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  • Lawley’s Partner John Berger Supports New York State Trooper Michael O’Bryan to Represent Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi

    Lawley’s Partner John Berger Supports New York State Trooper Michael O’Bryan to Represent Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi

    Buffalo, NY – Trooper Michael O’Bryan of the New York State Police has been selected to represent Special Olympics New York Law Enforcement Torch Run in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Final Leg in Abu Dhabi. Trooper O’Bryan will be one of 83 law enforcement officers from 23 countries who will be carrying the Flame of Hope throughout the United Arab Emirates to light the cauldron at the opening ceremonies of the 2019 World Summer Games on March 14.

    Today, February 27th, a press conference was held at Lawley’s headquarters in Buffalo to showcase O’Bryan’s mission of spreading awareness of the Special Olympics with help from his friends at Lawley. “I am so happy to support this amazing cause. In addition, I will be matching dollar for dollar what we raise in contributions for the Torch Run. We are looking to beat $10,000 at our donor event tonight at the Blue Bull.”

    The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place from March 14-21 in 11 venues throughout UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. More than 7,000 Special Olympic Athletes from around the world will compete in 24 summer sports.

    The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. In addition to carrying the Torch or the “Flame of Hope” into their local and state Special Olympic games, law enforcement officials organize and conduct additional fundraising initiatives such as Polar Plunges, merchandise sales, and other events. In 2018, more than $58 million was raised internationally through LETR events with more than $2 million coming from New York.

    Trooper O’Bryan has been an active member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run since November 2006. He is one of the founding members of the Western New York Polar Plunge, an event where he still serves as a committee member and is continuously a top fundraiser for the event. Trooper O’Bryan has been active in other fundraising events that include Law and Orders, Over the Edge, Tip a Cop events, and more!

    Lawley Insurance is a premier partner of the Western Region Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. “Mike (O’Bryan) and I have been friends for years. I’m thrilled that he’s been chosen to represent Special Olympics New York Law Enforcement Torch Run, where he will carry the Flame of Hope for 8 miles a day for 14 days. What an honor to be selected as one of only 83 officers worldwide. We are proud to support Special Olympics New York, the largest state chapter, and the thousands of athletes who compete”, said John Berger, Partner, Lawley Benefits Group.

    Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty, personal insurance, employee benefits, and risk management consulting. Lawley is ranked 51st in the list of the 100 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S., according to Business Insurance magazine. For more than 60 years, Lawley’s team of more than 400 associates have developed customized property, casualty, surety and employee benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families.
    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.

    Since 1987, law enforcement officers from around the world have participated in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run prior to the Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games. The tradition of the Final Leg Torch Run is for law enforcement officers representing their country, state and Torch Run Program, to act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the Special Olympics Torch and “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games.

    “LETR is instrumental in raising awareness and dedicating funds to support Special Olympics and the 68,000 athletes we serve across New York State,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Trooper O’Bryan exemplifies our partnership with law enforcement. We are honored and deeply proud to have him as our representative at World Games.”

    The Olympic flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge and life. With identical power and majesty, the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope,” in the entrusted care of the law enforcement community, symbolizes the courage and celebration of diversity that the Special Olympics movement represents.

    Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving nearly 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 150 schools statewide to offer unified sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers.

  • Year in Review | 2018 Highlights at Lawley & 2019 Vision Across Our Footprint

    Year in Review | 2018 Highlights at Lawley & 2019 Vision Across Our Footprint

    2018 was a big year in many ways at Lawley. Here are some highlights from the past year outlining the growth and vision here at Lawley:

    Medicare & Senior Health Insurance 
    In April, we brought on a new Medicare and senior health insurance team to provide these critical services to our clients. Learn more about the Medicare team here.

    Non Profit Workers’ Compensation Program
    Beginning in early 2018, we were proud to announce that we can now offer an exclusive workers’ compensation program for qualified non profits and social service organizations. Learn more about our competitive program here.

    Lawley Real Estate Insurance
    For decades, we have helped many of our clients in the development and real estate industries manage their risk. Now, we are proud to have a formalized practice group with a dedicated account team focused solely on the needs of real estate clients. Read more about Lawley Real Estate Insurance here.

    Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson
    Throughout 2018 we worked diligently to build a partnership with a Jamestown, NY-based independent agency, Rhoe B. Henderson. As of January 1st, 2019 we were excited to share that Lawley has added this location as their 11th branch, bringing on an amazing team in New York’s Southern Tier region. Read more about the Lawley Rhoe B. Henderson merger here. 

  • The Blizzard of 2019 is Bringing Hazardous Conditions to the Northeast… Proactively Protect Your Home & Workplace

    The Blizzard of 2019 is Bringing Hazardous Conditions to the Northeast… Proactively Protect Your Home & Workplace

    The changing seasons produce unique weather-related conditions that can create hazards for patrons, employees and the public. The following suggested procedures are from the Lawley Safety team to help mitigate the risk of a winter weather and to help avoid injuries and prevent slips, trips and falls on your premises.

    Winter Snow and Ice Removal

    • All exterior walkways, parking lots and building entrances should be cleaned of snow and ice, and treated with ice melt, one hour prior to the opening of business. Any snow or ice that has accumulated between cars will also need to be removed
    • Snow and ice that has been removed should be placed in areas that will minimize hazards as it melts, for instance, in lower elevations of the property. Storm drains should be marked with reflective stakes before winter weather begins, so they can be kept clear to drain off melting water
    • Snow should be cleared from safety equipment such as fire hydrants and fire department connections to the sprinkler system. This equipment should be marked with reflective stakes before winter weather begins. Exit doors should be cleared of snow, and tested to ensure they can be opened fully
    • Exterior walkways, parking lots and building entrances should be inspected periodically throughout the day and re-treated as needed. Ice and snow often melt in sunnier areas or during warmer parts of the day, and refreeze in shady areas or as the day gets colder. Drains can become clogged, causing melt water to build up
    • Use a form such as the Snow and Ice Control Record from Hanover Insurance to document inspections as well as snow and ice removal
    • Take precautions to prevent employee injuries during snow and ice removal. Ensure employees are fully trained in the use of snow blowers, plows and other equipment. Keep bystanders away from equipment. Take adequate rest breaks. If removing snow loads from roofs or ice from gutters, use proper fall protection and protect skylights and other hazards
    • During the autumn, periodic inspections should be made and action taken as needed to ensure walkways are cleared of leaves (wet leaves are a slipping hazard)

    Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in Winter Weather

    The changing seasons produce unique weather-related conditions that can create hazards for patrons, employees and the public. Hanover Risk Solutions has developed the following suggested
    procedures to help mitigate the risk of a winter weather slip, trip or fall injury on your premises.

    Mats and Runners

    Where mats have been used to control wet areas in entry ways to the building, the following conditions require immediate action:

    • If pedestrian traffic leaves wet foot prints when stepping off the mat, the mat needs to be replaced with a dry one or an additional mat needs to be placed at the end of the first mat
    • If the mat has become wrinkled or bunched up, it needs to be reset so it is flat and doesn’t present a tripping hazard

    Exterior Lighting

    Colder weather means shorter daylight hours. Be sure exterior lighting of the building, walkways and parking lot is adequate for building occupants and extended hours of darkness.

    • Adjust sensors and timers on exterior lighting to come on earlier during the winter months. If tenants are responsible for updating timers, send reminders advising them to change their timers
    • Conduct exterior lighting inspections at dusk, dark and dawn to determine lighting coverage, and to evaluate shadowing, places of concealment (for purposes of security) and effectiveness. Ensure lights are angled appropriately to provide maximum lighting capacity and avoid shadowing
    • Inspect exterior lights/lamps for bugs, dirt, nests, cracked cover plates, yellowed acrylic covers and blown bulbs. Check that bulbs have not faded or lost their illumination capacity. Inspect light poles for stability
    • Match lighting needs with the needs of the population accessing the building. For example, a medical office building may see greater senior traffic than an industrial park, and therefore require more lighting
    • Evaluate lighting choices for specific exterior lighting needs, for instance, the benefits of LED (light emitting diodes) vs. HID (high-intensity discharge). Quality LED lights come on immediately; HID (high-intensity discharge) lights, can take several minutes to warm up and generally do not work well with occupancy sensors, because once the lights go off, they need re-strike time to come back on. Assess the benefits of LED vs. HID in cold climates. (Newer “pulse start” HID bulbs operate better in cold weather, and have shorter warm-up times and re-strike times than older, “probe-start” HID bulbs.)
    • Consider hiring qualified contractors, lighting designers or lighting professionals to help evaluate conditions, recommend needed changes, do repairs where needed, keep up with technology and conduct regular preventive maintenance of exterior lighting conditions

    Note on Contracts
    It is important to check contracts with snow/ice removal contractors and mat rental/service companies carefully, to be sure that the schedules and methods of service are appropriate for your facility and the weather conditions your business is likely to face. Be sure that responsibilities are clear in the contract. Contracts should also include hold harmless agreements and insurance requirements (consult your legal professional for specifics). For further information, see our documents on Contract Management and Reviewing Certificates of Insurance

    Incident Investigation Procedure

    Should a slip, trip or fall occur, follow the procedures outlined below.

    • Helping the injured person will be the primary concern immediately following an incident. Never leave the person alone. If assistance is needed, send someone else or have someone stay with the person while you get help
    • If the injured party is not an employee, do not discuss liability or fault for the incident. If they ask if you are going to pay for their medical costs, simply state that someone from Hanover Insurance will be in touch with them
    • Protect the incident scene to prevent anyone else from getting hurt and to preserve the scene in an “as is” condition to help ensure an accurate investigation. If any hazardous conditions must be corrected to prevent injuries to others, take “before” and “after” photos
    • Contact the supervisor of the area where the incident occurred so they can begin the collection of data and incident investigation
    • The information should be collected and the analysis completed using a form such as this Accident Investigation Report from Hanover
    • Photos should be taken of the general area, any defective conditions and anything else that could be considered a contributing factor to the incident
    • Once the root cause is determined, corrective action should be initiated immediately

    Corrective Action Procedure

    When a hazard has been identified through an incident investigation or a facility inspection, maintenance personnel or an outside contractor must be notified so that the problem can be corrected. The following procedure is recommended to accomplish this task:

    • Be sure that all employees are aware of specific actions to be taken in the event a hazard is identified, particularly if they will be responsible for mitigation
    • Any problem identified by any employee or brought to the attention of staff by the public should be communicated to the appropriate manager immediately
    • The manager responsible for facility maintenance should inspect the problem and communicate the best action to take. This may include in-house personnel correcting the hazard, contacting the responsible outside contractor, or both
    • If the hazard can’t be corrected immediately, a temporary control (such as barriers or hazard tape) should be put in place to prevent anyone from being injured

    For more safety tips, sign up for our helpful newsletters here.

  • Winter Storms Are “Deceptive Killers” — Are Your Prepared for Winter Weather?

    Winter Storms Are “Deceptive Killers” — Are Your Prepared for Winter Weather?

    As the temperature drops, winter storms can knock out heat, power and communication services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

    The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as “deceptive killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. Because of this, it is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

    Know the Terms

    Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify winter storm hazards:

    • Freezing rain – Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines
    • Sleet – Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery
    • Winter weather advisory– Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening
    • Winter storm watch – A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, commercial radio or local television for more information
    • Winter storm warning – A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area
    • Blizzard warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer
    • Frost/freeze warning – Below-freezing temperatures are expected

    During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

    • Stay indoors during the storm
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways
    • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside
    • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly
    • Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If you or a loved one shows symptoms, get medical help immediately
    • Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or a loved one has symptoms of hypothermia, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible
    • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day, don’t travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads; and avoid back road shortcuts
    • Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent via your predetermined route
    • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap the pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate)
    • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least 3 feet from flammable objects
    • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms
    • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F

    Dress for the Weather

    • If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent
    • Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves
    • Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat
    • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs

    After Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

    • Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345)
    • Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible

    In addition to insuring your home, Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. If you would like more information on developing a family emergency plan or building a disaster supply kit, please contact us here.

  • Lawley Expands Footprint into New York’s Southern Tier Region with Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson Joint Venture

    Lawley Expands Footprint into New York’s Southern Tier Region with Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson Joint Venture

    WNY’s Largest Regional Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Employee Benefits and Risk Management Broker Creates Joint Venture with Longstanding Jamestown, NY Insurance Broker, Rhoe B. Henderson

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (January 24th, 2019) | Lawley, the 51st largest U.S. independent insurance broker according to Business Insurance, expanded its southern tier area presence by creating a new joint venture partnership with Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency located in Jamestown, NY. The new relationship became effective January 1st, 2019 and creates Lawley’s eleventh branch across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and will formally operate under the Lawley brand. The name of the partnership is Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson and will be located in the same location of 552 West Third St. Jamestown, NY.

    Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson will not be Lawley’s first venture in Chautauqua County. “In the 1990’s, my agency joined Lawley as Lawley Tradition to meet the growing needs of our clients, so I know Rhoe and his clients are in good hands by joining the Lawley organization,” says Lawley Tradition Partner, Walter Gotowka. “I have known and respected Rhoe for 35 years and am excited to welcome him and his team to the Lawley family.” Walter (Wally) Gotowka has been a part of the Lawley organization since 1991 and has been working in the insurance industry since 1981.

    Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency has been helping Jamestown, Western NY, and Northwest PA obtain the best value for their insurance dollars since 1926. Rhoe Henderson, President of the family-run agency since 1979, is the leader of the organization. He and his team have been helping people find affordable and reliable insurance products from a variety of trusted insurance providers. As an independent agency, they are not tied to any one insurance provider, just like Lawley.

    Though Rhoe B. Henderson has been providing risk management for decades, one new element that comes from the joint venture with Lawley is the ability to offer employee benefits to their clients.

    “Our Employee Benefits division will immediately place consultants in the Jamestown office to strengthen our presence in the southern tier. From Medicare and senior benefits to traditional and captive benefits, the options for clients in the area will grow tenfold,” says Chuck Allesi, Lawley Employee Benefits’ Partner.

    “We are excited to grow our business in New York’s southern tier and Northwest Pennsylvania by partnering with the experienced team at Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency,” stated Christopher Ross, Principal of Lawley. “We look forward to working together to bring people in that community even more options when it comes to protecting their risk and providing employee benefits.”

    “We can now offer our clients a wider range of products and services with the experienced team Lawley has built,” said Rhoe Henderson. “Our customers will benefit from the support of 400+ employees who bring a wide range of specialties in addition to our amazing current staff here in Jamestown.”

    “I am eager to bring our expertise protecting customers across Jamestown and beyond to the growing Lawley insurance team. Partnering with a Top 100 Agency and having access to all of the resources a large regional broker can bring will help us better service our current and future clients,” said Henderson. “There is great opportunity in leveraging the growth of Lawley in the southern tier area. Clients and friends can expect the same trusted relationship we’ve built over three generations.”

    ABOUT LAWLEY

    Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty and personal insurance, employee benefits, and risk management consulting. Lawley is ranked 51st in the list of 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 employee benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families.

    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.

    ABOUT WALTER GOTOWKA

    Wally is the partner responsible for the operation of Lawley’s Dunkirk branch, also known as Lawley Tradition. Lawley-Rhoe B. Henderson will also operate under his umbrella. He has expertise in manufacturing, construction, non-profits, and healthcare. Wally began his insurance career with Nationwide in 1981 and joined the Heppell-Robinson Agency 2 years later. He purchased that company, which evolved into the Tradition Agency and then he joined Lawley in 1991. Wally is a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow and has been involved with the State of NY Independent Insurance Agents. He has participated on several insurance companies’ board of directors as well as Agents Advisory Councils and Strategic Planning committees. Wally is actively involved with SUNY Fredonia Board of Directors, Rotary Club, Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board, American Red Cross Board, Brooks Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and Fredonia Opera House Board.  Additionally he volunteers with the Allegany Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Lake Erie Regional Health Care Systems of NY Board. Wally graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a B.A. in Business.

    ABOUT RHOE HENDERSON

    Rhoe was born and raised in Jamestown, NY. After college, he returned to the area to follow in his father’s footsteps in becoming a 3rd generation insurance agent. He became president of the agency in 1979 upon his father’s retirement and he continues to be a student of the business, combining that with integrity and confidentiality, which is vital to successfully meeting the expectation of his clients. Rhoe has served as a board member and officer with the Chautauqua County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the local United Way, Jamestown Community College Foundation, Gebbie Foundation and the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena.

    ABOUT CHRIS ROSS
    Chris Ross, in addition to serving as an agency principal, oversees Lawley Construction Insurance & Bonds, the branch dedicated to providing insurance and surety bonds to contractors, developers and others in the construction industry. Chris began his career at Lawley in 1986 and is instrumental in all company mergers, acquisitions and branch activities, including Lawley Benefits Group. He is also actively involved in major accounts and has extensive knowledge of construction, Real Estate development and risk management. Chris has been an integral part of leading the growth of Lawley, spearheading the expansion of the firm into New York’s Southern Tier, New Jersey, Connecticut, and around the New York City region.

  • Mandatory Cancer Coverage for Volunteer Firefighters

    Mandatory Cancer Coverage for Volunteer Firefighters

    Mandatory Cancer Coverage For Volunteer Firefighters

    Effective January 1, 2019, any fire district, department, or company in New York State that has an eligible volunteer firefighter must show proof of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of this Act or show satisfactory proof of the ability to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all eligible volunteers.

    Types of Cancers Covered:

    • Breast
    • Digestive
    • Hematological
    • Lung
    • Lymphatic
    • Melanoma
    • Neurological
    • Prostate
    • Reproductive System
    • Urinary

    What Does the Bill Say?
    Volunteer firefighters are currently eligible for accidental disability and death benefits through Workers Compensation if they are injured in the line of duty. Effective January 1, 2019, they are eligible for health benefits to support treatment for life-threatening cancers. Under the bill (S1411BA711B), volunteer firefighters who contract certain cancers will receive access to tax-free disability and death benefits.

    Benefits:
    A lump-sum benefit paid out at diagnosis of a covered Cancer (as defined in the Act), depending on the severity and form of the cancer diagnosis. Each lump sum benefit would be subject to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 for multiple diagnoses, as follows:

    • $6,250 – Cancers identified in the Act as less severe
    • $25,000 – Cancers identified in the Act as more severe

    Total Disability Benefit:
    Should a covered volunteer firefighter become disabled, they may be eligible for a monthly disability benefit of up to $1,500 payable monthly for up to 36 months after a 6 month waiting period and coordination with other benefits.

    Cancer Death Benefit:
    A covered firefighter may be eligible for an enhanced cancer death benefit in the amount of an additional $50,000.

    Eligibility:

    Generally, a volunteer firefighter must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible:

    • Served at least 5 years as an interior firefighter as evidenced by a record verifying passage of at least five yearly certified mask fitting tests as required for an interior firefighter rating.
    • Passage of a physical examination upon entering the fire service which did not reveal any evidence of cancer covered by this Act.
    • The diagnosis conforms to the definitions of cancer as set forth in the Act.

      • Mandated coverage is not limited to current active interior firefighters. All active members who have met the criteria at some point in time as a volunteer firefighter must be covered.

      A covered volunteer firefighter will remain eligible for benefits under this Act for up to 60 months after the formal cessation of the volunteer firefighters active status for:

      • Lump-sum benefit
      • Enhanced cancer death benefit
  • Lawley Announces New Real Estate Insurance Practice Group after Years of Real Estate Experience Show Need in Industry

    Lawley Announces New Real Estate Insurance Practice Group after Years of Real Estate Experience Show Need in Industry

    With an exclusively dedicated sales and account team, Lawley Real Estate will specialize in protecting developers, affordable housing clients, and unique projects across the real estate industry

    BUFFALO, NY, January 7th, 2019 | Lawley, an independent family-owned insurance broker, is proud to announce their new Lawley Real Estate Insurance Practice Group effective January 1st, 2019.

    Leading Lawley | Real Estate Insurance will be Principals Christopher Ross and Michael Lawley along with Partners Stuart Scheff,  John Beecher, and Peter Braun. The team heading up the practice group brings decades of Real Estate and affordable housing experience to the table. Along with a dedicated account management team, they will support Lawley’s Real Estate book of business to better manage the unique needs of Real Estate developers and property managers.

    Lawley is excited to meet the specific needs of their Real Estate clients. Developing this division at Lawley will provide Real Estate clients with a team that better understands intricacies of the Real Estate industry, especially when it comes to risk management and protection. The new division at Lawley is designed to serve Real Estate clients across the footprint of the Lawley organization.

     “What we have learned from the success of our Construction Practice Group is that clients and future clients are looking for a dedicated account team that knows their business inside and out. What you will get when working with our Real Estate team is far and beyond what other insurance brokers can offer. This team understands what it means to protect businesses in this industry and we are very happy to be able to offer it across our footprint,” says Chris Ross, Lawley Principal.

    “We have been building strong relationships in the insurance business focused on Real Estate for decades. Our clients are some of the best, locally and nationally. We know how to protect them because we have learned from years of experience,” says Peter Braun, Partner of Lawley Real Estate Insurance.

    “Managing risk for Real Estate is not something everyone can do, that’s why we are very excited about this new development at Lawley – we can put our clients’ needs first and provide a team who understands their risk beyond anyone else in the industry,” says John Beecher, Partner of Lawley Real Estate Insurance.

    To learn more about Lawley and the new Lawley Real Estate Insurance division, please visit www.lawleyinsurance.com

    ABOUT LAWLEY

    Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty and personal insurance, employee benefits, and risk management consulting. Lawley is ranked 51st in the list of 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 employee benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families.

    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.

    ABOUT CHRIS ROSS
    Chris Ross, in addition to serving as an agency principal, oversees Lawley Construction Insurance & Bonds, the branch dedicated to providing insurance and surety bonds to contractors, developers and others in the construction industry. Chris began his career at Lawley in 1986 and is instrumental in all company mergers, acquisitions and branch activities, including Lawley Benefits Group. He is also actively involved in major accounts and has extensive knowledge of construction, Real Estate development and risk management. Chris has been an integral part of leading the growth of Lawley, spearheading the expansion of the firm into New Jersey, Connecticut and around the New York City region.

    ABOUT MIKE LAWLEY
    As a Lawley Principal, Mike is responsible for overseeing sales across the organization. In addition, Mike is actively involved in writing and handling large commercial accounts, including many Real Estate organizations. His knowledge of sales and the insurance industry provides him with the tools to obtain the best terms, conditions and pricing for Lawley’s clients. Mike joined Lawley in 1995 as an account executive and became a partner in 1999. Mike has nearly 25 years of insurance experience.

    ABOUT STUART SCHEFF
    Stuart, a Partner housed at the Lawley Amherst location, is responsible for management, operations and sales at that branch. Through his 30 – plus years in the industry, he has advised on almost every type of multi-family and commercial real estate business. Stuart began his career in 1984 and was President and owner of Scheff Insurance Agency, Inc. from 1985-2008. In 2009, Stuart merged with Lawley and became a partner in the Amherst Branch. Stuart advises many large commercial clients including a concentration of those in the Real Estate industry.

    ABOUT JOHN BEECHER
    John is responsible for providing risk management programs for large clients and is a member of the Lawley Real Estate Practice Group. He provides the most comprehensive, competitive risk management packages to his clients. John began his career in the early 1980’s, developing his insurance expertise at two smaller agencies in Western New York prior to joining Lawley in 2000. John’s specialties include Affordable Housing Insurance, Real Estate Insurance, and Developer Protections.

    ABOUT PETER BRAUN
    Peter is responsible for overseeing client relationships in his specialty group of Real Estate and Construction insurance. His focus over the years has been to provide creative insurance products and risk management techniques for developers, builders and owners of multifamily housing including elderly and affordable. Peter joined Lawley in 1998 as an intern during college and was hired as a Sales Representative in 2000.

  • Who Pays When a Guest Causes Damage?

    Who Pays When a Guest Causes Damage?

    Framing the Situation
    Part of the benefit of being a homeowner is being able to entertain friends, family and other guests, but what happens when something goes wrong and a guest causes damage? While in a perfect world the guest would apologize and offer to cover the damage, the reality of the situation can be much more complicated.

    When a Guest Causes Damage

    When damage to your property occurs, you may wonder, “Does my homeowners policy cover damage caused by my guests?” In general, the answer is yes. However, the real question you should be asking yourself is “Do I want to use my homeowners policy to cover damage caused by my guests?”

    The answer to this question can be much more complicated. Your guests are responsible for the costs involved with fixing any damage they cause. By using your homeowners policy to cover the damage, you may end up costing yourself in the long run in the form of increased rates and premiums.

    What is covered under homeowners insurance can vary from policy to policy. You should review your policy for any situations excluded from coverage. Things to watch out for:

    • Your policy may only cover the house or structure, meaning things like walls and floors
    • Coverage may apply only to accidental damage

    Never wonder if you have the appropriate coverage for a certain situation, always consult your policy to make sure you and your family have the protection you need. When questions arise, contact Lawley for answers.

  • Happy Holidays From All of Us at Lawley!

    Happy Holidays From All of Us at Lawley!

    Lawley associates want to wish all of our friends, family, and clients — happy holidays and a happy new year!

    https://lawleyinsurance.wistia.com/medias/abs49zz3px?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=760

  • Lawley’s Corporate Wellness Team Recognized Among the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness® for 2018

    Lawley’s Corporate Wellness Team Recognized Among the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness® for 2018

    December 19, 2018 – Buffalo, NY — The National Association for Business Resources has named the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness®. This program honors companies that promote employee well-being, worksite health and wellness. Lawley’s Corporate Wellness team and Lawley as a company made the list for 2018.

    The 2018 winning companies were evaluated by an assessment, created and administered by SynBella, the nation’s leading wellness systems firm. Company entries are examined statistically for quantitative and qualitative data. Each survey was scored on a point system based upon criteria to benchmark and improve wellness program effectiveness. They include outcomes, analysis, tracking, participation & incentives, benefits and programs, leadership, employee input, culture and environment.

    The Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness® winners will be featured in the January 31, 2018 online edition of Corp! Magazine. The winning companies will also receive additional recognition at the National Best and Brightest Summit, September 15 – 19, 2019 in Chicago, IL. To learn more about the Summit visit thebestandbrightestsummit.com.

    “Health and wellness programs are at the forefront of every business looking to retain a healthy workforce. This year’s winning companies represent high standards and an exceptional commitment to their employees’ well-being”, said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of the Best and Brightest Programs.

    “At Lawley, our corporate wellness clients as well as Lawley’s own associates, understand the value of integrated wellness programs. With a focus on wellness, organizations can increase the health of their worker-base and reap the benefits when it comes to lower costs in health insurance utilization. I am so proud of our team for what they do to bring awareness to wellness and its impact on individuals and corporations,” says Carly Kennedy, Corporate Wellness Team Leader.

    ABOUT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN WELLNESS
    The Best and Brightest in Wellness, a program of the National Association for Business Resources, is presented annually. Nominations are now being accepted for 2019. Visit www.thebestandbrightest.com to nominate.

    The Best and Brightest in Wellness® celebrates those companies that are making their businesses more healthy, the lives of their employees better and the community a healthier to place to live. The Best and Brightest program provides yearlong education, benchmarking, assessment tools and interaction amongst the best employers.

    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.