Work Comp Wednesday - More Workers Eligible for Overtime Pay

 

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all workers (with some exceptions) receive at least a minimum wage (for 2016, the minimum wage in Florida is $8.05 an hour), as well as overtime pay at one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for hours they work beyond 40 in a workweek.­ This applies to both hourly and salaried workers.

Please note:­ It is a common misconception that employees who are paid on a salary basis are automatically exempt from overtime; this is not true.­ Employees on salary must be paid overtime, unless they make a certain amount and their job duties meet specific criteria.

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There are 5 categories of employees who do not have to be paid overtime:­ executive, administrative, professional, outside sales and certain computer-related occupations.­ These are known as the “white collar” exemptions because employees must be paid a certain salary amount and have specific job duties to qualify, like management of other employees or specialized skills that require advance schooling.

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To qualify for one of these exemptions (and thus not receive overtime pay), employees must meet certain tests regarding their job duties and be paid a certain minimum salary.­ (One side note: the outside sales exemption does not require a minimum salary amount.)

Currently, the minimum salary amount to qualify for an overtime exemption is $23,660.­ Starting December 1, 2016, however, the minimum salary to be exempt from overtime will increase to $47,476.­ This means that salaried employees whose salary is less than $47,476 a year (or $913 a week) cannot be exempt regardless of their job duties and must be paid overtime for all hours over 40 they work in a given workweek, effective December 1^st.

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To prevent the salary level from becoming “outdated,” it will be updated automatically every 3 years.­ The first update will take place on January 1, 2020, with future updates occurring every 3 years after.

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This change will entitle many workers making more than the current threshold of $23,660 to overtime pay and will be a big change for small businesses.

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964

The Path to Pool Safety This Season

Pool season is here. Which means it’s time to invest in new sunscreen and pull those bathing suits out of storage. It’s also time for community associations and property owners to reassess pool safety, maintenance, and risk management.

Most pool injuries are minor in nature, but some can result in broken limbs, head or spinal injuries, and even death. And if the community association or property owners are found to be at fault, the damages can be severe.

“If someone wants to get into a pool in the evening, they’re probably going to be able to climb a fence and get in,” says Louise Cook, divisional assistant vice president for loss prevention at Great American Insurance. “The question is: what can the insured do to proactively minimize risk exposure?”

A lot of things, actually. Here are seven questions to help community associations and property owners get started:

• Assuming your pool does not require a lifeguard, does the building manager have the necessary training to clean and operate the pool?
• Are there daily inspections to make sure that the pool is clean?
• Do you have standard opening and closing inspections at the beginning and end of the day?
• Are you keeping daily records of inspections?
• Do you have safety equipment on site?
• If someone does get hurt, what are the procedures?
• Is anyone allowed in the pool when someone is not on duty?

“It’s human nature that accidents happen,” Cook says. “But if you prove that you’ve taken the steps to help stop an accident, that goes a long way.”  


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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964  

Preventing Insurance Fraud and protecting your rights

From the website of Florida's Chief Financial Officer:

"Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime.  It is estimated that insurance fraud costs the United States $80 billion dollars or more a year, which is ultimately passed down to consumers.  The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) estimates this fraud costs each family approximately $950 annually!"

Help stop insurance fraud!  In the event of a loss, DO NOT sign anything until you have spoken with your insurance company and/or your insurance agent!

Unscrupulous contractors, roofers and water mitigation companies will try to get you to sign and Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form to begin repairs.  AOB occurs when a homeowner signs a contract for service with a vendor, which transfers or "assigns" the rights to the claim and the claim proceeds to the contractor in exchange for repairing the damage.  If you sign an AOB, any claim check will include the vendor as well, thus moving control of the claim proceeds from you to the vendor!  Furthermore, this could delay the repairs from being made which may prevent you from returning to your home as quickly as possible.

The contractor, roofer or water mitigation company may then directly submit to your insurance carrier an extremely inflated bill for services rendered, often 2 to 3 times the normal rate!  They could also sue the insurance company directly and place a lien on your property.  All this leads to higher premiums for you!

AOB abuse for Florida homeowners and condominium owners must be stopped!

Here are some easy steps to stop this fraudulent activity and keep your insurance premiums affordable:

• If you have a loss, always call your insurance company and/or insurance agent first.
• Never sign a contract that you have not read or one that you do not understand

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Personal Property: 6 Reasons Why Yours May Not be Fully Covered

Why You May Want More Personal Property Coverage

Imagine you took the roof off your house, turned the whole thing upside down and started shaking. Everything that hit the dirt is what your insurance company calls “personal property” – hence Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) on your homeowners, condo or renters policy.

Some people call it “my stuff coverage” because, in the event of a covered loss, such as a fire, theft or weather-related damage, it helps you recover, at least partially, the investment you’ve made in some of your key possessions. This includes furniture, artwork, jewelry and more.

However, in my experience, hardly anyone understands the restrictions and limitations of this coverage, and that can lead to potentially devastating consequences. So, let’s explore six reasons why your personal property may not be as fully covered as you think it is.

1. You don’t have an updated home inventory.
   On a standard policy, your personal property is covered at a percentage of your dwelling coverage. So, you may have $500,000 of coverage for the dwelling and $250,000 of coverage for personal property. But, is that enough? To know for sure, you need to know the value of your stuff. Having a home inventory – a list of all your stuff, the value of each piece and other details, such as model numbers – tells you how much coverage you need. If your home inventory shows you’re lacking coverage, be sure to purchase more.
    
2. You have Actual Cash Value coverage instead of Replacement Cost coverage.
   Say you purchased a brand new, top-of-the-line TV five years ago. Today, that TV is only worth a fraction of what you paid for it. Now say the TV has been stolen, and your insurance policy covers the loss. How much will you get?
   
   With Actual Cash Value Coverage, your policy will typically pay the depreciated value, and, no, it won’t be enough to purchase another top-of-the-line model at current prices. For that, you need Replacement Cost Coverage, which typically pays the purchase price of a similar model that’s available in stores right now.
   
   Think of it like this: Replacement Cost gets you the new; Actual Cash Value is back in with the old. Your policy will tell you which of the two coverage types applies to your personal property.
    
3. Your policy has sublimits for certain item types.
   Other types of property, such as jewelry, silver, furs, firearms and collectibles, won’t settle at either Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost if their value is above a certain threshold. You may have a $20,000 Rolex and $50,000 in Personal Property Coverage at Replacement Cost. If the watch is destroyed in a fire, your claim should be a slam dunk, right? Wrong. Your policy may only cover each piece of jewelry for $500 to $1,000 total. This is known as a “policy sublimit,” which can vary widely from item type to item type, policy to policy or state to state.
    
4. You haven’t scheduled high-value items.
   When you do have an item, such as the Rolex, valued above your policy sublimits, you can “schedule” it. This designates separate coverage for the full appraised value of individual items. You can schedule as many items as you like to help offset your policy sublimits. It’s simple to do so. Just provide your local insurance agent with a recent appraisal and purchase that amount of coverage. Your agent will advise you on any special requirements.
    
5. You tend to lose or drop things but don’t have Special Personal Property Coverage.
   It’s important to know which losses are covered and which aren’t, as outlined by your policy. Personal property destroyed in a fire? Likely covered. Personal property that mysteriously disappeared? Likely not covered, unless you had Special Personal Property Coverage on your policy. This extends your coverage to many other different types of losses so you’re protected for a wider array of scenarios, such as dropping your new TV.
    
6. Your belongings are destroyed in an earthquake.
   Here, we’ve hit a brick wall. Your policy does not cover earthquake damage. However, you are able to purchase earthquake coverage for an additional fee, such as through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). You can choose higher personal property limits to cover as much as you can, but you will likely still face coverage caps for certain items, such as jewelry. For example, your earthquake policy may cap jewelry coverage at $3,000 total, with no more than $1,000 per item. You also won’t be able to schedule items. Still, some earthquake coverage is better than none, so it’s certainly worth entertaining a discussion with your agent.
    

Armed with the above information, I trust you’re now motivated to check up on your personal property coverage through your homeowners, condo or renters policy. If you’re not sure what to make of it or you find you may not have enough, be sure to talk to your independent agent immediately so you have the coverage you want before a loss occurs.

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964

The Type of Fire Extinguisher Every Home Should Have

Extinguish Your Worries Over Picking the Right Fire Extinguisher
 

A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each. So, which is right for you?
We’ll get to that, but first let’s look at the five different fire types, as outlined by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association:

• Class A: Fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, etc.
• Class B: Fires in flammable liquids, like gasoline, or flammable gasses, such as propane.
• Class C: Fires in energized electrical equipment, such as appliances or motors.
• Class D: Fires in combustible metals.
• Class K: Fires in cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats.

Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
For each fire class, there’s a fire extinguisher to match, and it’s important to use the right one. For example, an extinguisher rated for Class B fires only might not be appropriate to use on another fire. In fact, it might even be dangerous.
So, how do you pick a fire extinguisher? Do you need several? A good bet is a multipurpose extinguisher, which typically is rated for Class A, B and C fires and available at home improvement stores. This type of extinguisher is typically good for general living areas and will work on small grease fires, as well. Specialized kitchen extinguishers are available, too. (Note: Class K extinguishers are typically for large commercial kitchens.)
No matter which type you choose, you want:

• An extinguisher that’s large enough to put out a small fire but not too heavy to handle safely.
• One that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• One for each level of your home, as well as in the garage.

Using a Fire Extinguisher
Before you use a fire extinguisher — or try to fight a fire with any method — make sure you consider the following questions:

• Is the fire small and contained?
• Are you safe from toxic smoke?
• Do you have a way to escape?
• Do your instincts tell you it’s OK?

If you’ve answered “yes” to those questions, the National Fire Protection Association recommends remembering “P.A.S.S.” when it’s time to use your extinguisher:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever.
• Sweep the hose from side to side. Once the fire is out, remain aware, because it can re-ignite.

Maintaining a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to just put an extinguisher in your kitchen cabinet and forget about it. But, by doing that, you run the risk of it not working when you need it most.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, some need to be shaken monthly, and others need to be pressure tested periodically. Follow the instructions on your specific extinguisher. Also, check regularly to make sure it’s not damaged, rusted or dirty.
Remember, a fire extinguisher won’t do you any good if it doesn’t work, and it won’t help if you can’t get to it, either. So, ensure it’s in an accessible place, not buried in the back of a closet.
Finally, don’t ever forget that sometimes your best bet is not using an extinguisher at all. It’s using your family escape plan to get you and your loved ones out of danger. If there’s any doubt, get out!

Insurance Coverage for Home Fires

Fireplaces, stoves, furnaces – the average home has plenty of fire risks. If you were to lose everything in a home fire, would you have enough insurance coverage to rebuild your home and replace all your belongings?

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964

When – and Why – You May Need Umbrella Insurance

 
Living in a busy world, our lives constantly intersect with the people around us, and some interactions can have surprising consequences. It is increasingly important to make careful insurance choices to protect yourself from the unexpected. Because, even if you carry excellent coverage with high limits, situations can still arise that leave you liable for costly damages exceeding what any single policy can cover.
This is where umbrella insurance comes in. An umbrella policy sits over other policies, such as home insurance, auto, boat, etc., and provides additional liability coverage if the underlying policy maxes out during a claim. Here are a few cases when an umbrella policy is essential:

1. Passenger Injuries
   Driving around with friends, it can be easy to get distracted and go a little too fast. If an accident occurs and passengers are seriously injured, medical expenses can add up quickly – potentially totaling more than what an auto policy would cover. Without an umbrella policy, any liability expenses beyond the auto policy limits may be the driver’s responsibility.
    
2. Social Media Mishap
   With so much communication happening on social media, conversations with friends are now in the public eye. Picture a teenager getting angry at a teacher – no stretch of the imagination there – and venting online. Depending on what’s said, the teacher may decide to sue the student’s family for personal injury after the blow to his/her reputation. Cases like these have paid more than half a million dollars, far beyond the standard liability limit on a home policy. An umbrella policy may step in to cover the rest of the claim.
    
3. Dog Bites the Neighbor
   Responsible dog owners take the time to train and socialize their pets. However, even breeds that aren’t typically associated with aggressive behavior can suddenly act out, despite our best efforts. If a pet badly injures a neighbor, between medical bills and future disability, the cost can go into the millions. Most home insurance policies top off at less than $500,000 in liability coverage, leaving a huge gap.
    
4. Faulty Furnace
   Being a landlord is tricky business. Even with the most responsible management, rental properties can be a minefield of possible claims. If a furnace starts malfunctioning, a tenant may sue for brain damage caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. While all landlords should maintain their property and make repairs as needed, having a safety net in case of a major liability claim is equally important.

While most people don’t stop to think about everything that can go wrong, insurance professionals very often see the worst case scenarios, such as the examples above. I know they sound like horror stories, but, trust me, they can be a lot worse if you don’t have enough coverage in place. So, work with your independent agent to select the insurance you want to help protect yourself and your family in these and plenty of other scenarios.

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                            Serving Florida since 1964

Disaster Planning for Pet Owners

Animal Emergency Response Tips

 

A safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. Which is why it’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a disastrous storm or other event.

Your family emergency plan should include considerations for Fluffy or Fido. Not just so they’re comfortable, but so they’re safe, too. With National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day coming up on May 8, here are some emergency planning tips for families with pets:

Prepare Now so You and Your Pet Are Ready Later

• Make sure your pet has ID. Always have your home address and/or phone number on a tag attached to your pet’s collar – or printed on the collar itself. You might also consider having a microchip implanted in case those tags fall off.
   
• Keep a current photo of your pet handy. This is important for identification purposes in the event there’s no microchip or tags. If you really want to be prepared, create a “Lost Pet” flyer and keep a few printouts in your emergency kit.
   
• Identify shelters or hotels that accept pets. Keep a list of their phone numbers and addresses, and include your local boarding facility’s number in case you need to drop off your pet. You could also create a list of friends or family outside the area who can host you and your pets.
   
• Think security. It’s a good idea to have a secure carrier or harness so pets can’t escape if they panic.
   
• Create a separate pet emergency kit. You should have emergency supplies for you and your family — don’t forget your animal friends! Canned or moist food is best for them, as it can reduce their need for water. Other things to include: blankets, bottled water, pet medical supplies, vet records, an extra collar and leash, food dishes and other supplies specific to pet type (such as cat litter, etc.).
   
• Consider a buddy system. Talk with friends and neighbors and create a plan to help each other care for pets during emergencies. If one of you isn’t home when disaster strikes, the other agrees to see to the animals’ needs for care or evacuation. Be sure to discuss where to meet after an evacuation.

See to Your Pets’ Needs During a Disaster

• Don’t leave pets outside or tied up. They may become frightened and escape. And, remaining outside can put them at greater risk of harm.
   
• Separate dogs, cats and other animals. Even if they normally get along, stressful situations can lead to irrational behavior.
   
• Have more unique pets, such as birds? Talk to your veterinarian about their specific needs in emergencies.
   
• Keep a supply of newspapers. If your pets cannot go outside, you’ll need to create space indoors for them to … well, you know. Protect those areas with newspapers, towels or other items.
   
• If at all possible, do not leave your pets behind if you need to evacuate. If you must, however, confine them to a safe area inside your home with access to plenty of food and water. Even leave the toilet seat up in case their other water runs out. And, it’s a good idea to leave an easily seen sign detailing how many pets are in the house, and how you can be reached.

Continue to Be Cautious Once It’s Over

• Watch your pets closely. They may still be frightened, even days after a disaster. And, even familiar areas may have changed, so keep them on leash and stay close. Remember, there may be downed power lines or other hazards still present.
   
• Evaluate how things went. Could your emergency plan have been better? Are there things you wish you had included in your pet’s disaster kit? Do you need to research more shelters and other facilities that will accept pets? Now’s the time to do it — before the next emergency.
• If you’re like most people, you consider your pets part of the family. Including them in your plans, and taking steps before a disaster strikes, will make it easier to keep the whole family together.
  
  

  Pets and Liability Coverage

  As a pet parent, you’re responsible for the everyday and emergency needs of your furry, feathered or scaly friends. But, you’re also responsible for their behavior. Bad pet behavior can cause severe injuries, potentially leaving you liable for other people’s medical bills, property damage, legal expenses and more. Would the liability coverage on your homeowners policy come to your aid?

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

Bob Lancaster Insurance

 

Serving Florida since 1964