Blog
March 18, 2021
2021 Commercial Property Insurance Market Outlook
The commercial property market has steadily hardened in recent years, resulting in rate increases every quarter since Q3 2017. Unfortunately, these rate increases—as well as additional policy restrictions—are expected to continue in 2021. We predict that many insureds will experience double-digit rate increases, lowered available capacity and various policy restrictions or exclusions—especially regarding losses tied...
March 15, 2021
Perspectives: Companies Increasingly Turn to Captives as Employee Benefits Evolve Due to COVID-19
COVID-19 has been the biggest disruptor in the health care sector in years, catapulting change in the delivery of care and putting greater focus on the emotional and financial well-being of employees as part of a broader business resiliency effort. To manage this more expansive set of benefits, companies are increasingly turning to captives for...
March 11, 2021
New Relief Bill Contains Employment-Related Provisions
Along with providing financial relief for individuals, state and local governments, schools, businesses and for other purposes, the relief bill passed by Congress on March 10, 2021, contains measures of special interest to employers. Specifically, the bill—known as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021—includes the following items particularly relevant to employers and their employees:...
March 9, 2021
The Importance of Fire Doors
In the event that a fire occurs at your commercial property, having measures in place to slow the spread of the flames and minimize potential damages is crucial. That’s where fire doors can help. These doors are specifically designed to withstand the extreme heat of a fire for a period of time, temporarily blocking flames...
March 5, 2021
How Non-Profits Can Prevent Card-Testing Fraud
The ability for donors to go online and give to their favorite nonprofit has become a simple and convenient way to support an organization. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many nonprofits moved their giving and fundraising campaigns online, allowing supporters to make donations via their debit or credit cards. But while online contributions have been a...
March 2, 2021
Potential Environmental and Regulatory Liabilities at Real Estate Entities
The most common environmental and regulatory exposures encountered by real estate entities include: Contaminants from known and unknown historical usage/operations or neighboring properties. Investigation and defense due to local and regional soil and groundwater contamination. Air emissions from ammonia-based refrigeration systems. Construction debris containing hazardous materials (e.g. paint cans, tars, etc.) Sick Building Syndrome (i.e....
February 25, 2021
Clarifying Guidance for Health FSA and DCAP COVID-19 Relief
On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify the application of temporary special rules for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The Notice responds to unanticipated changes in the availability of certain medical and dependent care as a result...
February 24, 2021
OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Sector
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout offers significant promise in the ongoing effort to curb the pandemic. However, even in the midst of this rollout, it’s vital for employers to promote workplace health and safety measures to protect their staff from COVID-19 exposures. The construction industry is no exception to these protective measures, especially considering that most...
February 23, 2021
Workers’ Compensation During Covid-19
As I reflect back on 2020, it was such an unprecedented time in our history and also for the employers I work alongside in California. Moving into 2021, I’m getting a ton of employers asking me, “Carrie, what do you see on the horizon for this year?” Senate Bill 1159 – Regulatory Changes First, I...
February 22, 2021
Beware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Since COVID-19 vaccine demand is increasing and distribution varies by state, scammers are trying to take advantage of uncertainty and confusion to steal money and personal information from vaccine seekers. Scammers are using phone calls, text messages, social media platforms and door-to-door visits to commit these COVID-19-related scams. Ways to Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams Keep...