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When provided a new email address, it is encouraged that you whitelist the email in the email program you are utilizing. 

By whitelisting your Dimond Bros. service team members email addresses, you are telling your email service to always let their emails in. Doing so will help ensure that any emails from that address bypass spam filters and junk folders and that important messages find their way into your inbox in a timely manner. 

If you’ve been directed to this article, step by step directions on how to whitelist an email based on your email service provider can be found here:  https://clean.email/blog/email-security/how-to-whitelist-an-email

Contact your Dimond Bros. team member or feedback@dimondbros.com with questions.

Protecting Agriculture From Severe Weather

Severe weather can devastate agricultural operations, no matter their size or location. Specific weather perils may include hail, strong winds, floods, droughts, tornadoes or blizzards and can cause significant property damage, financial loss and injuries. Through knowledge and preparation, farms can mitigate the risks they face from these natural phenomena.

Here are tips on how to do so:

Every farm operation has different exposures, but they all need to comprehensively examine their risks and utilize strategies to ensure the protection of their workers, property, crops, and livestock.

For more information about the Farm and Agriculture services at Dimond Bros. Insurance please contact Scott Jensen at scottjensen@dimondbros.com.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be constructed as professional advice.

As we approach the open enrollment period, it’s crucial for employers to facilitate a smooth and successful experience for both their organization and employees. Open enrollment presents an opportunity not only to ensure adequate benefits coverage but also to strengthen employee engagement and satisfaction. Here are some strategies to make your open enrollment period a strategic success.

1. Clear Communication is Key

Start by informing your employees well in advance about the dates and details of the open enrollment period. A well-crafted communication plan can alleviate confusion and uncertainties. Use multiple channels—emails, in-person meetings, and intranet updates—to engage your employees. Personalizing communication can also foster trust and understanding of the benefits being offered.

2. Ensure Comprehensive Education on Benefits  Given that health plans and benefits can be complex, equip your employees with the necessary tools and resources to make informed decisions. Consider hosting interactive workshops, Q&A sessions, and webinars to explain the various health plans and their features. Create educational materials like flyers or infographics summarizing key benefits and comparisons. This ensures employees feel confident in their choices, reducing the likelihood of post-enrollment dissatisfaction.

3. Leverage Technology for Ease and Accessibility  Utilize technology to streamline the enrollment process. Many HR platforms offer user-friendly interfaces for employees to enroll or make changes to their health benefits conveniently. Moreover, these platforms often provide access to important documentation and plan information. By promoting ease of access, employees are more likely to engage thoroughly with their benefits.

4. Encourage a Health-Conscious Culture** Encouraging health and wellness during enrollment can enhance the overall impact on employee engagement. Introduce wellness challenges or initiatives during this period that promote the importance of health while educating employees on the benefits of preventive healthcare plans. Engaging with qualified professionals, such as wellness coaches or healthcare advisors, can build excitement and awareness around your offerings.

5. Feedback Mechanisms

Post-enrollment, solicit feedback from employees about the enrollment process and the benefits they selected. This provides valuable insights into any gaps or areas for improvement in your overall benefits strategy. Use this information to adjust your offerings or processes in the following year to better cater to the needs of your workforce.

6. Highlight Success Stories

Celebrate success stories throughout the enrollment period. Showcase employees who have effectively utilized their health benefits and achieved positive outcomes. This not only encourages other employees to take full advantage of the resources at their disposal but can also help to create a culture of wellness and support within your organization.

In conclusion, open enrollment is more than just a requirement for compliance—it’s an opportunity to engage, educate, and empower your employees about their health benefits. By implementing clear communication, leveraging technology, fostering a health-oriented culture, encouraging feedback, and celebrating successes, employers can create a positive open enrollment experience that resonates throughout the year. Let’s make this open enrollment period one where employees feel valued, informed, and excited about their healthcare choices!

If you have additional questions about how we can assist with your Open Enrollment, please contact Mike Holley, Vice President – Life & Health for Dimond Bros. mike.holley@dimondbros.com

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.

As a homeowner, you may not think about your roof every day, but when it comes to your homeowners insurance, the age of your roof can make a big difference. With insurance carriers taking a hard line in the current market, the age of your roof has become a significant factor in determining insurance premiums and coverage.

An old roof can pose a higher risk for insurance carriers, as it is more susceptible to damage and leaks, especially during extreme weather conditions. This increased risk often translates to higher premiums for homeowners with older roofs. In some cases, insurance carriers may even limit coverage or require a roof inspection before providing full coverage.

During a hard market, where insurance carriers are tightening their underwriting standards and increasing rates, homeowners with older roofs may find it more challenging to secure affordable coverage. Some carriers may even refuse to insure homes with roofs that are deemed too old or in poor condition.

For homeowners navigating the insurance market in these challenging times, proactive steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of an aging roof. Regular roof maintenance, such as inspections and repairs, can demonstrate to insurance carriers that the roof is being properly cared for and may help in securing better coverage options.

Additionally, investing in a new roof, if financially feasible, can not only reduce insurance premiums but also provide peace of mind knowing that the home is better protected against the elements. Some insurance carriers may even offer discounts for homes with newer roofs or certain types of impact-resistant roofing materials.

In summary, as the insurance market tightens and carriers become more selective, the age and condition of your roof can significantly impact your homeowners insurance. Taking proactive measures to maintain or replace your roof can help mitigate the effects of the hard market and ensure that your home is adequately protected.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal
advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. For more details regarding the information contained in this report, contact Dimond Bros. Insurance today. Please note that leaving a message in email or voicemail does not constitute the binding of coverage and you must speak with an Agency Representative.

When one thinks about pollution, what comes to mind? Oil spills, chemical spills, smog, dirty air and water. While all of those are very visible signs of pollution, what is considered a pollutant may be a surprise. A simple internet search will reveal all kinds of definitions that certainly point back to natural assumptions about what is a pollutant. The National Geographic Society defines pollution as “the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories.”

If one simply takes the above perceptions and definitions as the standard for what pollution and pollutants are, then one might incorrectly assume they have no pollution exposure or risk. Chris Bunbury, an environmental strategist and founder of Environmental Risk Managers, defines pollution as “A material, substance, liquid or product introduced into an environment for other than its intended use or purpose.” The definition provided by Chris Bunbury is most closely aligned with the definition insurance carriers use when determining whether there is coverage for an incident or not. Taking this second definition into account, one can easily see why nearly everything could be considered a pollutant. One should also understand that pollution is largely excluded by most commercial general liability and commercial umbrella and excess policies. This means that if a business has what could be defined as a pollution event by most insurance carriers, then that business may be left holding the bag when it comes time to pay for damages… and the damages can be very costly.

What can a business do to protect themselves from pollution liability claims or contractual provisions requiring Environmental Indemnification? Businesses have many products available to them, but two of the most common pollution policies are Site Pollution Policies, which cover the business for pollution incidents that occur on property they own, lease or manage. Contractor’s Pollution Liability Policies cover the business for the pollution exposures that may arise out of the business’ operations. Site Pollution policies are purchased by insureds who understand that they may have environmental exposures/risks, that could give rise to a pollution claim, on property they occupy. Contractor’s Pollution Liability Policies are often purchased by insureds who are trying to fulfill a contract requirement or a governmental mandate. It is important to note that the absence of either a contract requirement or a governmental mandate does not mean the insured is immune to pollution claims. This is why the best practice for insureds to follow is purchasing pollution policies that address each insured’s specific needs.

For a copy of our recent webinar on Pollution Liability please email feedback@dimondbros.com or reach out to your local Dimond Bros. agent to discuss.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.