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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Workplace Safety Tips for Every Workplace

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

Don't Overpay for Workers' Compensation Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

What is Renters' Insurance?

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

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

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

What Are the Benefits of Renters' Insurance

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

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

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

Don't Overpay For Landlord Insurance!

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Sleep Apnea?

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

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

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

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't Overpay For Truck Insurance!

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

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

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

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

What are Toolbox Talks?

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

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

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

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

What are the Benefits of Toolbox Talks?

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

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

Tips for Holding Effective Toolbox Talks

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

Don't Overpay For Contractor Insurance!

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

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

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

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

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

10 Top Rooftop Hazards

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

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

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

9 Tips to Mitigate Rooftop Hazards

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

Lower Contractor Insurance Premiums the Easy Way!

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Difference Between Landlord and Homeowners Insurance

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

Types of Landlord Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. What coverage options are relevant to my needs?

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

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

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

2. What factors affect my commercial truck insurance premiums?

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

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

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

4. Are you an independent or captive insurance agent?
   

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

5. What is the claims process?

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

Contact Us to Get the Right Commercial Truck Insurance!

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

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

In Pennsylvania, almost every employer is required to carry Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance for their employers. WC is a type of small business insurance that covers employees for work-related injuries. A typical Workers Comp policy pays lost wages and medical expenses incurred due to a work-related accident while also protecting the employer against accident-related lawsuits. According to Forbes, the average cost per $100 in payroll in 2020 was $1.19.

Most businesses need this crucial insurance to obey the law and to help protect their business and employees. While most employees are honest and most Workers' Comp claims are legitimate, Workers' Compensation insurance fraud does occur, increasing the cost of WC premiums.

What is Workers' Comp Fraud?

Experts estimate that WC insurance fraud costs companies $5 to $7 billion annually, representing 1-2% of all WC benefits paid. Fraud can be perpetrated by the employer, the insurance company, or the employee, and it can be claim or premium-related. According to a 2024 Marketdata report, claim-related fraud accounts for about 80% of the cases, and about 82% of claim and premium-related fraud is perpetrated by employees.

Employee claim-related fraud occurs when an employee provides false information on a claim, such as filing a claim for an injury that didn't happen, filing a claim for an injury or illness that is not work-related, exaggerating the severity of the injury, misrepresenting their ability to work, or filing a claim for an old injury that didn't heal.

One way to minimize the risk of Workers' Compensation fraud and lower Workers' Compensation costs is to investigate every workplace accident.

What is an Accident Investigation?

When a workplace accident occurs, it's in the employer's best interest to investigate the accident. Investigations provide many benefits, including identifying hazards and shortcomings in a business's safety and health programs, uncovering fraudulent claims, and lowering Workers' Compensation Insurance costs.

The PA DLI defines an accident (incident) Investigation as "An organized process using written procedures that are applied every time an accident occurs regardless of its severity."

Surveillance may be a part of any WC claim investigation, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. Social media is a cost-effective surveillance tool that investigators can use to help verify the legitimacy of a claim.

How Can Social Media Assist in Workers' Comp Claim Investigations?

"Social media is a part of everyday life for most internet users in the United States and is frequently used for socializing, business, and dating," Statista reports. "As of 2022, the United States had the third-largest social media audience worldwide, after China and India. The United States is home to over 302 million social media users at a social networking penetration rate of over 91 percent."

Facebook is the most popular social media platform, followed by YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. People of all generations frequently share information, photos, videos, and more on social media platforms.

Many people falsely believe that their social media accounts are private and that no one can see them. However, Aura reports, "In some cases, posts you share privately with friends or in private groups can be shared publicly without your permission. And if your friends don't follow the same stringent social media privacy settings that you do, this information could be accessed by anyone—even scammers and employers." Furthermore, everything posted on social media leaves a "paper trail." Social media is considered a public record in every state.

This makes social media a helpful tool when investigating WC claims. Investigators can gather information for free while in the comfort of their office. By searching the claimant's social media, investigators may find background information, monitor post-injury activities, discover information confirming or contradicting statements in the WC claim, and find evidence that the worker is lying about a disability or physical limitation.

While social media is a great tool, investigators should ensure they are using the tool ethically and that the information they are gathering is admissible.

Lower Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs

At American Insuring Group, Ltd., we offer cost-effective Workers' Compensation Insurance from multiple competing insurance companies. It's our mission to get you the best price on quality insurance to protect your employees and your business!

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

In a perfect world, every construction or renovation project would go exactly as planned with the expected results. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Sometimes, design plans are flawed, work is done incorrectly, or materials are defective, resulting in construction defects that you, as a contractor or subcontractor, may be held liable for.

Contractor insurance helps protect you and your business from lawsuits, including those caused by construction defects.

What are Construction Defects?

A construction defect is when part or all of a construction project fails to comply with and deliver everything laid out in a contract. It's when a construction project doesn't look or perform as the buyer expected and the contractor promised. Examples of construction defects include water intrusion, foundation cracks, plumbing leaks, and mechanical problems.

Construction defects can be caused by poor design, lack of planning or supervision, lack of inspections, defective materials, etc. These defects can lead to structural deficiencies that reduce a building's value and create harmful conditions for the occupants.

5 Construction Defect Causes:

1. Design Flaw
   This type of defect is typically created by an engineer or architect. Examples of design flaws include roof designs that cause water to leak into the house or inadequate structural support that can or does cause a collapse. A contractor is typically not held liable for following an architect's or engineer's flawed design unless they are aware or should be aware there is a defect. It is often difficult to determine the cause of this type of defect.
   
   
2. Construction Defects
   Poor quality workmanship during installation can cause many issues and is considered a construction defect. Construction defects can cause water intrusion, cracks in the foundation, dry rot in lumber, electrical and mechanical problems, and plumbing leaks.
   
   
3. Defective Material
   "Using inferior building materials can cause significant problems, such as windows that leak or inferior concrete that cracks under pressure. Inferior products can fail to perform and function adequately, even when properly installed," FindLaw explains. "Common manufacturer problems with building materials can include deteriorating flashing, building paper or waterproofing membranes that are not up to code, inferior asphalt roofing shingles, or using inferior drywall that is not approved for use in wet or damp areas, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms."
   
   
4. Lack of Maintenance
   Construction defects can result from poor maintenance over time, which is why regular quality checks are crucial.
   
   
5. Normal Wear and Tear As structures age, they will wear down, which can lead to construction defects.

2 Construction Defect Categories:

Obvious or Patent An obvious defect is something immediately apparent. For example, a worker accidentally punches a hole in a wall and doesn't fix it.

Latent This is an issue that is not immediately obvious. For example, a support beam that looks good but gives way over time because it is not strong enough or a newly installed roof that leaks after the first heavy rainfall. It's often difficult to determine how this type of failure occurred.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Defects?

Depending on the defect and its circumstances, anyone involved in the construction project, including the contractor, subcontractors, builder or engineer, architect, or manufacturer of materials used, can be held liable for construction defects. Sometimes, the property owner can even be found liable.

Insurance to Protect Your Business

There are many types of Contractors Insurance to help protect you and your business from construction defects and other liability issues. Here are just a few:

• Professional Liability Insurance
  Professional Liability Insurance (aka Errors and Omissions and E&O Insurance) helps protect your business from claims of errors, omissions, negligence, violation of good faith and fair dealing, misrepresentation, and inaccurate advice.
  
  
• Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
  CGL is one of the most important insurance products for any business. CGL protects your business if you are liable for property damage. It covers the cost of medical and legal expenses and damages if you are found liable.
  
  
• Commercial Automobile Insurance
  If you use a vehicle (which, of course, most in the construction industry do) 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. 
  
  
• Builders Risk Insurance 
  Builders Risk Insurance helps replace materials, tools, and lost, damaged, or stolen equipment.
  
  
• Cyber Insurance
  Cyber Insurance helps cover your business's liability for data breaches that involve sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, and health records.

Start Saving on Contractors Insurance Today!

If you want to ensure that you have the right insurance at the lowest cost, the agents at American Insuring Group can help. We specialize in Contractors' Insurance, and as independent agents, we compare the quality and cost of your coverage with those of multiple competing insurance companies to find you the right policy at the right price!

Don't Delay - start saving today by calling us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Historically, buying real estate has been a lucrative investment. "For the past decade, real estate has ranked as Americans' top investment pick, with 34% of Americans identifying real estate as the best long-term investment in 2023," according to Investopedia. "That puts real estate ahead of gold (26%), stocks and mutual funds (18%), savings accounts and certificates of deposit (13%), and bonds (7%) as the favored long-term investment."

As with just about any investment, buying real estate comes with its share of risks that need to be considered and addressed to succeed. Landlord Insurance can help protect you from some, but not all, of those risks.

Whether you want to purchase a property, fix it up, and sell it for a profit or rent it out and receive a monthly income from tenants, here are five tips to be successful in real estate investing.

1. Determine Your Goal
   Due to the high value and low liquidity of real estate investments, you must determine your goals before diving in or risk losing a lot of money. Do you want to buy a home to live in and build equity in rather than continue to pay rent? Do you want to buy a property and have a regular income through rental payments? Do you want to buy a property, hang onto it, and hopefully sell it for a profit, or do you want to buy a property, fix it up, and again, hopefully, sell it for a profit? You need to be clear on your goals before purchasing a property.
   
   
2. Do Your Research.
   Again, unlike buying stocks and bonds, if something goes wrong, you can't quickly bail out of a real estate investment, so before jumping in, do your research. Determine if you are in a buyers' or seller's market to help you decide if now is the right time to invest in real estate. Find out how much of a loan you will qualify for and the amount of the mortgage payments. Research if the property you're considering buying is in a good location (still one of the most crucial factors in real estate investment profitability) and if the property is in good condition or will require costly repairs. If you're planning on renting the property out, ask if the property currently has a tenant, how much they're paying, the rate of vacancy, etc. You must also know the rules and regulations, such as zoning laws, required permits, etc. Before diving into real estate investment, do as much research as possible to help avoid costly mistakes.
   
   
3. Understand Your Expenses
   Understanding your expenses is especially crucial when purchasing a rental property. You need to know approximately how much utilities, property taxes, and landlord insurance will cost. You need to allow for maintenance, repairs, improvements, and property marketing costs. Even if you're buying a property to immediately turn around for a profit, you need to figure in appraisal fees, home inspection costs, and closing costs. If you plan on doing work on the property before selling it, you need to determine the approximate cost of the work and business permits.
   
   
4. Have a Cash Reserve
   Things happen - the building needs a new roof, a tenant doesn't pay, etc. Setting aside a reserve of money to help cover these unexpected expenses can mean the difference between success and failure.
   
   
5. Manage Risk
   Managing risk can take many forms. Determining your goals and researching helps minimize the risk of getting in over your head or buying the wrong property. Understanding your expenses and having a cash reserve helps reduce the risk of being forced to sell the property at a loss. Ensuring the safety of your property and tenants - screening your tenants and installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, security cameras, etc. - can also help you manage risks.
   
   
6. Get Landlord Insurance
   Another way to manage risk and protect your investment is with the right Landlord Insurance. It's best to consult an experienced insurance agent to ensure you have the right 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 Investment Property?

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

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