Roofing can be a competitive and rewarding field, and years of hard work can help contractors establish a strong customer base and reputation. Roofing contractors invest their expertise, time and energy to build or repair roofs that will stand the test of time. However, owning a roofing contractor business can be physically and mentally demanding, and it’s a constant challenge to deliver exceptional service while maintaining profitability and reducing commercial liability.

These challenges are magnified when you consider that risks related to property damage, equipment breakdowns, environmental factors, while inland marine and crime must also be addressed.  The list below is an overview of these risks and more—helping you identify potential blind spots in your risk management and insurance programs.

While most incidents that occur on a customer’s property would be covered under a general liability policy, property exposures are still present at the contractor’s office and workshop. Exposures can come from malfunctioning electrical equipment, flammable materials, weather and natural disasters. Fire damage may be a particular concern if the contractor stores roofing materials or heats bitumen on the premises.

No matter how cautious your employees are, accidents can and do happen. These accidents create a significant bodily injury exposure. Slips, trips and falls are common hazards in roofing operations. What’s more, because roofers work at heights with tools, people below are at risk of injury from falling objects. In the event of bodily injury to an employee, client or third party, a roofing contractor could be forced to pay for medical costs, emergency care, doctor's visits and legal expenses.

The vast majority of roofing contractors depend on employees to operate vehicles for the company, this creates automobile exposures in the process.  Needed for daily operations (i.e. driving from project to project or transporting tools), the use of a vehicle can lead to accidents and significant insurance claims. Additionally, if you allow employees to use their own vehicles for work, standard commercial auto policies are often not enough.

Once a job has been completed, roofing contractors can be held liable if their work product causes bodily injury or property damage. While claims of smaller problems can often be resolved with a repair, larger issues may result in legal action. Completed operations coverage can help protect a contractor in the event of such a claim.

Roofing contractors depend on a variety of different equipment to complete work on a roof, potentially creating significant equipment breakdown exposures as a result. Moreover, roofing contractors can experience business interruptions or even lose contracts as a result of an equipment breakdown. 

Roofing contractors regularly transport equipment, tools and supplies to and from worksites. As such, any property that is unique and valuable in transit, in your short term care, stored at determined (but movable) locations or used to transfer information represents inland marine exposures. Materials and tools can be damaged in transit from shifting loads or traffic collisions; at the worksite from collision, being dropped or poor weather conditions; or lost from theft, potentially creating costly losses.

The disposal of old roofing materials, waste bitumen and other hazardous materials presents potential environmental liabilities, as these materials can create pollution. Environmental incidents are particularly concerning because they can cause harm to the community,
and often involve costly cleanup and cause damage to a business’s reputation.

Continuity is critical for any business, and there are few things more important than continuous revenue and a steady cash flow. A single business interruption can be costly for roofing contractors and may even lead to serious reputation damage or long-term closures. Common interruptions for roofing contractors stem from natural disasters, fires, equipment breakdown and loss of materials.

Roofing contractors face several crime exposures, particularly if valuable equipment or tools are left unattended at the work-site, which may attract thieves or vandals. Thieves (including your employees) can rob an office or work-site at any time, targeting cash or valuable supplies. What’s more, with work-site locations changing on a regular basis, the level of risk a roofing contractor faces is in constant flux.

When an employee is injured on the job, your organization could be subjected to expensive workers’ compensation claims. Common sources of on-the-job accidents for roofing contractors include falls from heights (e.g., roofs and scaffolds), heat stress, injuries related to equipment use, slips, trips, falls and musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive tasks. Normal, everyday tasks related to laying shingles or climbing ladders can lead to accidents and, in turn, increased costs for your business.
For More Information

While the proper risk management practices can reduce certain exposures, no system is 100% effective in ensuring an incident-free workplace. As a result, it’s all the more crucial to work with a qualified insurance broker to not only assess you exposures, but secure the appropriate coverage as well. To learn more, contact TWFG Insurance - Kelly Lee LLC today.

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The who, why and when of vaccines. 

704 cases of measles, in 22 states have been confirmed in the United States since January 1st, 2019, This is the largest number of cases reported in then U.S.since measles was declared eliminated in 2000.  With measles in the spotlight and on the rise, we thought we would share the following information from the CDC with our followers.

Kelly Lee Insurance | Our Policy is Caring! | (337) 656-2890

When it rains, many times, it pours.  When it pours, all that water can lead to flooded homes.  Did you know homes can flood when there hasn’t been a drop of rain for weeks?  A common cause of household flooding comes from appliances that leak or malfunction. 

Drip, drip, drip.  It’s just a small leak, you barely even notice, but is it causing destruction?  Uh-oh, the washer failed to drain after the cleaning cycle and as the rinse cycle runs more water it overflows rushing from the laundry room into the kitchen and running down the hallways to the bedrooms.  Water from an emergency situation, or a gradual build-up, both can cause costly damage to your home.

Dishwashers, Washing Machines, and Refrigerators with Automatic Ice Machines are the three most common household appliances that cause homes to flood and endure water damage.  Here are some maintenance and inspections tips to follow to lessen the likelihood of falling victim to an appliance caused household flood.

Dishwashers have supply and discharge lines that pump water in and out during the wash and rinse cycles.  If one of those lines springs a leak and ultimately explodes, gallons of water can flood the kitchen causing damage.

Soapy water can also backup in the dishwasher spilling out onto the floor.  This backup of water is usually caused from a malfunction like a faulty float, food and debris clogging the drain gate or the discharge house, or using the wrong detergent.
 
To aid in the prevention of a dishwasher caused household flood, it is recommended that the drain gate be checked frequently clearing debris and food particles.  Hoses and connections should be routinely inspected for leaks.  Also, purchase and use dishwashing detergent recommended for the make and model of your appliance.

A hole as small as a pin prick can cause a constant small drip to lead to big household floods if ignored.  Many times, water can build up and cause hidden damage.  If a washing machine supply line bursts, it can cause great damage. 

Again, prevention is key.  Check your hoses and connections closely at least twice a year.  Are there cracks, holes, any moisture or water spots from the hoses are where connection are made?  Does your hose have plenty of room and lie smooth or are there kinks in the hose?  

If it is time to replace your hoses, think about using stainless steel hoses instead of rubber. Maintain a minimum of four inches between the washing machine and wall.  That way hoses aren’t crowded and cramped.  Installation of an automatic shutoff valve, that can sense water pooling on the floor and shutdown the water supply by closing the valve, might be a good tool to prevent household flooding.

Ice that comes from an automatic maker in the refrigerator/freezer is genius.  We love the convenience but again a leaking line to spell household flood disaster.  

Make sure it is installed properly and the copper hose won’t come loose, or worse, disconnect totally.  Routine inspection of the water line is the best way to detect a small leak before it becomes a big problem.  The four inches away rule applies to this appliance as well.  Leave that gap to prevent crimping.

Routine inspection and immediate repair are the best ways to prevent household appliance flooding.  You should also inspect your homeowner insurance policy to understand what your coverage would be in an event of an appliance caused flood.  

Call Kelly Lee Insurance today for a no-obligation quote for all your insurance needs.

Ah, Spring!  Summer is a few months away.  Is your vehicle ready for the weekend road trip or summer vacation travel?  Here are a few car maintenance items to check out and do before you hit the road.

Schedule any routine maintenance before your trip so you won’t have to stop for it during your trip.  Oil change still a few hundred miles out? Get it done before you hit the road and to avoid any performance issues.  Have all fluids topped off and make sure your tires are rotated.  Maintaining these things gives you a better ride and lessens the chance of routine maintenance needing to be done when you are away from your trusted car care facility.

Have your tire air pressure checked (including the spare) and have tires inspected for wear.  Many vehicles have only a donut as a spare.  Consider having your spare replaced with a full size tire that way you can continue a trip at normal speeds and distances without a trip to the tire shop.

Replace windshield wiper blades if need be and make certain you have plenty of fluid in the windshield well.  It is recommended to replace them every 6 to 12 months.  

Have all your lights checked just like you would for a vehicle inspection. Turn signals, headlights, and tail lights should all be in working condition.  Don’t hit the road without making sure all are operational.  If you will be pulling a trailer or camper, make certain those lights are all in working order.  It is also a good idea to carry a spare fuse.

If a indicator light is on, have it checked by a qualified mechanic.  It is better to know why the light came on than take a chance while on the open road. 

Have a mechanic check your radiator, hoses, and belts for wear.  Your car will run better and you can prevent being temporarily stranded if these are close to replacement time.  Prevention is the best cure when it comes to hoses and belts.

Have your brake system inspected. Making sure your vehicle can stop on a dime prevents many accidents.  Brake pads wear thin and sometimes unevenly.  You may not notice they are about to go out until it is too late.  Have a qualified professional take a look.

Check the suspension of your vehicle.  Being in a vehicle with worn struts and/or shocks can be likened to flying in an airplane plagued by turbulence.  Bouncing up and down after every little bump in the road does not make for a pleasant trip.  Have worn springs, struts, and shocks replaced.

Have the air conditioning system serviced and checked.  It gets hot quickly in a car and adding to the misery of a hot, humid day is a vehicle without cool air.

Clean your vehicle from top to bottom, inside and out, before your trip.  Maintain the cleanliness inside with trash bags instead of using the floor boards for waste.  At each pit stop, throw your trash away and clean the windshield.

One last thing to check is your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle insurance coverage.  Knowledge is power, and when traveling knowing you are covered in the event of an accident can greatly increase your chances of relaxing.  Kelly Lee Insurance agents can give you a fast, no-obligation quote by telephone or online.  Make certain you have the insurance coverage you need at prices you can afford, for even the youngest drivers in your family, and take a vacation free from worry.  

Car insurance is required by law to drive, but why do you really need it? Most people figure it's something they have to do but care little about the benefits of car insurance and its meaning in their lives.

Every day, there are over 17,000 car accidents in the United States, and over forty thousand people die from car crash injuries each year.

Many of those who survive often face significant physical and emotional trauma. Hospital bills and repair costs can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. Are you able to cover theses cost if it happens to you?

The truth is that no one wants to pay for car insurance, and understanding all of the reasons why you should have it won't make you any more eager to fork over a hundred or more dollars each month. But auto insurance in Lake Charles isn't just something people with enough money should have. Every licensed driver should have car insurance in Lake Charles. This article will take a look at some of the more significant reasons why auto insurance matters.

Everyone is Protected When There's Insurance

After a car accident, drive and passenger safety and recovery are the top priorities. No one wants to stress about a court date and think about how they'll manage to pay their expenses. Car insurance is protection, plain and simple. Every state has required minimum coverage limits that ensure drivers can cover moderate damages in the event of an accident.

The most common minimum car insurance requirements are:

• Bodily Injury Liability
• Property Damage Liability
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-Fault Insurance Coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection

You may not want to pay for each of these different types of coverage, but they all serve a unique purpose that offer a blanket of protection if you're in an accident. Bodily injury liability pays for the other car's injured passengers medical expenses. If only one driver has insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage kicks in.

Underinsured/uninsured coverage protects drivers and covers expenses for an accident when the at fault driver doesn't have insurance, or their insurance coverage is low, and is insufficient to cover the claim.

PIP coverage is there to provide some financial support regardless of who is at-fault in an accident. This provides a peace of mind and sense of security if you're ever in an accident and require emergency medical care.

Property damage, as the name implies, covers the cost of the other driver's repairs in an accident.

As you can see, most of the car insurance requirements don't pay for you, but the other driver. What does that mean? In the event of an accident, you're relying on the other driver to have insurance that can pay for your expenses if you were not at fault.

If drivers choose not to carry auto insurance in Lake Charles, or they simply can't afford it, they put others' lives and finances at risk every time they get behind the wheel.

Insurance Covers More Than Accidents

Car insurance in Lake Charles can be customized to cover a variety of life events. Many types of supplemental coverage pay for damages and repairs that aren't caused by another driver. Some of the most damaging things that can happen to your car don't even occur on the road!

Take theft and vandalism coverage. If your car is broken into and someone steals your laptop, who pays for it? Most people would just file a police report and figure they're out of luck, but if you have theft protection added onto your car insurance, you'll be able to replace stolen property.

Car insurance policies can also cover weather damage, accidents involving animals, towing and rental vehicles while your car is in the shop after an accident.

Being sure about your business needs is crucial to staying afloat, especially in a competitive world where not everyone can be trusted.  Imagine conducting business with someone who promises to perform a service for you. On the day they are to perform said service, they fail to show up. 

Imagine hiring a contractor for an expansion that is desperately needed for your business to grow to the next level.  Your highly recommended contractor is doing a fabulous job.  Everything is on schedule and your Grand Opening of the new wing of your business is planned for the end of the following month. You order food, entertainment, print invitations, and media to cover the opening and 3 weeks before completion, your trusted, high-producing contractor suffers some personnel issues and is unable to maintain the work pace because he no longer has qualified employees.  The job, that you already paid for, is shut down.  You cannot find a replacement contractor. You cancel your Grand Opening Celebration.  How much money would you lose?  It could mean a significant loss unless you had protection against losses from obligations not being met.  Surety Bonds are an insurance product that covers contractors.  

Surety (or Commercial) Bonds are used to protect the obligee (client)  in the case of nonperformance.  Basically, a Surety Bond, or Commercial Bond insures the hired party will perform or funds will be returned and losses covered.

To put it in bond, Surety Bond, language, a surety protects the obligee against losses if the principal does not meet their obligations.  Further definitions to help you understand the language are:  the obligee is the hiring party, the principal is the hired person or party, and the surety is the insurance company who guarantees that the obliging contractor can fulfill the obligation.

Let’s put it in first person:  The obligee or hiring party is you.  The principal or hired person is your contractor.  The surety is the insurer. 
 
Kelly Lee Insurance has access to over 50 independent underwriting sources, this means you can find the best value Surety Bonds for your business.  Rates on Surety or Commercial Bonds are dependent on several factors including risk, type of business, and the cost of the project or work to be performed.

The business world can be complicated, the business world can be uncertain, however, with the issuance of a Surety Bond your project can find concrete footing in the case of an unforeseen impediment.   

Surety Bonds are not applicable to every type of business.  Surety Bonds may not be necessary or even obtainable for every situation that involves hiring a contractor to provide a service.  

If you would like more information on Surety Bonds or Commercial Bonds in Lake Charles LA, call your local insurance agent Kelly Lee Insurance.  They are than willing to have a no-obligation discussion about the protection this type of insurance affords your clients.  

If Kelly Lee Insurance is your agent for auto, life, business, and/or home, then you know about the top-notch service their local staff provides on a daily basis.  They are ready and willing to help make your business decisions and operations are sure as possible.

On Monday, March 4, 2019, major drugmaker Eli Lilly announced that they would begin selling an authorized generic version of their top-selling insulin, Humalog 100, for half the cost. A vial of Humalog 100 costs $275, while a vial of the generic version, Insulin Lispro, will cost $137.35 per vial. 

The company said their new product—which will be offered in both vial and pen options—will be sold through their subsidiary ImClone Systems in pharmacies as soon as possible, according to the company’s statement. Eli Lilly will continue to offer its name-brand insulin to insurers and employers while making its generic version available to patients who pay for the medicine out-of-pocket.

What’s the difference between the two drugs?
A misconception that is common among consumers is that a generic medication is inferior to a brand name medication. In actuality, a generic drug is identical to a name-brand drug in safety, form, dosaage, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. In addition, any generic medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must pass the same stringent standards as brand name drugs.

This action is one of the latest by a major drugmaker to offer lower-priced versions of popular drugs. However, Eli Lilly’s announcement is considered by the many Americans to be a step in the right direction when it comes to pricing of medications needed to manage chronic conditions. 
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What’s next?
Eli Lilly’s generic insulin offering announcement comes almost one week after top drugmaker CEOs were called before the Senate to undergo questioning about the rising costs of drug prices. While there is a long way to go to fix skyrocketing drug prices, this most recent announcement demonstrates a step in the right direction.