Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance is also known as professional indemnity insurance (PII). It is liability coverage that aids in covering professional advice as well as service-providing companies and individuals from bearing the full financial brunt of having to defend themselves against a negligence claim made by a client and any damages that are awarded in negligence civil lawsuits.

Professional liability insurance concentrates on the supposed failure to carry out on the behalf of, monetary loss caused by and error to omission in the service or product sold by the policy holder. These are actions that have the possibility to lead to legal action that wouldn’t be covered by a more basic liability insurance policy which focuses on more direct methods of harm.

In most cases professional indemnity coverage also allows for defense costs, including when the legal action brought up turns out to be baseless. This kind of insurance does no include criminal prosecution. It also does not include a massive variety of possible liabilities under civil law that are not listed one-by-one in the policy coverage, but which may be subject to particular types of professional practice, and in some cases is necessary under binding legal documentation by other companies that are the direct beneficiaries of the service or counsel.

Professional indemnity insurance could also have varied forms and names in accordance to the profession. In the medical profession, for example, it is known as malpractice insurance, consultants, lawyers and brokers call it errors and omissions (E&O) coverage. Other professionals who usually have need of professional liability include maintenance and contractors, financial and accounting services and transport.

The main rationale for professional liability coverage is that a normal general liability insurance policy will only cover physical harm, damage to property, advertising injury or personal injury claim. Other kinds of insurance protect employers and public and product liability. There are different kinds of professional services and products that can lead to legal claims without any of the enumerated types of harm covered by such policies occurring. Normal claims that professional indemnity insurance covers include, misrepresentation, negligence, violation of good faith and erroneous advice.

For more information, visit: http://www.rhhinsurance.com/professional-liability.html

Wedding Insurance

For most people, a wedding day is the single most expensive day of an entire lifetime of expenses. When planning a wedding, there are outrageous expenses at every turn, from booking the venues to contracting service providers. Enormous amounts of money can be spent quickly to make everything perfect for a couple on their special day, and though hopefully everything will go exactly as planned, there are so many emergencies that can pop up. The smartest thing that anyone who is planning a wedding can do is purchase wedding insurance to cover all the expenses that will be paid for.

Wedding insurance is a little known type of insurance coverage that can be priceless should anything at all go wrong on a wedding day. For the couple themselves, this insurance can help to protect their financial investment and future should anything unexpected happen on their wedding day. And for parents of the wedding couple, wedding insurance can both protect their financial investment and help to insure that the wedding day is perfect.

There are generally two types of wedding insurance that are offered, and most providers offer them both individually and as a package in order to offer the insured the right coverage for their event. Wedding liability insurance is the first type of wedding insurance that is generally offered. This insurance offers coverage for the wedding couple, or their parents, should they be held responsible for property damages or personal injuries either at the wedding or as a result of the wedding. This type of coverage usually also covers alcohol related incidents that can occur at or after the wedding. This coverage is important, as many venues now require renters to have it.

Wedding event insurance is perhaps the more popular of the two types of coverage generally offered. This covers the entire event from planning through wedding day, and insures against extreme situations. It covers illness, disaster, or military deployment that can lead to postponement. It also covers all the deposits paid to vendors in the event that they go out of business, are unable to serve a wedding, or simply do not show up.

Wedding insurance is the smartest purchase anyone who is planning a wedding can make, and will protect the interests of a couple on the most important day of their lives together.

The Importance of Restaurant Insurance

If you own a restaurant, you will need some type of insurance policy to protect your investment. Restaurant insurance is designed to safeguard your business from a number of problems. The type of policy you will need depends on the location of the restaurant. If you are under the obligation of a bank loan. you will also need insurance coverage according to the bank’s guidelines.

There are numerous types of restaurant insurance policies you can choose from. It is best to understand the laws in your locale prior to picking a policy. There is no need to opt for coverage you may not need in your situation. Consider the type of business you will be running before you choose a policy. It is a good idea to work with an insurer who can provide protection that is specific to your needs.

The most essential types of coverage are general liability, workers’ compensation and property insurance. General liability protects you from lawsuits should anyone get injured or sick in your restaurant. Workers’ compensation provides a similar type of protection for your employees. Property insurance safeguards the building and property in the event of a fire or other disaster.

There are many other types of protection you can use to augment your insurance policy. If you sell alcohol in your restaurant, most states will require you to purchase liquor liability insurance. This protects you if a customer becomes injured after drinking at your establishment. Insurance to cover food contamination due to loss of power is also a good investment. Additionally, specific peril insurance will protect your business from natural disasters.

Restaurant insurance will cover anything from liability issues to faulty equipment. As a restaurant owner, you are obliged by the law to protect your business with insurance coverage. For added protection, consider obtaining a life insurance policy to protect your loved ones from financial obligation. Before you open for business, it is important to determine what type of policy you should commit to. Procuring an insurance policy will safeguard your livelihood so you can reap the rewards of running a profitable business.

CNA Loss Control Seminar

ROSSMANN-HURT-HOFFMAN, INC. IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE CNA LOSS CONTROL SEMINAR

“Building a Solid Foundation”: Managing Law Practice Risk

DATE: May 25, 2011 (WEDNESDAY)
TIME: 9:30 AM. – 1:00 PM.
PLACE: M&T BANK STADIUM – INNER HARBOR – BALTIMORE, MD
ROOM: NORTH CLUB LOUNGE (2ND FLOOR)

The program will be conducted by Alvin Frederick, Esquire (Eccleston & Wolf) and Glenn Grossman, Bar Counsel (Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland) as well as their special guest, the Honorable Glenn T. Harrell, Jr., Judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland. The general topic will be “How to Avoid Lawyers Malpractice Claims”. Judge Harrell will share his thoughts on the most significant decisions of our appellate courts during the prior year. While we WELCOME your participation every year, it is only necessary to attend our seminar once every three years to receive your premium credit.

A complete breakfast buffet will be served.

Space is limited and early registration is strongly recommended

For cost, registration form and more information, please contact Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman, Inc. at (410) 465-4300

10 Reasons Your Insurance May Need a Checkup

Does your insurance need a checkup?

• Have you gotten married or divorced?
• Have you had a baby?
• Did your teenager get a driver’s license?
• Have you switched jobs or experienced a significant change in your income?
• Have you done extensive renovations on your home?
• Have you decided to buy a vacation or potential retirement home?
• Have you acquired any new valuables such as jewelry, electronic equipment, fine art, antiques?
• Have you signed a lease on a house or apartment?
• Have you joined a carpool?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, give us a call to update your policy. (410) 504-1002

RHH Insurance Sponsored 2010 Restaurant Association of Maryland Stars of the Industry Awards Gala

Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman had the pleasure of attending and sponsoring of the 2010 Restaurant Association of Maryland Stars of The Industry Awards Gala this past Monday April 26th. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, “Each year the Restaurant Association of Maryland honors hospitality luminaries for their excellence demonstrated in and out of the kitchen as well as their service to the local communities.” The annual awards presentation took place at Martin’s West in Baltimore Maryland where the dining public and hospitality professionals throughout the state recognized the year’s “Stars of the Industry”. We and 700+ attendees enjoyed fine dining and a night of celebration for the Maryland restaurant industry.  This year’s winners include:

• Restaurateur of the Year – Dorothy and Richard Mollett, Antrim 1844 (Taneytown)
• Chef of the Year – Bryan Voltaggio, Volt (Frederick)
• Maryland’s Favorite Restaurant – Jack’s Bistro (Baltimore)
• Maryland’s Favorite New Restaurant – Blue Hill Tavern (Baltimore)
• Favorite Caterer – Chef’s Expressions (Timonium)
• Favorite Bar and Tavern – The Brewer’s Art (Baltimore)
• Pastry Chef of the Year – Maura Radmanesh, Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge (Rockville)
• Wine and Beverage Program of the Year – Charleston Restaurant Group (Baltimore)
• Allied Member of the Year – Saval Foodservice represented by Brian Bernstein
• Green Restaurant of the Year – Woodberry Kitchen (Baltimore)

Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman would like to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners!

Stay Safe If Your Car Breaks Down

If you are in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change a tire or check damage from a fender bender is probably one of the worst things you can do. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following precautions when your car breaks down:

1. Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you’ve been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.
2. If you can’t drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances standing outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea.
3. Carry flares or triangles to use to mark your location once you get to the side of the road. Marking your vehicle’s location to give other drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
4. In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.

When Decorating Your Business for the Holidays…

HERE ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND  WHEN DECORATING YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS…

•    Consider hiring a contractor for unusually dangerous installations such as locations which require work over large atriums, roof tops and leading edges subject to falls greater than 6 feet from the walking surface. Be sure to obtain certificates of insurance, including a hold-harmless agreement, from a sub-contractor to verify insurance coverage for workers compensation and general liability.
•    Refrain from using inappropriate substitutes for ladders, such as an unstable chair or box to reach overhead areas.
•    Electrical fixtures must be UL listed, be in good condition and not subject to damage and or overheating.
•    Use caution when selecting the area to display decorative lights. Consider displaying decorations in low traffic areas and avoid creating a trip/fall hazard with light strings and/or extension cords.
•    Be sure to consult with local authorities regarding laws which prohibit the use of live trees in-doors within public places of assembly. In some jurisdictions the use of live trees for display or electrical lights is not permitted.

We Are Moving

Effective August 17th we will be relocating to our new location which is only 1/2 mile from our current office!

  3290 North Ridge Road, Suite 300
   Ellicott City, MD  21043
Phone 410-465-4300 (unchanged)
Fax 410-465-7458 (unchanged)

Directions:
                     Go out of parking lot and turn right on Chevrolet Dr
                     Turn left at stop sign to stay on Chevrolet Dr
                     Turn right on Rt 40
                     Go to first traffic light and turn left on North Ridge Rd
                     Building is the second on your left.  Parking is around back.

Check back in July to see the latest, updated information on our move!

Pay as You Go

“Pay As You Go” Workers’ Compensation Policy Now Available!

Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman, Inc. is excited to be able to offer a new payment option that is available for many Workers Compensation Policies. You may have heard it referred to as a “pay as you go” policy because it is tailored to your actual payroll schedule.  By taking advantage of this offer you will benefit from a seamless payment process and a premium that matches your work load, large or small.

This new program provides several advantages to you:

 -  Elimination of your premium down-payment

 -  No additional installment fees from the Carrier

 -  Streamlined audit process with no surprises at the end of the policy term

If a healthier cash flow and simpler premium payment process is right for you, try our insurance and payroll solution.  For more information on this exciting new program, please call us at 1-866-847-0449 and ask to speak to one of our Workers Compensation Specialists!