Category: Commercial Insurance

Insurance Merger or Acquisition? Time To Act

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When your insurance provider is merged with or bought by a larger company, it can often feel like you’re left in the shuffle. This is the perfect time to reassess your coverage and explore new options. Shopping around could help you identify the gaps in service and coverage that may arise from the transition. Below are some key areas where larger agencies may not be right for your business, and why it’s important to take action:

1) Competitive Costs May Be Lost

Larger insurance companies often standardize their offerings and may not have the flexibility to shop for the best rates or uncover discounts that specifically apply to your business. As a result, you could end up with a policy that doesn’t offer the most competitive pricing or the best value for your coverage needs. It’s worth revisiting your options to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective solution available.

2) One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

When an insurance agency is acquired by a larger company, the focus often shifts to standardized policies designed for mass appeal. This means your unique business needs may not be fully addressed. The flexibility to customize policies based on the specific risks and nuances of your business may be lost in the process. It’s crucial to review your policy and determine whether it’s truly tailored to your needs or if you’re simply receiving a generic solution.

3) Customer Service Can Become Impersonal

One of the biggest frustrations with larger insurance companies is the shift toward impersonal customer service. With call centers and automated systems becoming more common, you may find it difficult to get direct answers to your questions. Navigating through long hold times, repetitive scripts, and multiple agents can leave you feeling frustrated and disconnected. Personal, timely service may become a casualty of the merger, which can significantly impact your experience as a policyholder.

4) Inconsistent Support and Lack of Dedicated Agents

In the wake of an acquisition, you may be assigned to a different representative each time you call. This lack of continuity can make it harder to develop a relationship with someone who truly understands your business and its specific needs. When you need assistance, it can be frustrating to explain your situation to a new agent who isn’t familiar with your history or the nuances of your policy. Consistency in support is critical, especially when dealing with complex insurance needs.

5) Longer Response Times

Larger insurance companies often face delays in addressing client needs due to their size and bureaucracy. What used to be a quick response from your former agency may now take much longer, especially when it comes to claims or urgent policy adjustments. If your business is growing or evolving, having timely responses and quick access to support becomes even more important.

Conclusion

When your insurance provider is merged or acquired by a larger company, the services you once relied on may change. From increased costs and impersonal service to longer response times and less tailored coverage, the shift can create significant challenges. Now is the perfect time to reassess your policy and explore options that better serve your business’s unique needs. Take action and review your coverage after a merger or acquisition.

At Clockwork Insurance, we prioritize your business’s protection and peace of mind. Let us help you navigate these changes and find the right coverage for your future.

Contact us today to learn more!

Don’t Rely On Luck: Theft Prevention Tips for Jewelers

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There are key times of the day and of the year when jewelry stores are most at risk for theft. Whether theft by employees or the public, either can be costly in time and financially. The time it takes to file a police report, get in touch with your insurance company to begin a claim and just the inconvenience of this incident along with addressing what led to this can be quite time consuming. 

Don’t rely on luck. 

Review your current theft protection plans and update them as needed. Here are some areas to review that can boost your current plan.

  1. Opening processes of your store.
  2. You should have 2 or more people during the opening of your store.
  3. Inspect the area prior to unlocking the doors
  4. Have one person keeping an eye outside while the other goes into the store, locks the door behind and checks that the store looks as it should.
  5. Processes during open hours.
  6. Security should be aware of the selling procedures your employees use and be keeping a close eye when precious pieces are brought out of cases for inspection by a customer.
  7. Employees should have a specific plan for showing jewelry and stick to it with security on the top of their mind while making a sale.
  8. Closing procedures should be followed and not be rushed. 
  9. If a phone rings, either let it go or stop closing procedures and stay inside the store to handle the call. This is just one example of a distraction that could put a store at risk.
  10. As with opening the store, 2 people should close the store, and neither should be dealing with any distractions. Employees should watch for each other and the area around them. One person should lock the store while the other watches what is going on around them.

During peak season, additional security should always be present and both security personnel and employees should watch for individuals “casing” the store. Any suspicious activity should be reported and written up. A log should be kept keeping up with any suspicious activity so that no one must rely only on memory.

Each store will have its own specific areas to address, and careful security planning is a must. Signing up with your local crime watch programs is helpful. 

5 Insurance Pitfalls Jewelry Store Owners Should Avoid This Year

Posted on by Tyler Wright

As a jewelry store owner, protecting your valuable inventory and business operations is crucial. However, navigating the complexities of insurance can be challenging. Here are five common insurance pitfalls to avoid this year to ensure your business remains secure.

Underinsuring Your Inventory

One of the most significant mistakes jewelry store owners make is underinsuring their inventory. The value of jewelry can fluctuate, and it’s essential to regularly update your inventory and your policy to reflect current market values. Failing to do so can leave you with insufficient coverage in the event of a loss.

Ignoring Specialized Coverage Needs

Standard business insurance policies often don’t cover the unique risks associated with jewelry stores. Ensure you have specialized coverage, such as jewelers block insurance, which protects against theft, damage, and other specific risks. Without this, you might find yourself inadequately protected.

Overlooking Employee Theft Coverage

Employee theft is a significant risk in the jewelry industry. Many standard policies do not cover losses due to employee dishonesty. Make sure your policy includes coverage for employee theft to safeguard against internal risks.

Not Reviewing Policy Exclusions

Insurance policies often contain exclusions that could expose you to unexpected risks. It’s essential to thoroughly review your policy to identify what is and isn’t covered. Common exclusions might be related to natural disasters, security requirements, or off-premises coverage.

Failing to Update Coverage with Business Changes

As your business grows and evolves, so do your insurance needs. Whether you’re expanding your inventory, opening a new location, or investing in new security systems, it’s crucial to update your insurance policy accordingly. Talk with your agent regularly to review and adjust your coverage to match your current business situation.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your jewelry store is well-protected and prepared for any unexpected events. If you need personalized advice or a policy review, feel free to reach out to our team at Clockwork Insurance for expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Commercial insurance that most businesses can benefit from

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Three generations of the McFarland family have contributed almost 100 years to the insurance business. Clockwork Insurance Services in Metairie, LA, carries on the legacy and the philosophy of customers first, which is the cornerstone of our business model. We want to help you protect your business, and we provide all the tools you need to achieve this.

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance covers not only your building, if you own it, but all the things you use to carry out your business. It protects your inventory and raw materials, and depending on the type of business you are doing, it covers machinery, display units, office equipment, tools, and records.

Commercial flood insurance

Commercial property insurance does not cover flood damage. If your business is in an area where flooding is a potential threat, you should have this coverage. There are two types of flood insurance: property and content. You will need both of them to protect your business.

Commercial liability insurance

Commercial liability insurance may be the most important type of commercial insurance of all. Approximately one in three businesses will be sued every year. Being sued is one of the fastest ways to tank your business. There is a judgment, and then the legal fees can be astronomical whether you win or lose. With the correct amount of liability insurance, you can protect your assets and save your business.

Commercial auto insurance

If you use your personal vehicle to conduct business, you are putting your home on the line. You need to separate your personal assets from your business assets, and individual auto insurance won’t cover the business use of your vehicle.

Call our office at Clockwork Insurance Services in Metairie, LA, if you have commercial insurance questions or needs.

Be Prepared This Holiday Season

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As we approach the holidays our jewelers start stocking up on inventory. Hoping and anticipating a busy season of sales this is a proactive way to have what your next customer is looking for.  

In stocking up your stores you are also increasing the potential loss should the store be burglarized whether a “smash and grab” or a “grab and run” this is a good time to evaluate your asset protection.  Here are a list of recommended protections measures to consider.

-Show one item at a time.

-Keep showcases locked.

-Watch for those “casing” your store.

-Increase the number of employees on the floor when you have more customers in the store.

-Laminate your showcases. To laminate your showcases this slows down the ability for someone to use a hammer or other metal object to smash the showcase glass.

-Respond to every alarm. Anytime an alarm goes off go in person or send someone in person to check what set it off.

-Consider adding more cameras.

These are a couple of ways to ensure the holiday season is as profitable as it should be. For other tips and suggestions and to keep up with the current crime facts sign up the Clockwork Insurance newsletter: https://www.clockworkinsurance.com/crime-facts.html

Be prepared this season. Call Clockwork at 504-262-8240 for a review of your coverage.

Warranty for your Jewelry Store Customers

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Offering your jewelry store customers the option of a warranty when they first purchase their jewelry is a convenience that can lead to greater customer satisfaction. As a jewelry store owner, you seek ways to improve the customer experience which in turn leads to more sales and happy returning customers. Jewelers Mutual offers their clients this service.  With the Jewelers Mutual Care Plan, you can present this as an added benefit and include it in the purchase price of the item or items.

A warranty offers your clients the protection they desire when investing in fine jewelry. This enhances the quality of the jewelry you showcase and ensures lasting satisfaction in the choice for your customer.  The Jewelers Mutual Care Plan covers not only manufacturers’ defects, but it also includes traditional wear and tear and accidental damage. 

Clockwork Insurance Services is here to assist you with your business. Our goal is to work with our clients’ and truly understand how to add to their success. We do this with careful review of their business needs and compiling an insurance plan that not only includes the coverage the client needs but also introduces options that hopefully improve the service they can offer to their customers.

Considering adding a warranty for your customers?

Call us at 504-262-8240 or reach out to us via our website: https://www.clockworkinsurance.com

For more details and frequently asked questions read more on this warranty option available to Jewelers Mutual clients here: https://www.jewelersmutual.com/jeweler-care-plan

Third Party Coverage: Do I need it?

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Another crash due to a third-party event has caused many small businesses to take a deeper look at what type of insurance coverage would assist in the event this affected their ability to keep the doors open.

Let’s take a look at exactly what this may mean for your business.

The CrowdStrike incident was not a ransomware or other malicious attack. It was simply an update that ended up causing computer systems worldwide to crash. This interrupted airlines, banks, hotels, hospitals, gas stations and many more. Some insurance carriers do offer coverage for when you have an outage that is due to a third-party incident that is essential to your operations. The CrowdStrike incident was one of the worst tech disruptions in history and an example of just how overreaching this can be.

Business interruption insurance only replaces income lost as a result of a disaster that directly impacts your company whereas contingent business interruption insurance replaces lost income when a company is forced to close due to a disaster impacting a third-party vendor or supplier.  For example, if a business relies on a specific manufacturing company to supply a part for equipment they service, and that company warehouse has a fire that puts them out of business then contingent business interruption insurance would be the policy that would cover this situation.

If a vendor or third-party that you rely on for your business experiences a cyber-attack it can affect your ability to continue your business. It can affect your income. This is where third party, cyber liability is necessary to recover your loss of income.  A careful review of your insurance coverage can reveal any areas you may need to fortify to ensure you are covered for this unfortunate circumstance. 

Clockwork Insurance agents can review your current policies and report exactly what coverages you have and what coverages you may want to consider adding to your portfolio.

Call us at 503-262-8240 or email us at info@clockworkins.com for more information.

Business Owners Policy (BOP) vs. General Liability (GL)

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There are many types of insurance policies to consider for your business.  To better understand which type of insurance is best for your business let’s look at a comparison between a business owners policy and general liability insurance.

General liability insurance coverage protects against financial loss as a result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits and settlement bonds or judgements.

A business owners policy is an insurance package that generally includes commercial general liability coverage along with commercial property coverage, business interruption coverage and may include other lines of coverage tailored to your industry. 

  • Commercial general liability coverage helps assist with the cost of lawsuits or claims brought against the company for bodily injury, property damage or other advertising liability issues as a result of negligence. 
  • Commercial property coverage protects a business from losses or damage to buildings, inventory, machinery and other business property. This can include fire, theft and other hazards that occur and potentially threaten the business.
  • Business interruption coverage covers the cost of lost business due to the time it takes to return to fully operational after an event has occurred. 

In summary, all businesses should at least carry general liability but to help protect your business from a much broader range of risks the business owners policy is required. 

Clockwork Insurance Agency has agents who can review in detail the identifiable needs of your business and create a comprehensive insurance package that fits your needs. For more information call us at 504-262-8240 or email us at: info@clockworkins.com

 

Cyber Liability Insurance: What is it for?

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In June 2024, a large national software provider, CDK Global, was attacked. The ransomware attack affected thousands of auto dealerships around the U.S. Every aspect of the auto dealer’s business was potentially affected, from the car buying process to servicing vehicles to some payroll systems.  This brings to light the real-life damage a cyber-attack can do. 

Customers were warned to check their credit reports, put a fraud alert or even freeze their credit with the three major credit bureaus. Also to change passwords on any dealership related apps or online payment plans they are using for their vehicles. 

Now, what can the dealerships do?

What the dealership can do to deal with this attack is contact their insurance company to verify their cyber liability coverage.  Cyber liability coverages vary depending on the business’s forecasted needs in the event of a data breach.  The main costs of a breach may include data restoration, loss of income, cyber extortion, notification costs, and crisis management expenses. 

A data breach could potentially trigger claims and lawsuits from clients or customers and a business needs to review their policy to check what is covered. Coverage may include network security and privacy liability, electronic media liability and regulatory proceedings.  

To better protect your business and your clients, set up a meeting with your insurance agent to review exactly what type and what kind of coverages you currently have. Take action by adding any additional coverage recommended and stay on top of the software your business uses.  Ask questions and be prepared as this type of crime happens without the criminal ever stepping foot in your business.

Clockwork Insurance Services offers cyber liability insurance and can assist you in reviewing your current coverages. For more information go to: https://www.clockworkinsurance.com/commercial-insurance.html

Call Clockwork Insurance Services at 504-262-8240

The Importance of Proper Systems Alongside Commercial Insurance Coverage

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Some businesses view insurance as their only safeguard when problems arise. While insurance is intended to provide coverage during situations beyond your control, it shouldn’t be an overreliance, particularly when many aspects are within your grasp. Failure to take care of your business, its property, and its employees places you at avoidable risk, leading to excessive use of insurance. We at Clockwork Insurance Services in Metairie, LA, advocate for a more balanced approach.

Emphasizing the Importance of Appropriate Systems Alongside Commercial Insurance Coverage

In your operations, it’s crucial to implement safety structures and protocols to minimize risk. This can include employee training on equipment use, data tracking for risk assessment, signage to prevent accidents, and conducting meetings when issues arise. These mechanisms need to be in place, as over-relying on insurance to address accidents or disasters could spell trouble. This might increase your premiums, necessitate purchase of broader coverage to accommodate your needs, and potentially slow or complicate claim settling process. Hence, taking necessary precautions and using insurance coverage only when imperative is best.

Secure Your Business With Clockwork Insurance Services

Ensuring comprehensive protection for your business is vital, whether it’s about training or insurance policies. If you are looking for insurance in Metairie, LA, the team at Clockwork Insurance Services can assist! Request a quote now to embark on your business journey.

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