About / Our Team / Sam Clayton
Phone: (619) 937-0167
Jeanne Reinholz, Associate Mechanical Contractors
"AMC has partnered with Rancho Mesa Insurance for over 11 years and it’s through our one on one relationship, their dedication to integrity and service as well as an outstanding risk management approach that AMC has been able to focus and excel in the construction industry. We trust our insurance business to Rancho Mesa!"
Julie Romero, AMC
"Thank you again Sam. You and your team are truly exceptionable!"
Kim Clark, Clark Steel Fabricators, Inc.
"Clark Steel has been a client of Rancho Mesa Insurance since 2007 and we could not be more pleased with the service we receive. Our agent, Sam Clayton, has extensive construction knowledge and he’s always willing to review a contract or an OCIP manual to make sure we’re able to meet our contractual obligations and to point out any potential problems. Sam’s support group is also top notch. Our certificate request are filled in a timely manner and we always receive a prompt response to all of our requests."
Eric Fulton, VP and CFO, Floyd & Howerton Plumbing Inc.
"For years now, Floyd and Howerton Plumbing has used Rancho Mesa for its insurance services. I wish I could thank everyone there at Rancho Mesa because it takes a team to get everything done. Sam, Merry and Vicki are the ones we turn to most and everything just gets done! We could not ask for more support, not only in our insurance service, but how they treat people. Sam and his team have supported our blood drives while I had leukemia, and they just came out for “Joe’s” Celebration of Life. Rancho Mesa is a true company that supports family. Most companies want to run and hide when they see insurance sales people come to their door or call on the phone - not with Rancho Mesa! They truly want the best for you and will do all they can to help."
Kevin Thunder, Thunder-Jones Contracting Group, Inc.
“Rancho Mesa’s diligence has consistently provided us with top tier insurance coverage at great rates. Also their excellent, friendly service and attention to detail makes quick and easy work of any insurance issues. We are truly impressed.”
Tracy Strahl, South Bay Salt Works
"We had some unique coverages that we needed as part of our Workers Compensation policy and had been paying a premium for it for several years. Sam Clayton listened to the challenge we had after contacting us on a cold call. He then solicited insurers who previously had not considered quoting our business, explained our needs and the exposure. Ultimately he successfully placed us with an insurer who provided better service at a lower cost due to their better understanding of their exposures. It was a win/win/win, for us, the insurer, and Rancho Mesa. That was about a decade ago, and the relationship quickly expanded so we have all our coverages through Rancho Mesa now. Thanks Sam, Merry and the rest of the team at Rancho Mesa for being our advocates, and part of the South Bay Salt Works team!"
Julie Schacht, Office Manager, Bingham Plumbing & Piping
"In my experience with Rancho Mesa Insurance Service (Sam Clayton) over the past eight years has been a great experience. Bingham Plumbing & Piping, Inc. has developed a positive, personal, and reliable relationship with the Rancho Mesa Insurance Services team. They have offered Bingham Plumbing & Piping, Inc. competitive pricing and have lowered our experience MOD. We would highly recommend Rancho Mesa Insurance Services."
Amy Centlivre, Prime Electrical Services, Inc.
"In 2005 a young man named Sam Clayton made a cold call on a small electrical contractor Prime Electrical Services, Inc. Sam and Prime have kept that relationship since as our industry has grown and evolved. His responsiveness to our needs and questions is invaluable and we are a better company because of this."
Cheryl G. Walters, Controller, Mark Harris Plumbing
"MHP has been rewarded many times over since partnering with Sam Clayton at Rancho Mesa Insurance. He has managed our business insurance package so professionally and has been instrumental in lowering our W/C mod rates which in turn saved us a tremendous amount of money. Job well done! Since 2009 Sam has continually surpassed our expectations."
Thomas M. Doyle, CEO, Progressive Electric Co.
"I've been working with Sam and Merry at Rancho Mesa for over a decade and our relationship is more than just insurance. Their expertise within the construction arena along with their responsiveness gives me peace of mind and allows me to focus on growing my company."
Vicki Francis, Controller, Advance Plumbing Co.
"OneofOne is the perfect title, as I always feel as if I am their only one client because of their ability to complete all my requests timely. When I was non-compliant on a contract-required pollution policy, Sam got me one immediately."
Sam Clayton, IV, ARM, CRIS
Vice President, Construction Group
In 2002, Sam joined Rancho Mesa as an Account Executive in the Property and Casualty Department. In 2009 he became a stockholder in the Agency and was named Vice President.
Sam has targeted the Construction and Real Estate Development Industries. His focus is helping clients to manage their total costs of risk.
Experience
Vice President, February 2009 - Present
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Account Executive, 2002 - February 2009
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Education
Bachelor of Science
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Designations
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
Construction Risk Insurance Specialists (CRIS)
Associations & Organizations
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego
President, 2021
President-Elect, 2020
Secretary/Treasurer, 2019American Subcontractors Association
National Electrical Contractors Association
East County Posse
About
Sam was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He moved to San Diego in 1998. He enjoys spending time at the beach with his two daughters, Lola and Elsie.
Podcast
Industry News
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When reviewing insurance requirements that contractors receive from municipalities and/or general contractors, two lines of coverage that are often misunderstood are umbrella and excess liability. These terms are commonly interchangeable in the contract, but have subtle differences. In addition, the limits required by contracts are increasing significantly.
Contractors have seen significant increases in commercial auto rates over the last few years. Because of this, it is imperative for companies to implement a written fleet safety program.
The fleet safety program must detail leadership’s expectation of what is required to be a driver for the company and the consequences if the policies are not followed.
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, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every year, Federal OSHA conducts thousands of inspections and issues costly citations to companies. So, it is imperative for business owners and safety managers to be aware of the most common citations and how to avoid them through effective safety programs.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With 2024 right around the corner, general engineering and trade contractors will be required by government agencies and general contractors to enter the annual pre-qualification process in order to bid work. These entities are looking closely at a company’s project history, including project size, bonding capacity, limits of insurance as well as a companies’ Experience Modification Rate (EMR).
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In a recent podcast episode, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President at Rancho Mesa, sat down with fellow Agency Principal Sam Clayton to explore a crucial topic in the realm of general liability insurance policies, the subcontractor warranty endorsement. This endorsement outlines essential requirements that contractors should pay close attention to when working with subcontractors.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 339 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton interviews Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee as they discuss the importance of Residential Exclusions in General Liability (GL) Policies for companies in the construction industry.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Two agency leaders within Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. made a special appearance in a recent episode of the StudioOne™ Safety & Risk Management Podcast. During episode 293, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discussed the important forms and endorsements in general liability policies.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
No matter what trade, contractors face environmental risks from their operations. Contactors pollution liability (CPL) insurance has now become an integral part of a contractor’s insurance program. The industry is seeing contractual requirements for this coverage from a combination of owners, developers and general contractors for projects of all sizes.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Last fall, the federal government passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to rebuild and modernize America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports, broadband and wastewater infrastructure. With this tsunami of public funds starting to become available, state and local government agencies will require contractors to enter a pre-qualification process in order to bid upcoming projects. Many of these entities will look closely at the contractor’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR or ExMod).
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
It appears the COVID-19 pandemic has finally entered an endemic stage and most companies have fully re-opened and/or are offering their employees some type of a hybrid work schedule. With this being the case, the California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) proposed to amend the rule that excludes COVID-19 claims from the calculation of experience modifications for only claims with incident dates from December 1, 2019 through August 31, 2022.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The future is here and construction companies are starting to adopt wearable technology for their workers to reduce and prevent injuries from occurring on their jobsites. Wearable technology can be defined as any device that construction workers wear on his/her body. Since the construction industry accounts for nearly half of all fatal work injuries, this new type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is going to look radically different in the years ahead and should reduce both fatal and non-fatal injuries on jobsites worldwide. Below is an overview of five technologies in use today or soon to be in use in the near future.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every year, Federal OSHA conducts thousands of inspections and issues costly citations to companies. So, it is imperative for business owners and safety managers to be aware of the most common citations and how to avoid them through effective safety programs.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Workers’ compensation rates have fallen steadily over the last ten years, but businesses in California still pay the highest rates in the country. In addition, California has the highest frequency of permanent disability clams, the highest medical cost per claim and the highest litigation rates per claim.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Over the last 15 months, COVID-19 has brought numerous challenges to the construction industry. Second to only the labor shortage, the most pressing challenge faced by contractors is the spike in material costs which can leave them underinsured if a proper installation floater is not updated.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Changes by the WICRB typically take place at the first of every year and can impact workers’ compensation Pure Premium Rates, Expected Loss Rates (ELR) and Wage Thresholds. However, the WCIRB has amended its filing schedule in 2021 to take effect September 1st.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a result of COVID-19’s impact on the overall economy, the construction industry will likely see some strong head winds not only operationally, but also from a risk management and insurance standpoint in 2021.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Adding frustration to the growing concerns for businesses dealing with COVID-19, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has recommended California employers pay a COVID-19 surcharge on their 2021 workers’ compensation policies.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As if the 2020 business landscape has not already been challenging enough, a hard market for excess/umbrella is occurring at a concerning rate, resulting in rising premiums, limited capacity and a restriction in terms and conditions.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Equipment and material theft as well as jobsite vandalism are exposures that unfortunately contractors have become accustomed to over the years. Over the last decade, however, the construction industry has seen a new threat arise and its name is Cybercrime.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created numerous challenges for both individuals and businesses all over the world. Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom required all residents to “shelter-in place” and all “non-essential businesses” to cease “in-person” operations. In doing so and in order to keep their business operating, many employers transition employees to work remotely, otherwise known at Telecommuting.
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 Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In an effort to keep you informed, so that you can begin to budget for 2020, we wanted to let you know of the approved changes in the dual wage classifications effective January 1, 2020.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When you give the car keys to your teenager for the first time, you wish you were sitting in the back seat controlling how they drive. Unfortunately, you have very limited control and the consequences of poor driving can be disastrous. It’s time to think of your employee drivers in a similar manner; these principles apply to your company’s fleet management program.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The property and casualty market over the last decade has been what we consider “soft.” Overall, insurance premiums have remained relatively flat, or in the case of workers’ compensation rates have decreased considerably. However, we are seeing significant pricing pressure in commercial auto. In the next few years we expect to see the same pressure in workers compensation. One alternative risk financing strategy that you may want to consider before the coming hard market is a member-owned group captive.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every business or non-profit that purchases a form of liability insurance has seen the term deductible or self-insured retention (SIR). While many know the difference between the two, many do not. Deductibles and SIRs, while quite different, are both designed to keep your premiums down. Insurers are willing to reduce the premium on policies, which have a deductible or SIR, because the insured assumes some of the risk. This however, is where the similarities end.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Driver selection guidelines are one of the most important things a company can implement to prevent vehicle accidents. A company should manage a written Motor Vehicle Records (MVR’s) program to assure that they are selecting the right employees to drive for the company and annually qualify each driver for desirable driving records. The following are some “best practices” guidelines that will help businesses implement and improve the driver selection process.
Sam Clayton in the News
Rancho Mesa’s Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton attended Artisans Insurance Ltd. Board of Directors Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas, during March 10-12, 2024.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, March 10, the Rancho Mesa team gathered at the La Mesa Brigantine Seafood Restaurant to hear President Dave Garcia announce the company’s plan to move to a new office, located in Mission Valley.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For 31 years, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) have hosted its Annual Celebrity Waiters Holiday Party for Charity.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s staff celebrated with Sam Clayton, the company’s Vice President of the Construction Group and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB) President, at the annual Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-DAY) on October 27, 2021.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIAB) of San Diego, also known as the Big “I", hosted A Day of Golf at Maderas in Poway, CA.
On October 8, 2020, players came out to support the IIAB San Diego and its contributions to the San Diego community.
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Services Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held their annual golf tournament on August 27th, 2020 at the Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. This year’s event was conducted a little bit different to ensure safe social distancing between attendees.
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group, recently had an article published in the July/August 2020 issue of NAWIC Today, the National Association of Women in Construction's (NAWIC) official publication.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter will celebrate its annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week with its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Toast to the Trades dinner on March 6, 2020 at The Dana on Mission Bay Resort.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton and Jeremy Hoolihan were the guests of Sentry Insurance Company at the Green Bay Packers vs. the Oakland Raiders game played on October 20, 2019. Sam and Jeremy were two of the four brokers selected from California for this amazing experience, based on Rancho Mesa’s relationship with Sentry.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Jeremy Hoolihan, Yvonne Gallagher, and Christina Haake took home 2nd place in the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) 12th Annual Bowling Tournament on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Kearny Mesa Bowl.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Members of Rancho Mesa Insurance Services spent the afternoon with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) at the organization’s Padre Game Event on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at San Diego’s Petco Park.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services discusses the captive insurance option and upcoming workshop.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the East County Boys & Girls Club located at 8820 Tamberly Way, Santee CA 92071.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Jeremy Hoolihan, Kevin Howard, and Chase Hixson were the guest of Sentry Insurance company at the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament played at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Friday January 25, 2019.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, December 13, 2018, the East County Posse, a philanthropic organization comprised of over 80 East County business owners, provided $15,000 to 30 military families in the form of $500 gift cards to Wal-Mart. The 4th Annual Gift Card Giveaway was held at the East County Chamber of Commerce.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018 started off like any other day at Rancho Mesa. Co-workers said their morning hellos, while greeting each other with a smile.
However, it didn’t take very for an awkward pattern to develop. Not two, but three people showed up to the office wearing the same shirt!
Kevin Howard, Sam Clayton and Casey Craig were accidental triplets for the day. We think they secretly enjoyed the extra attention.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction San Diego Chapter (NAWIC) hosted its 9th Annual Golf Tournament at the Twin Oaks Golf Club on Thursday, September 27, 2018. With nearly 40 teams participating in the tournament, the event supports Rady Children’s Hospital and NAWIC Future Construction Leaders Foundation San Diego.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
OneofOne drawing winners, Tom and Debby Doyle of Progressive Electric Co. were honored on August 29, 2018 at the Family Health Centers of San Diego Logan Heights clinic.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For the 11th year, the East County Posse (ECP) hosted its Annual Golf Tournament which raises funds to help those in San Diego's East County. The sold-out event took place on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Steele Canyon Golf Club in Jamul, CA.