Gompers, Cornish & Barr Blog

Before AI Can Answer the Question, Someone Has to Ask the Right One

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:01:28 GMT

Our View: The State of AI in the Insurance Agency Business

“I was just calling to update my policy.”

It’s the kind of phone call we receive every day.

A client had purchased a new boat and simply wanted to add it to their insurance. It sounded straightforward enough. But as our conversation continued, one of our team members asked a few additional questions.

How often would they be using it?
Would friends or family be operating it?
Would they be towing it with a different vehicle?
Did they have an umbrella policy?

By the end of the conversation, we weren’t just adding a boat to an existing policy. We discovered several opportunities to better protect the client’s assets and close coverage gaps they didn’t even know existed.

That’s the difference between processing an application and providing advice.

It’s also why recent headlines about insurance companies leaning more heavily on artificial intelligence caught our attention.

AI and its Place in the Insurance Industry

According to published reports, State Farm is expanding the use of AI-powered tools—including digital assistants, automated customer summaries and personalized recommendations—as part of its effort to modernize customer service and sales. Technology will undoubtedly continue playing a larger role throughout the insurance industry, and many of those innovations will make routine interactions quicker and more convenient.

At Gompers, Cornish & Barr, we believe technology has an important role to play. Faster service, streamlined paperwork, and easier access to information all benefit our clients. We embrace tools that help us work more efficiently so we can spend more time doing what matters most.

But technology should support relationships—not replace them. Every improvement that makes routine service faster gives us more time for the conversations that matter most. But we also believe that this reported trend of outsourcing service to AI highlights something even more important.

The real value of an independent insurance agency has never been how quickly we can answer a question. It’s knowing which questions to ask in the first place. Insurance isn’t simply about quoting a premium. It’s about understanding how someone’s life is changing and recognizing risks they may not see themselves.

When someone buys a new home, welcomes a child, starts a business, purchases a vacation property, or prepares for retirement, the conversation is rarely about one policy. Those moments often affect several areas of a person’s financial protection.

An AI-enabled digital agent can answer the question you ask. An experienced advisor often asks the question you never thought to ask. That’s an important distinction.

Where Humans Will Always Excel

As AI becomes more capable, we support the idea that technology should handle repetitive administrative tasks, making it easier for clients to access documents, file claims, or receive routine updates. Those are meaningful improvements that save everyone time.

What technology shouldn’t replace is the conversation. Because when your basement floods, your teenage driver gets into an accident, your business grows, or you’re trying to understand whether you have enough liability protection, you’re not looking for the fastest answer. You’re looking for the right answer. And that almost always begins with a conversation.

As an independent agency, we aren’t measured by how many interactions we automate. We’re measured by how well we protect the people who trust us. That means taking the extra few minutes to ask another question. Looking beyond today’s transaction to tomorrow’s risks. Helping clients understand not just what they’re buying, but why it matters.

Technology will continue changing the insurance industry. We think that’s a good thing. But no matter how sophisticated AI becomes, it still can’t replace the experience, judgment, and personal relationships that have always been at the heart of good insurance advice.

Sometimes our advice has nothing to do with selling another insurance policy. A while back, we encouraged one of our clients to install a simple water sensor—a device costing around $50. Weeks later, it detected a leak before a failing water heater could flood the home’s basement, likely preventing thousands of dollars in damage. That’s the kind of guidance that you wouldn’t find when applying for insurance online, but it’s exactly the kind of relationship we strive to build with every client.

Real people. Real conversations. Real answers. Real guidance.

That’s been our approach for more than 60 years, and we believe it’s only becoming more valuable in the next 60 years ahead.

Have a question for a real person who can provide real guidance, specific to your unique situation? Give us a call! A real human will answer…both the phone and every one of your important questions!

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Commercial Space

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:17:02 GMT

Renovating a commercial space can improve functionality, update the appearance of your business, and create a better environment for employees and customers. Whether you are making a few targeted improvements or completing a major remodel, careful planning can help keep the project on track.

Before construction begins, consider how the renovation will affect your budget, operations, property, and long-term plans for the space.

Define the Purpose of the Renovation

Start by identifying what you want the renovation to accomplish. You may need additional work areas, more efficient storage, an updated customer-facing space, or a layout that better supports your current operations.

Having clear priorities can make it easier to evaluate design decisions and determine which improvements are worth the investment. It can also help prevent the scope of the project from expanding unnecessarily.

Establish a Realistic Budget

Construction costs can include much more than materials and contractor labor. Design services, permits, inspections, new equipment, furniture, technology, and temporary operating arrangements may all contribute to the total cost.

Consider including room in your budget for unexpected expenses. Older buildings in particular may reveal electrical, plumbing, structural, or other issues once work begins.

Review Permits and Building Requirements

Depending on the project, renovations may require permits, inspections, or approval from local authorities. Accessibility requirements, fire codes, zoning rules, and other building regulations may also affect your plans.

If you lease your space, review your lease and obtain any required approval from the property owner before beginning work. The lease may also specify who is responsible for certain improvements and repairs.

Plan Around Business Operations

Consider how construction will affect employees, customers, inventory, and everyday operations. Noise, dust, blocked entrances, limited parking, and unavailable work areas can all create temporary challenges.

Some businesses may be able to complete renovations in phases or schedule disruptive work outside normal operating hours. Larger projects may require temporary workspaces or changes to how customers are served.

Choose Contractors Carefully

Before hiring a contractor, review experience, references, licensing requirements, and the proposed scope of work. Make sure responsibilities, costs, timelines, and expectations are clearly documented.

It is also important to confirm that contractors carry appropriate insurance for the work they will be performing.

Think About Long-Term Needs

A renovation should address current needs while also considering where your business may be headed. Future staffing, equipment, storage, technology, and customer needs can all influence how useful the renovated space remains over time.

Planning for reasonable growth now may help you avoid having to make additional major changes sooner than expected.

Review Your Business Insurance

Renovations can change the value, layout, features, and use of a commercial space. New equipment, fixtures, improvements, or changes to business operations may also affect your insurance needs.

Before beginning a significant renovation, contact us to review your business insurance coverage and discuss whether any changes should be made before, during, or after the project.

Get to Know: Corri Hose, CISR, Commercial Lines Account Manager

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:06:39 GMT

Why Family Comes First, Both at Home and at the Office

When Corri Hose says she “fell into the insurance industry,” she means it was never part of a carefully mapped-out career plan.

Corri began her professional life in Colorado as a software tester in the information technology industry. She enjoyed the work, but when technology companies began leaving the area, she faced a difficult choice: move with the industry or find a new direction at home. With family nearby and a young daughter at home, Corri chose to stay.

After taking temporary assignments in several different industries, she landed at Wells Fargo Insurance Services. What began as another “temporary” job soon became a career that has now spanned nearly 25 years.

Learning the Business from the Ground Up

Corri began as a processor, reviewing policies from a wide range of insurance carriers and learning how each company approached its coverage and policy language. It was an intensive introduction to the industry, but it gave her a foundation she still relies on today.

“You were learning to read every policy that came across your desk,” she explains. “Every insurance company and every policy were different, so it really reinforced who did what and how the policy language worked.”

From there, Corri worked her way through three levels of account management. She earned her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation within her first year and established commercial lines as her primary area of expertise.

That early training also taught her that insurance is an industry in which there is always something new to learn. Every business presents a different set of operations, exposures, and questions. Even after decades in the field, Corri regularly encounters companies doing things she never realized were businesses at all.

“That’s part of what keeps it interesting,” she says. “You’re always learning, and you’re always kept on your toes.”

A Technical Perspective in a Changing Industry

Although Corri left the technology industry, she never completely left her technical background behind. Her experience testing software gives her a better understanding of what is happening behind the systems and applications people use every day. When a new program contains an error or a system does not work exactly as expected, she understands that developers are often improving it in real time while keeping it available to the people who depend on it.

That technical knowledge has become particularly valuable as cyber insurance continues to evolve.

“Cyber seems to be changing every day,” Corri says. “There are new coverages and new things we have to protect that we might not have known about before. We’re learning every day.”

Her ability to understand both the insurance implications and some of the technology operating beneath them gives Corri a useful perspective when helping commercial clients navigate an increasingly digital business environment.

Finding Her Way to Michigan—and to the GCB Family

Corri’s road to Michigan was nearly as unexpected as her path into insurance. Born in Germany, Corri grew up around the world while her father worked for the U.S. State Department and at American embassies. She graduated from the American School of Kuwait and spent relatively little of her childhood living in the United States. Her family roots, however, were always in Michigan, where she frequently spent summers and visited relatives.

Corri eventually settled in Colorado, where she lived for 23 years and raised her two children. Once her daughter had graduated from high school and her son had joined the Marine Corps, she began thinking about her next chapter.

A visit to Michigan for her grandmother’s 80th birthday in 2017 helped her make the decision. By that fall, Corri had relocated and accepted a position with a local independent insurance agency.

In January 2020, she joined Gompers, Cornish & Barr after what she describes as a window into what a career at our agency would look like. What convinced Corri to join the agency was the sense that she would be working with good people—an impression that has been reinforced throughout her time at GCB.

She especially points to Jim Barr and John Cornish, whom she describes as some of the best bosses she has worked for during her career. “They were both so welcoming, and so insistent that I join the team. To me, it felt like an invitation to become part of a family…and I’m so glad I took them up on that invitation!”

Family, First and Foremost

For Corri, one of the greatest differences between working for a large corporation and working at GCB is the closeness of the team. At a large company, employees may never meet the people handling their questions or making important decisions. At GCB, people know one another, understand what is happening in each other’s lives, and can turn to a colleague whenever they need advice or a second opinion.

The team has shared Friday happy hours, summer outings, and even virtual gatherings during the pandemic. More importantly, Corri says, they genuinely care about one another. “It’s like a little family,” she says. “Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows about each other’s families. We can talk to each other and bounce ideas off each other when we need help.”

That emphasis on relationships also defines how Corri approaches her clients. She has worked with some GCB clients since the day she joined the agency, including business owners she has never met face to face…but feels like she knows on a personal level. In fact, years of telephone calls, emails, and shared problem-solving have allowed those relationships to grow.

“I would bend over backwards and do anything I could for them and their accounts,” she says. “The clients are what keep me coming back. I know I keep using that word…but they also feel like family to me!”

Corri appreciates the loyalty business owners often show to their insurance professionals, but she also recognizes that such loyalty must be earned. Commercial clients want someone who understands their businesses, responds when they need assistance, and treats their concerns as important.

For Corri, providing that kind of service is not simply part of the job. It is the reason the work continues to matter after nearly 25 years.

Personal Lines

Outside the office, Corri’s family is at the center of her life.

Her daughter, Carolyn, is an actress and model who recently moved from New York to Los Angeles in pursuit of additional acting opportunities.

Her son, Bjorn—named after tennis legend Björn Borg—recently completed his service in the Marine Corps and is now attending college full time in Colorado.

Corri also spends time with her father, who recently returned to Michigan from Colorado and celebrated his 86th birthday. The two share an interest in vintage and antique shopping and often search for new treasures together.

At home, Corri has two rescue cats, Darla and Sox, who are especially pleased that she works remotely and is therefore available to meet their demands for attention throughout the day.

Corri also enjoys sewing, crocheting, crafting, and other traditional hobbies, but her greatest passion outside of work is travel.

Having grown up overseas, she says it is difficult for her to stay in one place for too long. She and Carolyn traditionally take an international trip together each year, with Greece among their most recent destinations. Because Corri’s high school friends now live throughout the world, many trips also include reunions with people she has known since childhood.

“It doesn’t seem to matter whether I go to London or Toronto,” she says. “I’m always meeting up with a friend from high school because my friends live all over the world.”

From Germany, Nepal, Zambia, Kuwait, etc. to Colorado and Michigan, Corri’s journey has taken her through different countries, careers, and communities. But wherever she has found herself, the common thread has remained the same: building relationships, continuing to learn, and taking care of the people who count on her.

Because that’s what family does.

Common Insurance Mistakes Young Families Make

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Starting and growing a family comes with many exciting milestones, but it also brings new responsibilities and financial risks. Between busy schedules, growing expenses, and changing priorities, insurance coverage is often overlooked. Unfortunately, small gaps in coverage can create major problems when the unexpected happens.

Keeping the Same Coverage for Too Long

Many young families continue using the same insurance policies they had before getting married, buying a home, or having children. As life changes, insurance needs often change as well. Coverage that worked a few years ago may no longer provide enough protection today.

Underinsuring Personal Property

Families tend to accumulate furniture, electronics, appliances, toys, and other belongings quickly. Many people underestimate the total value of their personal property until they experience a major loss. Creating a home inventory can make it easier to understand how much coverage may be needed.

Choosing Coverage Based Only on Price

It is natural to want affordable insurance, especially with the expenses that come with raising children. However, choosing the lowest-priced policy without understanding the coverage can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs later. Deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and coverage options all matter.

Not Updating Beneficiaries

Life insurance and other financial accounts often require beneficiary updates after major life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Forgetting to review this information can create complications later and may not reflect your current wishes.

Many young families delay purchasing life insurance because they assume it is too expensive or unnecessary. In reality, life insurance can help provide financial stability for a spouse or children if something unexpected happens. Policies are often more affordable when purchased at a younger age.

Ignoring Liability Protection

As families grow, liability risks can increase as well. Owning a home, hosting guests, having pets, or adding teenage drivers can all increase exposure to liability claims. Reviewing liability limits and discussing umbrella insurance may be worthwhile for some families.

Forgetting to Review Coverage Regularly

Insurance should not be treated as a one-time purchase. Families often experience changes in vehicles, income, home value, and lifestyle over time. Regular policy reviews can help identify gaps and ensure coverage continues to match current needs.

Insurance may not always be top of mind during busy stages of life, but having the right coverage in place can help provide peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Taking a little time to review your policies now can help prevent larger problems later.

How Smart Home Technology Can Help Detect Problems Early

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Smart home technology is often associated with security cameras and smart locks, but many of today's most useful devices are designed to help homeowners identify potential problems before they become major repairs.

From water leaks to temperature fluctuations, smart home tools can provide early warnings that allow homeowners to respond more quickly. While no technology can prevent every issue, these devices can offer greater visibility into what is happening around your property, whether you are at home or away.

Smart Water Leak Detectors

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face. Even a small leak can cause significant damage if it goes unnoticed for an extended period.

Smart water leak detectors are designed to monitor areas where leaks commonly occur, including around water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and sump pumps. If moisture is detected, many systems can send an alert directly to your smartphone, allowing you to investigate the issue before it worsens.

Automatic Water Shutoff Systems

Some smart home systems take water protection a step further by automatically shutting off a home's water supply when a significant leak is detected.

These systems can help reduce damage from burst pipes, appliance failures, and other plumbing issues. For homeowners who travel frequently or own seasonal properties, automatic shutoff technology can provide an added layer of protection.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Traditional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors play an important role in home safety, but smart versions can provide additional awareness when you are not at home.

Many smart detectors can send notifications directly to your mobile device if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. This allows homeowners to stay informed and take action even when they are away from the property.

Smart Thermostats and Freeze Monitoring

Temperature-related issues can create unexpected property damage, especially during colder months. Frozen pipes can burst and lead to extensive water damage if problems are not identified quickly.

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor indoor temperatures remotely and receive alerts if temperatures fall outside a designated range. This can be particularly helpful for vacation homes, rental properties, or homes left vacant for extended periods.

In addition to temperature monitoring, some smart home devices can track humidity levels, air quality, and other environmental conditions.

Technology and Insurance Working Together

Many smart home devices can work together through a single app or platform, making it easier to monitor multiple aspects of your property from one place. Homeowners can choose the devices that fit their needs and gradually build a system that provides greater visibility and convenience.

While smart home technology is not a substitute for insurance, it can help homeowners stay informed and respond quickly when problems arise. Contact us today to review your homeowner insurance coverage and discuss ways to help protect your property.

The Top 5 Reasons People Choose Gompers, Cornish & Barr

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

What Our Clients Tell Us Matters Most

When people shop for insurance today, they have more options than ever.

National brands promise convenience. Online platforms promise speed. Captive agencies offer name recognition.

Yet every year, more individuals, families, and business owners choose to move their insurance coverage to Gompers, Cornish & Barr, and many of them tell us the same thing afterward: “I wish I had done this sooner!”

Over the years, we’ve listened carefully to client feedback, reviews, referrals from satisfied customers, and close conversations we have with the neighbors in our community each and every day.

While every client’s situation is unique, five themes consistently emerge when people explain why they chose GCB…and why they continue to trust us with protecting what matters most to them.

1. Independence Gives You More Options

Perhaps the biggest difference between GCB and many insurance agencies comes down to one word: independence.

Unlike what are known as “captive” agencies that can only offer products from a single insurance company (think State Farm or Allstate, for example), GCB works as your representative with multiple highly rated carriers. That gives our clients access to a broader range of coverage options, pricing structures, and underwriting solutions. More importantly, it allows us to focus on finding the right fit for each client’s unique needs, rather than forcing every situation into a single carrier’s box.

Sometimes the best solution is the lowest premium. Sometimes it’s broader coverage. Sometimes it’s specialized protection that only a particular carrier can provide. Sometimes it’s policy design innovations you’ve never heard of, because nobody else took the time to explain your options to you. Because we’re independent, our recommendations are driven by what’s best for the client, not by a corporate sales quota or a single carrier’s rigid product lineup.

2. We Don’t Wait for Problems to Appear

Many insurance agencies operate reactively. A renewal arrives. A client calls. A claim happens. A problem surfaces.

At GCB, we believe there is a better way. We believe in a more proactive approach that provides better protection in the long run. Our team reviews client policies and exposures throughout the year—not just when a renewal notice lands in a mailbox. Before many clients even receive their renewal information, we’re already evaluating market conditions, coverage changes, and potential opportunities for improvement. (We’re sure the StateFarms of the world aren’t doing that in their spare time.)

Each client works with a dedicated account manager who understands the client’s unique situation and can identify changes that may affect their protection. Most importantly, every policy is reviewed by a real person. No automated systems letting algorithms decide what’s important. No “set it and forget it” approach. Just experienced insurance professionals actively looking for ways to keep your coverage aligned with your life, business, and evolving risks.

3. We’re Your Hometown Team, Right Here in Your Backyard

Insurance is local. At least, it should be.

The risks facing a family in Macomb County aren’t necessarily the same as those facing someone in another state. The challenges facing local business owners are shaped by the communities they serve, the regulations they navigate, and the environments in which they operate. That’s why local knowledge matters.

Our team lives here. We work here. We raise our families here. We’re actively involved throughout the community, supporting local organizations, schools, arts programs, parks and recreation initiatives, and charitable causes.

We’re not a call center located far off in another state. We’re not a publicly traded corporation making decisions from a distant headquarters, based solely on driving margin for shareholders. We’re part of the same community our clients call home. We’re your neighbors…and we like to be neighborly.

That local perspective and independent nature help us understand risks, opportunities, and coverage needs in a way that national insurance brands simply can’t replicate.

4. We Put Your Interests First

Insurance should never be treated as a commodity. It’s about protecting life’s assets that take a lifetime to accumulate. The lowest premium isn’t always the best value. The cheapest policy isn’t always the right protection. That’s why our approach begins with understanding the risk.

Rather than simply shopping our carriers for the lowest price, we take the time to evaluate a client’s entire insurance portfolio, identify potential gaps, and recommend solutions designed to protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.

In many ways, this philosophy is reflected in the GCB griffin logo itself. Historically, the griffin has symbolized “guardianship and protection.” In Greek mythology, for example, griffins were frequently described as guardians of treasure, sacred objects, and valuable possessions. Ancient writers told stories of griffins protecting gold deposits and preventing thieves from stealing them. Whether anyone believed those stories literally, the symbolism became firmly established: griffins protected things of value.

For us, it represents our responsibility to help clients safeguard their businesses, families, assets, and futures. Our role isn’t just to sell insurance; it’s to help protect what matters most to you—for life.

In short: at Gompers, Cornish and Barr, we pride ourselves in "Guarding Life's Journey."

5. A Commitment to Being a Total Quality Agency

Insurance is ultimately about trust.

That’s why GCB pursued and earned the prestigious Total Quality Agency (TQA) designation through the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. This isn’t an award that’s handed out for longevity or sales volume. It’s a rigorous certification process that evaluates how an agency operates, serves clients, trains employees, and continuously improves its processes. Think of it as an insurance-industry version of a quality-management certification (such as ISO).

Achieving TQA status required a comprehensive review of our operations, strategic planning, procedures, and service standards. The result is an agency built around consistency, accountability, and a commitment to doing things the right way—not necessarily the easy way. For our clients, that means confidence that there are proven systems behind every recommendation, renewal review, and claim consultation.

Insurance Is Personal to Us. It Should Be to You, Too.

At the end of the day, insurance isn’t really about policies. It’s about people. It’s about having someone who answers the phone when you call. Someone who understands your situation…and wants to. Someone who advocates for your interests. Someone who helps you make informed decisions before a problem becomes a claim.

That’s why so much of GCB’s growth comes from referrals. When clients find an agency that combines expertise, personal service, local knowledge, and genuine advocacy, they tend to tell others.

And that’s a personal responsibility we never take for granted.

Know someone who might benefit from these five common reasons clients choose independence and choose GCB? Have them call us! We’ll be sure to send you a personal thank-you gift for your valued referral!

The Positivity Payback: Refer in May, Receive $25!

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

What if a simple introduction could put $25 in your pocket—while helping someone you care about at the same time?

That’s exactly what we’re doing this May…but only for a limited time!

At Gompers, Cornish & Barr, we’ve always believed that the best relationships start with trust—and often, that trust begins with a simple introduction.

That’s why our referral program has long been a cornerstone of how we grow. When you refer a friend, family member, or colleague to us, it means something. It tells us you value the guidance and service you’ve experienced—and that’s something we never take lightly.

To show our appreciation, we’ve always offered a small thank-you: a $5 Starbucks gift card for both you and the person you refer. It’s our way of saying we’re grateful for the opportunity to help someone you care about.

A May-Only Bonus: $25 to Help with Everyday Costs*

For the month of May, we’re building on that tradition in a bigger way. Every qualified referral* you send our way this month will earn you a $25 Kroger gift card. (See restrictions and eligibility criteria below.)

Whether that goes toward groceries for the week, filling up your tank, or simply easing the pressure of rising everyday costs, we hope it’s a meaningful way to say thank you.

And as always, the person you refer will still receive their $5 Starbucks gift card as a welcome. BUT, if the referral results in them becoming an insured client of GCB, they will receive the $25 gift card instead!

👉 Someone come to mind? Simply have them call (586) 949-2300! Make sure they mention your name and the Positivity Payback Promotion, and we’ll take it from there!

...

The Power of Positivity—In Action

At Gompers, Cornish & Barr, we believe in the Power of Positivity—the idea that small, thoughtful actions can create a ripple effect.

Referrals are one of the simplest and most powerful examples of that. You’re helping someone you know get guidance and protection. We’re able to serve someone new. And in return, we’re able to give something back to you.

It’s a small act, but one that tends to come back around for everyone involved.

And Don’t Forget: More Chances to Win

This special May promotion is in addition to everything already built into our referral program:

Every qualified referral automatically enters you into our monthly drawing to win a home water sensor, helping protect against costly leaks and damage.
Each qualified referral also enters the referrer into our annual $250 cash prize drawing!

So in May, your referral goes even further: an immediate $25 reward, plus multiple chances to win.

Why Referrals Matter

Insurance is personal. It’s about protecting homes, businesses, and the people who depend on them. And often, the people who need that protection most are the ones closest to you.

If you know someone who could benefit from a second opinion, better coverage, or simply a more responsive partner, we’d be honored to help.

Make a Referral This Way, This May:

There’s no complicated process. Just have your referral call (586) 949-2300 and tell them to mention your name and the Positivity Payback Promotion, and we’ll take it from there!

And in the meantime, we’ll make sure you’re rewarded for the introduction. Because when positivity is shared, it tends to be even more powerful.

*Program Details & Qualifications

Offer available to current GCB clients with an active policy
Limit of 4 qualified referrals per client during the month of May
- Additional referrals will receive the standard $5 Starbucks gift card
A qualified referral is defined as:
- A referral who calls Gompers, Cornish & Barr directly
- Identifies who referred them
- Is interested in receiving and completes the process of receiving a quote
Referrals who are not interested in receiving a quote will not qualify the referrer for the $25 reward
All standard referral program benefits remain in place

Understanding Third-Party Transportation Liability for Businesses

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:56:51 GMT

When Someone Else’s Accident Becomes Your Problem

By Mary Shoemaker, Commercial Lines Manager

Not long ago, outsourcing shipping and delivery felt like a clean transfer of responsibility. You hire a third party to deliver your goods or products. Their trucks, their drivers, their insurance. From a risk standpoint, it seemed like a sensible division of labor.

But that assumption is starting to break down.

More and more, we’re seeing situations where a business hires a transportation company to move its goods and ends up being pulled into a claim when something goes wrong on the road. Not because they were directly involved in the accident, but because they were connected to the decision of who was hired to do the job in the first place.

That shift is subtle, but it matters.

When “Their Problem” Becomes Yours

In the past, if a carrier was involved in a serious accident, the expectation was that their insurance would respond. Today, when those limits fall short—especially in cases involving significant bodily injury—attorneys are increasingly looking beyond the carrier to the company that hired them.

The reasoning is straightforward: if your business selected the transportation provider, did you take reasonable steps to ensure they were qualified to do the work safely?

That’s where the concept of negligent hiring comes into play. And it’s what’s driving a growing number of claims against businesses that don’t consider themselves to be “in transportation” at all…they simply needed to get their product from point A to point B.

It doesn’t take much to see how this unfolds.

A company hires a third-party carrier to deliver a shipment. The driver is involved in an accident that results in serious injuries. The carrier’s insurance policy isn’t large enough to cover the full extent of the damages. At that point, the focus expands. The hiring company becomes part of the conversation, and potentially, part of the financial responsibility.

From the outside, it can feel like an unexpected place to be. But from a legal standpoint, it’s increasingly becoming the norm.

Why This Is Getting More Attention Now

As this shift has taken hold, insurance carriers have started paying closer attention as well. Underwriting has tightened. Questions about how companies select and manage third-party carriers have become more detailed. There’s a growing recognition that this exposure isn’t theoretical—it’s already showing up in real claims.

Which raises an important question for business owners: If you rely on outside carriers—even occasionally—how much do you really know about them?

For many companies, the honest answer is “not much.” A vendor is recommended. A rate is quoted. A timeline is promised. And the decision gets made quickly, because operationally, it has to. What’s often missing is a closer look at the factors that now matter most.

What Smarter Vetting Looks Like

There are things business owners can and should know when it comes to contracting with transportation services. Things like a carrier’s safety rating. Their track record. Whether their insurance coverage is not just in place, but sufficient. Whether there are any red flags in their history that might suggest elevated risk.

These aren’t steps that most businesses were trained to take; but they’re becoming more important as the legal landscape evolves.

Even something as simple as requesting and reviewing a certificate of insurance can surface important details. In larger, national carriers, those protections are often built into the scale of their operations. But with smaller or local providers, there can be much more variability, and that’s where the exposure tends to grow.

Looking at Your Own Coverage Differently

At the same time, it’s worth taking a step back and looking inward. Most businesses already carry some level of hired and non-owned auto liability coverage as part of their insurance program.

What’s less clear, in many cases, is whether the limits and structure of that coverage truly reflect how the business operates today:

how often shipments go out
how far they travel
what’s at stake if something goes wrong

These are not questions with one universal answer. It’s different for a manufacturer shipping nationally than it is for a local distributor making regional deliveries. But the common thread is this: the exposure exists whether you’ve accounted for it or not.

The best course of action is to have an insurance expert conduct a thorough review of your current coverages, liabilities, and limits—specifically within the context of this emerging trend—just to make sure you’re not underinsured and overexposed.

A Different Way to Think About “Outsourcing”

For many business owners, this is one of those areas where awareness alone can make a meaningful difference. Because once you recognize that outsourcing transportation doesn’t fully outsource the risk, the conversation changes. Carrier selection becomes less about convenience and more about due diligence. Insurance becomes less about checking a box and more about aligning coverage with real-world scenarios.

If this is the first time you’re thinking about third-party transportation liability, that’s not unusual. But it is something worth getting in front of. A quick review of how your business selects carriers, what protections they carry, and how your own policy would respond in a worst-case scenario can go a long way toward avoiding surprises later.

And if you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly the kind of conversation we have every day. If you’d like a second set of eyes and ears to help you achieve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're adequately covered in such a situation, simply reach out to me directly. I’m more than happy to help!

✉️ " MShoemaker [at] gcbinsurance [dot] com" (mshoemaker [at] gcbinsurance [dot] com)

☎️ 586-949-2300

How to Document Business Property for Insurance Purposes

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:02:35 GMT

Many businesses rely on equipment, inventory, furniture, and technology to operate day to day. While these assets are essential, they are often not well documented, which can cause difficulties if the business experiences a loss and needs to file an insurance claim. Creating a clear record of your business property can make it easier to understand the value of what you own and can simplify things if you ever need to reference that information.

A straightforward documentation process does not need to be complicated. With a little planning, you can create a reliable record of your business property that stays useful as your company grows.

Start with a Detailed Inventory

The first step is to build a complete inventory of the items your business owns. This should include equipment, tools, furniture, computers, inventory, and any other property used to run your operations.

For each item, record details such as the item name, brand, model number, purchase date, and estimated value. If available, include the original purchase price. Keeping this information in a spreadsheet or inventory management system can make it easier to update later.

If your business owns a large number of items, you may want to group them by category, such as office equipment, production tools, or retail inventory. Organized records make future updates much simpler.

Take Photos and Videos

Photos and videos can provide useful visual documentation of your property. Walk through your workspace and take clear photos of equipment, inventory shelves, storage areas, and office spaces.

When possible, capture close-up photos of serial numbers, labels, and identifying features. These details can help confirm ownership and provide clarity if questions arise later.

A short video walkthrough of your business location can also help show how items are stored and used.

Save Receipts and Purchase Records

Receipts, invoices, and purchase confirmations help establish when items were purchased and how much they cost. Keeping these records alongside your inventory list helps create a more complete data set.

Digital copies are often the easiest to store and organize. Scanning receipts or saving electronic invoices in a cloud folder can make them accessible whenever you need them.

If your business regularly purchases equipment or inventory, creating a simple filing system for these records can save time in the future.

Update Your Records Regularly

Once your documentation is complete, make sure it is stored in a secure and accessible place. Cloud storage platforms, external hard drives, or secure document systems can all work well. It is also helpful to keep a backup copy in case files are accidentally deleted or lost.

Business property changes over time as equipment is replaced, inventory levels shift, or new tools are purchased. Reviewing and updating your inventory once or twice a year helps keep your records accurate. You may also want to update documentation after large purchases or major changes to your operations.

Keeping clear records of your business property is an important part of maintaining organized operations. It can also support conversations about coverage needs. Contact us today to review your commercial property insurance coverage and make sure your business property is properly protected.

Get to Know: Katie Ledford, CISR

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Personal Lines Account Manager Who Keeps Things Personable

Spend just a few minutes talking with Katie Ledford, and one thing becomes clear quickly: she’s built for working with people.

Whether she’s reading a client’s personality within seconds, remembering details from conversations months ago, or finding the right balance between humor and professionalism, Katie brings a distinctly human approach to her role as a Personal Lines Account Manager at Gompers, Cornish & Barr.

An “Accidental” Start…And a Career That Stuck

Like many in the insurance industry, Katie didn’t exactly set out to build a career in it.

“I actually fell into it,” she says, recalling a continuing education class where nearly 90% of attendees admitted the same thing. Katie had started as a receptionist at a local agency in 2013, stepping in when a friend moved into a new role. From there, she got licensed, moved into an assistant account manager position, and eventually became a full account manager—a role she’s now held for nearly a decade.

After a brief stop at another agency that didn’t quite fit, Katie found her way to GCB in 2017.

“It just felt comfortable right away,” she says. “The organization, the structure, the connection with Jim and John…it fits my personality. And now, everyone I work with feels like family.”

Why She Stayed…and Stays Balanced

While insurance itself may not be what drew her in, everything around it is what’s kept her here.

“There’s always going to be a need for what we do,” Katie says. “But for me, it’s really about the environment Jim and John have built. It’s professional when it needs to be—but it’s also fun. You can be yourself here.”

That balance shows up in her day-to-day work…and even beyond it. In addition to managing client relationships, Katie also serves as the agency’s unofficial “party planner,” organizing everything from office celebrations to the agency’s customer and employee appreciation events.

“It gives me a chance to step outside my role a little bit and use my creativity,” she says. “It keeps things interesting and challenging with that variety from time to time.”

A Career Built on Relationships

At her core, Katie is a relationship-builder.

Before insurance, she worked in the service industry. And she credits that experience with shaping how she approaches clients today.

“You can tell within the first couple seconds what kind of person you’re working with,” she explains. “You learn when to be light and when to be serious. That’s huge when you’re building trust.”

She also brings something else that clients quickly notice: an exceptional memory.

“I’ll pull up a client in our system, and I’ll remember: they just moved, or they had surgery, or something going on in their life,” she says. “It makes the conversation more personal, instead of just transactional.”

It’s no surprise that many of her clients are loyal, not just to the agency, but to Katie herself.

In her role as a Personal Lines Account Manager, Katie is focused on helping individuals and families make confident decisions about protecting what matters most in their lives and families. Her ability to combine technical knowledge with genuine connection allows her to guide clients through coverage decisions in a way that feels approachable, not overwhelming. It’s not just about policies—it’s about people, relationships, and trust built over time.

“Personal Lines”

Outside of the office, Katie’s life is just as full—and just as relationship-driven.

She and her husband Kevin have been together for 16 years (married for six), and together they’ve built a lively, blended household that recently grew from four to six people. Her stepdaughter Sam (23) and stepson Dylan (21) both live at home, along with Sam’s two young boys (making Katie a proud and very active Nana!).

“My favorite part of the day is coming home and having my boys run to the babygate yelling ‘Nana,’” she says. “That’s everything.”

When they’re not at home, Katie and Kevin love to travel, especially camping trips with family locally or travelling far away. This year, they’re planning a trip to Hocking Hills, continuing a tradition of exploring new places while carving out time together.

Katie is also open about a more personal part of her story—one that has shaped her perspective both inside and outside of work.

A Type 1 diabetic since the age of five, she has managed the condition for more than three decades. In recent years, it led to a serious complication: a detached retina that ultimately left her nearly blind in her left eye after multiple surgeries. Today, she continues to receive regular treatments to preserve vision in her right eye.

Rather than keep that private, Katie chooses to share it. “I want my clients to understand,” she says. “If I’m out of the office, there’s a reason. And I’m comfortable being open about it.”

Her honesty, resilience, and willingness to connect on a human level only deepen the trust she’s built with those around her.

People, First and Foremost

Katie has earned her CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation and holds a life insurance license—further reinforcing her commitment to her profession.

But ask her what matters most, and the answer comes back to people.

Whether she’s helping clients navigate coverage decisions, planning the next agency event, or spending time with her growing family, Katie brings energy, empathy, and authenticity to everything she does, making her a valued member of the GCB team.