10 Bad Habits That Aren’t Good for Your Car

21 Jul 2022 Articles, Auto Insurance

Bad habits. We all have them. And sometimes, they can be hard to shake. This is especially true when it comes to driving. Depending on how many years you’ve spent behind the wheel, certain habits may be deeply ingrained by now. And many of them can be bad for your car.

DRIVING ON EMPTY

Whether you’re running late and forget to fill up, or you’re just not paying attention to your fuel gauge, finding yourself low on gas can happen from time to time. But running out of gas is more than just inconvenient; it can also be hard on your car.

Why? Because critical components, like your vehicle’s fuel pump, aren’t designed to operate without gas. The fuel pump is submerged in the gas tank, where it uses fuel to cool and lubricate the mechanisms in the pump. Most fuel pumps can last for the life of your vehicle.

But when you run your car on empty, the pump can overheat, which could lead to a costly failure. And because the gas tank typically needs to be drained and removed to replace the pump, this labor-intensive job could cost upward of $1,000 to repair.

DRIVING THROUGH DEEP WATER

If you approach any kind of flooding, including large puddles of groundwater, you may be tempted to drive right through. But your best—and safest—course of action is always to turn around and find another route. What may not seem like a lot of water can in fact be quite dangerous when you’re behind the wheel.

For starters, it can be hard to gauge how deep the water is, and you can’t see what debris or other hazards may be below the water.

On top of that, driving through deep water can damage or destroy your vehicle’s engine, transmission and other critical components. It can also cause irreversible damage to your car’s complex electrical system. Because of this long-lasting damage, a flooded vehicle is often considered a total loss by insurance providers.

DELAYING MAINTENANCE

Every vehicle manufacturer recommends following a routine maintenance schedule to keep your car running in tip-top shape. In the short term, it may seem like there’s no harm in skipping an oil change, air filter replacement or tire rotation. But the truth is, taking care of these preventative maintenance tasks now can save you from needing major repairs later.

IGNORING WARNING LIGHTS

Modern cars feature a host of warning lights, and each is there to notify you of a particular problem with your vehicle. Ignoring these warning lights could leave you with a major repair down the road. Depending on the problem, it could even jeopardize the safety of you and your passengers.

So don’t make a habit of ignoring your vehicle’s warning lights. The next time that “check engine” light starts flashing, consult your car’s manual and if need be, take your car to a qualified mechanic to get it checked out.

NOT CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

One of the easiest car maintenance tasks to ignore is checking your tire pressure. After all, if your tire isn’t flat, what’s the big deal? But not running your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure can cause a host of problems ranging from premature or uneven tire wear to bad handling and poor fuel economy.

For that reason, experts recommend that you make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. And remember that when it’s cold, your tire pressure will drop between one and two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every ten-degree decrease in temperature. So pay extra attention to your tires as the seasons change.

RIDING THE BRAKES

Your car’s brakes represent one of its most important safety systems. But hitting the brake pedal too hard, or using the brakes too often, can leave this system severely compromised.

For example, applying the brakes for a prolonged period of time (like when slowing your car down a long hill) can cause them to overheat. And when your brakes get too hot, their stopping power is greatly reduced.

Overuse of your brakes can have long-term consequences, too. More braking means you’ll wear through pads and rotors faster, which translates to more frequent service intervals. You can also expect to pay more at the pump, thanks to lower fuel economy caused by frequent braking.

To “break” this bad habit, try to leave some extra space between you and other cars on the roadway. And if you’re descending a long hill, try shifting your car out of overdrive and into a lower gear; this will allow the engine to do some of the braking for you.

DRIVING TOO FAST OVER SPEED BUMPS

Speed bumps are installed to help slow down traffic, making areas safer for pedestrians. If you drive over a speed bump at a slow speed, your car will be unharmed. But hit a speed bump faster than about 10 miles per hour, and you can do serious damage to your car.

The sudden impact of a speed bump could cause your suspension to bottom out, damaging your shocks and struts. It could also bend other important suspension components or knock your car out of alignment. So take it slow!

LETTING YOUR CAR SIT FOR LONG PERIODS

Parking your car for extended periods of time can take its toll on your vehicle. The time it takes for your vehicle to be damaged by long-term storage will vary based on several factors, including the location of your parked car and how well you’ve prepared it.

However, the negative effects of time on an undriven vehicle can be observed sooner than you may think.

When your car is left undriven, the fuel and battery can go bad. Tires and rubber belts can crack. Rust can begin to form. And rodents could even make your car their new home.

If you have a college student away, for example, consider using a battery maintainer while the car sits. Since maintainers are used for maintenance during periods when cars aren’t going to be used, time isn’t of the essence when charging. This means that a maintainer can give a battery a “low and slow” charge, which is better for its health than a faster charge or a jump.

HITTING POTHOLES

If you live in an area that sees cold winters, the constant freeze-thaw cycles can make potholes a common sight on the roadways. When driving, you should do your best to avoid hitting them at all costs.

Potholes can cause damage to your vehicle ranging from flat tires or bent wheels to much pricier damage to your suspension, steering system or exhaust system. Next time you encounter a pothole, try to swerve around it. If swerving isn’t possible, reduce your speed to lessen the impact—and any potential damage.

NOT REGULARLY WASHING YOUR CAR

Everybody can appreciate how good a freshly washed car looks. But the benefits of a clean vehicle extend far beyond the visual appeal. If you go long periods of time without washing your car, all that dirt and grime will embed itself in the painted surfaces and will eventually eat away at the clear coat, causing permanent damage.

The consequences are even greater if you live in an area that uses road salt to melt the ice and snow. That’s because salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode the components on your car. This is especially true for any exposed metal, like brake lines and fuel lines.

Common Insurance Needs for Summer Months

16 Jun 2022 Articles, Company News, Homeowners Insurace

Whether you plan to take the summer off or your business is entering one of its busiest seasons, both individuals and business owners must protect themselves against unforeseen hazards that arise when the weather gets warmer. There are common insurance needs in the summer months that should be considered in the interest of mitigating risk and protecting your business and other valued assets from costly damage or claims.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Summer storms can cause major flooding during the warmer months. Because standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, one of the most popular insurance needs in the summer months is supplemental flood insurance.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

From swimming in pools to jumping on trampolines, outdoor play increases during the summer months and so does the risk of accidents. Taking safety precautions like never letting children swim or play unattended and building gates around these play areas are important. But it’s also essential to ensure adequate liability coverage or umbrella insurance as part of your homeowners’ policy in the event that something goes wrong.

SHORT-TERM & LONG-TERM RENTAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

If you plan to rent out your primary residence or vacation home this summer, you should consider added protection. Adding a rider to an existing insurance policy and purchasing a business or landlord policy are just some of the ways you can protect against claims related to property damage, personal property theft or damage, or other costly events when renting your property.

HULL INSURANCE

Hull insurance covers damage to any remote control models or drones. This can include recreational usage or business usage (such as drone photography). Additionally, On-Boarding Insurance would cover damage to anything these devices would be carrying (such as a camera).

You may also want coverage to protect yourself from liability, should your vehicle damage any person or property.

How to Get Better Gas Mileage (And Other Questions About Fuel Economy)

11 Apr 2022 Articles, Auto Insurance

If you’re looking for ways to tighten your monthly budget, there’s an unexpected place you can look: Your garage.

No, we’re not telling you to sell your car (although that’s certainly an option). Rather, it’s time to take a closer look at the way you drive and take care of your vehicle. As gas prices climb, both of these habits can make a bigger impact on your wallet than you think.

And if you’re looking for affordable car insurance, we can help with that, too.

WHAT IS GAS MILEAGE?

Gas mileage (also known as miles per gallon or MPG) is measured by calculating the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a single gallon of fuel. Fuel economy is another term that’s commonly used. It’s often referred to in relation to improving fuel efficiency — which means using less gas when you drive.

HOW CAN I FIGURE OUT MY VEHICLE’S MPG?

Since 1977, auto manufacturers have been required to publish some form of miles per gallon metric on new car labels. For modern vehicles, this includes ratings for city, highway and combined MPG values.

In general, vehicles tout better gas mileage during highway driving rather than city (i.e. stop and start) driving. But the combined MPG rating, which represents 55% city driving and 45% highway driving, provides a quick and easy way to compare the fuel efficiency of gasoline vehicles — which is especially helpful if you’re shopping for a new car. You can find these values for your current vehicle through a quick internet search.

If you want to measure the real-world gas mileage of your car, it’s easier than you might think. Follow the steps below from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy:

  • Step 1: Top off your tank. Fill your tank all the way up, then record the current mileage from your odometer (or set your odometer’s trip meter).
  • Step 2: Run it out, then record your numbers again. Once it’s time to fill up again, record the new odometer reading as well as the number of gallons it took to refuel.
  • Step 3: Subtract your readings. If you used the trip meter, you can skip this step. If not, put those elementary math skills to use and subtract your first odometer reading from your second to see how many miles you traveled on one tank.
  • Step 4: Do a little division to determine your MPG. Take your figure from step three and divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank. Your final number is your MPG for that driving period.

WHAT’S CONSIDERED “GOOD” GAS MILEAGE?

Getting good gas mileage means that you can travel further using less gas.

As a general guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designed a fuel economy rating that evaluates vehicles on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best). These numbers can also be found on new car labels. For the 2020 model year, vehicles earning a 1 rating return an MPG of 14 or less, while a score of 10 requires 44 or more MPG.

But there are a lot of other variables that factor into this ‒ from the type of vehicle you drive to the way you drive it. And all of these can add up when it comes to how much you end up spending on gas.

WHAT CAUSES POOR GAS MILEAGE?

Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, all of these factors can negatively impact gas mileage:

  • Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle burns up. This includes how fast you accelerate, too.
  • Idling: Keeping your car on for it to warm up or cool down, queuing up at a drive-thru or waiting to pick your kid up from soccer practice can all decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy.
  • Aerodynamic drag and excess weight: Driving too fast or traveling with a rooftop cargo carrier? These can increase wind resistance, which causes your vehicle to use more gas. And towing any kind of trailer or hauling too much in your trunk, bed or back seat also requires more fuel.
  • Poor maintenance: From underinflated tires to an unattended engine issue, failure to consistently “tune-up” your vehicle can cost you a lot more at the pump. It also can create potential safety risks.
  • Quick trips: A quick run to the supermarket on Monday. Stopping by the bank on Wednesday. While it may be convenient to run these errands one at a time, it can wreak havoc on your fuel economy. Quick, short trips like this from a “cold start” eat up fuel, because your engine needs to warm up before it can run efficiently.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY GAS MILEAGE?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Consumer Reports offer several ways that you can improve your MPG:

  • Drive more efficiently.
    • Follow the speed limit, and drive sensibly ‒ not aggressively (e.g. quick accelerations, hard stops, etc.).
    • On the highway, don’t speed up and slow down (unless you need to for safety). Once you get up to speed, stay there. Use cruise control when possible.
    • Remove the unnecessary extra weight, avoid idling and take the cargo box off the roof of your vehicle (unless you really need to use it) to help even more.
  • Keep your car in shape.
    • Make sure your engine is tuned, keep tires properly inflated and use the right grade of motor oil.
  • Plan and combine trips.
      • Spend less time sitting in traffic by avoiding rush hour on daily commutes.
      • Run all your errands on one day rather than taking multiple short trips during the week.
      • If you have an especially long commute, ask your employer if you can work from home a day or two per week.

19 Things You Should Never Leave In Your Car

15 Mar 2022 Articles

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like you’re living out of your car. You drive to and from work. Shuttle the kids around. Get groceries. Run errands… The list goes on.

With all this busyness, your car can become a catch-all for everything you need throughout the day. But using your car as temporary storage space is a bad habit to get into. Not only can it leave you susceptible to a car break-in, but extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can be bad for your stuff, too.

To help you protect your vehicle (and the things inside it), here’s our list of 19 things you should never leave in your car.

 

  • Electronics. Not only are expensive electronics an invitation to thieves – but the information they store is often more valuable than the device itself.
  • Water bottles. On a hot day, the high temperatures in your car can cause chemicals from the plastic bottle to leach into the water. The biggest offender is bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to a range of health problems – including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • Medication. Did you know that fluctuating temperatures inside your car could impact the effectiveness of your prescription drugs? According to Baystate Health, most medicines should be stored at 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dry place. When your medications are stored outside that range in hot or freezing temperatures, the chemical properties of certain drugs can change, potentially making them less effective.
  • Purse or wallet. Obviously, leaving a purse or wallet in a visible location can attract the wrong type of attention to your parked car. But even when stowed out of sight, it’s unwise to leave a purse or wallet in your car. Not only does it contain cash and credit cards, but a thief could also gain access to your driver’s license and other important personal data.
  • Important documents. Speaking of personal data, any documents or forms that contain sensitive information should never be left in your car. That includes things like tax forms, financial statements, school transcripts or your passport. Information from these documents could be used by a thief to commit fraud or identity theft.
  • Wine. Wine enthusiasts go to great lengths to store their vino at the perfect temperature and humidity. Leaving a bottle of wine in a hot car is pretty much the exact opposite of that. Not only can extreme heat produce off-flavors in the wine, but heat can also cause the air in the bottle to expand – pushing out the cork enough to contaminate the liquid inside.
  • Canned beverages. Extreme hot and cold temperatures could cause the cans to explode. And trust us – your car will never be the same after cleaning up the sticky aftermath of that soda bomb.
  • Pets. This one should be obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Never leave your pet alone inside a parked car. Time passes faster than you realize, and on a hot day, car temperatures can quickly climb to well over 115 degrees Fahrenheit, putting your pet’s life in danger.
  • Groceries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), refrigerated foods should never be left out for more than two hours. And if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, that time is reduced to one hour. Leaving perishable food in your car beyond these limits can promote the spread of harmful bacteria. The takeaway: On a hot day, keep your food safe by heading straight home after your trip to the grocery store.
  • Aerosol cans. A hot car is no place to leave an aerosol can. Whether it’s spray paint, deodorant, hairspray or a household cleaner, these pressurized cans can explode in temperatures above 120 F – which is definitely possible to achieve inside your car on a warm summer day.

  • Lighters. Similar to aerosol cans, cigarette lighters can also leak or explode in high temperatures. The resulting explosion could even start a fire.
  • Plants. Leaving a plant inside your car for too long can lead to dehydration. And fluctuating temperatures can stress – or even kill – the hardiest houseplants.
  • Art supplies. If you’re a parent, you’ve likely experienced the joy of scraping melted crayons off a car seat. It doesn’t take much heat for art supplies like crayons and pastels to soften and melt – leaving a colorful mess in their wake.
  • Cosmetics. You’ve invested a lot of money in that bag of makeup. So don’t ruin it by leaving it in your car. Just like crayons, that new lipstick can also melt into a waxy puddle in your hot car. And other cosmetics, like mascara, can become unusable if they freeze – even after they thaw back out.
  • Cash. Leaving cash visible in your car is asking for trouble. Even if it’s only a few dollars, or some spare change in the cupholder, you may be surprised how little it takes to convince a would-be thief to break your car window.
  • Musical instruments. Storing a wooden instrument, like a guitar or violin, in your car could result in permanent damage. That’s because rapid changes in temperature and humidity can cause the delicate wood used in the instrument to warp, crack or split.

  • Glasses. Did you know high and low temperatures can affect the frames of your glasses and sunglasses? In a hot car, plastic frames can warp and bend. And when it’s freezing out, the plastic can become brittle – making it easier to accidentally break them.
  • Sunscreen. It’s nice to have some sunblock handy at a moment’s notice. But keeping your bottle of sunscreen in a hot car can cause the protective chemicals to break down – reducing its effectiveness.
  • Batteries. Extreme temperatures aren’t good for batteries, either. High temperatures can cause your sealed batteries to leak. And low temperatures can reduce the energy storage capacity of a battery.

 

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

Life is full of unexpected moments. When something you value has been damaged or lost, filing an auto insurance claim shouldn’t add to the stress.

 

Using Benefits to Grow and Retain Top talent

3 Mar 2022 Articles

Using Benefits to Grow and Retain Top talent


The job market is unusual right now, to say the least. Finding reliable, qualified and quality talent has been a major issue for many of our clients. There is no easy answer as to why this is happening, especially since it seems to be across many different industries. However, we know that strong recruitment efforts have some consistencies:

  • Aggressive pay wage.
  • Positive organizational culture.
  • Strong employee benefits.

This is where we can come in and help.

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates has substantially grown throughout the past year, especially as businesses have adjusted their portfolios to attract and maintain employees.

We serve as an intermediary between businesses and several Group Benefits Companies, helping match plans that best suit the needs. Our clientele ranges from businesses with less than five employees, to large corporations with thousands of employees. Our Group Benefits team has specialists that cover this range, along with a strong support team that ensures a streamlined rollout to all employees.

A program customized for both the business and employees

Employee benefits play an important role in employees’ and their families’ lives and have a significant financial and administrative impact on a business organization. Our goal is to establish a long-term relationship focused on bringing a combination of benefits to attract and retain top talent while also balancing the increasing cost of benefits.

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates serves as an intermediary between your company and multiple Insurance Companies.

We provide industry knowledge, tools, and support to create a benefits package that aligns with your corporate goals. We also assist you and your employees with successfully navigating the world of employee benefits.

We are committed to helping you find the best-suited options to fit you and your employee’s needs. Combined, we offer 200 years of experience and expertise to provide you with the best solution for protection and prosperity. We believe you cannot have one without the other.

All About Hiring Your First Employee

11 Feb 2022 Articles

You’ve put in the hard work building your business from the ground up. And it’s finally starting to pay off. The only problem: now you have more work than you can handle.

As a small business owner, growth is always a good problem to have. But it does come with its own share of challenges. If you’ve made it to this point, you have two options. The first is to let opportunities for new business pass you by, ensuring you don’t take on more than you can handle. The second option is to lighten your load – by hiring someone to help.

For many business owners, the decision to hire their first employee can be a difficult one. So here are answers to some of the most common questions about hiring your first employee.

You’ve worked hard to build and grow your business. We can help protect it.

SHOULD I HIRE AN EMPLOYEE OR CONTRACTOR?

If you need help building your business, there are two ways to hire an extra set of hands – adding an employee or signing an independent contractor. While there are pros and cons to both, it’s important to understand the difference.

  • Employee: An employee is hired to work for your company on a full- or part-time basis. This means you, as the employer, have control over how, when, and where they do their job. And you’ll also have ownership of any work product that’s created on company time. However, this control comes with added responsibility. When you hire an employee, you’ll need to withhold payroll taxes and report their income using the appropriate tax form, in addition to abiding by other federal, state, and local employment laws. Then, there are additional benefit considerations – like offering vacation, sick time, a retirement plan, and health insurance. These are just some of the basic responsibilities that are tied to having employees.
  • Independent contractor: A contractor (or freelancer) is a self-employed worker that is hired for a specific task. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), that means the payer only has the right to direct the result of the work – not how, when, or where it’s accomplished. Contractors can also perform work for multiple clients at the same time. When hiring a contractor, you still need to report their income using the appropriate tax form. But because they’re responsible for their own taxes and benefits, you generally don’t need to withhold any payroll taxes.

Contractors can be a great option for short-term, project-based jobs. They can bring a specific skill to the table, without the long-term commitment of hiring an employee.

On the other hand, an employee will give you far more control over the work being performed – and the nature of the arrangement means they’re also likely to be more committed to your business. In the long run, this may make hiring an employee worth the extra time and financial investment, depending on the work that needs to be done.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO HIRE AN EMPLOYEE?

Every business is unique. So, unfortunately, there’s no right answer to when it’s the best time to hire an employee. Instead, you’ll need to find the right balance for your situation.

  • Too early: The biggest challenge to hiring your first employee is typically a financial one. Hire someone too early and you’ll run the risk of encountering cash-flow problems. Or if you don’t have enough work to support another team member, you could be paying someone who doesn’t have enough to keep them busy.
  • Too late: However, if you start hiring too late, you may miss out on opportunities to grow your business. Or you could get in over your head and risk disappointing your current customer base.

Either scenario is less than ideal. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead.

Decide in advance when it’s a good time to bring on an employee – like when you hit a certain sales goal, or at a time when an employee can perform work that will significantly increase your revenue. If you need help before hitting that milestone, you can always hire a contractor to test the waters.

WHAT CHANGES DO I NEED TO MAKE TO MY BUSINESS BEFORE HIRING AN EMPLOYEE?

One big obstacle to hiring your first employee can be the logistics. The truth is, hiring an employee means you’ll have a lot more legal rules to follow1. If you have specific questions about your business, always talk to an experienced lawyer for legal advice.

Generally speaking, though: Before you make your first job offer, you may need to:

  • File for a federal employer identification number (EIN). If you don’t have one already, this number will be used for tax documents that are submitted to the IRS.
  • Register with the state. Depending on where you live, you may need a separate tax ID number for your state. You may also need to pay your state’s unemployment compensation tax, which is used to support workers if they lose their job.
  • Set up your payroll. Whether you decide to manage payroll on your own or work with an outside firm, you’ll need to set up regular pay periods. Generally, employers withhold state and federal taxes based on the information completed in your employee’s W-4 form.
  • Display required notices. You may be a small business. But as an employer, you’re now subject to many federal, state, and local labor laws. And depending on your industry, that may require displaying certain notices or posters for your employees to see.
  • Create an employee handbook. This step may seem like overkill for your first employee. But if you don’t have any policies in place for your staff to follow, you may be left defenseless against future bad behavior.
  • Prepare your onboarding process. Before making your first hire, it’s wise to think through how you’ll train your employees. Developing an onboarding process in advance can help your new hire get up to speed faster and eliminate any frustrations caused by a lack of direction.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB?

Your first hire will likely have a significant impact on the future of your business – good or bad. That’s why it’s critical to find the right person to fill the job. With reports of record labor shortages in the news, many businesses are finding it harder than ever to hire qualified workers. Here are some tips that may help.

  • Understand hiring laws. When hiring, keep in mind that there are questions that you can’t (or shouldn’t) ask. To avoid being discriminatory in your hiring decision, steer clear of asking about topics such as a candidate’s age, religion, disability, marital status, race, or any other protected characteristic. If you have specific questions, it’s best to consult a lawyer for legal advice tailored to your business or situation.
  • Write a compelling job description. When writing a job description, make sure it clearly describes the work that will be performed, as well as any qualifications you expect from applicants. Be practical. Have realistic expectations. And don’t forget to explain why it will be great working for your growing company – including any perks of the job. Then, post your listing to online job sites like Indeed, Monster.com and LinkedIn.
  • Consider a benefits package. With so many job opportunities available right now, an offer with competitive pay and benefits can help attract top talent. Do your research in advance to determine what the average compensation is for similar roles in your area.
  • Use your network. For businesses with fewer than 100 employees, it’s estimated that about half of all new hires are generated by referrals. So be sure to use your personal network to your advantage. Let your friends, family and professional contacts know you’re hiring and ask if they know anyone that would be a good fit. And don’t ignore the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Prepare for the interview. Once you’ve narrowed down the field of candidates, it’s time to conduct interviews. Be sure to prepare your questions ahead of time and make a list of the attributes you’re looking for. This will make it easier to compare applicants. Experts also recommend asking situational questions to gauge how someone may respond to real-life scenarios.

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE HIRING PROCESS?

After you’ve found the perfect candidate, it’s time to make an offer and set a start date. But of course, it’s not quite that easy. Here are some steps you should take to protect your business and ensure a smooth hiring process.

  • Fact-check their resume. A resume is a great starting point to learn about someone’s background and experience, but it won’t tell you everything. Consider following up with previous employers or alma maters to make sure a candidate’s skills and experience check out. Be aware that many employers have a standard practice of not providing details on a former employee; only dates of employment and/or whether or not the individual would be considered “eligible for rehire.”
  • Conduct a pre-employment screening. Your first employee may have access to everything from important files to financial records. So you’ll want to make sure they can be trusted. Consider paying for a background check and drug screen to check for any signs of past criminal conduct or substance abuse. Be aware of all federal, state, and local laws that might impact background checks (including credit checks) and drug testing. Consider doing background checks and/or drug testing after a conditional offer is made.
  • Write an offer letter. Next, write up the details of your job offer and submit it to your soon-to-be employee. This should include information on the position, salary and any benefits you’re offering. The offer will serve as the foundation from which any negotiations start. The offer letter is an important document. It’s a good idea to discuss it with or have it reviewed by legal counsel in advance. As mentioned above, consider having a first conditional offer letter, pending successful background checks and/or drug testing. Then follow up with a final offer letter, once the background check and/or drug testing have been successfully completed.
  • Be prepared to negotiate. Applicants are likely to try and negotiate for higher pay or benefits. Be prepared in advance for any compromises you’re willing to make. And if you can’t budge on salary, consider offering other incentives like vacation time or training opportunities.
  • Complete your paperwork. Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted and your new employee is ready to start. Now it’s time to get working on all the forms required by the U.S. Department of Labor. Be sure to keep copies of everything for your own records.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY GROWING BUSINESS?

You may have started as a one-person show. But now that your business is expanding, you’ll need to make sure it’s protected.

An insurance pro can help you understand what coverage to consider when you hire new employees. Generally speaking, here are a few things to have on your radar:

  • Business Insurance: Business insurance can help protect against everything from property damage to liability claims from customers and employees.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ compensation laws and requirements vary by state. But generally, any business that has employees must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. It helps cover medical care and lost wages for an employee who is hurt at work.
  • Employment Practices Liability (EPL): Unfortunately, no employer is immune from a current or former employee, or even an employment candidate, filing a claim of alleged discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment of any kind. If a claim against your business is made, you could spend valuable time and resources defending it – even if the claim is determined to be meritless.

YOU BUILT IT. LET US HELP PROTECT IT.

They say “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” And neither was your business. EFM&A appreciates all the hard work that goes into starting and running a small business. It’s why we’ve dedicated our lives to helping you protect it.

5 Customer Expectations That Might Outlast COVID-19

28 Jan 2022 Articles

While we can’t predict exactly when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will pass, it’s safe to assume one thing: The virus will impact the way you do business and your customers’ expectations for years to come.

As we navigate the next chapter of COVID-19 together, those (and more) expectations just might be here to stay. What might your customers expect from your business in this new normal and beyond? Here are some trends that are likely to stick around:

 

  • Transparent cleaning and safety protocols: This keeps everyone on the same page and builds trust and accountability. Are you closing down early to clean overnight? Sanitizing frequently-touched surfaces? Requiring masks for entry? Make expectations clear and readily available, such as a page on your website or a social media post. Then, remember to hold employees and customers accountable.

 

  • Contact-free options: Online ordering. Curbside pickup. Video consultations. Get creative and think about what makes sense for your business. Maintaining social distance is simply the right thing to do – and even as restrictions relax, customers’ desire for contact-free options is not going away anytime soon.

 

  • Updated hours of operation: If Google says you’re open but your website says you’re closed, that can confuse and frustrate customers… or cost you a sale. Make sure your hours and contact information are consistent on your website, search engines and social media. Put a sign in the window to communicate changes in operating hours to passers-by – and don’t forget to change your business voicemail too.

 

  • Staying connected: Maintaining social distance doesn’t mean we have to stay emotionally apart. Keep in touch with your customers through social media or e-newsletters to let them know they’re still top of mind (and keep your business top of mind, too). A coupon or discount code can provide a helpful incentive when you reach out, as well.

 

  • A little vulnerability: If your first attempt at something new is a little wonky… so what? Tell your customers you’re trying your best and ask for honest feedback. Aim for progress and authenticity, not perfection – and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories. After all, we’re figuring this out together.

How NOT to Drive in Winter Weather

6 Jan 2022 Articles, Auto Insurance

Winter driving has its challenges. But throw an inexperienced — or inconsiderate — driver into the mix, and your daily commute can get much more difficult.

It’s always aggravating when other drivers put you at risk. Getting stuck behind a driver who is spinning their tires or not paying attention isn’t just annoying… it’s dangerous.

Winter driving calls for quick decision making, patience and a little bit of know-how. Below you’ll find ways to spot a rookie winter driver — and how to avoid looking like one yourself:

Here are six common mistakes of winter drivers:

  • Tailgating: Usually, drivers tailgate because they want the car in front of them to go faster. This is never OK, especially in the winter months. It takes longer to come to a stop in the winter, so you should always put more distance between you and the car ahead. Impatience on the road rarely pays off – tailgating just puts you and others at risk.
  • Speeding: Speeding can get you into trouble quickly. Make sure you’re never driving faster than what is safe for the conditions. In snowy or icy conditions, that probably means driving below the speed limit. The faster you’re going, the more likely you are to lose control or slide into another car. Expect traffic to move a little slower in the winter and allow extra time to get to your destination.
  • Getting stuck: Driving through deep snow may sound like fun, but chances are it will leave your tires spinning. For your own safety, know when to stay off the road altogether and drive carefully to avoid losing traction in the first place. After all, getting stuck is easy – getting out isn’t.
  • Ice on the windshield: If your car has snow or ice on the windshield, it can be tempting to save time by letting your wipers or defroster remove it as you drive. But driving without full visibility is like driving blindfolded. Use a snow brush or ice scraper to clear your windshield entirely every time you get behind the wheel.  (And don’t just clear a little “window” you can see through!)
  • Snow on the roof: If you’ve ever driven behind someone with snow on their roof, you know it can be an accident waiting to happen. If your car is covered in snow, take the time to clear your roof before you tackle the windows. You’ll keep snow from falling in your field of vision and from hitting the drivers behind you.
  • Driving with high beams on: This can be frustrating in any condition, but some people think that high beams will increase your vision during whiteouts or heavy snowfall. In fact, fog lights and low beams will do much better.

EFM&A Welcomes Ian Hurtubise

5 Jan 2022 Articles, Company News, Employee News

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates is pleased to announce the hiring of Ian Hurtubise as a Group Benefits Consultant.  Ian specializes in disability and has his NYS Life, Accident, and Health license.

He loves learning about how his clients impact the WNY area, and he loves working and educating his clients about Group Benefits.

Ian lives in East Amherst with his fiancee, Jessica his dog, Pepper, and his cat, Pita. Outside of work he coaches college hockey, he is renovating his new house, and he enjoys hiking, biking, or running with Pepper!

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates Group Benefits department has substantially grown throughout the past year, especially as businesses have adjusted their portfolios to attract and maintain employees.

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates serves as an intermediary between companies and several Group Insurance Companies, helping match plans that best suit the needs.  The clientele ranges from businesses with less than five employees, to large corporations with thousands of employees.  The Group Benefits team has specialists that cover this range, along with a strong support team that ensures a streamlined rollout to the employees.

Car Gift Ideas: 39 Car Accessories, Gadgets and More

16 Dec 2021 Articles, Company News

With Christmas quickly approaching, you’re running out of time to get the perfect gift for those special people in your life.

Here’s our list of the top car-related gifts you can buy for your friends and family – from the commuting road warrior to the die-hard auto enthusiast, and everyone in between.

CAR GIFT IDEAS FOR COMMUTERS

  • Wireless charger: These days, our smartphones are an essential piece of equipment – which can make keeping them fully charged a challenge. A charging pad for the car means they’ll never have to think about plugging in a smartphone. Just place it in the console and the power flows automatically.
  • Drinkware: Cold brew is cool – unless you’re prepared for piping hot. A vacuum-insulated travel mug will keep hot drinks hot (or cold drinks cold) for hours on end, making them the perfect accessory for any long commute.
  • Dashcam: Accidents happen. And if you’re logging lots of miles behind the wheel each day, the likelihood of a fender bender is even higher. A dashcam easily mounts to the car’s windshield and will record everything that happens from the moment you turn the key. This can provide important evidence in the event of an accident, especially during a hit-and-run.
  • Jump starter: Click-click-click…that dreaded sound means your battery’s dead. You could call Emergency Roadside Service or ask a stranger for a jump start (assuming one of you has jumper cables). But the fastest, easiest and safest way is to use a battery jump starter. These portable booster packs feature a battery that’s powerful enough to jump a car on its own. Best of all, new models by companies such as NOCO and Stanley are compact and won’t break the bank.
  • Emergency kit: A well-stocked emergency kit is important for every driver. But this is especially true for those who spend a lot of time on the road. Buy a premade kit from your local auto parts store or assemble your own car emergency kit.
  • Bluetooth receiver: Do you know someone with an older car that doesn’t have Bluetooth capability? No problem! Just buy a Bluetooth receiver, plug it into the car’s auxiliary power outlet (cigarette lighter), and they can play tunes wirelessly through the radio using the built-in FM transmitter.
  • Custom floor mats: During rain and snow, those carpet floor mats that come standard with your car can turn into a wet, filthy mess. Universal all-weather floor mats provide a step up. But for the best protection, consider a more custom solution. You can buy rubberized floor mats designed to fit perfectly in any vehicle from companies like WeatherTech or the vehicle’s manufacturer.
  • Phone mount: Cell phone use is by far the top cause of distracted driving. Help keep their eyes on the road with a dash- or windshield-mounted phone holder. A mount will make for safer driving when using key smartphone features, like GPS navigation – but remember, always keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
  • Audiobooks: Know someone who wants to make more time for reading? Help them use all that commuting time to their advantage. It’s easy to play an audiobook from your smartphone and listen to it during a drive. To satisfy their inner bookworm, consider a gift card to Amazon or a subscription to a service like Audible.
  • Music subscriptions: After hours in the car, you can get tired of the same old music. And if you’re using a streaming service or listening to the radio, hearing the same ads on repeat is even worse. Buy a premium subscription to a streaming service like Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music – or a subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio – to give the gift of ad-free music enjoyment.
  • Tire inflator: Low on air? A portable tire inflator will plug into their vehicle’s power outlet and allow them to fill up anywhere, no gas station required.
  • Steering wheel desk: Working from the road can be tough. Improve the ergonomics of their mobile workplace with a desk that attaches to the steering wheel. It makes for a great place to send a few emails, or even eat lunch – while you’re safely parked, of course.

CUTE CAR ACCESSORIES

  • Steering wheel cover: Add some extra style to their ride with a custom steering wheel cover to match their personality. (Think: leopard, Aztec, boho, or bling.) Or choose something soft and fuzzy to take the edge off that winter cold.
  • Headrest hangers: These specially designed hooks attach to the posts of a headrest, allowing them to hang nearly anything into the backseat. They work great for bags, purses or clothing.
  • Seat covers: Whether their car’s seats are worn and stained, or they’d just like an added pop of color, seat covers can be a great solution. You can even buy a heated seat cover that plugs into the vehicle’s auxiliary power outlet, if they drive a car that didn’t come with factory-installed heated seats.
  • Interior lights: Brighten up the interior of any vehicle with LED lighting strips. These lights are designed to be mounted in the footwells of the car for better visibility. They’re easy to install, and you can even customize the colors through a mobile app. (Just make sure the mood lighting doesn’t distract you on the road.)
  • Glove box organizer: Do you know someone who struggles finding their registration and proof of insurance when they need it? A glove compartment organizer can help keep everything well sorted, so it’s always there when they need it. (ERIE customer? Download the ERIE mobile app for access to your policy information at your fingertips.)
  • Seat belt pad: Wearing a seat belt can save your life in the event of an accident. But the shoulder straps can also get uncomfortable over long periods of time. A seat belt pad wraps around the shoulder strap to provide some needed relief. And they’re available in tons of colors, materials and styles.

FUNNY CAR ACCESSORIES

  • Key finder: Do you know someone who can never find their keys? A key finder, available from companies such as Tile, makes it easy to find those lost keys. Just activate the keychain alarm from a smartphone, and they’ll save hours spent digging through couch cushions.
  • Model car: Shopping for someone whose dream car is an exotic Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini? You may not be able to get them a new ride, but you could make a joke out of buying a scaled-down version from Lego or Hot Wheels.
  • Hula dancer: Bring back some retro style with a vintage dashboard doll. Choose the classic hula dancer, or any number of other bobbleheads available. (Just don’t let all that wiggling distract you from the road.)
  • Fuzzy dice: Speaking of retro, nothing screams 1950s car culture like a pair of fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.
  • Seat gap filler: Always losing things in the gap between the seat and the car’s center console? Save them from searching that seemingly bottomless pit with a seat gap filler, like Drop Stop. Originally a Shark Tank invention, this car-related gift may seem ridiculous, but it can actually be quite helpful in the moment.
  • Trash can: From fast-food wrappers to disposable masks, car clutter can drive you crazy. For your messier friends and family, a mini trash can could incentivize them to keep things a little cleaner.
  • Bumper stickers: Bumper stickers are the original funny car accessory. With thousands to choose from, you’re bound to find something that fits their personality – or leverages an inside joke.

GIFT IDEAS FOR CAR ENTHUSIASTS

  • Code scanner: We’ve all experienced the dreaded “check engine” light. Help them get to the bottom of why the light’s on with a code scanner. Just plug it into the car’s diagnostic port and use the scanner to pull the engine code. Newer versions can even connect to your phone for a more user-friendly experience.
  • Detailing kit: Help the car lover in your life keep their ride clean with a detailing kit. There are tons of kits available that include items such as car wash, wax, microfiber towels, glass cleaner and tire shine.
  • Driving gloves: For the serious driver, a pair of leather gloves can be a great gift. Though they’re probably unnecessary for newer cars with power steering, they can still help them feel like their favorite racing driver.
  • Magazine subscription: Give them access to the latest news on what’s going on in the car world with a subscription to an enthusiast magazine like Car and Driver, Road & Track or Motor Trend.
  • Driving shoes: Spirited driving in a car with a manual transmission can require some fancy footwork. Driving shoes, sold by companies like Piloti and Puma, offer a thin profile to improve pedal feel, with extra grip on the parts of the sole where it’s needed most.
  • Tool kit: Having a small set of portable tools in your car can really help in a bind. This is an especially good gift for the car lover who loves wrenching on their own vehicle.
  • Driving experience: Let them live out their automotive fantasy by taking an exotic sports car around a local road course. Or pretend they’re a NASCAR driver at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. A driving experience like this may only last a few hours, but they’ll talk about it for years to come.
  • Tire pressure gauge: Running the right tire pressure at each corner of your vehicle can make a real difference in your car’s performance. Help them get an exact reading with a digital tire pressure gauge.
  • Driving school: High performance driving schools aren’t like that drivers ed course you took in high school. Instead of parallel parking, they can take their car to a local race track and learn how to improve their skills behind the wheel from a seasoned pro.

GIFT IDEAS FOR PET LOVERS

  • Portable vacuum: We love our pets. But the hair they leave behind… not so much. Buy the pet lover in your life a small portable vacuum to keep in the car. It’ll help clean up any hairball in an instant.
  • Seat protectors: A muddy day at the dog park can mean hours cleaning the back seat after the ride home. Pet seat protectors are designed to lay on top of the rear seat, creating a protective barrier that’s easy to take out and wash.
  • Safety harness: You wear a seat belt in the car to keep you safe. Your pet should, too. There’s a wide range of pet safety gear available on the market today, from harnesses and clips to leashes and carriers. Learn more in our guide on how to keep pets safe in cars.
  • Air freshener: Scooby smells sweet…until he gets wet. (Ugh.) Get rid of that dreaded wet dog smell with an air freshener or deodorizer designed specifically for pets.
  • Cargo liner: Does a pet frequently ride in the back of their crossover or SUV? A rubber cargo liner will keep any mess they create from damaging the vehicle. You can even purchase barriers to keep pets from jumping into the back seat.

FEEL RIGHT AT HOME

From your driver seat settings to the position of the steering wheel and your favorite station on the radio, your car is your safe haven on the road.

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