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8 years ago · by · 0 comments

Smooth Out The Risk Wrinkles In An Aging Workforce

Demographic changes in today’s workplace are impacting the way risk managers handle lost Productivity, the cost of wage replacement, and skyrocketing workers comp premiums that are created by the health problems their employees face. Chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, back problems, respiratory disease, and diabetes are far more prevalent among workers aged 55 and above. These workers account for an ever-greater share of the labor force, than among younger employees.

Employers who promote healthy life style choices offer an effective way to reduce health related costs. Experts recommend taking these steps:

  • Encourage workers to educate themselves about their health problems.
  • Offer health risk appraisals to employees.
  • Introduce disease management programs to promote healthy behavior.
  • Make healthy food options available.
  • Encourage exercise.
  • Discourage unhealthy habits. For example, make the workplace tobacco free.
  • If you have a fairly large workforce, provide on-site medical facilities.
  • Use employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help with family and home issues that often emerge when managing long term chronic conditions.
  • Create mobility throughout the day. Being sedentary or standing for long periods can create problems for employee with health conditions.
  • Conduct periodic ergonomic assessments.
  • Encourage breaks in concentration and focus by dividing tasks into shorter cognitive units.
  • Establish a safety committee that recognizes and rewards valuable safety suggestions.
  • Build in accountability for the workplace health and safety committee at the supervisory level.

Of course, these guidelines apply equally to all of your employees.

To learn more, feel free to give a call.

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9 years ago · by · 0 comments

IDENTITY THEFT: IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

file0001578443946Despite the explosive growth of online identity theft, the great majority of personal information is stolen or lost in other ways, according to one recent study.

A nationwide survey of claims data by Travelers insurance company found that nearly three in four cases of identity fraud (73%) did not involve cyber-crime. According to Travelers, such stolen or misplaced items as wallets and pocketbooks were the most common known causes of these claims. The theft of drivers licenses, Social Security cards, or other forms of personal identification ranked second. Burglaries ranked third, followed by cyber breaches, including Internet scams and old-fashioned forgeries.

To protect yourself against all varieties of identity theft, experts recommend these guidelines:

  • Check your monthly financial statements to detect any suspicious activity (in case you find any discrepancy, contact the financial institution immediately).
  • Carry only essential credit cards
  • Keep critical documents in a secure place
  • Avoid scams by not disclosing personal information if you receive an unsolicited request
  • Shred old bills and financial statements
  • Store purses and wallets in a safe place
  • Never print account information on an outgoing mail envelope
  • Be careful about sharing personal information on social media
  • Ask for a free report annually from the national credit reporting agencies.

You might also consider purchasing Identity theft insurance. Many policies provide coverage for lost or stolen funds; long distance calls to resolve, report, or discuss the fraud; the cost of notarizing fraud affidavits, certified mail, or other documents needed to restore compromised credit; loan re-application fees due to incorrect credit information; and attorney fees (if pre-approved).

For more information, please get in touch with our agency.

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9 years ago · by · 0 comments

What Happens If My Business Is Uninsured and an Employee Is Injured?

Scurich Insurance Services, CA, Teen ChallengeBeing a business without workers’ compensation insurance in California is a serious matter. If an employee is injured during the course of business duties and the business is not insured, it does not mean that the business is absolved of its responsibilities. The Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund was established to ensure that employees are still compensated for their medical expenses even if the business did not comply with the law. Using the power vested in this entity, it can pursue many avenues to ensure that the injured employee is compensated, including placing a lien on the business, imposing a stop order so that the business can no longer legally and delivering fines, penalties and jail time.

If you should decide that you do not want to carry workers’ compensation insurance on your employees and one of them becomes injured or sick while on the job, you will be responsible for paying 100% of the cost of their bills. Without obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance, an injured or sickened employee can sue your company to obtain the funds necessary to cover their medical bills. In addition, there is the potential that your business will be fined, penalized and even more for not meeting its obligations to its employees.

The California state labor board, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with a range of labor standards, including having an adequate amount of workers’ compensation insurance. If the Division determine that the business was lacking in this regard, in addition to fines and penalties, it is possible that you will serve a jail sentence in the county jail. A stop order is also likely to be issued that prohibits the business from using the labor of those employees who are not covered. It is a misdemeanor to not comply with such an order.

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9 years ago · by · 0 comments

5 Questions and Answers About Commercial Property Insurance Terms

Storage Fire In Watsonville, CAYou need to protect and insure your business. Accidents happen. Fires, floods, slips, falls, sicknesses and even fatalities. They all happen. Everyday. That’s why no matter what size business you’re running, from a two-man operation or a corporation worth millions of dollars, you SHOULD ALWAYS have commercial property insurance.

Not everyone who is looking for business insurance actually understands what it is, though. Or why they need it. Here’s our brief but informative round-up of information to get you started.

3 Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Property Insurance

My Business is Brand New…Do I Need Insurance on my Commercial Property Already?

Absolutely. Think of it this way: If you could suffer a loss then you need insurance. It doesn’t matter if you’re on day 1 of business or day 1000…you need the insurance.

If I Work From Home Do I Still Need Commercial Property Insurance?

Yes. In most cases you’ll only be insured and reimbursed for up to $2,500 of damage or loss to business assets that occurr within a homeowner’s insurance policy. It is best to purchase additional insurance and protection under your home coverage or add on a commercial property insurance policy to cover anything over the $2,500 amount.

What Steps Can I Take to Lower My Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?

Every policy and insurance premium is based upon the amount of risk involved. Show high risk and you’ll pay more. Mitigate that risk and you’ll pay less. Here are some simple steps you can take to mitigate the risk and lower the premium on your commercial insurance policy:

  • Have a well-lighted work place (in and out).
  • Keep electrical systems maintained.
  • Install adequate sprinkler and fire safety systems.
  • Teach and preach on the job safety to every employee and keep records of safety training.
  • Keep the minimal amount of cash needed on hand. Make daily or twice daily bank deposits.

Those are our most FAQ and the answers we give. If you have any more questions or require any further detail, please contact and ask.

Source: http://legalzoom.com

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10 years ago · by · 0 comments

What are my options for insuring farm equipment?

TractorIn most aspects of life there exists insurance to help in protecting assets in the case of damage or unfortunate loss. When it comes to farms this is no exception; however, the typical business insurance or ordinary car insurance will not meet the bar when it comes to insuring the farm and tractors. It is advisable that if your business is farming or you are thinking about purchasing a weekend farm getaway that you consult with an insurance professional with experience in farming.

There is a famous saying that “knowing is half the battle,” so our goal is to review a few areas that have specific insurance needs. This way when you meet with an insurance professional you can get on the right track. As a general rule farm property is covered under specifically qualified policies to include farm machinery, livestock, farm trailers and even irrigation equipment. Depending on the coverage there may even be automatic coverage for new equipment up to $100,000 for the first 60 days – similar to a new born child being under the parents insurance until the child is individually registered. There are other types of equipment such as antennas and satellite radio devices typical on farms in extremely rural areas. In addition to coverage for these types of items there are other optional coverages that should be considered.

Depending on the exact type of farm things like chicken coups, silos, fences and feed racks have the ability to be covered under a farm policy. For those living in the city the details of a chicken farm and the equipment to keep it functioning are just not a reality. However for the farmer, these are essential aspects to their daily life. This is precisely why insurance companies carefully address all the details involved in farm life. Additional coverages are even defined as to the type of use of the equipment, because farm life can vary drastically.

One of our insurance professionals will review your farm and equipment to explain all available coverages and its intricacies.

Content provided by Transformer Marketing.

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10 years ago · by · 0 comments

What is alternative risk financing?

Scurich Insurance Services, CA, Risk ManagementMost medium-sized and smaller companies protect themselves against their property and liability exposures by purchasing Commercial insurance, while large corporations and government agencies prefer to use some type of alternative risk financing. However, businesses of any size can employ this tool to enjoy such benefits as improved cash flow and a lower total cost of risk.

Insurers have developed a number of colorful terms for alternative risk financing techniques. These methods include:

  • Excess insurance
  • Reinsurance
  • Guaranteed cost
  • Retrospective rating
  • Large deductible
  • Self-insurance
  • Captive insurance

Using alternative risk financing requires management discipline and a willingness to commit resources. Size isn’t that important. The main criterion is losses. As a rule of thumb, alternative risk financing makes sense for a business whose claims have these characteristics: (1) Reasonable predictability; (2) moderate volatility; (3) minimal exposure to a catastrophic event; and (4) high frequency and low severity. For example, a large hotel or bank would probably experience a number of small Workers Compensation claims, but few large claims.

Casualty insurance products (such as Workers Comp, General Liability, and Auto Liability) are the best candidates for alternative risk financing. Because Comp and Liability claims tend to be paid over one to five years or more, insurance companies that write these policies generate substantial investment income on their premium reserves until losses are paid fully. By using alternative risk financing, your company can invest your funds elsewhere, rather than paying premiums.

Our specialists would be happy to review your business and see if alternative risk financing make sense for you.

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Company information

Scurich Insurance Services
Phone: (831) 661-5697
Fax: (831) 661-5741

Physical:
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Suite7,
Aptos, Ca 95003-4700

Mailing:
PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170

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(831) 661-5697

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