Workers Comp and Seasonal Hires

Posted on by agentinsure

The holiday season is a time of year when many companies do a lot of seasonal hiring for their busiest days. Whether you are in manufacturing, run a delivery service, have a retail establishment, or own any type of business that employs temporary help, it’s important to understand your Workers Comp coverage needs.  If you are in the greater West Hartford, CT area and want to make sure that you have the protection that you need, the team at StateChoice can help.

Workers Comp is Still Required for Seasonal Hires

Even though you are not required to provide your temporary employees with health insurance and other benefits that you may offer to permanent employees, you are still required to carry adequate Workers Comp coverage. If you are unsure if your current policy is sufficient for coverage of your seasonal employees, now is the time to check! In addition to Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and other taxes, Workers Comp insurance is required for all types of employees that you hire. While there are many differences between the Labor Laws affecting permanent employees and those that are temporary or seasonal, Workers Comp is required for all types of workers.

Business owners may not be sure if their current coverage is sufficient and it is always a good idea to make sure that you have the necessary protection before you need it. Your commercial insurance agent can help you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are adequately protected.

Don’t be caught without the Workers Comp coverage that you need for this holiday season. If you are a business owner in the greater West Hartford, CT area, contact StateChoice today to schedule a policy review, and discuss your coverage options that are available to meet your Workers Comp needs.

10 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

The holidays are upon us, which means purchasing thoughtful presents for our loved ones is top of mind.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your significant other, your children, or your grandchildren we’ve compiled a guide that will help make checking people off your list easier.

Gifts For Your Significant Other

Something Sweet

Sweet treats are always a great gift idea—especially when they can be delivered right to your door.

Toffee Boutique offers milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vegan toffee options so you can find the perfect nutty, crunchy treat for your loved one.

Vegan Treats Bakery ships dairy and egg free sweets like cannolis, cakes and truffles country-wide.

Cost: $7.49 and up

Something Sentimental

A membership to Ancestry.com will allow your significant other to unearth details about their family history and gain access to records and photos.

Cost: $99 to $199 for Ancestry.com subscription (AARP members can save 30 percent)

Something Memorable

Giving the gift of an experience is a great way to make memories and possibly learn something new.

Whether your loved one has always wanted to learn how to bake, ride in a hot air balloon, or take dance lessons TrulyExperience.com allows you to customize the experience.

You can even book an extraordinary getaway to places like Romania and Switzerland. If you do decide to travel, these apps will make it easier and these tips will help you prep your home before you go away.

Cost: From under $100 to over $5,000

Gifts For Your Children

Something Spicy

Hot sauce is the perfect stocking stuffer for your adult children. They can mix it into homemade salsa, put it on pizza, stir it into chili and so much more. Horsetooth Hot Sauce offers individual bottles of hot sauce and barbeque sauce – or you can purchase a gift box.

Cost: starting at $6

Something That Will Last

Holiday cards, senior portraits, newborn snapshots, wedding shoots– the list is endless when it comes to moments your children want to capture. Support a local photographer and give the gift of a photo session or purchase prints.

Cost: prices vary depending on photographer and length of session

Something to Help Relax

Everyone could use more relaxation in their lives. Give the gift of yoga by purchasing a membership to Yoga Download, where your son or daughter can access hundreds of classes online with nationally known instructors.

Cost: $120 for a one-year unlimited subscription (or $18 a month if you prefer to pay monthly)

Something Sleek

AfterShokz wireless headphones transmit sound via bone vibrations meaning they sit outside the ears, allowing the wearer to hear what’s going on in the world around them as they walk, jog, or bike. These sleek headphones come in cool colors, from pink to ocean blue to metallic green.

A bonus: they can also be used with Bluetooth technology for making and taking calls on the go.

Cost: starting at $99

Gifts For Your Grandchildren

Something Indulgent

Whether your grandchildren are five or 25, FunkyChunky has a variety of indulgently crafted gourmet popcorn and pretzel flavors that make for delicious stocking stuffers.

You can order individual canisters or gift sets with flavors like peppermint bark and peanut butter cup.

Cost: starting at $3.50

Something Shiny

Chicky Chicky Bling Bling sells embellished headbands, clips, hair bows and jewelry.  From soft pastels to vibrant hues, from playful patterned prints to glittering designs, these accessories will make dressing up a blast.

Cost: starting at $1.00

Something Educational

Kiwi Crate will send your grandchild a kit each month containing a fun project that focuses on building skills in science, technology, engineering, art and math. You can pick from different age ranges and interests. These crates are educational, creative, convenient and entertaining.

Cost: starting at $16.95/month

This handy guide should help make your holiday shopping a breeze – leaving you with more time to enjoy sitting around a fire, spending time with family and friends, and taking in all that season brings.

 

 

Content supplied by The Hartford Social Share. Original article: https://extramile.thehartford.com/technology/unique-holiday-gift-ideas/

Usual Reasons Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim in CT

Posted on by agentinsure

You need to make sure you have a homeowners insurance policy for a variety of reasons as will be outlined in this post below. West Hartford, CT residents can discuss specific insurance options with agents at StateChoice. When it is time to file a homeowners insurance claim, you will need to be aware of the damages and repairs needed. Find out the typical reasons for filing such claims in this post. 

Damages from storms

Violent storms, heavy winds, rain, snow, ice, and other bad weather elements can create chaos for homeowners. The storms can leave behind a lot of damage to homes and filing a claim is important. Storm damage remains a top reason for filing claims on a home insurance policy. Be sure you assess the damage from the storm before filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Find out more about what policy options are available at StateChoice serving West Hartford, CT. 

Damages from Water

Many homeowners also get flood coverage. However, there are other types of water damage, which is one of the typical reasons for filing an insurance claim on your house. Burst pipes, backed up plumbing, leaks, and damages to structures from heavy rains are some prime examples of damages water can do and this warrants repair and a claim to be filed. Be sure to assess damages to the home before contacting an agent. 

Damages from Fire and Smoke

One of the biggest reasons homeowners file claims is damage to their home or property from a fire or the smoke that damaged items. Smoke and fire damage can be significant, often resulting in a total loss at the property. Be sure to assess all damages and inventory property loss. Contact an agent to find out more about fire coverage. 

Four Reasons Why You Should Purchase Commercial Insurance Now

Posted on by agentinsure

Business owners in West Hartford, CT should never procrastinate about finding an appropriate commercial insurance policy.

Unfortunately, an average company faces a plethora of potential liabilities and needs to be adequately insured to enjoy true financial security. At StateChoice, we recommend that business owners find the right commercial policy before it’s too late.

The following are just four of the many reasons why you should find the right commercial insurance policy now:

You are legally required to have commercial insurance.

The biggest reason to get commercial insurance is that you’re legally required to do so.

If you use commercial vehicles to run your business, you need to acquire commercial auto insurance. Also, you may legally need workers compensation insurance if you employee people at your company.

These are just two examples of situations where a company is legally required to have insurance.

It can give customers more confidence in doing business with you.

Depending on what industry you’re in, customers may only want to do business with you if you’re insured. Commercial insurance allows your company to be more stable so that customers don’t worry when doing business with you. 

Lawsuits can happen at any time and are very expensive.

In this litigious society, it’s not hard for an individual to sue your company. The resulting legal costs could be astronomical.

Commercial insurance could save your company from the financial ravages of a lawsuit.

You need to protect your company’s assets.

Your company’s assets are at risk if you don’t have commercial insurance. Without company equipment and resources, you may not be in business anymore.

If you’re ready to purchase commercial insurance for your West Hartford, CT business, we’re here to help. Contact us at StateChoice to explore our policies.

Our Favorite Tailgating Snacks

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

Everyone knows that one of the best parts of football season is food. Whether it’s tailgating or watching games at home with friends, football is best enjoyed with loved ones and snacks. We have compiled together our favorite office recipes! Take a look below to see what each of your favorite StateChoice employees nominated as their favorite tailgating food!

1. Slutty Brownies

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Let’s start sweet with some dessert. Angie loves to make slutty brownies for her guests. These delicious treats are a twist on a brownie. They start with a layer of cookie dough, followed by Oreos, and are topped off with brownie. Check out a recipe here to give it a try!

2. Pulled Pork Chili

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Chris couldn’t decide between chili and pulled pork, and we didn’t want to decide either! So instead we present to you, Pulled Pork Chili. Chili is a staple at all parties whether as a meal or a dip. This twist uses pulled pork instead of ground beef, PLUS it can be made in a slow cooker for an easy meal! Check out the recipe here!

3. Pepperoni Bread

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June is a big fan of tailgating food and one of her favorite things to make is pepperoni bread! Roll together pizza dough, cheese, and pepperoni with some marinara sauce for dipping and you’ve got handheld pizza. Who doesn’t like pizza as an appetizer before pizza? Try the recipe here!

4. Anticuchos

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When it comes to food, Cathy insists you try everything Peruvian! For this reason, she suggests anticuchos as her go to tailgate food. These skewers are made of grilled cow hearts. If you bring the grill to every tailgate, this bite size beef is a necessity! Check out the recipe here.

5. Pigs in a Blanket

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Pigs in a blanket is simple, classic, and my favorite tailgate food. You can’t go wrong with mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough! They are easy to make and sure to be a hit, especially served with a variety of dipping sauces! Follow this simple Pillsbury recipe!

6. Ropa Vieja

Rui loves all types of slow-cooked meats, but ropa vieja is for sure a favorite! Typically this dish is made using flank steak which easily shreds into tender pieces of meat. At the end of the day, this dish is good with any meat you have at home! Rui loves it served over rice with a side of platanos maduros. Check out the recipe here!

7. Wings

Wings are of course a classic for tailgating! Nellie says wings are a staple at her house when it comes time to watch a game. She likes various different flavors, but we all know buffalo is the classic. Check out this recipe here to have the best wings at every tailgate.

Fall Activity Bucket List

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

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As the air gets crisper and summer comes to a close, excited Pumpkin Spice lovers everywhere are planning fall activities to fill the season. Whether it be picking apples, jumping in leaves, or attending fall festivals, there are plenty of activities to fill the fall season. Here is our bucket list of must do fall activities

Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer and sausages

Re-watch your favorite scary movie on Halloween (Nightmare before Christmas? Hocus Pocus? Halloweentown?)

Throw a Halloween party

Give out candy to trick o’ treaters

Thanksgiving with friends and family

Go apple picking

Tailgate at your local football game

Bake a pie (apples and pumpkins and pecans, oh my!)

Get lost in a corn maze

Play a game of two-hand touch football

Go for a hike

Go for a hayride

Take a drive to admire the fresh fall foliage

Make a pinecone bird feeder

Buy something from a bake sale

Make rice krispie treats

Jump in a pile of leaves

Eat a candy apple (or make them yourself!)

Make butternut squash soup

Drink hot spiced cider

Eat a slice of warm pumpkin bread (see bake sale above)

Carve your own pumpkin

Make your kid’s (or your own) Halloween costume

Get spooked in a haunted house

Breath in the cool, crisp air

Dig up your sweaters from storage

Listen to the sound of leaves crunching under your feet

Spend a day antiquing

Build a bonfire

Collect pinecones to decorate for the holiday season

Watch a kids’ soccer game

Attend a fall festival (or 2 or 3 or maybe 7?!)

Remember what you’re thankful for so of course enjoy all of these activities with your loved ones.

5 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

 

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Hispanic Heritage Month (El Mes de la Herencia Hispana) was started in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, originally set to be just a week long celebration.  However in 1988, it was expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month lasts every year from September 15th-October 15th. September 15th marks el Día de la Independencia for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua thus it was a fitting day to begin a celebration for Hispanic Heritage.  September 16th marks the Independence Day for Mexico, September 18th marks the Independence Day for Chile. While in the United States, October 12th is celebrated as Columbus Day, in much of Latin America it is celebrated as Dia de la Raza, or Hispanic Heritage Day. Since that time frame is filled with a lot of history, it serves as a great time to honor and celebrate the cultures of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

So how do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

1. Education

The first step is to understand the culture. Learn a little bit about your Hispanic counterparts whether that be through research or asking questions! With so many different countries making up Latin America, there is always new information about traditions, food, and culture. Whether through art, literature, or conversation, you are sure to enjoy some of what you hear. Check out one of these books by Latino authors!

2. Music

Latin Music from Gasolina to Despacito has always made it into the hearts of listeners regardless of language preference. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, here is a playlist of all of our favorite latin hits. There is sure to be a song here you would love!

3. Food

Without good music and good food can you even consider yourself Latino? Celebrate the delicious varieties of food from Latin America by hosting a potluck with friends. Everyone can bring a dish inspired by a different Latin American country! Don’t worry, we’ve got a few suggestions to get you started.

4. Movie Night

Not into food or dance? Why not host a movie night instead! Movies from Selena to Mi Familia all celebrate Hispanics and Hispanic Americans. Many films like Disney’s Coco (also on Netflix!!) will probably jerk some tears out between the smiles. Need some more ideas? Here is a list of great films to watch this month.

5. Speak Spanish!

Whether you speak fluently, proficiently, or not at all, a few words in Spanish can make you new connections whether that be through work, family, or friendship. If you don’t speak Spanish, try out Duolingo (a ~*free*~ language learning app) for the month to see how much you can learn! Even one word a day can make a difference.

 

Finally, if you are Hispanic/Latino, share your culture with others, let them know that you are proud of where you come from. Now is a time to celebrate, learn about different cultures, and break down barriers. Don’t be scared to try new things; embrace the differences and similarities that bring us together!

Poor Driving Habits that Can Damage Your Vehicle

Posted on by agentinsure

Poor driving habits can damage your vehicle and increase your risk of having an accident. Changing bad driving habits will protect you from accidents, extend the lifespan of your vehicle and reduce insurance costs. Paying less for StateChoice auto insurance in West Hartford, CT should be incentive enough to change your driving style. Eliminating the following habits will improve your driving and protect your car.  

Driving on “Fumes” – Driving on low fuel can overheat your fuel pump, causing premature wear and tear. It can also clog your fuel filter as you’re using the dregs from an empty tank. If you can’t afford a full tank of gas, keeping your gauge at a minimum of quarter full will protect your car.   

Hauling Excess Weight – Extra weight puts stress on your vehicle’s suspension, brakes and drivetrain. It also causes you to burn up more fuel. If you don’t need the cargo you’re lugging around, leave it behind.   

Hard Stops – Unless it’s an emergency to prevent an accident, avoid sudden stops that cause you to slam on the brakes. Hard stops wear out brakes quicker, forcing you to replace brake pads and rotors more often.

Dragging Brakes Downhill – Riding brakes on downhill slopes can damage brake components. Rather than using brakes as a protective measure, shift to a lower gear to reduce your speed. This will protect your brakes for when you need them most.

Riding Clutch – Resting your hand on the clutch while waiting for the light to change is yet another bad habit that needs to stop. Riding your clutch puts undue pressure on its components, causing premature wear and tear. Over time, this habit could cause your clutch to fail resulting in costly repairs.

Good driving habits combined with auto insurance from StateChoice in West Hartford, CT will protect you and your vehicle on the road.

Fall Festivals in Hartford County

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

              

One of the many perks of living in Connecticut is the festivity and beauty of the Autumn. As the fall season begins, we all begin looking forward to the festivals and fairs that can be found across the state. In an effort to help everyone find fun ways to spend their weekends we have put together a list of Fall Festivals in Hartford county. Don’t miss out on the fun!

 

September

September 6th-9th – Wapping Fair

75 Brookfield Street, South Windsor, CT 06074

Check it out here!

 

September 7th-9th – Septemberfest

22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury, CT 06070

Check it out here!

 

September 8th-9th – Suffield on the Green

Suffield Town Green

Check it out here!

 

September 14th-16th – Berlin Fair

Beckley Road, Berlin, CT 06037

Check it out here!

 

September 22nd – Wethersfield Corn Fest

Broad Street Green

Check it out here!

 

September 28th-30th – Southington Apple Harvest Festival

75 N Main Street, Southington, CT 06489

Check it out here!

 

September 29th – Old Wethersfield Arts & Crafts Fair

Cove Park, State Street, Wethersfield

Check it out here!

 

October

October 5th-7th – Southington Apple Harvest Festival

75 N Main Street, Southington, CT 06489

Check it out here!

 

October 6th – Windsor Lions Club Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

Windsor Town Green on Broad Street in Windsor

Check it out here!

 

October 7th – Max’s Fifth Annual HOPtoberfest

Rosedale Farms & Vineyard

Check it out here!

 

October 12th-14th – Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival

Riverfront Park, 300 Welles Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Check it out here!

 

October 13th – Rocky Hill Fall Fest

Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater

Check it out here!

 

October 20th – The Plainville Pumpkin Fest

Downtown Plainville, in front of Town Hall

Check it out here!

 

October 27th – Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge

22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury, CT 06070

Check it out here!

10 Lunch Ideas for Back to School

Posted on by Gabriella Silva

With school just around the corner, it is planning season. Whether buying school supplies, new clothes, or groceries, we are all a little stressed to have everything ready in time for the big first day. Many children and parents opt to pack lunches rather than purchase hot lunch at school for various reasons. Perhaps waiting in line takes away too much time, maybe packing is cheaper or healthier, or maybe your kids simply do not like what the cafeteria has to offer. Either way, it can become difficult to come up with new ideas of what to pack for 180 days and kids definitely get tired of the same old PB&J. Whatever your reason may be, we’ve put together a list of lunch ideas that for sure will not bore!

 

1.Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

What child doesn’t like pizza? This home made HotPocket can be filled with anything to suit your kid’s tastebuds, or even to be healthier. Try the recipe here!

2. Turkey & Cream Cheese Pin Wheels

A new take on the classic sandwich. These pinwheels are both delicious and fun to eat. Check out the recipe here!

Also check out turkey and cheese pin wheels for another twist here!

3. Turkey, Cheddar, and Crackers

The fun shapes and fresh food will have your kids never touching another Lunchable! Use cookie cutters to cut deli meat and cheese into fun shapes that your kids can use to put together their own sandwich crackers. Check out the recipe here!

4. Crust-Free PB&J

Uncrustables who? Everyone loves a classic PB&J, use this fun and easy recipe to eliminate the crust for any picky eater or just for a fresh take on a classic. Check out the recipe here!

5. Chicken Marinara

You can make this meal fresh for lunch or enjoy it for dinner and pack up the leftovers. With a thermos like this, your child won’t feel like he’s missing out on warm food by packing. Check out the recipe here!

6. Classic Sandwiches

Sometimes a simple sandwich is all it takes to keep a kid satisfied. By changing up the ingredients and sides, lunches won’t get boring. Check out this video for a whole week of sandwich packing ideas!

7. PB&J Triangles

Try out this modern twist on a classic. Using tortillas instead of bread in a PB&J (or any sandwich) can provide a whole new lunch. Check out the recipe here!

8. Build Your Own Pizza

Kids love hands on activities, even for lunch! With a few simple ingredients, your kid will have the best lunch at the table. Check out the recipe here!

9. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

For a fun and easy to eat lunch, consider these grilled cheese roll ups with a side of marinara sauce. Like mozzarella sticks but better, any kid is sure to love these. Check out the recipe here!

10. Pasta Salad

Both you and your kid are sure to love this fresh, easy to make pasta salad. Pro Tip: Change up the noodles with different shapes and colors to make it even more exciting for your kid to eat. Check out the recipe here!