Human Services

Umbrella vs. Excess Liability: The Key Differences Contractors Need to Know

Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

When reviewing insurance requirements that contractors receive from municipalities and/or general contractors, two lines of coverage that are often misunderstood are umbrella and excess liability. These terms are commonly interchangeable in the contract, but have subtle differences. In addition, the limits required by contracts are increasing significantly.

How Healthcare Staffing Agencies Can Prevent Claims

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Healthcare staffing agencies play a vital role in maintaining patient care standards. That is why it is critical for staffing agencies’ employees to be properly vetted, kept informed, and trained prior to being placed to reduce the likelihood of claims. Preventing such claims requires a collaboration between the healthcare staffing agency and the facility where employees are being placed. Healthcare staffing agencies can take steps to prevent claims and protect their operations.

Three Industry Benchmarks all Landscape Companies Should Track

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

There are three major benchmarks that all landscape companies should consider when looking at how well they manage risk: average claim cost, claim indemnity rate, and claim frequency rate. Knowing the importance of this, we designed a key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard that highlights these industry benchmarks, as well as benchmarks them against other landscape companies in their geographic area.

Digitalizing Risk Management: A Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Started

Author, Alyssa Burley, Partner, Media Communications & Client Service Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Imagine you are working in a highly productive organization. Over many years of trial and error, the team has streamlined their operations to the point of a well-oiled machine using good ol’ paper and spreadsheets. Then, your insurance broker offers a digital risk management solution and you are faced with the prospect of transitioning your manual processes to a digital platform. This is the scenario that many Rancho Mesa clients have faced and successfully overcome.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Notify Your Insurer of a Claim Right Away

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s commercial clients purchase insurance to transfer financial risk to a third party and protect their business against claims of liability. These clients rightfully expect their respective insurers to fulfill the obligation found in black and white on the Insurance Service Office (ISO) general liability form that reads “We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury or property damage to which this insurance applies.” So, what must a policyholder do to ensure this obligation is fulfilled?

Understanding Why Your Building’s Leaky Roof Claim Might Be Denied

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Leaky roofs can be a major headache for commercial property owners, often leading to significant damage and costly repairs. Understanding how insurance policies respond to these situations is crucial in navigating the claims process.

Updates to California Healthcare Minimum Wage Policies for 2024

Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

This year has seen several changes to minimum wage in the State of California. On January 1, 2024, the California general minimum wage increased to $16 per hour, regardless of tips. However, as of July, several individual industries across the State, including healthcare, saw minimum wage increases. 

Understanding the Importance of Your Workers’ Compensation Unit Stat Filing Date

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Imagine you are a landscaping company owner and your workers’ compensation policy just renewed January 1st. You are probably thinking, now what? Well, the next date that should be on your radar is June 30th, your unit stat date.

Beyond Insurance: Employer Strategies to Prevent Wage and Hour Claims

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

It was June 86 years ago, Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) signed into law the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). In the words of FDR, the FLSA ensured “a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”

Building an Effective Renewal Submission in a Hard Market

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Insurance renewals can be challenging for nonprofits, especially in the hard market of 2024, characterized by higher premiums, stricter underwriting, and reduced coverage from insurance carriers. Leaning on your insurance broker as the quarterback, a well-prepared submission can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance renewal, potentially leading to better terms and lower premiums. Nonprofits can work effectively with their insurance broker to build a comprehensive submission using the following strategies.

Litigation Funding Contributes to Higher Claim Amounts and Premiums

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The first quarter of 2024 is in full swing and the insurance industry is already feeling the rising cost of insurance claims, often referred to as social inflation. Commonly discussed reasons for social inflation include socioeconomic, legal, and behavioral trends that produce costly lawsuits, according to research conducted by The Institutes. In addition to these familiar observations, a relatively new factor is now playing a role in large lawsuits: third-party litigation financing.

The Critical Importance of Nonprofit Executive Transition Planning

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In the world of nonprofit management, the departure of an executive director can cause a time of uncertainty. This kind of challenge is why all nonprofits need a well-crafted executive transition plan. This plan is not just a roadmap for navigating the change in leadership but a tool for sustaining and growing the nonprofit's mission. In this article, we will dive into the importance of having an executive transition plan, the key components that make up an effective plan, and the benefits it brings to the nonprofit sector.

Protecting Non-Profit Operations with Business Interruption Insurance

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

A non-profit organization’s culture and positive impact often flows through its strategically placed locations in the communities it serves. These locations, whether they be offices, group homes, childcare centers, or shelters all further the mission and may drive revenue. The cost to the organization if one of these locations becomes inoperable due to a property damage claim can often add undue stress to the finances and leadership. This article will address how business interruption insurance (BII) can address these costs.

The Final Chapter: Addressing Training, Access and Recordkeeping in the IIPP

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In this third installment of exploring an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), we will be taking a closer look at: Providing employee training and instruction, procedures to allow employee access to the program, and recordkeeping and documentation.

Identifying Proper Procedures for the Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In this second installment of exploring an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) we will be taking a closer look at the procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, investigating occupational injury or illnesses, and correcting unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices and procedures.

First Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Data Breach

Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Friday, July 14th Rancho Mesa hosted a popular workshop titled “Cyber Liability Explained: Hacking Trends for 2023” with presenter Beau Bechelli of Evolve MGA. His 60-minute presentation educated the audience on the cost of cyber-attacks, the most common types of attacks, and practical ways to help reduce the threat of a breach.

Breaking Down the First Few Components of the IIPP

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Building upon Sam Brown’s article “Guidance for Developing an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program” (IIPP), I would like to delve further into some of the key components of an IIPP. In this first installment, I will explore assigning the right person to create the IIPP, compliance with safety regulations, and effective communication.

Guidance for Developing an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

As some company leaders may recall, since 1991, all California employers are required to maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). An IIPP is an understandable and accessible safety program tailored to a business’ operations. An effective IIPP will help an employer establish and maintain a safe workplace while setting expectations and protocols for all employees.

Plan Your SafetyOne™ App to Best Suit Your Organization’s Needs

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa aims to provide clients with tools that are flexible in order to best fit their individual needs, including our proprietary SafetyOne™ application. SafetyOne’s features are systemized based on “Projects.” However, projects are highly adaptable to the way each individual organization works.

Directors & Officers Liability Series: Side A Defense Costs & Settlements

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

While an insurance agent must continually stay abreast of industry trends and market conditions, it’s equally important to educate clients on the enforce insurance policies. As a non-profit focused insurance agency, Rancho Mesa is accustomed to having important conversations with clients regarding Directors & Officers Liability insurance (D&O).