How Do You Insure Your Non-Profit?

Posted on June 24, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Every non-profit is unique. Whether you work with vulnerable populations, rely on volunteers, put on fundraising events, transport the elderly, employ social workers, or other activities, your insurance needs are very specific to your operations.

Non-profit insurance is business insurance designed to accommodate the needs of a not-for-profit organization. Having business insurance for non-profit organizations can be crucial as it can protect against a variety of risks, from car accidents involving business vehicles to a client’s slip and fall in the office.

What Types of Insurance Policies Do Nonprofit Organizations Need?

There’s no master list of the types of insurance policies that non-profit organizations should purchase or what amounts of coverage they should buy. Instead, non-profits must rely on the expertise of local, licensed, experienced insurance agents to help them find the best insurance policies for their needs.

Following is a short list of some of the more common types of policies about which non-profit organizations should ask their insurance agents. They may need fewer policies and they may need different policies to cover different types of exposures and risks.

General Liability

All non-profit organizations should purchase general liability insurance. It covers against claims made by third parties for bodily injury and property damage that occurs in the course of the non-profit’s operations.

Property Insurance

Property insurance covers damage or loss to buildings, office equipment, inventory and any other property the non-profit owns. Fire and theft are common claims. Boards should be aware that not all insurance policies cover against floods and earthquakes.

Auto Insurance

Non-profits may buy auto insurance if their boards or employees use autos for non-profit business. You may purchase liability coverage to cover others and physical damage coverage for owned autos. Non-profits may also consider non-owned auto insurance coverage for volunteers who use their own vehicles for non-profit volunteering. Read more on non-owned auto policies here.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation will provide coverage for payrolled employees who get injured on the job. This type of insurance is mandatory in California. This coverage will provide for medical expenses and wages if an employee gets injured while working for the nonprofit.

Directors and Officers Liability

This is another type of insurance that non-profits should not be without. It provides coverage for management decisions that board directors and officers make. D&O insurance protects the organization and individual board members. D&O insurance policies sometimes include insurance coverage for employment practices liability, which extends to volunteers as well as employees. This coverage protects against claims for harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination. Always consult with your local independent insurance agent to be certain of your exact coverage.

Professional Liability

Depending on it’s operational classification, a non-profit may have a professional liability exposure. Professional liability insurance is also referred to as errors and omissions insurance. Always consult with your local independent insurance agent to be certain of your exact coverage.

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one Non-Profit Organization that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“We are so pleased with your organization; it makes our job so much easier to have people like all of you to work with. I recently shared this with another local business owner, we praise you guys to the hilt”
Dorcas Shaktmas – Assistance League of Temecula Valley – Temecula, CA – Client Since 2012

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Essential Car Insurance | Cracked Windshield

Posted on June 17, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Car Insurance Scenario

You’re driving along the highway when you get stuck behind a big rig. You get closer, looking to pass, but the big rig kicks a rock at your car, cracking the windshield. What should you do about a cracked windshield?

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Cracked Windshield?

In most cases, assuming you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, your claim payment will be subject to your deductible. However, if you do not carry comprehensive coverage, you will be paying out-of-pocket for your windshield.

A small crack can be repaired, even without insurance. However, windshield replacement, especially if you are cruising in a high-end car, can be pricey.

According to Safelite, repairing one small crack on a hypothetical 2016 Toyota Camry will set you back roughly $110. On the other hand, entire windshield replacement can cost $410. Repairing a windshield on a high-end car can easily push the price into the thousands.

Your Insurance Coverage

Windshield replacement or repair would be covered by comprehensive auto insurance. It’s important to get a crack repaired, before it spreads across the windshield.

Should You File a Claim?

There often isn’t a downside to making a claim for a windshield replacement. You’ll get a new windshield, many times for the cost of your deductible and in numerous cases your premium won’t be affected come renewal time. If you have questions, you can always talk to your experienced, local independent insurance agent to see what is right for your situation.

First in the series: Essential Car Insurance | Bumper Damage
Previously in this series: Essential Car Insurance | Deep Paint Scratches
Next in this series: Essential Car Insurance | Suspension Damage

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“10/10 I was very pleased with my experience. Bobby was amazingly helpful and so nice. I believe he found me a great deal for my car insurance. It was so quick and easy! I really appreciate the kindness i felt over the phone! Thank you for making what could have been a stressful situation so simple and not stressful at all!”
Megan Switzer – Murrieta, CA – Client Since 2020

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Umbrella Insurance & Underlying Liability Limits

Posted on June 3, 2021July 27, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Ultimately at the end of the day, we want you to be protected by insurance, in the form of Umbrella Insurance. We want to make sure everything you’ve worked so hard for over the years, is protected in the event something happens, like a lawsuit.

So let’s talk about that for just a minute because in this segment, I want to share with you what happens if there’s a large liability situation that may turn into a claim against you and your entity or entities and might threaten your assets in any way. That’s why people have Umbrella coverage to protect everything they work so hard for. However, for that claim to be paid, you must make sure that you have proper underlying limits of liability on the policies that are underneath the Umbrella.

If you don’t have proper underlying limits on your underlying policies beneath your Umbrella, the Umbrella will not pay, there will not be any coverage. We don’t want that for you ever, that’s why it’s also super important, when you’re thinking about adding an Umbrella policy, make sure that you put the auto insurance, the home insurance, the rental property insurance, the boat insurance, the RV insurance. If you have all those things, all with the same local independent insurance agent and then put the Umbrella on top of it with the same agent, you’ve got to have somebody there to manage, to lead, to consistently inspect and re-inspect with you as part of proper management for your entire insurance program.

If a claim does arise, regarding anything concerning liability attached to your estate or your business operations, we want to make sure that you’re properly covered, so your underlying limits are critical.

Now here’s the other thing that I want to let you know about. God forbid something happens and you received that lawsuit. Whatever you do, do not talk to anybody except your trusted agent and a representative from the insurance company, nobody else. And don’t let anybody know that you have an Umbrella, because that’s just more for them to attach and go after, you only share that with your loved one, your spouse or significant other, or your trusted people. That’s it, right?

We hope this helps you, if you ever have any questions about any facet of your Umbrella Protection Program, please let us know, we’re here to help.

Keep Reading Here:

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 951-600-5751
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:
“We are extremely pleased with the prompt service we receive. I can call anytime, never placed on hold or had to wait for a return phone call. We are an older couple and at times do not understand the ins and out of really good coverage, so with [the team’s] help we feel comfortable with our home, cars and umbrella policies, I feel protected & safe!”
Phil & Mary Jean Marsh – Client since 2005

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Non-Profit Spotlight: Menifee Valley Community Cupboard

Posted on June 1, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Our community is full of incredible people and organizations out making a difference for others! In this month’s Non-Profit Spotlight we’d like to recognize the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard!

The Menifee Valley Community Cupboard (MVCupboard) grew out of a series of community meetings held by the county supervisor. They identified the need for food assistance to low income seniors and the children of the working poor who had limited access to food when school was out. The goals of this organization have always been to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in the community, and they have done that over the years.

MV Cupboard offers emergency food in the way of groceries, offered at no cost. Anyone who is experiencing food insecurity due to income or crisis may be eligible for this support. MVCupboard is not a soup kitchen nor a meals on wheels, but they do however deliver groceries to the home bound.

After an initial surge due to COVID, it was back to business as usual and the generosity of the community has allowed MVCupboard to meet demand without a reduction in the amount of food that they provide. They have transitioned to appointments and drive-thru distributions to protect clients, volunteers and staff.

For the month of June 2021 Stromsoe Insurance will donate $21 to Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, for every referral that comes to our team!

Learn More about The 2021 Vision Referral Rewards Program HERE…

MVCupboard is hoping to hold their annual fundraiser “Celebrity Karaoke” on June 11, 2021 so long as retractions allow. You can visit their website to watch for announcements.

We asked Executive Director, Dawn Smith, what we can all do to support the non-profit, Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. Here was her answer:

Financial assistance is always welcome. We accept food donations as well as gently used saleable goods for our Thrift Shop which is our single largest source of funding.

Volunteer applications are welcome, shifts fill up quickly at both the Food Pantry and Thrift Shop so applications are kept on file until openings are available.

We accept applications on an ongoing basis to fill volunteer shifts when they become available. Anyone interested can go to our website www.mvcupboard.org or email us at [email protected]

The public may reach us at 951-301-4414 for any questions about applying for assistance or making donations. We are grateful for the support of our community that has allowed us to continue to serve those in need for 24 years.

If you would like to help support Assistance League of Temecula Valley, please engage with them via Facebook.

For the month of June 2021 Stromsoe Insurance will donate $21 to Menifee Valley Community Cupboard for every referral that comes to our team!

Learn More about The 2021 Vision Referral Rewards Program HERE…

Would you like to learn more about how we can help protect your non-profit , call your Stromsoe Insurance Total Protection Team at (951) 600-5751 or email [email protected] today!

Business Umbrella Insurance for a Rainy Day

Posted on May 27, 2021July 27, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

What does commercial insurance need a business umbrella for? You might be thinking like this and we get this question a lot. Well, I’ve got a corporation. My veil is protected. Nobody’s ever gonna be able to pierce, the corporate veil. Sure about that? We hope not. And any corporate documents, any LLC documents, any written legal documents, are only as good as the person that wrote them, and the maintenance there of them.

At the end of the day, what I want you to think about when you’re thinking about protecting your empire, is the entity. Because insurance follows the entity first.

You’ve got to look at the underlying limit requirements, of the contract, and you need to evaluate your business auto; your workers’ comp; your general liability; and any other operations that you’ve got, to make sure they’re all protected under the umbrella. That underlying limit schedule, which is part of the policy, is a key component, to make sure that your umbrella coverage, responds and steps up. If that claim ever does happen, we want to make sure that protection is there, for you.

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 951-600-5751
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“I have dealt with Stromsoe Ins for 13 years. They have been outstanding in customer service and finding me the best policies for my needs. I regret having to say good-bye as I say hello to retirement.”
Robert Siever – Gasket Pro – Costa Mesa, CA – Client Since 2014

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Your Financial Plan and the Role of Insurance

Posted on May 20, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Creating a Financial Plan

Having a rough idea of what your future should look like isn’t enough to secure a comfortable retirement. A financial plan won’t guarantee that you’ll enjoy your golden years, but it can help you work toward making that happen. So what is this magical financial plan? It’s a comprehensive assessment of your current financial status, an overview of your short-, mid- and long-term goals and a strategy that will help you reach them.

Set Financial Goals

The first step in developing your financial plan is to know what you’re saving for. Think short-term, mid-term and long-term. Do you plan on buying a home in the next three years? Write it down. Do you want to have your business running without you in the next nine years? Write it down. Do you have visions of the Bahamas after you retire? Write. It. Down.

Whatever your goals are, write them down so you can better plan for your actions leading up to those achievements. You can’t build the roadmap to financial security without knowing the destination.

Create a Budget

Run through your statements and receipts to figure out where you are now. This is an opportunity to find places where you can tighten your belt, but be realistic in your discretionary spending and allow room to breathe.

Fixed Expenses

Housing | mortgage/rent, insurance, property taxes, dues, maintenance/repairs, utilities, phone, internet
Healthcare | health premiums, copayments, deductibles, medication/supplies, dental, vision
Transportation | vehicle payments, insurance, gas & oil, maintenance/repairs, parking, public transportation
Debt | loan payments, payments on credit cards, other debts

Discretionary Expenses

Food | groceries, dining out, ordering in
Personal | clothing, gifts, personal care, charitable contributions
Entertainment and Recreation | sports, hobbies, gym/club dues, cable/streaming, subscriptions, travel, movies, music, pet expenses
Dependents | extracurricular activities and lessons, childcare, K-12 education
Savings Toward Goals & Insurance | 401(k) contribution (pre-tax), IRA contribution, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, college savings, emergency savings, life insurance, disability insurance, other insurance, additional payments on credit cards/loans

Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund can be useful in situations ranging from minor home-appliance repair to longer-term unemployment. How much should you save in your emergency fund? Most financial experts recommend that you have somewhere between three months and six months of basic living expenses in your emergency fund. The three-month guideline is generally recommended for those who are in salaried positions and have more secure employment.

Address Your Debts

Fully understanding your debts is a key piece of planning for a financially sound future. Take a minute to write down the balance, interest rate and minimum payment for each debt you have. Now that you have all of the numbers down in front of you, decide the best method to manage your debts:

Snowball Method | The debt snowball method is a debt reduction strategy where you pay off debt in order of smallest to largest, gaining momentum as you knock out each balance. When the smallest debt is paid in full, you roll the money you were paying on that debt into the next smallest balance.

Avalanche Method | The debt avalanche targets debts with the highest interest rates first. This route may help you save time and interest over your debt payoff journey.

Protect Yourself with Insurance

Purchasing insurance is about protecting yourself against risk.

How Can Insurance Protect Your Financial Future?

Insurance is an essential part of any sound financial plan. Being prepared for the unexpected will ensure that you can still reach your goals after facing a financial crisis. Certain situations can be expensive for those without coverage, or with insufficient coverage.

One of our own Stromsoe Insurance Protection Coaches knows the importance of insurance from personal experience. Our teammate’s mother was hit by a drunk driver and because of that crash, she lost her leg. The drunk driver wasn’t insured, so the buck stopped with her. Months of recovery had wracked up medical bills. Her own insurance was able to provide her with some support through her Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, taking a great deal of the burden off of her own family.

For a number of people, this is the sad truth they find themselves facing. Insurance is meant to protect you in the event that one of those risks becomes reality. All too many out there are either uninsured or severely underinsured. It’s important to work with your local, experienced, independent insurance coach to find the coverage that works for you.

Why is Insurance Considered a Financial Product?

To answer this questions, let’s take a look at Life Insurance. The purpose of life insurance is to provide a replacement of your income in the event of your passing. Life insurance policies can be one of the most important financial products you can purchase, and they are often more affordable than you might think. But how much life insurance do you need?

The amount of life insurance is going to depend on you and your situation. How much annual income would you need to replace if something were to happen to you? Do you have any debts? How much do you have in savings and investment accounts? Do you already have life insurance policies?

There are two general rules of thumb when it comes to deciding how much to purchase:

Multiply your annual income by 10
Multiply your income by 10 and add $100,000 per child for college expenses

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“After a little accident with a parked car, we called [Stromsoe Insurance] for advice, [they] took time to answer all my questions, and gave me some practical advice in handling the situation.”

Louisa Hsieh – Temecula, CA – Clients Since 1993

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Essential Car Insurance | Deep Paint Scratches

Posted on May 6, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Car Insurance Scenario

You have to pick something up from the grocery store for dinner on your way home from work. The parking lot is absolutely packed. You feel like the luckiest person in the world when you find a spot close to the doors! You hop out and run in to get your things. When you come back out you see that someone has keyed the entire side of your car. What can and should you do about deep paint scratches?

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Extensive Paint Scratches?

Like most repairs, the cost to repaint a car can vary depending on the damage and the type of vehicle.

However, let’s assume that one entire side of the vehicle is severely damaged. On the cheap side, a single-stage enamel paint that basically just refreshes the look of the car can run between $300 and $1,000 depending on the vehicle. In this scenario, you’re probably going to need some repair work and a more detailed paint job due to the massive scratches which will most likely push the price range up to $1,000 to $3,500.

If you’re looking for a top of the line paint job or are driving a luxury vehicle, the cost of repainting a car can easily skyrocket up to $7,000.

Your Insurance Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay to repair your car if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. Generally, collision coverage comes into play because a driver gets into a car accident. If you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your policy’s collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace a covered vehicle that’s stolen or damaged by something other than collision. There are many scenarios that should be covered under comprehensive. For example: fire, wind, hail, flood, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and hitting an animal.

Should You File a Claim?

In many circumstances, when you’re not at fault, a comprehensive claim may not raise your premium. It’s best to talk to your experienced, local independent insurance agent to see what is right for your situation.

Previously in this series: Essential Car Insurance | Bumper Damage
Next in this series: Essential Car Insurance | Cracked Windshield

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“I have been dealing with Erica Gates for almost 8 years now. She has helped me with my house insurance, car insurance adding my wedding ring to my home owners insurance and now with my earthquake insurance. Erica does what she says she’s going to do, whether it’s check on something for you or return your phone calls. She has been “OUTSTANDING” since day one. You just don’t find people like Erica everyday. Her customer service has been above and beyond. A real keeper. Thanks Erica for all that you do.”
Norma Gold – Winchester, CA 92596 – Client Since 2010

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Non-Profit Spotlight: Rose Again Foundation

Posted on May 3, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Our community is full of incredible people and organizations out making a difference for others! In this month’s Non-Profit Spotlight we’d like to recognize the Rose Again Foundation!

Rose Again was founded in May of 2013 by high school senior Natalie Shadle Dixon following her volunteer work at a orphanage in Guatemala. Natalie wanted to find a way to provide for the needs of foster children who did not have the blessing of parents, a good education, and basic needs. She put together a Board of Directors who met with local foster parents, social workers, city officials, and emancipated foster youth to learn of the needs that would benefit foster children the most, and otherwise not being met.

The initial goals were to provide needs that improve the health, wellness, and education of foster children in the community. Programs and services were developed after much research. Additional programs have been added due to critical needs that were recognized over the years and especially during COVID-19.

We asked Rose Again Foundation Program Administrator, Maria Baldovinos, what the non-profit offers and who can benefit from their programs, and here is what she had to say:

RAF provides the following programs to Emergency/New placement foster children who arrive most often with little to nothing but the clothes on their backs. These children often arrive traumatized, severely neglected, and abused. They struggle daily with their circumstance and the loss and separation from family. Programs provided are:
1) Emergency / New gifting
2) Tutor Me program
3) Kids Soar – Extra curricular activities
4) Good Start Breakfast program
5) Financial aid for Emergency or special needs
6) Bless the children – Gifting program

The above services are provided to: foster infants, children, teens and emancipated youth.

CEO Rhonda Reinke comes with years of experience in volunteering with local non-profits. She has been a full-time volunteer CEO since her granddaughter Natalie founded the non profit. Rhonda and Maria both work out of their home office to save the expense of a store front and all the expenses that go along with that. This allows for more money to be available to serve the children in need. The Board of Directors is a working Board and have helped to provide services to over 1,000 foster children in their community. With the support of the cities, local businesses and community members together they are changing lives for foster children living in the community.

For the month of May 2021 Stromsoe Insurance will donate $21 to the Rose Again Foundation, for every referral that comes to our team!

Learn More about The 2021 Vision Referral Rewards Program HERE…

Many have the misconception that a foster family’s expenses for taking in foster children are completely covered and may even give them extra money for their own use. This is not the case. Many foster parents spend a great deal of time and money meeting the needs of these children day and night, helping them through their trauma, lack of education, and driving them to many required appointments and visitations. Rose Again Foundation provides services to the children which helps foster parents accepting foster children into their home. This also gives siblings a chance of staying together in a single foster home.

A misconception of the non-profit as a whole is that Rose Again Foundation is a placement agency for foster children. RAF is not a placement agency but rather a support resource for the families who open their heart and home to these children in great need.

Baldovinos gave us some insight into the affects of COVID on the non-profit and the children they support:

With COVID restrictions all the annual fundraisers were cancelled. This change the way on how we fundraise with the goal of continuing to provide our critical and healing services to the foster children living in our community.

In addition, foster families who were struggling with the loss of income reached out to us for additional help so they would be able to keep the children in their home. In addition, some foster families that they were able to take another foster child or siblings because of the help they received from Rose Again Foundation. We began providing food, basic needs and in home tutoring. Due to the pandemic we continue providing all of those services in addition to our regular services. At this time because the need still exists for many of our families.

News have stated since COVID many foster children are lonely due to not being able to visit siblings and parents in person. Social workers are having a difficult time placing foster children in homes due to foster parents being afraid of taking in these children with concerns of COVID risks. The pandemic has made being in foster care much more challenging.

If you would like to help support the Rose Again Foundation, please engage with them via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Rose Again Foundation is excited to share that they are celebrating their eight year anniversary this May 2021! They have served over 1,000 local foster infants, children, teens and emancipated youth since the non-profit’s founding in May of 2013. They are celebrating their anniversary through a campaign to the community asking for monthly donations of $8 which will allow them to continue providing services to “their” kids and to be prepared to serve the large increase of foster children that they are anticipating to come once schools open up and that teachers and staff recognize abuse and severe neglect. These are the children that have been suffering over the past year during the pandemic in their home.

Emergency placement children arrive with a few hours notice and with little to nothing but the clothes on their backs. It is important that Rose Again Foundation is able to immediately respond to children’s needs including:

New clothes
Shoes
Hygiene items
Basic needs
Special needs

Monthly donors allow Rose Again to respond immediately to the children’s needs. This sometimes includes a bed for a child, a mattress, crib, car seat, high chair, owlet socket for a heart monitor for drug addicted babies suffering withdrawals, and other special needs.

For the month of May 2021 Stromsoe Insurance will donate $21 to the Rose Again Foundation, for every referral that comes to our team!

Learn More about The 2021 Vision Referral Rewards Program HERE…

Would you like to learn more about how we can help protect your non-profit , call your Stromsoe Insurance Total Protection Team at (951) 600-5751 or email [email protected] today!

Discrimination and Your General Liability Coverage

Posted on April 29, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

Discrimination and CGL Policies

What Does General Liability Cover?

Commercial general liability (CGL) is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage to a business for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage caused by the business’ operations, products, or injuries that occur as the result of the business operations. Commercial general liability is considered comprehensive business insurance, though it does not cover all risks a business may face.

These policies have different levels of coverage. A policy may include premises liability coverage, which protects the business from claims that occur on the business’ listed physical location. It may also include coverage for bodily injury and property damage that is the result of a finished product or service done.

What is Discrimination

Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics. The most commonly discussed categories of discrimination are race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Why Is Discrimination Not Covered Under CGL?

Imagine you are looking to promote one of your employees to a managerial position. Suzie is young and newer to the team, but has a go-getter attitude and you believe she is the right fit. You announce Suzie has been chosen for the position and you believe strongly in your decision and the impact you feel it will have on the company as a whole.

Soon after announcing Suzie’s promotion, you get a lawsuit from another employee, Steve, claiming age discrimination. Steve has more education, more experience and has been with the company longer than Suzie. He is asking for $40,000 in compensation for the difference between his current pay and benefits, and those he would have received had he been promoted.

Using this example, even if your policy does not specifically exclude discrimination, there are two main reasons why your claim could be denied under your commercial general liability policy: it’s not a covered injury as intended by the policy form and it’s not accidental.

Not A Covered Injury

Steve’s lawsuit is asking for reparations because of damages for economic losses like back pay, loss of future earnings, and lost benefits. A commercial general liability policy normally covers claims including damages for bodily injury, property damage or personal and advertising injury. Steve’s lawsuit does not allege the company for a covered injury.

Not Accidental

General liability policies cover injury or damage that results from an occurrence (accidental or sudden event) and discrimination doesn’t usually occur accidentally. Rather, discrimination results from intentional acts committed by employers.

Looking for more to read?

What Policies Cover Discrimination?

Usually, discrimination does not fall within the coverage terms of the commercial general liability policy and may even be specifically excluded. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) covers a variety of employment-related claims, normally including discrimination.

EPLI may provide protection against many kinds of employee lawsuits, including claims of:

Sexual harassment
Discrimination
Wrongful termination
Breach of employment contract
Negligent evaluation
Failure to employ or promote
Wrongful discipline
Wrongful infliction of emotional distress

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 951-600-5751
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

11 Safe Driving Tips to Keep YOUR Family Safe

Posted on April 22, 2021July 13, 2021 by butlervetinsurance

With the streets and highways of our great nation being so busy, there is never a bad time to refresh your driving safety! Being an attentive, safe driver is important for yourself, your loved ones and everyone on the road. Here are 11 safe driving tips from Stromsoe Insurance Agency to help you get home safely.

Tip #1: Don’t Drive Under the Influence

It is not a smart idea to drink and drive. When you drive while inebriated, you not only endanger yourself and everyone else in the car with you, but you also endanger anyone else on the road. Driving under the influence puts not just your life and the lives of those around you in danger, but it also puts you at risk of severe penalties for first-time offenders.

You could go to jail.
You car can be impounded.
Your driver’s license can be revoked.
You may have to do community service.
A judge could make you attend substance abuse classes at your own expense.
The monetary cost of a DUI conviction can cost thousands of dollars in fines and legal expenses.

Tip #2: Obey the Speed Limit

Public streets and highways are not the safest places to put your racing skills to the test. If you have a straight path ahead of you, stick to the speed limit. Excessive speeding is one of the leading causes of road accidents today.

Tip #3: Don’t Text While Driving

In the long list of things that can distract you when driving, texting is at the top. The FCC has some astounding figures on the dangers of texting while driving. An amazing 40% of American teenagers say that they have been in a moving vehicle while the driver used a cell phone. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, your chance of getting in a crash is increased by 23 times while texting and driving. In addition, 11% of drivers from the ages of 18 to 20 years old whom were involved in an traffic accident admit that they were sending or receiving text messages when they crashed.

As of December 2015, text messaging while driving is banned in 46 states as well as the District of Columbia. Distracted driving is one of the top contributors to vehicle-related fatalities. According to the the National Safety Council and their annual report on unintentional injuries, the three biggest contributors to fatalities on the road are alcohol(30.8%), speeding (30%), and distracted driving (26%).

Tip #4: Wear Your Seatbelt

The first thing you can do to stay safe when you get into your car is fasten your seat belt. Okay, this one should go without saying, but we all still see a lot of people who don’t do it. Wearing a seat belt when driving an automobile is now mandated by law in most states. The purpose of your seat belt is to keep you from receiving a traumatic head injury. By not wearing your seat belt, you are leaving yourself open to the possibility of slamming into your windshield or sailing straight through the windshield altogether in the event of a crash.

Tip #5: Clean Your Windshield

You ever see those cars going down the road on a cold morning with just a little circle about the size of your fist cleared off for them to see through? Allow your vehicle to warm up and defrost your windows during the colder months. It should go without saying that if you can’t see, you can’t drive, so take a few extra minutes to clean your windshield. If your windshield is dirty, the sun’s glare would be magnified, potentially blinding you. This is particularly true at dawn and dusk.

Tip #6: Be Sure Your Mirrors are Adjusted Properly

Many drivers fail to use their vehicle’s mirrors correctly because they are not properly positioned, making this an important step in following safe driving tips. There is a precise location in which the interior and exterior rear-view mirrors should be aligned to either eliminate or minimize blind spots. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) states that your outside mirrors should be adjusted outward far enough that they will slightly overlap the viewing area of your interior rear-view mirror.

Tip #7: Look Far Ahead When Driving

Don’t gaze directly ahead of you. If you don’t see a danger in the road ahead of you, you can not have enough time to respond if you don’t see it first. Keep a half-mile to a mile ahead of you in mind when scanning the lane. Since your peripheral vision works best at close ranges, keep your eyes going and searching the whole field in front of you at all times.

Tip #8: Position Your Headrest Correctly

Although you may no longer hold gloves in your glove box, your headrest was still built with a particular function in mind. A correctly positioned headrest can reduce painful whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision. Furthermore, you should never remove the headrests from your car to boost your visibility.

Tip #9: Avoid the NO-Zone

Safe driving tips wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the largest vehicles on the road. The NO-Zone applies to larger vehicles such as trucks and buses. Some drivers are unable to see certain areas close to them due to their elevated location. If you’re driving behind one of these and can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, you can bet they can’t see you either. You should also be mindful of a large blind spot in front of large trucks and buses. If you’re passing them or traveling in front of them, stay out of this area, be sure that you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your review mirror.

Tip #10: Avoid Driving When You Are Tired

When you are driving fatigue can sneak up on you easily. If you find that you are falling asleep behind the wheel, there are a number of things you can do to stay safe.

Make a pit stop for coffee
Pull over into a safe parking space and take a 20 to 45-minute nap
Roll down your windows all the way
Play loud music
Talk to your passenger (If you don’t have one, talk to yourself, no one will know)

Tip #11: Always Drive With Your Headlights On

“I didn’t even see them.” This is what many motorists will say when recalling an accident they were part of. Motorcycles are required by law to always have their headlight on while in operation for exactly this reason. Vehicles with their headlights turned on are visible at nearly four times the distance of those with them off.

Other Safe Driving Habits

Beyond safe driving tips, you should still be prepared in the event something happens while on the road. The risks of life are around all of us every day. Constant diligence to make sure you have the right insurance protection in place is a must. Please make sure to keep in touch with your local independent insurance agent often to make sure you and your loved ones are always properly protected.

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“Arranging for new car insurance was easy as faxing the sales receipt directly from the dealership to the office. Thanks for the personal service and prompt attention.”
Bob and Sarah Sandor – Fallbrook, CA – Client Since 2000

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!