Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance Rates?

By Caitlin Diaz | December 5, 2024 |
The image shows a person inspecting a damaged car and taking notes on a clipboard. The text "Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance Rates?" is displayed at the bottom, along with the SIA Blogs logo in the corner.

Many drivers don’t realize how much their credit score can impact car insurance premiums. In most states, insurers use your credit score to help determine your rates, and even a small change in your score can lead to significant fluctuations in your premium. However, three states—California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii—have banned the use of credit scores…

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NOAA Winter Forecast 2024-25: Expect a Wetter North and a Drier South

By Caitlin Diaz | November 28, 2024 |
The image shows a snow-covered landscape with tall, frosted trees under a vibrant, colorful sky at sunset. In the foreground, the text "NOAA Winter Forecast 2024-25" is displayed, along with the SIA Blogs logo in the bottom right corner.

As winter approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its U.S. winter outlook for December 2024 through February 2025. Driven by La Niña conditions, this season’s forecast anticipates marked weather patterns, with wetter-than-average conditions expected in the northern regions and a drier, warmer outlook for the South. What is La Niña, and…

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Safety Tips for Holiday Meal Prep 

By Caitlin Diaz | November 21, 2024 |
A festive dining table with people serving and enjoying a variety of dishes, including roasted meat, salads, fruits, and charcuterie, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.

Getting together with friends and family can be the best part of the holiday season. However, as you start planning for Thanksgiving dinner and other gatherings, you must keep yourself and your guests safe. Even if you consider yourself an expert chef and know every nook and cranny of your kitchen, you should remain mindful…

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Survey Highlights Americans’ Struggle with Prescription Drug Costs

By Caitlin Diaz | November 14, 2024 |
A close-up view of various colorful prescription pills and blister packs scattered over U.S. dollar bills, symbolizing the financial burden of medication costs.

A recent survey by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) sheds light on a significant issue: many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling to afford prescription medications. The Patient Experience Survey revealed that over half of insured Americans (51%) cannot accurately predict their prescription costs, while a sizable 38% reported rising out-of-pocket expenses…

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Understanding OSHA’s Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard

By Caitlin Diaz | November 7, 2024 |
Two construction workers wearing reflective safety vests and hard hats stand near an excavator at a worksite during sunset, discussing OSHA's proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety by publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register regarding heat injury and illness prevention. If finalized, this new standard would represent the first federal regulation specifically aimed at safeguarding workers from extreme heat, affecting all…

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