Does Your Company Use Sub-Contractors?

Posted under Commercial Insurance, Safety.

Why Your Risk Just Went Up

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unveiled a new standard for determining which employees are considered employees and which are considered contractors. Over that past few months, most government regulators have been cracking down on businesses that misclassify employees as contractors. These rules may make more businesses responsible for labor law violations committed by contractors and staffing agencies in wage and hour benefits.

Previously, employers were responsible only if they had direct control over working conditions. This ruling will impact temporary staffing firms which currently employ over 3 million people. In some cases, these “contractors” may be deemed joint employees.

Most State governments are cracking down on local businesses that try to skirt the employee/employer relationship by identifying certain individuals as contractors. Here is a good test:

The six factors, or questions, in the “economic realities” test include:

  1. Is the work an integral part of the employer’s business?
  2. Does the worker’s managerial skill affect the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss?
  3. How does the worker’s relative investment compare to the employer’s investment?
  4. Does the work performed require special skill and initiative?
  5. Is the relationship between the worker and the employer permanent or indefinite?
  6. What is the nature and degree of the employer’s control?

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State.

Summer Is Over; Back To School Safety Tips

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

 

MF schoolrfEveryone looks forward to the first few days of school; meeting old friends and finding the seat in the new classroom, all create an excitement this time of year. But as you get your kids ready for school we want to remind you of a few safety tips.

  • Make sure your children know their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult, and how to dial 9-1-1.
  • Remind your child not to walk, run, or ride his bicycle down railroad tracks. It’s illegal and dangerous.
  • Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.
  • If your child walks to school, complete the walk a few times with them.
  • Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all traffic laws. Absolutely no texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.
  • Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.
  • Bike riders should always wear a helmet.
  • Children should always board and exit the bus at designated locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

Are You Driving In A School Zone?

  • In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
  • Obey school zone speed limits.
  • Follow all laws pertaining to school buses.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Did you know that in most cases your homeowner’s insurance will provide liability coverage if your child injures a third party? Also, did you know that your homeowner’s insurance will provide loss or damage to personal property (subject to policy terms and conditions)?

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Some information provided by American Red Cross and National Safety Counsel

How To Have A Safe Vacation

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance, Safety.

bigstock-Concept-or-conceptual-black-pl-47908673-300x225As the summer vacation season approaches and thoughts turn to fun in the sun, getting on an airplane or even camping. Remember your homeowners insurance will cover your personal property while on vacation. If you plan on traveling to a foreign country, call our office for an insurance review.

Here are some tips to protect your data from prying eyes so you can have one less thing to worry about on your vacation.

  • Set a budget. Begin with the vacation as the finish line, and mark out the steps it will take to get there. Determine how much you want to spend on everything including hotels, gasoline, souvenirs and meals.
  • Don’t post on social media until you return.
  • Let a trusted neighbor know you will be away and have them keep an eye on your home. It is a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
  • Be aware of any travel and health alerts at your destination
  • Write out a schedule and give it to a family member for safety purposes.
  • Make copies of all of your credit cards, important identification information, including your medical insurance cards, and your traveler’s checks.
  • Look for deals. You can find websites all over the internet that can help you score deals on hotels, amusement park tickets, airline travel and so on. Make sure you look for bargains after you set the budget.
  • Put inside and outside lights on timers.
  • Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended period.
  • Stop the paper and garbage service.
  • Don’t take expensive jewelry with you. Jewelry can get lost or be a target for thieves.
  • Never put your home address on your luggage tags. Write your phone number instead.
  • If you are traveling to a foreign country remember to study up on laws and customs. You will have a much better time if you understand the culture.
  • Make sure all electrical appliances are turned off.
  • Before you leave for vacation, you may decide to close your curtains to prevent people from peering inside your home to see whether you’re there. However, closed curtains also stop those who aim to help the police, your neighbors or friends from seeing inside your house

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Now go and have a great time!

Boating Safety Tips From PlatinumOne Insurance

Posted under Uncategorized.

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The onset of spring sends many of us to the water to enjoy our watercrafts, which brings us to the important topic of boating/watercraft safety.  According to the U.S. Coast Guard, eighty eight percent of reported fatalities in 2012 happened on boats where the driver had not received boating safety training. Your boat will need insurance for watercraft liability, damage to the hull, and personal property.

Boat policies can cover damage to your boat, motor, trailer, and personal effects in the boat. Available coverage includes liability, medical payments, coverage for injury to a water skier and damage to the boat itself, sometimes called hull coverage. Availability varies by state and by insurance company. Even though boat insurance premiums are low, shopping your rate can sometimes save a substantial amount.

Here are some things to think about before you take your watercraft out:

Trip Pre Planning

  • Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher onboard.
  • Make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste, and grease.
  • Carry Coast Guard approved life jackets.
  • Service your motor at least once per year, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • View the hull for damage.
  • Consider taking a safety course.
  • We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind.

Watercraft Safety

  • Follow all safety rules.
  • Be aware of weather conditions.
  • Have operable boat lights. Always test boat lights before the boat leaves the dock and carry extra batteries.
  • Never allow passengers to ride on gunwales, seatbacks or outside of protective railings, including the front of a pontoon boat. A sudden turn, stop or start could cause a fall overboard.
  • Follow speed laws around houseboats and docks.
  • Know your boat’s capacity and how to properly load it. An overloaded or improperly loaded boat can cause safety problems.
  • Have a working marine radio on board at all times and know how to use it.
  • Ventilate after fueling. Open hatches, run the blower, and check for fuel fumes before starting the engine.
  • Infants and young children are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you are taking a baby on a boat, just take a few extra precautions to keep your baby warm.

We are the smart way to buy insurance. As a leading Kansas City Independent Agency, we offer a broad selection of insurance policies, companies and financial services. We are licensed in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. By representing multiple carriers such as Travelers, Allied, MetLife Auto & Home, Kemper, Hartford and Progressive, we have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that can best serve your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage… and it benefits you the customer

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Posted under Personal Insurance, Uncategorized.

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Home Safety
As you head out this summer for that Griswold family vacation, take a few moments to protect your home so it will be there upon your return. While homeowner’s insurance covers many types of losses, the following facts and safety tips might just help prevent a loss from happening.

Home Burglary facts (Source FBI, Harris Interactive Polls)

• 23% of burglars get in through the back door.
• Homes with security systems have a 30% less chance of being targets.
• A majority of convicted burglars say they avoid homes with alarm systems.
• 20% of homeowners say they leave their doors unlocked.
• Burglars will use social media to select targets.
• The average cost to replace stolen items is $4,200.
• Almost 50% of homeowners do not have a home inventory.
• A home is broken into once every 15 seconds.

Home Insurance Vacation Safety Tips

1. Stop the paper and garbage.
2. Keep valuables in a locked safe.
3. Lock up all guns.
4. Tell neighbors about your trip. Have them watch for deliveries.
5. Don’t take all your credits cards on vacation, only take the ones you may need.
6. Use automatic lights to give the appearance of someone being at home.
7. Pay all your bills so that key utilities don’t get turned off.
8. Inform your credit card companies where you plan on traveling. This information will alert them to any fraud.
9. Mow the lawn before you go to make it look like you are at home.
10. Give you itinerary to a family member.
11. Don’t post vacation pictures on social media sites until your return home.
12. Have us complete a free home insurance review before you go.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

PlatinumOne Insurance Agency Offers Ways To Reduce Homeowners Insurance

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, Personal Insurance.

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Home Insurance

Everyone at PlatinumOne endeavors to find ways to keep our clients personal lines insurance as low as possible. We understand how important having the right kind of homeowner’s insurance is.  We also understand that you want your claims covered and you want outstanding customer service. Unlike some faceless internet company, we will always work more than “15 minutes” to find you the best possible combination of price, coverage and service for your insurance needs.  Here are a few things you can do right now to lower your homeowner’s premiums.

Ways to Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums

  • Consider increasing your deductibles.
  • Assess the value of the possessions in your home. Do you have too much coverage?
  • Pay your premiums in full. Some carriers offer a discount for this.
  • Are you over the age of 65? There are senior discounts available.
  • Most insurers offer discounts for alarms, sprinklers and deadbolt locks.
  • Combine home and auto together. Many insurers offer discounts for consolidating policies.
  • Use an independent agent like us to shop your insurance on a regular basis. We will search the market and find the best options.
  • Many insurance companies reward homeowners with discounts ranging from long-term customer loyalty rewards to having claim-free histories with the company.
  • Upgrade basic house systems such as electrical, heating, plumbing and roofing.

You might be able to pay less for your car insurance premium and not even know it. So it pays to connect with us to review your insurance needs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008.

 

Has Your Business Changed?

Posted under Commercial Insurance, Uncategorized.

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Every business goes through changes including growth, new products or services, or equipment upgrades.  If your business has experienced any change it might be time to have a business insurance and risk review. Part of every business managers planning should include an annual commercial insurance review

New Products Or Services

If your business is providing new services or is selling new products it will be important to make sure your business insurance covers these changes. For example, if you are a contractor and are now providing plan review services, you will need Professional Liability Insurance.

Employee Changes

With employment changes always comes the need for Employment Practices Liability Insurance. If you have added new classes of employees, your workers’ compensation coverage will need to be updated.

New Equipment

If your business has purchased new computers, office equipment, or machinery you may not have enough property insurance coverage. Your Property Insurance premium varies depending on the type and volume of hardware/software you buy.

Change In Ownership

Often businesses have a change in ownership. It could be the death of a shareholder, divorce involving one of the shareholders, or your business may have added a new partner. Whatever the case, these changes need to be addressed with your agent and insurer. If you do not have Directors and Officers insurance, now may be the time to consider this coverage.

Remember that when things change in your business, one of the first things to consider is how those changes will impact your risk coverage.

We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Summer Means It Is Time To Get The Toys Out

Posted under Auto Insurance.

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How To Save Money On Your Toy Insurance

When it comes to RV, motorcycle, or boat insurance, having options can be a very important way to save money. Putting money back in your pocket is one of our primary goals. There are few joys greater in life than being able to escape the daily grind. Regardless of whether you are relaxing on your boat at the lake, traveling through the midwest, camping with friends and family or enjoying the open road on the bike of your dreams; you need to take the proper steps to protect what you have worked so hard to enjoy.

We know and understand the boat, motorcycle and RV insurance market.  This allows us to provide you with the best possible combination of pricing, coverage and service.

Motorcycle Insurance Rates

Motorcycle insurance rates differ from company to company, so it really pays to have us shop your insurance. Some markets offer better rates for trucks, RV and campers, while others can offer better rates for motorcycles.

How To Save On Toy Insurance

There are many things you can do to keep your auto rates at the lowest level possible.

  • Review your deductibles. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible to $2,500 could reduce your Collision and Comprehensive costs by 15 to 20 percent.
  • Look for discounts. There are many different discounts offered by insurance companies. These include multi-policy, good student, and more.
  • The kind of RV, boat or motorcycle you own can have an impact on the insurance costs. Do some research about a RV, before you buy it.
  • Is your coverage appropriate based on the type of RV you have? If you have an older RV it may benefit you to consider raising your collision deductibles.
  • Get your policy up to date. Have you experienced changes like a new address, divorce or marriage? Call us for a policy review.

We offer competitive prices plus convenient payment plans, and we’ll place your coverage with a company that has the financial stability to be there when you need them most. You might be able to pay less for your insurance and not even know it. So it pays to connect with us to review your insurance needs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008.

 

Protect Your Business With Cyber Laibility

Posted under Commercial Insurance, Cyber Liability.

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Cyber issues are in the news a lot today and we are sure everyone is thinking about how it applies to your business or family. As we continue our discussion regarding a new way to think about insurance we thought it would interesting to apply our philosophy to the Cyber Risk issue.

Cyber Liability Risk

Every business is at risk for a cyber breach. Even the White House recently experienced a cyber breach. Cyber breaches are now a fact of life, and every state now has mandatory requirements for data breach notification. Statistics show 39% of all cyber incidents affect businesses with fewer than 100 employees. If you store data, including private information on computers, use e-mail, generate revenue online, or use your computer to control production, manufacturing, or inventory, your company is at risk!

“High-profile attacks, including the data on 100 million customers stolen from U.S. retailer Target in 2013, and the emails filched from Sony’s film studios at the end of last year, have made companies fearful of the economic consequences of cyber robbery. Yet they haven’t done much to puncture the secrecy that surrounds the issue.” Said Mark Gilbert in a recent article on Property Casualty 360

Best Practices For Cyber Risk

While cyber liability insurance should be considered by every business, in addition, we also recommend specific procedures and defensive programs to limit or reduce your risk.

  • Make sure you comply with all state and federal laws
  • Have a written cyber breach policy
  • Don’t use the same password for multiple services
  • Apply software updates when necessary. Apple, Google, and Microsoft typically include security bug fixes and patches in their most recent software updates
  • Question your internet security at every level, including email. It may be time to encrypt all emails
  • Shred all credit reports and other sensitive data before disposal
  • Do not click on links or pop-ups, open attachments, or respond to emails from strangers
  • Only connect to the Internet over secure, password- protected networks
  • Follow all HIPAA laws
  • Hire an IT Director, or make one person responsible for network security
  • Focus on using long passwords (longer than 13 characters) and change frequently
  • Develop notification procedures
  • Do not open emails or open attachments from email addresses you do not recognize
  • Train employees on the use of laptops including out of office access
  • Invest in the latest anti cyber software
  • Verify that all your vendors comply with laws and statutes

Cyber Liability Insurance

Most businesses should consider cyber liability insurance which is designed to cover the costs of investigations, notification, and credit monitoring for affected individuals, regulatory compliance, defending lawsuits, and payment of any resulting judgments or settlements. The level of coverage your business needs is based on your individual operations and can vary depending on your range of exposure.

You might be able to pay less for your insurance and not even know it. So it pays to connect with us to review your insurance needs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008

I Am Moving…. How Does My Homeowners Insurance Apply?

Posted under Uncategorized.

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How Homeowner’s Insurance Applies To Moving

Hiring a moving company can be a good thing. They do all the work of moving your important possessions into your new home. But accidents happen.  What happens if the movers damage your piano or drop an item on your hardwood floor? Homeowner’s insurance is designed to provide protection for damage or loss to your home and property as a result of an unforeseen event or accident.

If the moving company causes damage to your property, in most cases they will repair or replace the damaged item. That is why it is a good idea to have a written contract with the moving company in which this issue is written out. You should require the moving company to have business insurance that covers broken or damaged items.

Usually the moving company’s contract states that they have a specific limit that they will be responsible for. So if you have an expensive antique, it may not be covered if it is a total loss. If a moving company scratches your furniture, they usually will have a third party come to your house to make the repairs.

Moving coverage may currently be part of your homeowner’s policy, but it depends on your individual coverage. If you are scheduling a move, you might call our office to have us review your coverage and help you with recommendations. Enjoy your new home!

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.