Helpful Suggestions from the Business Insurance Center Team

As children, we may have heard, or even used the rhyme, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The main point being that words do not leave lasting scars like broken bones. In today’s workplace, this is not necessarily the case. For many employees, offensive jokes, slurs, or name-calling is an everyday occurrence in a hostile work environment. While employers are much more aware of the need to prevent such an atmosphere, it can still happen. How you respond is critical to maintaining a healthy workplace ambience.

Protect your company from claims of harassment by setting high expectations for your staff and managers. For those times when a lawsuit is filed, it helps to have the appropriate coverage in the form of employment practices liability insurance. The experienced brokers at The Business Insurance Center work with you to get you the best policies that fit your needs at reasonable rates.

5 Suggestions to Prevent a Hostile Work Environment

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “harassment is a form of employment discrimination” that can become unlawful when the work environment becomes intimidating, hostile, or abusive. There are several things you can do to stem potential threats to your staff and their productivity because of someone else’s poor choice of behavior. They include:

1. Create an Anti-Harassment Policy : Establish a policy that firmly prohibits harassment of any kind, especially sexual and against other protected classes. Providing examples of prohibited conduct should be included. It’s a good idea to outline that all employees fall under this policy, including managers, supervisors, employees, customers, and third parties.
2. Develop a Complaint Procedure : Your employees need a safe way to file their complaints. This should give them different avenues so that they do not have to report the harassment to the supervisor that may be involved. Retaliation is often a fear of employees; therefore, it’s a good idea to have strong anti-retaliation language in your policy.
3. Distribute and Communicate the Policy to Everyone : Every team member should receive a copy of the policy and be allowed to ask questions. It is recommended that you have each person sign a verification that acknowledges they have read and understood the policy.
4. Conduct On-going Education : Putting the anti-harassment policy in writing is only the beginning. Periodic refreshers and continual training goes a long way to lessen the chances of a hostile work environment cropping up.
5. Make Good on Your Word : When complaints arise, as they sometimes will, be sure to investigate promptly and take appropriate action to eliminate any harassment. Not only will you mitigate a potential threat to your work culture, but your employees will trust you, which can result in greater loyalty.

Harassment-Free Zone—Protect Your Business with EPLI from the Business Insurance Center

Ensure that your employees can focus on their work in a harassment-free environment when you take proactive steps. For those instances where a claim is filed, be sure to have the right amount of employment practices liability insurance. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center can assess your needs, find any gaps in your existing coverage, and tailor a plan to get you covered. Talk to us today.

Answers from the Team at the Business Insurance Center

When building a new commercial or residential structure, it pays to have additional protection in the event items are stolen, or a catastrophe occurs. Many assume that they can only get builder’s risk insurance if they are constructing a brand-new building. In reality, you can obtain coverage even if the project is a remodel. In fact, it will serve to give peace of mind for both contractor and homeowner.

Find the right amount of coverage when you look for builder’s risk insurance providers who are experienced and know what they are talking about. The staff at the Business Insurance Center have the wisdom and know-how to get you the best protection at reasonable rates. Before you begin your next construction or remodel project, give us a call.

Benefits of a Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy when Remodeling

Are you looking for much-needed protection while remodeling a custom home, tract home, modular home, or commercial structure? Deciding to purchase a builder’s risk policy may be the best investment you can make. It is designed with property owners, real estate developers, and general contractors in mind. Here are some of the benefits:

1. It extends the coverage of other plans: This policy provides protection beyond that of other policies.
2. It insures more than regular policies: You will find that materials, equipment, and fixtures that are being permanently installed are covered.
3. It fills the gaps found in everyday plans: With higher coverage limits, this policy can protect in the event of theft, vandalism, materials in transit, temporary storage, and other items.
4. Either the homeowner or the contractor can obtain a policy: This type of coverage can be purchased by homeowners and contractors alike.

Additional areas where builder’s risk insurance protects you include:

• Fire: When renovating and remodeling, there is plenty of extra wood to be found. The same lumber can potentially catch fire.
• Inclement weather, including high winds: If high winds damage the structure, you may be able to receive compensation that will allow you to continue the project.

Safeguard Your Remodeling Project with Help from Builder’s Risk Insurance Providers

As a contractor, your reputation is on the line each time you step onto a job site. Gain peace of mind when you have the right coverage in place for your remodel project. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center help contractors, self-employed, and small business owners like you obtain the right coverage at reasonable rates. We are happy to sit down and discuss your needs. Give us a call and let us assist you today.

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Experienced Business Insurance Agency Weighs In

When you first set out on your own as a business owner, you grew used to handling all the tasks that came with the territory. On any given day, you may wear several hats, such as boss, purchasing agent, machine operator, human resources manager, and bookkeeper. This may have served its purpose when you were much smaller, but now that things are picking up, your time may be better spent elsewhere, while other tasks are delegated. The question is this, when is it time to transfer your marketing, operations management, or accounting efforts?

Knowing when to bring in others who are better skilled at those tasks and areas you are not, takes a keen sense of yourself and your abilities. For example, finding the best general liability policy is best left to a responsible and experienced business insurance agency such as the Business Insurance Center. Our nationwide team of brokers works with many industries and reputable companies to find our clients what they need to protect their enterprises.

3 Indications that You May Be Ready to Hire an Accountant

It is sometimes hard to know when to let someone else step in and take over some of your duties. Handling your company’s money is one area that you should not wait to delegate until it’s too late. With tax season just around the corner, you may want to consider if you noticed any of these signs that it is time to hire a CPA:

• You don’t enjoy bookkeeping, or it keeps you away from other, more critical tasks. Not everyone is cut out to be a bookkeeper, and even fewer love working with numbers. If you value your time at $100 per hour and you are spending 5 hours on keeping your books, how are you replacing that $500 per week? What if you are spending 20 hours a week updating receipts and writing checks? That takes you away from your other business dealings. You may be losing more money than you are saving by not hiring a CPA.
• You are looking for loans, but you need professional financial reporting. Financial institutions want to make sure you are a worthwhile investment. Throwing together your financial records on a sheet of paper will not win you any points with your bank. They will want to see your enterprise’s economic history and any additional relevant information. Your accountant can do that for you.
• Uncle Sam is getting ready to audit. Tax audits can make even the most relaxed individual break into sweat. You face loads of paperwork and spend much time communicating with the IRS. Your CPA can help you get organized to answer the requests of the agents. If required, they may even talk directly to the Internal Revenue Service, which leaves you free to keep day-to-day operations going.

 Ensure Your Company’s Future with an Experienced CPA and Appropriate Business Insurance

Alleviate some of your daily pressures when you seek out those who can help in areas you are weak. Hiring an accountant is one step; contacting a knowledgeable business insurance agency is another step. The brokers at the Business Insurance Center are ready to assist you in meeting your general liability, loss of income, or cyber risk insurance needs. It’s time to get the support you deserve.

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Helpful Suggestions from the Team at the Business Insurance Center

Business ownership is a dream for many people. The idea of being your own boss and determining your own hours entices the entrepreneur in us to break out of the 9-to-5. One type of service you can begin with little start-up costs is a cleaning service or janitorial service. Opportunities abound for clients in residential and commercial areas. For example, you may focus on small offices, such as lawyers or doctors, or you may prefer to clean kitchens for homeowners.

No matter what area you choose, there are several considerations to keep in mind. One of which is protecting yourself with insurance for janitorial services. Your experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center works with several industries, including cleaning, to offer coverages that keep you ready for possible challenges. Let us help you with your business aspirations.

Suggestions to Remember before You Get Your First Client

To improve your likelihood of success, avoid jumping in with both feet only to find yourself drowning. Instead, follow this step-by-step approach:

1. Decide on a segment within the cleaning industry on which to focus. It is easy to think you will take on every client that comes your way. However, you run the risk of spreading yourself too thin and potentially heading toward burnout. Additionally, the more areas you want to service, the more cleaning equipment and supplies you will need to buy. Cleaning a home, for example, is quite different from cleaning a restaurant, a school or a doctor’s office.
2. Create a budget. It is a good idea to count the costs of starting your enterprise. Do some research and discover what licenses, permits, or bonds you may need. Think about the cleaning supplies and equipment you may need to purchase. If you are going to hire help, you will want to account for that added expense. Establishing a cleaning service does not have to be expensive, but it does require some investment.
3. Determine to treat this venture as a business (i.e., get legal). Think about what company name you should use and whether you should register it at the local level or also federal. You may want to consider what entity is best suited for your situation. For instance, weigh the pros and cons of staying as a sole proprietor over creating an LLC or corporation. It’s important to ensure that you keep your company and personal finances separate by opening a business checking account.
4. Protect your new enterprise with insurance for janitorial services. Every business should, at the very least, have a general liability policy to safeguard your company against claims of harm against people or property. A licensed insurance broker can sit down with you and explain the different coverages available.
5. Never stop marketing your services. Once you land your first clients, you may think you can sit back for a while. This is a mistake. Circumstances can change quickly, leaving you without any accounts and income. Be on the lookout for new clients and market your janitorial services to people you meet. You never know when you will find your next big client.
   

Protect Your Start-up with Help from the Business Insurance Center

Congratulations on starting your new janitorial services business! The team at the Business Insurance Center loves helping small business owners, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed protect their organizations. We work with people like you across a variety of markets and industries. Call us today and let us assist you in getting the coverage you deserve.

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. 

Insights from the Business Insurance Center Team

Watching the news gives you glimpses into how minds work; often, in ways you couldn’t even imagine. From bad news, like crime, to feel-good stories, there is a never-ending deluge of information that may sometimes leave you scratching your head. For example, you may see news clips about sexual harassment or discrimination lawsuits against large corporations. While you might think that these things only happen to the “Big Boys”, you would be wrong. Every day, small and medium sized companies like yours face similar situations and claims, which cost them thousands of dollars and can ruin their reputation.

Don’t get caught up in a claim filed by someone from your team. Establish a set of guidelines and rules, update them regularly, and be sure to purchase employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). An experienced and knowledgeable broker from the Business Insurance Center understands the fear and frustration that can come from a lawsuit. We are ready to aid you in developing a coverage plan that will safeguard your company, at a price that works for you.

4 of the Most Common EPLI Claims

You might be surprised just how often accusations of discrimination arise. Our society’s legal and regulatory framework gives employees many different ways to take action against an employer. Here are just four ways employees may feel the need to file a claim:

1. They think they were passed over for a promotion or a position based on a protected class. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lists all of them, but a few include deafness, blindness, and epilepsy. If you have an employee who feels they were not considered for a promotion because of an ADA-protected condition, they may choose to file a claim.
2. They believe they were discriminated against because of their age, race, or gender. One area on the rise is ageism or age discrimination. Workers in the market are aging, and it is easy to slip into the mindset that being old means you are no longer useful. Many employers do not recognize the trend and therefore, fail to provide training to all their team members.
3. They are afraid that filing a claim may lead to retaliation from their employer. If an employee feels like they were treated adversely because they made a claim, then they may have a case for retaliation.
4. They believe that they have been sexually harassed by a boss or co-worker. It is unlawful to harass a person because of a person’s sex, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Yet, it happens, and can cost you thousands of dollars if it happens in your company.

Safeguard Against Claims of Discrimination with EPLI from the Business Insurance Center

Take a proactive stance against potential lawsuits based on wrongful termination or discrimination when you establish guidelines and train your team. Your broker at the Business Insurance Center will work with you to assess your needs and fill in any gaps in your employment practices liability insurance. Reach out and discuss your requirements with us today.

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. 

Advice from the Business Insurance Center

Convenience stores are hubs of activity. Daily customers stop by for gas, snacks, or a gallon of milk. Day-in-and-day-out, people come in, get their essentials, and head off to their destinations. There is no doubt about it; your enterprise is vital to your community and neighborhood. With all the foot traffic, it is imperative to keep your floors clean and dry. This can be especially hard in inclement weather, but when the safety of your customers and employees is at stake, it is worth it.

Lessen your chances of accidents and claims when you take steps to reduce slippery conditions. Remember, a critical step is to have the correct coverage in place. Talk with an experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center and get a custom-designed convenience store insurance program for your specific needs.

4 Steps to Reduce Slips and Falls in Your Convenience Store

When rain is tracked in or a refrigerator leaks, you can take some steps to reduce the chance of someone injuring themselves, including:

1. Identify those common problem areas. You can start with your incident reports. Where have most of the accidents occurred? Use this information to create an action plan that minimizes risks.
2. Control the environment around you. Install walk-off mats at your entrances to capture as much debris and water at the door. Keep them clean with regular washing and drying. Flatten those curled edges that creep up and replace any mats that are worn down.
3. Display safety signs as soon as there is a threat of injury. The moment a spill is reported, place a wet floor sign. Alert customers when they need to step up or down and make sure any steps and stairs are adequately lit.
4. Maintain a stringent floor cleaning regime. Mopping should be done when foot traffic is low, but it should be done regularly. Cleaning should include sweeping and removing debris. Spot-mop as needed and use the appropriate signs to alert customers. Have your employees regularly inspect the aisles for potential issues and keep a sweep log.

Taking these steps is only a start. You should also have the right policies with adequate coverage in place for those times when a claim does arise.

Protect Your Store with Help from the Business Insurance Center

Keep your convenience store insurance up-to-date when you talk with a knowledgeable broker from the Business Insurance Center. We are ready to assist you. We can assess your current policies, look for gaps, and provide a tailored convenience store insurance program to mitigate potential losses. We work with a variety of reliable companies that offer you the support you need. Safeguard your business, customers, and employees with one phone call today!

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. 

Help from the Experience Brokers at the Business Insurance Center

As grocery store owners, you recognize the importance of keeping your floors clear, clean, and dry. The last thing you want is for a customer or an employee to fall and get injured. It takes diligence to stay on top of spills or extreme weather that gets tracked in. There is one other area you may not pay as much detailed attention to, and that is your parking lot. For some parts of the country, snow and ice cause problems. Across the country, store owners should be aware of other hazards that could result in injuries and potential lawsuits.

Avoid unnecessary liability claims when you take steps to reduce parking lot accidents. Ensure you have the right coverage; speak to a knowledgeable broker with the Business Insurance Center. We can discuss your needs and develop a tailored grocery store insurance program specific to you.

Parking Lot Hazards to Look for, that Cause Trips, Falls, and Accidents

Ideally, you should take a regular audit of your parking lot to see what kind of condition it is in. Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for:

• Uneven surfaces including potholes
• Maintenance hole covers, drain grates, or tire stops that are damaged
• Leaks and spills from engine oil or antifreeze
• Downspouts that drain into your parking lot
• Speed bumps
• Bad weather conditions

Any of these can cause a customer or employee to lose their footing and fall.

Steps to Prevent Parking Lot Accidents

Take a proactive approach to the safety of those entering and exiting your property. Here are some steps to instill into your regular property maintenance:

• Repair any potholes or uneven surfaces as soon as you notice them
• Buy and use parking lot pothole markers to warn others
• Mark all tire stops, steps, ramps, and speed bumps with contrasting colored paint
• Route downspouts away from your building and parking lot
• Utilize slip-resistant outdoor paint
• Place speed bumps away from pedestrian traffic
• Make sure your lot has good outdoor lighting
• Keep your lot free of trash and debris
• Place garbage cans in safe and strategic areas
• Check and clean clogged drain grates
• Use textured strips on any wooden steps
• Have handrails for steps
• Spread sand or salt before icy conditions hit
• Remove snow from all walkways and keep a close eye out for refreezing

Protect Your Livelihood with a Comprehensive Grocery Store Insurance Program

Mitigate loss from personal injury or property damage from accidents in your parking lot when you take steps to keep it free of debris and in good repair.  A knowledgeable broker from the Business Insurance Center stands ready to discuss your unique needs and provide you options to lessen your risk. We offer protection for your property, loss of income, spoilage coverage, equipment breakdown, and other policy types. Give us a call today and rest easier.

Request a quote for a grocery store insurance policy or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Tips from the Caring Team at the Business Insurance Center

People are distracted, and it is causing unnecessary accidents and tragedies. States across the country create laws requiring hands-free devices when driving, but that does not mean our attention is not drawn elsewhere. When your business owns a fleet of vehicles, your company is at risk every time an employee gets behind the wheel.

Safeguard your company and keep your drivers safer when you put a distracted driving policy in place. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center are here to help you make sure you also have the right policies in place. We assess your current coverage, look for gaps, and design a commercial fleet insurance quote to fill them without busting your bottom line.

Steps to Put Your Distracted Driving Policy into Effect

The use of mobile devices and our overall preoccupation has contributed to needless accidents. In general, distraction comes in three forms, cognitive, visual, and manual. Drivers are either not focused on their driving, looking at anything but the road in front of them, or removing one or both hands from the wheel. Your company can establish a distracted driving policy to encourage better behaviors that can keep employees much safer. Here are some steps to put it into effect:

1. Create the formal, written policy. It should include your enterprise’s position on using mobile devices while driving. Don’t stop there. Consider other distractions that threaten safe driving. Be sure it applies to everyone in your organization.
2. Communicate the policy to all employees regularly. Telling everyone once helps but it will not have the lasting effect you hope for. Have your team achnowledge in writing that they read, understand, and will follow the policy. It is a good idea to regularly communicate with your staff concerning following the guidelines.
3. Follow the policy as an example for the rest of the company. There is no better way to enforce a new set of rules than leading by example. Managers and office staff should not contact other employees who are on the road until it is determined the driver is stationary.
4. Promote the safety of your employees regularly. Your managers are in the best position to encourage and promote safe driving practices and ensure their team is following the new policy. They should fully understand the guidelines and reinforce it.

Protect Your Organization with Commercial Fleet Insurance

Before you send your drivers out on the road, be sure your fleet is properly protected. Start with a commercial fleet insurance quote from the Business Insurance Center. Our experienced brokers can review your existing policies and tailor a plan for your organization. For more than 30 years, we have served the small business community with their commercial fleet needs. Call us today!

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.