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Eleven Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Broadband and information technology are powerful factors in small businesses reaching new markets and increasing productivity and efficiency. However, businesses need cybersecurity tools and tactics to protect themselves, their customers, and their data from growing cyber threats. Here are ten key cybersecuritytips for businesses to protect themselves: 1. Train employees in security principles Establish basic security practices to protect sensitive business information and communicate them to all employees on a regular basis. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. Clearly detail the penalties for violating business cybersecurity 2. Protect information, computers and… Read More »Eleven Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

CONTRACTS: TURN PAIN TO GAIN

Use contracts to effectively manage working relationships and protect your business interests. If hearing the word “contracts” makes you groan, you’re not alone. Many small business owners – particularly Specialty Trade Contractors – have told us that contracts and their impact on insurance are, to put it bluntly, a pain. But, having contracts in place with customers, subcontractors and suppliers can actually be a relief when questions pop. TOP 5  CONTRACT TIPS CHECKLIST Keep these important tips in mind before you enter into a contract: 1. ALWAYS READ A CONTRACT CAREFULLY – never skip the “fine print” because it may… Read More »CONTRACTS: TURN PAIN TO GAIN

Trust thy agent as thyself?

Do you trust your insurance agent? A new study reveals that most small business owners do trust their insurance agents more than other financial services businesses. The study, under the commission of The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., proved that the trust is the only most important consideration for business owners when choosing an insurance provider. The study showed that small business owners have a higher level of trust in independent agents than they do with professionals in other financial services industries. The majority of small business owners reported that they consider independent agents as being trustworthy. We, at Paperless Insurance Services, are… Read More »Trust thy agent as thyself?

11/11/11: What’s In a Number?

November 11, 2011 might hold special significance for some, since the date can also be written 11/11/11. When the calendar and its numbers align, some people try to ascribe mystical significance, according to a Wake Forest University professor Eric Carlson who looks into numerology as a hobby. Here’s his take: What makes 11/11/11 so interesting? The repetition. Our brains are just pattern matching machines, so we tend to notice patterns like that. If you happen to glance at the clock and it’s 11:11, you will remember that – these patterns stick in our minds. But I don’t think there is any… Read More »11/11/11: What’s In a Number?

Cargo Elite by Travelers – Simply the Best

Travelers Cargo Elite® policy provides outstanding coverage for importers and exporters, including automatic “all risk”* coverage for international shipments of new merchandise – even for goods your client has never shipped before. Benefit from a policy that offers an extensive range of coverage features, streamlined reporting and the ability to issue online special policies anywhere, anytime. Cargo Elite Coverage Highlights: Policyholders have full rights to the possession and control of all damaged goods. If a loss is not immediately apparent at the time of delivery, Travelers coverage applies to the discovered loss up to 60 days after arrival to the… Read More »Cargo Elite by Travelers – Simply the Best

New Hybrid Pension Plan in California

New California state and local government employees would be covered under a hybrid pension program under a proposal announced by Gov.Brown. The proposal would create a pension plan with elements of defined benefit and defined contribution plans and would also raise to 67 the retirement age for new government employees. The normal retirement age for state and local government employees is 60, though some can retire as early as 55 with full benefits. Mr. Brown said in a speech at the statehouse in Sacramento that the plan would save the state about $0.900 billion a year and that similar savings… Read More »New Hybrid Pension Plan in California

Halloween Safe-Driving Tips

According to Safe Kids USA, children are twice as likely to be killed by a vehicle on Halloween compared to other days of the year. Take extra caution behind the wheel on Halloween and use the following driving tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe. – Yield to Trick-or-Treaters: Be prepared for children to run into the street at anytime. – Refrain From Passing Idle Vehicles: You never know when the driver in front of you has stopped to drop children off. Be patient and take extra caution when traveling near other vehicles. – Park Your Mobile Phone: With children crowding the… Read More »Halloween Safe-Driving Tips

Workers Compensation Statute of Limitations Explained

A workers compensation statute of limitations is a regulation in a common law legal system that sets the maximum time after an event that legal proceedings based on that event may be initiated. For example, such legal proceedings may involve claim subrogation or premium collection. California’s statute of limitations for collecting unpaid insurance premiums begins once an insurer has sent its final audit bill to the policyholder, and continues for 3 years. In a unanimous opinion, the court said the California State Compensation Insurance Fund could collect on $1 million in workers compensation premiums owed by building contractor, even though… Read More »Workers Compensation Statute of Limitations Explained

Workers’ Comp Rate Increase in Florida is Approved

Employers in Florida will be paying more for workers’ compensation coverage next year following the state insurance chief’s approval of an 8.9 percent statewide average rate hike. Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said that he will approve the 8.9 percent rate bid filed by the insurers’ rating organization, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). The new rates will apply to all new and renewal business, effective Jan. 1, 2012. In granting the rate request, McCarty noted that the state’s overall rate level has fallen significantly since lawmakers rewrote the state’s workers’ compensation law nearly a decade ago. Don’t wait… Read More »Workers’ Comp Rate Increase in Florida is Approved

Employment Decisions Based on Credit Prohibited in CA

California has become the seventh state to prohibit credit checks in making employment decisions with legislation governor signed into law. With the signing of A.B. 22, California joins Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon and Washington state in barring credit checks of prospective employees, according to the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. To date, 58 bills in 28 states and the District of Columbia were introduced or pending in the 2011 legislative session, according to NCSL. Certain jobs exempt Under California’s law, which is effective Jan. 1, 2012, employers can use consumer credit reports for employment purposes only for the… Read More »Employment Decisions Based on Credit Prohibited in CA