A growing number of organizations are using biometric data, such as fingerprints and retinal scans, as a convenient way to improve security. From touchpads that unlock smartphones and computers, to scanners providing access to places of business, biometric data seems to be a fast, easy and secure way to authenticate individuals and unlock access.

Over the last several years concern around big issues like economic disparity, climate change, and social justice have increased across the country. In light of these issues, many are drawn to the idea of tying investment decisions to personal or social values in an effort to effect social change through environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing (source 6). As of 2018, the popularity of ESG investing had grown to include more than $30 trillion in assets, based at least in part on investors’ demands for clarity around a company’s attitude toward social issues (source 5).

When a fast-moving wildfire threatens a community, residents may have only minutes to seek safety. It’s an all-too common scenario for Californians and others in the West, who have suffered through more than one devastating fire season. California’s 2018 Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in history, burned 6,700 structures while Southern California wild fires burned 177 structures, with losses for these fires totally around $7 billion (source 3). 2019 was a much milder wildfire season, especially in comparison to 2017 and 2018; however, California remains the top state in the country for extreme wildfires with more than 2 million properties at risk (source 7).

Allegations of police officers’ excessive use of force reached a flashpoint in 2020, igniting massive protests and riots across the nation. As officers in several cities face criminal charges in fatal interactions with suspects, one might expect civil liability claims against those individuals to follow. In fact, that is not the case. For various reasons, public entities bear the liability risk
for police department actions. And that exposure is becoming more difficult to transfer.

CRC is proud to bring you an exclusive and industry leading solution for your Small Contractors. CP25 provides the broadest coverage option in the marketplace, an A XV rated carrier, and industry leading claims service. CP25 delivers a program built to handle Commercial and Residential contracting risks with premiums from $5,000 to $25,000.

The 2020 hurricane season stormed in with a record six named tropical storms by early July. But in addition to forecasts for an active storm season, coastal homeowners from Florida to Texas are facing sharp rate increases as insurers seek to rein in catastrophe losses. Carriers are tightening underwriting guidelines, limiting capacity and, in some cases, pulling out of markets. Rate increases are particularly steep in South Florida’s tri-county area, but Gulf Coast homeowners from Florida to Texas should also expect higher premiums and increased deductibles as well as fewer options for wind coverage.

Often we assume that bigger is better, but unless products and promises are backed by exceptional service, the value proposition can quickly lose its luster. A large public manufacturer of healthcare products had become dissatisfied with the level of attention and service received from its broker, which is known for high level sophistication and client advocacy particularly in the area of Professional Liability. A smaller retail broker, with a reputation for excellent customer service was given the opportunity to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) outlining the retailer’s ability to meet the manufacturer’s insurance service needs.

Concerts. Festivals. Fairs. Sporting events. Live theater. Corporate events. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, we love to be entertained and inspired. We thrive on learning from experts and hearing from speakers we admire. And this is why the events industry is enormous. In the United States, business meetings, conferences, tradeshows and the like provided over 5.9 million jobs.

A supervisor at a midsize business is watching the evening news, when she sees a disturbing video of people smashing windows and looting stores in the city where her company is based. What she sees next shocks her: one of the looters is not wearing a face mask, despite the coronavirus, and she realizes as he passes the camera that he’s one of her longtime employees.

The impacts of COVID-19 have changed the way we approach much of life, including how Americans receive healthcare. Social distancing, intended to “flatten the curve” and prevent further spread of the coronavirus, has dramatically expanded the use of telemedicine in the area of behavioral healthcare.*

Chronic lateness may be a societal problem, as many etiquette columnists note*, but when it comes to insurance claims, lateness in notifying one’s insurers invites more than dirty looks – it can bring denial of coverage.

Because property premiums are based on the value of the property, many insureds have sought to save money over the years by reporting lower values. While that tactic can bring cost savings in the short term, it works against the longer- term best interests of both the insured and the industry. Should a catastrophe strike, a business that’s underinsured may not have sufficient funds to rebuild or make it through an extended shutdown.

The 2020 hurricane season is upon us and scientists are already making their predictions. Scientists’ early predictions indicate an “above-average” hurricane season in 2020*. The consensus of expert forecasts indicate 17 named storms for this year’s North Atlantic hurricane season – much higher than the long-term 30-year average of 12 storms. Are you ready for this year’s hurricane season? Here is a list of hurricane claim guidelines you should consider as part of the preparation for dealing with a storm. From the first steps you should take after an event, to the different types of claims scenarios, CRC Group provides you with the information you need to adequately prepare for a storm.

In insurance, hard markets present hard choices. Policyholders often face sharply higher rates and tighter terms and conditions at renewal, along with exclusions their expiring liability coverage did not impose. In these situations, incumbent carriers may offer an extended reporting period (ERP), which lets insureds file claims after the original policy’s expiration date. Buying an ERP, however, has significant risks that insureds and their agents should consider.

The coronavirus has transformed life for billions of people in just a few short weeks. Since the first U.S. COVID-19 case was reported on January 21st, the number of known cases has grown significantly nationwide, reaching pandemic status and straining healthcare systems. More information is becoming available day by day as the situation evolves.