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We're all about saving you money on your Commercial Truck Insurance, but there's one step you can take that goes beyond just lowering your insurance costs - a commercial truck maintenance schedule. We understand that most truck drivers and fleet owners face challenging delivery schedules and don't have a lot of time on their hands.

But time spent on regular truck maintenance can help save time in the long run, reduce frustration, lower costs, and increase safety. Here's how!

Fewer Breakdowns

Even minor issues can cause truck breakdowns if ignored, and small issues can quickly become more significant - causing more downtime and higher repair costs - if not addressed immediately. Taking time to make a repair when it is discovered helps keep your truck moving. A breakdown on the road can be dangerous to the driver and can cause late shipments.

Higher Customer Satisfaction

An unexpected breakdown can cause late, inconsistent, or unpredictable delivery times that may force businesses to look at another trucking company that delivers consistently and on time. Regular truck maintenance results in fewer breakdowns and more reliable deliveries.

Safer Trucks/Fewer Accidents

The weight, height, and size of trucks make them more dangerous than smaller vehicles. Trucks need more time to stop, have larger blind spots, are more likely to roll over, and can cause more damage than a smaller vehicle. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019, 5,005 large trucks were involved fatal crashes, and 118,000 were involved in accidents that resulted in an injury. Furthermore, the NSC reports that while large trucks accounted for only 4% of all registered vehicles and 7% of total vehicle miles traveled, they accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2019.

Regular maintenance helps make trucks safer. For example, braking deficiencies will sometimes allow a truck to stop during routine driving situations but may fail in an emergency when hard braking is required. Safer trucks lower the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for all drivers

Lower Operating Costs

Maintenance schedules help improve your bottom line in several ways.

• More minor repairs – which can be caught during a maintenance check – are typically less expensive than major repairs.
• Well-maintained trucks can lower fuel costs.
• Fewer accidents mean lower insurance costs.
• Late shipments caused by unexpected breakdowns can lead to the loss of customers.

Compliance With Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states, "the motor carrier must either inspect, repair, maintain, and keep suitable records for all vehicles subject to its control for 30 consecutive days or more, or cause another party to perform such activities. The motor carrier is solely responsible for ensuring that the vehicles under its control are in safe operating condition and that defects have been corrected."

Having a Commercial Truck Maintenance Schedule helps ensure that you are following FMCSA regulations.

How to Create a Commercial Truck Maintenance Schedule

Metalphoto of Cincinnati offers tips to establishing an effective preventative maintenance program that includes the following:

1. What you need to implement a fleet preventative maintenance plan
2. How to establish a baseline
3. How to determine maintenance intervals
4. Advice on fleet maintenance software
5. A preventative maintenance service checklist
6. How to develop a driver inspection and reporting system
7. How to track metrics and monitor for success 

How to Save Even More on Commercial Truck Insurance

Don't stop with a maintenance schedule if you want to save even more on commercial truck insurance. Work with an insurance agent who understands your unique risks and challenges. American Insuring Group has been helping truck and fleet owners with their Commercial Truck Insurance needs for years. And, as independent agents, we check with multiple insurance companies to get you the lowest price.

Give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Certain types of Restaurant Insurance are designed to protect your business in the event of a lawsuit. Here's what you need to know about lawsuits and your insurance options.

How Likely is My Restaurant to Be Sued?

There's no doubt we live in a litigious society. According to the U.S. Financial Education Foundation (USFEF), it's estimated that over 40 million lawsuits are filed every year in the U.S. And small businesses aren't immune to lawsuits. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 36 to 53% of small businesses are sued every year. Let's take a moment to let that statistic sink in... Approximately half of all small businesses are sued in any given year.

And it costs those businesses big time. The SBA reports that lawsuits that go to trial can cost $3,000 to $150,000 to resolve. Thankfully, most cases are settled out of court; however, they still cost the business time, legal fees, business reputation, and sometimes a settlement to the plaintiff.

How to Protect Your Restaurant From Lawsuits

"Business owners who've had to pay legal damages say the costs nearly put them out of business," SCORE reports and advises, "Take the right steps to reduce the financial repercussions on both your personal and business finances should litigation become necessary. Incorporate your business in a way that shields your personal finances from any legal claim, and obtain the right business insurance coverage to protect your company's finances."

To determine what insurance coverage you need to protect your restaurant, you have to identify potential risks.

Here are four areas of liability you need to consider: 

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance helps protect your restaurant against customer injuries (for example, a customer slips and falls in your restaurant), customer property damage (a waiter spills soup on a customer's laptop), and advertising injuries, such as libel, slander, and copyright infringement. CGL typically covers legal fees, medical expenses, and judgments.

Every restaurant should carry General Liability Insurance, and it is required for most commercial leases. However, it is important to remember that General Liability Insurance does NOT cover employee injures. For those injuries, you need Workers' Compensation Insurance, which, in PA, is mandated for almost every employer.

Liquor Liability Insurance helps protect restaurants that serve alcohol. According to Pennsylvania's Dram Shop Law, "Any restaurant or licensed individual who gives alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person can be legally held responsible for injuries and damages that person might cause."

Here are some examples:

• If you serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and they get into a car accident, you can be held liable for any damages or injuries.
• If you serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, starts a fight, and injures someone, you can be held liable.
• If you serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and they fall and are injured, you can be held liable. 

Liquor Liability Insurance helps cover legal costs and settlements if you are sued under the PA Dram Shop Law. 

Product Liability Insurance protects you from lawsuits that result from illnesses caused by the consumption of your food. The sad fact is that you can do everything possible to ensure food safety in your restaurant. Still, unless you have control over the entire supply chain, you could unwittingly end up serving contaminated food.

Commercial Vehicle Liability helps protect restaurants that use a vehicle for commercial use. Typically, a personal auto insurance policy will not cover damage caused while operating the vehicle for commercial use. That can mean a company-owned vehicle used for deliveries or even trips to the bank. If your delivery drivers use their own vehicle, you will also need non-owned vehicle coverage, and if you offer valet service, you'll need valet service insurance.

How to Lower Restaurant Insurance Costs

The agents at American Insuring Group have years of experience assisting restaurants with their insurance needs. They understand your business and know what questions to ask to ensure you have the right insurance coverage. And as independent agents, they check with multiple insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest rate for that insurance coverage.

So give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online and start saving today!

Pennsylvania law mandates that every employer (with very few exceptions) provides Workers' Compensation Insurance for their employees.

The cost of this insurance is based on several factors, such as payroll, work risk, and work history. The National Academy of Social Insurance reports the average cost of WC insurance in PA in 2018 was $1.35 per $100 of payroll.

The good news is that there are many steps employers can take to lower Workers' Compensation Insurance costs. Number one is creating a safer work environment because fewer claims mean lower WC Insurance costs. Here are five additional tips to help lower your Workers' Compensation costs.

Immediately Report Injuries

PA law requires that workplace injuries be reported promptly, and reporting injuries quickly also provides many benefits to the employer.

• A delay in treatment can worsen the injury, thereby extending recovery time and increasing days out of work.
• It's harder to investigate a claim, determine compensability, and identify fraudulent claims that are not reported promptly.
• If an employee reports an injury and the employer delays the claim, it can create distrust in the injured employee and other employees.
• It's the law. Employers are required to file all WC claims within 21 days.

Communicate with Injured Employees

Regular communication helps maintain good relationships by letting injured employees know that you are concerned about their well-being and recovery and that they are valued employees. Failure to do so can cause an unhappy worker (which can extend to un-injured employees), and unhappy workers are more likely to hire an attorney. Regular discussions also help keep employers apprised of an injured employee's medical status so they can get them back to work as quickly and safely as possible.

Get Injured Employees Back to Work as Quickly and Safely as Possible

Getting injured employees back to work – even in a limited capacity – benefits both the employer and the injured employee. Here are the benefits of a return-to-work program, according to SHRM:

• Increased productivity.
• Reduced costs due to overtime pay as other workers fill in.
• Reduced administrative costs associated with filling the position with temporary help.
• Controlled workers' compensation claim costs.
• Reduced short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) costs.
• Reduction in absenteeism and days away from work.

Employees benefit from an RTW program because:

• They maintain some or all of their earnings.
• They retain their skills and are productive contributors to the organization.
• They are likely to return to their pre-injury jobs more quickly.
• They maintain social connections and sense of purpose with their work routine.

Analyze

One way to lower your WC costs is to improve your loss history. One way to improve your loss history is by analyzing a loss run report – a report issued by your current insurance provider that shows your company's claim activity.

Loss Run Reports provide a great deal of information, such as the date of each claim, a description of each claim, the amount paid to the insured, and whether or not the claim is closed. Insurance companies use the information from these reports to determine how risky a business is to insure, which can affect the premium you pay or even determine if an insurance company will issue or renew your policy.

Use this information to lower your insurance costs. Here's how:

• Is the information accurate?
• Are there common injuries that you can minimize?
• If you have a high number of claims from one individual or new hires, can you improve safety training?
• If you have a lost-time claim higher than the average 20-25%, can you improve your return-to-work Program?
• If you discover a pattern of long reporting times, can you provide additional safety training for managers?
• If you see a large number of litigated claims, could it be a lack of communication, a bad business culture, or disgruntled employees?

Create a Wellness Program

Healthier employees lead to happier, more productive employees, fewer days away from work, and lower workers' compensation costs. A Duke University Medical Center analysis reported that obese workers filed twice as many WC claims, missed 13 times more workdays from a workplace injury or illness, and incurred seven times higher medical costs than non-obese workers.

Indiana State Department of Health reported, "Workers' compensation costs for a smoker averaged $2,189 compared to only $176 for a nonsmoker." And one study found that "smokers are absent from work for sickness as many as 6.16 days per year on average, compared with 3.86 days for those employees who never smoke."

A wellness program can help improve your employees' lives and your Workers' Compensation costs.

Lower Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs

Work with one of the experienced and trusted agents at American Insuring Group. We work with more than 25 competing insurance carriers to find the best insurance value to meet your specific situation.

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

Construction sites are filled with hazards/risks that cause injuries and fatalities, increasing both direct and indirect costs, such as lost workdays, lower employee morale, and higher Contractor Insurance premiums.

"Construction is a disproportionately costly industry, accounting for only 5.2% of all private industry employment in 2002 (BLS 2006) but 15% of all private industry injury costs," according to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "Construction injuries cost $11.5 billion, with $4 billion in fatalities (40%) and $7 billion in nonfatal injuries, primarily driven by cases with days away from work."

So, wouldn't it be wise for contractors to use every available tool to reduce risk and lower the number of onsite injuries and fatalities? Technology is one of those tools. Here are four ways that technology can simplify risk management and keep construction workers safer.

Streamline Safety Processes

Digitalizing safety procedures eliminates paper-based documents, forms, reports, etc.; saves time and money; improves productivity; shows your employees and OSHA your organization's commitment to safety; and helps your organization remain compliant with state and federal safety regulations.

For example, mobile apps can collect data, improve communication, and help reduce risk. Cloud-based technologies allow users to make changes that all users can immediately access. You can also integrate automation to help improve workflow and minimize the risk of human error.

Improve Training

Safety training is crucial to creating a safer worksite (and lower insurance rates), and technology can help increase awareness, quickly share information, and make it easier to track safety training. In addition, digital solutions allow you to customize training and track compliance.

Technology can improve toolbox meetings by allowing you to hold meetings virtually, record sessions, track attendance, and generate PDFs. In addition, Digital tools can engage workers and celebrate safety achievements to improve worker morale and shine a spotlight on the importance of safety.

Protect Workers

According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, 83% of contractors believe that wearable technology would be useful to improve onsite safety. Wearable technology comes in many forms:

• Smartwatches that monitor health and activity, detect falls and send alerts, and enable hands-free communication.
• Smart boots that detect pressure from shocks and falls and sense location.
• Smart hats that monitor fatigue, prevent microsleeps, detect collisions.
• AR glasses that can detect leading edges, identify hazardous material, and display safety protocols.
• Smart monitors can track core body temperature, detect harmful gases, and improve contact tracing.
• Exoskeletons provide lift support, posture correction, weight dispersion, and more to minimize strain and injuries.

Drones can be used to inspect structures, identify potential hazards, ensure that employees are working safely, and quickly identify changing work conditions. Drones allow workers to perform inspections, often performed at great heights, remotely while staying safely on the ground. Drones may even be used to alert workers to gas leaks and to transport tools and equipment.

Predict the Future

There's no denying that new technology can generate tons of data that can be analyzed and provide valuable insight. The data can be used to determine trends, identify potential problems, and prevent future injuries.

How to Save Even More on Contractors Insurance!

American Insuring Group has agents who specialize in contractors' insurance and understand the industry's unique challenges. Plus, as independent contractors, our agents compare the cost of your insurance with several companies to ensure you pay the lowest price on all of your insurance needs.

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

For many restaurants, creating an outdoor seating area became a necessity during the COVID restrictions. According to the National Restaurant Association, 48% of family dining, 56% of casual dining, and 62% of fine dining restaurants said: “they devoted more resources to developing or expanding outdoor dining areas.”

Because dining alfresco can be a fun and desirable experience for many customers, creating a permanent outdoor area your customers enjoy and want to return to can help increase your profits. But don’t forget about customer safety to avoid the risk of injuries, lawsuits, and higher Restaurant Insurance costs.

It takes some effort and unique considerations to create a safe and enjoyable outdoor seating area for your customers. A few picnic tables thrown under a tent on your parking lot may not be enough for long-term success. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful, comfortable, and safe seating area that will serve your restaurant and your customers for years to come.

Find the Right Space

Take time to look at your restaurant’s exterior to determine the best spot for a permanent outdoor seating area. You may need to think outside of the box. For example, if you don’t have a large property, is a roof deck feasible? Is there anything on your property that could make for a nice view - such as a stream, forest, an area overlooking the city – that you can take advantage of?

Also, consider the level of noise. While setting up an outdoor seating area that overlooks the town square is great for people watching, the sound of loud cars and motorcycles can make conversations challenging. Take time to sit in the area you’re considering to determine if it’s the best spot for your outdoor seating area.

And don’t forget safety. Is the new space ADA compliant? Are there any tripping hazards you need to eliminate? Does the new space cause traffic flow problems that need to be addressed?

Keep Up-to-Date With Outdoor Dining Rules

Outdoor dining laws vary by state and local governments. Contact regulators to determine what is and isn’t allowed and what permits or licenses you may need. Check into noise ordinances in your area. While many outdoor dining regulations were relaxed during COVID, that may not apply to the future, so check the laws and regulations in your area before starting any permanent renovations.

Keep Your Customers Comfortable

How can you keep your customers dry when it rains, warm when it’s cool, and cool when the sun is beating down on them? Consider a permanent roof, retractable roof, or umbrellas to protect your customers from the elements. If you want to extend your outdoor dining into the cooler months, you may want to consider investing in outdoor heaters.

Make sure the furniture you choose is comfortable. For example, chairs with supportive backs and armrests can be more inviting and more comfortable. In addition, you may want to consider using cushions that can be removed and cleaned as needed.

Control Pests

Are there any bugs or animals that could ruin your customers’ al fresco dining experience? If yes, what can you do to alleviate the nuisance? It can be hard to control nature, but keeping the area clean can help. Immediately clean up spills and remove uneaten food quickly. Sweep the floor frequently to eliminate crumbs, which can attract animals. Consider the use of bug zappers or an exterminator if bugs are a problem.

Create an Attractive Space

One of the greatest appeals of alfresco dining is the ambiance! Even if you don’t have a babbling brook or a beautiful ocean at your disposal, you can create an attractive outdoor dining experience that will compel your customers back again and again. A garden or potted plants can provide beauty and even privacy where needed.

Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you need to use vinyl tablecloths, paper plates and napkins, and plastic utensils. While that may be appropriate for a restaurant selling barbeque, it isn’t for a more upscale restaurant. Plus, glasses, real silverware, and cloth napkins won’t blow away as quickly.

And don’t forget about lighting. The right lighting can draw people in, create an inviting atmosphere, and of course, allow people to move about safely. So you may want to consider a string of outdoor lights, candles, tiki torches, lamp posts, fire pits, and/or spotlights for plants, statues, or fountains.

Save on Restaurant Insurance to Protect Your Business, Customers, and Employees

Keeping your customers and employees safe should be your biggest priority and just makes good business sense. However, if an accident occurs, the right restaurant insurance can help protect your business, customers, and employees.

The independent agents at American Insuring Group specialize in restaurant insurance and can help ensure you have the right insurance at the lowest cost. So if you’re considering adding a permanent outdoor seating area – or just want to save on your insurance costs - give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

If you own a fleet of trucks, are an independent truck driver, or use trucks for business, you need Commercial Truck Insurance. The right truck insurance helps protect you, your truck, your business, and the public.

State and federal agencies require some types of insurance. For example, the Motor Carrier Act (MCA) of 1980 requires minimum liability limits for trucks over 10,000 pounds ranging from $750,000 to $5 million per accident, depending on what is being transported.

Unfortunately, the minimum insurance requirement is often not enough to keep you in business after an accident, which is why it’s important to consider higher limits and additional types of insurance.

Did you know?

• The average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality is $3.6 million per crash.
• A collision with injuries costs almost $200,000 per crash.
• The average cost of all large truck crashes is about $91,000 per crash.

Having the proper insurance coverage and the right limits will help keep your trucks on the road.

NOTE: Commercial Truck Insurance is not the same as Commercial Auto Insurance because the risks associated with hauling large amounts of materials across state lines are very different from those associated with a delivery van driving around the city.

Types of Commercial Truck Insurance

Primary Liability Insurance (Aka Trucking Liability Insurance) is the minimum insurance required; however, it only covers injuries to other people or damage to other vehicles in the event of an accident. It does not cover your truck, your driver, lawsuits, etc.

General Liability Insurance covers additional risks, such as customer injuries, property damage, and advertising injuries. It helps protect your business from the cost of lawsuits. This type of insurance is often required for leases and contracts.

Physical Damage Insurance (AKA Collision Coverage) is not required by law but covers the cost of fixing or replacing damaged tractors or trailers. Typically, this type of insurance does not cover damage to cargo, drivers’ personal items, tools, electronics, or any equipment that is not permanently attached.

Cargo Insurance covers cargo in transit. Typically, it covers the loss or damage to cargo caused by collision, fire, heavy weather, equipment breakdown, theft, and running over or striking the cargo. There are usually exclusions for certain types of cargo, such as art, jewelry, live animals, and explosive materials.

Trailer Interchange Insurance covers physical damage for trailers pulled under a trailer interchange agreement and typically covers damage caused by collision, fire, theft, and vandalism.

Bobtail Insurance (Aka deadhead insurance) is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage when you are bobtailing a truck – operating a truck without an attached trailer or semitrailer.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is required by most employers under Pennsylvania law. It provides medical expenses and lost wages for employees for work-related injuries or illnesses, protects your business from lawsuits, and helps you stay compliant with state regulations.

How to Lower Truck Insurance Costs the Easy Way

Many factors affect insurance premiums, such as where and what you are hauling, the condition of your equipment, etc. However, you can take steps to lower your insurance costs, such as hiring safe drivers, implementing a safety program, increasing deductible amounts, and working with an insurance agent who has experience with the unique needs truck drivers and trucking companies face.

The agents at American Insuring Group have been helping truck drivers and trucking companies for years to ensure they have the right coverage. And as independent agents, they compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance companies to ensure that you get the lowest rates on that coverage.

→ Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

The more accidents you have in your kitchen and the more claims you file, the higher your Restaurant Insurance costs. And we all know how dangerous restaurant kitchens can be. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 93,800 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in full-service restaurants in 2019, and about one-third of those injuries required at least one day away from work.

These injuries are costing restaurants thousands of dollars every day – both directly and indirectly. Direct costs include wage replacement, litigation costs, property losses, etc. Indirect costs include loss of productivity, OSHA fines, damage to your business reputation, workplace disruptions, etc.

Create a safer kitchen to prevent injuries, and you not only lower the cost of your insurance premiums, but you also create a better work environment, save yourself a lot of headaches, and save on many other operating costs. Here are three of the most common restaurant injuries, according to QSR magazine, and tips to avoid them.

Lacerations and Punctures

With all the knives, slicers, and breakable dishes and glasses, it should come as no surprise that lacerations and punctures are among the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens. Here are fifteen tips to minimize the risk of lacerations and punctures.

1. Keep knives sharp
2. Use the right knife for the right job
3. Store knives in a rack or knife block – not loose in a drawer
4. Curl fingers of the hand holding the food under when chopping, mincing, etc.
5. Wear cut-resistant gloves
6. Use a cutting board
7. Clean knives immediately after use
8. Don’t try to catch a falling knife
9. Install machine guards
10. Maintain all equipment
11. Train employees on the proper use of knives and equipment
12. Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get stuck in equipment
13. When washing glasses, don’t quickly change the water temperature
14. Don’t stack glassware
15. Don’t allow glasses to rub against each other

Burns

Again, with all the hot grease, boiling water, hot stoves, and ovens, it should come as no surprise that burns are one of the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens. QSR reports that “As many as one-third of occupational burns occur in restaurants, totaling about 12,000 reported cases per year, although the actual number is projected to be much higher.” Here are fifteen tips to avoid burns in your restaurant kitchen

1. Turn pot handles away from burners
2. Never leave handles sticking out over the edge of the stove
3. Adjust burn flames, so they cover only the bottom of the pan
4. Avoid overcrowding range tops
5. Don’t leave hot oil or grease unattended for any length of time
6. Slowly lift lids to allow steam to escape
7. Keep hair, clothing, and flammable materials away from open flames
8. Ask for help to move very heavy pots that are hot or contain hot ingredients
9. Use fryer baskets
10. Don’t fill fryer baskets more than halfway
11. Install splash guards on fryers
12. Remove excess ice crystals on food before placing in fryer
13. Dispose of oil correctly
14. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves
15. Use hot pads, pot holders, etc.

Sprains and Strains

Improper lifting, overreaching, tripping, etc., can cause sprains and strains in restaurant kitchens. Here are fourteen tips to minimize the risk of this type of injury.

1. Wear slip-resistant shoes
2. Clean up spills immediately
3. Use signs to warn of potential hazards
4. Keep walkways clean and free from tripping hazards
5. Avoid carrying loads that block your view
6. Ensure there is adequate lighting
7. Store heavier items on the middle shelves
8. Use a ladder or step stool instead of reaching above your shoulder height
9. Use hand trucks to move items when possible
10. Use anti-fatigue mats
11. Use mechanical equipment to limit repetitive tasks when possible
12. Provide training on safe lifting techniques
13. Take breaks from repetitive tasks
14. Avoid awkward positions

Regular employee training and the enforcement of safety procedures are crucial to minimizing injuries. Every restaurant kitchen should also have a first aid kit handy and make sure that several workers in the kitchen know how to treat minor injuries properly.

How to Save on Restaurant Insurance Costs

Developing a safe work environment is a significant step to reduce Restaurant Insurance costs, but it isn’t the only step restaurant owners can take. The experienced agents at American Insuring Group can offer additional ways to lower your Restaurant Insurance costs. So give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online and start saving today!

One way to reduce the cost of Workers’ Compensation Insurance is by managing medical expenses. One way Pennsylvania employers can manage medical costs is by providing a list of designated health care providers.

The PA Workers’ Compensation Act allows employers to establish a list of designated health care providers and states that injured employees “must seek treatment for the work injury or illness with one of the designated providers for 90 days from the date of the first visit.” Without this list, injured employees can seek medical treatment from any provider.

Creating a list of good health care providers for your injured employees not only helps you manage health care costs and lower WC insurance; it also helps ensure that your injured employees receive the best care possible. First, however, there are guidelines providers must follow.

Ask any good insurance agent how to lower Truck Insurance costs, and they’ll tell you to reduce the number and size of your insurance claims. But that isn’t always easy.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019, 118,000 large trucks were involved in accidents that caused injuries. And often, due to their size and weight, accidents involving trucks tend to be more serious. For example, in 2019, 5,005 trucks were involved in fatal accidents.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “A total of 4,119 people died in large truck crashes in 2019. The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher in 2019 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 51 percent higher than in 2009.”

Accidents cost your company more than higher insurance rates: lost sales, lost clients, higher administrative costs, time spent managing the aftermath of a truck accident, higher employee turnover, loss of reputation, and the list goes on.

Here are three tips to minimize the risk of a big trucking insurance claim.

Hire Wisely

Spend some time upfront to save yourself time and money down the road, but also be sure you understand the legal requirements for interviewing, pre-employment testing, etc.

1. 1. Review an applicant’s motor vehicle record
   2. Conduct a thorough interview
   3. Include a practical skills interview
   4. Run the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability profile
   5. Conduct pre-employment drug testing
   6. Establish hiring guidelines:

• • • • • • Ensure that applicants have a valid driver’s license for the vehicle type and load they will be driving
          • Set a time limit on the last chargeable accident, DUI or DWI convictions, serious moving violations, etc.
          • Set minimum years of driving experience

Develop a Driver Safety Program

All new employees should receive safety training, and ongoing safety training should be required for all drivers. NETTTS offers these tips to create a company driver safety program:

1. 1.  Review Your Company Fleet

• • • • • • How many drivers do you have?
          • Where do they travel?
          • What types of vehicles do they drive?

You should include different kinds of learning, such as printed materials, meetings, presentations, and online training that focuses on the following:

• • • • • • Safety policies
          • Driving policies
          • Hours of service
          • Vehicle inspections
          • Accident procedures
          • Security procedures
          • Personal safety policies
          • Driver responsibilities
          • Performance evaluations

3. Documentation

Everything related to safety should be well documented, from company safety programs to new hire safety training and ongoing safety training of every employee. In addition, employees should be required to sign paperwork stating they understand your company’s safety processes and what will happen if they fail to follow those processes.

Review Your Insurance Loss Run Report

Your current insurance provider can issue a loss run report, which shows the claims you’ve filed under your business insurance policies – your insurance claims history. You can request this type of report for most types of business insurance.

These reports list the date of each loss and claim, a brief description of each claim, the amount paid to the insured, and whether or not the claim is closed. You can think of it as a credit report or report card for insurance companies. They use the information in the report to determine how risky your business is to insure, which can affect the premium you pay for insurance or even if an insurance company will issue a policy or renew a policy for your business.

You can look at common injuries and claimants and use the information to improve safety. You can also look at other things – such as lost time, open claims, litigation, etc. – to improve other areas of your business and to save on insurance and additional operating costs.

How to Save on Insurance Premiums

An insurance agent specializing in trucking insurance can help ensure you purchase the right coverage. In addition, an independent agent will compare the cost of that coverage with several companies to ensure you pay the lowest amount for that coverage. The independent agents at American Insuring Group have years of experience in Trucking Insurance, so give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Certain types of Contractors Insurance are required by law, and some may be required by your clients. Other types of insurance are optional but may be needed to protect your business. Regardless, you’ll want to get the most out of your insurance policies – by ensuring you have the right coverage, that there are no gaps, and that you’re paying the lowest price for that coverage.

Here are six tips to help you get the most out of your Contractors' Insurance.

Understand What Your Policies Don’t Cover

There aren’t many things more frustrating than paying for insurance coverage for years only to discover your policy doesn’t cover an incident or doesn’t cover the full amount when you go to file a claim. You need to understand what your policies do and don’t cover to determine any potential gaps in your policy.

To spot any gaps in your coverage, you need to Identify any risk your business may face, decide if you want that risk covered by insurance, and determine which, if any, policies cover that risk.

Here are four examples of common gaps in Contractors Insurance.

1. 1. Did you know that typically General Liability Insurance policies exclude coverage for faulty workmanship? Faulty Workmanship coverage helps protect yourself against claims of faulty workmanship filed by your customers.
   2. What would happen if your tools were stolen from a job site? Would your Commercial Property Insurance cover the cost to replace your tools? Probably not, but Builder’s Risk Insurance will.
   3. What if a piece of expensive equipment was stolen in transit to a worksite? Again, your Commercial Property Insurance would probably not cover replacement; however, Inland Marine Insurance would.
   4. If you have to temporarily cease operations due to a catastrophe, such as a fire or theft, do you have enough cash on hand to get you through a period with no income? If not, Business Interruption Insurance can help.
   5. What would happen if your partner – an essential part of your operation – were to become disabled? Would you be able to continue your business? If not, Key Person Insurance is an option.
   6. Did you know that if someone hacked into your computer system and took customer information, you could be held liable for that data breach? Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that your General Liability Insurance won’t cover that; however, Cyber Liability Insurance can help.

On the other hand, you may be paying for coverage or endorsements for risks that your business is not likely to incur. Or you may be duplicating coverage with more than one policy. Identifying these issues may help reduce your insurance premiums.

Understand Your Policy’s Limits

Make sure you understand your policies’ limits. A limit is the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay for a covered claim. For example, let’s say you’re in a car accident on the way to a job site, you’re sued, and the settlement is $2 million, but your limit is $1 million. You will be responsible for covering the remainder of the payment. With an Umbrella Policy (Aka Excess Liability Insurance), you can increase the limits on your existing policies.

Understand Your Deductibles

The deductible is the amount you would pay before insurance kicks in when a claim is made. Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums. This is a great way to lower your premiums IF you have enough cash on hand to cover the deductible. In addition, knowing how much your deductibles are is a great way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Let People Know You Have Coverage

Your insurance coverage can become a business asset. Proper insurance shows clients and potential clients that you are a professional who is serious about your business and can pay if something – damage or injury – were to occur during a project.

Regularly Review Your Insurance

Things change, and so do your insurance needs. Maybe you fired an employee or hired a new one. Perhaps you purchased a new piece of equipment or sold one. By regularly reviewing your policies (at least annually), you can ensure you have everything covered without paying for insurance that you don’t need.

Compare Costs

Different insurance companies offer different coverage and different pricing. The independent agents at American Insuring Group will compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest amount for your insurance coverage.

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