Have you heard of captive insurance?

Unlocking Savings and Control: The Power of Captive Insurance

For many businesses, the traditional insurance market can feel like a black box – premiums rise, control is limited, and true cost savings seem out of reach. But what if there was a way to take ownership of your insurance program, potentially reduce costs, and even earn back unused premiums? That's where captive insurance comes in.

Captive insurance allows best-in-class companies to come together and form their own insurance company. This strategic commitment can lead to safer workplaces, lower overall insurance costs, and greater control over your programs.

Here are some key benefits of joining a group captive:

• Premiums Based on Actual Loss History: Unlike conventional plans where premiums are often based on broad class codes, group captive members enjoy custom premiums that reflect their actual 5-year loss history. This means if you manage risk efficiently, your annual costs can decrease.
• Lower Operating Costs: Group captives minimize overhead and spread costs among members, leading to reduced operating expenses. On average, only 32 cents of every dollar go to operating expenses, compared to approximately 40% with conventional plans.
• Risk Management Resources: Members gain access to a wealth of resources, including a network of over 400 loss-prevention professionals, educational workshops, networking opportunities, and regular Risk Control Assessments.
• Insulation from Market Conditions: Group captives are designed to remove best-in-class companies from volatile market fluctuations, providing more stabilized and predictable insurance costs.
• Profit Potential from Unused Loss Funds: When members effectively manage risk and preserve their loss fund, the captives return those dollars to the members, plus investment income. Some captives supported by Captive Resources invest in a shared fund that earns an annual return of over 6%. Members have earned dividends in 98% of accident years, with around 60% of years seeing dividends over 20%.
• Ownership Over Insurance Program: Becoming an owner in your own insurance company gives you greater control over claims processes, third-party administrator (TPA) selection, and premium costs.

While group captive insurance is a long-term strategy, not a short-term cash grab, almost three-quarters of new bound policies in group captives had lower costs than their previous conventional plans, with many saving 10% or more.

If your company is financially strong, has superior performance, and is entrepreneurial, invested, and safety-conscious, a group captive could be a powerful alternative to traditional insurance.

Give us a call at 435-674-2221 and we can discuss the details about a captive insurance program.

Positano: A Taste of Italy in St. George, Utah

For those seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience in the heart of Southern Utah, Positano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is a must-visit destination. This relative newcomer to the St. George dining scene has quickly become a local favorite, drawing patrons with its made-from-scratch dishes and sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.

Opened by St. George brothers and seasoned culinary professionals, Chef Cameron Payne and Royce Payne, Positano is a testament to their passion for classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu is a journey through the flavors of Italy, featuring handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and perfectly grilled meats.

Guests can start their meal with a selection of appetizers like a creamy burrata with roasted tomatoes and corn, or the classic Fritto Misto. The pasta dishes are the star of the show, with options ranging from a rich Casarecce Bolognese with short rib ragu to a decadent Burrata and Pesto Ravioli. For a truly unique experience, some specialty pasta dishes are even prepared tableside in a giant cheese wheel.

Beyond the food, Positano's ambiance is what sets it apart. The restaurant offers a chic and intimate setting, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The thoughtfully curated wine list complements the menu, and the staff's knowledge and attentiveness ensure a memorable dining experience from start to finish.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Positano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar brings a little piece of the Italian coast to the desert of St. George, offering a dining experience that is both delicious and unforgettable.

How to Clean Your Dryer Duct

Key takeaways

As your dryer dries your clothes, heat and moisture build up in the dryer. Your dryer’s vent ducts allow that hot, moisture-filled air to escape your dryer—and your home. This is a safety feature that helps prevent your dryer from overheating and starting a fire, but over time, lint from your clothes can clog your vent ducts, increasing the risk of a fire. Each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to close to 14,000 home fires caused by clothes dryers.

Dryer manufacturers recommend cleaning the lint filter after every load, but sometimes, lint gets through that filter and collects in your dryer vent ducts.

To reduce the chances of a dryer fire, clean your dryer vent ducts once a year.

If you have a large family, a long duct, or an old dryer, the ducts may require cleaning more often.

Signs that your dryer vent ducts are blocked

If your dryer isn’t venting properly, it could overheat and cause a fire. Some dryers have a “Check vent” indicator. If this light comes on, it means that your dryer’s airflow is restricted. Clogged vent ducts are the most likely cause, but the indicator may not detect a partially blocked vent. Be on the lookout for other warning signs as well. Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you noticed a burning smell coming from your dryer?
• Is the dryer area hotter than usual?
• Are your clothes taking longer to dry?

These are all signs that your dryer vent ducts may need cleaning. If you find lots of lint on your clothes when you remove them from the dryer, that’s another sign.

While lint buildup is the most likely culprit of clogged dryer ducts, you’ll also want to take a look at the dryer vent cover located where your dryer duct exits your home. When your dryer is running, the vent cover outside your home should open to release air. If the vent cover is missing or damaged, insects, rodents, or birds may have made themselves at home inside the warm vent.

How to clean your dryer vent ducts yourself

Step #1: Assess the scope of the project

If your dryer vent duct is very long or hard to reach, consider hiring a professional to do the job. If you decide to clean the dryer duct yourself, read through the following instructions and be sure you have the right tools.

Step #2: Gather your tools

Here’s what you’ll want to have handy: utility gloves, a screwdriver, a trash bag, a vacuum, and a dryer vent duct cleaning kit. The cleaning kit will include a brush with a long extension that allows you to reach much further inside the ducts than you could with your hands alone. If you have a power drill, a cleaning kit with a drill attachment will make the job easier. Cleaning dryer vent ducts is a dusty job, so you’ll also need a ventilation mask and goggles.

Step #3: Disconnect the dryer

If your dryer is hot, let it cool down before you begin. Unplug your dryer from the power outlet. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply, and be very careful not to disturb the gas line as you clean out the ducts.

Step #4: Move the dryer away from the wall

Pull the dryer away from the wall so you have access to the vent area.

Step #5: Remove the vent cover

Use a screwdriver to remove the vent cover from the wall so that you can detach the dryer vent hose from the wall.

Step #6: Clean out the ducts

Which end of your dryer vent duct is higher up—the one inside your house or the one outside? You’ll want to start with the higher end of the duct so gravity can help you clear the ducts. Feed the brush from the cleaning kit into the dryer vent duct, adding extensions as needed. Turn the brush by hand or with a drill attachment, and move it back and forth to remove lint and any other blockages in the duct. If your vacuum has a hose attachment, you can use it to vacuum the lint or debris from the duct.

Step #7: Inspect the duct

Before reattaching the duct, look it over carefully for any signs of damage. If you have a vinyl dryer duct, take this opportunity to replace it with a rigid or semi-rigid metal dryer duct. Metal ducts are less flammable and trap less lint.

Step #8: Reattach the duct and vent covers

Securely fasten the dryer vent duct and vent cover back into place.

Step #9: Clean around the dryer

Vacuum any remaining dust and debris from around the dryer.

Step #10: Move the dryer back into place

Push the dryer back to its normal location.

Step #11: Plug the dryer back in

Once the dryer is in the correct position, plug it into the power outlet. If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas back on.

Step #12: Test the dryer

Now, it’s time to make sure the dryer is functioning correctly. Thanks to your newly cleaned ducts, you should have better airflow through the vent duct. To confirm this, check that hot air is coming through the outside vent.

Bottom Line

Cleaning out your dryer vent ducts doesn’t just prevent fires—it makes your dryer more efficient, which means your clothes dry faster and your energy bill goes down. This DIY project may leave you a little dusty, but it will also leave you with a safer home and save you money.

October Insurance Tips

October Insurance Awareness: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

October is a month filled with festivities and family time. As we gather for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and cozy nights indoors, it's essential to ensure we're also protected against unexpected life events. This October, let's delve into the importance of insurance and explore how it can provide peace of mind and financial security.

Why Insurance Matters

Insurance acts as a safety net, shielding you from significant financial losses in case of accidents, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances. It's a proactive step towards safeguarding your assets, protecting your loved ones, and maintaining a stable lifestyle.

Types of Insurance to Consider

• Homeowners Insurance: Covers your home's structure and belongings in case of damage caused by fire, theft, natural disasters, or other perils.
• Auto Insurance: Protects you and your vehicle in the event of accidents, theft, or property damage.
• Life Insurance: Provides financial support to your beneficiaries upon your death, helping them cover expenses like mortgage payments, education costs, and living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Offers coverage for medical expenses, including doctor's visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays.
• Renter's Insurance: Protects your personal belongings and covers liability if someone is injured in your rental unit.

October Insurance Tips

• Review Your Policies: Take time to review your existing insurance policies to ensure they adequately meet your current needs. Consider any life changes, such as a new home, a baby, or a change in income, that may require adjustments to your coverage.
• Consider Umbrella Insurance: If you have significant assets, an umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage beyond your homeowners and auto insurance limits.
• Shop Around for the Best Deals: Don't be afraid to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the most competitive rates and coverage options.
• Understand Your Deductibles: Be aware of your deductibles for each type of insurance. A higher deductible generally means lower premiums, but it also means you'll pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
• Protect Your Digital Assets: Consider adding cyber insurance to protect your personal information and online assets from identity theft and other cyber threats.

By taking proactive steps to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial hardship and enjoy peace of mind. This October, make insurance a priority and take control of your future.

Top 10 Reasons You Need Cyber Insurance

We’re proud to announce @AutoOwnersInsurance has named us a Sapphire Agency this year.

Why You Need Commercial Property Insurance

Why You Need Commercial Property Insurance

Life Insurance Facts

How Your Small Business Can Lock Down Cyber Security

Many small businesses assume they don’t need to worry about cyber security, which makes them an easy target. Here are four easy things you can do to improve your business’s cyber security.

Link to article

www.msiagency.com 435-674-2221

Is life insurance taxable? Here is what you need to know.

It’s a good idea to contact your tax professional/financial consultant for specific advice about your situation. But, for the more general issues, Main Street Insurance hopes to help guide you through the winding paths of the tax implications of life insurance.

Is life insurance taxable?

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