Wednesday, November 26, 2014

                  Be An Owner

             

No matter where you are in your career, Farmers has a way for you to own your own agency—whether you’re building one from scratch or buying an existing business. When you're an owner, you can run it as you see fit by finding new clients and helping customers directly with their policies. Join an industry leader, make a difference in your community, and we’ll help you become a success.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

University Of Farmers


 


 

University of Farmers takes top training honors

                                                  
Los Angeles, CA (February 8, 2011) -- Farmers salutes its University of Farmers for taking first place in Training magazine’s 11th annual Training Top 125 awards program. The University of Farmers received the award during a black-tie gala recognizing top national businesses held in San Diego on Monday, February 7, 2011.
“Our competitors are top in the industry and top in the business world,” said Annette Thompson, Senior Vice President of Farmers Insurance and the University of Farmers Chief Learning Officer. “To win against industry giants makes this success absolutely spectacular.”





 
 
 
As the leading business publication for learning and development professionals, Training ranks hundreds of leading companies from around the world for their excellence in employer-sponsored training and development programs.
“The University of Farmers provided a compelling, detail-rich account of how it tied its training programs to corporate strategic goals and the demonstrable changes in learner behavior, performance, and efficiency that came about as a result of that training,” said Lorri Freifeld, editor-in-chief of Training. “Likewise, despite tough economic times, Farmers continued to invest in employee development, increase the scope of its training programs, and focus on innovation—key factors in its successful integration of employees following a critical acquisition and its sweeping upgrade of core organizational IT infrastructure.”
In addition to capturing the top award, the University of Farmers also received a Best Practice Award in recognition of its Reserve/Career Builder program for new insurance agents, and won the Best Overall Qualitative Award.
“Farmers newest advertising campaign focuses on the University of Farmers and the industry-leading training given to Farmers Insurance agents and employees,” said Bob Woudstra, Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Insurance Group. “For the real University of Farmers to receive this honor, gives us all a great sense of pride.”
This is the third time the University of Farmers has entered the rigorous program.


 
 
“We entered into this process to benchmark ourselves as a training organization, and to make sure we were delivering the best we could for our customers,” said Mike Cuffe, Vice President of Claims Training & Development for the University of Farmers. “It can take years to make the list at all, and for us this has been a thrilling fast track to the top and we are honored to be recognized in this way.”
The University of Farmers is a 120,000 square-foot agent, claims, leadership and management training facility located in Agoura Hills, California. The University of Farmers is national in scope and has 20 state-of-the-art classrooms. The claims training facility has a two-story full-sized mock house that provides participants with hands-on training, video feedback skill-practice rooms, a mock auto bay that can house up to 20 damaged automobiles and advanced audio visual technology to support new methods of learning. The University of Farmers also offers thousands of on-line classes for Farmers employees and agents who live out of state, supplementing the work done at the University of Farmers.
About Farmers Insurance Group of Companies
Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be.  Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit its Web site at

 
 

Why Farmers Insurance 

 



               

When one of the largest insurance providers in the country has your back, the sky's the limit. Farmers agents have uncapped earning potential, so your hard work benefits you—not your boss or your boss's boss. We offer commissions for new policies you write and existing policies that renew, and you can use that to reinvest in your business. In addition, we offer other awards throughout your career including trips to exotic and interesting places.

We work with a variety of events and organizations. From a marketing perspective, this increases our visibility. From a brand perspective, it allows our agents to get involved with some great causes and opportunities. You can find us at the Farmers Insurance Open® golf tournament, Farmers Field (coming soon), and NASCAR events, and we also take advantage of our Hollywood headquarters to partner with more celebrity talent. We work with the likes of Rascal Flatts and Kasey Kahne.
 
 
 


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

About Farmers Insurance

 

                   Serving America Since 1928

In 1928, two men shared a dream of providing a quality insurance product at a reasonable price. In the decades that followed we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of Americans. But one constant has remained: We have an unwavering commitment to uphold our founding ideals to provide industry-leading products and first-rate services to the customers we’re privileged to serve.
Different Eras, Same Exceptional Service
Farmers not only prides itself on helping you plan wisely for the unexpected, but also on helping restore order when it occurs, so you can keep moving along the road of your life’s plans.
In 1959 a Farmers customer wrote us a letter of surprised gratitude when his car battery was replaced just an hour after it was stolen. A letter from a couple in 2002 wrote that their Farmers agent and Claims Adjuster “were exceptional in their handling of our grief, what we needed to do, and helpful in many other ways.” That same year, when Hurricane Rita struck Beaumont, Texas, Farmers sent 300 agents to assess damages while policy holders were evacuated. Farmers also donated $100,000 for the city’s emergency operations center and two megawatt generators that restored power to Beaumont. Whatever year or decade a disaster occurs, you can count on us to be there for you.
Today, the companies comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies make up one of the country's largest insurers of vehicles, homes and small businesses and provide a wide range of other insurance and financial services products.
Farmers is proud to serve more than 10 million households with more than 20 million individual policies across all 50 states through the efforts of over 50,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 24,000 employees.
The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange) owned by their policyholders, and together with their subsidiaries and affiliates comprise the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, in their capacity as attorneys-in-fact, provide administrative and management services to the Farmers Exchanges.

Our Story

Our story began with the simple goal of insuring the vehicles of rural farmers but as the world changed, so did we. Visit our timeline for a tour through the decades of Farmers.
 

                             Our Companies

The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies was built to last, with a firm foundation of reliable businesses and a dedication to continual improvement. What began as a simple Car insurance company for farmers has become a multi-line, multi-company insurer and financial services group with a solid reputation for doing the right thing for the right reason.

Who we are

Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange (Exchanges) are inter-insurance exchanges owned by their policyholders and organized under the laws of the State of California. The Exchanges, directly or through their subsidiaries, offer homeowners insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, and financial services throughout the United States. Farmers Group, Inc. (dba Farmers Underwriters Association) (FGI) and its subsidiaries, Truck Underwriters Association and Fire Underwriters Association, provide certain administrative services for the Exchanges as the Exchanges’ attorneys-in-fact. The Exchanges do not hold an ownership interest in FGI, and FGI does not hold an ownership interest in any of the Exchanges.
  •  

    Foremost Insurance Group

    Was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Grand Rapids Michigan. Foremost is a leader in insuring specialty products such as mobile homes, motor homes, travel trailers and specialty dwellings.
  •  

    The Bristol West Insurance Group

    Became a part of Farmers in July 2007. Bristol West began providing private passenger Auto insurance to Florida residents in 1973, and since that time, it has grown to be a leading provider of liability and physical damage insurance - focusing exclusively on private passenger vehicles across the United States.
  •  

    The 21st Century Insurance Group

    Based in Wilmington, Delaware, became a part of Farmers in July 2009. Using the Internet and direct response marketing channels, 21st Century markets personal auto insurance to consumers throughout the United States.
  •  

    Farmers New World Life Insurance Company

    Headquartered in Mercer Island, Washington, has a proud history stretching back to 1910, when the company started as New World Life Insurance Company. Today, it offers a wide range of life insurance products, from a fully flexible universal life product to traditional term and whole life plans and annuities. Farmers New World Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of FGI.
  •  

               Truck Insurance Exchange Update

    Los Angeles, April 1, 2014
    Dear Fellow Truck Insurance Exchange Member,
    Truck Insurance Exchange is one of the insurers comprising Farmers Insurance Group. Truck Insurance Exchange along with Fire Insurance Exchange and Farmers Insurance Exchange, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, provide automobile, homeowners, personal umbrella and business owners insurance.
    •  

      Recent Developments

      • Farmers’ nationally acclaimed University of Farmers once again received high recognition placing in Training Magazine's Training Top 10 Hall of Fame as a result of four consecutive years in the Training 125's Top 10. Farmers joins in this honor with other prominent United States organizations. The award continues to reflect our goal of providing the best value and experience for Farmers customers.
      • The e-policy or electronic availability of policy documents has improved customer experience and continued to expand in popularity with our customers in 2013.
      • Farmers All Lines Billing continues to make it easier and more convenient for customers to pay their insurance premiums. Enhancements to farmers.com allow customers to pay multiple policies in a single transaction. Additionally, expanded credit card brand acceptance gives customers more options and freedom of choice.
      • Farmers Insurance Group continues taking steps to expand into the Eastern United States. Eastern expansion will help increase our market presence from coast to coast and spread risks geographically so that a single disaster would have less impact on the Exchange.
    •  

      Community Involvement

      Farmers invests in three core philanthropic pillars: education, safety and civic programs, which serve to benefit a diverse cross-section of Americans. Through its various corporate sponsorships, such as the PGA TOUR's Farmers Insurance Open , Farmers supports a variety of programs that benefit the San Diego community. One beneficiary is "Blessings in a Backpack," a program which distributes backpacks filled with food to low-income school children as they head home for the weekend. Farmers is a key contributor to the Monarch School, a school designed to help homeless children succeed in life through education and other life needs. Farmers is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Program, where our partnership will educate citizens to be better prepared for future disasters. Within the Safety pillar, Farmers invests in driver safety and fire prevention programs. Examples of civic support include food drives, clothing drives and various Habitat for Humanity programs throughout the country. In 2013, Farmers made a community investment in Joplin, Missouri, helping the city recover from a devastating F5 tornado. Farmers recognized that many families were still without permanent homes two years after the storm. Farmers invested financial and people resources and will continue to do so in 2014. In addition, Farmers helped to author a Disaster Recovery Playbook which will help other communities recover more quickly from future disasters.
    •  

      Privileged to Serve

      For more than eight decades, Farmers Insurance Group has provided its customers with coverage options to help them manage risk and meet their insurance needs. We strive to deliver the best value and experience to every customer we're privileged to serve. Farmers appreciates your business and looks forward to continuing to earn your confidence for many years to come.

    Sincerely,
    Dennis J. Lorch
    Chair of the Board of Governors of Truck Insurance Exchange

    Information About the Exchange

    As a member of Truck Insurance Exchange, we want you to understand the basics of the operation of an Exchange because, as you will see below, you are an owner of the Exchange.

    What is an Exchange?

    An Exchange is an insurance organization which operates in most ways like any other insurance company. But there are a few differences. Truck Insurance Exchange was organized under a provision in the California Insurance Code which allows insureds to “exchange” policies with other insureds. Because the insureds cannot practically be involved in actually issuing policies, collecting premium, paying commissions to agents, etc., they appoint a third party – called an “attorney-in-fact” (AIF) – to perform those duties on their behalf for a fee. That appointment is made through a document called a “Subscription Agreement.” You were asked to sign a Subscription Agreement at the time you applied for insurance with Truck Insurance Exchange and that is how you became a member (aka subscriber).

    Who owns the Exchange?

    You do. Subscribers of the Exchange are owners until such time as they no longer have insurance from the Exchange. Subscribers elect a Board of Governors which supervises the financial affairs of the Exchange and the performance of the AIF in conformity with the Subscription Agreement terms

    Why is an AIF fee paid to Truck Underwriters Association (TUA)?

    Under the Subscription Agreement mentioned above, members appoint TUA to perform certain of the tasks, such as policy issuance and collection of premium, which are involved in running an insurance operation. The Subscription Agreement specifies an AIF fee of 20 percent of premium although TUA has taken less than that amount.

    What is TUA?

    TUA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Farmers Group, Inc. (FGI), which is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, Ltd (ZIG), a Swiss company. Neither TUA, FGI nor ZIG has any ownership interest in Truck Insurance Exchange, which is owned by its subscribers (insureds).

    How was your premium dollar spent by Truck Insurance Exchange in 2013?

    Your premium dollar covers Exchange costs including losses incurred, acquisition costs, taxes, license fees, the AIF fee, and any contributions to surplus. For 2013, the AIF fee was 15.4 percent of the premium dollar, which included the AIF profit of 7.08 percent of the premium dollar for that year. The results of the Exchange were impacted by the large number of catastrophe losses but it still maintained a strong capital base with surplus of $563 million.

    Can the Exchange lose money?

    If premiums collected exceed claims payments and other expenses (including the fee for the AIF), then the Exchange retains those net premium earnings (as contributions to surplus). If premiums are not sufficient to cover claims and expenses, the Exchange will lose money. That’s one reason it is important to build a cushion against possible future losses. The AIF does not participate in claims losses and does not enjoy any net premium earnings. Importantly, subscribers are not responsible for any losses the Exchange might suffer.

    Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC.

    Was created by Farmers in 1999 so that agents could offer customers a wide array of financial products, including mutual funds, variable universal life insurance, and variable annuities.
     

     

     

                Fire Insurance Exchange Update

    Los Angeles, April 1, 2014
    Dear Fellow Fire Insurance Exchange Member,
    Fire Insurance Exchange is one of the insurers comprising Farmers Insurance Group. Fire Insurance Exchange along with Farmers Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, provide automobile, homeowners, personal umbrella and business owners insurance.
    •  

      Recent Developments

      • Farmers’ nationally acclaimed University of Farmers once again received high recognition placing in Training Magazine's Training Top 10 Hall of Fame as a result of four consecutive years in the Training 125's Top 10. Farmers joins in this honor with other prominent United States organizations. The award continues to reflect our goal of providing the best value and experience for Farmers customers.
      • The e-policy or electronic availability of policy documents have improved customer experience and continued to expand in popularity with our customers in 2013.
      • Farmers All Lines Billing continues to make it easier and more convenient for customers to pay their insurance premiums. Enhancements to farmers.com allow customers to pay multiple policies in a single transaction. Additionally, expanded credit card brand acceptance gives customers more options and freedom of choice.
      • Farmers Insurance Group continues taking steps to expand into the Eastern United States. Eastern expansion will help increase our market presence from coast to coast and spread risks geographically so that a single disaster would have less impact on the Exchange.
    •  

      Community Involvement

      Farmers invests in three core philanthropic pillars: education, safety and civic programs, which serve to benefit a diverse cross-section of Americans.  Through its various corporate sponsorships, such as the PGA TOUR's Farmers Insurance Open , Farmers supports a variety of programs that benefit the San Diego community. One beneficiary is "Blessings in a Backpack," a program which distributes backpacks filled with food to low-income school children as they head home for the weekend. Farmers is a key contributor to the Monarch School, a school designed to help homeless children succeed in life through education and other life needs. Farmers is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Program, where our partnership will educate citizens to be better prepared for future disasters. Within the Safety pillar, Farmers invests in driver safety and fire prevention programs. Examples of civic support include food drives, clothing drives and various Habitat for Humanity programs throughout the country. In 2013, Farmers made a community investment in Joplin, Missouri, helping the city recover from a devastating F5 tornado. Farmers recognized that many families were still without permanent homes two years after the storm. Farmers invested financial and people resources and will continue to do so in 2014. In addition, Farmers helped to author a Disaster Recovery Playbook which will help other communities recover more quickly from future disasters.
    •  

      Privileged to Serve

      For more than eight decades, Farmers Insurance Group has provided its customers with coverage options to help them manage risk and meet their insurance needs. We strive to deliver the best value and experience to every customer we're privileged to serve. Farmers appreciates your business and looks forward to continuing to earn your confidence for many years to come.
    Sincerely,
    Dale A. Marlin
    Chair of the Board of Governors of Fire Insurance Exchange

    Information About the Exchange

    As a member of Fire Insurance Exchange, we want you to understand the basics of the operation of an Exchange because, as you will see below, you are an owner of the Exchange.

    What is an Exchange?

    An Exchange is an insurance organization which operates in most ways like any other insurance company. But there are a few differences. Fire Insurance Exchange was organized under a provision in the California Insurance Code which allows insureds to “exchange” policies with other insureds. Because the insureds cannot practically be involved in actually issuing policies, collecting premium, paying commissions to agents, etc., they appoint a third party – called an “attorney-in-fact” (AIF) – to perform those duties on their behalf for a fee. That appointment is made through a document called a “Subscription Agreement.” You were asked to sign a Subscription Agreement at the time you applied for insurance with Fire Insurance Exchange and that is how you became a member (aka subscriber).

    Who owns the Exchange?

    You do. Subscribers of the Exchange are owners until such time as they no longer have insurance from the Exchange. Subscribers elect a Board of Governors which supervises the financial affairs of the Exchange and the performance of the AIF in conformity with the Subscription Agreement terms.

    Why is an AIF fee paid to Fire Underwriters Association (FUA)?

    Under the Subscription Agreement mentioned above, members appoint FUA to perform certain of the tasks, such as policy issuance and collection of premium, which are involved in running an insurance operation. The Subscription Agreement specifies an AIF fee of 25 percent of premium although FUA has taken less than that amount.

    What is FUA?

    FUA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Farmers Group, Inc. (FGI), which is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, Ltd (ZIG), a Swiss company. Neither FUA, FGI nor ZIG has any ownership interest in Fire Insurance Exchange, which is owned by its subscribers (insureds).

    How was your premium dollar spent by Fire Insurance Exchange in 2013?

    Your premium dollar covers Exchange costs including losses incurred, acquisition costs, taxes, license fees, the AIF fee, and any
    contributions to surplus. For 2013, the AIF fee was 13.5 percent of the premium dollar, which included the AIF profit of 7.18 percent of the premium dollar for that year. The results of the Exchange were impacted by the large number of catastrophe losses but it still maintained a strong capital base with surplus of $721 million.

    Can the Exchange lose money?

    If premiums collected exceed claims payments and other expenses (including the fee for the AIF), then the Exchange retains those net premium earnings (as contributions to surplus). If premiums are not sufficient to cover claims and expenses, the Exchange will lose money. That’s one reason it is important to build a cushion against possible future losses. The AIF does not participate in claims losses and does not enjoy any net premium earnings. Importantly, subscribers are not responsible for any losses the Exchange might suffer.
     
     
     

Monday, November 17, 2014

What Is Your Car Worth





If you’re in the market for a new car, you probably have your list narrowed down to two or three choices. You’re probably comparing standard features, options packages, fuel efficiency, and sticker prices. Did you know that the true cost of a car is much more than that sticker price though? Over the lifetime of a car, things like depreciation, fuel costs, and insurance can add nearly 80% to the purchase price of your car!
To get a true sense of what your car costs and help avoid unexpected expenses, research the following added costs to your vehicle:
(Note: Percentages based on TrueCar data estimates for 5-year cost of ownership, based on a $30,000 car)

5% - Taxes

On top of sales tax, vehicles are also usually subject to a variety of other fees, like license and registration costs. These vary by state, but according to TrueCar estimates, fees and taxes can add approximately 5% to the purchase price of your new car.

5% - Financing

Financing a vehicle can add an average of 5% to the purchase price of a car (according to TrueCar data). That percentage can swing higher or lower depending on varying factors, like your credit rating, or special financing offers from the dealer.

9% - Maintenance

To run right for as long as possible, your car literally needs to be a well-oiled machine, and that means keeping up with regular maintenance (especially oil changes). With inspections and filter, fluid, tire, and brake replacements, even regular upkeep can cost an arm and a leg. Costs can run even higher for luxury or high-performance cars that require expensive parts and specialized maintenance. New cars with included maintenance programs can help with these costs, but data still suggests estimating 9% of the purchase price for maintenance fees over the first five years.

17% - Insurance

To cover your new investment (and meet legal requirements) you’re going to need car insurance. Data shows that auto insurance premiums can account for around 17% of the purchase price of the car. However, there are plenty of car insurance discounts available to help drive that percentage down.

28% - Fuel

TrueCar estimates that over a five-year span, your fuel costs average about 28% of the purchase price of your car, but that varies depending on:
  • Current cost of gas.
  • How much you drive.
  • Fuel economy of your car.
Before you buy or lease a new car, check out the window sticker. It usually displays the car’s fuel economy, broken out by highway and city miles. It also usually includes estimated fuel costs based on a 15,000 mile/year rate (45% city/55% highway). This will give you a better idea of actual fuel costs over five years.

36% - Depreciation

Unlike some other major investments, vehicles typically don’t appreciate in value (unless you have a collector or classic car). In fact, it’s fairly well known that a car loses value the second you drive it off the lot. This shouldn’t keep you out of the dealership, but depreciation is something to keep in mind.
Data shows that a new car loses an average of 36% of its value over five years on the road. This varies for different cars; certain vehicles are rated higher in resale or lifetime value based on factors like their durability, gas mileage, and style. You may want to take this into account before buying, to make sure you get the most out of your next car.

Want to save more and make the car buying experience much easier? Try the Farmers Car Shopping Service, offered by TrueCar. This exclusive partnership can save you and average of $3,078 off MSRP*!
 
Call Now
323-999-5090
FREE QUOTE WITH NO BROKER FEE
 
 

Friday, November 14, 2014

Join The Family




We're looking for people to grow and succeed with Farmers®. If you're a charismatic, self-motivated professional with excellent communication skills, becoming an Agency Producer may be a great opportunity for you to grow professionally. Agency Producers work hand-in-hand with agents, securing and servicing new customers. We're also looking for experienced, friendly individuals to join us as Customer Service Representatives. Being bilingual is a plus. Take advantage of these and other exciting opportunities – become a part of the Farmers family. Find out how at ichoosefarmers.com Join my family.


Call Now
323-999-5090
 
 
 
SEEKING ENTREPRENEURS,  SELF-STARTERS & LEADERS
IT’S A SMART BUSINESS MOVE Owning a Farmers® agency means there’s virtually no limit to your income potential. You get ongoing commissions for every active policy, so your income builds as you build your business. It’s one of the  reasons we’ve been a smart business choice for
more than 85 years.
LIFETIME CUSTOMERS ARE SMART BUSINESS As a Farmers small business owner, you can provide information as your customers make sound decisions  about coverage at every stage of their lives. And, because Farmers also provides Financial Services, you  can give them options as they work to achieve their financial dreams.
WE’LL HELP YOU SUCCEED Farmers offers a business consultant support and the financial structure to get started. Plus, Farmers Insurance training has been ranked in the top five by Training Magazine for four years. We offer: n
 
 
$3,000 Office Opening Bonus n
$2,000 Agent Market Place Bonus n 
$1,000 Scholarship to the University of Farmers
(Just inducted into the Training Hall of Fame)
 
 

 
 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Business Liability Insurance

 

 

Minimize Your Business Risks with Commercial Liability Insurance

Everyone makes mistakes, and unintentional accidents in your business may lead to injuries that can be physical, financial, or psychological. Anyone who comes in contact with you or your employees can file a claim or lawsuit against you for many reasons, from funds needed for ongoing medical attention to unfulfilled promises stated in a business contract.
Business Liability insurance helps your business stand strong through challenging situations by covering the associated cost of legal defense and legal damages you are obligated to pay, up to the policy limits selected. Connect with a Farmers insurance agent who's an expert in working with business owners, and select from a wide range of options that fit your individual business insurance needs.

Many scenarios, one solid, customized solution

Your unique business faces a wide range of unpredictability, and Farmers Business Liability insurance can help businesses mitigate potentially devastating lawsuits. Coverage examples include:
  • Premises and Operations

    A customer at the store you own trips over a fixture and sustains a significant injury from the fall. Bills for the hospital visits are submitted to you for payment. Farmers Business Liability Insurance can cover these charges, as well as the business owner, should he be sued by the customer for negligence.
  • Products and Completed Operations

    The deck you built a year ago was flawed, causing a new building owner fiscal disaster. A legal notice appears in the mail informing you of a lawsuit. The case goes to court and your former client wins. Farmers Business Liability insurance can handle the defense costs and, if it comes to it, the legal damages for which the policyholder is responsible.
  • Cyber Liability and Data Breach

    You don't know why or how, but your computer system has been hacked. And now all your confidential business and customer data could be online, free to trade and impersonate. The least of your worries is finding the source of the data breach and repairing exposed computers. Your focus is now on damage control and possibly recovering stolen data. Fortunately, your Cyber Liability insurance coverage can help provide you with legal and forensic assistance, as well as free data security risk management services for your customers.
  • Employment Practices Liability

    If you've been in business for a few years or operate in an industry with high turnover rates, you've likely hired many employees, whether temporary or full-time. The truth of the matter is that any of these employees can bring legal action against your business at any time. Farmers Employment Practices Liability insurance can help cover your business entity, directors, officers and employees if you are accused of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and other employment-related offenses.
When it comes to liability, it's not all business, either. If you own a sole proprietorship or partnership and don't have Business Liability insurance coverage and your business income can't cover the entire cost of a claim or lawsuit, the rest of the funds might have to come from your personal assets. In some situations, corporation owners can even fall victim to personal liability. Therefore, it pays to have liability insurance that's right for your business in more ways than one.

Your Safety and Satisfaction are Number One

Not only does Farmers offer some of the best, personalized service and fast, expert claims handling in the business, but it also makes help available to your business to prevent incidents from recurring and/or mitigate potential future losses. Farmers has highly trained loss-prevention experts on staff who can guide you through educational safety programs and provide supporting materials designed to help improve employee awareness. Contact an agent to get more details today.
 
 
Why wait... Call now for a FREE quote with NO BROKER FEE!

Eric Uzeta

(323) 999-5090


  

The Importance of Workmans Comp. Insurance

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Workers compensation insurance exists to protect workers and provide compensation to employees who get injured while working on the job. This type of insurance also exists to protect a business from liability as a result of lawsuits from injured employees. Employers pay the premiums for workers compensation as a cost of doing business. Employers with more than one employee are required in all states to have workers compensation insurance
 

Beginning

The need for a program for workers compensation began with requirements that were established during the early part of the 20th century. Prior to established requirements, individuals that were hurt on the job had to suffer or take their employer to court. This presented problems for most people who could not afford the cost as well as employers that were found at fault. As a result, a compromise was developed by the states that began in 1911.

Modern Laws

Modern laws in each state provide various types of benefits to employees or workers who become injured or ill and apply for workers compensation coverage. Benefits that are provided to workers typically include medical expenses, death benefits, wages that are lost and certain types of rehabilitation services as provided by various state law. A business that fails to have a workers compensation policy in force can face fines and out-of-pocket costs for worker benefits

 

Sole Proprietors and Partnerships

An individual that is a sole proprietor or is in partnership with another individual or group of people is not required to purchase workers compensation in certain circumstances. These types of businesses are typically not required by state laws to purchase workers compensation insurance until a business has employees who are not also the owners. States may give the option for these types of businesses to purchase a workers compensation policy, but it is not required.

Self-insurance

Many states provide the option for large corporations to choose to self-insure instead of purchasing a workers compensation policy. These rules for self-insurance will vary depending on the laws in a particular state. Self-insurance requires a company to have reserves set aside to cover any losses that occur, which will need to be accounted for in financial statements. As a result, nearly all companies that have employees will purchase a workers compensation policy.

Workplace Safety

Employers can limit their need to provide workers compensation to an injured worker by taking steps to provide a safe working environment. This can be done by taking time to discuss workplace safety at regularly scheduled meetings with management and employees. Workplace safety needs to be a shared concern by both management and employees. An employer should also analyze workplace injury trends that exist in similar businesses to help limit any claims that may occur.

 

Why should you go with Farmers?

   

Safeguard Your Business and Employees

You pride yourself on operating a safe, secure work environment where your employees can perform to the best of their ability while helping your business grow. Even in the most ideal circumstances, the reality is that accidents and illness still happen. A slip and fall at a restaurant resulting in broken bones, an equipment malfunction at a construction site causing eye injury—it could be any number of things.
Upon the unexpected, it's essential that your employees' medical needs are quickly addressed so they can return to work as fast as possible. And that's exactly what Farmers can help you do. Let a Farmers agent create a tailored, multi-covered solution, including Workers' Compensation Insurance that meets the specific needs of your business.

Rely on experts who know workplace injury

Don't go at it alone or risk legal non-compliance and/or a lawsuit. Farmers Workers' Compensation Insurance can quickly and efficiently deliver benefits at a fair cost for work-related injuries and illnesses sustained by you and your employees.
When Farmers receives a Workers' Compensation claim, an experienced representative is committed to achieving same-day contact with those involved—the injured/ill employee, employer, medical provider and insurance agent. This ensures that benefits begin as soon as possible and that questionable claims are investigated early in the process.
Throughout the life of any Workers' Compensation claim, Farmers is there for you to help minimize the risk of loss and its impact on your business, every step of the way.

Reduce costs, injuries and losses

Farmers is constantly working to reduce rising Workers' Compensation costs, and its complete medical and disability management program can do just that for your unique business. Offering managed care, education and other customized services to help control your Workers' Compensation premiums, this program includes:
  • An extensive Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network of clinics, physicians and hospitals committed to excellent treatment as well as managing costs.
  • Expert review of treatment plans, need for hospital admissions, billing accuracy and potential fraud.
  • Early Return-to-Work Programs bringing employees back on the job as soon as possible, saving you money in temporary disability payments and retraining costs.
  • Provision of educational materials designed to educate employees on Workers' Compensation safety programs.
  • Farmers Claim Services offers 24/7 online claim filing to ensure that businesses operating around-the-clock don't lose valuable time between filing a claim and the resolution.
Farmers also offers a valuable addition to its Workers' Compensation coverage in the form of Loss Control Services. These services help your employees by identifying workplace hazards, such as a faulty electrical wire in the kitchen, providing a safe environment for employees. The safety and loss prevention materials include tips on how to reduce slip and fall accidents in restaurants, ladder safety tips and how to prevent back injuries.
To learn more about how these offerings can benefit your unique business, contact your local Farmers agent.
 
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Eric Uzeta

(323) 999-5090



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

5 Important Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance

 
 
 
 
 

1. To Protect Your Family and Loved Ones

If your loved ones depend on your financial support for their livelihood, then life insurance is a must, because it replaces your income when you die. This is especially important for parents of young children or couples who’s partner will find it difficult if they no longer have the source of income provide by their partner.
You will also need to provide enough money to cover the costs of hiring someone to cover the day to day household tasks, like cleaning, laundry, cooking, childcare and everything else a growing family needs.

2. To Leave An Inheritance

Even if you don’t have any other assets to pass to your heirs, you can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries. This is a great way to set your kids up for a solid financial future and provide for any monetary needs that will arise.

3. To Pay Off Debts and Other Expenses

In addition to providing income to cover everyday living expenses, your family needs insurance to cover any outstanding debts, like the mortgage, credit cards and car loans.
Other expenses include funeral and burial costs that can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. You don’t want your spouse, parents, children or other loved ones to be left with any extra financial burden in addition to the emotional burden they’re already suffering.

4. To Add More Financial Security

Like most parents you probably want to know your kids will be well taken care of when you’re gone. You not only want them to get a quality college education, but to provide for other life ventures like getting married or starting a business. For this reason, additional coverage is absolutely essential while your kids are still at home.

5. To Bring Peace of Mind

No amount of money can ever replace a person. But more than anything, life insurance can help provide protection for the uncertainties in life. Without a doubt, having life insurance coverage will bring you and your family peace of mind. It’s one thing you can be sure of and no longer question if they’ll be taken care of when you’re gone.
None of us know when we’ll pass away. It could be today, tomorrow, or 50 years into the future, but it will happen eventually. Life insurance protects your heirs from the unknown and helps them through an otherwise difficult time of loss.

 
Call now for FREE Quote & NO Broker FEE!!
323-999-5090