Blog

Insurance Immersion: A Day At Acadia Insurance

On Tuesday, Marcus and I had the pleasure of visiting Acadia Insurance Company at their headquarters in Westbrook, Maine. It would prove to be a very busy and resourceful day, as we had the chance to sit with twelve different members of the Acadia team to learn more about their respective roles and backgrounds. Each individual provided us with a wealth of information and served as a great resource into gaining a better understanding of insurance company operations as a whole.We were welcomed to… READ MORE

Chalmers Advantage Voluntary Benefits and Group Benefits

Ready to boost your business with the Chalmers Advantage? Connect with Lexi Richardson to offer your employees discounted personal lines insurance benefits at no cost to you.In need of health and disability insurance for your employees? Connect with Dean DeMario to round out your Group Benefits offerings.  READ MORE

Do Your Sunglasses Offer Enough Protection?

The American Optometric Association estimates that 47 percent of consumers don’t check their sunglasses to see if they offer adequate protection from UV rays.The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of the body, and exposure to even a small amount of UV rays can result in cataracts and cancer of the eyelids later in life. Keep these tips in mind when purchasing a pair of sunglasses:The sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation.A uniform tint should be present. A… READ MORE

Using and Maintaining Headlights

Your vehicle’s headlights are an essential part of staying aware of your surroundings on the road. Bright, well-maintained headlights can be the difference between seeing a pedestrian and a fatal crash. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t use or maintain their headlights properly.You should always turn your vehicle’s headlights on as soon as you get into the driver’s seat. Even if it’s bright outside, your headlights can help pedestrians and other drivers see you… READ MORE

Protect Your Home From Thieves

Although you may see your home as a safe place for your family and possessions, the truth is that thefts can happen in any neighborhood. According to statistics from the FBI, almost 2 million home thefts occur every year, with an average loss of over $2,300 for each theft.It’s possible for an experienced thief to enter any home, but you can help safeguard yourself by taking the following steps:Keep all of your doors and windows locked, even when you’re at home. The FBI estimates… READ MORE

5 Sunscreen Tips to Protect Your Skin

The bright summer months are a great time to be outdoors, but extended exposure to sunlight can cause serious damage to your skin. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and cancer.The best way to protect your skin while still enjoying the outdoors is to regularly apply sunscreen to any area of your body that’s exposed to the sun. It’s also important to use a sunscreen that offers the best protection for the situation you’re in. Here… READ MORE

Youth Employment in Amusement and Recreation Establishments under (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that most employees be paid at least the applicable Federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at time and one-half the regular rate of pay after 40 hours in a workweek. The FLSA also includes child labor and recordkeeping provisions. The FLSA provides an exemption from minimum wage and overtime pay for many seasonal and recreational establishments, but this exemption does not include the child labor or recordkeeping provisions of the… READ MORE

Insurance Immersion: Concord Group Insurance Visit

Last Tuesday, Marcus and I had the opportunity to visit Concord Group Insurance to attend their new agent on-boarding at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH. This event was held by Concord Group as an introductory and informational session for agencies that have only recently offered Concord insurance to clients. While Chalmers is not new distributor of Concord products, we were still invited to attend the event in order learn more about Concord Group Insurance.This on-boarding… READ MORE

The Dangers of Hands-free Devices

It’s commonly believed that hands-free accessories are a safe way to use cellphones while driving. However, more than 30 studies show that they are actually no safer than handheld devices.Though hands-free devices are marketed as a way to keep a driver’s hands on the wheel, they present other dangers. For example, many of these devices require a driver to take his or her eyes off of the road—such as to navigate through an infotainment system or to ensure the accuracy of a… READ MORE

Radon Awareness and Safety

Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in rock, soil and water. From there, it can make its way into any environment or building. However, the largest exposure area is your home, where you likely spend the majority of your time. The EPA estimates that 1 out of every 15 homes has dangerous levels of radon. As a result, the EPA and the Surgeon General both recommend testing all homes below the third… READ MORE