DO I NEED COMMERCIAL AUTO OR PERSONAL AUTO INSURANCE?

 

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You're juggling a million things every day, and adding insurance to that list may not be at the top of your priority. But, it's important to understand the difference between Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance policies so you can make the best decision for your business. There are many differences between Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance. For some, it may be clear that they need one or the other type of coverage, but for others who are unsure about their needs, this decision can prove to be difficult. To help you make an informed choice on which type of coverage best suits your situation, we’ve outlined what makes each coverage different. 

What is Personal Auto Insurance?

Personal Auto Insurance is a necessity for most individuals, especially if you own and drive a car. For your business, though, it most likely is not required. Personal Auto policies protect drivers from losses that happen while driving said car for personal reasons. Activities such as: commuting to work or school, going for a road trip, or a simple trip to the grocery store all fall under instances of driving your car for personal reasons. Personal Auto will cover losses incurred during these scenarios. Personal Auto also typically only protects the owner of the car and immediate family.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial Auto Insurance covers vehicles that are primarily used for business. Those who have to: drive to various different job sites, use their vehicle to deliver food or merchandise, rely on vehicles to transport their equipment, etc. all need and benefit from Commercial Auto Insurance. This coverage is not exclusive to certain types of vehicles either. You do not need to own a semi-truck or van to be covered by Commercial Auto Insurance. Any type of vehicle, as long as you use it primarily for business purposes, will be protected. .

What is the Difference Between Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance?

The two coverages are fairly similar and the lines can be blurred when using a personal vehicle for your business, but there is an important difference between Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance.

The main difference is that Personal Auto policies ONLY cover claims related to personal use, whereas Commercial Auto covers claims for vehicles used for commercial use that are owned by the business. Commercial Auto does NOT cover personal cars that are not used for business purposes or owned by the business itself.

If your business uses non-owned vehicles or hired vehicles, then you may add Hired and Non-Owned coverage to your policy.

Am I Required to Carry Commercial Auto Insurance ?

All states other than New Hampshire and Virginia make you carry a Commercial Auto policy for business-owned vehicles. If you personally own a vehicle that you use for your business you may consider buying Commercial Auto Insurance based on how often you use that vehicle. If you mostly use it for personal reasons and for the occasional business errand - then you may be fine without it. But if you are using a personally owned vehicle often for your business as we described above, you should consider a Commercial Auto policy as well. 

Find the Right Coverage for Your Vehicles

It’s important to understand the difference between Commercial Auto Insurance and Personal Auto Insurance. The two are not interchangeable, despite being similar in some ways.

Commercial Auto policies tend to have a higher level of coverage than what is required by law for the insured vehicle(s) to account for the increased risk on behalf of their company or organization that employs them. Personal Auto policyholders do not usually have these same risks, so it may be possible to get cheaper rates with just state-required minimum levels of coverage without having additional protection from other types of losses.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

WORK COMP WEDNESDAY - WAIVERS OF SUBROGATION

WHAT IS A WAIVER OF SUBROGATION? 

 A Workers’ Compensation Waiver of Subrogation typically prohibits the insurer from filing a suit against another party in the event of a loss. This waiver is a commonly misunderstood endorsement and is particularly standard in construction contracts. Plus, it is typically required by written contract between contractor and subcontractor. The subcontractor oftentimes purchases the Waiver of Subrogation endorsement to satisfy this contractual requirement.

 Subrogation is the insurance carrier’s right to recover the amount of a claim paid to an injured worker by legally pursuing the third party that caused the loss. By adding a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement, the insured is agreeing to give up the carrier’s right to seek damages from another party. 

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF WAIVERS OF SUBROGATION: 

BLANKET WAIVERS 

Applies to all operations of the insured and would prohibit the carrier from recovering the money they paid on a claim from any negligent third party. 

Availability: 

The waiver can be included during the quoting process or added midterm with many carriers, though not all will do the latter. For those approved to be added midterm, a no known loss letter may be required by the carrier prior to processing the endorsement. 

SPECIFIC WAIVERS 

Applies only to the person / organization listed on the waiver endorsement. 

In general, the information needed to add a specific waiver is: 

• Name of person / organization • Address of services performed • Job description • Class code associated with this job / project • Payroll associated with this job / project 

WHO NEEDS A WAIVER OF SUBROGATION? 

A general contractor may require this endorsement from their subcontractors to avoid liability of claims that occur while the subcontractor is working for the general contractor. Likewise, an owner / client may require this endorsement from their vendors to avoid liability of claims that occur on their jobsite 

WHY IS A WAIVER OF SUBROGATION NEEDED? 

Owners and general contractors could require Waivers of Subrogation to assist with protecting themselves, with the cost of protection passed to the vendor or subcontractor. 

 Typically, subcontractors need to add a Waiver of Subrogation to satisfy contractual requirements. General liability insurers may look more favorably on companies that obtain waivers from their subcontractors, potentially motivating a general contractor to require this endorsement. Similarly, subcontractors with this endorsement included on their WC policy could be perceived as preferable by the general contractor. 

 The Waiver of Subrogation endorsement does not prohibit the claimant from pursuing legal action against the contractor / owner in the case of negligence leading to injury. It only prohibits the WC carrier. 

PURCHASING A WAIVER OF SUBROGATION: 

PREMIUMS 

The addition of a waiver could expose the subcontractor’s insurance carrier to more risk because they cannot recover damages, therefore there is typically an additional charge to add the waiver endorsement to a policy. The cost for a waiver can vary by type, carrier and state. 

AVAILABILITY 

The waiver can be included during the quoting process or added midterm with many carriers. If it is added midterm, a no known loss letter may be required by the carrier prior to processing the endorsement. 

NEW VENTURES 

Some WC carriers only allow for Specific Waivers of Subrogation during an insured’s first policy year to protect themselves and retain the right to recover from any entity not listed in the Specific Waiver endorsement

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Work Comp Wednesday: Calculating Overtime

 

Workers’ Comp Overtime Definition

Overtime means those hours worked for which there is an increase in the rate of pay:

• For work in any day or in any week in excess of the number of hours normally worked, or
• For hours worked in excess of 8 hours in any day or 40 hours in any week, or
• For work on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

NOTE: Forms of incentive pay commonly referred to as "shift differential" or "premium pay" associated with working other than normal day shift hours during the standard workweek are not to be considered overtime.

In the case of guaranteed wage agreements, overtime means only those hours worked in excess of the number specified in such agreement.

Exclusion of Overtime Payroll

Exclusion of Overtime Payroll means: The extra pay (that amount over and above the regular straight time pay) for overtime shall be excluded from the payroll on which premium is computed - as shown below - as long as payroll records are kept to show overtime pay separately, by employee and in summary by classification.

• If the records show separately the extra pay earned for overtime, the entire extra pay shall be excluded.
• If the records show the total pay earned for overtime (regular pay plus overtime pay) in one combination amount, 1/3 of this total pay shall be excluded. If double time is paid for overtime and the total pay for such overtime is recorded separately, 1/2 of the total pay for double time shall be excluded.

In simple terms, if you keep adequate records of overtime, you are only required to pay workers' compensation premium on the straight time payrolls. If adequate records are not maintained, the overtime pay cannot be excluded from the total payroll and you must pay on the entire amount.

WORK COMP WEDNESDAY: Do you use Subcontractors that Lease their Employees?

Florida is suffering from a shortage of skilled trades to use for your construction job.  As this shortage continues, subcontractors are having to find different ways to supply employees.  You as the GC should know that there is an exposure to your worker's compensation policy or to your individual pocket if you do not have a worker’s compensation policy.

Your subcontractor is required to provide workers compensation coverage for all workers on your job site.  If a Subcontractor’s worker is injured and not covered under the subcontractor’s work comp, your company will be liable for workers compensation benefits to the injured individual.  This will lead to significantly higher workers comp costs for you as the general contractor. When you accept a work comp certificate from a subcontractor who uses a (PEO Professional Employer Organization, Southeast or Frank Crum as common examples), it only provides coverage to those employees whose payroll is reported and then processed by the PEO.  The problem arises when you do not know if the workers your sub brings on to your job site are covered under his PEO certificate or not.

We recommend you take the following steps to avoid uninsured workers on your job site.

• Determine if the Contractor has leased If you are going to accept a certificate from a leasing company, verify that the Owner is covered for Workers Compensation through the leasing company. You can verify this by requesting a copy of his latest PEO billing statement showing his name included under payroll. If not, make sure that the Owner complies with the exemption requirements of the Florida Statute.

 

• For all Contractors with leased employees, regular contact should be made with the leasing company to determine the identity of the leased employees.   Random checks should be made of those Contractors using leased employees by you or your personnel to determine that the people on the construction site are in fact from the leasing company.  Only those employees leased are covered by the leasing company’s worker’s compensation insurance.  If you find uncovered workers on the site, the Contractor should be immediately dismissed from the worksite.

 

• Have all subcontractors sign the affidavit below representing that all employees on your job sites are covered under their employee leasing workers compensation policy.

Several contractors that I know have been caught under this loophole for the sub.  Claims of $70,000 to several hundred thousand dollars have been claimed against their worker's compensation policies.  Don’t let it be you.  Use the Worker’s Compensation Employee Leasing Affidavit attached to prevent this exposure to your business.

Worker’s Compensation Employee Leasing Affidavit.pdf 

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

WORK COMP WEDNESDAYS: Four Big Benefits of Workers Compensation Insurance

 While many employers secure workers compensation insurance to satisfy legal requirements, this important safeguard has the power to protect business interests while building a bond of trust and respect with employees.

According to the National Safety Council, accidental injury is the third highest cause of death in the United States. Based on study findings, researchers concluded that someone is injured every second and killed every three minutes. The study also found that job-site deaths increased by 10 percent in 2016.

Now more than ever, it’s important to not only have coverage, but to make sure employees know their rights and responsibilities for a safe workplace.  These are some of the biggest benefits of workers compensation insurance:

1) Comprehensive Coverage

Not having a worker’s compensation policy in place means that you lose the common law defenses available, which are: assumption of risk, contributory negligence, and negligence of a fellow employee.

This insurance provides payment of medical bills and other expenses involved when an employee is injured on the job. It also makes allowances for the collection of lost wages. In the case of fatal injury, funeral expenses and dependent financial support are covered under most policies.

It’s important to note that claims can be made whenever and wherever an employee is hurt while on the job —regardless of the proximity to your office. That includes business trips, conferences, office errands, and other job-related tasks.

Also covered are injuries that occur over time (cumulative) and diseases caused by workplace conditions. Self-inflicted injuries, illegal activity, and employee-initiated violence are not valid workers compensation claims.

2) Involvement in the Process

Ideally, no employee would ever file a false workers compensation claim. Unfortunately, it does happen. This coverage protects you against fraudulent claims and lawsuits, but also allows you to begin the process with a company-trusted physician.

Many employers exercise their right to select a physician for a one-time evaluation. After that, employees can choose to remain with that doctor or choose another specialist. While this provision is in place to discourage fraud, it also avoids the time and confusion of having to start fresh with a new physician for each claim.

Also, the injured employee, generally, cannot sue an employer, for work-related injuries if the employer has purchased workers’ compensation insurance as required by law.

3) Community Stewardship

As a business owner, you want to do right by your team members and customers. While you review the many benefits of workers compensation insurance, it’s also wise to be aware of the consequences associated with not having adequate coverage. This includes:

• non-compliance penalties
• employee lawsuits
• financial repercussions
• reduction in worker morale/increased turnover

Also, you are personally held responsible for the employee’s injuries and lost time from work if there is no workers compensation policy in place. In addition, companies who don’t protect their interests and those of employees soon get a negative reputation, which could affect customer loyalty.

4) Peace of Mind

It is the right thing to do. Having an employee injured in the workplace is a public relations nightmare. The integrity of your company, and you, are put in the spotlight anytime an accident occurs at your workplace. When a team member is hurt, it’s natural to have immediate concerns for their well-being. At the same time, there are legal considerations to protect your business assets. Workers compensation insurance also puts in place protection against fraudulent claims.

Since 1964, we’ve helped countless Florida companies secure the necessary insurance to protect business assets. From workers compensation to business and commercial, construction, risk management, and more, our qualified staff can help you find the best insurance solutions for your business. Contact us today to discuss your workers compensation program!  Just call 321-72-1620 and ask for Elaine.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

 

4 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

 Buying your first home is not only a major investment, it’s a new chapter in your life. You should be proud of yourself for making this life-changing decision. With focus and determination, your home can provide years of service and satisfaction for you and your loved ones.

Whether you’re starting a family, venturing out on your own for the first time, or any other scenario, it’s important to keep in mind valuable advice to make this transition smooth and enjoyable. Here’s how to get started:

1) Pre-Approval and Beginning Stages

You’ve likely heard about the pre-approval process. Essentially, this centers on different loans for which you qualify. Here’s also where you’ll glean details about your ideal down payment, potential credits, and more.

At this stage, you should also start or beef up savings, and/or set aside cash reserves specifically for the purchase and initial maintenance of your new home. While many lenders now require a 20 percent down payment, it’s still possible to find outlets that will accept three percent or less in some situations.

Next, determine whether or not you’ll partner with a real estate agent. This decision is entirely up to your discretion. Some people appreciate the ease and peace of mind that comes from such professionals, while others prefer to approach the home buying process on their own. 

2) Focus on the Details

Regardless of whether you’re working with a REALTOR® or purchasing your home directly from the current owner, you’ll want to be sure there are no surprises. Accomplish that goal by first scheduling a thorough home inspection. It’s also helpful to know the latest property value assessments for other similar homes in the area.

Be sure to get detailed information on any significant upgrades or maintenance made to the property. Avoid late-in-the-game surprises by ensuring you fully understand closing and other costs. Then, speak with a friendly and knowledgeable insurance agent who can help you investigate multi-policy options. You could get big savings by bundling your new homeowner’s insurance with automobile and/or other coverage.

At this point, it’s also wise to research local and state assistance programs. Many cities and states offer valuable incentives to first-time home buyers, which over the long-term could save you money.

3) Be Realistic and Open-Minded

While some people specifically search for a “forever home” they’ll enjoy for a lifetime, many first-time home buyers purchase with the idea of moving in five or ten years. It can be difficult to predict future changes in jobs, family status, and other factors. That’s why it’s important to select a property that matches your current lifestyle preferences and requirements.

In addition, it’s wise to keep in mind that minor cosmetic changes and updates to a property can be affordable and straight-forward. For example, repainting walls from an undesirable color is simple and cost-effective. By contrast, if a home you’re considering requires major upgrades to match your wants and needs, it might be better to find another property.

The bottom line is that no home is perfect. However, there are ways to enhance and protect your investment. That includes flood insurance and other considerations.

4) Get Insurance Coverage

As mentioned, securing comprehensive insurance gives you the coverage and peace of mind that you’re protected under a variety of situations. Along with homeowners insurance, other popular selections include flood insurance, bundled options, and more. Speak with a trusted and reputable agent to learn more about all the choices available to you.

Since 1964, we’ve helped countless Florida residents with all their insurance needs. Both individuals and business owners benefit from our coverage areas. That includes business and commercial, construction insurance, tree care, risk management, homeowners, automobile, insurance and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your life easier, and help keep you, your loved ones, and your property consistently protected.  Just call 321-725-1620 and ask for Bryan.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

WORK COMP WEDNESDAY: "Are They an Employee or an Independent Contractor?"

 If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.

One of the never-ending discussions for the construction industry in Florida is whether a trade, supplier or independent contractor is an employee. Figuring the answer out will help clear it up to at least murky water.

The state of Florida holds the construction industry up to a different standard than other industries in Florida. Medical, legal, manufacturing, and hospitality businesses are required to implement a workers' compensation policy at their practice when they have four or more full-time or part-time employees, including corporate officers. However, companies in the construction industry must have workers’ compensation insurance once they employ an employee, regardless of full-time or part-time status.

Officers of Florida corporations registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, can choose not to be covered under the workers' compensation policy. If your construction company is an LLC, you can show, as proof, a notarized statement of 10% corporate ownership.

"I know. You are a general contractor and you subcontract all your work out to subcontractors."

Are they subcontractors or independent contractors? The general rule is that an individual is considered an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done. You are not an independent contractor if you perform services that can be regulated by an employer (what will be done and how it will be done). This applies even if you are given freedom of action.

Therefore, the question to ask is, "Does the employer have the legal right to control the details of how the services are performed?" If the answer is yes, then they're not an independent contractor. 

For a simple risk management tool, make sure your subcontractor's (independent contractor) agent sends you a certificate of insurance that shows they have their own workers' compensation. If they say they are a small contractor with no employees but themselves, make sure they give you a copy of their exemption. You should require them to sign an independent contractor affidavit. But beware, carriers are now no longer considering that your subcontractor can earn more than $100,000 by himself. Workers’ compensation carriers are starting to examine those 1099's carefully and may assume there are unreported employees helping your subcontractor.

Below is an excerpt from a carrier's letter, explaining how they will decide.

"Exempt contractors with compensation over $100K during a policy period, must either furnish a WC certificate of insurance or verification of any labor materials used by the exempt contractor for consideration. Failure to provide this information could result in a portion of the contractor's distributions being included in the final audit for the general contractor."

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 321-725-1620 and ask for our Work Comp expert, Elaine. We would be glad to help you review your risk management program and make suggestions!

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

WORK COMP WEDNESDAY: Do You Know About the Construction Policy Tracking Database for Workers' Compensation?

 In Florida, everyone working on a construction job site is required to be covered by workers’ compensation insurance or have a valid workers’ compensation exemption issued by the state Division of Workers’ Compensation.­

 

If a contractor in the construction industry hires a subcontractor whose workers’ compensation coverage gets canceled and one of the sub’s employees gets hurt, the responsibility for that injury can fall to the contractor and their workers’ compensation insurance company.­ The contractor will also owe a premium to their insurance company for that exposure.­­

 

It’s the same situation if the construction contractor hires an exemption holder.­ If that exemption expires and the subcontractor does not renew it timely, that sub is no longer exempt.­ If he/she is hurt on the job after the exemption expires, a claim can be filed against the contractor's workers’ compensation insurance to cover the injury.­

 

How can contractors in the construction industry protect themselves?­ One way is to use the State of Florida's Construction Policy Tracking Database.­ This is a free service offered by the Division of Workers' Compensation that will notify contractors if their subcontractors’ insurance coverage or exemptions expired or are canceled.­

 

Contractors simply enter the workers’ comp policy number or exemption information for all their subcontractors, and the database will track the subs’ policies and/or exemptions and alert contractors by email if a subcontractor's policy is cancelled or if an exemption expires.­ The link to the Construction Policy Tracking Database is: www.myfloridacfo.com/WCAPPS/Contractor/logon.asp.

 

If you have any questions concerning the policy information on the website, you can contact the Division of Workers' Compensation's Customer Service at 850-413-1609 or email ContractorTracking@myfloridacfo.com.

 

If you have any questions regarding exemptions, you can email wc_exemption@myfloridacfo.com.

 

We've been helping contractors for over 55 years. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about the workers' compensation process and rules or for any other inquiries you may have.  just call our Work Comp expert, Elaine, at 321-725-1620.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

4 Reasons Why You Need Homeowners Insurance

 Your home is your castle. It’s a safe and secure place where you can relax and make memories with friends and family. It’s also one of your biggest investments. That’s why it’s important to protect your property with homeowners insurance.

More than 90 percent of all property owners have safeguarded their homes with at least some insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That still leaves millions of homes uninsured, and at risk of major financial losses in the event of natural disaster or other tragic events. Here’s why homeowners insurance is essential:

1) It protects your home and other property

Even the most basic homeowners insurance safeguards your property against a variety of potential hazards, including fire, vandalism, severe weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, high winds, hail), and more.

Regardless of the extent of damage or destruction, your policy can help pay for repair and replacement — saving you money in the event of unplanned circumstances.

In addition, if your home is deemed uninhabitable following a catastrophic event, additional living expense coverage (standard in most policies) can help pay for temporary living costs while your property is being repaired, or while you search for alternate means of shelter.

Some policies also offer reimbursement or defrayed replacement cost of personal belongings such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and more.

2) It protects your liability and includes essential allowances

Covering more than just structural issues, some homeowners policies can also protect you in the event of a lawsuit due to injury on your property.

For instance, if a neighborhood child decides to take an uninvited dip in your backyard pool, and then gets hurt when they accidentally slip on the deck, you could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance as part of your homeowners insurance policy can also help pay for necessary medical bills, legal fees, and even lost wages.

In addition, this option helps preserve your home’s equity. For example, when you make renovations and updates to your home, the value increases. Adequate insurance that is properly updated to reflect such improvements protects your investment.

3) Your lender may require it 

While not a state requirement, more lenders today demand that homeowners provide proof of insurance. That’s because it protects your property from damage caused by severe weather, fire, and even vandalism.

In some cases, if you don’t purchase insurance (or don’t keep adequate coverage), your lender could buy a policy in your name and add the cost to your monthly payments. Lenders don’t usually shop around for the best deals, so in this case, it’s likely you’ll be paying a premium for coverage you could be getting at a reduced price. Contrary to popular belief, homeowners insurance is affordable. There are options to satisfy most budgets.

4) It’s easy to get started

As you consider the right policy for you and your family, it’s also important to consider what could happen if you’re not insured. For most homeowners, the resulting fallout from a disastrous event would be financially devastating.  For these reasons and many more, the risk of living without homeowners insurance is simply not worth it.

Since 2002, we’ve been helping people just like you with their insurance and risk management needs. Contact us today to discuss the best options to financially protect your property.  Just call 321-725-1620 and ask for Bryan.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

What You Should Know About Professional Tree Trimming

 Recent severe weather events have put a spotlight on property management. Homeowners across Florida seek safeguards against the threat of natural disaster, including tree maintenance. That makes now the best time to secure adequate insurance coverage for your tree care service.

Sometimes called arborist insurance, this coverage protects your business against on-the-job incidents such as property damage and bodily injury. Your company is about much more than mere landscaping. That’s why you need protection tailored to your specific requirements. Here’s what you need to know about professional tree trimming and tree care insurance:

Tree Care Company Basics

You may have been in the business for years, or perhaps you’ve just launched a tree care company. Regardless, you know that safety is of utmost importance. Home and business owners select tree care for a variety of reasons. Some are mostly interested in aesthetics, while others are concerned about tree health.

While tree care is a year-round endeavor, you may see increased business in the weeks leading up to severe weather, and especially following catastrophic natural events (such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms).

The nature of a tree care makes it one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Anytime you’re working around trees, securing adequate insurance beforehand is essential. That includes a variety of specifications, including:

• tree trimmers/pruners
• tree removal experts
• municipal tree care
• landscaping
• pest control
• and more

At the least, your tree care service should have in place certain safeguards such as general liability insurance, property management coverage, and more. Speak with a friendly and knowledgeable agent to get started on an insurance plan tailored to your needs.

Consumers Do Their Homework

Your customers have likely already checked you out online before making contact. Others have asked their friends and co-workers for recommendations. That means potential clients are aware of your reputation and quality of work. They’ve checked to ensure you’re licensed and bonded. Some have even investigated your company’s safety history and employee credentials. Learning about your extensive insurance coverage provides them with further peace of mind that you’re the best company to take on their projects.

These days, reputation and reliability count more than ever. Especially in emotionally-charged scenarios (such as the weeks and months following severe weather), customers will appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. When armed with the knowledge of your company’s focus on outstanding work quality, you’ll build a strong standing in the community. That goal begins with laying a groundwork for long-term success, such as securing comprehensive tree care insurance.

Tree Care Insurance Protects Your Business

The last thing you want or need is to slow the momentum of your business. Tree care insurance provides you with valuable coverage and peace of mind against many different scenarios, including:

• property damage
• bodily injury and job-related injury or illness
• equipment/tool malfunction and theft

This coverage can also protect you from accidents/damage caused by your commercial vehicles. The first step to building a personalized plan for your company is to contact a reliable professional agent well-versed with tree care insurance.

For more than 55 years, we’ve delighted countless Florida residents and business owners with the innovative insurance solutions we provide. That includes business and commercial insurance, construction, automobile, homeowners, risk management, and more. Contact us today to get started on tree care insurance tailored to your specific business needs.  Just call Elaine at 321-725-1620.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

How to make your family vacation a great one

Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.)

The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You want to choose a destination that is fun for everyone, including the kids. You want to ensure they’re safe on the trip, wherever you go. And you probably want to figure out how to make traveling with them easier, too.

We’ve got you covered with some great tips, so you can relax when you hit the road—or at least after you get to where you’re going.

Instead of thinking about where to go, first think about what you want to do. Experts interviewed by the New York Times recommend starting with figuring out what you want to do on your vacation, because that will help you narrow your list of possible destinations. Want a laid-back trip with lazy days, but one that will still keep kids of all ages engaged? Maybe a beach trip is best. Looking for a few thrills? Theme parks are great for kids ages 3-12 (younger kids might not be able to go on many of the rides, and older kids might not be as enthusiastic). Think it would be best to give everyone a chance to do their own thing? Cruises have lots of family-friendly options, along with chances for kids to be more independent.

To help the kids feel good about where they’re headed, you can let them choose some of the activities for certain days, or actively involve them in designing the entire itinerary.

Think about how you’ll get there, too. Traveling with kids—especially young ones—can be a challenge. For trips longer than a couple of hours, one old trick is to wrap up inexpensive toys or treats for children and use them as a reward for good behavior. For every hour they’re good, they get to open a present. Not only will that help keep them in line, it will keep them occupied for the hour in between.

Some vacations require a flight, of course, but car trips and train travel can be great options for families. In the car, you’ve got flexibility and control—you can meander and explore along the way, break the trip up however you like, and pull over whenever you want for rest or a fun activity. You don’t have as much control on a train, but there’s plenty of space to move around, and kids often find it fun to watch the world go by outside.

Keep safety in mind. When you’re away from home, no matter what kind of vacation you’ve planned, make sure your kids know what to do if you get separated or there’s an emergency. Safewise.com recommends that families practice these situations—and create “information cards” for kids to carry that include phone numbers, where you’re staying, etc. Having your children wear bright, recognizable clothing, or even using GPS devices to keep track of them, are good ideas as well.

Another useful trick many parents use is taking a photo of each child every morning before embarking on the day’s adventures. Then, if someone gets lost, you have a current photo to share so people know exactly what to look for.

Don’t try to do too much. As one travel-company professional and mother of three told the New York Times, make sure to build some downtime into your itinerary—she recommends limiting planned activities to a half-day or less. The rest of the day can still be fun, but give yourself a break with some time at the pool or a local park.

There’s no way to guarantee a great vacation, obviously. But with a little planning and consideration, you and your family will be well on your way. Safe travels this summer!

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Hurricane shutter guide: Compare types

Hurricane shutters remain the most economical solution for most homeowners to protect window openings in a storm, although hurricane-proof glass is increasingly popular. Prepare ahead of time, say experts, particularly with panels and plywood protection. Make sure the right tools and hardward are on hand before the storm nears. Here's the lowdown on hurricane shutters and window protection.

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Storm panel hurricane shutters

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don't check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

PROS
-- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
-- Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use.
-- Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

CONS
-- Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
-- Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
-- Sometimes don't line up properly.
-- Have sharp edges.

Average cost: $7-$8 per square foot;
Average storm preparation time: 15 minutes per window depending on the style.

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Accordion hurricane shutters

These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Can look bulky and out-of-place on some houses. Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
-- Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.

Average cost: $16-$20 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house

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Colonial hurricane shutters

These are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window. The fold together to protect the window.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Are decorative; they can beautify as well as protect your home.

CONS
-- Some types of colonials require a storm bar or center rod to lock the shutters in place. This can increase installation time.
-- Can't be used to protect doors, and must be combined with another shutter system to ensure complete home protection.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: At least 45 minutes to an hour for an entire house.

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Bahama hurricane shutters

These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly above the windows and prop open to provide shade for the window. Bahama shutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the open position.

CONS
-- Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but the newest models protect well.
-- Some people complain that they block too much light.
-- Design limits their use. They can't be used to protect doors.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house.

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Roll-down hurricane shutters

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lock in place for storm protection.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
-- Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.

Average cost: $30-$55 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: Minimum; probably the easiest shutter to operate.

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Hurricane glass

This glass can withstand hurricane debris and eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more, especially to retrofit an older house. Modern code requirements, which already require hurricane shutters or other protections on new houses, make the glass a more practical option at the time of construction.

PROS
-- Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters.
-- The most practical hurricane glass is similar to a car windshield, with a durable plastic-like layer sandwiched between glass. The outside layers break, but the center prevents a hole.

CONS
-- Must be installed by a window contractor.
-- The frame must be replaced along with the panes to meet code.

Average cost: $35-$50 a square-foot, including new window frames and layered hurricane glass
Average storm preparation time: None.

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Other window coverings

-- Some newer window covers are made of a high-tech fabric that allows light and visibility while protecting from high winds effectively enough to meet hurricane codes. One brand is Armor Screen, which costs roughly $15 per square foot. These fabric screens must be installed by a dealer, not the homeowner.
-- Few, if any, types of window film as storm protection meet hurricane codes, but may give some limited protection if properly installed.
-- Less expensive panes, commonly used as thick plastic-like security windows, are about half the cost of layered panes. But they are less aesthetically satisfactory for household use because they scratch easily and fog when in contact with household cleaning chemicals.

Average cost: Varies widely.
Average storm preparation time: Varies by type.

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Plywood

Plywood hurricane shutters do not meet most building codes, yet many homeowners who lack more permanent storm shutter systems cover their homes with them. If you decide to use this system, it is important to install the shutters correctly.

Barrel-bolt plywood shutters
Use on concrete-block stucco homes that have windows inset at least two inches from the exterior wall.

• Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick./li>
• Buy 3 or 4-inch barrel bolts, enough for one bolt for a minimum of every 12 inches of plywood.
• Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for a snug fit in the inset.
• For larger windows or sliding doors, attach two pieces of plywood together with 2x4's or a piano hinge.
• Attach bolts to plywood, mark where you need the holes to be drilled in the concrete stucco.
• Drill holes, in marked spots in concrete stucco.
• When storm approaches, fit plywood into the inset as tightly as possible. You don't want wind to get under the shutter.

Overlapping plywood shutters
If your windows do not have a 2-inch inset, plywood shutters can overlap.

• Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
• Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for an overlap of at least 4 inches. Label each panel.
• Drill corresponding holes in the plywood and walls. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit for the wood. Use a masonry or carbide-tipped bit for concrete or stucco walls.
• Hammer 1/4-inch lead sleeve anchors – not plastic – into the holes in the wall. The anchors should be at least 2 inches long.
• When a hurricane threatens, use tapping screws at least 2 inches long to bolt the plywood in place.

Average cost: $1 - $5 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours per window.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964