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Your rental property is a significant investment, and the right Landlord Insurance can help protect that investment. There are steps you can take to help keep your rental property safe, thereby keeping your insurance and other costs down, attracting better tenants, and avoiding unnecessary headaches and hassles.

8 Tips to Keep Your Rental Property Safe

1. Install Fire Extinguishers

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), A fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in the U.S. at a cost of about $328.5 billion annually. Fire extinguishers can put out about 80% of all fires, yet less than half of Americans own a fire extinguisher. Install portable fire extinguishers in public spaces and each unit within your rental property and ensure they are easily accessible. Also, remember to regularly inspect the fire extinguishers to ensure they are in good working order.

2. Install Smoke Detectors

In Pennsylvania, landlords are required to provide smoke unless there's a fully automated sprinkler system. Smoke alarms save lives and money. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, "38% of residences had an operable alarm during a fire, but these fires accounted for only 8% of total property loss." Install smoke detectors, but also remember to inspect them regularly, and although legally it is the tenants' responsibility, consider replacing the batteries regularly.

3. Install Flood or Moisture Detectors

Flood or moisture detectors can alert you to small leaks before they cause damage and become more expensive repairs. And they can quickly alert you if you have a bigger problem like a burst pipe.

4. Install Adequate Lighting

Installing adequate lighting along walkways, entries, and public areas like hallways and lobbies can help prevent vandalism and theft. Good lighting can also minimize the risk of falls, reducing the risk of a lawsuit.

5. Secure Doors and Windows

Keep your tenants safe and reduce the risk of vandalism and theft by ensuring that all doors and windows are secure. Every window and door should have a lock. All individual units should have a deadbolt. Entry and exit doors should be made of steel or solid wood core. If your property is in a high-crime area, you may want to consider installing security bars on the windows.

6. Install Security Cameras

Security cameras have become more affordable than ever, and installing security cameras outside or in public areas can help protect your property. However, it's important to understand the laws in your area regarding the use of security cameras.

7. Screen Your Tenants

Screening helps ensure that you get tenants who are less likely to engage in vandalism or criminal activity or damage your property. Experts suggest having tenant screening criteria, such as no smoking, adequate income, no history of violent crimes, etc.

8. Get the Right Landlord Insurance

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an injury or property damage occurs. It's best to consult an experienced insurance agent to ensure you have the right landlord insurance to protect your property. For example, did you know that if a rental unit is vacant for an extended time, you may be required to purchase Builder's Risk Insurance because the risks associated with a vacant property are different from those of an inhabited property; therefore, your regular landlord insurance policy may not cover the damage. 

Do You Have the Right Insurance for Your Rental Properties?

Landlord insurance is essential for protecting your rental property; however, you don't want to overpay for insurance coverage. The independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group compare rates and coverage from competing insurance companies to find you the right policy at the right price!

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

Your Commercial Truck Insurance premium is based on your level of risk. In other words, insurance companies want to know the likelihood that you will have an accident, injury, lawsuit, etc., and make an insurance claim. To determine your level of risk, they look at several factors – your drivers, your vehicles, where you drive, etc. – to determine how likely you are to make a claim. The lower the risk, the lower the premium.

You can take many obvious steps to lower truck insurance costs, such as driver safety training, increasing your deductible, bundling policies, etc. Still, there are also a few ways that may surprise you.

5 Surprising Tips to Lower Commercial Truck Insurance

1. Maintain Good Credit:
In addition to the obvious factors, such as previous claims, insurance companies also consider how you conduct your business. Although controversial, many consider companies with good credit to be responsible and less risky.

“An insurance score, also known as an insurance credit score, is a rating computed and used by insurance companies that represents the probability of an individual filing an insurance claim while under coverage. The score is based on the individual’s credit rating and will affect the premiums they pay for the coverage,” Investopedia explains. “Low scores reflect higher risk, so a high score will result in lower insurance premiums. Conversely, a low score will result in higher premiums.”

2. Pay Your Bill Promptly:
Insurance companies don’t want to waste resources by sending out late reminders. Being consistently late with payments won’t help lower your insurance premiums. Furthermore, if you make a claim while you are delinquent on payments, you may have a battle collecting on the claim. Always pay your insurance bill on time, or consider setting up automatic withdrawals. Or even better, pay your bill in full to enjoy even more savings.

3. Maintain a Clean DOT Safety Rating:
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – the granter of your safety rating, “A safety rating is an evaluation of a motor carrier’s compliance with the safety fitness standard.” Your rating may be Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory. “Your DOT safety rating is a critical company asset that must be protected at all costs,” Trucksafe Consulting explains. “Failing to do so can result in increased insurance costs, lost business, and even a company-wide out-of-service order.”

4. Hire Safe Drivers:
Your drivers can be your greatest asset or your biggest liability. Unsafe drivers increase operating costs (including insurance premiums), increase turnover rates, and can damage your business reputation. Data shows that “the best drivers can reduce costs by more than 12%, but the worst drivers can increase costs by more than 13%.” 

Tips for Hiring Safe Drivers

• Hire experienced drivers
• Review motor vehicle records
• Contact previous employees
• Review DOT Safety performance
• Conduct pre-employment drug testing
• Require a road test
• Keep detailed records

5. Choose the Right Commercial Truck Insurance Agent

An experienced insurance agent specializing in Commercial Truck Insurance can help ensure that you get the right insurance, that you aren’t paying for insurance you don’t need, and that there are no gaps in your coverage. An independent insurance agent will check with several insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Lower Your Commercial Truck Insurance Rate

At American Insuring Group, we go beyond providing you with affordable truck insurance. We carefully analyze the needs and risks associated with your business. We match you up with the best trucking insurance policy based on a careful analysis of many competing insurance companies.

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

Transitional work – part of a return-to-work program - can help lower Worker Compensation Insurance rates and provide many additional benefits.

What is Transitional Work?

Transitional work allows employees injured on the job to get back to work more quickly and safely. Transitional work is a temporary situation that acts as a "transition" until they can return to their full work duties. The transitional work must always be within the injured employee's physician's restrictions, or you risk aggravating the injury.

3 types of transitional work

1. Alternate or Light Duty – With this type of work, the injured employee does less physically demanding work than their regular job.
2. Modified Duty – With this type of work, the injured employee continues to do his regular job but with engineering modifications to the employee's workstation.
3. Work Hardening – With this type of work, the injured employee performs their regular job but slowly increases the difficulty level until they reach their pre-injury work level. This may mean working reduced hours.

What Are the Benefits of Transitional Work?

Studies show that getting an injured employee back to work as quickly and safely as possible benefits the employer, the employee, and even co-workers.

Benefits of getting an employee back to work for the employer:

• Claims are resolved more quickly
• Reduced WC claim costs
• Increased productivity
• Retention of experienced employees
• Reduced accidents
• Reduced absenteeism
• Reduced staff turnover
• Lower training costs
• Reduced overtime pay
• Reduced administrative costs
• Decreased number of grievances and arbitrations
• Improved employee morale and employee relations
• Shows employees that the employer cares about the well-being of its employees

 Benefits of getting an employee back to work for the employee:

• Maintained employment relationship
• Minimizes loss of physical fitness
• Maintained skills
• Maintained pension plans, medical benefits, and group life insurance
• Maintained vacation and sick day benefits
• Maintained social connections and a sense of purpose
• Focuses on abilities rather than disabilities
• Quicker recovery time

How to Develop a Transitional Work Program

"Unfortunately, too many employers see a transitional duty program, also known as a return-to-work program, as a 'make work' situation for both the employer and the injured employee," Michael Stack from the Workers Comp Resource Center explains. "This approach to a return-to-work program often frustrates both employer and employee."

While transitional work needs to be tailored to each individual's work tasks and physical abilities, it should not be quickly thrown together to respond to a crisis. Employers should develop a transitional duty program before it is needed.

Transitional Work Program Tips:

• Create a written return-to-work (RTW) program
• Communicate the RTW program to all supervisors, managers, and employees
• Develop detailed job descriptions for every employee - A detailed job description is an essential tool for a physician to determine whether an injured worker can return to work in either a full or modified capacity.
• Create a list of less demanding tasks that need to be done, such as filing, answering phones, training, or inventory.
• Keep the transitional work as close to the employee's original job duties as possible
• Review the transitional work with the injured employee and address any concerns or issues
• Consult with the treating physician as needed
• Let your insurance agent know when the employee returns to work

Lower Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs!

At American Insuring Group, Ltd., we offer cost-effective worker's compensation insurance from various 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.

The right Contractor Insurance can help protect you, your employees, and your business. One serious workplace injury, lawsuit, or cyber-attack can put you out of business if you don't have proper insurance.

But how do you know what is the "proper" insurance for your needs? Understand common Contractor Insurance myths and work with one of the experienced independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group, who can walk you through the process and answer all your insurance questions.

7 Common Contractor Insurance Myths

Myth 1: A General Liability policy or umbrella policy will cover me.

FACT: General Liability protects your business premises from hazards, such as someone falling and injuring themselves in your office; however, it doesn't cover an employee who is injured on the job.

And Commercial Umbrella Insurance does not provide primary liability coverage. It offers additional coverage on liability claims on your existing insurance policies if a claim exceeds your policy's limit.

Myth 2: It's just me and another guy who helps out a couple of hours a week, so I do not need to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance.

FACT: The PA Department of Labor & Industry states, "Workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for most employers under Pennsylvania law. Employers who do not have workers' compensation coverage may be subject to lawsuits by employees and to criminal prosecution by the commonwealth." This includes both full and part-time employees, even if they are family members. There are very few exceptions.

Truthfully, even if you have no employees, Workers' Compensation Insurance is a good investment. How long do you think you and your family could survive without your income if you're injured on the job? Workers' Compensation pays for medical expenses and part of your lost wages if you are injured on the job. 

Myth 3: I don't need commercial auto insurance.

FACT: This is true if neither you nor your employees ever use a vehicle for business. However, your personal auto insurance will probably not cover injuries or damage if a vehicle (owned by the company, you, or someone else) is used for business purposes.

Myth 4: Only large construction companies get sued.

FACT: One poll found that 43% of small-business owners have been threatened with or involved in a civil lawsuit, and the cost of litigation ranges from $3,000 to $150,000, according to SCORE. "The financial hits of litigation can be far more damaging to small businesses than to large ones, which often staff in-house legal counsel and devote a portion of their budget to legal defense," SCORE advises. Could your business survive a $100,000 lawsuit if you needed to pay it out of pocket? The right Contractor Insurance helps pay for legal costs and judgments against your business.

Myth 5: As a small construction company, I'm safe from cyber-attacks.

FACT: Forbes reports that 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses. "If you're still in denial about the chances of your small business becoming a victim, 61% of all SMBs [small to medium-sized businesses] have reported at least one cyber-attack during the previous year," Forbes states. "Despite the staggering numbers, 91% of small businesses haven't purchased cyber liability insurance. This truly reflects how unaware and unprepared small business owners are to deal with security breaches." 

Myth 6: Contractor Insurance is too expensive.

FACT: The right insurance policy is affordable, protects your business, and provides peace of mind. Without insurance, one significant accident or lawsuit could put your construction company out of business, which makes insurance a smart investment. 

Myth 7: I'm better off buying Contractor Insurance directly with an insurance company rather than an independent agent.

FACT: You will pay the same insurance premiums whether you buy directly from the insurance company or through an independent agent. The difference is that an independent agent will check the cost of your insurance premiums with several companies to ensure you get the best deal. Furthermore, agents specializing in Contractor Insurance can answer your questions, help ensure you have the proper coverage, and be there for you if you have any issues.

How to Find an Independent Agent Who Specializes in Contractor Insurance

The independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Contractor Insurance. We can ensure you have the right insurance to protect your business at the lowest cost. We compare rates among competing insurance companies to save you money!

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

Have you made the plunge into real estate investments and become a landlord? If you have, you aren't alone. Experts estimate that there are 10 -11 million individual investor landlords in the U.S. Real estate investments can be a great way to build wealth, but you need to do your research before taking the plunge.

You need to recognize the unique risks landlords face and protect your investment with the right Landlord Insurance. You don't want to pay for insurance you don't need, but then again, you don't want to leave gaps in your coverage. The first step is understanding the types of Landlord Insurance available to you. You probably don't need them all, but you should at least be aware of your options.

10 Types of Insurance Landlords Need to Consider 

1. Landlord Insurance – These policies typically cover a range of risks, such as property damage, loss of rental income, liability claims, and legal expenses.
   
   
2. Hazard and Fire – This insurance covers damages caused by fire, storms, explosions, and other hazards.
   
   
3. Commercial Liability – Liability insurance helps pay legal fees and awarded damages if a tenant or guest sues you.
   
   
4. Flood – Hazard and fire insurance should cover you in the event of a broken pipe; however, it may not cover damage caused by water coming in from the outside., such as the July 17th storm in Berks County. WFMZ reported, "Many watched helplessly as their basements filled up with water from Sunday's storm." Flood insurance can help you recover from such an event.
   
   
5. Sewer and Water Line Backup – A break in your sewer or water line can cause a great deal of damage. Sewer and Water Line Backup coverage can help pay for repairs and cleanup.
   
   
6. Rent Guarantee (Aka Tenant Rent Default) – If you rely on the cash flow provided by rent from your tenants, you may want to look into rent guarantee insurance, which covers you if a tenant skips out without paying rent.
   
   
7. Pet – For many, their pet is part of the family, and they couldn't imagine living without them. Therefore, allowing tenants to have pets can reduce vacancy and enable you to charge higher rents. But pets can cause damage or injuries, so if you decide to make your property pet-friendly, you may want to consider pet coverage.
   
   
8. Loss of Income – If there is a fire or flooding, or any damage that makes a property uninhabitable for an extended period, loss of income coverage provides compensation to help with cash flow.
   
   
9. Builder's Risk – If you are renovating a vacant property, you may want to consider builder's risk insurance to protect against vandalism, theft, and other damages.
   
   
10. Umbrella Liability Insurance - Umbrella liability insurance is designed to protect your business against catastrophic losses that exceed the limits of other policies or for losses not covered by other policies. Think of it as an upgrade to your existing insurance that goes above and beyond.

How to Choose the Right Landlord Insurance Policy

When choosing landlord insurance, consider the following:

• Coverage limits: Ensure the policy offers sufficient coverage for your property and needs.
• Deductible: The amount you'll need to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
• Premiums: While it's important to find a policy that fits within your budget, it's also vital to ensure that you're getting sufficient coverage.

Save Now on Landlord Insurance

American Insuring Group offers a range of Landlord Insurance policies to fit your needs and budget. Our experienced independent agents can help you find the right policy to protect your investment at the best possible price, as we carefully compare competing offers from various insurance carriers.

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

We focus a great deal of time on safety to lower Truck Insurance because, as you know, accidents involving heavy trucks typically have serious consequences. And the more accidents and resulting insurance claims you file, the higher your insurance premiums.

One of the most vulnerable groups on the road is pedestrians, who have no protection when an accident occurs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,388 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2021 – a 13% increase from 2020 – and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured. Therefore, pedestrian safety should be a part of any driver training.

10 tips to increase pedestrian safety for Commercial Truck Drivers

1. Start Safe
   Before you begin driving, check your vehicle, clean headlights, windshield, windows, and mirrors, adjust the seat and mirrors, know your route, and identify areas you are more likely to encounter pedestrians.
   
   
2. Eliminate Distractions
   “71 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when the truck driver was doing something besides driving the truck,” according to the NHTSA. “Staying focused on driving can help keep you, and other road users, safe on the road!” They recommend the following tips:

• Don’t text while driving
• Don’t use a dispatching device while driving
• Don’t dial a handheld phone while driving
• Don’t read, write, or use paper maps while driving
• Avoid eating and drinking when driving
• Don’t let objects outside of your truck distract you

3. Be Vigilant
   Constantly scan for pedestrians on the street, sidewalks, exiting vehicles, etc., especially in congested areas or areas where pedestrians are more likely to be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, on roadway locations away from intersections (where higher speeds might occur), and at night.”
   
   
4. Be Patient
   We understand that you have deadlines you need to meet. However, an accident will only delay you more, so be patient with pedestrians, especially older adults or those with disabilities.
   
   
5. Assume Pedestrians Are Unaware of Truck Blind Spots
   You know where your blind spots are, but you may be surprised how many pedestrians do not. Many pedestrians also don’t know how your trailer will behave when you make a turn. Assume that pedestrians will not know to avoid risk areas and blind spots.
   
   
6. Consider Driving Conditions
   Weather and road conditions can affect how quickly you can stop. Poor lighting or a nasty storm can make it harder to see pedestrians. Use extra caution and reduce your speed when driving conditions are less than optimal.
   
   
7. Exercise Extra Care at Intersections
   Scan several times for pedestrians as they are sometimes easy to miss. Slow down as you approach an intersection, and be prepared to come to a complete stop. Make eye contact with pedestrians and give them the right of way.
   
   
8. Don’t Block Crosswalks
   Whether the crosswalks are marked or not, going around your vehicle can put pedestrians in the path of moving traffic.
   
   
9. Notice Distracted Pedestrians
   Just like drivers, pedestrians can easily be distracted. Watch for pedestrians using handheld devices, wearing headphones, with children, etc. They may walk slower, ignore traffic, be unaware of hazards, etc.
   
   
10. Remember – You are the Best Line of Defense
    Driver error is the cause of many large truck accidents. Therefore, as the driver, you are the best line of defense when it comes to protecting pedestrians.

Lower Your Truck Insurance Costs

Minimizing accidents and the resulting claims is just one way to lower Truck Insurance costs. American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, so we can ensure you have the right coverage at the best price. As independent agents, they will compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

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

Most states, including Pennsylvania, require employers to provide Workers' Compensation Insurance for their employees. "Failure to comply with these laws subjects employers to lawsuits by employees and criminal prosecution which could result in substantial fines, imprisonment or both," according to the PA Department of Labor & Industry.

What is Workers' Compensation Insurance?

If an employee is injured in the workplace or becomes ill due to their work environment, Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance helps cover medical costs and lost wages. In Pennsylvania, WC covers health care expenses, ongoing care, illnesses, repetitive injuries, partial or total disability payments, permanent injury payments, and death benefits. It doesn't matter who or what caused the injury – a faulty machine, the employee, a co-worker, etc.

WC also benefits the employer by limiting an injured employee's right to sue an employer directly for damages that injury or illness causes.

How Workers' Comp Claims Affect Your Business

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) $afety Pays Program, the following are both direct and indirect costs of Workers' Compensation claims:

• Any 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
• The 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

 Cost of Not Filing a WC Claim When an Employee is Injured on the Job

We want to clarify that we are NOT suggesting that you not file a claim when an employee is injured on the job. We understand that filing a claim takes time and may increase your WC costs, but failing to report a WC claim promptly can hurt your business, your injured employee, and your worker's comp insurance costs. It can result in legal action against your business, a minor injury morphing into a more severe injury, bad relationships with all employees, bad publicity, and more.

On the other hand, there are many benefits of reporting a WC claim promptly – preservation of evidence, lower cost of claims, quicker return to work, decreased litigation, fraud prevention, and more. There are better ways to lower the cost of WC claims.

15 Tips to Lower the Costs of WC Claims

• Develop a Safety Program
• Provide Appropriate Training
• Work with an independent insurance agent who will compare costs for worker's compensation insurance.
• Use the correct job classification codes.
• Follow OSHA's requirements and standards.
• Implement a Return-to-Work Program
• Design and Injury Response Protocol
• Ensure that your insurance provider has accurate payroll info
• Work With Your Medical Team
• Manage Claims
• Investigate Injuries
• Submit all WC notifications and claim forms promptly
• Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
• Review Your Loss Run Report
• Utilize OSHA's Estimated Costs of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and Estimated Impact on a Company's Profitability Worksheet

Are You Paying Too Much for Worker's Compensation Insurance?

American Insuring Group offers 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 your business.

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

As a general contractor, it may feel as if you’re a Jack of all trades, but sometimes you need to call in an expert (or a subcontractor) – an electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc. – on a project. And sometimes, you are the expert hired as a subcontractor.

Whether you are the general contractor or the subcontractor, your business success depends on your understanding of your legal liability and the right Contractor Insurance to protect you from that liability if something goes wrong. Furthermore, having the right liability insurance helps build trust with potential clients and can result in bigger contracts.

General Contractor vs. Subcontractor

Sometimes the line between a contractor and a subcontractor is a little fuzzy. Generally, a contractor is hired by and works for the client on a project. However, a contractor is not an employee of the client. They work for them on a contractual basis, which means the contractor is responsible for fulfilling the contract and is liable for the entire project, even if the problem occurs with something a subcontractor did.

Subcontractors are hired by general contractors to perform a specific task or service. A subcontractor reports to and is liable to the general contractor. If a problem occurs with something a subcontractor did, the client may sue the contractor, who may, in turn, sue the subcontractor.

Most Common Contractor Liability Claims

The best defense against liability claims is first understanding your biggest risks and then either transferring those risks or ensuring those risks are covered by the right insurance. The following are the two most common types of liability claims contractors face:

1. Construction Defects – Construction defects include poor workmanship, improper or defective material, or a failure to follow construction codes. Examples of common construction defects include structural integrity, water intrusion, mechanical problems, electrical issues, etc.
   
   
2. Construction Delays – Delays are frustrating and costly and can happen for many reasons – weather, defective plans, labor shortages, equipment failures, etc. Some delays you have some control over, and others you do not. Either way, clients can sue if there are significant delays in the project.

Contractor Insurance

There are several types of contractor insurance that can protect both contractors and subcontractors. Depending on the scope of the work you do, you probably don’t need all of them, but it’s important to understand what is available to you.

General Liability Insurance – CGL is relevant to any business and helps protect your business from financial loss that results in property damage, bodily injury, libel, slander, lawsuits, and settlements or judgments.

Workers Compensation Insurance – Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance is mandated by Pennsylvania (and most other states) for all employers. WC was designed to protect employees injured on the job by providing lost wages, medical expenses, disability expenses, and funeral costs. As a no-fault benefit, WC also helps protect your business from direct lawsuits by employees injured on the job. Failure to comply can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges and fines.

Commercial Property Insurance - Commercial Property Insurance helps repair or replace your physical assets, such as the building, furniture, computers, inventory, etc., if they are damaged by fire, hail, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, and explosions.  

Builders Risk Insurance - Builders’ Risk Insurance - also called Course of Construction Insurance or Inland Marine coverage – is a temporary insurance policy that helps protect a renovation or new building while under construction. It typically covers a building, structure, materials, tools, and equipment on a job site, in transit, or stored elsewhere during construction or renovation.

Commercial Auto Insurance - If you use a vehicle to conduct business, such as transporting materials, equipment, or employees, you should have commercial automobile insurance to help protect you in the event of an accident that causes bodily injury, loss of life, or property damage. 

Professional Liability Insurance - Professional Liability Insurance goes by many names, such as Errors and Omissions and E & O insurance. Professional Liability Insurance protects your business if you face a lawsuit claiming you made a mistake in your professional services - whether or not you actually made a mistake.

Umbrella Insurance - Insurance liability policies include a limit (the maximum amount an insurer will pay if a claim is filed). Commercial Umbrella Insurance helps cover the difference if a claim exceeds a policy's limit.

Cyber Insurance - Cyber Insurance helps cover your business' liability for data breaches that involve sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, and health records

Pollution Liability Insurance - Pollution Liability Insurance protects your business if you're held liable for a pollution incident on a worksite.

Gap Insurance – Often overlooked, Gap Insurance helps cover the cost difference to pay off a lease balance when a vehicle's value is less than the leasing company's payoff in a total loss accident.

Business Income Coverage/ Business Interruption – If you are forced to shut down your business after experiencing covered property damage (such as fires, storms, etc.), Business Income coverage can help replace lost income.

Get the Right Contractor Insurance!

The right insurance helps protect both contractors and subcontractors from the liabilities they face. The experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group will help you get the right insurance to protect your business at the lowest cost.

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

Landlord Insurance is not required by law but is essential if you want to protect yourself, your rental property, and your tenants. Furthermore, most lenders will require that you have it. Renting your property – house, condo, apartment building, etc. – to someone else presents unique risks that regular homeowners' insurance won't cover.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord Insurance is a type of homeowner's insurance that covers damage to your rental property and helps protect you against any lawsuits related to the property. Your coverage may vary, but Landlord Insurance typically covers property damage caused by risks such as fire, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, etc. It also helps cover liability claims, legal expenses, and loss of rental income.

The Insurance Information Institute reports, "Landlord policies generally cost about 25 percent more than a standard homeowners policy to pay for increased protections." The good news is that Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest states when it comes to Landlord Insurance costs.

As a landlord, you may be looking for ways to lower the cost of landlord Insurance and improve your bottom line.

10 tips to help you lower Landlord Insurance Costs:

1. Properly maintain your property - Proper maintenance helps attract and retain better tenants, preserve and increase your property's value, prevent more costly repairs, and help lower Landlord Insurance costs. Experts suggest the following maintenance measures – air filter replacement, regular exterminations, smoke and carbon monoxide detector tests, water heater draining, bathroom re-caulking, gutter cleaning, and regular inspections.
   
2. Make safety a priority – A safer property translates to lower liability risks and fewer claims. "Every property manager should follow some basic safety tips and procedures to make tenants more safe," Experts recommend. "Whether it's physical property modifications, rules for behavior, or your selection of services and vendors, just a little goes a long way when it comes to enhancing property safety."
   
   
3. Install safety features – Installation of safety features, such as proper lighting, secure doors and windows, security cameras, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and alarms, can significantly improve the safety of your tenants and your property.
   
   
4. Make renters' insurance a requirement - Renters' insurance is not required by law, but landlords can make it a requirement as part of a tenant's lease. Requiring renters' insurance can help mitigate the risk of a lawsuit, reduce your responsibility, cover your deductible, provide peace of mind, lower insurance premiums, and more.
   
   
5. Watch Your Property Valuations – The value of your property and replacement costs can fluctuate, so if you want to ensure you have the right insurance coverage at the lowest cost, keep an eye on your property's value.
   
   
6. Increase your policy's deductible – Increasing the deductible (the amount you pay if a claim is filed) can help lower your annual premiums; however, you must ensure that you have enough available funds to cover your deductible in the event of a claim.
   
   
7. Pay your premium annually – Typically, paying your insurance premium in full for the year is lower than paying the premium monthly or in installments.
   
   
8. Bundle insurance policies – If you have more than one rental property or require additional insurance coverage, purchasing all of your policies with one insurance company may lower your premiums.
   
   
9. Don't pay for coverage you don't need – There are many optional riders landlords may want to consider to provide further protection. Still, It's important to consider whether you face the potential risk before adding a rider.
   
   
10. Work with American Insuring Group – We have agents who specialize in Landlord Insurance to ensure you have the right coverage. As independent agents, we check with many insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for that coverage.

Get a Free Landlord Insurance Quote Today!

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. Our independent agents compare policies from competing insurance companies to make sure you get the right insurance at the best price.

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One way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance and other operating costs is to minimize risks. One way to minimize risk is to hire safe drivers. You’ve probably heard the adage that goes something like this: “Employees can be your most valuable asset… your competitive advantage.” Most business owners/managers would agree, but many would add that employees can also be your greatest liability.

However, the ongoing shortage of drivers is probably creating additional challenges when it comes to hiring employees who become valuable assets rather than your greatest liability. The good news is that according to experts, “The number of unfilled driver jobs slid to nearly 78,000, down about 4% from a record 81,258 in 2021.” The bad news is that slight improvement is expected to be temporary, which may have you thinking that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. NOT at the expense of your business! Hiring the safest drivers available is crucial to your business’s success.

Unsafe drivers increase operating costs, increase turnover rates, and can damage your business reputation. Data shows that “the best drivers can reduce costs by more than 12%, but the worst drivers can increase costs by more than 13%.” Taking the time now to evaluate candidates and hire the best drivers available to lower costs and minimize additional headaches down the road makes good business sense.

8 Tips for Hiring Safe Drivers

1. Set Standards – Set specific standards, such as the minimum number of driving years required, the maximum number of moving violations, etc.
   
   
2. Create a Culture of Safety – A safety culture is “an [organizational] culture that places a high level of importance on safety beliefs, values, and attitudes—and these are shared by the majority of people within the company or workplace. It can be [characterized] as ‘the way we do things around here.’ A positive safety culture can result in improved workplace health and safety (WHS) and [organizational] performance.”
   
   
3. Review Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – An MVR will include basic information, the candidate’s driver’s license number, their license classifications, and their license status. It will also disclose any traffic citations, license suspensions, DUI convictions, and accident reports. Drivers with serious moving violations or accidents on their record may not be good candidates.
   
   
4. Contact Previous Employers – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that “you verify an applicant’s safety performance history with their past employers for at least the past three years.” Plus, this simple step can save headaches and costs down the road.
   
   
5. Review DOT Safety Performance - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) allows you to obtain a 3-year history of an applicant’s DOT inspection and violation history and a 5-year history of DOT-recordable crashes for a nominal fee.
   
   
6. Conduct a Pre-Employment Drug Testing – Instituting a pre-employment drug testing program can help keep unsafe drivers off the road.
   
   
7. Require a Road Test – A driving test is one of the best ways to discover a driver’s temperament, driving skills, and how safe a driver they will be.
   
   
8. Document – Keeping detailed records can help provide a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications, making it easier to compare candidates. Furthermore, the DOT requires that you maintain a driver qualification file for all employees who operate a commercial vehicle that includes information such as your inquiry to previous employers, inquiry to state agencies, inquiry about drug and alcohol tests, etc.

Call for a Truck Insurance Quote Today!

American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, and as independent agents, we compare the cost of your insurance among multiple carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Call (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 for a FREE QUOTE or connect with us online.