Commercial LRO – Novita Insurance Solutions https://novitains.com Innovative, Specialty Niche Insurance Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:06:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://novitains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-mediumsmall-res-32x32.png Commercial LRO – Novita Insurance Solutions https://novitains.com 32 32 Hazard Inspections | Novita Infographic https://novitains.com/hazard-inspections-novita-infographic/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:05:05 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9575 Insurance underwriters evaluate a number of criteria in determining the insurability of commercial and residential real property. Thorough inspections play an increasingly important role in both mitigating current hazards, and in identifying and addressing other potential hazards. Being up-to-date with inspections impacts everything from financial liability to mortgage financing, and whether or not the property will be an acceptable risk to an insurance company – and at what cost.

There are a number of independent research and public safety organizations and governmental regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over inspection, testing, remediation, and compliance certification for commercial and residential real estate. From the International Code Council (ICC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to the National Fire Protection Association, building codes covering materials and installations, testing schedules, and mitigation measures are studied and best practices codified, serving as the basis and minimum requirements used in most areas of the country. Local, regional, state, and federal government agencies weigh in on any number of safety measures designed to keep people safe, with varying degrees of enhanced overlays on the established minimum requirements laid out by the independent research and public safety organizations. Be sure to check on specific requirements based on location.

To assist our insurance agent/broker clients in educating their current or potential policyholders, Novita has created a printable/downloadable Inspection Hazard infographic that overviews critical areas where compliance can lead to better public safety and help them in navigating the insurance submission process to a successful outcome.

For more information, contact Novita Insurance Solutions, LLC. Your clients depend on you. You can depend on us.

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“Sticking” the Landing https://novitains.com/sticking-the-landing/ Tue, 31 May 2022 15:43:54 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9558 Help your clients ensure their property’s stairways are code compliant – and safe

In this post, Novita examines stair and rail system safety. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a relatively safe environment – premises liability – as a guest or employee can sue for injuries if there is a slip and fall on stairs due to unsecured or weak railings, improperly positioned risers and treads, poorly maintained treads, improper gaps in stairs or railing systems, etc.

Staircase and stairway accidents were found to be the second leading cause of accidental injury, next to motor vehicle accidents. In the US, there are 12,000 stairway accidental deaths annually. In those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of accidental death.

Every year, an average of over one million injuries occur as a result of falling down stairs.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2017

Building codes and regulations are working to address conditions and lessen or mitigate contributing factors in stairway accidents.

Stair Safety | Help Your Clients “Stick” the Landing

ICC/OSHA, IRC and IBC

Communities across the US have sets of rules for builders and other building trade professionals governing construction practices. The intent is to ensure the safety of all aspects of building construction. Local codes often vary from location to location, but most are based on model codes created on a national or international level by committees or councils consisting of recognized trade professionals.

The International Code Council (ICC), an organization responsible for both the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), govern commercial and residential building and remodeling practices, respectively, and are the basis for most local code regulations. The International Code Council (ICC), in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) create and set guidelines and requirements to ensure the safety of any premise, whether commercial or residential.

The International Building Code (IBC) regulates any set of stairs used by the public, including any stairway that connects a building to a public space. These regulations must account for the safety of every type of person — including children and the elderly. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Fixed Industrial Stair regulations (1910.24) govern the design, construction and use of both interior and exterior stairs used to access equipment, machinery, tanks, elevated platforms, other floors, or pits.

IBC/OSHA

The insurance industry relies on compliance with these codes when evaluating the insurability of both commercial and residential properties. Insurance companies follow the minimum requirements set by OSHA as well as local and state laws. They may also require additional safety measures necessary to reduce risks and potential danger that may result in a liability claim against a specific property.

The International Residential Code (IRC) is responsible for minimum requirements for building stairs to assure a level of safety to the public. Many aspects are looked at including the height, width, and length of each area.

IRC

These requirements often vary by state, county, and local ordinances but most conform to standards issued by the ICC and OSHA. Not following these standards can put people at risk. It can also cause a property owner a significant amount of money due to fines and higher insurance premiums.

Many believe it’s only older individuals that primarily fall down the stairs. Although a high portion of those in the study were older adults, the highest statistic (67.2%) underscores it was a combination of older adults, along with younger children.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2017

When working with your insurance clients, it’s important to have them take a critical look at a property to ensure it is in compliance with current codes and additional, enhanced safety measures. Not doing so may impact not only overall coverage cost, but even their ability to obtain coverage.

Common Stairway Terms

Stringer: The stringer is the entire sawtooth-shaped member or support upon which risers and tread rest. Typically there are least two stringers per staircase. Alternatively, solid side stringers with no sawtooth anchor the treads using metal connectors and no risers, creating an open appearance. Another design – growing in popularity – is the “floating” staircase, using a single center beam to support treads and having no riser, or designs that anchor treads to a structural element (i.e., a wall) on one side.

Riser: A riser is the vertical measurement of each stair. Risers can either be enclosed or left open, as in deck or basement stairs. The board that encloses the back of the step is also called a riser.

Tread: The tread is the horizontal section of each stair, sometimes called the run. This is the surface the user steps on.

Landing: A landing is a platform between two flights of stairs. It is also the approach space at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Nosing: The section of the tread that overhangs the riser below.

Staircase width: Width refers to the length of risers and treads from side to side. For code requirements, the minimum staircase width is the horizontal dimension between the sidewalls of a staircase, measured above the handrail(s).

Headroom: Headroom is the vertical dimension from the stair treads to the ceiling directly above. It is measured from a sloping imaginary line that connects all of the stair nosings

Baluster: The vertical guards that support the handrails along staircase and guardrails on landings.

Railings: Guardrails and handrails are critical safety feature on outdoor and indoor stairs, and ramps:

  • A guardrail is located near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces to minimize the possibility of a fall from the walking surface (landings, platforms, decks, porches, and similar structures) to a lower level.
  • A handrail is a horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support. Handrails may be installed along stairways, balconies or walkways.

For an in-depth look at current ICC/OSHA and IRC (CA adaptation) requirements and regulations regarding the maximum/minimum heights of stair risers (currently maximum is 7 3/4”); tread run depth (currently 10-11” minimum); headroom (6’8” minimum); staircase landing width (minimum 36” in direction of travel); staircase/stairwell lighting requirements; railings (both handrail and guardrail minimum and maximum heights, widths, loads, clearances, and spacing); and balusters (space between them must be 4” or less). For more in-depth information, check the embedded links.

Some cities and states add in their own additional rules, so be sure to have clients check with their local building department for current guidelines in a specific area. While not every municipality adopts every part of every code, the insurance industry does use ICC as the foundation for its best practices and underwriting guidelines.

For assistance with Commercial LRO, contact Novita’s team. Your clients count on you; you can count on us.

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NFPA 25 5-Year Inspection Report https://novitains.com/nfpa-25-5-year-inspection-report/ Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:43:39 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9549 Novita works with its insurance agent/broker partners to assist them in keeping their clients up-to-date with the latest information regarding various property inspections and testing. These inspections – which address potential hazards and overall risk management issues – help ensure properties are in compliance with current standards and regulations and provides necessary documentation for insurance submission requirements. Inspections and testing also have the added benefit of mitigating expensive repair costs through driving regular maintenance.

As insurance professionals entrusted with structuring safeguards for your client’s real property assets, you are an important resource and information conduit to your property owner clients. And Novita is committed to keeping you at the fore of insurance best practices, regulations, requirements, and knowledge needed to successfully navigate an ever-changing insurance landscape.

This week, Novita kicks off a series on property hazards and inspections, starting with the 5-year NFPA 25 Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report. When a commercial property insurance provider requires proof of fire safety compliance they are most often talking about the NFPA 5-Year Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report. We delve into recommended and required fire sprinkler system inspection schedules, testing schedules, and ongoing maintenance to help you underscore the importance of safeguarding real property assets.

Pat Lowther, President and CEO, Novita Insurance Solutions, LLC

When a commercial property insurance provider requires proof of fire safety compliance they are most often talking about the NFPA 5-Year Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report.

Modern fire safety codes and standards trace their origins to the 19th-century development of automatic sprinklers. The NFPA – the National Fire Protection Association – began when a small group of representatives of leading fire insurance and sprinkler interests gathered in Boston in March 1895 to address the growing issue of non-standardized piping size and sprinkler spacing. The members of this fledgling group knew nine radically different standards for piping size and sprinkler spacing could be found all within 100 miles of the city of Boston. They realized this plumber’s nightmare had to be resolved or the rate of sprinkler system failure might prove unacceptable, perhaps catastrophic.

The result of this – and subsequent meetings – coalesced into the NFPA and the development of standardized equipment, piping, installation, and later, testing and reporting. The NFPA started the inspection code requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems in 2002, known as the NFPA 25 5-Year Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report, a move that helps drive proper maintenance of these critical life safety systems.

The NFPA 25 5-Year Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report

This internal inspection of the pipe is conducted every five years. The 5-year inspection sticker verifies a property’s fire sprinkler is up to code. To keep fire sprinklers working properly, property owners and/or facilities managers perform inspections and testing according to NFPAs baseline for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Compliance helps maximize system integrity to avoid failure and ensure a fast, effective response in a fire emergency, which is the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

It also helps property owners avoid legal fines, reduces the potential for lethal accidents, and helps mitigate expensive repairs, when ensuring all fire sprinkler system components are code compliant.

Property owners should maintain all records of the most recent fire sprinkler inspections and tests for at least one year and be prepared to show these records to service providers, such as insurance carriers, upon request.

What is included in the NFPA 25 5-Year Sprinkler Inspection Report?

This inspection goes beyond the systems, valves and piping, and includes internal examination and testing. At random points in the fire sprinkler system, samples are taken to check for, and identify “MIC” (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion; corrosion aided by bacterial activity in a sprinkler system. MIC can destroy sprinkler piping at an alarming rate, and byproducts of corrosion can clog sprinkler piping and sprinklers, which may inhibit the system from operating as it was originally designed), rust, and slime that may obstruct the piping and compromise the system, and other organic or inorganic foreign matter). 

This inspection is especially important because, although a fire sprinkler system failure is rare, when it does occur it is often associated with a blockage in the system. Materials blocking the fire sprinkler piping can cause either no water – or insufficient water – when a fire sprinkler activates during a fire. The 5-year inspection is the only inspection that ensures there are no blockages in the system, so water flows with the correct pressure.

NFPAs 5-year testing serves as the foundational standards baseline for these tests, with a number of states adding more layers of stricter requirements. As with any property ownership issue, local/regional/state requirements should be consulted and adhered to as required by law.

What does the 5-year fire sprinkler inspection actually entail?

When a 5-year fire sprinkler inspection takes place, a fire protection inspector verifies the operation and condition of check valves and internally inspects the pipe. Internal examination is performed at the aforementioned minimum four points – system valve, riser, cross main, and branch line. Inspectors look for corrosion obstructions – either organic or inorganic foreign matter.

During the inspection, valves are examined to ensure proper operation. Pipes are drained and checked for foreign matter. Additionally, all internal components are cleaned, repaired, or replaced as necessary, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The inspection should also address other areas of the system that could cause concern, including valves, gauges, sprinkler heads, water storage, and “FDC” (Fire Department Connection; part of a sprinkler or standpipe system):

Gauges must be replaced or tested compared to a calibrated gauge.

Fire sprinkler heads must be inspected and changed where needed.

• The water storage tank should be examined by a licensed industrial diver or distant video if not by the inspector. Your inspector will check for signs of pitting or corrosion, including the tank coating, pinholes, cracks, and overall wall thickness.

All valves, especially stress lowering, stress aid and fire hose valves should be examined for corrosion or obstruction, adequate pressurization levels, and functioning clappers and seats.

• Internal piping is investigated for obstruction if foreign materials are detected.

• The FDC should also be inspected to ensure that, in case of an emergency, the fire department can hook into the FDC and it is free of obstructive material that may not allow water to pass.

If the presence of organic or inorganic matter (“MIC”) is found within the system, a deeper, more comprehensive obstruction investigation must follow.

Internal pipe examinations for “at-risk” systems take the inspection a step further.  At-risk systems – those fifty years and older – need to be monitored and inspected more closely than newer systems.  These at-risk systems are also examined at the system valve, riser, cross main, and branch lines.

After completion of the 5-year inspection, the report is completed and submitted to the property owner.

How often should a fire sprinkler system be inspected?

An inspection is essentially a visual once-over to check the status of the sprinkler system. According to NFPA 25, this is the inspection schedule a property owner or facilities manager should follow:

Weekly or monthly: Inspect the gauges in dry, pre-action, and deluge systems as often as once a week. Wet pipe system gauges can go a month between inspections.

Quarterly: Every three months, have the water flow alarm devices, valve supervisory alarm devices, supervisory signal devices, control valves, and hydraulic nameplates inspected.

Annually: Once a year, inspect the hanger/seismic bracing, pipes and fittings, information signage, and spare sprinklers.

Every five years: Conducting an internal inspection of sprinkler piping is only required once every five years.

How often should a fire sprinkler system be tested?

Tests are comprised of more in-depth physical checks. NFPA 25 dictates a baseline fire sprinkler testing schedule as:

Quarterly: In order to be as effective as possible, fire sprinkler mechanical devices should be tested quarterly.

Semiannually: Every six months, vane and pressure switch type devices must be tested.

Annually: Full testing and tagging should be performed annually. During a complete fire sprinkler system test, the technician should perform physical checks on all parts of the fire sprinkler system. These checks include water flow tests, fire pump tests, antifreeze concentration tests (in applicable systems), alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, and pre-action valves.

Every 5 years: Sprinklers exposed to extra-high temperatures and harsh environments, along with gauges on all sprinkler system types, should be tested or replaced every five years. An investigation of piping and branch line conditions is undertaken by opening a flushing connection at the end of one main and by removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line to investigate the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.

Every 10 years or more: Dry sprinklers should be tested or replaced every 10 years. Fast-response sprinklers should be tested after 20 years in use, and every 10 years after that. Standard response sprinklers should be tested after 50 years in use, and in 10-year intervals after that.

What should a property owner do if the inspection finds corrosion (MIC)?

If foreign material is found in any system in a building, all systems are then assessed, and an Obstruction Investigation follows. If foreign matter is found – a trigger point – complete flushing of the systems is required and removes any obstruction.

Corrosion in fire sprinklers is a major issue. It can change the trajectory of a fire from that of an inconvenience – if the fire sprinklers are activated correctly – to a devastating loss of life, property, and production if the fire sprinkler water source was blocked. By following fire sprinkler inspection requirements, commercial property owners have peace of mind in knowing that their facility and people are safe.   

How should your clients prepare for the 5-Year Sprinkler Inspection?

To prepare for the 5-year internal sprinkler inspection and maintain the safety of their facility and its occupants, your property clients need to perform regular maintenance of their internal sprinkler system, replacing and inspecting parts as necessary.

Conclusion

Novita’s team is here to help you secure insurance coverages that address your client’s risk exposure. For additional information, contact us and visit the company’s LinkedIn page

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TAKING ACTION: FOUR STEPS TO UP YOUR 2022 LRO GAME https://novitains.com/taking-action-four-steps-to-up-your-2022-lro-game/ Tue, 01 Feb 2022 18:41:34 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9328

GETTING AHEAD OF THE GAME

Earlier in this new year we’ve looked at divergent forecasts for the Commercial Property insurance market ranging from the California Surplus Line Association to leading insurance brokerage data and commentary (Insurance Journal). While the landscape varies in terms of rate increases, everything we’ve seen thus far points to a higher degree of difficulty this year for brokers and agents looking to cover “challenged occupancies,” with markets placing the blame for rate accelerations on 2021s overall “extreme loss patterns.”

A review of various forecasts all point to the same conclusion – prioritizing risk improvement is key. This is particularly important for property owners in high risk areas prone to natural catastrophes such as the designated wildfire and Wildland-Urban interface (aka “WUI” or “Woo-Eee” – the zone of transition between wilderness and land developed by human activity; an area where a built environment meets or intermingles with a natural environment; check this link for an interactive California ESRI ArcGIS WUI), wind, hail, and tornadoes.

Our last blog entry on Novita’s Learning Center delved in to how brokers and agents can work to position their clients – new submissions or renewals – to respond to proactively to a 2022 market under pressure.

2022 “FOUR STEP” PROGRAM FOR BROKERS AND AGENTS

  1. Gain – and maintain – a position as trusted source/resource for your clients. Brokers and agents have a unique relationship as a valued protector of a client’s assets. Providing advice and counsel to clients in the evolving world of risk management and mitigation is key to helping clients manage coverage and cost. Establishing and maintaining a collaboration culture with clients based on effective communication helps brokers and agents better market a specific risk, while also managing client expectations.
  2. Dig into current coverage; assess whether the client is properly covered. Underwriting criteria changes as risk appetite rises and falls. What may have worked in the past may not be the answer in the present, and even less so in the future.
  3. Review client programs. Insurance Industry studies show some 75 percent of commercial buildings are underinsured. Insurers need accurate assessments of replacement costs in case of an event. The estimate can help improve achieving premiums appropriate to a client’s risk, better quantify exposure, and help educate and inform clients on adequate policy limits.
  4. Increase the use of data and analytics when preparing new submissions and renewals. Using hard data and analytics helps form the narrative and tells a more complete story of a property to an underwriter as underwriting guidelines and criterion become more complex.

At Novita Insurance Solutions, LLC, we work closely with our agent/broker partners to vet, develop effective risk management and mitigation strategies, and communicate information needed to secure coverages. Contact us and let us assist you in keeping on track and successfully getting across the finish line in 2022. We got this!

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Getting a jump on 2022 https://novitains.com/getting-a-jump-on-2022/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:17:03 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9323

2021 loss experience is pressuring insurers to respond in several ways. How do you approach in 2022?

“The magnitude of insurance losses from catastrophic weather and from gargantuan civil litigation awards is a clarion call for legislators, regulators, individuals, businesses and insurers to act to protect lives and property from avoidable loss. The loss experience of 2021 is pressuring insurers to respond in several ways. First, insurers are challenged to be creative and relevant, providing protection to individuals and businesses against risks new or larger than heretofore experienced. January 3, 2022 Insurance Journal

We’ve all seen the handwriting on the wall. 2021 was a difficult year and has set the tone for 2022. Industry Brokers/agents will need to work closely with their clients to take control of the insurance submission and renewal process with a commitment to broad data collection and data quality, an ability to differentiate their client, an ability to build a narrative, and to communicate a winning story. Here are four tips to help market risk in 2022.

I. Information

Increased information will help buyers more accurately model any changes (e.g., reduction in limit, or increased retention) and help assure risk management strategies reflect organizational risk appetite or corporate philosophy.

2. Analytics

Analytics provide important guidance as buyers align offerings in the marketplace to their rapidly shifting risk transfer needs.

3. Data

Buyers need to distinguish themselves from their peers, especially in challenged occupancies. Risk managers and insurance agents and brokers must help shape the narrative and effectively tell this story, providing necessary data to satisfy underwriters’ insistence on robust underwriting information.

4. Communication

Communication is essential – telling a story of mitigation efforts, improved loss control measures and disaster recovery/business interruption plans remain critical in differentiating a buyer’s risk.

Conclusion

We’re just about three weeks in to 2022. Setting up this four-step framework will help increase risk marketing effectiveness with underwriters now and throughout 2022, as well as manage client expectations. Need additional assistance? Contact the team at Novita Insurance Solutions, LLC, for more information; we’re here to help.

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looking at the 2022 commercial property insurance market https://novitains.com/looking-at-the-2022-commercial-property-insurance-market/ Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:49:32 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=9314

Insurance availability and rates are forecast to be all over the map in 2022.

Willis Towers Watson weighed in with its end of year outlook for 2022 and the state of the insurance market.

The hard commercial insurance market continues, but as a steady, gradual softening brings a welcome deceleration in premium rate increases, we are reminded of one of the oldest and most fundamental marketplace principles: the law of supply and demand. Supply, in the form of additional capacity provided by insurance carriers, is up, and a rise in supply is doing what it does best: lowers prices.

For the most part, however, these numbers and the line-by-line commentary included here tell a simple story: a rise in capacity has lifted supply, and the laws of supply and demand have come to the aid of the insurance buyer.

Here are highlights from our 2022 predictions:

Property rate increases are decelerating, especially for better risks; those buyers can expect increases of 2% – 10%.

For challenged occupancies, rate hikes are forecast at 15% or more, which represents a continuing decline in increases over recent renewal cycles.

Property Update: A Cautious but Optimistic Market

From another perspective, Woodruff Sawyer’s “2022 PC Looking Ahead Guide” via JD Supra:

The commercial property insurance market in 2022 could see increased competition among renewals, as additional capacity continues to enter the market. Carriers are developing creative solutions to address an ever-changing risk landscape, offering more capacity, and coverage is stabilizing.

Yes, risk increases daily, and we’re seeing the impact of increased loss activity. However, the commercial property market continues to move in a positive direction. The average property rate increase YTD2021 is 8%. Additionally, we have achieved rate reductions on multiple renewals by creatively restructuring programs and introducing new capacity. We expect even better results in 2022 for insureds that continue to prioritize risk improvement.

New capital will continue to have a favorable impact on commercial property insurance renewals. For the first time since 2017, underwriters have new business goals, which will generate competition in 2022. In addition, clients’ risk mitigation efforts of the past four years are bearing fruit, with incumbent carriers looking to expand capacity and offer more favorable terms and conditions.

2021 Extreme Loss Patterns Set Stage for 2022

The California Surplus Line Association highlighted a January 3, 2022 Insurance Journal article in its own newsletter released a day later:

Unusual loss trends in 2021 called on the property & casualty insurance industry to play its role as the economy’s financial first responder. A look back at the most extreme loss patterns of 2021 sets the stage for the insurance-related issues we expect to dominate the 2022 public policy agenda. Loss experienced in 2021 boil down into two mega-trends: violently volatile weather events and shockingly large liability awards.

Bottom Line

Rates will vary depending on the location of a business. Companies in areas at high risk of natural catastrophes such as wildfire, hurricanes, hailstorms and tornadoes, are seeing the highest rate hikes, as well as non-renewals and even difficulty in securing coverage. For example, in wildfire areas of California rates were up over 20%.

What’s driving rates: Increasing frequency of natural catastrophes, as well as the severity of those events. Also, higher rebuilding costs due to materials price inflation and labor shortages.

Best advice: Risk managers, and brokers/agents need to manage stakeholder expectations as rate increases continue; they should consider creative solutions and alternative structures to mitigate the total cost of risk.
• Property is not a one-size-fits-all market; carriers are scrutinizing submissions.
• The need to differentiate risk has never been greater.

Take control; don’t just roll the dice. At Novita Insurance Solutions, LLC, our team helps its professional insurance broker and agent partners navigate an increasingly complex market. Click here for more information.

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Strip Malls And Shopping Centers: Risks & Exposures https://novitains.com/strip-malls-and-shopping-centers-risks-exposures/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:21:53 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=8649 Property exposure for a strip mall or shopping center is typically moderate, particularly as a center often includes one or more fast food or restaurant occupants. Grease and oil from deep-fat fryers, wood burning ovens or rotisserie operations, in addition to regular kitchen setups of gas ranges and ovens, could cause a fire that affects other tenants or worse, the entire building. A complete list of tenants is necessary to accurately determine exposures, with an accounting of all ignition sources including electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. The building owner must be aware of the electrical demands of tenants and supply them according to code. Conversions and upgrades need to be handled with appropriate permits.

Really, what could possibly go wrong?

Each unit may have a separate heating system, or there may be a boiler to provide heat to all units. All systems must be properly maintained on an ongoing basis. Other property concerns are age, condition, and repair of the building; the size, and configuration of the building including the roof expansion; and the condition and structure of the roof.

Other factors impacting property exposure is unique architecture or design where valuation may be a concern; and the underlying risk associated with shopping centers as attractive soft-targets for terrorism.

Premises liability exposure is often high to very high due to the number of visitors to the premises, with special events posing additional concerns due to crowds. The owner may be responsible for maintaining the building, parking lots, and sidewalks, or they may transfer these responsibilities by contract to a primary tenant. Tenants are normally responsible for the condition of the area they control.

All premises must be well maintained with aisle ways free of debris, flooring in good condition, with no frayed or worn carpeting, and no cracks or holes in flooring. The number of exits must be sufficient and well marked, with backup lighting in case of power failure. Steps should have handrails, be well-lighted, marked, and in good repair. Parking lots, parking garages, and sidewalks need to be in good repair, with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips, trips, and falls.

Security of visitors through the shopping center, including parking lots, is the responsibility of the owner or operator of the premises. There should be frequent security patrols. Should an emergency situation arise, there should be evacuation plans in place to quickly move tenants and visitors to a safe area. If security personnel are employed, procedures must be established as to appropriate response to their assigned duties. Additional exposure is presented if the security personnel carry firearms. Contractual relationships should be reviewed, and certificates of insurance obtained from tenants, vendors, and subcontractors. Additional insured status should be considered.

Contact us for additional information and to obtain a quote.

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LRO Property Insurance Black Swans and Unicorns https://novitains.com/lro-property-insurance-black-swans-and-unicorns/ Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:48:00 +0000 https://novitains.com/?p=8080

A week ago the US celebrated a delayed 2020 “Small Business Week” – and we’re happy to see that as the clock winds down on this year and the undeniable, painful “black swan” event impact on many businesses, bright spots can be found. For retail insurance brokers and their commercial property owners and lessors, commercial LRO property insurance is key to protecting their real estate investment, creating a safe environment for the millions of current – and future – small business owners populating communities across the country.

A recent survey from SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer expert business mentors, and a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration, revealed the Covid impact on startups had less than half (43.9%) adopting a “wait and see” attitude about starting or continuing their business. Nearly one in five (18.4%) are actually scaling up their plans, and only 2.6% abandoned their business.

Let’s look at a few overall facts on the 2020 small business front as we celebrate their enormous impact on the economy – and illustrate through sheer numbers the need for Commercial LRO property insurance:

In the US, there are 30.2 million small businesses; millions are housed in a building protected by commercial LRO property insurance

For those of you wondering what percentage of the economy are small businesses; as of 2018 (most recent tabulated data), 99.9% of US businesses are small businesses. Currently, small businesses employ more than 47.5% of the private workforce in the US and accounted for 1.9 million new jobs in 2017. Identified as an economic engine, small businesses remain an integral part of the state’s economic landscape.

Minorities own 45% of all US small businesses.

The State of a Small Business survey from Guidant Financial discovered a dramatic increase in the number of small businesses owned by minority ethnic groups. For comparison, in 2015 only 15% of all business owners were part of a minority ethnic group. Small business growth statistics show that the number of African American owners jumped dramatically by more than 400% in the period between 2017 and 2018.

Veterans own 9.3% of U.S. firms.

The latest reports show that veterans own 2.52 million businesses. Of them, 42,485 firms employed more than 5 million people in 2018, while 2.08 million are self-employed businesses. California, Texas, and Florida are the states with most veteran-owned companies. Among the thousands of standouts – Black Rifle Coffee, Rhumbix, and HirePurpose. Semper Fi.

12.3 million is the number of women-owned businesses in the US.

Women are harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit more than ever. As a result, the number of women-owned businesses has increased 31 times from 1972 to 2018. In 1972, only 4.6% of all firms (402,000) were owned by women. Today, this number is 12.3 million, 40% of all firms. These businesses employ 8% of the private sector labor force, contributing 4.3% of total revenues, or $1.8 trillion annually.In case you’re crunching the numbers, last year (2019) women started 1,821 net new businesses every day.64% pf all those businesses were started by women of color.

Women of color own 47% of all women-owned businesses.

Based on small business owner statistics, firms owned by women of color grew by 163% in the last decade. According to an American Express report, the main reason for this surge was the prolonged recession-recovery period, which enticed women of color to turn to entrepreneurship to earn enough money to live on. As of 2018, women of color make for 47% of women-owned businesses, generate more than $386 billion in revenues, and employ 2,230,600 people. A shout out to go-getter Khloe Hines, founder of pandemic startup Hungry Bunny Virtual Donut Shop – featuring 100% cruelty-free vegan cake donuts delivered from her kitchens in the midwest to any doorstep in the US. Yum!

Immigrants make up 25% of small business owners.

Immigrant entrepreneurs form a quarter of small businesses in the US. California, New York, and New Jersey have the largest concentration of immigrants who pursue the American dream. Researchers have noted that immigrant-owned businesses generate fewer jobs that are also low-paying.

Immigrants have founded 55% of the “unicorn” startups in the US.

Fifty of 91 startups valued over $1 billion (a “unicorn”) had at least one immigrant founder. Many of these companies have substantially increased the number of employees over the past two years. The leader among the immigrant-founded unicorn startups is Uber with 9,382 employees in the US and 3 million active drivers. Other examples include “Rocket Man” Elon Musk of SpaceX (and a handful of other very successful companies) with 7,000 employees, WeWork with 6,000, and Mu Sigma with 3,500 employees.

Black Swan, Unicorn, or both, Commercial LRO Property insurance helps small businesses grow, succeed

As the marketplace continues to respond and rise to 2020’s “black swan” challenges and opportunities – all of us at Novita Insurance Solutions are ready to assist with Commercial LRO property insurance renewals, and new policies to help you move your clients, and their current and future tenants, forward. Contact us today. We know there’s likely a unicorn or two in the shadow of the black swan waiting to come forward; together we’re making it possible.

Statistics gathered from Forbes magazine, American ExpressFundera, and the US Chamber of Commerce.

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