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Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone while driving is not the only distraction leading to automobile crashes today, says a group of insurance carriers. While the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) call for a national ban on cell phone use while driving brings needed attention to the issue, the discussion should focus on how to reduce all forms of distracted driving, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). “Cell phone usage is only one of many bad habits that are distracting American drivers,” said Robert Passmore, senior director of personal lines for PCI . “Distracted driving is a… Read More »Distracted Driving

Texting is New Calling

According to the data released by  Nielsen, the cell phone’s primary purpose of making calls is no longer valid with teens. The voice usage of teens (13 – 17 years old) has dropped from 685 to 572 minutes in one year, while the data consuming increased 256% to 320MB per month. In the same time, the texting has also gone up to on average of 7 text messages (sending or receiving) within each waking hour, totaling to 3,417 messages per month. The boys texting averages at ~2,800 texts per month, while girls are almost at ~4,000 messages per month. Paperless Advise: 1. Unlimited text… Read More »Texting is New Calling

Hurricane Deductible Guidelines of Connecticut

CT department of insurance has announced that it has updated its coastal underwriting guidelines to clarify when hurricane deductibles can be applied. he hurricane deductible issue has been in the spotlight in wake of Tropical Storm Irene. Some policyholders in Connecticut saw hurricane deductibles being applied to their claims even though Irene was downgraded to the tropical storm status before causing damages in Connecticut. The hurricane deductible was applied because the downgrade was announced less than 24 hours before causing damages in the state. The insurance department says that under the revised guidelines, the National Weather Service must declare a… Read More »Hurricane Deductible Guidelines of Connecticut

So. California to permit alcohol tastings in stores

The Corona City Council voted 3-2 on December 12, 2011 to allow free instructional alcohol tastings in the retail businesses. Sam’s Club and Albertsons asked the city to allow alcohol tastings in their stores. The Riverside Press-Enterprise says there must be tasting areas that prohibit underage drinking. And there are other restrictions: No more than three tastings per person per day of one-fourth of an ounce of alcohol, one ounce of wine and eight ounces of beer. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will issue instructional tasting licenses and a city planning official and police will review store applications.… Read More »So. California to permit alcohol tastings in stores

Workers’ Compensation Changes in Michigan

Workers’ compensation reform legislation that suppose to reduce employer costs for helping injured workers has advanced in Michigan. The state Senate has passed a bill that was previously approved in the House, with some changes. The measure updates Michigan’s workers’ compensation laws, reflects recent court rulings and could help crack down on fraud while encouraging injured workers to seek some type of employment when they’re able. In the same time, it may become harder for injured employees to receive and keep benefits. There are measures that could require workers to look for lower-paying, alternative jobs once they’re partially restored to… Read More »Workers’ Compensation Changes in Michigan

Enhanced Contractors Pollution Liability Package

One of our insurance markets has upgraded its contractors pollution liability package for artisan, trade and general contractors with new forms. The company designed the new forms to be more clear and concise, in addition to adding enhancements. The package now includes emergency response expense for voluntary payments condition and will also now offer worldwide coverage for short periods limited to suits brought in the United States. The new forms also include some traditionally tricky coverages such as asbestos and lead abatement, as well as mold on an occurrence basis. The company’s definition of cleanup costs will include repair or… Read More »Enhanced Contractors Pollution Liability Package

Reduce Cyber Risk and Data Breach – Change Password

One way to help lower personal and business cyber risk is to avoid using easy-to-crack passwords. SplashData, a password management application maker, recently compiled a list of the 25 worst passwords for the year 2011. The research results were based on millions of actually stolen passwords that were made available online. Having tough-to-guess passwords may not necessarily deter sophisticated, determined hackers. But they do make it much more difficult for amateur cyber thieves to breach online accounts. Avoid any of the passwords for the below list: 1. password 2. 123456 3. 12345678 4. qwerty 5. abc123 6. monkey 7. 1234567… Read More »Reduce Cyber Risk and Data Breach – Change Password

Overpaid Workers Comp. Benefits Can’t be Recovered Back

Any business owners with employees must have workers comp. insurance. Workers comp. insurance premium is based on a few factors: 1. Employees’ duties and payroll 2. Claim history, which includes the frequency and the nature of claims, as well as how much was paid out. 3. Some additional underwriting data factoring safety features of the work space, locations, working hours (24-hour operation is considered as a high risk) and similar. Let’s talk about #2 – claim history, in particular, how much was paid off in case of a claim. First off, the funds paid out often include medical payments, lost… Read More »Overpaid Workers Comp. Benefits Can’t be Recovered Back

How to Compete for Clients with Large Retailers / eTailers

The fact: the chance are slim to none that any local retail store will ever “beat” the large retailer or etailer, like Amazon. Large retail monsters have massive marketing budgets, a strong online presence, great name recognition, and enjoy a reputation for being low in cost. Still, you can compete against retail “elephants” on a client by client basis. Sometimes, you’ll earn a long time returning customer, other times you won’t. But if you don’t make a continuous effort, you’ll never win. The path to successfully compete with the big companies requires a basic understanding of their marketing strategies, including… Read More »How to Compete for Clients with Large Retailers / eTailers