Smart solutions to help you be better prepared today so you’re more secure tomorrow.
By Monica Santiago for AssuredPartners On Sunday, March 13th, the jewelry industry will receive the spotlight for National Jewel Day. This is an opportunity to highlight the makers and creators of these magnificent pieces, and perhaps provide an extra reason to wear your own jewelry out. Additionally, this is a prime occasion to review your insurance coverage on your jewelry items. Click to read the issues>>>
By Blaine Allen for AssuredPartners The construction industry is one of the largest sectors in the US economy. Nearly $1.4T worth of structures are constructed each year and it employs more than seven million workers across 733,000 businesses. As 2022 kicks off, many of these construction industry professionals will be wondering what issues & challenges we will face in the next 12 months. While the PPP funds in 2020 and 2021 were life savers to many businesses, we are unlikely to see similar measures in the future. Things are slowly getting back to normal, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t challenges to the industry in 2022. Some issues described below are unique to the construction industry, and others are …
WASHINGTON, February 23, 2022 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in New Castle County, Delaware. Samples from the flock were tested at the University of Delaware’s Allen Laboratory in Newark, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Delaware on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the …
By Maureen Gallagher for AssuredPartners Cyber insurance pricing has increased significantly in the last several years. Loss frequency and severity is driving the pricing increases with ransomware as the loss leader. Underwriters are scrutinizing internal controls, and are either providing very low limits ($100K to $250K), or are no longer willing to write ransomware without multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a security setting that requires users to provide more than one method of verification to gain access to websites or applications. It is also referred to as two-factor authentication. MFA is the top requirement, but underwriters will also inquire about the following>>>
By Emilie Temple for AssuredPartners As the calendar turns to 2022, it’s a common practice to look ahead to what the new year holds. Whether it is an upcoming personal vacation or exciting work projects, there is an anticipation that awaits. While looking forward to the new year, it is also vital that you review your current personal insurance policies. There may be events that are coming up, or have just occurred, that effect what your exact coverage needs are. What are some of the reasons for you to evaluate your personal insurance policy? Life changes, new coverages, change in current coverages, and potential for additional savings are just some considerations. Click for more information>>>
By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners It’s well-known that working in and around grain bins is dangerous. In 2020, there were 64 documented agricultural-confined space-related cases, including 35 grain-related entrapments and 12 equipment entanglements, according to a report by Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Grain bin entrapment is the most often identified hazard, but equipment handling, collapsing bins, fires, toxic fumes, and ladders are among the other equally hazardous situations that pose serious risks to worker safety. Regardless of the season, grain bin safety must be a year-round effort. With any safety initiative, it’s essential to identify and understand all potential hazards. Click for safety precautions to prevent grain-related incidents>>>
By Andy Engardio for AssuredPartners Starting February 7th, 2022, the new Entry Level Driver Training rules are officially in effect. First and foremost, the rule is NOT retroactive. If a driver currently holds a permit (prior to 2/7/2022) or CDL, and/or has a Passenger, School Bus, or Hazmat endorsement they are exempt from this rule. The mandate and training requirements must be met by every new driver applying for their CDL. It is important for trucking professionals to understand how this will impact the industry. For a new driver applying for their CDL, they must find and complete a training program from an approved provider. To find a provider, check out the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). Click for more …
By David Thurber, J.D. for AssuredPartners In the senior living space, the question of home health care aides being utilized at a care facility is one that is certain to come up. There are many factors to consider when deciding how to go about interacting with this additional service for residents that it can become overwhelming. The paramount question at hand is how best to respond to the resident’s desire for this type of outside help, and yet carefully manage the safety and actual or potential liability of the senior living community for errant third-party care, advice, direction, or behavior. And additionally, the community’s role in integrating the third-party’s information, advice, and direction into their responsibility to provide care and …
By Courtney DuChene for Risk&Insurance Employers who were preparing to implement vaccine or test requirements might be wondering what they should do to protect their workforce and shield themselves from EPL risk. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked an Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard, which would have required employers with 100 employees to either mandate vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus or to test workers weekly. Click to learn if employers can mandate a vaccination>>>
By AP Captives for AssuredPartners AssuredPartners Captives experts know that sometimes traditional insurance isn’t the best option, but what is the alternative? Throw out the “cookie cutter” model and consider a captive as an alternative risk transfer technique to provide protection outside of the conventional insurance model. Captives can result in greater control and greater return on investment if, and only if, they are entered into for the right reasons, managed prudently and by professionals committed to long-term success. Simply stated, captives are member-owned insurance companies that operate for the members’ benefit. To be eligible for this type of alternative risk option, companies must meet stringent financial and safety qualifications. Click to read Captive Considerations>>>
