Resources

New Lower Worker's Comp Rates in California!

We have some very good news regarding your worker’s comp insurance plan! 

Does your current plan take effect or renew on or after September 1, 2021? If so, you’re about to save some money. That’s because California’s Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, recently approved a 3.4% reduction in the benchmark rate for worker’s compensation coverage. 

The rate reduction applies to all policies that begin on or after Sept. 1, and will reduce benchmark rates by $.05 to $1.41 per $100 of payroll.  

(By comparison, the industry average premium rate was $1.86 as of Jan. 1 of this year). 

If you’re not clear on what a benchmark rate actually is, it is simply a base rate that insurance carriers use as pricing guideposts. It is sometimes referred to as the “pure premium rate.” 

The rate reduction could not have come at a better time for the hospitality industry, as most restaurant, hotel, and entertainment venues can certainly use any economic relief offered. 

To make sure your business is taking advantage of the lower rates, give us a call. We are standing by to answer all of your questions and get you the lowest workers comp rate on the market! 

Reach us at (323) 986-6590

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Will AB5 Affect Your Business?

If you’re a business owner in the state of California, you’ve probably heard of AB5. Signed into law by Governor Newsom in late 2019, the bill requires employers who hire independent contractors (1099 workers) to be reclassified as employees - including with mandatory worker’s comp and all other compliance regulations. 

 In 2020, Bill 2257 was passed, which made exemptions for many types of businesses under AB5. This was followed up with the ABC test that was created to determine whether an employer should classify certain workers as employees or contractors.

 The ABC test asks three fairly simple questions: 

  •  Is the worker free to perform work or services without company direction? 
  •  Is the worker performing a job that is outside the company’s usual business activities? 
  •  Does the worker usually perform work of a similar nature? 

If all three answers are “yes” then it is likely the worker will be exempt from AB5. But rarely is this the case. Hospitality businesses like restaurants and hotels often must classify their staff as employees and must buy worker’s compensation plans. Still, if this proves too expensive, there is always the option of using the services of a staffing agency. 

Staffing firms like Culinary Staffing Service allow your business to bypass much of the AB5-related compliance concerns because all staff are agency employees, and thus it is the agency that is responsible for any and all compliance issues that fall under California law. 

You can read more about AB5 HERE, and call us if you have any questions or concerns.

Laws change and times change, but we are here to keep you informed and make sure your business is protected.

Reach us at (323) 986-6590

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Is Your Insurance Broker Focused on the Hospitality Industry?

Does your insurance broker focus on supporting and protecting the restaurant and hospitality industry?

Core Collective Insurance Solutions and BBSI have partnered together to create coverage packages specifically designed for the restaurant and hospitality industry to support your growth, your crews, and their safety, so you can focus on your core business. 

  • All-inclusive workers’ compensation and payroll package includes support for HR, risk & safety, and business strategy consulting
  • Pay-as-you-go coverage & NO annual audits
  • Dedicated risk and safety manager to help you through OSHA visits and compliance
  • Payroll administration that ensures compliance with state and local tax codes
  • No down payment for those who qualify!

 

Core Collective Insurance Solutions and BBSI have decades of experience supporting all areas and all business sizes in the industry. Work with a team that is focused on supporting your growth and success.

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Here's Why You Need EPLI

As a business owner, you probably don’t like to think about ever needing EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance) - why would your own staff ever sue you? 

 The reality is that all business owners with full or part-time employees need to protect themselves against unwarranted employee litigation and its associated costs, which can add up quickly, especially in California. A few examples of situations where EPLI can save your business are when employees file lawsuits against you, such as:

  •  Discrimination-Based  Claims (such as race, gender, disability, age-related claims) 
  •  Wrongful Termination Claims 
  •  Breach of Contract 
  •  Harassment Lawsuits 

 A comprehensive EPLI coverage plan will cover your legal costs and any settlements you may have to pay. This type of coverage is not usually part of your broader business insurance package, so it’s important to ask your broker or agent about EPLI specifically. 

 Core Collective will look at your risk profile and get you the lowest market rates based on your unique needs. We specialize in the hospitality business, so we know which risks are lurking, and how to keep your business safe. 

 Call us today and one of our EPLI experts will work with you on securing a quality, affordable EPLI plan. It just might save your business one day!

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The Hidden Cost of Your EPL Insurance, Revealed.

In 2020 and into 2021, Employment Practices Liability (EPL) insurers have drastically increased their renewal rates - to the tune of 25% and even up to 75%. This trend has a lot to do with how Covid impacted certain industries, especially the hospitality industry here in California.

 As a result of the escalating rates, many insurers are adding more restrictive terms to their contracts, and ceasing to offer third-party discrimination. These terms often leave the client - meaning you - in an unfair position, especially if you aren’t aware of the changes.

 Now, more than ever, hospitality businesses need to be aware of policy terms and changes that could affect your bottom line and even land you in court. A few key facts to keep in mind when it comes to EPL:

 

  • Premiums have gone up as much as 75% since the pandemic hit.
  • The cost of settlements has escalated from 200 to 500k since 2020 - which decreases insurers’ profitability, and in turn, increases their client premiums.
  • The main driver of increases in premiums are increases in claims driven by social justice issues and Covid-19 related issues.
  • To get the most competitive price with the broadest and safest EPL coverage, you need a broker who works on behalf of the insured, not the insurance provider.
  • Your renewal rate is dependent upon your company’s risk profile.

 

Core Collective scours the market for the BEST EPL insurance terms with the LOWEST RATES possible based on your individual risk profile. Don’t pay more than you have to, and never settle for less than optimal EPL that could leave your entire company at risk.

 

Call us today and our EPL experts will go to work for YOU, not for the insurance company.

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Cyber Criminals Are Targeting the Hospitality Industry. Here's What You Can Do.

Somewhere in the world right now, cybercriminals are stealing private business information and sensitive customer data. And they’re targeting the hospitality industry.

Is your business safe? 

Cybersecurity is not covered under your general liability insurance, which is why so many restaurants and hotels aren’t aware they’re unprotected. Meanwhile, hackers are accessing data via DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, phishing, and ransomware. And it only takes seconds for a mass data breach to cost a vulnerable business both its finances and its reputation. 

But there IS something you can do. Make sure you have top-quality cyber insurance to cover you in the event of such an attack, including covering the ransom. This should also include notifying customers about a breach and repairing any damaged computer systems, in addition to recovering stolen data. 

Call us today and one of our Core cybersecurity experts will answer your questions, and make sure you’re safeguarded against cybercrime. 
 
You can also Email Us 
Read more about Core

Core Collective Insurance Solutions
(323) 986-6590

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What You Need To Know About Worker's Comp in California

You know your business needs worker’s compensation coverage. It’s the law. But what you may not know is that each state has different regulations when it comes to what coverage you’re required to have, when you must file a claim, and how to file it.

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Welcome to the Core!

Freedom is the power to choose. We give our clients the complete liberty of choosing from any of our services a la carte, or selecting a bundled package of our comprehensive services. These services range from payroll distribution to technology solutions to recruitment support. We understand that every business is unique, and we tailor our services to work for you.

You may have HR duties, compliance concerns, administrative tasks, and a growing list of local and federal guidelines to keep up with in a continually evolving industry.

If we can ease your burden with any of custom solutions, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. One of our sales agents is available to answer all of your questions and walk you through your options. Remember, you’re not in this business alone. We hope you’ll become part of our extended core family.

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