Spring Considerations for Homeowners 27 Mar 2025, 1:35 pm

Spring is a season that is synonymous with new beginnings, warmer weather, and blooming flowers. It is also the perfect time for homeowners to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks to ensure that their property is in top-notch condition. From an insurance perspective, we will discuss some spring maintenance tips that homeowners should keep in mind throughout this season.

First and foremost, it’s important to complete a thorough interior checkup of your home. This includes inspecting the back-up generator, water detection system, central burglar/fire alarms, cameras, sump pumps, and smoke alarms. Spring is the perfect time to check and replace your smoke alarm batteries, and it’s also a good idea to check your electronics that provide you alerts. Many of these systems run by apps, so make sure they are updated and working correctly.

As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to complete an exterior home inspection. This includes examining your roof, siding, fascia, soffits, and spouting for any loose, lifted, missing, or dangling items. It’s also important to inspect your outdoor faucets and other structures, such as sheds, fences, and swimming pools.

Finally, after the cold and dreary winter, our yards, driveways, and sidewalks can collect a lot of debris. It’s essential to keep your yard clean and prepped for mowing and to prevent injury to anyone who may come on your property. This includes removing any sticks, leaves, or trash that may have accumulated over the winter months.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your home is safe and secure. This maintenance is crucial for homeowners to ensure the longevity and safety of their homes. By completing a thorough interior and exterior checkup, homeowners can catch any potential issues before they become more significant problems. Keeping your yard prepped and safe will also make yard work a breeze! Remember to stay on top of your home maintenance tasks, and you’ll be able to enjoy your property all year round.

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Safety Programs 101: Why Do I Need One and Where Do I Start? 27 Feb 2025, 1:00 pm

When it comes to workplace safety, certain industries stand out as having a much higher risk for injuries: manufacturing facilities, construction sites, transportation services, and medical facilities, to name a few. Should companies that are in perceivably lower-risk industries still maintain a focus on occupational safety and health? The answer is yes! What if you’re a small operation? Is it worth it to put some time and energy into best safety practices? Yes again!

Safety is important to every organization: public or private, big or small, no matter the industry. 

Read on for answers to some common questions related to safety in the workplace.

What’s the point?

In addition to improving productivity and employee morale, making safety a priority in your organization means you can save money. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, every year businesses spend $170 billion of their profits on costs related to occupational injuries and illnesses. They estimate that an improved focus on safety and health can reduce such costs by 20 to 40 percent, and companies can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested in a safety program. 

In addition, frequency of injury is a major component of workers’ compensation rates, and reducing that frequency could improve yours, especially if you’re enrolled in a workers’ compensation captive program.

How do I develop a safety program for my business? 

First and foremost, OSHA compliance is of utmost importance. Not sure if your company is up-to-date on best practices? Consider signing up for OSHA Training. There are online and classroom trainings, as well as certificate programs, available at the Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center. There are also education centers at several other locations that may be more convenient for you.  

But it’s more than just compliance. Your program should be designed with your specific operations in mind. OSHA suggests five elements that should be included in an organization’s safety program:

1. Management Leadership and Employee Participation

2. Workplace Analysis

3. Hazard Prevention and Control

4. Safety and Health Training and Education (see links above)

5. Program Evaluation

How do I go about conducting a workplace analysis?

Such an analysis requires scrupulously looking at all the conditions of your facility to determine existing risks and remove existing or potential hazards. To get started, consider contacting a Safety & Risk Management Solutions expert. Along with your own history of workplace incidents and knowledge of risk, they can provide insight into additional hazards you may not be aware of, as well as many other services such as Emergency Response, Equipment Sales and Rentals and more.   

How do I keep a safety program going?

Once a program is developed, to monitor the efficacy of any safety program and keep it successfully maintained, it’s best to appoint one person as a safety manager. If your operation doesn’t have the capacity for someone to serve as safety manager, consider reaching out to a Risk Solutions Consultant who can help you as well.

How do I get my employees to participate?

You must go beyond posting policies on a bulletin board and giving a speech at a meeting to really get your employees to buy in to the safety program. OSHA suggests engaging your employees by including them in safety- and health-related policymaking. It’s also important to set an example and remember that senior leadership is never exempt from practicing safety. Make sure that everyone top-down is abiding by the safety rules outlined in your program and recognizing when others are as well. It’s also important that if Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in your workplace, you’re investing in enough quality products and regularly checking that all equipment is still operating effectively.

For more information on creating a safer workplace, lowering your workers’ compensation rates and all other things related to insurance and benefits, give us a call at 610-777-4123 or email us at  to be connected with one of our experts.

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Navigating A Challenging Market: 3 Steps To Help You Manage Your Personal Insurance Renewals With Gallen Insurance 26 Feb 2025, 1:00 pm

At Gallen Insurance, we understand that changes in the insurance landscape can have a direct impact on your financial well-being. As your trusted insurance partner, we’re here to provide insights into why personal insurance is in a challenging market and offer three actionable steps you can take to navigate these changes while staying covered and financially secure.

The cost of personal insurance has experienced an upward trend, and several factors play a role in this shift 

Inflationary Influences: Inflation affects the cost of goods and services across the board, including repairs, replacements, and settlements. This has created hard market conditions throughout the insurance industry, as insurance companies respond by limiting capacity and increasing rates countrywide to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Heightened Frequency and Severity of Claims: Unexpected events, from severe weather conditions to accidents, have led to a higher number of insurance claims, often with more significant financial implications. The insurance companies’ commitment to providing prompt and fair compensation factors these changes into their pricing structure. The companies have also tightened their underwriting guidelines restricting business they may have accepted in the past.

Evolving Risk Landscape: The world is changing rapidly, bringing new risks to the forefront. The rise of cyber threats and other emerging exposures such as the pandemic-era has led to more complex risk assessments and additional coverage options. While this expansion provides enhanced protection, it also affects the overall cost of insurance.

So, you might be asking, “What can I do about this challenging market?” First and foremost, we’re dedicated to helping you effectively navigate insurance changes, while still providing the protection you need. 

Here are three steps you can take, in partnership with Gallen Insurance:

 Personalized Coverage Review: Our experts will conduct a thorough review of your current Personal Insurance policies. We’ll consider your unique circumstances, obtain updates, assess values, and risk tolerance identify gaps in coverage to ensure your coverage aligns with your current needs. By tailoring your coverage, we aim to help you find a balance between protection and affordability.

Strategic Policy Bundling: We offer a range of insurance products to cover your various needs. Bundling your personal insurance policies, such as auto, homeowners, and umbrella insurance, with Gallen Insurance can not only streamline your insurance management but also unlock potential discounts on premiums.

Customized Deductible Options: Our team will work with you to explore deductible options that suit your financial situation. Adjusting your deductible slightly can lead to reduced premiums while ensuring you’re comfortable with the out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.

At Gallen Insurance, we’re committed to delivering personalized solutions that address the changing insurance landscape. Challenging market conditions are impacting personal insurance renewals and can be managed effectively through collaboration and strategic decisions. By understanding the factors behind these changes and taking proactive steps like reviewing coverage, bundling policies, unlocking discounts, and adjusting deductibles, we can help you maintain comprehensive protection without compromising your financial stability. 

Reach out today for a quote!

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The Living Benefits of Life Insurance 25 Feb 2025, 1:00 pm

When most people hear the term “life insurance,” they think it only provides benefits after death. However, life insurance can offer valuable advantages while you’re still alive. According to Forbes Advisor, nearly 1 billion American families rely on life insurance for economic protection, including financial and retirement security. Let’s explore how you can leverage your life insurance policy before passing away. 

1. Living Benefits: Critical and Chronic Illness Riders

A Living Benefit, also known as a critical or chronic illness rider, is an add-on to some life insurance policies that allows you to access a portion of the death benefit in the event of a serious illness. This feature can help cover long-term care expenses or other healthcare needs, preserving your hard-earned retirement savings.

2. Permanent Life Insurance and Cash Value

Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life insurance, offer more than just coverage—they can also serve as a retirement savings tool. These policies build cash value over time, which can grow in various ways. Some policies offer a guaranteed rate of return, while others may be linked to an index like the S&P 500.

3. Accessing the Cash Value of Your Life Insurance Policy

If you hold a permanent life insurance policy, you have several ways to access its cash value:

• Withdrawals: You can withdraw funds tax-free up to the amount you’ve paid in premiums.

• Loans: Borrowing against the cash value is an option. The interest rate is specified in your policy, and while repayment is optional, unpaid loans will reduce the death benefit.

• Surrender: By surrendering the policy, you withdraw the entire cash value but cancel the coverage. This should be a last resort after exploring other options. 

4. Selling Your Policy: Life Settlement

Did you know you can also sell your life insurance policy? Known as a life settlement, this option can be available for both permanent and term policies. The value of a life settlement depends on factors like your age, the length of the policy term, the cash value, your current health, and any included riders or options.

Explore Your Options

To understand the living benefits of your current policies or to explore new life insurance options, contact our experts. We can provide a comprehensive review and guide you through the best choices for your financial future and family’s security.

By demystifying life insurance, we hope to help you make the most of its benefits, both now and in the future. Reach out to Amber Rice-Manella at 610-898-6510 for Life Insurance quotes.

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First Comes Love, Then Comes Insurance 30 Jan 2025, 1:00 pm

By the end of February, our wallets are lighter but at least our hearts are full! Valentine’s Day is an extra special time we dedicate to sharing how much we love our significant other, often by showering them with lavish gifts. In fact, February 14th is second only to Christmas Day as the most common day for couples to get engaged. With that often comes a diamond engagement ring, plans for a wedding and talks of the future.

Whether you’re newly engaged, moving in together now, planning your wedding or you’re a parent of a bride or groom, there are important insurance considerations to keep in mind throughout this exciting (and sometimes stressful) time.

The Ring

If you’ve given or received an engagement ring, this may be one of the most expensive items you own. And for sentimental reasons, you surely want to protect it. Your standard renters or homeowners policies may have some coverage for jewelry, but there could be limitations based on the nature of the loss or a dollar cap well below the actual value of the ring. Bottom Line: Schedule an engagement ring on your policy. This will increase the dollar amount of coverage to the ring’s full appraised value. It also extends coverage to include types of loss a standard policy may not, like theft, damage or disappearance. This also means there’s no deductible to be collected at the time of a claim.

Who Insures The Ring?

You may now be asking yourself: who holds the policy, the person wearing the engagement ring or the person who purchased it? The answer lies in whether or not you’re already living together. If you already share a home and have a homeowners policy together, either named insured may have the ring scheduled. If you are not living together yet, it’s the responsibility of the person wearing the ring to schedule it on their own policy.

The Big Day

While wedding insurance does not guarantee a perfect marriage (that’s up to the two of you!), it can help get a couple started on the right foot. Wedding insurance helps protect the couple or whomever is funding their wedding from unfortunate circumstances. But what could possibly go wrong on the most romantic, perfect, wonderful day of your life? Some plausible scenarios include (but are not limited to):

A vendor cancels the morning of your event, so you are left booking someone the day of at an exorbitant cost. The bride’s wedding dress is completely destroyed just before she walks down the aisle due to something like fire. Tragic weather makes a venue inaccessible or a family catastrophe occurs, so the bride and groom are forced to postpone the ceremony and reception.

Your best bet is to work with an agent to tailor a policy that makes the best sense for your wedding. Additionally, the wedding venue should provide you well in advance with what insurance requirements are needed for your special day. Obtaining proof of insurance from your vendors will help determine what insurance you may need too. But, from soup to nuts, your insurance agent can help you determine every detail that should be covered.

We love love and would love to help you!

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Winter Wise: Navigating the Chill with Clever Tips for Safety and Sanity 27 Jan 2025, 1:00 pm

Preparing for Winter Weather

• Keep an eye on the day’s weather forecast and get an update on current traffic conditions before heading out.

• For company closings, refer to your company’s employee handbook or closing policy for further details.

• Dress for cold and slippery conditions (layer up, including wearing a hat, gloves, and slip-resistant shoes).

• Make time to clear your sidewalk and vehicle–including all windows and side mirrors)–and make sure you allow some extra time to get to work or other destinations. It takes longer to drive in wintery weather.

• Have a winter kit in your car consisting of a windshield scraper, flashlight, blanket, bag of sand, a small shovel, reflective triangles, jumper cables, some water and snacks.

Driving in Snow and Ice

• Keep your headlights on at all times.

• Slow down during wintery conditions. Maintain at least 4 seconds of following distance.

• Never use cruise control during wintery weather conditions.

• If traveling on black ice, lift your foot off the accelerator and glide across the ice.

• Avoid turning your steering wheel suddenly.

• Don’t slam your brakes when driving over ice. Instead, gradually and firmly press on your brake pedal

When Arriving at and Leaving Work or the Jobsite

• Take your time stepping into and out of your vehicle. Observe the ground before stepping out of your vehicle.

• For trucks, be sure to use 3-point contact when entering and exiting your vehicle. Don’t jump out of the cab.

• Use walkways/paths that have been plowed, shoveled and treated with ice melt.

• Watch out for snow or ice that has melted and refrozen with dropping evening/overnight temperatures.

• Take short, shuffling steps when walking on snow or ice.

• Avoid carrying things in both hands

• Use the handrail on exterior stairways

• When entering the building, wipe your feet on the walk-off mat (if provided)

Working Outside in Winter Weather

• Dress in multiple layers with your outermost layer being wind and water-resistant.

• Be sure to wear a hat as over 90% of your body heat escapes through your head.

• Don’t overdo it. Take periodic breaks indoors/in heated/dry areas.

• Wear slip-over-the-boot ice cleats if working in the snow or ice outside.

• Be sure to drink plenty of liquids since working outdoors—even in the cold–can cause you to become dehydrated.

Safe Shoveling Tips

• Push shallow snow with the shovel rather than lifting it.

• Limit how much snow you pick up with the shovel at one time. Using a general-purpose scoop shovel limits the amount of snow you can scoop at any one time.

• Lift the snow-filled shovel with your legs slightly bent.

• Pivot—don’t twist—when throwing snow from your shovel.

• Don’t overdo it. Take short breaks after no more than 20 minutes of shoveling.

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Is My Passion a Hobby or is it Considered a Business? 22 Jan 2025, 5:55 pm

Whether you are an artist, photographer, Mary Kay consultant, hobby farmer, or pursuing another passion, there may be insurance ramifications to consider.

The first step is asking the right questions: Who, what, where, when, why, and how?

• Who does my hobby involve? Am I seeing clients?

• What activities does my hobby include? Is there inventory to insure? Are there equipment or tools? What is the primary purpose?

• Where does the hobby take place? Is there a liability exposure? Are people coming onto the property? Does it require travel?

• When do I work on this hobby? How often am I working on this hobby in terms of hours?

• Why am I involved in this hobby? Is it for pleasure, profit, or personal fulfillment?

• How much revenue am I generating? What are my annual sales?

Even though a home insurance policy allows for some incidental business activities, it typically does not cover true business exposures. What exactly is an incidental business exposure? It is when a business activity occurs on residential premises, sometimes requiring additional insurance. These two arenas—personal and business—don’t always mix when it comes to insurance. If it’s personal, it needs to be insured personally. If it’s business, then it requires a business policy.

Coverage may be available through your home policy by adding an incidental business endorsement. Alternatively, the nature of your hobby may require a standalone business policy or BOP (Business Owners Policy).

This is a great opportunity to contact Gallen Insurance for an evaluation. Let’s discuss your hobby and ensure you are adequately and properly protected for your passions.

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Why Choosing a Local Insurance Agency is the Smartest Choice for Your Business 23 Dec 2024, 8:33 pm

When it comes to choosing an insurance agency, businesses often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of working with a smaller, local agency versus a larger national firm. There are several misconceptions that suggest big companies inherently deliver more value, but in many cases, local agencies can offer benefits that their larger counterparts simply can’t match. After all, you support local businesses by shopping local—so why not extend that support to your insurance agent?

Here, we’ll debunk some common myths around working with a local insurance agency to help you make an informed choice for your business.

Myth #1: National Agencies Have More Resources

Think only the big guys have the tools to handle your needs? Think again. Local agencies like Gallen Insurance collaborate with industry networks and leverage cutting-edge technology to provide top-tier resources. From robust analytics to specialized underwriting expertise, we bring big solutions while keeping our local service personal.

Myth #2: Local Agencies Can’t Handle Complex Accounts

Complex doesn’t scare us—it’s what we do best. Local agencies often excel at customized solutions like self-funded health plans or captive insurance programs. We work closely with clients, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed and no need unmet.

Myth #3: National Firms Have Better Networks Networks

It’s a common misconception that only national firms have access to extensive networks. Local agencies often belong to powerful professional associations, granting them insights, tools, and opportunities that rival even the largest firms. At Gallen, we deliver national-level expertise with local-level care.

Myth #4: National Firms Offer Cheaper Insurance

Here’s the reality: pricing depends on advocacy, not agency size. At a local agency, you’re more than just a number. We take the time to negotiate competitive pricing and eliminate unnecessary coverages, ensuring every dollar works harder for your business.

Myth #5: Claims Are Easier with a National Firm

Navigating claims with a big firm can feel like shouting into the void. At Gallen, our dedicated claims team walks you through every step, prioritizing transparency and advocacy. With us, you’re never just a case number—you’re our priority.

Myth #6: National Agencies Are More Stable

Big doesn’t always mean stable. Local agencies are often rooted in their communities, with long histories of service and trusted relationships. At Gallen, we’ve been around for 135 years, and we’re here to stay.

Why Local Wins

When you work with a local agency, you get expertise, flexibility, and a true partner in your success. From personalized attention to innovative solutions, we’re focused on what matters most—helping your business thrive.

And because we’re local, we can be at your front door in no time and truly understand the unique needs of local businesses—something a national company just can’t match.

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Preventing Winter Insurance Claims: Tips to Stay Safe and Covered 4 Dec 2024, 10:15 pm

Winter can be beautiful, but its challenges can lead to costly insurance claims if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or driver, taking proactive measures can help you stay safe and avoid the headaches of filing a claim during the coldest months. Here are a few key tips:

1. Protect Your Property
   • Insulate Pipes: Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages.
   • Clear Roofs and Gutters: Heavy snow and ice can lead to roof collapses or ice dams. Regularly clear debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage.
   • Check Your Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection of your HVAC system to avoid breakdowns and fire risks.
2. Prevent Auto Accidents
   • Prepare Your Vehicle: Keep tires properly inflated, ensure windshield wipers are in good condition, and carry an emergency kit with essentials like blankets and flares.
   • Drive Cautiously: Reduce speed on icy roads, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid sudden movements to reduce the risk of skidding.
   • Update Your Auto Insurance: Confirm you have broad coverage for incidents like collisions or storm damage.
3. Maintain Business Safety
   • De-Ice Walkways: Slips and falls are a leading cause of winter liability claims. Use salt or sand to keep entrances and sidewalks safe.
   • Inspect Your Roof: Make sure your building’s roof can handle the snow load to prevent collapses.
   • Prepare for Power Outages: Have a backup generator and surge protectors to protect your equipment and data.

Stay Ahead of Winter’s Challenges
The best way to prevent winter insurance claims is to anticipate risks and take preventive action. A little preparation now can save you time, money, and stress later. Stay warm, stay safe, and review your insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected from whatever winter brings. Need guidance on winter coverage? Contact us today to make sure your policy meets your needs.

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Tips for Keeping Your Home and Family Safe During the Holidays 29 Nov 2024, 1:00 pm

Guest authored by Ashley Lipman, Content Marketing Specialist, Alarm Grid.

This blog was originally used on McConkey Insurance & Benefits website.

If you are like most homeowners, you may take additional safety and security precautions around the holidays to prevent robbery or nefarious activities. However, is it enough?

That’s a good question and one you need to consider carefully. Some tips that will help you keep your home and family safe during the holiday season are found here.

Be Sure Your Gifts Can’t Be Seen from the Outside

It’s pretty common this time of year to see a beautiful Christmas tree through a frosted window, lit up with colorful holiday lights, and a heaping pile of gifts underneath it. Unfortunately, while this is a pretty view, it’s also something that burglars will look for. In fact, this type of view can make your home a target.

This is why you need to make sure that all the gifts under your tree can’t be seen from the outside. This will allow you to remove temptation. Also, make sure your doors and windows are always locked and you can even install door and window alarms for an additional layer of security.

Be Careful When Posting Anything on Social Media

When it comes to criminals, they are going to use all the resources available to find an easy target. This includes social media.

A burglar may look through the posts to find information about the types of gifts your have received, or when you plan to leave your home for various holiday celebrations. The information you put online can (and often will) be used against you. Make sure that you don’t post anything about valuable items that may be under the tree or when your house is going to be empty.

Use Caution When Getting Rid of Packaging Materials

If you have received gifts during the holidays, you may be so excited about enjoying them that you fail to pay attention to how the packaging is disposed of. If you place the packaging for high value electronics in the garbage, which is then taken to the curb and waiting to be collected, you are basically putting a big sign on your front door letting everyone know what’s in there.

Most burglars remain aware of these types of garbage items. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you are careful when it comes to getting rid of holiday gift packaging.

Ensure Your Home Remains Well-Lit

Remember, any criminal is going to want to operate under the cloak of darkness. When the visibility levels are low, they can do anything they want with the peace of mind that no one can see them.

If your house remains well-lit, the chances of these types of activities occurring are reduced significantly. Make sure to install motion-activated floodlights around your property to ensure the cover of darkness isn’t available.

Ashley Lipman is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart – all things digital. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the digital sphere.

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