Frequently Asked Questions:

Business Insurance Frequently Asked Questions:

I'm just getting my business started. Do I need insurance immediately?
Yes. Your chance of suffering a loss begins with the first day of business. If you suffer a loss and have no insurance or have improper or insufficient coverage, your insurance agent can do little, if anything, to help you.

Also, many states and local jurisdictions require businesses to have insurance to begin operating. And if you rent space for your business, your landlord probably requires you to obtain adequate insurance.

I don't have any major business assets. Why do I need insurance?
Every business has some property. When you think about it, your business is your property. Just like your home and your car, your business needs to be protected from loss, damage, and liability. In addition, your business is your source of income, so you need protection from the potential loss of that income.

Does insurance coverage vary for different businesses?
It can. Many small businesses opt for package policies that cover the major Property and Liability exposures as well as for a loss of income. A common package policy used by many small businesses is called the Business Owners Policy (BOP).

Generally, BOPs provide more complete coverage at a lower price than separate policies for each type of insurance needed. However as your business grows, BOPsmay not be available for larger businesses or thosewith higher risks associated with their operations. We can help you decide which policy or policies are right for your business. You can also purchase additional coverage for perils or conditions otherwise excluded (e.g., flood & earthquake protection) as endorsements to a standard policy or as a separate, second policy called a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.

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Workers Comp Frequently Asked Questions:

THE CALIFORNIA WORKERS COMPENSATION SYSTEM - How It Works:

Workers' compensation is the oldest social insurance program; it was adopted in most states, including California, during the second decade of the 20th century. It is a no-fault system, meaning that injured employees need not prove the injury was someone else's fault in order to receive workers' compensation benefits for an on-the-job injury.

The workers' compensation system is premised on a trade-off between employees and employers -- employees are supposed to promptly receive the limited statutory workers' compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries, and in return, the limited workers' compensation benefits are the exclusive remedy for injured employees against their employer, even when the employer negligently caused the injury.

This no-fault structure was designed to -- and in fact did -- eliminate the then prevalent litigation over whether employers were negligent in causing workers' injuries. Litigation is now over other issues, such as whether the injury was sustained on-the-job or how much in benefits an injured worker is entitled to receive.

Q. Do I need to have workers' compensation insurance?

A. California law requires employers to have workers' compensation insurance. Even out-of-state employers may need workers' compensation coverage if an employee is regularly employed in California or a contract of employment is entered into here.

Q. My spouse and I are the sole owners of our business. We have no employees. Are we required to obtain workers' compensation coverage?

A. Generally, if you are the sole owners of the business, coverage for yourselves, is optional if you wish to pursue it. You would need to have workers' compensation coverage for any employees you may hire. You should consult with your attorney, insurance agent or broker, or carrier regarding the specifics of you situation and your options.

Q. Are executive officers or directors of the company covered in its workers' compensation policy?

A. Generally, all employees of the company, as legally defined, including corporate officers and directors, must be included in the policy unless they are the sole owners of the firm, in which case they may elect not to be covered. Several sections of the California Labor Code must be considered here. You should consult with your attorney, insurance agent or broker, or your carrier regarding the specifics of your situation.

Q. Where do I get workers' compensation insurance?

A. You can get workers' compensation insurance coverage from any of the more than 300 private licensed insurers authorized to sell such policies in California. Most policies are sold through an insurance agent or broker.

The largest workers' compensation carrier is State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund). If you can't find an insurer willing to cover your business, State Fund is required to provide you with coverage.

Q. How much does workers' compensation insurance cost?

A. Workers' compensation insurance premium rates were deregulated several years ago. They may now vary from carrier to carrier. Like any good consumer, you should shop around for a carrier that best meets your needs. Cost is one consideration, but there are other factors you should look at: the services they provide, how convenient will it be to work with them how familiar they are with your industry, etc. If you have a broker or agent, check with that person.

Q. This is a family business and I'd like to pay the doctor cash. Is that OK?

A. No, it is illegal for an employer to pay medical bills directly. You must file a claim form (DWC form 1) with your claims administrator for all injuries that require more than first aid.

Q. What determines our premium?

A. A number of factors go to into determining the annual premium that your insurance carrier will charge. These include: your industry classification; your company's past history of work related injuries (known as your experience modification), your payroll; any special underwriting adjustments, such as use of a certified Health Care Organization; and any special group or dividend programs that you may be eligible for. For further information and advice on how to lower your rates, please contact our office.

Q. Can I be fined for not carrying workers' compensation insurance?

A. Yes. If the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (State Labor Commissioner) determines that an employer has failed to secure workers' compensation coverage, a stop order will be issued and served (Labor Code Section 371.1). This order prohibits the use of employee labor until the coverage is obtained, and failure to observe it is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 60 days or by a fine of up to $10,000, or both. (Labor Code Section 3710.2). The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement will also assess a penalty of $1,000 per employee employed at the time the stop order is issued and served. (Labor Code Section 3722(a)).

In addition, if an injured worker files a workers' compensation claim that goes before the WCAB, (Workers Compensation Appeals Bureau) and the workers' compensation judge finds that the employer had not secured insurance as required by law, then, when the adjudication becomes final, the uninsured employer may be assessed a penalty of $10,000 per employee employed at the time of injury if the worker's case was found to be compensable, or $2,000 per employee employed at the time of injury if the worker's case was noncompensable, up to a maximum of $100,000 (Labor Code Section 3722(b).

Finally, as noted in a previous question, failure to secure workers' compensation insurance when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that it is required, is a misdemeanor "punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by both that imprisonment and fine." (Labor Code Section 3700.5)

Q. Can my employees contribute for workers' compensation insurance?

A. No. Workers' compensation insurance is part of the cost of doing business. An employer cannot ask employees to help pay for the insurance premium.

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Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions:

How does where I live affect my premium?

Where you keep your car directly affects your chances of having an accident or becoming a victim of theft or vandalism. The likelihood of encountering these problems increases in larger, more densely populated cities, while such incidents remain relatively low in rural areas.

Additionally, the time and efficiency of police response and law enforcement, local road and traffic conditions, and the quality of local medical services can affect regional insurance rates. Some insurers even factor in the litigation rates in a given area (how many lawsuits are filed, go to trial, out of court settlements, and their amounts).

Do all states require some kind of Liability insurance?

No. Although not every state requires Auto insurance, some have "financial responsibility" laws mandating all drivers to be able to pay for any damage or injury they might cause. However, Liability insurance is still the best way for you to meet your state's financial responsibility requirements.

By law, all states offer UM and UIM (Uninsured Motorist & "Under Insured" Motorist) policies, including no-fault states. In fact, some states require all motorists to carry this coverage in order to gain protection from inadequate insurance coverage of other drivers.

How do I keep my insurance company from canceling my policy?

Besides maintaining a clean driving record, consider investing in special safety and security features for your car. If you've been in an accident, consider taking a defensive driving course.

What happens when I loan my car to someone? Is that person covered by my policy? Am I still covered?

Yes. Liability and coverage for Physical Damage (i.e. Comprehensive and Collision) always follow your car. Plus, if the driver of your car is insured, his/her policy will also be available to cover the cost of damages and injuries.

The same rules apply when you borrow someone else's vehicle; your own insurance follows you no matter whose car you're driving. But the vehicle owner's policy is the key coverage in the event of an accident.

Am I covered for natural disasters or "Acts of God"?

Comprehensive insurance, which covers you for fire and theft, generally covers you against damage by flood, earthquake, hail, and other natural perils, except when your car is overturned (which is technically considered a collision). If you have specific concerns about the safety of your vehicle in natural disasters, contact us for information on catastrophic coverage.

How can I challenge my insurers if they refuse to cover a claim?

Usually, insurers that refuse to cover a claim have a strong legal reason for doing so - even if you disagree. First, contact us if you feel you're being treated unfairly. Your agent/broker is your strongest advocate in insurance matters. But if it's a legal problem, you might have to hire a lawyer.

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Homeowners Insurance Frequently Asked Questions:

Who decides on the type of insurance, the mortgage company or me?

You do. The mortgage company collects a set amount from you each month in order to protect their investment. This money is put in escrow and covers your insurance and taxes. However, the policy is still yours and you might select the insurance you feel offers the best coverage at the best rates.

What exactly does a Homeowners policy cover?

"Exact" coverage is impossible to define because there are different policies and about 900 insurance companies writing Property/Casualty business in the United States. However, 80% of Homeowners policies are based on a standard form. All Homeowners policies cover two important areas: Property and Liability.

Property insurance covers your structures and possessions. Personal Liability, as its name implies, means you're legally obligated to pay money to another person for actions caused by you, your family, or your property. That liability extends to medical payments to others for injuries caused by you or your family.

Are floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters covered?

Most catastrophes are covered. Flood and earthquake damage, however, are not covered by a standard policy and both perils are more common than many people realize. We can advise you on such normally excluded conditions as floods and earthquakes.

Are there exclusions I should know about?

Exclusions listed and defined in your policy might include neglect, intentional loss, "earth movement," general power failure, and even damage caused by war. If you fail to take care of your property (e.g., a leaky roof), you might not be covered. Obviously, if you intend to lose an object or damage your property, there's no coverage.

One other exclusion that can be costly is the Ordinance or Law exclusion. Building codes established by governmental bodies that drive up the cost of rebuilding or repairing after a loss occurs might not be covered by your insurance policy. Thus, if you discover when replacing damaged property that current law demands higher grade or more expensive materials than those you're replacing, the new materials might not be covered fully.

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