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Remote Work Policies and Resources for Employers

Whether or not employers want it, remote work might be here to stay. A Prudential survey found that 68% of American workers think remote work will become more common after the pandemic, and about one in five are seriously considering finding a job that allows remote work.

It’s a big transition, and there are some serious issues to consider. The following resources and policy tips can help employers make the most out of the new normal.

If employees are using their own computers and networks for work, those computers and networks need to be secure. Remote work can also leave workers vulnerable to business email compromise schemes and other types of phishing and fraud.

Don’t just assume that employees are being cyber smart. Create cyber checklists and policies make sure they’re being followed.

The FBI has tips on preventing business email compromise schemes.
Ready.gov has cybersecurity resources to help before, during and after a cyberattack.

Employee Workplace Safety

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FBI warns ransomware assault threatens US healthcare system

Mitigate Your Risk with Heffernan Insurance

As your risk management partner, Heffernan is constantly evaluating your industry – from new laws to regulatory compliance issues. We are actively reviewing your risk profile to identify potential coverage gaps and exposures that need to be pro-actively addressed to mitigate any legal and financial threat.

Our experienced team is involved with leading industry trade groups to be up-to-date on the industry to be able to provide tailored risk management solutions and continuing opportunities.

This risk management approach will help reduce your exposure before an issue arises. And if there is ever a need, our brokers are ready to quickly and efficiently help you through any claims.

Significant cyber threat targeting healthcare industry

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Abundance of Data Tempts Hackers

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have credible information of an increased and imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers.

Heffernan will evaluate your current plan, your unique community and emerging trends in the industry and consult with you to develop a customized risk management solution.

For more information Just Contact me.

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Email brantw@heffins.com

Office 800-234-6787

Mobile 925-330-1151

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Insurance renewal creates an excellent opportunity

What is Social Inflation?

For those who are serious about controlling the total cost of risk, we offer a wide range of loss sensitive, alternative risk management capabilities including self-insurance, partial self-insurance, large deductible and captive insurance arrangements.

Heffernan continues to offer a client platform that features unique carrier access and proactive, and hands on advocacy in the rapidly changing and challenging commercial insurance marketplace.

I believe the odds are very good that we can make a very favorable impact on your commercial insurance placements via a fiercely proactive brokerage experience.

Just contact me.. Thanks

Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Email brantw@heffins.com

Office 800-234-6787

Mobile 925-330-1151

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How COVID is Impacting Retirement Planning

Many people are worried about the health impact of coronavirus, but if you’re planning your retirement, you have other issues to think about to as well. The pandemic has had a big impact on the economy and investments. Here’s what it means for your retirement plan.

What’s Happening with 401(k)s and Investments?

The economic shutdowns brought about by the pandemic have had a ripple effect on 401(k)s and other investments.

Some employers are ending employer matching. Employer match programs make 401(k) plans attractive to many employees, but some employers have paused matches amid the current economic problems. According to MarketWatch, at least 16 large companies had suspended employer match programs as of April 21.
Accounts are being raided. A provision in the CARES Act made is easier for people who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus to make early withdrawals of up to $100,000 from eligible retirement plans, including 401(k)s, 403(k)s and IRAs. According to the IRS, the 10 percent additional tax on early distributions does not apply to these withdrawals. Some people have taken advantage of this to raid their retirement accounts.

Should You Invest Now? The Pros and Cons

Another impact of the pandemic has been stock market volatility. This has prompted many people to question whether this is a very bad time – or perhaps a very good time – to invest.

As always, the situation isn’t straightforward. No one can know for certain how stocks will perform in the future, and how or whether you decide to invest will depend on your own appetite for risk.

Here are some of the reasons some people may not want to invest now:

We are in a recession. After a great deal of speculation that the pandemic would cause a recession, the National Bureau of Economic Research has announced that we are officially in a recession. According to CNBC, this marks the end of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history.
The pandemic may be far from over. Despite hopes that a vaccine will end the current crisis, some experts say that coronavirus might be an issue for a long time. According to Bloomberg, a report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy warns that the pandemic may last for two years. The economic impact may be long-lasting, too.

And here are some of the reasons you may want to consider investing now:

Some stocks may perform well. Even during a down market, some individual stocks may perform very well. Investment strategies that focus on “boring” stocks may succeed even in difficult times – although, as always, there are no guarantees.
Prices may be low. Some stocks that took a hit because of the pandemic may now be available at an attractively low price. If you think the stock will rebound, this may be a good time to purchase.

If you have concerns about your retirement planning strategy, we’re here to help. Contact Heffernan Financial Services to learn more.

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AB5 Update: California Rideshare Drivers Must Be Classified as Employees

According to a June order from the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California, Uber, Lyft and other Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers are now presumed to be employees in California. This is the latest development in an ongoing battle over the classification of gig workers, and the ramifications may not be limited to the two ridesharing companies or even to the state.

AB5 and Worker Classification

In explaining the justification behind the new order, the Commission described the impact of AB5 on TNCs. AB5 is a new California law that went into effect on January 1, 2020. It says that a worker should be considered an employee, and not an independent contractor, unless three conditions can be met:

A. The worker is free from the direction and control of the hiring entity.

B. The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business.

C. The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business that is of the same nature as the work being performed.

Some TNCs claim that they meet the three requirements of the so-called ABC rule. However, on May 5, 2020, a suit was filed against Uber and Lyft over misclassification.

According to the order, Uber and Lyft have gotten a measure that would exclude app-based drivers from AB5 on the November 2020 ballot. Nevertheless, the Commission asserted its right to enforce the current law, which it interprets as classifying TNC drivers as employees.

Continue reading “AB5 Update: California Rideshare Drivers Must Be Classified as Employees”

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COVID-19 Safety Resources for the Nonprofit Sector

The coronavirus pandemic has not stopped the need for nonprofit services. Although some nonprofit organizations have been forced to suspend operations to comply with stay-at-home orders, others provide essential services that are critically needed right now. For these organizations, there are many new challenges.
Determining What’s Essential

Under state-issued stay-at-home orders, people are only supposed to leave their homes for essential activities. Whether a nonprofit is considered essential will depend on the services it provides.

In California, the list of essential workers is long, and it includes many workers in the healthcare sector. Caregivers, behavioral health workers, and workers at blood banks are all among those labeled essential. Food banks are also labeled essential – and they may be more essential than ever. Food bank demand has surged as people struggle with school closures and unemployment because of coronavirus.

Nonprofit organizations should check with their state, county, and city to determine whether they are considered essential under relevant stay-at-home orders.

Volunteer and Funding Shortages
Read More

Heffernan Insurance | Website

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Broker

Email brantw@heffins.com

Office 800-234-6787

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Risk Management

Welcome, we provide periodic emails witch includes training short(s) The COVID-19 Coronavirus is having a major impact on organizations throughout the world. During this challenging and uncertain time, we are here to support you, now more than ever.

New & Updated Training Courses

The following courses have been updated in the Risk Management Center:

Valley Fever Training Short (updated – California construction employees affected by AB 203 must train employees by May 1, 2020)
Personal Protective Equipment Awareness (formerly called Personal Protective Equipment Training for Employees)
Anti-Harassment for Connecticut Managers (this training meets the 2 hour requirement and complies with SB3)
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Classification (complies with the new 2020 Fair Labor Standards Act)

HR Regulatory Content

We’ve rounded up the latest HR-related state regulatory content (not related to COVID-19) you need to know for April and May. Check the state regulatory updates.

Learn more about the Risk Management Center, a unique web-based software suite of safety and risk management tools designed to empower your organization’s risk prevention efforts. The Risk Management Center is right for any organization that wants to.

You’ll learn:

Proactively manage risk exposures
Develop effective workplace safety programs
Reduce claims, losses, and associated costs

For more information Just Contact me.

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Email brantw@heffins.com

Office 800-234-6787

Mobile 925-330-1151

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PEACE OF MIND MEDICAL CARE ACCESS 24/7/365 FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD

Protect all members of your household with a medical access membership that can help you with gaining access to certified and licensed doctors that can help you with up to 70% of the non-emergency medical reasons that you would elect to use a Primary Care Physician, Urgent Care or Emergency Rooms.

The plans and pricing shown below are for individuals. If you are a business, please contact us and we will have your associate contact you with more details.

Complete Detail Here

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The Corporate D&O Implications of COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts life in the United States and around the world, company after company has issued corporate statements regarding the virus.

These statements are important. Given the rapidly changing and high stress nature of the situation, however, it is easy to say the wrong thing. In some cases, these statements could even open the door to directors and officers (D&O) exposures.

The Hardening D&O Market

D&O is a type of liability insurance that covers the directors and officers of a company. It covers a range of claims related to the management of the organization, including shareholder suits and breach of fiduciary duty.

As we’re currently seeing with many other commercial insurance lines, D&O rates have been rising. According to Property Casualty 360, several factors are at play, including securities action lawsuits with higher settlements, social issues including the #MeToo movement and leadership coverups, and growing cyber security issues.

Now COVID-19 could add to the list.

The Coronavirus Impact

According to Carrier Management, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to impact D&O litigation. In fact, at least two lawsuits have already been filed. One is against Norwegian Cruise Lines, and it alleges that the cruise line used unproven or false statements about COVID-19 to encourage customers to purchase cruises. The other lawsuit is against Inovio Pharmaceuticals, and it alleges that the CEO made inaccurate claims regarding its work on a COVID-19 vaccine, causing the company’s stocks to soar before dropping.

This may be just the beginning. As the pandemic continues, more lawsuits could emerge. Businesses should proceed carefully to reduce their liability.

Avoiding Lawsuits Read More

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IRS Issues Guidance on Tax Credits for Coronavirus Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Small and midsize employers may begin using two new refundable payroll tax credits to obtain reimbursement for the costs of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on March 20, 2020.

This relief is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act), which was enacted on March 18, 2020. The Act provides funds for employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid leave, either for their employees’ own health needs or to care for their family members. The Act aims to help employers keep workers on their payrolls while ensuring that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Highlights of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Paid Leave Requirements

The federal coronavirus relief law requires employers to provide paid sick and family leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including lack of child care.

Employer Tax Credits

Eligible employers may claim two tax credits based on the COVID-19-related paid leave that they provide between April 2 and Dec. 31, 2020.

M. Brant Watson
Senior Vice President
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
D: (925) 295-2506
M: (925) 330-1151
Email brantw@heffins.com

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Why Business Should Prepare Now for Insurance Market Hardening

You might not realize it, but times have been pretty good for insurance customers. Although there have been some exceptions, for the most part, premiums have been steady or even reducing for years now. This may be about to change.

Why are market conditions changing? Because insurers are experiencing higher than expected losses. According to the 2019 A.M. Best Market Segment Report, the reported combined ratio for the P&C insurance industry has been above 100 – indicating an underwriting loss – since 2016. In 2017, the combined ratio reached 104.

If these losses continue, rate increases will follow. Securing coverage may become more challenging. Essentially, we may be looking at a hard market.

What’s driving higher-than-expected losses?

With property insurance, natural disasters are mostly to blame. The A.M. Best report says that Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria contributed to near-record high U.S. catastrophe losses in 2017, with net catastrophe losses of $53 billion. Then in late 2018, the U.S. was hit with Hurricane Michael as well as the California wildfires, resulting in net catastrophe losses of more than $37 billion.

How can you prepare for a hard market?

How Employers Can Help Fight Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction has reached a crisis point, and the impact is reaching workplaces around the country. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety:

Opioids killed more than 47,600 people in the U.S. in 2017.
Two-thirds of self-reported illicit opioid users were employed either full or part time.
In 2017, 272 overdose deaths occurred in the workplace, a 25 percent increase from 2013. This accounts for 5.3 percent of all occupational injury deaths.
Workers with substance use disorder miss 14.8 days each year on average, and workers with pain medication use disorder miss 29 days on average. For most employees, the average number of missed days is only 10.5.

The Causes of Addiction Read More

Want more information contact me.

Best Regards,

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

D: (925) 295-2506

M: (925) 330-1151

Email brantw@heffins.com

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Social Inflation: A Concerning – and Costly – Trend

Social inflation generally refers to the rising costs of insurance claims that are a result of societal trends and views toward increased litigation, broader contract interpretations, plaintiff friendly legal decisions, and larger jury awards.
What is causing social inflation?
There are four major factors that are driving social inflation in the United States today. They are litigation funding, the erosion of tort reform, negative public sentiment toward larger businesses and corporations, and desensitization to large jury awards.
There are four major factors that are driving social inflation in the United States today. They are litigation funding, the erosion of tort reform, negative public sentiment toward larger businesses and corporations, and desensitization to large jury awards.
Leverage your insurance partners. This means working with an independent insurance agent to make sure he or she understands your business and associated risks, and assists you in updating your insurance coverages and limits accordingly.

Just Contact me.

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Email brantw@heffins.com

Office 800-234-6787

Mobile 925-330-1151

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Life Insurance for Every Life Phase

Life insurance is an important financial planning tool – but it’s not actually one single tool. There are many different types of life insurance, and they have different advantages and disadvantages. What works well for you in one phase of life may not be the most suitable option in another phase. As your needs change, your coverage may need to be updated.

Life Insurance for Children

Buying life insurance for children can seem strange at first, but there are some practical benefits. Sometimes people (often the grandparents) purchase permanent life insurance for a young child. While this policy could cover funeral expenses if the child were to pass away, this is not generally the primary intention.

A permanent life insurance policy, such as whole or universal life insurance, can last for the entire length of the insured’s life, as long as the premiums are kept up with, and purchasing one early can lock in good rates. These policies also accumulate a cash value that can be borrowed or withdrawn for any purpose. If the policy is purchased for a very young child, it will have time to accumulate a cash value as the child matures, and the cash value may be used for any purpose, such as paying for college or putting a down payment on a first home.

Life Insurance for Young Adults and New Parents

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Your nonprofit has an important mission to carry out.

Making a Difference

Your nonprofit has an important mission to carry out. Every dollar you spend either supports or depletes your ability to serve. Most organizations work with a limited budget, but all face exposures and risk management challenges that need to be met. In short, you need a broker experienced in nonprofit insurance with your mission in mind.

Heffernan’s Nonprofit Practice cares about your mission and understands your unique insurance needs. Serving more than 4,000 nonprofit clients nationwide, Nonprofits Insurance CHOICE is a division of Heffernan Insurance Brokers offering exclusive products and services not available through any other agency. Our alliances with nonprofit-focused insurers are among the best in the industry, ensuring you have access to the best programs and the most competitive prices.

Heffernan’s reputation and success was built through niche practice business such as nonprofit, construction, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, food industry, real estate and technology. With ten branch offices coast-to-coast and approximately 450 staff, Heffernan’s reach spans virtually every industry.

M. Brant Watson| (925) 330-1151 |E-mail | Website

Learn More

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Workplace Harassment Prevention

We’ve partnered with ThinkHR to offer a solution to clients who are required to comply with this new law. Think HR has developed a completely new product to meet state requirements called Workplace Harassment Prevention. Workplace Harassment Prevention gives employers access to new and existing mandated training courses and best practices for updating policies and procedures, reporting incidents, and following up on complaints within each state they operate.

What Every Employer Needs to Know

California has expanded its current sexual harassment training standards for employers beginning January 1, 2019. The newly expanded law requires all employers with five or more employees, including temporary and seasonal employees, to train all supervisory and non supervisory employees in California by January 1, 2020.

As part of your People Risk Management strategy, Think HR offers workplace harassment prevention courses for both managers and employees, including specialized harassment training for the states of California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York. Each course incorporates the necessary state references to meet the standards for California’s sexual harassment prevention training.

Want to know more about the California law? Read more here.

Want more information contact me.

Best Regards,

M. Brant Watson

Senior Vice President

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

D: (925) 295-2506

M: (925) 330-1151

Email brantw@heffins.com

Featured

Cannabis Industry Risk Management: The Vape Crisis

E-cigarettes were supposed to be a healthier alternative to smoking. Millions of people started vaping as the fad took off. Now new concerns are raising alarm bells over these products. Vaping might not be as safe as people thought. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and tries to establish itself as a legitimate – and insurable – business, it will need to grapple with the vape crisis.

Reports of Lung Injuries

E-cigarettes turn a liquid into a vapor that users can inhale. The liquid is often flavored, and it can contain THC or nicotine. Fans of e-cigarettes point out that they do not contain the toxins commonly associated with traditional cigarettes.

But this does not necessarily mean they’re safe. In recent months, cases of lung injuries associated with vaping have made headlines. According to the CDC, there have been 2,409 reported hospitalizations for vaping-associated lung injuries as of December 10, 2019, and 52 people have died.

The CDC has concluded that Vitamin E acetate is the culprit – or one of the culprits, at least. More research is being done, and other harmful additives may be discovered. In the meantime, the CDC says that Vitamin E acetate should not be added to e-cigarettes and that people should avoid THC-containing e-cigarette products, particularly those obtained from informal sources.

Targeting Teens

While reports of lung injuries stream in, another issue has been plaguing the vaping industry – teens love to vape.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that teens are more likely to use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. While 66 percent of teens say their e-cigarettes only contain flavor, 13.2 percent say they’re vaping nicotine, 5.8 percent say they’re vaping marijuana, and 13.7 percent don’t know what they’re vaping.

Vaping companies have been accused of targeting teens. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 70 percent of teens are exposed to ads for e-cigarettes. Both high school students and middle school students have seen ads in various forms, including retail, movie and internet ads. According to Bloomberg, both California and New York are suing Juul Labs Inc., an e-cigarette company, for allegedly targeting teens.

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Heffernan Insurance Brokers Acquires Henderson Insurance

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Dec. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Heffernan Insurance Brokers, one of the largest full-service, independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States, has acquired Henderson Insurance. The firm has purchased the assets of the Newport Beach-based Henderson to join HeffDirect, a division of Heffernan Insurance Brokers, effective December 1, 2019. Scott Henderson, Laura Henderson, Jackie Smith, Julie Nii, and Eric Manzo have all joined Heffernan’s operations.

With over 47 years of dry cleaner and laundry insurance expertise, Henderson has a strong background and understanding of the industry’s insurance needs. This specialized expertise will be a pronounced enhancement to Heffernan’s niche practices.

“Henderson’s unique skillset and knowledge of the dry cleaning and laundry industry will be a great addition to the team,” said F. Michael Heffernan, President and CEO of Heffernan Insurance Brokers. “We’re looking forward to expanding our niche practices and our future together.”

“47 years ago we started by insuring the single-location cleaner,” said Scott Henderson, President of Henderson Insurance. “Since then, cleaners and laundries have evolved into sophisticated, multi-location enterprises with complicated insurance needs. Heffernan gives us broad policy offerings to allow us to fully serve the insurance needs of every cleaner and laundry, regardless of size. And the acquisition allows us to expand from serving cleaners and laundries in only seven states to being able to serve them anywhere in the country.”

About Heffernan Insurance Brokers
Heffernan Insurance Brokers, formed in 1988, is one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States. Heffernan provides insurance and financial services products to a range of businesses and individuals. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., Heffernan has offices in San Francisco, Petaluma, Menlo Park, Los Angeles and Irvine, CA; Portland, OR; St. Louis, MO and Phoenix, AZ.

Employee-owned, Heffernan Insurance Brokers was named the Top Mid-Sized Broker in the United States to work for in 2009 by Business Insurance Magazine. The firm has been among the Top Greater Bay Area Philanthropists since 2003, donating more than 13 percent of profits to charity in 2015.

For more information, visit www.heffins.com.
License #0564249

SOURCE Heffernan Insurance Brokers

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Careful Hiring Practices: An Essential Step in Reducing the Incidence of Workers’ Compensation Claims

The home health industry needs workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of 1,208,800 new home health aide and personal care aide positions between 2016 and 2026. Finding workers to fill those positions may be difficult, leading to worries of a major worker shortage. But despite the need for workers, there’s also a need for smart hiring practices. To keep workers’ compensation claims down, employers must take precautions.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Home health workers face risks that can lead to injuries, and these injuries can lead to workers’ compensation claims. These risks include:

Musculoskeletal injuries, often the result of lifting or maneuvering patients
Automobile crashes, which can occur when workers drive from one patient’s home to another
Assaults, which can occur if patients or others become violent
Other accidents, such as tripping and falling, which can occur because workers are constantly visiting different homes with unique layouts and risks

These risks can be made worse if workers are not physically capable of performing essential duties, such as lifting or maneuvering patients, or if they use poor techniques when doing heavy lifting. Dangerous driving habits and criminal tendencies – including filing fraudulent claims – can also result in expensive workers’ compensation claims.

Although these risks cannot be eliminated entirely, careful hiring practices can reduce them.

Want more information contact me.
Best Regards,
M. Brant Watson
Senior Vice President
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
D: (925) 295-2506
M: (925) 330-1151
Email brantw@heffins.com

Careful Hiring Practices

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Five Things to Know About Retirement Income Taxation

Planning for retirement? Don’t forget to plan for taxes. Uncle Sam can take a big chunk from your retirement income. If you’re trying to make your money last, high tax rates can be a major concern. As you plan for the future, keep a close eye on the following tax impacts.

1. Social Security retirement benefits may be taxed.
Many retirees depend on Social Security for a big chunk of their retirement income. However, this income may be reduced by taxes.
On the federal level, retirees may have to pay taxes on up to 85 percent of their Social Security benefits if they have significant income from other sources.
If combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000 when filing as an individual, or between $32,000 and $44,000 when filing jointly, 50 percent of Social Security benefits may be taxed.
If combined income is more than $34,000 when filing as an individual, or more than $44,000 when filing jointly, up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits may be taxed.
This means that it is important to consider how wages, dividends and other income sources will impact a retiree’s annual income. (Thresholds are subject to change; see the Social Security Benefits Planner for more information on calculating combined income.
It’s also important to consider state taxes. Some states tax Social Security benefits, but others do not. As a result, where you live can make a big difference in how much of your benefits you actually get to pocket.

2. 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are typically taxed. Read More

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California AB5 – What Does It Mean for Your Business?

Classifying workers as independent contractors is about to get more difficult in California. The state has recently passed a new law, Assembly Bill 5, which establishes new rules for gig work. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020, and it could have major implications for any business that uses contract workers.

Details

January 14, 2020 Top Ten Ways to Prevent Employee Lawsuits Enroll Here

January 22, 2020 Heffernan Retirement eLearning: What You Need to Know About CalSavers Enroll Here

On-Demand Insurance –

Get the coverage you need immediately with our Thimble

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M. Brant Watson| (925) 330-1151 |E-mail | Website

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Commercial Insurance renewal creates an excellent opportunity

When your commercial insurance renewals comes due keep us in mind. Heffernan’s access and service platforms are exceptionally unique.

This creates an excellent opportunity for you to explore multiple coverage, cost and service options in the changing marketplace, especially If you have not shopped outside your current brokerage relationship recently.

Would you be open to updating me on your current placement and interest level in a brief conversation or email exchange? 10 minutes or so should be enough time for us to determine if next steps are mutually beneficial.

Contact me today to learn more about the best possible insurance for your needs.

Best Regards,

M. Brant Watson

Senior VP

D: 925.295.2506

C: 925.330.1151

Contact brantw@heffins.com

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Would Your Manufacturing Business Survive a Product Liability Lawsuit?

As NBC News recently reported, seven people in the U.S. have died from vaping-related lung illnesses, with 530 cases of illnesses now reported in 38 states. The federal government is investigating, and many local and state authorities are working to ban e-cigarettes and vaping.

The vaping crisis is the latest high-profile product liability case, and it highlights some of the challenges faced by manufacturers in bringing new products to market.

When you manufacture a product, the last thing you want to hear is that your product has harmed someone – or worse, caused a death. But tragically, defective products cause thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths in the U.S. every year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And that leads to thousands of product liability and personal injury lawsuits.

M. Brant Watson
Senior Vice President
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
D: (925) 295-2506
M: (925) 330-1151
Email brantw@heffins.com

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How Annuities Can Help Fund Retirement

How much will you need for retirement? It’s a difficult question to answer, but one thing is clear – many Americans are worried that they don’t have enough. According to Retirement Insecurity 2019, a report from the National Institute on Retirement Security, 58 percent of Americans are concerned that they won’t achieve financial security in retirement, while 79 percent admit they don’t know enough about investing to ensure that their savings last through retirement.

For people looking for a more secure retirement, annuities could help. Before deciding whether annuities are right for you, it’s important to understand how they work and how they differ from other financial tools.

Annuities and Longevity

There are many reasons that make it difficult to calculate how much money you’ll need in retirement, but one variable stands out: your lifespan. No one knows how long they will live. While most people hope that they will enjoy a very long life, longevity comes with a financial drawback. The longer you live after retirement, the more money you need. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a very long life, your retirement savings may run out.

Annuities provide a solution. Because lifetime annuities will continue paying out for as long as a person lives, the insured never has to worry about running out of money. This guaranteed income is good news for the millions of Americans worried about achieving a financially secure retirement.

M. Brant Watson
Senior Vice President
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
D: (925) 295-2506
M: (925) 330-1151
Email brantw@heffins.com

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Beware of Nonprofit Board and Reputation Exposures

Nonprofits can be sued over a wide range of claims, just like their for-profit counterparts. In fact, Insurance Journal reports that directors and officers liability claims occur twice as often in nonprofits compared to private companies.

The increase in lawsuits could stem from a number of possible issues. Nonprofits may be so focused on their cause that they neglect other issues.
Nonprofits may incorrectly believe their nonprofit status makes them an unlikely target.
Individuals serving on nonprofits may be busy with other duties, and they may be working outside their normal sphere.
Donors often have high expectations for how funds are managed.
Nonprofits often work with vulnerable populations.
Volunteers may not be screened properly.
Regardless of the cause, nonprofits get sued – a lot. When this happens, the nonprofit’s financial stability and reputation can be put in jeopardy.
Nonprofits depend on their reputation.
Reputation is important to all corporations, but this is especially true in the case of nonprofits. As Risk & Insurance explains, nonprofits depend on their reputations to secure grants and donations.

Many things can damage a nonprofit’s reputation, from claims of mismanaged funds to inappropriate actions of volunteers. Some threats may come from outside. For example, cyber attacks that reveal personal data could damage a nonprofit’s reputation. Fundraising fraud, described in Risk & Insurance as people who impersonate nonprofits to elicit and steal donations, is another worrisome threat.

Contact me today to learn more about the best possible insurance for your needs.

Best Regards,

M. Brant Watson
Senior VP
D: 925.295.2506
C: 925.330.1151
brantw@heffins.com

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Selecting A Business Insurance Broker: 5 Questions to Consider

M. Brant Watson

Senior VP

D: 925.295.2506

C: 925.330.1151

Contact brantw@heffins.com

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Advocacy and Guidance in the Commercial Insurance Marketplace

Heffernan’s reputation and success was built through our work in industry niches s such as nonprofit, construction, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, food distribution, real estate and technology. With ten branch offices coast-to-coast and approximately 450 staff members, Heffernan’s reach spans to most industries!

With 30 years of underwriting and brokerage experience, I will evaluate your current and historic insurance placements and in many cases be able to offer your business meaningful and impact alternative cost, coverage and risk management program options to optimize your protection and competitiveness in your industry!

Read Move

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Insurance for Senior Care & Living Communities

As an insurance broker dedicated to the senior living sector, I am amazed and impressed by how many of our current and future clients have expanded their resident services offerings in order to meet increased acuity levels and the socialization needs of residents and their families given the regulatory, legal and labor climate challenges that exist.

At the same time, the commercial insurance marketplace has become increasingly challenging given the recent tragic natural disasters, the withdrawal of casualty insurance carriers form the marketplace, and the increasingly hostile litigation environment.

Heffernan continues to offer a client platform that features unique carrier access and proactive, and hands on advocacy in the rapidly changing and challenging commercial insurance marketplace. I believe the odds are very good that we can make a very favorable impact on your commercial insurance placements via a fiercely proactive brokerage experience.

Thank you for your ongoing consideration!

Brant Watson

Senior VP

D: 925.295.2506

C: 925.330.1151

brantw@heffins.com

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Featured

Heffernan Insurance Brokers Acquires Mahan Insurance Brokers

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Heffernan Insurance Brokers, one of the largest full-service, independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States, acquires Mahan Insurance Brokers. The firm has purchased the assets of the Newport-based Mahan effective October 1, 2019. Michael Mahan and Marissa Garmendia will join Heffernan’s Irvine, California office, and Robert Mahan will continue to play an active role in advising clients.

With over 30 years of expertise, Mahan has a strong understanding of insurance needs of businesses and professionals. Their specialty in construction insurance will be a pronounced enhancement to Heffernan’s construction niche practice.

“The team’s deep knowledge of the construction industry, along with the high standard of customer service they’re known for, will be great complements to our Irvine office,” said F. Michael Heffernan, President and CEO of Heffernan Insurance Brokers. “We’re happy to have them on board and look forward to a bright future together.”

Featured

Insurance for Senior Care & Living Communities

Thank you for your consideration!

Brant Watson

Senior VP

D: 925.295.2506

C: 925.330.1151

brantw@heffins.com

Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Heffernan Insurance Brokers – CA Insurance License # 0564249

This communication, including attachments, is for the exclusive use of addressee and may contain proprietary or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, copying, disclosure, dissemination or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return email and delete this communication and destroy all copies. Please note, any request to bind coverage, modify coverage or report a claim is not valid until you receive confirmation from Heffernan Insurance Brokers that we have processed your request.

Featured

Why Business Should Prepare Now for Insurance Market Hardening

Why Business Should Prepare Now for Insurance Market Hardening

If these losses continue, rate increases will follow. Securing coverage may become more challenging. Essentially, we may be looking at a hard market.

What’s driving higher-than-expected losses?

How can you prepare for a hard market?

Protect Your IPO with Technology Insurance

Lyft’s stock prices plunged soon after the ride-sharing company went public. According to the Insurance Journal, lawsuits from investors caused the stock price to drop 17 percent just weeks after the initial offering. For many startups, going public is the dream – but that dream can lead to legal nightmares. As more tech companies are going public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO), they need to brace for the possibility of lawsuits and protect themselves with insurance coverage.

The Problems Goes Beyond Lyft

Lyft’s legal woes have received a fair amount of attention, but it isn’t the only company to face legal challenges soon after going public.

In an article on the recent flood of IPOs, Inc. lists several other companies – Eventbrite, Facebook, Twitter, Snap and Blue Apron – that faced shareholder lawsuits soon after going public. ISS Securities Class Action Services says that IPO-related lawsuits have doubled since 2013.

Bloomberg Law issued another warning: While shareholder litigation against IPOs is increasing, dismissals of IPO-related lawsuits are becoming less common. As a result, companies are more likely to deal with time-consuming and costly legal battles.

Why IPOs Needs Tech Insurance

Contact me and explore the possibilities.

Brant Watson
Senior VP
D: 925.295.2506
C: 925.330.1151
brantw@heffins.com

Benefit Advisory Services

Our Team Approach…
Under the direction of our Benefit Advisors, clients will have a designated team suited to their needs, to assist and oversee solutions from implementation through ongoing service delivery.

Our teams of dedicated professionals create a detailed client partner project plan to transition clients onto Heffernan’s platform and into our optimal service delivery and compliance procedures. Our teams strive to become a seamless extension of the clients HR department, to maximize the engagement of the clients employees and their dependents, and to free up our clients to handle more important initiatives within each organization.

We implement a number of resource solutions to ensure we provide our clients and their employees with the information to best achieve your Group Benefits objectives. Examples include benchmarking, underwriting, account service plans, renewal planning, financial analysis, and alternative funding options and strategies.

Medical HSA Read More

EEOC Guidelines for COVID Testing of Workers

As businesses reopen, they must take stringent measures to keep workers and customers safe from the coronavirus. Common efforts might include signage to promote social distancing and the use of masks and sneeze guards – but some employers may be wondering whether they should also use testing.

Although virus testing seems like one of the most efficient ways to control the virus, it also brings up legal complications. Here’s what the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises.

The ADA Still Applies

The pandemic does not grant employers license to ignore the ADA or other anti-discrimination laws. However, the EEOC explains that employers should follow CDC guidelines for workplace safety.

Certain safety measures should be taken in light of the pandemic. According to the EEOC:

Telehealth called a ‘silver lining’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, it might stick

Telehealth use surged from 8% of Americans in December to 29% in May as primary care, mental health and specialists turned to remote care out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a UnitedHealth Group report.

Telehealth evangelists long have touted using high-speed Internet connections and a range of devices to link providers and patients for remote care. But regulatory hurdles and medicine’s conservative culturelimited virtual checkups to largely minor conditions like sinus infections or unique circumstances such as connecting neurologists to rural hospitals that lack specialized care.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/07/02/telehealth-soars-covid-19-shutdown-limits-doctor-visits/5355739002/

Employee Workplace Safety

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Mitigate Your Risk with Heffernan Insurance

Abundance of Data Tempts Hackers

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What’s Happening with 401(k)s and Investments?

Should You Invest Now? The Pros and Cons

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AB5 and Worker Classification

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Protect all members of your household with a medical access membership that can help you with gaining access to certified and licensed doctors that can help you with up to 70% of the non-emergency medical reasons that you would elect to use a Primary Care Physician, Urgent Care or Emergency Rooms.

The plans and pricing shown below are for individuals. If you are a business, please contact us and we will have your associate contact you with more details.

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The Hardening D&O Market

The Coronavirus Impact

Avoiding Lawsuits Read More

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Highlights of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Paid Leave Requirements

Employer Tax Credits

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The Causes of Addiction Read More

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Life Insurance for Children

Life Insurance for Young Adults and New Parents

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Reports of Lung Injuries

Targeting Teens

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Workers’ Compensation Claims

Careful Hiring Practices

2. 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are typically taxed. Read More

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Annuities and Longevity

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