Castle Rock Insurance Agency. Business - Personal, Restaurant Insurance, Builders Risk, Auto, Home and coastal properties. Property & Casualty Insurance. NY, NJ & PA http://www.castlerockagency.com Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:15:13 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.castlerockagency.com/images/M_images/castle_rock_insurance_agency.png http://www.castlerockagency.com Castle Rock Insurance Agency. Business - Personal, Restaurant Insurance, Builders Risk, Auto, Home and coastal properties. Property & Casualty Insurance. NY, NJ & PA http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/personal-lines/coop---condo-insurance-negligence-question.html When Negligence Is SuspectedQ. I am a shareholder in a co-op. Last year, my radiator sprang a leak, causing damage to my neighbor below. The board fixed the radiator, and I was not asked to pay for the repair. Now, however, I am being asked to pay for damages to my downstairs neighbor. Am I responsible? News - Personal Lines Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:30:57 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/insurance/new-york-cracks-down-on-general-contractors-liability-insurance.html New York City Building Department Issues Notice to General ContractorsIn a recent release the New York City Building Department has ceased accepting Insurance Certificates from General Contractors brandishing Certificates of General Liability Insurance for Artisan Insurance Policies. Reason being, these policies do not offer coverage the the General Contractors as General Contractors, these are very specifically, Contractor Policies, big difference. News - Insurance Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/newsflashes/agency-articles/jewelry-insurance-concerns.html Homeowner insurance carriers often have restrictions and capacity limitations for jewelry. Many carriers are not willing to write higher-value jewelry. It can be difficult to find a policy that adequately covers jewelry and also offers the client a competitive price. A stand-alone jewelry policy (personal articles floater—PAF) addresses the jewelry need without impacting the homeowners policy. Newsflashes - Agency Articles Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:33:29 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/agency-news/client-care-news/online-new-york-state-defensive-driving-course.html Online New York State Defensive Driving Course NYThe 6 Hour New York State Defensive Driving Course is now available Online.Online New York Defensive Driving Course (external/online-defensive-driving-course.html) Agency News - Client Care News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:49:57 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/newsflashes/newsflash/employee-or-independent-contractor.html Employee or Independent Contractor?Most employers in our industry, whether the management company or the homeowners association directly, believe that substantial costs can be saved by their associations utilizing independent contractors in lieu of employees. By hiring independent contractors the employer attempts to avoid costs related to:SalariesBenefitsPayroll and unemployment taxesLabor law disputesWage and hour claimsOvertimeWorkers compensation coverageResponsibility for most worker negligence occurrences The employer also avoids having to supply office space, overhead, and equipment/supplies normally associated with an employer/employee relationship. Furthermore, if the employer becomes unhappy with the worker's performance, it can easily change to another independent contractor without having to experience the trauma associated with terminating an employee. Newsflashes - Newsflash Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:42:52 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/business-insurance-news/products-liability-insurance/6-largest-products-liability-insurance-suits.html Product Liability (products-liability-insurance.html) Suit. However, from time to time, and lately more frequently, issues arise that cause damages, injury and even death. When they do lawsuits ensue. When several people get involved in the lawsuit, class action lawsuits ensue which have the potential to be catastrophic, often costing manufacturers or their insurance companies millions or even billions of dollars.The following are major instances of Product Liability Claims, and they include recalls. Ironically recalls are often excluded from Product Liability Insurance (products-liability-insurance.html) Policies. Aside from severe cases, product Liability Suits can strike small jewelry designers, toy manufactures, clothing designers manufacturers and to this day the thundering repercussions of paint manufacturing companies that used lead still echo through real estate owners looking for insurance. The following are the 6 of the largest Product Liability Suits, in order of smallest to largest by claim value adjusted for 2008 inflationary factors. Business Insurance News - Products Liability Insurance Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:29:42 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/newsflashes/business-insurance/top-5-employment-practice-myths.-epli.html EPLI - Failing Economy Plus Layoffs Equals A Lethal Combination… A Company can be Financially Devastated when a Savvy Trial Lawyer Teams up with a Disgruntled Employee to File an Employment Practices Related Lawsuit. Take steps to protect your client by purchasing Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI, through Castle Rock Agency, Inc. Here are The Top 5 Expensive Employment - Law Myths . . . Newsflashes - Business Insurance Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:26:41 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/business-insurance-news/film-video-production-insurance/stunt-coverage-for-film-production-and-video-production-insurance.html Stunt Coverage now available for Film Production Insurance and Video Production Insurance CoverageStunt Insurance is avail for the following classifications of Production Insurance Coverages we Offer: Short Term ProductionsSingle low budget production taking place in the US.Short Term Productions IISingle production or series taking place in the US.Annual ProductionsMultiple productions taking place in the US.For Insurance Purposes, stunts are categorized as follows: Business Insurance News - Film Video Production Insurance Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:36:40 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/agency-news/client-care-news/top-10-tips-for-winter-driving.html As your Insurance Agents we would like to share with you some tips on safe winter driving. Because reducing claims can aid in keeping insurance premiums down. The best tip for winter driving: Sometimes it's best to stay home, or at least remain where you are until snow plows and sanding crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy or icy road, you'll certainly be late — or worse. But since you can't always call in to work claiming a snow day, it's better to learn how to correctly deal with driving in the snow.We've all battled snow- and ice-covered highways behind the wheel of our cars so here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash and help keep insurance premiums down. Agency News - Client Care News Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/how-much-should-i-insure-my-home-for.html As an Insurance Agent that specializes in Home Insurance, I am without exception, always asked the same question when people are shopping for home insurance:Q: How Much Should I Insure My Home For?Here are a list of resources not to use when trying to determine how much you should insure your home for:Real Estate AgentsLegal Advice from Lawyers Mortgage Companies Home LendersBanksThere is only one real answer and only one reliable source to turn to:A Skilled, Experienced and Licensed Home Insurance Agent (home-insurance.html) News - Agency Articles Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:28:47 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/employment-practices-liability-insurance-epli-insurance-claims-on-the-rise.html Employment Practices Liability Insurance Claims are Increasing According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC*1) the average number of Employment Practices Liability cases filed from 1996 to 1999 was a staggering 80,000 per year. Employment Practice Liability Insurance Judgments, or EPLI Judgment awards increased almost 3 fold at 275% from 1994 to 1999. The total employment practices liability judgments awarded exceeded $100 million. The average verdict in Employment Practices Liability cases now approaches a half million by 1999, at over $450,000 per judgment, and Employment Practices Liability issues comprise 30% of all civil litigation in the U.S. Court. Age discrimination liability suits are rising more than any other sector of EPL Cases. The fact about Employment Practices Liability cases is that, according to court verdicts, the employee is deemed right most of the time. The Department of Labor cites that, employees and other plaintiffs won almost half or 41% of all jury decided trials and 26% of all non-jury trials in 1999, with punitive damages being assessed 19% of the time. News - Agency Articles Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:07:28 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/church-insurance--religious-organization-and-institutional-insurance..html Church Insurance, Religious Organization, Pastoral Liability and Institutional Insurance Many Churches are Improperly InsuredIn 2006 the Asbury Park Press ran an article stating that approximately 60% of US dwellings are under insured, the average dwelling is undervalued by 22 percent. This report came out way before the surge in oil, gas commodity prices. In the last year alone brick, concrete, plumbing, steel aluminum and other building materials have increased 3.4%. Any material that is transportation-intensive or petroleum based has become even more expensive. In addition to the property insurance concerns, there are liability insurance issues that need to be addressed as well. News - Agency Articles Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:04:59 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/commercial-lines/mortgage-protection-insurance-for-financial-institutions.html Mortgage Protection Insurance for Financial Institutions Castle Rock Agency is proud to announce Mortgage Protection Insurance for Financial Institutions.Why do Lending Institutions Need Mortgage Protection Insurance?What does Mortgage Protection Insurance provide?Why Mortgage Protection Insurance? Click Here to find out more... (mortgage-protection-insurance.html)If you know someone in the mortgage banking industry, forward this to them so they can see how Castle Rock Agency (http://www.castlerockagency.com) can protect their banks interest. News - Commercial Lines Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:17:13 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/why-you-need-employment-practices-liability-insurance-epli.html Why You Need Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) A private company is more likely to have an Employment Practices claim than a General Liability or property claim.3 out of every 5 employers are sued by former employees65% of all companies that have ever fired an employee have been hit with an employment related lawsuitIn 2006, the median award for all plaintiff verdicts was over $200,000Over 40% of all Employment Practices claims are brought against firms with less than 100 employees News - Agency Articles Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:09:59 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/agency-news/client-care-news/castle-rock-insurance-agency-receives-2008-best-of-new-york-award.html Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Castle Rock Insurance Agency Receives 2008 Best of New York Insurance Award (https://www.uslba2008.net/P8CATJFH) U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement... Agency News - Client Care News Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:17:45 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/travelers-beware-the-top-10-places-to-be-kidnapped-from.html Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, however lately the Incidence of Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion is abundant. Read More... (http://www.castlerockinternational.com/news/casualty-insurance/casualty-categories/47-kidnap-and-ransom-insurance/104-top-10-kidnap-rated-countries-wi) News - Agency Articles Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:34:33 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/crane-collapses-in-new-york-only-2-of-32-apartments-insured.html Crane Collapses in New York 2 of 32 Apartments Have Tenant Insurance 6.25% of the Tenants Had Renters Insurance or a Tenant Insurance Policy Only two of 32 renters interviewed by the New York State Insurance Department following last month’s crane collapse on New York City’s East Side were protected by tenants insurance.That low number is hardly surprising. Nationally, a 2006 survey by the Insurance Research Council found that only 43 percent of all renters were insured. In New York City, that percentage is believed to be significantly lower because of the high cost of living.Some renters may believe – mistakenly – that their personal property is covered by a building owner’s insurance. Others, like recent college graduates, may be unaware of tenants insurance and some simply decide not to buy it.* News - Agency Articles Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:24:16 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/newsflashes/business-insurance/protect-your-business-with-the-right-insurance-in-three-easy-steps.html Protect your Business in Three Easy StepsA business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto insurance. Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the first steps toward making an informed decision is to understand coverage and service options. Here are three easy steps to help figure out your commercial auto insurance needs: 1. Choose an Insurance Agent with the Right Combination of Price and Service.Insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about service, too. How are claims handled? How long will it take to get your vehicle back on the road? Can you get questions answered outside of business hours or online? Know the answers to these questions. Your time is money.2. Research your Insurance Policy Options. Having the right coverage is important. A standard commercial auto policy generally includes coverage for: Injuries or damage that you cause;Your driver’s injuries;Injuries and damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers; andDamage to or theft of your vehicle(s).When it comes to damage that you cause, you may be required to purchase certain limits based on who you work for.... Newsflashes - Business Insurance Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:58:01 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/boiler-and-machinery-insurance-the-flood-effect.html Boiler Machinery Insurance: The Flood EffectHow is Boiler Machinery Insurance The Flood Effect Similar Various Facts About Each.Boiler and Machinery Insurance Coverage. What is it and what does it cover?The fact that flood is an noted exclusion on a homeowners policy was a little known fact before Hurricane Katrina hit the Eastern and Southern shores of the US. Similar to flood insurance, another little known fact among the insurance industry is that: Boiler and Machinery Insurance Coverage is a standard exclusion on most Property and Business Owners Insurance Policies. So what does Boiler and Machinery Insurance cover? Boiler and Machinery Insurance Coverage, or the most prevalently used industry term, and, for the purposes of this article, we will use the term equipment breakdown, is provided for loss of or damage to steam boilers, pressure vessels, steam pipes, steam engines, steam turbines, electrical equipment, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, PC’s, production and mechanical equipment. It covers mechanical failure, motor burnout, short circuits and electrical arcing. Many Mechanical Breakdown Insurance policies will also cover operator error, which accounts for 35% of all equipment breakdowns. Not even a warranty or service maintenance contract will... News - Agency Articles Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:49:04 +0100 http://www.castlerockagency.com/news/agency-articles/business-auto-insurance---new-york.html Business Auto Insurance If you own a business in New York, it’s important to match the Business Auto Insurance you carry to the company you keep. Doing so can save you time and money down the road. Commercial Auto Insurance or Business Auto Insurance can be especially important.If you’re not sure what kind of Business Auto Insurance Coverage you need, you may want to talk with an independent insurance agent who specializes in that particular area. Independent Insurance agents work with you to put together a package that provides the protection that’s right for your business. “Anyone who owns a business with a Business Automobile Insurance Policy needs to have coverage that is appropriate for the industry and the size of the business,” says Brett Stalnaker of The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “An independent agent who specializes in Business Auto Insurance Coverage can provide business owners with the kind of advice they need to make the right choice.” Here are some tips to help you find a Business Auto Insurance agent: Get objective advice. There are different types of insurance agents. A captive agent represents only one insurance company. Independent... News - Agency Articles Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:00:00 +0100