When is the last time you held a safety seminar for your employees? For those of you who have NEVER looked into safety seminars, now would be a good time to do so! One of the best programs to look into: OSHA Compliance & Workplace Safety.
Why should you look into this type of seminar? It’s simple: both you and your employees will learn so much! Here are just a few things you will learn:
- A thorough understanding of OSHA standards and how to comply;
- Tips and advice on how to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the job;
- How to avoid OSHA fines;
- How to boost your safety training effectiveness;
- Effective preventative measures to keep employees/customers safe;
- How to recognize warning signs of employee violence;
- And much more…
So are you ready to attend a seminar this summer? We hope so!
Once you have attended, you may want to speak with an insurance agent. Some agencies will provide a discount for those who attend safety seminars; particularly a break on your California workers compensation premium. Be sure to ask!
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Posted in Business Insurance Tips and Advice Workers Compensation Insurance by .
Are you a first time renter? There is a lot to learn about living on your own, from learning to budget to understanding the importance of coverage. As your insurance experts, we believe that we could teach you a thing or two about California renters insurance. For those who think renters insurance is not crucial, you are sadly mistaken!
Here are five things to know about this important policy:
#1: Renters insurance is not expensive. Your premium can be extremely affordable, depending on your deductible and the amount of coverage you need.
#2: Your landlord will NOT have you covered. Many first-time renters will assume that their landlord’s insurance policy will cover them, too. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. Your landlord will have THEIR building covered from damages. Renters are responsible for covering their belongings, personal possessions and liability.
#3: There are renters insurance discounts available. Many insurance agencies will reduce your premium for specific safety features (burglar alarm, fire extinguisher, sprinkler systems, deadbolts, etc.) Always ask!
#4: You can bundle your renters insurance. Do you drive a car? Most likely! Combine your renters insurance with your car insurance policy in order to save on both.
#5: Your location will affect your renters insurance premium. If you are still looking for a place to live, choose wisely! Your area and the risks associated with the location will affect your premium, for better or for worse.
Are you ready to protect yourself and your belongings? Contact our agency if you have any other questions or concerns about renters insurance and what it can protect you from. We would be more than happy to speak with you and provide you with a free California renters insurance quote!
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Posted in Renters Insurance Tips and Advice by .
Fact: being a first-time renter has its ups and downs. While you love having a space to call your own, it is not exactly “fun” to hand a check over to your landlord each month. Besides that, you have to purchase your own groceries and pay for utilities. While the expenses may seem never-ending, there are always ways to save. As your trusty insurance agency, we have a few tips to share that may end up saying you money when it comes to your California renters insurance premium.
#1: Increase your deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be. If you can afford to pay more later, this is a great way to save now.
#2: Avoid monthly payments. Monthly payments come with installment fees. To avoid them, ask to pay annually.
#3: Safety first. By going the extra mile to protect your assets, your premium will be lower. Some safety features to consider: alarms (smoke and burglary), fire extinguisher, sprinkler system, etc.
#4: Quit smoking. Smokers will always pay a higher premium than non-smokers. Why? Cigarettes are the most common cause of home fires. The risk is too high!
#5: Combine renters and auto insurance. You need both policies, so why not combine them? This will save you money!
Bottom line: there are always ways to save. It is much better to go the extra mile to save money than to disregard renters insurance all together. If something unexpected happens, it is going to cost you!
If you are interested in grabbing a free California renters insurance quote, contact our agency and fill out an online form today!
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Posted in Renters Insurance Tips and Advice by .
Are you ready to get active this Saturday? Revlon Run/Walk for Women is happening in Los Angeles!
Join the women of Los Angeles in the fight against women’s cancers. Friends and family can have a day filled with fun, for a great cause. The course is 5 kilometers, with an online registration fee of $35, $40 if you register on-site.
When and where is this taking place?
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Exposition Park
For more information on the schedule of events and times, visit the official website.
We hope that you will be taking part in this great event. Once the festivities are over, do not hesitate to come visit us. Feel free to grab a free quote from our agency, whether California business insurance or home insurance; we will have you covered!
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Apartment hunting: let the fun begin! Finding a place to rent is always exciting, though it can be a little stressful at times. If you are a first-time renter, you may be fairly lost when it comes to finding the perfect place. What should you be looking for in an apartment?
To be honest, there are a few factors that are important to take into concern. Here are five things to consider:
#1: Location. Considering the fact that you will be living here for a while, it is important to choose the perfect spot. Consider your commute, how safe the area is and how comfortable you feel residing there.
#2: Parking. Is there parking on the street? Do you need a permit? Do you have your own spot? This is important to figure out!
#3: Rules. Be sure to ask the landlord what sort of rules you will need to follow. Can you have pets? Is there any rule against smoking? Are you responsible for utilities? Find out!
#4: Cost. You must figure out your budget. Never overestimate how much money you have to spend! The last thing you want is to be struggling to hand over month’s rent.
#5: Safety. Is the neighborhood safe? How about the actual apartment? Ask about alarms, smoke detectors, deadbolts and other safety features.
Once you have a clear idea of what exactly will fit YOUR lifestyle, it will be much easier to narrow down your options!
Once you have chosen a place, do not wait to purchase California renters insurance. This policy is designed to cover your personal possessions and liability; both crucial! Feel free to contact our agency for a free quote!
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Posted in Renters Insurance Tips and Advice by .
What are you and the family doing this weekend? Our agency has a GREAT idea! While we may be your go-to for all your insurance needs (from California business insurance to health insurance) we are also here to share all the fun events going on in Cali!
This weekend, the Green City Fair is up and running. This day full of fun, food and activities is hosted by TreePeople and FREE for the entire family. The day will include workshops that are designed to educate on the knowledge and resources to implement sustainable solutions at home and in work. The goal: a greener city and community!
There will be a variety of activities, food and beverages, entertainment, scavenger hunts, crafts, eco-friendly cooking demonstrations and much more. So are you ready to have a fun and green weekend? Here are a few details:
When: Saturday, May 5th, 2012
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: TreePeople
12601 Mulholland Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
For more information on this event (parking, workshops, exhibits, etc.) please visit the official TreePeople website!
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Posted in Business Insurance Events Los Angeles Events Santa Monica Events by .
Do you live in a cramped apartment? Many people do, especially first-time renters! While it may seem impossible to open up such a small living space, it is definitely not.
Here are seven ways to open up and makeover your apartment:
#1: Lighten’ up the walls. White walls are ideal to open up a small space. If you are not keen on the idea of white walls, choose a light pastel color.
#2: Add narrow wall shelves. Need a place to store your belongings? Wall shelves can serve as wall décor and act as a place for small things (keys, mail, etc.)
#3: Opt for armless furniture. Choose armless furniture. It will take up less space and give the illusion that the room is more open.
#4: Choose dual-purpose pieces. Does the ottoman open up as storage? Great!
#5: Embrace mirrors! Mirrors are a great way to open up a room. The more light and reflection, the larger the room will seem.
#6: De-clutter. The more clutter in your apartment, the more cramped it is going to seem. Again, dual-purpose furniture and cute storage boxes will help fix this problem.
#7: Buy an area rug. Looking to open up the TV room? Arrange furniture around an area rug to give the illusion of a bigger space.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to transform your small space!
Honestly, the most important thing is to feel safe, comfortable and protected in your home. While our agency is here to provide tips and advice, we are also here to provide protection. If you are concerned about a California renters insurance policy, do not hesitate to speak with our agency! We would be more than happy to discuss how our policy will cover you and your personal possessions. Feel free to stop by and grab a free quote!
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Posted in Renters Insurance Tips and Advice by .
Apr 12
23
10 Tips to Start a Home Business!
ATTENTION CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: whether you are retired, fresh out of college or simply bored with your current job position; have you ever considered starting your own business? Home businesses are becoming more and more popular due to the economy today.
While it may seem simple to work from home, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here are 10 tips that will come in handy when you start your home business:
#1: Create a business plan. Just because this is a small home business does not mean you shouldn’t have a plan of attack. Going into a business blindly will never end good.
#2: Never overestimate your budget. Turn to a professional if you need help in this department. Build a relationship with a reliable accountant.
#3: Figure out what you will do with your children. Do you have little ones around? It is important for you to figure out if you will be able to handle watching your kids while working or if you should turn to child care. Even a nanny may help!
#4: Design your own “office” area. Working in your bed may seem tempting but it is best to designate an area in your home for all your paperwork. Make sure your desk is equipped with office supplies, too.
#5: Set your hours. You may not have to work 9-5 but it is still important to make your own hours. If not, you may start procrastinating.
#6: Advertise locally. Leave business cards at your favorite local café or pin up flyers around town. This is a great advertising technique for small home businesses!
#7: Consider a separate phone line. Using your cell phone may not be the most professional way to speak with your clients and customers. Have a separate line set up for all business-related calls.
#8: Protect your home business. Speak with an insurance agent about the proper policies for a home business. Depending on the type of business you are running and how large it is, you may need a very unique policy.
#9: Get on the internet. Have a professional website made up for your business to appeal to the masses. You should also consider getting on Facebook and Twitter!
#10: Put aside money for retirement. Make sure you set up your own retirement plan or 401k! Saving for the future is important.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on that home business that you have been dreaming of!
If you are concerned about protection for your home business, contact us at ISU-Wissink Agency. A typical California business insurance policy may not be ideal for your unique business. We want to help you put together the perfect policy!
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Posted in Business Insurance Home Insurance Tips and Advice by .
Times are hard. Sadly, this is one of the reasons why many employees are submitting claims to workers compensation. California business owners may have heard of workers comp fraud, but many may not have dealt with it. The truth is, many small business owners are afraid to take insurance matters into their own hands. However, this is a mistake! If a business owner does not keep tabs on employees and workers comp claims, their premium may end up sky-rocketing.
Not sure whether or not to believe your employee? Here are five common scams to be aware of:
#1: Fake injuries. Believe it or not, but some workers will actually fake an injury. Many times, this means a muscle problem in the neck or back since they are hard to disprove.
#2: Injured while off the job. An employee may have injured himself while doing yard work over the weekend. Instead, he will claim that he was injured while moving heavy equipment while on the job.
#3: Malingering. Many employees will get used to staying home after an injury that they will actually drag out the process. They may pretend that they are still disabled. A return-to-work program will help take care of this problem!
#4: Older injuries. A worker may have been injured a year ago but they are still not back to normal. They may claim that they were hurt on the job for time off.
#5: Inflated injuries. A worker may have been injured on the job, but many times it is not as bad as they may claim. A small back problem may be claimed as a serious sprain. This means more time off and more money to collect.
As a business owner, you want to trust your employees but sometimes you must question! The last thing you want is your California workers compensation premium to go through the roof. If you have any other questions, concerns or needs, do not hesitate to contact us at ISU-Wissink Agency. We would be happy to discuss workers compensation with you!
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Posted in Business Insurance Tips and Advice Workers Compensation Insurance by .
In just a week, it will be Earth Day! People all over the country will be celebrating by planting, gardening, saving energy and even going green. As a business owner, it may be a good idea to tackle the idea of going green in the office. This is a great initiative!
Here are 10 ways to get you started:
#1: Replace all bulbs in the office with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL bulbs)
#2: Install motion-sensors for lights in areas of the office that are not constantly in use, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
#3: Cut back on paper use by sending out company memos, newsletters and notices via e-mail.
#4: Make sure each desk has its own paper recycle bin. Keep a community one in the kitchen for plastics and glass!
#5: Make sure all computers and systems are powered down before heading out at 5.
#6: Consider investing in Energy Star appliances to save on energy over the course of the year.
#7: Stock the kitchen with mugs, plates and silverware to cut back on paper goods.
#8: Purchase re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges.
#9: If possible, print double sided to cut back on paper use.
#10: Buy a few office plants to LITERALLY go green in the office. Great for air quality and decoration!
See how easy it can be to go green? Keep this up throughout the year and you may notice savings in your bank account, too!
As your California business insurance provider, we believe it is important to know how to save, whether it is saving on your premium or in this case, saving on energy. For more tips, information or a free quote, contact us today. Happy Earth Day!
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Posted in Business Insurance Tips and Advice by .
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Los Angeles Times- Lockerbie bomber Megrahi dies in Libya May 20, 2012
- Abdel Basset Ali Megrahi, Libyan convicted in Lockerbie bombing, has died May 20, 2012
- 6.0 earthquake in Italy kills 6, injures dozens May 20, 2012
- Downtown L.A.'s many communities live, work, play side by side May 20, 2012
- Tom Fuentes, longtime O.C. Republican Party leader, dies at 63 May 20, 2012
