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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

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

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

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

California Pregnancy Disability Coverage

A new California law will require employers to extend health insurance coverage for up to 16 weeks to employees classified as disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. The measure, S.B. 299, which governor signed into law last week with the effective date of 01/01/2012, states that employers continue health care coverage for up to 16 weeks to disabled pregnant employees on the same basis as prior to the employee taking disability leave. In certain ways, the California law mirrors the 1993 U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act, but there are several key differences. The federal law mandates… Read More »California Pregnancy Disability Coverage

Top Five Mistakes Drivers Make

For many drivers, getting behind the wheel is second nature, so it’s easy to make errors without realizing it. However, these errors can lead to serious accidents. Keep yourself and others safe on the road by avoiding these mistakes: 1. Tailgating Leave a three-second cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you. Leave even more time when road conditions are bad or when you’re travelling at higher speeds. 2. Stopping Instead of Yielding Accidents can happen when drivers stop at a yield sign. “Yield” simply means to slow down and let the traffic on the road you are… Read More »Top Five Mistakes Drivers Make

Personal Injury Insurance Coverage and Credit Cards

In general, oral or written publication, in any manner, of material that violates a person’s right of privacy would be considered as a personal injury. However, your credit card slip may show a few digits of the credit card you use for the transaction and such would NOT be considered as a personal injury, because the word “publication” would not apply to this example. Other examples of personal injury: libel and slander, publishing / disclosing personal related information (health records, financial, etc) to a public domain without prior approval, false arrest and trespassing.   Always consult with your insurance policy for a proper understanding on… Read More »Personal Injury Insurance Coverage and Credit Cards

Hands-On: Top 10 Excuses From Drivers Caught Using Phones

1. This is a bogus law. 2. It was my boss on the phone – I had to answer it. 3. I wasn’t using it – I just like to hold it. 4. Sorry officer, I didn’t see you trying to pull me over because I was on my phone. 5. But it was an emergency call to my wedding planner. 6. My Bluetooth died. 7. Driver: I’m using my speakerphone. Police officer: No, you’re holding your phone in one hand and steering with the other. 8. I’m not driving; I was stopped at a red light. 9. I wasn’t… Read More »Hands-On: Top 10 Excuses From Drivers Caught Using Phones

Renew Licenses Online in MI

A new state policy will let Michigan drivers renew their vehicle registrations online through their birthdays even if they do it close to the expiration. Now, motorists who renew online will be able to print off a temporary registration document until their new tabs and registrations arrive in the mail. You can get more information on Michigan DMV website