Rathbun Insurance Blog

Rathbun Insurance Celebrates the Incredible Impact of Highfields at Annual Breakfast

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:34:04 GMT

This morning, Rathbun Insurance President Laura Stoken and Producer Heather Cooper-Kim had the opportunity to attend the Highfields Annual Breakfast, and WOW! What an incredible organization doing truly meaningful work right here in our community!

Founded in 1962 as a residential camp for troubled boys in Ingham County, Highfields was built on a powerful belief: With the right opportunities, support, and resources, people can change their lives for the better. More than 60 years later, that belief continues to drive the organization's incredible impact.

Today, Highfields has grown into a multi-purpose human services organization serving approximately 5,000 individuals each year across 11 counties. Through residential treatment, in-home counseling programs, and educational services, Highfields provides children, youth, and families with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to build brighter futures.

Their mission is simple yet powerful: To provide opportunities to children, youth, and families to become more responsible for their own lives and to strengthen their relationships with others.

And their vision? To create bright futures for children, their families, and communities.

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe strong communities are built when we invest in people, create opportunities, and support organizations that are making a lasting difference. Highfields is a shining example of what happens when compassion, resources, and a commitment to helping others come together.

We left this morning's breakfast inspired by the incredible work being done and grateful for the dedicated individuals who make it possible.

Thank you, Highfields, for everything you do to strengthen families, empower young people, and create brighter futures throughout our region. We are fortunate to have organizations like yours making such a meaningful difference in our community!

At Rathbun Insurance, being there matters most, and we are proud to celebrate those who show up for our community every single day.

How to Protect Important Business Records and Documents

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:47:48 GMT

Businesses depend on a wide range of records to operate effectively, from financial and tax documents to contracts, employee information, customer records, and licenses. Losing access to important information can create delays, make it harder to serve customers, and complicate recovery after an unexpected event.

Taking a few precautions can help protect both physical and digital records while making important information easier to recover when you need it.

Identify Your Most Important Records

Start by determining which documents would be difficult or time-consuming to replace. These may include contracts, tax records, licenses, property records, employee documents, customer information, equipment records, and other materials essential to your operations.

Creating an organized inventory can also help you determine which records should be backed up and how long different types of documents should be retained.

Store Physical Documents Securely

Important paper records should be kept in a secure location with limited access. Depending on the types of documents your business maintains, consider using locked filing cabinets, fire-resistant storage, or another protected area.

Avoid storing your only copies of critical documents in areas that could be especially vulnerable to water damage, fire, theft, or other hazards.

Create Digital Copies When Appropriate

Digitizing important records can provide another layer of protection and make information easier to access. Scanned copies of contracts, receipts, property records, and other documents can be stored securely alongside records that are already created electronically.

Make sure sensitive information is protected with appropriate access controls and that employees only have access to the records they need for their work.

Maintain Reliable Backups

A backup is most useful when it is stored separately from the original data. Depending on your business, that could include secure cloud storage, an off-site backup, or a combination of methods.

Backups should be performed regularly and tested periodically to make sure information can actually be restored. Automatic backups can also reduce the risk of important data being overlooked.

Protect Your Business From Digital Threats

Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, and employee training can all help reduce the risk of unauthorized access to business records. Employees should also know how to recognize suspicious emails, links, and requests for sensitive information.

If your business stores customer, employee, financial, or other sensitive data, cyber liability insurance may also be an important part of your overall risk management strategy.

Include Records in Your Recovery Planning

Consider how your business would access critical records if your office became temporarily unavailable or your computer systems went down. Having secure backups and a documented recovery process can help your business resume operations more efficiently after an unexpected disruption.

At Rathbun Insurance, we can help you review how your business insurance addresses risks related to your property, operations, and data. Contact us today to review your business insurance coverage.

How to Prevent Common Fall Fire Hazards Around Your Home

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:47:33 GMT

Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and changing leaves are all signs that fall has arrived. They also bring seasonal activities that can increase the risk of fires around the home. Fireplaces come back into use, space heaters get pulled out of storage, candles are lit more often, and dry leaves begin accumulating outside.

A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season while reducing potential fire hazards around your property.

Have Your Fireplace and Chimney Inspected

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, consider having the chimney inspected and cleaned before using it for the season. Creosote and other debris can accumulate inside a chimney over time and create a potential fire hazard.

Keep furniture, decorations, firewood, and other combustible materials a safe distance from the fireplace. A sturdy fireplace screen can also help prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room.

Use Space Heaters Carefully

Portable space heaters can provide extra warmth as temperatures drop, but they should be used with care. Keep heaters away from curtains, bedding, furniture, clothing, and other materials that could catch fire.

Place space heaters on a stable surface and plug them directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip. Turn them off whenever you leave the room or go to sleep.

Be Careful With Candles and Seasonal Decorations

Candles can add to the atmosphere of the season, but an open flame should never be left unattended. Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, paper, and anything else that could ignite.

When decorating for fall or Halloween, inspect electrical decorations and extension cords for damaged wiring before using them. Avoid overloading outlets, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for indoor and outdoor use.

Keep Leaves and Debris Away From Heat Sources

Dry leaves, branches, and other yard debris can burn quickly. Regularly clear them away from your home, outdoor heating equipment, fire pits, grills, and other potential ignition sources.

If you burn leaves or yard waste where permitted, follow local regulations and never leave an outdoor fire unattended. Keep water or another appropriate means of extinguishing the fire nearby.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is a good time to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Replace batteries when needed and make sure each device is functioning properly. Detectors should also be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Seasonal maintenance can help reduce the chance of a fire, but accidents can still happen. It's also a good idea to periodically review your homeowners insurance to make sure your coverage reflects your home and belongings.

At Rathbun Insurance, we can help you review your current protection and discuss your insurance needs. Contact us today to review your coverage.

Rathbun Insurance Proud to Support E.V.E. at Evening Out Gala

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:47:19 GMT

Rathbun Insurance was proud to attend the End Violent Encounters (E.V.E.) Evening Out Gala, with team members Heather Cooper-Kim and Rafal Kopacewicz representing our agency in support of an organization making a meaningful difference in the Greater Lansing community.

End Violent Encounters Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and abuse later in life. Through compassionate services, advocacy, education, and community awareness, E.V.E. empowers survivors on their healing journeys while working to foster a culture of safety, dignity, and respect.

E.V.E.'s roots in Lansing run deep. Founded in 1977 as the Council Against Domestic Assault (CADA) by a group of dedicated community members, including Senator Debbie Stabenow, the organization established Lansing's first domestic violence shelter. Nearly 50 years later, E.V.E. continues to expand its reach, providing critical resources and support to individuals and families throughout our community.

At the heart of E.V.E.'s mission is the belief that every survivor deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered to make their own decisions. Whether someone needs shelter, advocacy, information, or simply a compassionate person to talk to, E.V.E. provides survivor-centered services that meet individuals where they are.

The Evening Out Gala brings the community together to celebrate this important mission, raise awareness, and support the vital work E.V.E. does every day.

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that being there matters most. That commitment extends beyond protecting our clients to standing alongside organizations that strengthen our community and support those who need it most.

We are grateful to Heather and Rafal for representing Rathbun Insurance at this meaningful event and proud to support E.V.E.'s continued efforts to create a safer, more empowered community for all.

Thank you to the E.V.E. team, volunteers, advocates, and supporters for the incredible work you do to help survivors find hope, healing, and a path forward.

Rathbun Insurance Proudly Supports the NAACP Lansing Branch’s 60th Freedom Fund Celebration

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:36:34 GMT

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that building a stronger community starts with showing up, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. We were proud to join the NAACP Lansing Branch for its 60th Freedom Fund Celebration, an event honoring the ongoing work to advance equity, inclusion, and civil rights in our community.

Ben Rathbun, Heather Cooper-Kim, and Rafal Kopacewicz had the pleasure of attending the celebration on behalf of Rathbun Insurance, joining community leaders, advocates, and supporters in recognizing the important mission and lasting impact of the NAACP.

The NAACP Lansing Branch Freedom Fund supports the organization's mission to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, the Branch works to eliminate discrimination, expand human and civil rights, and strengthen the well-being, educational opportunities, and economic security of Black individuals and all people of color.

The Freedom Fund's history dates back to 1953, when the NAACP launched a national initiative to intensify efforts toward achieving full equality and freedom. Following the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar W. Evers in 1963, NAACP Chairman Bishop Stephen Spottswood reaffirmed the organization's commitment to continuing this important work until the promise of freedom and equality was fully realized.

Today, the Freedom Fund remains a meaningful reminder of both the progress that has been made and the work that continues.

As a locally owned, independent insurance agency serving Greater Lansing for 70 years, Rathbun Insurance understands the importance of investing in organizations that make our community stronger.

We believe that everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed. Supporting organizations like the NAACP Lansing Branch reflects our commitment to building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and helping foster a community where everyone can thrive.

Congratulations to the NAACP Lansing Branch on 60 years of Freedom Fund celebrations! Thank you for your continued leadership, advocacy, and dedication to making Greater Lansing a more equitable and inclusive place for all. We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate alongside you and proud to support your important work.

Being there matters most.

Rathbun Insurance Welcomes MSU International Students for Career Trek Experience

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:05:43 GMT

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in the power of opening doors, building connections and investing in the next generation of professionals. We were proud to recently welcome a group of international students from Michigan State University (MSU) to our office for an engaging Career Trek experience!

MSU's Career Trek program provides international students with unique, immersive opportunities to explore different industries, connect with local employers, learn about career paths and build meaningful professional relationships. These experiences offer students a firsthand look at organizations and the many opportunities available as they prepare for their futures.

During their visit, our team shared insights into the insurance industry, highlighting that a career in insurance is about so much more than selling policies. From sales and business development to underwriting, risk management, claims, customer service, technology, marketing and agency leadership, the industry offers a wide variety of career paths for individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills and interests.

We also discussed the value of networking, building professional relationships, navigating nontraditional career paths and exploring employment opportunities right here in the Greater Lansing region. Our speakers shared their own professional journeys, experiences and perspectives, helping students better understand the skills, connections and opportunities that can shape a successful career.

We are especially grateful to the Rathbun staff and former intern who helped make this experience meaningful:

Ben Rathbun, CEO of Rathbun Insurance and MSU alumnus
Laura Stoken, President and Partner of Rathbun Insurance
Rafal Kopacewicz, Insurance Producer at Rathbun Insurance
Yuxuan Gao, Independent Insurance Producer affiliated with Rathbun Insurance
Sarah Beljeri, Rathbun Insurance's 2025 Summer Intern and current MSU international student

Each brought a unique perspective to the conversation, demonstrating that there is no single path to building a rewarding career. We were especially excited to welcome Sarah back to share her perspective as both a former Rathbun intern and a current international student navigating her own professional journey.

As a locally owned, independent insurance agency, we recognize the importance of connecting emerging talent with the businesses and opportunities that make Greater Lansing a great place to build a career. International students bring valuable experiences, global perspectives and diverse talents to our communities and workplaces, and we are proud to be part of creating a welcoming environment where they can explore, ask questions, make connections and grow.

A special thank you to Michigan State University for including Rathbun Insurance in this wonderful initiative, and to the students who joined us for their curiosity, thoughtful questions and enthusiasm!

Being there matters most, and sometimes that means simply opening our doors, sharing our experiences and helping the next generation discover what's possible. We look forward to continuing to support opportunities that connect students, employers and our Greater Lansing community.

Rathbun Insurance Celebrates an Evening of Hope and Healing at Ele’s Place Fall Reception

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rathbun Insurance was proud to once again support the 25th Annual Ele’s Place Fall Reception! CEO Ben Rathbun, Commercial Account Executive Cheryl Grimes, and Personal Lines Account Manager Denise Ordiway had a wonderful time celebrating an organization that holds a special place in our hearts.

The evening brought together community members, volunteers, and supporters for a celebration of hope, healing, and the incredible impact Ele’s Place continues to make in the lives of grieving children and families. Guests enjoyed delicious food, live music, a silent auction, and the opportunity to hear firsthand how Ele’s Place has made a meaningful difference in the life of a past participant.

For Rathbun Insurance, our connection to Ele’s Place goes well beyond sponsorship.

Ben Rathbun has been a dedicated volunteer with Ele’s Place for more than a decade, including seven years facilitating grief support groups for preschool-aged children. He joined the Capital Region Community Board in 2020 and became Vice Chair in 2025, continuing his commitment to supporting the organization and the families it serves.

Our very own Denise Ordiway has also been a longtime volunteer grief facilitator, generously giving her time to help children navigate the loss of someone they love. Her compassion and dedication reflect the heart of Ele’s Place and the importance of simply being there for others during life's most difficult moments.

Ele’s Place is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no child or teen grieves alone in Michigan. Through compassionate peer support groups, the organization provides a safe space where children and families can connect with others who understand their experiences, process their grief, and discover hope and healing.

At Rathbun Insurance, our vision is Being There Matters Most, and few organizations embody that belief quite like Ele’s Place. We are incredibly proud of Ben and Denise for their years of personal commitment to this mission and grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting an organization making such a profound difference in our community.

Thank you to the entire Ele’s Place team, its volunteers, and supporters for another wonderful Fall Reception. We had a blast celebrating with you and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come!

Your New Car Was Totaled — Now What?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:46:02 GMT

New vehicle prices have increased in the past few years. The cost of repairing a car after an accident has also increased.

Modern vehicles are built with more sophisticated and expensive parts than in the past. Airbags, onboard safety devices, cameras and related components are all expensive to replace. Because of this, a vehicle that appears fixable could be deemed a total loss. And a car can be totaled even if it only sustained minimal body damage.

What it means when your car is "totaled"

Generally, a car is considered totaled when the cost to repair it exceeds its value. Even though the damage may appear minimal, repair costs can quickly add up. Your car may also be considered totaled if it can’t be safely repaired. Some states even have laws that require your insurance company to consider the vehicle a total loss based on the extent of the damage it sustained.

For example, assume your insurance company determines the value of your vehicle is $10,000. The repair shop estimates the repairs at $10,000 with “open damages,” meaning the cost could be higher once repairs start. In this situation, your insurance company would likely consider the vehicle a total loss. They would cut you or your lienholder a check for the car's value, less your insurance deductible.

How does your insurance company determine your vehicle’s worth?

Imagine you purchased a brand-new vehicle for $26,000. But that was several years ago. Since then, the value of your vehicle has depreciated. Your insurance company doesn’t consider the original purchase price of the vehicle, but rather what you would get if you sold your vehicle today.

The insurance company considers several factors:

Mileage
Condition
Tires
Additional parts or equipment

The insurance adjuster uses these details and local research to arrive at the actual cash value (ACV) of your car.

Some states also allow for the collection of sales tax and title registration during this process.

Ask us how your insurer determines ACV. You can also research similar cars that have recently sold in your area and present that data to the adjuster for consideration.

When your car isn’t paid off, gap insurance can help

Sometimes, a car is totaled and the insurance settlement doesn’t fully pay off the loan. For instance, say you financed a $30,000 car over 60 months. The vehicle was totaled shortly after you purchased it, and its value is now $25,000. The problem is you still owe $27,000 on the loan, resulting in a $2,000 difference.

The final insurance check is mailed directly to your lender, since there is a lien on your vehicle. Your lender then sends you a bill for the $2,000 difference. How do you pay it?

The answer is guaranteed asset protection (gap) insurance. Gap insurance can protect you from owing more than what your car is worth. If you don’t have gap insurance, you’ll need to work with the lender to pay off the loan balance.

Can you keep your car after it's been declared totaled?

In most situations, your insurance company will sell your totaled car to a salvage yard. But if you want to keep the car, you might be able to. Get bids from local salvage yards for your vehicle and present those bids to your insurance company. Together, you can come up with a fair market value for the salvaged vehicle, and your insurance company can deduct that amount from your vehicle settlement.

For example, imagine your vehicle’s value is determined to be $10,000. It has a salvage value of $500. You decide to keep it. In this scenario, you would get a final settlement of $9,500.

Keeping a salvaged vehicle involves a few stipulations:

Your state might require you to license it as a “salvage title.” This informs future buyers about the car's history and condition, even if you’ve made the necessary repairs.
Insurance companies might limit the types of coverage they will provide on the vehicle.

Contact us for a gap insurance quote

If you have questions about what happens when a car has been totaled or how to obtain gap insurance, call us. We're here to help.

Rathbun Insurance Proud to Support the 25th Annual Ele’s Place Fall Reception

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:04:17 GMT

Rathbun Insurance is proud to once again support Ele’s Place and its 25th Annual Fall Reception, an evening dedicated to ensuring no child or teen has to grieve alone.

The Fall Reception will take place Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Ele’s Place. Guests will enjoy food truck fare, wine and beer, live music and a silent auction, while also having the opportunity to hear from a past participant about the difference Ele’s Place made in their life.

Ele’s Place holds an especially meaningful place in the heart of Rathbun Insurance because our connection to the organization extends far beyond sponsorship.

Rathbun Insurance CEO Ben Rathbun began volunteering with Ele’s Place more than a decade ago, including seven years facilitating groups for preschool-aged children. He joined the Capital Region Community Board in 2020 and became Vice Chair in 2025, while continuing to support the organization’s mission and the families it serves.

Rathbun Insurance Account Manager Denise Ordiway has also dedicated years to Ele’s Place as a volunteer grief facilitator, giving her time each week to support children as they navigate the loss of someone they love.

At Ele’s Place, children and families are given a safe and compassionate space to find healing through shared experiences. Through peer support groups, children learn that they are not alone in their grief and are given opportunities to connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.

The organization’s vision is simple but powerful: to ensure no child or teen grieves alone in Michigan.

Ele’s Place was named in honor of Ele Stover, who died in 1989 at just 11 months old and was survived by four siblings. From that family’s experience grew an organization dedicated to creating awareness and support for grieving children and their families.

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe being there matters most. Ele’s Place demonstrates what that can look like during some of the most difficult moments a family can experience. We are grateful for the opportunity to support its work, proud of Ben and Denise for the years they have personally invested in its mission, and honored to once again support the Fall Reception.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating 25 years of this special event and supporting the important work Ele’s Place continues to do for children and families throughout our community.

Celebrating Creativity and Community: Rathbun Insurance Sponsors the 2026 AOTA Sneaker Gala

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:58:02 GMT

Rathbun Insurance is excited to once again sponsor the All of the Above Hip Hop Academy Sneaker Gala, an incredible celebration of youth, creativity, music, dance and Hip Hop culture in our community.

If you attended Rathbun Insurance’s 70th Anniversary Open House this summer, you already got a glimpse of the talent and energy All of the Above brings to Lansing. Their skills were on full display as their DJ and breakdancers helped provide entertainment throughout our celebration. We loved having them be part of such an important milestone for our agency, and we are proud to continue supporting their work.

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy is a nonprofit organization made up of artists, educators and advocates who mentor youth, encourage artistic expression and serve the community as a Hip Hop cultural resource. Through classes, workshops and performance opportunities, young people have the chance to learn directly from respected Hip Hop practitioners while developing their creativity, confidence and skills.

Their fourth annual Sneaker Gala will take place Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lansing Shuffle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. and concluding by 9 p.m.

Each year, the Gala showcases the incredible talents of All of the Above students and teachers through live dance and music performances. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind custom sneakers, with proceeds helping sustain AOTA’s free Hip Hop arts programming for Lansing youth.

Tickets are $50 and include dinner.

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe deeply in investing in the people and organizations that make our community stronger. All of the Above creates spaces where young people can express themselves, build relationships, learn from mentors and discover what they are capable of achieving.

We are excited to celebrate with them again this year and proud to support another Sneaker Gala. We hope to see you there!