Category Archives: Resources

What to do, or not do, when reporting an insurance claim

If and when you have an insurance claim to report, you should inform your insurance agent of its occurrence as soon as possible, even if you called the claim in direct to the insurance company.  Reporting direct is not only accepted today, it is encouraged by many insurance companies and agents, including this writer, IF… Read More: What to do, or not do, when reporting an insurance… »

Workers Compensation Rate Decrease for 2024

Pursuant to Iowa Code section 515A.6(7), notice is hereby given that the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. has made a rate filing which affects the premium rates for workers’ compensation insurance. The rate filing proposes an overall decrease of 12.0% in the voluntary and assigned risk markets from the current rates that became effective on January 1,… Read More: Workers Compensation Rate Decrease for 2024 »

Respondeat Superior, A Look at When Employers May be Held Liable for Their Employee’s Conduct

Respondeat Superior in Latin literally means “let the superior make answer.” In legal terminology, respondeat superior or “vicarious liability” is the doctrine in which an employer or principle is held liable for their employees’ or agents’ wrongful acts committed within the scope of employment. A California appellate court described the doctrine as follows: Respondeat Superior,… Read More: Respondeat Superior, A Look at When Employers May be Held… »

Join The Insurance Industry And Become a Professional

It’s insurance careers month. Given that the industry is undergoing a substantial human sea change as some 400,000 baby boomers retire, it’s appropriate that we celebrate our industry. I’ve been reflecting on my decision to major in insurance as a sophomore in college. It was probably the best decision I’ve made in my entire life,… Read More: Join The Insurance Industry And Become a Professional »

Employee Or Independent Contractor? US Department Of Labor Provides New Guidance

Wednesday, July 15, 2015  |  © Copyright 2015 Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP  | Posted January 12, 2016  | According to the US Department of Labor,  “most workers are employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act’s broad definitions.” The debate over classification of workers as employees versus independent contractors has yet another chapter. Last month,… Read More: Employee Or Independent Contractor? US Department Of Labor Provides New… »

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Damage From Falling Trees & Limbs?

Author: Todd Duvall, Demand Media  | According to the Insurance Information Institute, typical homeowners insurance covers tree-related damage. Let’s say a falling tree branch crashes through your roof during a storm, causing not only damage to your roof, but to the room below that was saturated with rain water.  As long as your home is insured,… Read More: Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Damage From Falling Trees & Limbs? »

Three Components of Effective Worker’s Compensation Claims Handling

Author: Leslie Bramwell, CPCU, Senior Workers’ Compensation Program Coordinator, EMC Insurance, Des Moines, Iowa | The average medical cost of a workers’ compensation lost-time claim was 56 percent higher in 2013 than in 2003, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Experts predict this figure will continue to grow. One way employers can control… Read More: Three Components of Effective Worker’s Compensation Claims Handling »