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Business Insurance By Industry

Business Insurance By Industry Embarking on a business venture is an exciting journey filled with possibilities and opportunities. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected challenges that may arise. One crucial aspect of this preparation is securing the right business insurance. Each industry faces unique risks. So, understanding the types of insurance coverage needed is key to safeguarding your business. As well as ensuring its long-term success. In this article, we’ll explore common business industries and the types of business insurance they may need. Shedding light on why these policies are essential.

Types Of Business Insurance

Before we go over what types of insurance different industries need. Let’s look at the different types of business insurance policies available.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is a fundamental type of business insurance. It provides coverage for a range of common risks and liabilities faced by businesses. Also known as commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. It is designed to protect businesses from financial losses associated with third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. General liability typically covers:

Bodily Injury

Bodily injury coverage helps protect your business in the event that someone is injured on your premises or as a result of your business operations. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, and legal fees. As well as any potential settlements or judgments if your business is found liable for the injury.

Property Damage

Property damage coverage provides protection if your business causes damage to someone else’s property. This could include damage to a client’s home or office space. Or damage to other physical assets belonging to third parties.

Personal and Advertising Injury

Personal and advertising injury coverage is designed to protect against non-physical injuries, such as libel, slander, or infringement of copyright. If your business is accused of damaging another party’s reputation through advertising or other communications, this coverage can help cover legal costs.

Legal Defense

General liability insurance typically covers the costs of legal defense, including attorney fees, court expenses, and settlements or judgments. This is crucial for businesses facing lawsuits, even if the claims are ultimately determined to be groundless.

Product and Completed Operations

If your business manufactures, sells, or distributes products, or if you provide services, products and completed operations coverage can protect against claims arising from defects in products or services that cause bodily injury or property damage.

Medical Payments

Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses if someone is injured on your premises. Regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is usually more limited than bodily injury coverage, but can provide swift reimbursement for minor injuries without the need for a lawsuit.

Business Property Insurance

Business property insurance, also known as commercial property insurance, is a type of insurance coverage that protects a business’s physical assets. Including buildings, equipment, inventory, furniture, and other property, against various risks and perils. This insurance is crucial for businesses to recover from financial losses that may result from damage or loss of property due to covered events. The key coverage of business property insurance are:

 

  • Physical Assets – Business property insurance provides coverage for the physical assets owned or leased by a business. This includes the building itself, if applicable, as well as contents such as inventory, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and signage.
  • Covered Perils – Policies typically specify the perils or events that are covered. Common covered perils include fire, theft, vandalism, windstorms, hail, explosions, and certain types of water damage. It’s important for businesses to carefully review and understand the specific perils covered by their policy.
  • Business Interruption – Many business property insurance policies include business interruption coverage. This component helps businesses recover lost income. And cover ongoing expenses if the business is temporarily unable to operate due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster. It can include coverage for rental income, payroll, and other fixed costs.
  • Replacement Cost – Business property insurance policies may offer coverage based on either replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage reimburses the cost to replace or repair damaged property without deducting for depreciation, providing a more comprehensive form of coverage. Actual cash value coverage considers depreciation, resulting in a lower reimbursement amount.

Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses and liabilities associated with cyber-related risks and events. As businesses increasingly rely on technology and digital assets. The exposure to cyber threats such as data breaches, hacking, and other cybercrimes has become a significant concern. Cyber liability insurance helps businesses mitigate the financial impact of these risks by providing coverage for various expenses and liabilities.

 

  • Data Breach Response – Coverage for expenses related to responding to a data breach. This may include the costs of notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring services, and managing public relations efforts to minimize reputational damage.
  • Legal and Regulatory Expenses – Protection against legal costs and regulatory fines that may result from a data breach or other cyber incident. Cyber liability insurance can cover the expenses associated with legal defense, investigations, and compliance with data breach notification laws.
  • Data Restoration – Coverage for the costs of restoring or recreating lost or damaged data as a result of a cyber incident. This may include expenses related to data recovery and reconstruction efforts.
  • Business Interruption – Compensation for financial losses resulting from a cyber incident that disrupts business operations. This coverage can help replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses during the period when the business is unable to operate normally.
  • Cyber Extortion – Protection against costs associated with cyber extortion attempts, such as ransomware attacks. This coverage may include payments made to cybercriminals to restore access to data or systems. As well as expenses related to negotiating with extortionists.
  • Forensic Investigations – Reimbursement for the costs of investigating a cyber incident to determine the extent of the breach, identify the source of the attack, and implement measures to prevent future incidents.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect professionals and businesses that provide professional services from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the course of their work. This insurance is particularly relevant for individuals and companies in service-based industries where clients rely on their expertise and advice.

 

  • Professional Negligence – Coverage for claims arising from alleged professional negligence, errors, or mistakes in the performance of professional services. This can include errors in judgment, faulty advice, or failure to meet the standard of care expected in the industry.
  • Legal Defense Costs – Reimbursement for legal expenses associated with defending against claims of professional negligence. This can include attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments resulting from lawsuits.
  • Breach of Duty – Coverage for claims related to a breach of professional duty. This could involve a failure to perform services as promised, failure to meet contractual obligations, or other breaches of professional duty.
  • Defamation – Protection against claims of defamation, libel, or slander arising from the provision of professional services. This coverage can address legal costs and settlements associated with damage to a person’s reputation.
  • Copyright Infringement – Coverage for claims of copyright infringement related to the creation or dissemination of professional work. This is particularly important for professionals in creative industries where intellectual property is a significant concern.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance, commonly referred to as workers’ comp, is a type of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It is a crucial component of the social safety net and is designed to protect both employees and employers. It helps injured or ill employees by providing coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. At the same time, it protects employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

 

  • Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation insurance covers the costs associated with medical treatment and care for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical services.
  • Income Replacement – If an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation provides partial wage replacement. Typically, a percentage of the employee’s pre-injury wages is paid to help cover living expenses during the period of disability.
  • Disability Benefits – Disability benefits are provided to employees who experience a temporary or permanent disability as a result of a work-related injury or illness. The level of disability benefits is determined by the severity and nature of the disability.
  • Death Benefits – In the unfortunate event of a fatal workplace injury or illness, workers’ compensation insurance provides death benefits to the surviving dependents of the deceased employee. This includes compensation for funeral expenses and financial support for the dependents.

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance, also known as business income insurance, is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection to businesses in the event of a covered loss that disrupts their normal operations. This coverage is designed to help businesses recover from the financial impact of a temporary suspension of operations due to covered perils, allowing them to maintain financial stability during a challenging period.

 

  • Income Loss – Business interruption insurance covers the loss of income that a business may experience due to a covered event, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other insured peril. This coverage extends to the profits that would have been earned during the period of interruption.
  • Fixed Costs – In addition to income loss, the policy typically covers certain fixed costs that continue even when operations are temporarily halted. This can include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and certain other ongoing expenses necessary for the business to resume normal operations.
  • Covered Perils – Business interruption insurance is triggered by specific perils or events that are covered by the policy. Common covered perils include fires, natural disasters, vandalism, and other events as outlined in the insurance contract. It’s important for businesses to understand the perils covered and, if needed, consider additional endorsements for specific risks.

Product Liability Insurance

Product liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses and legal liabilities arising from claims related to defects or problems with products they manufacture, distribute, or sell. This insurance is crucial for businesses involved in the production and sale of goods, as it helps mitigate the financial impact of legal expenses, settlements, or judgments resulting from product-related claims.

 

  • Bodily Injury and Property Damage – Product liability insurance provides coverage for claims related to bodily injury or property damage caused by a defect in a product. If a product is found to be defective and causes harm to a consumer or their property, the insurance can help cover the associated medical expenses, repair costs, or legal fees.
  • Legal Defense – One of the primary benefits of product liability insurance is the coverage for legal defense costs. If a business faces a lawsuit related to a defective product, the insurance will typically cover the expenses associated with hiring attorneys, court fees, and other legal costs.
  • Manufacturing or Design Defects – Product liability insurance typically covers claims arising from both manufacturing defects and design defects. Manufacturing defects occur during the production process, while design defects are inherent flaws in the product’s design that make it unreasonably dangerous.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

EPLI is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses and employers from the financial consequences of employment-related lawsuits. These lawsuits can arise from various employment-related issues, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of employment laws. EPLI provides coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments associated with such claims.

 

  • Wrongful termination claims – Protection against claims of wrongful termination or dismissal, where an employee alleges that their termination violated employment contracts, implied contracts, or anti-discrimination laws.
  • Discrimination claims – Coverage for claims of discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. EPLI helps businesses address allegations of discriminatory practices in hiring, promotions, and other employment decisions.
  • Harassment claims – Protection against claims of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or other forms of harassment that create a hostile work environment. EPLI assists in covering the costs associated with investigations, legal defense, and potential settlements.
  • Third-party liability – Some EPLI policies may provide coverage for claims brought by non-employees, such as clients, customers, or vendors, alleging wrongful employment practices.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses and their vehicles used for business purposes. This insurance provides financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage involving vehicles owned or operated by a business. Commercial auto insurance is crucial for companies that rely on vehicles for various business activities. Including transportation of goods, services, or employees.

 

  • Business Owned Vehicles – Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or leased by a business and used for business purposes. This can include cars, trucks, vans, and other types of vehicles essential to the business’s operations.
  • Liability – Liability coverage is a fundamental component of commercial auto insurance. It provides protection against bodily injury and property damage that the business may be legally responsible for in the event of an accident. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, repair costs, and legal expenses associated with third-party claims.
  • Collision – Collision coverage is designed to cover the cost of repairs to a business-owned vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage helps businesses get their vehicles back on the road quickly after an accident.
  • Uninsurance/Underinsured Motorist – This coverage protects the business and its drivers in the event of an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps bridge the gap in such situations.

Industries

As we said, every industry is different. While most policies can help all of these industries there are certain policies that each industry needs more than the others.

Retail

The retail industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that thrives on customer interactions, sales, and the management of diverse inventory. Amidst the excitement of running a retail business, it’s crucial for owners to prioritize risk management by investing in the right insurance policies. From protecting against potential liabilities to mitigating financial losses. A tailored insurance strategy can be the key to long-term success in the retail landscape. Retail companies typically need:

 

  • General liability insurance.
  • Commercial property insurance.
  • Workers compensation insurance.
  • Business interruption insurance.
  • Product liability insurance.
  • Cyber liability insurance.

Professional Offices

The professional office industry is a diverse and dynamic sector encompassing various professions. From legal and accounting services to consulting and creative endeavors. Amid the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s paramount for professionals in this industry to prioritize risk management by investing in the right insurance policies. From protecting against potential liabilities to mitigating financial losses, a well-tailored insurance strategy is crucial for ensuring the sustained success of professional offices. These types of companies need:

 

  • Professional liability insurance.
  • General liability insurance.
  • Cyber liability.
  • Business property insurance.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI).

Construction

The construction industry is a powerhouse of growth and development, transforming blueprints into structures that shape communities. Amid the dynamism and innovation, construction businesses face a myriad of risks that can impact projects, finances, and reputations. To safeguard against unforeseen challenges, it’s crucial for construction companies to have a robust portfolio of business insurances. From protecting against accidents on the job site to addressing potential legal liabilities, the right insurance coverage is the cornerstone of a successful construction business.

 

  • General liability.
  • Commercial property.
  • Workers’ compensation.
  • Professional liability.
  • Commercial auto.

Food Service

The food service industry is a vibrant and dynamic sector, offering a myriad of culinary delights to consumers worldwide. While chefs and restaurateurs focus on creating exceptional dining experiences. It’s equally crucial for businesses in the food service industry to prioritize risk management through comprehensive business insurance. From protecting against liability claims to ensuring the safety of employees and patrons. The right insurance coverage is the key ingredient for sustained success in the food service realm.

 

  • General liability insurance.
  • Commercial property insurance.
  • Business interruption insurance.
  • Product liability insurance.
  • EPLI

Working With EZ

In every industry, the importance of business insurance cannot be overstated. These policies act as a safety net. Providing financial protection and peace of mind as you navigate the challenges of running a business. Whether you’re in retail, technology, construction, healthcare, or any other industry. Understanding your unique risks and securing the appropriate insurance coverage is a proactive step toward building a successful business. Consult with insurance professionals to tailor a policy that suits your specific needs. Ensuring that your business is well-prepared for whatever the future may hold.

 

No matter what type of business insurance you need, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top insurance companies nationwide to make sure you find the best insurance for your business. In fact, we can save you hundreds of dollars a year by working with your budget to find you the best coverage. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3538 or enter your zipcode into the box below for free instant quotes.

Workers’ Comp vs. Occupational Accident Insurance

Workers' Comp vs. Occupational Accident Insurance text overlaying construction workers One of the most important concerns for both workers and businesses is the health and safety of their workforce. Workers’ compensation insurance and occupational accident insurance are two important insurance policies. They each come into play when it comes to the protection and safety of the workplace. In spite of the fact that both are intended to offer financial aid in the event of a workplace injury. There are substantial differences between them in terms of their structures, coverage, and the conditions under which they are applicable. 

Employees and employers are both protected by workers’ compensation insurance and occupational accident insurance. But these two types of insurance serve different purposes in the case of injuries that occur on the job. Occupational Accident Insurance is a voluntary, customizable alternative that enables employers to tailor coverage to their specific needs. Workers’ Compensation, on the other hand, is a state-mandated program that provides coverage regardless of culpability. It is imperative for employers to carefully evaluate their legal requirements, the risks associated with their industry, and the restrictions of their budgets in order to arrive at well-informed decisions regarding the mix of coverage that is most suitable for the well-being of their employees and the financial stability of their organization. 

Workers Compensation

Companies that employ a minimum number of workers or employees who work a specific number of hours per week as defined by law are required to comply with the workers’ compensation requirement, which is a state-regulated requirement. The minimum number of employees varies from state to state. In some states, it means one or more employees, while in others, it means five or more.

 

Workers’ compensation provides payments for wage loss, medical treatment and related expenditures, and rehabilitation for employees who sustain an injury on the job or who become ill as a result of elements that are present in their workplace environment. In addition, the insurance policy provides coverage for employer liability, which means that businesses are afforded some degree of protection in the event that an employee decides to file a lawsuit in connection with their workers’ compensation claim. More frequently than not, the costs of legal defense are covered up to the limitations of the policy. It is still the responsibility of employers to ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment.

Occupational Accident Insurance

Occupational accident insurance is a policy that provides benefits to independent contractors and employees who are not protected by a workers’ compensation program. This sort of insurance may give medical, disability, and accidental death and dismemberment benefits. But it is not state-regulated, unlike workers’ compensation. Wage loss benefits, medical expenditures, and rehabilitation costs for workers or insured independent contractors may be paid by policies, but only up to policy limits. Employers can determine their coverage and deductible amounts based on their own risk tolerance.

 

Workers’ compensation is more expensive for businesses, but it provides more complete coverage, particularly in terms of their own liability, which is not covered by occupational accident insurance. Employers who purchase occupational accident insurance may be exempt from the mandatory workers’ compensation system in several states. While the employer still has a legal commitment to employees who are injured or killed on the job, it is significantly less expensive than workers’ compensation. Employers receive statutory benefits through workers’ compensation, however when purchasing occupational accident insurance, you must make the following decisions:

 

  • The limit of liability to carry per accident.
  • The deductible to assume per accident.
  • The level of disability coverage to provide.
  • The level of death benefits to provide.

Companies will still be liable to their employees for legal responsibilities that are not covered by occupational accident insurance. Choosing the wrong coverage selection might expose a company to significant financial losses – a danger that workers’ compensation insurance protects against.

How They Differ

Workers’ Compensation

  • Mandatory Coverage – Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a state-mandated program that mandates employers to provide coverage for employees who are injured or ill at work. The standards and regulations may differ from one state to the next.
  • No-Fault System – Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system, which means that employees are eligible for payments regardless of who caused the job accident. This method is intended to give injured workers prompt compensation without the need for lengthy court battles to identify fault.
  • Eligibility – In the US, workers’ comp is generally available to all employees, regardless of fault or negligence. It is mandated by state laws to ensure that employees are protected in case of work-related illnesses or injuries. Whether they’re a full-time employee, part-time worker, or seasonal staff, they’re typically covered under workers’ compensation if your company meets the legal requirements.
  • Covered Benefits – Workers’ Compensation often pays for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of an injured employee’s salary while they are unable to work. Long-term compensation may be awarded in the case of permanent impairments.
  • Employer Immunity – When covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance, employers are generally protected from lawsuits made by employees for occupational injuries. This exemption is a trade-off designed to expedite the procedure and ensure that injured workers receive early compensation.
  • State Regulated – Workers’ Compensation programs are governed by state agencies. Each state has its own set of laws governing coverage criteria, benefits, and claim management.

Occupational Accident Insurance

  • Voluntary Coverage – Occupational Accident Insurance is often bought by employers to provide additional protection beyond what Workers’ Compensation may provide. 
  • Fault Considerations – Occupational Accident Insurance, unlike Workers’ Compensation, usually considers fault when deciding compensation. Coverage may be limited if an employee is deemed to be at fault for their injury.
  • Flexible Coverage – Employers can tailor Occupational Accident Insurance coverage to their specific requirements. Medical bills, disability benefits, accidental death benefits, and other benefits may be covered. The scope of coverage, however, is determined by the specific policy chosen.
  • Eligibility – Occupational Accident Insurance is designed specifically for workers who are not eligible for workers’ compensation, such as independent contractors and other workers. Due to the fact that they are not typically covered by regular workers’ compensation plans, individuals who are self-employed, freelancers, and gig workers are examples of individuals who can benefit from occupational accident insurance. These non-traditional workers, who may be exposed to a variety of peculiar dangers and difficulties, are afforded an additional layer of protection by occupational accident insurance. 
  • Excludes Certain Risks – Certain hazards or activities may be excluded from coverage under occupational accident insurance policies. And employees may be required to meet specified requirements to be eligible for compensation.
  • No Employer Immunity – Occupational Accident Insurance, unlike Workers’ Compensation, does not protect companies from employee lawsuits. If an employee has this coverage and suffers a working injury, they maintain the ability to sue their employer.

Choosing The Right Coverage

  • Consider Legal Requirements – Employers must comply with state-mandated Workers’ Compensation requirements. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences. Occupational Accident Insurance, while optional, may be considered as an additional layer of protection.
  • Evaluate Risks and Budget – It is important for employers to evaluate the dangers that are associated with their industry as well as the financial repercussions that could result from injuries that occur on the job. It is possible for occupational accident insurance to provide supplemental coverage that is tailored to specific requirements.
  • Communicate With Your Employees – Important is the transmission of the available insurance coverage in a clear and concise manner. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights under Workers’ Compensation as well as any additional coverage that may be given by Occupational Accident Insurance.
  • Consult With An Insurance Agent – When it comes to navigating the complexity of Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident Insurance, it might be helpful for companies to seek counsel from insurance professionals. They have the ability to help select the coverage that is best suitable for the specific conditions of your company.

Wrapping Up

EZ is the place to go if you are seeking workers’ compensation insurance. We take great satisfaction in making your shopping experience as simple and stress-free as possible. Not only do we provide our consumers with our undivided attention, but we also provide entirely tailored service and quick outcomes. Once you have completed our form, you will immediately be provided with free estimates from one of our representatives. A person who will comprehend your requirements from the very beginning. To ensure that you make the greatest choice possible and obtain the best coverage at the best price, we want to make sure that you do so. Make sure you check out your quotes right away because none of our services cost you anything.

 

For any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 877-670-3538. You’ll speak with a local insurance agent that is able to provide answers to all of your questions. In addition, we can assist you in locating the workers’ compensation policy that is most suitable for your company. Or for free instant quotes just enter your zipcode into the box below.

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies text overlaying image of two different color buttons When it comes to buying insurance for your business, not knowing the difference between claims-made and occurrence plans can be an expensive error. Getting a claims-made or occurrence policy will have a significant impact not just on the cost of your coverage. But also, on the lifecycle of your coverage. Professional liability and directors and officers policies are often claims-made policies, whereas most general liability policies are occurrence policies. Let’s take a closer look at what these two terms mean for you and the coverage you’re buying.

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Occurrence Policy

An occurrence policy will cover claims for acts or incidents that occurred while your coverage was active. Even if your insurance expired or you canceled it, if the event occurred during the policy period, the claim would be covered. Because of the length of coverage, these policies can be more expensive than claims-made policies.

Claims-Made Policy

A claims-made insurance only provides coverage if you file a claim within the policy period. Your insurer will provide coverage if an insurable event occurred after the policy’s retroactive date. A claims-made policy covers claims made while your insurance is still in effect. You will be uninsured if you terminate your policy or if you fail to pay your premiums and the insurer cancels it. D&O insurance is a common type of claims-made coverage, as is professional liability insurance, commonly known as E&O or malpractice insurance.

 

Medical malpractice insurance, for example, is frequently offered as a claims-made policy due to the high related expenses. But it may have lower average premiums than if offered as an occurrence-based policy. You have the option to purchase an extension for “tail coverage.” This is an addition to a claims-made policy that will expand your contract to include incidents that took place while your policy was active, even if the claims are submitted after your policy has expired. It should be noted, however, that this add-on only covers a limited time. Usually up to 3-5 years after the insurance expires.

Retroactive Date

Our policy covers incidents that occur on or after a specific date. Assume you have professional liability insurance on a claims-made basis. Your coverage begins in January 2021 and is retroactive to November 2019. If a client sues you in February 2021 for an incident that occurred in December 2019. Your insurer may be able to assist in covering the claim because it occurred after your retroactive date and the claim was reported during your policy period.

Extended Reporting Period

This helps to cover claims filed after your coverage has expired for a defined period of time. It usually lasts between 30 and 60 days. So, if your insurance expires in December 2021 and you have a 60-day extended reporting period. Your insurer may be able to assist you in covering claims made during this time period. This is also referred to as tail coverage.

Limits

When it comes time to buy your insurance coverage, you must decide on an aggregate limit. An aggregate limit is the highest amount of coverage that an insurer is willing to pay for the total amount of compensated losses during the policy period. In essence, you should consider how much coverage you wish to have.

Occurrence Limits

Policy limits apply only to situations that fall within the designated policy term. Only claims generated by events occurring during the policy term and eventually paid will count towards the available policy limits. It is important to remember that defense costs are normally covered outside of the policy limitations and have no bearing on the amount of insurance offered. Occurrence insurance limits, on the other hand, will be reset every year upon renewal.

 

As a result, if your limit is $1 million and $500,000 in claims were paid during the previous policy year, your renewal limit will be $1 million as well. However, you would still have $500,000 remaining on the last policy year for any later claims. As a result, you may have policy limits available for future use to insure previously unknown claims.

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Claims-Made Limits

The essential factor in calculating claims-made limits is whether or not the policy covers earlier acts. Furthermore, unlike an occurrence policy, these insurance contracts usually include defense costs up to the set limit. As a result, as policies renew, the policy limit might be extended to cover longer periods of time than the standard 12 months. And defense costs will reduce the available insurance. As a result, if you buy a $1 million claims-made policy and pay $500,000 in claims that year, any future claims reported after the expiration date should be covered by the subsequent renewal via a Full Prior Acts Endorsement or a Retroactive Date Endorsement.

 

As a result, your renewal policy limit would cover both the prior policy’s past unknown claims as well as any events that occur during the current year. In this regard, your current claims-made insurance protects you for a period of more than a year. Unlike an event policy, the expired policy does not provide any residual limits to cover you from prior incidents. You must use your current policy limit to cover any unknown historical claims. However, if you obtained “tail coverage” under your expired insurance, your past claims would be addressed while your current policy limit would be unaffected.

 

Claims-made plans often establish premiums for the following policy year’s claims, however an occurrence contract will price for both current and future year claims. As a result, you should examine the premium dynamics listed below:

Step Rates

In the case of claims-made, both the event and the reported claim must occur during the coverage period. This indicates that the risk of loss in the first year of the policy is relatively low, and so the first-year premiums for claims-made coverage are often lower. As you renew your insurance policy, the period of coverage is extended through a Full Prior Acts or Retroactive Date endorsement, exposing the insurance company to extra risk. Because prior actions are included, premiums will change incrementally over the first four years of a claims-made policy, which is known as the claims-made step factor.

Mature Rates

By the fifth year of claims-made coverage, the risk of loss should have leveled out, indicating that the claims-made step factor has matured. Mature claims-made rates and regular occurrence coverage rates end up costing around the same.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Even when you understand the benefits and drawbacks of claims-made and occurrence plans. It’s difficult to prove that one is superior to the other. The truth is that the only way to decide which type to purchase is to determine which one best meets the needs of your company.

Convenience

One of the primary benefits of occurrence plans is that they need less work to own and manage them. This implies that if you change insurance companies, you won’t have to worry about being covered for incidents that occurred while you were insured by someone else.

 

If you transfer insurers or cancel your insurance, claims-made policies become a little more difficult. If you do decide to transfer carriers you must get a Retroactive Date or a Prior Acts Endorsement. As well as maybe “tail coverage” to protect yourself. On the other hand, if you do nothing, any past claims that arise will be lost, and you will be uninsured.

Coverage

Occurrence plans also provide better peace of mind because the limit is only imposed for a 12-month period. On the other hand, because it may apply to many years of risk, your claims made limit may be exhausted sooner.

Cost

As we’ve noted above, claims-made policies are cheaper than occurrence policies. This is because occurrence policies still cover claims even after the insurer has stopped receiving premiums. So, the more expensive premiums help make up for the money an insurer may have to pay out for a future claim. With claims-made policies, you’re actively paying premiums when the insurer is taking on the risk.  So, it costs them less and in turn costs you less.

Working With EZ

We understand that there is a lot to learn while shopping for commercial insurance. However, the effort spent studying is worthwhile. Getting the correct type of insurance for your business can make the difference between safeguarding it and losing everything you’ve worked for. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go it alone – EZ.Insure is here to assist you. Throughout the shopping experience, we focus on each customer individually and provide a helpful environment. To get a quote enter your zip code in the bad below. We want to assist you in making the best decision and saving the most money. There is no bother, no obligation to purchase, and no more worries. Best of all, everything is absolutely free. Call one of our agents immediately at 877-670-3538 to get started.

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How Is My Commercial Property Insurance Premium Calculated?

How Is My Commercial Property Insurance Premium Calculated? text overlaying image of a bag of money and wooden buildings Almost any time of the year, fires, floods, storms, hurricanes, and many other disasters can cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses. One of the first things a business owner should do to protect their investments from natural disasters is buy business insurance, specifically commercial property insurance. Commercial property insurance is a type of property loss coverage. It protects your business from damage caused by things like bad weather, theft, and vandalism. 

 

This coverage is different from homeowners’ insurance in many ways. Because if a business is ruined and can’t run for a while, there are more expenses to worry about. Since business costs don’t stop if the building is in disarray, a disaster can cause a loss of business in the future. Which can lead to a loss of income while the building is being fixed. Commercial property insurance and the purchase of add-ons to the policy can help cover the costs of repairing the property and keeping the business financially stable in the meantime. But how are the rates for this type of coverage determined? 

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The Equation

Your underwriter will use all of your data and information you send to plug into an equation to figure out the premium. To start you’ll submit a statement of values (SOV) to your insurance company.  A SOV is a thorough list of your assets that your insurance company will use to figure out how much it would cost to replace all of your business’s property and equipment. The total sum of your SOV is now added to your expected business income for the upcoming year. Giving you your total insurable value (TIV).

 

Your underwriter will then take your TIV and multiply it by your exposure risk rate, which is decided by the rating agency your insurer uses, divided by $100. This sum will give you your premium. Say your TIV is $1,000,000, and your exposure risk rate is $0.4 per every $100. The equation would be $1,000,000 x $0.4/100=$4000 annual premium which is about $333 a month. There are a lot of things that go into getting the numbers to put into the equation though. Things that affect your premium are:

Claims History

The first thing that many insurers look at is how your history of claims compares to that of other businesses in your field that are about the same size. If your business has more or worse claims than others, you’ll have to pay more. However, there is a way to keep your claims at a minimum, or fix the claims history you already have. Accident and injury claims can all be reduced with a good safety program at work and careful risk management, especially when compared to other companies.

 

Regular safety inspections and a review of safety management to find risks can help you find possible problems so you can fix them before they cause problems. Accident and injury claims can also be cut down by making sure your workers have the proper training on the equipment that they’re working with. If you have a bad claims history and after you implement these safety regulations, you can show your insurer that you have significantly less claims over the course of a year or two. Your insurer will then most likely lower your premium.

Property Construction

Coverage rates can be affected by the materials used to build the business property and by how well it is kept. Buildings made of fireproof materials like brick or stone, or businesses with fireproof walls and doors, will cost less to cover than a building made of wood. This is because a property built with fireproof materials is less risky to cover than one built with wood or other materials that burn more easily. Furthermore, having up-to-date fire sprinklers and alarm systems can also help lower insurance costs. Also, newer buildings and those with recently updated electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often cost less to insure than older properties that need more upkeep. 

Industry

Commercial property insurance rates can also be affected by how a building is used. A restaurant or welding business has more risks than a flower shop or a dress store due to the nature of the business, so their insurance rates will be higher. Also, a business’s insurance rates are likely to go up if it shares space with another business that has a lot of possible risks.

Property Location

You know that saying, “location, location, location”? It doesn’t just mean pick a busy area with potential customers, it also means pick a safe area. Your insurance company looks at every possible risk, and we do mean every single one. Any possible risks in the area that your business is located heavily impacts your premium. Risks can include the crime rate, how often natural disasters happen in that area, your proximity to oil plants or businesses that use flammable materials. Location doesn’t just negatively affect your premiums, it can also lower them. Your commercial property insurance can go down if your business is close to places where emergency services are readily available. Such as a fire or police station or even just a fire hydrant. Your business being near emergency personnel means it’s more likely they’ll respond quickly and minimize the damage compared to a business that operates further away.

Coverage

How much coverage you need is the main factor in your premium. To find out how much coverage you need you have to find out how much both the building and anything in it are worth. You don’t want to get a coverage limit that is less than what it would cost to replace all of your equipment or the building. For example, if all together it would cost $1million to replace everything you’d need, at least that much coverage, if not more because when it comes time to actually replace everything, more than likely it will be more expensive than you originally planned.

 

You should also factor in inflation. So, you’ll want to give yourself some wiggle room just in case. It’s also very important to look over the assets on your statement of values at least once a year. This makes sure that as your business grows and changes, the limits of your insurance will still meet your needs.

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How To Lower Your Commercial Property Rates

By following a few important tips business owners can save even more money on their commercial property insurance costs. These can make sure that the business isn’t losing money on insurance costs, while still having sufficient coverage. 

  • Review Your Policy

When a business owner wants to find ways to cut their insurance costs, one of the first things they should do is read their policy carefully. Some people will find that they have more insurance than they need, which means they pay for unnecessary coverage. Changes in the business have sometimes made it so that less coverage is needed. For example, a company may have insurance for tools or a vehicle they no longer have.

  • Pay Premium In Full

You can choose to pay your commercial property insurance premium entirely, once a year or in monthly installments when you buy the coverage. However, paying the full year in advance is cheaper than paying every month. 

  • Bundle

Companies can bundle their insurance plans to save money, just like many people do with their home and car insurance. A business owners policy, or BOP, is a package of insurance plans that many insurance companies offer to small and medium-sized businesses. Most company owners’ policies include general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance at a cheaper price. Any business that buys these three policies individually should think about bundling them to save money.

  • Raise Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount that the insured has to pay out of their own pocket before the insurance company pays the rest of the claim. Deductibles are chosen when an insurance contract is made. But they only have to be paid when a claim is made. By raising the amount of a deductible, you can lower the amount you have to pay out of pocket.

 

Policyholders need to look over their policies carefully to see if they can pay a bigger deductible for an accident. When you raise your deductible, your insurance costs go down, but you take on more risk. Fees are often charged each time something happens, not just once a year. Find out what a good deductible for your business is by talking to your insurance agent or provider. Increasing your deductible might not be a good idea if you take on more risk than your business can handle.

  • Minimize Risks

When giving a quote for a commercial property insurance policy, insurance companies look at a number of things. Such as the amount of risk a business faces. There are several safety precautions a business can take in order to minimize their risk to an insurance company.  If a policyholder’s buildings and cars don’t already have a security system, they might want to think about buying one. Businesses can also do things like put sprinklers in your building, work area, or warehouse to lower your risks of fire and possibly lower their insurance rates. Modern fire alarms and smoke monitors should also be put in every business building.

  • Look For Discounts

Even if your insurance company doesn’t advertise discounts, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Policyholders should always talk to their insurance company to find out if they offer deals or if there are other ways that they can save money. Some insurance companies will give you a discount if you stay with them for a long time. While others will give you a discount if you start a safety program.

How EZ Can Help

Every business is different in terms of what risks it faces, how much its property is worth, and how much coverage it needs. Commercial property insurance prices can change a lot from one company to the next. But businesses can still find ways to lower their insurance costs. The first step to lowering your business property insurance costs is to talk to an experienced insurance agent.

 

EZ can help whether you need group health insurance for your workers or commercial insurance to protect your business. Our agents work with the best insurance companies in the country to make sure you and your workers get the best insurance. In fact, we can find you the best coverage for your budget and save you hundreds of dollars a year. Feel free to call us at 877-670-3538 if you have any questions or enter your zip code to get started on a quote.

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Endorsements For Business Insurance

Endorsements For Business Insurance text overlaying image of a agent looking over an insurance contract “Commercial insurance endorsements” is a phrase that insurance companies and brokers frequently use, but few business owners understand what an endorsement is. An insurance endorsement (or rider) amends a commercial insurance policy by adding, removing, or excluding specific categories of coverage. It enables you to tailor your insurance to your specific demands or budget without having to shop for a new or additional policy. For example, if an insurance policy you’re contemplating does not protect a critical risk or person you need it to, you might ask your agent to add an endorsement that does. On the other hand, if a policy provides coverage that you do not want, you can seek an endorsement to have it removed, which could save you money.

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How Do Endorsements Work?

Each insurance policy begins with a standardized coverage form, which provides a baseline of coverage and is used in practically every industry and on every policy large and small. The problem with lumping every company together is that not all businesses in the same industry need or want the same levels of protection. Lumping everyone together can cause excessive coverage or lacking coverage across the board. Some businesses may be considerably too dangerous to insure on a conventional basis and a standard policy won’t be able to cover them properly. 

 

This is why we have endorsements, to tailor commercial insurance policies to the specific needs of both the consumer and the insurance company. Endorsements are one of the fundamental building components of insurance. Typical policies include 3 components:

 

  • Insuring agreement – This is a list of the risks the policy will protect you from
  • Exclusions – Lists all of the losses your policy won’t cover
  • Conditions – These are the terms you agree to meet in order to be covered.

How do endorsements fit into this structure? They can either change the insuredinsuring agreement, removing unnecessary coverage, or negate one or more exclusions, thus restoring coverage to the policy. As a result, your policy will be more closely aligned with your company’s risk exposures and insurance budget.

Adding Coverage

An endorsement can be utilized to extend the policy’s coverage beyond what is standard. Additional coverage may be added in terms of who is covered, what coverage is offered, or how much coverage is provided.

Removing Coverage

Endorsements are not just used to add coverage to a policy; they can also be used to cancel or limit coverage. Coverage can be altered in a number of ways if the agreement between the insured and the insurer changes. An endorsement can be used to remove all coverage or just add an exclusion. Another way to limit coverage is to impose a separate lower insurance limit to a specific type of claim. Coverage can be canceled or limited in any of these instances by using an endorsement that describes the scope of the coverage change.

Administrative Changes

Any changes to the policyholder’s or any other relevant party’s information must be documented in an administrative edit endorsement. Changes in mailing addresses, for example, or changes in name or title, must be reflected in the policy.

Clarifications

Finally, some endorsements involve tweaks that do not affect the policy’s essence. If a clause is misunderstood or misread, an endorsement may be required to clarify and make the language more clear.

Types of Endorsements

An endorsement might be as simple as clarifying a certain concept or coverage, and it can add coverage that is frequently omitted from ordinary policies. Although some endorsements add coverage that was not included in the original liability coverage form, others can remove specific coverage. To start there are 4 categories of endorsements:

Standard Endorsements

The same way that many insurance plans are governed by certain rules and defined terminology, so are endorsements. Organizations such as the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) and the Insurance Securities Office (ISO) create templates that insurers can utilize. These organizations’ templates are available to insurers who subscribe to them. These are among the safest and most secure endorsements.

Non-Standard Endorsements

Non-standard endorsements are ones created by the insurer for a specific type of policy holder. This may be done if the specific endorsement is not included in conventional endorsements. Many insurers will write their own endorsement statements utilizing standard endorsements as a basis.

Voluntary Endorsements

An endorsement to a policy can be added freely by the insured or insurer. Because of the nature of the business, voluntary endorsements may be included. If a company sells alcohol, for example, the insured may request that a liquor liability endorsement be added to a general liability policy. An example of an endorsement given by the insurer would be the exclusion of asbestos claims from liability coverage. Policies covering specific sorts of operations may include specific types of endorsements, such as an endorsement for a business’s general liability policy stating that the policy must have a professional liability exclusion.

Mandatory Endorsements

Certain endorsements are required. The Insurance Services Office (ISO), for example, requires endorsements on policies that provide a specific type of coverage. State-mandated endorsements may include additional criteria to safeguard individuals, such as limiting the insurer’s authority to cancel a policy. ISO requires various endorsements, such as requiring all general liability policies to include specific exclusions. For example, an insurance company that operates in numerous states may use one base policy plus a series of endorsements suited to the regulations of each state. A policyholder who moves between two states may need an insurance endorsement to a policy that is carried across state borders.

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Common Insurance Endorsements

A business owner may require a variety of endorsements, the most typical of which are:

Additional Insured

Businesses utilize additional insured (AI) endorsements to add a person or entity as an insured to a policy. The person or company added is typically a general contractor working for the named insured. It is frequently requested on a wide range of insurance policies, including professional liability and commercial motor insurance. However, commercial general liability (CGI) is the most popular. This endorsement is requested by the named insured to ensure that the proper organization or individual is held financially liable in the event of a risk occurrence.

Prior Acts

This endorsement covers claims made on incidents that occurred prior to the signing of the liability insurance policy. Certain claims take time, and the insurance company will usually include a retroactive date that is prior to the beginning date of coverage. As an example, consider a doctor who purchases a new malpractice policy with a prior actions endorsement. If a claim is made for an event that occurred before the new policy went into effect, but after the stated retroactive date, it will be covered by the current policy. If an insurance company does not include a retroactive date. These types of endorsements are considered full prior actions coverage. Any claims made during the current policy’s coverage period would be covered.

Extended Reporting Period

A claims-made professional liability coverage can be supplemented with an extended reporting period (ERP). You can file a claim even after the policy has expired. ERPs are classified into two types: basic extended reporting period and supplemental extended reporting period. If an insurance is canceled or not renewed, a basic ERP is frequently offered for a free 30-day or 60-day extension. Supplemental ERPs are acquired from the provider of your insurance and typically extend the coverage for one to five years. Some insurance companies also give indefinite ERPs.

Equipment Breakdown

This type of commercial property insurance endorsement will reimburse you for loss or damage, including equipment repair or replacement as well as time and work, income loss, lost inventory, and other required expenses. The following types of equipment are commonly covered:

 

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Computers
  • Air conditioning or refrigeration systems
  • Boilers and pressure equipment

Employees as Insureds 

If you own a company where your employees drive to help your company, you may be exposed to a considerable level of risk. For instance, suppose you have a post office box and your receptionist goes to retrieve the mail. Unfortunately, some commercial auto insurance policies will not cover your liabilities during this time. If your employee drives for your company, you may be held liable for their activities. If an employee is injured while working for you, you may not be fully protected. Your company auto policy will only cover the vehicle’s use.

 

Meanwhile, your employee’s coverage will protect them if they use the automobile for personal reasons. When the insurance adjusters begin their investigation, your employee is likely to be caught off guard. You’ll need a staff as insured endorsement to safeguard your staff and yourself. This endorsement will cover your staff even if they own the vehicle. This eliminates the possible gap and can save you and your employees a lot of sorrow and financial hardship.

Fellow Employee Coverage

If one of your employees injures another employee while working for your organization, the person who is at fault will require protection. If your employee causes a car accident that injures another employee, they may have no recourse. This will happen eventually, and when it does, the employee who is found to be at fault may face complete liability. This occurs because most business auto policies do not cover employee injuries. Employee injuries, according to policy issuers, should be covered by other insurance, including workers’ compensation and Employer’s Liability insurance. Employees who are driving a vehicle when they harm another employee may not be protected by their own insurance.

Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable endorsement can be added to commercial property coverage to protect your small business from financial losses if you are unable to collect money from clients or customers, or if your accounts receivable records are damaged or destroyed as a result of a covered event.

How Much Do Endorsements Cost?

The cost is undoubtedly at the forefront of your attention, as it is with most company products. Here’s an overview on premiums. The cost of additional insured (AI) can range from $100 to $500, depending on the type of AI endorsement. With blanket AI, the insured can add as many AIs as they require, which is frequently close to $500. Individual AIs are normally priced at $100. Limit increases are completely determined by the increasing volume, type of coverage, and level of exposure. Although we’d love to provide more concrete figures, every company is unique. As a result, providing a range without knowing specifics is impossible.

Working With EZ

Your business insurance can protect the company financially and otherwise in the event of a risk. From general liability and commercial property insurance to professional liability coverage, the insurance you choose and the endorsements you add can provide peace of mind for you and your employees. When used correctly, endorsements can be used to tailor your policy to your specific needs. An insurance professional can assist you. Our agents at EZ work with the top insurance providers in the country to locate the best insurance for your company and its employees. In fact, by working with your budget to get you the greatest coverage, we can save you hundreds of dollars per year. If you have any questions about commercial insurance, please contact us at 877-670-3538 or enter your zip code in the bar below to get an online quote now.

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Professional VS Ordinary Negligence

Professional VS Ordinary Negligence text overlaying image of a person under stress Any business can make mistakes, but companies that offer industry specific expert services or consulting are more vulnerable to negligence claims when they make a mistake. If your company gets sued due to a mistake or misleading information, it could hurt both your reputation and your bottom line. Negligence suits are one of the most common and expensive types of claims companies face. Negligence claims fall under two categories, ordinary, and professional. Knowing the difference between the two can help you avoid a costly lawsuit. 

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Ordinary Negligence

Ordinary negligence is defined as a failure to use ordinary or normal care. It usually refers to a careless error that has caused harm to others. Ordinary negligence can be filed against any business or even individuals. And it is the basis for all personal injury lawsuits. Because they did not follow the duty of care, a person or business could be held accountable for physical or financial harm caused by the negligent mistake. Four things must be proven to establish ordinary negligence:

Duty of Care

The first thing a plaintiff has to prove is that you had a duty of care toward him or her. This usually means that you have a duty to take reasonable care not to hurt the plaintiff. However, states can change this standard of care by law for certain relationships, like a doctor-patient relationship. Usually, a person owes someone else a duty of reasonable care if they can see how their actions could hurt others. For example, a driver owes a duty of care to everyone else on the road by not texting and driving. A store owes a duty of care to their customers by putting a “Wet Floor” sign over a spill. In personal injury claims, duty of care is almost never disputed because it’s just about proving that there was a duty of care owed to the plaintiff, not whether or not it was broken.

Breach

If the client can prove that you had a duty of care to him or her. The next question is whether or not you broke that duty. A breach happens when someone doesn’t act with the same level of care that a normal person would in the same or similar situation. This is where someone needs to prove that you broke the duty of care. Using the examples above for instance, an ideal person wouldn’t speed or drive while drunk. So, a driver who did either of these things would have broken their duty of care to other people on the road. For businesses you wouldn’t ignore a fall hazard, you’d put up a caution sign or rope the area off. If you do ignore it then you’ve broken the duty of care.

Causation

Next, the complainant must prove that your breach caused him or her harm. That is, the harm would not have happened if you had fulfilled your duty of care. Also, the breach must be the direct cause of the injury. This means that the law must agree that the breach is linked enough to the injury to make you legally responsible.

Damages

The last step is for the plaintiff to prove damages. Lawyers and courts say that negligence without damages is “negligence in the air”. For example, a driver who speeds may be guilty of a crime. But if the violation didn’t hurt anyone else, the state can’t hold him or her responsible for negligence. In personal injury cases, plaintiffs often try to get paid for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage, loss of quality of life, and physical and mental pain and suffering. So, say they slipped on the wet floor but had no injury from the fall. While you caused the fall you didn’t cause any injuries that need compensation. 

Professional Negligence

Unlike ordinary negligence, the rules for professional negligence usually only apply to businesses that offer specialized skills and services to their customers or clients. When a professional doesn’t do what they should for their customer or client. This can include not doing a job with the right amount of skill and care, giving bad advice, or not acting quickly enough. 

 

Professional negligence can happen in any job. Such as with doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, builders, and other people who provide professional services. Professionals are required by law to do their jobs with a certain amount of skill and care. If they don’t, they could be held responsible for any harm that happens to their patients or clients. There are two common types of professional liability:

Breach of fiduciary duty

When you don’t act in the best interests of your client, you break your fiduciary duty. This can include making bad decisions, not giving important information, not telling the client about conflicts of interest. Or pursuing opportunities meant for the company without telling the client, and using insider or non-public information in a stock market transaction.

For a client to make a legal claim for a fiduciary breach, they have to prove three basic things:

 

  • There was a fiduciary relationship and responsibility
  • A breach happened
  • The breach caused damages to the client

Misrepresentation

Negligent misrepresentation is when you say something that you should have known wasn’t true but didn’t with the intention that your client will rely on it and suffer losses because of it. Some examples of misrepresentation are making false statements or promises in a contract or overstating the value or quality of goods or services. The misrepresentation doesn’t have to be in writing. It can be verbal. It can also mean not telling your client about all of the facts. There are 5 components to prove a misrepresentation claim:

 

  • There was an important comment about a certain product. And the comment led the client to sign the contract or make a decision
  • You knew that the information wasn’t entirely truthful or that you purposefully did not provide all of the facts
  • You made the statement or gave the advice with the intention that your client would rely on it to make a decision or enter into a contract
  • The client did in fact rely on that information

It’s not always easy to tell if a comment was a fact or someone’s opinion. And this can be a point of contention in a misrepresentation case. The court will look at how a reasonable person would have understood the information.

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How To Avoid Professional Negligence Claims

If you offer the kinds of professional services that often lead to professional negligence claims. It’s important to be proactive and take steps to lower your risk of being sued. Let’s talk about a few of the best practices that could help you significantly reduce the risk of a lawsuit.

Contracts

Whether it’s a new client or an extension of a project you’re already working on, you should always insist on a clearly written contract that explains the nature and the limits of the job. It’s important to include every detail you can about the job. Having a clear contract will lower the risk of a negligence claim because your exact promises or the possibility of certain portions of the contract may not work out are listed.

Expectations

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re trying to get a client by making promises you’re not entirely sure you can keep. Even if you do have every intention of making it happen, there’s always the possibility of things not panning out. This is also a very easy way for a professional negligence claim to come about. Make sure you give your clients realistic expectations when you speak with them about how things will work out. Make sure to warn them about possible negative outcomes as well. This will help you avoid awkward and possibly expensive situations where your client feels they were cheated and should be compensated.

Communicate

It is very important to have clear communication with your client. If you let them know about problems and changes in a timely manner, they will think you are more responsible, even if the news is often bad. Changes that come up quickly and out of the blue may make the client upset and more likely to sue you for professional negligence. Keep in touch with your clients often. Even if you have nothing new to say, let them know that you are still working on their project and are fully committed to it.

Records

Unfortunately, a lot of cases of professional negligence start with “he said, she said” claims. The best way to deal with this is to keep careful records of all the professional services you provide. Email is always better than the phone for making deals and decisions because you can keep track of what was said and what was agreed upon. If you prefer to do business by phone or in person, record your talks with clients. If you don’t want to do that, get an email confirmation of what was agreed upon so you have a copy of what was said.

Learn

Keeping up with the latest changes in your industry will help protect you from professional negligence claims. Also, it’s important to keep up with changes to the way state rules govern duty of care.

How To Protect Your Business

Even when you’ve done everything to avoid a negligence claim, they can still happen to anyone. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and get ahead of possible claims by having a good risk management plan and the right business insurance to protect you. Professional liability insurance, which is also called “errors and omissions” insurance, will cover these kinds of cases. It will protect you financially from accusations of negligence, malpractice, errors, and omissions that could happen while you’re giving your clients professional services.

 

When a claim of professional negligence is made, your E&O policy will pay for your legal defense, judgements, and settlements up to the limits of the policy. It’s important to know that professional liability insurance is a “claims-made” coverage. This means that the policy had to be in effect when the event that led to the claim happened and when you told the insurer about the claim. Also, it’s important to remember that professional liability plans have things they won’t cover. One of the most common is when a professional does something illegal or hurts a client on purpose.

Call EZ

In general, all of the big insurance companies offer professional liability insurance. If you already have business insurance, talk to your insurance company about the possibility of adding professional liability to your coverage. But working with an insurance agent is your best bet. The agents at EZ are well-trained and work with some of the best companies in the country. We can look at all your policy choices and work with your budget to make sure your business has all the coverage it needs. If you would like to see quotes online simply enter your zip code in the box above. If you would like to speak to an agent now call 877-670-3538 today to talk to get a free quote.

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