Are You Sure Your Know These Things?

These Truths Apply To Personal And Business Insurance

One of the most important things to consider when considering your personal or business insurance is, “What is the purpose, or goal, of having insurance in the first place?” If you want insurance to cover every broken window, theft of a lawn mower, or $500 medical bill, then you will pay more for the coverage. But we believe that insurance is designed to protect your business, home and family from the catastrophic events like, fire, serious injury or loss of a vehicle. In other words, losses that will affect your long term–not ruin your day.

Insurance Truth About Auto Deductibles

If you own an older car, it is better for you to increase your deductibles and pocket the premium savings.

Personal Umbrella Truth

If you own your home, have a 401K, and are building financial resources for your future, a $250 investment in a personal umbrella will be one of the best investments you will make.

Business Insurance Truth

Your business is more likely to suffer a loss from being sued by an employee or having a cyber-breach than by a fire. Every business needs employment liability and cyber liability insurance.

Insurance Truth

Your personal and business insurance needs change over time. For example, you may have purchased your wife an expensive diamond ring, or your child headed off to college. Your business may have added new equipment or an additional location. All these actions can increase your risk and liability. That is why it is important to have a regular insurance review. Your insurance should change with your needs.

Flood & Earthquake Insurance Truth

Floods and Earthquakes are not covered or included in homeowners policies. You must buy separate coverage.

For most people, keeping home and auto insurance policies are pivotal to making sure your everyday assets are covered. Bundling your home and auto policies through North Bay Insurance Brokers is an easy way to make sure both are taken care of simultaneously — with other upsides to you.

Benefits of Combining Home and Auto Insurance

Packaging home and auto insurance policies lead to premium discounts in the 10 to 20 percent range. In certain cases, you can even combine auto insurance with other policies like boat, renters, condo and life insurance. Ask us for a free quote today so you can protect and save.

 

 

 

 

Are You Ready?

According to the Federal Government, almost 90 percent of the wildfires in the United States are caused by humans.  Wildfire can occur is the country and major cities. Wild fires can start in a vacant lot and spread to neighborhood very quickly.

Wildfires And Homeowner’s Insurance

Unlike earthquakes and floods, wildfire damage should not require a completely separate policy, and probably does not even require a high risk policy. It is a good idea, however, to know what your homeowner’s policy does cover.  In many cases wildfires are covered, but it is always good to call your agent for a homeowner’s insurance review.

If your homeowner’s policy covers wildfires it would normally protect the building and contents from a covered loss. In addition, you will need additional living expenses if you must leave your home during re-construction.

Wildfire Prevention

Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and create a plan for your family. Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated.

• Use fire resistant materials for roof and home construction.
• Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from your home.
• Create a 100-foot safety zone around your home.
• Prune trees within 15 feet of any chimney outlet.

• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from your yard when burning.
• Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Keep roofs and gutters clean and free from debris.
• Have a ladder that reaches your roof.
• Have an extra-long hose.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Back as many vehicles as possible into the garage, then close the door. In the event that you evacuate, remember to close the garage door behind you as you leave. If you do not have a garage or if yours is full, park your vehicles heading in the direction of the evacuation route.

For most people, keeping home and auto insurance policies are pivotal to making sure your everyday assets are covered. Bundling your home and auto policies through North Bay Insurance Brokers is an easy way to make sure both are taken care of simultaneously — with other upsides to you.

Benefits of Combining Home and Auto Insurance

Packaging home and auto insurance policies lead to premium discounts in the 10 to 20 percent range. In certain cases, you can even combine auto insurance with other policies like boat, renters, condo and life insurance. Ask us for a free quote today so you can protect and save.

 

Is Your Workplace Safe After COVID-10?

As many people are getting back to work, many employers wonder how they can have their employees return safely. Employers are confronted with the complexities of returning employees to work in a manner that is safe and ensures operational continuity.

Now is the time administrators should be building policies and procedures so that when employees and the public return, you will have a plan in place.

• Conduct a Hazard Assessment for new protocols/equipment put in place consistent with OSHA rules.
• As with all policies and procedures, employers should ensure that any return-to-work protocols are implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
• Develop communication systems for returning workers, ensuring that they are aware of the safety measures in place and how to comply with them.
• Make sure that proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and general cleaning materials such as soap and hand sanitizer are available.
• OSHA recommends providing tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and disposable towels for workers to clean their work surfaces.
• Consider appointing a chief COVID officer responsible for ensuring that all public safety and health guidelines are implemented and that employees follow them.
• Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
• Stager breaks and recreation times.
• Close off common spaces where employees or others are likely to congregate.
• Consider what screening procedures are needed for visitors to the school.

OSHA requires employers to provide employees with a safe place to work. Employers may be responsible for workplace safety violations related to the coronavirus outbreak under OSHA’s “general duty” clause, which requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

North Bay Insurance Brokers provides insurance to businesses in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, American Canyon, and surrounding areas.

No matter what business you’re in, each workday is dedicated to doing your job well and providing your customers with the best service possible. North Bay Insurance Brokers would like to return the favor by giving you the coverage you need to ensure the security of your business.

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we’re committed to keeping your business protected – so you can focus on your day-to-day operations. And with the right insurance plan, your business will be covered from top to bottom.

Don’t Trip Into Spring

Spring Brings the Need for Safety

Now that the weather is changing, many of us are heading outside to have some fun or start the home improvement projects that we have been planning for all winter.  However, before the outdoor fun begins, please remember to do it safely.  Every year, more than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for lawn-mower injuries.

Stay Safe While Having Fun

As you plan your spring activities, remember these safety tips:

• If you are going on a bike ride, be sure to wear a helmet. Verify that the helmet sits level on top of the head–not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
• When using a barbecue grill, always be sure to leave sufficient space between the grill and your home’s siding and eaves.
• Keep children and pets far away from the grill.
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.
• If you own a pool, install a pool alarm to detect accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Always have an adult in the area when children are using the pool.  Limit use of alcohol when enjoying your pool.
• It is a good idea to do a safety inspection on all play structures, including tree houses. Inspect play structures for sharp screws, bolts, or nails.  Make sure the swing set is on a level area and the legs are properly anchored.
• Do not leave tools or sharp objects in the back yard.

Stay Safe While Completing Work Projects

• Spring is a good time to complete an inspection of all motorized equipment to make sure they are in good working order.
• Always wear protective eye gear, shoes, and long pants when using gardening power tools to protect your eyes, legs, and feet from flying rocks and debris.
• Never start your projects when you are tired. Fatigue can cause severe injuries with accidental slippage while using a dangerous power tool.
• If you are digging around your yard, verify that there are no electrical or gas lines in the area.
• Remember that your body may not be used to heat, so if it is hot be careful not to get dehydrated or even heat stroke. Hydrate yourself on a regular basis.

 

 

Our agency is committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates.  Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible.

Home & Auto Insurance in Sonoma CA, Napa CA and Surrounding Areas

Combined Home & Auto Insurance

For most people, keeping home and auto insurance policies are pivotal to making sure your everyday assets are covered. Bundling your home and auto policies through North Bay Insurance Brokers is an easy way to make sure both are taken care of simultaneously — with other upsides to you.

Benefits of Combining Home and Auto Insurance

Packaging home and auto insurance policies lead to premium discounts in the 10 to 20 percent range. In certain cases, you can even combine auto insurance with other policies like boat, renters, condo and life insurance. Ask us for a free quote today so you can protect and save.

 

Downsizing To A Tiny Home? Think About Insurance Implications

Tiny Home Insurance Questions

Tiny homes are becoming a trend all over the country.  They can be much less expensive than traditional homes, and they also allow people to live a pared down lifestyle.  If you own a tiny home, or are thinking about buying a tiny home, we have the right kind of insurance for you.

Your tiny home needs the right kind of insurance coverage, including coverage for the structure, improvements, and contents.  Tiny home insurance policies mimic traditional homeowner’s insurance, yet are unique.  Policies are available for certified and do-it-yourself built tiny homes.  Some carriers require an on-site inspection and an inspection of the electrical system by a certified electrician. We recommend your tiny home be certified to help us get the best insurance coverage available.

Coverage can include:

• Coverage for transportation
• The structure
• Theft
• Personal effects
• Personal liability
• Outside improvements

If someone who is certified by the National Organization of Alternative Housing (NOAH) built your tiny house, and you seldom move your home, your insurance options may include a manufactured homeowner’s insurance policy.

You should also be aware that the moment you hitch up your tiny home on wheels to tow it, your homeowner’s insurance policy may no longer provide coverage, unless you have added the proper coverage.

For most people, keeping home and auto insurance policies are pivotal to making sure your everyday assets are covered. Bundling your home and auto policies through North Bay Insurance Brokers is an easy way to make sure both are taken care of simultaneously — with other upsides to you.

Benefits of Combining Home and Auto Insurance

Packaging home and auto insurance policies lead to premium discounts in the 10 to 20 percent range. In certain cases, you can even combine auto insurance with other policies like boat, renters, condo and life insurance. Ask us for a free quote today so you can protect and save.

 

Tips for Working at Home

Does COVID-19 Have You Working From Home?

Due to the stay at home mandate, there are many people who are working remotely these days.  It appears this mandate will last at least another month.  Many people have thought that working remotely would be great, but working remotely is a double-edge sword.  Sure, you get to stay home, but studies show that it can be harder to focus on work.

Benefits of Working Remotely:

• Remote employees tend to be more productive
• Remote workers cost employers less
• Remote employees tend to be happier and more satisfied
• Remote workers have a better work/life balance

Remote Workers Need to Be Aware of These Challenges:

• Lack of a work routine
• Tendency to over-work
• Lack of human interaction
• Prioritizing a work project
• Interruptions from family, pets, phone calls, and the doorbell

How to Make Working Remotely Work for You

• Confine your workspace to a specific area in your home.
• Set up your workspace like your office.
• Set a schedule and create a routine.
• When in doubt, go with over-communication; update your boss frequently on everything you are doing, and whether your schedule and deliverables are changing in any way.
• After work, stay off electronic devices for some time to transition to “home time.”
• Take regular breaks.
• Get dressed every day. Taking the time to get dressed and perform your usual self-care routine can prove a big psychological booster.

 

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

 

COVID-19 And Your North Bay Business

Most of us are doing our best to comply with the COVID-19 stay at home order.  However, there are also many of us who still must go to our place of work.  Here are some things you can do to help maintain safety and financial health for your business, employees, and clients in the workplace during this time of uncertainty.

We recommend you check with your City, County, State, OSHA, Department of Health, and other agencies for provided employer guidelines, as during this COVID-19 event, policies can change daily.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Tips

• Keep the lights on.
• Do not leave any valuables clearly visible or accessible.
• Mandate all employees wash hands frequently and provide antibacterial supplies.
• Develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan.
• Restaurants that offer takeout services should remove all tables and chairs.
• Provide gloves for staff to use when cleaning, and frequently clean rooms and any areas to which people have access.
• Limit food sharing.
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly.
• Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible.  When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces.
• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings.
• Add COVID-19 information and updates on your webpage and social media sites.
• Limit non-essential work travel.
• Consider regular health checks including temperature and respiratory symptom screening, of staff and visitors entering buildings (if feasible).
• Require workers who are ill to stay home.
• Consider posting “NO TRESPASSING” signage.
• Create a communications plan.  Review your employee and client needs.  Who are the key stakeholders with need for information from your organization?  What information do they need, who needs it first, and for what purpose?
• Disable access to your public WiFi network.
• Deactivate any nonessential reoccurring deliveries or services that bring extra people into your workplace.
• Make regular site visits to monitor your shop/business and manage inventory and storage conditions.  Consider randomizing the times this is done to avoid establishing a detectable pattern.

• Implement social distancing measures with your clients.

• Increase physical space between workers at the worksite.
• Stagger work schedules.
• Decrease social contacts in the workplace and limit in-person meetings.

 

Be Aware of COVID-19 Scams

The FCC offers the following tips to help you protect yourself from scams, including coronavirus scams:

• Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
• Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
• Be cautious if you are being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.
• Scammers often spoof phone numbersto trick you into answering or responding.  Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
• Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren’t hacked.
• Always verify the authenticity of a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating. (Learn more about charity scams.)

Every industry has specific needs when it comes to insurance. Industry-specific risks make it impossible for insurance companies to lump together one insurance plan for every business. At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we understand that being unique is what makes your business successful across the board. That’s why we provide industry-specific insurance options for businesses of all types.

 

Let’s Get Prepared For Wildfires

Wildfires have caused the loss of life and caused millions of dollars of damage In the North Bay. It is important to understand the facts about wildfires and personal insurance. Let’s look at the facts regarding wildfires.

• Wildfires can occur anytime, not just during the summer months. Wildfires can occur when high winds spread quickly
• Wildfires spread quickly. Even if you live in an area not traditionally exposed to wildfire you may be at risk.
• Wildfires occur in all areas. Wildfires can be caused by campfires and other accidents.
• There are many things you can do to protect your property. You can keep your property free of debris and create a buffer zone around your home.

Don’t wait until the last minute to think about homeowner’s insurance and don’t be shy about asking for estimates on more than one house. Ask if the house will qualify, and get an estimate of the premium.

Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and create a plan for your family. Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you become separated.

• Use fire resistant materials for roof and home construction.
• Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from your home.
• Create a 100-foot safety zone around your home.
• Prune trees within 15 feet of any chimney outlet.

• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from your yard when burning.
• Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
• Keep roofs and gutters clean and free from debris.
• Have a ladder that reaches your roof.
• Have an extra-long hose.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Back as many vehicles as possible into the garage, then close the door. In the event that you evacuate, remember to close the garage door behind you as you leave. If you do not have a garage or if yours is full, park your vehicles heading in the direction of the evacuation route.

Choosing the right coverage for your home may depend on a number of factors. You generally need enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your personal possessions. The homeowner’s policy also provides liability insurance to defend you in the event of a lawsuit.

At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we know how hard you’ve worked to turn your house into a home. Since your home is one of the most important financial investments of your lifetime, you’ll need proper coverage in order to keep your investment protected and provide your family with the guarantee that they’ll always be safe and sound.

Give us a call so we can provide you with options.

 

Is It Renewal Time Already?

The world is changing, and we understand the issues your business faces every day. There is constant competition for your customers, there are challenges in attracting and retaining top employees, and your cost of goods keeps going up. Part of your planning should include an annual commercial insurance review. Your business changes, and so do your exposures. Here are some of the major kinds of coverage found in most commercial insurance programs.

Commercial Insurance for Businesses

Liability Insurance– Covers your business against claims of negligence that resulted in loss or injury to a customer or visitor to your business.

Worker’s Compensation– Protects your business when an employee becomes injured on the job. It is required by law.

Commercial Auto– Covers against loss for your business vehicles and any liability your business incurs as a result of an accident.

Property– Insures against loss for your buildings and equipment.

Employment Liability– Covers your business and managers from claims of harassment, discrimination and other civil rights as afforded under state and federal laws.

Cyber Liability– Protects your liability interests when data or sensitive client information is stolen or accidentally lost by your business.

Professional Liability-Protects your business when a third party accuses your business of being negligent or making a mistake in providing professional services.

An Independent Agent Who Understands Commercial Insurance

When you purchase business insurance through an independent agent you are working with a licensed professional who specializes in the products and services you need. We have access to many insurance companies and know which ones are designed just for your business. Independent agents are local business owners who employee your neighbors to serve your needs.

Every industry has specific needs when it comes to insurance. Industry-specific risks make it impossible for insurance companies to lump together one insurance plan for every business. At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we understand that being unique is what makes your business successful across the board. That’s why we provide industry-specific insurance options for businesses of all types.

Who’s Really In Charge Here?

Today more than ever, businesses are evaluating the need for full-time versus part-time employees.  Many firms are also considering using third-party firms for certain functions.  Before you make any decisions about contracting out job functions, read this.

Your employee will receive benefits such as health insurance and workers’ compensation. 

Advantages of Hiring an Employee

• Employees can sometimes take on multiple roles within the firm.
• Workflow and managing projects can be more effective with an employee.
• Employees will have a strong loyalty to the business, which can result in increased productivity.
• It is easier to manage employees, as the business has more control.  Independent contractors will have other clients to report to and manage.
• With employees, your costs can be fixed to some degree. Independent contractor rates will vary depending on market demands.

Advantage of Using an Independent Contractor

• No health benefits need to be paid to a contractor. Health costs can add over $5,000 annually to the per-employee cost.
• Your cost tends to be focused on specific tasks or projects.
• There is an ability to have work done on demand.  Many small businesses may have seasonal needs or business workflow that is better suited to an independent contractor rather than another full-time employee.
• Reduced overhead. With a contracted employee, businesses don’t have the added costs of phones, workers’ compensation, computers, training, benefits, and payroll.
• You will have less management responsibility with an independent contractor.
• Depending on the functions, independent contractors may have more skills and training, giving you the same advantages as larger firms.

As you consider this topic remember that there are tax and legal issues you should consider. We recommend you consult with professionals for specific information.

• If you hire an independent contractor just to get around benefits and legal issues, and the contractor works exclusively for your firm, they may not be considered truly independent.
• Under workers’ compensation laws, if you control the person and work to a large degree, you may not be able to avoid responsibility. Check with your insurance agent.
• Depending on the function, you may want the independent contractor to have professional liability insurance.
• We recommend you have a written agreement with the independent contractor, which should outline all legal issues.

The IRS uses 20 factors to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. However, it is their interpretation—although it could be challenged.  Not all factors apply in each case or carry the same weight. http://www.uncsa.edu/formsprocedures/IRS.htm

Every industry has specific needs when it comes to insurance. Industry-specific risks make it impossible for insurance companies to lump together one insurance plan for every business. At North Bay Insurance Brokers, we understand that being unique is what makes your business successful across the board. That’s why we provide industry-specific insurance options for businesses of all types.