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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.

Commercial Truck Insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your business. Unfortunately, common truck insurance myths may be costing your business big time.

5 Common Commercial Truck Insurance Myths

1. There's Nothing You Can Do to Lower Truck Insurance Premiums

 This is not true. Insurance premiums are based on risk. Lower your risk, and you lower your insurance premiums. There are many ways to reduce your risk, such as hiring safer and more experienced drivers, providing safety training, properly maintaining your vehicles, and conducting pre-and post-trip inspections. Other ways to lower insurance premiums are asking about discounts, combining policies, increasing deductibles, and working with an independent insurance agent at American Insuring Group, who will compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance companies.

2. Truck Insurance Only Covers Vehicle Damage 

Some truck drivers and trucking companies are under the false impression that truck insurance only pays for repairs or replacement if their truck or trailer sustains damage in a collision. While that is a key part of commercial truck insurance, it can cover much more.

Here are a few types of insurance coverage owner-operators should consider:

• Comprehensive insurance covers damages or losses not resulting from a collision, such as vandalism, theft, fire, etc.
  
  
• Commercial Liability Insurance protects you against loss from legal liability resulting from bodily injury or property damage to another party.
  
  
• Cargo Insurance protects against loss from legal liability for damage to goods or merchandise in your care and custody while in transit. It also provides coverage for things like debris removal and refrigeration breakdown.
  
  
• Trailer Interchange Insurance is available under the trucker's or motor carrier's policy form, which covers the insured's legal liability for damage to the trailers of others. Under the business auto policy (BAP), coverage is also available by endorsement. Under a trailer interchange + agreement, the motor carrier in possession of the trailer is responsible for any damage to the trailer, even if the trailer is not attached to the tractor.
  
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage helps pay for damage to your trick if someone hits you and does not have liability coverage.

3. ELDs are Not Required for Small Fleets

Often, smaller fleet owners are under the impression that they can continue using paper logs or other methods to track hours of service (HOS). According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), "The ELD applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). The rule applies to commercial buses as well as trucks and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers." Failing to do so can result in fines, penalties, audits, investigations, and lawsuits.

4. Only Large Fleets and Long-Haul Truckers Need Truck Insurance

Whether you're a fleet of one or one hundred and travel 100 miles or 100,000 miles a day, you are still exposed to risks like accidents, cargo damage, liability, etc. Truck insurance helps protect you, your vehicles, your employees, and your business.

5. Not Having Truck Insurance Can Save You Money

Some people think they can save money by not having truck insurance. After all, you're paying a monthly premium, and who knows if you'll ever need to file an insurance claim. That's a risk not worth taking.

In 2021, there were more than half a million large truck accidents across the U.S., according to Forbes, a 26% increase over 2020. "The good news is the majority of truck accidents do not result in fatalities or even in injuries. A total of 310,000 of the collisions in 2020 involved property damage alone," Forbes states. "Unfortunately, the bad news is, that 101,000 truck crashes caused injury over the course of that year with another 4,444 causing fatalities. Truck drivers and the companies that employ them may be held liable when a crash occurs…"

Without the proper insurance, one severe accident or big lawsuit could put you out of business!

Don't Let Truck Insurance Myths Cost You!

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Truck Insurance, so we understand your unique needs, can answer any of your insurance questions, and debunk any Truck Insurance myths.

Furthermore, 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 truck insurance myths hurt your business. Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Regarding Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance, ignorance is definitely not bliss. In fact, ignorance can cost your company a lot of money when it comes to WC claims. Therefore, the more you understand medical terminology, the better you'll be able to control Workers' Compensation costs.

Two terms you may see physicians use in a WC claim are "aggravation" and "exacerbation." Sometimes, the terms are used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference in the definition of each. Both describe the worsening of an existing medical condition.

Aggravation Vs. Exacerbation

The difference is that Exacerbation is "a temporary increase in the symptoms of a pre-existing condition that returns to its prior level within a reasonable period of time (typically two to eight weeks)." An aggravation is "an increase in the severity of a pre-existing condition where the underlying pathology is permanently moved to a higher level."

In Pennsylvania, pre-existing injuries or conditions that are aggravated or exacerbated on the job typically qualify for Workers' Compensation benefits. An injury that is exacerbated or aggravated at work does not change the diagnosis or location of the injury or condition; it just means it was made worse by a work-related activity. However, an aggravated injury will have a bigger impact on the cost of a WC claim.

So, regarding Workers' Compensation claims, the question becomes, "When will the symptoms end?" Are WC benefits limited to a few weeks or indefinite? Medical costs are constantly rising, so insurance carriers don't want to pay for treatments that do not fall within the purview of their responsibility.

Therefore, adjusters will always review medical records, especially with an aggravated injury. Often, they will request an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME) to determine whether the pre-existing condition has been aggravated or exacerbated, which will either move the case along or cause it to be disputed.

Common Causes Of Aggravated and Exacerbated Injuries and Conditions

Any injury or condition that is made worse by a work-related activity can result in a WC claim for an aggravated or exacerbated injury or condition. However, various forms of arthritis are pre-existing medical conditions commonly exacerbated or aggravated at work.

There are more than 150 types of arthritis, such as degenerative disc disease, bone spurring, osteophytes, spondylolistheses, and spondylosis. Many can be caused by disease, infection, genetic defect, injury, or overuse; sometimes, the cause is unknown. Arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation, reduced mobility, and skin redness around a joint.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 53.2 million (21.2%) American adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Furthermore, while many people might assume that arthritis is limited to older workers, 5% of people ages 18-44 and 26% of people ages 45-64 have been diagnosed with arthritis.

Repetitive stress injuries, such as chronic back pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome, are another common cause of aggravated or exacerbated WC claims. Federal laws require that employers accommodate employees to help prevent repetitive stress injuries. Furthermore, minimizing the risk of a repetitive stress injury can help lower employee absenteeism, improve productivity, lower the risk of aggravated or exacerbated injuries, and lower WC costs, making it a win-win situation.

Lower Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs!

Understanding the difference between aggravated and exacerbated injuries and conditions is just one way to lower Workers' Compensation costs. Another way is to work with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group, who specializes in WC insurance.

As independent agents, we work hard to get you the lowest price on all your insurance needs by comparing costs among many competing insurance companies.

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

If you want to lower the cost of Contractors' Insurance and other costs, lower the number of accidents and resulting insurance claims by creating a safer work environment. This is particularly true in the construction industry, filled with hazards – moving vehicles, sharp tools, working at great heights, etc. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, nearly one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry. 

OSHA's Fatal Four – falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocutions - are the top four causes of construction fatalities. Being struck by vehicles, heavy equipment, and other objects was the top cause of injuries and the second-highest cause of fatal accidents in construction in 2009, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

What is a Struck-By Injury?

"Struck-by injuries occur from violent contact or impact between an object or piece of equipment and a person," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Struck-by injuries can be fatal, and even when a worker is not seriously injured, can result in days off work to recover." Injuries can result from being struck by flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects.

Examples of struck-by injuries include a worker being struck by…

• a vehicle or piece of heavy equipment
• a tool or material dropped from a higher level
• falling materials that were improperly stacked or loaded
• flying particles
• an improperly braced structure that collapses
• compressed air

According to OSHA, approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment.

Tips to Prevent Struck-By Injuries

Many struck-by injuries are preventable, and there are many steps you can take to ensure worker safety and minimize the risk of struck-by and other injuries. Start by following all OSHA standards and training requirements and these twenty tips:

1. Provide safety training to help workers identify and avoid common struck-by hazards
2. Ensure workers are adequately trained on tools and equipment
3. Enforce the use of hardhats at work sites
4. Provide and require appropriate PPE, such as eye and face protection, foot and hand protection, etc.
5. Ensure workers are visible with high-visibility apparel
6. Inspect vehicles, tools, and equipment to ensure they're in proper working order
7. Limit access to work areas
8. Require workers to wear seat belts
9. Do not drive heavy equipment backward without an audible reverse alarm and/or another worker with a clear view confirming it's safe
10. Lower or block end-loader buckets, bulldozer and scraper blades, etc., when not in use
11. Set parking brakes when vehicles and equipment are parked
12. Do not exceed the rated load or lift capacity
13. Use barricades and warning signs where appropriate
14. Properly stack materials to prevent sliding or collapse
15. Avoid working under loads being used
16. Use toe boards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects
17. Use debris nets, catch platforms, etc., to catch falling objects
18. Reduce compressed air and use with appropriate guarding and PPE
19. Only drive vehicles and equipment on roads and grades that are safely constructed and maintained
20. Ensure there is a cab shield or canopy on all haulage vehicles loaded by power shovels, loaders, cranes, etc.

Here's How to Lower Your Contractor Insurance Costs

Minimizing injuries and the resulting claims is just one step you can take to lower Contractor Insurance costs.

The experienced agents at American Insuring Group perform an in-depth review of your business. 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.

Many new real estate investors assume homeowners' insurance will cover any damage or liability associated with their rental property. However, if you are not the resident of a property and instead rent it out to someone else – whether it's for a week or several years – you need Landlord Insurance, not Homeowner's Insurance, to protect yourself and your assets.

Why? Insurance is all about risk, and renting out your property to someone else increases risk. Therefore, if something happens to a rental property or someone is injured on the property, homeowner's insurance will not cover you. Furthermore, if you have a mortgage on the property, your lender will most likely require Landlord Insurance if you are not a property resident.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord Insurance is a unique type of homeowners' insurance that protects your rental property, whether it's a house, condo, guest house, apartment building, commercial building, etc. It covers many of the risks that homeowner's insurance covers and more.

A good Landlord Insurance policy typically protects against three main risks:

• Property Damage helps replace or repair damages to your property caused by fire, theft, vandalism, natural disaster, etc.
• Lost Rental Income helps pay for lost rental income if the property is not inhabitable due to damage, severe mold, rat infestation, etc.
• Liability Protection helps pay for medical and legal costs if someone is injured on your property.

You may hear the terms DP-1, DP-2, or DP-3. DP stands for dwelling property. DP-1 provides the most basic level of coverage, and DP-3 provides the most comprehensive coverage.

The cost of Landlord Insurance can vary, based on the following factors:

• Location
• Age and condition of the property
• Security and safety equipment
• High-risk features, such as pools and fireplaces
• Short-term vs long-term tenants

Typically, Landlord Insurance costs about 25% more than a standard homeowner's insurance policy. Although it is not required by law, most lenders will require Landlord Insurance, and it makes good business sense.

Additional Riders to Consider

To choose the right coverage for your property, you need to consider the potential risks, how much cash reserve you have, etc. For example, if the property is near a river, you may want to consider flood insurance, or if you have little or no cash reserve and rely on the rental income to pay the mortgage, you may want to consider guaranteed income insurance.

Here are a few of the riders you may want to consider adding to your insurance policy:

• Rent Guarantee (Aka Tenant Rent Default)- Covers you if a tenant skips out without paying rent.
• Sewer and Water Line Backup– A break in your sewer or water line can cause a great deal of damage. Sewer and Water Line Backup coverage can help pay for repairs and cleanup.
• Pet –Allowing tenants to have pets can reduce vacancy and enable you to charge higher rents. However, pets can cause damage or injuries, so if you decide to make your property pet-friendly, you may want to consider pet coverage.
• Flood– FEMA states, "In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry."
• Non-occupied Dwelling – If a unit or property is vacant and damage occurs, landlord insurance may not cover it; however, non-occupied dwelling insurance typically does.
• Burglary – Although the renter is responsible for his personal property, landlords often have property in rental units, such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, etc., that can be stolen.

10 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Broker About Landlord Insurance

The experienced agents at American Insuring Group are always happy to address any questions you may have. Here are some questions to ask:

1. What are the deductibles on my policy?
2. Does the policy provide replacement cost or cash value?
3. Does the policy cover flooding, and what kind of flooding – natural disaster, sewer backup, etc.?
4. Can I do anything to lower my insurance costs for my rental property – upgrades, repairs, etc.?
5. Do you recommend any additional coverage?
6. Do I qualify for any discounts?
7. Does the policy cover both short and long-term rentals?
8. Do I need a separate umbrella policy?
9. What is NOT included in my policy?
10. Will bundling multiple policies help lower the cost?

#1 Tip to Lower Landlord Insurance Costs Without Affecting Coverage!

Contact one of the independent agents at American Insuring Company who specializes in Landlord Insurance. They understand your needs, can make recommendations, answer any questions, and ensure you have the right insurance (no gaps, but also not paying for coverage you don't need). Plus, as independent agents, they will compare the cost of your coverage among many insurance companies to ensure you receive the lowest insurance premiums for the protection you need.

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

Keeping commercial truck drivers healthy and safe is a win for everyone. It minimizes the risk of driver injuries and fatalities, lowers the risk of damage to trucks and cargo, decreases driver turnover, reduces Truck Insurance and other costs, and creates safer roads for everyone.

“In 2021, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years,” according to the National Safety Council (NSC). “Also in 2021, 117,300 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 12% increase from 2020. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased 15%...”

Furthermore, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Drivers of large trucks and other vehicles involved in truck crashes are ten times more likely to be the cause of the crash than other factors, such as weather, road conditions, and vehicle performance.”

Healthier truck drivers are more alert and focused, minimizing the risk of accidents and creating healthier bottom lines for drivers and trucking companies.

7 Health and Safety Tips

1. Get Lots of Rest
   “Sleep deficiency can cause problems with learning, focusing, and reacting. You may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, remembering things, managing your emotions and behavior, and coping with change,” according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “You may take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes.” Experts recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
   
   
2. Eat Healthy
   Good nutrition is key to good mental and physical health. According to experts, a poor diet can cause fatigue, slower reaction time, impaired cognitive function, and more.
   
   
3. Stay Hydrated 
   “Mild dehydration can cause problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature,” according to Cedars-Sinai. “Severe dehydration can also cause weakness or confusion. In extreme cases, it can lead to kidney damage, brain damage, and even death.” Many experts recommend six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
   
   
4. Manage Stress
   Driving a large truck, dealing with traffic and other drivers, sticking to tight deadlines, etc., can all lead to stress, and stress can cause headaches, fatigue, memory problems, sleep problems, and more. You may not be able to eliminate stress, but if you want to be a safer driver and minimize the risk of causing an accident, it’s crucial that you learn how to manage stress.
   
   
5. Wear Your Seatbelt
   The FMCSA reports that safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities and the cost of operating large trucks. Plus, it’s the law. Failure to wear a seatbelt can result in state or federal penalties to drivers and employers.
   
   
6. Avoid Distracted Driving
   Distracted driving can cause accidents, resulting in death, injuries, property damage, higher operating costs, litigation, and more. Distractions can come from inside – texting, eating, adjusting the radio, etc. - or outside – billboards, unusual sights, etc. If anything takes your eyes off the road, it is a distraction. If anything takes your mind off driving, it’s a distraction. If anything forces you to take your hand or hands off the wheel, it’s a distraction.
   
   
7. Practice the Optimal Seating Position
   Understanding the optimal seating position can help alleviate many health issues by decreasing strain on various body parts. Plus, it can increase driver comfort, increase safety in a vehicle accident, and optimize the visibility of the vehicle controls while driving.

Don't Overpay For Truck Insurance!

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

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

Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance pays for medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries and deaths. For example, if someone falls and is injured on the job, is exposed to dangerous chemicals at work, or is injured by faulty machinery while working, they will – in all probability - be covered by WC. But what about workers who are injured or killed by workplace violence?

What is PA Workers' Compensation Insurance?

PA Workers' Compensation is a no-fault insurance most employers are required to carry in Pennsylvania. "The workers' compensation system protects employees and employers," the PA Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) explains. "Employees receive medical treatment and are compensated for lost wages associated with work-related injuries and disease, and employers provide for the cost of such coverage while being protected from direct lawsuits by employees."

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence can involve employees, clients, customers, or visitors. "Workplace violence is the act or threat of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward persons at work or on duty," according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). "The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury or even death."

Here are some examples of workplace violence:

• Physical and verbal altercations among employees
• Criminal activities, such as robbery
• Physical confrontations between customers and employees
• Active shooting incidents
• Violence that occurs between an employee and their partner that happens in the workplace

Service occupations, such as health care, law enforcement, education, and retail, are most at risk for workplace violence, but violence can occur anywhere. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, acts of violence are the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S.

According to the NIOSH, 20,050 workers in the private industry experienced trauma from nonfatal workplace violence that resulted in days away from work in 2020. 76% of those injuries occurred in the healthcare and social assistance industry, and 22% required 31 or more days away from work. In 2020, 392 workers were workplace homicide victims. 30% of them were performing retail-related tasks.

Does Workers' Compensation Insurance cover Workplace Violence?

Workers' Comp is a no-fault insurance, which means it doesn't matter who or what caused the injury. However, for an injury or death to be covered under WC, it must occur in the "course and scope of employment."

In other words, for an injury or death to be covered under Workers Comp, it must be directly related to employment. Therefore, injuries may not be covered under WC if it's a personal dispute unrelated to employment.

While each incident is unique, the following scenarios will typically be covered under WC:

• A police officer is shot in the line of duty.
• A customer attacks an employee because they are unhappy with your company's return policy.
• Co-workers fight over how a work task should be performed.
• Psychological injuries are caused by witnessing a violent event at work.

The following scenarios are typically not covered under WC:

• Someone who has a personal issue with an employee comes into their workplace and causes injury.
• An employee is attacked by someone whom they have a criminal relationship with.
• A husband attacks his wife at her place of employment.
• Two employees fight over a personal matter not related to work.

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

At American Insuring Group, 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 for all your business needs.

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