When it comes to protecting your business, insurance is not just a box to check. Property and casualty insurance is a major investment—and like any investment, you should approach it strategically. The good news is, small businesses have more room to negotiate with insurance carriers than many realize. By preparing the right information and presenting your business in the best light, you can often secure better terms, broader coverage, or more competitive pricing.

Here are three practical tips to help you negotiate your business insurance more effectively:

1. Use Your Loss History as a Story of Improvement

Insurance carriers place a lot of weight on your claims history. If your business has experienced losses in the past, don’t just hand over the numbers—use them as an opportunity to show growth.

Explain what happened, what was learned, and most importantly, what steps you’ve taken since to reduce the likelihood of similar issues. For example, if your business had a slip-and-fall claim, highlight how you’ve improved safety protocols, added signage, or trained staff. Turning a loss history into a story of proactive improvement helps underwriters see you as a lower risk moving forward.

2. Adjust Deductibles Strategically

Sometimes negotiating isn’t about asking for a lower premium outright—it’s about finding the right balance between risk and cost. By selecting a slightly higher deductible, you may be able to negotiate a significant premium reduction.

For example, moving from a $5,000 to a $10,000 deductible could lower your annual premium enough to free up cash flow for other business needs. If your claims history is strong, the tradeoff can save your business thousands over time. The key is to choose a deductible level your business can comfortably afford in the event of a loss, while using that flexibility as a bargaining tool during renewal.

3. Compare Options, But Go Beyond Price

It’s natural to shop around for the best premium—but don’t make the mistake of comparing quotes based on price alone. Two policies with the same premium might cover you very differently.

When negotiating, ask questions like:

• Are replacement costs covered, or is coverage based on actual cash value?

• What exclusions apply?

• What deductibles are available, and how do they affect pricing?

• Are there bundled coverage options (like property, liability, and auto) that could save money overall?

By looking beyond the bottom-line premium, you’ll be able to negotiate smarter—choosing the policy that truly protects your business without overpaying for unnecessary extras.

Final Thought

Negotiating business insurance doesn’t mean going toe-to-toe with an insurance company. It means preparing your story, highlighting your strengths, and understanding your options. Small businesses that take the time to approach insurance this way often end up with better coverage, better rates, and stronger long-term partnerships with their insurance providers.

At Briggs Agency, we specialize in helping small and mid-size businesses in Indiana and Illinois navigate this process. If you’re ready to negotiate smarter for your next renewal, we’d be glad to help.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to review your business insurance: https://briggsagency.com/quote/

Think stay-at-home parents don’t need life insurance? Think again.
While they may not bring home a paycheck, their contributions are priceless—and replacing them could cost your family tens of thousands of dollars a year.

If you’re building a financial safety net for your family, you can’t afford to overlook life insurance for a stay-at-home parent. Here’s why it’s not just smart—it’s essential.

💡 Why Stay-at-Home Parents NEED Life Insurance

Most people buy life insurance to replace income. But stay-at-home parents provide something even more valuable: the services and support that keep a household running smoothly.

From childcare and education to cooking, cleaning, scheduling, and emotional support, a non-working spouse performs dozens of tasks every day. If something were to happen to them, your family would need to find a way to replace those services—quickly and affordably.

📌 Keyword Alert: non-working spouse life insurance, stay-at-home mom life insurance, life insurance for parents without income

💰 The Real-World Cost of Losing a Stay-at-Home Parent

Let’s break it down:

• Full-time childcare: $10,000–$20,000/year per child

• Housekeeping: $3,000–$5,000/year

• Meal services/groceries: $5,000+/year

• Transportation for school & activities: $$$

• Emotional toll? Priceless.

Suddenly, a family could be looking at $40,000–$100,000+ per year to replace what a stay-at-home parent provided. Without life insurance, that financial burden can fall squarely on the surviving spouse.

🛡️ Life Insurance = Protection + Peace of Mind

Having life insurance for a stay-at-home parent gives your family time to grieve without being forced into life-altering decisions. It creates a financial cushion that can:

• Cover childcare and household help

• Pay off debts or mortgages

• Help fund your children’s education

• Keep your family in the home and school they know

• Allow the surviving parent to take time off work

💬 Searchable Keyword: financial protection for families, life insurance for homemakers

📏 How Much Life Insurance Does a Stay-at-Home Parent Need?

While there’s no perfect number, most experts recommend $250,000 to $500,000 in coverage—sometimes more depending on family size, children’s ages, and long-term goals.

Start by estimating what services would need to be replaced and for how many years. Don’t forget inflation and rising childcare costs.

💲 Is It Affordable? Absolutely.

The great news: Term life insurance—which offers coverage for a set number of years—is extremely affordable for most healthy applicants, especially younger parents.

Even a $500,000 policy can cost less than $25/month, depending on age and health.

✅ SEO Tip: affordable term life insurance for stay-at-home moms, cheap life insurance for non-working spouses

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Have Coverage?

Without life insurance for a stay-at-home spouse, the working partner might have to:

• Quit their job to care for kids full-time

• Take on debt to afford childcare

• Move or downsize

• Face long-term financial hardship

The emotional impact is already devastating. Don’t let it become a financial crisis too.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Every Parent Deserves Protection

Being a stay-at-home parent is a full-time job—and one of the most important ones. While they may not bring home a salary, their value to the family is immeasurable.

Getting life insurance for a stay-at-home parent isn’t just about money. It’s about protecting your family’s future, preserving their lifestyle, and ensuring your kids are cared for—no matter what.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Stay-at-home parents provide services worth $100,000+/year

• Life insurance covers the cost to replace those services

• Term policies are affordable and customizable

• Every parent—working or not—deserves financial protection

👉 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Speak with a licensed life insurance agent or use an online tool to get a quote today.

Your family’s future deserves it.

You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-service independent insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Blog post written by: Zachary Pelke

As my internship draws to a close, I would want to take a moment to sincerely thank Briggs Agency, Inc for an experience that will always be remembered. I’ve developed professionally and personally over the last several months in ways I never would have imagined, and I owe it all to the amazing people and opportunities I’ve encountered here.

I felt like more than just an intern right away. I was trusted with important work, encouraged to be innovative and inquisitive, and brought into genuine conversations. I gained a genuine grasp of how a successful agency functions, not just in terms of strategy and execution but also in terms of culture and teamwork, after being immersed in such a fast-paced and encouraging atmosphere.

The fact that learning became inherent in everything was among the things I appreciated the most. Whether I was listening to insightful criticism, participating in creative meetings, or just watching the team overcome obstacles, I was always learning new things. It meant the world to me to be trusted, and I felt empowered to speak up, ask questions, and grow.

I would especially like to thank Allee, my supervisor. I’ve been impacted by your mentoring for a long time. You constantly went above and beyond to ensure that I felt heard, challenged, and encouraged. Your advice, whether it was guiding me through a project, providing candid yet kind criticism (lol), or motivating me to take charge, which helped me develop my abilities and confidence. You supported an environment where curiosity and personal development were always encouraged, and it was acceptable to not know everything. Observing your knowledgeable and empathetic leadership taught me a lot, and I will apply those skills to whatever comes next. I appreciate you being such a kind and helpful mentor.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Briggs (Allee, Andrew, Tim, Wil, Matt, Cassondra, Nancy, and Patti) who made the effort to teach me, include me, and help me feel like a member of the team. I feel blessed to have been a part of your incredible teamwork, creativity, and passion.

Once again, to Briggs Agency, thank you for making this summer so memorable and significant. Along with new knowledge and experiences, I also leave feeling more confident and eager for the future.

Sincerely,

Caden Gliva

You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-service Independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Imagine a fire, flood, or natural disaster shuts down your business overnight. You’re unable to serve customers, pay employees, or bring in revenue, but your bills don’t stop. That’s where Business Interruption Insurance steps in.

This often-overlooked coverage can be a financial lifeline, helping businesses survive temporary closures and bounce back stronger. If you run a business, understanding how business interruption insurance works and why it matters is essential.

Business Interruption Insurance (sometimes called Business Income Insurance) is a type of coverage that replaces lost income when your business is forced to close due to a covered disaster or property damage.

It’s designed to help you maintain financial stability during downtime by covering:

• Lost net income

• Fixed operating expenses (like rent, payroll, and taxes)

• Relocation costs (if you move to a temporary location)

• Loan payments

• Training costs for new equipment after rebuilding

This coverage typically only kicks in if the interruption is caused by a covered peril in your property policy (like fire or storm damage)—not for pandemics, cyberattacks, or general economic downturns unless specifically added.

How It Works

Let’s say you’re restaurant experiences a kitchen fire that forces you to close for 3 months during repairs. Business Interruption Insurance would:

• Replace the income you would have earned during that period

• Cover fixed costs like employee wages, utility bills, and lease payments

• Potentially help with costs of operating from a temporary location if needed

The coverage generally starts after a waiting period (often 48–72 hours) and is limited to a restoration period, which is the time it should reasonably take to repair or rebuild.

Why It’s So Important for Business Owners

1. Covers More Than Just Property Damage

While property insurance covers physical damage, it doesn’t protect your income. Business interruption fills that gap—helping you stay afloat while operations are paused.

2. Maintains Payroll and Key Relationships

It allows you to continue paying employees and vendors, so you retain talent and trust, even when business is stalled.

3. Reduces the Risk of Permanent Closure

Businesses without this coverage often struggle to recover from extended closures. Business interruption insurance can mean the difference between temporary downtime and shutting down for good.

Before relying on this coverage, check your policy for:

• Covered perils (fire, theft, etc.)

• Exclusions (pandemics, earthquakes, etc.)

• Waiting period before coverage begins

• Coverage limit and restoration period length

• Optional add-ons like contingent business interruption (covers supply chain disruptions)

You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-service Independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Blog post written by: Caden Gliva

You’ve probably heard the pitch: “Bundle your policies and save!”—and it’s not just a marketing line. Bundling insurance policies like auto, home, renters, or business coverage can offer real savings and convenience. But is it always the best choice?

Let’s explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of bundling your insurance so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs—not just your budget.

The Benefits of Bundling Insurance Policies

1. Potential Cost Savings

One of the biggest perks of bundling is the discount. Insurance companies often offer multi-policy discounts when you combine products like home and auto or business and liability. You could save anywhere from 10–25% by bundling auto and home insurance with the same provider.

2. Simplified Billing and Management

Bundling means fewer logins, fewer bills, and a more streamlined experience. You’ll often work with just one agent, receive one statement, and have one renewal date—which makes life easier.

3. Improved Loyalty Perks

Insurers tend to reward long-term, multi-line customers with better rates, priority service, or even enhanced coverage options (like accident forgiveness or deductible reductions).

4. Better Coordination During Claims

When multiple policies are with the same insurer, claims involving multiple areas (like a home fire that damages a car in the garage) can be handled more smoothly without juggling different companies.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

1. Not Always the Cheapest Option

While bundling can lower costs, it doesn’t guarantee the best price on every policy. One company may offer a great auto rate but high premiums for home coverage. Always compare stand-alone quotes.

2. Coverage Gaps or Overlaps

Some insurers may have different policy language or exclusions, and bundling might create gaps or duplicate coverage if not reviewed carefully. Always ask your agent to evaluate where policies intersect.

3. Less Flexibility to Switch Providers

Bundling can make it harder to change one part of your insurance. For example, switching auto insurers might cause you to lose a home discount, which could increase your overall cost.

Bundling makes sense for many people—especially if the discount is meaningful, the coverage is strong, and you enjoy the convenience of a single provider. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Take time to compare quotes, review coverage, and consult with a knowledgeable agent.

You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-service Independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Blog post written by: Caden Gliva