Lawley Insurance

Author: Lawley

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • In Today’s World, Pets Are Like Children. Shouldn’t You Protect them with Pet Insurance?

    In Today’s World, Pets Are Like Children. Shouldn’t You Protect them with Pet Insurance?

    Approximately 63 percent of all American households have at least one pet. One in three of these pets will require costly veterinary care sometime in their lives.

    Many American households have at least one pet. In any given year, one in three of these beloved family members will need costly veterinary care, even if it is for routine exam visits and vaccinations. Should a pet become severely ill and need emergency care, costs can sometimes be more than pet owners can bear. However, if they have pet insurance, owners will never have to make a decision about their pets well being based on cost.

    Though pet insurance is a nontraditional benefit and is generally paid for by the employee, it is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace to help employees care for their pets without going bankrupt. This benefit is particularly valuable, as pet care is increasingly expensive. In fact, offering insurance for man’s best friend is a great marketing and PR initiative for companies that want to add to their image of being a great place to work.

    Pets typically visit the vet for the following reasons:

    • Accident care
    • Illness care
    • Routine preventive care
    • Lab work
    • X-rays
    • Surgeries
    • Diagnostic testing
    • Prescription therapy

    These services are the same or similar to the reasons why you or your employees would visit the doctor, and often carry a steep price tag. Specifically, here are the typical costs for the following common pet injuries and illnesses:

    • Dog involved in a motor vehicle accident = $4,890
    • Dog or cat ingesting a foreign body = $4,280
    • Dog cancer treatments = $3,570
    • Dog bladder infection treatment = $2,760
    • Dog hip dysplasia = $2,390
    • Cat fractured leg = $2,300
    • Cat pneumonia treatment = $1,900
    • Cat diabetes treatments = $1,740

    Coverage Details:
    Employers sign up for a group discount code that can be used by their employees, typically without a minimum enrollment number required. Then, pet owners can select a coverage percentage or monthly premium that will work best for their budget and needs. Under the policy, the pet must have an annual examination and the owners must adhere to the recommendations given by the veterinarians to remain covered. Beyond that, most policies do not cover existing conditions or injuries but do assist in paying for the following:

    • New accidents and injuries
    • X-rays
    • Surgeries
    • Cancer care
    • Prescriptions
    • Hospitalization
    • Vaccinations
    • Heartworm therapy
    • Flea control
    • Urinalysis
    • Dental care
    • Spay/neuter

    Compare Your Options:
    If your organization is considering this benefit for your employees, consider asking the pet insurance companies the following questions before making your selection:

    • How long has your company been in business?
    • Is coverage available in our area?
    • Is coverage available where our employees may travel?
    • Can employees use any veterinarian and animal hospital?
    • Do you offer discounts for multiple pets?
    • What are your customer service hours and availability?
    • What are the coverage plan options available to employees? What are the deductible options?
    • What is the average annual premium increase?
    • Can our company lock in a premium rate?
    • Is there a penalty for changing plans?
    • Is preapproval for services required?
    • What are the limits to the policy? Lifetime caps?
    • Can employees find out the insurance reimbursement before authorizing their pet’s veterinarian to perform procedures?
    • Do reimbursement amounts vary depending on the specific veterinarian’s fees?
    • Can pets be dropped from the coverage? If so, why?
    • What is the claims filing process?
    • How long does it typically take to receive payment for a claim?
    • How are claim disputes resolved?
    • How does the policy determine reimbursement for claims?
    • Is there a maximum amount paid per procedure? Per calendar year? Per disease?
    • What diseases are excluded from the policy coverage?
    • Are there breed-specific diseases excluded from the policy coverage?
    • Are pre-existing conditions covered after a certain amount of time?
    • Are alternative medicine techniques covered?
    • Are consultations with specialists covered? Second opinions? After-hours emergency care?
    • Does the policy provide coverage for behavioral problems?
    • Is preventive care covered (vaccinations, heartworm testing, spaying/neutering, dental work, flea/tick control, microchipping, etc.)?

    We are committed to delivering the most appropriate personal insurance so you do not have to worry if you are properly covered. Contact Lawley today to inquire about pet insurance.

  • Calling All Millennials: Still Struggling With What To Do After College?

    Calling All Millennials: Still Struggling With What To Do After College?

    Are you a recent college grad and looking for a meaningful career?

    Graduating college is a very thrilling yet overwhelming experience. If you are a millennial reading this, you can probably relate. Or maybe you have a son or daughter who is closing in upon graduation. Whatever stage of life you’re in, you can probably understand the feelings and emotions associated with entering the “grown-up” world.

    Deciding what to do for the rest of your life is not an easy task. You might find yourself asking a lot of questions: how do I know what I really want to do? Will I like what I’m doing? Will my career present opportunities for advancement? If these sound familiar, you may want to consider learning about a career in the insurance industry.

    When someone graduates college, they never think “I see myself in the insurance world.” To be honest, most people always think that insurance is a rather mundane topic. But, there is just so much to offer to employees at insurance brokerages.

    Insurance is an ever-changing industry that is constantly forcing associates to do their best and to continue to increase their knowledge in regards to technology, compliance, financial information, and more. At Lawley, for example, we are a company that truly values our associates’ efforts and we have teams in place to help every employee grow professionally.

    Insurance can be a very rewarding career. By furthering your knowledge to keep up with industry trends, you are making yourself more marketable as a professional, thus opening the door to promotions. A great thing about the industry is that there are many facets; if you’re not fond of a particular position, it’s fairly easy to transfer into a role more suitable to your skill set. If you’re looking for a career that comes with endless opportunities, this is it!

    Yes, the insurance industry is very complex, but with the dedication of coworkers and managers who are alongside you through training, learning the ins and outs of the business is easier than one might think. So if you’re looking for that career that will value you and push you to be your best, give the insurance industry a shot by getting in touch with Lawley. If anything, you’ll gain useful knowledge that can help you in your own pursuits. This industry truly empowers you to strive for greatness and can make for a very rewarding career!

    Want to see our open positions? Visit our careers page. #WorkHardPlayHardAtLawley

    Post authored by Maria Schroeder. Originally published February 24, 2016. View original post at: http://wp.me/p1Iv7E-27D

    Products underwritten by Central Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies.
    Copyright © 2016 Central Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

  • Cracking Down on Sexual Harrassment: New York State Passes Strict Workplace Harassment Laws

    Cracking Down on Sexual Harrassment: New York State Passes Strict Workplace Harassment Laws

    This fall, all employers must adhere to the NEW New York State Workplace Harassment Laws. Here are the highlights and important dates:

    • Employers must adopt policies and training programs to prevent sexual harassment
    • Employers may be held liable for workplace sexual harassment of non-employees
    • Sexual harassment claims may not be subject to mandatory arbitration or nondisclosure

    Important dates for the new law:

    • April 12, 2018 | Nonemployees may file sexual harassment claims against employers
    • July 11, 2018 | New prohibitions against arbitration and nondisclosure apply
    • October 9, 2018 | Employers must comply with written policy and training requirements

    Effective Oct. 9, 2018, all employers in New York state must adopt a written policy and conduct annual employee training on sexual harassment in the workplace. These requirements were enacted as part of the state’s 2019 budget on April 12, 2018.

    The law also prohibits employers from requiring arbitration to resolve sexual harassment claims under a written contract and from making confidentiality a condition of settlement for sexual
    harassment claims, effective July 11, 2018. Finally, the law allows nonemployees, such as contractors or vendors, to hold an employer liable for sexual harassment in the employer’s workplace, effective immediately.

    ACTION STEPS FOR THE NEW NY HARASSMENT LAW

    New York employers should become familiar with the new requirements and review their sexual harassment policies and training programs, or begin developing them, to ensure compliance. Employers should also watch for future guidance from the state’s Department of Labor and Human Rights Division.

  • Your Small Business Still Needs Big Protection

    Your Small Business Still Needs Big Protection

    Is Your Small Business Properly Insured?

    Just because a business isn’t a traditional brick and mortar establishment doesn’t mean it can go without business insurance. Even a home-based business needs insurance. Many people assume they are already covered under their homeowners policy when they are working out of their home.

    Unfortunately it’s not that simple as most homeowners policies contain a business exclusion in the standard policy provisions. Instead, they should consider the liability aspect for both general liability and professional liability the small business may have.

    And just like every business is a little different, there isn’t a cookie cutter solution that fits every small business’ needs. If you, or someone you know, own a small business, it’s strongly recommended to make an appointment with us here at Lawley to discuss the business exposures and coverage needs. Here are just a few “what if” questions to consider that can help guide that discussion:

    • What if my tent or awning collapses on a customer?
    • What if my display blows over onto another vendor?
    • What if my product breaks a copyright law?
    • What if my product injures somebody?
    • What if someone trips or falls when they are picking up goods from my home?

    Regardless of size or industry, all businesses face potential risk and Lawley can help you find the right coverage to fit your unique needs.

  • ACA Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2019

    ACA Affordability Percentages Will Increase for 2019

    The IRS recently issued a Revenue Procedure to index the contribution percentages used to determine the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These updated affordability percentages are effective for taxable years and plan years beginning Jan. 1, 2019. They represent a significant increase from the affordability contribution percentages for 2018. As a result, some employers may have additional flexibility with respect to their employee contributions for 2019 to meet the adjusted percentage.

    Affordable Coverage Test
    For plan years beginning in 2019, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable if the employee’s required contribution for self-only coverage does not exceed:

    • 9.86 percent of the employee’s household income for the year, for purposes of both the pay or play rules and premium tax credit eligibility
    • 8.3 percent of the employee’s household income for the year, for purposes of an individual mandate exemption (adjusted under separate guidance)This adjustment means that employer-sponsored coverage for the 2019 plan year will be considered affordable under the employer shared responsibility rules if the employee’s required contribution for self-only coverage does not exceed 9.86 percent of the employee’s household income for the tax year.

      The 2018 affordability percentage for the pay or play rules and premium tax credit eligibility was 9.56 percent. The 2018 percentage for the individual mandate exemption was 8.05 percent.

      IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2019

      The IRS recently announced that limits for HSA contributions will increase for 2019. The HDHP maximum out-of-pocket limits will also increase for 2019. The HSA contribution limits will increase effective Jan. 1, 2019, while the HDHP limits will increase effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2019.

      HSA Contribution Limit

    • Family – $7,000
    • Single – $3,500
    • Because the cost-sharing limits for HDHPs will change for 2019, employers that sponsor these plans may need to make plan design changes for plan years beginning in 2019.

      For more guidance on this and other compliance topics, contact Lawley today.

  • Lawley Recognized as 2018 Wealth of Health Awards Winner

    Lawley Recognized as 2018 Wealth of Health Awards Winner

    Top 100 Insurance Broker wins 2018 Wealth of Health Awards presented by Rochester Business Journal for the second time in four years.

    Rochester, N.Y. (Jun. 21, 2018) – Lawley, a Top 100 National Independent Insurance Broker in the United States according to Business Insurance, has been recognized as the 2018 Wealth of Health winner, an awards program presented by Rochester Business Journal.

    About Wealth of Health Award

    Finalists were selected by a panel of judges based on their commitment to encourage and foster healthy behaviors in the workplace in several categories. Winners were recognized for exemplary promotion of health and wellness among their employees and making their workplace and our community healthier.

    “We take great pride in improving the health and well-being of our clients and employees. We’ve seen first-hand the positive benefits that companies enjoy who fully embrace and foster a culture of wellness.”
    – Mike Mancuso, Lawley Employee Benefits Partner.

    See the finalists and a full list of winners.

    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, Mahopac, Plainview, Purchase and Rochester along with Darien, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey. To find out more, visit lawleyinsurance.com.

     

  • Lawley Dunkirk Employees Receive CIC Designation

    Lawley Dunkirk Employees Receive CIC Designation

    Lawley is excited to announce that both Sue Polichetti and Samantha Eggert, Commercial Insurance Team Leader and Commercial Insurance Account Manager of Lawley in Dunkirk, NY, recieved theCertified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. The CIC designation was awarded to them after their successful completion of a rigorous insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. This accomplishment is affirmed by the President of the Society of CIC, Dr. William T. Hold, Ph.D., CIC, CPCU, CLU. The full CIC credentials were sent to Sue and Samantha on 5/30/2018 in official confirmation of the achievement.

    The Society of CIC is a key member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, the nation’s preeminent provider of insurance and risk management education. The National Alliance conducts more than 2,500 programs annually throughout all 50 states, Virgin Islands, Mexico, Puerto Rico and around the world. This program is designed to serve a variety of individuals practicing insurance and risk management so that they may better serve their clients’ insurance and risk management requirements. Currently, more than 31,000 agents and insurance professionals throughout the country have received the CIC designation.

    Sue and Samantha have demonstrated their professional competence through the successful completion of the five CIC courses and the corresponding comprehensive examinations that focus on all major fields of insurance and insurance management, such as property and casualty, personal and commercial lines, commercial multiline, agency management, insurance company operations, life and health, and risk management.