When employees use their personal vehicle instead of a company owned vehicle, even if your business doesn't own any vehicles, may seem like its just simple common sense. Your company can be held partially liable for damages in the event of an accident. If the insurance carrier discovers (and the probably will) that the vehicle was being used for business, it may take action!

​When your employees use their own cars for work . . . whether its for a quick delivery, heading to the post office to grab the mail, or picking up lunch for the office meeting, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk for your company. 

Your business may have some potential auto liability exposures you aren't aware of. Even if you've done all of the right things to make sure your business vehicles are properly insured, what happens when a potential loss arises from an individual employee who operates their own vehicle for company business? This is where hired and non-owned auto liability kicks in.

There are a lot of situations that have the potential for you to be held accountable for the actions of your employees while they are driving their own vehicles:

• Do administrative employees use their own vehicles to go to the post office or bank on your company’s behalf?
• Do you occasionally send an employee to pick up a visiting client at the airport?
• Have you sent employees to pick up lunch, drop off mail or pick up office supplies?
• Have you ever rented a vehicle while on a business trip?
• Do you have a sales force to which you provide a car allowance for business use of their personal vehicles?

If an employee has an accident under any of these situations, your business can be held accountable and sued for damages. Basic business automobile policies only cover employees while they operate company-owned vehicles to perform company business. Your best protection: hired and non-owned automobile liability coverage. This type of coverage will kick in if there is an accident and your company is found legally liable.

Typically, an employee’s personal automobile insurance will provide primary insurance to both the employee and the business if the employee is using their own vehicle on company business. However, there is the chance that charges will exceed the employee’s policy limit and would then be passed on to the company. Without non-owned and hired automobile liability coverage you may be vulnerable to a potentially costly exposure.

Any company that allows or requires employees to use their personal car for business should either purchase hired and non-owned coverage or add it to an existing automobile policy.

• Hired coverage is for autos that are not owned by the company or the driver, and
  
• Non-Owned coverage protects vehicles owned by employees but used on behalf of the company.
  

​In the event of an accident, these policies supplement the driver’s personal auto policy, which is typically activated first. For minimal yearly premiums, these policies generally protect the company only, not the car or the driver.

​Non-owned and hired automobile liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by a vehicle you hire (including rented or borrowed vehicles) or caused by non-owned vehicles (vehicles owned by others, including vehicles owned by your employees). This coverage is typically added to your business automobile policy; however, it can be added to your general liability policy if you do not have a business automobile policy. It protects your company if it is found legally liable as a result of an automobile accident that you or your employee has in a hired or non-owned vehicle while on company business. Hired automobile coverage replaces or augments the liability coverage offered by automobile rental agencies.

For more information, or questions about your current coverage please give us a call or make an appointment HERE

You don’t need to be an expert to choose the right auto insurance policy, but you should be aware of some of the basics that will ensure you get the best rate for which you qualify and are protected appropriately. Here are a few of the most common mistakes made when choosing auto insurance, and the ways in which they can affect you.

Choosing Coverage That Is Too Low
Each state has a minimum requirement for liability coverage. In order to quote the lowest possible rates, some insurance companies will always quote at the state minimum. While this will ensure it is legal to drive your car, the minimum liability limit might not be enough to cover you properly in the event of an at-fault accident.

When you request an auto insurance quote, be sure the liability limits are high enough to thoroughly protect you and your assets. If a serious accident occurs and your policy limits are quickly reached, you will find yourself in court facing a lawsuit for the rest of the damages. It’s better to be protected correctly in the first place.

In Massachusetts, the state minimum is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This is typically inadequate when considering the cost of ambulance transportation, hospital care, physical therapy, and whatever other costs may be incurred. If there is an accident with 3 or 4 people in the vehicle, that $40,000 will be used up pretty quickly. State minimum may save money on monthly premiums, but is never an option that will fully cover you.

Missing Out On Discounts
The number of discounts offered by most insurance companies today can be a long list. But it’s the major ones that you should pay the most attention to. The discount for having more than one policy with an insurer is often quite a large one. If you own a home, try to have your homeowner’s and auto insurance with the same company. It just makes sense, financially and for the sake of simplicity. You will not only get a discount on the auto policy, but on the homeowner’s premium as well.

Skipping Affordable Extra Coverage
Most auto insurance policies have an option for roadside assistance. Some may include it automatically, while others require a small extra premium. This coverage will give you protection in case of a mechanical breakdown, locking your keys in the car, or other situations in which you require help. The yearly cost of adding this coverage is far less than the cost of having your car towed, so it just makes sense to add it, but many people don’t realize it is even available.

Small mistakes like these can cost you a lot of money, and have even more serious consequences. Avoiding them is simple if you are aware of them when you select an auto policy.

​​A Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in our area, C. Pina Insurance Agency and our affiliated partners are able to provide our clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We operate under an "insurance cost reduction" quoting plan that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!

With the burgeoning new marijuana industry in Massachusetts, many people have a lot of misconceptions about how a retail dispensary is run, and what they are able to do. One misconception is that its a cash business. Because of the fact that marijuana is NOT legalized on the federal level, it is true that federally chartered banks do not offer services to marijuana businesses. That doesn't mean that state chartered banks cannot, or will not do it. Please call us for a referral to one of our banking partners if you're looking for banking and credit/debit processing services.

Anyway, because of the misconception that local retail dispensaries are cash-only businesses, there is the heightened possibility that some may try to steal all of the perceived cash on hand. In other states marijuana dispensaries are increasingly becoming targets for armed robberies. In this post, we'll try to explain how to keep your dispensary safe during a robbery.

​How you handle yourself while on the job can help reduce the chance for an incident. Even more importantly, how you handle yourself during a hold-up situation can prevent injury or death.

​Since you need to be 21 and show ID to purchase medical marijuana, those without an ID should never be allowed into any area where products are displayed or transactions occur. Aggressively regulating entry can help reduce opportunity. This is required by the Cannabis Control Commission and is a key part of every dispensary's approved security plan.

​Even when employees take all the proper precautions, there is still chance for a robbery. If such a robbery occurs while you are at work, remember the following tips:

• Try to remain as calm as possible. This will go a long way in keeping others, and the robber, calm.
  
• Comply with the robber’s instructions.
  
• Announce your actions to the robber so they don’t feel threatened by your movements.
  
• Give the robber any money or goods that they ask for without resistance, but don’t offer up anything they haven’t already mentioned.
  
• Make mental notes about the robber’s appearance so you can inform police.
  
• Never attempt to physically stop an armed robber.
  
• When the robber leaves, secure the building as soon as it is safely possible.
  

Do what you can to make sure you stay safe during a dangerous situation; do not try to be a hero. Your first priority should be to make sure everyone on the premises remains safe by trying to bring the situation to an end as quickly as possible.

As one of the fastest growing agencies in our area, C. Pina Insurance Agency and our affiliated partners are able to provide our clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We operate under an "insurance cost reduction" quoting plan that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!

How Does An RMV Drop-Off Center Work?

​The drop-off service centers are dedicated exclusively to registration and title transactions for both individual and commercial customers. Customers can drop off their completed Registration and Title Application (RTA), applicable supporting documents, and completed drop-off center form. Transactions will be processed and completed on a first-come, first-served basis, and all drop-off transactions will be completed within four business days. Payment must be done online, and customers will receive email with payment amount and instructions once paperwork is processed.

​Individual registration renewals must be done either online, by mail, or via automated telephone, and are not eligible for drop-off service.

​

• Braintree
• Chicopee
• Haymarket (Boston)
• Haverhill
• Milford
• Taunton*
• Wilmington

​* On Monday, August 10, the Taunton Registration Drop-Off Center will replace the current Attleboro B2B Center. Commercial customers can continue to drop off transactions in Attleboro until Friday, August 7.

​No. Customers dropping-off or picking-up their paperwork will be served in the order of arrival and should anticipate a wait time for the intake and pick-up process, but will not be allowed to wait for their transaction to be completed.

​Drop-off transactions for both individual and commercial customers will be completed within four days of receipt, and customers will be notified upon completion of the payment amount and pick-up time.

​No. Customers are able to make reservations for in-person RMV Service Center visits for certain registration and title transactions through the Online Service Center.

​Just a couple days ago my family celebrated my younger daughter’s 16th birthday. Even in today’s Covid lockdown environment this is an exciting time for a kid, especially for a girl’s “Sweet 16”. I need to say that she is not at all disappointed that we can’t have a Sweet 16 party for her. She would much rather spend the entire day at the barn with the horses she loves so much! The ONE thing she IS very excited about is that she is now eligible to apply for her learner’s permit.

​Being my second daughter, my wife and I have been through the stress of one of your children learning to drive. We are not at all looking forward to the inevitable increase in our auto insurance rate. All of that aside, the most important thing is being sure she is as safe as possible, and develops good habits when she’s behind the wheel.

​We live in a city with some of the highest insurance rates in Massachusetts, the reasons for this can be seen every day when you see the horrible driving habits people have! Defensive driving is a must . . . being aware of your surroundings and other cars on the road is of utmost importance. With that being said, the major cause of teen accidents today is distracted driving.

​Below is a look at how teens drive these days. This information will give you and your teen a better understanding of the risks teen drivers face so that you can help guide them through this important life event, provide ways for them to save money and most importantly, prepare them for a conversation with about driving safety.

​Before your teen hits the road, set clear rules and expectations of their behavior while behind the wheel – such as a no phone rule and passenger limit. Reviewing and agreeing to this Parent-Teen Contract with them is a great place to start.

​Clearly, there are strict rules in Massachusetts around teen driving and hands-free operation of all devices. As new drivers, teens should learn to put their phone in driving mode to reduce distractions.

​As with everything else . . . Parents are the key to safer teen driving. Be sure to establish YOUR safe driving rules with your teen today!

Due to COVID, the MA RMV is allowing 16-year-olds to take the Learner’s Permit Exam online. Although these teens cannot get a Learner’s Permit until they visit an RMV location to present ID and get their photo taken, the RMV can issue a Supervised Driving Receipt. As outlined last week in the Governor’s Executive Order, a Supervised Driving Receipt temporarily allows the learner (after passing the online exam) to drive with a licensed adult driver. This privilege comes with several requirements and restrictions.  
Below is the content of the RMV’s Training Update on this topic, which spells out important details to be aware of:
Supervised Driving Receipt
RMV Training Update of 6/18/2020
Due to COVID, the RMV is allowing sixteen year olds to take the Learner’s Permit Exam online. A Learner’s Permit cannot be issued to these customers until they visit an RMV Service Center to provide identification documents.
Under an executive order signed by Governor Baker (COVID-19 Order No. 39), the RMV will soon begin offering a new Supervised Driving Receipt to eligible applicants who pass a Class D online exam before providing identification documents. These will be issued through August 12th (this date may be updated if the State of Emergency is lifted before August 12). See next page for a sample. The Supervised Driving Receipt:

• Is not a Learner's Permit. The customer must apply to complete the Learner's Permit process before their Supervised Driving Receipt expires by making a reservation for a Service Center visit to provide identity documents and have their picture taken. A Service Center reservation can be scheduled by visiting Mass.GOV/RMV.
• Does not count towards the 6 month safe driving eligibility requirement to be licensed.
• Is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The issuance date and expiration date are printed on the receipt.
• Is not valid until signed by the customer and parent/legal guardian.
• Is not a valid form of identification.
• Can be suspended, canceled, revoked, or recalled if it is determined that the customer was not qualified for, or has abused, this privilege.

When driving, a customer with a Supervised Driving Receipt:

• Must carry their Supervised Driving Receipt.
• Must carry proof that they are lawfully present in the United States, which may include a valid passport or an original or copy of a birth certificate. To the extent possible, a customer should carry a school identification card or other photo identification.
• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver from Massachusetts or another state who is seated next to the customer, is 21 years or older, and has had a valid driver’s license for at least one year.
• Is only allowed to drive in Massachusetts.
• May not drive between the hours of 12:00 am (midnight) and 5:00 am.

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "Act") in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 14, 2020. President Trump endorsed the legislation and the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on it today, Monday, March 16, 202.

The Act will be the second emergency coronavirus response measure to be passed. President Trump had previously signed a bill to provide $8.3 Billion in funding to federal health agencies and declared a national emergency on Friday over the pandemic. A third emergency measure is also being discussed.

Provisions of the Act
In addition to funding for economic assistance and COVID-19 testing, the Act contains provisions intended to support workers:

• 14 days of paid sick leave, at two-thirds (or more) of their regular rate of pay, for government workers and employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees. Leave is available to workers who are sick, have to care for a sick family member or have a child whose school or childcare facility has closed due to the coronavirus.
• Expansion of the FMLA for employees of companies with fewer than 500 employees, requiring paid leave at two-thirds after 14 days.
• A tax credit for employers that provide paid sick leave benefits required by the Act.
• Additional funding for state unemployment programs.

The Act does not contain a payroll tax suspension that was proposed by President Trump.

​Posted by MAIA on February 4, 2020
​
Effective 2/23/2020, the new “hands-free” law in MA makes it illegal for motor vehicle and bicycle operators to hold any electronic device or phone, including when stopped at red lights or stop signs! All devices must be properly mounted and can only be used in hands-free mode. Penalties start at $100 and go up to $500 PLUS mandatory distracted driving education AND an insurance surcharge. The state has created a downloadable pamphlet you can use to help notify your clients.
DOWNLOAD PAMPHLET:  Hands-Free While Driving from mass.gov
This pamphlet provides an excellent overview of what the new law means for drivers under and over age 18, and the consequences they’ll face for breaking the law.
To summarize the key points…
Drivers 18 and over:

• Can ONLY use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode
• CANNOT touch phone except to activate the hands-free mode or enable GPS, and then ONLY if the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.
• CANNOT touch the device for texting, emailing, apps, video, or internet use
• Can use voice-to-text communication to electronic devices ONLY when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.
• Handheld use is allowed ONLY if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane.
• Handheld use is NOT allowed at red lights or stop signs

Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any electronic devices.  All phone use while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.
In an Emergency
Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, safely pull over and stop before calling 911.

Every once in a while, we're contacted by individuals and organizations who would like to provide content for our blog. I found this piece to be a good way to help people understand what they need to know when their beloved teens become drivers.  Thanks to Reviews.com and Maggie Overholt

​​1. Your Rates Will Go Up — Here’s Why (and How Much)
You may have heard (or experienced first hand) that insuring a teenage driver is expensive. Very expensive, according to a 2017 study by Quadrant Information and Insurance Quotes, which pegs the average rate increase after adding a teen driver at about 78 percent.

• Annual car insurance premiums often shoot up between 55 percent and 80 percent when you add a teen driver to your policy.

The reason it costs so much to insure teens is that they’re a riskier bet for providers. Accident rates among drivers ages 16–19 are higher than for any other age group. To insurers, that means teens are more likely to end up filing a claim and requiring an insurance payment. Charging a bigger premium for young drivers is their way of making up for those potential future payouts.
While you’re thinking about insurance for your family’s newest driver, keep in mind that your current insurer might not be your cheapest option. Every company calculates rates differently, giving various weights to things like age, location, gender, even GPA. Many offer special discounts for teens, though the savings opportunities vary by provider. Once your current policy expires, it’s worth shopping around to see if switching companies could help you save on your family’s car insurance.

Source: Quadrant Information Services/InsuranceQuotes.com

​2. You’ll Probably Want to Increase Your Liability Insurance
Teen drivers, statistically speaking, are far more likely to be involved in a collision than any other age group. That makes proper insurance for your kid(s) all the more important. If you currently carry lower liability limits (maybe even the minimum amount required in your state), we recommend reevaluating that policy when your teen gets their license.
Here’s why: Car insurance with low liability limits tends to be cheap, which makes it an attractive option for anyone on a budget. However, state minimum insurance requirements are just that — minimums. They offer bare-bones coverage that often wouldn’t go far toward paying off repairs or medical bills after a serious collision. In a worst-case scenario, inadequate insurance could even put your family’s assets in danger (if the other person involved decides to sue for damages).

• Experts recommend liability limits of at least 100/300/100 (bodily injury/total injury/property) when you have a teenage driver on your car insurance policy.

The point here is that accidents can happen, even with teens that have exemplary driving records to-date. Upping your liability limits ensures that your insurance is able to do what it’s supposed to — protect your family’s finances against the unforeseen. Check out this article to learn more about what “full coverage” looks like on car insurance and how to get it.

3. Speaking of Coverage, Ask an Agent When Your Teen Needs It
Every state has different rules about when newly-licensed drivers need to be insured. In some states, teens must be covered as soon as they get their learner’s permit. In others, you can wait to add them until they’re fully licensed. On top of that, insurance companies often have their own guidelines for new drivers: Some will cover a teen with a learner’s permit for free, others bump your rate up right away, etc. The best thing to do is call up your current insurer, who can explain exactly when your teen needs to be insured and how much it’ll cost you.

4. And Let your Insurer Know When They’re Off to College
Many insurance companies offer a “student away at college” discount, which lowers rates for teens who go to school more than 100 miles away from home and won’t be using the family car very often. Be sure to let your insurer know if your teen lives on campus — and keep them in the loop about other big changes in driving habits, too. Instances where you can prove that your teen will be using the family car far less (or not at all) might qualify you for a rate drop.

5. Finally, Remember That Driver’s Ed Doesn’t End When They Get Licensed
Developing truly responsible driving habits takes a lot of practice — far more hours than teens are able to get in their driver’s ed and behind-the-wheel courses. That’s why it’s so important for parents to continue coaching their kids and encouraging good habits. Plus, helping them drive better is ultimately in your best interest: The longer your teen drives without incident, the lower your family’s insurance rates will drop over the years.
How can I teach my teen safe driving habits? Below are a few great resources tailored to young drivers and their parents. Check these out for information on teen-specific risk factors and tips for safe driving habits.

• The Insurance Information Institute’s safety tips for teen drivers
• The CDC’s teen driver fact sheets
• The USDOT packet on teen risk and safe driving
• The National Safety Council’s resources for parents of teen drivers
• An online safety course from the NSC designed specifically for parents

https://bit.ly/2RT9Jc8

Many people today have their own “Side Hustle”. A side hustle can be working a multi-level marketing business, party sales, freelancing, or starting a micro-business. They take many forms depending on a person’s goals and time available to spend on a side hustle. A person’s goals and objectives can be just as varied as the form of business a side hustle takes. Reasons range from wanting to pay down bills, starting a new business empire, living independently wealthy, and everything in between.

• A 2017 Bankrate study shows that upwards of 44 million Americans have a side hustle.
• The Hustle found that the average side-hustler spends 11 hours per week on their secondary work, and earns $12,609 per year — an average of about $25 per hour.

One of the first things someone has to consider when starting a side hustle is protecting what you have now, and what you will have in the future. That usually takes the form of some sort of liability insurance. While it is VITALLY important to be sure you are properly covered for your liability exposures, it may not be the MOST important thing.

I need liability insurance . . . what else?

As with ANY business, you need to have some form of liability insurance in place to protect yourself against anything you can be held liable for, no matter how frivolous. It is important because you never want to be in the situation of paying tons of money in legal fees for something you may, or may not have realized they you can be sued for, and held accountable.

At C. Pina Insurance Agency, we can discuss your side hustle with you and determine the proper coverage at the best possible rates . . . many start-up micro businesses can be covered for as little as $50 a month!

• Bankrate also found that Nearly 1 in 3 side hustlers needs the income to stay afloat

So, if you still have your regular 9 to 5 and you’re starting your side hustle, NOTHING is more important than disability insurance.

I’ve been in the insurance business for more than a couple of decades, we’ve always appropriately called it insuring your paycheck because that’s exactly what it does! Most people try to skimp on this one, many think workers comp will cover them if they can make it to work. Committing insurance fraud aside, this is NOT a good plan, or a way to cover this risk, why? The truth is MOST disabilities are caused by illness, not an injury at the weekend softball game, or Tuesday night Stomp class. If you’re working your 9 to 5 AND your side hustle and “SURPRISE!”, illness hits you and you can’t work for 6 months, how do you pay your bills? Any benefits you had from your full-time job have dried up and you have no income!
I hate to sound like the duck in the national ad campaigns, but you need disability insurance for your day to day expenses!

Ok, I have liability, and disability insurance, what else?

We’re almost there . . . we’ve protected your side hustle and “stuff” you’ve accumulated with liability insurance. We’ve protected your paycheck with disability insurance, what else do you need? It’s simple, if you want to parlay your side hustle into a life of full-time self-employment, or you want to put any portion aside, permanent life insurance is a fantastic option. While life insurance does protect your family and loved ones from the financial hardship of premature death, permanent life insurance, especially with a blue chip mutual company can help you set aside money in addition to your qualified plans that you can use in retirement, even BEFORE you reach the age of 59 ½, which is when you can take money from your 401(k) or IRA without any penalties.

This is an important piece that most people don’t give enough respect to. Purchasing a cheap term insurance policy will not accomplish anything other than providing a death benefit, provided you die within a certain time period . . . you’re really gambling with an insurance company that you WILL die, otherwise you’re just giving them money. A permanent policy, like a whole life policy with a blue chip mutual company, can provide you substantial benefits for YOU to enjoy, AND still protect your family and loved ones.

There you have it!!

What is best for you? We’ll need to discuss your goals, and your side hustle to determine what can work best for you regardless of your budget. There is always a plan of action that we can take to set you on the right path. Don’t let the fear of big expenses scare you away from protecting what you are working for!

​#SideHustle #SideHustleInsurance #CPinaInsurance

Craig Pina, CPIA is the owner/agent of C. Pina Insurance Agency, a full service, independent insurance agency located in Brockton, MA for more information please contact him at (508) 557-8224, craig@cpinainsure.com