BIG Insurance News

Avoid Slips and Falls at Your Workplace

Katie Boyle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:03:29 GMT

Slips and falls are the second leading causes of loss for business in Indiana. And they can be prevented with a few maintenance and cleaning procedures. Most slips and falls are caused by the floor surface being too slippery from either moisture or from lack of friction due to built up debris in the surface. We want you, your employees and customers to be safe at your business – so keep these helpful tips in mind:

Check Your Floor Friction

Clean floors are safe floors
Most falls are caused by slipperiness related to dirt, grease or debris on the floors or by using inappropriate cleaning solutions that make the floor slippery – that’s why we encourage you to train your employees on the proper way to clean and maintain floor surfaces. You can learn more and get employee training materials on this safety topic when you contact us.
Oh, those darn shoes!
Just as the friction resistance of the floor surface plays a role in slips and falls, so too does the tread and condition of footwear. You can remind your employees to have appropriate shoes for the surface of your workplace, but we know you can’t control what shoes most people wear so it’s still best to focus your attention on the condition and maintenance of the floor.
Make sure you are protected by your policy
Make sure your property and liability exposures are covered. We can make sure your business’s coverage is up-to-date and appropriate for your industry.

To learn more about floor surface types and levels of slip resistance, contact us and ask for loss prevention training tools.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:36:33 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Brown Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in Indiana or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Controlling Product Liability Loss

Katie Boyle — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:33:25 GMT

When a company adopts certain management and operating principles, it can minimize or even eliminate products liability losses. Working these principles into your organization requires a systematic, coordinated loss control plan. At Brown Insurance, we recommend that you consider these three components when developing your plan.

A corporate policy on product safety
A product safety coordinator or committee with clearly fixed responsibilities
Specific loss control measures

Corporate Policy

An official corporate policy regarding product safety is essential to demonstrate top management's commitment. The written policy should explain the company's objectives (e.g., to design, manufacture, and sell products that are reliable and meet applicable regulations and standards). It should also indicate who in the organization is responsible for product safety, and how the program will be implemented and monitored.

Product Safety Coordinator or Committee

In the complex field of products liability, every department plays a vital role. Fixing responsibility is the only way to achieve the desired result. The size of the company will determine whether one individual can be designated as the product safety coordinator or a product safety committee should be formed. For smaller companies, it may be possible to have one person responsible for product safety along with his or her regular job duties. Larger organizations may need a fulltime coordinator or a formal committee to ensure products liability control.

Regardless of which structure you adopt, you should:

Initiate procedures that support company policy and objectives
Develop product safety training programs
Learn and communicate changes in codes, regulations and standards
Coordinate product safety hazard analysis
Participate in organizations developing improved product standards
Communicate with the insurance carrier's loss prevention and claims departments
Coordinate accident and product failure investigations and take corrective actions for customers
Maintain loss data including accident reports and warranty claims
Alert management to potential product recalls
Audit and evaluate the effectiveness of the products program
Report progress to management
Recommend corrective action

If you appoint a committee to handle product safety, some of the departments that should be represented on the committee are engineering, quality control, manufacturing, legal, safety, service, marketing/advertising and purchasing (including buyers if you are a retailer). Committee responsibilities may include:

Conducting program activities
Monitoring product performance
Submitting patent applications
Designing labeling and warnings
Processing warranty claims
Documenting product design
Documenting product modification
Reviewing product literature and advertising
Monitoring quality control
Reviewing and responding to accident reports

Loss Control Measures

Products liability loss control involves four important measures:

Identifying the exposures
Guarding against the accident
Warning against the hazard
Defending against claims

Identify the Exposures

Take a good look at each of your products to identify possible ways that they could cause or contribute to accidents or injuries. This evaluation should consider the entire life cycle of the product, from design through disposal. It should also include the environment in which the product will be used and foreseeably misused. Consider intended product users and unintended users, who may also be exposed to potential hazards.

Guard Against the Accident

Understand and apply safety principles concerning product design and manufacturing. Once the hazards are determined, install adequate protective devices. We strongly recommend that the complete physical protection package, such as guards, protective accessories or devices, etc., be included in the product price rather than being listed as options. If they are offered as options, the customers should sign off on their decision not to purchase them. Keep those records for defense. The purchase of quality components and the establishment of high quality manufacturing standards are essential to meeting performance requirements.

As technological safety advances are made, offer consumers retrofit packages to upgrade older product models. Again document these offers and the customer's decisions.

Identify critical pats of the product and indicate their rated capacities clearly, prominently and permanently. Professionalism in all product sales, engineering and field services becomes increasingly important. Sometimes, even the most thoroughly designed controls can fail and a product with serious hazards can be distributed. This situation may require a recall, and your program should include procedures for identifying and tracing specific parts or products. Without actually recalling a specific product, test the recall program to verify its effectiveness.

When dealing with a retail or wholesale situation, develop a system to ensure that recalled products taken off the shelves are not inadvertently put back out for sale by uninformed sales staff or merchandisers. Instruct the lead salespeople and department managers to ask customers if the products being returned for exchange or refund have been involved in accidents or near accidents.

Warn Against the Hazard

The controls in this area are based on clear, accurate and complete product literature and proper packaging and labeling. Advertising and public relations releases should reflect sound accident prevention measures. "Warning" and "Caution" labels and pictorial symbols will help, along with a complete instruction manual for each product.

When packaging and shipping hazardous products, it is essential that the carrier, warehouser, distributor and consumer know what they are handling and how to use it in a safe manner.

Defend Against Claims

Even the best laid plans for prevention may not eliminate all accidents and claims. The key to successful defense is advance planning. You should work closely with your legal counsel and insurance company. Consider the following:

An established policy for record preservation
A set policy explaining how to handle customer complaints and claims
Prompt reporting and thorough investigation of accidents and complaints
A claims philosophy established in advance with the insurance company
Legal review of product literature, contracts, disclaimers, warranties, etc.

By following these important steps, you can take your company a long way toward preventing and solving products liability problems.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business, your employees and customers, contact us today.

Saving Money on Classic Car Insurance in Indiana

Katie Boyle — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:39 GMT

How much you pay for insurance depends on many factors. Following the suggestions below may help you lower the cost of your classic car or collector vehicle insurance in Indiana.

Before you buy
If you’re thinking of buying a classic car or antique automobile, check with us to inquire what it will cost to insure. Usually expensive vehicles cost more to repair, maintain and insure.
Insure with one company
The more policies you have with one insurance company, whether it’s for your cars or home, the more substantial savings you may receive. Call us to find out what you might save.
Increase your deductible
Raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses can help you save more on your policy.
Safety saves
A clean driving record can potentially lower your insurance rates.
Manage your account online
Not only will managing your payments online save you time and hassle, but your payment will be made automatically. Think: worry free.
- Have your monthly premium deducted from your checking account (paperless).
- Pay your entire insurance premium in full by check or credit card.

Find out if your insurance company accepts online payments.

Check with us to find out more about your classic car insurance options.

And ask us about additional coverage options for vehicles (auto and RV) on your auto policy – including rental, roadside assistance, new vehicle replacement and more. Have greater protection and peace of mind knowing that you are better prepared for the unexpected.

To find out more, contact us for will with your specific Indiana classic car insurance needs.

More Than a Tarp to Keep Your Boat Covered

Katie Boyle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:45:31 GMT

Whether you own a Jet Ski, a small ski boat, fishing boat, or a 26 foot cruiser, knowing that you’re covered by the right insurance should give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy every minute on the water.

What We Insure

We represent insurance companies that insure a full range of recreational boats including:

Bass boats
Fish and ski
Cabin cuisers
Sailboats
Pontoons
Jet boats
Ski boats
Runabouts
Jon boats
Personal watercraft

Why Insure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft?

In tough economic times some boaters are tempted to let their insurance coverages lapse. Should you ever need to use your watercraft insurance, however, it is one of the best investments you could make. Here are some things to consider:

If you’re in an accident or your watercraft is stolen, it costs money, often a lot, to fix or replace it.
If you or any passengers are hurt in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
If your watercraft is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
If you are injured by an uninsured boater, uninsured watercraft coverage will provide coverage for you.

Your Watercraft Insurance Coverage Options

Your watercraft needs protection on the water, and on land, with coverage for you, your guests, and your boat. Thinking of buying a boat? Check with us to see what it will cost to insure it in Indiana.

Get Started

Contact us for help identifying the best combination of coverage, value, and price for you. And we can help make sure your insurance continually meets your changing needs.

Ask Us

Here are a few things to discuss when we talk:

Is my boat or watercraft covered for year-round use?
Can I get discounts for things such as taking safety classes, having multiple policies, and diesel power?
Do I have coverage if I need to have my boat towed in an emergency?

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or request a boat insurance quote online

Summer Means More Teens in the Workplace

Katie Boyle — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:59:15 GMT

Business news often reports that it’s difficult for teenagers to find work here in Indiana but nonetheless, as summer approaches thousands of teenagers will enter the workforce, many for the first time.

This is an important first-step for teenagers who enter into these jobs each with their own set of expectations. Oftentimes those expectations are related solely to the money they’ll earn and what it can buy, not as their first life-lesson in developing a work ethic they will carry with them into adulthood. They are also inexperienced, most likely lacking in emotional or physical maturity, and don’t always recognize the differences between “right and wrong” in the workplace.

When working with teenagers, business owners, or their managers, find themselves filling the role of teacher, mentor and boss.

It’s very important that business owners have a clear understanding of state labor laws and safety issues that apply to underage workers.

Managers or other staff that may be in a position to supervise teens must also understand all applicable rules or regulations that apply to their role.

Lastly, underage workers need to understand their level of responsibility for their job, their own safety, and the safety of their co-workers.

Brown Insurance believe that by developing strong, clear policies for employment at your business, you can reduce your risk for potential losses due to employer/employee misunderstandings, accidents on the job and failure to report infractions.

One way to educate your managers and supervisors, as well as provide important worker information to your teenaged employees, is by taking advantage of resources available to you by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Indiana labor department.

Here are links to a few of the free resources available to you.

Directory of State Labor Divisions; or go to www.dol.gov and search for “State Labor Offices.”
Visit the Young Workers page at the Department of Labor website to find resources for parents, teen workers, business owners and educators.
Will your teen workers be driving? Don’t miss the Distracted Driving program.

Whatever your insurance needs, be they personal or business, we want to be your #1 choice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a complete insurance evaluation.

RV & Motorhome Safety Tips

Mon, 02 May 2011 18:42:00 GMT

Avoid any delays and unexpected problems when you take your recreational vehicle or motorhome out for what should be a relaxing trip.

Follow some of our suggestions below, and consider investing in some maintenance and safety classes to help ensure happy travels across Indiana and beyond.

Take Care of Your Tires

When you're not traveling the lake, or some other destination, keep your RV/motorhome tires covered to protect them from the sun and weather.
Make sure you check your tire pressure before setting out on the road especially when your tires are cold.
Consult the owner's manual for proper inflation, and never exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire's sidewalls for your vehicle.

Weigh Your RV and Tow Vehicle

To know if weight is properly distributed and that you are within legal weight, find a certified platform scale in Indiana and get weighed. Have the vehicle fully loaded with passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, fresh water and propane tanks to get an accurate weight.

Understand Propane and Gas Systems

Have the propane and gas systems inspected every spring for leaks and proper appliance operating pressure before you head out on vacation. Be sure you know how your RV alerts you to leaks, and know what to do if one occurs.

Here are some easy things to do if you smell gas/propane:

Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
Do not touch electrical switches.
Shut off gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
Open the doors and windows and leave until the smell clears.
Have the gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using again.

Use the Onboard Generator Sparingly

The onboard generator gives you extra power when there's no shore power available, but be wary of carbon monoxide.

Never sleep with the generator running, and before you start the generator, inspect the exhaust system.
Test the carbon monoxide detector, and know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you can watch out for it.

Contact Us!

Looking to review your RV insurance? Make sure you're not overpaying - request an RV insurance quote online.

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

February 2011 Website Launch

Katie Boyle — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:00 GMT

News from Brown Insurance Group

Visit Our Website About Us Client Services Contact Us

BIG Things For You at

Brown Insurance Group

If I have learned anything in my 40-some years on this planet, it's that people do business with people. Not companies, not catchy slogans and not Internet portals.

In order to serve you, our clients, better we have dedicated time and resources to rethink how we would want to be treated, the value we place on accountability, and our expectation of doing business at the time, place and manner we prefer.

Actually, we want it all. We expect it, and we certainly do not want to pay extra for it. With this in mind, we've reshaped our organization to exceed even OUR most demanding expectations in an effort to meet YOURS.

BIG News

From left: Tom Brown, Katie Boyle, Kelly Johnson,

Danielle Shelton, Karen Meyer, and Janine Aguilar

What does this mean for our clients? Take the time to see what we've done to make serving you even better. Real-time quotes, preferred partner opportunities, 24-hour customer service, a referral rewards program and much, much more.

Serving your insurance needs is a responsibility we take seriously. The team of professionals at Brown Insurance Group considers it a privilege and will continue to deliver passion, dedication, and consistency serving you in 2011.

Preferred Partner Program

To reinforce our commitment to our clients and community, Brown Insurance Group has created a Preferred Partner Program, allowing local businesses to share their value with thousands of local consumers.

This wonderful opportunity to increase your audience is only available to commercial clients and friends of our agency. Our Preferred Partners will enjoy increased exposure on the internet through search engine marketing, email marketing, and social network marketing as well.

The best part? It's absolutely free for our valued commercial commercial clients. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, contact a member of the Brown Insurance team today.

Contact Us to Learn More

Instant Policy Access 24/7/365

At Brown Insurance Group, we

continue to supply outstanding

service by now offering you

24/7 customer service & support

through our website.

Access your policy information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Obtain Certificates of Insurance & Auto ID Cards - on Demand
Request Policy Changes Online
Notify us of a Claim or Loss anytime, anywhere
Access auto claim phone numbers & information about what to do in an accident.. from your mobile phone
Obtain instant quotes through our on-line comparative rater
And much more!

Our services to you are not limited by our Agency office hours. Your insurance information is now available to you at any time and from anywhere via the Internet. Simply log onto our website for immediate service at any time.

Access your policy information now

It is a true pleasure serving you. We look forward to sharing additional news, tools & resources designed to deliver a recognizable difference to you, our valued customer. Thank you, as always, for your support.

Sincerely,

Tom Brown

Brown Insurance Group

In This Issue

Referral Rewards!

How about dinner or a movie on us? Send your family, friends or colleagues to Brown Insurance Group and receive a $10 gift card, just for thinking of us.

If you are already a client,send someone to us; if you currently are not, refer yourself and get a reward just for being you.

The continued success of our business depends on the kind words of our satisfied clientele.

To get started, fill out the form on our website and then claim your reward. Your referral means the world to us and we'd like to say thank you for your loyalty.

Refer a Friend!

Pround Partners With

If you know someone who might appreciate this message, send it

on to them and if they become a client, we'll still send you that reward.

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Determine Your Homeowners Insurance Needs

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:41:15 GMT

What’s the secret to selecting the right amount of insurance coverage? Simple – the more information you provide, the easier Brown Insurance can create a homeowner policy that’s right for you.

Indiana Homeowners Insurance from Brown Insurance is here to protect you

Consider these scenarios:

If your home was destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you’d need money to repair or replace it.
If a guest in your home is injured, liability protection and medical coverage help pay expenses.
If you are a victim of theft and vandalism, insurance can reimburse you for your loss or pay for repairs.
If you are still paying for your home, your lender will require insurance.

The amount you pay for your homeowners insurance depends on many factors. Think of your personal housing situation, and the assets you want to protect.

Are you a home or condo owner, a renter, or a landlord?

As a home or condo owner, whether you live in Highland or elsewhere, you want to make sure you’re protecting your home, your possessions, and yourself, family and guests in the event of damage or injury. Renters will want to protect their possessions, which will not be covered by a landlord. And landlords want to protect their properties, while protecting themselves from liability.

Note: Liability coverage is not included in a standard landlord policy, but is available as an add-on coverage.

Do you have collections of art or other valuables?

Your homeowners insurance generally covers the contents of your house. However, there are often limits on items like jewelry, paintings, or other collectibles. Adding a scheduled personal property endorsement can provide coverage for your special belongings, with no deductible. Creating an inventory of your home or property’s contents is a good idea.

Are you concerned about out-of-pocket expenses if your home or property becomes unlivable?

You may find yourself with extra, unforeseen expenses, for repairs, replacements, or living costs. Your policy can help cover those.

Ask Brown Insurance

We can help you find homeowners, renters, condo, or landlord insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to discuss with a Brown Insurance agent:

How much will it cost to rebuild my house and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed?
Can you talk me through my home’s features and the things I own, so I can make an informed decision about coverage?
Are discounts available to me if I carry multiple policies, or have a security system and fire resistance?

For more details, give us a call at 219-972-6060 or email us at kmeyer [at] browninsgrp [dot] com.