EFM&A Welcomes Steve Buzzelli

EFM&A proudly announces the appointment of Steven Buzzelli as the Director of Marketing and Medicare Solutions. With a robust background spanning marketing, business development, and expertise in Medicare solutions, Buzzelli brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role.

Steven Buzzelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Health & Fitness from Springfield College, complemented by an MBA from Canisius College. His journey into healthcare and marketing began with notable time at renowned companies such as Northwestern Mutual, BlueCross BlueShield, and Fisher-Price.

In his most recent endeavor, Buzzelli’s role as Director of Marketing and Medicare Solutions at EFM&A commenced in March 2024.

Throughout his career, Buzzelli has established significant partnerships and achieved organizational goals. Notably, he forged a successful collaboration with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, providing financial education to medical students.

Beyond his professional achievements, Buzzelli is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the Board of Directors of several local organizations. He has been recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, including being named the East Aurora Boys & Girls Club Man of the Year and co-chairing United Way’s Day of Caring for Western New York.

“Joining EFM&A is an exciting opportunity to continue my passion for marketing and contribute to the company’s success,” said Steven Buzzelli. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and skills to drive growth and provide exceptional Medicare solutions for our clients and the community.”

Steven Buzzelli resides in East Aurora, New York, with his wife Anne, where they have raised their children.

His dedication to both professional excellence and community enrichment embodies the values that EFM&A stands for.

 

EFM&A Named 2024 Best Places to Work

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Western New York by Buffalo Business First. This is our 4th consecutive year receiving this honor, and also the highest ranking we have received in company history.

This is an honor we take seriously at EFM&A because we believe that providing a positive work culture attracting strong talent from the industry while maintaining strong customer service will directly impact the client experience.

Here’s how it works:

  • Employees are asked to complete the employee engagement survey, which was developed in 2003 by Quantum Workplace, leaders in the field of employee engagement.
  • The survey measures six key engagement categories: communication, employee needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamic, and trust in leadership.
  • Companies are ranked according to their overall score.
  • The total number of survey responses is factored into the overall score. Winners are chosen 100% based on the results of the survey. That means only the employees determine the score.

Fix a Leak Weak

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has announced that March 18th – 24th is “Fix a Leak Week.” As your insurance agency, we find this a good time to remind you that finding and fixing those leaks not only helps the environment but also can help you financially and prevent serious damage to your home or business.

The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted annually; ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more daily. Common types of leaks found in the house are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

To check for leaks in your home, you first need to determine whether you’re wasting water and then identify the source of the leak.

Here are some tips for finding leaks:

  • Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
  • Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
  • Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

Leaks can run, but they can’t hide!

Any and all things that connect to water could have the potential to leak!

 

Showerheads

Toilets

Bathtubs

Appliances

Outdoor Water Areas

Car Insurance Day

February 1st is Car Insurance Day – a day where we celebrate the importance of car insurance!

This day also serves as a reminder for motorists to review and ensure the adequacy of their auto insurance policies. Whether it’s protecting against accidents, theft, or unforeseen circumstances, car insurance plays a crucial role in providing financial security and peace of mind on the road.

Car Insurance Fun Facts:

Car Insurance is Mandatory in Most States
In the U.S., most states require drivers to have auto liability insurance before they can legally drive a car.

 

Your Credit Score Can Impact Your Premium
Many insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Research shows that those who effectively manage their credit have fewer claims.

 

Your Vehicle Model Affects Your Insurance Cost
Your vehicle’s make, model, and year can heavily impact your car insurance rates. Cars that are often stolen or expensive to repair might have higher insurance costs.

 

You Can Get Discounts for Safe Driving
Many car insurance companies offer discounts if you prove to be a safe driver over a certain period. These rewards can significantly lower your premium.  CLICK HERE to sign up for a defensive driving course today! 

 

Car Insurance Covers More Than Just Collision
Besides collisions, car insurance policies can cover various issues, such as damage from weather events, theft, and personal injury, depending on the type of policy purchased.

Car Insurance Checklist:

Below are some things to consider regarding your Auto Insurance.  Please contact your EFM Agency Account Manager if you have any questions about your current program.

Coverage Types and Limits:

  • Assess whether your current coverage aligns with your needs and financial situation.
  • Confirm the policy limits for each type of coverage.

Deductibles:

  • Review and understand the deductibles associated with each coverage type.
  • Evaluate whether you can comfortably afford the chosen deductibles in the event of a claim.

Discounts:

  • Confirm that you are taking advantage of all eligible discounts.
  • Signup online for the NYS Defensive Driving Courses!

Policy Exclusions and Limitations:

  • Familiarize yourself with any exclusions or limitations in your policy.
  • Understand circumstances where your coverage may not apply.

Claims Process:

  • Understand the process for filing a claim with your carrier.  You can also file a claim through our website.

Policy Renewal Terms:

  • Review the terms and conditions for policy renewal.
  • Be aware of any changes in coverage or premium rates.

Vehicle Changes:

  • Update the insurer if there are changes to your vehicle (e.g., modifications, additional safety features).
  • Confirm that your policy reflects accurate information about your car.

Driving Record:

  • Periodically check your driving record for accuracy.
  • Be aware of how any changes to your driving history may impact your premiums.

Emergency Roadside Assistance:

  • Verify whether your policy includes emergency roadside assistance.
  • Understand the extent of the coverage and any associated costs.

Policy Documents:

  • Keep a copy of your insurance policy documents.
  • Review the terms and conditions to stay informed about your coverage.

Back-to-School Insurance Checklist

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s not just school supplies and textbooks that you need to prepare. Ensuring your family’s safety and security should also be a top priority. From auto insurance to cybersecurity protection, safeguarding your family, home, and assets with the right insurance coverage is essential for a worry-free school year.

Auto Insurance

Ensure your child’s well-being and financial stability for the new school year. Enroll them in a safe driving course and thoroughly assess your auto insurance for complete coverage. Modify policies for unused vehicles and explore comprehensive collision coverage for college-bound drivers. By taking these proactive measures, you can provide essential protection and peace of mind while they focus on their education and new experiences ahead.

Cybersecurity Insurance

Investing in identity theft protection is a prudent decision in this age of technology and prevalent online platforms. Look for plans offering comprehensive features such as credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and assistance in identity theft. By taking these precautionary steps, you can safeguard your personal information and mitigate the risks associated with identity theft, ensuring a safer digital experience.

Health Insurance

Safeguard your family’s well-being and enjoy peace of mind by securing the right health insurance coverage, especially if your child is heading off to college. Ensure they have a comprehensive plan that extends its protection to wherever they are studying, protecting their health and safety regardless of the distance. Taking this essential step will provide you with the confidence that your loved ones are adequately cared for, even when they are away from home pursuing their educational journey.

Home/Renters Insurance

Ensure your home/renter’s insurance covers laptops, tablets, and valuables adequately by reviewing and increasing limits as needed. Keep a documented inventory for seamless claims processing. College students should strongly consider renters insurance for off-campus living, while also taking security precautions such as locking their rooms and leaving high-value items at home. These measures will protect your family’s belongings and provide peace of mind during the college years.

Liability Insurance

If your child is living in a rental property or off-campus, it’s highly advisable to secure renter’s insurance that includes liability coverage. This essential coverage will protect them in the event of accidents or damages to the property they are renting, offering valuable peace of mind and financial security during their living arrangements.

Navigating Rising Insurance Rates

Have you noticed a fluctuation in your insurance rates, despite making any policy changes? These changes can occur due to labor costs, economic changes, shifting weather patterns, and other external factors. Discover why your insurance rates have changed and how to save on your Premiums.

Why do Insurance Rates Rise?

Policy Changes

Reporting increases in your home’s value or adjusting policy limits, can lead to higher premiums as it makes your home more expensive to insure, increasing your coverage responsibility.

 

Material Costs

The cost of building supplies can increase due to supply chain problems, inflation, or other economic factors, resulting in higher insurance costs when repairing or restoring your home or vehicle after a loss.

 

Labor Costs

As skilled laborers raise their rates, the cost of repairs also rises, contributing to the overall increase in insurance premiums.

Severe Accidents

Rising accident rates drive insurance premiums higher, regardless of your personal driving record. Living in areas with high accident rates also impacts premiums.

 

Relocating

Relocating to areas with higher accident rates or increased traffic can influence insurance premiums based on location-based risk levels.

 

Uninsured Drivers

Accidents involving uninsured drivers can lead to more financial responsibility for you and your insurance provider, potentially resulting in rate hikes. These combined factors contribute to the overall increase in car insurance costs.

Bad Weather:

Severe weather significantly impacts insurance policies, covering incidents like tornadoes, hailstorms, and wildfires. The U.S. has witnessed 10 or more billion-dollar disasters annually for the past eight years, affecting both home and auto insurance rates. As climate changes continue, insurance premiums nationwide are adjusting to managing the rising risks associated with extreme weather events.

How to Save on Insurance Premiums

Review Your Policy

Update your policy to ensure appropriate coverage and avoid paying for unnecessary items.

 

Increase Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay after a loss. By increasing your deductible, you take on more responsibility after an accident. However, it can lower your monthly insurance costs if you are a safe driver unlikely to cause at-fault accidents.

 

Prevent a Loss

Prevent insurance rate increases by installing safety features in your home and car. Consider safe driving devices and take a defensive driving course. Take proactive measures to reduce risks and potentially qualify you for insurance discounts.

 

Ask About Discounts

Insurance providers commonly offer discounts for safe driving, loyalty, and multi-vehicle policies. Speak with an agent to help you find and enroll in all available discounts.

 

Pay in Full

Save on auto insurance premiums by choosing payment options wisely. Insurance providers often offer discounts for paying in full upfront and setting up auto-pay can also lead to potential savings.

 

Bundle Your Policies

Save on insurance by bundling policies with one provider. Keeping homeowners, commercial, auto, and other coverage together rewards loyalty and simplifies claims while offering potential cost savings.

EFM&A Welcomes Kyle Tyrpak

Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates is pleased to announce that Kyle Tyrpak has joined EFM&A as a Commercial Lines Account Manager.

With 11 years of experience in the industry, Kyle brings a wealth of expertise in insurance knowledge, prompt service, and exceptional client assistance. He takes pride in being responsive to insureds’ needs, guiding them through the intricacies of insurance, and building strong client relationships. As a proud member of Big I Insurance, NextGen, he is committed to professional growth and development.

Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, video games, basketball, and watching the Bills. He is getting married in October and cherishes spending time with family and friends.

Please join us in welcoming Kyle to the team!

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