UNICO Group

UNICO Group Announces Addition of Thirteen New Shareholders

Grace Anderson — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:59:00 +0000

UNICO, a leading independent insurance brokerage, is pleased to announce the addition of thirteen new shareholders. This year’s class represents a broad set of disciplines across the organization, reflecting UNICO’s continued commitment to developing leaders, investing in its people, and strengthening long-term sustainability.

Neal Lyons, Board Chair, shared that the expansion of the shareholder group reflects UNICO’s continued focus on developing strong leadership.

“As UNICO continues to grow, our future relies on leaders who exemplify our core values and consistently drive excellence throughout the business. This year’s class reflects individuals who embody that commitment and represent the next generation of leadership for UNICO.”

Neal Lyons, CFO | Board Chair, Partner

Neal Lyons, Board Chair, shared that the expansion of the shareholder group reflects UNICO’s continued focus on developing strong leadership.

Neal Lyons

CFO | Board Chair, Partner

The thirteen new shareholders are:

Austin Beber, Risk Advisor	Grant Huck, Risk Advisor
Marika Brack, Director of Benefits Operations	Ben Kruger, Director of Finance and Accounting
Dan Dahl, Benefits Consultant	Malyssa Maguire, Client Service Team Lead
Courtney Farrier, Personal Insurance Risk Advisor	Cody Roach, Risk Advisor
Jeff Fritzen, Risk Advisor	Stacey Schafer, Director of People Operations
Eric Himmelberg, Director of Information Technology	Wade Wemhoff, Risk Advisor
Angie Hoffschneider, COO

Lyons added, “These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication to our clients and our teams. Their insight, expertise, and leadership will further strengthen UNICO’s capabilities as we continue advancing our long-term strategy.”

The new shareholders round out our total shareholder count to 54 and join a team dedicated to supporting the company’s vision for growth, innovation, and service excellence.

Austin Beber

Risk Advisor

Marika Brack

Director of Benefits Operations

Dan Dahl

Benefits Consultant

Courtney Farrier

Personal Insurance Risk Advisor

Jeff Fritzen

Risk Advisor

Eric Himmelberg

Director of Information Technology

Angie Hoffschneider

COO

Grant Huck

Risk Advisor

Ben Kruger

Director of Finance and Accounting

Malyssa Maguire

Benefits Client Services Team Lead

Cody Roach

Risk Advisor

Stacey Shafer

Director of People Operations

Wade Wemhoff

Risk Advisor

Austin Beber

Risk Advisor

Marika Brack

Director of Benefits Operations

Dan Dahl

Benefits Consultant

Courtney Farrier

Personal Insurance Risk Advisor

Jeff Fritzen

Risk Advisor

Eric Himmelberg

Director of Information Technology

Angie Hoffschneider

COO

Grant Huck

Risk Advisor

Ben Kruger

Director of Finance and Accounting

Malyssa Maguire

Benefits Client Services Team Lead

Cody Roach

Risk Advisor

Stacey Shafer

Director of People Operations

Wade Wemhoff

Risk Advisor

Q4 2025 P&C Market Index: Market Continues to Soften

Margaret Davenport — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:34:14 +0000

Q4 2025 continued to demonstrate soft market conditions with premiums rising modestly by an average of 0.2% across all account sizes, down from 1.6% in Q3. According to CIAB’s quarterly survey, large account premiums fell by an average of 2.1%, marking the first time since Q4 2017 large account premiums decreased. Medium account premiums showed a percentage change of 0% and small account premiums rose by an average of 2.8%.

Across major lines of business, premium increases moderated significantly, with 9 lines recording decreases. This marks more than half of the lines tracked by the survey, up from 6 lines the previous quarter.

Download Q4 2025 Report

Premium Changes by Line of Business

Premiums increased by an average of 1.9% across all lines of business, a 30% decrease from 2.7% in Q3 2025. D&O saw the largest decrease out of all lines with a -3.8% average premium decrease.

Other notable rate changes in Q4:

Cyber (-3.3%)
D&O (-3.8%)
Employment Practices (-2.6%)

D&O Premiums Drop Amid Abundant Capacity

D&O premiums decreased by an average of 3.8% in Q4 2025, marking the 8th consecutive quarter of decreases and the largest decrease among all lines. The combination of more carriers, more capacity, and strong loss performance has created favorable conditions for insureds seeking D&O coverage.

About 35% of respondents reported an increase in underwriting capacity, contributing to this relief along with a very favorable loss ratio in 2024 — named “one of the best results in a decade” by AM Best.

Commercial Auto Continues Upward Trend

Since Q3 2011, respondents have reported premium increases for commercial auto every quarter. In Q4 2025, commercial auto premiums increased by an average of 6.6%, the highest out of all lines by a large margin.

According to AM Best’s September 2025 report on the commercial auto market, the average cost per commercial auto claim more than doubled over the past decade. This equates to an average annual increase of 8%, far outpacing economic inflation. The reduction in underwriting capacity, combined with increased claim frequency and severity, continues to drive premium increases for the line.

For a consultative approach to navigating coverage and pricing changes within the insurance market, contact a UNICO Advisor.

Connect with an Advisor

For more information, download the full report below.

Download the Q4 2025 P/C Market Report

Download the Q3 2025 P/C Market Report

The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers’ Commercial Property/Casualty Market Report Q4 2025. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.

Building a Culture of Safety with ALLO

Margaret Davenport — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:39:19 +0000

Discovering High Impact Areas of Opportunity

ALLO is a trusted provider of communications and entertainment services including broadband internet, phone and TV. Known for their commitment to honest customer service for businesses and homes, ALLO is changing the standards for the industry, because we all deserve better service.

As ALLO experienced rapid growth, the company faced challenges tied to workforce expansion and safety program development. They partnered with UNICO to find solutions that could help them continue scaling while reducing costs.

Challenges Identified

Nearly 1,200 employees hired in 48 months
Safety education scaled to support growth
Safety culture continuously strengthened
New HR leadership driving change
Claim management and tracking streamlined

Yearly Experience Mod

ALLO Communications

Discovering High Impact Areas of Opportunity

Yearly Experience Mod

ALLO Communications

Challenges Identified

Nearly 1,200 employees hired in 48 months
Safety education scaled to support growth
Safety culture continuously strengthened
New HR leadership driving change
Claim management and tracking streamlined

The UNICO Approach

Rather than simply processing policies, we established a true partnership with ALLO’s leadership team to develop a customized solution centered on education, data analysis and implementing practical safety measures.

Targeted safety culture

Nurse triage implementation

Quarterly claim review meetings

Comprehensive claims analysis

Data-driven decision making

The UNICO Approach

Targeted safety culture

Nurse triage implementation

Quarterly claim review meetings

Comprehensive claims analysis

Data-driven decision making

Client Success Story

“We’re incredibly grateful for the collaborative partnership we’ve built with UNICO, particularly in the management of our Workers’ Compensation program. Since UNICO facilitated our carrier transition to Accident Fund in 2021, we’ve experienced one of the most high-impact partnerships to date — marked by a nearly 0.31 reduction in our mod rate in just 3 years. While internal efforts played a strong role, there’s no overstating the valuable knowledge, strategic recommendations, and steadfast support provided by the Accident Fund and UNICO team that helped drive this meaningful outcome.

Additionally, UNICO has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving down the frequency and severity of auto claims for ALLO, thanks in large part to the strategic partnership and consistent support from Continental Western Group. Through frequent and focused meetings, UNICO has provided ongoing training, expert guidance, and tailored risk management resources that have empowered CWG’s clients to adopt safer practices and mitigate exposures. This proactive collaboration has fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, resulting in measurable improvements in claim performance and overall safety outcomes for ALLO Fiber.

Together, we’ve enhanced the experience for teammates navigating work-related injuries — making the process more supportive and efficient — while also significantly reducing premium costs. Those savings have allowed us to reinvest in our people in new and impactful ways. This team’s proactive approach, deep expertise, and long-term commitment to our workforce’s well-being have made a lasting impact on both our plan performance and employee experience. We’re truly thankful for this partnership and look forward to continued success together.”

“We’ve experienced one of the most high-impact partnerships to date — marked by a nearly 0.31 reduction in our mod rate in just 3 years.”

Client Success Story

“We’ve experienced one of the most high-impact partnerships to date — marked by a nearly 0.31 reduction in our mod rate in just 3 years.”

Megan Reed

Senior Talent + Development Manager, ALLO Communications

Your claims history impacts your insurance costs. Our team can help develop strategies that decrease costs while providing the essential support needed when facing a claim. Our Ascent Program identifies opportunities to elevate all areas of your insurance program. Connect with a UNICO Advisor to learn more today.

Connect with an Advisor

Home & Auto Insurance Market Outlook for 2026

Margaret Davenport — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:19:36 +0000

As we move into 2026, the personal insurance landscape for homeowners and auto owners continues to face evolving challenges and opportunities. This outlook provides a clear overview of the current environment, key trends to watch and practical strategies to help your family navigate insurance with confidence.

Market Overview

The personal insurance sector has experienced significant shifts in recent years, driven by rising costs, technological advancements and changing risk landscapes. Homeowner insurance premiums have increased steadily due to inflation and natural disaster claims.

Meanwhile, the auto insurance market is stabilizing after a period of rapid premium growth but continues to adapt to new vehicle technologies and evolving risk models.

Outlook for Homeowners Insurance

Premiums Trends
Expect continued upward pressure on rates driven by inflation, natural disaster claims, and replacement cost increases. According to analytics platform Cotality, approximately 12% of U.S. homes are in areas at high risk of various natural disasters, including wildfires, flooding and hail, representing potentially up to $4.3 trillion in reconstruction costs. By 2050, that share rises to 20%, or $7.2 trillion.

Coverage Considerations

Policyholders should review coverage limits regularly to ensure alignment with rising home values and replacement costs. Homeowners are typically subject to the 80% rule when determining their policies’ coverage limits. This policy clause stipulates that policyholders must maintain coverage for at least 80% of their home’s estimated replacement cost or face reduced payouts when filing a claim. However, as housing prices continue to increase throughout much of the United States, estimated replacement costs also rise, subsequently impacting coverage limit needs and, therefore, premiums.

Risk Management
Structural damage and losses involving tangible assets, such as personal belongings, can amount to exorbitant claims costs. By reinforcing the physical aspects of homes, such as upgrading to a steel roof, installing storm shutters or modernizing plumbing, homeowners may lower their perceived risk levels and earn savings. Additionally, security upgrades, such as burglar alarms and smart smoke detectors, might also help garner favorable rates.

Outlook for Auto Insurance

Premiums Trends
Moderate increases are anticipated, reflecting ongoing repair cost inflation and evolving risk factors. Electrification, automation and software-defined vehicles are reshaping risk models, forcing insurers to rethink pricing and product design. As premium pressures ease, competition will intensify, pushing insurers to differentiate through digital and service capabilities.

Safety Programs

Safe driving pays off. Avoiding new violations or accidents gives your rate a chance to drop as older incidents are removed from your record. Programs that track driving habits or mileage can reward safe or low-mileage drivers with lower premiums. A local agent can help you decide whether these options fit your lifestyle and compare which insurers offer the best programs.

Product Innovation
Connected-car technology is pushing the adoption of telematics and usage-based insurance (UBI). Industry commentary suggests that vehicles will function as data hubs, enabling insurers to prioritize real-time driving behavior over demographic proxies. For younger and cost-sensitive drivers, these pay-how-you-drive models may provide affordable access to crucial coverage in 2026.

Practical Guidance for Policyholders

Adjust Policy Features: Consider higher deductibles or removing unnecessary endorsements to effectively manage premiums.

Leverage Discounts: Bundling policies and qualifying for available discounts can provide meaningful savings.

Explore Multiple Options: Shopping across carriers ensures access to tailored policies that balance coverage and cost.

Enhance Property and/or Vehicle Safety: Upgrading home security and vehicle safety features supports risk reduction.

Maintain Financial Health: Good credit and a clean driving record contribute to favorable insurance terms.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 personal insurance market presents a landscape of both challenges and opportunities. Rising costs and complex risks require proactive engagement and informed decision-making. By partnering with knowledgeable insurance professionals, consumers can navigate these changes with confidence, securing protection that is both comprehensive and cost-effective.

Our team of experienced personal risk advisors can provide guidance and help you explore how these trends may impact your family’s insurance needs.

Connect with an Advisor

Best Practices for Responding to General Liability Claims

Margaret Davenport — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:20:43 +0000

Unforeseen incidents can happen during everyday business operations, exposing organizations to potential liability. For example, a customer might slip on a wet floor, or a contractor could accidentally damage a client’s property. Even a single general liability claim can disrupt operations, cause financial strain and impact future insurance costs.

These impacts often worsen when organizations respond poorly to claims. A delayed or ineffective response can escalate disputes, increase litigation risk and postpone resolution.

A prompt and proper response to a potential general liability claim can significantly reduce your organization’s liability exposure and minimize damages. Thorough documentation provides your insurance carrier and their legal team with the essential evidence needed to defend against allegations. Together, businesses and insurers form a partnership in effectively managing liability when claims arise.

To strengthen your response strategy, we recommend organizations and their teams implement the following best practices.

Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Secure the area (e.g., cordon it off) to prevent further injury or property damage, deter unauthorized access, and keep the scene as unchanged as possible. Only move property if it is necessary to address immediate safety concerns.
Call 911 if the incident involves injury or significant property damage and stabilize involved parties (e.g., provide first aid) until emergency response services arrive.
Encourage injured parties to seek medical treatment, even if the injury appears minor. If no injuries are reported at the time, advise the individual(s) to inform the company if they later seek medical care for symptoms that arise afterward.

Conduct a Timely and Thorough Investigation

Complete an incident investigation report form to document what happened. Include the date, time and location of the incident, who was involved, what the injured party was doing at the time, the nature of the injury or property damage, and any potential causal factors.
Collect evidence that might be relevant to the claim and/or bolster your defense. Take photos of the scene from multipleangles. Promptly collect any security footage and gather contact details and statements from witnesses. Secure and preserve any damaged equipment or materials. Make sure not to destroy any evidence.
Gather maintenance records, housekeeping reports and any other company documents that may be relevant to the claim or can help establish fault or lack thereof.
Train employees — both before claims occur and continually afterward—to closely follow investigation procedures so key details and evidence are captured accurately and consistently.

Do Not Admit Fault or Make Liability Statements

Train employees to act courteously, professionally and compassionately toward third parties while not admitting fault for the incident. Determinations of fault and liability should be left to the insurance carrier and its attorneys.
Don’t reprimand employees at the scene or in front of third parties, as it might give the impression of fault.
Don’t argue with the injured party or assign blame.
Don’t offer to pay for medical expenses or replace damaged property, as this can be considered an admission of fault.

Control Communication and Information Flow

Designate one person as the single point of contact for claim-related communications and ensure they are trained to deal with insurance representatives and attorneys.
Refrain from discussing the case informally to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent inconsistent or inaccurate accounts.
Never post details or photos of the incident on social media, as such commentary could be used as evidence in litigation.
Direct any attorney inquiries or claimant communications to the insurer.

Notify Your Insurance Partners Promptly

Report the incident to your insurance partners, including your broker and carrier, as soon as possible, even if liability is unclear. Not reporting incidents within the time frame required by a general liability policy may affect the reimbursement of expenses or even result in claims denials.
Provide your insurance carrier with preliminary documentation and all relevant details (e.g., date, time, location and parties involved).
Follow the insurance carrier’s instructions for the next steps. For example, insurers may request site inspections, require copies of safety procedures or direct employees to avoid specific actions. Ensure these directions are followed precisely as given.
Maintain incident reports, inspection logs, housekeeping records, training materials and any other documentation that may be required as the claim unfolds.

Final Thoughts

The immediate aftermath of a general liability claim can be challenging to navigate, and missteps may lead to complex litigation, reputational damage and unnecessary financial losses. As such, it’s critical that organizations and their employees understand that responding promptly and effectively can help improve claim outcomes.

Contact UNICO Group today for additional insurance and risk management guidance.

Jonah Cohen, PRC, CWCA

Risk Advisor

Connect with Jonah Cohen

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or insurance advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Client Responsibilities Around COBRA Administration

Margaret Davenport — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:46:14 +0000

At UNICO Group, we are committed to providing you with clear guidance and support as we navigate important regulatory requirements together. One key area where client responsibility is essential is COBRA administration. To help you understand what this means and how it impacts your organization, we’ve outlined the essentials below.

What is COBRA Administration?

COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is a federal law that allows employees and their covered dependents to continue their employer-sponsored health coverage for a limited time after certain qualifying events, such as job loss or reduced hours. Employers with 20 or more employees who offer group health plans have specific COBRA responsibilities.

When Does COBRA Apply?

COBRA applies broadly to group health plans that provide medical care, including medical, dental, vision and drug coverage. However, COBRA does not apply to group health plans maintained by small employers with fewer than 20 employees, to the federal government or certain church-related plans.

Impact of State Continuation Coverage

Many states have laws similar to COBRA that apply to fully insured group health plans, including plans maintained by churches and employers with fewer than 20 employees. These are sometimes called mini-COBRA laws. Even if a plan is not subject to COBRA, it may still be required to provide continuation coverage under state insurance laws.

Who is Entitled to COBRA Coverage?

A group health plan is required to offer COBRA continuation coverage only to qualified beneficiaries and only after a qualifying event has occurred.

Qualified beneficiaries include employees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children covered by the group health plan on the day before a qualifying event. Children born or adopted during continuation coverage are also automatically considered qualified beneficiaries.

What are the Rules for Electing COBRA?

COBRA requires group health plans to provide qualified beneficiaries with a clear election period to decide whether to continue coverage. At a minimum, each qualified beneficiary must be given at least 60 days to choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. This 60-day period is measured from the later of: (1) the date the election notice is provided; or (2) the date on which the qualified beneficiary would otherwise lose coverage under the group health plan due to the qualifying event.

Each qualified beneficiary has an independent right to elect continuation coverage, meaning that employees, spouses, and dependent children can make individual decisions. However, the covered employee or spouse may elect coverage on behalf of all qualified beneficiaries for the same qualifying event. Additionally, a parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child.

If a qualified beneficiary initially waives COBRA coverage during the election period, they may later revoke that waiver and elect coverage, provided the revocation occurs before the election period ends. If coverage is elected after revoking a waiver, it typically begins on the date the waiver was revoked.

Who Pays for COBRA Coverage?

Qualified beneficiaries may be required to pay for COBRA coverage, although plan sponsors can choose to provide continuation coverage at reduced or no cost. The maximum amount charged to qualified beneficiaries cannot exceed 102% of the cost of the plan.

For qualified beneficiaries receiving the 11-month disability extension, the premium for those additional months may be increased to 150% of the plan’s total cost of coverage.

Premiums must be fixed in advance for each 12-month cycle, and plans must allow monthly payments with a minimum 30-day grace period. Plans must provide at least 45 days after the election for making an initial premium payment. If a qualified beneficiary fails to make any payment before the end of the initial 45-day period, the plan can terminate the qualified beneficiary’s COBRA rights.

How Does COBRA Apply to Me?

Use our Employer COBRA Eligibillity Calculator to easily find out if your group is required to offer COBRA next calendar year. It is based on total full-time and part-time hours worked in a 6-month window.

Employer COBRA Eligibility Calculator

Client COBRA Responsibilities

Specific COBRA responsibies include sending timely and accurate notices to eligible individuals, such as:

General (Initial) Notice

This notice explains COBRA rights and must be provided within the first 90 days of coverage. It can be included in the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

Election Notice

Describes the right to elect COBRA continuation coverage and how to do so. Qualified beneficiaries have at least 60 days from the later of the notice date or loss of coverage to make their election. Each qualified beneficiary has an independent right to elect coverage, but the employee or spouse can elect on behalf of others.

Qualifying Event Notice

Sent after qualifying events like termination, reduction in hours, divorce, or loss of dependent status. The plan administrator must provide this notice within 14 days after receiving notice of the event, or within 44 days if the employer is also the plan administrator. Clients must notify the plan administrator of divorces or dependent status changes.

Early Termination Notice

Required if COBRA coverage ends sooner than expected, explaining the reason and termination date.

Corresponding Maximum Coverage Periods to Qualifying Event

Termination of employment: 18 months

Reduction of hours: 18 months

Divorce or legal separation: 36 months

Covered employee’s death: 36 months

Child’s loss of dependent status under plan’s terms: 36 months

Entitlement of Medicare: 36 months

Employer bankruptcy (for retirees and their dependents): 36 months

Coverage periods may be extended due to disability (an additional 11 months) or a second qualifying event (up to 36 months total).

Importance of Accuracy and Timelines

Administering COBRA correctly is critical due to strict legal requirements and timelines. Errors or delays can lead to significant financial penalties and compliance risks. Early termination of coverage must be communicated promptly with a detailed notice.

Final Thoughts

We encourage you to take responsibility for these key administrative tasks or engage a trusted COBRA administrator to ensure compliance and minimize risk. At UNICO, we are here to support you with guidance and resources as you manage these responsibilities. If you have any questions about COBRA administration or need assistance, please reach out to your team at UNICO. Together, we’ll ensure your compliance and peace of mind.

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UNICO Group Announces Neal Lyons’ Appointment as Board Chairman

Margaret Davenport — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:51:50 +0000

UNICO, a leading independent insurance brokerage, is pleased to announce the appointment of Neal Lyons as Chairman of the Board, as of November 3, 2025. Lyons will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Partner, bringing expanded leadership to the organization’s governance and strategic vision.

Lyons brings more than 35 years of experience in accounting and business management to his expanded role, including extensive expertise in public accounting and serving as CFO for wholesale distribution and manufacturing companies. Since joining UNICO Group in 2013, he has provided essential financial leadership and oversight while also managing the company’s Information Technology division. Lyons previously served as Board Chair from 2018 to 2024 and is a member of the Executive Team.

In 2023, Lyons was recognized by the Nebraska Society of CPAs with the Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award, a testament to his professional excellence and dedication to the accounting profession.

UNICO Group’s Board of Directors includes Neal Lyons, Ric Stoakes, Shane Ideus, Ryan Swinton, and Chad Ideus. The company has also appointed Larry Linne and James Anderson as advisory board members for a one-year term.

“We are honored to have Neal step into the Board Chair role once again. His understanding of our business, commitment to our values, and proven leadership make him the ideal partner to guide our Board as we continue to grow and serve our clients with excellence.”

Ric Stoakes
CEO

Employee Benefits Market Outlook for 2026

Margaret Davenport — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:01:14 +0000

The employee benefits landscape in 2026 is complex. From new compliance requirements to increasing health care expenses, to shifting workforce expectations and the growing influence of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, employers need to remain agile and proactive. This outlook highlights key trends, challenges and strategies to help employers navigate their employee benefits with confidence and clarity.

Market Overview

Significant regulatory updates have impacted the benefits environment sector and will continue to, due to the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA introduced extensive change to employee benefits plans, most which take effect in 2026. These include expanded access to health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Notably, health care costs are projected to increase 6.5%-10%, driven by a heightened interest in specialty medications, increased chronic health conditions and shortages in the health care labor market. Employers are having to respond to growing employee demands including:

Personalized wellness
Mental health support
Fertility benefits
Expanded leave benefits

Key Trends to Watch for 2026

Rising Health Care Costs
Continued adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound has led to rising costs. Specialty drugs such as biologics or cell therapies, cancer care and chronic disease management also continue to drive up costs. Employers need to adopt targeted cost mitigation strategies, as exploring innovative approaches will be essential to managing these rising costs. Have you been exploring different funding models in recent years? Now might be the year to revisit. UNICO can help lead and guide you down the right path for long-term success and stability.

Employee Wellness and Benefits
Gen Z and millennials are reshaping wellness expectations by prioritizing holistic well-being and work flexibility. According to McKinsey’s Future of Wellness research, 30% of these generations prioritize wellness, compared to 23% of older generations. There is also a growing focus in the workplace on mental fitness, fertility benefits, and financial wellness. Consider expanding benefits to better meet your employees’ needs, enhance overall well-being and foster retention.

AI and Technology Integration
Artificial intelligence is transforming benefits administration by enabling personalized options and predictive workforce planning. It can also automate routine administrative tasks, improving operational efficiencies. It also automates routine administrative tasks, improving operational efficiency. Businesses should remain mindful of potential safety concerns related to AI and ensure they have a robust cybersecurity plan in place before adoption.

Laws Surrounding Paid Leave
Paid sick leave and family leave programs are expanding at the state level. Employers should stay informed and ensure compliance with these evolving regulations and adapt policies accordingly to support workforce needs and legal requirements.

Regulatory Compliance
Simplified ACA reporting reduces administrative burdens for employers. However, it is important to monitor potential updates to mental health parity regulations. Businesses should also stay alert to ongoing litigation risks that may affect plan administration. UNICO’s compliance team can help ensure your business takes a proactive approach to these important updates.

The 2026 employee benefits market demands informed decision-making. By anticipating challenges and being proactive, you can deliver benefits programs that foster happier team members and contribute to long-term organizational success. To ensure your business is set up for success in 2026 and beyond, reach out to UNICO Group. Our team of experienced benefits advisors can provide personalized guidance and innovative solutions tailored to your specific business needs in this evolving health care landscape.

Connect with an Advisor

Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls at Construction Sites

Margaret Davenport — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:21:11 +0000

Slips, trips, and falls continue to be one of the most common and preventable causes of injuries on construction sites. While much of the industry rightly focuses on fall protection at heights, incidents frequently begin at ground level or on everyday walking-working surfaces. Muddy access paths, cluttered decks, slick ladder rungs, and uneven temporary flooring all contribute to injuries that disrupt projects, impact productivity, and most importantly, send workers home hurt.

The plus side? Most of these hazards are visible, correctable, and manageable when we stay disciplined in how we inspect and maintain our sites.

Issues on Walking Surfaces

Walking-working surfaces include everything from concrete decks and steel beams to temporary walkways, ramps, and access paths. These surfaces change constantly as work progresses, which means hazards can appear just as quickly.

Common issues include:

Debris accumulation (scrap material, packaging, cut-offs)
Mud, ice, or moisture buildup
Unprotected floor openings
Uneven transitions between surfaces
Temporary plywood or decking that shifts or deteriorates

Maintaining solid footing starts with recognizing that housekeeping is not just for looks, it is a safety control that everyone can control. Clean, stable, and well-defined walking paths reduce hesitation, distraction, and missteps, especially during busy phases of construction.

Safety in Working with Ladders

Ladders are among the most frequently utilized tools on a jobsite, yet they’re often treated as background equipment. Dirty, damaged, or improperly positioned ladders can turn routine tasks into injury-producing events.

A few simple practices make a measurable difference:

Keep ladder rungs free of mud, grease, snow, and concrete slurry
Inspect rungs and side rails for damage before use
Ensure ladders are properly secured and extend the required distance at access points
Remove ladders from service when defects are found — don’t “make it work”

A ladder doesn’t need to fail catastrophically to cause an injury. A single slick rung or improper set up can be enough to produce bad outcomes.

The Importance of Inspections

Regular site inspections are one of the most effective tools for preventing slips and falls however, only if they are done intentionally. A quick walk-through with a fresh set of eyes often reveals hazards that crews have unknowingly adapted to.

Effective inspections focus on:

Access and egress routes
Changes in elevation or surface conditions
Temporary stairs, ramps, and platforms
Weather-related impacts on walking surfaces
Work areas shared by multiple trades

The goal isn’t paperwork, it’s awareness and hazard recognition. Encouraging everyone to identify and correct hazards in real time builds ownership and reinforces that safety is part of how work gets done, not an extra task.

Final Thoughts

When leadership prioritizes clean access, proper ladder use, and routine inspections, front-line workers follow suit. Addressing slip and trip hazards sends a clear message: details matter, and preventing injuries is everyone’s responsibility.

It’s worth remembering that many serious injuries start with a simple misstep. By maintaining adequate walking-working surfaces, keeping ladders clean and serviceable, and actively inspecting our sites, we reduce risk, improve efficiency, and protect the people who build our projects every day.

Sometimes, the most effective safety improvements are also the ones that get overlooked. Reach out to our Safety and Loss Control Consultant, Ezra Schlecht, for a jobsite consultation today.

Ezra Schlecht, CSHO, SSH, CRIS

Safety and Loss Control Consultant

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OSHA Updates to the Hazard Communication Standard

Margaret Davenport — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:26:21 +0000

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has officially updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), aligning with the 7th revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These changes represent one fo the most significant updates to workplace chemical safety protocols in recent years.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer, understanding these updates and the revised compliance timeline is critical for maintaining compliance, protecting workers, and reducing liability.

Extended HazCom Compliance Deadlines

OSHA has announced a four-month extension to each of the upcoming Hazard Communication compliance deadlines. The agency cited the need for additional time to finalize guidance and to allow regulated entities sufficient time to review and implement the new requirements. While these extensions provide additional flexibility, the underlying compliance obligations remain unchanged.

Key Updates to the HazCom Standard

Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful changes you need to know:

Enhanced Labels for Small Containers

Labels are now easier to read and more informative, even on small packaging, improving hazard awareness at the point of use.

Clearer Hazard Classification Process

Revisions streamline and clarify classification requirements to improve consistency between labels and SDSs.

Revised Classification Criteria for Certain Hazards

Updated criteria apply to aerosols, desensitized explosives, and flammable gases.

New Hazard Category Added

“Chemicals Under Pressure” has been introduced within the aerosols class to address emerging workplace risks.

Updated Precautionary Statements

Revised guidance improves instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.

Better Alignment with Canadian and Federal Regulations

OSHA’s updates further harmonize with other U.S. agencies and Health Canada, supporting cross-border compliance.

Updated Transition Timeline

To support implementation, OSHA has established a phased compliance schedule. All deadlines below reflect OSHA’s most recent four-month extension.

Substances

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors: Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by May 19, 2026
Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training): Compliance deadline extended to November 20, 2026

Mixtures

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors: Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by November 19, 2027
Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training): Compliance deadline extended to May 19, 2028

Although these dates may appear far off, SDS updates, hazard reclassification, label revisions, and downstream distribution often require significant time and coordination — especially for organizations with large or complex product portfolios.

What This Means For Your Business

For manufacturers and suppliers:

You may need to reclassify products, update SDS authoring to reflect new hazard criteria, revise labels, and reissue documentation to customers and distributors.

For employers:

It’s essential to review your chemical inventory, ensure updated SDSs are received and accessible, and revise HazCom programs and employee training to align with the updated standard.

Final Thoughts

Keeping up with regulatory changes like OSHA’s HazCom updates can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. A Strategic Risk Consultant like Megan Hatch can help. She’ll work directly with our Safety and Loss Control Consultant, Ezra Schlecht, to ensure you stay compliant, minimize risks and maintain a safe, productive work environment tailored to your unique needs.

Megan Hatch, CPCU, CWCA, CRIS

Vice President | Risk Consultant

Connect with Megan Hatch

UNICO Group

UNICO Group Announces Addition of Thirteen New Shareholders

Neal Lyons, CFO | Board Chair, Partner

Neal Lyons

The thirteen new shareholders are:

Austin Beber

Marika Brack

Dan Dahl

Courtney Farrier

Jeff Fritzen

Eric Himmelberg

Angie Hoffschneider

Grant Huck

Ben Kruger

Malyssa Maguire

Cody Roach

Stacey Shafer

Wade Wemhoff

Austin Beber

Marika Brack

Dan Dahl

Courtney Farrier

Jeff Fritzen

Eric Himmelberg

Angie Hoffschneider

Grant Huck

Ben Kruger

Malyssa Maguire

Cody Roach

Stacey Shafer

Wade Wemhoff

Q4 2025 P&C Market Index: Market Continues to Soften

Premium Changes by Line of Business

D&O Premiums Drop Amid Abundant Capacity

Commercial Auto Continues Upward Trend

For a consultative approach to navigating coverage and pricing changes within the insurance market, contact a UNICO Advisor.

Building a Culture of Safety with ALLO

Discovering High Impact Areas of Opportunity

Challenges Identified

Yearly Experience Mod

Discovering High Impact Areas of Opportunity

Yearly Experience Mod

Challenges Identified

The UNICO Approach

The UNICO Approach

Client Success Story

“We’ve experienced one of the most high-impact partnerships to date — marked by a nearly 0.31 reduction in our mod rate in just 3 years.”

Client Success Story

“We’ve experienced one of the most high-impact partnerships to date — marked by a nearly 0.31 reduction in our mod rate in just 3 years.”

Megan Reed

Home & Auto Insurance Market Outlook for 2026

Market Overview

Outlook for Homeowners Insurance

Premiums Trends

Coverage Considerations

Risk Management

Outlook for Auto Insurance

Premiums Trends

Safety Programs

Product Innovation

Practical Guidance for Policyholders

Final Thoughts

Best Practices for Responding to General Liability Claims

Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Conduct a Timely and Thorough Investigation

Do Not Admit Fault or Make Liability Statements

Control Communication and Information Flow

Notify Your Insurance Partners Promptly

Final Thoughts

Jonah Cohen, PRC, CWCA

Risk Advisor

Client Responsibilities Around COBRA Administration

What is COBRA Administration?

When Does COBRA Apply?

Impact of State Continuation Coverage

Who is Entitled to COBRA Coverage?

What are the Rules for Electing COBRA?

Who Pays for COBRA Coverage?

How Does COBRA Apply to Me?

Client COBRA Responsibilities

Ric Stoakes
CEO