What Happens If You Don’t Buy Workers Comp Insurance as an Employer?

By law, everyone who employees one or more person in Idaho is required to have some form of workers compensation coverage. This may be placing a bond with the state, having a self-administered program or purchasing workers compensation insurance. Here at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving the Boise, ID area, we are often asked what happens if an employer does carry workers compensation coverage through one of the options allowed by the state. Here is the answer. 

Who is Required to Have Coverage?

In the state of Idaho, you are required to have workers compensation coverage if you have one or more employee who works for your business. This law excludes business partners and owners, as well as a potential spouse who may be working for you. In most cases, the law also excludes any freelance employees. All other employees must be covered by a workers compensation coverage plan. 

What Happens If You Don’t Have Worker’s Compensation Coverage?

If you do not have worker’s compensation coverage, there are many potential problems you could encounter. You could be forced to pay a fine by the state, you may face increased premiums when you finally do get insurance, and if an employee becomes injured and you lack coverage, you may be forced to pay for their injuries and future compensation out of your business or personal money. 

If you are looking to meet the worker’s compensation coverage guidelines required by the state of Idaho, Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving the Boise, ID area, can help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and let us provide you with a quote. 

Are You Legally Required to Buy Workers Compensation Insurance?

If you own a business, you may find yourself wondering if you are legally required to purchase workers compensation insurance. This is a question that we at Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving the greater Boise, ID area, are often asked. Here is what you need to know about whether you are legally required to buy workers compensation insurance. 

You Have No Employees

If you are self-employed and you do not have any employees, you are not legally required to buy workers compensation insurance. This includes those who only have a spouse that works for them or those who utilize the services of sub-contractors. As long as you do not have anyone that is legally deemed to be an employee, you are not required to obtain and carry this type of insurance. 

You Have Employees

If you employee anyone, even if it is only other person, you are legally required to carry workers compensation insurance by law. This insurance covers the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and permanents injuries if your employee is injured on the job. If you do not carry this type of insurance, you could face heavy fines by the state your business is located in, or your business can even be shut down until you obtain the correct insurance. 

Having the right worker’s compensation insurance is vital to the operation of your business. If you are looking to purchase workers compensation insurance in the greater Boise, ID area, turn to Fuhriman Insurance Agency. We can help you find the right coverage for your business needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment to sit down and discuss your worker’s comp insurance needs. 

Defining Legal Liability In Your Industry

The truth about legal liability in any industry in Boise, ID? It’s flexible. That is to say: it comes down to whether or not the lawyer can make a good case. This is why getting a legal liability policy through Fuhriman Insurance Agency isn’t a bad idea, no matter what your field.

There are a lot of points along the pipeline where legal liability might be placed, and it generally comes down to what the lawyer wants to target, and whether the lawyer can convince the judge. If someone is injured on a vape pen, for instance, the problem might be that the vape pen was improperly stored at the shop. It could be a manufacturing issue, or it could be a defect with the charger. If it’s probably the shopkeeper’s fault, but the manufacturer is the one with deeper pockets, then the suit brought up will most likely prioritize the manufacturer.

This sounds quite cynical. It’s not that the truth has no place in the courts, rather, you have to consider whether or not you’re going to be made a target. Even if you make sure to run everything above board, providing safe products and services with properly trained staff, you still might be the one that is targeted for legal liability depending on a number of factors. Maybe the distributor you work with has a better legal team, so you’re an easier target, for instance. This may seem kind of paranoid, but we’re not talking about everyday concerns. More of your customers, partners and clients than not will be fair, reasonable people, and sometimes legal liability is a lot more cut and dry. But one of the big reasons to consider calling Fuhriman Insurance Agency for a legal liability policy is because you need protection just in case someone does put you in their crosshairs.

Occupational Diseases Covered by Workers Compensation Insurance

Obvious examples of injuries sustained at work include abrasions, bruises, and broken bones. Workers compensation insurance covers such work-related injuries, but they are not the only injuries that are meant to be covered by this policy. Fuhriman Insurance agency offers a wide range of workers compensation insurance options in Boise, ID and the surrounding areas.

Occupational diseases tend to be rare as compared to physical injuries, but they do occur. As a business owner, you will want to have a compensation policy that covers your personnel and ensures that your business is protected from losses resulting from lawsuits. It is vital to understand that occupational diseases are not the commonly occurring conditions like flu or cold.

The cold and flu are viruses that employees can easily come into contact with at home or in the workplace. An occupational disease is a malady that the employee acquires after they have been exposed to conditions at their places of work. They include:

  • Hepatitis that may be acquired by lab techs
  • Tuberculosis that may be acquired by a nurse attending to patients
  • Contact dermatitis that may be acquired from dishwashers
  • Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis

For a condition to be considered an occupational disease, there must be an existing link between the disease you’ve contracted and the type of job you perform.

Many small business owners do not have to deal with the worry of occupational diseases. But if the company often deals with chemicals that are dangerous or noxious, it may be essential to have a good worker’s compensation insurance policy.

If you’re living in Boise, ID, you can call any of our agents at Fuhriman Insurance Agency for more information on occupational diseases that are covered by worker’s compensation insurance. You are also free to visit any of our offices for a more detailed consultation.

 

Important Things to Note about Bar & Restaurant Insurance

Owning a bar or restaurant can be very rewarding. These are not only places where people come to take meals, drinks and watch games but also they are places where most of the best memories with families and friends are made.

You may realize that when clients pick the best place to be spending their weekends or holidays, they will stick to it. The best way to appreciate their loyalty is by ensuring that they are protected, and they can feel safe while in your bar or restaurant in Boise, ID.

Fuhriman Insurance Agency provides bar & restaurant owners with numerous policies and also we can assist you to select the best coverage that suits you. Before buying a bar & restaurant insurance policy, there are several things you need to know which include;

The basic policies

Bar & restaurant insurance comes with numerous basic policies, and you will need to choose the one that suits your specific needs.These policies are similar to commercial insurance coverage which includes;

Property coverage – This is to protect the things and inventories that your business own.

Liability – The policy protects your customers and helps you pay for the damages that may occur to them when they are on your business premises.

Workers compensation – It caters for medical benefits and wage replacement if an employee is hurt in the workplace.

Commercial auto insurance – If your business owns vehicles, the coverage is meant to ensure that they are protected.

Things affecting your insurance needs

The type and the premiums you need for your bar & restaurant insurance depends on various factors which include; location, lease requirement, losses history, hours of operation, property type and volume just to mention a few. You should note that if your bar or restaurant leases its space, there are specific insurance requirements expected to meet the lease without violation.

To learn more about bar & restaurant insurance in Boise ID, contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency today. We will help you learn more so that you can make a sound decision before settling on a policy.

Who Needs Commercial Insurance

Most consumers are very aware of their need to carry a range of personal insurance policies including home, auto, and life. However, many small business owners underestimate the need to carry insurance for their business. There are many reasons why most businesses should carry a quality commercial insurance policy.

Business that Owns Property

Any business that owns real estate or any personal property will definitely benefit by having commercial insurance. Commercial insurance policies will typically include property insurance that will cover both the property and any business items that are stored inside. Beyond having the protection that it provides, having commercial property insurance will also likely be a requirement of any bank that provides mortgage on the property.  

Those with Liability Concerns

If your business operates in an industry that is prone to liability lawsuits having a commercial insurance policy will be a practical necessity. Commercial insurance policies will typically include a separate liability insurance policy that will provide you with a certain level of liability protection. While any business would benefit from having it, liability insurance coverage is particularly important for any business that operates in an industry that is known to be litigious.

Business Interruption

Any business that is concerned about how a disruption in their business could affect their cash flow would also benefit from a commercial insurance policy. For example, if your real estate being damaged affects your ability to operate, you could lose a lot of money. Fortunately, those that get a commercial insurance policy with business interruption insurance will receive a certain amount of cash flow to cover the business expenses during the period of interruption.

If you are considering getting a new commercial insurance policy, it would be a good idea to contact the Fuhriman Insurance Agency immediately. The Fuhriman Insurance Agency is a leading Boise, ID insurance agency. The Boise ID agency will be able to help you get an insurance policy that meets the needs of your business. 

 

 

Why Commercial Insurance Could Mean Much for Your Business

In today’s business environment, businesses are exposed to numerous potential hazards. This is why you need commercial insurance to protect your business against any unforeseen financial losses. As a business owner in Boise, ID, you should contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency for a commercial insurance quote. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency we are committed to giving you value for your money through our commercial insurance solutions. Here’s why commercial insurance will come in handy for your business. 

Business and commercial liability
If a third party sustains injuries as a result of an accident within your premises, commercial insurance will settle the cost of the claim up to the amount of your policy. This will ensure that your cash flow remains healthy and that your business operations are not interrupted. 
Complying with legal requirements
Federal and state laws require that businesses that deal with the public purchase certain types of insurance covers. This will help the business owner to pick up and continue their operations even when the business goes through a lucky patch. Commercial insurance will protect your assets and help you to stay legal. 
Recovering from loss
Every business is constantly exposed to situations that may result in serious financial loss and loss of assets. In case the business is vandalized, robbed, or natural hazards strike the business, the resultant losses may be catastrophic if the business owner does not have insurance protection. 
Access to loans 
Some of the lenders in the market consider it a high risk to lend to business owners who do not have insurance protection. Such lenders may deny such people loans to expand or boost their businesses; when your business is struggling, and you need a loan, commercial insurance can offer you the lifeline you need.
Once you are ready to protect your business against financial losses that may put you down, kindly contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency. Our services are aimed at helping business owners in Boise, ID to pick up after facing unforeseen hazards that cause financial losses. 

Commercial Insurance: What Common Business Items Should be Insured

Besides a physical business building or office space itself, no matter what type of business exists in the marketplace, there is primary property located on-site that is required for a store to function. Generally, this property is used on a daily basis; has a relatively high dollar value associated with it; and is necessary to serve your customers, clients, as well as, you and your employees. Whether you have an online market or bricks-and-mortar store, these operational items usually fall under four categories:

  • Machines
  • Technology devices: desktop and laptop computers, tablets
  • Inventory/Supplies
  • Furniture

To figure out what items in your business should be included under operational business property, just match the applicable work article under one of these categories. The style and brand of these items may vary according to the specific area of business. With this in mind, here is a list of common types of business provisions that fall under these property categories:

  • Machines: fax equipment, copiers, printers, lawn mower, and leaf blowers
  • Inventory: stock items and special order items
  • Technology devices: cash registers, computers, credit card reader, merchant account terminal,
  • Furniture: desks, chairs, tables, lamps

With a list of the business property, you’re ready to insure it against unpredictable risks associated with doing business, such as floods, fires, vandalism, and theft. These unforeseeable circumstances can disrupt your business flow and impact your bottom line dollar, leaving you in dire work straits. Commercial insurance provides coverage for these situations. It helps your business get back up and running by replacing or repairing any such lost or damaged items following an unpredictable occurrence to avoid a long term negative impact to it. At the Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, Idaho, you’ll find a menu of commercial insurance coverage to fit your business risk protection needs. So go ahead and insure your business property, it could mean the difference of getting your business back on its feet or shutting the doors permanently.

Protect Your Business and Patrons with Commercial Insurance

You read the headlines everyday: "Monster Storm Destroys Homes," "Killer Winter Causes Damage," and "Rising Waters Require Evacuations"

Weather keeps breaking records with its destructiveness.  You think you are prepared with your current insurance policy, but have you taken into consideration all that you stand to lose when Mother Nature destroys your place of business?

You probably have your company’s equipment and the physical building protected from damage. However, your customers leave their computers for repair, drop off valuable jewelry for cleaning, or have their wedding tuxedos waiting to be picked up at your location.  Not only are their physical belongings taking shelter under your roof, their personal information is stored in your computers and company files. Do you have the right coverage in place such that when a blizzard smashes your front window or collapses your roof, you have their best interests covered while protecting your future relationship with those who keep you in business.

Perhaps you bought your current policy when you were just starting out with only the minimum liability in place.  Business has been booming over the past decade and now you are responsible for much more inventory.  It is time to review your commercial insurance policies with a knowledgeable agent who is prepared to assist you in protecting the future of your business, covering the many contingencies that a wild storm may bring with it.

Fuhriman Insurance Agency serving the Boise, ID area is eager to take the time to review your current commercial insurance coverage and ensure you are prepared to weather any storm that may come your way.  Give them a call oat 877-342-7935 to make an appointment today.

Types Of Coverage For Your Business On Home Insurance

When you have a home-based business in Boise, it is important to learn about the different types of coverage. This can ensure that your home and your business are protected, particularly when they share the same roof. Every business is a little different and therefore you need to know about all of your options.

General Liability

General liability is common among home-based businesses. It provides protection in the event someone sues you over something having to do with your business, such as an injury on your property, a claim of negligence, or something else.

Business Property

You may have a lot of business property at your home, ranging from computers to merchandise. This property is likely not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy and therefore you need to have separate protection against its loss.

Data Compromise

More hackers are targeting small businesses than ever before. If your data becomes compromised, this is the kind of coverage that can help you to recover from a data breach or anything else.

Business Interruption

Your business may be interrupted as a result of a covered loss from your home, such as a fire or storm. This form of coverage can provide you with business income while your home is being repaired so that you don’t experience a catastrophic financial loss. The coverage stops once your home is fixed.

Employment Practices Liability

There are various other types of coverage that you may need as well, and it is dependent upon the type of business that you have. You may require business auto coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and much more. This is why it can be advantageous to speak to an insurance agent.

At Fuhriman Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you make sense of the insurance needed for your home-based business in Boise.