Many people consider life insurance a luxury. They don’t see it as being important because they can’t use it while they are alive. However, that doesn’t make it any less important. Do you care about your loved ones? Do you want to leave them responsible for your debts, funeral costs, and other expenses? There is also a chance you may leave your family with a reduced income which could make things very difficult for them. These are common reasons why everyone should consider purchasing a life insurance policy. But one reason you may not have considered is to protect your business.

Are You a Business Owner?

Owning a business is a great accomplishment for any individual or family. You get to be your own boss, make your own rules, and hopefully reap most of the rewards from your company’s endeavors. While there are many positives to owning a business, there also comes many obligations as well. Do you have a lot of overhead? As you know operating a business requires increases expenses, which is why you should consider protecting them with life insurance.

Most people that open a business or are working to grow and expand take on debt to do so. Taking out a life insurance policy can help payoff that debt in the event of your death. One important thing to note, if you are a sole proprietor, your business and all its debts will be left to your family. So, whether your business will be kept or sold, your loved ones will be able to reap more of the proceeds.

Do You Have Business Partners?

If you have business partners, it would be ideal for all of them to get a life insurance policy as well. Many smaller businesses have agreements in place that organize the transfer of ownership from the deceased to the surviving partner(s). The loss of a business partner could leave you and the reaming partners left with more financial obligations which could hurt the company, and even force it to close. When a partner purchases a life insurance policy, they will need to leave the death benefit for the other business owners so that the benefit goes to the business.

Do You Rely on Key Employees?

While owners and partners share an important role in the success of a company, there are also key employees that you may rely on as well. These could be sales people, managers, creative personnel, and even administrators. The sudden death of a key employee could impair the operation of your business. To protect your company from that, you can take out a key employee life insurance policy that will pay your company a benefit if something were to happen to said employee. You will be responsible for the premium, and how much coverage you would like to take out. You may also be allowed to borrow against the policy, and use the benefit any way that would benefit the business.

Keep in mind that life insurance doesn’t replace someone’s income, value, or even an employee. It will only offer a one-time benefit to get you, your loved ones, or your business through a difficult time and situation.

There are many things to take into consideration when making the decision of which type of policy is best for you, your family, or loved ones. Are you interested in purchasing Life Insurance or International Life Insurance? Would you like some more information regarding Life Insurance options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to a Life Insurance expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact us 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com and talk to one of our insurance specialists for help in selecting Life Insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.

Many people in the insurance industry work hard to avoid the bad reputation that insurance typically carries. However, people often jump to negative conclusions about anything involving insurance. Time and time again, we come across people who have the wrong idea of what an insurance broker is and why they are actually advantageous to the consumer. We have heard they are a waste of time, waste of money, and only care about making their commission. Being a dedicated group of insurance brokers, we can tell you that those descriptions are often false! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when we hear information that is incorrect, it encourages us to step in. Do you know what an insurance broker does?

If you know the answer to, then you are already aware of all the benefits of using an insurance broker. If not, learn why you should be using one. Take the time to find a quality, reputable broker to work with you in fulfilling your insurance needs. Not only will it be time well spent in the beginning, but it will also serve you well for the entire time that you have insurance needs, whether you are working on a yacht or wherever your travels may take you.

Brokers Can Offer More of a Selection

One benefit of an insurance broker is the selection of policies and plans. Typically, brokers can help you select insurance from a variety of different companies. Different insurance companies offer different plans, so having access to plans from multiple companies can afford you the opportunity to find the coverage that fits you best.

Also, depending on the insurance brokerage they may sell different types of insurance, allowing you to have a one stop solution for all your insurance needs.

Brokers Do Much More Than Sell Insurance

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they can be so much more than that. An insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with the claims process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at the insurance companies so you may not have to sit on a 1-800 line for a long time, only to learn someone doesn’t have the authority to help you. Brokers also know which carriers provide consistent service, allowing you to avoid companies that may not deliver the level of care that you deserve at time of claim.

We Work for You

As brokers, we do not work for any insurance company, we work for you! Our goals are to please you, and make sure all you questions and concerns are handled. If you think about it, with all the benefits of using an insurance broker, it is certainly better than just going out and buying a policy from an insurance agent. Will an agent fight for you and your best interests?

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about marine crew insurance, travel insurance, U.S. life and health, expatriate insurance, or property and casualty, please contact us at

or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. 

As we grow older, there are many of us who think back and regret not doing certain things while we were young. There are activities or decisions that we can’t make now because it’s too late, or we don’t have the time or energy. I’m sure many of you are thinking about skydiving or some other thrill seeking adventure, but I’m talking about purchasing life insurance! While it may be more beneficial to purchase life insurance when you are in the prime of your career, purchasing life insurance after you retire can still have plenty of benefits for you and your loved ones. Don’t regret not purchasing life insurance when you were younger, instead think of all the reasons you should get insured now. If you find yourself asking the question, “Should I Buy Life Insurance in My 60’s?” The answer is YES!

1. Offset Retirement Income

In the event you or your spouse passes away, will you still receive enough income in retirement funds to support yourself? With rising medical costs, chances are that you are going to need some help. Purchasing a life insurance policy to supplement your retirement funds should be a top priority.

2. Funeral Costs

It’s no secret that funeral costs can be outrageously expensive. So much so that many people can’t afford to die because their loved ones are left with the costs, sometimes ranging as high as $20,000+. Having life insurance can erase the financial burden that is left on your family if something happens to you.

3. Pay Off Debts

Debt follows us everywhere, and we pass away, it is then left to our loved ones. Don’t let your loved ones be responsible for your debts.

4. Provide a Gift to Charity

Giving money to charity and those in need is always a good way to make us feel good. Have you considered leaving an important charity or organization the benefit of your life insurance policy? There aren’t many more honorable ways to leave a legacy than that.

5. Creditor Proof

As stated before, debt collectors will go after your loved ones to pay off any debt you leave behind. One of the many great things about a life insurance benefit is that creditors cannot go after any of the benefits that are received, which is a great way to protect your loved ones.

6. Provide Care to a Disabled Spouse/Family Member

Do you currently take care or support a family member or friend in need? What would happen to them if something happens to you? Make sure they will continue to be taken care of, and have enough money to support the care they need.

7. Provide a Gift for Grandchildren

If you are planning to set aside some money for your grandchildren, consider purchasing a life insurance plan and making them the beneficiaries. If you are fortunate enough to have grandkids, there is a good chance they will need some sort of inheritance to pay off student loans, put a down payment on a house, or have more savings for a rainy day.

8. Pay Off Mortgage

While many people have a goal of paying off their mortgage before they retire, not everyone has that ability. If something were to happen to you or your spouse, would you be able to pay off the mortgage with the loss of income? Having a life insurance plan to cover the remaining balance of your mortgage is something everyone should consider.

9. Leave a Legacy

Many of us would like to leave a legacy to our offspring, and that can come in many different ways. For some it can be inheriting the family business or being left the family home. For others it means leaving money behind to our loved ones. A proper life insurance policy can make sure there is enough money to go around to everyone.

10. Pay Estate and Inheritance Taxes

As if there aren’t enough taxes we already have to pay, there is a tax people must pay on inheritance. Set up a policy to cover the amount that your beneficiary would have to pay in taxes, after all life insurance benefits are tax free. You may also want to consider leaving money behind to your loved ones through a life insurance policy for this reason as well.

If you are interested in purchasing Life insurance, or have any questions, we’re here to help! Please contact us today at 954 828 1819 or visit mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.

If you are a small business owner or an employee of a small business (with up to 50 employees) and you have watched the news lately, read a newspaper or browsed the internet, it is very likely that you have seen the numbers and increases that have occurred regarding the Affordable Care Act health insurance plans for 2017.

Open enrollment for individuals and families began Nov 1st, and people around the country are scratching their head wondering why their insurance prices are increasing again and again. In addition to rising costs, people are also learning that there are less and less plans, and some are being forced to change doctors who they have had a relationship with for many years due to changing networks.

If you’re a small business that doesn’t offer an employer sponsored plan, chances are you should consider group health insurance, today.

More Affordable

For one, many businesses that are less than 50 employees give their workers money toward insurance every month, however the employee must find their own insurance. With the state of individual health insurance plans, that idea just may no longer be feasible. Starting a small group plan could lower employee’s insurance costs depending on the plan you select, and how much your employer contributes.

More Choices

Another aspect we have seen is that there are fewer individual insurance plans to choose from. A few years ago, there were dozens of different plans and multiple companies you could choose from, whether you wanted a HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). With group insurance, plan options are many, and as a new group, open enrollment means that your group can enroll anytime throughout the year without the restrictions one has with Individual coverage.

The Benefits of Offering Employee Benefits

If you are the decision maker of your business, you could be thinking “What benefit do I have offering insurance to my employees?” While you are required to pay 50% of your employees premium if you offer a group plan, there is a chance you are already giving them money to find their own plan. Why not provide quality benefits and not pay more than what you may be providing your employees to get their own insurance?

Another aspect to consider is that happy and healthy employees are important to the success of your business. Making this change could create a loyal workforce who are more willing to go above and beyond for their employer.

We Can Help

If you are the decision maker of a small business and would like to learn about Employee Benefits options for your team, please contact us at 954-828-1819, or visit mhginsurance.com. Our team of insurance specialists are here to help and answer any questions you have.

In case you haven’t heard, MHG is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Can you remember when you turned 25? You probably felt like time had flown by, and yet you were still ready to take on the world, which is exactly how we feel! A lot goes into a business achieving and maintaining success, so this year we are toasting to 25 years of excellence. Reaching this milestone is no small feat, so join us for a stroll down memory lane as we remember how MHG first began, where we are today, and the next 25 years. After all, you can’t know where you are going until you recall where you have been.

Company History

MHG was launched in 1991 in Miami, Florida when founders Andrew Dudzinski and John Haagensen saw that due to industry growth and ensuing competitive pressures, cruise lines needed new ways to attract and retain their officers and crew. Andrew, with particular expertise in expatriate insurance programs and John, a former seafarer and practicing insurance agent, saw the solution in creating and providing customized marine employee benefit plans. Andrew and John combined their extensive experience and contacts to convince the industry that marine crew are better motivated, remain more loyal, and work more safely when a benefit plan is provided as part of an employment package. While hesitant at first, the cruise lines listened and soon benefit plans were implemented by many lines and in due course by other marine industry sectors, such as luxury yachts and commercial shipping. As a result, a growing number of marine crew and their families are now able to enjoy the benefits of health, disability and life insurance plans and at the same time, marine industry employers have gained new and valuable attraction and retention incentives.

MHG Insurance Brokers is now recognized in the marine industry as a unique resource for developing innovative crew insurance programs for the world’s leading cruise lines, prestigious luxury yachts and other shipping and marine businesses around the globe. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, MHG has offices and representation in the Isle of Man, London, Hamburg, Monaco and Houston to better serve clients and support the continued development, acquisition and servicing of marine clients on both sides of the Atlantic.

Throughout the years, MHG has seen fit to expand its portfolio of products outside the marine industry but has always remained focused on its core business in providing crew insurance advice and solutions for vessel owners, operators, management companies, captains and crew worldwide. Today, MHG counts as its clients a total of 18 cruise lines, representing some 40% of the most prominent lines and more than 450 luxury yachts, including 20% of the world’s 200 largest yachts.

The Next 25 Years

While MHG has successfully introduced and encouraged the industry to adopt customized benefits for people working at sea, our work is not done. MHG will continue to be at the forefront of developing and implementing a full range of innovative benefit and welfare incentives and risk management solutions, all designed specifically for the marine industry and making the industry a better place to work and live.

Let’s raise a glass to the next 25!

Here at MHG Insurance Brokers, we offer a variety of different insurance solutions for many areas of business. From yacht crew insurance, to general liability and marine general liability coverage, individual and group health insurance, even life insurance, we offer a number of products to cover you, your family, or business. To see some advice directly from our team of insurance professionals, read our previous blog, “ If You Could Give One Piece of Advice to Your Clients, What Would It Be? ” If you are interested in learning more about our insurance expertise, please visit mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. 

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (September 15, 2016) – MHG Insurance announced today that Emma Bell has joined the company’s European office as Underwriting and Claims Assistant, reducing response times for new proposals and claims enquiries.

Bell joins MHG with an extensive background in the insurance and financial industries, having worked for various insurance companies in a number of different positions. Most recently, Bell worked as an Underwriting Support Technician where she performed risk management assignments, maintained records, and supported upper level management with allocation of tasks.

“We are lucky to have someone of Emma’s experience and skillset to join our team.” said Cathy Lane, Director of European Operations for MHG’s Isle of Man office. “Emma’s career in the insurance industry is what we need in order to expand our business and offer more support for our clients. We are eager for her to hit the ground running, and we are certain that she will be a perfect fit for the company.”

MHG’s Isle of Man office opened in 2009 with a remit to capitalise on opportunities from within the yacht sector as well as increasing the licensing reach of MHG globally. To date, the Isle of Man office is responsible for obtaining and administering over 35% of all business for the company’s Yacht Division.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (September 8, 2016) – MHG Insurance announced today that Sherry Wertz has joined the company’s Cruise Division as Administration Manager. Wertz will provide administrative and customer service support to cruise clients while working closely with the Division Manager and Claims Specialist, further developing business relations.

Wertz joins MHG with a tremendous amount of cruise industry experience having worked in various positions both ashore and on board. Most recently, Wertz worked as Senior HR Manager for a staffing company handling crew appointments for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

“We have been looking for someone of Sherry’s caliber for quite some time to fill this newly created position.” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Sherry’s career in the cruise industry combined with her management background are exactly what we need to further the capabilities of the cruise division. I’m very happy to welcome her to the team.”

As MHG celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company continues to be at the forefront of developing insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. Most recently, the Insurance Specialists at MHG identified a potential liability risk for cruise line operators and designed a liability plan to fill the gap in coverage.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

Our number one priority is to look after you, the client. Our focus is making sure you have the coverage you need, that you are taken care of, and we are ready to fight for you regarding any claims or issues you are experiencing. Since we have your best interests in mind, it is troubling when we come across other insurance brokers and agents claiming to offer MLC compliant health insurance policies, because actually there is no such thing. It is prudent to have health insurance, but there is no rule in MLC requiring you to do so. Let me explain.

What is MLC?

It seems as if every day we hear myths regarding insurance brokers. We often find ourselves debunking false statements and explaining to clients that they received inaccurate information. Sometimes, people or products get a bad reputation that is unwarranted, for whatever reason. So here are five common myths that may have given the term insurance brokers a bad name.

1. “Insurance brokers are more expensive”

Have you ever heard the saying, “brokers make you broker”? That saying could not be further from the truth. In contrast, working with a broker can actually save clients both time and money, in addition to frustration. Insurance brokers receive their compensation from insurers, but that does not (or should not) cloud the judgment of a good broker to recommend whatever policy is most appropriate to the situation as presented by you, the client.

2. “Insurance brokers work for the insurance company”

There are a lot of people who think that insurance brokers work for the insurance company, however again that is not correct. A broker advocates and works on your behalf. Basically, they work for you! Yes, they work with the insurance company in order to deliver proper coverage to people, however their concern should always be their clients.

3. “Insurance brokers are just a middle man”

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they are so much more than just a middle man. In many cases, an insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with claims through the entire process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at insurance companies so you don’t have to sit on a 1-800 line for 20 minutes to talk to someone that doesn’t have the authority to help you.

4. “Insurance brokers can’t offer the best plans”

Insurance brokers can offer the same plans that an insurance company does, for the same premium as going straight to the insurance company. In fact, going through an insurance broker should give you more value for your dollar simply because of all the added benefits that an insurance broker will perform for you.

5. “Insurance brokers aren’t as knowledgeable”

Insurance brokers are very knowledgeable. They spend all day, every day dealing with insurance. They know the industry, they live and breathe insurance, and they understand all the confusing terminology and phrases, which hopefully they can explain to you in a straightforward, no nonsense way. They also know the insurers, and the people who work there, which is a significant advantage over you calling a toll-free number and hoping for the best.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. 

Hurricane season is here! Even though the past few hurricane seasons have been quiet, all it takes is one serious storm to cause enough damage to shut your business down. Now is the perfect time for you to begin preparing your business for a natural disaster. Don’t be one of those who are scrambling to get ready at the last minute. While preparing your family and your house for a hurricane may be something you can do in the days leading up to a storm, preparing your business should be met with a bit more urgency. After all, chances are you, along with your employees, rely on the business in order to support your lives. Start preparing your business now by following these 5 steps.

1. Take Before Pictures

Prior to the start of hurricane season we suggest taking pictures of your property and building. In the event your business sustains damage and you need to make a claim, it may make the process easier. Pictures help keep our memory fresh, and offer proof of damage that may have occurred during the storm.

2. Have Enough Money Stashed Away for Payroll 

Hurricanes can easily shut down business for a couple of weeks, with loss of electricity, road closures, and flooding. Your employees may not be able to come to work for weeks. Even worse, your entire business may be shut down until repairs are done and everyday life gets back to normal. If your company is unable to make money for a period of time, does it have enough money in the reserves to continue paying employees? It’s a good idea to have the ability to pay your employees without 2 weeks’ worth of revenue.

3. Paperless Record Keeping

Many times hurricanes bring record breaking winds, and sometimes over a foot of rainfall. Both of which can easily ruin any paperwork you might have stashed around your office, warehouse, building, etc. To cover yourself, keep a digital copy of all important documents.

4. Keep Valuable Information at an Off-site Location

After making digital copies of all important records and documents, make more copies to store at an accessible, off site location. Store your licenses, contracts, operational records, proof of ownership, and of course any insurance paperwork. Also, try to keep them stored somewhere that is not in the path of the storm.

5. Make Sure You Have Proper Insurance Coverage

It is very important for business owners to understand their insurance policies, before a storm shows up on the radar. We recommend that you review your policy annually, and make sure that your policy still fits your needs. For example, your company could have grown over the last year, and now you may need coverage for areas that you didn’t need coverage for last year, such as new equipment or updated property. Also, if you have property that is covered, you can purchase “Business Interruption” which can cover the loss of income you may experience while your business is shut down.

Be prepared this hurricane season by performing all of these tasks before a hurricane is heading your way. Hopefully this will be a light season, but better to be safe than sorry.  If you own a business, and are looking for protection and would like more information on what you do to prepare your business for a hurricane, MHG Insurance Brokers would be happy to assist you. Also, if you are looking to purchase business insurance such as General Liability or Professional Liability, our insurance specialists have the experience to assist your business and offer advice in finding the perfect plan to fit all of your needs. Contact MHG Insurance Brokers today at +1 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.