Minimize Your Business' Fire Hazards

Workplace fires can threaten the lives of your employees and customers, along with the possible destruction of your livelihood. Luckily, fires are generally easy to prevent with simple tactics and a bit of knowhow. Conduct a fire risk assessment to determine potential hazards and then take steps to improve safety policies and equipment.

Identify Risks

Search for sources of ignition, such as heaters, cooking appliances, machinery and electronics, halogen lighting, open flames etc. Once located, keep them in cool areas away from fuel/flammables, such as paper, wood, trash, gasoline, chemicals etc. If risky areas exist in your workplace, hold a fire safety seminar and explain fire safety practices to your employees. Risky areas should also be labeled with safety signs and a fire extinguisher should be kept nearby.

Remedy Risks

Enforce fire safety rules, such as limiting smoking to designated outdoor areas and banning the use of candles. Plan fire escape routes, hang clear safety signs and run through fire drills twice per year. Keep a clean, tidy workplace, free of stacked papers/trash and other items that can either catch fire or block the escape routes. Install smoke alarms and manually test the batteries every three to six months. Provide fire extinguishers in positions that are easy to locate.

Review Risks

Conducting a fire risk assessment is an ongoing process, which should be monitored routinely. Current fire prevention tactics must be maintained (standard drills, replacement of expired extinguishers etc.) and new ones should be implemented as needed, particularly if the layout of the workplace changes.

Ask about coverage that protects against fire damage. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga business insurance.

Bundle Home And Auto Insurance To Save

Every responsible American owns both auto insurance and homeowners (or renters) insurance. But not everyone knows about the benefits of bundling these policies together with a single insurance provider. Now's the perfect time to learn more about insurance bundles because they can save you time, hassle and money!

With one portfolio, you'll have only one insurance company to deal with, one monthly premium payment and one renewal date. This makes your personal insurance much easier to manage than if you had to pay for and renew each policy individually. But the best part is the savings. Bundling your home and auto insurance together can save you up to 20 percent on your premium payments.

It may sound too good to be true, but many insurance companies offer bundle discounts because it's mutually beneficial. The insurance provider gets more business from you, while you enjoy the savings. In fact, many agents encourage individuals and families to buy all of their insurance policies from a single insurer. The most common bundle for American families includes home, auto and life insurance. However, you can typically throw in disability, long-term care, motorcycle, boat, RV and any other personal insurance policy you wish to purchase.

You can lower your premium even more by minimizing your risks. Insurance providers calculate your premium based on the likelihood that you'll need to file a claim; the higher the risk, the more you'll pay each month. However, if your home is armed with security features and you maintain a clean driving record, you pose less of a risk in the eyes of insurance companies. Stay safe and save today!

Get the coverage you need. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Suing Your Employer vs. Filing a Workers Comp Claim

Worker's compensation is a type of insurance that pays benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill while performing a job. It can cover the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation and lost wages during recovery. But can a worker choose instead to sue his or her employer?

The answer is usually no. Worker's comp essentially acts as a bargain between a business and its employees in which employees forgo the right to a lawsuit in lieu of receiving guaranteed benefits. This is advantageous to both employers, who generally don't have to worry about being sued for an injury, and for workers, who don't have to worry about financially surviving the duration of a lawsuit, in which the outcome may not work in their favor.

However, there are some exceptions in which an employee can sue his or her employer. A lawsuit can come to fruition if an employer assaults a worker, intentionally causes a worker emotional distress, intentionally exposes a worker to a hazardous condition, discriminates against a worker, sexually harasses a worker etc.

States have varying laws in regards to these exceptions, comprised of situations in which an employer intentionally or maliciously injures an employee. While some states will allow a lawsuit under certain circumstances, other states may instead award additional monetary benefits under worker's compensation.

If a worker files for worker's compensation following a work injury and his or her employer retaliates by means of demotion or termination, that worker then has the right to file a lawsuit. Workers who experience one of these exception scenarios should speak with an attorney before actively pressing charges.

Protect your company and its workers today. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga workers comp insurance.

5 Ways to Save on Home Insurance

Are you one of the two-thirds of American homeowners who are underinsured? The economy has made it more important than ever to cut back on spending, but reducing your homeowners coverage can lead to higher bills down the road if a covered event should happen. Rather, save by using these five tips! 

1. Bundle policies: Bundling your insurance policies together with the same insurer gives that company the business it wants. In turn, you can save up to 15 percent on all of your policies across the board. The most common bundle is home, auto and life, but you can add anything from RVs to boats. This is the simplest way to start saving immediately.
2. Increase your deductible: It’s recommended that you increase your deductible to the highest amount you can afford to pay at any given time. Doing so will lower your monthly premium. For instance, if you increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can save up to 25 percent every month. That gives you cash for the things you need now, as well as allowing you to save more for potential future disasters.
3. Ask for discounts: You may not get a discount unless you ask your agent if you’re eligible for one. Ask about loyalty discounts if you’ve been with the same insurer for a few years, senior discounts if you’re over age 55, home security discounts if your house has built-in safety features and home improvement discounts if you’ve updated your house. Generally, the less risky your home, the more you could potentially save.
4. Review your policy: Before renewing each year, take a moment to review your coverage with an agent. Ensure that any new renovations and major purchases are covered and adjust coverage for any items that you’ve gotten rid of or that have changed in value. For instance, if your $1,500 dollar computer has depreciated in value since you bought it, you should reduce any additional coverage you may own to reflect that lower value.
5. Retain good credit: Don’t be surprised if your agent informs you that your credit score will be used to calculate your premium. Request your free credit report annually to check for any errors that may need your attention and to make sure that your goals are on track. To maintain a good credit score, pay your bills on time and keep your credit balances as low as possible. 

Ask us how you can save today. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on affordable Rancho Cucamonga home insurance.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Long car rides and road trips with your furry friend require pre-planning, but they can be fun and cheaper than boarding your pet while you’re away. Whether you’re traveling with a dog or cat, your travel buddy should wear a collar with tags that display your pet’s name, your name, your cell phone number and proof of rabies shots. It’s also smart to get your pet microchipped (if your pet already has a microchip, be sure to call the company and update the information).

Just like you pack for yourself, you must also pack for your pet. Bring a supply of your pet’s food, bottles of water, spill-proof water bowl, medications and some favorite toys. For dogs, choose toys that will keep them occupied, such as bones or hollow toys that can be filled with treats. For cats, choose toys filled with catnip, along with a portable litter box (which can be found at most pet stores).

You may need to plan a week or two in advance if you pet suffers from car-related anxiety. If you have an anxious dog, you should adjust your dog to being in the car before leaving. Bring your dog into the car and sit in the driveway. Once that’s tolerable, slowly build up to short rides that end someplace fun, like a park. Feeding your dog a meal in the car can help associate the car with good things, as well. If you have an anxious cat, pick up some products from the pet store that promote feelings of calm and comfort, such as pheromone-infused products and catnip-filled toys.

You may enjoy letting your pet ride on your lap, but it’s a very dangerous habit. The safest place for your pet is in a crate that’s strapped down in the backseat. Being secured prevents your pet from distracting you while behind the wheel; not to mention, a pet with free range of the car can become seriously injured or die in the event of an accident. Use a crate that’s well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, turn and lie down. If your pet has a squeamish bladder, line the crate with absorbent padding, such as a wee pad, underneath your pet’s cushion.

Whether nervous or excited, you pet will need constant access to water while in the car. You may prefer to make frequent stops for potty breaks and rehydration, but if you’d rather keep moving, freeze a bowl of water that your pet can lick to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave a pet unattended in a car; it’s not safe in any weather conditions.

Review your coverage before a big road trip. Call Silver Coast Insurance at 909-877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Workplace Party Etiquette

The major holidays may be over, but workplace parties can happen all throughout the year. Whether it is a retirement party, baby shower, anniversary party, or a get together for a job well done, it is important to maintain professional etiquette. As an employer, it’s a time when you can recognize the hard work of your employees and treat them to a nice meal as a thank you.

Throwing an office party during work hours is becoming increasingly popular. A catered lunch in or a nice lunch out may be the perfect way to show your appreciation and boost employee morale. If you do throw an evening party, schedule it for a weeknight so employees don’t feel obligated to give up their weekend to work. Some companies now throw their holiday parties in October or January to avoid any further stress on employee’s busy holiday schedules. Once the party is planned, inform employees if spouses and/or children are allowed to attend.

Remember, even though a party is festive and fun, it’s still a work function and professional etiquette is a must. Limit employee drinking by offering two drink tickets per person; you may even want to limit the alcohol to beer and wine. Ensure that employees are aware of the dress code. Just one employee who shows up in inappropriate dress and gets embarrassingly drunk can ruin the party for everyone. But since everyone is gathered at a social event, mingle and network among your employees. Branch out from your usual work buddies and get to know other individuals who you’re not as familiar with.

Some employees may be shy or uncomfortable hanging out with co-workers. Entertainment helps break the ice, whether you hire a band or plan games. Many companies participate in gift exchanges during holiday parties, which is a great way for employees to learn more about each. However, some people are strapped for cash, so set a low maximum budget for gifts, such as $10 to $20.

The biggest measure of success for a workplace office party is attendance. Encourage your employees to join the festivities, but don’t put too much pressure on them. The more people feel comfortable around their co-workers and supervisors, the more will come to celebrate the occasion.

 Boosting employee morale is only one way to improve the security of your business. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga business insurance.