Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tree surgeons and roofers who perform skilled work on a customer’s premises are just a few examples of artisan contractors. These workers are also called casual contractors. Piano tuners, interior decorators, exterminators and other skilled service providers are also considered artisan contractors. These contractors require special insurance for their tools and equipment, which are commonly moved from one site to another until each job is finished. The most affordable and efficient way for an artisan contractor to get liability and property coverage is to obtain a Business Owners Policy that is tailored to fit individual needs. Although they might be marketed under varying names, such policies usually have similar terms.
Property owned by the business and real property are covered by the BOP. The property must be located at the address of the business described in the policy. Businesses that lease or rent their locations have coverage from the BOP for tenants’ betterments and improvements. These include any installations, additions or alterations that cannot legally be taken away from the premises. Equipment that moves from one site to another and valuable machinery are items that pose the greatest risk for a significant loss. Such items are not covered under a standard property insurance policy. These items are classified as movable property, which means special contracts are required to obtain insurance. These special contracts are called floaters.
Various types of equipment and machinery are covered during transit with an installer’s floater. They’re also covered during testing. In some cases, building materials might also be covered. Policies may be written to include coverage on a reporting form or for a single job. This means that the contractor provides information to the insurer regarding each new contract. Tools and equipment floaters provide coverage for the property that is insured. Coverage is extended to any location where the movable property is used.
Liability coverage is essential for all contractors. If a customer files a lawsuit, this type of coverage will certainly be required to protect the contractor. Subcontractors’ customers might require individuals who work for them to have Owners and Contractors Protective Liability insurance. This type of coverage provides protection for business owners from liabilities resulting from negligent acts committed by contractors or subcontractors. It’s best to speak with one of our agents to learn how this type of coverage works. There might also be coverage for certain vehicles. Speak with us to learn what types of coverage are available for vehicles that are used primarily for business.
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Examples abound of workers offering their skills outside the workplace: Nurses and doctors aid the injured or ill; contractors assist someone with heavy lifting or short hauling while on a hardware run; benevolent computer techies make a quick fix for a customer without a dispatch order. If one of your employees suffers an injury while providing such help, can the employee collect under Workers Comp? After all, they were doing their work.
A California correctional officer, injured while helping at the scene of an accident on his way to work, was denied Workers Comp benefits on the basis that his services did not qualify as regular employment. Citing an ethical standard set forth for correctional workers in the Ethics Cadet Workbook, the injured officer claimed it was his ethical duty as a corrections officer to assist those in need, regardless of when or where. Hence, he argued that his services at the accident were related directly to his employment.
However, the court disagreed, stating that: “The fact that the law enforcement code of ethics for correctional officers speaks of a duty to serve humankind and safeguard lives and property does not confer authority on a correctional officer to act outside the scope of his statutory jurisdiction.”
Knowing the eligibility rules for workers comp benefits is essential for you and your employees alike. Now might be the time for a refresher course. For more information about your comp coverage rules, call our service team today.
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Pricing for workers compensation insurance continued to harden in California during the first half of 2013, according to a report published Wednesday by SNL Financial L.C.
California’s 10 largest workers compensation insurers by premium volume, which account for roughly 60% of the state’s marketplace, increased their rates an average of 4.3% during the first half of the year, based on filings for new business effective between Jan. 1 and July 1, according to SNL Financial’s report.
Excluding a 7% decrease filed in March by the State Compensation Insurance Fund, which is the state’s largest workers comp insurer, the average rate increase among California’s market leaders through July 1 was 5.9%. Within that group, the largest rate increases belonged to American International Group Inc. and Liberty Mutual Holding Co. Inc., which submitted rate hikes of 10.0% and 10.9%, respectively.
Statewide, rates for new workers compensation accounts were at their highest in February, when insurers in California filed average rate increases of 9.8% on $1.1 billion in premiums written, according to SNL Financial’s report.
At least 20 insurers in California included in SNL Financial’s analysis filed rate increases of 15% or more for new business in the first half of the year. Seven firms — including units of Liberty Mutual, CNA Financial Corp. and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. — filed rate increases of 20% or more, while units of Hanover Insurance Group Inc. and American Financial Group Inc. filed rate increases in excess of 30%.
Few decreased rates
Only a handful of companies included in SNL Financial’s analysis reported rate decreases in the first half of 2013. Among them was Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, Church Mutual Insurance Co. and units of Nationwide and Utica National Insurance Group.
California’s workers comp market has been particularly bothersome for Tower Group International Ltd., SNL Financial said in the report.
Tower Group cited market conditions in California, where roughly 44% of the company’s workers compensation premiums are written, as one key driver behind the $326.7 million reserve charge it reported in its second-quarter earnings statement. Several of the company’s operating units in March were granted rate hikes of 6.2% for new business in California, and one unit — Preserver Insurance Co. — filed a rate increase of 17.1%.
Read the entire article here.
Contact Scurich Insurance Services today at 831-722-3541 to find out how we can assist you with all of your business insurance needs including workers compensation.
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Commercial insurance is a must-have for every business. Some businesses have specialty needs for additional commercial insurance that are not covered under the standard policy.
Maybe you have had some changes in your business. You have recently purchased delivery vehicles, you have expanded your business and purchased more property. There are any number of possible changes that have occurred to your business that would require an analysis of your commercial insurance policies.
Your cash flow has changed
You have two forms of payment for your insurance, a regular monthly payment and a deductible that you will need to cover for damages and/or injuries before your provider will start to cover anymore. The monthly payment you can factor into your standard business finances. You will need to be diligent in planning for the unknown.
The more cash you have readily available, you should think about increasing your deductible. Higher deductibles will decrease your monthly premiums, and you will be able to save money. Make sure the deductible will be affordable, just in case.
Lower your deductible so that you can pay as needed if you are short on cash. Contact our office so that we can shop around for the best deal possible and discuss bundling options.
Congratulations! Your business is thriving!
Your business has increased since the last time you sat down with your agent. You’ve hired more people, added a delivery service and more! That means that your insurance will need to change also.
Start with your workers compensation and disability insurance policies. Make sure that your employees are covered, and your policies are up to date.
You’ve added a fleet! You will need to get your vehicles insured under a commercial auto policy.
You are remodeling or moving
Commercial property insurance comprises an important part of your overall insurance needs. If you are expanding or moving, you will need to contact our office to do a review of your new /improved digs and the policies. Please remember that any changes you make, will affect your coverage and costs.
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Scurich Insurance Services know that there is so many different types of insurance needs that everyone has. Commercial insurance needs are different than personal insurance needs and of course specialties. We also know that running around to different agencies for different needs is inconvenient, that’s why we have such a large array of services that we can provide you with. Look below and see just a few of the insurance needs we can accommodate:
Commercial Insurance
Commercial packages
Business auto
Workers Compensation
Umbrella
Directors & Officers
Professional liability
Employee practices liability
Personal Insurance
Auto
Home
Umbrella
Recreational vehicle
Watercraft
Life & health
Individual medical
Individual life
Group Medical
Group benefits
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One of the questions we are frequently asked is, “How can you offer low prices?”
Our answer is simple. We work with a multitude of insurance companies and we shop around to get the best value for the types of coverage you need. We will look for discounts including bundling packages and other applicable discounts based on the types of policies you need. Here’s the list of companies we work with:
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ACE
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Allianz GSC Marine
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Allied Insurance Group
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AMTrust
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American Bankers – Flood
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Arrowhead
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BHHC – Berkshire Hathaway Homestate
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Chartis
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Chubb
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CIG – Capital Insurance Group
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CNA
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Commerce West
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Deans & Homer
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Employers Insurance Group
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EMC – Employers Mutual Casualty
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Encompass
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Everest National
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Financial Pacific
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Fireman’s Fund
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First American Specialty
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Foremost
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GMAC Insurance
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Golden Eagle
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Great American – Non-Profit
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Guard Insurance Group
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Guide One
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Hanover Insurance Group
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Hartford Insurance Group
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ICW – Insurance Company of the West
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ILM- Indiana Lumbermens Mutual
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Kemper – Personal Lines
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Liberty Mutual Middle Market
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Magna Carta
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Majestic
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Markel Risk Solutions
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MetLife Auto & Home
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MGAlive
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Midwest Insurance
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Nationwide Ag
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Navigators
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NIAC-Nonprofit’s Insurance Alliance of Calif.
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One Beacon
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Oregon Mutual
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Philadelphia
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Preferred Employers
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QBE Agri Insurance
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Republic Indemnity
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Safeco
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Seneca
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Sequoia
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State Compensation Ins. Fund
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Titan-( Victoria Insurance)
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TOPA
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Travelers
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Unigard Insurance Group
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Zenith
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Zurich
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Contact us if you are in need for car insurance, homeowners insurance, or commercial insurance. We will work hard for you to get the best price possible for your needs.
Content provided by Scurich Insurance Services
Scurich Insurance Services has proudly served the Monterey Bay area since 1924. Scurich will take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you a business owner, did you get a new car or maybe you are looking to protect your family in the event of a tragedy? Give us a call, we can help!
Let Scurich Insurance Services know if you are a Happy Customer!
We are located at:
Scurich Insurance Services
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
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Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tree surgeons and roofers who perform skilled work on a customer’s premises are just a few examples of artisan contractors. These workers are also called casual contractors. Piano tuners, interior decorators, exterminators and other skilled service providers are also considered artisan contractors. These contractors require special insurance for their tools and equipment, which are commonly moved from one site to another until each job is finished. The most affordable and efficient way for an artisan contractor to get liability and property coverage is to obtain a Business Owners Policy that is tailored to fit individual needs. Although they might be marketed under varying names, such policies usually have similar terms.
