Few employers think their workers understand their benefit packages, which can be corrected by one-to-one benefits counseling sessions during enrollment, a new survey says.

Less than one-fifth of employers think their employees have a very good understanding of their benefits; about 5% think their employees know nothing at all about their benefits, according to an on-going poll by Columbia, S.C.-based Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co.

The poll also shows that 96% who take part in individual benefits counseling sessions say they better understand their benefits; and 47% of employees say the benefits counseling sessions “significantly” improved their understanding.

Exactly 98% of employees believe having annual one-to-one benefits counseling sessions is important, with 63% saying it’s very important.

“The investment made in providing a strong benefits package is lost if employees don’t understand and appreciate what they’re offered,” said Randy Horn, president and CEO of Colonial Life, in a statement. “Employers th

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In Tennessee, and all across the United States, businesses have installed charging spots outside for electric cars.  According to WATE News out of Knoxville, businesses in East Tennessee have been disappointed with the use of these chargers so far.  Samantha Saracinos news story, Electric Vehicles: Catching on or not in Knoxville, says that electric cars can go about 100 miles on a 5-6 hour charge.  While most drivers have chargers at their home and fully charge each night, there are definitely occasions where a charge boost would come in handy.

The state offers drivers a $2,500 rebate for purchasing a Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Volt electric car.  Rebates are given right at the dealership where you purchase your car.  With the added incentives of a rebate and saving money on the skyrocketing fuel costs, many drivers are turning to electric cars.  Crowne Plaza hotels and Cracker Barrel restaurants are banking on the fact that drivers will come use their companies because of the added bonus of car chargers.

So far, results have been lukewarm for those companies keeping track.  Many of the businesses with electric car chargers arent even keeping track now, but others say they have only been getting a few people a month using the chargers.  As the cost of gas continues to rise, however, more people will likely be turning to electric cars and hoping to save money.  Car insurance companies are also watching the trend in electric cars and adjusting their business as well.  Forecasters believe that this trend in electric cars will continue to grow.

There are many ways to show your appreciation for great service.  As the President of LifeInsure.com, I have received lots of letters and emails complimenting our staff on the excellent service they provided.  Conversely, when a client receives service that is less than stellar, I am the first to hear of that, too (thankfully, this is a rare occurrence).

Here are a few from some of our clients:

• While there are many online vehicles through which one can research and acquire insurance, LifeInsure.com provides an easy, user friendly format, making the process simple and fool proof from the first step to the last. T

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As if the obesity epidemic weren’t already a weighty enough issue, it turns out we’re not the only ones getting fat and risking our health.

Our pets are getting pudgy, too, and they’re paying a big price.

Petplan, a pet insurance company based in Philadelphia, says its 2011 claims data show obesity-related illnesses and injuries for cats and dogs are on the rise.

Claims for arthritis more than tripled last year, rising 348 percent from the previous year. Claim

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