If your small business uses cars for deliveries, transporting passengers or if you want to brand your vehicle with a company logo, it might make sense to purchase and register a vehicle in your business' name. Company cars could also give you more control over things like GPS tracking, driving policies and more. Some companies choose to use mileage reimbursement instead of purchasing company cars, but when the upfront investment is worth it for your business, it pays to know the ins and outs of the registration process.

Business and insurance basic

In order to title a vehicle in your company's name, you will need to produce articles of incorporation and show that your business is a legitimate organization. If you are a gig-worker who has not officially registered your business, this is your first step. You might also need an EIN number, credit profile and an official bank account for your business, depending on how you intend to pay fees.

Your small business will need to provide proof of insurance as part of the registration process for your state's department of motor vehicles. Car insurance is different for businesses, and is often more costly, so contact your insurance agent to find out about pricing and set this up in advance. Once you purchase the vehicle, your agent will need to know the make, model, VIN, odometer reading and more in order to add the vehicle to your policy.

Transferring your personal vehicle

Transferring your personal vehicle to your small business is often less involved than buying a car from a third party because you will be able to sign both the seller and buyer portions of the registration paperwork. However, if you still owe money on the vehicle that you plan to transfer to your business, you will need to contact your lender for the appropriate paperwork that could allow your business to take over the payments instead of you. Some lenders might require you to pay off the vehicle before a transfer can occur.

Buying a car for your business

If you purchase a car for your business from an individual, arrange to meet them at your local registrar's office to complete the paperwork together. This will give both parties peace of mind in knowing everything is done by the books. If you purchase the vehicle through a dealership, they often have individuals or departments that specialize in commercial sales and have all the right paperwork set aside in advance. Should your business obtain a loan to finance a vehicle, keep in mind that the lender's name will be listed on the title and not your business's name. Paperwork, fees and the dmv

The paperwork and fees required to register a business vehicle vary slightly from state to state. In any state, be prepared to offer proof of insurance, as well as identification for you and your business.

Because requirements vary by location, contact your local department of motor vehicles in order to determine which forms to fill out and what your business needs to budget for fees.

Source: bizfluent.com

With days below freezing fast approaching, you may need to de-ice your concrete walkways, sidewalks, stairs, and driveways. Here are some ways to do it.

Rock Salt

Rock salt (also known as sodium chloride) is one of the most widely used deicing chemicals. It is inexpensive, easy to get, and works well (for temperatures above 15°F). Here in Texas, we may not have bags of it on-hand for de-icing. You can use table salt in a pinch, but it’s less effective than rock salt. If you can’t get rock salt, sprinkle a thin layer of table salt over the area you want to de-ice. The chemical reaction between the salt and the water results in heat, melting the ice.

Salt shouldn’t be your long-term solution for melting ice, because it can damage your lawn, erode your concrete, and cause animals to get sick! But in a pinch, it will do!

Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride granules or powder is another form of salt that is great for deicing and is good for temperatures down to -20°F. Let’s hope we don’t need that, here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area! While a little safer than rock salt for plants and animals, it can still harm them in large quantities. You may have some on hand for other uses, and it’s readily available, but you’re probably less likely to have it on hand than you are table salt!

Pet and Environmentally Friendly Alternative Chemicals

If you’re worried about environmental impacts from deicers, there are plenty of eco-friendly deicers on the market. Many claim to be pet-safe, less damaging to lawn and waterways, and less damaging to your concrete, if slightly less effective than traditional de-icers. Many are available on Amazon.

Sand

A readily available option that many have right in their backyard is sand! It doesn’t melt ice, but it can add traction to slippery areas. If you’re looking for traction for your tires on a slightly inclined driveway or help keep your sidewalk just a little safer, sand is a great option that won’t degrade your concrete or hurt your lawn. The biggest downside is the mucky mess it makes when the ice finally melts, but that’s a mop problem, which is certainly better than an injury problem! Sand can help on stairs, but melting the ice is the safer solution!

Heated Mats

Heated mats are an expensive solution, most likely added to a new build, and generally more widely used in areas that stay colder than Dallas-Fort Worth. If you live toward Collin County or any of the more northern counties in North Texas, and you’re building a new home or commercial property, this might not be a bad option to consider!

Anti-icers

Anti-icing solution is a chemical spray that is applied to your sidewalks and driveways before wintery mixes and snowstorms happen. Most come as a liquid in a jug and use a sprayer similar to a fertilizer or pesticide sprayer. Many claim to be eco and bio-friendly and non-toxic, though, like any chemical you apply outside, you’ll want to use it as sparingly as possible. Anti-icers are fairly easy to find (though they may be more readily available in colder climates) and are a great choice for retail and multifamily properties, where slip and fall suits might be a concern.

Shoveling

Good, old fashioned shoveling might do what you need if your ice isn’t too thick and you don’t have too large a surface to shovel. You’ll want to use a flat, wide shovel if you have one available.

Source: classicconstruction.com

As the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the joy and warmth that comes with this special time of year. At Lallis & Higgins Insurance, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has been a part of our journey.

From the entire Lallis & Higgins Insurance team, we send our warmest holiday greetings to you and your loved ones. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, we are truly thankful.

May this festive season bring you moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness with those who matter most. Whether you're gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories by the fireplace, or simply taking a quiet moment of reflection, we hope your holidays are filled with warmth and comfort.

As we approach the dawn of a new year, we look forward to continuing this journey together. Your trust and patronage inspire us to reach new heights, and we are excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds.

Until we connect again, whether in person, over the phone, or through the written word, we wish you peace, prosperity, and all the happiness this holiday season has to offer. Thank you for being a cherished part of the Lallis & Higgins Insurance community. May your holidays be merry and bright, and may the new year usher in a wealth of opportunities and success.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,

Lallis & Higgins Insurance

From active outdoor activities to more traditional outdoor fun, don't miss our exhaustive list of winter fun for kids of every age.

1. Try bowling outside with snowballs.
2. Shovel a snow maze.
3. Have an indoor snowball fight.
4. Put colored water in a spray bottle and write in the snow.
5. Bury small toys outside for a snowy treasure hunt.
6. Catch snowflakes on your tongue.
7. Make a snow volcano.
8. Make your own snow.
9. Build a snowman.
10. Try I Spy when everything is covered with snow.
11. Build a snow fort out of a snowbank.
12. Go snow-shoeing.
13. Use differently shaped containers to mold snow.
14. Paint the snow.
15. Find the biggest hill near you and go sledding.

Whether you've winterized your home before or this is your first year in your new home, use this checklist to prepare for the cold weather

Add Weather Stripping to Doors and Windows

Weather stripping or installing storm doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home or heat from escaping it, which will reduce your power bills. Door sweeps are also an effective and easy way to keep the cold out.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is an important part of winter prep. A good rule of thumb is to have the gutters cleaned as soon as the last leaves have fallen in the autumn. To prevent clogging, inspect and clean the gutters of leaves and other debris. Clean gutters will also allow melting snow to drain properly.

If you want to avoid gutter cleanings, consider gutter guards. They can be made of stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and will help keep out leaves, pine needles, roof sand grit and other debris from your gutter. They need to be occasionally brushed off to ensure the guards work to their maximum effectiveness, but it's not as strenuous as routine cleanings.

Block the Cold

Caulk around windows and use foam outlet protectors to prevent cold air from entering your home. However, the majority of heat loss typically occurs via openings in the attic. Check to make sure that you have enough insulation.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

In the winter, the Department of Energy suggests keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Lower the thermostat a few degrees while you're away or sleeping. Switching your thermostat out for a programmable version is a good idea. It'll let you customize your heating so the system doesn't run when you don't need it, keeping your home comfortable and bills down.

Maintain Your Outdoor Equipment

Outdoor power tools, such as mowers and string trimmers, need to be cleaned and maintained prior to storing. If you have a snow blower, it's time to inspect it before the first snowfall to ensure it's working properly.

Save on Your Energy Bills

Call your local power company to see if they conduct energy saving assessments. It's often a free service where a representative will identify specific changes to make your home more energy efficient and save you money. In addition to the suggestions above, LED light bulbs and water heater blankets can also make a difference.

Make Your Furnace More Efficient

Your furnace will function more efficiently with a clean filter. A dirty filter with trapped lint, pollen, dust, etc., obstructs airflow and makes your furnace run longer to heat your home. Replace filters at least every three months.

Protect Windows From Heat Loss

o help keep chilly air from leaking in through window cracks, swap out the lightweight summer curtains with thermal lined curtains or drapes. They’ll help keep your home warm and lower your heating bill. For the windows that don’t get direct sunlight, keep the curtains or drapes closed to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

Protect Your Pipes

Depending on the region of the United States you’re in, you’ll need to protect your pipes from bursting this winter using tubular pipe wrap, rolled pipe wrap and insulation fittings.

Time to Stock Up

There are certain staples that are good to stock up on ahead of time:

• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Ice melt
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Weather radio
• Emergency car kit (extra blankets, radio, ice scraper, car charger, first aid kit, jumper cables)
• Water and food that doesn't require cooking or preparation (dried fruit, granola bars, crackers, etc.)
• Extra pet food

The time has come…do I keep renting, or do I buy? Maybe youI've been renting various apartments for most of your life because it's been easy and convenient. However, since you've decided to stay in your city long-term, there's no reason not to start looking at homes on the market. From a financial perspective, it's a lot smarter. You'd probably rather build equity with a home than continue to pay for something you'll never own.

Pros of owning a condo:

Amenities at my leisure.

Along with owning a condo, you have several different condo amenities available to you, which may include a fitness center, pool and play area for children.

No more outdoor maintenance.

The last thing you want to do when you get home from work is mow the grass and work on landscaping. Thanks to the homeowner association, you will no longer have to do any yard or exterior work on your building (that includes the roof!). Also, depending on your association agreement, they may also cover snow removal.

Lower price tag.

Buying a condo is more affordable than buying a single family home. The number, of course, depends on the size of the condo, and the cost of living in the area.

More Security.

Certain condos provide gated entries, doormen, or even security guards for their residents. This is very important for someone who lives alone. Also, being in close proximity to your neighbors is beneficial if you ever have an emergency, or feel like you're in danger.

Cons of owning a condo:

Homeowners association fees.

All of those fabulous amenities, maintenance and other services are only available because of the HOA fees you have to pay every month. Yes, this is on top of paying your mortgage. The fees can range from a $200 to a thousand dollars or more a month, and can be raised at different times throughout the year.

You must live by the rules.

Condo associations have a set of rules to keep the building well-kept and everyone happy. The rules are often things like: no loud music after 10 p.m., keeping up the appearance of your home at all times, and in some cases, no pets allowed. They can even enforce what color they want to paint the exterior of your condo, and you have no say in the matter.

Not as private.

You are very close to your neighbors, so sometimes it can feel like nothing is private. Along with sharing walls, you share parking, pools, tennis courts, etc. There are probably times it will have the same feel as living in an apartment. There is such a thing as detached condos, but that comes with a higher price tag.

Condos appreciate at a slower rate.

This is because when you own a condo, you don't own any land, which is a key factor that increases a home's value. Instead, you only own the inside of the unit. I don't plan on living in a condo forever, so this was a big thing to consider.

foremost.com

Greetings all from the blog team here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance. Thanksgiving, 2023 is just around the corner. We thought it would be appreciated to craft a Thanksgiving-focused blog a bit earlier than usual to give all our readers time to reflect and hopefully act upon the important things before we become too “holiday busy” to do so.

The Thanksgiving holiday conjures an assortment of emotions within all of us. For some, this is a time to reflect upon blessings, current and past. Thanksgiving is an invitation to pause and give thanks for the simple things we might take for granted. Things like the love of family, food on the table, and even for life itself.

Here at Lallis & Higgins Insurance, we never take you, our clients, service providers, employees, family, and friends for granted. Today’s blog post is dedicated to you with hope and trust that this note finds you happy, healthy, thankful, and surrounded by those you hold dear.

Planning a Thanksgiving basket can be simple and fun, making it an ideal Thanksgiving activity to get the kids involved in.

Planning the Menu

The first thing to do is to plan the menu. If you know the family who is receiving your basket, then you can ask them about their favorite Thanksgiving dishes and create a custom menu for their basket.

If you are donating to a church or charity who will distribute the basket on your behalf, then think about the things you and your family enjoy on Thanksgiving.

Grocery Shopping

After you’ve planned your menu, you’ll need to turn it into a shopping list (more on that in a bit).

If you’re planning on making this a family tradition in your household, give each member of your family their own individual shopping list with items for them to find at the store, like a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt!

Packing the Basket

After you’ve finished shopping, place all your goodies in a basket or other vessel to deliver your donations in.

One popular suggestion is to purchase an inexpensive laundry basket to use as your ‘basket’. It will likely be big enough to fit all the groceries and can be used after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Basket Items List

Many of the items suggested will require preparation of some kind. It should be understood that the family receiving your basket will have access to a kitchen to prepare the dishes.

Here a sample list of items to include in your Thanksgiving basket:

Shelf-Stable Foods

• 1 Canned Ham
• 1-2 Boxes of Stuffing Mix
• 1 Box of Instant Potatoes
• 2 Box of Macaroni and Cheese
• 2 Canned Yams
• Brown Sugar
• 1 Bag of Marshmallows
• 2 Canned Green Beans
• 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
• French Fried Onions
• 2 Canned of Corn
• 1-2 Canned Cranberry Sauce
• 1-2 Jars of Gravy (Or packets)
• 1 Cornbread Mix
• 1 Dessert Mix (Pumpkin Pie Mix, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix, etc.)
• 2 Jello Mix

The following ideas are optional, but make nice additions to your basket.

Beverages

• Ice Tea Mix
• Coffee
• Bottled Juice
• Drink Mix
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Apple Cider (that doesn’t need to be refrigerated).

Disposable Plates/Utensils

• Paper Plates
• Plastic Utensils
• Holiday Napkins or Paper Towels
• Disposable Foil Pans

Grocery Gift Card

• A grocery gift card isn’t required, but it’s a nice addition for a family in need. This will allow them to buy any additional fresh ingredients they’ll need to prepare their Thanksgiving dinner.

Source: gatheredagain.com

The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu.

The tips and resources below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
4. Clean your hands.
   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
   Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is much beloved by children and adults alike. What’s not fun about trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, or costume parties? Answer: foodborne illness, also called food poisoning.

To make sure treats are safe for children, follow these simple steps:

• Snacking: Children shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Give them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect their loot before they eat any of it.
• Safe Treats: Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
• Food Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Do not allow the child to eat any home-baked goods he or she may have received.
• Choking Hazards: If you have very young children, be sure to remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.
• Bobbing for Apples: This is an all-time favorite Halloween game. Here’s a way to say “boo” to bacteria that can cause food borne illness.
• Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

If your idea of Halloween fun is a party at home, don’t forget these tips:

• Beware of spooky cider! Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.
• No matter how tempting, don't taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contains uncooked eggs.
• Serving hot foods? Cook everything to a safe minimum internal temperature to ghost bust any foodborne illness bacteria.
• Scare bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time. These include finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings.
• Bacteria will creep up on you if you let foods sit out too long. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours (1 hour in temperatures above 90°F (32°C)).

Source: foodsafety.gov