The Concklin Blog

Is a Short-Term Health Insurance Policy right for you?

Patient Visits Doctor for Medical Procedure
The phrase Short-Term Health Insurance is both accurate, as it this policy only provide coverage for a short time, and a bit confusing since it implies that it is a shorter version of Long-Term Health – which isn’t exactly accurate. Long-Term Health Insurance, often called Major Medical Insurance, is renewable and offers comprehensive coverage options designed for people to keep the same policy for many years. These plans are medically underwritten, which could require you to answer health questions to determine eligibility. Short-Term Health Insurance, also called Temporary Health Insurance, typically provide coverage for one year or less, and are not meant to be renewed. However, this is not the only difference between long-term and short-term plans.

Does Offering Curbside Pickup Impact Your Liquor Liability?

Traffic Sign on Curb designating Parking Space for Curbside Pickup
Serving alcohol, and thus Liquor Liability Insurance, has been a common feature for many restaurants, bars, and catering companies for decades, causing this coverage to often be a simple renewal year after year. However, many establishments are finding new ways of serving their customers, primarily through pickup and delivery options, making a review of liquor liability a necessity.

Do You Have the RIGHT Coverage? Professional Liability & Management Liability Aren't The Same

Business Owner considers as looks at computer screen
The Difference Between Professional Liability and Management Liability Insurance As a business owner you understand the importance of protecting your company, your employees, and yourself.  This often means going beyond a simple Business Owners Policy.  While Professional Liability and Management Liability may sound similar, they are unique coverages, and depending on your industry you may need one or both types of policies.

Keep your garage safe with these 5 tips!

Garage Doors on a home
With autumn settling in, now is a great time to evaluate the hazards in your garage.  According to U.S Fire Administration, each year there are 6,600 garage fires in homes. These fires tend to spread farther, go undetected longer, and lead to more injuries and property loss than fires originating in any other part of your home. Most garage fires occur in winter so now is the time to focus on prevention. 

Restaurant Operators: Be Proactive about loss control

Restaurant Kitchen with busy chefs preparing food
Restaurant Operators: Be Proactive about loss control before your next inspection: Risk manager inspections are typically ordered by Insurance Companies and often happen when a new policy is written or on a fixed schedule. Any concerns identified by a risk manager inspection should be addressed by the business promptly, as they could cause higher premium costs, or even risk coverage being revoked if not corrected. By proactively addressing any concerns that may arise during an inspection, policyholders can feel confident in their operations.

Understanding your commercial property rating and underwriting

Small Restaurant Store Front in Historic Commercial Downtown
Understanding the factors that impact your commercial property can seem overwhelming.  Here we have broken down the key characteristics underwriters review when determining insurance rates.

Protect what matters - Homeowners Insurance & Home Warranties.

Home Air Conditioning Unit Outside house
As we move through summer towards fall your air conditioner has likely been working on overdrive to beat the heat. Having it quit now can be devastating as sweltering summer nights make sleeping more difficult. Many people might be disappointed to learn that their homeowner’s insurance may not cover the repair cost.

Are you at risk of an ADA Website Lawsuit?

ADA web icons fro disabled, visually impaired, deaf, and mute persons
While ADA lawsuits previously focused on physical access barriers to businesses, in the past few years they have shifted to include cyberspace as well. Lawsuits alleging inaccessible websites and mobile apps accounted for at least a fifth of the total number of ADA Title III lawsuits filed in federal courts in 2019.  With the Supreme Court declining to review the Robles v. Domino’s case, small businesses in the United States continue to be without formal federal guidance on how to make their websites compliant.

Civil Unrest

Store front boarded up with protect graffiti
Protecting yourself, your employees, your customers and your business during civil unrest.  “I think that you will all agree that we are living in most interesting times. (Hear, hear.) I never remember myself a time in which our history was so full, in which day by day brought us new objects of interest, and, let me say also, new objects for anxiety. (Hear, hear.)” – Joseph Chamberlin; 1898  2020 has certainly brought us “interesting times” as we continue to navigate the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 crisis and now the civil unrest following in the wake of the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests. Business owners continue to face new anxieties over an uncertain future.  Civil unrest creates unique challenges for businesses.  Vandalism, stolen or damaged goods, and extensive property damage are just some of the concerns business owners face.  There must also be consideration for the safety of employees, customers and themselves.  With this in mind it is crucial to take steps to mitigate the potential damages and risks to your business during times of unrest.

Considerations to make your restaurant patrons feel safe

Lit up restaurant open sign
As a restaurant operator you know the importance of keeping your establishment clean.  You regularly disinfect surfaces and food-prep areas to avoid contamination and the spread of germs and have hand washing policies in place.  However, with the rise of the novel virus COVID-19 you may be wondering how you can make your patrons feel safe in your establishment. 

Water Damage: an increasing risk to high net-worth homes

White Tub in an expensive bathroom
When you think of the top causes of home damage what comes to mind? Fire, hurricanes, extreme weather? Chances are water damage isn’t very high on your list of concerns. However, water damage comes in with a staggeringly high frequency of reported claims, just after hail, making it the 2nd most reported cause of loss.  It also peaks the top 3 for severity of damage and is in 1st place for single largest payouts.

Ideas for small business during the corona virus crisis.

Parking spaces resereved for restaurant pick up orders sign
Social distancing is a great way to help slow the spread of the corona virus.  Unfortunately, it can have a great impact on local businesses also as people choose to self-quarantine rather than going out to shop, eat, and socialize. Here are some ways you can help entice customers to your small business:

What are Vehicle Telematics

Peson installs telematics device into car
Many auto insurance providers offer vehicle telematics that offer you feedback on your driving habits, and many offer discounts based on the data collected.  This is often achieved with a small device you keep in the vehicle, or even an app on your mobile phone.  Using this vehicle telematics, data is collected and reviewed regarding:

Insurance Resolutions

computer screen displayes 2020 Goals
Every year millions of people make resolutions at the beginning of the year of ways they are going to improve their lives. Commonly these revolve around diet, exercise, business and lifestyle. While we are big supporters of all positive change, adding a few Insurance Resolutions to the list is a smart choice. Here are 5 Insurance Resolutions to observe in 2020.

A Happy Holiday starts with Safety

Red candels with holiday decorations
The Holidays are a time when friends and family come together in celebration. Memories are made that last a lifetime. Help make sure those memories are joyful by following these simple safety tips:

Food Safety A Successful Dinner Party starts with safely prepared food

Dinner table set with dinner plates and glass wear
When family and friends get together food is almost always a must have. It nourishes our bodies, delights our pallets, and brings us together.  But food is not without its risks.  It's easy to get frazzled with all the planning that goes into hosting a dinner.  Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe and healthy at your next food-centric event.

What is Pay-as-you-go Workers’ Compensation?

Payment and Billing Options illustration
Each Insurance Carrier seems to give it a different name, but the core of pay-as-you-go Workers’ Compensation remains essentially the same. So, what is it exactly?

Independent Contractor or Employee - What's the difference?

Illustration of person weighing options for different types or workers
Mistaking an employee for an independent contractor could be a costly mistake – and it’s not exactly up to you to decide. Whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor will depend on the facts and circumstances of the situation, not the label used by the employer. Since employees are, in general, more expensive to hire due to employee benefits, and unemployment compensation contributions, there is preference for employers to misclassify employees as independent contractors.

How safety aware are you?

burnt out lighbulb on wood background
June is safety awareness month! Follow these tips to raise awareness of risks in your home, business and surrounding areas.

Disability Insurance Awareness

Inclusive imagery of disabled person as part of family - illustrated
Do you have a plan for the unexpected?It is estimated that nearly 4% of workers will experience short term disability lasting up to 2.5 months, and 2% of workers will experience a disability that will hamper their ability to work for 6 to 12 months every year. These may not seem like high numbers, but the reality is over 1,700,000 working age Americans have already experienced a disabling illness or injury in 20191. Plus, the average long-term disability lasts over 30 months and accounts for over half of personal bankruptcies and mortgage foreclosures 2. Yet it is a risk many people ignore.

Retention Pond Safety

Retention Pond
Retention ponds have become a common feature of suburban and urban areas.  They serve a critical purpose in water filtration and preventing flash floods during heavy down pours.  Plus, they can be a charming part of the neighborhood with plants, fountains and wildlife.  People often think of them as ponds rather than structures, and while it’s important to be cautious around both – retention ponds have unique risks you may not be aware of.