Archives: 2018

Happy Holidays from Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers! Here’s How We’re Giving Back…

This holiday season, Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers would like to thank our clients, colleagues, and friends for their continued support. Thank you for your business, your unwavering confidence, and loyalty over the last 25+ years.

This year, in the spirit of giving thanks, we have made charitable donations to Senior Services North Fulton to remember what this season is all about – – giving back.

We are also proud to sponsor a family through the “Grands Raising Grands” Program at Foster Care Support and volunteer at NFCC helping put together bikes and gift baskets for families and children in need.

‘Tis The Season For Giving Back

Please note our Holiday Hours:

Dec. 24th: CLOSED
Dec 25th: CLOSED
Dec 31st: CLOSING at 3PM
Jan 1st: CLOSED

For emergencies only, please call 678-358-6624.

Thank you, Bury The Hatchet ATL!

We had a GREAT time at Bury The Hatchet Atlanta! Throwing axes and sharing holiday cheers is quite the team building experience! 🤣 Thanks to the crew there for making this so fun.

We Hope You Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Business To Business

When appropriate and relevant, we want to share resources with you, our clients. We hope these will be substantive introductions and impactful to your business.

This month we’d like to introduce our colleagues at Newport Board Group, a firm of partners who assist business owners to achieve sustained growth, profitability and increased management efficiency.

Founded by Doug Tatum, former CEO of Tatum LLC and author of the award-winning book, “No Man’s Land”, Newport delivers practical, hands-on assistance to entrepreneurial and middle market companies.

Unlike typical consulting firms, Newport’s services are personally delivered by partners with decades of practical experience as C-suite executives, operators and entrepreneurs – there are no “junior” professionals.

Bill Loughman is not only one of the most experienced Newport partners, but a long-time insured of Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers.

Newport Partners (and Bill in particular) provide both tactical and comprehensive business solutions that achieve significant value for our clients.

Click here for more information. 

Contact: Bill Loughman

bill.loughman@newportboardgroup.com

678-656-9420.

Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study 2018

Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study

Alpharetta, GA, July 18, 2018 – Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers retains its Best Practices status for the 3rd consecutive year becoming a part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States. This status comes by participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Best Practices Study group. The annual survey and Study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

Since 1993, IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, have join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.

The selected Best Practices agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year. This is the second year of the current three-year study cycle, where over 1500 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study in 2016, but only 262 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories. 

“On behalf of the team at Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers, I am proud to accept our 2018 Best Practices Agency award. We would not be recognized as one of the elite agencies in the country if not for our loyal customers, our hard-working employees and our dedicated carrier partners.” says Ed Gillman, president and CEO of Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers.

Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers was founded in 1993 and can offer insurance products from a number of different companies including CNA, Chubb, The Hartford, Travelers, Foremost Insurance Group and more.

For further information, please call or email Ed Gillman at ed@gillmanins.com (678) 297-7977

Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance – property, casualty, life and health – as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. 

BRAVES TICKETS GIVEAWAY!

At Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers, we believe in giving back. So, we are kicking off summer with a giveaway to show how much we appreciate our customers!

Win 2 FREE TICKETS to see the ATLANTA BRAVES!

To enter, simply click the link below to go to our facebook and leave a comment on the giveaway post!

Click here and comment to win!

Two Braves tickets will go to ONE randomly selected lucky winner! Don’t forget to LIKE OUR PAGE, because we will be announcing the winner on Facebook.

Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 18 at 5:00 PM EST.

Good Luck! #GillmanInsuranceGiveaway

***
By entering this giveaway, you agree to a complete release of Facebook from any or all liability in connection with this giveaway. The giveaway hosted by Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. By entering this giveaway, you are providing your information to Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers, not Facebook. No purchase necessary.
***
Full Terms & Conditions Apply: http://bit.ly/2ubMuPS

What The ‘Hands Free Georgia Act’ Means For GA Drivers

On May 2^nd, 2018, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed into law the “Hands Free Georgia Act”. The law takes effect July 1^st, 2018 and will require the use of hands free technology for mobile electronic devices while driving. A wireless device includes phones, personal digital assistant, laptops, tablets, GPS receivers or any similar portable devices to send/receive data or communications. 

A driver may not:

• Hold or support any such device with any part of their body
• Write, send, or read any text based communication
• Watch or record a video using a portable electronic device

A vehicle must be lawfully parked (not stopped at a red light) in order for a driver to use a hand held electronic device.

The law applies to hand held devices and not installed vehicle equipment such as Bluetooth, voice to text systems, navigation systems, etc.

The new law does not apply to any driver using a device as noted above to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, crime, or hazardous road condition. There is some specific law information as well relating to School Bus Operations and Commercial Drivers. Additional information and FAQ can be found at http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law/

Every driver in Georgia should become familiar with the full specifics of the law and their own circumstances as a driver.  Officers can issue violations starting July 1 as there is no formal grace period; however, they do have the option of issuing warnings as they feel appropriate to educate motorist on the new law. A first offense in a 24 month period is a maximum $50.00 fine/one point penalty on an individual’s driver’s license. The second offense in the same 24 months is $100.00 maximum fine/two point penalty. The third offense within 24 months is $150.00 / three points.

Georgia now becomes the 16^th State to enact Hands Free Legislation in an on-going effort to reduce vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with Distracted Driving. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports each day in the United States approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. While there are many potential distractions that could lead to a vehicle accident, the use of hand held electronic devices are a significant distraction and the target of this new legislation.

Hands-free driving does not mean risk free driving! Cell phone conversations while driving, even when done hands free, remain a major distraction. The best mobile device policy an employer or organization can implement is to prohibit all use while driving. 

This new legislation comes at a time where GA drivers are seeing increasing insurance premiums. We can only hope that this will help minimize car accidents, maximize safety, and eventually make those auto premiums go back down to more reasonable rates.

And if you think Georgia is bad, New York drivers suffer even higher penalties if caught texting and driving.

What are your thoughts? Let us know on facebook!

Why Insured’s Firms Need Employment Practices Liability Insurance?

Why EPLI?

Each day brings new possibilities for unfortunate and unforeseeable accidents. Many people don’t recognize their loss exposures, which can result in catastrophic loss and significant financial burden. It is important to note that charges against employers for discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation and wage and hour violations are at all-time high.

The legal landscape for employers continues to change with the passage of laws like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 and The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. Layoffs, downsizing, salary freezes and reductions in benefits can be used by past and present employees as evidence of tangible adverse employment actions to file charges of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination against employers

What Can You Do To Protect Youself and Your Company?

• Purchase employment practices liability coverage from an A++ rated professional liability insurance company
• Look at the cost of transferring the risk:
  $150,000 = the average cost of defense
  $250,000 = the average jury award if the case goes to a verdict
  $???,??? = settlements that are private and not a matter of public record

Key Coverage Features:

• Broad definition of Wrongful Employment Act – We cover discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, workplace torts and negligent violations of certain employment laws
• $100,000 sublimit for defense and loss for wage and hour claims (not available at this time in CA and FL or for accounts with prior claims)
• “Unlimited defense costs outside the limit” (for accounts up to 200 employees if a limit of $500,000 or greater is chosen)
• Duty to Defend – Our carriers investigate, defend and with your consent, negotiate the settlement of any claim
• BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER – free HR Hotline(3rd Party Expert) with unlimited number of calls and no time limits plus discounted HR Services such as background checks and online HR training modules

Contact us for a free quote and evaluation!

Deborah Stancel | Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers
Commercial & Nonprofit Insurance Problem Solver
deborah@gillmanins.com
11375 South Bridge Pkwy Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 822-0144

Life Hack: How To Clean Your Grill With An Onion

In honor of #NationalBarbequeMonth, here’s our favorite tip to keep your grill clean…

USE RAW ONIONS!

STEP 1: Cut a raw onion in half.
STEP 2: Rub the onion, cut side down, across the hot grill grate. (Use a grill fork so that your hand is a safe distance away from the heat. This only works when the grill is still hot.) You can dip the onion in vegetable oil if it does not slide smoothly.
STEP 3: Repeat and watch the gritty grime clean right off!

The greatest thing about this technique is the onion acts as a natural seasoning on your grill, instead of using harmful chemicals found in some cleaning solutions!

Happy grilling!

Here’s our favorite summertime recipe: Grilled Oysters with Spicy Tarragon Butter

via GIPHY

What You Need To Know About Georgia’s Distracted Driving Bill

Is it illegal to use snapchat while driving in the state of Georgia?

The answer may be yes.

via GIPHY

On March 29th, the Georgia General Assembly approved House Bill 673. If this bill gets signed by Governor Nathan Deal, the law will go into effect July 1, 2018.
So here’s what you need to know:

What Will Be Prohibited?

• Holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device (for example, an iPod).
• Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data while holding your device.
• Reaching for a device if it means you’re no longer in a seated, driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt.
• Watching a video or movie other than watching data related to the navigation of your vehicle (i.e., your mapping app or GPS screen).

What Will Be Allowed?

• Speaking or texting while using hands-free technology.
• Using a GPS system or mapping app.
• Wearing and using a smart watch.
• Using an earpiece to talk on the phone.
• Using radios, CB radios, CB radio hybrids, commercial two-way radios, subscription-based emergency communication devices, prescribed medical devices, amateur or ham radios and “in-vehicle security, navigation or remote diagnostics” systems.
• There are circumstances where you can handle an electronic device while driving: Reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, fire, a crime or delinquent act or a hazardous road condition. You can also use your hands if you’re lawfully parked (not at a stoplight – “lawfully” means off or beside the road in an area open to parking).
• Some people are exempt from the hands-free requirement if they’re performing official duties: police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, ambulance drivers, other first responders and utility employees or contractors responding to a utility emergency.

**list provided by the AJC

Spring Means Boating Season…What Boat Owners Need To Know

Your boat may protect you from the water, but are you protecting your boat from potential damages?

Between 2012 and 2017, boat owner’s and insurance companies took MAJOR losses due to the storm damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy, Harvey, and Irma. Between all three of the tropical storms, nearly 178,000 vessels were destroyed or damaged causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

With new boat sales on the rise, it’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure your boat is protected and your wallet too! Unfortunately, you can never fully prepare yourself for the wrath of mother nature, but you can at least make sure your insurance coverage is the best it can be. That’s where we come in! At Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers, it is our job to find you the best policies and package them together to save you money! We pride ourselves in advising our clients and proposing solutions so that you can sail away with peace of mind!

After all, even though the above numbers are staggering, Hurricanes aren’t even the main cause of loss in the boating industry. #1 are collisions, making up one-third of all claims. #2 is wind and #3 is mechanical breakdown. The costliest types of claims are due to fires, boats sinking and lightning strikes, which hopefully if you take the proper precautions, you can avoid these damages!

Here are a few tips to remember before you launch:

• Familiarize yourself with your boat’s navigation and safety equipment before taking off.
• Only navigate within marked channels to avoid running over submerged objects or going too shallow.
• Stay alert when approaching objects such as mooring fields, navigational buoys and marine traps set in the water.
• Beware that storms cause high tides which often carry debris into the water.
• When storms approach, if at all possible, haul out the vessel and remove anything that could become airborne.

Email me at: cindy@gillmanins.com

Cindy Koegel

Cindy Koegel | Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers
Home & Auto Insurance Problem Solver
cindy@gillmanins.com
11375 South Bridge Pkwy Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 822-0144

The 7 Reasons Why Auto Insurance Is Costing You More Money $$

Have you seen a price increase in your auto premium? Here are the seven main factors to consider before hitting the road!

1. Technology Usage:

   At any given moment across America, approx. 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.

2. Distracted Driving

   Every day there are 9 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries due to distracted driving – that’s over 3,000 deaths and almost 400,000 injuries per year!

3. Rising Medical Costs

   Medical costs in the United States have risen at an average annual rate of 3.0% for the past 5 years!

via GIPHY

4. Accidents Increasing

   Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teenager deaths, and in 2015, 9% of all drivers in that age group involved in fatal crashes were distracted at time of the crash.

5. Auto Repair Costs

   The cost of fixing a vehicle has increased EVERY YEAR since 2010. Averge collision claims are almost 24% higher than they were in 2010. Average collision claims are almost 24% higher than they were in 2010.

6. More Cars On The Road

   3.22 trillion miles were driven on the nation’s roads in 2016, up 2.8% from the year before. The more people drive, the more frequently they get into acciedents.

7. Severe Weather

   Weather disasters like hurricanes, hail and flood end up costing billions in damages, which auto insurers cover through comprehensive insurance.

CALL US TODAY for a free auto insurance comparison! Let’s see if we can save you some cash!

(678) 297-7977