Insurance Insights

Millions of small business owners nationwide are always looking for ways to reduce the costs of running their companies, and that often includes the amount they spend to literally keep the lights on. As such, many are now in support of less expensive, more efficient energy initiatives.

The Affordable Care Act’s coverage mandate, which states that companies with 50 or more employees working 30-plus hours per week must provide them with health insurance options, goes into effect at the start of next year. However, it seems that options for doing so might be extremely limited on public exchanges put into place by the healthcare law.

Antique stores specialize in selling a collection of different antiques and collectibles. This includes figurines, furniture, jewelry, home décor items, odds and ends, and many other items. Items are acquired from individuals selling on consignment, estate sales, yard sales and flea markets. As an antique store owner, you have some extensive business risks when owning and operating an antique shop, including shoplifting, theft and vandalism most of all. Since all of your merchandise is in a single location, risks like fire or flood could destroy all your items, therefore making it another big risk. Protect your business from these risks with antique store insurance.

Tall buildings, such as apartment buildings, high-rise corporate buildings and hotels have a variety of fire and safety risks. To remain safe after a fire has occurred in the building, it is important to have an evacuation plan in place that residents, customers, and guests understand what to do in a fire emergency, and that emergency exits are clearly marked.

Vehicle accidents are more common than you might think. Any time an employee drives a company vehicle for business purposes, they are at risk. This risk further increases the chances of a potential vehicle accident lawsuit. According to the CDC, work-related deaths are caused by vehicle accidents more so than any other type of accident in the workplace. Motor vehicle accidents cost businesses nearly $60 billion each year. With numbers like these, you can only imagine the risk your business is in with accidents in general, and impending lawsuits from them. Be careful to follow these tips for protecting your business adequately.

Carpet and rug stores carry everything you could need for the floors of your home or business including different types of carpets, area rugs and other flooring such as ceramic tile, vinyl and linoleum flooring, and more. Additionally, carpet stores often provide installation services for carpet and tile as well as offer services to repair floors that have been damaged. There are also risks to operating a rug and carpet store including damage during installation, injury within your store and liabilities with the products themselves. Protect your risks by purchasing carpet and rug insurance.

Accepting credit cards is practically essential, whether you run a local or online business. The majority of people are paying with credit or debit cards for their purchases. It is convenient, but it also poses a number of risks. There are some ways to help protect your customer’s credit cards and personal information, including the following five tips.

A new study finds that the thought of random inspections increases the company’s safety statistics.

Party stores sell nearly every type of supply you could possibly need for a birthday party, wedding reception, bridal or baby shower, or any other event. This includes cups, plates, napkins, table cloths, banners, balloons, plastic cutlery, party hats, confetti, invitations and thank-you cards and various types of decorations. Most party stores rely on equipment to blow up balloons, therefore equipment breakdown is a significant risk. Theft and shoplifting are also major risks for party supply stores. Purchase insurance to cover these and other risks you’re exposed to.

With millions of small businesses nationwide competing for consumers’ attentions with each other and larger competitors as well, many are now trying to increase their footprint in potential customers’ minds by trying to expand their presence on social media sites.