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Learning Pods – Insurance Risks explained

UPDATE 08/30/2022: As of today we offer abuse and molestation coverage to all professions and services. Follow the link and answer only 2 questions to receive your accurate premium indication: Get Instant Abuse Insurance Indication Now

As parents across the U.S. and Canada grapple with their children’s return to school amid a pandemic, “learning pods” have emerged as a potential solution to meeting kids’ academic and social needs while minimizing contact with large groups.

Two mothers in Delaware County, Ohio recently launched Web Student Services, LLC, a learning pod startup that pairs certified teachers with limited groups, or “pods” of students to facilitate an at-home school curriculum on public grounds. The company has already enrolled more than 70 families, most of whom pay about $90 per week.

Other parents are organizing learning pods with neighbors and hiring tutors or nannies to support their children’s online learning at different homes each week. Others are enrolling in commercial programs, either at existing child care or tutoring centers or other facilities—like fitness centers—that have reconfigured their traditional model to offer child care and learning support services for school-aged children.

Despite widespread need and the potential for revenue these new ventures are not without risk.Read More »Learning Pods – Insurance Risks explained

Coronavirus – Does Your Insurance Cover You?

The disruption to business and everyday life caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is resulting in an economic impact for every business. With hourly announcements from health agencies calling for social distancing, school closings, business restrictions, and event cancellations, current news reports indicate the crisis will get worse before it gets better. Much of this disruption is likely not covered by insurance.

The two most asked questions we’ve received over the past two weeks have been:

– Where can I buy coverage for the COVID-19 viral pandemic?
– Does my insurance have coverage under my current policy?

We have consulted with specialists across the Property, Casualty and Professional Lines sectors and offer the following COVID-19 update. Please note this is not an interpretation of any policy language and we recommend that you inquire with counsel for specific interpretation and advice on your particular insurance policy.Read More »Coronavirus – Does Your Insurance Cover You?

Protecting Contractors from Economic Loss in Construction Projects

[Updated on 3/8/2023]

Construction spending continues to reach historic heights. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately $1.6 trillion is spent each year on domestic construction projects.

The increased spending correlates with an increase in the number of construction projects being executed. This ultimately translates to greater exposure and bottom-line risk for all companies involved in the supply chain within the construction sector. These companies include but are not limited to consultants, construction and project managers, design professionals, and builders.


Read More »Protecting Contractors from Economic Loss in Construction Projects

Questions You Should Ask Before Signing a Lease

Moving into a new rental property is such an exciting process! Sure, it’s also super time-consuming and can be pretty demanding, but finally settling in can bring so much joy.

Before signing a lease, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Your lease is more than just a piece of paper with boring writing on it – it’s a legally binding contract! Most leases are pretty straightforward, but once you sign it, you’re locked in for the near future.

Here are nine important questions to ask your landlord or leasing office before signing the rental agreement.Read More »Questions You Should Ask Before Signing a Lease

Four Key Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors

IMAGE: Four Key Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors

Contracts record specific promises agreed to between parties. At best, contract negotiations can be time-consuming, complicated and frustrating. Construction contracts are no exception. One of the promises that the parties make to each other is the kind and amount of insurance required for a construction project. Project owners will require contractors on a project to name the project owner as an additional insured on the contractor’s casualty insurance program (excluding workers’ compensation). General contractors will require subcontractors to do the same. It is very important that project owners and contractors alike — ‘the parties’ — understand the coverage provided by additional insured endorsements. It is equally important for the parties to understand what limitations or conditions are found in these endorsements.

Additional Insureds

Project owners request to be an additional insured on a contractor’s casualty program for several reasons, including but not limited to the following:Read More »Four Key Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors

Difference Between General and Professional Liability

The terms general and professional liability insurance are often confused. General liability helps cover the costs of damages and lawsuits if your business is held responsible for things like property damage, bodily injury, libel, and slander against another. Professional liability helps cover the costs related to claims your business committed errors or omissions in the advice or services it provided. It’s more important than ever to know how to protect your business from a lawsuit. According to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, in 2008 (the most recent data available), small businesses paid out more than $105 billion in tort liability costs. Unfortunately, small… Read More »Difference Between General and Professional Liability

Summer Camps: Preventing Potential Claims

Summer Camps: Preventing Potential ClaimsAs warmer weather begins to hit many areas of the country, many people look to spend more time outdoors, enjoying nature at camps. Whether a camp operator provides lodges and cabins for guests, or campsites for tents, there are common risks for these operators to be aware of and has recommendations for preventing potential claims this camping season.

From a recent three-year review of camp operators, Philadelphia Insurance Company found high severity liability claims predominantly fell into one of four categories:

  • Falls from heights – camp guests falling from trees, towers, roofs, climbing walls, etc.
  • Playground and challenge course injuries – camp guests being injured while playing on recreational equipment, such as playground equipment, jumping pillows and pads, and swings
  • Aquatic losses – injuries and drownings from diving, swimming, boating, or other water activities
  • Trees and tree limbs falling onto campers

Read More »Summer Camps: Preventing Potential Claims

How to Conduct Reference Check Before Hiring New Employee

Before you sign a contract with a third-party logistics provider or even with a new cleaning service, you probably ask for some case studies, read reviews online, or at least check their BBB rating. Even when choosing a lunch spot for that important meeting with your soon-to-be big account, you would tap Yelp to see how many stars it has and read a review or two. Same approach is needed to reference check before hiring anew employee.

Any time you hire a new employee, you gain an opportunity and a risk. They could end up being your best team member, making a huge difference at your company… or they could be a bad hire that costs you time, money, and morale. Before you take the leap and extend an offer, asking the right reference check questions can help you make an educated decision. Follow this formula:

 

[process_steps type=”horizontal” size=”small” number=”5″] [process_step title=”get context” icon=”address-book”] [/process_step] [process_step title=”verify facts” icon=”drivers-license”] [/process_step] [process_step title=”give context” icon=”newspaper-o”] [/process_step] [process_step title=”uncover red flags” icon=”flag” icon_color=”#ff003f”] [/process_step] [process_step title=”assess fit” icon=”universal-access”] [/process_step] [/process_steps]

Gain Context and Verify Facts: Questions to Ask References First

Let’s say you’re about to hire Jane, but you’re wise and decide to call her references before extending an offer. After exchanging greetings with the reference and explaining why you’re calling, start with the following introductory questions to gain valuable context:

  • How do you know Jane?
  • In what capacity did you work with Jane?
  • How long did you work with Jane?

These questions should help you determine how heavily to weigh each reference’s answers in your hiring decision. Once you understand the person’s relationship to Jane, you can decide whether it makes sense to ask them to verify these important facts: dates of employment, job title(s), responsibilities, why Jane left (if applicable), and if Jane is eligible for rehire at that employer.

The aim here is to ensure that Jane has been truthful, but don’t just stop there. Head to the next section to uncover whether her references’ perceptions of Jane line up with her own ideas about her performance, strengths, and weaknesses.

[icon style=”lightbulb” color=”yellow”]Pro Tip: [/icon] Depending on the circumstances, and the reference’s relationship to your candidate, they may not have all the answers you need. If none of your candidate’s references can verify facts such as tenure and job responsibilities, you can usually call past employers’ main lines or HR departments to do so.

Assess Aptitude, Skills, and Fit: Five Types of Reference Check Questions

You can make a more informed hiring decision by asking the five types of reference check questions below. Insights from people who have worked with Jane can help you decide whether to hire her, better understand how to manage her, and plan for her first months on the job. Listen not only for red flags, but also for valuable nuggets on how to play to her strengths and plan for her weaknesses.

1. Offer Context (question 1)

Before you jump in, give the person some context about what you’re looking for by asking them the following question. This will set them up to answer the rest of your questions with a full understanding of what you need:

  • I’m considering Jane for [job title]. She’d be responsible for [responsibilities]. Do you think she could perform well in this role, and why or why not?

Read More »How to Conduct Reference Check Before Hiring New Employee

Do I Need Business Liability Insurance for My Small Business?

Many small business owners wonder whether or not they need business liability insurance. The quick answer is: You probably do.

A more thoughtful answer is: It depends on what type of business you run and the agreements you set with customers.

To decide if your business needs liability coverage (and again, it probably does), it helps to understand what business liability insurance covers, why most small business owners need it, and the types of circumstances under which businesses are covered.Read More »Do I Need Business Liability Insurance for My Small Business?

New Federal Requirements on Youth Sports

New Federal Requirements on Youth Sports

Congress is poised to take action following several high-profile sexual abuse cases involving coaches, doctors, and others in amateur and collegiate sports. A new federal law aimed at preventing sexual abuse in youth sports creates standards for all youth sports organizations, including programs offered by local leagues, churches, schools, camps, and non-profits. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 includes requirements for prevention training, prevention policies, and mandatory reporting. Here is a brief overview of the new requirements that all youth sports organizations must take.

1. Mandatory Reporting Changes
The Act expands the list of individuals required to report child sexual abuse. The list of mandatory reporters now includes any adult who is authorized to interact with a minor or amateur athlete at an amateur sports organization facility or event. For some organizations, the Act also requires all adults to immediately report suspicions of abuse to the US Center for Safe Sport and the appropriate law enforcement agencies, as determined by state and federal law.

Each state has a reporting statute related to child abuse and neglect. Some states require every adult to report suspicions of abuse and neglect, while other states list categories of individuals or circumstances triggering a mandatory report. It is imperative that each youth sports organization understands the new federal obligations, as well as the respective state-specific obligations.Read More »New Federal Requirements on Youth Sports