Over the past years we’ve had hundreds of New York (We can help contractors who work in the tri-state area) contractors turn to us for help getting new Worker’s Compensation insurance because they were being cancelled for whatever reason.

The #1 cause for cancellation was poor loss experience. They had a few rotten apple employees that filed phony comp claims and drove their employer loss runs into the hundreds of thousands, millions in losses.  Not only did it impact their workers compensation coverage but it also had a devastating affect on their general liability (New York Labor Law claims).

We had a restoration contractor with great ownership have in excess of 1.4 million in claims. Three to four claims were B.S. All with lawyers.  Please note we go them coverage and at a better rate. 

We had another demolition contractor with 650,000 in claims. This contractor hired a private investigator who would investigate each claim hours after it happened.  One employee who was claiming he had back problems and loss of hearing had no issues when the private eye sent a woman to flirt with him on the street. He could hear perfectly and walk fine too.  Please note we go them coverage and at a better rate.

The next reason is they were having audit issues with their company who created “phantom income” because their sales/payroll ratio was out of whack. Some had their payrolls moved to higher rated class codes. Some got charged for uninsured subs that had insurance. Fighting their company was like fighting “City Hall” and their company was sticking them for tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars when actually they were owed money.

We actually sat in on an audit with this company, had our client describe in detail what they did and their head auditor could care less, was an a__hole and charged them a $50+ rate. In the end we got help from the NYCIRB (who this company had to listen to) and the rate ended up being $13+.

Finally contractors are being non-renewed because they no longer fit their company’s underwriting guidelines. They sub out too much work. They operate at heights in excess of 2 stories.

Let us now introduce ourselves. Our company is called BGES Group and we specialize at getting contractors Worker’s Compensation insurance. Our owner has been working in the insurance industry since 1981 and can get the job done when others can’t! He is a walking encyclopedia of coverage and “street smart” too. He’s old school and he’s available to help Monday thru Sunday anytime you call. By the way when you call he answers his phone and doesn’t charge ridiculous service fees or policy fees. If you do a “Google Review” you will see that 51 people rave about him. Most important he is extremely trustworthy and interesting to talk to.

BGES Group represents all the best construction Worker’s Compensation programs including stand-a-lone workers compensation policies, payroll/wc policies, Professional Employer Organization (PEO) policies, state and assigned risk policies and we have a few other tricks in our bag to get you coverage when others can’t.

Take a minute now to watch our video. It will explain how we can help you and all the issues we can help solve for you.

We ask if you have a problem that you pick up the phone and call us right now. Doesn’t matter what time of the day or what day. We are here to help and WILL help…all it takes is for you to call. 914-806-5853.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Are you a New York contractor who is sick and tired of paying through the nose for your contractor insurance?  Looking for some how, some way of paying less but getting the right coverage?  Do you feel your insurance broker is competent, his agency represents the right programs, ever hear from him?

Well that is about to change.  But before we show you how we want to discuss issues within our industry that you never hear about.  It’s our dirty little secrets.

Starting in 2001, we watched insurance company’s raise your rates 25% to 100% or more annually.  One account we worked on had their General Liability premium go from $79,000 to $400,000.  It was an insane!

More recently though we’ve seen companies raise rates 5% to 10%+ annually.  This seems to be the trend.  Where do they expect YOU to keep getting the money to pay?  Think the corporate executives care?  What they do care about is their bottom line, keeping their jobs and getting bonuses.

Are you dealing direct with an insurance company?  They offer you the promise of saving money but do you really think they want to save you money long-term?  They sucker you in with low prices and then raise your rates year in, year out.  These companies are public companies, run by “White Shirts” and are about increasing their bottom lines so their stock prices go up.  Their people are not the best trained (if they were why would they be working for an insurance company) and if you think they got you covered the truth is they got themselves covered.

Now switching over to the insurance agency side, here’s something to know.  There are agencies that handle hundreds, thousands of accounts.  Their customer service personnel are nice but overwhelmed with work and can’t think straight.  They never look at your account unless you call.  Never make coverage recommendations.  Rarely shop your account.   They are so inundated by daily problems, phone calls, paper work, renewals, you’ll be lucky to hear from them once a year.

How long does it take to get needed certificates, hours, days?  Ever see your broker?  Ever go through a “What You Need in Coverage List?”  Can you get someone on the phone when needed or are people away from their desk, in meetings, out to lunch, on vacation?  Are you constantly leaving messages and playing phone tag?

More agencies than you think have “Customer Service Representatives” (CSR’s) that are very inexperienced.  They lack knowledge of construction insurance, your account and identifying potential loss exposures. Some have poor people skills and bad attitudes.  Truth is these people are “Dangerous to Your Wealth” and you are relying on them for the right advice.

Some of you deal with very large agencies that keep growing through acquisition.  Their interest is in volume and bottom line.   They are constantly reorganizing so you never know who is servicing your account.  It’s hard to form close working relationships.   Ask yourself how one person can be on top of your needs if they are servicing 150-200+ sizeable accounts?  They can’t, we know they can’t and you can end up with uncovered exposures which if there’s a claim can knock you out of business!

Now that we bashed are own industry we would like to tell you about where to turn.

1. How would you like to receive “First Class Service” at rock bottom pricing?
2. To deal with a 40 year insurance veteran who is an encyclopedia of knowledge?
3. A person who is one heck of a “Street Fighter?”
4. Like your account checked regularly and shopped to make sure you’re getting the right coverage at competitive rates?
5. How would you like to deal with a person who doesn’t charge ridiculous service fees (or any service fees) and is frugal when it comes to spending YOUR money?
6. Like to pick up the phone day or evening and speak to the same person without playing phone tag?
7. How would you like to feel confident and trust the person you’re dealing with?

We are old school.  When we grew up there were milkmen, doctors making house calls, butchers, bakers, you had personal relationships and they knew your name and cared about you.

Now you can get this back!  You can get that kind of service.  You no longer have to be one in three thousand accounts and have inexperienced, paper pushing, brain exhausted people caring for your insurance needs.

Want a whole different experience?  What no longer exists in our industry except though and handful of agencies?  Want out of a factory and have back the doctor that makes house calls and has YOUR best interests at heart always and forever?

Call or text Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or email info@bgesgroup.com and get it back TODAY!

P.S. By the way we have “51 Five Star Google Reviews” and all of them rave about our service.  Try us you’ll love us!

Coverages Offered:

1. Property
2. Inland Marine
3. General Liability
4. Umbrella Liability
5. Business Auto
6. Bonds
7. Workers Compensation – Not only do we have special programs for contractors but we can insure any industry for Workers Compensation.
8. N.Y.S. Disability
9. Group Health
10. Personal Insurance

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

Here Are Issues We Can Help You With:

1. Your Worker’s Compensation policy is being cancelled or non-renewed due to poor loss experience.
2. Your rates are exorbitant due to poor loss experience.
3. You deal with robot like people who can’t think out of the box.
4. You’re with a company who uses a composite rate for taxes and payroll service fees and you have no idea what you are really paying.
5. You have a high experience modification which is causing you trouble getting jobs and coverage.
6. You are with a Professional Employer Program (PEO) and can’t get needed reports, payrolls are not delivered on time, you have to wait 10 – 30+ minutes before you get someone on the phone.  You have no one representative to deal with.
7. Audits are such a hassle to do with company.  Feels like you are going through an interrogation.
8. You are in a state or assigned risk program yet you work in multiple states.  BUYER BEWARE!  You can be exposed to a large uncovered loss.
9. You have to wait hours, days for certificates of insurance.
10. Your insurance broker is never around when you need them.  They never answer their phone.  Are always away from their desk, in a meeting, out to lunch, takes days to hear back from them.
11. The Insurance agency you deal with has limited choices.  The customer service representatives are inexperienced and usually can’t think out of the box.

Here’s what we can offer you:

1. You will deal with one person who has 40 years experience.
2. This person is a great problem solver and can think out of the box.
3. This person is an encyclopedia of knowledge.
4. This person knows the ins and outs of the system.
5. They have connections and can get the job done for you.
6. They are street fighters yet know how to talk to people.
7. They will always be there when you have an issue.
8. You can trust this person because he always does what he says he’s going to do.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

Housekeeping Makes for a Safer Workplace

One of the best ways to avoid workplace injuries is through regular housekeeping and tidying up.

Though businesses are not required to have written housekeeping procedures, keeping a tidy and organized workplace makes the job of safety compliance easier.

Orderliness minimizes obstacles and potential safety and health threats such as spills and trip hazards. Here’s how to get started on a housekeeping program for your printing facility or warehouse.

Your written program should set standard procedures for daily, weekly, monthly and even annual clean-up procedures.

You should develop specific tasks and expectations for each different work area. For example, office housekeeping procedures would differ drastically from housekeeping concerns in the warehouse, and loading dock areas may have different needs than production or distribution.

Here’s what your policy should cover:

Cleaning and organization — Cleaning and organization must be performed throughout the day, not just at the end of the shift. Integrating housekeeping into jobs can help ensure this is done. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for the following:

• Clean-up during the shift
• Day-to-day clean-up
• Waste disposal
• Removal of unused materials
• Inspection to ensure clean-up is complete. This also allows you to identify deficiencies in the program so you can make changes.

Maintenance — You should schedule regular maintenance of buildings, equipment and machinery to ensure they are in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. It includes maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls.

It also means fixing broken fixtures, defective plumbing and broken walking surfaces, all of which can result in injury to your workers.

Dust and dirt removal — Regularly sweep, mop or vacuum all areas of your facilities. You may need a regular vacuum cleaner for offices and carpeting, industrial models for warehouses and production areas, and special-purpose vacuums for removing hazardous products.

Surfaces — Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of incidents, so cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids at once is important.

Allowing chips, shavings and dust to accumulate can also cause incidents. Trap them before they reach the floor or clean them up regularly to prevent accumulation.

Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring. Keeping floors in good order also means replacing any worn, ripped or damaged flooring that poses a tripping hazard.

Light fixtures — Dirty light fixtures reduce essential light levels. Clean light fixtures can improve lighting efficiency significantly.

Aisles and stairways — Keep aisles and stairways clear by removing any items that impede or prohibit movement.

Spill control —When spills do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately. Absorbent materials are useful for wiping up grease, oil or other liquid spills. Used absorbents must be disposed of properly and safely.

Tools and equipment —Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to provide an orderly arrangement. Returning tools promptly after use reduces the chance of them being misplaced or lost. Any stray tools not in use should be put in their proper place.

Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn ones out of service.

Waste disposal — Waste should be disposed of on a daily basis, and not be allowed to accumulate in work areas where it can pose a tripping or slipping hazard.

Place containers near to where waste is produced.

Storage — Inventory, parts, supplies and other inputs (like paper in a printing facility) need to be stored in a manner that does not cause a danger to employees. Stockpiles should not interfere with work.

Stored materials should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers or first aid stations. All storage areas should be clearly marked.

The last word

Housekeeping procedures demand input from all employees if they are to be specific to each area. Have the people who work in each area identify the main housekeeping issues for you.

Once you have received the input from employees, you can draft final copies of the housekeeping procedures and distribute for final approval or for actual use. You should hold a safety meeting with staff in each department, so workers know what their housekeeping duties are.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

Suppose an air conditioning contractor, while installing a system for a new industrial building, has an accident. Another contractor’s employee on the job site suffers injuries when the AC contractor’s scaffolding collapses and falls on top of him. The injured worker sues the AC contractor and the project owner. The project’s contract included a requirement that the contractor assume the owner’s liability for any accidents arising out of the contractor’s work. Consequently, the contractor’s general liability insurance company pays the injured worker for both the contractor and owner’s shares of the damages. The insurance company, however, has determined that the owner was twenty percent responsible for the accident. It files a claim with the owner demanding some of its money back.

The insurance company’s action is entirely legal. Many project owners and general contractors, wanting to avoid this situation, insist that their subcontractors agree to a waiver of subrogation.

Subrogation is a legal principle in which a person who has paid another’s expenses or debt assumes the other’s rights to recover from the person responsible for the expenses or debt. For example, if someone hits your car in a parking lot and causes significant damage, your insurance company will pay you for the damage (assuming you bought collision insurance,) then recover the amount of its payment (subrogate) from the other driver (or, more commonly, from the driver’s insurance company.) Subrogation holds ultimately responsible the person who should pay for the damage.

Owners and general contractors want to transfer their liability to subcontractors, to the extent that they can. Therefore, contracts often include a waiver of subrogation agreement. In such an agreement, the subcontractor promises not to pursue recovery from the other party. That agreement might bind the subcontractor’s insurance company, depending on the type of policy and its terms.

A standard commercial general liability policy forbids the policyholder from doing anything to impair the insurance company’s rights after the loss occurs. This implies that a waiver of subrogation agreed to before a loss binds the company. Also, the sub’s policy may protect the other party if it names him as an additional insured. Under common law, an insurance company may not subrogate against its own insured. To remove any doubt, the sub should ask the company to add an endorsement applying a waiver of subrogation to the person or organization named in it. Insurance companies vary on the amount of premium they charge for this; some make no charge at all.

The standard business auto insurance policy has language similar to the general liability policy. Unlike GL insurance, there is no standard waiver of subrogation endorsement for auto insurance. Some insurance companies may offer their own versions of such an endorsement. Again, premium charges will vary.

Workers’ compensation policies require an endorsement whenever a waiver of subrogation is desired. This endorsement may apply on a blanket basis to all parties with whom the insured has written contracts requiring waivers. Alternatively, it can apply only to the party listed on its schedule. The insurance company may charge up to two percent of the policy premium for blanket coverage or two to five percent of the project’s premium for individual coverage.

Commercial property and inland marine insurance policies vary as to whether they permit waivers of subrogation even before a loss.

In all cases, a contractor or building tenant who is required by contract to provide such a waiver should check the relevant insurance policies. Policy changes should be requested if it is unclear whether they permit pre-loss waivers. The firm should consult with an insurance agent on all insurance-related contractual matters to ensure that the proper coverage is in place.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

As Home Value Rises, So Does Coverage Complexity

The more your home is worth, the trickier it is to make sure that it and all of its contents are covered properly and that you are not paying too much premium.

If you have a high-value estate you will need specialized insurance to cover your property and assets, as well as your higher liability risks.

In some cases, you may need multiple policies to fully cover all facets of the home – structure and contents. 

The coverage

High-value home insurance has broader coverage and higher limits than normal homeowner’s insurance policies can offer. 

It is designed for homes that are worth millions of dollars and typically contain state-of-the-art media equipment and technology, costly appointments and furnishings, extensive collections of art and many other luxurious items of great value.

Coverage options

High-value home insurance companies will often work with you to tailor your policy to your needs. With this bespoke approach, you can add certain coverages that would not normally be available on a typical homeowner’s policy, such as:

Better dwelling coverage — These policies will reimburse you for home repairs that are above the listed amount on the policy. This is crucial if you have a home with hard to find or imported materials that are costly and not readily available. 

Some policies include an option to cash out if the home is destroyed. In those cases the insurer would make a payment, allowing the policyholder to rebuild somewhere else. 

Better contents coverage — Policies will have higher contents coverage limits than a standard homeowner’s coverage. Some polices have high jewelry coverage of up to $150,000 and special coverage for antiques, art and collectibles if they are broken or damaged. 

Replacement cost — Traditional homeowner’s policies will give you an option of choosing actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value takes into account depreciation of your furnishings. 

But high-value coverage will usually include replacement cost coverage, which  reimburses you for new items to replace the damaged ones.

Flood insurance — Traditional homeowner’s insurance policies do not provide coverage for flood damage. 

For the most part, homeowners have to buy this coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program. But a high-value homeowner’s policy can often include flood insurance, as well as coverage for sewer backups.

Living expenses coverage — Most policies provide generous coverage for living expenses. The limits are either a stated dollar amount or a two year limitation.  Coverage for vacation homes – Many insurers will allow you to include coverage for other structures, including pool houses and vacation homes. 

Some final tips

It is expensive to cover theft or loss in a high-value home, because the items in these properties are typically more costly. 

Being in a gated community and/or having a security system in place at your home can significantly reduce risks, and insurance companies will often discount your premium based on this. 

Also, if you make any upgrades to your home, you should update your policy by having a new insurance appraisal. 

You should also keep track of all your new purchases in terms of furnishings and technology.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

Small Firms Saddled with Majority of Tort Liability Costs

Despite accounting for 19% of revenues among firms in the United States, small businesses shoulder more than 53% of all commercial tort liability costs, according to a new report by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.

The story is worse for the business with less than $1 million in revenue. They account for only 7% of all revenues and yet bear 39% of the tort liability costs, according to the 2020 “Tort Liability Costs for Small Businesses” report.

While those numbers are staggering, you may be shocked to know that only 40% of those of small firms’ $182 billion in tort liabilities were covered by insurance.

In 2018, the study found that small businesses’ total tort liability in 2018 was $182 billion, of which only 40% was covered by insurance. That means that those small business paid an aggregate $109 billion out of pocket for those liabilities.

The lesson from the study: not carrying enough liability coverage in your policies can result in significant out-of-pocket costs that can cripple your small business if you are sued.

The big liabilities

A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm to a third party. Typically, businesses are sued by third parties who allege they were harmed by a business or an employee, manager or owner. Businesses are vicariously liable for torts committed by individuals acting on their behalf.

Actions can include lawsuits alleging:

• Negligence
• Intentional wrongdoing
• Liability for harm caused by a product or a company’s policies or employees.

The majority (81%) of the commercial tort payouts in 2020 related to operating and professional liability, while 13% was related to commercial auto liability. The rest was for medical malpractice.

How to protect your firm

Your business can protect itself against claims based on negligence, strict liability and some intentional torts by purchasing a general liability policy.

Besides purchasing a stand-alone policy, small firms can buy a business owner’s policy, which combines property and liability insurance into one policy.

General liability policies and BOPs cover:

• Claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by negligence on the part of your company or representatives. The injury or damage may occur on your premises or at a job site, or arise out of your products or completed work.
• Claims arising from your products or completed work, regardless of whether they are based on negligence or strict liability.
• Claims alleging personal and advertising injury.

Commercial auto policies are also an important part of the equation if you have driving employees. Commercial auto liability claims account for a 13% of all business tort liability, as mentioned above.

Also, you may want to consider umbrella or excess liability coverage that adds a second layer of protection to avoid paying out of pocket if you are saddled with a large claim that busts through your policy limits.

Be warned: General liability polices do not cover medical malpractice, workplace torts or financial losses that are the result of professional mistakes.

To cover workplace-related lawsuits (claims of discrimination, harassment or wage and hour infractions) you’ll need employment practices liability coverage. And for professional liability, you may need either errors and omissions liability insurance or professional liability coverage.

To ensure you don’t end up holding the bag, ensure you have proper liability coverage in the event your company is sued. Call us if you’d like to go through your current policies so we can evaluate your current risk exposure.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Retaliating Against Employees for Raising COVID-19 Concerns Can Cost You

The Department of Labor has sued a Texas dental practice on behalf of a dental hygienist and a dental assistant who were not reinstated after raising concerns about what COVID-19 safety measures would be in place when the practice reopened in spring 2020.

As more employers are bringing people back to the workplace, OSHA has received more than 5,500 whistleblower complaints from workers who say they were retaliated against for also raising concerns about COVID-19 safety precautions at their workplaces.

According to a New York attorney who handles retaliation complaints, when employees have raised concerns about workplace safety related to COVID-19, some employers have:

• Fired them
• Reduced their hours
• Denied them overtime
• Demoted them
• Made threats
• Transferred them to distant locations
• Assigned school teachers to classes full of students with histories of violence.

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who speak up about workplace safety conditions.

In March, OSHA launched an enforcement program targeting employers with large numbers of employees at risk from COVID-19, with priorities on those that have retaliated against workers who raised concerns. OSHA can and has sued employers for pack pay, benefits and compensatory damages for employees.

Employees who believe they have been wronged may have recourse besides complaining to OSHA. Some states permit them to sue their employers. An employment law expert explained, “Employees may be entitled to significant damages if they prove that an employer took adverse action against them because they raised a health and safety concern, and the remedies vary from state to state.”

Damages awarded by juries in these cases can be large. A jury gave $1.25 million in 2020 to a former railroad employee who was harassed and fired after reporting unsafe conditions. Six-figure damage awards are common.

Protect your company

Potential retaliation claims, whether or not they are valid, are one reason employers need employment practices liability insurance (EPLI.)

These policies cover damages an employer may owe to an employee for “wrongful acts,” including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wrongful discipline, failure to employ or promote, infliction of emotional distress, and other offenses. They also cover the cost of providing the employer with a legal defense.

EPLI policies will not cover you for the cost of penalties assessed by OSHA or state regulators. It also will not pay for punitive damages or the cost of defending against criminal charges.

Many insurance carriers sell these policies. We can help you find an affordable policy providing the protection your business needs.

Steps you can take

The law firm of Littler Mendelson, in a recent blog, recommended that employers ensure that managers and supervisors do not retaliate against employees complaining about COVID-19 safety measures. It recommends the following best practices:

• Never discipline or terminate employees because they raise workplace safety concerns.
• If you are planning to take disciplinary action against an employee who has raised health and safety concerns but is facing the action for unrelated reasons, you need to make sure that those reasons are properly documented and that your action comports with your company policy. You should be able to show that you leveled similar disciplinary actions against other employees who previously engaged in similar conduct.
• Document all health and safety concerns and take all complaints seriously.
• Train supervisors to respect their subordinates’ concerns and to refer and escalate concerns as per company procedures.
• Review and update your policies to explicitly prohibit retaliation. You should also train your management and supervisors on your policies, as well as informing your workers of their right to raise health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Set up a system for employees to file complaints about retaliation.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

 If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group