The world of business is constantly evolving, and to keep you up to date with the ever changing demands in risk management, we bring you the latest newsworthy information and articles.
Gulfshore Insurance celebrates a 30-year partnership with FCCI Insurance Group! Gulfshore was appointed with FCCI in 1980.
August 25, 2010: OSHA Issues New Cranes & Derricks Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently issued new regulations addressing the safety of cranes and derricks in the construction industry. The rule updates and specifies industry work practices regarding the use of cranes and derricks, and also addresses advances in the designs of cranes and derricks, related hazards, and the qualifications of employees needed to operate them safely. The attached overview of the new rule explains the rule's requirements and mandates. An additional OSHA Fact Sheet is available with links to the published rule and regulatory text, and can be found at www.osha.gov/as/opa/cranesderricks-factsheet.html.
August 25, 2010: FMCSA Releases Safety Measurement System to Motor Carriers
The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the next step in the rollout of Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010), the CSA 2010 Data Preview. For more information, click here.
August 23, 2010: Gulfshore Insurance Professionals Earn AINS Designation
Senior Account Manager Diana Mausling, Account Executive Belinda Zivich, and Account Executive Christine Lis have each earned the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. The AINS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of insurance principles, practices, policies, and coverages
August 16, 2010: Email Encryption Security Update
In accordance with HIPAA security laws, Gulfshore Insurance has implemented an email encryption policy to protect private and confidential electronic communications with our clients. As part of a continuing commitment to building trust, Gulfshore Insurance has taken the steps necessary to protect personal information from unauthorized access. As of today, emails containing confidential data between Gulfshore Insurance and our clients and carrier partners will be encrypted and available through Gulfshore’s Secure Email Message Center. For more information, contact us at 239.261.3646 or gsi@gulfshoreinsurance.com.
August 9, 2010: Gulfshore’s Director of HR Earns CHPSE Designation
Director of Human Resources, Heather MacDougall, has become a Certified HIPAA Privacy Security Expert (CHPSE). MacDougall is fully versed in the laws and requirements for HIPAA privacy and security compliance.
August 9, 2010: Gulfshore Insurance Professionals Earn AINS Designation
Vice President Personal Insurance, Jan Rauch, Account Manager, Matthew Philip, Account Executive, Marianne Kureth, and Account Manager, Heather Remillard have each earned the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. The AINS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of insurance principles, practices, policies, and coverages
July 28, 2010: Gulfshore’s Shaw Earns CRIS Designation
Client Advisor, Andrea Shaw, has earned the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. CRIS is a continuing education program focused on the insurance and risk management needs of construction projects and contractors. Shaw currently holds the CPIA and AAI designations.
July 28, 2010: Gulfshore’s Sisco Earns CPSR Designation
Account Service Associate, Stephanie Sisco has earned the Certified Professional Service Representative (CPSR) designation. CPSR is a national designation program for professional service representatives in the insurance industry. The designation requires in-depth training and testing in the areas of insurance agency operations, as well as personal insurance coverages and/or commercial insurance coverages.
July 28, 2010: DHS Issues Final Rule on Electronic Signatures & Storage of Form I-9
On July 22, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Rule that regulates how employers may use electronic systems to complete and store their I-9 Forms. To view the final rule in its entirety, go to: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-17806.htm. Like the interim final rule, the final rule permits employers to complete, sign, scan and store the Form I-9 electronically as long as certain performance standards set forth in the final rule for the electronic filing system are met. Click to read the complete article.
July 2, 2010: National Flood Insurance Program is Reauthorized!
The Senate passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension to reauthorize the Program through September 30, 2010, and President Obama has signed the bill into law. The NFIP should now return to normal operations and, since the extension is also retroactive, any new policy applications or renewals that were signed and submitted during the hiatus will be effective from the date of application (or in the case of waiting periods, the waiting period will start from the date of application).
July 1, 2010: Risk Management: A Survey of Small Business Owners’ Perceptions of Risk
Download the survey that was conducted in-person at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce America’s Small Business Summit on May 17 and May 18, 2010. Click for more information.
June 25, 2010: BP Claims Filing Process for Those Affected by the Gulf Oil Spill
As the Gulf oil spill contaminates the waters and beaches along the coast, businesses along the coastline are bracing for impact. Many are seeking respite and trying to save their businesses. At Gulfshore Insurance, we believe it is important to provide you with the most up to date information on how to prepare and file a claim with BP. We are here to answer your questions and assist you with any possible coverage and claim filing under your insurance policy. Even more importantly, we will file your claim directly with BP, as funds have been placed into a reserve for that purpose.
Click to download BP's Online Description of the Claims Filing Process
Click to download BP Claims Process FAQs
Click to download BP's Online Claims Filing Form
June 16, 2010: Nation's Flood Insurance Program Remains in Limbo
The Senate voted against legislation that included a provision to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Along with short term extensions for numerous other federal programs, the NFIP extension was passed by the House just prior to the Memorial Day recess. It was voted down by the Senate today amid concerns that other, unrelated provisions in the bill would add to the federal budget deficit. Should the Senate approve an amended version, the legislation would have to go back to the House for another vote in that chamber. Read the complete article
June 2, 2010: Governor Crist Vetoes Property Insurance Reform Bill
On the first day of the 2010 hurricane season, Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed an expansive property insurance bill, citing concerns about making it easier to increase rates for policyholders. The industry-backed bill (SB 2044) included a kaleidoscope of measures designed to tweak the state's troubled insurance market, with supporters and critics finding components to like and dislike. This bill was supported by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty because it would have added more regulatory tools to ensure the solvency of private insurers.
May 10, 2010: New Wind Mitigation Form
The State of Florida has instituted a new Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. Effective immediately, nearly every insurance carrier will require the new form. It is important to be aware of this new form, as insurance carriers may not accept the old two-page form. In addition, certain carriers may audit their records and request some policyholders to verify credits by requiring the new form to be completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Gulfshore Client Advisor.
May 7, 2010: Condominium Insurance Changes for 2010
It has been a wild and crazy few years for condominium insurance. Recently, the Florida House gave approval to Senate Bill 1196, which has already passed in the Senate. The Bill pertains to Condominium and Homeowners Associations, and has not yet been signed by the Governor. It is critical for all Property Managers and Association Board Members to stay well-informed! The attached article summarizes the changes that resulted from 2008 legislation (House Bill 601), and provides an analysis of the 2010 legislation (Senate Bill 1196). Click here to read the complete article, courtesy of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA).
March 17, 2010: Gulfshore Insurance Marks 40th Anniversary
Gulfshore Insurance announces its 40th anniversary of moving beyond insurance to provide individuals and businesses across Florida trusted risk management solutions and coverage from the finest insurance carriers in the world. In March 1970, a dedicated group of risk advisors came together to offer insurance coverage to the Southwest Florida area. Now forty years later, Gulfshore Insurance has become your trusted risk advisor, employing over 90 individuals in four offices and proudly providing risk management solutions and insurance coverage to more than 10,000 businesses and personal clients.
