Risk Management

Avoid Audit Nightmares with Properly Classified Tree Care Industry Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance Operations

Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Tree care companies use specialized vehicles and equipment to perform their work. These assets are vital to the success of the company. To maintain their effectiveness, the machines need routine maintenance and upkeep. Issues arise when they break down, so it’s important to repair them immediately to limit business interruptions such as decreased productivity and profitability. The maintenance of the machinery can be a full time job, and some tree care businesses are lucky enough to have an employee, or a team of employees, dedicated to shop maintenance.

Don’t Get Skunked: Properly Insuring Large Tree Care Equipment

Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

These days, everything is more expensive. Between inflation and supply chain issues, the cost of equipment is steadily increasing. As the tree care industry becomes more mechanized, we see new technological advancements in machinery and equipment that are greatly improving the productivity, profitability, and safety of the industry. These big ticket equipment purchases are a major investment for a tree care business. It is important to make sure that your assets are insured correctly so you can rest easy knowing that if something were to happen to them, you are properly covered. This can provide financial protection and affirm business continuity.

The Construction Risk Management Guide

Author, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

As a business or firm, you are most likely aware of many risks that come with construction projects. Whether it is meeting the terms of a contract, maintaining employee safety on the job site, or dealing with natural disasters, every project has its own set of hazards. If not managed, these risks can compromise your projects and prove fatal to your bottom line.

Higher Workers' Compensation Premiums Linked to New Employee Injuries

Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President, Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Based on Rancho Mesa Insurance Services’ client’s information, we have been able to identify that the majority of work-related injuries occur within the first year of employment. During the first year, the majority of these claims occur in the first six months. Having a system for onboarding and training new hires is a critical component to dealing with the heightened risk of injury during this time period.

Optimizing Risk Management While Reducing Gaps in Coverage

Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Working within the construction unit at Rancho Mesa for over 15 years, I have developed strong long-term business relationships with my clients. As an insurance advisor, I have an obligation to insulate clients from exposures and liabilities. Many of which may remain the same from year to year. However, it is vital that business owners meet with their insurance advisor frequently, especially prior to an insurance renewal, to avoid potential gaps in coverage. Below are a few key topics that should be reviewed on a regular basis by a company’s insurance advisor. 

Mitigating Risk at Height

Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Falls from elevated heights are the single most hazardous injury within the construction industry; representing 38% of all construction fatalities (NSC Construction & Utilities). That is a scary fact if you are a painting contractor that works off the ground. In years past, it was common to see painters working on multi-story scaffolding with few controls in place, or working from ladders on top of trucks to get those extra couple feet needed to finish a project. Workers compensation underwriters have difficulty with risks that work over 30 feet. Why is this 30 foot threshold so critical to insurance companies who write workers compensation?