regime, visit your doctor for a yearly exam to make sure you are healthy enough for exercise. After all, your New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, not have a heart attack. In addition to knowing your physical health, know your limitations. We may all believe we are in tiptop shape, but if it is your first time or the first time after a long break, it is best to take it light and gradually increase the level. On a side note, taking such an approach will help you stick with your plan. People often set the bar too high and quickly over exert themselves making exercise less fun and causing them to quit prematurely.

    Know the facility, features and staff: Each workout facility will have a different layout, range in size, and feature different safety equipment and features. When entering a new facility make sure to note the location of emergency equipment, water fountains, and first aid stations as well as emergency exit paths. Staff will act as first responders in the event of an emergency and, in commercial gyms, are trained in accident prevention and emergency response. Introduce yourself to them and be mindful of who is employed at the facility.

    Know the equipment: Before using a new piece of equipment, notice the condition of the equipment. A damaged or deteriorated machine is not safe. Remove it from service immediately by alerting a staff member to the issue. If it is your equipment, repair or purchase another. Read the manufacturer’s labeling. It will provide information on the proper and safe way to use the equipment, as well provide general limitations.

    Keep the gym clean: Sweat or equipment on the floor can create a slip and fall hazard, and bodily fluids can spread germs. Clear your area of debris. Wipe and disinfect all equipment after use. Wipe any sweat or water spills off the floor. Most gyms will have disinfectant wipes and towels available for you to use. Remember you are sharing the facility, so good housekeeping will also protect others.

    Get a workout buddy: In addition to serving as a source of motivation, workout partners provide another set of eyes for possible hazards and can assist with certain exercises that are safer with two people present such as heavy lifting.

    If you are an owner of a gym and worried about a potential liability, you can count on Lawley to be your advocate and get your business back to where you need it to be as soon as possible.

  • 11.7% Reduction in Workers’ Compensation Loss Cost Rates Announced

    11.7% Reduction in Workers’ Compensation Loss Cost Rates Announced

    Workers’ Compensation Cost Reduction Approved

    The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) approved an 11.7% reduction in workers’ compensation loss cost rates, which means real savings for employers throughout the state.

    Unshackle Upstate has made the state’s high Workers’ Compensation costs a priority for a number of years. This is great news for Lawley’s clients and partners.

    How Does Lawley Provide Unique Solutions to Workers’ Compensation?

    At Lawley, we look for ways to help clients find solutions to business headaches. One of an employer’s highest expenses is staffing. Pay as you Go Workers Compensation is a non-traditional approach to paying for Workers Compensation premiums that better helps an employer align premium payments to payroll cycles.

     

    The Old Workers Comp Method

    Traditionally, the estimated Workers Compensation premium is based on what the employer anticipates their payroll will be for the full upcoming policy year. This estimated premium is then paid up front (Either in installments, or perhaps lump sum at the beginning of the policy year). Then, once the policy year is over, the insurance company compares actual payrolls against the original estimates, and calculates the difference in premium. This difference is then due immediately to the insurance company. This is very similar to your personal income taxes – unless you estimate very closely to your actual figures, you run the risk of either an additional premium due (which may be difficult to pay immediately in a lump sum) or a return premium due back to you—which means that the insurance company had the use of your money for the policy year.

    Workers Comp Payment Flexibility

    Pay as you Go Workers Comp offers employers a way to recapture that cash flow benefit. Premium is accrued and paid at the end of each payroll cycle. The employer, or their payroll service, takes care of the reporting and premium payment in real-time. This eliminates those potentially large adjustments at the end of the policy term based on the difference between estimated and actual premium due.

    Many insurance companies offer Pay as you Go as a payment option for Workers Compensation, but Lawley’s service team will work with you to trigger the Pay as you Go option beginning with the policy effective date. Additionally, if you use our private benefits exchange Lawley Marketplace for your Employee Benefits, your payroll and workers comp reporting can be deducted seamlessly through an integration with our partner Genesis PPG. These are just some examples of ways that Lawley goes the extra mile to partner with our clients to solve their problems. Talk with our Workers Compensation Pay as you Go specialists to see if Pay As You Go is right for your business or download this Workers Comp comparison infographic to help explain the difference.

  • Sick of Getting Hurt? Here’s to Avoiding Muscle and Ligament Injuries

    Sick of Getting Hurt? Here’s to Avoiding Muscle and Ligament Injuries

    Helpful tips for reducing your risk of strains and sprains

    Over six million injuries occur in the workplace every year. Sprains, strains and tears to muscles and connective tissues are some of the most common injuries employees experience.
    Sprains and strains can result from lifting injuries, being hit by fallen objects or even a simple misstep. Overusing your muscles can also cause these injuries. Protect yourself and others from these painful injuries by always practicing safety on the job.

    Sprains
    Sprains occur when a ligament has been stretched too far from its normal position. Sprains of the fingers, wrists, knees and ankles are most common.

    Strains
    Strains are the result of pulling too far on a muscle or by pulling a muscle in one direction while it is contracting. Strains can also be caused by repetitive movements that lead to an over-stretching of muscle fibers. Strains of the back, neck, groin and hamstring are most common.

    Tips for Prevention
    To help reduce your risk of sprains and strains while on the job, keep these tips in mind:

    • Follow Lawley’s guidelines for safe lifting, especially if your position requires you to lift particularly heavy items.
    • If you are lifting something particularly heavy, use extreme caution. When in doubt, ask for help with the lift.
    • Reduce repetitive movements if possible; chronic strains are usually the result of overuse.
    • Use proper form while completing tasks and avoid extensive gripping, which can increase the risk of hand and forearm strains.
    • Practice safety measures to help prevent falls. Avoid slippery surfaces.
    • Wear proper attire, including footwear, gloves and other applicable protective equipment.
    • Consider your posture when sitting or standing for long periods of time; maintain an overall relaxed position.
    • Maintain a healthy fitness level outside of work to keep your body strong and flexible.
    • Stretch before you begin working, and take short breaks throughout the day to stretch and rebalance your body.
  • The Best List of Office Ergonomic Tips to Keep You Feeling Good at Work

    The Best List of Office Ergonomic Tips to Keep You Feeling Good at Work

    The key to preventing work-related neck and back injuries is to evaluate your workstation and make sure it is ergonomically correct and promotes good posture. The discomfort and pain from slouching at a desk all day is very common, with many office workers suffering pain at least once a week. If you are working at an ergonomically incorrect workstation or practice poor posture, you can suffer from neck, shoulder, wrist and elbow discomfort.

    Good Posture Tips
    Avoid unnecessary discomfort at work by focusing on your posture and making your workstation ergonomically appropriate.

    Typically, aches and pains from office work stem from physical stress due to prolonged and awkward positions, repetitive motions and overuse. When applied to your workstation, these helpful tips will help promote good posture and correct ergonomics:

    • Chair position—Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor, with your knees about level with your hips, making sure your seat is not pressing against the back of your knees.
    • Back support—Keep your backbone straight, shoulders back, abdomen and buttocks pulled in, and chin tucked. If your chair does not allow this, try placing a cushion between the curve of your lower back and the back of the chair.
    • Computer monitor—Position your monitor 18 to 30 inches from your eyes. The top of your screen should be at eye level or below so you look slightly down at your work. If glare is a problem, turn off some or all overhead lights and close blinds if possible.
    • Headsets—Use a headset if you frequently talk on the phone and type or write at the same time.
    • Wrist rest—Keep your wrists in a straight, natural position when using your keyboard. Do not use your wrist rest while typing. Use it to take occasional breaks from typing.

    Prevention
    Sitting at a desk all day, even with the best posture and ergonomics, can still be stressful on your body. On average, your body can only tolerate one position for about 20 minutes before needing readjustment. Taking a one-minute break every 20 minutes is helpful.

  • Sunrays Aren’t the Only Thing You Can Catch at the Pool

    Sunrays Aren’t the Only Thing You Can Catch at the Pool

    As the temperature climbs, many Americans will flock to the pool to find some relief from the heat. While the cool waters can be refreshing, they could also be contaminated with bacteria that can make you sick. Read on to learn about the three most common illnesses you can catch from spending a day at the pool.

    Cryptosporidium (Crypto for Short)
    Crypto, a chlorine-resistant parasite, is one of the most common culprits for post-pool day illness and causes diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. Unfortunately, symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

    To avoid getting sick, don’t swallow pool water or touch your face until you’ve showered with soap and hot water.

    Pinkeye
    Between the chemicals and other people’s bodily fluids in the pool, it shouldn’t be a surprise that you can catch pinkeye from swimming in a shared pool or hot tub.

    To avoid getting this infection, wear well-fitted goggles every time you get into the water.

    Hot Tub Rash
    The warm water in hot tubs causes chlorine to break down quickly, making the chemical ineffective in killing the germ that causes an itchy skin infection that can lead to a bumpy, red rash.
    To avoid getting this rash, shower immediately after going into the hot tub and be sure to wash your swimming suit before wearing it again.

    Are You Up to Date On Your Immunizations?

    Every August, the National Public Health Information Coalition sponsors National Immunization Awareness Month to promote the importance of immunizations at all life stages. Vaccination protects everyone, from infants to the elderly, from serious illnesses and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Being properly vaccinated not only protects you, but everyone else around you, from falling ill with serious illnesses like measles, polio, hepatitis and meningococcal meningitis.

    For more information on vaccines, or to learn more about what vaccines you may need, click here or talk with your doctor.