Industry News
Surviving the Blaze: Developing Asset Relocation Plans in Wildfire-Prone Regions
Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a tree care company operating in wildfire-prone areas, the safety of your crew, equipment, and vehicles is paramount. Wildfires can be unpredictable and devastating, posing a significant threat to your valuable assets. To mitigate risk of potential losses, it is important to have an effective asset relocation plan in place. This plan ensures that in the event of a wildfire, your vehicles and equipment have a safe place, reducing the risk of damage or total loss. This safe relocation address should be in an urban area, surrounded by buildings – not rural vegetation. It can be a mall parking lot or any urban lot. Let’s explore the reasons why having an asset relocation plan is crucial for tree care companies.
Steering Towards Safety: Strategies for Lowering Commercial Auto Insurance Premiums
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
We are going into uncertain times as some commercial auto carriers are electing to no longer write new business in California. This is leading to other carriers, that are still willing, to be overwhelmed with requests for insurance quotes. Carriers are limited in the increases they can take from one policy period to the next and have had increasingly bad losses which has made it impossible to be profitable. This will lead to carriers inevitably charging more over time as the losses have become staggering. Let’s take a look at what you can do as an insured to help your company look like a better risk for these carriers and mitigate premium increases?
Is Your Organization at Risk? Assessing the Need for an AI Policy
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Since the release of ChatGPT this year, it seems every technology platform is incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their products. However, concerns are quickly rising about the effects AI technology may have on industries. As more companies begin to incorporate AI into their products and operations, now is the time to reevaluate the necessity of an AI policy for your organization.
Back to the Books: Fall Months Call for Driver Preparedness
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As schools begin filtering back into session, more vehicles flood the roads in the mornings and afternoons. The “rush hour” traffic is back in full swing. From construction workers on their way to the jobsite to parents rushing their kids to school, more vehicles on the road means more risk for accidents, and an uptick in insurance claims.
Unraveling Residential Exclusions: Navigating General Liability in Construction
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 339 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton interviews Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee as they discuss the importance of Residential Exclusions in General Liability (GL) Policies for companies in the construction industry.
Risk Tamed and Rewards Claimed: Requiring Subcontractor Bonds
Author, Matt Gaynor, Director of Surety, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
We often receive questions from our contractor clients regarding if/when they should require a subcontractor to provide the protection of a performance & payment bond for a project. Although the premium charged for the bond will add cost to the project – on many occasions the benefit of the bond will far outweigh the cost.
OSHA Issues Heat Hazard Alert: Preparing for the Heat Wave
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California can experience high heat in the late Summer and early Fall months, which increases the risk of heat illness for employees working outside.
Identifying Proper Procedures for the Injury and Illness Prevention Program
Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In this second installment of exploring an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) we will be taking a closer look at the procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, investigating occupational injury or illnesses, and correcting unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices and procedures.
The Critical Role of Pollution Liability Insurance for Mechanical Contractors
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Mechanical HVAC contractors are essential to making sure that buildings around the globe have controlled temperatures and are energy efficient. Nationwide, the demand for mechanical HVAC contractors often keeps these businesses with full backlogs. These companies use various materials that create the potential for a pollution liability claim. Refrigerants, gases, flammable liquids, and lubricants are examples of these types of pollutants. If leaked or exposed, walls, ceilings, and floors can develop damage or mold that is not covered by standard commercial general liability policies.
Cal/OSHA to Enact ETS for Silica Exposure in Artificial Stone Industry
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On July 20, 2023, the Cal/OSHA board approved a petition that requested an emergency temporary standard for respirable crystalline silica, a byproduct of manufacturing and cutting artificial stone material.
Taking the Mystery out of Bonding for Public Works Projects
Author, Andy Roberts, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Obtaining bonding for public works projects can be a complex process but understanding what bonds are, why they are required, and what information the bond company needs can take a lot of the mystery out of the process and make it seem a lot less daunting.
Seasonal Demands Lead to Increased Risk for Landscapers
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With summer in full swing and the autumn months close ahead, landscapers are at their busiest time of the year. During this time, landscape companies often increase their employee numbers with temporary hires to meet the seasonal demands. Due to this, employers are encouraged to be more cautious of the increased risk of injuries to their workers, particularly those who are young and less-experienced.
First Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Data Breach
Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, July 14th Rancho Mesa hosted a popular workshop titled “Cyber Liability Explained: Hacking Trends for 2023” with presenter Beau Bechelli of Evolve MGA. His 60-minute presentation educated the audience on the cost of cyber-attacks, the most common types of attacks, and practical ways to help reduce the threat of a breach.
SafetyOne™ Mobile App Streamlines Safety Within the Janitorial Industry
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Earlier this year, Rancho Mesa launched its proprietary SafetyOne™ mobile app. Feedback so far has been extremely positive, with many clients taking full advantage of the extensive resources the app provides.
Take Your Safety Program to the Next Level through Leading Indicators
Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When it comes to measuring safety, most green industry (i.e., lawn, landscape, and tree care) businesses rely on OSHA rates, the experience modification, and, if you’re a Rancho Mesa customer, your Safety KPI Dashboard. This data is important; however, it only captures lagging information. Take your safety program to the next level by measuring predictive, preventive, and proactive - leading indicators.
Pure Premium Increase for Landscape (0042) in Consecutive Years
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When my baseball career ended in 2021, it was time for me to do something new with my life. For me the decision was easy and one that I am very grateful for. My dad, Dave Garcia started Rancho Mesa 25 years ago and throughout the years he and many others have contributed into what Rancho Mesa is today, a 16-time National Best Practices Agency. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to join such an amazing organization.
Contract Provisions to Review for Successful Projects
Author, Anne Wright, Surety Relationship Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Contracts are not always the most fun to read, but certainly important for all of us in the construction industry.
A Deeper Dive Into Professional Liability
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.
Improving Safety with Mechanization in the Tree Care Industry
Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Mechanization refers to the process of introducing machinery, equipment, or automated systems to replace human labor. Today, the tree care industry is becoming more mechanized with many technological advancements that are greatly improving the productivity, profitability, and safety of the industry. Let’s focus on safety.
A Brief Discussion on Pollution Liability
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.