Industry News
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Businesses of all sizes across the country have been impacted by COVID-19 in some way or another. As we begin to phase back into the “new normal,” the insurance industry is seeing several changes within the non-profit sector that will significantly impact pricing and coverage, moving forward.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) voted unanimously this past Friday, April 17, 2020, on a special filing and sent it to the Insurance Commissioner for signature. If approved, this order would…
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
While most of the country is under shelter-in-place orders, many of our clients work in essential industries that must continue to provide vital services to the community. Therefore, it is imperative that they have the tools they need to keep their employees safe.
Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Business leaders across the country head into each year with questions regarding the upcoming business insurance renewal process. Owners and officers alike rely on their insurance broker to help them navigate these uncertainties. What should a best practice renewal process look like?
Author, Jim Malone, Workers’ Compensation Claims Advocate, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Timely reporting of an employee’s work-related serious injury, illness or death can pose a challenge to the employer. As of January 1, 2020, these incidents (including any hospitalizations, unless the injured worker is admitted for medical observation or diagnostic testing) must be reported immediately to Cal/OSHA. Immediately means as soon as practically possible but not longer than 8 hours after the employer knows or, with diligent inquiry, would have known of the serious injury, illness or death.
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence of widespread transmissions of COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) in the United States, at this time. But, business owners should ask themselves, would my company be prepared in the event of an outbreak? Employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring some semblance of business operations. The CDC has recommended the following strategies that employers can use, today.
Author, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
While costs associated with auto liability continue rising across the country, there are risks within existing fleet safety programs that often get overlooked. If your business allows employees to use personal vehicles to conduct business even just occasionally, you could be exposing your firm to considerably more risk.
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), better known as the “Gig Worker’s Bill” became law on January 1st 2020 and is designed to reclassify many independent contractors as employees for purposes of wages and benefits. What does this bill mean and how does it affect you?
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On January 15, 2020 the Federal Register published the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2020. This final rule increases civil penalties the Department of Labor assesses including those issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) based on workplace inspections and potential violations of safety and health standards. The rule is effective January 15, 2020. Beginning January 16, 2020 OSHA civil penalties will increase.
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As of January 1, 2020, California Assembly Bill 1804 (AB 1804) changed how an employer reports a serious employee injury or illness to Cal/OSHA. The bill removes the option to submit the report via email and replaces it with an “online mechanism,” according to Labor Code section 6409.1 (b). Reports may continue to be made via phone.
Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President, Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California business owners are aware that their experience modifier (XMOD) is published annually, roughly three to four months before the expiration of their current workers compensation policy term. However, more often than not, companies are missing an incredible opportunity to make an impact on the calculation of their XMOD by strategically evaluating their work comp claims prior to the most critical month in the XMOD calendar known as Unit Stat.
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The holidays have come and gone and here we are at the end of another great year. Year-end means calendar updates, process changes and document reviews, as well as time to prepare for filing your OSHA 300A form.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When business owners are asked if their employee handbooks are up to date, they typically shrug and say “It’s something we have been meaning to tackle.” It is hard to blame them when it often feels as though a newly revised employee handbook quickly requires an update due to changes in employment laws! There is a significant need for an easy to use option where employers can have an up to date handbook throughout the year and, have it generated at no cost. Rancho Mesa provides that solution.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When we hear of a data breach, we typically think of large corporations or more recently municipalities that collect customers’ personal identification information or are using technology to manage physical locations (i.e. buildings), transit systems, and people. However, just about any large, medium or small organization that uses technology to operate their business faces a cyber-exposure.
Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California Governor, Gavin Newsome, signed a new state law on October 13th, 2019 to better protect California’s survivors of child abuse. In response, youth organizations and insurance companies expect a surge in legal activity in 2020.
Author, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
A new California law, Assembly Bill 1805 (AB 1805), changes when employers are required to report serious workplace injuries to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The law now broadens the scope of what will be classified as a serious illness, injury or exposure. Many believe this change will increase the number of workplace accidents that will have to be reported in 2020.
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Telemedicine is becoming prevalent in the workplace as a more efficient way to treat non-emergency type injuries. Employers, employees, and insurance companies alike are seeing the benefits of telemedicine from a convenience and efficiency standpoint.
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For years, the insurance marketplace for non-profits, specifically general liability, abuse, property and management liability have been somewhat stable (subject to loss history, of course). Unfortunately, that is looking to change as the marketplace braces for significant correction.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Auto insurance prices are continuously rising. What is the reason for this and what can be done to cut back on the cost? There are many factors that lead to the carriers needing to increase their rates. We are going to discuss exactly what some of the reasons for the increases are; and more importantly, what business owners can do to offset price increase as much as possible while receiving adequate coverage.
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
2018 saw the most destructive wildfire season ever recorded in California. Over 1.8 million acres were burned; 22,751 buildings were destroyed and over 100 lives perished. As a result, insurance claims have exceeded $12 billion and are expected to rise.
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