Blog

Why Graduation Season Is an Important Insurance Milestone Spring graduation season is an exciting time for Nebraska families. Whether a student is graduating from high school in Lincoln, finishing college in Omaha, or completing trade...

Spring Means New Gear for Idaho’s Outdoor Lifestyle As winter fades, Idaho residents eagerly return to the outdoors. From mountain biking in Boise’s foothills and boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene, to ATV riding in rural and backcountry...

Why Wedding Season Is a Big Deal in Colorado Spring and summer are peak wedding seasons across Colorado. From elegant mountain ceremonies in Aspen and Vail, to outdoor celebrations along the Front Range, couples are investing...

Why Spring Driving Looks Different in Wyoming Winter driving in Wyoming is defined by snow, ice, and limited travel. Spring brings a shift — roads clear, daylight increases, and drivers log significantly more miles. From Cheyenne and...

Why Spring Cleaning Matters for Nebraska Homeowners Spring in Nebraska signals more than warmer weather — it marks the beginning of severe storm season, including tornadoes, hail, heavy rain, and strong winds. For homeowners in cities...

Why Spring Moves Are So Common in Idaho Spring is one of the busiest moving seasons in Idaho. As weather improves and school years wrap up, families and individuals relocate across the state — from Boise and Meridian to Idaho Falls,...

Why Spring Is Renovation Season in Colorado Spring is one of the most popular times for home renovations in Colorado. As snow melts and temperatures rise, homeowners across Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and mountain...

What Recreational Vehicle Insurance Covers Collision and comprehensive damage Liability for injuries or property damage Theft and vandalism Coverage during transport Why Timing Matters Insuring vehicles before the season begins...

Why Spring Insurance Reviews Matter Spring marks heavy equipment use, seasonal labor, and major financial investment for Nebraska farmers. Insurance must be ready before planting begins. Key Coverages to Review Farm property and...

Springtime Driving Risks in Idaho Melting snow, potholes, wildlife activity, and unpredictable weather make spring a dangerous driving season across Idaho — especially in rural and mountain areas. Coverage That Matters Most Collision...

Why Timing Matters March sits between winter hazards and spring storm season in Colorado. It’s the perfect time to adjust coverage before hail, wind, and increased driving risks return. What to Review in Your Home Policy Dwelling...

Why Wind Is a Serious Threat in Wyoming Cities like Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie regularly experience high winds that can tear shingles from roofs, topple fences, and damage outbuildings. Wind damage is one of the most common property...

Tornado Risk in Nebraska Nebraska sits in the heart of Tornado Alley, with peak storm activity between April and June. Areas like Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Grand Island face strong winds, flying debris, and structural damage during...

Why Snowmelt Is a Major Risk in Idaho As winter snowpack melts across Idaho — especially near Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and mountain communities — water levels can rise quickly. Snowmelt can overwhelm drainage systems, seep...

Spring Weather Risks in Colorado Spring in Colorado brings warmer temperatures, but it also marks the start of severe storm season. Communities along the Front Range — including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs —...

How to Protect Your Cabin or Vacation Home in the Tetons Unique Risks of Secondary Homes Remote locations near Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park increase risks from weather, wildlife, and delayed emergency response. Insurance...

Life Insurance Planning for Nebraska Families and Farmers Why Life Insurance Matters Life insurance provides income replacement, debt protection, and long-term financial security — especially for agricultural families. Coverage for...

How to Protect Your Boise Home from Flood and Water Damage Water Risks in the Treasure Valley Boise homeowners face risks from snowmelt, heavy rain, plumbing failures, and sewer backups — many of which are not covered under standard...

Is Your Home Ready for Hail and Wildfire Season? A Colorado Insurance Checklist Two Major Threats, One Preparation Plan Colorado homeowners face both hailstorms and wildfires, often in the same year. Preparation requires both physical...

Recreational Vehicle Insurance: ATVs, Snowmobiles, and Trailers in Wyoming Wyoming’s Outdoor Lifestyle From trail riding to backcountry exploration, Wyoming residents rely heavily on recreational vehicles. These vehicles face risks...

Renters Insurance in Lincoln and Omaha: Why It Matters Renting in Nebraska’s Largest Cities Lincoln and Omaha offer growing rental markets fueled by universities, healthcare systems, and corporate employers. While landlords insure the...

5 Tips for Lowering Your Car Insurance Premium in Rural Idaho Unique Driving Conditions in Rural Idaho Drivers in rural Idaho — from Twin Falls to Lewiston — often log longer distances, face wildlife crossings, and encounter winter...

Ski Trip Safety: Does Your Insurance Cover Winter Sports Accidents? Colorado’s Winter Sports Culture Comes with Risk Colorado is home to some of the most popular ski destinations in the country, including Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, and...

Why Every Wyoming Resident Should Consider Umbrella Coverage What Is Umbrella Insurance? Umbrella insurance extends your liability protection once your home, auto, or renters policy limits are exceeded. It covers legal defense and...

What to Do if Your Car Is Damaged in a Hailstorm in Nebraska Assessing the Damage After a storm, carefully inspect your car for dents, cracked windshields, or broken mirrors. Take photos from multiple angles and note the time and...

Auto Insurance in Idaho: What’s Required and What’s Recommended Required Coverage in Idaho By law, Idaho drivers must carry: Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per...

How Altitude Affects Your Car and Home Insurance in Colorado Unique Risks at High Elevations High-altitude living in cities like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Leadville introduces unique challenges — colder temperatures, heavier snowfall,...

Understanding Property Insurance for Wind Damage in Wyoming Why Wyoming Homeowners Need to Prepare High winds are common across Wyoming — especially in Casper, Cheyenne, and Laramie. Gusts over 70 mph can damage roofs, fences, and...

Tornado Season in Nebraska: Are You Properly Covered? The Reality of Tornado Risks Nebraska sits squarely in Tornado Alley, with severe weather common between April and June. Cities like Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island experience...

Top Home Insurance Concerns for Idaho Homeowners: From Snow to Wildfires Understanding Idaho’s Seasonal Risks Idaho’s diverse landscape brings both beauty and challenges. Northern areas like Coeur d’Alene face heavy snowfall, while...

Wildfire Preparedness: What Colorado Homeowners Should Know About Coverage The Growing Wildfire Risk in Colorado From the Front Range to the Western Slope, Colorado has seen a sharp increase in wildfire activity due to hotter, drier...

The Backbone of Wyoming’s Economy Farming and ranching define Wyoming’s landscape — but the same open spaces that fuel the state’s economy also expose ranchers to severe weather, injuries, and livestock loss. Key Coverages Farm...

Agriculture at the Heart of Nebraska Nebraska farmers face unpredictable weather patterns, from droughts to hailstorms. Farm and crop insurance provides the protection necessary to sustain operations. Core Coverages Farm Property:...

Adventure Meets Responsibility Idaho’s mountains, forests, and trails make it ideal for ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts. But with great adventure comes risk — accidents, theft, or damage can be costly without proper coverage. Types of...

Colorado’s Roof Replacement Challenges Frequent hailstorms and high winds make roof damage one of the most common insurance claims for homeowners in Colorado. Understanding your coverage before storm season can save thousands in repair...

Rural Businesses Face Unique Risks Wyoming’s economy is rooted in agriculture and contracting. Harsh weather, rugged terrain, and physical labor make proper coverage essential for financial stability. For Contractors General Liability:...

Protecting Nebraska Businesses Nebraska entrepreneurs — from Lincoln retailers to Omaha tech startups — face risks that range from storms to cyber threats. Having the right mix of insurance policies ensures business continuity in the...

Understanding Liability Risks in Idaho Idaho’s small businesses — from Boise coffee shops to Coeur d’Alene contractors — thrive on customer relationships. However, a single accident or lawsuit could jeopardize years of hard work....

Why Insurance Matters for Colorado Businesses Colorado’s vibrant small business economy — from Denver’s tech startups to mountain-town retailers — depends on preparation and protection. Business insurance helps owners navigate risks...

The Reality of Wildlife Collisions in Wyoming Wyoming’s breathtaking scenery comes with an unavoidable risk — wildlife on the roads. From elk in Jackson Hole to mule deer near Casper and moose around Laramie, large animal crossings are...

Driving in Nebraska: Why Discounts Matter Nebraska’s drivers face a mix of conditions — long rural highways, busy city streets in Omaha and Lincoln, and seasonal weather challenges like hail and ice. With these risks, auto insurance is...

Urban Living in Colorado: What Renters Need to Know Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs have seen a surge in rental housing over the past decade. With young professionals, students, and families choosing apartment or condo living,...

The Growing Importance of Life Insurance in Idaho Idaho’s population has grown rapidly over the past decade, with more families settling in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Coeur d’Alene. As households expand, so does the need for financial...

Why Winter Weather Preparation Matters in Wyoming Wyoming’s winters are long, intense, and unpredictable. With average temperatures dipping below freezing from November through March, and frequent snowstorms across Cheyenne, Casper,...

Severe Weather in Nebraska: What Homeowners Should Expect Nebraska’s wide-open plains and changing climate make it one of the most weather-volatile states in the country. From tornadoes and hailstorms in the spring to wind and flooding...

Understanding Idaho’s Winter Storm Risks Idaho winters can be both beautiful and brutal. With heavy snowfall in cities like Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Idaho Falls, and freezing temperatures across the state, homeowners face risks such...

Understanding Colorado’s Hail Season Colorado is known as part of “Hail Alley,” an area stretching from Colorado to Wyoming and Nebraska that experiences some of the most frequent and severe hailstorms in the United States. Hail season...

Owning a garage and auto repair shop in Colorado can be a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with its share of challenges. From managing complex operations to navigating regulatory requirements, auto repair shop owners face a myriad...

For business owners in the automotive industry, securing comprehensive garage and auto service insurance is vital to safeguarding your investment. This specialized insurance is designed to cover the unique risks associated with running...

NCCI Changes to Colorado Worker's Compensation Experience Modification Factor (EMOD)

Caitlin Duncan Stallings

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

NCCI Changes to Colorado Worker's Compensation Experience Modification Factor (EMOD)

Mothers Make the World Go Round Mothers are awesome; everyone knows that. Mother's Day gives us a chance to thank them for the neverending work that goes into all that modern motherhood encompasses.But how can you give a mother...

May is the kickoff month to summer with Memorial Day Weekend! We're all excited about kicking off the summer with a big celebration, but don't neglect safety - there are many hazards outdoors, whether you're swimming, cooking, or...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is extremely important to reach across the nation to draw attention to the various - and often surprising - ways that mental illness affect people's lives. This May, a number of...

Keep Your Home Safe From Holiday Fires!Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Most of us associate Thanksgiving Day as a holiday that we spend time with family and friends, watch football, and eat a ton of food! What most people...

Are you protected from cyber security threats?Since 2004, October has been recognized as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cyber Security Alliance collaborate...

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!Recent dated collected by LIMRA, shows the majority of Americans know that life insurance is an important coverage to have, however, according to the data collected, 46% of American adults...

The average dog owner spends $638 annually on routine and surgical visits to the vet. Insuring your pet can help ease the financial burden. The cost of pet insurance is not only affordable, it can also help you save on pet care through...

With hail season right around the corner, here are some useful tips from Travelers Insurance on how to identify hail damage on the roof of your home.Roof hail damage can be random with no discernible pattern, while hail damage to...

As the world reels from the effects of COVID-19, no one is exempt. Even those who remain healthy have had their lives changed. And we know that workers in every industry are dealing with changes, from reduced hours to working remotely...

For many businesses, allowing employees to work from home has changed from a privilege or perk to a necessity as measures are being taken to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. As they shift from having full...

Hailstorms don’t last long, but they pack a real punch. Every year, hail causes nearly $1 billion in damages, mostly to roofs and cars. You can save hundreds of dollars and hours of cleanup by making sure you understand your...

During COVID-19 many of us have experienced significant changes to our lives. Whether that is losing a job, taking a pay cut, making your home your permanent office, home schooling your kids, etc. We are lucky to work in an industry...

On Friday, March 27th, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act is intended to assist business owners with all types of financial needs they currently have. There...

As agents we are frequently asked “why does my auto insurance rate increase every year?!” While this is a complicated answer, a common thread in this discussion is always distracted driving. Cellphone use and car technology...

The answer…YES! The use of technology is an important aspect of any business model in today's time. Technology is what helps businesses reach more clients, achieve higher efficiency and build their brand, however, it also places...

Currently heart disease is the number one cause of death to people in the United States. Heart health is an important topic for people of all ages and genders to consider. Many people associate heart disease with older people, however,...

With the entrepreneurial spirit at a high here in the United States, many people are starting businesses based from their home in order to save cost in the early months and to provide an element of convenience; they can use as much...

Goal setting is one of the most important habits we can create in business and in our personal lives. Goals are a way of keeping many of us on track to achieve our dreams and they are a great way to hold us accountable for our progress...

Each year as the winter season kicks into full force and we start experiencing daily freezing temperatures, we begin to see more cold weather related claims trickle in from our customer that own rental properties. One of the most...

Most of us associate Thanksgiving Day as a holiday to spend time with family, watch football, and eat a ton of food! What most people don’t know, is that Thanksgiving is also the number one day of the year for home fires....

In our opinion Veteran's Day is one of the most important recognized holidays in the calendar year, however, many Americans have no idea what the holiday is for and most often confuse Veteran's Day with Memorial Day. Understanding the...

"Do I have named perils or comprehensive coverage on my homeowner's insurance policy?" Most customers don't know that this is a question they need to be asking their agent every time they get a new homeowner's policy. The coverage...

Breast Cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer in women in the United States and the U.K. According to the American Association of Cancer Research Breast Cancer accounts for 15% of all new cancer cases each year and in 2018...

Turning 16 is one of the most exciting milestones in many people’s lives. When you turn 16 you feel like you’re growing up and have a new sense of freedom having the ability to get a driver’s license. This is a very...

In today's business world, online reviews can have a significant impact on your growth and referral network of new customers. I can honestly say that when I am looking into a business that provides a service I am looking for, I...

Garaging Address, this is a term most people don't pay attention to in their auto insurance, but it actually can have a pretty significant impact on your insurance premiums.To start, what is your garaging address? It's simple, it's the...

The insurance market is an ever evolving industry that continually develops new products to meet customer needs. One of those products that we are beginning to see offered with many of our carriers is Service Line coverage.Service Line...

Sales can be a tough job no matter what industry you're in. Many sales people are able to quickly learn their products and become the expert, however, the roadblock we see most often relates to building a new customer base. We don't...

Two weeks ago we reviewed the three main insurance agent types: direct, online, and independent. This week we will review the advantages and disadvantages to both and why we feel one is better than all of the available options.Direct...

The insurance industry is full of competition and options. Consumers have numerous channels through which to buy insurance, however, many consumers aren’t aware of their options and what they mean. In this post we will explain...

With the use of self-storage units rising, we frequently hear the question: “Does my renter's insurance cover the contents of my storage unit?” The simple answer is yes! However, there are a few stipulations to storage unit...

Although we don’t hear many questions about earthquake insurance in states like Colorado or Wyoming, we hear questions regarding the coverage frequently in states like California. Most consumers assume that damage to their homes...

One of the worst feelings to experience is the realization that your car has been stolen. May you were coming out of your house to leave for work and your car is missing or maybe you just finished grocery shopping and your car is no...

In today's business environment it's imperative that businesses of all sizes have a great website. Studies have shown that the majority of consumers find services and businesses by searching online. Having a well-designed,...

The short answer: yes!While it may seem cost effective to share one policy and split the cost, the long-term consequences can be far more damaging than saving a few bucks up front. Let's look at the pros and cons for sharing a renter's...

Valentine's Day oddly enough is a day that strongly reminds me of insurance and why insurance is not just something you purchase but it's something that can show your loved ones how much you love and care about their well-being. I know...

The start of a new year always brings along new plans, new resolutions, and new ideas. Many of us focus on the fun and exciting aspects of the New Year, but with that we usually forget to review the important and more serious parts of...

One of the most common questions we are asked as agents is “Is my rental car covered when I go on my trip?” The short answer: yes and no.The “yes” part of the answer is easy. The one thing that the vast majority...

Heading to Mexico for the winter sounds so nice when these cold winter months roll in. We have dozens of customers that start their journey south as soon as December gets here. Many of our tropic-seeking customers drive themselves down...

This is not a common question we get as agents, however, it’s a question we wish more consumers would ask. What most people don’t know about their policy is that their car is not automatically covered if is stolen and...

Most insured’s don’t realize that flood is not actually a covered loss on a standard home insurance policy. If the river behind your house floods due to heavy rains and floods your home, your standard homeowner’s...

Insurance is regulated at the state level, meaning each of the 50 states has their own Department of Insurance. There are a few primary duties that each state's Department of Insurance (DOI) has:Licensing Insurance Companies and...

In continuing with our theme of reviewing different aspects of commercial insurance, I wanted to review the concept and coverage called Business Income and Extra Expense.This isn’t a commonly talked about coverage because it...

A waiver of subrogation is a commonly requested endorsement when it comes to commercial insurance. These waivers can be requested on a variety of policies but are primarily seen on general liability, commercial auto, and worker's...

Additional insured requests related to general liability or commercial package policies are a daily occurrence. While most entities require they be an additional insured, most of our customer's don't truly understand what an additional...

Two weeks ago we reviewed the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value coverages on a property policy. This week we will review a similar concept and how it relates to auto insurance. This is also a topic we receive a...

A question we have had come up a lot lately (primarily stemming from our hail claims), is what is the difference between actual cash value settlement and replacement cost?This is a simple answer and VERY important for all consumers to...

Luckily this is an easy answer. A personal umbrella policy is an extra layer of coverage that sits over and above your home, auto, or rental home policies.When the topic of a personal umbrella policy arises, the number one question we...

General liability is insurance coverage that helps businesses to protect themselves against liability claims arising out of bodily injury, property damage, premises, business operations, products or completed operations, and...

Talking or thinking about death can be hard especially when it relates to someone you love. But the one guarantee we all have is that at the end of our lives we die.Due to death being an uncomfortable subject to many people, most...

On a daily basis our agency receives several calls from client's inquiring about why their auto rates increased and why they are so high compared to 10 years ago.The answer is no simple unfortunately. There are several factors that...

It seems like it could be common sense that your insurance company is going to cover your personal vehicle no matter what you are using it for; whether it's delivering pizzas, using it as a work truck for your painting business,...

What is a personal articles floater? For many of you this is a new term and something you more than likely haven't heard when you have sat down for your annual insurance review with your agent.A personal articles floater, also known as...

We get this question frequently, and rightly so, as it is usually the most expensive coverage on your policy.We will start by breaking down the acronyms for each coverage part:UIM coverage stands for underinsured motorist coverage.UM...

The answer is a definite yes!The "ridesharing" industry has become a very popular service to use, but also a very popular service to work in. Many drivers use Lyft and Uber to make extra income in addition to their 9-5 jobs. While...

The term deductible is on just about every insurance policy we pay for. It's on our auto insurance, our home insurance, our health insurance and our business insurance, however, most of the time we don't really take notice to what that...

It never fails, when we get our auto insurance renewals our first question is usually: why did my rate go up? The second: what can I do to lower my rate?Unfortunately we are in a climate of ever increasing auto insurance rates so we...

First let's start with a quick definition of what water backup coverage is. Water backup coverage is an additional coverage added to your homeowner's policy that will provide funds to help you repair water damage from overflowing...

As consumers we want to be experts about what we are purchasing.We take time to review phone products to make sure we have top of the line technology.We take time to analyze car reviews to make sure we are getting the safest, most...