Driving in Snow and Ice

| February 25, 2025
White blank modern delivery big shipment cargo commercial semi trailer truck moving fast on motorway road at heavy snowfall in winter. Business distribution logistics service. Lorry driving highway

Essential Tips for Public Sector Organizations

Driving in snow and ice requires quick reflexes, patience, and know-how. For public sector organizations, ensuring the safety of employees and the operational readiness of vehicles is paramount. Here are some key guidelines to keep your fleet safe and efficient during winter conditions.

Vehicle Readiness
  • Ensure all fleet vehicles are equipped with winter tires, which are designed to stay pliable and grippy at lower temperatures. Regularly check tire tread depth and replace tires when they reach a tread depth of 6/32 inches.
  • Conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure vehicles are in optimal condition for winter driving. This includes checking the battery, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers.
Safety Tips for Drivers
  • Clear Ice and Snow: Fully clear vehicles of ice and snow before starting off to ensure better visibility and compliance with local laws.
  • Drive Slowly: Reduce speed and increase following distance to six to eight seconds to allow for safe stopping.
  • Use Low Gears: Maintain traction by using low gears, especially on hills.
  • Avoid Overdrive and Cruise Control: Do not use these features on icy roads.
  • Follow Snowplows and Sand Trucks: Avoid passing these vehicles and take extra care when passing other vehicles.
  • Windshield Maintenance: Keep windshields clean and ensure the washer system has ample anti-icing fluid. Check that fluid jets are not blocked and wipers are not frozen.
  • Defog Windows: Use the air conditioner on the fresh-air option to defog windows.
  • Use Lights: Drive with lights on during daylight hours to increase visibility. Ensure headlights and taillights are clean.
  • Brake Carefully: To prevent skidding, brake gently. If wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes.
  • Watch for Black Ice: Be vigilant for black ice, which can make the road appear merely wet or dry.
  • Stay in Lane: Maintain your lane, especially when visibility is poor.
  • Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas freeze first and can be particularly hazardous.
  • Respond to Skids: If you begin to slide, turn in the direction your rear wheels are sliding. Avoid overcompensating or sudden swerves.
  • Keep Gas Tanks Full: Reduce the risk of fuel line freeze by keeping gas tanks topped up.
  • Stay Alert: Even with four-wheel drive and snow tires, remain vigilant and cautious at all times.

Before sending vehicles out in bad weather, make sure your organization’s insurance policies are current. Have a discussion with your insurance provider to see if any updates are needed to protect your fleet and reduce financial risks from winter hazards.

By sticking to these guidelines, public sector organizations can keep their employees safe and their vehicle fleets running smoothly during winter.

Contact Us

To learn more about unique public sector risks and how to address them, contact OneGroup’s team.

Matt Maguire, Regional President, North Country at MMaguire@OneGroup.com.

Todd Goodman, Risk Management Consultant at TGoodman@OneGroup.com.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Don’t Fall for Post-Disaster Scams

| February 24, 2025
Screenshot 18 2 2025 104249

Beware of unscrupulous contractors who prey on homeowners after natural disasters. Learn what questions to ask and how to protect yourself from scams and insurance fraud.

Natural disasters cost Americans billions of dollars a year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the U.S. has sustained 400 climate disasters since 1980 where overall costs topped $1 billion. The total cost of these events exceeds $2.7 trillion.

Sadly, the survivors of these disasters are often victimized a second time by dishonest contractors who take advantage of their desire to quickly recover and rebuild. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates as much as 10% of the $93 billion in catastrophe losses in 2023 were subject to fraud. That’s $9.3 billion.

Many victims are unfamiliar with how to file an insurance claim or what government programs are available to them. Unscrupulous operators can step into the void and bilk them out of thousands of dollars.

Who can you trust?

If you’ve been the victim of a disaster, understand there are legitimate sources of relief to help you recover. But who can you trust when scammers abound? According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), scammers use phone, text, mail, email and even door-knocking to target residents of affected areas after a disaster.

The FCC says government assistance agencies don’t call or text to ask for financial account information. And there’s no fee to apply for or get assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FCC says federal disaster relief agents are required to carry official identification and show it to you upon request. They can’t ask for or accept money.

The FCC recommends contacting your insurance agent directly after a disaster. If you experience flood damage and have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, call 800-638-6620 to file your claim.

Beware of scammers posing as insurance reps

Scammers also may claim they’ve partnered with your insurance company. Don’t give them your policy information or share any personal information. You can see if a contractor is licensed by checking your state’s licensing boards. A good source is the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies’ online database.

Adjusters International, which represents public insurance adjusters, recommends thoroughly researching a contractor’s credentials before hiring them. Steer away from those who say they have the authority to adjust a claim or request all their payment upfront.

FEMA suggests:

  • Using local contractors if possible
  • Getting an estimate in writing from several contractors
  • Making sure the contract spells out the details of the job, the types of materials to be used, when the work will be completed and the payment schedule

It’s also a good idea to ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance certificate.

Finally, the Federal Trade Commission says to watch out for these telltale signs of a scam:

  • The contractor claims they don’t need to be licensed or says you’ll get a discount if you sign a contract right away.
  • The contractor tells you to sign over your insurance check, or insists on being paid by cash, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or gift card.
  • The contractor claims they can help you qualify for FEMA relief for a fee.
Sources you can rely on

If you’ve suffered property damage from a major storm or disaster, here are some sources you can trust:

  • DisasterAssistance.gov provides information about a range of federal and local programs in your area, including FEMA and Red Cross shelters.
  • FEMA offers a disaster housing program and home repair assistance. It also has a disaster helpline at 800-621-FEMA.

For insurance claims, contact your local agent and notify your insurance company according to the procedures specified in your policy.

Recovering from a disaster is difficult, enough without the added worry of being scammed or cheated. Take steps to protect yourself so you can rebuild with confidence and peace of mind.

For more information

Reach out to our Personal Insurance team if you have any questions about what resources are available to you.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Unlock the Value of Paid Paternity Leave

| February 24, 2025
Screenshot 18 2 2025 94223

Discover the employer and employee benefits of paid paternity leave, and learn strategies to increase its uptake.

Some state and local jurisdictions require paid family leave but no federal law requires it. (Note that the federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees unpaid leave for many new parents.)

Paid paternity leave grants new fathers financial support and time away from work after the birth or adoption of a child. Research shows this benefit can create value for employers and employees.

As we’ll see later, offering paid paternity leave alone is not enough. Organizations seeking a higher return from this benefit actively encourage new fathers to use it.

Let’s examine the employer and employee benefits of paid parental leave, and some strategies to increase employee use.

Employer Benefits

Research shows organizations in a financial position to offer paid paternity leave are finding a solid return on investment. Paid paternity leave can improve foundational business metrics, including:

  • Employee attraction. Less than one-third of employers offer paid paternity leave, according to the human resources association SHRM. Employers offering this benefit can stand out in a crowded labor market.
  • Employee retention. The jobs site Indeed cites retention as a critical factor for offering paid paternity leave. Fathers with this benefit won’t be forced to quit when caregiving responsibilities interfere with their ability to work full time. Paid paternity leave also incentivizes employees to stick around when planning for a family.
  • Employee engagement and loyalty. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 50% of fathers are unhappy with how much time they spend with their families. This figure is double the rate of mothers who feel the same way. Responding to the needs of new fathers can increase job satisfaction. The reproductive care organization ARC Fertility reports a 99% increase in morale at organizations offering paid paternity leave.
  • Productivity. It may sound counterintuitive, but time away from work can enhance overall productivity. Allowing employees to focus on family responsibilities enables them to be more rested and focused when they return. According to Indeed, 90% of employers in California said they maintained or increased productivity following new state leave programs.
Employee Benefits

Employees also value the advantages of paid paternity leave. It promotes equity and inclusion among genders and LGBTQ+ families. It also provides greater flexibility and work-life balance for new fathers juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.

The advantages extend beyond the father to the whole family. Paid paternity leave allows fathers to bond with children, participate more in child care, and help their co-parent heal physically and emotionally.

According to ARC Fertility, family well-being and stress levels improve when fathers participate in early childhood responsibilities. The benefits platform Benepass reports that children with more involved fathers have improved cognitive, language and social-emotional skills. And women whose parenting partners took parental leave were 34% more likely to be physically ready to return to work after their leave.

Tips to increase the use of paternity leave

Though paid paternity leave is on the rise, challenges remain. According to SHRM, paid paternity leave still lags behind maternity leave as a benefits offering. Forty percent of employers offer paid maternity leave compared with 32% for paid paternity leave.

Cultural and financial barriers also cause fathers to take less time away from work. The jobs site Indeed reports that nearly 50% of men support a policy of 12 weeks of paternity leave, but just 5% take two or more weeks of leave.

The following three strategies can highlight and encourage employees to use your paid paternity offering.

Talk about it in favorable terms. It’s often not enough to offer paid paternity leave. Workplace cultures and social stigmas may prevent new fathers from taking full or even partial paternity leave, notes SHRM. Ensure your culture supports and encourages paternity leave through positive communication. As cultural acceptance of paid paternity leave grows, more fathers (and families) will benefit from this offering.

Guarantee job security. Another barrier to employees using paid parental leave is financial consequences. The “paid” portion of paid paternity leave is critical to increase use. Some fathers won’t be able to afford to take paternity leave if it isn’t a paid benefit. Others fear for their job security or negative impacts on their career trajectory.

This aspect isn’t just about ensuring fathers have the same jobs and benefits when they return. They need to know that taking leave won’t hinder their chances for professional development, work assignments, promotions, salary increases or bonuses. According to Indeed, financial support and career growth opportunities will encourage more new fathers to take advantage of paid paternity leave.

Communicate your leave policy through various channels. Births and adoptions are often a busy, stressful time of life. Broadly communicating your paid paternity leave benefit will increase your reach. The following communication channels can help you get your policy in front of employees at various points in their journey:

  • Companywide and individual emails
  • Company newsletters
  • Staff meetings
  • Manager on-on-ones
  • Messaging Platforms
  • Social media accounts
  • Company website
  • Employee handbook
  • Home mailings
  • Explore your options

For more information on paid paternity leave, talk to your benefits adviser. They can help you examine financial details, best practices, industry benchmarks and program vendors. They can also enhance employee communications to encourage use and maximize value from your offering.

Contact us

For support on this topic contact our OneGroup HR Consulting team.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Protecting Your Home and Understanding Your Insurance During Winter Storms

| February 21, 2025
Snow Storm
By Kim Hendrick, Personal Insurance Claims Manager at OneGroup

As we gear up for another week of intense cold and snowstorms here in the Northeast, it’s essential for homeowners to be prepared. This winter has been particularly harsh, with January 2025 seeing temperatures averaging below normal across the region, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Snowstorms can bring a host of challenges, and understanding the potential impacts on your property can make all the difference. Knowing what your insurance policy covers can help you stay ahead of the game and protect your home. From frozen pipes to roof damage, being aware of what to expect can help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and keep your family safe and warm.

Common Damages During Snowstorms
  1. Frozen Pipes: When temperatures drop, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing the pipes to burst. This can lead to significant water damage inside your home. To prevent this, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, and ensure your propane, oil, or coal supplies are full.
  2. Roof Damage: Heavy snow accumulation can strain your roof, leading to leaks or even collapse. Ice dams, which form when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, can also cause water to back up under shingles.
  3. Gutter Issues: Ice dams and heavy snow can clog and damage gutters, leading to water overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation. Be aware that some insurance policies exclude coverage for gutters, so it’s important to keep your roofs clean!
  4. Window and Door Damage: Cold weather can cause caulk around windows and doors to crack, creating drafts and increasing heating costs.
  5. Driveway and Sidewalk Damage: The freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks in concrete and asphalt, leading to costly repairs. Using salt or ash can help keep these surfaces clear and walkable.
  6. Trees Falling on Property: Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and potentially fall on your home, car, or other property, leading to significant damage.
  7. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on walkways, driveways, and steps, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. This can lead to injuries for you, your family, or visitors.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover a range of winter storm-related damages. These typically include burst pipes, roof collapse, water damage from ice dams, and wind or hail damage. Every policy is different, and it’s important to review your specific coverage.

There are also some exclusions and limitations to be aware of. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage from melting snow; you would need a separate flood insurance policy for this type of coverage. If damage occurs because you failed to take necessary precautions, such as not heating your home adequately to prevent pipe freezing, your claim may be denied. Damage due to lack of maintenance, such as an old, weakened roof collapsing under snow, is also not typically covered.

To minimize the risk of damage during snowstorms, consider the following tips:

  • Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heating cables to protect exposed pipes.
  • Maintain Your Roof: Regularly inspect and repair your roof to ensure it can handle heavy snow.
  • Clear Gutters: Keep gutters clean to prevent ice dams.
  • Seal Windows and Doors: Check and replace caulk around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
  • Prepare Your Driveway: Use a rubber-bladed shovel and avoid harsh de-icing chemicals to protect your driveway
  • Trim Trees: Regularly trim tree branches that are close to your home to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow and ice.
  • Clear Walkways: Shovel snow and use ice melt on walkways, driveways, and steps to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

By understanding the common damages caused by snowstorms and ensuring you have a comprehensive home insurance policy, you can better prepare and protect your home during the harsh winter months. Comprehensive coverage is not just a safety net; it’s a proactive step to safeguard your most significant investment.

We understand the unique challenges that winter weather can bring. OneGroup’s personal insurance specialists are here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.

Give us a ring

Give us a call to learn more about making sure you’re properly covered.

Kim Hendrick is a Personal Insurance Claims Manager at OneGroup. She can be reached at 607-353-3971 or via email at KHendrick@OneGroup.com.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Is It Time to Review Your Medicare Plan?

| February 20, 2025
Old woman work at home using notebook computer.

Use this checklist to determine if your Medicare plan still meets your needs.

Navigating changes in your Medicare plan can be challenging. Regularly reviewing your plan is essential to ensure it still meets your health, financial, and lifestyle needs. Factors like health changes, rising costs, new prescription needs, plan dissatisfaction, lifestyle changes, and annual adjustments might prompt you to consider a new Medicare plan. Evaluating these aspects can help you make informed decisions about your coverage. Having a local agent to call or reference can also be crucial to your experience with and understanding of your Medicare options.

If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to consider reviewing your plan:

1. Changes in Your Health
  • Have you had any new health issues or started new treatments?
  • Are you taking new medications that your current plan doesn’t cover?
2. Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs
  • Have your monthly premiums increased significantly?
  • Are you paying more out-of-pocket for doctor visits, hospital stays, or prescriptions?
3. New Prescription Drug Needs
  • Are your current medications not covered or too expensive under your plan?
  • Is your preferred pharmacy no longer in-network?
4. Dissatisfaction with Your Current Plan
  • Have you experienced issues with claims being denied?
  • Are your preferred doctors or specialists no longer in-network?
  • Are you unhappy with the customer service provided by your plan?
5. Lifestyle Changes
  • Have you recently moved to a different state or region?
  • Are you traveling more frequently and need better out-of-network coverage?
6. Annual Plan Changes
  • Has your plan changed its coverage, costs, or benefits in a way that no longer suits your needs?

At OneGroup, we’re committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate your Medicare options confidently. If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, start by reviewing your current plan’s coverage, costs, and benefits. OneGroup can support you in reviewing your plan and comparing your options.

For more information

Click here to get in touch OneGroup’s Medicare team for more information. 

We are not a government agency. We are licensed insurance agents who discuss insurance programs such as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare to get information on all of your options.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Standard Citations in 2024

| February 18, 2025
Warehouse, tablet and people teamwork for storage, inventory and supply chain management for b2b distribution. Factory, Industry partner or worker on digital technology, software and logistics boxes

Every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rank the 10 most frequently cited standards following worksite inspections.

Workers experience avoidable injuries, illnesses and fatalities associated with the hazards the standards cover.

OSHA publishes its ranking so employers can become aware of repeatedly flagged standards. The aim is to help employers identify and correct hazards before they become a problem. See how your safety programs stand against these citations.

Top 10 OSHA Citations

OSHA shared its preliminary data at the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. Fall protection maintained the top spot for the 14th straight year. It received twice the number of citations as the runner-up, hazard communication. Respiratory protection went from seventh to fourth place. Scaffolding dropped from fourth to eighth place. Machine guarding maintained its position.

The following are the top 10 OSHA standards cited from October 2023 to September 2024:

RankSafety & Health TopicOSHA StandardWhat it Covers
1Fall protection1926.501Fall protection. Requires employers to provide fall protection systems to employees working at heights.
2Hazard communication1910.1200Hazard communication. Requires employers to disclose and classify hazards of all chemicals produced or imported. Also requires employers to communicate information about the classified hazards to employees, and maintain a written hazard communication program and chemical inventory.
3Ladders1926.1053Ladders. Regulates the types of ladders employers must provide to employees for the jobs they’re doing.
4Respiratory protection1910.134Respiratory protection. Requires employers to control employees’ exposure to air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays or vapors.
5Lockout / Tagout1910.147The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). Sets minimum requirements for controlling hazardous energy when machines and equipment are being serviced or maintained. The lockout/tagout process prevents unexpected startups and releases of stored energy that could injure employees.
6Powered industrial trucks1910.178Powered industrial trucks. Requires safety measures relating to the design, maintenance and use of powered industrial trucks. These include fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.
7Fall protection1926.503Training requirements. Requires employers to provide fall protection training to employees exposed to fall hazards. Minimally, employees should be able to recognize fall hazards in the workplace and follow procedures for minimizing those hazards.
8Scaffolds1926.451General requirements. Regulates the types, materials, construction and uses of scaffolds, as well as fall protection and guards employers must provide for employees working on or around scaffolds.
9Personal protective equipment1926.102Eye and face protection. Requires employers to provide affected employees with proper eye and face protection. Personal protective equipment must protect against hazards like flying particles, molten metal, liquids, chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, and light radiation.
10Machine guarding1910.212General requirements for all machines. Requires employers to protect machine operators and other employees nearby from rotating parts, flying chips, sparks and other machine-related hazards.
Free on-site safety consultation

If you’re a smaller business looking for feedback about your safety programs, try OSHA’s free safety consultation program. It’s open to small businesses with 250 or fewer employees at a single location and fewer than 500 employees in the entire company.

An on-site consultation can help you identify and address hazards and establish or improve your safety and health programs. Consultants from state agencies or universities provide the services. The consultations are confidential and separate from OSHA enforcement.

Keeping up with OSHA standards can help you maintain a safe workplace and avoid regulatory mishaps. Employees are counting on you to help them make it through the workday safely!

Looking for more information

Looking for help with this topic? Please contact our Risk Management team.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Auto insurance rates are still rising. What can you do?

| February 18, 2025
Auto insurance prices continue to rise. Learn ways to steer the cost cycle without compromising your vehicle coverage.

Auto insurance prices continue to rise. Learn ways to steer the cost cycle without compromising your vehicle coverage.

According to Value Penguin’s State of Auto Insurance report, costs will grow by 7.5% in 2025, estimating the national average at $2,101 for full coverage. That’s a considerable slowdown from last year’s increase of 16.5% and 12% in 2023.

Nevada, Florida, and Michigan are the most expensive states, with rates exceeding $250 per month. Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont were the cheapest states, with prices barely topping $100 monthly.

Even with the slowdown, insurance costs will remain higher than in the past.

Reasons auto insurance prices grow

Extreme weather, increased cost of vehicle repairs, along with increased frequency of all claims, has translated into higher premiums for all drivers.

From supply chain issues to get parts, to the expansion of technology now used in vehicles compared to just ten years ago, repairing your vehicle costs more and takes longer. In response to this, your insurance carrier has to adjust rates accordingly in order to be able to support the new claim frequency and cost that is involved.  Their priority is to make sure they have the funds to support, help, and make you whole in the event of a loss. As a consumer/insured, that is reflected in your increased rates.

Tips for lowering your auto insurance premiums

Contact your agent about discounts. Qualifying might be easier than you imagine. Ask about these potential savings moves:

  • Bundle your car and property insurance.
  • Pay the entire policy upfront instead of monthly.
  • Enroll in autopay.
  • Go paperless.
  • Try telematics. (Before you commit, ensure there are no penalties for driving errors or unenrolling from the program if you don’t like it.)
  • Get good student driver discounts.
  • Improve your credit score.
  • Raise your deductible. (You’ll pay a lower monthly premium but more out of pocket if you’re in an accident. Choose an out-of-pocket amount that works for your budget.)

Your independent agent can walk you through these options. Ask them to run multiple quotes with different discounts, deductibles and options. They can shop for better rates if they think you can get them. If you’ve had difficulty securing auto insurance, you might be better off staying with your current insurance carrier. Your agent can advise you on the best move for your situation.

Get an insurance quote before you buy your next car

If you’re in the market for another car, call your insurance agent before you sign the deal. Different makes and models come with different insurance price tags. Luxury or sporty models often cost more to insure because they cost more to repair or replace. Some electric cars also cost more to insure. Specific model years may cost more, too. It doesn’t mean you have to go with a car you don’t like, but you might change your mind about the kind of car you want once you know what the insurance will cost.

Why do your costs go up even though you’re a good driver?

Insurance rates go up for several reasons, and they don’t always have to do with your driving record. Usually, they go up during a hard market when insurance companies raise their standards and rates to compensate for the losses they incurred in previous years. It may seem unfair, but insurance carriers can go bankrupt if they don’t raise rates to reflect the current conditions.

Here are some reasons auto rates increase:

An increase in accident rates

High congestion in urban areas and increased distracted and impaired driving contribute to more accidents.

Higher medical costs from accidents involving injuries

The medical expenses associated with these claims have also been growing.

An increase in car prices and technology

Modern cars have features like backup cameras and collision warning systems, making them more expensive to repair or replace.

A rise in uninsured or underinsured drivers

When more drivers are uninsured, insurance companies pay more for accidents, especially when the payment would have come from the other uninsured driver’s insurance carrier.

Fraud

Scammers often stage accidents or exaggerate claims, increasing the overall cost. Policyholders absorb these costs.he policy limit, but it could be higher.

Call for an auto coverage review

Our team can help you understand your current coverages, deductibles and more. We’re happy to help you stay updated about ways to save.  Reach out to our Personal Insurance team for a free, no-obligation review.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

ACA Pay-or-Play Provision: Determining your ALE Status

| February 18, 2025
Businesswoman examining documents at desk

Under the Affordable Care Act, applicable large employers (ALEs) must offer minimum affordable health coverage to their full-time employees, or pay a penalty. Find out if you qualify as an ALE and what you must do to comply.

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) employer mandate requires businesses with 50 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees to either:

  • Offer minimum affordable health coverage to their full-time employees or
  • Pay a penalty if any full-time employee receives a premium tax credit for purchasing individual coverage on the health insurance marketplace

The employer mandate is also known as the “pay-or-play” provision because it requires you to comply or pay a penalty. Whether you are subject to the pay-or-play provision depends on your status as an applicable large employer (ALE).

In this article, we’ll explain who qualifies as an ALE and what you must do to avoid ACA penalties.

Determining your ALE status

You are considered an ALE if you averaged 50 or more full-time (FT) and FTE employees during the prior calendar year.

  1. For each month in the prior calendar year, count the number of employees who had 120 hours of service or more for that month or who are classified as FT employees.
  2. Count the hours of service of all other employees for the month and divide by 120.
  3. Add up the FT and FTE employees.
  4. Do the same for all 12 months and divide by 12.
  5. Round down to determine ALE status.

(Sample numbers have been inserted into the table below for clarity; delete these before doing your own calculations.)

Row #FTE FormulaJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTOTAL
1EEs ≥ 120 hrs383439374343444645485354 
2EEs < 120 hrs 700 878 788 976 685 814 860 640 812 710 574 671 
3Divide Row 2 by 1205.8337.3176.5678.1335.7086.7837.16675.336.7675.91674.7825.592 
4Add Rows 1 & 3 together for FTE Count 43.833 41.317 45.567 45.133 48.708 49.783 51.167 51.33 51.767 53.917 57.782 59.592 599.9

In the example above, 599.9 divided by 12 is 49.99, which rounds down to 49. The employer is not an ALE. 

If you fall just below the 50 FTE threshold, you must watch your growth. A small increase in just one employee’s hours can tip you into ALE status. This can significantly increase your compliance burden under the pay-or-play mandate.

Special rules for ALE determinations

Controlled and affiliated groups. Employers under common ownership or control are combined when determining ALE status. Examples include controlled groups and affiliated service groups under IRC Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o).

  • If one entity within the group qualifies as an ALE, all entities are treated as ALE members. Each is subject to the pay-or-play provision.
  • Employers must aggregate employees across all group entities when performing the ALE calculation.

Seasonal workers. If your workforce exceeds 50 employees for 120 days or fewer in the prior calendar year, you may not be considered an ALE, as long as the employees exceeding the threshold were all seasonal workers.

A four-year preview for ALEs

Year 1: Determine ALE status. Calculate your prior year’s average of FT and FTE employees using the IRS’ ALE calculation above. If the average is 50 or more, you are an ALE (unless you qualify for an exemption). As an ALE, your compliance obligations under the pay-or-play mandate continue on a four-year cycle.

If you are not an ALE, then the pay-or-play provision does not apply. However, if you sponsor a self-insured plan, you should familiarize yourself with the ACA’s employer mandate reporting obligations for non-ALEs.

Year 2: Make an offer of coverage. You must offer minimum affordable coverage to all benefit-eligible FT and FTE employees by April 1 of year two to avoid offer-of-coverage penalties. This gives you three full months after determining you are an ALE to shop for coverage, perform a risk analysis and conduct your open enrollment.

Year 3: Report on your offer of coverage. Regardless of whether you offer coverage in year two, you must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS on time. You must also furnish copies to employees based on your offer of coverage in year two.

Year 4 (or later): Defend against penalties. You may need to respond to IRS-proposed penalty assessments if an employee triggers a penalty by going to the health insurance marketplace and getting subsidized coverage.

Seek help as needed

ALE calculations can quickly become complicated, and the penalties for getting it wrong can be steep. Reach out to our Employee Benefits team and we’ll be happy to help.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contracts: A Guide to Managing Risks

| February 18, 2025
Business crisis manager stopping falling dominos from collapsing

A contract is a formal agreement between two or more parties that creates binding obligations to perform or refrain from certain actions.

By Kirsten Shepard, CIC, CISR Elite

While contracts establish these obligations, they also introduce potential risks to your organization. Therefore, each time your organization enters into a contract, it should:

  • Evaluate the risks the agreement may pose
  • Decide whether to accept or transfer those risks
  • Determine the method of financing those risks, be it through your organization or the contractor

It’s crucial to scrutinize the terms of any contract thoroughly. While some contracts may appear to contain standardized language, they could include commitments your organization should avoid. We recommend a detailed review to anticipate potential scenarios affected by the contract, such as:

  • Scope of Work: What will the contractor be responsible for?
  • Potential Losses: What types of losses might occur?
  • Financial Impact: What’s the “worst-case scenario” in terms of financial loss?
  • Protection Measures: How can you safeguard your organization?

Particular attention should be paid to clauses like Limitation of Liability, Hold Harmless, Indemnity, and Insurance. These clauses can obligate you to indemnify another party for property or liability losses. Should you find a contract’s provisions unfavorable, we advise seeking legal counsel.

Transferring risk to other entities helps manage and reduce losses. When feasible, your organization should endeavor to transfer risk through contractual agreements. For example, you might require a vendor to assume all liability for a product they sell to your organization, a term typically embedded in the contract. Your ability to transfer risk often depends on your bargaining power and the nature of the business involved.

Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreements

Hold harmless and indemnity agreements are essential tools for risk transfer. These may be labeled as hold harmless, waiver and release, save harmless, or indemnity agreements within a contract. Always read contracts meticulously, as these terms can be included without explicit labeling.

In a hold harmless agreement, one party agrees to assume the liability of another. Although often used interchangeably, hold harmless and indemnity agreements differ in the scope and manner of risk transfer. Hold harmless agreements typically pertain to claims between the contracting parties, such as property damage or consequential losses like lost income. These agreements often accompany indemnity agreements because third parties may still file negligence claims against any involved party.

Indemnity agreements shift the responsibility to cover third-party claims. They ensure one party (the indemnitee) can seek reimbursement from another (the indemnitor) for losses, claims, and expenses related to third-party damage claims. A well-crafted indemnity agreement should clearly outline the allocation of responsibilities.

Insurance as a Risk Financing Method

Requiring contractors or service providers to purchase insurance is a practical way to finance loss payments. However, insurance has its limitations and exclusions. For instance, professional liability policies may only cover the insured’s negligence.

When transferring risk, ensure the other party understands the transfer and has the financial resources or suitable insurance to cover potential losses. An indemnity agreement does not absolve your organization from liability; rather, it mandates that the other party covers related costs. If the indemnitor lacks financial stability or insurance, your organization may still be liable.

Including your organization as an additional insured on the contractor’s liability policy offers several advantages:

  • Defense and Costs: The insurer must defend and cover your organization’s defense costs if sued.
  • Obligations: The insurer remains obligated regardless of the named insured’s financial status.
  • Personal Injury Coverage: Typically included under general liability.

However, additional insured status is not a replacement for a hold harmless and indemnity agreement, as insurance policies have limitations and may not cover all claims.

Combining hold harmless and indemnity agreements with insurance provides comprehensive financial security for your organization, with state regulations. Proper handling of claims not only helps in reducing costs but also supports a safer workplace environment.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to OneGroup’s team for guidance and support.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Winterize Against Workers’ Compensation Claims

| February 14, 2025
Civil Engineers At Construction Site In Winter Season

Cold weather leads to an increase in employee injuries. With a few steps, you can improve your workers’ chances of coming through the chill unscathed.

In many parts of the United States, the onset of winter weather means an increase in workers’ compensation claims. Blizzards, winter storms, snow, sleet, ice and freezing temperatures can lead to various occupational and workplace injuries and illnesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 20,460 occupational injuries related to snow, ice and sleet in 2017, the most recent year for which statistics are available.

While winter weather hazards can affect any worker, those who work outdoors are most at risk. They include construction workers, first responders, recreation workers and utility workers.

Most common winter workers’ compensation claims

Many of the common winter workers’ comp claims fall into one of these categories:

  • Slips, trips and falls: These incidents are a leading cause of death for workers, according to the National Safety Council. The likelihood of these injuries increases when there is ice or snow on the ground. Some common hazards associated with workplace slips and falls include snow and ice on parking lots, stairs, walkways, floors, roadways and sidewalks.
  • Cold-stress injuries: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), cold stress occurs when a person’s skin temperature is driven down and their internal body temperature drops too low. Serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur when the body is unable to warm itself. Some can even be permanent or fatal. Cold temperatures, high winds, dampness and cold water all contribute to cold stress. Common cold-stress illnesses and injuries include trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Winter driving: Winter weather can cause hazardous driving conditions. This can increase in workers’ comp claims related to auto and vehicle accidents.
  • Snow shoveling and snow removal: Injuries and illnesses include strains and sprains, harm from using equipment, dehydration and even heart attacks, according to OSHA.

Winter workplace injuries don’t just have detrimental effects on the health and safety of employees. They can also increase workers’ comp claims and costs, increase general liability insurance costs, increase employee absences due to work injuries and lower productivity.

Prevention strategies are key

Fortunately, employers can implement risk management and safety strategies to minimize risk and prevent injuries from snow, ice, storms and other winter weather hazards. These solutions and prevention tools include employee communication and education, safety campaigns, and plans and procedures to be followed during cold weather, snows and storms.

Here are some tips to develop a complete winter workplace safety strategy:

Communication and education

  1. Implement a winter weather communications strategy to advise employees of hazardous weather events.
  2. Create a winter weather safety manual and distribute it to all workers.
  3. Educate employees on the risks of slips and falls during winter.
  4. Consider creating winter storm contingency plans to minimize travel in hazardous conditions. One option is remote work.
  5. Make sure outdoor workers know how to recognize the signs of cold stress.

Safe snow and ice removal

  1. Hire a snow removal company to clear parking lots, sidewalks, stairs and walkways.
  2. Use safe ice and snow melting techniques.
  3. Be aware of the hazards of shoveling snow.

Safety campaigns

  1. Develop a winter safety awareness campaign to communicate procedures and plans.
  2. Use highly visible signage such as caution and warning signs in hazardous areas, indoors and outdoors.
  3. Promote safe operations of all winter equipment, including plows and snowblowers.

Winter weather safety gear and clothing

  • Make sure outdoor employees wear appropriate clothing and other protective equipment during cold weather.
  • Be aware of OSHA requirements for providing personal protective equipment for workers. Protective winter gear may fall into this category.

Equipment and vehicles

  • Make sure drivers are properly trained to operate vehicles in winter weather conditions.
  • Ensure that workplace vehicles and heavy equipment are inspected and properly working for winter weather conditions.
  • Equip vehicles with emergency safety and weather kits.

Remember that the common cold, influenza and other communicable illnesses associated with the winter are not covered under workers’ comp. Train your employees to practice excellent hygiene during winter to avoid lost work time due to preventable communicable disease. Vaccinations are also important. You may wish to provide flu shots on site.

Your human resources department or safety manager can consult with various resources to create and implement winter safety plans and programs. These may include the National Safety Council, OSHA or your insurance provider. By taking a proactive approach to winter safety and risk management, you can protect your workers and create a safe work environment regardless of the weather.

This list is not exhaustive. In fact, the list of combustible dust-related materials and industries keeps expanding as incidents are investigated.

Contact Us

Looking for help with this topic? Please contact our Risk Management team.

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.

Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.

Written content in blog post: Copyright © 2024 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.