Month: April 2015

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Safety Act

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Findings: In 2004, the second leading cause of injury related deaths in the U.S. for children fourteen (14) and under is by drowning. The law stemmed from the 2002 drowning of Virginia Graeme Baker, the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III.
The Law: Below is a summary of those portions of the law that directly affect commercial operations that provide guest, members, or the general public with access to a swimming pool or spa.
The law placed the treatment of swimming pools and spa drain cover under Consumer Product Safety Committee and the Consumer Product Safety Act. Effective December 19th, 2008 all pool and spa drains manufactured, distributed or entered in commerce in the U.S. must conform to the entrapment protection standards of the ASME/ANSI.

Public Pools

Beginning December 19th, 2008

Each public pool or spa must be equipped with ant-entrapment devices or system

Every public pool and spa that a single drain (other than an unblockable drain) shall be equipped with one or more of the following

Safety vacuum release systemSuction limiting vent systemGravity drainage systemAutomatic pump shut-off systemDrain disablement

Standards must met the requirements of ASME/ANSI or ASTM

Public pool is defined by the law. The definition of public is used very loosely.

Open to the public generally, whether for a fee or free of charge;

Open exclusively to-

Members of an organization and their guestResidents of an apartment building or complex, residential real estate development, or other multifamily development (other than local government)Patrons of a hotel or other public accommodations facility

Operated by or for the Federal Government for the benefit of the Armed Forces and their dependents

TruePoint Insurance Group, LLC
1000 Pine Barren Rd
Pooler, GA 31322
(912) 330-1265
TruePoint Insurance Group, LLC is not licensed to practice law, nor can it provide legal counsel. This summary is not intended as a legal opinion. We cannot warrant that the opinions and representations provided in this summary are accurate. TruePoint Insurance Group, LLC has provided this summary of the Virginia Graeme Baker Act for your awareness. The summary may or may not identify your requirements as a pool or spa owner. If you own a pool or spa you are advised by TruePoint Insurance Group, LLC to refer your specific situation to legal counsel.

Barbers and Beauticians Professional Liability

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Does your General Liability policy provide sufficient coverage? Many professions are adequately covered by the General Liability policy, however, there are some occupations that are require additional protection, which is only provided by a professional liability coverage. Hair and beauty salons would be one example.
Beautician’s offer a wide range of services which may include hair styling, dressing, arching, applying cosmetics, permanent waving, shampooing, tweezing, facials, trimming, tinting, plucking, bleaching and dyeing, manicures, hair tinting, waxing or applying depilatories, and pedicures. Services at many salons have expanded and today’s beauticians are exposed to an even higher level of risk as they cross into the realm of medical and even surgical procedures.
Current operations may involve tasks such as:
Botox injectionLiposuctionMedispasDermabrasionLaser Treatments
Serving customers may result in losses such as scalp injuries, severe damage to hair, burns, cuts, spinal or joint injuries, and scarring, none of which are covered by a general liability policy. It is critical to acquire the protection of a barbers and beauticians (or cosmetologists) professional liability policy.
Many traditional services are covered under professional liability policies. However, such policies are not standardized and vary significantly from one carrier to another. It is important that your review each company’s application and policy forms reading each carefully to determine what services are covered.
Cosmetologists are required to carry a state license and a minimum amount of training and experience in order to perform their jobs. Barbers and Beautician Professional liability policies require that all insured persons maintain a valid license or certification. Typical coverage includes injuries to persons or to property that is related to the applicable beauty or barbershop operation. There is also coverage for harm connected to application of preparations that are bought at a shop or salon and then are used at customers’ homes. Coverage does NOT apply to preparations made BY the insured.
Barbers and Beauticians professional liability forms don’t protect against losses involving plastic surgery; removal of warts, moles or other growths; use of radiation for the removal of hair; body massage other than facial or scalp massage; sun-tanning treatment or piercing body parts. However, coverage for some services may be added for additional charges.
An insurance professional is the person to talk to when you want to make sure that making the public more beautiful doesn’t include the chance of ugly, uninsured losses.
TruePoint Insurance, LLC
1000 Pine Barren Rd
Pooler, GA 31322
(912) 330-1265

Garage Liability Coverage

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Garage Liability Insurance

The coverage, it’s in the detailing

 
What is Commercial General Liability

Great Garage Liability insurance comes from understanding the details

Regardless of the business, you’re in, it is likely, that you will need general liability coverage. Commercial General Liability (CGL) protects your business against claims made by third parties.
At times justifying insurance can be a challenge. Customers are not buying a commodity or a product. Many will classify insurance as a service. But the truth is, insurance is not a commodity, product or service. The insurance transaction is very much one-sided. The insurance company gets your money. As a result of the transaction, the consumer gets nothing more than a promise.
When you buy the insurance you are actually buying a promise. You exchange an insurance premium, for a promise of indemnification.

 

Liability insurance cost; the cost of staying in business

The value proposition for liability insurance is driven in large part on MAGNITUDE! Today seven-figure liability claims are not unheard of. Magnitude is the reason that your Commercial General Liability policy is essential. It should be a major component of your risk management plan.
CGL Insurance provides very broad coverages, but it comes with many exclusions. Automobiles; auto liability is covered under the Commercial Auto Policy. Also Professional Liability insurance, which comes under various names. E&O, D&O and Medical Malpractice are few. There are other professions that need liability policies. Policies specifically designed for the unique exposures that they face.
Professions that work with customers vehicles have specific liability Is garage liability insurance the same as general liabilityinsurance needs. Mechanics, auto body repair shops, and other’s need what is known as Garage Liability Insurance.
Vehicles not owned by the insured are not covered by either the CGL or the Commercial Auto Policy. The Garage Liability Policy fills this gap, providing the insured with coverage for incidents that occur on the premises. On-premises is key. It is important to remember that this coverage does not extend beyond the place of business.
 

Garage Liability is often confused with Garagekeepers and vice versa

Earlier we noted that Garage Liability covered on-site incidents. Does your business take customer vehicles on test drives? Do you drive customer vehicles to other locations? How about pick-up and delivery of customer vehicles? If your businesses drive customer vehicle off premises, you need a Garagekeepers policy. For more information on Garagekeepers Coverage forms see:

TruePoint’s on target review of Garagekeepers Coverage.

 

Garagekeepers or Garage Liability,  as clear as spent motor oilGarage insurance is a form of liability insurance aimed at garages. auto dealers, auto body shops and other business servicing auto owners

Business Liability insurance can get confusing. That’s why it is important for business owners to do some work on their end. It’s wise to invest some time on the front-end finding a good agent. Working with an independent agent increases your chance of success.

Working with an independent agent is even more important for businesses. The group combines to write nearly 85% of the insurance written in the US. 85% of the market makes it difficult for anyone other than an independent to agree their case. Garage Liability insurance coverage.
Identifying the right independent agent might be a little tough. Don’t be afraid to quiz them. Use your understanding of General Liability, Garagekeepers, and Garage Liability coverages. Put prospective agents to the test by asking them to suggest coverages.
The finish line is in sight. Choose the right path for you and your business to secure the necessary coverage.
 
Don’t feel bad if you’re still feeling a little confused. Many in the insurance industry have trouble with this topic. Who needs Garage Liability?
 

Garage Liability……working at your garage

Garage Liability insurance coverage will not cover test drivesGarage liability covers your customer vehicles. This coverage will not cover you if the vehicle leaves your place of business. Damage that occurs offsite will not be covered. Drive, tow or levitate the car to another location. It doesn’t matter, damages will not be covered. It is not uncommon to see Garage Liability policies with Garagekeepers.
 

Garagekeepers……keep the Garage Liability, you will likely need it too

Do you test drive customer's cars? If you answered yes, you will need garagekeepers liability insurance

 

Garagekeepers coverage picks up some essential coverage not included with the Garage policy. Collision is the primary addition, protecting the garage for off premises accidents. It also adds a few other exposures that would include, fire, theft, vandalism. Garage liability is seldom used without an associated garage policy.
 
Who needs Garagekeepers? And who needs both…

CAN YOU HAVE BOTH?

 
Yes, you can have both. And it’s not uncommon.  If your business falls into one of the following classes it is highly likely that you should have one if not both of the Garage coverages:
 
Gas Stations
 
Auto Mechanics
 
Auto Dealerships
 
Car Wash
 
Farm Equipment Dealers
 
Auto Body Shops
 
Parking Lots
 
Valet Parking
 
Mobile Auto Service
 
Tire Dealers
 
Driveway Contractors
 
Towing
 
ATV Sales & Service
 
…….and many more auto-related industries
 
TruePoint Insurance, LLC
buy garage insurance with TruePoint Insurance
Click to learn more
or call (912) 330-1265
1000 Pine Barren Rd
Pooler, Georgia
 
(912) 330-1265