June newsletter

JUNE HOLIDAYS & EVENTS

Fireworks Safety Month

National PTSD Awareness Month

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

June 1–7: National CPR & AED Awareness Week

June 2 – National Leave the Office Early Day

June 3 – World Cider Day

June 4 – National Cheese Day

June 6 – D-Day

June 6 – National Drive-In Movie Day

June 8 – National Best Friends Day

June 9 – National Donald Duck Day

June 14 – Flag Day

June 21 – Father’s Day

June 21 – First Day of Summer

June 21 – National Cookie Dough Day

June 27 – National Food Truck Day

June 28 – National Insurance Awareness Day

Summer Maintenance Tips

Consider the following home maintenance steps this summer:

Seal gaps and cracks. Caulk around your windows and doors and repair any cracks or holes in the walls to help regulate temperatures.

Landscape. Trim trees and clear brush away from your Home, especially if you’re in an area at risk of wildfires or severe storms.

Check your air conditioner. Clean its coils, change its filters, and check for faulty wiring.

Secure entry points. Ensure doors and windows have strong locks, as burglaries are most common during the summer.

Check for pests. Inspect your Home for possible infestations, including signs of termites and rodents.

 Classic car insurance: what is the best way to protect the vehicle’s value?

Agreed vs Stated vs Actual Cash Value

American Collectors Insurance offers Agreed Value Coverage. When placing coverage for your collector car clients, it’s important to choose a policy that best protects the vehicle’s value. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they function very differently at the time of a loss.

1. Agreed Value Coverage (Best for Collector Vehicles)

With Agreed Value Coverage, the policyholder and insurance provider agree on the vehicle’s value upfront, based on its condition and current market values. An Agreed Value policy ensures that the vehicle owner receives the full insured amount (less any applicable deductible) in the event of a total loss.

2. Stated Value (Can Create Gaps)

Stated value allows the policyholder to declare the vehicle’s value when the policy is written. However, this amount is typically used for rating purposes and does not guarantee payout. 

In the event of a total loss, the insurance carrier will evaluate the vehicle and pay the lesser of:

• The stated value, or

• The actual cash value (ACV) at the time of the loss

This can result in a lower payout than the client expects.

3. Actual Cash Value (Standard Coverage)

Actual cash value represents the vehicle’s value at the time of the loss.

During a claim, the insurer determines the cost to repair or replace the vehicle and then applies a deduction for depreciation based on age, condition, and wear. The payout reflects the depreciated value at the time of loss.

For clients with collector cars, placing coverage on an Agreed Value policy offered by American Collectors Insurance is the strongest protection for their classic or specialty vehicle.

Summer Safety Precautions for Outdoor Workers

Summer Safety for Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers face increased risks from the sun, heat, and insects during the summer. Taking proper precautions is essential to staying safe.

Sun Protection

• Wear lightweight, protective clothing and a wide-brim hat

• Use sunscreen (SPF 15+ recommended)

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (99–100% protection)

Heat Safety

• Drink plenty of water—don’t wait until you feel thirsty

• Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks

• Eat balanced meals and bring snacks for energy

• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas

• Report symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or nausea immediately

Insect Safety

• Avoid scented products that attract insects

• Dispose of food scraps properly

• Stay calm around insects; don’t swat

• Leave the area if multiple insects are present

• Notify your supervisor of any allergies and carry emergency medication if needed.

Commonly Overlooked Commercial Property Risks in Summer

Key Risks

• Severe weather remains active in summer, including wind, hail, flooding, and hurricanes, causing significant property damage.

• Extreme heat and heat waves strain HVAC systems and can damage roofing and siding, leading to breakdowns and structural issues.

• Increased foot traffic in industries such as retail and hospitality can lead to increased wear and tear on doors, floors, and stairways.

• Higher security risks, including theft and vandalism, due to increased activity.

• Coverage gaps may arise, especially for flood damage or poorly maintained issues, resulting in out-of-pocket costs.

Mitigation Strategies

• Routine inspections & maintenance

  • Regularly check HVAC systems, roofing, gutters, doors, windows, and electrical systems.

  • Address issues early and document all maintenance activities

• Weather preparedness

  • Improve drainage and seal structural vulnerabilities

  • Install storm-resistant materials and shutters

  • Secure equipment and plan for emergencies

• Insurance review

  • Evaluate coverage needs with an advisor

  • Consider flood insurance and specialized coverage options

  • Adjust policies as risks change

Braised Short Ribs

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3 carrots, chopped

8 whole beef short ribs

salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup dry red wine (such as Côte du Rhône or Pinot Noir)

2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1.       Heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid. Add the onion and carrots and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Remove veggies to a plate.

2.       Season the ribs with salt and pepper and coat them on all sides with flour. Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the pot, then turn the heat to high. Add ribs and brown on all sides, about 45 seconds per side. Remove to a plate.

3.       Add the wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bites of flavor. Bring to a boil, then cook for 2 minutes.

4.       Add beef broth, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

5.       Stir in tomato paste. Taste the broth and add additional seasonings, if needed.

6.       Add ribs, veggies, and (whole) thyme and rosemary sprigs to the pot.

7.       Cover with the lid and place into the oven. Cook at 350 degrees for 2 hours, then reduce the heat to 325 degrees and cook for 30 to 45 minutes. Ribs should be very tender, nearly falling off the bone.

8.       Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to rest for 20 minutes, with the lid on, before serving. Skim off any fat that has risen to the top of the liquid before serving.

9.       Serve ribs over mashed potatoes with a spoonful of gravy from the pot.

10.   Leftover short ribs can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.

Slow Cooker: Follow steps 1-4 of the recipe and transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.