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Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association

The Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association (FAJUA) was created pursuant Sections 627.311 and 627.351, Florida Statutes, by order of the Insurance Commissioner Dated February 9, 1973, for the purpose of establishing and carrying out a program for providing automobile insurance to qualified applicants unable to procure such insurance in the voluntary market at rates below the FAJUA. Every insurer authorized to write automobile liability insurance or automobile physical damage insurance in Florida shall be a member of the Association and shall subscribe and be bound by the Articles of Association of the FAJUA and by the rules and regulations adopted… Read More »Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association

New York Automobile Insurance Plan

The New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP) is the central mechanism established pursuant to Article 53 of the New York Insurance Law to provide auto liability and physical damages coverages to those insureds who are unable to obtain such auto insurance in the voluntary market. All insurers writing automobile insurance in New York State must participate in the NYAIP by providing such insurance. All agents and brokers holding a valid license to transact automobile insurance business in New York State must be certified by the Governing Committee in accordance with Standards and procedures approved by the Superintendent of Insurance prior… Read More »New York Automobile Insurance Plan

California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan

The CALIFORNIA AUTOMOBILE ASSIGNED RISK PLAN (CAARP) was created in 1947 by the state legislature with the essential purpose to provide automobile liability insurance to those who “in good faith” are entitled to but are unable to procure such insurance through ordinary methods. The statute indicates a legislative intent to encourage drivers to seek insurance in the voluntary market using the assigned risk plan only as a last resort. What is the Assigned Risk Plan? It is a processing center by which people who have trouble buying automobile insurance are put in touch with an insurance company which will insure… Read More »California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan

Fleet Safety Program

For organizations that operate vehicle fleets, it’s important to have a formal, effective safety program. It establishes the policies and procedures that are needed to ensure a safe work environment for your employees. It can also help protect against liability for vehicle accidents – a significant exposure for most fleets – and helps control accident costs. To be effective, a formal fleet safety program should address a range of activities related to employee selection, management and training; vehicle operation; maintenance; and accident management. Although not every fleet is the same, here are some key components and best practices your program should… Read More »Fleet Safety Program

Video: Who is Covered and What is Provided by Workers Compensation Insurance

In this video a licensed CA attorney Diana Motseniat is talking about workers compensation insurance coverage, benefits, premium, discounts and experience modification. To get your work comp. insurance quote visit https://www.paperless-insurance.com or call 877-239-0067. FAQ about Workers Comp Audits: https://youtu.be/H-UyJE7x26o The History of Workers Compensation Insurance: https://youtu.be/u5sbRmkmpqg Workers Comp Insurance Premium Audit in 4 Easy Steps: https://youtu.be/Opih66E5jSM Answers to Common Questions about Workers Comp insurance: https://youtu.be/NzUPiTqyHgU

Ingredient Manufacturers and Their Product Recall Risk

[highlight type=”light”]The following is a theoretical scenario.[/highlight]

Ingredient Manufacturers and Their Product Recall RiskUSA Sugar is a processor of sugar. They bring refined sugar into their production plant, where it is transformed into a liquid form and sent to USA Sugar’s customers, who use the liquefied sugar in various food manufacturing applications.

On May 15, 2015 the FDA contacts USA Sugar and notifies them that salmonella was found in beverage products manufactured by two separate companies. Both strains of salmonella have been traced back to USA Sugar’s liquid sugar product. After a series of tests, it is determined that the liquid sugar was in fact the source of the salmonella. It was also determined that the salmonella contamination occurred in the insured’s facility between March 3 and March 17, which was a period of roughly two weeks.  On March 17, all production lines were broken down and a thorough cleaning was performed. The products manufactured after the March 17 cleaning appear to be free of salmonella.

As a result of the findings, USA Sugar decides to perform a voluntary recall of all products manufactured between March 3 and March 17. In addition to USA Sugar’s recall, all products containing USA Sugar’s contaminated liquid sugar will need to be recalled. The FDA classifies all related recalls as Class I, meaning consumption could result in serious health problems or death.Read More »Ingredient Manufacturers and Their Product Recall Risk

Potential Exposures for Construction Owners ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Potential Exposures for Construction OwnersAs always with construction projects, it is important that owners of new developments understand insurance coverage to ensure that there is adequate insurance to address any potential risks during and after the construction of the project. While most owners maintain commercial general liability policies or rely on project-specific policies, these policies may not fully protect the owner against any and all risks that they may face during and after construction. This article addresses two unique areas in which owners should take special note to ensure that they are covered for these particular risks: third party action over claims and products-completed operations coverage.

 

Third Party Action Over Claims

Owner contracts with Roofer to assist in the construction of the roof of a commercial building. During construction, Roofer’s employee falls and injures himself on the project site and collects workers’ compensation benefits under Roofer’s workers’ compensation policy. Typically, Owner would not consider any risks with respect to this injury as Owner required Roofer, in the subcontract, to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. However, despite receiving workers’ compensation benefits, Roofer’s employee files an action against Owner alleging negligence for failing to properly maintain a safe work site.The action filed by Roofer’s employee is considered a third party action over claim. The employee is unable to sue Roofer because workers’ compensation is the employee’s exclusive remedy against his or her employer. Thus, the injured employee brings an action against Owner alleging that Owner’s negligence in failing to maintain the project site contributed to the employee’s injuries.
Read More »Potential Exposures for Construction Owners ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)

Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) is often confusing for buyers and insurance brokers alike. The marketplace is characterized by a large number of insurance carriers underwriting this coverage, and each of their forms has different terms, conditions, and most importantly, exclusions. Since an “all risk” D&O policy does not exist, there aren’t obvious perils listed and covered like you might find in a property policy. For that reason, it is normally easier to explain the intent of the coverage as opposed to reading the policy line by line.

D&O: A Brief Overview

Here is an oversimplification of what D&O insurance is supposed to do. Read More »Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)

Spring Tune-up for Parks

Spring Tune-up for ParksIt’s time for a spring tune-up of your park. With the return of spring and warmer weather in many parts of the country, parks will soon be the site of baseball games, children’s day camp activities and family outings. Park directors are already planning to have staff prepare parks, playgrounds, ball fields and other outdoor venues for the warm-weather season after months of minimal maintenance.

As park staff begin work on the damage created by winter weather, it’s useful to review injury sources and liability concerns common with parks. The most frequent source of injury is swimming pools and the highest average claim cost is associated with ball field, soccer field or grassy play area injuries.

Park directors are often challenged to prioritize the pre-season maintenance work that must be completed to prepare park areas for public use. Each park director, based on knowledge of the local parks, establishes a work schedule for staff to ensure that the parks will be ready for use.

Spring Maintenance Programs

There are many maintenance items that should be addressed early in the spring. The following lists are excerpted from Travelers Public Sector Services’ Spring Tune-up Program for two areas: ball fields and trails.Read More »Spring Tune-up for Parks