Insights
Wildfires and Other Secondary Perils Driving Insurance Costs
The devastating wildfires on Maui have shone a spotlight on an issue that’s being felt much more broadly than just in the Aloha State. Thanks to shifting weather patterns, there’s been a recent uptick in “secondary perils” — wildfires, major thunderstorms, and landslides — which is prompting private insurers to pull back or limit coverage, leaving the overall market in a precarious position. Secondary Perils Are Impacting the Entire Insurance Market Major...
MiniCo Recognized as 5-Star Program Administrator by Insurance Business America
MiniCo has been chosen for this award for the third year in a row by voters within the insurance industry. MiniCo Insurance (MiniCo), a Jencap company, has been recognized for the third consecutive year as a 5-Star Program Administrator by Insurance Business America. Program administrators were nominated by insurance industry professionals and...
Understanding Animal Mortality Insurance: Protection for Livestock Owners
Animal death is an unfortunate, yet expected, reality in the world of livestock and animal management. All animals have an average lifespan, and livestock owners take that into account when considering their operational costs. However, accidental or unexpected deaths — those not caused by old age — can be devastating to a farm or ranch...
Benefits of Working with a Program Administrator
While there’s no silver bullet when it comes to complex, specialty insurance placement, the skills of a Program Administrator come close. Program Administrators leverage their market expertise and industry credibility to guide their agency partners and clients through an insurance landscape fraught with rate increases, capacity restrictions, and...
What You Need to Know About Insuring Sports Memorabilia
The world of sports memorabilia is a treasure trove of history, unforgettable moments, and (in some cases) risky investments that paid off. From legendary game-worn jerseys to iconic trading cards, to championship souvenirs, and more, collectibles ignite a certain type of passion that transcends time. On top of the nostalgia and sentimental value...
How Weather Trends are Affecting Agribusiness
Although each season always has its surprises, shifting weather patterns in recent years have become far less predictable and much more extreme. As a result, the agricultural industry is now navigating an unprecedented swath of challenges. Throughout the United States, sweltering heat waves, raging fires, and winter storms have destroyed crops,...
Doing Business in Extreme Heat: Protecting Employees is the Top Priority
The summer of 2023 is already in the record books, and it’s only at the halfway point. An unprecedented heat wave has held the Northern Hemisphere in its grip for weeks, causing a spike in heat-related injuries and fatalities in many parts of the U.S., disrupting operations for businesses that rely on employees to work outdoors, and calling into...
The Financial Impact of Hailstorms
Nature has a way of reminding us of its immense power, often showcasing its strength through hailstorms and powerful winds. These events can leave us in awe at the raw power of nature, but the aftermath can be devastating, leaving behind a landscape marked by damage and uncertainty. In the midst of the chaos of a severe hailstorm,...
Emerging Challenges for Nonprofit and Social Services Organizations
In today’s ever-changing world, nonprofit and social services organizations play an invaluable role in addressing social, humanitarian, environmental, and other issues with the goal of improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Like any organization, nonprofits face challenges that may impede their ability to continue serving their...
Protect Businesses with Equipment Breakdown Insurance
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven landscape, businesses rely heavily on a wide range of equipment and machinery to power their operations, streamline processes, drive productivity, and, of course, increase customer satisfaction. Yet, no matter how advanced or reliable a company’s equipment may be, equipment breakdowns can and do occur,...
MiniCo Insurance Agency Named Best of Business in Self-Storage Commercial Insurance for 12th Year
For the 12th consecutive year, MiniCo has claimed the top spot in self-storage commercial insurance. MiniCo Insurance Agency (MiniCo) has been selected by readers of Inside Self-Storage magazine as a Best of Business winner in the category of best commercial insurance for the twelfth consecutive year. MiniCo executive Mike Schofield commented,...
Insuring High-Value Collectibles
There’s investing in stocks, and there’s investing in collectibles. In the latter case, collectors represent a unique group of investors, and it may be precisely this reason why the world of collectibles is as unpredictable as it is adventurous. Some categories of collectibles represent million-dollar investments. Water damage, theft, and even...
King of Collectibles: What Insurance Agents Should Know
“We sell the most interesting things in the world from all categories — sports, entertainment, comics, rock and roll, movies — and we also deal with an incredible cross-section of celebrities, athletes, serious collectors as well as individuals who may find that one thing that’s going to change their life. Literally, within the first 60 seconds...
4 Specialized Insurance Coverages for Self-Storage Businesses
Within the commercial real estate market, the self-storage industry stands out from the crowd. With its seeming immunity to economic fluctuations, the self-storage sector rode out the Great Recession, a global pandemic, and supply-chain disruptions and is currently seeing an upswing in new construction and expansion. Industry newcomers need to be...
Protecting a Collection in the Event of a Hurricane
Billion-dollar weather events are on the rise. As an insurance agent, you are likely counseling clients to review and adjust coverage for their personal homes and commercial properties. But have you asked about their collections of artwork, signed sports memorabilia, Wine…or something else? For context, insured losses due to severe weather...
What Agents Should Know When Insuring Horse Boarding Facilities
There’s been a tremendous shift toward recreational horse ownership, so much so that this group represents a significant (and the fastest growing) portion of the horse industry. Accompanying this growth is an increasing need for horse boarding facilities that can provide quality equine custody and care. As the market grows, many owners of horse...
5 Ways to Mitigate Wind and Hail Damage Risks for Your Insureds
Insurance claims for small businesses occur frequently enough; in 2020 alone, 3 out of 4 businesses experienced an event that could have resulted in an insurance claim. With that statistic in mind, it begs the question: “What are the most common claims for businesses?” Recent data indicates that claims resulting from natural disasters rank second...
Cyber security: how to guide your insureds through a data breach
How to Guide Your Insureds Through a Data Breach Whether through sophisticated malware, phishing schemes, or an unsecured website that leads to data leaks, cyber attacks occur frequently enough to warrant due diligence. Cyber attacks affect businesses of every size — from a mom-and-pop shop that takes digital payments to large enterprises that...
Giddy Up Your Coverage: Insuring Bourbon Collections in Time for the Kentucky Derby
Bourbon has become a treasured prize for collectors around the world. But whether you enjoy sipping it neat or mixing it into classic cocktails, bourbon is singularly beloved and wholly American. Bourbon is the only spirit native to the United States and, in fact, is protected by a 1964 Congressional resolution that limits its production to...
Cyber Risks of Using Public Phone-Charging Stations
Your clients’ exposure to cybercrime doesn't end at the office door. Hackers have a variety of ways to access critical business information via phishing, ransomware, and malware. One of the latest trends in cyberattacks involves the use of public phone-charging stations. Although these charging stations are convenient and appear safe, they can...
How to Insure Antiques and Fine Collectibles
It’s a $42,000 mistake that happened recently at an art exhibit in Miami. The most famous balloon dog sculpture in the U.S. was accidentally knocked over by an attendee — and it shattered into pieces. Wait a minute..? Why didn’t they place that sculpture under protective Glass or something? Good point! But the bigger question is, “Who’s going to...
Flood Evacuation Planning
Ensure the safety of your employees and customers by developing a flood evacuation plan for your business that includes the following: Conditions that will activate the planSpecific evacuation proceduresMaps of evacuation routesProcedures for accounting for all personnelEmergency functions with staff assignmentsEmergency equipment Don’t forget to...
Driving in Flood Conditions
If you need to drive in flood conditions, be mindful of the risks and take the necessary precautions. According to the National Weather Service, almost half of all flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles, so it is important to be prepared. Six inches of standing water can stall some cars.One foot of water can float a vehicle.Two feet of moving...
Surviving a Wildfire
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, federal wildfire suppression costs range from $1-2 billion annually. Here are some tips to help you survive during a wildfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a fire. Don't assume that someone else has reported it.Monitor the Emergency Alert System (EAS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...
Fire Prevention Tips for Customers
Educate your tenants and customers about fire prevention to help reduce risk at your property.3 Ways to Educate Customers About Fire Prevention Signage: Post signs around the property to remind customers that smoking, candles, and open flame are prohibited.Monthly Bills: Add a fire prevention tip or other safety reminder to each monthly bill or...
Creating Defensible Space for Wildfires
Defensible space is a zone in which vegetation, debris, and other combustible fuels have been cleared, minimized, or treated with the goal of slowing the spread of fire to and between buildings. Here are tips from the Department of Homeland Security's website www.Ready.gov.6 Tips for Creating Defensible Space Choose fire-resistant materials for...
Pre-Wildfire Mitigation
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average of 70,000 wildfires are set ablaze across the United States each year. Lightning can trigger burns, but they are frequently initiated by humans through intentional or unintentional means. Property owners can help mitigate potential wildfire losses, but some don’t take these...
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion
First aid actions for heat-related illness: Call a supervisor or co-worker for help. If no one is available, call 911.Have someone stay with the person until emergency medical personnel arrive.Move the person to an area that is air conditioned or shaded.Remove the person’s outer clothing.Fan the person and mist them with water. Apply ice bags or...
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Working outdoors in the summer months can mean coping with hot, humid weather conditions. It is important for you and your facility managers to understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke to help prevent these dangerous, and possibly deadly, situations. Symptoms of heat exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, or faintingWeakness and wet...
Watch Out for Heat Stress
In many parts of the country, the summer months mean high heat and high humidity – a combination that can be a serious health hazard for you and your facility managers who have to work outside. Here are some tips for avoiding heat stress and heat-related illness: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric.Drink small...
Here Comes the Sun
During the warm-weather months, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your employees from the hazards of sun exposure while working outside. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes premature skin aging, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. Remember: there are no safe UV rays or suntans. Here are a few ways to stay safe...
Employment Practices Complaints
High-profile cases involving employee claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination by their employers make headlines on a regular basis. Self-storage businesses are not impervious to this type of trouble. In today’s litigious environment, all employers would be wise to consider employment practices liability coverage to...
Employment Practices Liability Coverage
No business is immune to the possibility of employment practices complaints, which most commonly involve complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. With this in mind, it is important to discuss employment practices liability coverage with your insurance agent. Employment practices liability coverage may be...
Fireworks Safety
In the weeks surrounding the July 4th holiday, an average of 180 people per day wind up in the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations. But in the midst of the festivities, it can be easy to overlook the fact that...
Pest Control
The last thing your tenants want to discover is evidence of damage to their valuable stored items as a result of insects, rodents, or other pests. Your facility risk management plan should include a monthly pest control prevention program that includes regular inspections and treatment. Hiring a licensed, insured pest control vendor to perform...
Maintaining Gates and Elevators
Gates, gate operators, and elevators are some of the most frequently used features at a self-storage facility. Now that spring is on the way, it's a good time to inspect these systems and make any necessary repairs. This action ensures that these systems are operating at peak efficiently while helping to minimize the potential for costly property...
Spring Roof Inspection and Maintenance
As you plan ahead for the busy summer rental season, one of the first tasks to address is a thorough roof inspection. Roofs and gutters can take a beating during the winter months, and it is important to address any issues before a problem escalates into a leak causing costly damage to the facility or tenants' stored items. Be sure to inspect the...
Hurricane Emergency Plan
With the 2022 hurricane season underway, it is critical that you be prepared. The first step is to create an emergency preparedness plan, a basic requirement for all businesses regardless of location. Once the plan has been developed, it is important to communicate it to your managers and employees. Training – Provide ongoing training for your...
Hurricane Season Forecast
June 1st marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. This year's extended-range forecast by Colorado State University research scientist Dr. Philip Klotzbach anticipates above-normal activity. His forecast for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season predicts 19 named storms including 9 hurricanes with 4 classified as major hurricanes...
Downed Power Line Safety
Downed power lines can be deadly. They can energize the ground for up to 35 feet (or more in wet conditions). The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends that downed power lines should always be assumed to be live to reduce the risk of severe injury or fatality. Here are...
Electrical Safety and Hurricanes
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and severe storms can strike across the country at any time. The storm preparation checklist for your self-storage facility should include electrical safety considerations. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers recommendations for before, during, and after a...
Stay Informed
Want to receive information from MiniCo on timely marketplace trends, hot new program launches, and valuable industry expertise that will set you up to win? Sign up to receive email communications.