Insurance Insights ~ November 1997

Employment Related Practices -- An Important Issue

You may have seen this issue plastered all over newspapers, magazines, and mailings in recent years. It is becoming more prevalent as awareness of this issue surfaces. Many people we talk to are vaguely familiar with what it means, but may be taking its consequences a little too lightly.

Among Employment Practices Wrongful Acts are discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and harassment. It is important that you check your business liability policy for Employment Practices Liability coverage features, as many insurance carriers now exclude such coverage.

Precautions can be taken to guard against a claim. A good first step is to educate your staff, especially those in authority. Supervisors, managers, foremen, team leaders, and people in various positions who have responsibility over fellow employees should be familiar with this issue.

Prevention is the key to avoiding any claim. Develop a consistent plan. Have office manuals which clearly outline your business practices. Instruct employees to avoid dangerous situations which could place them in an awkward position, should any allegations surface. Whenever possible, try to hold meetings with more than one person present.

In situations involving termination, it is important to establish a well defined procedure. One of the most important tasks you can do to avoid a wrongful termination claim is to document! We can't over emphasize the importance of proper documentation! Performance problems must be written in order to protect your organization from dispute later. Verbal reprimands and warnings can be contested, while written evidence carries more weight. Juries will view termination of employment seriously, so you better be prepared with not only proper documentation, but a clear and legitimate reason behind the termination. Another good suggestion is to establish a formal "probation" program, to rehabilitate an employee. Many businesses try this method to avoid a wrongful termination claim. This type of program can be effective if all parties are cooperative. Remember, you are allowing the employee the opportunity to correct the poor performance, but you should warn them of the ultimate consequences should corrective action not be successful. This is also effective in creating a "paper trail" in the event of a wrongful termination claim.

There are several important points to remember. No one business or organization is immune from any of these allegations. Even if those allegations are unfounded, you still have defense costs. Don't be caught off guard! Prepare ahead of time through education. Establish a formal program and check with your insurance agent for coverage against these types of claims. For more information, please contact our agency by phone at (215) 257-9171 or by e-mail at info@gcwinsure.com.

Renters Need Insurance Too!

Imagine, you awake one night to the sound of sirens, and someone banging on your door, telling you to get out immediately! You stand on the street and watch as fire sweeps through your building, destroying all your furniture, stereo equipment, and other belongings! Will you be able to replace these things? Why take unnecessary chances with your important belongings? By making sure you have proper insurance from the start, you will not have to worry where you will turn to in a time of crisis.

Whether you're still unpacking boxes from your recent move, or you have been settled in for years, your belongings are valuable, and need to be protected!

Just as important is protecting yourself and your family against accidental injury or property damage claims. Did you know that even as a renter, you can be held liable for this type of claim?

Adequate insurance protection is just as important for renters as it is for homeowners. A specialized policy just for renters is available, and can provide the necessary coverage for your belongings, as well as peace of mind!

This type of comprehensive protection is available at a very affordable price! Don't leave it to chance--make certain that you and your family have the important protection that you need.

Please contact our office for a free home inventory form that will help determine the amount of coverage you need, so that you will not be caught short if catastrophe strikes!

Car Care Tips

Your cars are a large investment. Proper care can help protect that investment and help keep your cars running in top condition. Here are the Ten Commandments of Car Care:

1. Don't ignore brake noise.
2. Keep a close eye on tire inflation. Check tire pressure at least once every two weeks.
3. Don't rev a cold engine. Even on a warm morning, a car's engine is cold from hours of inactivity.
4. Don't torture the transmission. The transmission, like the engine, needs time to warm up in the morning.
5. Change the motor oil and oil filter regularly. Most car manufacturers recommend you change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles.
6. Protect the fuel system. Don't be lured by bargain-basement gasoline prices.
7. Change the air filter. Air filter should be changed once a year or after 12,000 miles.
8. Maintain the cooling system. Coolant helps cool the engine and prevents the water from freezing in the radiator. Coolant also lubricates the engine block, radiator and bearings in the water pump.
9. Don't wipe glass surfaces. You run the risk of scratching it. Use a wet cloth to clean glass and always use fluid when operating the wipers.
10. Lube grease fittings regularly. Grease fittings are used in some vehicles to lubricate moving parts in the steering and suspension systems.

With proper maintenance and care, your car can provide you with years of trouble-free service.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 11/1/97. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.