What is considered the average American home? That’s a question with a lot of variables. “Home is where the heart is,” the saying goes, and your heart might be anywhere from a downtown apartment to a farm miles away from the closest neighbor.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports...Full story

According to auto research firm IMR, a third of independent auto repair shops in a 2019 survey said their biggest challenge is staying up to date with technology in their industry. Their second-biggest challenge is a lack of good technicians, who are in part missing the technology skills they should...Full story

It’s that time of year again — time to make your new year’s resolutions. There are the ones you make every year, like “lose weight” or “read more books.” 2021 might be the ideal time for something like “meet new people” (maybe later this year, when people...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

It’s a tradition every year — because there’s a need every year. Not long ago, the Benton Community Foundation...Full story

How many Christmas movies have you seen this season so far? Many are on streaming services or run 24 hours a day on TV channels; you can literally watch Christmas films non-stop until Christmas (and beyond, really; why not a tradition of “It’s A Wonderful Life” for...Full story

Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays are a time for many to gather with family (this year, over the internet) and enjoy the spirit of the season. New Year’s Eve is a time to watch the ball drop and maybe have a party (again, this year’s celebration will...Full story

One of the symbols of Christmas recognizable to everyone, even those who don’t celebrate the holiday, is the poinsettia. (It’s pronounced “poyn-set-ee-uh”; I know, I always mispronounce it too.) Big, bright red blooms that last right through the season are pretty hard to forget.

If you’re a florist,...Full story

Working with your insurance company can be complicated and confusing, though the service team at Hastings Mutual and our local independent agent partners can make the process a little easier for you. A phone call or email is enough to get you started.

Maybe you’ve seen some of the comments from...Full story

One of the traditions for me and many other people at the end of the year is to take a look back at the past year: where we are today and how we got there. One thing I can say for certain is that this year was unforgettable! I got...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Springfield provides those in need with a place to stay. There are a...Full story

If you know Hastings Mutual at all, you know we offer coverage for your home, your car, your business, and your farm. When we’re talking about home insurance, we look at 16 different kinds of peril that put your property at risk, among other things.

Something else a peril...Full story

If you’re like me, you’re probably doing your holiday shopping now. (Nobody knows in September what they want for Christmas but I ask anyway.) I bring my mask with me into stores, but most often I shop online. It’s a great way to find things I...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

There are many organizations throughout the six states served by Hastings Mutual that help families in need of food....Full story

It’s almost as common as pumpkin spice: the smell of a wood fire in the autumn air. For many in the six-state Hastings Mutual coverage area, fireplaces and wood stoves are a long tradition in their homes. One of the many tools we offer our local independent insurance agent partners...Full story

If you own a business, this might be the best time ever to think about the future of your company. You’ve probably been able to cut expenses with employees working from home. Maybe you’ve streamlined your processes because supplies and customers aren’t available the same way they...Full story

The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.For many boys and girls, this school year is starting out at home. Now they need a place to...Full story