New technology, architectural requirements, and building products to meet owner demands often require specialized instruction and worker training to ensure proper installation. To help minimize project damage, rework, and possible future claims, it is imperative that you establish a documented quality control program that:

• Describes how quality of installed work will be ensured
• Assigns responsibilities of all employees depending on their role
• Provides written and photographic evidence of work being installed according to project specifications
• Includes on-site inspections to verify manufacturer procedures are followed throughout the application, installation, or construction process
• Documents acceptance of change orders by the client
• Shows workers have been trained and qualified on material/product/equipment installations per manufacturer’s instructions
• Allows for inspection and acceptance of materials used prior to installation
• Tracks inspections, material selection and worker training

Quality control checklist

Answering “yes” to the questions below means you’re doing a good job, but even a single “no” means you have opportunities to improve work and employee safety practices.

• Does your organization currently have a program in place to review the quality of materials being used?
• Do you perform frequent quality inspections of your work that include written and photographic documentation?
• Are the workers who are installing materials trained and qualified for the particular task?
• Do you have regular meetings to monitor the progress and quality of critical tasks on the jobsite?
• Are you effectively documenting change orders that can affect the type of materials used in the construction process?
• Do you keep quality records stored in a safe place for an extended period of time?

Your Hanover resources

Hanover policyholder benefits include not only our comprehensive coverage, but also access to risk solutions partner services, including:

• Equipment theft prevention and recovery products
• Background check services
• Disaster and recovery planning services
• Industry-specific training resources
• Alarm system testing and maintenance services
• Automatic sprinkler testing and maintenance services

Visit our Hanover construction risk solutions page to learn more about our risk solutions partners.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2017-407

As a contractor, you have loss exposures that go beyond the potential for worker injury. Steps should be taken to secure, prevent damage and deter thieves to the materials and equipment that you are installing as part of a construction project. Including property loss prevention and an overall safety program as part of your risk management efforts can help. Here are some action items to keep in mind to protect worksite property:

Protecting your project sites

Fire

• Obtain a hot-work permit and be sure subcontractors have them as well when welding/ cutting/brazing or using an open flame
• Train workers on how to use fire extinguishers and assign fire watch duties
• Provide a daily map of hot work locations and communicate to after-hours security which locations to check
• Inspect temporary power distribution for overloading and damaged electrical cords
• Institute and enforce a no-smoking policy
• Minimize accumulation of combustibles
• Maintain fire access roads and be sure they can support heavy firefighting equipment

Water

• Conduct pre-storm inspections to ensure there aren’t any unsecured or uncovered openings that could allow rain to enter
• Inspect and remove debris from roof drains
• Inspect weather-protecting tarps to ensure they will not detach during wind events
• Have de-watering equipment available in case below-grade structures fill with rainwater

Security

• Install fencing with minimum height of eight feet
• Install security cameras with central station monitoring at access points
• Have frequent discussions with work crews about alerting supervisors to any suspicious activity
• Conduct nightly security checks to ensure storage containers and metals have been properly secured
• Properly secure and monitor off-site storage locations

Make sure your worksite is properly protected from vandals and theft. The Hanover has an array of insurance solutions for jobs big and small.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2017-422 May 2018

Your fleet of vehicles is an important asset to your company operations, and has significant exposure to loss and production expectations. Whether driving pickup trucks or heavier DOT-regulated trucks, it is essential to develop a risk management approach to minimize vehicles’ crash potential.

Think of your fleet as two separate risks: the driver and the vehicle itself. Each needs maintenance and proper attention to control unwanted incidents. While the lists below do not include all possible risks, they form a good platform for your own fleet risk assessment to help avoid injuries, property damage and liability losses.

Driver risk

The lists below include common vehicle operation risks, as well as links to The Hanover resources to help you manage that risk.

• Establish a written fleet safety program that includes a distracted driving policy
• Provide training to all drivers
• Assess effectiveness of your fleet safety program
• Perform frequent — at least annually — MVR checks on all drivers

Vehicle risk

The list below includes best practice tips to monitor and maintain fleet operations, and links to The Hanover resources that can help you manage that risk.

• Review your SMS report for DOT-registered vehicles
• Develop a pre-trip inspection process and train workers on proper load securement methods
• Ensure maintenance schedules are followed and drivers are instructed to report any problems immediately

Your Hanover resources

Hanover policyholder benefits include not only our comprehensive coverage, but also access to risk solutions partner services, including:

• Equipment theft prevention and recovery products
• Background check services
• Disaster and recovery planning services
• Industry-specific training resources
• Alarm system testing and maintenance services
• Automatic sprinkler testing and maintenance services

Visit our Hanover auto safety page.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2017-408

What is international business insurance?

International business insurance (or global business insurance) is a mix of broadened coverage for common risks — such as auto, property and liability — along with specific coverage and services for scenarios that may occur when travelling abroad, such as kidnapping or medical evacuations.

Why should I consider international business insurance?

Doing business internationally presents unique and complicated risks. For instance:

• Are you protected against a lawsuit filed outside of the U.S.?
• What happens if a foreign-based employee gets ill or injured?
• Are you covered if damage occurs to one of your overseas offices?

In these scenarios, your current commercial property and liability insurance may not be enough. Once the business you conduct crosses a U.S. border, you’ll want to make sure you have insurance coverage that will travel along with it.

What does international business insurance cover?

It varies by insurance carrier. For instance, Hanover GlobalReach – The Hanover’s solution for international business insurance – includes global coverage for:

• Commercial property
• Commercial liability
• Commercial auto
• Workers’ compensation (this is also known as foreign voluntary workers’ compensation)

In addition, GlobalReach offers business travel accident, kidnap, ransom and extortion coverage, as well as foreign travel assistance including:

• Medical assistance, such as worldwide medical and dental referrals
• Travel assistance, including the replacement of lost or stolen travel documents
• Personal security services

How does global business coverage differ from domestic business coverage?

There are several examples. For instance:

• International workers’ compensation may include additional coverage for repatriation or transportation of employees.
• Global property coverage can include factors such as currency devaluation, or confiscation of property by local authorities.
• An international business policy may also include coverage for events such as a medical or political evacuation.

These are just some ways your company’s risks can grow along with the scope of your foreign operations. International business insurance exists to help minimize losses in areas you may never have previously considered “at risk.” A conversation with your independent insurance agent could prove valuable in helping you determine where you may encounter these risks.

How do I get international business insurance?

Talk to your independent insurance agent today, or find an agent, and ask about Hanover GlobalReach for your business.

When you’re heads down running your business, you may not always spend the time you should to review your business insurance needs. In fact, a recent Hanover study found that only one in three small business owners believe they spend enough time assessing their insurance plans. 

Should the unexpected occur and there is a total loss, not having enough property insurance to rebuild could delay and even prevent you from reopening your business.

It’s time to talk to your insurance agent

Steps you have taken to grow, modernize or renovate your business can impact how much insurance coverage you need. Here are five indications that it’s time to connect with your independent insurance agent to do a comprehensive review of your business property insurance needs.

In the last twelve to eighteen months, you have:

1. Made property improvements or renovated your business space
2. Purchased new machinery or equipment
3. Made significant investments in technology or security
4. Expanded or increased your product inventory
5. Added shifts to your production schedules

Replacement value

Your business, just like your home, needs to be insured for what it would cost to fully replace and rebuild it. This insurance value or “property limit” should include the buildings themselves, as well as the content of the building, machinery, and landscaping – all tangible property. And, this value is not one to set and forget. “Businesses should expect that the cost to replace or rebuild their business property will go up some each year. Every three to five years, the cost could change dramatically due to the overall economy, inflation, labor and material costs, and regional trends. If your values aren’t keeping up with this, you run the risk of underinsuring your exposure. An annual review of your business insurance needs is necessary to help ensure the right protection is in place,” says Robert Brewer, The Hanover’s vice president of industry solutions.

Labor and material costs are on the rise

Every year since 2008, the costs of construction materials and labor have risen. That means each year the cost to rebuild your business goes up. According to the Turner Building Cost Index, overall commercial reconstruction costs rose approximately five percent from 2017 to 2018. That means, in the case of a total loss, if in 2017, it would have cost $800,000 to rebuild your business, today it could cost $840,000. If your insurance coverage does not reflect this increase, then you would need to pay the additional expenses out of pocket, or choose to reduce what you rebuild. Review our infographic for more information about how the rising cost of labor and construction materials affects how much property insurance you should carry.

Annual review

Consulting with your independent insurance agent on an annual basis can help ensure you have the best combination of coverage, limits, and deductibles to protect your business. The Hanover offers a complete suite of tailored insurance solutions to protect your business and give you the peace of mind to do what you do best.

Contact an agent

LC July 2018-336

Business owners don't need another reason for a sleepless night, but here's a big one: in our experience, nearly 80% of businesses are not covered against potentially business-ending lawsuits and catastrophic losses. That's because they fail to add commercial excess and umbrella insurance to their coverage package. The reality is that when it comes to protecting businesses, umbrella coverage is a necessity, not an option.

Umbrella coverage provides that extra protection a business needs for big, unexpected events that can quickly exceed its primary insurance limits — from devastating multi-million dollar lawsuits to liability claims, employee auto accidents, and more. And coverage is surprisingly affordable. Just keep in mind that an umbrella is a supplemental policy, not a standalone policy. Liability is simply a factor of doing business. And every business that plans on remaining solvent and competitive should have an umbrella policy for proactive peace of mind. It offers extra protection needed in the event of a catastrophic loss or lawsuit, with limits that go well beyond standard general liability limits.

Five reasons why your business may need umbrella insurance

1. You could go bankrupt without it — especially if your business is in a litigation-prone industry. One large jury award could quickly put you out of business, if it exceeds your policy limits.
2. Your customers require it — if an accident occurs, they want to make sure your business has enough coverage to handle it.
3. Your business is inherently dangerous — you manufacture hazardous materials, or have a high risk of occupational injury to your employees.
4. You have company vehicles or employees who drive their personal cars for business — which brings liability on every mile traveled.
5. You have a physical presence — one slip, fall or other accident on company property is all it takes.

Make sure your business plans for that rainy day

Consult an independent insurance agent to learn more about tailoring a commercial umbrella policy for total business protection.

About the author
Chip Hamann serves as The Hanover's Small Commercial chief underwriting officer. In this role, he leads a team responsible for determining the underwriting strategy, state management, product and point of sale offerings. He also oversees the field underwriting teams. He and his team partner with actuarial, product, technology, corporate underwriting and marketing to continually assess and evolve The Hanover's underwriting strategy to help position The Hanover as a carrier of choice for agents in Small Commercial.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2018-046

Who needs business insurance?

Every business needs insurance to be protected, but not every business has the same insurance needs. The Hanover offers tailored industry-specific solutions for businesses, designed to help protect against the unique risks in your industry. Whether you are a small- or mid-sized business, our agents will work closely with you to understand your business and help build a customized insurance solution that fits your needs. Looking for insurance guidance? Find an agent in your area.

What does business insurance cover?

Depending on each policy, business insurance offers protection from different business-related risks, including accidents, property damage, loss of income and more. Business insurance solutions include, but are not limited to:

• Property insurance provides coverage for your property from common risks such as fire, theft, and water damage
• General liability insurance to help protect your business from the costs to defend and settle claims against your business
• Commercial auto insurance to help protect your fleet and commercial vehicles
• Workers’ compensation to provide your employees with a financial safety net for work-related accidents or illnesses
• Commercial umbrella to add an extra layer of protection from the financial damage of lawsuits
• Professional liability to help protect against lawsuits related to your products or services
• Management liability to help protect businesses and their leaders from allegations of wrongful acts

Many insurance companies also offer package solutions as a good starting point for many business insurance programs. Your Hanover agent can work with you to customize a total business insurance solution.

What kind of business insurance do I need?

Most small business owners need general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, at a minimum. These coverages can often be purchased through a package business owners’ policy (BOP). Depending on what industry or the type of business the company falls into, more customized coverages should be considered in order to be properly covered for perils they may face, such as equipment breakdown, workers’ compensation, international coverage and much more. Exact requirements for business insurance vary by state, by business size, and by industry. To find out what insurance you need for your business, talk to your Hanover agent. They can work with you to customize a total business insurance solution specific to your needs.

What is a business owner’s policy?

A business owner’s policy (BOP) combines property, liability and business interruption coverages for small- to-midsize businesses. Coverage purchased as a package is generally less expensive than if purchased through separate insurance policies and can help ensure proper underlying limits are in place.

Is my business insurance tax deductible?

In general, you can deduct your insurance premiums as a business expense if those policies benefit the business, trade or profession and serve a business purpose. Talk to your independent agent and consult a tax professional to determine your specific deduction eligibility.

Is business insurance required?

The federal government requires every business with employees to have workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Some states also require additional business insurance. Business insurance requirements vary by state, so talk to your independent agent and visit your state’s website to find out the requirements for your business.

Do I need international business insurance?

If your business meets any of the following criteria, you likely need insurance that extends beyond your standard policy, including international business insurance:

• You have international customers
• You or your employees travel overseas for business
• You are sourcing any materials from outside the United States
• You have a foreign manufacturing facility

Talk to your independent insurance agent about your international business needs.

What does workers’ compensation insurance cover?

Workers’ compensation is insurance that pays for medical care and physical rehabilitation of employees injured on the job and helps to replace lost wages while they are unable to work. State laws, which vary significantly, govern the amount of benefits paid and other compensation provisions. Conducting routine site and equipment inspections and staying up to date with training of safety policies will help to keep workers safe from injury. An important thing to consider is also having a program in place that helps injured workers get the right level of care they need, such as NT24, and one that helps get them back on the job quickly after recovering from an injury. Talk to your independent agent to learn more.

How much workers’ compensation insurance do I need?

Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, but the amount of required coverage likely depends on the number of employees at your business. Talk to your independent agent to help tailor a policy to meet your state requirements as well as the needs of your business.

Do I need umbrella coverage for my business?

An umbrella policy kicks in after your other policies (like commercial auto liability, general liability or other liability coverages) have been exhausted due to an expensive covered claim, providing the underlying limits satisfy the umbrella requirements.

Check out our article on eleven everyday business activities that suggest you need an umbrella policy. If your business performs any of those activities, consult an independent insurance agent to customize a commercial umbrella policy for total business protection.

What does business interruption insurance cover?

Business interruption insurance is a commercial coverage that reimburses a business owner for lost profits and continuing fixed expenses during the time that a business must stay closed while the premises is being restored because of physical damage from a covered peril, such as a fire.

Business interruption insurance also may cover financial losses that may occur if civil authorities limit access to an area after a disaster and their actions prevent customers from reaching the business premises. There are many options for business interruption coverage. Your independent agent can help you learn more about the options and choose the coverage that is best for your business.

What additional insurance coverages should I consider for my business?

There are several specialized coverages from which a business could benefit that go beyond standard coverage. These include, but are not limited to:

Employment practices liability (EPL): EPL protects against the financial damage of claims brought by employees and third parties for wrongful employment acts based on discrimination, workplace hostility, defamation or humiliation and more.

Professional liability (E&O): This coverage can provide protection for defense costs and settlement payments for allegations that your work or advice was inadequate, contained errors or failed to meet specifications.

Fidelity and crime: Fidelity and crime insurance coverages provide financial compensation for loss of goods or cash through theft, fraud, forgery or other crimes committed by your own employees.

Management liability: Management liability insurance helps to financially protect businesses, along with their executives, directors, officers and managers, from allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination and other “wrongful acts.”

Consulting with an independent agent about your business needs can help you decide which additional coverages are right for your business.

Do freelancers need business insurance?

Freelancers and 1099 contractors can benefit from the financial protection provided by business insurance. General liability insurance can protect freelancers from bodily injury, property damage, libel, medical statements and more. In addition to general liability insurance, The Hanover’s Professional Liability Advantage may protect businesses, including freelancers, from legal judgments and fees caused by “wrongful acts.”

Where do I get business insurance?

Business insurance is complex. Consulting with a trusted advisor can help ensure your business has the protection it needs. To acquire an insurance policy for your small- or mid-sized business, contact your local independent agent. They can work with you to tailor a policy to suit your business’ needs.

There are many reasons to review your business insurance coverages on an annual basis with your independent insurance agent. While it's common for small businesses to start out with a basic insurance package like a business owner's policy — which includes commercial property and general liability protection — as business grows and evolves, coverage needs do, too.

You may not realize that changes in your business oftentimes expose you to new risks that you are not prepared for. Here are questions to discuss with your independent insurance agent to help ensure your business is properly protected.

General business

• Has the name of your business changed?
• Have you restructured your company's ownership (e.g., gone from sole proprietorship to LLC or corporation) or added any DBAs (doing business as)?
• Has your business changed owners, partners or officers?
• Has the nature of your business operations changed?
• Do you now also service the products you manufacture?
• Have you changed or expanded the types of products you sell and/or services you offer?
• Do you have aging equipment?
• Have you purchased new equipment?
• Have you added new locations, expanded into new states or outside of the United States?
• Have you closed or moved any locations?
• Has the mailing address of your business changed?
• Has the physical location of your business changed?

Any "Yes" means you may need to add coverage or increase your coverage limits on:

• General liability coverage
• Property coverage
• Professional liability coverage
• Product recall and product recall liability coverage
• Excess liability or umbrella coverage

Employees

• Have you hired new employees?
• Do you have remote workers?
• Has your payroll changed?

Any "Yes" means you may need to update your:

• Employment practices liability coverage
• Workers' compensation

Internet

• Are you specifically covered for hacks, viruses and data breaches?
• Do you have a website?
• Do you sell anything online?

You may need to add coverage or increase your coverage limits on:

• General liability
• Data breach or cyber liability coverage

Vehicles

• Have you added or eliminated vehicles used in your business operations?
• Has the usage of vehicles covered by your policy changed (e.g., distance they are traveling or what they're used for)?
• Do you use your personal vehicle for business, allow employees to use your personal vehicle for business or allow employees to use their own personal vehicles for your business?
• Has it been longer than 12 months since you reviewed the limits of liability provided by your policy?
• Has it been longer than 12 months since you reviewed the deductible(s) required by your policy?
• Do you have new drivers that should be added to your policy?

Any "Yes" means you may need to add coverage or increase your coverage limits on:

• Commercial auto policy
• Excess liability or umbrella coverage

Global business

• Do you have international customers?
• Do you or your employees travel overseas for business?
• Are you sourcing any materials from outside the United States?
• Do you have a foreign manufacturing facility?

Any "Yes" means you may need to add coverage or increase your coverage limits on:

• Excess liability or umbrella coverage
• International coverage

Make sure your business is on the right track

Talk with your independent insurance agent to schedule an annual insurance review of your small business coverages today.

LC 2018-047

Whether it’s personal assets or professional assets, you have a lot to protect. But that doesn’t mean you need to use multiple insurers to do it. In fact, having your home, auto and business policies with one company can help you save – time, money and a whole lot of trouble. Here’s how:

1. Save time: You may be a homeowner. You may own your own business. You most likely have at least one car. In short, you probably have more than one insurance policy in effect, no matter who you are or where you live. So, if something goes wrong, valuable time can be lost in the early stages of a claim attempting to contact the right people. With one carrier, you know who to call, and the one number you need to begin the process.
2. Save money: Most carriers offer the option of combining home and auto policies for cost savings. In addition, combined policies can often lead to increased loyalty credits and quicker completion of incentive programs – ones that can save you money down the road.
3. Save hassle: Insurance is (fortunately) a product you probably won’t often have to use. And, since you’re paying for peace of mind if something goes wrong, why not have a little less to think about the rest of the time? When you only have one bill to pay – in the method and on the schedule you choose – a one-company solution can provide increased convenience as well as coverage. Even only having to remember one login and password can save a lot of hassle.

One answer

By being the sole carrier for all of your policies, leading insurance companies, like The Hanover, can offer this combination of coverage, convenience and cost savings. Talk to your independent insurance agent today, and learn more about the benefits of having the right insurer – and just one insurer.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

Before the weather outside becomes frightful, use this checklist to prepare for a winter storm.

Food and water

Heating and lighting

Electronics

Shovels and tools

Medical and personal hygiene

Important information