Skip to content Accessibility info

Rathbun Insurance Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

Rathbun Insurance Proudly Supports the 2025 Leadership in Education Dinner with Communities In Schools of Michigan

At Rathbun Insurance, our mission of Being There Matters Most extends beyond protecting what matters-we believe in uplifting the people and organizations that shape our communities for the better. That’s why we are...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance Welcomes Laura Stoken as President and Partner

We are thrilled to share a significant milestone in Rathbun Insurance history: effective April 1, 2025, Laura Stoken will become President and Partner of Rathbun Insurance. Laura joined our agency in 2023 as Chief...

Read More


Celebrating David Finkbeiner: A Legacy of Leadership, Laughter, and Loyalty

We gathered as a team to celebrate the retirement of our President, David Finkbeiner, and to honor the incredible mark he’s left on Rathbun Insurance. David joined the agency in 2012 as a personal and commercial lines...

Read More


We’re Getting Another Mural — This Time Created by Students!

At Rathbun Insurance, we are beyond pumped to share some truly exciting news-this Spring Break, we’re partnering with Muralmatics and Ready Set ASPIRE to bring a student-created mural to life inside our newly renovated...

Read More


Honoring the Legacy of Rosie the Riveter at Michigan Rosie Day

Rathbun Insurance was proud to be represented by our Chief Operating Officer, Laura Stoken, at this year’s Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day celebration, held at the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing. The...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance CEO Ben Rathbun Attends 2025 NAAIA Midwest Regional Forum in Chicago

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in the power of leadership, education, and community engagement. That’s why our CEO, Ben Rathbun, traveled to Chicago yesterday to participate in the 2025 NAAIA Midwest Regional Forum-a...

Read More


Breaking the Silence: Rathbun Insurance at The (M) Factor Screening

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in supporting conversations that uplift and educate our community. That’s why our CEO, Ben Rathbun, and COO, Laura Stoken, were honored to attend The (M) Factor screening-an event that...

Read More


Loss Assessment Coverage: A Must-Have for Condo Owners & HOA Members

If you own a condo or live in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), you probably know that the association carries its own insurance policy. But did you know that if the HOA suffers a major loss, you could be...

Read More


Interior Matching Protection: Why Your Home Needs It

Your home is a reflection of your style, comfort, and hard work. But what happens when a covered loss damages part of your space-leaving you with mismatched flooring, cabinets, or countertops? Most standard homeowners...

Read More


Why Service Line Coverage Is a Must-Have on Your Homeowners Policy

Most homeowners don’t think about the underground pipes and wires running from their house to the street-until something goes wrong. Water, sewer, gas, electrical, and internet lines are all critical to your home, but ...

Read More


Why You Need Equipment Breakdown Coverage on Your Homeowners Policy

Your home is filled with essential systems and appliances-HVAC, water heaters, refrigerators, security systems, and more. But what happens when they suddenly fail due to mechanical or electrical breakdown? Most people...

Read More


Inland Flood Coverage: Are You Protected?

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem. Inland floods caused by heavy rain, snowmelt, or overflowing streams are on the rise, even in low-to-moderate risk areas. Unfortunately, standard homeowners, renters, and condo...

Read More


Are You Covered? Why Your Liability Limits Matter

Most people focus on protecting their belongings when they buy home, renters, or condo insurance. But what about protecting your finances if you’re sued? Liability coverage is one of the most important parts of your...

Read More


Are You Underinsured? How to Make Sure Your Renters or Condo Insurance Covers Your Belongings

When was the last time you thought about the value of everything you own? If a fire, theft, or water damage destroyed your personal belongings, would your renters or condo insurance cover the full cost to replace them?...

Read More


Home Cyber Coverage: Protecting Your Digital Life

In today’s connected world, cyber threats aren’t just a business problem-they’re a household problem. From smart home devices and online banking to email and social media, your personal data is more vulnerable than ever....

Read More


Don’t Settle for Less: Why You Need Replacement Cost Contents Coverage

If a fire, storm, or burglary damages your belongings, would your insurance cover the full cost to replace them? Many policyholders are surprised to learn that without Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage, their...

Read More


Why You Should Have Rental Car Coverage on Your Auto Insurance Policy in Michigan

Imagine this: You’re involved in an accident, and your car needs repairs. How will you get to work, pick up your kids, or run daily errands while your vehicle is in the shop? If you don’t have rental car coverage on...

Read More


Protecting Your Identity: Why Identity Fraud Expense Coverage Belongs on Your Homeowners Policy

In today’s digital world, identity theft is a growing concern. Criminals can steal personal information to access bank accounts, open fraudulent credit cards, or even take out loans in your name. Unfortunately,...

Read More


Hazards in Your Home Storage Areas

Many American families have an accumulation of stuff in their homes: gasoline cans, spare oil, half-containers of antifreeze, fertilizer, yard pesticides and other materials all compressed together into one poorly...

Read More


Join Our Team: Rathbun Insurance is Hiring a Personal Lines Account Manager

Are you a passionate and results-driven professional with a commitment to delivering exceptional service? Do you thrive in a team-oriented environment that values integrity, success, and community? Join Rathbun...

Read More


A Legacy: Honoring Gene Rathbun’s Impact on Rathbun Insurance

In the insurance world, policies and coverages may define our work, but it’s the people who define our purpose. At Rathbun Insurance, our guiding principle has always been "Being There Matters Most." Few embodied that...

Read More


Welcoming Marcy Rzepka to the Rathbun Insurance Team

We are thrilled to announce that Marcy Rzepka is joining Rathbun Insurance as our newest Personal and Commercial Insurance Producer! Marcy brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent over 30 years in sales and...

Read More


Tell Your Rathbun Account Manager Before Buying Backyard Chickens

Egg prices have skyrocketed, and with them, an increased interest in backyard chickens. But before you acquire a flock, consider your liability risks and insurance coverage. Liability - Keeping chickens can create...

Read More


Worker's Compensation and Subcontractors

Why Are My Subcontractors Included in My Workers' Compensation Payroll? If you're a contractor in Michigan, you've probably faced an unexpected surprise when your workers' compensation (WC) audit includes payroll for...

Read More


Cyber Bytes: Beware of IRS Tax Scams

A threatening notification from the IRS can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a staple in the scammer’s toolkit. They want you to be scared and not take time to think. Common IRS tax scams - These often start with a call...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance Inspires the Next Generation at JA Girls’ Dream Fair

As we close out February’s Insurance Careers Month, we’re proud to celebrate our continued commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals. Today, Producer Heather Cooper-Kim and Account Manager Kim Evans...

Read More


Flipping for a Cause: Rathbun Insurance Supports Haven House’s Pancake Palooza!

This past weekend, Rathbun Insurance proudly showed up in support of Haven House’s Annual Pancake Palooza! As a Special Ingredient Sponsor, we were thrilled to help make this fun-filled event a success. Our President,...

Read More


Reduce Risks Associated With Electric Vehicles

While the federal government and firefighting associations don’t collect data on the number of electric vehicle (EV) fires, there’s one thing all industry specialists seem to agree on: When an EV catches fire, it’s much...

Read More


How To Read and Understand Your Auto Policy

If understanding your auto insurance policy is challenging, you’re not alone. Insurance is a contract, so it has a lot of legal language. But don’t let that scare you. Once you know where to find the information, you...

Read More


4 Water Damage Situations Standard Home Insurance Policies Won’t Cover

No one wants to come home to an overflowing toilet, a backed-up sewer line or a leaking ceiling. Water damage can cause homeowners as much money and anxiety as a fire, an earthquake or a hurricane. The Insurance...

Read More


What Is Negligence?

According to Cornell Law School, negligence is “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” This applies to professional services and...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance Featured on 1320 WILS Morning Show

We’re excited to share that our very own Laura Stoken, COO of Rathbun Insurance, had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on 1320 WILS here in Lansing! Laura joined morning show host Mike Austin on Wednesday,...

Read More


Kick-Start Your Career in Insurance: 2025 Summer Internship Opportunity at Rathbun Insurance!

Are you a dynamic, ambitious individual ready to dive into the world of insurance? Rathbun Insurance is excited to announce an exclusive opportunity for a 2025 Summer Intern! This is your chance to gain hands-on...

Read More


Insurance Premiums Are Rising — Here's What You Need To Know

Sticker shock and revolving risk are the new normal. Extreme weather, cyberattacks, supply chain interruptions, worker shortages, wars and inflation keep hammering the insurance market. It’s like the classic “I Love...

Read More


March Quotes for a Cause: Supporting The Stewards of Nature At-Risk Youth Program

At Rathbun Insurance, our mission goes beyond safeguarding homes and businesses-we are deeply committed to the well-being of our community. One of the ways we live out this commitment is through our Quotes for a Cause...

Read More


You Can Buy Down Your Wind and Hail Deductible

Rising property insurance premiums in wind- and hail-prone areas have increased interest in wind deductible buyback (WDBB) insurance. Available as a stand-alone policy that complements primary property insurance, WDBB...

Read More


Exploring History, Culture, and Community: Rathbun Insurance Visits the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that being there matters most-not just in insurance but in understanding and connecting with the community we serve. This belief recently took us to The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center...

Read More


Supporting STEAM and Community: Rathbun Insurance at Waverly Robotics’ A Night Out

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that Being There Matters Most-not just for our clients but for the community we call home. That’s why CEO Ben Rathbun and COO Laura Stoken were honored to attend A Night Out, a special...

Read More


Buying a Local Business: What Are Your Insurance Issues?

Are you looking to buy another company? Folding its property, customers and employees into your organization is no small feat. Even if you plan to keep it as a subsidiary, you need to do full due diligence on the...

Read More


National Fix a Leak Week: Finding Common Household Water Leaks

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Nationwide, that amounts to nearly 1 trillion gallons of water wasted every year. The EPA’s...

Read More


Celebrating David’s Legacy and Welcoming Laura as Our New Owner

At Rathbun Insurance, our legacy is built on strong leadership and a commitment to our community. Today, we celebrate a monumental transition in our agency’s history-honoring David’s remarkable career and contributions...

Read More


Join Our Team: Rathbun Insurance is Hiring a Commercial Lines Producer!

Are you a driven, relationship-focused professional looking for an opportunity to grow your career in commercial insurance? Rathbun Insurance is excited to announce that we are hiring a Commercial Lines Producer to join...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance Attends the 9th Annual Professional Development Dinner with the Native American Hispanic Business Student Organization

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in the power of education, mentorship, and community engagement. Last night, we had the distinct honor of attending the Native American Hispanic Business Students’ (NAHBS) 9th Annual...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance COO, Laura Stoken Joins Capital Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board

At Rathbun Insurance, we are thrilled to announce that our COO, Laura Stoken, has recently joined the Workforce Development Board of Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW). This opportunity aligns seamlessly with Laura’s...

Read More


Waivers vs. Insurance: Understanding the Differences and Why Both Matter

When planning an event or activity, it’s common to wonder why you might need an insurance policy if participants have already signed liability waivers. After all, isn’t a waiver enough to protect you? While waivers are...

Read More


HOA and COA Members: What Are Reserves and Why Do They Matter?

When homebuying, you’ll create a budget based on price, taxes and insurance. You’ll balance your budget against other expectations like home size, location and condition. You might find a home that’s part of a...

Read More


Rathbun Insurance Proudly Supports the 40th Annual MLK Day of Celebration

Rathbun Insurance takes pride in supporting events and initiatives that unite our community and uphold values of equality, justice, and hope. This year, we were honored to contribute to the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther...

Read More


Continuing Our Commitment to the Lansing Community at Allen Neighborhood Center

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that “Being There Matters Most” isn’t just a tagline-it’s a promise to be present for the communities we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we are continuing our office...

Read More


HOA and COA Members: What Are Reserves and Why Do They Matter?

When homebuying, you’ll create a budget based on price, taxes and insurance. You’ll balance your budget against other expectations like home size, location and condition. You might find a home that’s part of a...

Read More


9 Snowblower Safety Tips for Homeowners

When winter dumps inches or even feet of snow in your neighborhood, a snowblower can be a handy tool. While a snowblower can quickly clear your driveway and sidewalks, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Snowblowers...

Read More


We Did It Again: Another Successful Partnership with Wilson Talent Center and Sweet Encounter Bakery!

At Rathbun Insurance, we are sooo proud to have done it again! Another year, another incredible real-life business experience for the talented students at Wilson Talent Center. This year, we partnered with our amazing...

Read More


What Does an Insurance Claims Adjuster Do?

A claims adjuster determines how much your insurance company should pay you after you file a claim. A property and casualty adjuster investigates auto, business and home claims. They're also called an insurance adjuster....

Read More


Fostering Connection and Growth: Rathbun Insurance Embraces DiSC Profiles

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in building a workplace where every team member feels valued, understood, and empowered to be their best selves. As part of our dedication to building a workplace where team members can...

Read More


What Does Fire Insurance Cover?

Home insurance policies cover several catastrophic risks, including fires and lightning. Most even cover wildfires. Yet you might wonder what to expect from your insurance company if your house is severely damaged, and...

Read More