Blog

4 Lesser-Known Benefits of Disability Insurance

By Mike Hoskins | May 19, 2026 |

Disability insurance is well-known for replacing income when an employee’s illness or injury prevents them from working. Disability insurance programs also deliver individual and organizational value beyond income protection. For employees, disability insurance supports recovery, planning, and career continuity.  For employers, it improves employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Below are 4 lesser-known ways disability insurance…

Landscaping Season in Michigan 2026: Do not Dig Until You Call MISS DIG 811.

By Mike Hoskins | May 12, 2026 |

Spring has finally arrived in Michigan!  The spring rains have washed away winter’s remnants, and homeowners across the state are eager to tackle their landscaping to-do lists.  From the fresh scent of cut grass to vibrant new plants and warm sunshine, it’s the perfect time for big outdoor projects.  Before you grab that shovel to…

Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset?

By Mike Hoskins | May 5, 2026 | Comments Off on Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset?

Most people think that their most valuable asset is real estate, investments, collections, etc.  It could be argued that one’s most valuable asset is the revenue they generate through a job or a business.  What would you do if you were too sick to work or had a non-work-related injury/illness that did not allow you…

What is GAP coverage and do you need it?

By Mike Hoskins | April 16, 2026 | Comments Off on What is GAP coverage and do you need it?

A Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) endorsement covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you owe your lender when a covered total loss or theft occurs.  New, used, and leased vehicles, and motorcycles, are all eligible for GAP. How GAP Endorsements Work … We all know that vehicles begin depreciating…

If Someone Slips on Your Icy Driveway, Are You Liable?

By Mike Hoskins | December 2, 2025 | Comments Off on If Someone Slips on Your Icy Driveway, Are You Liable?

Winter weather home upkeep and planning thoughts from Auto-Owners Insurance Company … The colder months bring cozy nights, hot drinks and… the annual battle between you and your snow shovel. As tempting as it is to wait until the weekend to clear the ice, doing so could create more than just a slippery situation –…

Life Insurance Made Easy

By Mike Hoskins | October 2, 2025 | Comments Off on Life Insurance Made Easy

This blog was created with insights from Shannan O’Neil, a Life Product Services administrator at Auto-Owners Insurance Company Life is busy, and life insurance can seem like one more thing to figure out later.  But protecting the people who depend on you doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  This guide breaks it down. What is Life…

September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month

By Mike Hoskins | September 3, 2025 | Comments Off on September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Fall weather is in the air and schools are back in session, we have left summer and have stepped into September.  Along with September comes National Life Insurance Awareness month.  According to the 2025 Insurance Barometer Study, conducted jointly by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA) and Life Happens, 51% of American adults…

Get the most out of your grill by cleaning it regularly

By Mike Hoskins | May 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Get the most out of your grill by cleaning it regularly

by Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI For some, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of the grilling season. However, if you are like many, you enjoy grilling out year-round. According to the Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Association (HPBA), 70% of Americans own a grill or smoker. It is no surprise that a gas grill…

Spring has sprung?

By Mike Hoskins | April 24, 2025 | Comments Off on Spring has sprung?

Spring in Michigan … is it here to stay or are the sporadic warm days tormenting us by giving a glimpse of things to come as we muddle through the next April shower or surprise snow/ice storm?  The excitement of the changing weather, the emergence of new growth in the fields & gardens, and new…

Keep Your Mind (and eyes) on the Road

By Mike Hoskins | April 3, 2025 | Comments Off on Keep Your Mind (and eyes) on the Road

What is distracted driving? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is “any activity that diverts attention from driving — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”  There are three main types of distractions: Visual: taking your eyes off the road Manual: taking your hands off…