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Commerical Auto

Public Auto Insurance Program

In partnership with A rated program administration we are happy to offer a Public Auto Insurance Program for-hire and courtesy operations with primary nature-of-use transporting passengers, such as airport transportation, churches, courtesy (assisted living, hotel/motel, etc.), daycare, limousine, sightseeing/guided tours, social services, and employer van pools. Geography: Nationwide except AK, CA, MI, NJ, and NY. Ineligible risks: Taxis, Emergency and Non-Emergency Medical Transport, Charter Operations, Farm Labor, Prisoner Transport, Railroad Crews, Schools, Urban Bus, TNCs (Transportation Network Companies, ie: Lyft, Hailo and Uber) are not eligible if more than 20% of revenue is generated from this application. Coverages offered: Auto… Read More »Public Auto Insurance Program

Deer Collisions Season Started

What weighs 200 pounds, reaches speeds of up to 45 mph and can cost you thousands of dollars in a split-second? Deer collisions cost U.S. drivers millions every year, with an average repair cost of more than $4,000 for each claim. Odds for a deer collision double from October through December, so it’s time to understand the difference between comprehensive and collision coverages and learn more about how to avoid a deer accident: Be more alert at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active If you feel the need to swerve, use caution and be aware of oncoming traffic… Read More »Deer Collisions Season Started

Contractor Insurance Requirements – A Primer

This article was originally published by AmWINS Group, Inc. It was edited and rewritten to simplify the content. To read the original article please click here.

primerWhen risk management department is assigned to focus on the major project, including construction, with particular attention to the insurance requirements to be imposed on the general contractor and any subcontractors, it’s very important not to make the insurance requirements so onerous that contractors are discouraged from bidding on the project.For those of us, who has not been involved in such projects before, let’s review insurance requirements from different projects and how those may affect our company (let’s call it ABC company – the one who impose insurance requirements).
Outdated Insurance Terminology
What may strike us about the old insurance requirements is the insurance terminology used. There is reference to “comprehensive general liability insurance” including endorsements listed as “broad form property damage,” “broad form blanket contractual liability,” “cross liability,” “XCU” and “additional named insured.” The limits are also listed as split limits – one applicable to bodily injury, and another lesser limit applicable to property damage.Similarly, the auto insurance requirement refers to “comprehensive auto liability” and workers’ compensation insurance includes the “broad form all states endorsement.” Further, all of the requirements are to be evidenced by a certificate of insurance that provides certificate holder a 30 days advance notice of cancellation. It becomes readily apparent that these requirements are so outdated as to be virtually useless – the coverage, endorsements and limits listed are obsolete and are no longer available. We must start from the beginning.Read More »Contractor Insurance Requirements – A Primer

New California Auto Insurance Payment Plans

Effective April 1, 2014, we have made updates to our California personal auto pay plan options. 6 month plans: – 16.7% down with 5 installments (electronic funds transfer) – 20% down with 4 installments – 20% down with 5 installments – 20% down with 5 installments (electronic funds transfer) – 50% down with 1 installment – Paid In Full 12 month plans: – 10% down with 10 installments (electronic funds transfer) – 12.5% down with 10 installments – 20% down with 10 installments – 20% down with 11 installments (electronic funds transfer) – Paid In Full If you have questions… Read More »New California Auto Insurance Payment Plans

States Allowing Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance

According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, the following are states that have adopted e-card laws and/or regulations are:

US Map

 

  1. Alaska
  2. Arkansas
  3. Colorado
  4. Florida
  5. Georgia
  6. Illinois
  7. Indiana
  8. Iowa
  9. Kansas
  10. Kentucky
  11. Maine
  12. Mississippi
  13. Missouri
  14. North Dakota
  15. Oklahoma
  16. Oregon
  17. Pennsylvania
  18. Tennessee
  19. Texas
  20. Utah
  21. Washington
  22. Wisconsin
  23. Wyoming

Florida is joining the ranks of other states and allow drivers to show law enforcement officers their proof of automobile insurance through their cell phone and other electronic means.

Read More »States Allowing Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance

Managing use of Non-Owned Personal Vehicles

Managing use of Non-Owned Personal VehiclesMany small businesses and other organizations furnish company owned vehicles for transportation needs including trucks, vans, buses and automobiles. However, it is not uncommon for staff and volunteers to drive their own personal vehicles for business-related transportation.

It is important to recognize that your business can be held liable for damages by allowing the use of non-owned personal vehicles for business purposes. In an effort to keep everyone safe, and to protect the organization from claims arising from the use of personal vehicles, the following safety precautions should be followed:

  • Restrict who is allowed to drive. Studies show that accident rates are higher for drivers under he age of 25 and over 70; therefore, drivers of personal vehicles should be between 25 and 70 years of age.
  • Require proof of automobile liability insurance. This should be obtained annually and kept on file. The following minimum auto liability limits should be required:
    • Bodily Injury Liability – $100,000 each person / $300,000 per occurrence and;
    • Property Damage Liability – $100,000 per occurrence.
  • Inform drivers that their personal automobile insurance is the primary coverage for any and all accidents and injuries that occur during the transport. They should contact their insurance company and inform them that they will be using their personal vehicle for business purposes.Read More »Managing use of Non-Owned Personal Vehicles

Preparing your business for potential holiday hazards

prepare businessMenorahs and Christmas trees light up Main Streets across America during the holidays, but there are risks associated with these decorations. Risk management professionals and insurance agents can help business owners understand how to keep their stores festive yet hazard free during the holidays.

The holidays usually bring several things to a small business – more foot traffic, celebratory decorations and additional staff to help with boosted sales.  However, with added customers and distractions, slips and trips are never far away. So when getting into the holiday spirit, you should make safety a priority.Read More »Preparing your business for potential holiday hazards

Carbon monoxide poisoning

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of any carbon-containing material, including gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal or wood. CO is dangerous because it replaces oxygen in the blood and interferes with the transport of needed oxygen to cells in the body.

Carbon monoxide safety tips

CO Carbon monoxideWinter can be a beautiful time of the year. But it is also the season for blustery storms, power outages, a greater use of fuel-burning devices — and a rise in carbon monoxide poisonings.

The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented — with the right preparation. Start with these eight tips to help keep your home and family safe from carbon monoxide.

1. Know the risks of carbon monoxide.

Anything that burns a fuel — such as a furnace, fireplace, generator, gas appliance or car — produces a toxic by-product: carbon monoxide (CO).

When these devices are properly maintained and vented, this colorless, odorless gas can be effectively dispersed and channeled out of your home. If not, inhaling carbon monoxide can trigger serious health issues.

At lower concentrations, victims may experience such symptoms as a headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. But at higher concentrations, CO can quickly cause a loss of consciousness, even death.Read More »Carbon monoxide poisoning

Winterize your car

Cold temperatures and icy roads can create hazards for drivers. It is important to prepare yourself and your vehicle for these hazards to help ensure this winter driving season is a safe one.

We recommend taking precautions to help protect your car in the worst winter weather conditions.

Before you hit the road the cold, snow and ice can make driving dangerous if your vehicle is not properly maintained.

Here are some things you can do to get your car ready for winter:Read More »Winterize your car