The insurance industry has always demanded resilience, but today’s hard market is testing independent agencies like never before. Skyrocketing premiums, tighter underwriting and relentless sales pressures are creating a high-stress environment — and it’s taking a toll on agency staff, according to a new report. One of the biggest challenges independent insurance agencies face is…
Employers that are hit with a discrimination complaint must act fast to compare the allegations in the lawsuit to the earlier complaint the worker filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If the employer can find that the allegations in the complaint filed with the EEOC do not match those in the subsequent lawsuit filed…
For years, high-deductible health plans have been the most common type of health insurance that employers offer. HDHPs surged in popularity between 2013 and 2021, peaking at 55.7% enrollment. But in a sharp reversal, enrollment in these plans has now fallen for two consecutive years, dipping to 49.7% in 2023, according to the latest data from…
Cargo theft in the U.S. is climbing at an alarming pace. After spiking nearly 50% in 2024, incidents are already up another 22% in early 2025, according to a new report from supply chain visibility firm Overhaul. Criminals, both organized groups and opportunistic individuals, are not only stealing more — they’re getting smarter and more…
Many employers are facing challenges in incorporating high-cost GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity and Wegovy, into their group health plans, as they must balance the cost of the group health plan against the interests of participants and beneficiaries in the treatment. With prescriptions for these drugs cost around $1,000 a month, outlays…
Congratulations to Our Distinguished Employee Award Recipient! Andie Segale Account Manager, Commercial Insurance Department Hollister Office Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for…
Fed-OSHA has finalized a new regulation that requires personal protective equipment for construction workers to be properly fitting. The lack of access to properly fitting PPE for smaller-framed construction workers — especially women — has been a perennial problem, as ill-fitting gear may not protect employees adequately in case of an incident. The new standard…
Health savings accounts have become a prime target for cyber criminals, who are using advanced tactics to steal funds from them, putting your employees’ medical expense savings at risk. The risk is even greater considering that employees can keep HSAs for life and many of them are building wealth in these accounts to save for…
With more and more California businesses being forced to go to the California FAIR Plan for their coverage, the market of last resort has moved to increase its commercial property coverage limits significantly. This should bring a semblance of relief to companies located in wildfire-prone areas, who have seen their commercial property insurance non-renewed and…
As 2025 gets off to a rocky start with volatility in the business climate, insurance brokerages have to be nimble and forward-thinking to be successful and continue growing. The pandemic had already forced most companies, including insurance agencies, to re-evaluate how they do business, and if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s…