California Business Insurance for Business Advisors

California Business Insurance for Business Advisors

Those who advise others for a living have a unique responsibility to ‘get it right’. Rather than some occupations where a mistake may impact only your own business, professional business advisors and consultants have the added responsibility of affecting other businesses in the course of their profession. A mistake or inadvertent error that causes another company to lose clients or money may place you at risk of being sued. California business insurance is vital therefore, for anyone who advises others professionally.

Standard business policies include a degree of liability coverage. Should you be sued, this may provide financial assistance to cover court costs and related expenses. Professional liability insurance (also called errors or omissions insurance) is a specific policy that may be pertinent for professional advisors. It’s also possible to take out an umbrella insurance policy, which provides more extensive liability coverage for those whose occupation may place them at greater risk.

There’s plenty to consider when you advise others professionally, and to make sure you have the most appropriate California business insurance for your particular needs, it may help to speak to an insurance professional. Always feel free to phone your agent or even ask for an insurance representative with particular liability expertise.

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Play it Safe with Commercial Truck Insurance

Play it Safe with Commercial Truck Insurance

Whether you work in retail, wholesale, manufacturing or another industry, commercial truck insurance may provide valuable financial protection even if you have just one business truck. Regular maintenance, checkups and safe driving will also help to ensure your vehicle stays on the road and your business stays up and running.

From the moment you purchase a commercial vehicle for your business, you should ensure you have an adequate truck insurance policy. Be very clear with your agent in terms of who will be driving it and the exact way in which it will be used. That will help you get the most appropriate policy for your needs. Do schedule regular maintenance checks to keep your truck in good condition. Most importantly, ensure all employees who will be driving the vehicle are appropriately licensed and thoroughly briefed on safety and maintenance issues. A driver who feels pushed to meet deadlines for instance, may pose a danger to themselves and others on the road.

For advice on the specifics of commercial truck insurance, feel free to make an appointment with our insurance agent. Play it safe when it comes to work vehicles, and you may help your vehicle stay on the road, and your business stay on track.

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Be Wise with Business Correspondence

Be Wise with Business Correspondence

Professionalism is a key component of any business. Even if you start off as a sole trader, it’s important to have a clear idea of your business identity from the start. As part of that, it’s vital to ensure all business correspondence, including email, reflects business policy. Many employees are very casual when it comes to email which could pose difficulties. California business insurance may help to protect you financially from libel or slander, but ensuring all staff and management are clear on what is and is not permissible, is essential.

Instruct employees that all business correspondence should be kept separate from personal views. It should be understood that any email, once sent outside the company, is out of your hands. There is nothing stopping a recipient from forwarding it to any number of people. Sharing private work details, complaining about the company or worse, clients, should never be done in an email. Invite staff to address any concerns in discussions with management.

Most staff it’s hoped would have enough common sense to avoid this scenario. Everyone has careless days however. In the event that personal client details or a complaint about a client was disseminated and found to be slanderous, the libel portion of your California business insurance may assist with the cost of defending yourself.

Image courtesy of umcom.org.

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Keeping your Clients Happy and Safe

Keeping your Clients Happy and Safe

It’s long been a mantra of business leaders to ‘keep clients happy’. Keeping them safe may not be the first thing on any business owners mind, but it’s equally important. While California business insurance can help to keep your business dwelling and contents financially protected, it’s up to you to look after any client, or member of the public, that visits your workplace.

It’s essential to have a clean and ordered work environment, free from clutter that could pose a hazard to anyone walking through the premises. In the event that a client is harmed after tripping on a cable or being hit by a falling box from an overcrowded shelf, they are fully within their rights to sue you. While it’s certainly not good practice to cause injury to a client or potential client, getting sued could be even more damaging. When you have sufficient liability coverage as part of your business insurance, you may be covered for court costs and required damages payment but your business reputation could still take a beating if the incident was serious. Where you are required to hold onto client or customer possessions (a repair shop for instance), it’s also important to check that your insurance policy covers you should these items be damaged or stolen.

Good security measures and solid occupational health and safety practices will help keep your business safe for everyone. Implementing security and safety measures may also help you save on your California business insurance. Give our agent a call for further advice.

Image Courtesy of thehappyworker.com.

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Moving from Van to Truck: Swap to Commercial Truck Insurance

Moving from Van to Truck: Swap to Commercial Truck Insurance

Auto insurance is a valuable safeguard for any business owner who has work vehicles. A vehicle is classed as a work vehicle when it is used primarily for work purposes (although a small amount of private use is often fine). It’s not a one-size-fits-all policy however. Switch from a car to a van, or a van to a truck, and you may need to change your coverage from car insurance to commercial truck insurance.

Truck insurance provides specialist protection that differs from basic car insurance. It will generally cover repairs or replacement should the truck be damaged or destroyed in an accident, or if it causes damage to other people or property. Truck insurance does not cover wear and tear, which is why it’s important to have regular maintenance checks to keep any vehicle in good condition and running smoothly. It is also important to make sure your policy is updated and current for the vehicle you are driving.

There are several types of commercial truck insurance, and the cost will be determined by the age, condition, size and make of your vehicle. For advice and quotes, speak to our insurance agent. You may be eligible for discounts if you already have other insurance policies with the same provider.

Image Courtesy of Flickr.com.

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California Business Insurance for Yoga Teachers

California Business Insurance for Yoga Teachers

The intricacies of running a business can transform even the most serene of us into frazzled wrecks. Even something as seemingly calming as teaching yoga requires some knowledge of business essentials. For those looking to operate yoga classes, you’ll need to get your head around administration, finance and taxation, marketing and even California business insurance.It’s essential to register as a business in order to operate, regardless of whether the classes are in a commercial establishment or your own home. You’ll require some basic admin and finance skills and having a hand on social media can give you a leg up when it comes to your marketing. A small business course can be a great starting point that will give you an introduction to each of these areas.

When it comes to your insurance, you’ll need coverage for your furniture, equipment and other contents, plus the premises if you own it. Bear in mind that should you be operating from home studio, your home insurance isn’t likely to provide adequate protection. Liability is included in most basic business policies and may be of benefit if a student were ever to be physically injured, either in class or in something as simple as a slip or fall while on your property.

There are many smaller California business insurance policies that may protect your business and help you stay on financial track. To find out more, it’s always worth seeking the advice of an insurance professional.

Image Courtesy of Downloadyogaclasses.com.

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Commercial Truck Insurance 101

Commercial Truck Insurance 101

Regardless of size, plenty of businesses feel the need for commercial vehicles. For business owners looking to purchase a truck to help with the day to day running of the enterprise, be sure to do your math. Trucks may cost more to run than cars, so you’ll need to budget wisely. You may also need to amend your auto insurance policy or purchase commercial truck insurance.

When you purchase any vehicle it pays to shop around and do your research. Look at your required usage including the products and quantity of stock that you will be moving. Smaller companies may find that a van is all that is required. Before you purchase any new vehicle be sure to check on fuel consumption, safety features, maintenance costs and the readiness of spare parts. Any work vehicle used regularly will wear at a much faster rate than a personal vehicle so it should be planned for carefully. All drivers will need a truck licence and if you have no current staff qualified, your existing workers will have to obtain their truck licence and/or you’ll have to budget for extra employees. 

 

Commercial truck insurance can give you financial protection if your vehicle is involved in an accident, hit by a falling tree or any number of other disasters listed in the policy. To check on estimated premiums, or any other aspects of truck insurance, make a call to your insurance agent.

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California Trucking Business? Play it Safe on the Road

California Trucking Business? Play it Safe on the Road

Truck drivers unfortunately do not always have a reputation for safe driving. Many drivers argue that tight deadlines and financial pressures force them to drive for extended and potentially unsafe periods. Does your business utilize trucks or other large vehicles? It’s vital to ensure that all drivers are made aware of safety issues. Commercial truck insurance can provide financial compensation for your vehicle should it be involved in an accident, but it can’t replace your driver. Prevention is by far the better option.

It is important to be aware of deadlines, road conditions and other hazards that may be pressuring your drivers to drive dangerously. Deadlines are unavoidable but drivers need to realize that the safety of all road users is the main priority. Check they are aware of the need for scheduled breaks for meals and to refresh. Keep abreast of weather warnings and other potential hazards that may be impacting their workload.

It’s also important to schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure vehicles are kept to a good – and safe – standard. Be sure to renew your business auto insurance, and your workers compensation insurance for all employees.

Commercial truck insurance can play a vital role in your business. To ensure it provides the correct type and amount of coverage, always read policies carefully and approach your agent where advice is needed.

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Working on a CCIP

Working on a CCIP

Congratulations, you just won a bid with a large general contractor!  The project you are working on is a Contractor Controlled Insurance Program, CCIP, and the general contractor will be footing the insurance bill.  This doesn’t mean, however, that you can forget about your own California business insurance.

 

Enrolling into a CCIP can be confusing at first, but the benefits are enormous when it comes to your General Liability, Excess Liability, and Workers Compensation.  General contractors who purchase these programs for their subcontractors are able to obtain millions of dollars in coverage for any accident that may occur at the work site.

As a subcontractor, you will still be asked to show proof of insurance, especially for Auto Liability.  Since the general contractor is paying for onsite coverages, he or she will verify that your company is covered elsewhere.

Building a name for your company is greatly important, and working with general contractors will get your name out there.  Having the right California business insurance for your company is also an important tool for your company.
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California Business has a Plan

California Business has a Plan

California is home to many thriving business ventures, with increasing numbers of prospective business owners hoping to join their ranks. Sometimes the excitement of starting a business venture means that some basic fundamentals are overlooked, such as making a business plan. A business plan can help cement objectives and encourage the tracking of your progress. An integral addition to your business plan should be your selection of California business insurance.  Business owners can then set out on their exciting new venture with confidence, knowing that they are financially protected against any unforeseen loss or damage.

 

A business plan should include information about:
•    Your products – how they will stand out or differ from the competition
•    Your purpose – a well thought out strategy for finance, growth and goals
•    Your market –  the main opportunities, means of distribution and promotion
•    Your structure – including legal structure, auditors, executives, compliance’s, strengths and risks

With your plan in place the value of your business should be more recognizable. This will enable you to attract investment in the business should you require it. Having a strategy in place for differing scenarios and how to overcome or deal with them will give you more confidence should they eventuate. Like all things in life businesses come with inherent risks and by making allowances for those risks with guidelines and the implementation of California business insurance, businesses can grow with less risk of a financial set-back.
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