Tag: business protection

Damage to Your Company’s Reputation?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

It can be challenging identifying and preventing the incidences that might harm your firm’s reputation.

The explosive expansion of Web-based communications and social media has aggravated the risks of reputational damage, while dramatically reducing response time to counter these threats.

According to Reputation Review 2012, a report from Oxford Metrica sponsored by Aon P.L.C., a public company runs an 80% chance of suffering a reputational risk that can cost at least 20% of its equity value in any month over a five-year period. Privately held companies face similar risks.

These exposures can come from a wide variety of sources, from product safety and unhappy customers to regulatory pressures and behavior by managers. Examples include recent massive breaches of consumer data held by major financial institutions, and the effect on companies that faced supply chain disruptions or radiation fears after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of 2011 — not to mention the impact of that year’s outbreak of listeria in cantaloupes. Although this infection came from a single farm, other producers (and even companies selling different types of melons) suffered a loss of reputation.

With reputational risks coming in various and sometimes unpredictable forms, experts recommend that you help protect yourself by:

  • Creating an “early warning system” to monitor print, electronic, and social media for negative references to the company.
  • Evaluating whether a negative comment should have a response (not every tweet or Facebook post matters).
  • Getting frontline employees involved in responding to reputational threats, rather than having top management and PR staff deal with them.

Our agency’s experts stand ready at any time to help you discuss your risk, review potential scenarios, and then build and test a plan for dealing with events that threaten your reputation.

Having an effective plan to deal with these threats can actually improve your company’s reputation.

Curbing Corporate Identity Theft: A Three-Step Approach

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

The Supreme Court ruled in the controversial Citizens United case, that corporations have rights similar to those of an individual. If follows that they have identities and are vulnerable to identity theft.

Although insurance offers one way to manage this risk, it might well be a long time before a company discovers the theft — at which point, it would be too late. To avoid or minimize the danger of having your corporate identity stolen, we’d recommend a three-step approach:

  1. Storing sensitive information. Sensitive files and information (credit card numbers, medical data, Social Security numbers, etc.) might be stored on computers, external drives, filing cabinets, or mobile devices. It’s wise to consolidate and secure this data either physically behind lock and key or by using electronic network security measures. Be sure to train employees on handling, storing, and disposing of this type of information properly.
  2. Your business documentation. Identity thieves might use highly sophisticated or surprisingly elementary and low-tech techniques for delving into a company’s records and misappropriating them. These might include intercepting paper mail, stealing trash, or physically taking documents. To safeguard this information, determine what records you need to run the business, inventory them, and use electronic statements to limit the amount of mail containing company information. Never share financial details or documents through e-mail!
  3. Credit reports. Check your company’s credit reports regularly for unusual charges or bills.

The Federal Trade Commission (http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus69-protecting-personal-information-guide-business) provides a variety of resources you can use to help protect your corporate identity and confidential customer information against identity thieves.

Our Protection Coach’s will be happy to offer their help — just give us a call. 877-994-6787

What is a “Separation of Insureds” Clause?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Did you know when signing a contract to do business with another entity, you are agreeing to add them as an insured under your Liability insurance? Several months later, an accident may arise from the contracted job, and the other party sues you for damages. Can you file a claim for this suit under the policy that covers both of you? If so, isn’t this like the party suing itself, because the same policy that covers them as an insured is the one under which they’re now attempting to collect damages?

The answer to the first question is “yes, you can file that claim.” A standard Liability policy will cover a suit by one of its insureds against another unless there’s a specific endorsement prohibiting such coverage. Under such a “separation of insureds” clause, all policy provisions apply “separately to each insured against whom a claim is made or suit is brought.” So, from the policy perspective, the key issue is whether an insured is being sued — not who’s bringing the suit. As with any other claim, whether the policy pays for the damages will depend on a determination of liability and applicable coverage limitations and exclusions.

Although the insured party is attempting to collect under a policy that covers them, legally they aren’t suing themselves, but another insured; and the “separation of insureds” clause allows coverage for such situations.

Protection for “insured vs. insured” claims provides a valuable benefit under your liability coverage. However, bear in mind that any damages for such claims will drain your coverage limits. So, be careful about which and how many additional insureds you allow to be covered by — and yet still sue you and collect under — the policy you purchased just to protect yourself!

If you’d like more information, please feel free to get in touch with our Business insurance professionals. We’re here to serve you. 877-994-6787

Mobile Devices Pose Data Breach Threats

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

With the ever growing use of tablets and smartphones in the workplace the risk of exposing more and more businesses to liability for sensitive data being compromised if these devices are lost, stolen, or hacked. How can your company protect itself against this threat – and how much authority do you have over an employee’s personal device if it’s also used for work-related activities?

What’s more, because these gizmos are small and portable, it’s easy to misplace them. (The federal Transportation Safety Administration recently leased a warehouse just to store those misplaced or left behind at airports.)

Another emerging risk linked to these devices is a “bring your own” policy that many companies have adopted as a way to save costs by having employees spend their own money on smartphones and tablets that are constantly evolving and updated. This approach raises questions about separating company data from personal information on the device. For example, when an employee leaves, does a business have the authority to wipe the information from his or her smartphone? According to some authorities, if an employee connects a personal device to a company network, the company has inherited responsibility for the data stored on it.

To deal with this risk, you need to provide every employee who uses these devices with training, updated annually, on how to respond in case of loss or theft. To minimize potential liability for lawsuits by customers and clients, make sure that the individual responsible for the mishap informs management immediately. The compromised information might include everything from sensitive data (financial or medical) contacts, photos, call history, personal notes – you name it.

You can also use insurance to protect yourself against losses from data breaches. A policy will provide Liability coverage that deals with legal costs and third-party expertise (such as forensics firms to analyze a breach and call centers to provide information and public relations. Coverage might also include services such as access to tools to estimate costs, a checklist for your planned response to a data breach, and access to experts who can answer questions and review your company’s policies and procedures.

For more information, feel free to give us a call. (877)994-6787

Property Coverage Fluctuates With Inventory

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Many businesses can pick an amount of inventory coverage at the beginning of the year and know that at any given time, their actual inventory values will be within a few dollars of that amount. This makes the choice easy; just pick an amount that will cover the most you’ll ever have on hand.

However, suppose your inventories vary widely from one month to another, depending on production, pricing, or marketing cycles. For example, a florist who specializes in having a large inventory of live flowers on hand for certain holidays might have very little inventory at other times of the year. Certain retailers might bring in a great deal of stock at the beginning of each sales cycle, and then sell it off gradually (with their merchandise on hand dropping steadily), only to restock and have their values shoot back up at the beginning of the next sales period.

Does your business inventory vary greatly over time? If so,  shouldn’t your Property insurance do the same? Otherwise, if you have a fixed amount of coverage, although your inventory values vary, there will be many times that your coverage will be out of sync with your needs. If your coverage is too low, a loss at a time of high inventory values can be devastating. On the other hand, a high fixed amount might mean that you’re paying for too much insurance during those periods when your inventory values are low.

Is there a way to provide adequate coverage at all times, yet with a cost structure that tracks the actual values you have at risk?

Yes! If your current policy doesn’t offer this valuable option, contact one of our Property insurance professionals today. If you have inventories that fluctuate, let us show you how a “value reporting form” can provide the coverage you need at all times.

Call us today and our Total Protection Team will be happy to help. 877-994-6787

Advertising the Safe Way

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

 Congratulations! That new billboard outside your office is the talk of the town. It’s no wonder that advertising is a critical element in the success of most companies. For several  businesses, however, it’s an incidental activity that’s not part of the firm’s primary business.

All advertising involves a risk exposure. In many cases, your Commercial General Liability policy will include Advertisers Liability protection. However, be aware that this coverage is limited.

For coverage to apply, a third party must have suffered a business injury as a result of certain specific actions that occurred during the course of your company’s advertising activities. Among the most common activities are:

  • Oral or written publication of material that slanders or libels another
  • Oral or written publication that violates a person’s right of privacy
  • Misappropriation of advertising ideas or style of doing business
  • Infringement of copyright, title, or slogan

If your company has a potential advertising liability exposure that might fall outside these areas, the chances are that you need specific coverage. In any case, it’s always a good idea to review coverages so that you’re aware of the risks that you might face — whether you decide to insure them or not.

For a review of your business coverages, please feel free to get in touch with us today.

One of our Protection Coaches® can provide advice on the types and amounts of coverage a business owner needs. Here are 4 Easy Ways to Reach Us:
Call 951-600-5751 or 877-994-6787
Fax 951-677-6265
Email – [email protected]
Visit agency.thebutlerweb.com

Protect Your Business From Fire

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

A recent report describes the fire-protection systems in many of the nation’s assisted living facilities are dismal. Many are missing basic safeguards such as smoke alarms and sprinklers. As a result, these facilities have suffered an average of one fatal fire per month during the past five years. In an industry this large, and with deep emotional implications, this matter will continue to receive nationwide press coverage.

This media attention should help businesses in all industries understand the importance of adequate fire protection. The cost of updating these systems pales in comparison to the huge emotional, physical, and economic damages that a single fire can cause.

As a business owner, you need to ask yourself these questions:

  • Is your structure capable of withstanding a blaze?
  • Is your staff aware of safety measures to both prevent and combat a fire?
  • What about your surroundings? Are the businesses near or next to you prepared?
  • If the worst were to happen, how long would it take your business to bounce back?

Although it might take intensive effort to protect your building against fire, carrying the proper insurance is one decision you can make immediately. Invest in comprehensive Property and Business Income coverages today!

Contact us for more information on how these policies can help your business bounce back after a fire or other disaster. Our team of knowledgeable business insurance experts for your free insurance quote at 877-994-6787, that’s 877-99-INSURE!

Understanding Small Business Insurance

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

There are four types of insurance that most small businesses purchase. The first is Property insurance. This type of coverage provides compensation if business property is damaged, stolen or lost. In addition to covering the physical business structure, property insurance covers personal property. This includes inventory, office furnishings, raw materials, computers, machinery and other items that are part of business operations. Property insurance coverage doesn’t end with protecting physical assets. It also affords operating funds when business owners are forced to take steps to get their business back on track following a major loss. Property insurance might provide coverage for broken equipment in some cases. It can also provide coverage for water damage, debris removal following a fire and several other specific items.

Business Vehicle insurance is the second type of coverage many small businesses purchase. Anyone who uses their own personal vehicle for business purposes should discuss this type of coverage with their agent. Most personal vehicle insurance policies don’t provide coverage if the automobile that is involved in an accident is used mostly for business purposes. Business Auto insurance policies afford coverage for vehicles that are owned and used by a business. Third parties injured by the policyholder’s vehicle receive compensation for damages up to the policy limit amount. Some policies might provide compensation for repair or replacement of vehicles that are damaged from flooding, theft, accidents and similar events.

The third type of coverage most small businesses purchase is Liability insurance. Any business can face a lawsuit at some point in today’s litigious society. For example, a person might claim that a business caused them harm from a service error, defective product or negligence in providing a safe environment. Liability coverage provides compensation for damages a company is liable for. However, the coverage is only provided up to the policy’s limit amounts. These policies usually also provide funds for legal defense expenses, attorneys’ fees, medical bills and several other related expenses.

Workers Compensation is the fourth type of insurance purchased by many small businesses. In nearly every state, employers are required by law to have Workers Compensation coverage if they have employees. This number usually varies from three to five, and even if a business employs fewer than three employees, it is still wise to purchase this coverage. Workers Compensation pays for a portion of lost wages for workers who are injured. In addition to this, it also covers the medical care they require. Coverage is provided to employees who are injured at work regardless of who is at fault. If workers die as a result of the injuries they sustain, the insurance company compensates the surviving family members of the deceased worker.

In addition to the four major types of coverage purchased, there are several other valuable policies some companies might want to purchase. Umbrella policies, Terrorism coverage and specialized liability policies are all helpful. Umbrella policies, much like an umbrella, cover above and beyond the normal inclusions. These are usually obtained to prevent high losses by businesses with high risks. Specialized liability policies are made up of several types of individual coverage. Terrorism coverage provides compensation for damages and medical care to a certain extent in the event of terrorism.

We are an independent insurance agency, representing over 59 insurance companies, we shop the marketplace for you making sure you get the best coverage at the right price. To find out which options are best for your business, contact one of our Protection Coaches today at 877-994-6787.

Here are 4 Easy Ways to Reach Us:
1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email – [email protected]
4. Visit – agency.thebutlerweb.com

7 Tips on Classifying Workers as Employees vs. Independent Contractors

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Small business owners can hire individuals as either employees or independent contractors. Which classification a hired individual falls under is often a confusing process for business owners, but it’s this critical classification that affects what tax documents must be filed; how much you, the business owner, pays in taxes; as well as whether or not you should be withholding from a particular worker’s paycheck or not.

If you own a business and hire people, then you should keep these seven points in mind as you go about hiring workers as either employees or independent contractors:

  1. If you, as an employer, intentionally or otherwise misclassified your workers, then you could suffer significant tax bills and be facing hefty penalties for not filing the appropriate tax forms and not paying employment taxes.
  2. You should know and understand how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines the relationship between a worker and a business. The IRS uses the following three factors in determining this relationship:
    • Type of relationship, which means how both your business and the worker views the relationship.
    • Financial control, which refers to whether or not your business can control or direct the business and monetary aspects of the worker’s job.
    • Behavioral control, which refers to whether or not your business can control or direct how work is done through means like training or instruction.
  3. IRS Form SS-8, which is labeled as the Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding, can be filed by employers and/or workers. This form essentially asks the IRS to determine if a specific worker’s status should be classified as an employee or as an independent contractor. IRS form SS-8 can be obtained online at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-3676.
  4. Generally speaking, a worker should most likely be classified as an employee if the employer can direct or control what is being done and how it’s done.
  5. Generally speaking, a worker should most likely be classified as an independent contractor if the employer only directs or controls the result of the work, and not the manner, means, or methods being used to accomplish the end result.
  6. Do ensure that workers are aware of their classification, or worker status. This will not only help them avoid higher tax bills, but also avoid losing any valuable benefits.
  7. Check out the small business tab on the IRS.gov website and IRS publications 15-A, 1779, and 1976 to find out more about determining a worker’s status as either an employee or as an independent contractor.

We hope this article helps. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable protection coaches today at 877-994-6787, that’s 877-99-INSURE or email us at [email protected]. We are happy to help!

Why You Should Require Liability Insurance For Those You Do Business With

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Are the people you do business with insured? You might want to ask them. If a vendor, contractor, cleaning crew, gardener/arborist, or other service provider does not have insurance, you may be out of luck if they cause property damage or injury. Also, people who do not carry insurance are probably less likely responsible than those who are insured. They may not be the ideal people you would want to hire. It’s worth paying a little more to get someone who is insured.

Never just take the word of a vendor. Many who are not insured may say “yes” because it’s likely they don’t want to embarrass themselves. Instead, ask them to have their broker send a certificate of insurance. By having their broker send (fax or email) it to you, you know the policy has been paid for and has not been cancelled.

Some vendors, especially small firms, will try to convince you that they do not need insurance. Do not fall into this trap as you will be letting an amateur convince you to purchase product or service that lacks the protections an insurance policy provides. As a courtesy to existing clients, we can give you advice on any insurance certificate that is emailed or faxed to us. Suggestions on who you should request insurance certificates from:

  • Contractors who are working on a home or commercial remodel
  • Repair or installation service for your auto, home, or business
  • Service contractors, such as gardening and maids/cleaning services
  • Independent Contractors or Contract Employment
  • Professional Services, such as such as a CPA, Consultant, Mortgage Broker, Staffing Firm, Insurance Broker, Architects/Engineers, and others who provide professional services (professional liability)
  • People who rent or lease from you

Types of Insurance you should request:

  • General Liability
  • Workers Compensation – for operations that have workers on your premise
  • Commercial Auto Coverage – for those who use vehicles on the job
  • Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions Insurance) – for those who provide professional services

Should you request a certificate for every purchase? It’s your call, but if someone is entering your premise or you are purchasing a bigger ticket item, you should strongly consider asking for insurance documentation.

The Stromsoe Insurance Total Protection Team hopes this article helps. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please just let us know.

Here are 4 Easy Ways to Reach Us:

  1. Call 951-600-5751 or 877-994-6787
  2. Fax 951-677-6265
  3. Email – [email protected]
  4. Visit – agency.thebutlerweb.com – 24/7