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Landlord Insurance is crucial when protecting your investment; however, effective landlord-tenant communication – which doesn’t cost a dime / just a little time and effort—is just as important. We understand that, as a landlord, you have a lot on your plate, from screening applicants to maintaining your property; however, taking the time to communicate with your tenants could save even more time and effort down the road.

Communication is crucial from the time a potential tenant fills out the application to when they move out. It can help avoid misunderstandings, prevent conflicts, lower tenant turnover, and protect your property, saving time and headaches. Good communication between you and your tenant(s) can also save you money, resulting in higher profits.  

The Cost of Tenant Turnover

Tenant turnover is a costly part of property rentals that landlords and property managers can’t ignore. Tenant turnover creates vacancies, eats up more of your time, and lowers your profit. According to Apartments.com, the average turnover cost ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

This cost can come from the following and more:

• Cleaning the unit
• Getting rid of anything left behind
• Changing locks
• Possibly re-painting
• Repairing any damage
• Advertising
• The lost income from a vacant unit
• Screening applicants
• Higher insurance costs if it remains vacant

“Reducing turnover isn’t just about preparing a vacant unit for a new tenant; it’s also about retaining good tenants. Landlords can save time, money, and effort by implementing tenant retention strategies. This includes responsive maintenance, periodic property inspections, and creating a positive living environment that encourages tenants to renew their leases,” Swiftland states. “By focusing on tenant satisfaction and fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships, landlords can significantly decrease the turnover rate, ensuring a more stable and profitable rental property.”

A vital component of “fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships” is effective communication.

Tips for Effective Landlord/Tenant Communication

1. Properly Screen Tenants
   Good communication should begin before you allow a tenant to move into your property by adequately screening them: run credit, background, and employment checks and conduct an in-person interview.
   
   
2. Set Clear Expectations
   Begin setting clear expectations during your first contact with them. Before they sign the rental agreement, verbally go over key points, such as rent payments, policies or rules, and maintenance responsibilities. It also doesn’t hurt to remind them of policies occasionally.
   
   
3. Be Responsive
   Address maintenance issues as quickly as possible. If a tenant contacts you with a question you can’t answer immediately, let them know that you understand their question and that you are working on getting the answer.
   
   
4. Foster Trust
   Trust is earned, and you can earn your tenants’ trust by responding quickly, keeping them updated and in the loop, and always being honest with them.
   
   
5. Provide Multiple Communication Channel Options
   Just like your friends and family, you will discover that everyone has different communication channels they prefer – text, email, voicemail, etc. You can ask them what their preferred channel is when they first move in. In addition, certain communications should be delivered through certain channels. For example, longer messages can be sent by email, quick communication can be made through text, and important communication is usually best done through a phone call or letter.
   
   
6. Use Written Communication
   Having written documentation, such as an email or text, can help both parties understand what is being said and provide evidence if a dispute occurs.
   
   
7. Be Friendly and Professional
   You want to act like an efficient waitperson or sales clerk and find the perfect balance between being professional (responding to their needs, getting back to them promptly, etc.) and friendly (asking them how they are, talking about the weather, smiling, etc.).
   
   
8. Keep Messages Simple
   If you’re sending an email or text or leaving a voicemail, you may be tempted to give every detail, but short and simple is usually the most effective way to communicate. Let them know what the issue is or what is going on without giving details that aren’t relevant. Don’t use big words.
   
   
9. Solicit Feedback
   Retailers understand the value of feedback. Landlords can use the same tactic by sending out short surveys, conducting quick interviews, or simply asking for verbal feedback.
   
   
10. Conduct Exit Interviews
    Conduct an exit interview when tenants leave and ask why they are moving out. The answer may be something you can’t control, such as they’re moving into a bigger place, buying a home, etc., or it could be something you can control with future tenants, such as maintenance issues, lack of communication, etc. 

Protect Your Investment With the Right Landlord Insurance

At American Insuring Group, we offer comprehensive landlord insurance policies that cover a range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. Our affordable policies protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance is more expensive than personal auto insurance, so purchasing a personal auto insurance policy for a commercial motor vehicle may be tempting. That would be a huge mistake because personal auto insurance typically won’t pay out a claim for a vehicle that is considered commercial. This kind of mistake could cost your business a lot of money, and if the accident is severe enough, it could even put you out of business.

Therefore, you must understand if your vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle and that you don’t confuse the FMCSA’s definition with an insurance underwriter’s definition.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCS) Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

The FMCSA has many rules for what they define as a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), such as hours of service, driver requirements, fees for motor carrier registration and insurance, and employee safety and health standards.

The FMCSA’s definition of a CMV is “a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when” one or more of the following apply:

• It has a gross vehicle weight rating or, gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
• It is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
• It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
• It is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.

Under that definition, a pickup truck, which typically weighs between 5,00 and 7,500 pounds, carrying 1,000 pounds of construction material from the store to the job site is not considered a CMV. However, insurance companies would consider it a CMV.

Insurance Company Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Typically, an insurance underwriter will define a CMV as a vehicle used for business purposes, regardless of the weight or who owns the vehicle (i.e., a company or an individual). A CMV can be a car, truck, van, or even a scooter.

Here are a few examples of what may be considered a CMV under the insurance underwriter’s definition:

• A box truck or van is used to deliver merchandise.
• A car used to provide rides for Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare company.
• An employee’s vehicle that regularly calls on doctors’ offices to sell pharmaceutical equipment

“If a vehicle is used primarily in business, there is likely no coverage under a personal auto policy. If you use your personal vehicle for work occasionally, your personal insurance carrier might be able to tailor your policy to reflect this usage,” the Insurance Information Institute (iii) explains. “If the vehicle is owned by a business, there will be no coverage under a personal auto policy. A commercial auto policy would need to be purchase.”

Furthermore, iii states, “For a very serious accident or one with a number of injured people, your personal auto policy may not be enough to cover the damages. In that event, the injured parties would likely sue to collect damages from your business.” Therefore, it’s always best to speak with an experienced insurance agent who can help you determine if you need commercial vehicle insurance.

 Lower Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance Costs

The agents at American Insuring Group can help you determine what type of insurance you need to protect yourself and your business. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your insurance with several insurance companies to ensure you get the lowest price.

Want to learn more about getting the best insurance at the best price? Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: If you want to lower Contractor Insurance costs, create safer job sites. One simple way to create safer job sites is to supplement formal training with regular toolbox talks.

According to Harvard, a toolbox talk is “an informal group discussion among employees of an individual department that focuses on a particular safety issue.” Although toolbox talks should never be used as a substitute for formal on-site and compliance training, they are a great way to refresh workers’ safety knowledge and to keep safety at the top of their minds since more formal training is typically held once a year or less.

And guess what; toolbox talks work! According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), companies that conduct daily toolbox talks reduce their total recordable incident rate (TRIR) by 78% and their days away, restricted, or transferred (DART) rates by 76% when compared to companies that hold them monthly.

However, to be effective, toolbox talks can’t be stale or boring. They need to be relevant and engage workers.

15 Tips for Effective Toolbox Talks

1. A senior or experienced member of the team should lead toolbox talks.
2. Toolbox talks are best held at the beginning of the workday, so the day starts off with a focus on safety.
3. Toolbox talks should be held frequently – daily or weekly - to maximize effectiveness.
4. Toolbox talks should be short – typically 10 to 15 minutes or 30 minutes max.
5. Topics should be on a single health or safety topic.
6. Topics should be relevant. For example, if it’s a frigid day, you may want to cover winter safety tips.
7. Try to keep the conversation positive and focus on being proactive and preventing injuries rather than reacting to a past incident. Workers are more likely to listen to the information if they don’t feel like they are being lectured or reprimanded.
8. Prepare your talk. You only have a few minutes to deliver critical information, so you need to understand the topic and know how you will pass the information on to workers.
9. Before presenting the toolbox talk, think about how to make it more compelling and memorable, such as a video, a surprising statistic, an interesting fact, or a demonstration.
10. Keep it simple. Don’t use big words or industry jargon.
11. Connect with participants by making eye contact and speaking loud enough so everyone can hear you.
12. Engage your workers by asking questions such as “Has anybody noticed this problem?” or “Has anyone faced this challenge in the past?”
13. Ensure that everyone understands. Ask questions about what you just covered, or ask someone to summarize what they’ve heard.
14. Use videos, PDFs, and handouts when appropriate.
15. Keep records of toolbox talks. Although it isn’t legally required, recording the topic and who was there can help track what you have and haven’t covered.

Toolbox Topic Examples

The possibility for toolbox topics is endless; just make sure the topic can be covered sufficiently in the time allotted and that it is relevant to your workers. Here are a few examples:

1. Rooftop Safety
2. Preventing Struck-By Accidents
3. Respiratory Protection
4. Dangers of Benzene
5. Mental Health
6. Circular Saw Safety
7. Using the Right Tool for the Job
8. Heavy Equipment Safety
9. Safe Lifting
10. Common Construction Site Hazards
11. Minimizing the Risk of Sprains and Strains
12. Hand and Power Tool Safety
13. Proper PPE
14. Construction Worksite First Aid
15. Avoiding Traumatic Brain Injuries

How to Save Even More on Contractor Insurance

Unlike many agencies that sell only one insurance brand, as a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, agents at the American Insuring Group compare the cost of your insurance coverage with several brands to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

We do exhaustive research for you, so you can rest assured that you will get a great value for your insurance dollar! Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

As part of our ongoing commitment to assist our customers in reducing Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance costs, we regularly share workplace safety tips on this blog. While many of these tips are tailored for hazardous industries like construction or transportation, it's important to remember that workplace hazards are present in every sector. The potential for these hazards to cause injuries leading to WC claims is a universal concern, making workplace safety a crucial aspect of any business.

Workers' Comp claims can have a negative impact on your business, both directly and indirectly:

• Wages paid to injured workers for absences not covered by workers' compensation
• The wage costs related to time lost through work stoppage associated with the worker injury
• Overtime costs necessitated by the injury
• Administrative time spent by supervisors, safety personnel, and clerical workers after an injury
• Training costs for a replacement worker
• Lost productivity related to work rescheduling, new employee learning curves, and accommodation of injured employees
• Clean-up, repair, and replacement costs of damaged material, machinery, and property
• The costs of OSHA fines and any associated legal action
• Third-party liability and legal costs
• Worker pain and suffering
• Loss of goodwill from bad publicity
• Higher WC premiums

"The total cost of work injuries in 2022 was $167.0 billion. This figure includes wage and productivity losses of $50.7 billion, medical expenses of $37.6 billion, and administrative expenses of $54.4 billion," according to the National Safety Council. "This total also includes employers' uninsured costs of $15.0 billion, including the value of time lost by workers other than those with disabling injuries who are directly or indirectly involved in injuries, and the cost of time required to investigate injuries, write up injury reports and other administrative functions. The total also includes damage to motor vehicles in work-related injuries of $5.6 billion and fire losses of $3.7 billion."

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investing in safety and health can yield significant returns. For every $ 1 you invest, your organization can expect a return of $4 to $6 in cost savings and increased productivity. This is a compelling reason to prioritize workplace safety and make it a part of your business strategy, regardless of your industry.

Therefore, today, we're focusing on safety tips that can apply to just about every type of workplace setting to help lower Workers' Comp costs.

5 Workplace Safety Tips for Every Workplace

1. Identify the Most Common Hazards in Your Workplace
   To minimize the risk of injuries and WC claims, you must first identify the most common hazards in your workplace. For example, a construction company can begin with OSHA's top four causes of construction fatalities – falls, struck by, caught-in/between, and electrocution – and then look at each job site to determine additional hazards. And remember, even office settings have hazards, such as slipping, tripping, and falling, ergonomic injuries, poor lighting and eye strain, fire safety, and indoor air pollution.
   
   
2. Create a Culture of Safety in the Workplace
   According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), "Safety cultures consist of shared beliefs, practices, and attitudes that exist at an establishment. Culture is the atmosphere created by those beliefs, attitudes, etc., which shape our behavior."
   
   
3. Develop a Safety Program
   Workplace safety programs offer many benefits, such as reduced recruitment and hiring costs, increased productivity, and improved financial performance. According to OSHA, a study of small businesses found a statistical correlation between workplace safety and health and the survival of a small business. The report found that companies that failed within one to two years of start-up had an average injury rate of 9.71, while businesses that survived more than five years had an average injury rate of 3.89 in their first year of business.
   
   
4. Provide Safety Training
   OSHA states, "Training in the safe way for workers to do their jobs well is an investment that will pay back over and over again in fewer injuries and illnesses, better morale, lower insurance premiums, and more."
   
   
5. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
   Effective communication is critical to business success, from hiring to filing a WC claim. Employers should discuss workplace safety with employees regularly, and employees need to know that it is safe for them to report safety concerns and injuries without fear of retaliation.

Don't Overpay for Workers' Compensation Insurance

At American Insuring Group, Ltd., we offer cost-effective worker's compensation insurance from many competing insurance companies. We'll work hard to get you the best price on quality insurance to protect your employees and business.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

As a homeowner, you're likely aware of how homeowners' insurance safeguards your property, and as a landlord, you understand the importance of Landlord Insurance in protecting your investment. However, it's crucial to remember that your tenants' well-being is also your responsibility. Unfortunately, many tenants misunderstand or underestimate the benefits of renters Insurance, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss in case of an incident.

According to Insuranceopedia, only 55% of renters have renters' insurance, and most tenants will only purchase it if the landlord requires it. Perhaps that's because the law does not require tenants to do so. Or tenants may underestimate the value of their possessions or assume the landlord is responsible. "57% of renters either didn't know who was responsible for theft or property damage or thought that it was the responsibility of the landlord or property management company [which it is not]." Tenants must understand their responsibility to protect their possessions.

Thankfully, in Pennsylvania (and most other states), landlords have the power to change this. By requiring proof of renters insurance from their tenants, landlords can take control of their tenants' and their investments' protection. Renters insurance is not only affordable but also offers a host of benefits for both the renter and the landlord, making it a powerful addition to any lease agreement.

What is Renters' Insurance?

"If you rent a house or apartment and think that your landlord is financially responsible when there is a fire, theft or other catastrophe—think again," the Insurance Information Institute (III) explains, "Your landlord may have insurance to protect the building you are living in. But your landlord's policy won't replace your personal possessions or pay for your living expenses while the building is being repaired. The only way to protect yourself financially against disasters is to buy a renters insurance policy."

Renters insurance (Aka tenants' insurance) typically provides three types of protection:

• Personal Possessions are protected against damage from fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorms, water, and other disasters listed in the policy. 
• Liability – Standard renters insurance protects you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your pets cause to other people.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage is included in most renters' insurance policies, so if your home is destroyed by a disaster covered under your policy, it will help pay for hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals, and other expenses incurred until you can return to your home.

What Are the Benefits of Renters' Insurance

The benefits of renters' insurance for tenants are pretty obvious. It can help replace or repair damaged personal property and protect them against lawsuits.

However, renters' insurance offers many benefits for landlords as well:

• Reduced liability risks and lawsuits – You can't always control the actions of your tenants or their pets, which can expose you to liability risks, and often, your landlord policy won't cover injuries or property damage due to a tenant's carelessness. A renters insurance policy can cover incidents such as a tenant's dog biting someone or a guest of a tenant being injured while visiting. Furthermore, if damage occurs to a tenant's personal property through no fault of their own, if they have renters' insurance to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing that property, they're less likely to sue you for damages.
  
  
• Lowered chance of increasing insurance premiums
  Filing too many claims can increase your insurance premiums (or even cause it to be canceled). If your tenant has renters' insurance that covers all or a portion of any loss, it can lower the chance of your landlord insurance premiums increasing.
  
  
• Makes it a little easier to be pet-friendly
  "Pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades," according to Forbes. "As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet." As a landlord, refusing to accept pets could eliminate more than half of your potential tenants. On the other hand, pets can create additional risks – damage, liability issues, etc., but requiring renters' insurance can help minimize those risks.

Don't Overpay For Landlord Insurance!

At American Insuring Group, we offer renters' insurance and comprehensive landlord insurance policies that cover a range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. Our affordable policies are designed to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

A fatigued commercial truck driver is more likely to have an accident and become a danger to themselves and others on the road, thereby increasing the cost of Commercial Truck Insurance. Fatigue can affect a driver's thought process, lower their awareness of hazards, reduce reaction time, impact their judgment, impair their vision, and cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.

Studies reveal that "65% of truck drivers report that they often or sometimes feel drowsy while driving, and nearly half of truck drivers admit that they had actually fallen asleep while driving in the previous year."

The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that "13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash." However, many experts believe this number is significantly underestimated.

Many things can cause fatigue, such as lack of sleep, poor eating habits, stress, and a medical condition called sleep apnea (which is usually treatable). A "Study of Prevalence of Sleep Apnea Among Commercial Truck Drivers," sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), revealed that "17.6 percent of CDL holders had mild sleep apnea, 5.8 percent had moderate sleep apnea, and 4.7 percent had severe sleep apnea."

What is Sleep Apnea?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts" while the person is sleeping. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs
• Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
• Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, which happens when someone has OSA — diagnosed with a sleep study — that converts to CSA when receiving therapy for OSA

Risk factors for sleep apnea may include a family history of sleep apnea, being overweight, large neck circumference, smoking and alcohol use, age, and certain medical conditions.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping and choking while sleeping
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Headaches or nausea in the morning
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Concentration and memory issues

In addition to fatigue, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure or other heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, complications with medicines and surgery, and liver problems.

To diagnose sleep apnea, you may be able to use a home sleep test that measures your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns. Or you may need to stay overnight at a sleep center where they will hook you up to equipment to monitor your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

Most cases of sleep apnea are treatable. Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea often benefits from using a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep. Other treatments include oral appliances designed to keep your throat open, supplemental oxygen, or surgery.

Can You Still Drive a CMV if You Have Been Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea?

The FMCSA does not explicitly mention sleep apnea; however, it does state that anyone with a medical history or clinical diagnosis of a condition likely to interfere with their ability to drive safely is not medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The good news is that once successfully treated, a driver can be deemed medically qualified to operate a CMV.

Don't Overpay For Truck Insurance!

At American Insuring Group, we go beyond providing affordable truck insurance. We carefully analyze the needs and risks associated with your business. We match you with the best trucking insurance policy by carefully analyzing many competing insurance companies. The result? You'll get the high-quality commercial insurance coverage you need at a very affordable price.

Don't wait! Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

What would you say if we told you that a task that typically takes ten to fifteen minutes at a minimal cost to you could reduce the number of worksite injuries, improve employee morale, and lower the cost of Contractor Insurance? You might still say something like, "Sign me up!" Or, you may think that sounds too good to be true; however, toolbox talks (AKA safety talks, tailgate briefings, safety moments, etc.) can lower the cost of contractor insurance and so much more.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Safety Performance Report found an interesting correlation between toolbox talks and total recordable incident rates (TRIR). Companies that hold daily toolbox talks reduced their TRIR by 85% compared to companies that have monthly toolbox talks. Increasing toolbox talks from weekly to daily decreased TRIR by 73%.

What are Toolbox Talks?

"A Toolbox Talk is an informal group discussion that focuses on a particular safety issue. Use these Toolbox Talks to spark discussion and action at the beginning of the shift," the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries explains. "Toolbox Talks guide workers and teams through preventing many hazards on the job."

They are "useful conversations about effective ways to prevent hazards at work and protect employees from injuries on the job." They are typically held monthly, weekly, or daily at the beginning of a shift and can last from ten to thirty minutes.

Topics can vary depending on current job site hazards, recent citations or injuries, etc. Here are a few examples:

• Using the Right Tool for the Job
• Dangers of Benzene
• Proper Lifting Techniques
• Respiratory Protection
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Proper PPE

What are the Benefits of Toolbox Talks?

While toolbox talks require time to prepare and take a few minutes out of the workday, the benefits far outweigh the cost by…

• Reducing the total recordable incident rates
• Helping keep your workers safe
• Helping foster a culture of safety
• Increasing retention of safety concepts
• Improving general safety awareness
• Providing an opportunity for open communication
• Upholding OSHA's requirement to "provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards"
• Keeping everyone focused on the job
• Quickly getting workers up to speed on safety issues
• Putting a regular focus on health and safety
• Allowing for discussions of recent incidents
• Highlighting management's commitment to keeping their workers safe
• Lowering the number of injuries
• Lowering the cost of Contractors Insurance and other administrative costs

Tips for Holding Effective Toolbox Talks

• Before determining a topic, conduct a job hazard analysis to determine relevant topics
• Prepare for the discussion
• Hold them at the beginning of a shift
• Conduct them on the job site
• Keep them brief – 10-15 minutes
• Begin with a brief overview of the topic and end with a summary of key takeaways
• Encourage employee participation
• Encourage feedback
• Include all workers the talk is relevant to
• Document toolbox talks – topics, participants, action items, etc.
• Stick to specific topics that can be covered in the allowed time
• Keep to topics that are relevant to the current work environment and activities
• Hold toolbox talks as frequently and consistently as possible, ideally daily
• Use interactive tools, such as visual aids and demonstrations

Don't Overpay For Contractor Insurance!

Another way to lower Contractor Insurance costs is to work with the American Insuring Group because we do more than provide you with affordable contractor insurance. We perform an in-depth review of your business, including your history and the risks inherent in your operation.

Then, we compare the costs and types of liability insurance for contractors among many competing carriers, providing you with multiple contractor insurance quotes and our recommendation on the best choice for your business. The result? You'll get the precise coverage needed at the best possible price.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

The construction industry is filled with hazards that can result in injuries or death and increase Contractor Insurance costs. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, 20% of fatal work injuries in the U.S. in 2021 occurred in the construction industry, and 37% of construction deaths in 2021 were caused by falls.

OSHA also found that roofing falls are the leading cause of roofing injuries and fatalities, accounting for about one-third of all fatal falls in construction between 1992 and 2005. Therefore, if you own a roofing company or ever work on roofs, understanding its unique hazards and taking steps to mitigate them can help lower your Contractor Insurance and other administrative costs.

10 Top Rooftop Hazards

Before starting any job, you should assess the situation and identify potential hazards. Here are the top ten rooftop hazards.

1. Roof Stability
   Unstable roofs that aren’t strong enough to support the weight of people and equipment needed for the job can cause accidents.
   
   
2. Ladder Security and Placement
   Unstable or improperly secured ladders can lead to injury.
   
   
3. Weather Conditions
   Snow, rain, and ice can make roofs slippery. Wind and extreme temperatures can also be hazardous to rooftop workers.
   
   
4. Roof Hole
   Skylights and poorly covered holes can result in falls.
   
   
5. Edge Awareness
   Some workers become so focused on their work that they forget where the roof edge is.
   
   
6. Improper Training
   Workers can’t avoid accidents if they don’t know how to identify, prevent, and avoid hazards.
   
   
7. Improper Use of Fall Protection
   Fall protection must be used properly for it to work. Poorly anchored railings, too-long lanyards, or weak tie-off points will give workers a false sense of security and will not protect them if they slip or fall.
   
   
8. Poor Line of Sight
   Ridge vents, shingle bundles, chimneys, etc., can block egress on a roof.
   
   
9. Pitch
   The steeper the roof, the harder it is to work on and the more hazardous the conditions.
   
   
10. Split-Level Roofs & Fall Heights
    Workers on low-slope and split-level roofs with unprotected sides and edges can be hazardous.

Electricity, power tools, and hazardous substances are additional rooftop hazards to watch for.

9 Tips to Mitigate Rooftop Hazards

1. Provide Fall Protection
   Depending on the situation, fall protection may include personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), fall restraint systems, safety net systems, and/or guardrail systems.
   
   
2. Provide Safety Training
   Proper safety training, which should be regular and ongoing, will help workers identify and avoid hazards.
   
   
3. Follow OSHA Regulations
   OSHA regulations are designed to keep workers safe and avoid injuries and death. In 2013, the most frequently cited OSHA standards during roofing contractor inspections included the duty to have fall protection, ladder safety, fall protection training requirements, eye and face protection, and general scaffold requirements.
   
   
4. Provide Appropriate PPE
   Depending on the situation, proper personal protective equipment for roofers may include safety glasses, high-visible clothing, hard hats, non-slip footwear, respiratory protection, earplugs, fall protection, and/or gloves.
   
   
5. Use Signage to Identify Potential Hazards
   Proper signage can alert workers to potential hazards and is required by OSHA.
   
   
6. Pay Attention to the Weather
   Pay attention to weather forecasts, and if bad weather threatens workers, delay work on roofs,
   
   
7. Ensure That Ladders are Stable
   Ladders should be regularly inspected for visible defects, workers should be trained on ladder safety, ladders should only be used on stable and level surfaces or secured to prevent accidental displacement, ladders should be placed away from traffic, and the areas at the top and bottom of the ladder should be kept clear.
   
   
8. Inspect Roof Before and After Work
   Look for potential hazards like holes and loose debris before and after work.
   
   
9. Have an Emergency Action Plan in Place—Creating a written emergency action plan and ensuring workers, especially managers, are familiar with it is the best way to ensure that calm prevails and proper steps are taken if disaster hits your work site.

Lower Contractor Insurance Premiums the Easy Way!

The right insurance helps protect your workers and your business, but you don’t want to pay more than you need to for that protection. As a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, the experienced agents at American Insuring Group compare the cost of your coverage with many competing insurance brands to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Ready to save? Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Most property owners understand the importance of protecting their property with adequate insurance. If you're looking for insurance to protect the home you and your family live in, homeowners insurance is probably the answer.

However, if you rent out a room in your house, have a vacation home you rent out when you aren't using it, or rent your home out occasionally (for special events), homeowners insurance may not be adequate. And if you own a rental property with tenants, homeowner insurance is definitely not enough.

Historical data shows that tenant-occupied properties pose more risk than owner-occupied properties. Therefore, if you have homeowners insurance on a property occupied by tenants and need to make a claim, it probably won't be covered, making all those insurance premiums a waste of money. It isn't enough just to have insurance; you need to have the right insurance.

One of the experienced insurance agents at American Insuring Group can help ensure that you have the right insurance to protect your property, but here is some basic information to consider.

The Difference Between Landlord and Homeowners Insurance

• Occupancy
  Who lives on the property? This is the most significant difference between landlord and homeowners insurance. As we mentioned, homeowners insurance is probably your best bet if you and your family live in the home. However, if you rent an investment property out to tenants, you should have landlord insurance. Renting out a room or occasionally renting out the property is more of a gray area. Sometimes homeowners insurance will suffice, sometimes your homeowner's coverage may need to be adjusted, and sometimes the only thing to protect your property is landlord insurance.
  
  
• Property Coverage
  Typically, both homeowners and landlord insurance cover damages to the structure caused by covered perils, but coverage for personal property is different. Homeowner insurance typically covers all personal property (furniture, jewelry, household goods, etc.), whereas landlord insurance does not cover the tenant's personal property. Furthermore, if the property owner has furniture, appliances, landscaping equipment, etc., in the rental property, they need to consider that when choosing their landlord insurance policy.
  
  
• Pricing
  Because tenants pose more risk, landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than the standard homeowner's insurance.
  
  
• Loss of Use vs. Loss of Rent
  Both homeowners and landlord insurance provide coverage when a property is damaged by a covered peril, rendered uninhabitable, and under repair. However, homeowners insurance provides coverage for loss of use (reimbursement for living expenses, such as accommodation and meals), and depending on your policy, landlord insurance covers loss of rent (rental income reimbursements to help cover ongoing expenses)

Types of Landlord Insurance

There are three types of Landlord Insurance: DP-1, DP-2, and DP-3. DP-1 offers the most essential coverage, DP-3 provides the most comprehensive coverage, and DP-2 falls in between.

• DP-1 offers the most affordable and least comprehensive coverage. It only covers perils named explicitly on the policy - fire, lightning, smoke, explosions, vehicles, aircraft, riots or civil commotion, volcanic explosions, windstorms, and hailstorms. DP-1 pays out the actual cash value (ACV) of the lost property. In other words, it determines your payout based on the original cost minus depreciation. That means you may not receive enough money to repair or replace an item at the current cost.
  
  
• DP-2 covers only perils specifically named on the policy, but it does include more perils, such as burglary, collapse, the weight of snow and ice, etc., than DP-1 policies. Unlike DP-1, DP-2 policies pay claims based on replacement cost value (RCV), which pays for repairs or replacements based on current costs.
  
  
• DP-3 is the most expensive option but offers the most protection. It covers all perils unless the peril is explicitly excluded in the policy. DP-3 typically pays out claims based on the RCV. It also covers loss of use, liability, and personal property you have on the property.

Do You Have the Right Insurance for Your Property? We Can  Help!

The independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group can ensure that you have the right insurance for your specific needs. Then, they carefully compare rates and coverage from competing insurance companies to find you the best price!

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Whether you're a fleet owner, fleet manager, or owner-operator, the right Commercial Truck Insurance protects you, your business, and your vehicle(s). You are probably quite familiar with vehicle maintenance, government regulations, and other aspects of running a trucking business. However, you may not be as familiar with the ins and outs of commercial truck insurance. With so many different insurance companies and options, choosing the right insurance for your needs can be tricky.

5 Questions to Ensure You Have the Right Insurance at the Best Price

1. What coverage options are relevant to my needs?

When considering Commercial Truck Insurance, many think about collision coverage, which protects against damages to your truck and other vehicles in a collision-type accident. However, there are many other potential hazards and things besides your truck that need to be protected to be successful.

Every situation is unique, so it's best to review potential scenarios with your agent and ask what options are relevant to your needs. Here are a few options your agent may mention:

• Comprehensive Insurance
  Comprehensive Insurance covers damages or losses not resulting from a collision, such as vandalism, theft, fire, etc.
  
  
• Commercial Liability Insurance
  Commercial Liability Insurance protects you against loss from legal liability resulting from bodily injury or property damage to another party.
  
  
• Cargo Insurance 
  Cargo insurance protects against loss from legal liability for damage to goods or merchandise in your care and custody while in transit.
  
  
• Trailer Interchange Insurance
  Trailer interchange insurance covers legal liability for damage to others' trailers if you haul trailers belonging to other truckers or motor carriers.
  
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
  Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage helps pay for damage to your truck if someone hits you and does not have liability coverage.
  
  
• Non-trucking coverage 
  Non-trucking coverage is for things not directly related to the trucking operation. 

2. What factors affect my commercial truck insurance premiums?

What you don't know can hurt you in this case. The cost of your insurance premiums is based on several factors, such as the driver's age and experience, the driver's driving record, the value and age of the truck you're insuring, your vehicle's maintenance and service history, driving location, and distance, your business safety rating, if you have multiple policies, type of cargo being transported, the amount of your deductible, and more. If you know the factors that affect your premiums, you may be able to make adjustments to lower them.

3. How can I lower the cost of my commercial truck insurance premiums?
   

   Ask your agent what steps you can take to lower your premiums. They may suggest trying to reduce the number of claims by managing risk. For example, maintaining high safety standards, providing safety training, properly maintaining your vehicles, and utilizing technology (GPS tracking, dash cams, fleet telematics systems) can lower the risk of an accident and claim, lowering your insurance premiums.
   
   Your agent may also suggest combining policies and/or increasing your deductible. A good agent will also advise you of any special offers or discounts you may be able to take advantage of. For example, American Insuring Group has partnered with Progressive Commercial to offer our Progressive truck insurance customers free use of an ELD device or up to $500! It's an easy and smart way to satisfy the ELD mandate at no cost.
   
   Here are a few additional ways to lower commercial truck insurance costs.

4. Are you an independent or captive insurance agent?
   

   The independent agents at American Insuring Group work with over 25 competing insurance carriers so we can find you the best insurance value to meet your specific needs. Whereas a captive agent only works with one insurance company.

5. What is the claims process?

   According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Therefore, you're probably looking at when, not if, you will need to make a claim, so you should ask your agent about the claims process with any insurance company you're considering. For example, is it a slow or complicated process? Look for terms such as 24-hour claims service, access to a real person, quick claims processing, and online claims submission.

Contact Us to Get the Right Commercial Truck Insurance!

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Truck Insurance and are happy to answer any of your questions. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among many competing insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate on your insurance premiums.

Don't let what you don't know hurt your business. Call American Insuring Group today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to get your questions answered.