Improve Productivity by Improving Employee Morale

You’ve heard it before, the economy is still weak. Many businesses have had to cut back on employees just to stay afloat, making it important that fewer employees carry more weight than ever before. But this extra burden puts extra stress on employees. Finding ways to alleviate this stress and improve morale is essential for maintaining a motivated, productive workforce.

Improved morale comes from a variety of sources. Some employees may long for recognition for their good work, while others may yearn for a more lenient schedule. Here are five tips for making your employees feel appreciated, valued and supported:

1. Plan monthly department meetings in which employees can freely discuss successes, areas for improvement and long-term goals. To make this open forum more accessible to shy individuals, provide an anonymous suggestion box so anyone can contribute to the overall goals of the company, even if they don’t feel comfortable verbalizing thoughts. Employees are more likely to work toward goals when they can help create them.
2. Deliver positive feedback whenever recognition is necessary. Most people take comfort in their accomplishments being noticed and rewarded, even if that reward is simply a verbal “job well done.” This can be a big motivator to encourage accomplished employees to keep up the good work.
3. Offer flexibility in regards to hours, time off and the option to work from home. Many people are overscheduled and emergencies can happen at any time, making it hard to work around rigid hours of operation. If an employee needs to visit a doctor or wait at home for a handyman, allow them to make up the time or complete tasks from home rather than forcing him or her to take time off. Showing your employees you care about their personal lives nurtures their company loyalty.
4. Plan annual team-building events and celebrate holidays. Participating in a company-wide game day or a holiday gift exchange can be a fun way to help employees get to know each other on a more personal level. Employees who are more comfortable around each other generally work better together.
5. Offer perks to your employees, which can be almost anything that gives your employees a financial break. Offices can offer free snacks on Fridays, store discounts (if the company is a retailer), company matching for charitable donations and so on. Employees enjoy working for a company that gives back to them.

Learn more about what you can do to ensure you business’ success. Call Adock-Adock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa business insurance.

Insurance for Dog Bite Liability

Over 60 percent of American households own a pet, with dogs being a popular choice. Any dog owner will admit their devotion to their canine, but having a dog increases liability risks. Though most pooches are docile, any animal (humans included) can lash out if provoked. It’s important to understand the liability risks associated with dog ownership, along with what insurance will or will not cover.

About one-third of states mandate that dog owners are “strictly liable” for their dog’s behavior. The rest of the country is more lenient, with a “one free bite” principle mandating that dog owners are liable only if they know about their dog’s tendency to bite. In any state, you are considered liable in instances of unreasonable carelessness; however, you are not held liable if your dog injures an intruder.

Homeowners and renters insurance will often cover dog bite liability, up to policy limits. Most homeowners policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. Dog owners found liable are responsible for reimbursing the victim for medical costs, lost wages, property damage and any associated legal fees. Once your dog has bitten a guest, your insurance provider may charge you a higher premium or exclude your dog from coverage to offset the increased risk.

This may sound unimportant to owners of well-mannered dogs, but dog bites occur more frequently than you may think. Dog bites accounted for over a third of all homeowners liability claims in 2012, costing over $489 million. The average cost paid out per bite was $29,752.

Your dog is part of your family, a loving companion. You wouldn’t dream of rehoming your pal. However, if you notice aggression or unease around strangers, you may find it best to restrain your dog while guests are in your home to prevent unwanted incidents.

Wondering what your state laws are for dog bite liability? Call us at 813-933-6691 for more information on Florida homeowners liability insurance.

Citizens Property Insurance Clearing House FAQs

What is the Property Insurance Clearinghouse?

The Property Insurance Clearinghouse will help match all new personal lines applicants and renewing personal lines policyholders with  participating private - market insurers before placing or renewing coverage with Citizens.

When will Citizens implement the Property Insurance Clearinghouse?

Citizens will launch the Property Insurance Clearinghouse in January 2014.

Why is Citizens implementing the Property Insurance Clearinghouse?

As the Florida insurance market continues to rebound and options for private - market coverage expand, Citizens is working diligently to help Florida homeowners find coverage in the private market. A clearinghouse statute was enacted by the Florida Legislature during the 2013 legislative session with this goal in mind.

Why should consumers try to find coverage in the private market before purchasing a policy from Citizens?

Improvements in Florida’s insurance market are making it possible for some Citizens policyholders to find broader and possibly less expensive coverage in the private market. Citizens policyholders not only may have more restrictive coverage, but also may face higher Citizens policyholder assessments following a major hurricane. When a policy is written by Citizens even though there are private - market offers of coverage, it increases both Citizens’ potential claims exposure and the risk of assessments for all Floridians. (Source)

Learn more about the Clearinghouse and how Adcock can help.

Money Saving Strategies for Tampa Business Owners

Everyone knows that business insurance is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hard for many business owners to actually provide a targeted estimate of what kinds of specific coverage they need for any kind of complex operations. Insurance companies will often meet a businesses halfway in coming up with calculations that work, but a better and more detailed knowledge of what’s currently going on will help those who have to negotiate and sign onto new business insurance policies. 

Keeping Current On Operations

Businesses that have more than one location or more than one corporate vehicle may need to do more research in figuring out what’s in use when a policy is written. It may be that a previously used building is sitting empty or there are fewer drivers on the road than there used to be. Understanding these current needs will help write a policy that’s more effective and less bloated by extra premium costs.

Assess Operations for Likely Liabilities

Another way to get more proactive about writing business insurance is by taking a closer look at everything that happens on a daily basis and evaluating where there may be a coverage gap. For example, the business may not need more security insurance, if workers already operate in a controlled environment, but they may need more kinds of worker coverage for tougher or more dangerous jobs. Even seasonal or climate changes can make some jobs more difficult, with heat stress or seasonal storm risks creating business hazards. In addition, businesses have to look at the vast range of areas where lawsuits may be involved in order to get coverage that won’t leave them exposed if some legal challenge comes up.

Utilizing Government Regulations

Many business owners don’t like to think about OSHA rules or other regulations, but looking at these kinds of laws also provides relevant guidelines for writing business insurance. Of course, all business operations should be compliant. Along with compliance, though, business owners can look at the types of dangers that are covered in OSHA regulations in order to understand how a certain industry may need its own insurance coverage, not to use insurance as an alternative to safety, but again, to get more exact coverage that fits the needs of the business.

These strategies can help a business save money on insurance costs, while giving leaders a better idea of how business processes are working and whether they are as efficient as they should be.
For more information on determining hazards for Tampa business insurance purposes, call us at 813-933-6691.

How Does ObamaCare Influence Your Health Insurance?

Although the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010, the full effects of the legislation have yet to trickle down to ordinary health insurance policies. The main principles behind so-called 'Obama Care' are the reduction of healthcare costs and the efforts to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health insurance. The act has also been designed to widen the scope of Medicaid and ensure that the estimated 33 million Americans without insurance can purchase affordable policies. However, this legislation is complicated, so breaking it down into its main points is the best way to fully understand it.

What Are the Main Points Of 'ObamaCare'?

1. A Sliding Scale of Maximum Premiums - A family of four earning a combined annual income of $29,000 or less will be eligible for Medicaid. Families earning between 133% and 400% of the national poverty line will receive tax credits to assist in the purchase of private insurance. Insurance premiums will be subject to a cap of 6.3% for a household that has a combined income that falls between 150% and 200% of the official poverty line. Premiums will be capped at 9.5% of household incomes when those incomes are between 200% and 400% of the poverty line.
2. Financial Penalties for Those Who Don't Purchase Insurance - The act defines the affordability of insurance as a policy that does not exceed 8% of a person's income. Those who can afford to buy health insurance but refuse to do so will be ordered to pay a 'fine' of $695 or 2.5% - whichever is greater.
3. Discriminatory Practices Will Be Banned - Insurance companies will not be allowed to increase premiums or refuse coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions except in a few circumstances, such as coverage for the elderly or for smokers. However, restrictions are in place to limit discriminatory premium increases to a ratio of 3 to 1.
4. Creation of a More Competitive Market - From 2018, a 35% tax will be imposed on employee health insurance plans in excess of $10,200 for one year of individual coverage. It is hoped that this will force employees to shop around for the cheapest policies possible, thus forcing insurance companies to keep their prices low. Online healthcare exchanges will be state or federally-operated marketplaces for the purchase of health insurance policies. It is hoped that, over time, giving people the chance to compare policies on an equal basis will drive prices down.
5. Tighter Regulation for Insurance Companies - Insurance companies now have to spend between 80% and 85% of the income they receive from premium payments on medical care. This legislation is designed to limit spending on executive bonuses, administration and marketing. Companies that underspend on healthcare expenses will be forced to give their customers rebates. Both drug manufacturers and insurance companies will be faced with a substantial annual bill in order to finance this overhaul in America's healthcare system.

It is too early to tell whether or not these changes will result in lower premiums for the American people. 'Obama Care' will provide the insurance industry with 32 million new paying customers, but insurers will be forced to spend more money on care, provide cover for anyone who wants it and provide coverage without discrimination. Insurers may also be forced to provide preventive care in many situations. Increased and more transparent competition could drive prices downwards over time. However, experts and analysts currently have very different views on whether 'Obama Care' will lead to price reductions in the long-term.
This is a complicated issue, but if you feel you need to seek advice from a market expert, give us a call at 866-933-6691. We are here to explain your options and guide you through the relevant changes in the law. You can also get an online Tampa health insurance quote.

Does Home Insurance Cover Wind Damage?

It doesn't take a catastrophic event to cause serious damage to your property. High winds, even in the absence of a named storm, can cause damage to your home. The time to make sure you are covered in the event of wind damage is now, before it occurs. Here's what you need to know about this type of insurance.

What Is Wind Damage Insurance?

Wind damage insurance, also called windstorm coverage, provides protection in the event that your property is damaged by high winds. Such winds may develop in relation to a thunderstorm, hurricane or tornado. Sometimes, even a blizzard or hail can result in damage to your home. For example, if high winds knock a tree into your home or hail breaks your windows, wind damage insurance typically covers that. It usually won't, however, cover the removal of trees that fall in your yard without damaging your home or hail that damages your car.

Standard Home Insurance Policies

Whether or not you are covered for wind damage depends on the terms of your policy. In some states, standard policies do include wind damage coverage. Check your policy to determine whether yours does, or contact an insurance professional to discuss your needs and coverage. This review and discussion is important for the following reasons:

• Coverage can differ depending on the insurance company you choose.
• Your policy may include coverage exceptions that affect your protection in the event of wind damage.
• Deductibles on Tampa home insurance policies vary. A higher deductible means more out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.
• Wind damage coverage is often excluded from policies in areas that are the most vulnerable to hurricanes.
• You may need to purchase separate wind damage coverage if it is excluded from your policy.
• There are limits to coverage. 

Prevention of Wind Damage

While wind damage insurance is important in the event that the worst happens, prevention is just as critical. If you take steps to prevent wind damage, you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. On the other hand, if damage does occur, you may have to meet a deductible and possibly pay for the removal of debris that falls outside your home.
Here are some ways to prevent damage from destructive winds:

• Keep your roof and shingles in good repair.
• Ensure that outer buildings, lights and fences are well anchored.
• Keep your trees and shrubs healthy and appropriately trimmed. Remove deceased trees.
• Before a storm, park your car in a garage or shed or at least away from trees.
• Make sure your windows and siding are in good shape.
• Ensure that your outer doors are sturdy, have triple hinges and posses deadbolt locks.

Speak to an insurance professional to get more information about wind damage insurance. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at 813-933-6691 for a free quote.

A Total Headache: What to Do When a Car is Deemed a Full Loss

After the initial shock of being involved in a serious automobile accident has subsided, you must deal with your insurance provider regarding the repair of your vehicle.  No problem; that's what insurance is for, right? Another shock may be in store for you when the adjuster declares the vehicle a total loss, especially if the reimbursement payout offered to you is substantially less than what you feel entitled to receive.
The term "totaled" can mean different things, depending on a car's retail value.  A vehicle is considered a total loss if it will cost ¾ of its retail value to make the necessary repairs to restore it back to its condition before the accident. If the car is an older model, it may not take much damage at all for it to be totaled. A newer model must sustain severe damage—most likely from a front-end collision or rollover—in order to reach such a conclusion.
It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the payment offered is not enough to obtain a replacement that is suitable. You can take steps in order to make sure that your best interests are served.

• You should know the value of your vehicle, including any dealer-added options or aftermarket accessories. Any receipts for accessories will be helpful. Several online sites offer help in making this determination, including the industry standard, Kelly Blue Book. Be sure to take the vehicle's condition and mileage into account.

• Because vehicle ownership has additional costs, you need to add these to the replacement value calculation. Sales tax and motor vehicle registration and title fees are examples.

• You need to carefully review the paperwork regarding payout before agreeing to the amount. Does it meet the results of your personal research? If not, give your research and documentation to the adjuster for reconsideration.

• If you do not find the payout reimbursement satisfactory, it's time to involve your state insurance commission to see how totaled vehicle settlements are addressed. These agencies also have advocates who assist customers in reaching a satisfactory result. Your other option is to hire an independent appraiser and see how much money they say should be offered to you.

It may be possible for you to keep your totaled car. Your insurance agency could be convinced to deduct a salvage value from the payout, and you could use the remaining amount to repair your vehicle. This will require a salvage title, which will make your car illegal to be driven until it is repaired and passes inspection. If you need help in navigating the claims process for automobile accidents, consider calling us at 813-933-6691. Information is available to help in making the best financial decision. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance today for all of your Tampa auto insurance needs.