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Contractors Insurance: Why It Makes Your Bid More Competitive

August 19, 2011 By

contractors insurance statewide insurance broker

Obtaining contractors insurance has several benefits. Contact Statewide Insurance Brokers.

It’s no secret that contractors are finding it more and more difficult to land bids these days. Jobs are scarce and the competition for them is fierce. In order to make their bid stand out, contractors need to make their bid competitive so that clients will take notice. Contractor’s insurance is a must for contractors who want to win a bid and land a job. Here’s why.

  1. You will get better, more highly skilled employees for your job. Employers who do not offer workers compensation to employees will not succeed in hiring the best skilled laborers. Skilled and highly trained craftsmen expect to be given a certain level of respect and protection when they work. Contractors who do not offer workers compensation and do not have contractor’s insurance will succeed in only hiring the more desperate of workers, usually those with a much lower skill level. This will reflect in their job and most likely result in unhappy clients and fewer future jobs.
  2. Clients know that you are a safe bet. Clients typically have several choices of contractors to choose from for any one job. When a contractor has contractor’s insurance, the client knows that in the event the job is not completed, or is not completed to their liking, they will be compensated. By choosing a contractor without contractor’s insurance, they are taking a chance. Since they don’t have to, many clients will not consider hiring a contractor who is uninsured.
  3. Makes your business seem more professional. Professionalism is key to landing a job. When a business presents a professional bid, a client is more likely to take their bid under consideration. Contractor’s insurance lets a client know that you are a professional, responsible contractor and that gives them trust and confidence in your ability to complete a job professionally.
  4. Promotes confidence and trust. Contractor’s insurance promotes confidence and trust in a contractor from their employees, their clients, and their suppliers. Contractor’s insurance is a safety net that contractor’s cannot afford to operate without. By doing so, they risk harm to their employees, their business and they leave their clients at risk as well. There is never a good reason to operate a business without contractor’s insurance because everyone becomes more vulnerable to the winds of chance.

If you are a contractor who is trying to grow a business during this difficult economic time, then you need to take steps to make your business more competitive and attractive to clients. Having contractor’s insurance is a great first step to building a more professional and reputable image. Clients can have confidence knowing that even if the job doesn’t work out, they will not lose out on hard earned money.

On the other end, contractors are not vulnerable to liability and lawsuits due to employee negligence or other accidents. While having contractor’s insurance will not guarantee that you will win every bid you place, it will make give your business a competitive edge.

Get the fast quotes you need for contractor’s insurance. Contact Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272.
Filed Under: General Liability Insurance Tagged With: ,

What is Workers’ Compensation?

August 10, 2011 By

workers comp statewide insurance brokers

Workers comp is vital for your employees, and your business

Workers’ compensation is insurance that pays medical care for employees who are injured on the job. Each state has its own laws and programs for workers’ compensation, but the United States government also administers a workers’comp program for federal employee as well.

When someone you hire signs a workers’ compensation form, that person gives up the right to sue you. In return, workers’ comp guarantees that if that individual becomes injured, disabled or ill on the job, he or she will be compensated for it.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ comp typically pays for any hospital and medical expenses as well as days missed as a result of the injury/illness. Health problems or conditions that develop suddenly (such as a fracture that results from a fall) or over a long period of time (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) will usually receive coverage. Furthermore, an affected employee can get benefits for any job-related injury/illness that occur in the following instances:

  • during business travel
  • while doing a job-related errand
  • while attending a required business-related social event.

Claims can be filed regardless of who was at fault. Those causing injury/illness could include:

  • the employee
  • you the employer
  • a coworker
  • a client
  • a third party

Workers’ compensation is usually denied when the injuries/illness are:

  • self inflicted
  • incurred during off-work hours
  • incurred while the employee was committing a serious crime
  • the result of employee conduct that violated company policy

Examples of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Here are two situations that illustrate when an employee could file a workers’ comp claim.

CASE A: Visible/Verifiable Injuries

John Doe, a careful and conscientious employee, works in a factory that houses potentially dangerous equipment. On one particular occasion, John accidentally gets his hand caught in machine. He is on the clock and working in the factory when the incident occurs. His fellow workers stop the machine and free him. But now, he will need to have medical care to take care of his injury. Workers’ compensation insurance will reimburse John for his medical expenses and pay him for the days he needs off to recover.

CASE B: Invisible/Difficult to Verify Injuries

Jane Doe works in an office. Generally, offices are not highly hazardous work areas, but sometimes accidents can happen. Jane Doe claims that her back has been injured due to long periods of sitting at her chair and attempts to file a claim for workers’ compensation. Jane may have a justifiable claim. But if she is dishonest, she may try to get money and time off for a nonexistent injury. Sadly, some exaggerated–or in some instances, patently false–claims such as Jane Doe’s can actually be honored if they cannot be proven otherwise.

The cases described here are simple ones meant only to demonstrate the different kinds of injuries/illness that can occur at any time and in any type of working environment. Staying aware of what can happen and selecting workers’ compensation insurance that protects your employees while it also protects you are two of the most important things that you can do for your business.

To get a fast quote on workers’ compensation insurance for your business, call Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272.
Filed Under: Workers Compensation Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Commercial Liability Insurance CA—Protecting Yourself and Your Clients

August 1, 2011 By

california commercial liability insurance statewide insurance

In San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento or anywhere in California: Your best bet is Statewide Insurance Brokers

When it comes to commercial liability insurance, California has a lot to offer. Your business needs protection from anything that might happen and the insurance laws are very different in California, which is why you need a company that understands the issue of commercial liability coverage in this state specifically. California is home to earthquakes, fires, and a growing demand for commercial professionals because of the ever-growing population. When you are setting up shop in this state, you need to make sure that you’ve got the right insurance coverage no matter what business you are in.

Commercial liability insurance companies’ offer allows you to be protected no matter what you are dealing with. If you are working on a client’s project and something happens to their property, you are covered. If you have clients who are injured on your property, you’re covered. It’s all about finding the right insurance, but not having this coverage isn’t an option at all. You need to remember to research your options and find the best liability policy that you can. It’s also important that you find specific commercial insurance brokers because you need someone who understands your unique needs to help you get the best protection.

Independent agents are a great resource for your insurance needs when you are shopping for commercial liability insurance in California. You should look for experienced professionals who understand exactly what your needs are and how they can best be served. Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of your business, which is why commercial liability coverage is so important. You really owe it to yourself to find the best insurance and the best agents so that you can get the coverage and support that your business deserves.

Commercial liability insurance, California contractors insurance, and other types of commercial coverage are popular among the ever-growing construction industry in California. If you need this type of insurance coverage, you don’t have to look far. Just make sure that you do whatever it takes to get the most from your policy. Without this protection, you are putting your business at unnecessary risk for damage claims, financial stress, and other major issues. It just makes sense to get coverage, along with any other commercial insurance that you need, so that your business is always protected. In California, there are many different options to choose from and finding the right solutions will be up to you.

To get fast quotes on commercial liability insurance in California, as well as Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Minnesota, call Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272.
Filed Under: California General Liability Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Commercial Liability Insurance for Contractors—Tips and Information

July 29, 2011 By

commercial liability insurance contractors working

Your contracting business deserves the best insurance you can get...call Statewide Insurance Brokers

Commercial liability insurance for contractors is a must-have for any business. It doesn’t matter whether you are an independent contractor or if you have an entire business built around your specialty trade. You need to be properly licensed and insured to work and to get clients who trust you and will give you the opportunity to do their various projects. In order to make sure that you have the best insurance coverage, you have to know what you need in terms of coverage, how big your limits need to be, and what you can afford to spend on the coverage. Of course, you can’t afford NOT to have this coverage, so the cost isn’t really the most important element.

You have to make sure that you find a licensed agent or insurance company that deals specifically with commercial liability insurance for contractors. This will ensure that you get the protection that you deserve from a company that you can depend on. Someone who works with other lines of insurance might not have as much experience or knowledge in regards to commercial insurance, which means that you won’t get the best coverage available.

You should also make sure that you compare a few quotes and consider the options before you choose your policy. There are dozens of different options for commercial liability insurance for contractors and it will be up to you to figure out what is best for your needs. Think about the amount of coverage that you need, what type of liability protection you want, and whether there are exclusions in any of the quotes that you are given. A lot of times, people don’t think to look for exclusions and therefore, they lose out when it comes to getting covered because they don’t actually have the coverage that they thought.

Buying insurance is never an easy task. However, all you need to do is take a little time to research your options and figure out exactly what you need. As long as you do that, the rest should come easily. There is nothing more important than protecting your business. Commercial liability insurance for contractors is one of the many ways that you can provide that protection and offer your customers a more reputable business than what others might have. Be sure to research your options and find whatever you need so that your contracting business can carry on and be protected no matter what happens.

To get a fast quote on commercial liability insurance, call Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272.
Filed Under: General Liability Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Commercial Liability Insurance—What You Should Know

July 27, 2011 By

commercial liability insurance statewide insurance brokers

Knowing how injuries can affect your business is part of the steps of obtaining commercial liability insurance

Commercial liability insurance is designed to help businesses avoid liability. Liability is basically defined as the responsibility of a person or entity for any event that occurs. In the case of your business, you could be found liable for injuries, damages, and other occurrences that will cause issues for the person or people affected. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have liability insurance coverage for your business. This coverage will guarantee that you are protected no matter what happens and that people can’t sue you into bankruptcy because of something that happened on your property, to their property, or to their person.

Commercial liability insurance has many benefits. It gives you a better reputation, protects your business, lowers your risk in terms of financing and it helps ensure that you save money in your business operations. No matter what the premiums for commercial liability coverage might be, the cost of not having the coverage will always be much higher. Therefore, you need to research your coverage options and find a policy that you can appreciate, regardless of your needs. This policy is going to be critical to your business, and it deserves the proper time and attention.

When you are shopping for commercial liability insurance, you have a lot of different things to consider. Make sure that you take the time to explore all of the options that you have. If you give yourself this opportunity, you will be able to find better coverage than if you were to just buy the first insurance policy that you find. Make sure that you find a reputable, professional insurance company to work with that specializes in commercial insurance. That way, you can ensure that they know what they are talking about and are able to get you the best policy for your needs.

Commercial liability insurance protects your business from risk. It also protects you from risk. As a business owner, even if your personal assets aren’t tied to the business, they could still be put at risk in the event of a lawsuit or serious claim that is filed. If you have the right insurance, it’s easy for you to protect yourself and your business from any type of liability. Accidents and problems sometimes happen. However, you can do what it takes to make sure that you and your business are protected against them with liability insurance for commercial needs.

To obtain a fast quote for commercial liability insurance, contact Statewide Insurance Brokers at 888-258-0272 today.
Filed Under: General Liability Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Oregon Commercial Auto and Truck Insurance

July 20, 2011 By

What is Commercial Automobile And Truck Insurance?

Mount Hood Oregon Statewide Commercial Vehicle Insurance

In Oregon, commercial vehicle insurance is a must for most businesses

Commercial auto (and truck) insurance is specifically intended for the vehicles you as a contractor must use as part of your business. The policies are not limited to vehicles your company owns.

Many Oregon insurance policies provide larger umbrellas of protection for rented vehicles as well as personal vehicles of employees that get used on company business. The costs of such policies can vary, depending on such factors as the number of vehicles involved and the number of potential drivers.

The key to getting commercial auto insurance that works for you is locating an agent that works with several different insurance companies. This will guarantee agent flexibility when it comes time to find a policy that fits the needs of your particular business.

Commercial vs. Personal Auto Insurance

Some people try to buy coverage for their work vehicles from their personal auto insurance agent. Although some similarities exist between the two forms of insurance, this is a big mistake.

All auto policies must cover the following:

  • Damages and injuries resulting from an accident
  • Costs associated with underinsured and uninsured motorists
  • Vehicle theft
  • The theft of property inside vehicles

The needs of your business, however, differ radically from those of the average car owner. To begin, businesses are often targets for lawsuits. It is therefore wise to invest in greater liability insurance. But the added financial obligations don’t end there.

A commercial vehicle typically travels more miles with different drivers. As a result the sum of liability coverage is usually much higher than is the case for personal insurance, as policies cover more than vehicles your company possesses.

Furthermore, if you are in the business of transporting hazardous wastes or expensive equipment, you will need to purchase insurance to cover what gets conveyed in your vehicle. The type and age of vehicle your company uses will also add to commercial vehicle insurance costs and send them higher than the ones associated with your personal vehicle.

Tips to Contain Commercial Vehicle Insurance Costs

Like personal auto insurance policies, those for commercial vehicles offer deductions that can lower your total costs. Following are a few ways you can help make insuring your commercial vehicle more financially manageable:

  • Promote safe driving habits at your company
  • Install devices on your vehicle(s) that deter theft
  • Always screen for high-risk drivers
  • Consider the type and age of any new vehicle to your business fleet

Your vehicle is important or business. So is the kind of insurance you purchase for it: don’t be caught off guard.

Commercial Auto and Truck Insurance is Available for California, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Minnesota and Virginia from Statewide Insurance Brokers. Call 888-258-0272.
Filed Under: Oregon Commercial Vehicle Insurance Tagged With: , , ,

FAQ: Employees And Job Related Injuries in Texas

July 8, 2011 By

Texas Workers Comp Statewide Insurance Brokers

Texas businesses and employees should be clear on workers comp rules and regulations

When employees enter the workplace, they have to understand that there is a chance that an accident may happen and result in personal injury. While employers take precautions to avoid these situations, such as creating safety standards, they also have to create a standard protocol for what to do when accidents occur. In addition, having Texas workers compensation insurance will ensure that your workers, and your business, are protected financially when accidents occur.

  1. Is workers compensation mandatory in Texas? Workers compensation is not mandatory in Texas. Texas businesses can choose whether or not to offer this benefit to their employees. Texas workers should be aware of the risks of working for a company that does not offer Texas workers compensation insurance. In the case of an on-the-job injury, the employee may have to take on the brunt of the medical bills as well as cope with the loss of salary from time taken off work.
  2. Who do I report my injury to and where do I go for evaluation and treatment? When you are injured on the job, you should immediately contact your human resources department as well as your immediate supervisor. If your Texas employer has Texas workers compensation insurance, you will most likely be directed to immediately report to the company doctor rather than your own personal physician. If the company does not have workers compensation insurance, then you need to see your own physician immediately. If you do not have insurance or a doctor, go to the emergency room at the nearest public hospital.
  3. Will I be allowed to return to work during the recovery from my injury? If your injury prevents you from performing your job, your company will most likely give you a modified work duty job. These programs are offered by many companies in order to aid in the recovery of the injured worker as well as mitigate the cost paid out by workers compensation insurance. As each business has its own policies regarding modified work jobs, so you will have to consult with your human resources department in order to find out the specifics of the program.
  4. What happens if my employer does not have Texas workers compensation insurance? Since Texas does not make workers compensation insurance mandatory for business, you may find yourself employed without it. If you are injured on the job and your employer does not have Texas workers compensation insurance, you can file a claim with the Texas Workers Compensation Fund if your injury causes you to miss work for more than seven days.
  5. Can I make a claim a Texas workers compensation along with a claim from my personal health insurance policy? If you have a personal health insurance policy, or have opted for a paid supplemental insurance policy from your employer, you may be provided with additional compensation for lost time. This is typically the allowed situation in most states including Texas. Keep in mind, however, that your health insurance carrier will want to seek to coordinate their benefits with the benefits of any other insurance available to you, including Texas workers compensation in order that you not be overpaid.
Filed Under: Texas Workers Compensation Insurance Tagged With: , ,

Minnesota Insurance Bonds – What You Should Know

July 5, 2011 By

Minnesota Surety Bonds Statewide Insurance Brokers

Working in Minneapolis? Need a Surety Bond? Call Statewide Insurance Brokers!

An insurance bond for any Minnesota work is similar to insurance, but involves three parties instead of one or two. It also is NOT an insurance policy. This type of coverage pays for damages that occur in the workplace or business due to a variety of conditions, such as lack of completion, not meeting standards, and other practices. Insurance is designed to pay for accidents and liabilities but insurance bonds will pay for things that occur that are not accident related. As a Minnesota contractor, you have to make sure that you are protected and that your business is protected, as well. Purchasing these bonds is a great way to do that.

Contractor’s license bonds, also known as performance bonds, guarantee that a job will be completed at a specific time and that performance will be up to par as the customer expects, or that the company will have to give up the bond to the client so that they are justly compensated. An insurance bond is between the client, the company obligated to the bond, and the insurance company that assumes the risk in giving the bond in the first place. When a job is not completed by a contractor, the insurance company then has to pay the client for the terms of the bond being violated.

This is more commonly known as a surety bond, because it ensures that the obligations in the contract will be fulfilled correctly. With an insurance bond, contractors and clients can both feel safer in their working relationship because everyone knows what is expected and what they are getting from the process. In addition to traditional performance bonds, contractors can also be subject to completion bonds, which are bonds that guarantee a project completion date regardless of any extenuating circumstances.

There are numerous benefits of the insurance bond in the Minnesota contracting industry. Because of the reputation that many contractors have gotten thanks to a few bad apples, it is hard for people to trust others working in their home. When you offer insurance bonds to your clients or show them that you’re willing to do whatever it takes, they are more willing to trust you in the end. When you want the work you have to prove it and insurance bonds are the way to do that in today’s world. Unfortunately, old-fashioned trustworthy handshakes aren’t good enough anymore. However, with insurance bonds and the right insurance products, you can be successful as a contractor by proving your trust to clients.

If you are working out of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth or anywhere in Minnesota, Statewide Insurance Brokers can help you obtain your insurance bond. Call (888) 258-0272.

Filed Under: Minnesota Surety Bonds Tagged With: , ,

Nevada Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Insurance that You Can Depend On

June 28, 2011 By

Nevada commercial vehicle insurance statewide insurance brokers

Don't get caught with the wrong, or no, insurance. Call Statewide for Nevada commercial vehicle insurance.

Commercial vehicle insurance is a critical part of your business in Nevada. When you are driving a vehicle, even if it is your personal car, for work purposes it is not covered under your traditional insurance protection. You have to make sure that you have commercial coverage for all of the work applications that you may need. Nothing is worse than thinking that you are protected only to find out after an accident that you can’t file a claim because you weren’t using the car for the proper type of use as declared on your policy.

When you get an auto insurance policy, it typically lists your vehicle for pleasure use. Therefore, if you are caught in a situation where you are using it for work instead of pleasure and something happens, you’re out of luck. This is where Nevada commercial vehicle insurance comes in. Whether you have large trucks specifically for your contractor business or just your own work truck to insure, you need to make sure that you get a specific policy for work use of your vehicles. The policy will typically dictate the type of use of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle, and the coverage that it has. Then, your premiums will be determined on these factors, as well as others.

Nevada commercial vehicle insurance can cover all types of vehicles that are involved in your contractor business. You need to make sure that they are all insured properly and sometimes you can even insure them on the same policy. If you have a high number of vehicles for your business, you might even consider looking into fleet insurance coverage for the group of vehicles that you have to insure. Talk with a reputable, professional insurance agent about your options so that you can get the coverage that you deserve.

Truck insurance, as a contractor, is one of the most important elements in your business. You can’t buy just any run-of-the-mill truck insurance coverage, though. You have to make sure that you are getting commercial vehicle insurance and that you are using it to your advantage so that you are protected at all times. Whether you have one truck or ten trucks, there are insurance solutions out there. Being a properly licensed and insured Nevada contractor is simply part of the job and something that will protect your business and impress your customers more than if you didn’t have the right coverage and protection in place.

If you work out of Nevada and need assistance in getting commercial vehicle insurance, contact Statewide Insurance Brokers at (888) 258-0272.

Filed Under: Nevada Commercial Vehicle Insurance Tagged With: ,

California Commercial Vehicle Insurance—Protect Your Vehicles

June 22, 2011 By

California commercial vehicle insurance statewide insurance brokers

Call Statewide Insurance Brokers for your California commercial vehicle insurance needs

If you are a contractor in California, commercial vehicle insurance is a must-have. You need to learn about the laws of insurance in the state of California because they are different than any other state. It’s important that you find an insurance company that deals with insurance for residents of the state because they will be the most educated on your needs. Any vehicle that you use for your work as a contractor needs to have commercial insurance, no matter whether it’s the truck that you drive to the job site or whether it’s a company truck that is used for deliveries and hauling.

California commercial vehicle insurance costs are different for everyone, and depend on the coverage that you purchase. Basic liability coverage is often something that a lot of people look at, but the reality of the situation is that most people need more than just basic coverage. You really need to look into full coverage so that you can get protection from all types of events. Imagine if your vehicle is on a job site and an earthquake hits. If anything happens to the vehicle and you don’t have the right coverage, you’re out of luck.

Of course, earthquakes are not the only thing that you have to worry about. You should also consider any situation that could go badly and cause damage to your vehicles. If they are being used for work and aren’t insured with California commercial vehicle insurance, you’re going to be stuck footing the bill yourself in the end. In the state of California, you have to tell the insurance company how your trucks will be used and the size of your fleet. The minimum coverage required in the state is liability protection, but the limits of that coverage requirement will vary depending on the type of commercial vehicles that you are insuring.

As a business owner, you need to protect all the aspects of your business. This includes purchasing California commercial vehicle insurance for your trucks and other work vehicles. Your contracting business won’t be successful if you don’t have the right insurance protection so make sure that you get the coverage that you need. With the right resources and information, however, it will be easy for you to get the commercial insurance that you need for your work vehicles. It doesn’t matter how many you have or what they’re used for, because unless they are declared as commercial vehicles and insured accordingly, you’re putting yourself and your business at risk.

Statewide Insurance Brokers can help you obtain California commercial vehicle insurance. Call us today at (888) 258-0272.

Filed Under: California Commercial Vehicle Insurance Tagged With: ,