On Your Mark Newsletter - Mark Kokosko

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On Your Mark Newsletter - Mark Kokosko Posting content on industry changes and life-event and life-stage insurance planning for families and small businesses.

As your responsibilities and liabilities grow (and decrease), so should should your insurance - least that's what we think.

Your home and auto insurance provide important protection—but a major accident, injury claim, or lawsuit can sometimes e...
10/13/2026

Your home and auto insurance provide important protection—but a major accident, injury claim, or lawsuit can sometimes exceed those policy limits.

Umbrella liability insurance adds an extra layer of coverage above your existing personal insurance policies, helping protect your savings, assets, and future from unexpected costs.

At V.W. Brown Insurance Services, our team can help you review your coverage, understand your potential gaps, and decide whether an umbrella policy fits your risk-management plan.

Have you reviewed your liability limits recently? Reach out to our Columbia, MD team at (301) 652-5320 to start the conversation.

October is Fire Prevention Month—a timely reminder that simple habits can help protect the people and places that matter...
10/08/2026

October is Fire Prevention Month—a timely reminder that simple habits can help protect the people and places that matter most.

A few fire-safety essentials to review at home:
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace units that are 10 years old or more.
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, and keep flammable items away from heat sources.
• Keep portable heaters at least three feet from furniture, bedding, and other combustibles.
• Create and practice a home escape plan with two exits from each room and a designated outdoor meeting place.
• Make sure everyone knows when to leave immediately and call 911 rather than trying to fight a fire.

At V.W. Brown Insurance Services, we believe proactive risk management is an important part of protecting your home and family. If you would like to review your home insurance coverage, our team is here to help.

What is one fire-safety step your household plans to check this month?

As the season changes, it is a great time to make sure your coverage still fits your life, family, or business.From home...
10/01/2026

As the season changes, it is a great time to make sure your coverage still fits your life, family, or business.

From home and auto insurance to life insurance, commercial coverage, and employee benefits, our team is here to provide trusted guidance and personalized support. As an independent insurance agency in Columbia, we help clients throughout Maryland find solutions that fit their needs.

Have a question or want to review your coverage before fall arrives? Give us a call at (301) 652-5320. We are always happy to help.

It’s important to note that employers do not have to use Maryland's State Plan. Maryland employers will have two potenti...
09/23/2026

It’s important to note that employers do not have to use Maryland's State Plan. Maryland employers will have two potential pathways:

🔹Maryland's State Plan
🔹An approved private insurance plan that meets or exceeds state requirements

Many employers are exploring private plan alternatives to better manage costs and administration while still providing compliant coverage for employees.

At V.W. Brown Insurance Services, we're helping employers evaluate their options and compare private plan solutions before key deadlines.

Interested in exploring a private plan quote? Complete our census questionnaire. There is no obligation to enroll, but gathering information now can help you make an informed decision: vwbrown.com/new-maryland-pfml

Although FAMLI benefits begin in January 2028, employers have important deadlines before then.🔹September 1 – November 15...
09/18/2026

Although FAMLI benefits begin in January 2028, employers have important deadlines before then.

🔹September 1 – November 15, 2026: Declaration of Intent (DOI) window opens for employers interested in pursuing a private plan.
🔹January 1, 2027: Contributions begin.
🔹January 2028: Employee benefits become available.

Waiting until the last minute may limit your ability to fully evaluate available options. Now is the time to start gathering information and comparing solutions.

Visit our FAQ page and complete the census questionnaire to receive a customized quote: vwbrown.com/new-maryland-pfml

Maryland employers: MD FAMLI mandate in 2028, but your actions are needed nowMaryland's Family and Medical Leave Insuran...
09/17/2026

Maryland employers: MD FAMLI mandate in 2028, but your actions are needed now

Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program will provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave beginning in 2028. In some situations, employees may qualify for up to 24 weeks of leave in a single year.

While benefits won't be available until 2028, important employer deadlines begin much sooner. Employers will need to evaluate their options and prepare for upcoming reporting and contribution requirements.

Not sure what FAMLI means for your business?

Visit our FAQ page to learn more and complete our census questionnaire to receive a customized quote for a private plan option: vwbrown.com/new-maryland-pfml

A strong group benefits package does not have to mean a major increase in employer costs.Voluntary benefits give employe...
09/16/2026

A strong group benefits package does not have to mean a major increase in employer costs.

Voluntary benefits give employees the opportunity to choose added coverage that fits their individual needs, while helping businesses enhance their overall compensation offering. Options may include supplemental health coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.

At V.W. Brown Insurance Services, we help employers across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. explore tailored group benefits solutions that support their teams and their budgets.

Looking for ways to strengthen your benefits package? Our team is here to help. Call us at (301) 652-5320.

Many employers assume this law only applies to Maryland-based companies, but that's not always the case.The key factor i...
09/15/2026

Many employers assume this law only applies to Maryland-based companies, but that's not always the case.

The key factor is where your employees physically work.

âś…Employee lives in Virginia but works in Maryland? Covered.
âś…Employee works remotely from Maryland for an out-of-state employer? Covered.
❌Employee lives in Maryland but works full-time in another state? Not covered.

If you have W-2 employees performing work in Maryland, your organization may be subject to FAMLI requirements.

Want to know how the law applies to your workforce? Visit our FAQ page and complete our census questionnaire for a customized review: vwbrown.com/new-maryland-pfml

Regardless of whether you’re just starting your business or you’re a veteran of your industry, one thing remains true: A...
05/20/2026

Regardless of whether you’re just starting your business or you’re a veteran of your industry, one thing remains true: All business owners want to protect what they’ve worked so hard to build. That’s where we come in.

As commercial insurance agents, we’re here to help ensure that your business is protected at every stage. Whether you’re bringing on new hires, expanding into a new service, or opening your doors for the first time, the right coverage is crucial.

If you’re looking to layer additional coverages onto an existing policy or simply want to review your current coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you.

As your family tree grows, the importance of strong roots does too. Life insurance can do just that, providing financial...
05/18/2026

As your family tree grows, the importance of strong roots does too. Life insurance can do just that, providing financial stability and emotional peace of mind as you expand your family tree through marriage, children, and more.

Whether you’re exploring your first policy or additional layers of coverage, we are here to help. Give us a call today for a personalized quote or coverage review.

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