Summer tips for homeowners

 

Whether you choose to spend summer months relaxing in the backyard, traveling to your favorite destinations or a combination of the two, there are steps you can take to ensure protection at home. Some of these may seem like common sense, but it’s easy to let safety and security slide in the midst of fun summer activities. Below are summer tips from one of our partners, AIG.

Water safety

• Restrict access to pool areas with a gate or doors that automatically lock.
• Equip pool door/gate with an alarm or sensors at the pool.
• Consider a rolling pool cover, which can provide even more protection than a gate or fence.
• If you are entertaining at your pool or on a lake, hire a lifeguard.
• Elaborate pool areas with rock formations and slides can enhance the risk for injury. Be sure areas are properly secured or restricted when needed.

Traveling

• Wait until you return from vacation to post on social media about leaving town.
• Have a friend or neighbor to check on your home while you’re away.
• Call the post office to have mail delivery stopped while you are away and put a pause on newspaper deliveries so they are not piling up in your driveway.
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.

Fire Safety

• If your grill or outdoor kitchen is near your home or on a deck/porch attached to your home, it should be equipped with an automatic shutoff device. These devices have a timer installed in the gas supply line that automatically shuts off the gas supply after a predetermined length of time.
• Never use chimineas or fire pits on decks, gazebos, covered patios or anywhere there are overhangs. They should be located at least 15 feet away from any structure.

General Home Maintenance

• Check for lingering winter damage when cleaning gutters and roofs and removing debris.
• Make sure trees on your property are healthy and trimmed to avoid damage during hurricane season and high winds..
• Remove all dead materials from trees/bushes/landscaping to eliminate fuels in the event of a wildfire, and keep grass areas short.

Mills & Mills Insurance Agency is based in charming Wilton, serving Ridgefield, Weston, Easton, and New Canaan. We also serve the rest of Fairfield County, Westchester County, the Hamptons and Long Island.

Here at Mills and Mills, we want to help keep you, your family and your assets safe. Give us a call today at (203)-762-8373.

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What Employees Are Asking About New York Paid Family Leave

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New York Paid Family Leave Has Changed, Here’s What You Need to Know

 

What is New York Paid Family Leave?

NY PFL is an insurance policy for employees who need paid time off and their job secured due to one of the following events:

You need time to bond with your newborn baby, adopted or fostered child.

You need to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

You need to assist a relative while a family member is deployed abroad on active military service.

 

What are the PFL benefits for 2018 in New York?

In 2018, New York Paid Family Leave entitles you (after a qualifying event) to 8 weeks of leave while receiving 50% of your average weekly wage (AWW). The AWW is based on the income of the  weeks leading up to the start of your leave. The most you may receive is 0% of the NY State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW), whichever is less. The SAWW for 2018 is $1,305.92 which means the maximum weekly benefit you can receive is $652.96.

 

What is the New York State Average Weekly Wage?

The New York Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) will be recalculated each year. The SAWW for 2018 is $1,305.92 which means the maximum weekly benefit any employee on PFL can receive is $652.96.

 

Does my employer have to offer me Paid Family Leave?

If you work for a New York based private employer (meaning you don’t work for a state or local municipality) then yes, they must offer you PFL insurance.

 

Who pays for NY Paid Family Leave?

You (the employee) pay for the PFL with a deduction from your paycheck.

 

How much will be withheld from my paycheck?

Your employer will deduct .126% of your pay from your check up to $1.65 per week, depending on your income. The maximum payout you will potentially have to make for 2018 is $85.56. *Note that the percentage is based on your after-tax wages.

 

What if I don’t want to purchase NY PFL coverage?

If you work for a New York private employer then you are required by law to participate in PFL insurance. The only exception to this rule is if you are a temporary employee that will not be with your company long enough for the benefits to become effective. Benefits for full time employees take effect after 26 weeks and for part time employees after 175 working days. If you feel that you qualify for this exception, you must submit a waiver. The waiver can be provided by your employer or you can download it here: waiver.

 

What are my rights as an employee under the New York Paid Family Leave?

After a qualifying leave, PFL asserts that you can return to a comparable job if not the same one. You can keep your insurance while you are on leave as long as you continue to pay your portion of the premium that would have otherwise been withheld from your paycheck had you remained working. Finally, you are protected from any retaliatory action made by your employer for utilizing your benefits.

 

How do I apply for NY Paid Family Leave?

1. Notify your employer as soon as possible, preferably with 30 days notice.
2. Get a copy of the NY PFL form package that corresponds with the type of leave you need to take. Below are links to the forms or you may get them from your employer or insurance carrier.
   1. Form: Bonding Time with Newborn Baby, Adopted or Foster Child
   2. Form: Caring for a Family Member with a Serious Illness
   3. Form: Assist Loved One When Family Member is Deployed Abroad on Active Military Duty
3. Complete the form and submit it to your employer for them to fill out their portion. They are required to return it to you in three business days.
4. Submit the forms and supporting documents to the insurance carrier. The insurance carrier must accept or deny your request within 18 days of receiving the paperwork. *Note that you can submit your request previous to taking leave and up to 30 days after your leave begins.

 

Who will pay me if I use NY PFL benefits?

The insurance company will pay you directly. They will not automatically withhold taxes even though the money is taxable income. You can request voluntary tax withholding. Either way, you will receive a 1099-G or 1099-misc form that will need to be accounted for when you file your taxes. *Note that these benefits are for a 52 week period so once you have utilized them, you cannot apply for PFL coverage again for at least 52 weeks.

 

Will the NY PFL benefits be the same next year?

No, several things will change:

• SAWW – the New York State Average Weekly Wage will be recalculated each year.
• # of Weeks – In the next three years, the number of weeks allowed with PFL will increase. In 2019, employees will be allowed up to 10 weeks and in 2021 that number of weeks will increase to 12.
• % of SAWW – The percentage of the Average Weekly Wage that will be paid our during Paid Family Leave will increase to 55% in 2019, 60% in 2020 and 67% in 2021.

 

 

 

For more information on disability benefits of the New York Paid Family Leave, call the experts at Mills and Mills at 203-655-6974.

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Martin Luther King Jr Day 2018

Mills and Mills Insurance reflects on the quotes of Martin Luther King Jr. and his words on serving our neighbors.

 

 

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Commercial Insurance: Does Your Business Need It?

Regardless of the type of business venture, the importance of commercial insurance simply cannot be stressed enough. Any business owner who has not already protected his interests and investments with such a policy is exposing himself to untold risks that may come into the picture through a myriad of circumstances. Fortunately, it only takes a little bit of research through online insurance quotes to find a policy that can offer a concerned business owner some much-needed relief.

The Importance of Commercial Insurance in Wilton

Any corporate entity that has several offices, notwithstanding the size of the premises, will need business insurance. If there are people working in these offices and goods stored in them, the purchase of commercial coverage makes good sense. One of the primary concerns that haunt business owners is any issue that may hamper the smooth running of business activities; however, with this type of a policy, the business owner can safeguard the venture against most risks to office property and employees.

What Does Commercial Insurance Normally Cover?

Commercial insurance policies are specifically designed to meet the needs of a commercial work environment and protect the safety of the employees working on site (workers comp insurance). This form of coverage offers protection against unexpected events such as flood, theft, fire, employee injuries, machine and equipment breakdown and damage to third party property or third party personal injuries. While not all policies offer all these features, most insurance companies will provide custom policies to meet the needs of distinct types of businesses.

Employer Liability and Building Insurance

People interested in purchasing business insurance coverage should ensure that their policy covers the building from accidental damages as well as losses due to environmental causes. Apart from this, it would also make sense for an employer to pay a little more for coverage against employee-related liabilities. While most forms of commercial insurance do offer some form of public liability coverage, a business owner is left to deal with claims arising from employee injuries and fatalities, which can prove dangerous for the financial health of a business.

Business Protection against Interruptions and Legal Costs

It is also possible to protect a business against losses incurred by any form of interruptions that mar the ability of the firm to operate normally. This will also include eventualities such as natural calamities, fire, lawsuits and worker strikes. In case of such events, the insurance company will reimburse the business owner for earnings lost due to such events.

Since we are living in an increasing litigious society, it may also be worthwhile to consider legal expenses coverage to protect the business against compensations as well as legal fees incurred to settle disputes. Professional indemnity coverage is also needed for businesses that are advisory in nature and offer consultation services.

Although a lot of these features are offered as a part of standard commercial policy, it is vital to read through the fine print to understand exactly what is covered. In many cases, additional coverage is offered as an extension of the standard policy to provide further protection. The best approach is to compare the offerings of various insurance providers through a commercial insurance quotes comparison.

For a complimentary consultation and review of your existing business policy or if you need new commercial insurance Wilton coverage, give Mills and Mills Insurance a call. Our friendly experts will help you review your risks and help you determine the best way to protect your business assets. You may reach us at (203) 762-8373 or via our contact us page.

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Homeowners Insurance Tip #1: How to Select the Optimal Policy Deductible

Wilton Homeowners Insurance Tip #1: How to Select the Optimal Policy Deductible

1) Your homeowners insurance deductible should be affordable
2) Insurance is always meant for catastrophic purposes. Deductibles should reflect this. Home insurance is not a maintenance program.
3) Ask your agent for premium costs at various deductible levels so you know how much you can save.
4) Consider your savings over a 3 year period & assume no losses will occur (Note – on average homeowners claims occur once every 7 to 11 years)
5) Use this formula:
If the 3-year savings with a higher deductible is greater than the deductible difference, go with the higher deductible.
For example: The difference between $1,000 and $2,500 deductible is $1,500.
If the savings over 3 years exceed $1,500, go with the higher $2,500 deductible.
For the best homeowners insurance coverage for your needs and budget, give Mills & Mills a call at (203) 762-8373.

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Welcome to Mills and Mills Insurance

Mills and Mills Insurance of Wilton CT is a firm of proven professionals, caring and conscientious people; the kind of people you can depend on.

We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you.  We work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment.

We offer business and personal insurance policies including:

• Homeowners insurance
• Car insurance
• Umbrella liability
• Boat and watercraft coverage
• Valuables coverage for jewelry, fine art & antiques
• Health insurance
• Workers comp insurance
• Commercial auto & fleet
• General liability
• Businessowners Policy
• Product Liability
• Identity Theft & more.

For the best insurance cost Wilton offers, give us a call at (203) 762-8373.