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Markets/Coverages

Fleet Safety Program

For organizations that operate vehicle fleets, it’s important to have a formal, effective safety program. It establishes the policies and procedures that are needed to ensure a safe work environment for your employees. It can also help protect against liability for vehicle accidents – a significant exposure for most fleets – and helps control accident costs. To be effective, a formal fleet safety program should address a range of activities related to employee selection, management and training; vehicle operation; maintenance; and accident management. Although not every fleet is the same, here are some key components and best practices your program should… Read More »Fleet Safety Program

Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)

Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) is often confusing for buyers and insurance brokers alike. The marketplace is characterized by a large number of insurance carriers underwriting this coverage, and each of their forms has different terms, conditions, and most importantly, exclusions. Since an “all risk” D&O policy does not exist, there aren’t obvious perils listed and covered like you might find in a property policy. For that reason, it is normally easier to explain the intent of the coverage as opposed to reading the policy line by line.

D&O: A Brief Overview

Here is an oversimplification of what D&O insurance is supposed to do. Read More »Directors and Officers Liability (D&O)

Video: Insurance for home based business

There are two ways to provide more property and liability insurance for your in-home business. The right choice will depend on the nature of your business, its annual receipts and the amount of coverage you need.

3 Exposures to Consider on a Builder’s Risk Policy

3 Exposures to Consider on a Builder's Risk PolicyHard, Soft and Business Income Expenses

The resurrecting construction industry means that builder’s risk submission activity is on the rise. As such, it’s important to understand this line of business. Here’s an overview of some things to consider on a builder’s risk policy.

Construction contracts generally require the building owner or the contractor to purchase and maintain a builder’s risk policy. The policy provides coverage for loss or damage to the unfinished building’s construction materials on the work site during the course of construction, subject to certain restrictions and exclusions. The policy can also be extended to cover existing structures if the project is a renovation. Exposures are broken down into three general parts: hard costs, soft costs and business income or loss of rents.

Hard costs are the tangible assets that comprise the construction project; quite simply, the costs of material and labor associated with a project – also known as “sticks and bricks.”

Soft costs, also known as Delay in Opening Expenses, are usually covered and limited by special endorsements to builder’s risk property policy. Coverage is provided for additional construction
loan interest, real estate taxes, marketing and re-leasing expenses, administrative expenses, and architectural/engineering fees which are incurred as a result of a covered loss – one that causes delay in completion of a project. These expenses can be further broken down into two sub-categories: construction expense and additional soft costs.Read More »3 Exposures to Consider on a Builder’s Risk Policy

Spotting Risks as Part Manufacturing Process

Put your supply chain to the test.

[notice]
Supply_Chain_Pressure_Test Supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, with dependencies upstream, in-plant and downstream. Which links in your supply chain might be most at risk? And what can be done to help manage it? Take our four-part questionnaire to help you uncover and avert potential risks in your supply chain before they emerge. Estimated completion time: 5 minutes.[/notice]

Supply chains are increasingly complex with dependencies upstream, in plant and downstream. Have you put your supply chain to the test? Not only will this brief mobile enabled test assist you in identifying opportunities within your supply chain, but the last page of the test will also provide educational resources and insights on how you compare to your industry and region.

Controlling threats that can impact the flow of quality, compliant and competitively priced raw materials is a critical link in your supply chain. Upstream disruptions often flow downstream. One delay, shortage, or defect in the materials you rely on could affect your ability to produce goods in the quantities and time-frames consumers demand. One could even compromise the safety and quality of your products. Failure to meet orders, product recalls, liability claims, and other potential ripple effects of supply disruptions can put your company’s reputation — and bottom line — at risk.

Control Your Supply Sources

Purchasing and vendor control are critical parts of the manufacturing process. Knowing who your suppliers are and where they come from is key to managing supply chain risk – particularly if they come from outside of the United States. Companies often change vendors frequently to get the lowest prices on raw materials. But establishing longer-term relationships with your suppliers can be an advantage. A supplier who understands your business might better anticipate your needs and be more willing to work with you to control costs or resolve issues when they arise.

Choose your suppliers carefully:Read More »Spotting Risks as Part Manufacturing Process

Smoke and heat detection systems inspection, testing and maintenance

Smoke and Heat Detection Introduction

This article focuses on inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) requirements for smoke and heat detection systems. Fire detection systems can provide early detection and notification of a fire emergency; therefore, it is essential that they are maintained appropriately.

This article also assumes that the smoke and heat detection systems are UL Listed or FM Approved systems and have been properly installed by reputable, certified, alarm system contractors. ITM programs cannot overcome poor system design or installation deficiencies.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Standard 72, National Fire Alarm Code, is the recognized standard for ITM of fire alarm equipment. For complete information on ITM of devices other than smoke and heat detectors covered within this bulletin, refer to NFPA 72, your equipment manufacturers operational/ maintenance manual or your Risk Control consultant.

This blog post is intended to familiarize building owners and/or persons responsible for fire detection systems about the necessary ITM of smoke and heat detectors. It is also intended as a guide on how to conduct ITM, ITM frequencies, and potential consequences for not having an ITM program for detection systems.

Smoke and heat detector differences
Read More »Smoke and heat detection systems inspection, testing and maintenance