9 Winter Driving Safety Tips

Tips for how to make Winter Driving safe for you and your employees

Safe driving begins long before a driver gets behind the wheel of a car. This is true in Winter as well as any other time of year. It is especially important when it comes to the Winter Driving Season. The Winter Driving Season is especially dangerous because of the conditions presented out on the roads and the presence of ice. Preparing for these risky conditions occurs before, during, and after getting behind the wheel. Here are nine Winter Driving Tips to help you, your family, and your employees safe out on the roads for the rest of this Winter.

Winter Driving on Snow and Ice

Before Winter Driving

Prepare your car

Safety when it comes to Winter Driving begins long before a person gets behind the wheel. Preparing your car in the Fall before the weather turns bad is a good idea to prepare for a saving Winter Driving Season.

Check under the hood

When you have an oil change during the Fall and Winter, it is important to have the mechanic looking under the hood to check to make sure your car is prepared for the Temperatures the car is facing. It is important to ask them double check the levels of your cars antifreeze, the hoses, the heater, the defroster, windshield wipers, the washer fluid, the lights, and the battery.

Stock a Winter Weather Survival Kit

Stocking your car with a Winter Weather Survival Kit is a great idea to prepare yourself for the unfortunate event that you are stuck in your car for an extended period of time. What is included in the kit depends upon how extreme the weather is where you live. No matter where you live the kit should include: blankets, gloves, socks and a hat. Also included should be an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, water, snacks and road flares or reflective warning triangles. Additionally, you should consider adding kitty lidder or a bag of sand to help with traction, tire chains, hand warmers, and duct tape because every situation runs a tad bit smoother with duct tape.

During Winter Driving

Slow Down

When behind the wheel, it is important to slow down and increase space when driving. Many people make the mistake of thinking a four wheel drive vehicle allows them to drive faster at a normal speed during Winter Conditions. This is a mistake far too many drivers make in Winter. The only way to safely drive on ice is to take your time and give yourself plenty of room between other vehicles.

Dont panic

If you do start to slip on ice while driving, it is best to let your foot off of the excelerator in order to slow down as opposed to slamming on the brakes. Remember to steer in the direction you want to go. Steering may be more important than braking in some conditions.

Be conscious of the three main types of distractions

There are three types of distracted driving: Cognitive, Manual, and Visual. A cognitive distraction deals with a drivers cognitive ability to pay attention to the task of driving. A manual distraction is anything that causes a driver to take one or both hands off of the steering wheel. Finally, a visual distraction is anything visually appealing that takes the drivers view away from the task of driving the car.

After Winter Driving

After an accident, contact the carrier quickly

It is important to contact your insurance carrier quickly after an accident. First and foremost, you need to take care of the health and well-being of anyone involved in an accident. Once everyones safety is accounted for it is important to give the insurance carrier a call. It is important to realize that this part of the insurance process is the responsibility of the carrier and not the insurance agent. It is a good idea to keep the agency in the loop, but do not be surprised and do not become upset when they direct you to call the carrier. This is how the insurance process works.

Take photos

If you have a mobile device with the ability to take and save pictures, it is important to take pictures of your damaged vehicle and of any other vehicles involved in the accident.

Keep Receipts

Damages may be reimbursed for repairs to your car, but the insurance carrier is going to require receipts for anything you purchase related to the repair of your vehicle. This is why it is important to call the insurance carrier quickly. The carrier can guide you through the insurance claims process and help prevent any unnecessary spending on your part.

5 Things to Know When Insurance Shopping

Insurance Shopping is a wise thing for a business owner to do if not every year, at least every few years. It is not wise to switch carriers frequently based on a slight drop in premium, but it is wise to look around in an attempt to make sure your carrier is competitive with the marketplace. Here are five things to keep in mind when looking in to insurance shopping.

Digital Graphics implementing how a business goes about insurance shopping.

Understand the Value of an Independent Agent

An independent insurance agent is valuable to a small business owner because they are not attached to any one insurance carrier. The fact that they are independent allows the agent to give business leaders advice about each policy and each carrier. They can show you which policy offers the lowest premium and they can give you additional information about each carrier. Margins within the insurance industry are very small. When one insurance carrier is offering a similar policy for a significantly lower premium, there is usually a reason for the premium being lower and that reason is rarely because it offers more coverage or the carrier provides better service of that policy. An independent insurance agent can tell you what to expect when partnering with each individual insurance carrier.

Bundle Policies

Bundling policies is a good idea for a small business for a number of reasons. First and foremost, bundling all coverages with one insurance carrier in a BOP prevents there being gaps in coverage. A gap in coverage occurs when two policies that deal with a claim have exclusions pertaining to the particular claim. Bundling policies with one carrier allows the agent to make sure these gaps do not exist and your business is properly covered.

Do Not Prioritize Price

Price should be one of a number of factors to consider when deciding which policy and which carrier to go with. Margins in the insurance industry are very tight. When a business owner bases their decision primarily on price, they are taking the risk of purchasing an inferior coverage. When a claim occurs, the business should be prepared for less coverage when they decide to go with a significantly cheaper policy.

Analyze your limits

As your facility and equipment age, it is wise to speak with your agent about what exactly is the value of those pieces of equipment. If a piece of equipment is crucial to or business being able to operate, replacing that equipment quickly is important to the ongoing operation of the business. If this is not the case, it might be better to lower the limits of a policy. This is especially important when it comes to old vehicles or old equipment. If the business owns a vehicle that has a value that is similar to what the deductible might be, it might be better for the business to just deal without the vehicle or purchase a new vehicle. No matter what the situation is for your business, it is worthwhile to discuss lowering your limits with your insurance agent from time to time.

Consider an Umbrella Policy

An Umbrella Insurance Policy is designed to sit on top of all existing insurance policies when the limits of those policies have been exhausted. The coverage provides an additional layer of security to businesses that are at risk for being sued for damages to other people’s property or injuries caused to others in an accident. Many times adding an umbrella policy is a more cost effective way to add additional coverage to your policies.

10 Types of Liability Insurance Every Small Business Should Consider

Liability Insurance is the Bedrock of a Small Businesses Shield of Protection

Liability Insurance is a way businesses can go about protecting itself from liabilities the business faces that are beyond the funds the business has on hand to cover. General Liability is required by law for most businesses in most states, but this is usually not the only type of liability insurance coverage a business should secure. Partnering with an experienced insurance professional with whom you trust is the first step to properly protecting a small business. This professional can help advise a business owner just what types of risks they face and just what types of insurance policies they should secure. Here are 10 types of liability insurance coverage every small business owner should consider securing.

Small Business Liability Insurance Coverage

General Liability Insurance Coverage

General Liability Insurance is required by law in most states and protects a business from lawsuits, bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and completed work. Two components are included in general liability insurance. Those two components are public and product liability. Public liability protects a business from third-parties filing suit against a business. The suit can be for something as simple as the third party slipped and fell in your store. No matter how trivial the suit is, it can amount to an enormous legal bill to protect the reputation of a business. Product liability protects a business for products or completed work. When a business makes or sells a product, the business is responsible for what happens with those products. It is important to remember product liability does not provide coverage for claims of defective or faulty design alone unless that defect causes injury or damage.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance Coverage is also frequently referred to as Errors and Omissions, E&O, or Medical Malpractice. Professional Liability covers a business for financial losses suffered by third-parties due to professional advice given by the insured. The types of professionals who need this type of coverage include: Accountants, Attorneys, Real Estate Brokers, Consultants, Physicians, Architects, and Engineers. A Professional Liability Insurance Policy does not cover bodily injury or property damage, these claims are usually covered by a general liability policy.

Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage

Cyber Liability Insurance is a type of liability that protects a business from the liability the business faces to third parties for a data breach that occurs within the organization. Cyber Liability Insurance covers the costs associated with the liability of a claim or suit related to a data breach, but it does not cover the first party damages to the business.

Dram Shop Liability Insurance

Dram Shop Insurance Coverage applies to businesses that sell and serve alcohol. A Dram Shop Liability Insurance covers a business for personal injury caused by an intoxicated customer. Dram Shop Liability grew from laws passed dealing with the actions of intoxicated patrons who were served when the business knew the patron was severely intoxicated. According to Vernet v. Serrano-Torres, 566 F.3d 254 (1st Cir. P.R. 2009), it was held that the theory of dram-shop liability has been described as one where a bar or tavern may be liable for the wrongful or injurious actions of a patron, if it served alcohol to that patron after it knew, or should have known, that the patron was already intoxicated.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance is a type of liability insurance that is paid out to the officers and directors of a company or organization, as reimbursement for losses or advancement for defense costs in the event an insured faces a lawsuit as a result of alleged wrongful acts in the officers or directors capacity as a leader of the organization. Directors and Officers of a corporation or a non-profit may be liable for damages if they damage the organization in breach of their legal duty, if they mix personal and business assets, or if they fail to disclose any and all conflicts of interest.

Employer Liability Insurance Coverage

Employer Liability Insurance is an extremely important part of every businesses workers compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation pays a workers medical costs and some lost wages if they are hurt while on the job. If an employee feels their workers compensation benefit has not provided them enough, they can sue a business for damages. Some of those damages and the legal fees associated with those suits are covered under an employer liability insurance policy.

Product Liability Insurance

Product Liability Insurance Coverage protects a business from lawsuits that result from injuries, illnesses, or property damage linked to a product made by a business. These damages include manufacturing error, faulty design, malfunctions, and even misuse. This applies to manufactured products no matter if they are simple or complex.

Umbrella Liability Insurance Coverage

An Umbrella Insurance Policy is a type of coverage that sits on top of other existing policies. When there is a covered loss and the limits of that policy are met, the Umbrella Policy kicks in to cover additional costs up to the limits of the Umbrella Policy. They key part of this policy to understand is that the claim causing the loss has to be a covered loss. An Umbrella Insurance Policy does not cover additional losses that are not covered. The policy only kicks in when the limits of an existing policy are met.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can protect a business in the event the business faces a lawsuits related to hiring, employing, and terminating employees. EPLI can protect a business when someone files a claim due to misconduct or violation of labor laws. These lawsuits could include claims of employee discrimination, wrongful termination, discrimination (age, racial, gender), breach of contract, sexual harrassment, or emotional distress.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Businesses can package all of the necessary liability policies in to a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). A BOP includes several different policies. They are usually designed for a specific industry because a carriers uses historical claims data to know which types of claims are common for businesses within a particular industry. BOP’s can be altered to meet the needs of a business and the level of risk a business owner is willing to take and most times carriers will offer a discount for buying multiple policies in one package.

8 Reasons Why Insurance is Crucial for Small Business

There are many reasons why a business needs to carry insurance coverage. In its most simple form, insurance protects a business from financial loss due to an unfortunate emergency, accident, or unforeseen event. Now there are many different types of insurance a business may need. Some businesses may need multiple types of coverage, some businesses may be able to get by with a bare bones package of coverages. Partnering with an independent insurance agent is one of the best ways to determine what types of coverage you need and what types of limits are best for your business.

Insurance is Required for a Loan

Banks require a business to carry insurance in order to qualify for a loan. If you think about it lenders want proof of insurance before you buy or build a new facility in order to safe guard all assets. To get access to cash for your business you will need to have certain types of insurance coverage. Without insurance, a business will be forced to fund its own expansion with cash on hand.

Some Forms of Insurance are Required by Law

In most states, Workers Compensation and General Liability Insurance is required by law for most business in most states. Each state has their own rules and regulations that offer some exclusions for some types of coverage. It is important to check with the proper state governing body within the state you operate in to make sure your business is properly insured.

Insurance Protects Against lawsuits

Today’s business environment is a very litigious society. If you stay in business long enough, more than likely your business will be sued in some form or fashion. When a business faces a lawsuit, even if your business wins the suit it can amount to an enormous sum in legal fees. Insurance coverage can reimburse your business for these costs.

Insurance Can Protect Your Employees

A business depends upon their employees to make the business work. Building a healthy workplace culture is crucial to success no matter what industry a business operates in. Insurance can add to the trust a business has with its employees.

Your business depends heavily on the knowledge of one person

If you operate a business that depends upon the talents of one or a few key employees, it is necessary to carry Keyman Insurance. Keyman Insurance is a policy designed to cover the life of a key employee for a monetary value so in the event of an untimely death of such key employee, the loss to the business will be recouped through monetary assistance.

Most Contracts Require Insurance

When it comes to contracts, insurance is required by both parties in order for the contract to be valid. Some examples of scenarios where insurance is required include:

A business rents a facility instead of owning the building outright.
A business borrows money to finance buildings or equipment.
A business enters into a contract where the client specifies that insurance coverage in the event the deal does not go as planned.

A Business Cannot Predict The Future

No matter how much experience a professional has there are unknown occurrences that no one can predict. Regardless of whether the occurrences are a natural disaster, injured employees, lawsuits, or damaged equipment; it is impossible to predict when one of these claims will occur. Insurance coverage can protect your business in the event of an act of god.

Insurance Grants Peace of Mind

Business owners and leaders face an enormous amount of pressure. Insurance allows those leaders the ability to ease some of that pressure because they can rest assured that an insurance policy will help the business become whole again in the event of a serious occurrence.

Dram Shop Insurance

What is Dram Shop Insurance and How Should a Business Purchase Coverage?

Dram Shop Insurance is required by law in nearly every state in the country. In the past, Dram Shop was a term that referred to places where alcohol was sold by the dram (a small quantity of liquid). Dram Shop Liability Laws have been created to protect the public from intoxicated individuals who have been over-served by an establishment. Dram Shop Insurance is a type of insurance required by businesses that sell and serve alcoholic beverages. Most within the insurance industry now use the term Liquor Liability Insurance as it is a more straight-forward and easier to remember term.

View of many bottle of liquor showing the need for Dram Shop Insurance.

What is Covered by Dram Shop Insurance?

Dram Shop Insurance covers many claims your business may face. Some of those covered claims include bodily injury, property damage, coverage for intoxicated employees, fights, legal costs, and mental anguish. Not what is covered and how much is covered will differ depending upon the carrier you are purchasing from and the state you are operating in. Businesses should review all policies extremely carefully before purchasing coverage for their business. Partnering with an independent insurance agent is a great way to get unbiased advice about the differences between coverages from carrier to carrier.

Who needs Dram Shop / Liquor Liability Coverage?

Restaurants
Bars and taverns
Caterers
Breweries and wineries
Grocery stores
Liquor stores

Picture of a long bar iwth many risks that show the need for Dram Shop Insurance.

What Determines Cost of Dram Shop Insurance?

There are a number of factors that determine what a business pays for Dram Shop Insurance. Like a normal commercial insurance policy, it depends upon the state you operate in, the revenue of your business, and the number of employees. Specific to Dram Shop Insurance the determining factors include the types of alcohol sold, the closing time, the amount of food compared to alcohol receipts, the square footage of the facility, the average price of the drinks, the types of entertainment on the premises (live music, karaoke,etc.), and whether the establishment has bouncer manning the door. Having well-designed protocols in place for how your staff should deal with intoxicated customers goes a long ways towards limiting the frequency and severity of claims within your business.

Do I Need Liquor Liability Insurance if I Serve Liquor at My Home or at an Event I am Hosting?

Yes, you most definitely need some form of liability insurance that includes liquor liability if you are serving liquor at your home or other event. The liability coverage included may be in your homeowners or business insurance policy (as long as you are not selling the alcohol). Checking with your insurance agent is a wise decision before any event where alcohol will be served and their is a risk of patrons injuring themselves while under the influence at your place. You may not need Dram Shop Insurance Specifically. To avoid buying coverage you or your business do not need, talk to you ragent about the specifics of all policies already in place. If coverage is already included, you do not need to buy more Liquor Liability Coverage.

The big difference between Dram Shop Insurance Policies are the type of carrier a business is purchasing coverage from. The two types of carriers include admitted and non-admitted carriers. An Admitted Carrier is required to file rates with the state and follow rules and regulations set by each state’s Department of Insurance. A Non-admitted Carrier is not required to file rates or follow the same state regulations. Non-admitted Carriers do have to prove to the state they operate in that they are able to financially pay the claims their policyholders file. In addition to admitted vs. non-admitted carriers it is important for business owners to check the financial strength of the carrier as reported by the AM Best or by Standard & Poor’s.

3 Types of Liability Insurance Every Technology Company Should Have?

General, Professional, and Cyber Liability Insurance

Technology Companies have enormous risks. Those risks depend upon whether the business sells or services technology products. Some businesses store data about the businesses customers. Other businesses create technology that other businesses use to store the data of those customers. No matter what type of risk a business faces, there are three types of liability insurance all technology companies should secure. Those policies are General, Professional, and Cyber Liability Insurance.

Technology Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance for Small Business is the most important type of insurance policy a company can secure. General Liability Insurance helps policyholders from the third party risks associated with lawsuits and other types of claims. Those claims include bodily injury and property damage that is caused by direct or indirect actions of the insured. For most businesses a general liability claim can be for something as simple as a customer slipping on wet floors inside a restaurant or when when a product sold breaks and causes an injury. For technology companies, General Liability Insurance will cover legal expenses when a business is sued for customer injuries, property damage, and slander. For many within the insurance industry, general liability insurance is referred to as the first line of defense for a business. It should not be the only coverage a business secures.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance is also referred to as Errors and Omissions Insurance. Professional Liability Insurance is coverage for professional businesses that give expert advice or provide technology services for a fee. The coverage prevents businesses from bearing the full cost of defending against a negligence claim made by a client, and damages awarded in a civil lawsuit.

Here are five types of claims that are commonly covered by a Professional Liability Insurance Policy:

Breach of Contract: Breach of Contract that occurs when one or both parties do not live up to a contract that was previously agreed upon.
Fraud: Fraud occurs when one party intentionally lies or deceives for financial or personal gain.
Negligence: Negligence occurs when one party fails to use reasonable care that results in damage or harm to another person, business, or organization.
Breach of Warranty: Breach of Promise occurs when a person or business promises something to a customer in a warranty, and the business is unable to keep the promise made by the product or contract.
Misrepresentation: Misrepresentation occurs when a person or business makes a false claim to convince another person or party into a contract.

Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability Insurance covers the insureds liability for damages that result from a data breach. It does not cover immediate response costs that a business faces after a data breach. A Cyber Liability Insurance Policy is a type of insurance that protects businesses that sell and service technology. A data breach can result from something as small as an employees laptop being stolen while going to the bathroom at a coffee shop, but it can also result from an employee clicking on a phishing email. Data breaches are no longer just a problem for bug businesses. Both the Target and Home Depot Data Breaches started by hackers first accessing the computer systems of a small business who were partners with the bigger business. As most enterprise level business take cyber security more seriously, this is becoming a much more common way for businesses to become victims of a data breach.

8.1% Decrease for Nevada Workers Compensation Rates 2019

Nevada Workers Compensation Rates 2019 are Some of the Lowest in the Country

Effective March 1, Nevada Workers Compensation Rates in 2019 will be declining by 8.1%. According to the Oregon Premium Rate Ranking Study Nevada was the 46th most expensive state in the country to buy Workers’ Comp Insurance. The cost for coverage in Nevada is 71% of the national median. Each individual class code will see varying amounts of savings depending upon class code and experience modification rating. The range of changes in premium are between -29% and +15%. A sizable majority of classifications would receive decreases, often substantial decreases, as a result of this filing. A few still will see an increase in what they pay.

Las Vegas, Nevada

How is the Nevada Workers Compensation System Unique?

In the state of Nevada all businesses, must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Nevada operates under what is referred to as a no-fault system. A no fault system protects employees by providing medical and disability benefits along with some lost wages. The system also protects employers by limiting liability in the event of a workplace injury.

In the past Nevada was a monopolistic state. Being a monopolistic state means the employer must obtain workers compensation insurance from a compulsory state fund or qualify as a self-insurer. This means all businesses that operate within the state must purchase coverage from one provider. There is no open market for coverage. To be self insured, the business must meet certain financial criteria to qualify.

Currently, Nevada is an NCCI state. This means the state pool for high risk businesses that have been denied coverage on the open market is administered by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Typically states who partner with NCCI enjoy more favorable rates on workers comp coverage.

Sandstone, Nevada Desert

Why are Nevada Workers Compensation Rates Declining?

Nevada Workers Compensation Rates are declining significantly in 2019. This is because of a number of reasons. The payroll cap is one factor, most other states do not implement that somewhat contribute to lower rates on premium in Nevada. What a payroll cap means is that most states require the full payroll of all covered employees to be factored in the insurance premium. The rate is multiplied by each $100 in payroll. After this additional debits or credits are applied. Nevada only requires the first $36,000 of payroll for each covered employee, which reduces insurance premiums for businesses with employees who have higher salaries.

Also contributing to lower workers comp rates, is declining claims frequency. This is a trend that is happening throughout the country. Most people credit improvements in automation and workplace safety for the decline in claims frequency.

Purchasing Nevada Workers Compensation Insurance is very complex. It requires the help of a trusted advisor. More often then not the most trusted advisor is an independent insurance agent. In order to make sure your business is purchasing the right policy is to seek help from a Independent Insurance Agent. An independent agent can help you get quotes from multiple insurance companies so you can be sure you get the most comprehensive coverage at rock bottom rates.

Alaska Workers Compensation Rates in 2019 are going down!

The Largest Decrease for Workers Comp Insurance Premium in 40 years for Alaska Business Owners

In 2019, Alaska Workers Compensation Insurance Rates are expected to fall the most they have in 40 years. The governor office announced this past October that workers’ compensation insurance premiums should decrease by an average of 17.5 percent statewide starting the first of January. This decrease follows a 5.4 percent decrease in 2017 and workers’ compensation premiums are down roughly 25 percent since 2015. These reductions amount to an estimated $35 million in savings for the Alaska Business Community. According to Alaska Governor Bill Walker, “These proposed rate reductions are welcome news for Alaska businesses — lower workers’ compensation costs reduce the burden on the small businesses that strengthen our economy,” Walker said in a formal statement. “Thank you to the Alaska state Legislature and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for their work on payment reform, contributing to significant rate reductions for 2019.”

Mount McKinley, Denali National Park, Alaska

What Caused Alaska Workers Compensation Insurance Rates to Decline?

There were a number of factors that contributed to the large decline in Alaska Workers Compensation Insurance Rates. Claim frequency and favorable medical costs continued to decline in 2018 which were two of the major factors contributing to declining rates. The claims frequency means that across the board there were less claims filed in 2018 compared to previous years. This is a favorable measurement for insurance carriers because this decreases the costs related to paying out insurance claims and processing those claims. Declining medical costs is largely because of streamlined processes throughout the medical facilities operating within the workers compensation system.

There was also legislation passed in 2018 that will contribute to lower rates in 2019 and for the foreseeable future. The legislation was House Bill 79 (HB79). the legislation clarified who is classified as an independent contractor and who needs to be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This bill made it easier to obtain exemptions, to acquire reporting data, and to make payments.

Alaskan Cruise Ship

What can Business Owners do to Maximize Alaska Workers Compensation Insurance Rates?

There are many ways a business owner can save, in addition to the savings the Alaska Business Community is receiving from workers compensation premiums declining. Here are 5 things a business owner can act upon to maximize savings on Alaska Workers Compensation Insurance.

Make sure your Business is Classified Properly
Implement a Safety Program
Incorporate a Return-to-Work Program in the Safety Program
Consider Pay-as-You-Go Workers Compensation
Partner with an Independent Insurance Agent

Proper Classification Codes

In any given year, there are more than 700 different classification codes for businesses and employees to use when it comes to workers compensation insurance. Making sure your business is classified correct is a step that can save a lot of headaches during a mid term or end of term audit. Proper classification can prevent your business from over or under paying premium throughout the year. If you under pay throughout the year, it can cause your business to owe additional premium at the end of the term. Even if your business over pays through out the year and gets a credit on their policy, it means your business has had unnecessary cash flow tied up in workers comp premium payments. This is money that could be used on other necessary business needs.

Well-Documented Safety Program

A safety program can help a small business lower what they pay for commercial insurance by decreasing the frequency and severity of workers compensation insurance claims. The safety program does not have to be exhaustive. It can be as small as part of the new staff training program and a few 15 minute huddles each week. It is important to have these meetings documented. Your insurance agent can use this documentation to get you an additional discount when purchasing coverage. The documentation can also be used when a business experiences a year in which there are several claims or one large claim. Usually when this occurs your can expect your insurance premium to rise. If you have a documented safety program, your independent insurance agent can use it to show the claims are more of an outlier and not a sign of more claims to come.

A Return-to-Work Program

A return to work program is a great way to show your employees you care about them and help them get back to their daily routine quicker. When executed properly, a return to work program can help get your injured workers back on the job, even in a limited capacity, and back a part of their regular work routine. This is the best way to keep insurance claims under control and help keep your experience modification rating low.

Pay-as-You-Go Option

Some businesses may benefit from Pay as You Go Workers Compensation. Most traditional workers comp policies require 25 to 33 percent of the entire premium up front just to get coverage in place. With the Pay as You Go Option, most businesses can get coverage in place for as little as a few hundred dollars. This allows cash strapped businesses to get coverage in place, but use their needed cash flow for other more urgent business needs.

Partner with an Independent Agent

An independent agent is always the best way to find the most comprehensive insurance coverage at the lowest rate possible. Especially if the independent agent has several years of experience and relationships with multiple insurance carriers. They can use this knowledge and these relationships, to know which carriers are actively looking to quote your industry and and force carriers to compete for your business.