Claims Prevention

Dear Valued Customer,

We should all know by now that the Service Station insurance marketplace has become very challenging  and in many cases very expensive. This is why claim prevention should be an important priority in your daily operations. Many of our service stations with only one or two claims on their records are seeing significant increase in premiums, with lesser coverage’s.
NOW is the time that you can be proactive in protecting your business in today’s insurance climate.
Preventing & Mitigating Slip & Falls with proper procedures & Cameras
•    Set up a documented procedure to regularly inspect your premises, multiple times a day, and immediately cleanup and/or fix any trip/slip and fall hazards. We might sound repetitive, but please note the following:
o    We have now just recently received a claim because of a customer tripping on a pot hole. If that pot hole was detected earlier and fixed, it would have prevented that claim and now the insured may be looking at considerable increases in premium come renewal time. What cost more, a couple hundred dollars to fix the pot hole or several more thousand dollars in increased premiums.
o    We are still getting inspection reports back from the insurance carriers that show large cracks and pot holes. AGAIN, it shouldn’t be the inspection report that points these hazards out to you. They should have been already repaired.
•    Video backup and documentation - When an incident occurs (whether or not it develops into a claim), please save the video, document who was working at the time and get a statement from them. As mentioned in prior newsletters, in CA the injured party has up to 2 years to report a bodily injury claim.

Maintaining a clean and well-organized premises is not only essential for customer satisfaction and employee morale but also plays a significant role in mitigating insurance risks. A cluttered or poorly maintained environment not only increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries but also raises concerns about compliance with health and safety regulations.
Insurers often conduct risk assessments of business premises as part of the underwriting process, taking into account factors such as cleanliness, maintenance practices, and adherence to safety protocols. Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness and proactive maintenance not only reduce their exposure to liability claims but also present a lower risk profile to insurers, potentially leading to lower premiums and more favorable coverage terms.

Vehicle damage to premises:
•    Whenever a vehicle does damage to your property, get as much info on the vehicle. This would include car info, driver info and insurance info. If there’s a video, make a backup immediately. This way we will make every attempt to get their insurance company to cover the loss.

As businesses navigate the complex landscape of commercial insurance in California, proactive risk management strategies are essential for protecting assets, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring long-term viability. By leveraging tools such as surveillance cameras and prioritizing cleanliness and maintenance, insured businesses can mitigate risks, streamline the claims process, and ultimately enhance their bottom line.

This turbulent insurance environment will continue to worsen for at least 1 – 2 years.