Blog
Mixed-Use Residential Projects: Risk Management and Insurance Considerations
James Schabarum, CPCU, CRIS, AFSB
November 1, 2019Contractors performing mixed-use residential projects should first evaluate the “Operational” and “Completed Operations” factors and exposures from a risk management and insurance perspective. A few of these key considerations are: Operational Client Selection – owner’s sophistication of development staff, litigation history, background of the construction manager, plan details, and related relationships Site Entitlements – surrounding […]
Why Did My Home Insurance Premium Increase So Much?
Carolyn Konecki, CPRM, CISR
October 9, 2019The California home insurance market changed dramatically at the beginning of 2019 and continues to evolve into a very hard market. Thirty thousand homes burned to the ground during the wildfires of 2017 and 2018. The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive ever recorded in California, with a total of 8,527 fires […]
Top 10 Construction Defects in 2018
Scott Bedingfield, Principal/Risk Advisor
September 11, 2019Defective construction happens and when it does, the costs are huge. The more you know about the root causes of construction defects before they happen, the more you can prevent the cause. Quality Built is one of the nation’s leading third-party QA (Quality Assurance) inspection companies. Based on data collected from thousands of projects, Quality Built […]
The Top Three Reasons to Consider EPLI Coverage
Natalie Sherod, CIC, CPCU, Risk Advisor
July 30, 2019Employment practices claims continue to be a concern for employers of all sizes. With the number of claims increasing, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) should be discussed at every renewal and should be included as part of your insurance program. Here are the top three reasons to consider EPLI coverage: The number and cost of […]
The Convenience of Telemedicine
Matt Noonan, CIC, RHU, CHRS, CCWS
July 1, 2019What is Telemedicine? As technology evolves, doctors are finding more ways to efficiently and conveniently care for their patients. One such method is through the use of telemedicine—a form of technology-based communication that allows a doctor and patient to communicate without being in the same physical space. Although telemedicine is not a complete replacement for […]
Why a Waiver of Consequential Damages is a Must
Kelly Potter, CIC, PWCA
June 5, 2019Many contracts I review include an express obligation for a design firm to be responsible for consequential damages. Consequential damages are often defined as “indirect damages” and can include things completely out of proportion to an architect or engineer’s fee. This can be very problematic as these damages may include loss of use or loss […]
Succession Planning: The Potential Impact on Your Surety Program
Jase Hamilton, CPCU, AFSB
May 30, 2019All contractors start their business with a common vision: To create a successful construction company. However, once this goal is realized, many owners fail to properly and strategically create a succession plan that not only guarantees their own continued prosperity, but also the prosperity of their company. This is because most business owners lack the […]
Does the New California Security Act Apply to Your Business?
Matt Slakoff, CIC, CRIS
May 13, 2019Businesses face many risks. Changes in laws and increases in liability need to be understood to ensure compliance. There is a new strict law, effective January 1, 2020, that may apply to your company if it meets the following criteria: Gross revenue above $25 million Annually purchases (alone or in combination) personal information of at […]
7 Habits of Highly Successful Insureds
Paul Broussard, cyRM
March 26, 2019The emphasis in commercial insurance is typically what an insurance broker can do for your insurance and risk management needs. However, if business owners were more informed insureds, they’d have better success with their insurance program. With that being said, a Highly Successful Insured will… 1. Select, Then Trust Their Broker From a new business […]
Food Delivery Apps Pose New Risks for the Restaurant Industry
Matt Evans, CISR, CLCS, CRIS
February 5, 2019The food service industry is changing with the emergence of third-party food delivery apps in recent years. More and more people are opting to stay in and order food from a delivery app rather than driving to the restaurant. Restaurants are partnering with companies like Postmates, UberEats and Door Dash in hopes of capturing the […]
Water Damage: Are You Covered?
Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC, CRM
December 7, 2018Water damage is one of the most misunderstood coverages when it comes to commercial insurance policies. Most think that water is a covered peril if their policy contains “full coverage.” Be wary of this term. “Full coverage” does not exist under any policy; it’s a term that is too often used by marketing departments of […]
Educating and Protecting Your Children From Cyber Risks
Carolyn Konecki, CPRM, Private Client Manager
November 5, 2018Families rely on technology to simplify their lives and keep them connected. The use of multiple devices and smart home systems means more and more individuals have access to their personal data. Cyber crime and the breach of this confidential information poses the greatest risk to your family’s financial data and assets. While corporate attacks […]
Three Steps to Making Cybersecurity a Company-Wide Priority
Kelly Potter, CIC, PWCA
September 29, 2018Leadership Buy-in: The management team at your company must recognize the importance of cybersecurity. Risk assessments and standard operating procedures need to be implemented and discussed at regular leadership meetings. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it needs to be a “boardroom” issue. Create a Culture of Cybersecurity: Promote awareness and make cybersecurity […]
Group Captives for Employee Benefits
Matt Noonan, CIC, RHU, CHRS, CCWS
September 1, 2018Group Captives for Employee Benefits A group captive is a strategy that can reduce risk and volatility essentially making self-insurance more feasible. As health care costs continue to rise, employers are looking for alternative risk financing solutions that can give them more control. Group captives could make the difference. What’s driving the costs in health […]
Workers Compensation: New Independent Contractor Test May Impact Your Business
July 6, 2018On April 30, 2018, the California Supreme Court issued a decision that clearly makes it harder now to label workers as “independent contractors” under Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) wage orders. The result: Workers Compensation audits in California will be more scrutinized in the future against employers attempting to classify workers as independent contractors vs. employees. […]
Coverages to Consider When Starting Your Architectural or Engineering Firm
Stephen Watson, MBA, CISR, Account Executive
May 3, 2018Venturing out on your own and starting a new firm can feel overwhelming considering all that needs to be accomplished before accepting your first client. From writing a business plan to determining a budget, selecting an office location, building a website, buying software, and setting up systems, one may forget the critical task of purchasing […]
California’s Proposed Single Payer Health Plan: Questions That Our Lawmakers Need to Answer
Patrick Casinelli, RHU, REBC, CHRS
April 16, 2018Adopting a “single-payer” system means the State of California would run and regulate the healthcare of the state’s residents using taxpayer money. The cost estimate for this plan is between $330 and $400 billion per year. To put it in perspective, California’s entire annual state spending budget is $190 billion. This additional money has to […]
60 Seconds on Risk Management: Communication
Kelly Potter, PWCA, Account Executive
April 5, 2018Watch our one-minute video on Communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKAw3FhwJ84
Bed Bugs!
Matt Slakoff, CIC, CRIS
March 9, 2018We all hear the stories on the news about bed bug infestations. The thought makes most people start itching and want to run to the shower! If you want to see how pervasive and widespread the risk is, just Google “bed bugs” in the news section. There are infestations in hotels, apartments, city buildings, offices, […]
General Contractor’s Potential Liability for Unpaid Subcontractor Wages – Assembly Bill 1701 (Labor Code 218.7)
Jase Hamilton, CPCU, AFSB
March 1, 2018The State of California has passed a number of new laws in recent years but none has been so widely discussed by the construction industry as Assembly Bill 1701 (Labor Code 218.7). This new law extends liability to a general contractor on a private construction project for unpaid wages, fringe, and other benefits owed to […]
Insurance Industry Results Deteriorate in 2017! What This Means to You
February 12, 2018Insurance companies make money in one of two ways, underwriting and investments. The profitability of the industry generally determines the cost of insurance. When the industry is making decent money and surplus is rising, pricing trends downward. When the industry, however, is not hitting their numbers, surplus tends to decline and pricing tends to increase. […]
Common Restaurant Hazards
Matt Evans, Account Executive
February 1, 2018Indemnification Agreements and SB 496 – What to do if your clients still insist on an unfair indemnity agreement
Jeff Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, ARM
January 4, 2018Senate Bill 496 was signed into law in April of 2017 and became law on January 1, 2018. The Bill amends Section 2782.8 of the Civil Code as it pertains to a design professional’s obligation to defend an upstream party. Most importantly, this new law limits the cost to defend an upstream party to the […]
It’s Wildfire Season. What Can You Do to Protect Your Home?
Carolyn Konecki, Private Client Manager
December 5, 2017Last winter’s record rainfall meant an end to the drought, but it also led to an abundant growth of wild grasses and plants. Those plants have dried out over the summer, creating a large supply of fuel sources for a fire. Many fire experts are predicting Southern California will experience several large wildfires this year, […]
Active Assailant Coverage
Jeff Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, ARM
October 31, 2017The threat of an armed attack has escalated dramatically in the past five years and the economic costs arising out of these events can be significant. Several insurance companies (AIG and XL Catlin) have developed specific insurance products to cover this exposure. One of the companies currently offering coverage defines “assault” as a physical attack which […]
Marine Insurance Terms Simplified
Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CRM, CIC
October 2, 2017HULL – Hull Insurance Insures a vessel against physical damage. It’s similar to physical damage coverage for your auto. P&I – Protection & Indemnity Provides liability coverage for a vessel and can sometimes include additional coverages. It’s similar to liability coverage for your auto. P&I insurance can also provide coverage for cargo legal liability, collision […]
Creating a Home Inventory
Carolyn Konecki, Personal Lines Manager
September 5, 2017The purpose of a home inventory is to document all of your personal possessions and to show proof of ownership in the event of a loss. Most homeowners mistakenly think that they must create an itemized written list, complete with receipts. Viewing that as an overly tedious task, it never gets done. A better, faster […]
Trying to Put Together a Records Retention Program?
Dorothy Amundson, CIC, PWCA
July 31, 2017We are frequently asked about retention requirements from our design firms who are drowning in it. Plans, reports, schedules, requests for information, technical calculations, memos and other correspondence are scattered across a variety of mediums: computer discs, blueprints, photographs, and the old staple: paper — reams of it. Once a project is complete, the question […]
Auto Prices Are Going Up!
Jeff Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, ARM
June 22, 2017Loss experience on auto policies is deteriorating and auto premiums are going up. State Farm, the largest U.S. home and auto insurer, lost $7 billion on their auto book in 2016! They announced that they plan to close 11 of their offices due to this. From a commercial insurance perspective, most of the companies we […]
Property Management Agreements – Insurance and Indemnity
Scott Bedingfield, AAI, CRIS, Principal/Commercial Department
June 12, 2017With reference from IRMI (International Risk Management Institute) The traditional approach for providing insurance in Commercial Property Management Agreements requires the owner to purchase and maintain Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance applicable to the managed property and to include the property manager as an insured under that policy. This approach is supported by the fact […]
Duty to Defend: Passage of Senate Bill 496 and What That Means to the Design Profession in California
Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, ARM
May 11, 2017From a Design Professional’s standpoint, California has historically had some of the worst indemnity laws in the country. Unless it is expressly stated to the contrary, the duty to defend an upstream party is immediate. It is separate from the duty to indemnify and the Design Professional can end up being responsible for 100% of […]
Cyber Risks – The Current Surge in Attacks on Small Business and How to Reduce Their Impact
Stephen Watson, Account Executive
May 1, 2017Often risk advisors will hear their clients say, “My company will never get attacked. I’m just a small fish in the big sea of potential targets.” However, according to the International Risk Management Institute, small businesses are specifically targeted by cyber thieves because sensitive information kept by small business is much easier to obtain due […]
Bonding Design – Build Contracts: Avoiding “Non-Negligent” Guarantees
James Schabarum II, CPCU, AFSB, CRIS
April 20, 2017Contractors that enter into design-build contracts can significantly increase their risk significantly by taking on the design responsibilities for a project. When required to bond, design-build contractors may not be fully aware that a bond guarantees all the terms of the underlying design-build contract including subjective design requirements. If there are unknown terms and conditions […]
Understanding Professional Liability Coverage for Design Firms
Kelly Potter, PWCA, Account Executive
March 17, 2017Professional Liability is a coverage that all design firms need, and is generally a company’s first line of defense against liability arising out of their performance of professional services. Even if you choose not to dissect your insurance policy word by word, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of how your […]
Overcoming Obstacles and Risk Management
Mike Riis, Account Executive
February 16, 2017Playing competitive sports throughout life, you learn about overcoming obstacles and finding ways to use them to your advantage. I have always had a general understanding of this concept as it pertains to athletics/life, however, I never fully applied the concept to risk management and insurance (for obvious reasons). I recently stumbled across a […]
“Trumpcare” Part I
Patrick Casinelli, RHU, REBC, CHRS, Principal, Employee Benefits
January 5, 2017Before we discuss Trumpcare, we should decide what to do with Obamacare – the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Can we “repeal” the entire law? Can we “replace” some of the law? Which part or parts of the ACA work and which don’t? My answer is YES. Yes, we can repeal, yes we can replace and […]
OSHA Reporting Requirements Are Changing
Chris Malicki, OHST, CHST, COSS
January 4, 2017The new rule, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2017, requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data that they are already required to record on their onsite OSHA Injury and Illness forms. Analysis of this data will enable OSHA to use its enforcement and compliance assistance resources more efficiently. Some of the data […]
Environmental Risk and the Real Estate Industry
Matthew Slakoff, CIC, CRIS
December 6, 2016If you work in or around the commercial real estate industry, you are probably familiar with terms such as the following: Adaptive Reuse, Transit Oriented Development, Urban Infill, etc. All of these terms relate to the concept of urban redevelopment. Although these types of opportunities are exciting, they can also present a myriad of risk […]
What is USL&H?
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC, CRM
November 2, 2016There are a number of industries that require specific insurance knowledge to properly manage risk. Maritime and maritime-related industries are a few. Whether working near water, on a vessel, or in a related industry, specific laws may apply. Although there are many types of marine-related insurance products, the purpose of this blog is to review […]
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) Requirements Apply to All California Employers
October 11, 2016By Chris Malicki, OHST, CHST, COSS As the owner or manager of an engineering or architectural firm, you may not be aware that you are required to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Every employer, however, is required to have one. Cal OSHA regulations clearly state: “every employer shall establish, implement and maintain an […]
California’s New Variable Split Point Experience Rating System
August 24, 2016By Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, ARM Effective January 1, 2017, the Experience Modification Formula in California will change. The experience rating formula is created by the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB or the Bureau) and approved by the California Insurance Commissioner. Application of the Experience Modification is mandatory for all eligible employers. The WCIRB […]
Alternative Risk Financing: Dividend, Small Deductible and Large Deductible Plans
Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC, CRM
July 6, 2016As insurance costs increase, so does the need to find alternative solutions. Most insureds are accustomed to “guaranteed cost” plans. These plans are characterized by small, “maintenance” deductibles and standard limits of insurance. The benefits of guaranteed cost plans are fixed premiums, predictable cost (good for budgeting) and claim services which are provided by the […]
The Pros and Cons of the Prevailing Party Provision
by Kelly Potter, PWCA
June 3, 2016A prevailing party provision is a clause included in contracts that requires the losing party of a lawsuit or claim to pay the legal expenses incurred by the prevailing party. In the absence of this provision, each party typically covers their own legal costs.Supporters of this provision believe the clause will make each party think […]
Employment Practices Liability
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC, CRM
February 16, 2016Employment Practices Liability is a serious issue for all restaurant owners. Why? Restaurants can have 25+ employees working over the course of a week. More employees lead to a greater probability of employee-related issues. When restaurants enter their busy season they have to hire help, and do it quickly. The hiring process can be shortened […]
Communication – The 3 Golden Rules
By Kelly Potter, PWCA, Account Executive, Cavignac & Associates
Poor communication is a leading factor in claims against design professionals. The failure to effectively communicate within a firm, and between a firm and its clients, consultants and others, can result in more than inefficiencies, mistakes and missed opportunities. It can also significantly impact the financial health of your business.Pages could be written on effective […]
El Niño is Here! What Every Homeowner Needs to Know to Protect Against a Flood
by Carolyn Konecki
January 7, 2016See Carolyn’s interview regarding floods and flood insurance on KUSI News: Weather experts have been predicting El Niño weather conditions for this year, meaning heavier than normal rainfall. While Californians certainly need the rain to break the drought, too much rain at one time can be a problem for homeowners.During the last heavy rains in […]
Some Coverages You May Not Have That You Should Consider…Now!
Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
January 6, 2016As risk management advisors our job is to help our clients identify their exposures to loss and make certain their insurance program is appropriate. We don’t recommend our clients purchase every coverage available, but we do suggest that they know that they know the exposure exists. There are however several coverages which if you have […]
The 3 Biggest Misconceptions About Insuring Valuable Items
by Carolyn Konecki
November 30, 2015Most people are collectors. Some collect books or political campaign buttons, others collect sports memorabilia or shoes. While some collections are only sentimental, most have some value, if not significant value. One thing that collectors have in common is that they are passionate about their collections.I have been a personal insurance agent for 12 years […]
Cyber Liability – What is it and is My Company at Risk?
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC
October 8, 2015Cyber liability is a hot topic in the insurance world. We have already heard about the big losses: Play Station, Target, Home Depot, LinkedIn, Sony (most recent and estimated at $100 million+ in damages). But what are the chances that your company will be hacked? We don’t read about the small- to mid-sized companies, which […]
Restaurants and the Human Expense
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC
June 2, 2015One of the largest costs for restaurants is compensation and related employee expenses. Workers’ compensation is a big piece of that pie. Often the dollar amount of an injury can cost an employer up to three times what was actually paid in medical expenses. If this exposure is not managed correctly, a profitable restaurant can […]
I’ve Been Sued! Now What?
Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS
– President, Cavignac & AssociatesMarch 30, 2015Dealing with our litigation system can be frustrating, expensive, time-consuming and emotionally draining, but for most businesses, litigation is an unfortunate fact of life.The key to effectively dealing with litigation is to know what you should and should not do and make certain you are aligned with the right attorney, insurance broker and insurance company. […]
Real Estate Development – Protecting Your Profits
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC
February 3, 2015Developers take significant risk. Studying market conditions, analyzing trends, predicting future demand, placing debt and equity, and acquiring permits and entitlements are some of the activities that occur prior to construction. Assuming construction goes well, there will be a finished product that was based on analytics developed years prior. Now that product has to perform. […]
Construction Contracts from a Surety’s Perspective: Limiting Your Exposure for Consequential and Liquidated Damages
by Jase Hamilton, AFSB, Cavignac & Associates
December 5, 2014A common provision in construction contracts allows for the “upstream” party to be entitled to damages if the contracting party doesn’t perform to the agreed contract terms. These recoverable damages are often referred to as consequential and liquidated damages. There are big differences between consequential and liquidated damages. Watch out: sureties are very sensitive to […]
Extraterritorial Workers’ Compensation: When Do You Need Foreign Workers’ Compensation Coverage?
Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS
– President, Cavignac & AssociatesNovember 4, 2014The world is getting smaller and — now more than ever — business is becoming global. It’s not uncommon nowadays for companies to set up operations in foreign countries. They might hire local citizens in those countries or send their American employees overseas, sometimes for extended periods of time. One of your key employees has […]
A Brief Primer on D&O and Why You Need Side A Excess
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
September 4, 2014Directors and Officers (D&O) liability policies provide three distinct coverages. The first (known as Side A) is liability coverage for individual directors and officers of the parent organization (termed “directors and officers liability insurance”). The second (known as Side B) is corporate reimbursement coverage, which reimburses the parent organization for payments it is legally obligated […]
Workers’ Compensation and How it Differs from Traditional Insurance
by Preston Cavignac, CPCU, CIC
August 1, 2014The Basics Workers’ compensation is unlike traditional insurance. It is “no-fault” insurance, which means the same party (the employer) covers the loss no matter who caused the loss. The purpose of work comp is to deal with work-related injuries in the most effective way possible. Although the employer pays for the claim regardless of fault, […]
What is GHS and What Does it Mean to my Business?
by Amy Leung, CSP, ARM – Risk Control Advisor, Cavignac & Associates
June 3, 2014GHS stands for Globally Harmonized Systemof Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This is the new standard of classification that intends to enhance environmental protection, public health and safety and reduce possible miscommunication due to language barriers. The system uses universal hazard statements, pictograms and signal words to communicate information on product labels and Safety Data […]
Are Your Liability Limits Adequate?
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
April 2, 2014The following example is an actual case. Here is the claims adjuster’s analysis: This is a 2-car accident. The driver of the insured vehicle (our client) was attempting to make a U-turn when he pulled out in front of the claimant vehicle, causing a collision. Liability is probable for this matter. The police report places […]
Non-Owned Autos and What You Need To Know!
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
March 5, 2014Sally is your receptionist, and she will occasionally run errands for your company in her own car. You pay her the IRS recommended auto reimbursement, but it never crosses your mind to check Sally’s driving record or to see if Sally has insurance, let alone adequate limits of coverage.Sally is driving to Office Depot to […]
Driver Safety
by Amy Leung, CSP, ARM - Risk Control Advisor, Cavignac & Associates
January 31, 2014Developing a distracted driving prevention policy can be a strong way to protect your company and keep your employees safe. To create a safety culture that prohibits distracted driving: Formulate a policy that includes the following directives for all employees: Before using a cell phone or any other mobile communication device, safely pull over to […]
The Dreaded Business Meeting!
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
January 3, 2014My four partners and I recently returned from our Management Offsite Retreat. The meeting was held at the newly-remodeled and recently re-opened, Casa Del Zorro in Borrego Springs.* While we didn’t solve the world’s problems, we certainly solved many of ours and identified goals and objectives for the next five years. It made me reflect […]
Surety Fraud
by Gary Brouwer – Surety Manager, Cavignac & Associates
December 4, 2013Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in reports of small businesses and financially-stressed enterprises unknowingly being duped into obtaining and accepting fraudulent bonds. Earlier this year, Chubb Surety discovered evidence of a number of forged bonds. Apparently the alleged forgers had websites where they posed as individual sureties, then proceeded to spread fake […]
Beware of Patent Trolls
Article courtesy of Professional Liability Agents Network (PLAN)
November 5, 2013Imagine this. You get an official looking letter from an unfamiliar limited liability corporation (LLC). The letter states that it is aware that your firm operates a particular type of copy machine that has a push-button feature that enables you to scan documents and then email or otherwise transmit them directly from the copier via […]
Personal Risk Management
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
October 1, 2013I don’t sell personal insurance, but I understand it, and one of the services I offer my business clients is a review of their personal insurance program. I am constantly amazed at the gaps, holes and inadequacies that I find! The owner of a $100M contracting firm, a man with a net worth well into […]
California Comp Rates Continue to Rise
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
September 3, 2013The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB or “The Bureau”) recently published their analysis on Insurer Experience through 2012. It’s not pretty! Although underwriting results improved modestly, the numbers are still dismal. Insurance companies are losing a lot of money in this line and are taking steps to fix the problem. Translation – higher rates. […]
Prevailing Wages: The Davis-Bacon Act…What You Need to Know
by Preston Cavignac, PWCA
August 2, 2013How it Started The Davis-Bacon Act was implemented in 1931. U.S. federal law required employers to pay a set rate of prevailing wages on federally-assisted contracts worth over $2,000. The prevailing wage rate includes a base wage and an additional stipulated fringe benefit amount per hour. These “fringes” are meant to be paid out to […]
Keep Talking…the Advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
July 1, 2013Litigation is hugely expensive, time consuming and emotionally draining. Although litigation has its place, in most cases it is an ineffective way to resolve business disputes. In fact, 19 out of 20 litigated cases are not decided by a judge or jury, they are resolved prior to final adjudication. Insurance companies pay millions and millions […]
How to Read a Commercial Insurance Policy
by Preston Cavignac, PWCA
Most people find insurance policies difficult to navigate. It is nearly impossible to read through a 300-page policy. The style in which policies are written does not lend itself to be read like a book; they are contracts and require thorough navigation to order to determine coverage.The following article will inform you how to maneuver […]
When OSHA Comes Calling…What Does Your IIPP Look Like?
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
April 30, 2013Don’t know what an IIPP is? OK, you had better read this. If you do know what an IIPP is, and you have one and know where it is, are you confident it is compliant?An Injury and Illness Prevention Program is a fancy name for a safety program. California requires that all employers have an […]
The First Sign of Trouble: The Importance of Resolving Problems Early
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS – President, Cavignac & Associates
March 1, 2013A professional liability claim can devastate a firm’s profit and in some cases destroy a firm entirely. Taking steps to reduce the frequency and severity of a professional liability claim not only makes good business sense, it could mean the difference between survival and failure.Talk to any claims adjuster and they will tell you that […]
If Disaster Strikes…Are You Prepared?
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS
– President, Cavignac & AssociatesJanuary 3, 2013According to the forecasting firm Eqecat, Superstorm Sandy may be the second most expensive storm in U.S. History. The death toll is 175 including at least 106 in the United States. Estimated economic damage is $30-$60 Billion 8.5 Million businesses and residences lost power 7,400 National Guard Members supported the storm response While most of […]
OSHA’s Top 10 for 2012
by Amy Leung, Risk Control Advisor
December 28, 2012As the year comes to a close, we reflect on what has been accomplished and begin to set new horizons for the coming year. As you develop your organization’s goals, please don’t forget safety and reducing the exposure and severity of accidents. Here are OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations for Fiscal Year of 2012. […]
Insurance 101
by Preston Cavignac
December 21, 2012Insurance can be a tricky subject. You know you need it, so you buy it. Then your goal is never to use it! It would make for a terrible gift. But insurance is necessary. It plays a major role in your business, the local economy, and society. Reading through a policy and negotiating coverage can […]
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and what it means to Risk Management
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS
– President, Cavignac & AssociatesOctober 16, 2012A friend of mine related a conversation he had with his brother-in-law who happens to be an ER Doc. He asked him how they possibly maintained order in the chaotic environment of a Hospital Emergency Room. The Doctor pointed out that the main purpose of an ER was to treat traumatic medical events and bring […]
What Does Healthcare Reform Mean for You and Your Business?
by Patrick Casinelli, RHU, REBC - Principal
August 27, 2012With the exception of the limits on the federal government’s authority to withhold Medicaid funding, all provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) stand, and compliance efforts likely will move ahead at full speed. In preparation for the major coverage expansion to occur under the ACA in 2014, expect a host of regulations dealing with […]
Where’s the Beef?
by James P. Schabarum II, Principal, Executive Vice Principal
August 17, 2012Boom to bust went technology, real estate, and now the construction market. Hunting down and executing profitable work in the next few years will be critical to the survival of most contractors.Surety losses are expected to increase in the remainder of 2012 and in 2013: since a downturn in construction activity means more bidders fighting […]
Cyber Liability: What It Covers and Why You May Need It
by Kelly Weaver, PWCA - Account Executive
August 10, 2012As we become more reliant on technology as a way to store and exchange data, cyber liability exposures become more of a financial risk. If your business keeps digital private records, you have a Cyber Liability exposure.While each Cyber Liability Policy is a little different, most provide coverages for the following: Loss of digital assets […]
The Importance of a Well Written, Legally Compliant Employee Handbook
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS - President, Cavignac & Associates
July 23, 2012One of the major exposures facing business owners today is employment related litigation brought by employees against the employer. Allegations range from wrongful termination, to sexual harassment, to not getting a lunch break. While many of these claims are frivolous, the cost to defend even a laughable allegation can be significant.While you can do everything […]
Design Professional Project Management, Pt. 1: Adding Value
by Dorothy Amundson, PWCA - Account Executive, Cavignac & Associates
June 27, 2012In today’s highly competitive environment, your firm has to work towards educating your client to understand the value a design firm brings to their project. Fees for design professionals have eroded based on fierce competition and fewer projects. Project owners have taken advantage of these market conditions by demanding lower fees and pushing firms to […]
The Importance of Communication
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS - President, Cavignac & Associates
May 31, 2012Communication, or lack of it, is the main reason design professionals get sued. After all, the only time we litigate a matter is when we stop talking to the other party, and pay someone else to talk for us (lawyers). Does everyone in your company have a clear understanding of the level of communication required of […]
Insurance Marketplace for Architects and Engineers
by Jeffrey Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS - President, Cavignac & Associates
May 11, 2012The insurance industry is experiencing the tail end of a prolonged soft market. Rates for most businesses have been coming down since 2002/2003, due mainly to excess capacity in the industry. Insurance has always been supply driven, and as surplus goes up, rates come down. Professional Liability for design professionals has been no exception. Competition […]
Target Your Biggest Workers Compensation Claim Type
December 16, 2011Target Your Biggest Workers Compensation Claim Type The National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) 2010 analysis of claims and trends revealed a success story. The report, published August 2011 by NCCI, is entitled, “Workers Compensation Claim Frequency.” As more and more U.S. workers began using computer keyboards in the 1990s, the frequency and problem of […]
Plan Your Liability When You Plan Your Party
November 29, 2011Plan Your Liability When You Plan Your Party The holiday season brings with it company-sponsored parties for employees and/or customers, and parties often mean the serving and consuming of alcoholic beverages. Before you plan your events this season, consider your liability. Can a business be held responsible for injuries or damages that result from serving […]
Insuring Electronic Data Processing Equipment
Insuring Electronic Data Processing Equipment Most businesses are computer-dependent. Only the smallest retailer can operate without a computer cash register. Embedded chips and computers operate manufacturing equipment, contractors’ equipment and equipment found in hospital operating rooms. Rather than insuring computers as office or manufacturing equipment, the Electronic Data Processing (EDP) form protects hardware, software, media […]
Disaster Recovery Plans Are Serious Business
Disaster Recovery Plans Are Serious Business No matter the size or type of your business, a disaster could occur that could seriously curtail or even shut down operations. If you’re office bound, you’re still vulnerable to such troubles as utilities loss or flooding from a faulty building system or tenant. Most technology related businesses feel […]