Short Answer: Benefits confusion is common, but it is not inevitable. By addressing the three biggest pain points, unclear terminology, unclear plan and account distinctions, and decision overload, employers can help their teams make more informed choices. Clear communication helps reduce HR’s workload during enrollment season and ensures employees get real value from their benefits. […]
Workers’ Compensation 101: Managing Claims, Reducing Risk & Getting Employees Back to Work Workers’ compensation is one of those coverages business owners often set and forget, until a claim happens. While rates have trended down in many states over the past several years, understanding how to manage a claim can still make a major difference […]
Quick Answer: It helps livestock and forage producers manage financial risks from precipitation shortages by utilizing a regional rainfall index rather than tracking individual farm production. PRF insurance is a federally supported crop insurance program administered through the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). What Is PRF Insurance? Whether you rely on pasture for grazing cattle […]
Quick answer: The most common manufacturing insurance gaps involve outdated property values, product liability exclusions, equipment breakdown, unaddressed cyber risks, and business interruption limits that do not match actual recovery timelines. Even manufacturers with strong insurance programs can develop coverage gaps if policies are not reviewed regularly. Below is a detailed breakdown of each gap, […]
What Great Employee Benefits Management Actually Looks Like Employee benefits are an important part of attracting and retaining employees, but simply offering a competitive benefits package isn’t enough. Great employee benefits management means helping employers choose, communicate, administer and continuously improve their benefits strategy. For business owners and HR leaders, the right benefits partner can […]
Waverly, Iowa, August 17 – The Accel Group has once again been recognized as a Best Practices Agency for 2026, earning a place among an exclusive group of independent insurance agencies nationwide. The Best Practices Agency designation is awarded to participants in the Best Practices Study, a comprehensive analysis of the business operations and performance […]
Starting and growing a small business means making a lot of decisions, and insurance is one of the most important. Most owners need more than a single policy to protect what they’ve built, but figuring out which ones can feel overwhelming. Summary: Common Types of Small Business Insurance General Liability What It Covers: Customer bodily […]
When business leaders think about attracting and retaining top talent, the conversation almost always defaults to three things: higher pay, remote work flexibility, or better benefits. While those factors are critical foundational blocks, the reality of the modern workforce has become infinitely more nuanced. If you are running a business and wondering why employee engagement […]
Electric vehicle chargers and solar installations are becoming increasingly common features on commercial and residential properties alike. For many property owners, they represent smart investments in sustainability, tenant appeal, and long-term operating costs. But there’s an insurance dimension to these improvements that is often overlooked until it becomes a problem. Insurance carriers are already adjusting […]
The Hidden Risks in Your Property Portfolio (And How to Fix Them) In the most recent episode of our podcast, Kate Rahfeldt and Dustin Toner, Accel’s real estate insurance experts, break down the hidden risks many property investors overlook and what to do about them. From shifting market conditions to structural gaps in coverage, […]
The labor market in 2026 remains competitive, and organizations face real challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. Employees have more options than ever, turnover is costly, and company culture plays a critical role in retention. The right strategies, from strong employee benefits programs to engaging onboarding and referral initiatives, can turn your organization into […]
The trucking industry plays a critical role in keeping goods moving across the country. With so much responsibility on the road, having the right insurance coverage is essential for protecting your trucks, cargo, drivers, and business operations. However, many trucking companies operate under common misconceptions about their insurance coverage. These misunderstandings can lead to unexpected […]
Estate planning and succession planning are essential parts of financial preparation for business owners, farmers, and families with significant assets. However, these topics are often delayed or misunderstood. In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, Corey Rekers speaks with financial advisor Scott Durscher from Accel Wealth Management about real-world estate planning strategies, including wills, […]
Nonprofits face a unique set of risks. You’re serving your community, managing volunteers, handling sensitive data, and relying on a board of dedicated individuals, often without the deep resources of a for-profit organization. Yet many nonprofits operate with insurance programs that were never designed with their specific exposures in mind. A standard General Liability policy […]
5-minute read Summer in Iowa brings road trips, backyard gatherings, lake weekends, and time outdoors. It also brings severe thunderstorms, hail, increased driving, and added liability risks. Iowa is no stranger to summer storm season — from hail-producing supercells to derechos that can cause widespread damage in a matter of minutes. Before summer is in […]
AI Is Everywhere. Does Value Follow? Adoption of AI is everywhere right now. AI is in marketing emails, conference keynotes, and company announcements. Everywhere you turn, there’s an opinion on how AI should be implemented and the impact it will have on a business. The challenge with AI? Not all conversations are grounded in real […]
2026 Business Trends: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Risk, AI, Growth & More The Accel Advantage Podcast marks its one-year anniversary with a special roundtable episode featuring leaders from across insurance, risk management, employee benefits, and wealth management. Hosted by Corey Rekers and joined by Josh Budke along with several Accel Group […]
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are two of the most valuable tax-advantaged benefits employers can offer — yet they are frequently misunderstood, conflated, or underutilized. As an HR professional, understanding the key distinctions between these two account types will help you guide employees toward informed enrollment decisions and ensure your benefits […]
5-minute read Spring in Iowa brings warmer temperatures, longer days… and unpredictable weather. From heavy rain and hail to high winds and rapid snowmelt, this time of year can put both your home and vehicles at risk. Iowa ranks among the top states for severe weather claims each year — and spring is when that […]
Why Dealerships Should Stop Buying Insurance on Price Alone For many auto, RV, and equipment dealerships, insurance has traditionally been…
Farmers are now focused on the 2026 growing season and are making their crop insurance decisions by March 15th. There…
If your association hasn’t reviewed its insurance structure since last renewal, now is the time. The insurance market for condo…
Construction plays a massive role in the American economy. In the most recent episode of The Accel Advantage Podcast, we…
Choosing the right insurance partner is just as important as choosing the right coverage. When shopping for business insurance, business…
As farmers prepare for the 2026 crop year, they have many choices to make. While currently facing tight or negative margins,…
Running a Main Street business means wearing a lot of hats. From sales and operations to HR and accounting, insurance often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But misunderstandings about business insurance can leave owners exposed to serious financial risk. In a recent episode of The Accel Advantage Podcast, host Corey Rekers sat […]
As we start a new year, we want to recognize the amazing people who represent The Accel Group’s organization’s spirit….
Car dealerships face a unique mix of risks, such as large inventory, outdoor exposure, rapidly changing technology, and daily customer interactions….
Life can change in an instant, and on top of all the complex emotions, you probably have your finances to…
A good day on the job for a waste collector starts with a safe truck. While you might be ready…
In this episode of The Accel Advantage Podcast, host Corey Rekers, Partner and President of Property & Casualty Insurance, sat…
Every industry faces its own risks and exposures. Nonprofits exist to serve a mission, and much of that mission is…
Being an entrepreneur and starting or owning your own business is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own challenges….
When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law back in March 2010, it represented one of the…
What makes a leader truly impactful? Is it their strategy, their experience, or the way they connect with people? In…
Whether you’re rolling through tight alleys or servicing busy commercial routes, your waste management team needs more than just good…
For many business owners and C-suite individuals, creating a cohesive plan that covers retirement planning, estate considerations, and business succession…
Employee Health and Benefits are crucial in protecting and satisfying your valued employees. With great benefits, you can see increased productivity, lower…
Accidents happen. Regardless of your best laid plans, claims will occur. As a business leader, how you react to and…
Navigating Modern Crop Insurance The world of agriculture and agribusiness is constantly evolving, and so are the tools farmers can…
Defining Direct Primary Care (DPC) As employers are searching for innovative ways to meet the needs of their team members,…
As a brewery owner, you’re likely busy perfecting that flagship IPA or expanding your taproom. However, there’s plenty going on…
When it comes to insurance, most people know they need it, but far fewer understand what’s actually in their policy…
In recent decades, health insurance premiums have steadily climbed, leaving many families and individuals struggling to afford coverage. While people…
When it comes to fleet safety, it’s not always about what you do. Sometimes it’s about what you miss. And…
Iowa’s hands-free driving law takes effect on July 1, 2025. This law prohibits drivers from holding or manually operating any electronic…
Earlier this week, Taylor Thoma, Director of Marketing, and Allyson Gayer, Digital Marketing Specialist, attended IMCA Ignite, a conference hosted…
In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, Stacie Brass discusses wealth. Stacie answers questions like, “How do I…
Construction is the industry not only with the most workplace deaths but also an extremely high rate of injury. This…
Navigating Today’s Employee Health and Benefits Landscape: Trends, Technology, and What Employers Need to Know In the latest episode of The Accel…
Pharmacy services, which are generally covered by group health insurance, can account for a significant number of a group’s claims….
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common and costly incidents in schools. These accidents can lead to workers’…
In episode two of The Accel Advantage podcast, we’re chatting with Ethan Thompson, Director of Sales; Josh Budke, President of…
Welcome to The Accel Advantage podcast, where we discuss insurance and financial services! In you’ll meet Josh Budke, President of Employee Health and Benefits…
More Than Just a Race The Boston Marathon is more than a race; it’s a journey of resilience, endurance, and…
At the beginning of April, Kara Roeder, Director of Employee Health and Benefits Operations, and Amanda Burks, Individual Employee Health and Benefits Specialist, attended Medicarians. This…
The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management are excited to announce the relocation of their West Des Moines office to…
As we kick off another incredible year, it’s time to reflect on and celebrate the exceptional individuals who truly embody…
Winter is upon us, which means cold temperatures, snowstorms, and some increased risks when it comes to your personal property….
You may have noticed that insurance premiums in the Midwest have been steadily rising. While there are many factors that…
Andrew Westendorf, AgriBusiness Solutions Advisor, is our resident farm and business ag expert. He specializes in insuring farm property and…
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting market demands. For business owners in…
In 2023, Gallup reported that 1 in 2 people, roughly 48% of all U.S. employees, indicated they were watching for…
While you might not enjoy thinking about it, have you ever considered how you will ease the financial burden on…
In the ever-evolving landscape of insurance, a beacon of hope shines through the hard market storm clouds—the U.S. surety market….
As an employee benefit advisor, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of different business executives over time. I…
Chandler and Mike Lamm are two of our Business Insurance advisors who often work together as a team. The best…
For our small to mid-sized business owners, we realize decision fatigue is a real thing. You do it all. But…
Homeownership is exciting and comes with a sense of security, and one critical aspect of that security is home insurance….
At The Accel Group, recognizing our employees and their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments is important to us. This past…
In an age where digital threats loom large, businesses of all sizes must prioritize cybersecurity and consider the critical role…
Iowa is home to a large deer population. You might see them roaming around in your backyard or, unfortunately, in…
There is a topic that has been of concern to many individuals recently – the rising rates of property and…
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Amid the chaos and confusion, knowing what…
The Accel Group has been named a Leading Partner by EMC Insurance Companies (EMC) for 2023, which means the agency…
We value celebrating our employees and their accomplishments. This past weekend, we gathered for our annual Holiday Party. We were…
At The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management, we want our employees to engage with meaningful volunteer opportunities. This is…
Open enrollment can be a stressful time of year for many employers. Our benefit advisors have put together a list…
Westfield’s Legacy of Caring Program donates $625,000 to Help Over 100 Nonprofits Across the Country Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 06/01/2022, —…
Is your insurance agent preparing you for common restaurant risks? There are a variety of risks a business must keep…
Medical costs continue to climb, health insurance premiums are volatile, and unemployment is a hot topic. Whether this trend lasts…
When transitioning to a new insurance carrier, there can be unexpected issues that come up. Most of them are common…
Data Privacy v. Data Security Data privacy is the right of individuals to control how their personal information is used…
2021 Core Value Awards and Milestone Anniversaries At The Accel Group, we value celebrating our employees and their accomplishments. A…
Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. It’s a great opportunity for consumers to support local…
You don’t have to look hard to find news on the current state of the U.S. labor market. Local newspaper…
Living in the Midwest, we’ve become accustomed to windstorms. However, no one ever expected to see the 140+ MPH winds…
Think back to a day that you were truly happy and satisfied. What made it so favorable? Was it meeting…
In the first Auto Insurance 101 blog we discussed auto liability protection. This is a legally required auto insurance coverage regulated at the state level. The primary purpose of this coverage is to protect the insured from the financial impact of potential damage he/she might cause to someone else’s body or property. In this next […]
It is no secret that employees are an organization’s most valuable – and most expensive – asset. So, it’s important…
Many people purchase auto insurance because it is required by law but are not fully aware of the protection they are purchasing (or rejecting) when setting up their coverage. An insurance agent should act as an advisor, attorney, or financial planner. The agent should go over the details of the policy and make sure their […]
The Accel Group name may be new to the Des Moines market, but the people are not. We sat down…
The employee health and benefits landscape has become increasingly complex in recent years. One of the main driving factors in recent years has been the development of new specialty drugs that have little competition. While these can be lifesaving/changing drugs, they can cost health plans up to $20,000 per month. With what seems like ever […]
As we begin 2021, we are more than a year into the Coronavirus and it is showing no signs of letting up. OSHA continues to get complaints regarding employers and their lack of prevention efforts. Inspections and enforcement continue with much focus on COVID-19 exposures. A majority of the citations centered around the Coronavirus relate […]
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“Quote me apples-to-apples.” “I’m happy with my agent.” “My agent shops my insurance.” “I buy my insurance local.” “My agent…
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Cassie Daley, an account manager for The Accel Group, had just made her lunch at the office on Monday when…
I run. Typically, it is when I clear my mind and just listen to the birds. Lately I have found…
“I wanted to get into this industry because I want to be out creating relationships. I like to hear each…
One of the most popular 4th of July activities is setting off fireworks. This patriotic activity is fun but can…
In the hot summer months, it can become an expensive necessity to run your AC. Read these tips below to…
“After 10 years of working in the industry, I still get up with the same passion every day that I…
When it’s a nice summer day, there’s nothing like grilling your favorite meals with family and friends! While grilling is…
How Do I Keep My Kids Busy While Working from Home? This is a question/concern for many working parents during…
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THE ACCEL GROUP ACQUIRES DES MOINES-BASED ASSET PROS INSURANCE EXPANDS SERVICE FOOTPRINT IN IOWA CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Accel Group,…
Loss Control: Understand Fiduciary Responsibility Is your company prepared to defend a class action lawsuit? Recent headlines read, “Lawsuit filed claims…
The Accel Group Recognized by Employers Mutual Casualty Insurance Company (EMC) for Outstanding Performance The Accel Group, one of Iowa’s…
Checking your coverage needs for your life insurance periodically is important since your debt fluctuates. Thus, the amount of coverage you need…