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Pepper, Johnstone & Company Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

Group Benefits for Attracting Top Talent - What You Should Offer

The notion and nature of “work” is changing across America. Enlightened by pandemic-era alterations to the daily grind, and fueled by a realignment of labor values, today’s workforce is not so easily understood or...

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Insurance for Retail & Retailers - The Protections You Need

Rumors of retail’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Storefronts throughout Athens and Huntsville, AL are full of products, and the thrill of window shopping didn’t die out once the internet went live. Retailers are...

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Instant Life Insurance Quotes, Instant Peace of Mind - Pepper, Johnstone

We have to face it at some point: life ends, but your support of your family doesn’t have to. Life insurance is a necessary part of a robust insurance portfolio, one that brings solace to you and your loved ones. But...

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Insurance for Tech Workers - The Protections You Need

The tech revolution in Alabama and the greater southeast is heating up, bringing much-needed jobs and 21st century economic clout to the region. As the “Rocket City,” Huntsville, AL, leads the way for information...

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Insurance for Accountants - The Protections You Need

Numbers of nearly every kind are often disregarded as being impersonal or cold. Even so, it’s impossible to deny that there are vital numbers at the core of our personal and professional lives. As an accountant, you...

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Insurance for Nonprofits - Helping the Helpers

You and your nonprofit organization have answered a calling to help those in need. Whether you’re dedicated to ending hunger in your community, raising awareness for dire social issues, or advocating for members of a...

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Insurance for Construction - The Protection You Need

The construction industry is a minefield of risk. Each year, slips and falls, vehicular accidents, hazardous chemicals, and combustible materials claim lives. In fact, more than a few common jobs throughout the...

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Pepper, Johnstone & Company’s Huntsville Office — Now Open To Protect Your Future

Lately, Alabama’s “Rocket City” has been living up to its name in a big way. Huntsville, AL is on track to set another record year for population growth, economic opportunity and just about every other outstanding...

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Why You Need Business Insurance for Your Restaurant

As a restaurateur, you already knew what the rest of the nation (and world) discovered during the pandemic-that restaurants are fragile entities that struggle to keep their doors open in the best of times, let alone...

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Why You Need Renters Insurance - Protecting You & Your Guests

Where we live can determine an awful lot about how we live. Moving may have its frustrations, but new places also offer moments of adventure and discovery. As we settle into our new homes, we have to remain mindful of...

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Life Insurance Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Family

Let’s start by addressing the difficult part: no one wants to think about life insurance. As we strive to enjoy the time we’re given on this earth, it feels uncomfortable to spend any of it thinking about the end. But...

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Business Is Booming! Why Now Is the Best Time for Mini-Storage Insurance

3 Ways Mini Storage Insurance Can Protect You - It’s no secret – Americans are on the move. Houses and apartments are being snatched up left and right, especially in some regions of the country. Northern Alabama and...

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Top 3 Reasons for Full Boating Insurance Coverage

It’s been another great summer to be out on the water. As a boat owner, you’ve enjoyed every day you could get out there-- and the season’s not over yet. We still have a few more warm days ahead of us. But are you fully...

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Pepper, Johnstone & Company Celebrates 50th Anniversary

That’s right - Pepper, Johnstone & Company has been serving clients in Alabama and throughout the Southeastern United States for 50 years. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built in that time and humbled by the...

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Introducing the newest member of the Pepper, Johnstone & Company family: Bobby Allen

Here at Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we are committed to our role as a local, independent insurance provider. Taking on this role means many things to us. Perhaps most importantly, it means building long-standing...

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Religious institution insurance: getting proper protection from specialty insurance

Here at Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we cover our clients with risk-specific insurance designed for total protection. Today, we’re going to talk about protecting your religious institution through specialty...

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As a Baby Boomer, you need long term care insurance

As life draws on, you consider the legacy you will leave behind. But it’s also important not to look too far ahead. Here at Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we take the time to remind our clients to take care of...

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Commercial property insurance in a hardening market: PJ&C can ensure the right coverage

As it is to almost everything related to the economy, trends are also significant for insurance. These trends, on a macro scale, ebb and flow with widespread risks, or the lack of risks. The expert advisers at Pepper,...

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Property & casualty insurance can alleviate healthcare professionals of risk and distraction

As healthcare professionals, you hold patients’ welfare in mind practically without interruption. Unfortunately, patients and, particularly, their lawyers aren’t exactly forgiving when it comes to the liabilities...

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COVID-19 and farm insurance: is your agribusiness adequately covered?

Farmers are being recognized as heroes in 2020 for having kept us fed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a quick look at how farmers and ranchers fared during these trying times. Some farmers sweated, suffered; some...

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Bryan Johnstone of Pepper, Johnstone & Company bestowed prestigious Traveler’s National Producer Council appointment

Pepper, Johnstone & Company today announces that Bryan Johnstone, President, has been appointed to the National Producer Council for Traveler’s Insurance, a prominent nationwide business, personal, and specialty...

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Four exciting ways community involvement improves your business' reputation

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -- Winston Churchill Many businesses exploit community involvement as a means to an end. A way to get new referrals and clients. A way to get free...

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Don’t believe local independent insurance agencies are right for you? Listen to our clients

Business owners looking for insurance want more than an agent. They want a trusted insurance advisor who will listen to their needs and look out for their best interests. We know you have a business to run: sales and...

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Forget Geico, State Farm, and Allstate: independent insurance agents offer more for less

So, you’re shopping insurance rates. Maybe you’re a homeowner who just refinanced your home. You’re excited about your savings. You’re on a roll and want to see if you can lower your home insurance too. Perhaps you’ve...

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Home service contractors: are the workers you hire insured?

Imagine embarking on that home remodeling project you and your spouse have been dreaming of for years. You’ve now got the money saved up to redo your kitchen, and the day finally comes where the workers show up. They...

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When Catastrophes Strike: Preparing Your Business in Limestone County

Let's say that one of our Limestone County summer tornadoes damages your business facility beyond repair. Or torrential rains flood your operation, ruining furniture and important equipment. Although we don’t often want...

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Insuring Your Business As It Scales

The world of startups is like the wild west of modern business. Countless small, young companies are competing to bring new services that help improve our society and the world at large. One of the toughest aspects of...

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Hardening of the insurance industry

The insurance industry has seen many changes over the years. New risks come and old risks fade, and in between, there’s much nuance pertaining to how it affects both the industry and consumers. We here at Pepper,...

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Cyber attacks on your business: are you prepared?

In an earlier blog post we talked about cyber liability insurance. Today, we here at Pepper, Johnstone & Company would like to revisit this topic. Amid the accelerating use of digital and remote technologies as more...

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How automation is transforming the insurance industry

Like most industries in 2020, technological advances are changing the landscape for independent insurance agencies like ours. From business development to IT to claims management, technology shapes our processes,...

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5 insurance policies every startup company needs

Founding a startup company takes creativity, strategy, leadership, and resources. Business owners of startup companies often desire to minimize initial costs, but one business aspect not to skip out on is commercial...

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New year, new habits: ways to make sure you're moving your business forward

How often are you planning business goals for your company’s growth? Moving your business forward takes intentionality, planning, and strategic tactics. Let 2020 be the year that your business reaches increased growth...

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5 emerging insurance trends for 2020

When it comes to insurance trends to expect in 2020, technology is the main focus. With a rise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), telematics, robotics, and mobile devices, technology has infiltrated our daily...

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Limestone County: Top Things You Need to Know

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Huntsville is among the best places to live in America. For those of us who live here in the greater Huntsville area, this ranking is no surprise. Our thriving cities and...

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The truth about long-term disability insurance

Have you ever experienced an illness or injury that kept you from working? For most, it’s challenging to be in a position of financial struggle when life throws a curveball. Even more, the inability to provide...

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New to Limestone County? Take advantage of these five resources.

Limestone County is known for being home to beautiful natural sites and state parks, strong traditions like our annual Storytelling Festival, and our thriving manufacturing, technology, and business industries. Business...

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What is mini-storage insurance, and why do I need it?

The self-storage market is expected to reach a value of $49.24 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 134%. The industry is expected to be incredibly lucrative, but it doesn’t come without risk. If you have...

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Limestone County Is Growing Fast - 4 Reasons Why

For those considering a move, Limestone County offers unique advantages for businesses. Offering incentives like favorable taxes, training in technology and manufacturing, as well as an ideal location amongst burgeoning...

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Mazda Toyota Manufacturing In Limestone County: What This Means For Your Company

Alabama’s auto sector is expected to grow tremendously in the next decade with the introduction of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA to Limestone County. Slated to open in 2021 and provide over 4,000 jobs, the automotive...

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4 Types of Insurance Every Millennial Needs to Know

Growing a solid financial foundation as a young professional starts with having the proper tools. Whether you just moved to a new city or you are looking to buy your first home, there are a few proactive steps that you...

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How We Helped Morgan Metals With Their Insurance

We care about our clients’ individual needs and desires when it comes to insurance protection. With each client being different than the next, we spend an adequate amount of time understanding the problem and finding...

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Avoid These Common Misconceptions When Buying Commercial Renters Insurance

As a business owner who chooses to rent rather than buy the space they operate in, you may be under the impression that any damages to the property would be covered by the owner’s insurance policy. That, however, is not...

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Uncommon Questions We Get That Fall Outside Insurance

It’s not uncommon for our clients to develop a strong bond with us: we work hard to provide everyone who walks through our doors the necessary advice for their unique needs. At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we stress...

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Don’t Be Fooled by These Misconceptions About Renters Insurance

Common Renters Insurance Misconceptions - It's easy to assume that because you’re renting, you’re covered in the event of an emergency; sometimes, however, landlords or property managers are lax on coverage, and you may...

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Why Metal Fabricator Insurance Is Crucial for Your Operations

Arguably, the metalworking industry employs some of the most skilled employees in the nation. Metalworkers don’t sit behind a desk and push paper; instead, they operate heavy equipment like press brakes, ironworkers,...

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How Agricultural Insurance Is Crucial for Your Farm

Running a commercial ranch or farm requires comprehensive insurance solutions that differ from other industries. Whereas most businesses rely on straightforward commercial policies, oftentimes farmers or ranchers live...

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Cyber Liability Insurance: Is It Right for Your Company?

In today’s age, technology is a major part of our business operations: from conducting banking to running retail and e-commerce. As our reliance on technology grows, it’s becoming increasingly imperative that we’re...

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Is My Homeowners Policy Enough to Cover My Valuables?

Your home is your family’s hub: it’s your sanctuary and the most valuable asset you own. Protecting your home (even if you’re renting) with a homeowners insurance policy keeps you safe in the event of a theft or natural...

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Debunking the Dangerous Myths of Commercial Insurance

We see the news littered with headlines about major companies being sued for countless reasons and we assume only the majors players are liable for legal complications, but even small businesses --- including your mom-...

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How to avoid the most common auto and home insurance mistakes

Insurance. We all need it, but how can you make sure that you have the coverage that you need without overspending or underspending? We’re accustomed to making purchasing decisions based on price, but this can spell...

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"What is umbrella coverage? Doesn't my business have enough liability coverage already?"

Umbrella insurance is an apt name for this coverage that extends over and beyond other underlying policies to protect your business or home. You may believe that you have the coverage that you need, but umbrella...

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A "Lending Tree" approach to insurance: why independent insurance agencies look out for you better.

So, when you get ready to purchase an insurance policy for auto or home, who comes to mind? State Farm? Nationwide? Allstate? That’s what a lot of people would say. However, there’s a better, more effective, more...

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Insuring Jewelry: How to Know if Your Coverage is Enough

A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling...

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Tips for Buying a Safe Car

You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars - but unfortunately, we’re still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone)....

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How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Bill

It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad...

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Love Bites – Get Umbrella Coverage

In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be...

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Safety Tips for Your Summer Swims

When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for...

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Winter

Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road, especially if you’re on vacation and aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. And, it’s an even worse time to...

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Protect Your Family From the "Silent Killer"

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That's why it's important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself...

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Tips for a Safe Fourth of July — From Food to Fireworks

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend)...

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Spring Into Home Maintenance Mode in Alabama

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in Athens, Alabama, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for reorganizing and...

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Holiday Safety Tips for Your Four-Legged Friends

As a nation, our pets are like family, so let's make sure they enjoy the holidays with us while staying safe. As a general rule of thumb, always keep pets on a regular routine, even during the holiday season. Don't let...

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Protect Your Most Cherished Possessions

If you're like most people, there are certain items you own that you can't imagine ever losing - possessions you deeply cherish or those that would be impossible to replace due to the cost of re-purchasing them or...

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A Different Season Means Different Dangers For Motorcyclists

Fall is a wonderful time to be outside on your bike, thanks to the crisp, cool weather and changing colors of the landscape. Staying safe on the road in autumn requires some special precautions, however. Because we at...

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Flood Insurance - What You Should Know

You've probably heard this horror story before - someone loses a home due to a flood and learns after the fact that standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. At Pepper, Johnstone & Co. we want you to...

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When the Kids Head for College, Put “Insurance 101" on Your Class List

It's an exciting time when your child heads off to college. Whether they're attending school in Alabama or have moved all the way across the country, there were a ton of things to get done last month, but did you...

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Tornadoes Happen Every Year - Are You Prepared?

You don't have to be directly hit by a tornado in Alabama to experience damage. Taking some time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of clean-up. Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You...

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Hiring a Subcontractor in Alabama?

As many commercial building owners and contractors across Alabama begin remodeling or construction projects, they realize the value in subbing out some of the work to skilled and technical professionals. But there are...

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Understanding Risk Management

Risk Management - WHAT IS RISK MANAGEMENT? - Most entrepreneurs are risk takers, willing to invest resources with an expectation and hope, but no guarantee, of reward. But, from the viewpoint of insurance, "risk" is...

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Life Insurance Review

RECOGNIZING WHEN TO HAVE A REVIEW Routine reviews every year or two are important to: Evaluate policy performance in the current economy Review industry trends Uncover subtle changes that may otherwise go unnoticed...

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Avoid the Five Biggest Insurance Mistakes!

NEW YORK, October 25, 2010 - With nearly one in 10 Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. There are smart ways to save on home and auto...

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Small Business Insurance Basics

Insurers often combine a number of insurance coverages into a package that is sold as a single contract. The most common policy for small businesses is the Businessowners Policy (BOP). The BOP combines coverage for all...

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