Industry News
Author, Andy Roberts, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When sureties began offering credit-based programs, there were only a few companies who would offer this type of program and the limits were low, most often around $250,000 for a single project and aggregate.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
This year has seen several changes to minimum wage in the State of California. On January 1, 2024, the California general minimum wage increased to $16 per hour, regardless of tips. However, as of July, several individual industries across the State, including healthcare, saw minimum wage increases.
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Imagine you are a landscaping company owner and your workers’ compensation policy just renewed January 1st. You are probably thinking, now what? Well, the next date that should be on your radar is June 30th, your unit stat date.
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Your Experience Modification Rating (e.g., EMR, X-Mod, or Mod) can have a significant impact on controlling costs within your insurance program. While most business owners recognize that a lower EMR typically leads to lower insurance costs, few owners understand the mechanics for determining an EMR and how they can be used to proactively manage resources to their company’s benefit.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As July 1st quickly approaches, California businesses are working hard to prepare their Workplace Violence Prevention plans before the deadline. In our aim to serve the needs of our clients, Rancho Mesa has outlined resources we offer to supplement your specific company’s training and plan.
Author, Anne Wright, Surety Relationship Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Reviewing contracts is not everyone’s favorite thing to do. But, I would like to share some quick thoughts on why asking for and reviewing the prime contract (before you sign your subcontract, ideally) can be important for subcontractors. This can help strengthen your position if certain conflicts arise.
Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The vehicles that tree care companies are using today have become more specialized and more mechanized than ever. These specialized vehicles contribute to the overall productivity, profitability, and safety of the tree care industry.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As we hit the halfway mark on the 2024 year, we’ve explored plenty of important topics related to health and safety each month. The month of June is National Safety Month by the National Safety Council (NSC), in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
It was June 86 years ago, Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) signed into law the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). In the words of FDR, the FLSA ensured “a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”
Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Insurance renewals can be challenging for nonprofits, especially in the hard market of 2024, characterized by higher premiums, stricter underwriting, and reduced coverage from insurance carriers. Leaning on your insurance broker as the quarterback, a well-prepared submission can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance renewal, potentially leading to better terms and lower premiums. Nonprofits can work effectively with their insurance broker to build a comprehensive submission using the following strategies.
Author, Matt Gaynor, Director of Surety, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
People from outside the surety bond industry will sometimes ask if we work for 1) the carrier (bond company) or 2) the contractor client. This is an easy one. While we are approved to issue bonds by the 20+ carriers we are appointed with, make no mistake that we work 100% for our clients.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
How do you handle the situation when a great employee is injured but not quite ready to return to full duty? We do all that we can to prevent injuries and make sure once they do happen our employees are taken care of quickly and properly. The one true variable we have in our control, after a claim has been filed, is how to accommodate employees that are injured but not able to return to normal duties until deemed fully recovered.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
We’ve just started the month of May, National Electrical Safety month. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) dedicates this month annually to help reduce electrical-related fatalities, injuries, and property loss.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Earlier this month, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) recommended a nominal .9% increase in the advisory pure premium rates. The reason given, increased loss development for medical costs and higher claims adjustment expenses. This recommendation is now sent to the California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for approval. If approved, the increase in rates then take effect September 1, 2024.
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Insurance industry experts and legislators continue to work with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to address the overwhelming crisis in the insurance property market. On March 26th, 2024, there was a public hearing to address the crisis.
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The continuing trend of catastrophic claim activity over the last several years, rising number of nuclear settlements due to increased litigation funding, and hyperinflation are impacting all economic sectors. One of those sectors is the commercial property insurance market and the rapid increase in reconstruction costs.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month across the nation. The month is dedicated to preventing distractions while driving as well as spreading awareness of these dangers on the road.
Author, Andy Roberts, Surety Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In a recent special StudioOne™ Podcast episode, I’m joined by my three fellow board members of the Surety Association of San Diego as we explore some of the biggest challenges facing contractors in 2024 and beyond.
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As the calendar turns to April and warmer weather into spring time, now is a great time to take a look at your current Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP), as well as make sure all crew members are up to date on their heat illness training.
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