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Most truck owners and fleet managers understand the importance of Truck Insurance to protect their business, employees, vehicles, etc. For example, Primary Liability Insurance (Aka Trucking Liability Insurance) helps cover the cost of injuries to other people or damage to other vehicles in the event of an accident. General Liability Insurance helps protect your business from the cost of lawsuits. Cargo Insurance helps cover the loss or damage to cargo in transit. And the list of truck insurance options goes on.

Every truck and fleet has unique insurance needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Truck Insurance. That is why working with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group is crucial to business success.

Two types of insurance available to truck owners and fleet managers that are often used interchangeably are Umbrella Insurance and Excess Liability Insurance. The two are similar but slightly different. Let’s start with definitions provided by the International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI).

IRMI Definitions

Excess Liability Insurance — (1) A policy or bond covering the insured against certain hazards and applying only to loss or damage in excess of a stated amount or specified primary or self-insurance. (2) That portion of the amount insured that exceeds the amount retained by an entity for its own account.

Umbrella Liability Policy — a policy designed to provide protection against catastrophic losses. It generally is written over various primary liability policies, such as the business auto policy (BAP), commercial general liability (CGL) policy, watercraft and aircraft liability policies, and employers liability coverage. The umbrella policy serves three purposes: it provides excess limits when the limits of underlying liability policies are exhausted by the payment of claims; it drops down and picks up where the underlying policy leaves off when the aggregate limit of the underlying policy in question is exhausted by the payment of claims; and it provides protection against some claims not covered by the underlying policies, subject to the assumption by the named insured of a self-insured retention (SIR).

A Comparison of Excess Liability and Umbrella Liability

Those definitions are a good place to start, but let’s dive a little deeper and simplify them simultaneously. Both are designed to provide additional protection on claims. Both are additions to underlying policies designed to protect against particular risks and specific losses and are only triggered when the underlying policy line of insurance has been exhausted.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance is an example of an underlying policy. Every CGL policy has a financial limit. For example, if you have a $1 million limit on your policy and get sued for $1.2 million, you (not the insurance company) will be responsible for paying the difference. Either an Excess or Umbrella policy may help cover the difference.

Every policy also has a unique scope of covered risks and specific losses. If a loss occurs outside of those covered risks, insurance will not pay, and the financial responsibility will fall to you. However, an Umbrella Liability policy may provide protection against some claims not covered by the underlying policies. An Excess Insurance policy will not. An Excess Insurance policy is focused on financial limits and does not expand the terms or scope of the underlying policy.

If you are a driver with just one truck or a business with a small fleet, you may think either type of insurance would be a waste of money, but consider this: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports, “The average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality is $3.6 million per crash.”

Is Umbrella Liability or Excess Liability Insurance Right for me?

As we said earlier, every business’s insurance needs are unique. The best way to ensure you have the right insurance at the lowest cost is to work with one of the experienced, independent agents at American Insuring Group. We compare policies from multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the right protection at the right price!

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

There are many types of Contractors’ Insurance designed to protect your business from unforeseen circumstances. However, one type of insurance that is somewhat unique to the construction industry is Builders Risk Insurance. 

What is 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. 

The following perils are typically covered under a Builders’ Risk Insurance policy:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Explosion
• Vehicle accident 
• Weather events, such as hail or lightning

Some Builders’ Risk policies also include the following perils:

• Costs incurred by delayed construction, such as lost rental income or loan interest
• Removal and disposal of pollutants
• Damage to temporary structures
• Changes required to meet environmental standards 

The following perils are typically NOT covered under a Builders’ Risk policy:

• Wind
• Earthquake
• Flood
• Employee theft
• Normal wear and tear
• Mechanical breakdowns
• Terrorism
• Faulty work or materials
• Contractual penalties 

When Does Builders Risk Insurance Coverage End?

Most insurance policies have an insurance policy period that includes an effective and expiration date. Simply stated, those dates indicate when coverage from that policy begins and ends. However, the end date of a Builders’ Risk Insurance policy can be a little more complicated. 

Because the value of a structure being built or renovated increases over time, Builders’ Risk insurance factors this changing value into its pricing. Due to this unique situation, there are times when an expiration date may change. 

1. The owner of the property takes over

If an owner (such as the original property owner, bank, or purchaser) takes over the project (regardless of how complete the project is), the Builders’ Risk Insurance policy you purchased becomes invalid. 

2. The Project Is Abandoned

If the contractor walks away from the site with no intention of completing the project, the Builders’ Risk Insurance policy becomes invalid. 

3. The Property is Being Used for Intended Purpose

If all or part of the property is being used for its intended purpose during construction, the Builders’ Risk Insurance policy becomes invalid. 

4. The Project has been Completed for 30 Days

Once an occupancy permit or other completion confirmation has been issued, the Builders’ Risk Insurance policy becomes invalid. 

Once the Builders’ Risk Insurance policy has expired, other types of insurance are available to protect the property, which are often less expensive. For example, property insurance can be purchased when the property is being used for its intended purpose or when the project has been completed for thirty days, which is typically less expensive than Builders’ Risk Insurance. On the other hand, if a property has been abandoned, there is more risk for damage such as decay, vandalism, break-ins, and arson. Therefore, insurance to cover the property will be higher than Builders’ Risk Insurance.

Need Help With Builders’ Risk Insurance?

If you have questions about Builders’ Risk Insurance or any type of Contractors Insurance, be sure to speak with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group.

Not only do we specialize in Contractors Insurance, but as independent agents, we also compare multiple insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for the coverage you need.

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

Savvy restaurant owners purchase Restaurant Insurance to help protect their business, but insurance policies and claims can be complicated. The experienced agents at American Insuring Group can help you navigate your insurance options, policies, and claims.

However, it’s helpful to understand and avoid the most common errors restaurant owners make when filing an insurance claim:

Not Understanding Your Policy

Your insurance policy states explicitly what “perils” it does and does not cover. It can be extremely frustrating to discover something you thought was covered isn’t when you go to make a claim (not to mention the time wasted making a claim while also trying to recover from the incident).

Therefore, you need to read and understand what your policy does and does not cover, so you can either fill the gap or have a plan in place if an uncovered event occurs. Ask your insurance agent to clarify anything you’re unsure of. 

You should also know your policy’s deductible – the amount you must pay before insurance kicks in on a claim. If you decide to increase your deductible to lower your premiums, make sure you have enough available cash to cover that deductible if you need to make a claim. 

Finally, it’s crucial to understand if your policy values damaged property according to an actual cash value (factors in depreciation and normal wear and tear) or the replacement value (does not factor in depreciation and normal wear and tear). If the damaged property is valued according to actual cash value, you need to be prepared to pay the difference out of pocket. 

Not Filing a Claim Promptly

If someone is injured in your restaurant or your oven is damaged by fire, call your insurance company immediately. Waiting to file the claim can make the process more difficult or even lead to having the claim denied. A good rule of thumb is to file a claim within the first 48 hours of an incident, but the sooner, the better.

Not Working with Insurer

Don’t think of your insurance adjuster as the enemy. Be professional, polite, and cooperative, and promptly provide whatever documentation they request. Failure to cooperate may provide grounds to deny a claim. However, don’t be afraid to ask questions or even appeal an estimate if you have reasonable proof that the lost property is undervalued. 

Not Documenting Damage and Claim

You will need proof of damage to receive a payout, so immediately record the time and date of the incident and take photos and/or videos of the damage. Also, document your communication with your insurer – keep a record of mailed correspondence and emails along with the time, date, and substance of verbal communications. 

Disposing of Damaged Items

You may think photos will be enough when filing a claim, but you should also keep the damaged property as physical evidence until the claim is closed. 

Admitting Fault

Never admit fault if someone is injured in your restaurant. There are too many frivolous lawsuits, and you may not honestly know the cause of an incident until it is investigated. In addition, accepting responsibility will make it difficult for your insurer to defend you if there is a lawsuit. Plus, some policies don’t allow you to assume fault without the insurer’s consent. With these policies, admitting fault can lead to a breach of contract, denial of a claim, or termination of coverage.

 Paying Claims Out of Pocket

You may be tempted to pay the medical costs of someone injured in your restaurant. However, your insurance policy will not reimburse you for payments made out of pocket and could even result in a denied claim. 

Want to Save on Restaurant Insurance Costs?

Work with one of the experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group. We can answer any of your questions, and – as independent agents – we compare pricing and coverage with multiple insurance companies to make sure that you pay the lowest premium for your insurance coverage!

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

Good communication is key to lowering Workers’ Compensation (WC) Insurance costs. Unfortunately, many business owners are under the false impression that communicating with injured employees can cause WC claims and increase the cost of those claims. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Lack of communication and miscommunication in the claims process can cost your business more. For example, injured employees typically hire a lawyer – not to get more money but because of inadequate communication with their employees. For example, one study found that “46% [of injured employees] said they hired attorneys because they felt the claim had been denied when, in fact, it had not yet been accepted into the process.” And the truth is that WC cases that involve attorneys often cost more. 

An injured employee may be worried about their injury, recovery, and how they will continue to support their family. In addition, they may be in pain or facing unfamiliar medical treatments or medication. Plus, WC claims can be complicated. This can result in a scared, stressed, confused, and possibly angry employee. If the injured employee understands that you are concerned about their well-being and are willing to help them through the WC claims process, you become an ally (rather than an adversary). The only way to accomplish that is through good communication before, during, and after a workplace injury. 

Workers’ Compensation Communication

Good communication should be part of the onboarding process of new employees:

• Foster a Positive Culture of Safety – From the start, you need to create a culture of safety that emphasizes safety as a core value of your business.
• Foster Ongoing Communication – Employees need to know that it is safe for them to report safety concerns and injuries without fear of retaliation.
• Provide WC Information – Employers should provide all employees with information about WC, including how to report an injury, what type of injuries are covered, who to contact if they have questions, a list of designated medical providers, etc.
• Training – All employees should receive ongoing safety training to minimize the risk of injury and to know what to do if an injury occurs. Supervisors should receive training regarding Workers’ Compensation in addition to safety training. CFO advises, “Supervisors are often in the best position to shape workers’ initial expectations about what should happen, post-injury.”

Good communication is also crucial when an injury occurs:

• Seek Appropriate Medical Attention – When an injury occurs, your first priority should be to ensure that the injured employee receives appropriate medical attention.
• Thorough Investigation – Every time an injury occurs, a thorough investigation of the incident should occur. The investigation should include interviews with the injured employee and any co-workers who witnessed the incident.
• Documentation – Every incident should be well-documented while everything is still fresh in everyone’s mind. 

Ongoing communication during the claims process is critical for a timely resolution:

• Designate one employee to be the primary contact point for injured employees. That employee should be patient, kind, understanding, and familiar with the WC claims process.
• Provide written and verbal information about the claims process, what the injured employee should expect, etc.
• Regular communication (at least every other week) throughout the recovery process allows employers to monitor the recovery process, update the injured employee on the progress of the claim, and answer any questions or concerns the injured employee may have.
• Communicate Genuine Empathy and Trust. Regular informal phone and in-person conversations and get-well cards show the employee that you are concerned about their well-being.
• Discuss Return-to-Work Assignments. Communicate to injured employees that you are concerned about their well-being and that you are looking forward to them returning to work when it is medically safe to do so. Discuss the possibility of light-duty or transitional duty opportunities with medical providers and the injured employee. 

The Key to Lowering Workers’ Compensation Costs

Good communication should begin with your insurance provider. The independent agents at American Insuring Group listen carefully to better understand your needs, so we can ensure that you get the right workers' compensation insurance coverage at a great price!

Get started today by calling (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

The best way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs is to minimize the risk of accidents, including brake failure. A U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study found that the most common vehicle equipment-related cause of truck crashes was brake failure, accounting for 29.4% of all truck crashes in the study. 

Brake failure can result from defects, poor maintenance, or a driver’s actions. For example, overusing brakes can affect brake performance. While not all brake failures are avoidable, many are, which makes a focus on brake safety key to minimizing the risk of accidents.

CVSA Brake Safety Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week - August 21-27 – focuses on brake safety. It is “an annual commercial motor vehicle brake-safety inspection, enforcement, and education initiative conducted by law enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.” 

According to data from last year’s Brake Safety Week, “brake systems and brake adjustment violations accounted for 38.9% of all vehicle out-of-service violations, the most of any category of vehicle violations.” 

The following are two of the goals of Brake Safety Week. Both can help minimize the risk of accidents and help lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs:

• Encourage proactive vehicle maintenance in advance of the week.
• Remind drivers and motor carriers about the importance of proper brake maintenance and vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections. 

According to CVSA, if you are stopped during Brake Safety Week, inspectors will perform the following checks:

• Look for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system, non-manufactured holes (such as rust holes and holes created by rubbing or friction), and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake.
• Listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines, and ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa).
• Check for S-cam flip-over and measure pushrod travel.
• Check that slack adjusters are the same length (from the center of the S-cam to the center of the clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size.
• Inspect required brake-system warning devices, such as ABS malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices.
• Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer, and inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer.
• Capture and provide data on brake hose/tubing chafing violations – the focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week.

Brake Safety Tips for Owners/Fleet Managers:

1. Ensure drivers receive appropriate safety training
2. Develop a culture of safety
3. Take time to spec the best brakes for your vehicle and drivers’ needs
4. Develop inspection checklists
5. Conduct routine daily, weekly, and monthly inspections
6. Perform regular maintenance on all vehicles
7. Customize maintenance to brake type – hydraulic, air, or exhaust.
8. Properly grease components
9. Monitor mileage on your brake systems
10. Replace brake shoes and other parts regularly
11. Use Telematics Data to detect hard braking, speeding, and other hazardous driving behaviors.

Brake Safety Tips for Drivers:

1. Perform pre- and post-trip inspections
2. Watch air pressure levels
3. Monitor your driving to ensure you are driving at safe speeds and maintaining safe following distances.

Lower Your Commercial Truck Insurance Costs

In addition to ensuring safer vehicles and drivers to minimize the risk of accidents, another way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs is to work with one of the experienced independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group.

Not only do we specialize in commercial truck insurance to ensure you have the proper coverage, but as independent agents, we also check with multiple insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for reliable coverage.

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

There are many types of Contractors Insurance to help protect your business in the event of a lawsuit. Insurance is a crucial part of protecting your business. According to Forbes, 36%-53% of small businesses are involved in at least one litigation in any given year, and 90% of all companies are engaged in litigation at any given time. 

General liability insurance helps protect you if you are sued for injuries (other than employees), property damage, libel, and slander.

However, a customer can also sue you for making a mistake, missing a deadline, negligence, or undelivered services. Typically, general liability insurance does not cover this type of lawsuit.

 As they say, “To err is human,” but unfortunately, while “to forgive is divine,” not everyone forgives when a general contractor makes a mistake – actual or perceived. And one lawsuit can cost you a fortune in legal fees and settlements or judgments (if the court sides with the plaintiff) or even put you out of business.

 Thankfully, there is Professional Liability Insurance to help protect your business from this type of lawsuit.

What is 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.

 Some local and state laws, contracts, or customers may require Professional Liability Insurance. However, even if it isn’t required, it’s a good investment as one lawsuit can put you out of business. According to an SBA study, small businesses reported that legal costs for litigation ranged from $3,000 to $150,000. Furthermore, “Most companies used business assets to pay the damages,” and “owners mentioned that the payment of damages nearly put them out of business, which affected them for a long period of time as they worked to rebuild the business and recoup their losses.”

 Professional Liability Insurance helps protect your business from claims of the following nature:

• Errors
• Omissions

• Negligence

• Violation of good faith and fair dealing

• Misrepresentation

• Inaccurate advice

 Professional Liability Insurance covers the following costs (up to the policy’s limit):

• Attorney fees
• Court costs
• Administrative costs
• Settlements or judgments

 Professional Liability Insurance does NOT typically cover:

• Bodily injury
• Property damage
• Fraudulent, dishonest, or criminal acts
• False advertising
• Employee injuries or illnesses
• Discrimination or harassment
• False advertising
• Patents and trade secrets
• Any services not specified in your policy

 How Much Does Personal Liability Insurance Cost?

Every business is unique, so the cost of Professional Liability Insurance varies.

 Factors that can affect your Professional Liability Insurance costs include the following:

• Business size
• Location
• Claims history
• Coverage limits

 You can help keep the cost of Professional Liability Insurance down by doing the following:

• Properly training employees
• Providing quality work
• Drafting well-crafted contracts that set expectations
• Fulfilling the terms of the contract
• Keeping schedules realistic
• Providing quality workmanship
• Hiring reliable and competent subcontractors
• Performing and documenting periodic inspections
• Keeping communication professional and reasonable
• Ensuring everyone working on the project is adequately insured

 How to Save on Professional Liability Insurance

If you aren’t sure if you need Professional Liability Insurance, reach out to one of the agents at American Insuring Group who specialize in Contractors Insurance.

We understand your unique needs and can help ensure you have the right coverage. As independent agents, we will compare the cost of that coverage with several insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium for that coverage.

So start saving today by calling us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Insurance – including Restaurant Insurance - is all about risk. The higher the risk of a claim, the higher the cost of the insurance.

The same is true of auto insurance, and let’s face it, driving can be risky. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were 5.24 million police-reported crashes in the U.S., which caused 2.28 million injuries and 38,824 fatalities (a 6.8% increase over 2019).

 A vehicle used for commercial purposes is considered a higher risk because it may be driven more often or by more than one driver. Therefore, if you own a vehicle used for commercial purposes – making deliveries, visiting customers, etc. – your personal auto insurance may not cover damages caused when you or an employee uses your vehicle for commercial purposes. 

3 Auto Insurance Options

Personal Auto Insurance

A personal auto insurance policy covers property damage, bodily injuries, and legal expenses. While some personal auto insurance policies include limited coverage for business use, this type of policy is typically limited to accidents that occur during personal use, such as commuting to and from work and other travel unrelated to your job/business. In addition, a personal auto insurance policy typically insures the owner and one or two immediate family members only. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

A commercial auto insurance policy covers vehicles owned by a business. It covers vehicles used to drive customers or employees, perform a service you’ve been paid for, transport goods, and other business uses. Like personal auto insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance covers property damage, bodily injuries, and legal expenses. It also typically includes additional insureds, such as employees, and covers different types of vehicles, larger claims, and more complicated legal issues.

 Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA)

HNOA insurance provides coverage for vehicles your business does NOT own but uses for commercial purposes, such as running business errands, picking up supplies, and visiting customers. This includes your employees’ vehicles used for business purposes and vehicles you rent or lease to use for business purposes. HNOA insurance can be purchased as a rider to your general liability insurance or as a standalone policy. It’s important to note that HNOA does NOT cover damage to your own property – only third-party liability costs.

 How to Lower the Risk of an Accident

Studies show that 98% of auto accidents are caused by human error. The following are the top six human driver errors:

1. Failure to wear a seatbelt
2. Excessive speeding
3. Distraction/in attentiveness
4. Incorrect assumptions about other drivers
5. Tailgating/not leaving enough space between vehicles
6. Not checking traffic before pulling out or crossing lanes 

The fewer accidents you or your employees are involved in, the fewer insurance claims and the lower your auto insurance costs. Here are five steps to minimize the risk of an auto accident:

1. Check employee driving records before allowing them to drive a vehicle for business purposes
2. Provide safe driving training
3. Research vehicle safety records before purchasing, renting or leasing a vehicle
4. Create and enforce a policy for employee cell phone use while driving
5. Download the National Safety Council’s FREE online Safe Driving Kit

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Cost

The best way to lower the cost of your insurance is to work with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group.

We will help determine the best type of insurance for your needs and then – as independent agents – check with multiple insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium for that insurance.

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

Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WC) is mandatory in most states, including Pennsylvania. WC helps cover lost wages, health care expenses, disability payments, death benefits, and permanent injury payments (such as the loss of a body part) when an employee suffers a work-related injury or disease. It also helps protect your business against lawsuits related to the injury. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2020. In addition, 1,176,340 of those injuries and illnesses caused workers to miss at least one day of work. 

The longer an injured employee is out of work, the less likely they will return to work. The longer a claim remains open and an injured employee is off the job, the more it costs the employer. 

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that absenteeism costs exceed $40 billion a year. Here are a few of the absenteeism costs cited for employers:

• Recovery of production
• Quality and hiring of replacement workers
• Lower employee morale
• Increased training costs
• Overtime

 A Return-to-Work (RTW) program gets injured employees back to work more quickly and safely and provides many benefits to both employees and employers.

 What is a Return-to-Work Program?

An RTW program is designed to get injured employees back to work as soon as possible (based on their doctor’s recommendation). That could mean the injured employee comes back to modified duties or a temporary position to accommodate any limitations caused by the injury.

 The Department of Labor & Industry defines RTW as “a proactive approach, endorsed by many health care providers, designed to help restore injured workers to their former lifestyle in the safest and most effective manner possible. A partnership among workers, union representatives, employers, and health care providers stakeholders is developed in a collaborative effort to return the injured worker back to his or her pre-injury status.”

 What are the Benefits of a Return-to-Work Program?

Studies have shown that getting an injured employee back to work as quickly and safely as possible is the best approach for both the employee and the company.

 Here are a few benefits of an RTW 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
• More experienced and knowledgeable workers
• 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

 Here are a few benefits of an RTW for the injured employee:

• Maintained employment relationship
• Minimize 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
• Focus on abilities rather than disabilities
• Quicker recovery time

 Research shows that even co-workers can benefit from an RTW program.

 How Can We Create a Return-to-Work Program?

Despite common misconceptions, back-to-work programs don’t need to be costly or complicated but benefit everyone. SHRM recommends following the following steps to create an effective RTW program:

Step 1 – Determine who will be included in the RTW/light-duty program

Step 2 – Define what will be included in the program

Step 3 – Develop a written policy

Step 4 – Review the organization’s current job descriptions

Step 5 – Develop a bank of light duties

Step 6 – Develop a form

Step 7 – Designate an RTW coordinator

We Help You Save on Workers’ Compensation Insurance Costs!

The independent agents at American Insuring Group can help ensure that you pay the lowest premiums on WC and all your insurance needs. We shop the market for you to get you the best deal on quality insurance protection in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to discover how we can help save you money!

The key to lowering Commercial Truck Insurance costs is to incur fewer claims, and the key to fewer claims is safer drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents last year (a 33% increase since 2011), and 107,000 large trucks were involved in accidents resulting in an injury. 

We understand that sometimes accidents are unavoidable. However, in crashes where a large truck was the leading cause of an accident, 87% were caused by the driver, while 10% were due to the vehicle and 3% to the environment, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) "Large Truck Crash Causation Study."

If you are a driver, it is your responsibility to understand how you can minimize the risk of an accident for your own well-being and the well-being of other people on the road. If you are a fleet manager, it is your responsibility to provide proper training, create and enforce a driver safety policy, and make fleet maintenance a priority for the well-being of your drivers and your business.

 Here are 30 safety tips for truck drivers:

1. Take care of your health by eating, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
2. Avoid drugs and alcohol
3. Wear comfortable clothing
4. Plan your route based on weather, road conditions, traffic patterns, construction, etc.
5. Monitor the weather and adjust as needed
6. Perform a thorough pre-trip inspection
7. Perform a thorough post-trip inspection and record or report any issues
8. Adjust the steering wheel, seat, mirrors, etc. to maximize comfort
9. Know where everything is in your truck's interior
10. Take regular breaks and move around
11. Wear your seatbelt – According to the CDC, "Buckling up is both effective and required by federal regulations. But 1 in 6 drivers of large trucks don't use their seat belts (2013). More than 1 in 3 truck drivers who died in crashes in 2012 were not wearing seat belts. Buckling up could have prevented up to 40% of these deaths."
12. Don't use your cell phone while driving
13. Stay alert at all times and especially in school and work zones
14. Be aware of speed limits and stay within those limits (they're there for a reason)
15. Maintain proper stopping distance
16. Know when you're tired
17. Check your mirrors every 8-10 seconds to know when vehicles are entering your blind spot.
18. Scan ahead to identify traffic issues, work zones, etc.
19. Make wide turns carefully
20. Use your turn signals to give other drivers notice of your intent
21. Stay focused and avoid distractions
22. Maintain your vehicle
23. When in work zones, slow down, maintain extra following space, obey signs, scan for changing traffic patterns, and be prepared to stop
24. Practice defensive driving
25. Slow down for curves and turns
26. Don't be afraid to ask for help
27. Park safely
28. Stay centered in your lane
29. Be careful when getting in and out of your truck – never jump from the cab to the ground and use three points of contact
30. Be careful when handling cargo by ensuring the load is stable, don't handle cargo in poor visibility, use lifting equipment properly, etc.

Save More on Truck Insurance Today!

One of the easiest ways to save on truck insurance is to work with an independent insurance agent who specializes in truck insurance and understands your unique needs, like the agents at American Insuring Group. As independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among many insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premiums for quality insurance protection.

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

One of the best ways to lower Contractors’ Insurance (and other) costs is to create safer worksites. But unfortunately, construction sites are filled with many hazards. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), “About 20% (1,061) of worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2019 were in construction – accounting for one in five worker deaths for the year.” 

Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize risks, and the first step is to identify potential hazards. 

10 common construction site hazards and tips to reduce their impact on your business: 

1. Falls from heights – “In 2019, there were 401 fall fatalities out of 1,102 total fatalities in construction,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Falls are a hazard found in many work settings, but construction has the most fatal falls out of all industries and represents 51% of all falls nationally.” Some causes of falls include unsecured scaffolding or ladders and a lack of guardrails or safety nets.
   
   
2. Being struck by moving objects - Construction sites are filled with many moving objects – vehicles, equipment, materials, etc. Being struck by an object is one of OSHA’s Fatal Four, accounting for approximately 10% of all construction worker deaths. Poor lighting, too little space to maneuver, and working too closely can cause injuries from moving objects.
   
   
3. Slips and trips – According to the CDC, “27% of the 888,220 nonfatal work injuries resulting in days away from work in 2019 were related to slips, trips, and falls.” Slips and trips can be caused by wet and slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, etc. Most are easily prevented.
   
   
4. Noise – Loud noise can cause a significant distraction and permanent hearing loss.
   
   
5. Vibrations – Using tools such as drills, jackhammers, and chain saws can cause Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). “About 2 million U.S. workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration, and as many as half will develop HAVS, one expert says,” according to Safety and Health Magazine.
   
   
6. Manually moving materials and equipment – Incorrectly lifting, moving, and handling materials or equipment can cause severe injuries, such as Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSDS).
   
   
7. Asbestos – While asbestos only becomes a problem when damaged, it causes an estimated 255,000 deaths annually, according to the National Library of Medicine.
   
   
8. Electricity – Electricity is an essential part of any construction worksite, but it can also cause severe injuries and even death. Electrical accidents can occur from contact with overhead or underground power cables, damaged tools or equipment, inadequate wiring, overloaded power boards, and improper insulation.
   
   
9. Airborne materials – Invisible and fine dust material caused by cutting concrete, woodworking, and more are prevalent at construction worksites, and prolonged exposure to it can lead to illnesses such as asthma, lung cancer, emphysema, etc.
   
   
10. Excavation/trench collapse – Collapses are all too common on construction sites. In 2020 alone, at least 21 workers died in trench collapses. The leading cause is inadequate cave-in protection.

 4 Tips to Minimize Risk

You can take steps to minimize the risk of injury caused by any of these hazards. Some are specific to the threat, such as providing adequate cave-in protection to avoid collapses or implementing a lockout tagout system to prevent electrical injuries. 

Below are four steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of many hazards:

1. Training – Safety training helps employees recognize and avoid potential hazards at the workplace.
2. Proper PPE – To create a safer work environment, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves must be provided. In addition, employees need to be trained on the proper use of PPE.
3. Work Area management – Work area management includes keeping pathways clear of debris and hazards, providing safety nets or guard rails where needed, ensuring that equipment and tools are kept in a secure area after use, and ensuring spills are immediately cleaned up, etc.
4. Proper maintenance – Equipment that is regularly repaired and maintained in excellent condition helps avoid injuries.

Lower Your Contractors Insurance Premiums

Creating a safer worksite and working with the right insurance agent can lower contractors insurance premiums. The independent agents at American Insuring Group specialize in contractors insurance and check with multiple insurance companies to get you the right coverage at the lowest price.

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