Austin, Texas-based NSM Insurance Group has hired Jimmy Squires as business development manager for south Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Squires has more than 20 years experience with carriers and managing general agencies in both senior marketing and underwriting roles primarily in Southern states. He has significant experience building relationships with independent agents in his prospective states and will provide knowledge and leadership in developing those and establishing new relationships, NSM said in a statement.
NSM Insurance Group is a national property/casualty insurance service firm and specialist in the development and implementation of industry specific insurance programs.
Source: NSM Insurance Group
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Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
How to Manage Employment Risk in a Slow Economy
The difficult economic conditions of the last few years are on t op of most people's minds. Challenging economic circumstances are adversely impacting individuals and proving destructive to public entities across the nation. The weak economy affects cities and counties everywhere and it seems no person or group is entirely immune.
Layoffs have become increasingly common — and along with them, the number of employee discrimination cases has grown.Last year saw a sharp increase in the number of claims filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning more people are filing lawsuits claiming discrimination against their employers. More claims were filed by people with disabilities during 2009 than at any other time during the 20-year history of the ADA, with almost 21,500 related charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
It's no coincidence that increased layoffs and discrimination suits have a direct relationship. Two circumstances have helped generate this alarming fact. First, recent changes to the ADA have expanded the reach of the act, opening up benefits to those who were formerly not protected. Second, current economic conditions have led to widespread workforce reductions, which makes employers more vulnerable to discrimination suits. Complaints include issues such as arbitrary firing (or dismissals), being overlooked for a promotion or not receiving proper accommodations to complete one's work.
Layoffs Done Right
In order to avoid lawsuits, employers must not inadvertently discriminate in workforce reduction plans, not only against those with disabilities, but also against those belonging to other protected classes. Terminating employees is never easy, but there are some suggested practices to minimize legal repercussions. Among them:
• Exhaust available options. Prior to layoffs, ensure all other alternatives have been explored. Reduce the number of temporary and part-time employees. Offer early retirement buy-out options. Establish an abbreviated work week.
• Communicate early and often. Advise employees as soon as possible of the coming changes. Hold individual meetings with affected employees. Make information readily available to all staff members so concerns can be addressed and the spread of misinformation diminished.
• Ease the transition. If possible, make assistance available to employees. Consider offering outplacement programs such as vocational rehab, family financial planning and health-care/benefits meetings.
• Document everything. Document all actions and why those decisions were made. Have a clearly written plan on staff reductions and be sure to follow it.
• Work closely with legal counsel. Each step of the process of employee reduction, termination or furloughs should be closely scrutinized by your legal advisers. Prepare legal counsel with documentation to ensure that there is not a violation of a federal law or an unintentional appearance of discrimination. Most insurance carriers are willing to provide assistance with employment practices and employment issues.
• Make security a priority. We've all heard of the tragic episodes of workplace violence that are somber reminders that workplace safety cannot be taken for granted. Employing proper security practices can help ensure that employees are protected from a potentially dangerous situation. Your business should also train employees to recognize warning signs such as employees making threatening remarks about supervisors and other employees. When layoffs do occur, ensure current employees are safe from retaliation.
EPLI: Your Legal Protection
Layoffs come with a whole host of potential legal claims. State laws and other government entities, such as the EEOC, are also catalysts for discrimination suits. Consequently, it is important that risk managers ask themselves: Do we have the right to reduce staff or employee work hours? The quick answer is yes, absent a contract, union agreement or other employment manual, and as long as staff or work-hour reductions are not discriminating against a protected person or in violation of a federal or state law. All decisions regarding staff reductions should include the insight of experienced legal counsel, lest an organization risk putting itself into an unforeseen legal position.
But even when a layoff is conducted in the most appropriate, fair way possible, lawsuits are sometimes inevitable. That's where Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) comes in, to help protect your business against claims by workers that their legal rights as employees have been violated. EPLI offers defense against a wide range of employee lawsuits, including discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
Available as a stand-alone product and sometimes as an endorsement to a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), companies large and small should invest in this type of protection, as no business is immune from legal repercussions.
__
Molenaar is vice president of risk control for OneBeacon Government Risks.
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View the original article here
Layoffs have become increasingly common — and along with them, the number of employee discrimination cases has grown.Last year saw a sharp increase in the number of claims filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning more people are filing lawsuits claiming discrimination against their employers. More claims were filed by people with disabilities during 2009 than at any other time during the 20-year history of the ADA, with almost 21,500 related charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
It's no coincidence that increased layoffs and discrimination suits have a direct relationship. Two circumstances have helped generate this alarming fact. First, recent changes to the ADA have expanded the reach of the act, opening up benefits to those who were formerly not protected. Second, current economic conditions have led to widespread workforce reductions, which makes employers more vulnerable to discrimination suits. Complaints include issues such as arbitrary firing (or dismissals), being overlooked for a promotion or not receiving proper accommodations to complete one's work.
Layoffs Done Right
In order to avoid lawsuits, employers must not inadvertently discriminate in workforce reduction plans, not only against those with disabilities, but also against those belonging to other protected classes. Terminating employees is never easy, but there are some suggested practices to minimize legal repercussions. Among them:
• Exhaust available options. Prior to layoffs, ensure all other alternatives have been explored. Reduce the number of temporary and part-time employees. Offer early retirement buy-out options. Establish an abbreviated work week.
• Communicate early and often. Advise employees as soon as possible of the coming changes. Hold individual meetings with affected employees. Make information readily available to all staff members so concerns can be addressed and the spread of misinformation diminished.
• Ease the transition. If possible, make assistance available to employees. Consider offering outplacement programs such as vocational rehab, family financial planning and health-care/benefits meetings.
• Document everything. Document all actions and why those decisions were made. Have a clearly written plan on staff reductions and be sure to follow it.
• Work closely with legal counsel. Each step of the process of employee reduction, termination or furloughs should be closely scrutinized by your legal advisers. Prepare legal counsel with documentation to ensure that there is not a violation of a federal law or an unintentional appearance of discrimination. Most insurance carriers are willing to provide assistance with employment practices and employment issues.
• Make security a priority. We've all heard of the tragic episodes of workplace violence that are somber reminders that workplace safety cannot be taken for granted. Employing proper security practices can help ensure that employees are protected from a potentially dangerous situation. Your business should also train employees to recognize warning signs such as employees making threatening remarks about supervisors and other employees. When layoffs do occur, ensure current employees are safe from retaliation.
EPLI: Your Legal Protection
Layoffs come with a whole host of potential legal claims. State laws and other government entities, such as the EEOC, are also catalysts for discrimination suits. Consequently, it is important that risk managers ask themselves: Do we have the right to reduce staff or employee work hours? The quick answer is yes, absent a contract, union agreement or other employment manual, and as long as staff or work-hour reductions are not discriminating against a protected person or in violation of a federal or state law. All decisions regarding staff reductions should include the insight of experienced legal counsel, lest an organization risk putting itself into an unforeseen legal position.
But even when a layoff is conducted in the most appropriate, fair way possible, lawsuits are sometimes inevitable. That's where Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) comes in, to help protect your business against claims by workers that their legal rights as employees have been violated. EPLI offers defense against a wide range of employee lawsuits, including discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
Available as a stand-alone product and sometimes as an endorsement to a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), companies large and small should invest in this type of protection, as no business is immune from legal repercussions.
__
Molenaar is vice president of risk control for OneBeacon Government Risks.
Comments? Click here to post a comment about this article
View the original article here
Everest Re Management Shakeup: Taranto Stays; Jones Leaves
The Everest Re Group's Board of Directors has announced that Joseph V. Taranto has accepted its request to reconsider his decision to retire and will remain as Chairman and CEO through December 31, 2012.
At the same time the Board announced that Ralph E. Jones III, currently Everest Re's president and COO, "has asked the Company to accept his resignation effective October 7, 2010."
Taranto stated: "I am dedicated and energized to continue to lead the Company forward. Given all of Everest's strengths, I expect us to continue to perform well despite challenging market conditions. I also want to thank Ralph Jones for his contributions to Everest and wish him the very best."
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services issued a statement in reaction to the two announcements indicating that Everest Re's ratings "were unaffected by today's announcement of the resignation of Ralph E. Jones III, president and chief operating officer, effective Oct. 7, 2010." S&P also noted that he had been "expected to become the CEO of Everest effective Jan. 1, 2011."
S&P expressed confidence in Taranto's leadership, indicating "we don't believe this management change is a concern, based on Mr. Taranto's extensive experience at Everest. Nevertheless, we note the void created by Mr. Jones' sudden departure, given his previous role at the company and his 30-plus years of industry experience."
Source: Everest Re and Standard & Poor's
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At the same time the Board announced that Ralph E. Jones III, currently Everest Re's president and COO, "has asked the Company to accept his resignation effective October 7, 2010."
Taranto stated: "I am dedicated and energized to continue to lead the Company forward. Given all of Everest's strengths, I expect us to continue to perform well despite challenging market conditions. I also want to thank Ralph Jones for his contributions to Everest and wish him the very best."
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services issued a statement in reaction to the two announcements indicating that Everest Re's ratings "were unaffected by today's announcement of the resignation of Ralph E. Jones III, president and chief operating officer, effective Oct. 7, 2010." S&P also noted that he had been "expected to become the CEO of Everest effective Jan. 1, 2011."
S&P expressed confidence in Taranto's leadership, indicating "we don't believe this management change is a concern, based on Mr. Taranto's extensive experience at Everest. Nevertheless, we note the void created by Mr. Jones' sudden departure, given his previous role at the company and his 30-plus years of industry experience."
Source: Everest Re and Standard & Poor's
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Monday, 18 October 2010
North Carolina Opens Criminal Probe of Insurance Agent Who Killed Himself
State Insurance Department officials say they have begun a criminal investigation into the businesses of a Fayetteville man who killed himself in August.
The Fayetteville Observer reported that a spokeswoman says the state Insurance Department has begun the investigation of the business affairs of 63-year-old Raymond Lee Mulkey Jr.
Documents filed in Harnett County court show Mulkey left behind more than $40 million in liabilities and only $8 million in assets.
Those debts caused the Insurance Department to audit Mulkey's insurance businesses in Dunn and Fayetteville. Department spokeswoman Kristin Milam says the criminal investigation began after the audit was finished.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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The Fayetteville Observer reported that a spokeswoman says the state Insurance Department has begun the investigation of the business affairs of 63-year-old Raymond Lee Mulkey Jr.
Documents filed in Harnett County court show Mulkey left behind more than $40 million in liabilities and only $8 million in assets.
Those debts caused the Insurance Department to audit Mulkey's insurance businesses in Dunn and Fayetteville. Department spokeswoman Kristin Milam says the criminal investigation began after the audit was finished.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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View the original article here
Affordable auto insurance
It's amazing how much you can save auto insurance when you are ready on your, look around and if you are looking for affordable car insurance, then there are to start no better place than on the Internet.
Auto insurance premiums that are simply too high because you take non-competitive offers for many insurance companies that offer more affordable auto insurance if you are ready, when it comes to renewal time bezahlen.Es is looking a little time to have a good percentage of motorists.
I know people who have seen almost 50% drop in car insurance premiums by swapping the affordable auto insurance.
Much can change possible quota in just one year so just because you think you got the best, if your auto insurance, it took does not mean that you now the cheapest car insurance.
o in a start have no claims another year and may have changed your car and the same car insurance for speed and Leichtigkeit.Allerdings also used if your car insurance provider the cheapest solution offered means for a car it is not to say to you insurance quote not receiving an affordable car if you have changed your car.
o then there's new car insurance coming all the time in the industry, and others may have changed their pricing structure, a larger percentage of the auto insurance market to win.
o of your existing auto insurance company may have decided to increase your premiums at a higher price than their competitors, which could mean that you can get more affordable auto insurance car insurance provider with another.
o you may have changed the number of named drivers or the youngest rider on your auto insurance can make more affordable reached a milestone age that helps your auto insurance have.
o you can have moved house in an area which insurance keep secure and ready an affordable auto insurance premium will offer you.
There are any number of reasons why you should always competitive insurance quotes search and just because you were imposed with high car insurance premiums in the past have that does not mean to say you should no longer affordable insurance in the future looking car.
Use the Internet as a good starting point prices on the NET will be offered more competitive with discounts if you your car insurance online kaufen.Wenn you not sure which companies affordable car insurance quotes from first to get a few of the larger insurance companies trying to drive business with insurance for a significant period of time such as progressive insurance or State were farm insurance in the.
Go happy hunting experience could the pleasure let a bargain snapped your search to burn with a lot of change to affordable auto insurance!
Auto insurance premiums that are simply too high because you take non-competitive offers for many insurance companies that offer more affordable auto insurance if you are ready, when it comes to renewal time bezahlen.Es is looking a little time to have a good percentage of motorists.
I know people who have seen almost 50% drop in car insurance premiums by swapping the affordable auto insurance.
Much can change possible quota in just one year so just because you think you got the best, if your auto insurance, it took does not mean that you now the cheapest car insurance.
o in a start have no claims another year and may have changed your car and the same car insurance for speed and Leichtigkeit.Allerdings also used if your car insurance provider the cheapest solution offered means for a car it is not to say to you insurance quote not receiving an affordable car if you have changed your car.
o then there's new car insurance coming all the time in the industry, and others may have changed their pricing structure, a larger percentage of the auto insurance market to win.
o of your existing auto insurance company may have decided to increase your premiums at a higher price than their competitors, which could mean that you can get more affordable auto insurance car insurance provider with another.
o you may have changed the number of named drivers or the youngest rider on your auto insurance can make more affordable reached a milestone age that helps your auto insurance have.
o you can have moved house in an area which insurance keep secure and ready an affordable auto insurance premium will offer you.
There are any number of reasons why you should always competitive insurance quotes search and just because you were imposed with high car insurance premiums in the past have that does not mean to say you should no longer affordable insurance in the future looking car.
Use the Internet as a good starting point prices on the NET will be offered more competitive with discounts if you your car insurance online kaufen.Wenn you not sure which companies affordable car insurance quotes from first to get a few of the larger insurance companies trying to drive business with insurance for a significant period of time such as progressive insurance or State were farm insurance in the.
Go happy hunting experience could the pleasure let a bargain snapped your search to burn with a lot of change to affordable auto insurance!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Rate and compare auto insurance help save, save money
Car insurance is very competitive, to make your business online. Online access is much easier to evaluate and compare auto insurance companies today. There are some important aspects to consider before purchasing a car insurance policy.
There are many fly by night auto insurance companies these days.Can 1,000 of ratings to the insurance companies receive car, you erwägen.Informationen exposed on 1, 1,000's detailed financial profiles by insurance companies.
You can also search for "S & P car insurance ratings", information about that auto insurance companies get consider.
Another important aspect to consider when you evaluate and compare car insurance is how quickly you can process insurance claims. It is easy to handle? if a call lasts weeks to process, you can might end up with many problems from the different auto insurance companies involved with your request.
One of the best ways to take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly about auto insurance companies is by online businesses Bewertungen.Dies reviews of past customers and people, to write there own experience with a specific auto insurance company.
Auto insurance companies are very competitive for your business. This can help, insurance for online may be a better deal on your car, if you know what type of discounts to you from auto insurance companies.
Here are 5 types of auto insurance discounts
1. Car safety features book - sure to examine your vehicles car safety assessment.
2. Several vehicle discount - you can discount to get car insurance by several vehicles on you car insurance policy may be.
3. Secure driver's discount - with some auto insurance companies you are required to have a clean driving record for at least five years.Make sure take advantage of this type of discount auto insurance if you qualify.
(4) Full time student discount - discount auto insurance may be available for you if you are a full-time student.
5. Auto insurance renewal discount - have a clean driving record and have for many years with the same car insurance for a renewal discount on issues.
Auto insurance companies know your are many competitive companies out there, business wollen.Ist most cases, when you say you are auto insurance considering another drag, you will very willing to give you a car insurance Rabatt.Lassen you know you have been shopping around and have some really great price quotes from other automatic discount insurance companies.
Car insurance discounts are for many different reasons to the Verfügung.wobei some can save time to educate themselves about discount auto insurance help a lot of money on your insurance policy.
There are many fly by night auto insurance companies these days.Can 1,000 of ratings to the insurance companies receive car, you erwägen.Informationen exposed on 1, 1,000's detailed financial profiles by insurance companies.
You can also search for "S & P car insurance ratings", information about that auto insurance companies get consider.
Another important aspect to consider when you evaluate and compare car insurance is how quickly you can process insurance claims. It is easy to handle? if a call lasts weeks to process, you can might end up with many problems from the different auto insurance companies involved with your request.
One of the best ways to take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly about auto insurance companies is by online businesses Bewertungen.Dies reviews of past customers and people, to write there own experience with a specific auto insurance company.
Auto insurance companies are very competitive for your business. This can help, insurance for online may be a better deal on your car, if you know what type of discounts to you from auto insurance companies.
Here are 5 types of auto insurance discounts
1. Car safety features book - sure to examine your vehicles car safety assessment.
2. Several vehicle discount - you can discount to get car insurance by several vehicles on you car insurance policy may be.
3. Secure driver's discount - with some auto insurance companies you are required to have a clean driving record for at least five years.Make sure take advantage of this type of discount auto insurance if you qualify.
(4) Full time student discount - discount auto insurance may be available for you if you are a full-time student.
5. Auto insurance renewal discount - have a clean driving record and have for many years with the same car insurance for a renewal discount on issues.
Auto insurance companies know your are many competitive companies out there, business wollen.Ist most cases, when you say you are auto insurance considering another drag, you will very willing to give you a car insurance Rabatt.Lassen you know you have been shopping around and have some really great price quotes from other automatic discount insurance companies.
Car insurance discounts are for many different reasons to the Verfügung.wobei some can save time to educate themselves about discount auto insurance help a lot of money on your insurance policy.
Understanding auto insurance
Car insurance is a kind of insurance cover for damage to and from a automatically. This type a lot of things may vary depending on the type of car insurance insurance purchased.
All auto insurance policies include a bonus which which is paying a customer goes to have auto insurance. Premiums for car insurance can extremely divergent and determined by a number of factors. Sex is the major determinant of auto insurance premiums. Men are statistically, 80% rather be involved in an accident, and therefore a greater need for insurance. Auto insurance premiums for men are higher than car insurance premiums for women. In a similar way young people are considered high risk and have to pay higher car insurance premiums.The auto insurance premium can be reduced if the teens have a defensive driving course dauert.Viele States require young people, defensive driving courses to take a driver's license and auto insurance.
It is common for car insurance plans to have a deductible, the customer is for responsible before the auto insurance provides coverage of the costs. Deductibles may affect available reporting under a car insurance.
Auto insurance is slightly different from other types of insurance because you can buy car insurance covering specific needs.For this reason, there are different types of auto insurance.Car insurance basics covered liability car insurance Pläne.Auto insurance is typically the minimum required by State laws. Auto insurance is characterized by a set dollar amount of coverage for damages, accidents or Fahrlässigkeit.Die coverage amount of liability car insurance can be applied property damaged in the accident which is not a car.
Car insurance, comes as collision auto Versicherung.Kollision car insurance is intended to cover the cost of repairs to a vehicle in an accident involves, or the cash value of the vehicle if it cannot be repaired.
Comprehensive car insurance is also available.With comprehensive car insurance reporting on fees for repairs for accidents is not collisions sind.Umfassende auto insurance is provided, such as hail or fire damage cover.
What kind of car / car insurance you need can help business health insurance! we have all the information on auto insurance in your state.
All auto insurance policies include a bonus which which is paying a customer goes to have auto insurance. Premiums for car insurance can extremely divergent and determined by a number of factors. Sex is the major determinant of auto insurance premiums. Men are statistically, 80% rather be involved in an accident, and therefore a greater need for insurance. Auto insurance premiums for men are higher than car insurance premiums for women. In a similar way young people are considered high risk and have to pay higher car insurance premiums.The auto insurance premium can be reduced if the teens have a defensive driving course dauert.Viele States require young people, defensive driving courses to take a driver's license and auto insurance.
It is common for car insurance plans to have a deductible, the customer is for responsible before the auto insurance provides coverage of the costs. Deductibles may affect available reporting under a car insurance.
Auto insurance is slightly different from other types of insurance because you can buy car insurance covering specific needs.For this reason, there are different types of auto insurance.Car insurance basics covered liability car insurance Pläne.Auto insurance is typically the minimum required by State laws. Auto insurance is characterized by a set dollar amount of coverage for damages, accidents or Fahrlässigkeit.Die coverage amount of liability car insurance can be applied property damaged in the accident which is not a car.
Car insurance, comes as collision auto Versicherung.Kollision car insurance is intended to cover the cost of repairs to a vehicle in an accident involves, or the cash value of the vehicle if it cannot be repaired.
Comprehensive car insurance is also available.With comprehensive car insurance reporting on fees for repairs for accidents is not collisions sind.Umfassende auto insurance is provided, such as hail or fire damage cover.
What kind of car / car insurance you need can help business health insurance! we have all the information on auto insurance in your state.
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