Is Cheap Public Liability Insurance Truly Worth The Money?

By Harish D Shenoy

It is well-known that every person is looking for some kind of insurance, but is also looking to find insurance policies cheap. People indulging in such activities cannot be faulted for their anxiety to try and save some money. However, would they really be doing the right thing by looking out for cheap Public Liability insurance? Unlike other insurance policies which offer coverage against a definite sum of money, public liability insurance policies cannot have a single estimate about the kind of claims which can be made against the policyholder. The expenses of people involved in accidents and required to make such claims can be high. Therefore, people should be extra careful when they look out for such insurance policies.

Any insurance policy which is sold as cover against public liability will carry a coverage that will be specific to the type of business that is buying the policy. The requirements of a retailer may be quite different from that of a homeowner. Homeowners may find it rather easier to purchase cheap Public Liability insurance whereas the same facility may not be available to the retailer. This is because the requirements of each person will be different. The owner of a home will in all likelihood, stand a chance of facing no claims against the liability insurance purchased. At the same time, retailers who have taken the precaution of purchasing such policies may be doing so after being aware that claims could be brought against them from people who may have been injured in the business premises. Such retailers would know that a business content insurance policy would not be of any help to them against a claim arising out of public liability. Therefore, they would be looking to get the right kind of coverage, which suits their requirement.

As mentioned earlier, it is the right of every person to purchase insurance at a cheaper price. However, people do face certain hurdles if they apply the same theory and look to purchase cheap Public Liability insurance.

People would definitely be advised to not try to purchase such insurance, if it is being offered at an unbelievable price. Chances are that the insurer who is making the offer could be trying to cut down on the kind of coverage, which is required. Insurance companies will not try to offer policy that can be categorized as high-risk at a low price. If they do so, they would definitely be cutting down on the type of cover, which is given. People may find that it is not really worth the money to purchase such insurance policies.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about cheap public liability insurance and other related topics. Read more about business content insurance at the author’s website.

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Cheap Public Liability Insurance: Searching Made Easy

By Shandon Lewis

Many business establishments are in search for cheap public liability insurance. Others are used to checking through different insurance company websites to check for low cost insurances. Some would even spend time calling and talking to various insurance customer service representatives and in the end are thought to check further on the web for instant information. This can waste a lot of time especially for a busy business owner or manager. Some would simply ask around and compare cost but each business has unique demands and different budgets established for insurance purposes.

However, the best way to search for cheap public liability insurance is to look for insurance quote engines. Insurance quote engines will require some information for the system to know your needs. After the details are provided, it will pull up various plans from different carriers for you to choose from. The premium information and the various services provided will help you compare different public insurance liability offers. The system can generate the information in just a matter of seconds. In a few clicks, you have all the information you need to pick from a wide range of public liability insurance offers that are within your budget and meets the demands of your business.

However, once you have your eyes on a few insurance offers, short list your options. And based on your company’s demands, you need to check on the limitations in each and every public liability insurance offer. See how each insurance carrier can provide competitive insurance offer with the competitive services they provide. Most insurance companies offer very low prices for their service because their offers overflow with limitations instead of services. With very little to get out of the insurance, there might be no advantage at having a cheap public liability insurance after all. However, if you limit your option to reputable insurance carriers, you might have a better chance at receiving the best level of service for a low price. The insurance that covers many liabilities to the public, their lives and properties is the best choice especially if it is for a low cost.

Finally, double check on the premiums offered. While some premiums might showcase low amounts the services you needed might require an additional fee. The premium price can just be bait so it is best to be extra cautious in settling for cheap public liability insurance. If all the other insurances offer the same premium and the same additional services for a fee then choose the one that offers the service that suit your business for a low additional cost. At the end of the day, it is supposed to be a financial solution that takes care of untoward incidents in the business premises. And if the wrong one is chosen, there could be more unnecessary hassles experienced. Prevention is the best cure and in choosing the best public liability insurance do not rush. Take time to check the credibility of the insurer. In addition, take a close look at the premium price if it already includes the service that meets all of your needs.

Author is a writer for Cheap Public Liability Insurance, a blog about insurance, with a focus on liability insurance.

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Public Liability for the Construction Industry

It’s easy to understand why the construction industry tends to take health and safety considerations more seriously than many other sectors. Because of the type of work they do, and the tools and machinery used to do it, accidents and fatalities are a real possibility and need to be avoided through structured education, and the application of safety processes and procedures. But it’s not just employees which construction managers need to worry about – there’s the public too. Many construction sites will cross into public spaces and the public need to be protected just as much as the workers.

These hazards come from vehicles carrying heavy loads, dangerous substances, uneven surfaces, falling objects and debris. Everything which happens on a construction site has a specific process, every tool and machinery a correct way of operating and maintaining. It’s this careful and correct use which offers workers and the public a greater degree of safety.

Creative Commons: chrismear on Flickr

Pedestrians and the public should be careful on construction sites, so the first step to making somewhere safe is actually making the public aware of the risks. Clear signage should highlight the boundaries of the construction site and its entrance. The entrance will normally include a sign confirming that anyone who enters should wear a hard hat at all times. Common sense saves lives and making the public aware of the dangers is the first step towards keeping them safe.

It’s essential that the public don’t enter the construction site, but it’s equally important that no construction work happens on public spaces. This could mean when cranes are lifting heavy loads to deposit in a particular location for example. The crane should not move over any space which is not cordoned off and marked as a construction site. Keep the public well away from any lorries or vehicles carrying heavy loads in case of falling objects.

If an object is dropped from a big height it gathers speed and becomes incredibly dangerous. The public should not be anywhere near any high-scaffolding areas, but construction workers should still keep tools on their belts and ensure that they do not leave tools or other items on the edge of walls, roofs or cherry picker platforms in case something slips off.

When construction work happens on the ground, it can create uneven surfaces which can be dangerous for the public. When this type of work is carried out, and safe passage through is required by pedestrians, a low scaffolding should be erected off the ground for the public to walk on. This will allow them to pass through the hazardous terrain without risking injury.

Safety at construction sites is paramount, and the safety of the public is just as important as that of the workers. Strict rules should be in place to ensure that injuries and fatalities can be avoided. For instances where the public cannot be diverted around construction works, it is usually best to contact local authorities to agree a quiet, appropriate time to carry out the works as safely as possible, without causing traffic congestions or other disruptions.

Alan Cairns writes on a number of subjects including health and safety.

Liability Disclaimer Examples

One of the most popular search terms on this site is for “example liability disclaimer” or “liability waiver” so we thought we would provide a few resources on the subject. Remember that a disclaimer will not necessarily absolve you from your liability if an injured party can prove that your were negligent. They are simply a tool to ensure that third parties are made aware of any potential inherent risks and agree to proceed with an activity at their own risk, You still have a duty of care towards them. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GET INDEPENDANT LEGAL ADVICE ABOUT LIABILITY DISCLAIMERS

• Sample Liability Disclaimer for an activity
• The Sample Liability Disclaimer is used by individuals and entities looking for liability release in connection with an event or program. The Sample Liability Disclaimer includes standard disclaimer language which asks participants in an activity to hold the administrators of the activity harmless in exchange of participation in the activity. This disclaimer form includes customizable options to suit your participatory activity or event. Use this form with activities such as a company-sponsored sporting event or outing, a school field trip, or other similar activities. DOWNLOAD HERE
• Sample Liability Disclaimer
• Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement can be utilized as a permission slip for special activities. DOWNLOAD
• Disclaimer (Sample) Form Download Disclaimer Sample Form

******** USEFUL ARTICLE FROM http://www.gallagherbassett.com.au :

Can my company rely on a liability waiver?

Key Points

• Liability waivers offer some protection, but laws vary by jurisdiction
• If liability waivers are improperly written they may be overruled on the grounds that the claimant did not understand what they were signing
• A liability waiver may not protect an organisation which can be shown to have acted negligently

A general liability waiver is a form an organisation may use to protect itself from lawsuits or paying compensation. Typically an organisation may ask an individual to read and sign a waiver form, which states that the organisation is not responsible for injuries, damage, or loss suffered as the result of the activities he or she participates in with the organisation.

A liability waiver form will often also state that the signer of the form fully comprehends the risks inherent in participating in the activity and contain basic information about medical procedures the organisation may use in the event of an emergency.

An individual who is presented with a general liability waiver may question whether or not they have any choice in the matter. For example, they may want to go on a bus trip but retain their rights in the event that the organisation somehow contributes to an injury or loss. While some organisations may make the signing of these forms voluntary, in most cases signing will be mandatory for participation. A learn to surf school, for instance, may only allow budding surfers to participate if they have signed this type of form. Likewise, a child may not be allowed to attend a class excursion organised by a school if his parent hasn’t signed a waiver.  READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE

Prototype/Product Design Related Issues

By Matthew Copus

When design documents are interpreted to be a product produced by the design professional and then replicated, the design professional may not ne protected by professional liability insurance coverage. In addition, product design is subject to more than the common law negligence standard, and may fall under the strict liability standard for damage caused by the design. The firm may also be exposed to class action type lawsuits, which can easily erode a limit of liability on the design firm’s professional liability insurance policy.

The client must understand the limited scope of services performed, and be aware of the possibility of third party claims in order to help protect the design firm from frivolous lawsuits. Your contract should include the following:

An indemnity and hold harmless clause for claims from users or buyers. The indemnity provision should state that the design professional, in providing service for a prototype, may be subject to numerous meritless claims from future users or buyers. It is reasonable that any use of the information without the design professional’s verification and adaptation to changes in codes, standards; site conditions or other factors should be at the client’s sole risk. In addition, it is unrealistic that the client should defend and indemnify the design professional for all claims, costs, losses, or damages to the design professional resulting from the use of the information.

A limitation of the design firm’s liability. Please keep in mind that this is only in effect between the parties of a contract and, therefore, third party claims would not have a limitation of liability. The limitation of liability section should clearly state that the limitation is based on the discrepancy between the risk to the design professional and the compensation. It should limit the risk to that which is foreseeable and manageable by the professional. If the client is not willing to allocate the risk so they absorb the risk for unanticipated or unmanageable risks, you will want to consider if it is worth taking on the project.

A disclaimer constituting a warning to future users, which identifies the service as a recommended or a prototype design for a specific set of design parameters. A disclaimer to avoid product liability should state that there is no warranty implied in the service provided and that the calculations or other instruments of service are prepared according to the standard of care for such services. The disclaimer should state that there is no representation or express warranty of merchantability, of fitness for a particular purpose, or as to the quality, adequacy, completeness, or sufficiency of the documents with respect to the use of the documents by the client. It should also serve as a warning to the ultimate user that the design was based on certain parameters and conditions and needs to be examined for specific conditions and code compliance.

The design firm and client should work together to form a fair and equitable arrangement for both parties. Achieving this goal will require some discussions with your client regarding the inherent risk in comparison to the reward that the design firm will realize from prototype and product design. If the client is unwilling to compensate the design firm for each prototype, and each subsequent product, it is reasonable to expect to be protected, and indemnified from third party claims.

It is also important to contact your insurance agent whenever your activities and professional services deviate from those services which were stated on your professional liability insurance application.

This information is presented for professional liability risk management guidance. It is not legal advice nor should it be construed to be a determination on issues of coverage for specific claims. Contact language establishes legal duties and rights and should be reviewed by competent local legal counsel.

Hall and Company is an insurance brokerage firm that specializes in the placement of A/E professional liability insurance. We currently are the brokers for more than 3,600 architects, engineers, environmental consultants and land surveyors. Our clients are located throughout the United States. We are located in Poulsbo, Washington, a suburb west of Seattle located on the Kitsap Peninsula. Our website is http://www.hallandcompany.com.

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How to Write a Legal Disclaimer For Your Book

By Alicia Nicole Dunams

With a society that is often prone to rush to litigation, the use of legal disclaimers in books have grown in popularity and are often strongly recommended. These disclaimers are suitable when your book offers health, fitness, diet, or financial advice. They also serve to protect the author and the publisher against liability when their book’s topic might invade someone’s privacy or result in a claim of defamation. In addition, when you provide instructional information or advice, it’s a good idea to protect yourself and your product from being held liable for the results achieved from their use or implementation.

That said, how do you, as an author, craft a legal disclaimer that will protect you and your book? It really isn’t that difficult. The easiest way to find the technical language that should be included in a legal disclaimer is to review disclaimers contained in books similar to yours and revise or mirror them. For instance, if your book offers financial advice, review the legal disclaimers in bestselling books that offer financial advice. It’s recommended that you select books published by a traditional publishing house, which has a legal staff who pens their disclaimers.

Here are a few samples of legal disclaimers used in books to get you started:

The information provided in this book is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. The publisher and author are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this book. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Readers should be aware that the websites listed in this book may change.

Here is a disclaimer from a motivational book written in the Chicken Soup style, containing different chapters from different authors.

This book is designed to provide information and motivation to our readers. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

Here’s the legal disclaimer from a book which outlines a program for business administrators:

This book is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The author and publisher are not offering it as legal, accounting, or other professional services advice. While best efforts have been used in preparing this book, the author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness of use for a particular purpose. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information or programs contained herein. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. Every company is different and the advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should seek the services of a competent professional before beginning any improvement program. The story and its characters and entities are fictional. Any likeness to actual persons, either living or dead, is strictly coincidental.

As you can see, a legal disclaimer doesn’t have to be a lengthy contract. It’s a small amount of work, though, that can offer a large amount of defense and protection.

Alicia Dunams coaches her clients on how to expedite the book-writing process and "Make Your Book Your Business." Her clients include best-selling authors who have appeared on national media outlets such as 20/20 and CNN, and have been written up in The New York Times. These "authorpreneurs" are adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to their bottom line – all by leveraging their published books. Visit http://www.aliciadunams.com or http://www.17daybookchallenge.com for more information.

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Importance of Product and Public Liability Insurance for Retail Businesses

By Nate Rodnay

As retail businesses have direct interaction with the general public (customers), they are more likely to face liability claims from the customers. Retail business owners may face liability when their business is held accountable for injuries caused to the visitors; even when the visitor’s property is damaged either due to the negligence of the store management or due to the defective product sold by the retail outlet. Hence, it becomes necessary for a retail business to have two important kinds of liability insurances – public liability insurance and product liability insurance – to survive in the marketplace.

In this article, we will see what these policies cover and how they are helpful for retail businesses.

Public liability insurance offers cover against claims made by third parties (general public/customers) who have suffered injury or damage to their property in the business premises. This insurance covers legal fees along with medical costs. But, it does not offer cover for the damage caused due to any product sold by the retail business. So, there arises a need for an insurance policy that protects retail businesses from claims involving defective products.

Product liability insurance protects the business from the claims related to the damage caused due to use of the defective product sold by the retailer. For instance, if the retailer sells a defective product to the customer that injures the person or causes damage to his property, then the claim resulted from this event comes under product liability insurance. All the costs and the compensations claimed by the injured third-party will be covered by the policy, and hence reduces financial burden on the company.

Together, they make a comprehensive cover
When both public and the product liability insurances are covered in one policy it definitely makes a complete liability cover. It protects the business from all types of injury and damage claims which occur due to a defective product. Since there is an equal and significant chance of these two happenings in the retail environment, it is essential for businesses to get these two policies.

Tips to find best product and public liability insurance
These insurance policies are not similar for all the types of retail businesses. The amount of coverage depends on the level of risk faced by that particular type of retail business.

There are many insurance companies with lots of different policies in the market, making it difficult to choose the one which suits one’s business’ requirement. So, it is better to go for a brokerage firm. There are few insurance brokerage companies that tailor your policy as per your business requirements. Since they work with many insurance companies, they will help you get a suitable insurance policy at a discounted price. They will also help you in the renewal and claim process.

Having understood the importance of product and public liability insurance policies, it is recommended to get these policies for your retail business from reputed insurance brokerage firm.

Keystone Insurance Group is a UK and Ireland’s premier insurance brokerage firm specialized in business insurance solutions. They offer a broad range of insurance products to contractors and general business customers including public liability insurance and builders insurance.

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Protection for Musicians With Public Liability Insurance

By Denise Beresford

If you are a professional musician, the general perception created is that you are in a glamorous business, surrounded by stars and all the best things in life, with money in abundance. However, that is not usually the case as a musician’s life has its own risks and complications. Most of those in the music business, after paying for their expensive instruments and equipment, related costs and in many instances their training, find making a living extremely hard work.

If an essential tool of your trade is destroyed or stolen, it would not only be a case of being able to afford their replacement, but the related losses caused by missed bookings. You cannot presume that your musical instruments are covered by any home insurance policy. Should you suffer a loss of equipment or instrument, that is exceptionally expensive or rare and which is not listed specifically under your home insurance policy, without the protection of public liability insurance such losses could create a highly vulnerable financial position for you.

Insurance coverage and protection is essential if you are involved in the organising of musical events attended by a general audience and public liability insurance can be designed to meet your specific needs. However, before contacting various insurance providers, review your home contents policy and determine exactly what coverage is available to you. One point to keep in mind is, do not forget to read the small print and the terms and conditions. If you are not sure of the precise meanings of them, have a qualified insurance advisor review the policy with you.

Performances in public are subjected to a variety of risks, particularly regarding third party claims, from which you need to be protected with a public liability insurance policy. Should a spectator be injured while attending a musical performance, there could be grounds for a potential claim against you! In this instance, it could result in you being sued for damages and having to pay for the extremely high legal expenses. No matter whether you are an amateur or professional performer, it is better to have the benefit of insurance coverage and not need it, rather than needing it and not having its protection.

The Internet is quick and convenient, especially when performing tasks that for some are not the most enjoyable. However, the question of public liability insurance is an important issue for you so why not go through the following four easy stages:-

1. Go online and complete an easy application form

2. Compare various quotes from selected, established insurers

3. Choose a policy that is suited to your particular needs

4. If satisfied, make a safe and easy online payment

On confirmation of the insurance cover, you will receive your documentation instantly at your email address and can then carry on making music with peace of mind.

Musicians can obtain a public liability insurance policy at www.specialistrisks.co.uk

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Practicing Public Safety: The First Step to PLI

Although public liability insurance (PLI) is often an excellent choice for small businesses, companies who opt for public liability insurance should still practice safety before and after purchasing PLI. In fact, the first step your business should take before purchasing public liability insurance is practicing public safety. Before we get into the details about practicing public safety, let us first briefly address public liability insurance.

Public Liability Insurance

This insurance safeguards you and your business against lawsuit-induced bankruptcy. If a member of the public becomes injured on your property or during your business care because of your business’ negligence, public liability insurance will pay for any costs associated with the lawsuit.

This can, of course, save your business from being forced to close should an injury occur, and PLI may seem like an excellent solution to potential lawsuits. However, insurance like this could encourage businesses to feel too secure and to become more lax in completing regular business repairs.

This practice of becoming lax on repairs can unfortunately lead to more claims, and since public liability insurance is just like any insurance, the more claims that are filed, the more insurance premiums increase. Therefore, if businesses allowed disrepair (and lawsuits) to occur, premiums could become too expensive.

Where, then, is the solution to this problem? The solution simply lies in avoiding public liability claims. Let’s look at some ways to keep your customers safe and to decrease your likelihood of filing a public liability claim.

Practicing Public Safety

To keep your customers safe, you must ensure that your business is as safe as possible at all times. This means that any repairs that need attention should always be tackled as soon as possible. Some of the more common areas where repairs may need to be completed include:

Stairs: Stairs and stairwells are areas prone to injuries. There are many places on stairs where problems can occur, and they are often heavily traversed. If you have stairs or stairwells, you will need to assess them regularly for loose treads, loose or missing handrails, and low headers. Fix any problem spots that need repair, and for low header, use signs to make customers aware of the low ceiling.

• Parking Lots/Walkways: Parking lots and walkways provide many opportunities for injuries because they are often overlooked, with far sides of parking lots and little used walkways often presenting the most dangers. To ensure your lot and pathways are safe for customers, walk through each to look for potential problems, including loose gravel, potholes, faulty lighting, and any other obstructions that may case tripping hazards.
• Within the Store: Inside your business, many other hazards may be present. Look for hazards that may cause slipping, tripping, and falling. Additionally, look for sharp corners and low ceilings.

Correcting these hazards periodically and making sure that safety precautions are taken at all times will help ensure your customers’ safety and decrease your chance of lawsuit.  However, should a customer become injured despite your best safety efforts, having public liability insurance in place can help you keep your business safe from bankruptcy.