Monday, September 30, 2024
There are two “open enrollment periods” that are critically important for individuals and seniors. These limited time periods are the only times that new ACA (Affordable Care Act) Medical plans can be purchased or...
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Late summer and fall are characterized by extremely dry fuels in many parts of the country, and multiple geographic areas continue to fight fires that threaten homes and present major challenges to containment. Even if...
Monday, June 24, 2024
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the halfway point in 2024! Summer is here and we all can use a break about now. American Insurance agents are here to help you enjoy some worry-free fun. Just give us a call...
Friday, June 21, 2024
We hear this question multiple times every day... “Why did my Homeowners Insurance premium go up so high?” You deserve an honest answer and you can count on American Insurance to tell you the unvarnished truth. We are...
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Wildfires in the western states are one of the major drivers of property losses and insurance costs. AVISA Utilities has announced a plan of fighting wildfires before they happen. In a May 28,2024 news release, AVISTA...
Friday, May 10, 2024
Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in a May 9, 2024 News...
Monday, March 18, 2024
While the northwest states have enjoyed some of the lowest Homeowners Insurance rates in the country, the insurance marketplace in Florida, California, Texas and other coastal states have been in crisis. The pandemic...
Monday, December 11, 2023
Wow! 2023 is coming to a close and for most of us, not a moment too soon. This year we experienced huge inflationary pressures and a shortage of workers. On top of that, closer to home there was no water for our lawns...
Thursday, December 7, 2023
CALENDARS! As a free gift to customers and friends, American Insurance mails in December each year an appointment display calendar. They have beautiful pictures of landscapes from all around America and space to write...
Thursday, November 30, 2023
More than 65 businesses partnered with us this year to provide food for those in need in our communities! - American Insurance annually sponsors and coordinates the Hometown Business Food Drive. For our 8th annual event,...
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Donations needed to meet funding challenges - First, the good news! The big LC Valley Fireworks display will be happening again this July 4th, Independence Day! However, Community Spirit, the non-profit funding the...
Monday, June 12, 2023
As printed in our 2023 Summer newsletter As we have embarked on our 101st year, it has never been truer that, “the only constant in life is change.” Every year there is a new insurance challenge and this year that is...
Monday, June 12, 2023
After 39 years of service with American Insurance taking great care of “her people” as she called her assigned clients, Tina Heitmann has retired! We are appreciative of the hard work, dedication, time, and memories...
Friday, June 2, 2023
Did you know that Your Health Idaho is transitioning Medicaid clients back into the Exchange? We have 2 health insurance Agents who can help if you are losing your Medicaid coverage. Also, if you are a Washington or...
Monday, April 24, 2023
Parking lots in the LC Valley and on the Palouse – we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking...
Monday, April 24, 2023
Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Damage - Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry....
Thursday, March 23, 2023
American Insurance NW Inc invites our customers and fellow chamber members to bring their sensitive personal and confidential documents for our free indoor shredding event. We want to help you guard against identity...
Monday, February 27, 2023
American Insurance health agents Dave Root and Tim Gleason want to share that they are available to help area residents who are losing their Idaho Medicaid coverage. In December 2022, Congress passed an omnibus spending...
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
The Agency held our annual staff meeting and Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 16 to share information with our staff from both offices. Agency President Shawn Sullivan shared about the growth the Agency has had in 2022...
Friday, December 16, 2022
Life has a habit of getting very busy – from raising a family, to buying a home, to building a business or a career. Even so, we shouldn’t procrastinate on protecting the dreams for the ones we love for their peace of...
Thursday, November 17, 2022
American Insurance and more than 70 Partners in our local business community worked in the 7th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. - When the totals were announced, wow, what an outcome we had for this event! - Between...
Monday, November 7, 2022
As our 100th anniversary year comes to a close, we can sum up everything by saying one word – “thankful”! We are thankful for you, our loyal customers and friends, for your continued trust and confidence in us. For some,...
Monday, November 7, 2022
American Insurance has Partnered with more than 70 businesses for the 7th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. The 8th Annual Event will be announced closer to November 2023. - Related: 7th Annual Food Drive SMASHES...
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time to update your files We have closed our PO boxes in Lewiston and in Moscow. Please make sure your bill payment address on file is listed as 55 Southway Avenue, Lewiston, or 604 S. Washington St., Moscow especially...
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Every day being on a work site can be dangerous, regardless of the industry in which you work. Do your employees know how to put Safety First to work to avoid possible accidents, reducing your risk and helping avoid...
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
THE AMERICAN DREAM - Yours and Ours! - For our 100th Anniversary, American Insurance launched the new slogan, “We Protect Your American Dream”. Our slogan says “your” because every American Dream is as special,...
Thursday, August 4, 2022
We have three events that we'd love to welcome you to join us for our celebrations. Here are the dates for our upcoming events. 5-7 PM Thursday, Aug. 18 -- Business After Hours event with LC Valley chamber3-6 PM Friday,...
Friday, July 22, 2022
Advantage Advertising shared with us this blooper reel. John Sullivan (center) shared it with the agency to remind us that not everything always goes according to our plans!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
As part of 100th year anniversary, we asked for your stories about your interactions with the Sullivans and staff at American Insurance. This story takes us back to when John Sullivan was just a young boy. So we wanted...
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Community Spirit presented awards to several well-deserving people and organizations that have worked behind the scenes for many years to support the Independence Day Fireworks events. In honor of their many...
Friday, July 1, 2022
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES The emerging new threats to your business “I didn’t see that coming!” We probably have all muttered those words recently. There seem to be new challenges to running a business that emerge daily....
Friday, May 20, 2022
Seniors who have Medicare supplements have new options your Agent can review. Tim Gleason and Dave Root are our licensed health insurance agents who quote and issue Medicare Supplemental plans in Idaho and Washington. “...
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Did you know that life insurance may be the single greatest gift you can buy for your family? I emphasize buy because, of course, nothing can replace the gifts of time and love you already give them. Let’s look at some...
Friday, April 8, 2022
We've expanded our online social opportunities beyond Facebook. We now also have a Twitter page, an Instagram account and a LinkedIn page for you to follow! We also have a Google Maps page for Lewiston and one for ...
Monday, April 4, 2022
Old photographs, newspaper clippings, advertisements, documents, digital photos and records – telling a story spanning 100-years is a challenge! The famous American author, Carl Sandburg wrote, “Life is like an onion;...
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
American Insurance offices in Lewiston and Moscow have been awarded Elite Status Plaques as being in the the top 10 percent in the nation for Liberty Mutual Insurance for 2020 and 2021 and for Safeco Insurance for 2021....
Monday, February 7, 2022
Awards were given out during our 2021 Christmas party and annual staff meeting on Dec. 10, 2021 to celebrate the year and look ahead into 2022. Newcomer Angela Hobart (above) received the newcomer award after passing...
Monday, January 24, 2022
Rate stability will usually last up to about two years, but that may not be the case as we look at the forecast for business and personal insurance rates for 2022. LOOKING BACK TO 2021 - In January last year, I wrote...
Monday, January 24, 2022
It's no surprise to anyone that mail service seems to have slowed down. We would hate to have your payment be late or your policy be canceled because your payment did not arrive in time. Please consider skipping the...
Monday, January 3, 2022
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Members of the Idaho State Police are joining colleagues throughout the Western U.S. in urging drivers to buckle up and drive safe and sober this New Year's Eve. It's a unified effort from the Western States Traffic...
Friday, December 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic? A: You aren’t alone if this pandemic has made you think again about the importance of...
Saturday, December 4, 2021
ACA Health Exchange Annual Open Enrollment Period ends soon. UPDATE: Idaho has extended their open enrollment period for Advanced Premium Tax Credit plans in Your Health Idaho until Dec. 22. Washington open enrollment...
Friday, December 3, 2021
Betty Reimler Knopes found herself in a photo advertisement framed at the American Insurance office and told us her story. She started working at American Insurance in 1948 at the age of 16, just after she had graduated...
Friday, December 3, 2021
This is a story we have not told before now. It was told in detail in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, The Elders / Oliver M. Mackey (published on Dec. 25, 1977), by Thomas W. Campbell. Tom interviewed OM Mackey in 1977...
Friday, December 3, 2021
Be in the first 100 people to answer these 4 questions correctly to receive a prize! (Hint: All answers can be found inside this newsletter available to read online from this link here.) Click this link to complete this...
Friday, December 3, 2021
We are launching our 100th Anniversary with a special 2022 Historic Calendar! - On every page you will find historic pictures (some even embarrassing - eek!) and surprising stories. Read about the people who helped...
Monday, November 22, 2021
We appreciate all of our donors for their contributions to ensure our successful 6th annual food drive. The total count is 12,780 lbs. including cash donations for our 6th Annual Food Drive. - Thanks to you, our...
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are you having your food drive again this year? A: Yes, the American Insurance HOMETOWN BUSINESS FOOD DRIVE is coming up next week,...
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
There are two “open enrollment periods” that are critically important for health insurance -- for individuals and seniors in our area. These limited time periods are the only times that new Affordable Care Act (ACA)...
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Everyone can shop at grocers to support event - Updates -- Watch for updates throughout the week on our Facebook Food Drive event page here. Related: See our downloadable Lewiston PDF invitation with links or Moscow...
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This...
Friday, September 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. How can I beat rising business insurance rates? A: If your business insurance rates have increased again, we need to talk! At...
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
The LC Valley Habitat for Humanity organization has announced several local home improvement programs available for area residents. Clarkston repairs program available for residents - At Habitat for Humanity, we believe...
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Welcome back to our University of Idaho Vandals this week, from your fellow UI alumni at American Insurance.Read more about our staff on our staff directory here.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When should I review my insurance? A: Insurance is a deeply personal business in order to protect your American dream! After all,...
Monday, August 2, 2021
One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 90.3% in 2020. Seat belt use in passenger...
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Thank you so much for your votes of confidence! The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and...
Saturday, July 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Can telematics lower my auto premium? A: Yes, safe drivers can save up to 40% off their personnal auto insurance premiums after...
Monday, June 14, 2021
Philip Sullivan, Vice President & CIC, coached two teams sponsored by American Insurance, which provided new gear that will last for many years. The the Brewers team (shown in yellow for 4-6-year-olds, including...
Monday, June 14, 2021
NOTICE to Washington clients & residents The Washington Insurance Commissioner made an emergency rule on March 22 banning insurance scoring as a factor in calculating insurance premium rates effective June 20 for...
Monday, June 14, 2021
We should all be very happy to see COVID in our rearview mirrors as we cruise down the highway back to normal life. Hopefully, you have great summer plans to travel and have fun with your motorhome, camp trailer, 4-...
Thursday, June 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do soaring building costs effect my insurance? A: Yes, the dramatic rise in building material cost translates into much higher re-...
Thursday, June 10, 2021
John B. Sullivan is currently serving as board president of Interlink and has announced that Interlink is moving to a new office location in the next 30 days. After 21 years at the same location in downtown Clarkston,...
Thursday, June 10, 2021
As we prepare for our 100th anniversary, we want to hear your experiences and memories of our relationship. Please tell us your stories about your most memorable, most funny, your most exciting, your most worrisome...
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
American Insurance is warning rural property owners in the Northwest that wildfires are expected to start earlier and be closer to home this summer. Shawn Sullivan, President of American Insurance said, “rural property...
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the May 11, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do you have any tips about RV insurance? A: We insure RVs of all types and sizes. The insurance you need with depend on what state...
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Friday, April 16, 2021
Did you close or change your normal procedures for COVID and lose out on that revenue, yet still see a JUMP in your insurance rates for your renewal in 2021?!?! Our Agents can help you solve this problem!! We have...
Saturday, April 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Does Idaho have a new cell phone law? A: Yes, Idaho is now enforcing the “hands-free cell phone” law passed last July. The Idaho...
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
We have a new website and we've added a new Community Tab landing page. There you will find out about our history of community involvement, our own agency community events plus a Community Calendar feature. Have we...
Monday, April 5, 2021
”Carmen!” That’s what you hear over the partition from a co-worker who needs help with their computer. Carmen Johnson is an invaluable part of the A-Team. She works behind the scenes to keep our computers and software...
Monday, April 5, 2021
Preparing for our 100th Anniversary Spring brings us a fresh start and growth! New hope and sunshine awaken us as we are emerging slowly from this long pandemic. We look forward to things becoming more normal with each...
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Despite the headlines, phishing and ransomware remains a disproportionate problem for small businesses. Recent reports show that 40% of ransomware attacks were against smaller companies with 1 to 100 employees. Small...
Monday, March 22, 2021
Individuals can shop for health coverage and may qualify for premium subsidy (reduced premiums) to begin the first of the following month. Your Health Idaho has extended enrollment until April 30, 2021Washington Health...
Friday, March 12, 2021
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Biden-Harris Administration is reducing health care costs, expanding access to coverage, and ensuring nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family...
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Here is information for Idaho residents and where you can find your vaccines. Idaho North Central Health District has announced large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March...
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are the health exchanges open again? A: Yes! The Idaho and Washington state health exchanges have re-opened in response to...
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
We want to introduce our new website to you, and help you find your way around our site. Each tab heading contains a wealth of convenient and useful information. 24/7 you can make a payment, file a claim, request policy...
Thursday, February 11, 2021
In case you wondered, if you are covered under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or you're enrolled in a Read More
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What to do about rising business insurance rates? A: If COVID wasn’t bad enough, business insurance companies are at the tail-end...
Monday, February 8, 2021
WELCOME TO THE A-TEAM! Team trophies were awarded during the December annual meeting to Mitch Keller, Agent, and Brittney Allen, Commercial Lines Service Representative who joined American Insurance in 2020. Also...
Friday, February 5, 2021
UPDATE: Find the most recent extended health exchange enrollment article here instead.American Insurance health agents are certified for both exchanges to help our clients understand what plans are available, see if you...
Thursday, January 14, 2021
How to beat rising business insurance rates - What is on the horizon for business insurance prices in 2021? You’ve been creative and resilient as you continue to weather the COVID-19 economic storm. Controlling...
Sunday, January 10, 2021
We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do jewelry & guns need special insurance? A: Yes, if you have higher value jewelry or guns then you may not have enough...
Thursday, December 17, 2020
We want to hear about your 2021 appointment calendar that you receive each year in the mail. Would you like an extra copy of this calendar to share with a neighbor or a friend? Or, do you not use your calendar and you'd...
Thursday, December 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic? A: You aren’t alone if this pandemic has made you think again about the importance of...
Monday, December 7, 2020
Idaho's Health Exchange, Your Health Idaho, has extended open enrollment until Thursday, December 31st, to apply for a tax credit, select a plan, and enroll in coverage that begins January 1, 2021. Washington State has...
Monday, December 7, 2020
Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say that the pandemic has been a wake-up call for them to reevaluate their finances, according to a new study by Life Happens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers about the...
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are there new options on the health exchanges? A: Yes, the WA & ID Health Exchanges are now open with new companies, plans and...
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Nellie Flatt’s home in Malden, Wash., burned to the ground in a wind driven wild fire on Sept. 7, 2020. She lost all her belongings, her pictures and mementos but amazingly didn’t lose her smile or sense of humor. She...
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
A new flood of Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) letters have gone out to Idaho drivers threatening registration suspension for vehicles they can’t match to their system. Idaho’s “Drive Insured” program is about to...
Saturday, October 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through December...
Friday, October 9, 2020
American Insurance is inviting all small business owners to partner with us again from Nov. 16-20 for the 5th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. If you are ready to join us, please contact our Event Coordinator...
Thursday, September 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: My fence at home blew down during a windstorm, is it insured? A. YES! If you have a typical Homeowners policy (HO-3), it covers a...
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Troopers with the Idaho State Police and Washington State Patrol want drivers to know that extra patrols are out in force now through Labor Day focused on finding DUI drivers. In 2019, DUI fatalities increased by nearly...
Thursday, August 13, 2020
What a difference 6 months makes! In my January article Forecasting 2020 Commercial Insurance Rates, I said, “most commercial insurance rates trended modestly higher in 2019 and increases are expected to accelerate...
Monday, August 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is Classic Car Insurance? A: Classic cars aren't just antiques, they also include restored cars, street rods, low riders,...
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Employers are challenged with two liability concerns regarding COVID-19 transmission – customers and employees. The latest liability exposure to manage is how to prevent claims for workers compensation or employer...
Friday, July 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: I’ve lost my health insurance! Now what?A. We can help! If you’ve lost your health insurance because of a business closure,...
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2020, drivers throughout Idaho will be responsible to follow a new law meant to keep drivers safe and engaged while behind the wheel. The new Idaho State Code 49-1401A requires electronic...
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Rapid growth in the number of business insurance accounts has prompted the need to expand our Customer Service staff to four with the recent addition of Brittney Allen. We welcome Brittney, who previously worked for...
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Mitch Keller has joined American Insurance as a licensed Property-Casualty insurance agent. Prior to starting his insurance career, Mitch worked in customer service for Regence BlueShield of Idaho and most recently as a...
Thursday, June 11, 2020
For 37 years, American Insurance has been a major sponsor of the Lewis-Clark Valley aerial fireworks display on July 4th. John Sullivan, Vice-President of Community Spirit and CEO of American Insurance said, “The...
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Will the valley Independence Day fireworks happen?A: YES! For 35 years, American Insurance has been a major sponsor of the Lewis-...
Monday, June 1, 2020
Lobbies are now open at AMERICAN INSURANCE offices in Lewiston and Moscow. As an essential business, we have remained open to serve you by phone, email and online during the COVID stay-at-home period. But, honestly,we...
Sunday, May 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What now? I’ve lost my health insurance! A: We can help! If you have lost your health insurance because of the COVID-19 Pandemic...
Friday, May 8, 2020
As business owners reopen their businesses to the public, the question of COVID related liability has become a concern. The primary concern has been voiced for specific industries like large retailers, medical clinics,...
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Pandemic business closures, employee layoffs and “Stay-Home” orders have impacted medical insurance coverage for individuals and groups. Sometimes, the change in hours worked or employment status can lead to losing...
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
4 ways business owners can reduce insurance premiums during the COVID-19 Pandemic American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the business coverage you need at the lowest rates you...
Friday, April 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I get COVID-19 premium relief? A: Yes, American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the...
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
3 ways paying premium was made easier - Everyone has been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic–some more than others. American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the...
Monday, March 23, 2020
UPDATE: Our lobbies are open again as of June 1. You can find out more about our office changes here in this new article. - Although face-to-face customer visits are restricted, our employees are on the job to serve...
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Answers to 4 common insurance questions Every business owner wants to know and is hoping that somehow their insurance coverages will provide some financial relief. Containment efforts of the Coronavirus Pandemic across...
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is a BOP? A: If you own a business, small or large, you will want to get “BOP’d” by American Insurance. It doesn’t hurt and...
Monday, February 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I cut insurance costs? A: AMERICAN INSURANCE has two ways you can save money on your auto and home insurance today! 1....
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Updated Feb. 5, 2020 The certified Health Agents at American Insurance are pleased to announce the news from Regence BlueShield of Idaho that they have reached a new multi-year agreement that ensures their members can...
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Most commercial insurance rates trended modestly higher in 2019 and increases are expected to accelerate some in 2020. Rate increases of up to 10% will not be uncommon even for well managed business exposures with low...
Friday, January 10, 2020
We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? A: The answer is “NO”! The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly...
Friday, December 27, 2019
Your Business Autos and how to comply with Idaho’s new insurance verification law. Perhaps this is the law of “unintended consequences” at work! Idaho’s new insurance verification law began Jan. 1, 2020 and has created...
Monday, December 9, 2019
This Q&A column was published in the Dec. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Will Idaho's new auto liability law affect me? - A: Maybe, so here’s what you need to know. - Even if you normally always...
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Changes to Washington’s child passenger restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) began on Jan. 1, 2020. - Car crashes are a leading killer of children ages 1-13. Using the right seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71...
Monday, November 25, 2019
THE RESULTS ARE IN & WE ARE CELEBRATING! - The total count comes to 5,304 lbs. which is supporting 3 local food banks. Our Hometown Business Food Drive Partners ROCK!!! - President Shawn Sullivan is shown with AJ...
Friday, November 15, 2019
Sixty-six health plans and seven dental plans set to participate in market Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has announced an average decrease in plans for certified 2020 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and...
Friday, November 15, 2019
There's good news for seniors for their 2020 medical options and costs. Medicare continues to offer seniors and people with disabilities with flexibility and choices while providing high quality healthcare services....
Friday, November 15, 2019
Deductibles for 2020 for Medicare plans are changing for Medicare Plans A and B. - Related: 2020 Medigap policy changesRelated: Medicare: What's the difference? Medicare 2020 Part A Deductible - For the year 2020,...
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Moscow agent, Jeremy Van Houten, has been awarded the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. To become a CIC, Jeremy completed 100 classroom...
Thursday, November 7, 2019
We are pleased to welcome back Jennifer (Jenni) Waters to American Insurance. For those who don’t know, Jenni worked as our Moscow Personal Lines Customer Service Agent (PL-CSA) from 2006 to 2015. Jenni rejoined us in...
Friday, November 1, 2019
Regence BlueShield of Idaho and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston have not agreed to a new contact yet. Regence rejected proposed large rate increases for hospital services previously which led St. Joseph...
Friday, November 1, 2019
Idaho Medicaid expansion may change eligibility for ACA Health Exchange in 2020 - The Idaho and Washington Health Exchanges are now open! Individuals, families, small employers, employees, dependents, college students -...
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Uninsured vehicle compliance begins January 1, 2020 Starting January 1, 2020, vehicle owners without auto insurance coverage for two consecutive months will receive a warning and be given 30 days to provide proof of...
Monday, October 14, 2019
2020 ID Health Insurance rates released - Average increase of 6% for individual, 4% for small group coverage. - Final 2020 premium rates for individual and small group health insurance plans have been released by the...
Thursday, October 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q & A: When can I change my RX and Medicare plans? - The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through...
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Small employers and their employees will be able to pay for individual ACA medical plans with pre-tax premiums through an expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The new “Individual Coverage HRA” (ICHRA)...
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
One significant change to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans beginning on January 1, 2020 is the withdrawal of two popular standardized plan options – Plans C and F. Starting January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to...
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Did you know about 1 million Americans go to the hospital with pneumonia every year? Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by pneumococcal disease, which can also cause blood infections and meningitis. The bacteria that...
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
By now, our senior clients should have received their new Medicare card - with your new Medicare Number. When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. If you're...
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
You should know about the latest fraud scheme involving genetic testing, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Scammers are offering “free” genetic tests and claiming...
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Should I buy Renters Insurance? A: Most definitely, yes! Renters or Tenants Insurance insures more than just your stuff and is a...
Saturday, August 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune.Q: What is Classic Car Insurance? A: Classic cars aren't just antiques, they also include restored cars, street rods, low riders,...
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that HHS and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are publishing a Safe Importation Action Plan that outlines two potential pathways that...
Friday, July 19, 2019
Washington motorcycle drivers have a new state law related to their insurance starting on July 28, 2019. It might surprise you to know that prior to that date Washington state law did not require motorcycles to be...
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Why did my auto rates increase? A: Sometimes auto insurance rates change with no apparent explanation. The answer may have more to...
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
We have made some recent changes to our Moscow office. New Office Hours: For your convenience, beginning on July 1, our Moscow office will open earlier at 8:00AM. We are now open 8AM to 5PM M-F and closed during lunch...
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Family traditions come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe an annual trip to a cabin or destination, an event you go back to annually, relatives you visit - it seems it is in our nature to commemorate important dates and...
Monday, June 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I donate to the fireworks show? A: This is the 34th year that AMERICAN INSURANCE is the major sponsor of the valley’s...
Friday, May 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need to insure my ATV? - A: Generally, “YES”, for two reasons – it may be required by law and your exposure to liability is...
Monday, April 29, 2019
Even though the number of employees age 55 and older has doubled since 2000, workers compensation claims have been declining. Why? That question led to some surprising answers in the National Council on Compensation...
Thursday, April 11, 2019
On March 18, 2019, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation (H.B. 113) extending the time in which a claim for unpaid wages could be made to the Idaho Department of Labor, or in District Court. Idaho workers who...
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is Identity Theft Growing? - A: Yes, unfortunately Identity Theft is one of the most common outcomes following business data...
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
How I Locked Up My Computer Network - As published in our Spring 2019 newsletter I fell victim to a ransomware email scam in 2015 and want to share my story so you won’t make my mistake. Here’s how it happened to me......
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
As published in our Spring 2019 newsletterWe were looking for someone who would be naturally helpful, friendly and courteous for customer service as well as organized, detailed and prompt with great computer skills. We...
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Idaho law has required mandatory auto liability insurance since 1988 by means of the owner’s signature of compliance when registering a vehicle. Despite that, about one out of every eight drivers do not carry auto...
Sunday, March 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage Required? A: Idaho and Washington residents are required to purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM)...
Friday, March 1, 2019
Employee Dishonesty – Review your controls & policies According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employees steal an estimated $30 billion to $100 billion per year from their employers. From inventory theft, to check...
Sunday, February 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q:&A: When should I re-shop my auto insurance? A: We recommend re-quoting auto insurance about once every three years, even if...
Friday, January 11, 2019
Fourth generation takes helm of family owned agency - Shawn D. Sullivan, CIC, is now serving as President of American Insurance effective Jan. 1, 2019. The announcement was made at the agency’s Dec. 14 annual staff...
Thursday, January 10, 2019
AMERICAN INSURANCE was chosen as the “Business of the Year for 2018” by the Lewis Clark Chamber of Commerce. “This recognition from the business community is an true honor. We strive to be a leader within our industry...
Thursday, January 10, 2019
We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy medical insurance when Exchanges are closed? A: The answer is “NO” – unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period! ...
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
More than 103,154 Idahoans enrolled in health insurance coverage for the 2019 plan year during open enrollment held from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2018, through Your Health Idaho, the state’s health insurance marketplace....
Friday, January 4, 2019
#1 EMBARRASSING MOMENT: 13 people in a party limo with loud music and champagne - what could go wrong? The Lewiston staff of American Insurance took a stretch-limo to our new Moscow office for our holiday party. (...
Monday, December 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? A: The answer is “NO”! The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly...
Thursday, December 6, 2018
AMERICAN INSURANCE - invites you to visit - our new Moscow office - 604 S. Washington St. - (across from Umpqua Bank, diagonal from Moscow Food Co-op ) During our office closures, visit our Online Service Center for...
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
SWOT IT! - As a business owner it’s time to make plans for a new year of success! One common planning technique is listing out your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats - also known as the SWOT test. ...
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
2,655 lbs. - A TON of Thanks-giving! - Here are John and Philip Sullivan with one of three full pallets of food donations. Also pictured is the new Fork Lift purchased with the Make More Happen $10,000 Award from Safeco...
Saturday, November 10, 2018
We published this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I get subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: Yes, the Health Exchanges are now open and you may qualify for a premium subsidy (...
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Philip Sullivan, CIC, has received the Safeco Outstanding Agent Recognition (S.O.A.R.) Award for 2018. The S.O.A.R. Award recognizes Philip for his commitment to customer service and performance for American Insurance....
Thursday, November 1, 2018
New location at 604 S Washington St, Moscow - The Moscow office has moved now into our new office location at 604 S Washington St (the former Whitney Law office). The Sullivan family owns the building and AMERICAN...
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Here are 10 teen driving stats that may surprise you and some ways to save money on your auto insurance with a new driver. Signing your teen up for an approved driver education program can not only reduce their crash...
Monday, October 15, 2018
Slight increase for individual plans much lower than in recent years. Final 2019 premium rates for individual and small group health insurance plans have been released by the Idaho Department of Insurance. In the...
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
We published this Q&A column in the Oct. 10 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When can I change my Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through December 7th ....
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
A proposal for a (minus) -4.2 percent overall rate change to Idaho workers’ compensation insurance, effective January 1, 2019, has been approved by the Idaho Department of Insurance. The proposed rate change comes from...
Friday, October 5, 2018
YOU MADE IT HAPPEN! - Our thanks to all who “liked” and “shared” the Safeco Make More Happen post to benefit our Community Action Partnership (CAP) Food Banks. Safeco offered to double the original grant through a...
Friday, September 28, 2018
American Insurance is inviting all small business owners to partner with us again from Nov. 12-20 - now extended! - for the 3rd Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. Just bring your donations to our office or if you're a...
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board recently certified the 2019 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) to be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder during the upcoming open...
Friday, August 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need an “Umbrella”? A: Yes, even in August you may need an Umbrella. When we talk about an insurance “umbrella”, we are...
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) has posted proposed health insurance premium rates and the requested increases for plans sold starting January 2019. Health insurance companies have submitted their rating...
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Knowledge is power, and understanding the risks to your workers and your profits is the first step to protecting your business. AMERICAN INSURANCE represents Liberty Mutual who has just published their 2018 Liberty...
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Is my contractor insured? A: Good question! Hiring an uninsured contractor can end up embroiling you in lawsuits and cost you more...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
You are part of something BIG! Your trust and confidence in AMERICAN INSURANCE has made it possible for us to be a major sponsor of the valley’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration for the last 33 years. As costs...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
American Insurance was recognized by the YWCA of Lewiston-Clarkston for being the dessert sponsor of their 2018 fundraising event on February 23rd. Amanda Wilhelm, YWCA community engagement manager, presented a framed...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency for 2018. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy of your...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
We have purchased the former Whitney Attorney building at 604 South Washington in Moscow. It sits on the SE corner of Washington and 6th Street, across from Umpqua Bank and kiddie corner from the Moscow Food Co-Op...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Here's how to find out. - Hiring an uninsured contractor can end up embroiling you in lawsuits and cost you more than you ever imagined. Summer is when we hire contractors for repairs, roof replacements, remodeling,...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
You need to know this .... Questions of liability follow every incident that hurts someone or damages their property. For a variety of reasons, the general person's understanding of what constitutes ”legal liability” is...
Thursday, June 14, 2018
“After an auto accident, what optional coverages – other than comprehensive and collision – do most people wish they had purchased?” That was the question posed to the insurance company claims adjusters and agents at a...
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Here's how an umbrella policy works to provide you with an additional excess insurance limit in a lawsuit. There are many instances when an accident, injury or other issue can occur where you have a legal or financial...
Friday, June 8, 2018
Problems with vendors amounted to 30 percent of claim payments for all wedding claims, according to Travelers Companies, Inc. which announced the findings of its recent analysis of wedding insurance claims from 2011–...
Friday, June 1, 2018
A new report finds that in 2016, 44% of fatally-injured drivers with known test results were positive for drugs, up from 28% just 10 years prior, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). More than...
Friday, June 1, 2018
What every motorcyclist should know - Why are motorcyclists over-represented in overall crashes and fatalities? Motorcyclists now represent approximately 14% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities, up from just 5.7% in...
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Midyear change effective June 1 - Employers are benefiting from lower workers compensation rates as they continue to drop following trends of lower claims frequency, workplace safety gains, medical cost containment...
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Recent local newscasts showing area flooding - even outside a floodplain - should remind businesses and homeowners to be concerned about possible flooding. Philip Sullivan, Personal Lines Manager at American Insurance,...
Thursday, May 10, 2018
This is why you must call before digging on your property. Homeowners are the most likely to forget to call 811 before digging on their property. Something as simple as planting shrubs, installing a fence, mailbox post,...
Thursday, May 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. BOAT INSURANCE - What coverage is needed? A: As you prepare for boating season, make sure your Boat Insurance coverage is ready to...
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Whether you take to the lake for water sports, drift down the river casting your reel or sail the ocean blue, being on the water floats your boat. Your watercraft and its engine(s), your trailer and other equipment – it...
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
BOATING SEASON IS HERE! As you prepare for boating season, American Insurance recommends you consider some newer boat insurance coverage options you may have missed. Agreed Value Loss Settlement – An option for full...
Monday, April 16, 2018
The facts are different than you may think - Click It or Ticket isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives. In 2016, there were 10,428 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States....
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Chances are roughly one in eight that a driver is uninsured, according to new estimates from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). After a seven year decline from a high of 14.9 percent in 2003, the countrywide...
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
A data breach at your business creates immediate and serious legal liabilities and exposes your good customers/clients to identity theft. Regardless of the size of your business, federal law and most states now require...
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
The 2017 data breach of Equifax, one of the three largest US credit bureaus, was reported to have affected as many as 145.5 million US consumers. As a result, many consumers have chosen to place a "freeze" on their...
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. What can I do to protect against Identity theft? A. Nearly every week we hear of another major data breach or ransomware attack....
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Nearly every week we hear of another major data breach or ransomware attack - lately Equifax and City of Atlanta. It is highly likely that the personal information of every American adult is now available on the dark...
Saturday, March 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Does homeowners insurance cover my “At-Home” business? A. All Homeowners policy forms contain business exclusions in the property,...
Saturday, February 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Are business insurance premiums rising? A. Natural disasters in 2017 will have little effect on Business Insurance premiums in 2018....
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Natural disasters in 2017 will have little effect on Commercial Lines premiums in 2018. That is not to say that natural disasters were insignificant. The record hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires...
Thursday, January 25, 2018
There are reports that insurers or employers may be delayed in delivering their 1095-B or 1095-C forms to their clients or employees to show creditable coverage for 2017. Generally, you must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C...
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
The Idaho and Washington health exchanges are reminding area residents who have not yet filed a federal tax return to do so by the Tax Day deadline or risk losing access to future tax credits. Customers who enrolled...
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
The perfect storm? Record hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires coupled with already rising costs for medical injury claims, auto repairs with new tech, distracted driving – all are converging in 2018...
Thursday, January 11, 2018
How are we doing?“ We want you to tell us what you think of our service. Please send in a confidential message to management by filling out our short Customer Service Comment form. Gift Card: As a "thank you" for taking...
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I cut insurance costs? A: Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend less money on insurance? AMERICAN INSURANCE has...
Friday, December 29, 2017
Is one of your resolutions for the New Year to spend less money, or find ways to cut costs? American Insurance can help you do just that! Here are two ways you can save money on your auto and home insurance today. ...
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Idaho health exchange now closed; Washington is still open until Jan. 15. - Federal health exchange enrollment for 2018 coverage fell only 4.5 percent, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),...
Monday, December 11, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need more Life Insurance? A: The answer is probably “yes.” This is the question people ask during the holidays as we gather...
Monday, November 20, 2017
When American Insurance organized the new “Hometown Business Food Drive,” we could not have foreseen these results. The response was overwhelming and the results are spectacular. “Our goal was to exceed last year’s...
Friday, November 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: Yes, ACA Health Exchanges are now open! Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1st and will...
Monday, November 6, 2017
Individuals, small employers, employees, dependents, college students – anyone who relies on individual medical insurance coverage – must apply during open enrollment unless they are renewing existing coverage at a diff...
Monday, November 6, 2017
Premium Subsidies Are Not Changed. To clarify, this information from recent news articles is NOT referring to the premium subsidies (tax credits) that lower the health insurance premiums paid by qualifying lower income...
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
American Insurance is following the latest developments regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). At the publication of this article, enrollments and renewals of ACA Medical Plans will proceed as scheduled. You can count...
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Our new commercial message on KLEW-TV is promoting our “Marketplace Double Check” program. You can make just one call to American Insurance and receive quotes for up to 7 top insurance companies. Watch the video here...
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
We invite you to partner with us to “fill the shelves” at Community Action Food Bank in Lewiston and the Moscow Food Bank this holiday season! We are hosting the second annual American Insurance Food Drive from Nov. 13-...
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
When we talk about an insurance “umbrella”, we are referring to a Personal Umbrella Policy that provides an excess layer of liability insurance limit on top of your other personal insurance policies - auto, home,...
Thursday, October 12, 2017
There’s good news for local businesses who offer small group medical coverage for their employees. The Idaho Department of Insurance has released the final 2018 premium rates for all small group health plans. Carriers...
Thursday, October 12, 2017
American Insurance health agents are certified to show all options to local clients. - Individual medical plan premiums through Your Health Idaho, the Idaho exchange, are going up in 2018. The Idaho Department of...
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
American Insurance health agents can explain changes, show options for local clients. - The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has certified the Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) to...
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in today's edition (on Oct. 10, 2017) of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: As you may have heard, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), was not...
Monday, October 9, 2017
New cards will no longer contain Social Security numbers, to combat fraud and illegal use. - Seniors and others who use Medicare benefits will have a new ID number soon. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (...
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Shawn Sullivan, CIC, American Insurance Agency Vice President, recently received recognition for professional leadership and advanced knowledge by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC), a leading national...
Friday, September 1, 2017
On August 31, 2017, Federal District Court Judge Amos Mazzant overturned the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Final Overtime Rule for so called "white collar exemptions" that would have doubled the annual salary level to...
Friday, August 18, 2017
Idaho and Washington among states that see small decline this year. - Reversing a trend of sharply increasing motor vehicle deaths in 2015 and 2016, the first half of 2017 is down 1% from the corresponding period in...
Thursday, August 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2017, and Sept. 10, 2017 editions of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How is my college student's stuff insured? - A: This is the phone call you don’t want to get from your college...
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Idaho Department of Insurance releases 2018 health insurance rates, proposed increases, and participation areas. - Proposed rate increases in 2018 for Your Health Idaho exchange plans range from a modest 6% for the Blue...
Monday, July 24, 2017
Violations are now reported to your insurance company. - Washington state has defined its Distracted Driving law that just took effect on July 23, 2017. These changes include: No Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving...
Monday, July 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune Q: When I rent a car, do I need to buy “Collision Damage Waiver”? A: Your Personal Auto Policy (PAP) extends auto liability, uninsured /...
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Several new Idaho traffic laws took effect on July 1 that could impact driving habits or citations in our local area. In an effort to clarify vehicle speed limits and safe passing rules in Idaho, the 2017 Idaho...
Thursday, June 22, 2017
For 32 years AMERICAN INSURANCE has been a major financial sponsor of the Lewis-Clark valley’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on July 4th. John Sullivan, agency President, is involved in every aspect of the...
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
In honor of Independence Day, the Sullivans invite you to celebrate your independence with us - by taking the AMERICAN CHALLENGE! Quote your preferred Auto Insurance Quote or a Home Insurance Quote and get a $10 lunch...
Sunday, June 18, 2017
When you have billing questions, need to add or remove autos or drivers, make coverage changes, quotes, report claims or any service need, now you can reach your Customer Service Agent through her direct phone number. ...
Friday, June 16, 2017
A home-based business may void all coverage on your garage/shop.If you have a “home-based” business - even if part-time - at your home residence premises, there are serious insurance coverage issues that need to be...
Thursday, June 15, 2017
If you celebrate Independence Day with your own fireworks show, you will be personally liable if anything goes wrong. So, here is some information about how to cover your liability plus safety tips to keep your show...
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency for 2017. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy of your...
Monday, June 12, 2017
Our company logo was launched in 1990. The triangular shape contains our American colors of red (on the left), white (silhouette of the Statue of Liberty in the center) and blue (on the right). The Statue of Liberty was...
Saturday, June 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Before I buy a new home, how can I find out if it had any serious claims? - A. Before you buy a home a little detective work can...
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need to insure my ATV? - A: Generally, “YES”, for two reasons – it may be required by law and your exposure to liability is...
Monday, May 8, 2017
ATVs and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are fast and fun to ride! But summer fun, too often, turns to tragedy when an ATV overturns leading to injury or death of riders or guests. Plus, if your ATV exhaust causes a...
Monday, May 1, 2017
Medicare Supplement insurance (aka Medigap Plans) will be made available in Idaho to Medicare-eligible individuals under age 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease beginning January 1, 2018. This change is...
Monday, May 1, 2017
Sunny weather is coming! Boating on the Snake River. Camping up the middle fork of the Clearwater River. Four wheeling on the prairie. Fishing on the Clearwater. Cruisin’ the open road on U.S. 12. Before you go, get the...
Friday, April 14, 2017
The Final Market Stabilization rule to help lower premiums and stabilize individual and small group health insurance markets, and to increase choices for Americans was issued by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (April 9-15, 2017), is an annual event designed to provide consumers with information on how to be responsible pet owners while increasing awareness of a serious public health issue....
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing in excess of $600 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute (...
Monday, April 10, 2017
We published this column in the April 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Identity theft - What can I do to protect myself? - A: “Identity theft” has matured into an international organized crime industry. All...
Monday, April 3, 2017
As published in the Spring 2017 newsletterAfter the harshest winter in recent memory, your windshield is under attack! The snow is now gone but the gravel remains on our roadways. Odds are, there is a rock with your...
Monday, April 3, 2017
As published in the Spring 2017 newsletter AMERICAN INSURANCE is celebrating 95 years in business during 2017. Our history has become an inseparable part of the communities we serve and covers four generations of...
Monday, March 27, 2017
American Insurance Personal Lines staff Lori Chapman, Tina Heitmann, Helen Duman and Shelly Abel are shown with their Grange Insurance Association personal awards received today for outstanding service and dedication to...
Friday, March 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When should I re-shop my auto insurance? - A: Right now many companies are taking large increases in their auto insurance rates. A...
Friday, February 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I get the lowest rates on business insurance? - A: Business Insurance rates vary dramatically from company to company. That’...
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Two staff members received promotions at American Insurance on Jan. 1. Heather Browning, a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), has been promoted to Commercial Lines Department Manager and agent Jeremy...
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? - A: The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly most people don’t...
Monday, January 9, 2017
Idaho has had more than its share of snow this winter, and the next big weather event may very well be flooding from rapid snow melt or rising water. The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that water damage...
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Locator will help consumers find lost life insurance policies, annuities. The Idaho Department of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recently announced a national service that...
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Life has a habit of getting very busy – from raising a family, to buying a home, to building a business or a career. We can procrastinate taking care of a fundamental insurance coverage that protects our dreams for the...
Friday, December 30, 2016
Jan. 1 is the deadliest day on average for alcohol-related crashes involving a motor vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist, a new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analysis shows. New Year's evokes visions of...
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Around 6.4 million consumers across the country have signed up for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act, an increase of 400,000 plan selected from last year. More than 98,000 Idahoans have selected a...
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
A working smoke alarm can save a life. In the 24-hour period from Dec. 19-20, the Idaho State Fire Marshal was called on to investigate three home fires. None of the homes had working smoke alarms. One fire resulted in...
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
AMERICAN INSURANCE staff and management celebrated our annual employee meeting and awards ceremony on December 16, 2016. President John Sullivan talked about upcoming changes in 2017 in the insurance industry and how...
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
You helped our Agents and employees at AMERICAN INSURANCE collect 708 lbs. of donations during our Food Drive last week to support the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Food Bank! Steven Small (left), with the Lewiston...
Saturday, December 10, 2016
We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is the status of Obamacare? - A: It may take as long as three years for the Trump / Republican repeal of the Affordable Care...
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
What? Is there a down side to personal service? At AMERICAN INSURANCE we are proud of providing "personal service." That means we assign our customers to a specific Customer Service Agent who knows your name, knows...
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Food Drive set for Dec. 12-16 in both offices.We invite you to help us "fill the shelves" at Community Action Food Banks in Lewiston and Moscow this holiday season! Our staff is having a contest to see who can collect...
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
First, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Looking ahead, 2017 is shaping up as a year of change. Americans voted for political change and there are other changes coming that effect you and the...
Thursday, November 10, 2016
We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When can I buy individual medical insurance? - A: You can only buy or change your individual medical insurance plan during “Open...
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
We might think that our local individual health insurance premium increases are hard to swallow, but things could always be worse. In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, many states have premium increases...
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Major changes in medical premiums and provider networks are coming in 2017. Open enrollment began Nov. 1 in the Idaho and Washington Health Exchange Marketplaces. Anyone who needs or is covered under an Individual...
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Cool, crisp fall days are a wonderful time in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley and on the Palouse -- if your home is ready for them. Yes, this is the time of year to fix small problems before they become big, and big ones...
Monday, October 17, 2016
If you are on Medicare, you should have received your Medicare & You 2017 booklet that outlines changes and answers questions you may have about coverage options. One update is the Quality Payment Program to work...
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
AMERICAN INSURANCE reminds area seniors to take note of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is when everyone who has Medicare – not only seniors – can change to different Medicare Advantage...
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Days are numbered for “grandmothered” small group medical plans. The so-called “grandmothered” medical plans are those small groups purchased from March 23, 2010 to Oct. 1, 2013 that are not yet ACA (Affordable Care Act)...
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The Idaho Department of Insurance is alerting Idaho residents about a possible scam by a company using deceptive practices to market health insurance in Idaho. Your Health Idaho, Idaho’s health insurance exchange, has...
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Premera Blue Cross has launched a new, easy-to-use bill payment portal for their members. Customers who currently pay their bills online will receive an email notifying them of the new portal and the action they should...
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
This Independence Day we celebrate our nation’s 240th birthday! “Independence” is that strong human drive for freedom in our personal, political and business lives. It has given America an advantage over competing...
Monday, February 1, 2016
Local agents with AMERICAN INSURANCE in Lewiston can help area business owners find qualified individual health insurance coverage for your employees, their spouses and dependents to meet health care mandates. “We...
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
There are three things you can do this Holiday Season to be a survivor when driving. Here's why extra caution is necessary this year... The 2015 traffic fatality estimate for the US is up a shocking 8.1 percent higher...
Monday, November 2, 2015
AMERICAN INSURANCE in Lewiston has Exchange certified health agents who provide no cost help to find you the best health care plan during the Medical Open Enrollment period. “We are doing our best to shop all plans in...
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The ACA individual mandate tax penalty for no health coverage is much larger for 2016. If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it in 2016, you must pay a fee or have a health coverage exemption. The...
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Half of all teens will be involved in an automotive crash and motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14- to 18-year-olds, according to the National Safety Council. Even though driving is the biggest...
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
HOW SMART ARE YOU ABOUT MEDICARE? TAKE THIS MEDICARE QUIZ AND FIND OUT! President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare program into law in 1965. For more than 50 years, Medicare has provided essential medical benefits...
Friday, October 9, 2015
Auto injury claim costs per insured vehicle have continued to increase across the United States according to a new study from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Long-term reductions in highway injuries and fatalities...
Monday, October 5, 2015
BOISE – Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed a proclamation declaring this as Fire Prevention Week. The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s key message for the event is to encourage smoke alarm installation in every bedroom,...
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A new drug provides a novel approach to treating patients with influenza and will advance in development with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for...
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Your odds of hitting a deer, an elk or a moose are twice as high during the 4th quarter months of October, November and December as in the other nine months of the year. U.S. drivers are just as likely to have a claim...
Thursday, September 17, 2015
If you want to pay the lowest auto insurance rates in the USA you'd better move to good ole Idaho! Yes, Idaho has the lowest auto insurance rates in the nation according to the National Association of Insurance...
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Philip Sullivan, Insurance Agent and Personal Lines Manager at AMERICAN INSURANCE, fell in love with his first car, a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback. Through his access to and abilities with the car, he spent his teenage...
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
LEWISTON - Aug. 18, 2015 - A spike in traffic deaths brings a caution warning from AMERICAN INSURANCE to all drivers as they prepare for the Labor Day weekend. Traffic deaths in the U.S. have increased every month for...
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Lewis-Clark State College will no longer offer a Student Health Insurance Program (or SHIP) this fall, due to a change by the Idaho State Board of Education. Other regional schools that also have no SHIP include:...
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
We can all use some help managing stress in our lives. Here are 7 very practical, free and easy tips for managing daily anxieties from Business Psychology Associates (BPA). THE BINGE & PURGE PROBLEM: Do you...
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
For our 30th year, AMERICAN INSURANCE invites you to join us in Adams Field at Clarkston High School for the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. You are invited to Adam's Field at Clarkston High School. There is no...
Thursday, June 25, 2015
The latest legal attack on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. In KING v. BURWELL, plantiff's argued that the plain language in PPACA says...
Monday, May 4, 2015
A study of 2013 statistics shows 4,585 workers were killed on the job in the United States, and an estimated 50,000 died from occupational diseases, resulting in a loss of 150 workers each day from hazardous working...
Friday, April 24, 2015
Regence BlueShield of Idaho announced additional new preventative care benefits are now included on all ACA compliant group insurance policies. Regardless of the renewal date of a Regence group insurance policy the...
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
The Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is being withdrawn from four Idaho universities beginning July 31, 2015. Students at Lewis-Clark State College, Boise State University, Idaho State University and Eastern...
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
About 65 percent of on-the-job deaths of truck drivers in 2012 were the result of a motor vehicle crash. More than a third of the drivers who died were not wearing a seat belt. This troubling fact has the National...
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Bedeviled by sagging bank accounts and burdensome mortgages, some cash-strapped building owners try to burn their way out of debt. Lighting up spilled gasoline or interior gas lines seems like an easy gambit. One flick...
Friday, March 27, 2015
From April 10 to 15, 2015, law enforcement personnel will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text while driving. This effort is a part of the national U Drive....
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Some Blue Cross policyholders in Idaho and Washington states are among the 91 million people who had their personal information compromised in a cyber-attack. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Premera Blue Cross have...
Friday, March 20, 2015
Can we keep drunk drivers off the road? Must they kill someone with their car after being arrested 10, 20 even 30 plus times for driving drunk before we find the answer. The answer may be a technology that has been...
Friday, March 20, 2015
Your income taxes were filed early electronically by hackers looking to steal your tax refund. - Can't happen to you? It happened to a close friend of mine, an Idaho resident, who received the IRS 5071C letter informing...
Thursday, March 19, 2015
If you were Jennifer Lopez, which body part would you insure? Tough choice! How about Taylor Swift, Bette Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Daniel Craig, or Dolly Parton? Find out which body parts your favorite celebrities...
Friday, March 13, 2015
How to complete IRS forms 1095-C and 1094-C. Two new IRS forms will be required of large employers for the 2015 calendar year due in early 2016 - IRS forms 1095-C and 1094-C. Large employers will want to familiarize...
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Nationwide, nearly 11.7 million consumers selected or were automatically re-enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace as of Feb. 22, according to a report...
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged three men in connection to the largest data breach ever, which exposed 1 billion e-mail records from more than 100 different businesses from 2009 to 2012, according to a March...
Monday, March 9, 2015
The Supreme Court will decide if millions of Americans will lose their premium subsidies if they signed up under the Federal Exchange HealthCare.gov. Fortunately, Idaho and Washington residents will not be effected by...
Monday, March 9, 2015
What should you do during extreme weather events? Tornadoes and hurricanes, lightening, earthquakes, floodwaters, extreme cold - PropertyCasualty360 says, "Misconceptions about the weather can prove to be dangerous or...
Thursday, March 5, 2015
The cost of homeowners insurance claims has been increasing at twice the rate of inflation. This is according to a new report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Despite significant declines in recent years, the...
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Improved vehicle designs bring down death rates (IIHS). The chances of dying in a crash in a late-model vehicle have fallen by more than a third in three years, the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)...
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Since 2010, 9.4 million people with Medicare have saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs according to new information released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report showed that millions...
Friday, February 20, 2015
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange, a state-based health marketplace, announced a spring "Special Enrollment Opportunity" for Washington residents who want to avoid tax penalty for 2015. Nearly 160,000 Washington...
Friday, February 20, 2015
For the first time, American tax filers are facing the ACA individual mandate penalty for 2014. If you didn't have health coverage for all or part of 2014, you have to either qualify for a health coverage exemption or...
Monday, January 26, 2015
Goals and a timeline are being set to move the Medicare program, and the health care system at large, toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than the quantity of care they give patients. This historic...
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Bashore Insurance Transfers Grange Policies to American Insurance Bashore Insurance Agency of Clarkston has announced that American Insurance of Lewiston and Moscow has been selected as service agents for Grange...
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Featured articles include: Great Service Means...?; Welcome Bashore Policyholders; Meet the "A-Team" - the Personal Lines Service Team; Reviews - make one or read our latest Customer Service comments; Open Enrollment -...
Thursday, December 4, 2014
New choices and more competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace are giving consumers affordable options during Open Enrollment this year, and the majority of returning consumers who shop can save money on premiums,...
Thursday, October 23, 2014
A new initiative will change the way your doctor and health care providers delivery their services to you. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced an initiative that will fund successful...
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Safeco Insurance introduced an innovative Wildfire Defense Program to help protect policyholder properties threatened by active wildfires. A recent fire in Washington state, called the Carlton Complex fire, and another...
Monday, October 20, 2014
If you are currently enrolled in a health care plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, you will need to renew your coverage for next year. Customers who signed up for a Qualified Health Plan last year will be eligible...
Friday, September 26, 2014
A report released by the Department of Health and Human Services projects that hospitals will save $5.7 billion this year in uncompensated care costs because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). States that have expanded...
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Up to 8% of the 164,000 Health Exchange customers of the Washington HealthPlanFinder experienced on-going billing and administrative problems. This caused some Washington residents to go without insurance, lose their...
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Idaho Health Exchange, Your Health Idaho, is preparing to launch its own state exchange software platform prior to the 2015 Open Enrollment which begins on November 15, 2014. Last year, Idaho was a Federally...
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
ProgramBusiness.com reports that the state of Oregon filed a lawsuit Friday against Oracle Corp. and several of its executives over the technology company's role in creating the troubled website for the state's online...
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Large U.S. employers expect a significant increase in 2015 health care costs. If no adjustments are made employers project a 5.2% growth rate, putting absolute cost per person for health care benefits at an all-time...
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Lack of sleep can wreak havoc with your day-to-day life, causing fatigue and irritability. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to poor sleep, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to toss and turn. What...
Monday, August 11, 2014
How many drivers are uninsured? Across the United States, the estimated percentage of uninsured motorists trended down in 2010, 2011 and 2012, according to new estimates from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). In...
Monday, August 4, 2014
Five small cars, all 2014 models, earn an acceptable rating in crash tests by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. Two earn marginal and four earn poor ratings for occupant protection in a small overlap crash in...
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
A US appeals court ruled against Obamacare subsidies for policies issued through the Federal Health Exchanges. In the case, Halbig v. Sebelius, 14-5018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that...
Monday, July 21, 2014
Idaho is one of 16 states now listed with the highest risk for earthquakes. Is your state on the list? The newly updated national seismic hazards maps from the US Geological Survey (USGS) show an increased earthquake...
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
For the third year in a row, AMERICAN INSURANCE, in Lewiston and Moscow, was voted "Best of the West" Insurance Agency for 2014 in a KLEW TV online survey of local resident's preferences. The Sullivans and staff are...
Monday, July 14, 2014
Just when you thought you had figured out how to drive in the Roundabout, something new pops up - PEDESTRIANS! With summer weather comes an increase in pedestrian traffic needing to cross the street at the roundabout....
Monday, July 7, 2014
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (LLAE) surged upward in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same time period in 2013. Private U.S. property/casualty insurers' net income after taxes, as a group, fell to...
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Which models of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) were top theft targets? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a new report that examines thefts of SUVs and CUVs reported...
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
"I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather did, not kicking and screaming like the passengers in his car." No one wants this old joke to become a tragic reality. Is it time to ask your aging parent to...
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Motor vehicle crashes in the US had an $871 billion economic and societal impact, according to a new study by the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The study,...
Friday, May 23, 2014
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid recently announced a new Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families that are currently enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage, known as the federal Consolidated Omnibus...
Monday, May 19, 2014
American Insurance of Lewiston and Moscow is one of only 200 independent insurance agencies in the USA that has earned the President's Award from Safeco Insurance® for outstanding performance. The President's Award...
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
When "Open Enrollment" is closed, individuals seeking medical insurance can only do so if they have a "Qualifying Life Event" which opens a "Special Enrollment Period" (SEP). If you qualify for a SEP then you can apply...
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Keeping your current non-grandfathered individual or small group medical plan (also referred to as "grandmothered" plans) has been extended for policies with annual renewals on or before October 1, 2016. This provides...
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Nearly all of us know someone that is touched by the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease. You may find some comfort to know that there is a National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease with a 2014 update released by the US...
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
"Idaho's success in enrolling consumers during the 2014 enrollment period is due, in no small part, to the many Idaho insurance agents and brokers who provided invaluable assistance to Idaho citizens," said William (...
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Two entities have paid the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) $1,975,220 collectively to resolve potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (...
Monday, April 21, 2014
Is hands-free cell phone use safer when driving than hand-held? That's the question the National Safety Council asked in a public opinion poil. The new findings indicate 80 percent of drivers across America incorrectly...
Monday, April 7, 2014
"Be Healthy From the Start" is the main theme for National Public Health Week, April 6 - 12. HHS credits the Affordable Care Act's establishment of preventative services and the new National Prevention Council with...
Thursday, April 3, 2014
An extended "Special Enrollment Period" was announced by The White House to allow more time to finish health insurance enrollments with glitches or other special circumstances. The Health Exchange Marketplace was...
Sunday, March 9, 2014
What happens when the Health Exchange Marketplace "Open Enrollment Period" closes on March 31st? This is the next question as American's struggle to understand and comply with the massive, complicated and ever changing...
Friday, March 7, 2014
The "keep your current health insurance plan" promise by President Obama is being extended even further. The Obama administration announced that Americans can keep their health plans that are non-compliant with the...
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Insured losses top $1.5 billion so far. Near-record snowfall and prolonged extreme cold throughout many parts of the United States, have resulted in insured losses from winter storms of more than $1.5 billion thus far,...
Monday, December 16, 2013
Feature articles include: ACA/ObamaCare Deadline Extended ACA/Health Exchange - Who Needs a Quotation Roudabout Honks - New Traffic Access A Legacy to Remember Referral Awards Grand Prize - Winner Announced Welcome...
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Can I keep my plan? It depends says the Regence Group which does business in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah. - Fall 2013 promised to be a dynamic time in the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, with the launch of...
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Political passions run high over the looming January 1, 2014 deadline of the "Individual Mandate" and other provisions of The Affordable Care Act (ACA). To add fuel to the fire, the ACA Health Exchange Marketplace...
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
No major hurricanes formed in the Atlantic basin for the first time since 1994 and the fewest number of hurricanes since 1982, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This was welcomed...
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
"Pick any other industry, and the injury rate is less," explained Scott Harris, Ph.D., MSPH, who added that healthcare worker injury rates are only less than outdoor wilderness professions such as commercial loggers and...
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
I've been having a recurring dream...a nightmare really. I find myself driving to work, north on Snake River Ave. I pass KOZE Radio and find myself becoming anxious but don't know why. As I pass under the Southway...
Friday, October 25, 2013
The Health Exchange Marketplace opened on October 1st and has experienced serious technical problems ever since. In the meantime, the Individual Mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) still takes effect in 2014....
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The Idaho and Washington State Health Exchanges including their navigators (online and phone assistants) will not explain or recommend any insurance plans offered in the exchanges. They feel that experienced and...
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The new Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace isn't just for the uninsured! Almost everyone needs to take a serious look at their own state's Health Exchange Marketplace before January 1, 2014. Here's who should obtain...
Friday, September 27, 2013
The traffic plan for the south end of Prospect Avenue was always dependent on the Roundabout construction plan. So the closing of Prospect's access to Southway and Snake River Ave was a fate sealed long ago....
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Have you got it figured out? It turns out that Roundabouts have special driving rules. So, here are three tips you should know to drive safely in a modified multi-lane roundabout now open at the intersection of...
Thursday, August 1, 2013
The outline of Lewiston's first roundabout is taking shape. Curb and gutter now fully border the intersection at Southway and Snake River Ave. Concrete lanes fill half the future roundabout circle and preparations to...
Friday, July 19, 2013
The Obama administration claims that consumers saved $3.9 billion on their premiums in 2012 due to implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that...
Friday, July 19, 2013
American Insurance is featuring a new "Best of the West" ad on KLEW-TV (CBS cable channel 3 and HD channel 460) during the 6pm News, 11pm News and 6:30am Re-broadcast. Click and watch now and tell us what you think? Do...
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Insurance claims resulting from hailstorm damage increased 84 percent in 2012 from their 2010 level according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report. See top 5 states for hail damage below. In 2010, there...
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
AMERICAN INSURANCE, in Lewiston and Moscow, was voted "Best of the West" for 2013 in a KLEW TV online survey of local resident's preferences. The Sullivans and staff are proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy...
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Summer Newsletter Featured Articles Include - VALLEY FIREWORKS SHOW - schedule of events THE RAT & THE WIND - WWII Story: B-17 shot down, Sully a POW DOWN UNDER - A trip to the Australian outback HEALTH AGENTS PLAY...
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
The penalties imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on large employers (50+ employees) has been delayed one year in an announcement by the Treasury Department for the Obama Administration. In the announcement by Mark...
Friday, June 28, 2013
Insuring risk is risky business! As the insurance industry adjusts to a new environment of low asset returns and stricter regulation, insurers have few illusions about the challenges ahead. In an increasingly...
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Intersection closure this weekend. The roundabout construction project at Southway / Snake River Ave intersection is having the second and last scheduled closing this weekend. We will keep you informed on construction...
Friday, May 10, 2013
New data shows significant variation across the country and within communities in what hospitals charge for common inpatient services. Also, HHS made approximately $87 million available to states to enhance their rate...
Friday, May 10, 2013
Republicans renew call to repeal the entire healthcare law while the Obama administration is providing $150 million for health centers to offer Affordable Health Care (AHC) enrollment assistance nationwide. House of...
Monday, May 6, 2013
Now a new series of shorter and easier applications have been released by CMS. Stinging from criticism that the new Health Care applications were too long and too complicated, the Obama administration went back to the...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Agents and brokers will play a critical role in helping consumers access health insurance coverage through Affordable Insurance Exchanges or Health Insurance Marketplaces, according to an announcement today by The...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Test your knowledge on key items from The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The health reform law promises to deliver big changes in the U.S. health care system. But, as with other sweeping pieces of...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Confused about how the new health reform law really works? Get answers in just 9 minutes by watching this animated movie from The Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation. Click Health Reform Hits Main Street, featuring the "...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
From small business delivery to large transportation fleets, distracted driving issues are a major liability to employers. Due to high profile crashes, large jury verdicts against employers, and a changing regulatory...
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Nope – not texting or distracted driving. Day or night, the leading cause of auto accidents is...driving while tired, according to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The 100-car...
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Is your janitor, maintenance worker, or sub-contractor really an independent contractor? Business owners are tempted to classify some workers as "independent contractors" to avoid payroll taxes, benefits and workers...
Monday, April 8, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPAC) was to begin in every state by January 1, 2014 but is being delayed one year. Health and Human Services (...
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Following two of the worst years of natural catastrophic events in the history in the United States, overall customer satisfaction with the property claims experience remains high, according to the J.D. Power and...
Monday, April 1, 2013
The federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of certain newly eligible adult Medicaid beneficiaries effective January 1, 2014. The final rule was announced today by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary...
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Health claim costs per member, per month for non-group individual health insurance plans will increase 32% under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a key finding in the Society of Actuaries study release in March 2013....
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Over the last 10 years the public acceptance of insurance fraud behavior has decreased from 33 percent in 2002 to 24 percent in 2012 according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Still that is nearly 1 in 4...
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The US Auto Insurance industry will post a statutory underwriting loss in private passenger auto for the fifth consecutive year in 2012, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. Spurred by several years of weaker segment...
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter needs citizen support in his battle for a state-based Health Exchange. After winning a hard fought battle in the Idaho House on Wednesday, the legislation now goes again to the Idaho...
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Premiums for insurance is expected to continue a modest rise in 2013. By John B Sullivan, CIC President, AMERICAN INSURANCE Like our political climate "more of the same" is expected. Loss experience improved over 2011's...
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
A final rule that implements five key consumer protections from the Affordable Care Act were issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "Because of the Affordable Care Act, being denied...
Friday, February 22, 2013
Final rules for "essential" health benefits were announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The rule outlines health insurance issuer standards for a core package of benefits, called essential...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
There was a sharp 26.7% overall rise in "questionable claims" (QC) in 2012 reported to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). QCs went from 91,797 in 2010 to 116,268 in 2012-a new record. In 2011, the total was 100,...
Monday, February 4, 2013
Idaho Governor Butch Otter's top five reasons for creating a state-based health insurance exchange are listed below. He strongly supports an Idaho Health Insurance Exchange and is asking Idahoans to sign his petition to...
Friday, February 1, 2013
Only 11 of the 50 US states have moved to implement new consumer safeguards under President Barack Obama's healthcare law according to this Reuters report posted today by Insurance Journal. Read more...
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Governor Butch Otter is appealing to all Idahoans for help passing legislation for a state based health insurance exchange. Facing opposition from far-right legislators Otter has taken the cause direct to his citizens...
Monday, January 7, 2013
Idaho will regulate the insurance sold on all portable electronics in the State beginning July 1, 2013. Consumers will then have redress of complaints through the Idaho Department of Insurance. Title 41, 1081-1089, on...
Friday, December 21, 2012
Three more states are on track to implement the health care law and establish health insurance marketplaces, or Exchanges, in their states. Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the first conditional approval of a...
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Only 15 U.S. states so far plan to operate health insurance exchanges under President Barack Obama's reform law, leaving Washington with the daunting prospect of creating and operating the new online marketplaces in at...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter announced today that Idaho is opting for a state-based health insurance exchange under the terms of Obamacare, subject to legislative approval. In his news release today Governor Otter said, "...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Featured articles include: Health Care Reform - A Closer Look - The things you didn't know about the Affordable Care Act How Smart Phones Make Smarter Claims Savings Tip - How to find the missing 15% Discount on auto &...
Thursday, November 29, 2012
It appears that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is here to stay. It survived the constitutional challenge in the US Supreme Court and the electoral challenge with the re-election of President...
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Obama administration moved forward to implement provisions in the health care law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions beginning January 1,...
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The cost of homeowners insurance claims has been rising rapidly! The combined effects of rising claim severity and increases in claim frequency were found in the study released by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) on...
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Since 1922 (when we were insuring Model-T Fords) up to the present day, we have historic pictures, articles, and advertisements to share with you. Learn about the "who", the "why" and the "events" that shaped our...
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Sullivans - John, Shawn, Philip & the entire staff invite you to our 90th Anniversary Open House & Customer Appreciation on Friday, September 21st! For details please read below:
Friday, August 24, 2012
If you have sold or are selling your home this year you may be able to exclude all or part of that gain from your income. Check out these ten tax tips from CPAs, Su Brown and Associates, PLLC.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Renting a dorm room, an apartment or a rental house may be your first experience with being out on your own. After a fire or a theft, there are some common misconceptions about who is responsible for your premises and...
Monday, August 13, 2012
By Mike Everett, agent I've had a love affair with vintage cars for most of my adult life. It grew out of necessity (fixing my cars) and turned into a hobby by my thirties. Cars, trucks - anything old - is gratifying to...
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
What's changed and what's not under Health Care Reform? In light of the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and the complex nature of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Independent Insurance...
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Basic premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans, on average, are projected to remain constant in 2013, Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius announced today. The average 2013 monthly premium...
Monday, August 6, 2012
Now through August 13th Idaho law enforcement is targeting aggressive drivers and motorcycle riders on Idaho's roads. Speeding, failure to yield, following too close and disregarding traffic signals are all aggressive...
Friday, August 3, 2012
The rumble of thunder, the crack of lightening, the rush of windstorm, the clatter of hail stones - thunderstorms can bring devastation to your property and your autos in a flash. How does your own insurance respond to...
Friday, August 3, 2012
Women are getting access to eight new prevention-related health care services free beginning Aug. 1, 2012 announced Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The new rules in the health care law...
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Idaho is playing "catch-up" with Health Care Reform. The first meeting of the Idaho work group studying formation of a state operated Health Insurance Exchange was announced by Idaho Department of Insurance Director...
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
At least 28 people were killed following a prolonged stretch of severe weather in central and eastern U.S. states, which included a violent derecho - a fast-moving, long-lived cluster of intense thunderstorms - that...
Monday, July 23, 2012
An alarming spike in traffic fatalities is being studied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A statistical projection shows a 13.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2012....
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The first Medical Loss Ratio rebate checks were mailed to small groups insured by Regence BlueShield of Idaho on July 16th. This is a rebate on their 2011 premium under the Affordable Care Act's requirement based on...
Monday, July 16, 2012
Dog bite claims continue to grow in numbers and cost which increases premiums for all Homeowners Insurance. In fact, from 2003 to 2011, the cost of the average dog bite claim increased by 53.4 percent. Dog bites...
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What is causing new E&O claims for realtors? Eric Myers, President of Victor O Schinnerer & Company, one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty...
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Feature articles include: "Best of the West" Like us on Facebook Boating is a Blast - with Dave Root 27 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks A Love of the Classics - with Mike Everett Philip Sullivan - New...
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
AMERICAN INSURANCE, Lewiston and Moscow, were voted “Best of the West” Insurance Agency for 2012. We are very proud to be chosen by popular vote and always strive to be worthy of our customers' continued trust. Our “...
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Facebook is personal. And what could be more personal than protecting all the things you value most - your home, autos and personal items; your health and your life; lliability protection for your earning power, savings...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
More than 13.5 million Americans are now covered by Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible insurance plans, a more than 18 percent increase since last year, according to a new census released by America's Health...
Friday, June 15, 2012
Three different physician events saw national doctor groups calling for less medical care. In a bold and unprecedented announcement, they say doctors need to use clinical evidence to make care decisions. This can help...
Friday, June 15, 2012
The number of data breaches involving smaller businesses continues to grow, but a new survey by The Hartford finds that 85 percent of small business owners believe a data breach is unlikely, and many are not...
Monday, June 11, 2012
Business owners need to brace themselves for modest insurance premium increases in 2012. Faced with high catastrophe claims from 2011 and low investment returns Property-Casualty insurance companies have no choice but...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Skyrocketing costs for opioid pain management and abuse is damaging the health care and workers compensation systems. Dan Reynolds, managing editor of Risk & Insurance writes "An intense national focus on the...
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Record 2011 losses are driving insurance price increases in 2012. As predicted in Market Forecast 2012, the insurance industry has been raising prices this year on Homeowners and commercial property risks, other...
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Which personal property items were the top insurance claims in 2011? Jewelry losses were the big ticket items in value and volume for property insurance claims made in 2011 according to Enservio's annual Contents Claims...
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Idaho and Montana ranked among the worst states with the highest ratios of injury deaths while Washington state was ranked among the best. A new report ranks each state by their injury rates per 100,000 people and...
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The newly formed Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) compared data from 2009 to 2010 showing that pure price increases for care rather than increased utilization is driving spending higher. In fact, the number of hospital...
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A summer road trip on your motorcycle may be no safer than last year. No progress was made in reducing motorcyclist deaths in 2011, according to a report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)....
Monday, May 21, 2012
More children and young adults die of this than any other cause. Perhaps it is no surprise that motor vehicle traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death in the group of age 8 through age 24, according to...
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Washington and Oregon were among the six new states to take Health Exchange grants to implement the new health care law. Idaho, a highly conservative and Republican majority state, snubbed HHS and did not take the...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Corvettes...we love to look at them and thieves love to steal them! The Chevrolet Corvette holds the title as America's oldest, continuously produced sports car. According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Obesity now accounts for almost 21 percent of U.S. health care costs -- more than twice the previous estimates, reports a revised Cornell University study. The research, originally done in 2010, was the first to show...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
A typical American family of four receiving healthcare through an employer-sponsored preferred provider organization (PPO) plan now pays $20,728. This according to the latest study by Milliman, Inc., a premier global...
Thursday, May 3, 2012
1 in 3 U.S. adults-an estimated 68 million of us-have this and it is the "silent killer". Untreated high blood pressure, also called hypertension can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys without a single symptom. Each...
Thursday, April 19, 2012
What is the status of the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange? The US Supreme Court will be making its decision in June whether all, part or none of the Affordable Care Act will stand as constitutional. So, the Idaho...
Monday, April 16, 2012
When all is said and done, AIG expects taxpayers to profit from $5B to $10B on the company's 2008 rescue. Too big to fail, AIG ultimately received a $140 billion bailout from taxpayers in 2008 to avoid a feared...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Ten states including Washington State received grants to provide early childhood support and home visits to families who volunteer to receive these services, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Benjamin Franklin's famous quip "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" has a closer connection than he knew. A 30-year study of traffic accidents in the United States has found that...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A proposed rule that would establish a unique "health plan identifier" under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was announced today by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The most common "check engine" light repair is "replace Oxygen Sensor." A faulty O2 sensor costs less than $250 to fix, but can lead to as much as a 40% reduction in gas mileage if ignored - immensely important to note...
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
New rules released today will offer states substantial flexibility as they design a health insurance exchange marketplace that works for their residents. The Idaho Legislature said "no thanks" this week and has failed...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Traffic deaths due to hand-held cell phone use by drivers have dropped 47% since California enacted a ban in July, 2008. The analysis, conducted by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The maximum benefit limits under medical insurance plans for an individual's lifetime have been eliminated under the Affordable Care Act. "For years, Americans with lifetime caps imposed on their health insurance...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Cyber security is becoming our nation's number-one threat according to FBI Director Robert S Meuller, III in comments made at the Cyber Security Conference in San Francisco. The following are excerpts from his comments...
Monday, March 5, 2012
For the first time in history, crop insurance indemnities to farmers and ranchers has exceeded $10.08 billion to cover agricultural losses, reports ProgramBusiness.com. This underscores last year's high crop values and...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Don't forget you have free preventative services to use in 2012! "Americans of all ages can now get the preventive services they need, like mammograms and the new Annual Wellness Visit, free of charge, as a result of...
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Ever wonder what a cruise ship costs? The grounding of the Carnival Corp. cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy with more than 4,000 passengers and 1,100 crew aboard, may cost insurers more than 400 million...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Overall, 73% of Allstate agents answering a national survey were "not very" or "not at all" satisfied with their relationship with the company. When asked if they would be willing to refer a friend or relative to become...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Do you have trouble understanding health insurance? People in the market for health insurance will soon have clear, understandable and straightforward information on what health plans will cover, what limitations or...
Friday, January 27, 2012
Private sector bias charges hit an all-time high. Employment discrimination complaints for businesses large and small increased to record levels during the "great recession". Layoffs provide opportunity for employees to...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
If you are a senior or if have seniors in your life, please pass along this information. Every U.S. citizen older than 65 qualifies for Medicare, making Medicare/health insurance fraud one of the most common scams...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The headlines of 2011 mark the worst year ever recorded for insured losses across the globe. Worldwide natural disasters - earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, winter storms, and unusual freakish...
Friday, December 23, 2011
Before saving goodbye to 2011, check out these tax reduction tips. However, you usually need to take action no later than Dec. 31st in order to claim certain tax benefits. Here are six tax-saving tips for you to...
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Housing starts soared to their highest level since April 2010, increasing 9.3 percent from October to November and 24.3 percent from November 2010 according to the Commerce Department's US Census Bureau. Permits for new...
Monday, December 19, 2011
"Cell phone usage is only one of many bad habits that are distracting American drivers," said Robert Passmore, senior director of personal lines for Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). "Distracted...
Friday, December 16, 2011
In a surprise move, the Obama Administration has announced that each state can decide what "essential health benefits" will be offered in their state Health Care Exchanges beginning in 2014. Under the Affordable Care...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A ban on driver use of cell phones is urged by National Transportation Safety Board. The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to ban the non-emergency use of portable...
Monday, December 12, 2011
Feature articles include: Market Forecast 2012 Referral Reward's Winner Medical & Medicare Updates Savings Tip WATER DAMAGE - Am I Covered? Click to read our newsletter online
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The US Supreme Court has agreed to decide the constitution issues of the Affordable Care Act. The court will hear oral arguments in March and then is expected to render a decision in June 2012. So, President Barack...
Thursday, December 8, 2011
2011 set a new record of 12 separate billion+ dollar US weather/climate disasters according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The aggregate damage total is estimated to be approximately $52 billion. This...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Stopping payment errors in Medicare, Medicaid, Pell Grants and Food Stamps has saved $17.6 billion dollars in 2011 according to The Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Cut Waste Campaign by the Obama...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Idaho is one of 13 new states to receive grants to help them create Health Insurance Exchanges. The Affordable Care Act mandates that every state have a Health Insurance Exchange, either a state or a federal exchange,...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Here are some tips on how to have a great party while managing the risks of serving liquor. Whether you are hosting a personal party for friends and family or a business party for employees and guests, when planning a...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
On average, the odds of being injured in a crash are 25 percent lower for people in hybrids than people traveling in non-hybrid models. Hybrids have a safety edge over their conventional twins when it comes to shielding...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Affordable Care Act became law on March 23, 2010. The law's provisions are being implemented on a timeline through January 1, 2015. There are four new items being added in 2012. A brief explanation of each is listed...
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Widespread flooding this fall in the eastern US has created a pool of more than 15,000 vehicles damaged by flood waters. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning consumers to beware of undisclosed flood damaged...
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Physicians have faced steep payment cuts annually because of a flawed 1997 law according to Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Secretary Sebulius released this...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, standing out from competitors for superior protection in rollover crashes. The 2012 Chrysler Town &...
Friday, October 28, 2011
Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected and the Part B deductible will decrease by $22 according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While the...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Just today I was sitting in a coffee shop when a jacked-up and tricked out black Toyota pickup pulls up with the engine roaring and the music thumping. Out jump three young men to buy energy drinks and smokes. They pile...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Obama administration is asking the US Supreme Court to decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act . Political battle lines were drawn since the Act was signed into law in March 2010. As many as 26 States have sued...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
This year marks an important change in Medicare's annual open enrollment, the time period during which people can choose to change plans or shift from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare. Open Enrollment starts...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Now at the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, like the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it is a day that lives on in infamy for a new generation of Americans. But 9/11 was different in the sense that...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
An initiative to build a "weather-ready" nation is being launched by the National Weather Service, in response to the nine separate natural disasters the US has experienced so far in 2011. The latest event to surpass...
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Before your "wild hog" drives his new motorcycle make sure he takes Idaho's STAR Training - it could save his life! Motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years, appealing to a new group of enthusiasts...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Hot Wheels-the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States was released today by The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Nationally, for the first time since 2002, thieves preferred domestic makes over...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Historic new guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Developed by the independent...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
After just six months, 2011 is already the most expensive catastrophe year for the insurance industry on record, according to a ProgramBusiness.com story taken from The Guardian. Through June 30th, 2011 is worse than...
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Businesses, even very large ones, are typically not insured for data breach liability claims. Companies that rely on a Commercial General Liability (CGL) form, the most common policy form, to cover this cyber exposure...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Your small business is a target! Hackers are expanding their sights beyond multinationals to include any business that stores data in electronic form, according to a ProgramBusiness.com article posted July 21, 2011. The...
Monday, July 18, 2011
Feature articles include: Why We Need to Talk! Rental Cars - What coverage is provided by my auto policy? 26 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks Auto Policy - Is Pizza Delivery Excluded? Homeowners - Beware of...
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
The median premium cost per employee was $400 per month under private-sector group health insurance plans in 2010 according to a survey just released by the US Dept of Health & Human Services. The Medical...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Experts fear we are on the threshold of a bedbug pandemic! It's a public relations nightmare for hotels in major cities across America. Begbugs have checked in and guests are checking out! These are uninsured losses...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
April period witnessed the largest tornado outbreak in world history. May period includes two of the costliest tornadoes ever recorded. Yes, it was really THAT bad - 3 times the average of losses for the 20 year period...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
NFIP faces external challenges that threaten the program's long-term health. As the nation's flood waters are highest, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a sinking ship according to a scathing new report by...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thirty percent of employers will cancel health plans by 2014 because of Health Care Reform, according to a McKinsey Research study. The research suggests that when employers become more aware of the new economic and...
Friday, May 13, 2011
What household appliance causes more than 1,000 residential fires per month in the US? The answer... your clothes dryer! They are a modern marvel and an indispensable convenience. We use them constantly and they work...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Five separate severe weather outbreaks in April will result in combined insured losses in excess of $4 billion, according to Aon Benfield report. The first outbreak, from April 3-5, triggered around 1,500 storm reports...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A divided Supreme Court, ruled on a 5-4 split decision along ideological lines, that corporations can enforce arbitration clauses to block dissatisfied customers from bring class-action lawsuits. Consumer rights...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Organized Scams Defraud Consumers and Insurers Alike, Costing Billions of Dollars Annually If you have been involved in an auto accident that just didn't feel right, it might not have been an accident at all. More and...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf earn the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars. The milestone demonstrates that...
Monday, April 25, 2011
Ever wonder who and how your identity can get stolen? Read this from Insurance Journal.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Supporters claim reform bill will save $100 million in first year. Montana's workers compensation rates are the highest in the nation which led to urgent reform efforts that culminated on March 28th when the Montana...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Toyota was found "not guilty" by a New York jury in the 2005 unintended acceleration case brought by Dr. Amir Sitafalwalla. The case had prompted a massive recall of 8 million vehicles, a cascade of similar product...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
DOT estimates a 3% drop in 2010 fatalities over previous year's record low. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the number and rate of traffic fatalities in 2010 fell to the lowest levels since...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Finances cause one in seven parents to delay teen driving. With high unemployment, concerns over rising gas prices and inflation, plus the cost of auto insurance for young drivers, the expense of getting a teen behind...
Monday, April 4, 2011
Identity theft was the number one complaint category in 2010 according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Between January and December 2010, the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) received more than 1.3 million...
Friday, March 25, 2011
On March 25, 1911 the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City caught fire taking the lives of 146 people. This tragedy led to the beginnings of workers compensation insurance and ushered in a new era of workplace...
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 23rd marked the one-year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The date was marked with numerous events on Capitol Hill and around the country, some celebrating its enactment and...
Friday, March 18, 2011
Global supply chain disruptions for thousands of multinational companies that rely on Japanese manufacturers for goods and services, as well as for sales, will be significant and last up to several months predicts Marsh...
Friday, March 18, 2011
If you lived in the shadow of a nuclear power plant would you have any insurance to cover your loss due to a nuclear accident? As events unfold at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following the devastating...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Based on currently available information, the estimates of insured property losses from Japan's earthquake are between $15 billion and $35 billion USD according to AIR Worldwide, a pioneer in catastrophe modeling...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The cost of natural disasters can be counted in many different ways - loss of life, overall economic loss both public and private, insured and uninsured property loss, loss of business revenue, etc. No matter how you...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Fueled by worldwide catastrophe losses, the combined ratios (claims + expenses) of US Insurance and reinsurance companies deteriorated 3.4% in 2010 compared to 2009. Fitch Ratings, in its annual report that compiled the...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Insurers and reinsurers worldwide have the financial strength to pay the claims that will emerge from Japan's 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the resulting tsunami but these events, coupled with the severe quakes that...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
An estimated 9 million working-age adults became uninsured last year due to recession job losses according to the new Commonwealth Fund 2010 Biennial Health Insurance Survey. The recession has stripped millions of...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Employers are taking bold action to manage health care costs and offer affordable care according to the National Business Group on Health Survey just released by Towers Watson. Over the past year, employers have focused...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Seventeen people covered by Oregon's workers' compensation system died on the job during 2010, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today. The total represents an all-time low in Oregon. The...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Oregon is one of seven states awarded "Early Innovator" grants to design and implement the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure needed to operate Health Insurance Exchanges as part of the Affordable Health Care...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Montana Rep. Scott Reichner wants to reform Montana's workers compensation system. Montana has the most expensive workers' compensation premium rates in the country with an average of $3.33 per every $100 of payroll...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Angelina Jolie's "Salt" was the riskiest movie to insure in 2010 according to Fireman's Fund Insurance Co, the leading insurer of Hollywood films for more than 85 years. "Salt," featured Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt, a...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Local food banks and other community service's core funding may be cut by 60% this year. For 2011, a budget bill currently being proposed in the House of Representatives will potentially cut Community Services Block...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Each year consumers pay more for their auto and homeowners insurance policies as a direct result of fraud. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has heard all the stories-unnecessary auto glass repairs, aggressive and...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Red light cameras saved 159 lives in 2004-08 in 14 of the biggest US cities, a new analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Had cameras been operating during that period in all large cities, a total...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What vehicles are the top safety picks for 2011? To check out a specific 2011 vehicle before you buy - click on TOP SAFETY PICKS 2011 The 2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 earned the "Top Safety Pick" award. The...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Should you pay a fee for emergency response services following an accident? A resounding three out of four adults said "no" when recently surveyed by telephone in a Harris Interactive poll. The majority surveyed believe...
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) today announced a final decision to increase workers' compensation premium rates by an average 12 percent or 6.5 cents per hour for 2011. The new rates...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Every business owner will be impacted by the troubles brewing in workers compensation insurance. Among the top trends identified to watch are - medical costs continue to rise, injured employees are staying out of work...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a final rule aimed at decreasing occupant ejections in passenger vehicles. The new U.S. Department of Transportation standard, which will help reduce the number...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The property/casualty insurance industry turned a corner and will show a profitable year for 2010, but underwriting discipline will be more important than ever in 2011, said chief executive officers (CEOs) participating...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Workers compensation rates in Idaho will rise 3.7% in 2011. This is the first increase since 2005, when the overall rate increase was 5.3%. Employers in Idaho are required by law to cover their employees with workers...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
35 million US households (about 30%) have no life insurance protection at all, according to the 2010 Life Insurance Ownership Study done by LIMRA. Among households with children under 18, 4 in 10 say they would...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Inside this issue: Referral Rewards - We have a Winner New Website a Hit - See comments (pg 4) Customer Service Focus - Compliments for Tina Heitmann News You Can Use Wind Damage - Am I Covered? Introducing Tracey Santo...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Answers to questions about wind damage to your home, fences, tree removal and liability to others. The recent windstorm of November 16th brought us a storm of more than 50 phone calls regarding wind damage claims. The...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Mandated health insurance was ruled unconstitutional by a Federal judge in Virginia today. US District Judge, Henry Hudson, dealt the first significant blow to a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by ruling...
Friday, December 3, 2010
A residential candle fire is reported every 30 minutes and each year fire departments across the country respond to approximately 260 structure fires caused by Christmas trees according to the National Fire Protection...
Monday, November 15, 2010
January 1, 2011 is a key date for six new health care reforms created by the Affordable Care Act. Seniors primarily benefit from this current round of reforms but premium vs profit restrictions on insurance companies...
Friday, November 12, 2010
The number of uninsured rose sharply in 2009, reaching 50 million people. Decreasing the number of uninsured is a key goal of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will provide Medicaid or...
Friday, November 5, 2010
If you have a health claim denied in Idaho you have the right to the have the decision independently reviewed. This independent review process was instituted as part of Idaho's Health Carrier External Review Act (Title...
Monday, November 1, 2010
Corporate Directors and Officers are the targets of an increasing number of class action lawsuits. The average number of US class actions filed between 2007 and 2009 was nearly 60 percent higher than in 2006, according...
Monday, October 25, 2010
The area's only free medical clinic is serving the uninsured and medically needy of the Lewiston-Clarkston valley. The Snake River Community Clinic (SRCC) has limited hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on a first...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Higher auto insurance rates for New Yorkers is blamed on rampant fraud by unscrupulous medical providers. Health care costs for automobile accident victims in New York increased 42 percent faster than overall medical...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Millions of seniors must choose new Medicare supplement plans before 1/1/2011. Some plans are being discontinued to comply with the Affordable Care Act. Call us for an appointment with a certified insurance agent to...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
2009 saw the lowest traffic fatalities ever recorded according to the US Transportation Department. Highway deaths fell to 33,808 for the year, the lowest number since 1950. In fact, fatalities declined in all...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Which vehicle is safer in a crash test - a 1959 Chevy Bel Air or a 2009 Chevy Malibu? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety celebrated their 50th anniversary with a crash test to demonstrate that car...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2009, costing $412 million and up 6.4 percent from 2008, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)....
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Feature articles include: New website launch - get $5 gift card WA Voter Alert I-1082 Senior Health Plans Changing Lender Spotlight - Bobbi Hoene Referral Rewards - 3rd Quarter Winners Don't forget to fill out the...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hospitals and physicians should prepare for increasing liability costs, according to the 2010 Hospital Professional Liability and Physician Liability Benchmark Analysis created by Aon Risk Solution. In its 11th year,...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
WA ballot initiative to privatize workers compensation Watch for November ballot Initiative-1082 The 30 year battle to end the state monopoly of Workers Compensation insurance goes to Washington voters in Nov under I-...
Friday, October 8, 2010
A US judge upheld a key part of President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that requires Americans to obtain coverage, rejecting a challenge by a conservative...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Source: JD Powers and Associates Reports AMERICAN INSURANCE increases customer satisfaction with homeowners insurance while the national trend shows a decline according to the JD Power and Associates 2010 US National...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tens of millions of dollars are being spent by insurance companies to comply with Health Care Reform. September 23rd was a major deadline, ushering in new health benefits for consumers mandated by the Affordable Care...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Source: US Census Bureau 17 Sept 2010 The US Census Bureau announced today that the number of people without health insurance coverage rose from 46.3 million in 2008 to 50.7 million in 2009, an increase of 9.5%. The...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Source: Washington Traffic Safety Commission Almost 98% of Washington motorists are using their seat belts! Washington state saw an improvement of 1.2% from last year's seat belt use rate to a record 97.6% in 2010. This...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
During an economic downturn people are more likely to commit insurance fraud than they are in normal times. That was the opinion of more than three quarters (76%) of consumers in a survey released by Accenture, a global...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Beginning September 23, 2010 all new health insurance plans are required by the Affordable Care Act to include a long list of preventive services without you having to pay a copayment or coinsurance or meet your...
Monday, August 16, 2010
Idaho, Washington and Oregon receive $1M each to police unjustified health insurance premium increases. The Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $46 million in the first round of grants to...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
In 2009 the recession caused a dramatic drop in premium revenue paid to insurance companies for business insurance policies that are primarily based on the now reduced gross sales and/or payroll. How are the property-...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
On average there is nearly one medical liability claim for every physician. This is one cost driver of higher medical fees passed on to consumers. The AMA reports the high number of claims is not an indication of...
Friday, July 23, 2010
As of January 1, 2010, Idaho owners of ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes and specialty off-highway vehicles are required to purchase Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration stickers. And, if you choose to travel on local...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce study shows that small businesses paid $105.4 billion in 2008 driving up liability insurance costs and forcing labor and benefit reductions. Read more – Tort Liability Costs for Small Business...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I met your agent, Dave Root, through golf and asked him about your “lunch on me” promotion to get quotes for all my personal insurance – home, cabin, autos, etc. I wanted to have a review of my coverage and to have an...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
President Obama signed into law on March 23, 2010 H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This sweeping and controversial reform law includes many provisions that will impact employers, employees and...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
One of the new provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mandates that health plans make dependent coverage available for your children until their 26th birthday. The under 26 child does not have to...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
We appreciate very much the many insurance referrals we receive from all our local lenders and mortgage brokers. Thank you James Waham of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for the most lender referrals to American Insurance. “...
Friday, July 2, 2010
Do you know what happened 26 years ago on the 4th of July? Nothing… that was the year there wasn’t an aerial fireworks display in the valley. I was surprised and disappointed, and I wasn’t the only one. I talked about...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feature articles include: 25 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks We Insure...Fun! (Boats, Motorcycles, RV's & ATV's) ATV Licensing $700 Savings - Ken Blakemen Health Care Reform Lender Spotlight - James Waham...
Monday, June 28, 2010
New survey says 38% of drivers say they have been hit or nearly hit by people “driving while distracted” (DWD). Read more – survey, facts & figures, safety tips. http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/safety.jsp