How to Mitigate Business Risks during the Labor Shortage 2022

February 11, 2022 Blog

The United States is currently facing a labor shortage crisis. At the end of 2021, 11 million workplace positions were unfilled in the U.S. alone. You’ve probably faced the consequences of this low workforce whether you’re an employee, customer, or business owner. Lack of production, long waits and delivery times, limited goods, haphazard service, and overworked employees make for a difficult business environment for everyone involved. As a business owner, you face even greater challenges with struggling to stay open, searching desperately for employees, and worrying about risks your business faces during the 2022 labor shortage.

You’re most likely thinking a lot about your bottom line and creatively seeking ways to stay productive as a business with fewer employees. What you may not have considered is that your shortage of employees may also be creating liability risks for your business. Business Insurance Center experts are here to break down the unique liability risks your business faces during this labor shortage crisis. We’ll discuss how employee shortages impact business liability exposures in 2022 and the steps you can take to minimize these workforce concerns.

Labor Shortages Affect Liability Risks

Your shortage of employees may be creating liability risks for your business. What does that mean and what risks do businesses face in 2022 due to the labor shortage?

Your business faces a number of issues due to staff shortages:

You are forced to schedule fewer employees for each shift, leaving existing employees spread thin, stressed out, and downright grumpy!
Lower production, service delays, or missed deadlines due to fewer workers
Overworked staff are less likely to be high producers
Employees are more likely to find fault with your leadership practices, opening you up to more costly Employment Liability claims
Lesser-skilled or unqualified employees may be hired to fill job openings
Increased workplace accidents – underqualified workers increase the risk of employees skipping safety steps or making careless errors and resulting in liability risks
Unhappy customers mean increased liability risks or lawsuits

Minimize Liability Risks Due to Labor Shortages

There are a few steps you can take as a business owner to attract new employees and minimize the business risks associated with staff shortages.

Tips for attracting new employees and keeping your current staff:

Offer more pay to potential employees
Increase your Employee Benefits package with a customized policy
Provide incentives for existing employees
Limit business hours so your staff is not overworked
Schedule check-ins and reviews with employees to ensure communication and employee satisfaction

How to decrease business liability risks caused by the labor shortage:

Ensure effective employee onboarding practices
Provide adequate training for new employees
Review training and safety procedures consistently
Get Employment Practices Liability insurance to protect against employment-related claims
Increase your Workers Comp insurance with Business Insurance Center to cover liabilities
Add a measure of quality control to ensure your products are satisfactory

Business Insurance Center offers a variety of customized business insurance packages for a wide range of industries. All it takes to protect your business during the labor shortage crisis is a click to get a free business insurance quote! We’re here for you!

Cyber Risks for Businesses in 2022

January 13, 2022 Blog

Did you know that cybercrime is predicted to cost businesses around the world $6 trillion this year? That’s a lot of money, and it’s no surprise that businesses are starting to take their cyber security more seriously. Why are the experts predicting an increase in cybercrime in 2022? The pandemic changed the world in myriad ways and increased cybercrime is just one of them. Many companies moved and have stayed predominantly online. As a result, our market (and lives in general) have become more digitized which has made us more vulnerable to data breaches and other cyber risks.

The problem is many business owners don’t know where to start when it comes to protecting a company from cyber risks. Don’t worry – we’re here for you! Business Insurance cyber risk experts are here to discuss some of the top cyber threats to businesses in 2022 and how you can protect your company from them.

Top Cyber Security Threats 2022

According to a study by IBM, 61 percent of businesses say they anticipate a cyberattack in the next 12 months. From ransomware to data breaches, businesses need to be aware of the many cyber dangers you’ll face as you continue to operate online. Cyber security is becoming increasingly important, and businesses need to be prepared for anything that could happen. So, what types of cyber threats might your business encounter in 2022 and what steps can you take to protect your company from potential cyber risks? Read on to find out!

Ransomware is the fastest-growing cybercrime. Victims facing ransomware crimes paid out over $600 million in the first six months of 2021 alone and these numbers are predicted to increase this year.
Remote work or hybrid business approaches also create new and increased cyber risks for businesses. Businesses are now largely at risk for data breaches where company and client information is compromised. Businesses that have weak technologies or a lack of protocols for cyber security are more vulnerable to such risks.
Cybercriminals will always adapt! As cyber security continues to evolve and improve, so will hackers. With ransomware and other attacks becoming more sophisticated, it’s important for businesses to stay current on the most effective cybercrime protections.
Phishing attempts, identity theft, and post-disaster scams are predicted to increase, as cybercriminals take advantage of the fact that times of emotional stress make individuals and businesses more vulnerable to falling for such schemes.
Due to supply chain shortages, high-demand products pave the way for cybercriminals to create ways to impersonate vendors in “selling” these products. People are more likely to fall victim to such crimes in attempting to secure the product they desperately need. Legitimate businesses may be utilized by cybercriminals in such nefarious endeavors if proper cyber security precautions are not in place.

Best Cyber Risk Insurance 2022

Pandemic disruptions and resulting changes in the business world have increased cybercrime around the globe. As a business owner, you have to improve your security protocols and have a data breach response plan in place so that you’re prepared for any scenario. Most importantly, it’s vital to have a cyber risk insurance policy in place to cover your costs should any such crime occur. For the most comprehensive cyber security insurance and for sound advice on what coverage your company needs, contact Business Insurance Center today! With just a click or call, your valued assets can be protected against cybercrime.

2022 Workers’ Comp Insurance Rates

January 13, 2022 Blog

Do you own a business? If so, then you know that workers’ comp coverage is a must. Workers’ compensation insurance is a vital part of any business. It provides coverage for employees who are injured on the job, as well as protects the company. But what will the landscape look like in 2022? Business Insurance Center is here to take a look at some of the trends that are likely to impact workers comp insurance in the coming year. We’ll also provide tips for business owners who are looking to purchase workers’ comp insurance. So whether you’re thinking about renewing your policy or shopping around for a new one, read on for some insight into what you can expect.

What to Expect in Workers’ Compensation 2022

Workers’ compensation insurance rates tend to stay fairly consistent over the years. Looking ahead, experts predict that workers’ compensation costs in 2022 will continue to remain fairly stable. As past years’ workers’ comp insurance rates indicate, there will be some minimal rate decreases or increases in specific organizations. 2022 will also bring some new and unique trends as a result of the pandemic that are important to watch to keep your business ahead of the curve.

More Mega Claims: A mega claim is an exceptionally large claim, usually consisting of $3 million or more in incurred losses. In workers’ compensation insurance, these claims are usually regarding employees who experience severe (and potentially permanent) injuries on the job. These mega claims have reached a 12-year high and have increased in both frequency and severity.
Increased Telemedicine: Since the pandemic, telemedicine has increased exponentially in popularity. This has enabled employees to receive medical services virtually after they’ve been injured on the job. The COVID-19 pandemic has made telemedicine commonplace and continues to be an appealing option for employees to receive medical services without physically visiting a doctor’s office or struggling to find clinic availability. A total of 25 states have expanded telemedicine offerings for treating occupational injuries. Of the patients who currently use telemedicine, 83% report they plan to continue doing so even after the pandemic ends.
Wearable Safety Technology: One of the largest pushes in the world of workers’ comp best practices is an increase in wearable safety technology. This technology was implemented in an effort to minimize employee injuries and subsequent workers’ compensation claims. These devices serve several useful purposes, including monitoring employees’ behaviors on the job, alerting employees of hazardous situations, and providing real-time safety instructions. This amazing technology has worked wonders in fostering a safer work environment, mitigating injuries, and lowering workers’ compensation costs. The wearable technology market is projected to reach $60 billion by the end of this year.
Qualified Worker Shortage: There have been major labor shortages since the onset of the Covid pandemic. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more job openings available in 2021 than in the last two decades. The result of a lack of qualified workers has led to employers hiring inexperienced workers and having limited time for proper training. This comes at a high price: increased workers’ compensation risks. Statistics indicate that 43% of workplace injuries involve employees with less than five years of work experience in their field. This is attributed to the fact that such workers often lack years of safety training and may be more likely to take unnecessary risks.

Best Worker’s Compensation Insurance 2022

As a business owner, you’re always keeping an eye on the future. You’re planning for growth, looking for ways to cut costs, and preparing for the unknown. So when it comes to workers’ compensation insurance, it’s important to stay ahead of the trends. The great news is that you’re not doing this on your own. Business Insurance Center is here to help! Contact our experienced agents today and get comprehensive workers’ comp insurance – the type of coverage that protects your business from all the curveballs life may throw!

Business Interruption Risk – Cyber Attacks

August 11, 2021 Blog

What would happen if your business was interrupted by a natural disaster, an unexpected power outage, a pandemic, or even a technological breakdown? Do you have the financial resources and plans in place to keep it afloat until things get back on track? One of the most rapidly growing ways business operations are being interrupted is by cyber attacks.

Business interruption insurance helps protect against such losses. BI coverage can provide protection for both income lost while operations are halted, as well as employees who may be out of work during that time period – providing some stability when everything else feels (and is) chaotic! This kind of policy aims at helping out with time off and extra payments during times where operations cannot continue. Business Insurance Center provides affordable, comprehensive insurance coverage against cyber attacks and the losses that may result from a business interruption due to a cyber attack.

How Do Cyber Attacks Cause Business Interruption?

As a business owner, does it surprise you to know that cyber attacks can lead to your company’s collapse or bankruptcy? In today’s age, digital data is highly important for many businesses and so are your investments! A recent study found that 80% percent believe they will experience some form of hacking event this year alone. These events could range from accessing personal information such as credit card numbers or social security digits, all the way up to stealing trade secrets like formulas, designs, software codes, etc. When this happens, things can fall apart very quickly.

One of the most effective ways to cripple a company’s operations is by infecting your website. You could have malware that corrupts your site through DDoS attacks (distributed denial of service) that render it inaccessible, or that impedes all inbound and outbound website traffic. Viruses or worms are also able to wreak havoc on networks through the deletion of critical information stored by businesses. Additionally, other businesses whose services you rely on could be the victim of an attack – which affects your business operations.

How Do I Prevent A Cyber Attack?

The dangers of hackers are real and we have to take steps in order to protect our assets. As cyber attacks become more prevalent in the business world, employers and employees will need to be more aware of their company’s digital security.

Decrease business interruption due to a cyber attack with just a few, simple changes to your business plan. Educate employees about your cyber security policy and prevention strategies, limit employee access to data when possible, and implement strict password policies. Ensure your firewalls, software updates, and routers are current and secure. Formulate a cyber risk management plan and get complete coverage with a cyber liability insurance policy.

How Much Business Interruption Insurance Do I Need for Cyber Attacks?

The best cyber liability coverage picks up where your commercial general liability insurance plan stops. Sure, you can use a cyber business interruption calculator to determine how much cyber business interruption insurance costs or you can just call the experts at Business Insurance Center for assistance!

Regardless of which route you choose, make sure your cyber business interruption policy covers:

Ransomware, malicious data activity, and third-party cyber attacks
The costs related to data breaches or code loss (and the recovery of data)
Income lost during the interruption of operations
Loss of profits while inoperational
Expenses that continue during the interruption, despite a lack of operation (such as employee wages, property and equipment rentals, etc.)
Equipment and software that must be replaced

Best Business Interruption Insurance for Cyber Attacks

Business interruption insurance is the ubiquitous type of coverage for small and large businesses alike. Businesses that are at all susceptible to interruptions in business should strongly consider BI protection, as it can provide invaluable assistance after a disaster, other loss has occurred, or in the aftermath of a cyber attack. Making cyber business interruption claims can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s imperative to have complete coverage with a business interruption insurance company that will work with you to resolve your claim quickly.

At the Business Insurance Center, we aim to keep your financial future secure and your business fully covered for any unexpected events. With cyber attacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever to invest in a cyber business interruption insurance plan. We offer stand alone business interruption insurance and free business interruption insurance calculation with our agents. All it takes is a call or click to get a free cyber business interruption insurance quote. You’ll never regret covering your greatest assets with the Business Insurance Center!

coverage for cyber attack business interruption — .

Best Business Insurance Pricing Tips 2021

August 11, 2021 Blog

When you own a business, property and casualty insurance is your primary safety net! A P & C policy protects your assets and safeguards the financial future of your company. But how do you know that you’re getting the best price on property and casualty insurance?

Just as with most markets, the insurance industry is cyclical in nature, but it’s important to understand the factors that determine how much you pay for insurance coverage. As an insurer, there are things we can do to ensure you get the best insurance price possible no matter what market conditions prevail. As a policyholder (or potential one), knowing about these options will help you know that you’re always getting excellent value when selecting any product from Business Insurance Center.

What Affects Business Insurance Costs?

As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of what drives the cost of insurance so that you can make the most informed decisions about your property and casualty insurance policies and any other insurance coverage you may require.

The insurance industry cycles in between hard and soft markets. In a hard market, insurance gets harder to find and more expensive. In contrast, in soft markets, the costs are lower or even continue to decrease. This makes it easier for businesses to get coverage during these times.

These cycles depend on a variety of factors, including geography. For example, the market may harden after a natural disaster such as a fire, and the market will harden in that particular geographical location. Insurance prices also depend on the economy in the country and how well it is thriving, versus if it is in a downturn. Other catastrophic events, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and so on also usually cause the market to harden and costs to increase. Insurers claim reserve dollars (money set aside for financially difficult times), as well as supply and demand also affect the cost of business insurance.

How to Reduce Business Insurance Costs 2021

Now that you’re armed with some knowledge about the insurance industry and market trends, you know the importance of being proactive in getting the best value business insurance coverage rather than being at the mercy of the insurance cycle! Let’s explore some business insurance cost reduction strategies to help you get the most affordable property and casualty insurance without sacrificing any coverage. Many of these tips for finding cheap business insurance plans involve risk management and reducing losses.

Employ a safety prevention program
Build a safe network of support within and surrounding your business
Be aware of the management measures and risk financing options you have available
Know your business exposures to loss and potential solutions for loss control
Develop a claims management plan to quickly respond to loss

If you’re having difficulty with determining how to institute any of the above risk management strategies, contact Business Insurance agents today. Our experienced team would love nothing more than to help develop your business insurance plans, ensuring success for your cherished asset. With a call or click, our expertise is yours!

4 Opportunities to Reduce Worker’s Compensation Insurance Claims

September 13, 2020 Blog

Tips from the Helpful Brokers at The Business Insurance Center

Many expenses are involved in running a business. You depend on your sales to generate revenue upon the delivery of your product or service. Between the moment that a sale is made and a customer pays their invoice, numerous steps must be accomplished. If an employee gets injured or becomes ill during their work responsibilities, productivity is interrupted. Injuries are threatening for all parties involved, from the employee to the employer. How can you reduce injury and thereby, worker’s compensation insurance claims?

Reduce potential claims and protect your employees with proactive safety steps. Another step in protection is to contact your experienced worker’s compensation insurance broker at The Business Insurance Center. We are happy to assist you in reviewing your existing policy and offering solutions to fill any gaps. We also enjoy partnering with you to educate you on the way you can save on rates. Give us a call and see the difference it makes to have a knowledgeable broker in your corner.

You Can Reduce Worker’s Compensation Claims Starting with 4 Action Steps

Reducing the number of claims your employees experience starts with you taking the four proactive steps listed below:

Prioritize Safety: The first step is to be proactive and have a written safety plan in place. It should include disciplinary action for breaking policy and reward systems for following the protocols. Your entire management team should be on board and ensure proper execution of roles and responsibilities. A cohesive and fair implementation of the safety plan, including regular training, will lead to a workplace environment with fewer injury claims.
Take Immediate Action When The Claim Occurs: There will be claims, even when all safety measures have been taken. Time is of the essence so complete an accident report in as much detail as possible, take photographs, and talk to any witnesses. Your first report of the injury should be sent within 24 hours to your insurance company. You should also require a drug test of the employees involved. If you already have a drug testing policy, this should fit right in.
Report Suspicions of Fraud Immediately: Unfortunately, some people will lie. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to your insurance company. It will sometimes pay to investigate any suspicion of fraud. For example, imagine if a worker who filed a claim for a back injury was photographed digging a trench. If you had suspected this, you won’t win the suit without the evidence from an investigation.
Review Your Current Policy: Worker’s compensation insurance is not a one-time-and-never-look-at-again purchase. It pays to review your policy for accuracy and to see if the claimant is a repeat offender. Additionally, you will want to check that your experience modification factors reflect the actual number of claims your company files. Your insurance broker can assist you with this.

Reduce Your Worker’s Compensation Insurance Claims with the Right Plan

Lower your company’s overall expenses when you make an action plan to increase safety measures and decrease claims. For over 30 years, the knowledgeable brokers at The Business Insurance Center have worked with small businesses and the self-employed across a wide range of markets. We understand that each enterprise is unique and strive to incorporate the best coverages to meet your requirements. Discover the difference when you contact us today.

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

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing an Insurance Claim

September 11, 2020 Blog

Helpful Advice about General Liability Insurance

Buying business insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you have help to recover. The process works well. You pay for your policy each month so when you suffer a loss, the insurer issues a check and you are back on track taking care of your customers. Well, in a perfect world that is how it should happen. In reality, many additional steps or mistakes can be made to slow the process, or even stop it.

Avoid having your claim denied. Be sure you know what your policy, such as your general liability insurance, does and doesn’t cover. When you have questions, reach out to your friendly and knowledgeable broker at The Business Insurance Center. We are happy to assist you with understanding the coverages you have and what you may need for complete protection.

Steer Clear of these 6 Mistakes When Filing a Claim

In the middle of calamity, it can be easy to overlook steps you should take to make things easier for your insurance claim to be paid. Be prepared by reviewing these common mistakes so that you can avoid a denied claim:

Unfamiliarity with Your Policies: Your general liability policy covers injury or damage to third parties and their property. That means if your equipment gets damaged in a fire at your office, your policy may not cover it. You may have to pay out-of-pocket to repair or replace tools and computers. Your Business Insurance Center broker can assess your existing policies, explain what coverage you have, and develop an insurance plan to fill in the gaps.
Failing to Contact Your Insurer Immediately: The sooner you report property damages, the better. Your memory will be fresh, and claims are easier to adjust in the beginning. Many insurers have quick-response teams ready to assess the situation and damages. Many policies require you to report an incident within 48 hours, or they can refuse payment. Be sure you know what is needed from your policyholder.
Not Documenting Damage: Document the damages done as thoroughly as possible. Photograph damaged equipment, goods, utilities, and anything else that may be costly to repair or replace immediately. It’s a good idea to record the time, date, and substance of any verbal conversations, retain copies of mailed correspondence, and keep all email exchanges in a folder on your computer.
Throwing Out Damaged Goods and Belongings: Hold on to the damaged items until your adjuster lets you know it’s okay to get rid of them. The physical evidence is vital to proving the extent of your loss. It may be necessary to make some temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Be sure to keep your receipts and submit them to your insurance company.
Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault. Doing so removes any doubt about the cause of the accident and you may not know all the factors that came into play. It will also impair your insurer’s ability to defend you. Some policies prohibit you from assuming fault without first receiving consent from your insurer. Admitting fault may put you in breach of contract and your claim being denied.
Not Advocating for Your Company: It might seem counterintuitive to argue with an adjuster about your claim. In reality, it’s not about arguing because you want to cooperate, but it is also about not automatically accepting everything your insurer says. Instead, be realistic about what your damaged property is worth with clear, well-documented evidence. This helps if an adjuster undervalues the items in questions. You can also hire your own adjuster for a second opinion and use a third-party mediator if the values differ.

Make Your General Liability Insurance Claim Count – Help from The Business Insurance Center

Give yourself a leg up when you file a claim by knowing what your policies cover, and reporting and documenting damage as soon as possible. Your Business Insurance Center broker is happy to assist you with all your business coverage needs. We work with a variety of insurers to get you the best coverage at very reasonable rates. We love supporting small-to-medium sized companies, the self-employed, and entrepreneurs alike. Let us give you the help you need to protect your future.

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center about purchasing general liability insurance for your company or non-profit organization. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator.

How to Start a Landscape Contracting Business

September 09, 2020 Blog

Landscape Contractors Insurance and Other Essentials You Need

Many people follow their passion when they start a new business venture. They may love book keeping, or graphic design, or a myriad of other opportunities. Your passion lies in the love of plants and making lawns look gorgeous. You understand the importance of curb appeal and the dangers of overgrown trees hovering over electrical lines. Dirt under your nails is Mother Nature’s manicure. It makes sense that a lawn care or landscape business is the perfect fit.

Enhance your chance for success when you prepare ahead of time for your new enterprise. Build your base by figuring out what services you want to offer and the best business structure first, then contact a knowledgeable broker at The Business Insurance Center for a landscape contractor’s insurance quote. We work with you to ascertain what coverages you need and develop a tailored plan to fit your requirements – all at reasonable rates that won’t turn your green thumb black!

5 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Mow the First Lawn

Setting up a new business requires many steps. Here are five key questions you should answer before you fire up the weed eater:

What kind of services will you offer?Consider what is currently being offered in your local market. Is it primarily residential homes? Do you have business campuses or apartment complexes nearby? Look at your competition. What do they offer, and how can you fill in any gaps? It’s a good idea to find a niche, but you don’t have to pigeonhole yourself either. Here are a few options to enhance your offerings:
- Lawn mowing and maintenance
- Seasonal cleanups
- Gardening, design, and architecture
- Tree and shrub pruning and removal
- Irrigation
- Fertilizing
- Edging
- Mulching
- Snow removal
Do you need certificates or a degree?The answer to this is dependent on how you answered the first question. For some services, like landscape architecture, customers may expect you to have a professional qualification. Set yourself apart from the competition by obtaining certifications through the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How do you want to structure your business? The simplest and least expensive structure to open up a business is a sole proprietor. While it is a great option when you are mowing a few lawns, other structures will give your personal assets added protection from liabilities that may arise. For example, a limited liability company (LLC) gives you the benefits of both a corporation and a partnership. It would help if you spoke with your attorney and tax professional about the best option for you.
Do you need a business license?Your state may require a business license, as do some cities and counties but in general, you don’t need to have a specialized license to start your landscaping company. Reach out to your county clerk to discover what types you may need, and potential restrictions.
What kind of insurance do you need? At a minimum, you will want a general liability policy. It will cover you in the event of third partyinjury or property damage. Other options include commercial auto to cover your company vehicle, worker’s compensation to protect employees when they are injured or ill, and business property for equipment and office space. Your broker can discuss your current and future needs to ascertain the best policies for your situation.

Grow with Confidence – Purchase Landscape Contractor’s Insurance from BIC

Bring beauty to the world with the landscape services you offer. The team at The Business Insurance Center stands ready to help you protect your growing enterprise. We’re happy to sit down and discuss the different options that are available and explain how they can save you, your employees, and your company. Give us a call and let’s get started today!

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at The Business Insurance Center about obtaining a landscape contractor’s insurance plan that fits your unique needs. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator.

5 Employment Practices Liability Insurance Claims Trending in 2020 – Are You Covered?

September 07, 2020 Blog

Handy Information from The Business Insurance Center

As a business owner, you want to focus on those issues that will keep customers happy and coming back for more. You expect your team to act like professionals, thus reducing the likelihood of disgruntled clients and co-workers. However, reality dictates that this isn’t always the case and sometimes people act out in ways that create an atmosphere of fear. How do you keep great talent if you become known as “that” employer?

Give your team the support they need by curating an atmosphere of respect and safety. For those times when someone steps out of line and a lawsuit is filed, be sure you have employment practices liability insurance in place. The brokers at The Business Insurance Center assist business owners like you every day to get the best coverage at reasonable rates. Contact us to see how we can help fill in any gaps in your policies.

5 EPLI Trends and What You Can Do about them

In a litigious society, you must always be aware of your company’s actions and do what you can to protect your employees. Here are five trends that demand action to shore up your current protocols so you can build a company culture that works together to keep everyone safe:

Retaliation: This can occur if an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a legally protected activity. It can include cooperating with an investigation with an outside entity like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Retaliation can take many forms, like being fired or being passed over for promotion. Here is how you can thwart this attitude of retaliation:
- Create a policy against retaliation and be sure all your employees are educated on the matter.
- Implement a confidential process to handle complaints and communicate the anti-retaliation policy to complaining team members in a confidential manner.
- Keep documents on everything.
Sexual Harassment: The #MeToo movement sparked a rise in sexual harassment claims and it spans all types, including LGBT-based ones. You can mitigate potential claims against your company and team when you:
- Develop the needed policies against sexual harassment
- Provide regular training to prevent sexual harassment from occurring in your workplace
- Create the type of company culture that does not allow for nor support sexual harassment
Wage and Hour Litigation Threat: Some people participate in the gig economy where they work as contractors, but they should be classified as employees. The result is that they don’t enjoy the same pay structure or benefits. To keep lawsuits to a minimum or even non-existent:
- Be sure you have classified all your employees properly
- Stay up to date on new laws
- Utilize government resources like the Fair Labor Standards Act guide
Gender Pay Gap: Yes, even in 2020, there is a gap between what women earn versus their male counterparts. You don’t have to stay behind the times.
- Encourage women to succeed with policies like flexible hours and parental leave.
- Create mentorship programs and opportunities for women.
- Pay the same for the position, not the gender.
Marijuana Legalization: More and more states are legalizing marijuana for recreational and medical use. This puts employers in a precarious position, especially when using dangerous equipment. You can be prepared by taking these steps:
- Stay up to date with the marijuana use laws in your state.
- Review relevant laws before you fire or refuse to hire a worker over marijuana usage.
- Create and enforce drug policies that focus on safety in the workplace.

Protect Your Business and Your Employees with EPLI from BIC

Protecting your team begins with plans aimed to create a company culture free from fear of retaliation and is open to discussion. At The Business Insurance Center, we understand some of the issues you face, and we’re here to help you get the coverage you need. Contact us today to shore up those areas you may not realize are weak.

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

How to Protect Your Business during Civil Unrest

September 07, 2020 News

What You Should Know about Business Insurance Programs

The year 2020 will go down in the history books as one filled with a crippling pandemic, monstrous natural disasters, and numerous episodes of protests and riots. As a business owner, you understand there are risks in everything you do, yet there’s nothing that can prepare you for the potential of hundreds of people marching down your street in protest. You may agree with their right to voice their opinions and demand change, but if you see some protests turn violent, it’s understandable to become nervous. What happens if your convenience store, restaurant, or plumbing service gets ransacked?

Do what you can to protect your livelihood during times of civil unrest, but remember, the most important thing you can do is keep your employees, customers, and yourself safe. The brokers at The Business Insurance Center are ready to check your existing business insurance program to shore up any areas that may need more coverage. Additionally, we can help you file your claim if your place of business is ransacked,. We’re here for our customers so give us a call.

5 Suggestions to Keep Your Business Protected in Times of Unrest

During times of civil unrest, it’s imperative to keep a level head. As one community news article put it, “Civil unrest can create unique challenges for businesses.” Here is a summary of how you can prepare for potential unrest in your area:

Stay Informed of Conditions from Local Authorities and News Outlets: Your best source of information should come from reliable sources like your local authorities and news media. Some social media may be okay but you do run the risk of misinformation. You may want to contact your police department for additional tips on how to prepare and what plans they have in place in the event of riots or peaceful protests that get out of hand.
Inspect Your Business for Potential Vulnerabilities: Now is the time to make sure that the wonky lock on the back door is fixed, or that your security cameras work consistently. You may also want to board up windows and doors if you fear riots will break out in your area.
Remove Valuable Items from Your Location: Looters will look for valuables. Avoid leaving any in the area by removing those items most valuable to your operations, such as removable equipment, fleet vehicles, and cash.
Change Your Business Hours: Depending on how things progress, consider adjusting your business hours. It can help keep your customers and employees safer if they are out of the building before nightfall.
Communicate Evacuation Plans with Your Employees: Things can escalate and spread quickly, leaving you and your team scrambling to get out of the way. Discuss options for evacuating if things get testy and you fear for your safety.

Keep Protected Amid Protests with a Solid Business Insurance Program

Check-in with your insurance broker to review your insurance policies and discuss potential gaps with your coverage. Business insurance programs from The Business Insurance Center are specifically designed to provide the necessary protection for your unique situation. Your broker will assess your existing plan, look for any gaps, and develop a plan for you. Give us a call today!

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable broker about business insurance programs. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator.

How to Mitigate Business Risks during the Labor Shortage 2022

Labor Shortages Affect Liability Risks

Minimize Liability Risks Due to Labor Shortages

COMMERCIAL FLEET

CYBER CRIME

RESTAURANT

CONTRACTOR

CONDO ASSOCIATION

DAY CARE

FARM

SMALL BUSINESS

JANITORIAL

POLLUTION LIABILITY

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

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