Posts by Insurance News Editor
Know Who You’re Hiring – Independent Contractor (Self-employed) vs. Employee
A business may pay an independent contractor and an employee for the same or similar work, but there are important legal differences between the two. For the employee, the company withholds income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from wages paid. For the independent contractor, the company does not withhold taxes. Employment and labor laws also do not apply to independent contractors.…
Read MoreIN: Independent Contractor Or Employee: What’s The Difference?
Dear Valued Customer, What exactly is an “independent contractor”? According to the IRS, the general rule is that an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done…but not only can…
Read MoreIN: Hurricanes: Preventing Loss Of Life & Minimizing Property Damage
Dear Valued Customer, This issue of “—————-” is focused on providing you with the information you need to understand the importance of protecting your home and business against the catastrophic damage a hurricane can cause. Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. All Atlantic and Gulf…
Read MoreKnow Your Hurricane Risk
Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Know your Hurricane Risk Hurricanes are not just…
Read MoreStay Safe During a Hurricane
Stay Informed Listen for emergency information and alerts. If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately. Dealing with the Weather Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding. Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds. If trapped in a building by flooding, go…
Read MoreFacts + Statistics: Hurricanes
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, but occasionally storms form outside those months. September is the most common month for hurricanes making landfall in the U.S., followed by August and October, according to an analysis of 1851 to 2015 data by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. No hurricanes made U.S. landfall before…
Read MoreIn Case Of An Earthquake
Protecting yourself and your family Be sure that all family members know how to turn off utilities (gas, water and electricity) in an emergency. Make sure every family member knows where safe spots are in each room, such as under sturdy tables or desks or in strong doorways. Identify danger zones in each room, such…
Read MoreEarthquakes: Protecting Yourself
Earthquakes An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can happen without warning and can result in injuries and damage to property and roads. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere, areas at higher risk…
Read MoreEarthquake Insurance: Is it worth getting?
Standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes. Coverage is available either in the form of an endorsement or as a separate policy. Earthquake insurance provides protection from the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes,…
Read MoreIN: Earthquakes: Standard Insurance Policies Do Not Cover You
Dear Valued Customer, While earthquakes are most commonly associated with California, they have occurred in 39 states over the last 100 years, and have inflicted damage in all 50 states. In fact, each year there are about 5,000 earthquakes. This issue of “————–” is focused upon understanding the risks and issues associated with insuring for…
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