A new teen driver can send a Rock Hill parent’s stress-level, and possibly auto insurance premiums, soaring. Helping your young adult learn to be a safe, smart driver will serve them a lifetime while giving you peace of mind. And, safe driving will have a positive impact on your car insurance premium. Here are recommendations
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February 2012 (Rock Hill, SC) – Peoples First, an outsource risk management company and independent insurance agency, recently announced its participation in an exclusive risk management program, the Certified Risk Architect (CRA) designation. By November, Alexander Galloway, Chris Long, and Keith Richardson will become CRA Business Risk Managers, allowing them to better serve current and prospective clients. The
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Targeting your biggest workers’ compensation claim and implementing a strategy to improve it can lower your claims and your costs. Industries that have employees working in high risk environments or labor intensive environments know the importance of managing workers’ compensation claims. But, even nonprofit organizations with standard office environments should pay attention and manage this
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An insurance policy is a legal contract that exchanges an insurance company’s obligation to pay for certain losses if the person covered by the policy pays a required premium.

No matter the size or type of your business, a disaster could occur that could seriously curtail or even shut down operations.

An insurance policy is a legal contract that exchanges an insurance company’s obligation to pay for certain losses if the person covered by the policy pays a required premium.

First Aid for Burns February 5 to 11 is National Burn Awareness Week, a good time to acknowledge that burns are a common workplace injury. How bad a burn is depends on how many layers it affects. First-degree burns affect only the first layer of skin, which gets red right away. Second-degree burns involve both reddened skin and some
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Work safely above ground level Take these steps to work safely on ladders: CHOOSE a ladder tall and strong enough for the job. CHECK that ladders have all parts in good condition, including: —Slip-resistant steps or rungs —Braces, bolts, screws, and spreaders —Rope —Safety feet WORK cautiously on a ladder to prevent falls. Remember to: —Allow one person
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Know the seven risk factors In addition to cold temperatures and windy conditions: Inadequate or wet clothing increases the risk because they do not provide sufficient insulation from cold temperatures. Drug use or certain medications can inhibit the body’s response to the cold or even impair judgment so that the victim does not realize he or she
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Burn Statistics Here’s why knowing first aid for burns is important: Every year in the United States, 1.1 million burn injuries require medical care. Around 50,000 people require hospitalization. Almost 10,000 people die of burn-related infections. Burn Hazards Learn how to recognize burn hazards, such as the following: Flammable liquids, such as oil, solvents, and many chemicals,
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The cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States reached $223.5 billion, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About three-quarters of that is related to binge drinking. That means four or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women and five or more for men. Excessive consumption, also referred
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We would like to welcome Lisa Longhurst and Lori Oates as the newest members of the Peoples First family! Lisa is joining our claims department and brings with her a wealth of knowledge about insurance and customer service. She has previous claims experience, and she has also worked as a customer service representative in both
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Good safety practices help protect you and your co-workers from injury or illness on the job. Because of that, we take safety very seriously here— and that means that you should consider working safely an important part of your job responsibilities. Know the hazards of your job. Always follow safety rules and procedures. Use all
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Follow these procedures to prevent stack collapse Do you know how to stack loads safely? When stacking loads, such as on pallets, it is important that the stacks do not fall over. This could cause an injury or damage materials. Follow these basic procedures to help make your stacks stable: Put the heavy items on the bottom
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How to clean up safely Why is pest waste a problem? Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients. Pet waste also carries disease-causing organisms such as E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Salmonella. In addition, leaving pet waste on the ground may pose a disease risk to children, adults, and other
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Renew your safety knowledge January’s a great time to review your workplace’s safety policy. Fill out this worksheet with safety information that is pertinent to your job. 1. Where is the first-aid kit located? _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are my workplace’s accident reporting procedures? _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Where is PPE required at the facility? What PPE is
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The Super Bowl is probably the biggest sporting event of the year. Certainly in terms of marketing—and of food consumption. According to the Nielsen Report, in one recent year Super Bowl watchers spent $594,500,813 on snacks! Top choices include potato and tortilla chips, popcorn, pretzels, puffed cheese snacks, dip mixes, canned dips, guacamole, chicken wings,
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Use sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen protection even in winter, because the sun can still harm your skin, especially if there’s reflective snow on the ground. Wear reflective vests or apply reflective strips to your and your family’s clothing when you’re out doing winter activities, because winter days get dark quickly.

Prevent slips and falls in winter conditions Unless you’re ice skating or skiing, you don’t want to be slipping and sliding—especially around your workplace. Weather-related slips and falls become a serious hazard as winter conditions create wet or icy surfaces. Even wet leaves and mud can create treacherous walking conditions. And wet and muddy shoes
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Celebrate the holidays safely ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and to stay away from your car if you’ve been too jolly. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA – www.nhtsa.gov) revealed that in the 12-hour period from 6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve to
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Don’t give colds and flus to family and friends Have you ever received a gift you didn’t want? While some of us may have a few presents hidden away in back closets, all of us have undoubtedly received unwanted colds and flus from family, friends, and co-workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
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If you’ve read the article “Give Your Health a (Clean) Hand,” you know how important frequent handwashing is to preventing the spread of colds and flus. But what do you do in situations where soap and water aren’t available? Use an alcohol gel or wipe to clean your hands. Rub the gel or wipe over
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Medical professionals recommend that people who have the following health conditions should avoid alcohol: A history of a hemorrhagic stroke Liver disease Pancreatic disease Evidence of precancerous changes in the esophagus, larynx, pharynx or mouth Likewise, people who are taking the following medications should avoid alcohol: Antibiotics Anticoagulants Antidepressants Aspirin Diabetes medications Antihistamines Anti-seizure medications
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Even though winter rolls around every year and you may be confident in your ability to avoid slips and falls, don’t let yourself become complacent about the hazards. Keep these statistics in mind: Falls are among the most common type of injury both on and off the job. Several hundred thousand American workers suffer injuries from falls
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Here’s a quick primer: Air-purifying respirators protect against many contaminants by filtering or chemically “scrubbing” them and are used when: There is enough oxygen present. Contaminants can be filtered or “scrubbed” out. Contaminants are not at Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) levels. These respirators have color-coded cartridges or canisters to indicate the type of
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Enjoy the day the healthy way Follow these food and fitness tips: Eat a full healthy breakfast. Don’t “save” calories for the main meal. This is a particularly good practice for the cook to help keep him or her from grazing during food preparation. Eat (and serve) fibrous appetizers, such as veggie trays or sliced fruit with
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What you need to know Q: What is the purpose of the GHS? A: The purpose of the GHS is to provide a comprehensive international system for defining health, physical, and environmental hazards of chemicals; classifying chemicals based on their specific hazards; and communicating hazard information and protective measures consistently throughout the world. Q: Why is
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If you have co-workers who are trying to kick the habit during the Great American Smokeout, do what you can to help. Here’s why: You’ll improve your own health. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report,Secondhand Smoke: What it Means to You states that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and raised cholesterol levels. You’ll improve working conditions.New
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This month consider these statistics: Lung disease is the number one work-related illness in the U.S. in terms of severity, frequency, and preventability. Occupational lung cancer is estimated to kill between 15,000 and 20,000 people each year. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S. Occupational lung disease can
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Earthquakes can happen anywhere! Make sure you know how: To participate in earthquake drills. To mount pictures and wall hangings securely. To keep desktop computers and appliances in restraints. To keep desk drawers and filing cabinet doors latched. To keep large equipment and furniture anchored to walls or floors. Where first-aid kits, flashlights, battery radios, blankets,
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Rake leaves safely Colorful autumn leaves are lovely falling past your window – until you look out and see that they’ve covered your lawn in an inch of now-brown, dried-out husks! How do you get rid of them in a way that’s healthy for you and the environment? Try these options. For your health: Wear
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Oral health is key to overall health According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, poor oral health is a factor in life-threatening diseases that kill millions of Americans each year. For example, gum (periodontal) disease has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, and several other serious health conditions. October is National Dental
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The center of gravity of an unloaded forklift is just below the operator’s seat. Having the forklift’s weight balanced over the center of gravity helps keep the forklift stable and prevents tip-overs. However, with a load, the center of gravity shifts. As long as the center of gravity remains inside a triangular area formed by
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Know how to stay safe All warehouses need good housekeeping to be safe. Aisles should always be unobstructed—if not, they may block evacuation and cause falls. Likewise, slippery, wet, or icy floors frequently cause falls. Unstable or uneven walking surfaces need to be repaired, and all areas should have adequate lighting. Storage areas should have
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September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us to review our insurance policies to determine what perils are and are not covered, as well as to decide which risk management steps to take to lessen the potential impact of a loss. Nearly the entire  East Coast felt the recent Virginia earthquake to some degree. While
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The weather was perfect and the turnout was great for the 8th Annual Peoples First Golf Tournament at Waterford Golf Club in Rock Hill on May 3. Fueled by generous donations, we were able to raise over $13,000 for the United Way of York County, SC, making this year our most successful tournament to date.
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The storm that struck South Carolina on April 9th produced large amounts of rain, hail, wind, and lightning, with some areas in the upstate reporting hail the size of baseballs. Although the storm struck quickly, it produced widespread damage. South Carolina insurance companies estimated that it caused about $45 million in damages from over 18,000
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The strong thunderstorms on Saturday produced lightning, wind, and hail that caused damage all across the area. If there was damage to any of your insured property and you would like to file a claim, give us a call at 803-324-5262. Please note that due to the widespread damage, we are experiencing a high number
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Although York County is nearly 7000 miles away from the earthquake that struck Japan, there are plenty of of people here willing to help the victims of the March 11 disaster. On Sunday, March 27, the Tropical Escape Cafe in Rock Hill hosted “Jazz for Japan,” a benefit that helped raise money for the American
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While it is too soon to place a dollar amount on the cost that the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that rocked Japan on March 11 will have on the global insurance industry, early estimates are easily in the billions of dollars. Entire villages were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of Japanese people lost
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When laws do not do enough to curb texting and driving, technology can intervene. Next time you are stopped at a red light, look at the drivers around you. Chances are you will see one of them quickly looking down and back up as they send a text message or read an email on their
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The sudden rise in the cost of a gallon of gasoline is unsettling for many Americans and may be the beginning of a trend that sees prices continue to escalate into the spring and summer months. While we certainly cannot do anything to control these numbers, we can at the very least help you find
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We will be hosting the 8th Annual Peoples First Golf Tournament on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Waterford Golf Club in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The format is Captains Choice, and space is limited to 25 teams. The cost to play is $500 per team (4 players per team), and proceeds benefit the United Way
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On January 31, United States District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled that the individual mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and that the entire Health Care law should be voided. The individual mandate provision in the Act requires Americans to purchase health insurance or face being fined. According to the
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Peoples First would like to congratulate Commercial Risk Manager Keith Richardson for being named the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year during the Chamber’s annual meeting on January 20. Keith was honored for his dedication to the Chamber and to the York County community. Congratulations Keith, and thank you for everything
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The passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010 instituted numerous changes to Health Care system in the United States. Some provisions took place immediately, while others do not kick in for a few years (the last change goes into effect in 2018). This act institutes widespread change to the
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Peoples First would like to welcome Chris Long to our commercial sales staff. With 12 years experience, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency. He is a veteran in the United States Navy, a member of the Fort Mill Rotary, and a Board Member of the Charlotte CPCU Society. He, along with his
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On December 22, 2010, at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, Enzo Martinez and Holly Rankin hosted Kicking for a Cause, an afternoon of soccer that raised money for families in need during the holiday season. The event consisted of various games, food, music, and a silent auction of soccer merchandise. Auctioned items included, among
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Nearly every minute of every day, a car accident occurs. What would you do if you were involved in a car accident and your vehicle required serious repairs? Could you afford to pay those repairs out of your own pocket? Can you continue to make your car payments while you are paying for repairs to
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If you are a small business owner offering group health insurance for your employees, you may be eligible to receive a health care TAX CREDIT to help you provide the coverage for them, starting with tax year 2010. If eligible, your business can receive a federal tax credit for up to 35% of your health
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It’s important to keep a home inventory — especially these days, with the popularity of flat-screen televisions, iPhones, video games and other expensive electronics. But the process can be time-consuming and difficult. The Insurance Information Institute’s Know Your Stuff tool can make doing a home inventory a breeze. Know Your Stuff helps you enter items
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An insured’s experience modification, which affects their annual premium, was set at 1.13 by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Our claims department determined that NCCI used incorrect expense payments to create this modification. As a result we had the expense modification was adjusted to a 1.08 and the policy was re-rated, lowering the
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Our client had a workers compensation claim when their employee was severely injured. The insurance company was investigating the claim and things were at a complete standstill. The claimant was 30 days post accident with no answers regarding coverage from the company. Peoples First had numerous conversations with the Industrial Commission and was able to
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Our insured had a large fire which destroyed storage building housing multiple pieces of equipment and tools. Due to policy limitations, the company was restricting certain areas of coverage. Peoples First researched the carrier position and demonstrated their position was flawed. As a result, our client received and additional $64,000 in coverage.

There are a variety of reasons to purchase life insurance, but they all come down to peace of mind. Whether you purchase life insurance to help your family financially continue with their plans for the future or to cover the cost of burial, a life insurance premium is a small price to pay for peace
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Life insurance is an important decision that you make for your family and loved ones. Visit your independent insurance agent to determine the type and amount of coverage right for you. When making a decision about term or permanent life insurance, it is important to think about your financial and personal future. When will your
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If you were to become injured or seriously ill, who would pay your medical bills? Health care costs are skyrocketing, and most families can’t afford to pay for all of their health care needs out-of- pocket. Just like insurance on your home or your vehicle, health insurance provides you with protection and peace of mind.
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There are three main types of health insurance coverage: Indemnity plans (out-of-pocket) Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) Indemnity plans are often called out-of-pocket plans because you initially pay for all medical services out of your pocket. After your medical visit, you are responsible for filing claims with your insurance company. The insurance
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The percentage of active adult retirees is continuously increasing, and York County is ranked as one of the top 10 places for people over the age of 60 to relocate. The county provides a small-town atmosphere and is still only about 40 minutes away from Charlotte. Many relocate to this area for its affordable cost
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The county is adjusting to the increased need for health care systems and providers to meet increased demand. Health care is accessible, as well as affordable. However, it is important to make sure that you have the proper insurance policy in place. This will help protect both you and your family’s future. If you do
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If you are thinking about assisted living now or in the future, it is important to take several items into consideration. The cost of assisted living, as well as long-term care in nursing homes, has continued to increase over the past several years. Keep in mind that there may be a shortage of direct-care workers
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Nearly every minute of every day, a car accident occurs. What would you do if you were involved in a car accident and your vehicle required serious repairs? Could you afford to pay those repairs out of your own pocket? Can you continue to make your car payments while you are paying for repairs to
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Auto insurance varies from company to company. The names of the coverage options may change slightly, but you can expect to see the following options when you buy an auto insurance policy. Many of these options carry deductibles. A deductible is a portion of the damages that you are required to pay before the insurance
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Auto insurance can be purchased at an independent insurance agency, such as People’s First. When you visit People’s First, you will meet with an independent insurance agent who will discuss your coverage needs and budget with you to determine the amount of coverage that is right for you. Whether your needs are basic or you
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On average, the purchase price of a hybrid is $2000 to $4000 higher than a standard fuel vehicle. In terms of insurance, research shows that most hybrid owners are safe drivers and are a lower risk. The majority of consumers who are willing to pay more to own a hybrid have a different mindset than
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When it comes to students at college, nearly one third of them have a car. Determine whether your existing insurance coverage will still cover your child while away at college, as well as wether your existing coverage is enough. Most likely your child will be able to remain on your current insurance policy. However, it
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What would you do if you came home from vacation to find that your home had been robbed? Your TV is gone, your computer, and many of your personal belongings. Would you have the money to replace it all? What if your home were damaged by a tornado or windstorm? Could you make the repairs
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Homeowner’s insurance varies from company to company, but a basic policy typically covers your home and outbuildings or other structures on your property. Your homeowner’s policy may also include: Personal liability. Personal liability insurance covers damage or injury to someone else’s person or property, for which you are responsible. Liability. If someone is injured on
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Many people moved to Fort Mill to escape from the crowded Charlotte atmosphere. The area allows them to live in a small-town atmosphere, with the luxury of being only 18 miles from the city of Charlotte, which is about a 30 minute drive. The insurance rate for a home is based on the value of
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Many consumers have seen a rise in the cost of insurance along the coast of South Carolina in recent years. Over the past several years the Carolinas have become increasingly popular, especially properties near the beach areas of South Carolina. Due to the remarkable increase in growth and development in the Carolinas, the cost of
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If you are considering getting a pool, you need to contact your insurance representative to discuss the added liabilities and additional coverage for having a pool in your yard. Having a pool presents additional risks that will increase your premium. A pool is considered to be an “attractive nuisance.” Some items to think about include
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For centuries life insurance has been first and foremost insurance: It provides a death benefit to the family or business partners of an insured person. Beginning about 30 years ago, the attractive returns in stock investments led insurance companies to bring investment elements into life insurance policies. For example, agents and companies offered consumers the
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Insurance is for the uncertainties of life. Accidents and castastrophes happen. What cannot be predicted is when they will occur and whom they will affect. Most people understand they will get sick at some point in their lives, but they cannot predict the severity and extent of the illness nor the cost of the treatment.
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Insurance is simply a vehicle for transferring risk from one party to another. You need insurance if you have financial risk (and everyone does) and you want to reduce that risk. To do so, you pay someone else (the insurance company) to assume much of the risk for you, in return for a payment known
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Tips to prevent holiday party accidents and protect yourself if they happen.

“I cannot think of a better person [than Milton Beaty] to trust such an important part of our lives with. We feel comfortable knowing that Milton is always looking out for us and we are not just another sale…It is comforting to have an agent like Milton that you can trust in tough times.”

“Milton Beaty’s access to numerous markets paired with his knowledge of the industry and superior personal service makes him an excellent choice. I highly recommend Milton and encourage you to give him a call today.”

“Peoples First Insurance has been a great partner for our small business. Through all the growth and changes they have been right there with answers and direction in these times. Their solutions were right on target.”

“Whether it is personal, automobile, business, or workers compensation, insurance is a difficult topic no one wants to discuss. Peoples First Insurance makes that discussion easier. The agents genuinely care about their clients and don’t hesitate to ‘go that extra mile’ to be sure you understand what you are purchasing and why. They have provided
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