The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has affirmed that employers can mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees, subject to some limitations.

The EEOC’s updated guidance offers direction regarding employer-mandated vaccinations, accommodations for employees who cannot be vaccinated due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, and certain implications of pre-vaccination medical screening questions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Asking a patient pre-screening questions is a routine part of a vaccination. These questions may constitute a “medical examination” as defined by the ADA. An employer must be able to show that the inquiries are “job related and consistent with business necessity” and that an unvaccinated employee could pose a direct threat to the health of others in the workplace.

The guidance does makes clear that administration of a COVID-19 vaccination to an employee itself does not constitute a medical examination for the purposes of the ADA.

Urging employees to get the vaccine voluntarily or requiring them to submit proof that a non-contracted third party (physician, pharmacist or public health center) administered it may be a better alternative with fewer legal complications.

Reasonable accommodations

Some employees may be unable to get the vaccine for health or disability reasons. Other employees may have sincere religious objections to getting inoculated. In both cases, employers must make reasonable accommodations for the employees. The law permits them to exclude these employees from the workplace only if no reasonable accommodation is possible.

Employers and employees might not agree on what “reasonable accommodation” means. For this reason, employers should consult with human resources experts and carry employment practices liability insurance. Expert advice will help avoid these kinds of conflicts, and the insurance will pay for legal defense and settlement of resulting employee lawsuits.

Requiring employees to get vaccinated will also have implications for the employer’s obligations under state workers’ compensation laws. On the positive side, a vaccinated workforce should reduce the employer’s exposure to claims that an employee got the virus on the job.

On the negative side, some employees may experience adverse side effects. Since the vaccine would be a job requirement, the employee could make a claim for workers’ comp benefits due to the adverse reaction. In addition, the employer may have to pay the worker for the time spent getting vaccinated and for the cost of the injection.

What you can do

Employers can protect themselves by following these guidelines:

• Follow federal and local health guidelines for the vaccine.
• Vary the requirements depending on work conditions and locations, such as requiring vaccines for those who regularly interact with the public but making them optional for remote workers.
• Accommodate employees unable to get the vaccine or resistant to it, to the extent you reasonably can without endangering other employees or the public.
• Apply the requirements consistently to all employees.

No one wants to catch or spread this virus. Employers can help halt the spread by thoughtfully addressing the issue of vaccinating employees.

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’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.

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.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ 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 mechanisms. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

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

The construction industry has the highest percentage of electrical fatalities out of all industries.

While electricity is a crucial component in a construction project’s success, it poses a risk of harmful shock, horrific burns or fatal electrocution. These accidents can occur when workers come into contact with power lines, wiring, transformers or other electrical machinery.

Fortunately, there are steps that companies can take to minimize the dangers. The following are eight tips on how to improve electrical safety in the construction industry:

1. Provide personal protection — Electrical safety in the industry starts at a personal level. All the electrical work personnel or people working in an area with electrical materials should wear protective gear, such as insulated gloves and footwear. This provides basic safety when they get into contact with electrical equipment, whether accidentally or intentionally.
2. Training in handling electrical equipment — Electrical mishaps can occur when there is misuse or mishandling of electrical equipment. Workers should be trained on how they should handle and operate the equipment safely. Conduct regular training to ensure the workers don’t become lax when they use the same equipment.
3. Use proper testing equipment — Proper testing equipment should be part of the essential tools required on a construction site. Voltage detectors, receptacle testers and clamp meters are among the tools every worksite should have to enhance electrical safety and help prevent electrical accidents.
4. The right signage — Lack of awareness can lead to catastrophic electrical accidents. All electrical hazards should be marked to warn your workers of the dangers. The signs should have labels in language and illustrations that can be easily understood by a layman. This way, all the personnel working on the site can take precautions and avoid electrical accidents.
5. Proper risk assessment and planning — Conduct a risk assessment survey of the worksite before operations begin. This will help identify hazards that can compromise electrical safety and allow you to come up with solutions accordingly.
   The assessment will also help your team develop a plan on how to lay out electrical infrastructure with safety in mind. A plan will indicate where and how electrical equipment will be placed and how the wiring will be done.
6. Use circuit breakers and voltage regulators — Even with all the planning and precautions, emergencies can occur in case of a power surge, short-circuit or any other electrical issue. That’s why it’s essential to have circuit breakers and voltage regulators to cut off power during such situations.
   The ability to regulate or shut down power supply on time during a crisis can avert catastrophic damage and loss of life on a site.
7. Avoid wet conditions — Electrical equipment and infrastructures in the worksite should be shielded from coming into contact with water at all costs. This should be done during the planning process. When the equipment comes into contact with water, the power supply should be cut off immediately and later turned back on a professional electrician’s recommendation.
8. Organize and insulate all exposed cables — A construction area should never have messy or uncovered power cables. When unorganized, the cables can contact each other, resulting in short-circuiting and possibly fire. If left uncovered, workers may accidentally touch them, leading to shock or electrocution.
   Cover all cables in a construction site with appropriate insulating material and organize the cables to enhance electrical safety.

The takeaway

While overall safety is a significant concern in the construction industry, electrical safety can be contained if the right measures are implemented.

The above tips can help construction firms to boost electrical safety in their operations. However, all the parties on a construction site must be diligent for maximum electrical safety.

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’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.

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.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ 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 mechanisms. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

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

Even businesses that own fleets of autos sometimes use vehicles that do not belong to them. Often, a business asks an employee to run an errand or visit a customer or vendor using that employee’s car.

The organization may become legally liable for anything an employee acting on its behalf does while behind the wheel. Lawsuits and accompanying legal costs may confront the business if they have an accident. Many business automobile insurance policies cover this situation, but they do not do so automatically.

The standard Insurance Services Office Business Auto Policy uses numbered symbols to identify covered autos for each coverage the business has purchased. The policy provides liability coverage for non-owned autos only if symbols 1 or 9 are shown on the information page:

Symbol 1 – Means “Any auto.”

Symbol 9 – Means “Non-owned autos.”

The policy defines non-owned autos as autos the insured business does not own, lease, hire, rent or borrow and that are used in the business.

The term includes autos owned by:

• The business’s employees,
• Partners (if the business is a partnership),
• Members (if it is a limited liability company), or
• Members of their households.

Coverage applies only if the vehicle is used in the business or in the policyholder’s personal affairs.

To illustrate, assume that a printing company needs an emergency replacement part that broke on one of its presses. One of the workers drives his personal vehicle to a parts warehouse 30 miles away. On his way back with the part, he collides with another car.

If the repair shop’s auto insurance policy’s information page has either symbol 1 or 9 for liability coverage, it will cover this accident. It will pay for the shop’s legal defense costs and any resulting damages the shop is liable for, up to the amount of insurance purchased.

If the policy has another symbol, it will not cover an accident resulting from the use of the mechanic’s car.

Many types of businesses allow employees or partners to use their own vehicles for work purposes. Some examples:

• Restaurants that deliver.
• Businesses that do not provide company cars for salespersons.
• Architects, attorneys, engineers and other professionals who make site visits.
• Any organization that sends employees to offsite meetings, errands or professional conferences.
• Contractors who borrow trucks on job sites or who send employees to get tools.
• Any organization that sends employees to the bank or post office.

It is possible that the employee’s personal auto insurance policy may provide some coverage for you in case of an accident. But you should not assume that this is guaranteed.

Also, many individuals purchase the minimum amounts of insurance required by state law, so any coverage you share with the employee may be used up quickly and you would be liable for the rest.

It’s also possible that the employee’s personal insurer will subrogate with your insurer to recoup any claims payments if the accident happened in the course of their job.

The takeaway

Almost every company has a situation where it asks someone to use a personal vehicle for business. If you are concerned that you may not be covered if an employee has an accident in their own car while on the clock, make sure the proper coverage is in place. An uninsured loss can be financially devastating, but is easily avoidable.

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’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.

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.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ 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 mechanisms. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

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

Sample of Our Rates – Compare Them Too What You Now Pay – We Can Get Coverage for Most Contractors

* Rates subject to Experience Discounts, CPAP credit which further lower your cost.

About Our Main Program:

• Out of all the New York and New Jersey Workers Compensation companies rates are some of the lowest we’ve seen.            —

• Most contractors qualify for coverage.                                                                                                                                                                                      —

• For tougher class contractors like roofers, demolition, excavation, contractors working at heights, we have another low rate program.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  —
• Cover workers in multiple states.                                                                                                                                                                                        —

• Quote turnaround can be 24 hours or less.

Need More Work, Customers, Plan B to Generate Massive Cash Flow to Cover Business & Personal Expenses?  Click Here to Learn More.

• Monthly payment plan                                                                                                                                                                                                           —
• We can offer both payroll processing and workers compensation.  The difference between program represented is company owns their insurance company which translates into long-term coverage stability for YOU.                                                                                             —
• You can issue your own certificates on-line.                                                                                                                                                                       —
• Proper payroll classification.                                                                                                                                                                                                —
• Simplified Audits                                                                                                                                                                                                                    —
• Customer service – You can get someone on the phone in seconds.                                                                                                                               —
• There are no policy or service fees charged

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’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.

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.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ 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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

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

Even businesses that own fleets of autos sometimes use vehicles that do not belong to them. Often, a business asks an employee to run an errand or visit a customer or vendor using that employee’s car.

The organization may become legally liable for anything an employee acting on its behalf does while behind the wheel. Lawsuits and accompanying legal costs may confront the business if they have an accident. Many business automobile insurance policies cover this situation, but they do not do so automatically.

The standard Insurance Services Office Business Auto Policy uses numbered symbols to identify covered autos for each coverage the business has purchased. The policy provides liability coverage for non–owned autos only if symbols 1 or 9 are shown on the information page:

Symbol 1 – Means “Any auto.”

Symbol 9 – Means “Non–owned autos.”

The policy defines non–owned autos as autos the insured business does not own, lease, hire, rent or borrow and that are used in the business.

The term includes autos owned by:

• The business’s employees,
• Partners (if the business is a partnership),
• Members (if it is a limited liability company), or
• Members of their households.

Coverage applies only if the vehicle is used in the business or in the policyholder’s personal affairs.

To illustrate, assume that a printing company needs an emergency replacement part that broke on one of its presses. One of the workers drives his personal vehicle to a parts warehouse 30 miles away. On his way back with the part, he collides with another car.

If the repair shop’s auto insurance policy’s information page has either symbol 1 or 9 for liability coverage, it will cover this accident. It will pay for the shop’s legal defense costs and any resulting damages the shop is liable for, up to the amount of insurance purchased.

If the policy has another symbol, it will not cover an accident resulting from the use of the mechanic’s car.

Many types of businesses allow employees or partners to use their own vehicles for work purposes. Some examples:

• Restaurants that deliver.
• Businesses that do not provide company cars for salespersons.
• Architects, attorneys, engineers and other professionals who make site visits.
• Any organization that sends employees to offsite meetings, errands or professional conferences.
• Contractors who borrow trucks on job sites or who send employees to get tools.
• Any organization that sends employees to the bank or post office.

It is possible that the employee’s personal auto insurance policy may provide some coverage for you in case of an accident. But you should not assume that this is guaranteed.

Also, many individuals purchase the minimum amounts of insurance required by state law, so any coverage you share with the employee may be used up quickly and you would be liable for the rest.

It’s also possible that the employee’s personal insurer will subrogate with your insurer to recoup any claims payments if the accident happened in the course of their job.

The takeaway

Almost every company has a situation where it asks someone to use a personal vehicle for business. If you are concerned that you may not be covered if an employee has an accident in their own car while on the clock, make sure the proper coverage is in place. An uninsured loss can be financially devastating, but is easily avoidable.

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 50+ 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 – 2020 – BGES Group

The $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, passed by Congress and signed into law on Dec. 27, includes a number of provisions that affect employers and their workers in terms of paid sick leave and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act provisions.

The legislation also boosts unemployment benefits to out-of-work Americans, as well as reopening and expanding the Paycheck Protection Program that was introduced in March as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Paid sick leave and family medical leave

The new law has not extended the obligation for employers to provide paid emergency paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave beyond Dec. 31, 2020, instead making it voluntary after that date.

From Jan. 1, employers can continue receiving tax credits if they provide emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and emergency family medical leave (EFML) to employees for COVID-19-related purposes through March 31. Here are the caveats:

• Tax credits will be available for leave granted to employees who did not already exhaust 80 hours of EPSL and 12 weeks of EFML. For example, if a worker who was entitled to 80 hours of EPSL last year used 50 of those hours, they’d have 30 hours left to use between Jan. 1 and March 31 this year.
• Employers must protect the jobs of any employee that is granted EPSL and EFML.

Other provisions

The legislation extends some CARES Act unemployment programs:

Unemployment benefits ― The new law extends the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program supplement from December 26, 2020 to March 14. However, instead of receiving $600 a week under the original program, benefits will be $300 per week.

Gig worker unemployment benefits ― The law also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which covers independent contractors and gig workers who would usually not be eligible for unemployment insurance payments.

This program (originally created by the CARES Act) is also extended to March 14, and then a three-week phase-out period begins and will run until April 5. The law increases the number of weeks independent contractors are eligible for these benefits to 50 from the original 39.

Extra weeks for those whose benefits ran out ― The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to individuals who use up all of their state unemployment benefits, will be extended until March 14.

The law also increases the number of benefit weeks to 24, from 13 under the original version of the program. After March 14, this program will be phased out over three weeks until April 5.

More money ― Taxpayers with annual incomes below $75,000 will receive a $600 check, plus another $600 per dependent child. Payments are phased out for people with incomes in excess of $75,000.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) part II ― The law also sets aside $284 billion for forgivable loans to struggling businesses as part of a second PPP. Companies that receive funds will have to use the money on payroll and other specific expenses if they want the loan to be forgiven.

Depending on the loan, employers will have either eight or 24 weeks after receiving the loan to spend it on approved expenses.

But PPP part 2 does have some additional prerequisites that differ from the original. It lowers the employee threshold for businesses to 300 employees or fewer (down from 500). Additionally, the maximum loan is now $2 million, compared to $10 million under the original PPP.

Qualifying expenses are also different in this version, which means any business thinking about applying needs to read all the fine print.

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 50+ 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 – 2020 – BGES Group

Questions To Ask…Things To Know:

1. Is your liability policy preventing you from getting jobs? Lots of contractors are unaware of how bad their liability policy’s are.  There are brokers selling these policies and in our opinion they are doing an incredible disservice to the construction industry.  How many of you work with general contractors, owners?  Are they asking you to sign contracts?  Do you know if your policy covers what they require in their contract?  Let’s face it most insurance companies do not want to pay claims and their policies are designed to do just that.  Is your policy one of the real lousy ones?

2. Is your insurance agency “Construction Specialists” or “Generalists?” Do they insure tens, hundreds of contractors or just a few? Ever ask?  Working with a “Generalist” can be hazardous to your wealth.  The exclusions, restrictions and special forms included in policies are designed to “PROTECT THE INSURANCE COMPANY.”  For example, “Blanket Additional Insured” may not cover all parties you agreed by contract to insure.  You find out when there’s a claim.  “We” know how to protect YOU!

—

3. Are your liability policies through a “Surplus Lines” or “Main Street” carrier? “Main Street” is better however these type carriers won’t insure most New York contractors. The way you may be able to get insurance thru one of them is by using their “Preferred Agents.”  We happen to be “Preferred Agents” for several of them and can get the job done when others can’t.  For example, we reduced a Queen’s contractors insurance from $397,000 to $193,000.  That’s over a $200,000 savings!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              —
4. For New York contractors there are programs that only a few select agencies represent. These programs offer better pricing and coverage. If you are paying over $75,000 for your liability policies it’s important to have access to these programs.  Due to our size, reputation and experience we are appointed with just about all the programs and can give you access to them.

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5. Use subcontractors? Under your liability policy(s) what are the conditions for your subcontractor insurance? In compliance with them?  Most aren’t that is why it’s important your agent help you screen their policies.  Because construction is our specialty we have a whole department set up to screen client subcontractors.  Very important!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         —
6. You sign plenty of contracts. Does your agency help review contracts to make sure you’re in compliance with their insurance requirements? We have a department set up to help clients with contract review.  One missed coverage can cause a payment issue or uncovered claim.  Very important!

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7. Let’s take a break from discussing liability insurance. Let’s talk about Workers’ Compensation. Have employees who work out of state weeks at a time?  Are you insured through a state plan?  If so, there’s a good chance you WILL NOT have proper coverage for a claim occurring out of state that is filed in that state.

         Example: You are a contractor who takes a job in New Jersey. Job lasts 5 weeks.  You have coverage through your state’s plan.  Employee sustains a back injury. He hires an attorney and files claim under New Jersey workers compensation     laws.  Most likely your plan will deny claim or only pay according to your states benefit laws.  Can you afford $50,000, $100,000, $250,000+ out of pocket?  Do you want to deal with his attorney for years and the financial drain it will cause?

   Note: many contractors who work out of state are faced with this problem and do not even realize it.  We have a GREAT solution.

8. Worker’s Compensation Recovery – Would you like to get money back from your past seven (7) year carriers? Could be tens of thousands of dollars! We can review your policies and if we find mistakes, get you money back. We do not charge any up front fees for this service. We work on a contingency fee basis.  You just sign three documents and we do all the work!  This should be a no brainer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    —
9. Bonding – Is your insurance agency “Bonding Experts?” Have a “Bonding” Department? Do they represent the TOP bonding carriers?  Do they have relationships with bonding carriers dating back 50+ years?  If you need higher limits, better rates, less hassle, better service, it’s important you deal with OUR bonding department.                                                                                                      —
10. Business Auto Policy – Unhappy with your rates? Looking for ways to lower them? We represent all the TOP carriers for construction auto insurance needs.

Okay that’s it for now!  Hope we gave you some valuable information.  A new avenue you can pursue.  We are really good at what we do.  In 2021 it’s not a bad idea to be with an organization that specializes in construction.  By doing so you will be better protected and save money.

Now read about BGES Group and keep us in mind for ALL your insurance needs.

About Our Agency:

• We are construction insurance specialists.
• Been insuring contractors since 1981.
• Do $200 million in business.
• We have “Main Street” programs for New York City contractors (we cover NY, NJ, CT) that just a handful of agencies have.
• We have purchasing leverage and can get you excellent rates.
• On any given day we have a great pulse on the market place.  If there is a new program out there that you can benefit from we will find it.
• We have a program to screen all your subcontractor’s insurance policies so you don’t have to do it.
• We offer Property, General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Workers’ Compensation, N.Y.S. Disability, Group Health and Personal Lines (Homeowners, Personal Auto, Personal Umbrella, Boat, Jewelry, Fine Arts) insurance policies.

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’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 50+ 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

1.  Commercial General Liability Policy – Does your policy have lots of exclusions, restrictions and conditions? Very important – Is your broker a construction specialist or generalist (most are generalists who lack understanding of policy contract wording)? If they’re not specialists, you will be exposed to numerous uncovered financially crippling claims that can knock you out of business.  A clue would be if your policy prevents you from getting jobs?  Specialists like us won’t sell you crap but will get you coverage tailored to your needs and designed to cut out excess cost.  In addition we will help you put in proper risk transfer mechanisms (we have a department set up for this) and help you review customer contracts.  Does your broker review customer contract insurance requirements for you?  We do!

For N.Y. Contractors we offer “THE TOP” “Main Street” and “Surplus Line” programs.    If we can take you out of a “Surplus Lines” company and place you with one of our “Main Street” companies your rates will be lowered and coverage improved.

For New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors, we represent 10-20 programs.  Are you unhappy with your agency, pricing or coverage?  Let us address all three!

Please note due to our reputation, size and experience we are “Preferred Agents” for MANY companies.  This means we can get you into programs most other agents can’t.  Get a quote from us, it’s free!   Better coverage at up to a 50% savings is possible.  We reduced a Queen’s contractor liability pricing from $397,000 to $193,000.  That’s worth giving us a shot!   

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2. Commercial Umbrella Liability Policy – The insurance companies keep raising their prices. There are more exclusions and restrictions than ever!

We represent “THE BEST UMBRELLA MARKETS” for tri-state contractors.  We know what coverage needs to be included and what exclusions &/or restrictions to watch out for.

Looking for lower pricing and better coverage?  Let us HELP you get it.

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3. Worker’s Compensation Policy – Issues We Address:

1) Lowering Pricing – We have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%

2) Finding a new company

3) Replacing a policy that is being cancelled or non-renewed

4) Poor loss experience causing problems renewing your policy

5) Audit disputes

6) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time

7) Lowering high experience modifications factors

8) Misclassification of payrolls

9) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits

10) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months

11) Covering multiple states under one policy

12) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees

Please note for tri-state contractors we offer one of the best Workers Compensation Programs.  It offers coverage stability, proper protection if you work in multiple states (state and assigned risk plans may not which leave you exposed to financially crippling uncovered claims which most contractors are not aware of), competitive rates and first class service.  Audits are painless.

Looking for better coverage and pricing?  Let us HELP you get it.

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4. Workers’ Compensation Premium Recovery – If you pay $35,000 or more a year in premium, let us review your account and look for overcharges. WE GO BACK SEVEN (7) YEARS WITH THIS SERVICE SO IF THERE ARE OVERCHARGES YOU CAN GET TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BACK AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING! WE DO ALL THE WORK!  If we find any we will get you refunds from your past companies.  There’s NO upfront fee.  We work on a contingency basis. You sign three documents, we do the rest!  We have found thousands, tens of thousands of dollars for clients.  Be next!

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5. Bonding – We are one of New York’s leading bonding agencies. We have relationships with bonding companies and can get the job done for you when others can’t. We have over 40 years experience helping contractors with their bonding needs.  Try us we will make life much easier for you.

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6. Business Auto Insurance – We have 10 companies to obtain quotes from. Unhappy with what you now pay let us take a look and see what can be done!

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About Our Agency:

• We are construction insurance specialists.
• Been insuring contractors since 1981.
• Do $200 million in business.
• We have “Main Street” programs for New York City contractors (we cover NY, NJ, CT) that just a handful of agencies have.
• We have purchasing leverage and can get you excellent rates.
• On any given day we have a great pulse on the market place.  If there is a new program out there that you can benefit from we will find it.
• We have a program to screen all your subcontractor’s insurance policies so you don’t have to do it.
• We offer Property, General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Workers’ Compensation, N.Y.S. Disability, Group Health and Personal Lines (Homeowners, Personal Auto, Personal Umbrella, Boat, Jewelry, Fine Arts) insurance policies.

BGES Group 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 50+ 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 – 2020 – BGES Group

While most companies focus on driver training to help reduce the chances of accidents pushing up their insurance premiums, many executives have been frustrated to see their rates climb.

The top two factors affecting your commercial auto premiums are your history of claims and the driving records of your individual drivers. To get a handle on your insurance rates you should focus on hiring on mature, experienced, responsible drivers.

Once you have selected solid people, the next step is to enforce safety standards and provide them with adequate rest and the tools they need to drive safely.

New technologies and advances in underwriting are making it possible for employers to take a more proactive approach to risk management and claims reduction. The ultimate goal is to lower your premiums. Here are some steps you can take to keep your premiums down:

Monitor your drivers’ records – Consider using an automated service to monitor your drivers’ records. Drivers don’t always self-report their tickets, accidents and DUIs. Automated driver record monitoring systems can routinely check for new violations, DUI or DWI convictions, license suspensions, revocations, and approaching license renewal dates. You get a report each month, and you can take action, if warranted.

Add GPS tracking to your vehicles – Advances in GPS tracking and displays enable you not just to track your vehicles’ whereabouts and control malingering, but also monitor for speeding.

Turn the public into your eyes and ears – You’ve certainly seen those signs on the backs of commercial vehicles that say “How Am I Driving? Dial 555-555-5555.” They work. But if you do get complaints, it’s important to follow up on them, and in writing.

Pre-screen all new hires – Before hiring, pull an applicant’s DMV records. You want people with one point or less on their licenses. Incidents happen. But if a driver has two or more points, you don’t want them driving for you.

If you find a DUI, don’t hire them – You don’t want someone with a drunk-driving arrest on the road for you, and you don’t want to be paying their insurance premiums.

Raise your deductible – For best results, keep your deductible above $2,500 or so. This keeps the fender-benders off the books. The deductible is usually trivial compared to the potential claim if your driver causes bodily injury to someone else, anyway.

Use the savings on your premium and bank them for future use in case of fender-benders. Or you can funnel it into more liability or umbrella coverage.

Maintain an ongoing safe-driver program – Set up an incentive program to reward or give bonuses to drivers when they reach milestones like a certain number of miles of incident-free driving. You can also provide bonuses if their safe driving helps reduce your premiums.

Safe-driving clause – If your state allows, consider a safe-driving clause in the employment agreement.

Don’t overspend on vehicles – The more expensive the vehicle, the higher the premiums.

Consider whether you need collision coverage – If you have an aging fleet, or you can afford to replace one of your vehicles on occasion, consider cancelling collision coverage on your policy.

The takeaway

Employers that put in the effort to ensure they employ drivers with good records, and can show insurers they have put programs and measures in place to control their claims experience, have a better chance at taming their premiums.

Besides lower premiums, there are other benefits: Your business will pay out less in deductible charges, you have a safer workforce, and you spend less time and maintain productivity when you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of accidents and the insurance claims process.

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 50+ 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 – 2020 – 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 50+ 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 – 2020 – BGES Group