GivingTuesday is Here! What Will You Give?

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2019 and every day.

One of the best ways to give is to get involved is in your own community. We have supplied a link to a directory to help you find organizations, events, and ways to give back in your own community.

Thank you for giving! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Hawley & Associates - Gobble Gobble!

All of us at Hawley & Associates would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Our Holiday Office Hours Are As Follows:

Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 - Closing at 2 pm (PST)

Thursday, November 28th, 2019 - Closed

Quote for the Day

The Hardening Insurance Market – Three Things to Get You Through The Storm

Because insurance carriers are experiencing higher than expected losses, a hardening insurance market is rearing its ugly head. A hardening market means increased premiums and tighter underwriting requirements for many lines of coverage, including; commercial property, E&O, D&O, Auto and EPL. The 2017 hurricane season and the 2018 California wildfires resulted in a combined insured loss of more than 212 billion dollars and are major contributors in this turn.

One area being hit particularly hard is the adoption & foster care sector. Due to increased litigation, settlements and judgments, some carriers are now reluctant to offer broad coverage with high limits. Some carriers are even exiting these markets all together, making it much harder for some brokers to have access to carriers that are willing to write these risks, let alone even to provide a quote.

In a hardening market, there are three things that can help you ride out the storm:

1. Specialty Broker:  Having a broker that specializes in your line of business and knows your unique risks and exposures is imperative in positively representing your best interest to the insurance carriers. Their specialty allows them stronger relationships with underwriters, greater negotiating power to lower premiums and access to more carriers than that of a generalist broker.  Remember, an insurance broker (vs. an agent) works for YOU, not the insurance carrier.

2. Risk Management: A clean loss history is always more favorable than a poor loss history.  A poor loss history tells the carrier that you are a bad risk.  This can result in even higher premiums or worse yet a non-renewal notice. By designing and implementing a strong risk management plan, your broker can paint a positive picture to the insurance carrier and show that you are proactive in helping to eliminate or reduce your risk.

3. Don’t Hop Around: Believe it or not, jumping from carrier to carrier every year looking for the lowest price can cost you more in the long run. Carriers have been known not to quote simply for the fact that the insured is not loyal to any one carrier. Showing stability and loyalty (even if you have a loss and premiums increase) is a positive indicator in the eyes of the carrier.

Even in this hardening market, Hawley & Associates continues to exclusively serve the nonprofit and social service community.  Our specialty allows us broad access specialty markets & programs, including programs for hard-to-place risks, such as adoption & foster care.  Let our mission empower your mission!

Honoring All Who Served

Veteran's Day was November 11th, so I am a little late in writing this post.  But, it is never too late to thank and honor all the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice.

2019 Wayne Hawley Giving Grant Winners Announced!

The Wayne Hawley Giving Grant is exclusive to H&A clients, and has helped support programs, projects and organizations whose focus is to benefit children, families and our communities.

We would like to thank everyone who applied for the grant in 2019.  We had a record number of applicants and it was so difficult to make our selection!  Everyone was so deserving! Thank you to all our clients for the amazing things they are doing to help make the world a better place for so many. 
Please click here for information on this year's recipients.

Agent vs. Broker - What Is The Difference?

The terms Agent and Broker are sometimes used in the same context, but in reality, they are quite different.  Both do act as a liaison between the insured and the insurance company, but the main difference is who they represent.

AGENT:

An insurance agent works for the insurance company.  They can represent one or more insurance companies and acts as an extension of those companies. They are authorized to bind or initiate coverage on behalf of the insured.

There are two types agents: Captive and Independent. A Captive agent sells insurance for one specific insurance company.  An Independent agent sells insurance for multiple insurance companies.  In essence, they do the ‘shopping’ for you.

      

BROKER:   

An insurance broker works for their clients.  They are an advocate and work in the best interest of their client, not the insurance company.

There are typically two types of brokers: Generalists and Specialists.  Generalists do not restrict themselves to certain industries or lines of business and sometimes consider themselves as a “one stop shop”.  They can insure gas stations, restaurants and even nonprofits.  With their book of business being so broad, it may be difficult for them to have the necessary knowledge and expertise into a particular industry or business, especially ones that are complex or have high risk factors.

A specialty broker does just that; they specialize or have a niche in a particular line of business or industry. They have access to a variety of markets, comparing multiple programs side by side. They generally have stronger relationships with underwriters and have a unique ability to negotiate for better terms and premiums. They will also have a better understanding of the exposures and various risks associated with a particular industry or business and can better recommend the specialized insurance solutions needed.

Happy Fall Y'all - Hawley & Associates 3rd. Quarter Newsletter

Welcome to Fall!  

Please enjoy Hawley & Associates' 3rd Quarter Newsletter.  If you would like to subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, please email us at info@hawleyandassociates.com.

10 Steps To Minimize Risk When Employees Work Remotely

Many organizations are embracing a remote working lifestyle and this trend is only rising. Nearly 3% of the US workforce works remotely in some capacity.  This is a 115 percent increase from 2005.

For all the benefits it may bring, it is opening your business up to an increased risk of a serious data breach.  There are many factors that can contribute to your business becoming the next victim of a cyber attack:

•           Inability to enforce security protocols
•          Remote workers risky behavior
•          Not adhering to security best practices
•           Sharing devices with family and friends
•           Not recognizing suspicious behavior

So, what can you do?

Cyber threats will always be a part of our reality, and cyber security has a hard time keeping up in this ever-changing environment.  If you have employees that work remotely, now is the time to take another hard look at the security of your data.  Here are 10 steps you can take to help minimize your risks:

1. Establish written company security protocols 
2. Restrict or limit the use of public Wi-Fi
3. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
4. Raise awareness by educating workers on how to recognize suspicious behavior
5. Monitor company issued devices (check your state statutes)
6. Apply cloud services
7. Enable data protection software on all devices
8. Restrict employees use the internet and not to use device for personal reasons
9. Proper password management
10. Do not share devices with friends or family

Contact Hawley& Associates today for information on Commercial Cyber Insurance and how it can protect your organization in the event of a data breach.

To Those Affected By Hurricane Dorian

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in the path hurricane Dorian and the subsequent tropical storm.  Our sincere wish is for everyone's well-being and safety.

We talked to a client who was in an evacuation zone.  They were in surprisingly good spirits and had already moved their residential clients to a safe place.  We do stand in awe of the resilience of our clients who live and work in these affected areas and their continued commitment to serve and care for others.

If your agency is impacted by the storm, please be assured we are here for you every step of the way. We are just a phone call or email away.  If you need assistance after-hours, please don't hesitate to call our emergency claims/service line at (425) 577-4957.

On behalf of everyone at Hawley & Associates, we wish everyone strength and safety during this difficult time.
 

Happy 125th Anniversary LABOR DAY!

This year we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Labor Day holiday. Has it really been around that long?!

Labor Day officially became a federal holiday in June 1894 and was enacted to honor the American labor movement.  Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday.  By the time it became a federal holiday, thirty U.S. states officially adopted and celebrated Labor Day.

Labor Day has often been called "the unofficial end of summer". Many families take their yearly vacations around this time of year, just to have one last 'fling' before the kids go back to school and the season changes. 

So, here's to the hard-working American; the backbone of our country! Enjoy the long holiday weekend! 

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Thomas Jefferson

Does Your Nonprofit Need Professional Liability Insurance?

In a world where lawsuits seem to be commonplace, it is more important than ever to have the appropriate commercial insurance coverage in place.  Every nonprofit is unique and there is no ‘magic’ online button, or a one-size fits all insurance program for your nonprofit.  

If your agency offers advice or provides professional services, it is imperative to carry Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors & Omissions or E&O). If your organization is sued for negligence for errors and/or omissions while performing your professional services, your professional liability policy can help cover settlements and judgement expenses and attorney fees up to your policy limits.

Professional Liability vs. Directors & Officers Insurance:

There is a common misconception that a Directors and Officers (D&O) policy may be all you need. These two types of coverage may seem similar on the outside, but the main difference is who is covered. 

Your D&O policy provides insurance brought on by a 'breach of duty' or wrongful act allegations and lawsuits arising out of the managerial decisions of board member(s), officers, employees and sometimes volunteers. Professional Liability insurance provides insurance for claims arising from errors and/or omissions made against the organization.

About Hawley & Associates

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Hawley & Associates is solely in existence to provide specialized insurance solutions for social service and nonprofit organizations across the country and the world.

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Our mission is to empower your mission by providing the most comprehensive and cost-effective insurance program and tailored risk management solutions that perfectly align with your unique operations and exposures. Less time and money spent on insurance means more of both to dedicate to the children, families and communities in which you serve.​

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We strongly believe in the industry we serve, and to us it's much more than insurance - it’s about relationships. We are an extension of your organization and an unwavering champion in supporting the great work that you do. 

Quote For The Day!

Exclusive WorldPro Insurance Program for Social Service Organizations

Besides offering tailor-made insurance programs designed specifically around your unique operations and exposures, Hawley & Associates offers the exclusive WorldPro Insurance Program.  It is the most comprehensive and cost competitive program offered to social service organizations today.  Since it’s inception, WorldPro now insures some of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country.

Program Highlights:

¨ High Limits (including abuse)

¨ Stand-alone Umbrella coverage

¨ Program will defend a negligence, error or omissions claim brought anywhere in the world, with      no limitation as to venue, change of venue or any other exclusion involving jurisdiction

¨ Special Defense Fund available to any employee wrongfully accused of abuse or molestation

¨ No territorial exclusions or restrictions

Hawley & Associates has been instrumental in introducing several new social service insurance programs to the market and we will continue to work hard to find even more markets and programs to bring down premiums for our clients and help you serve the under-served.

Contact us today for more information!

Wayne Hawley Giving Grant - Don't Miss Out!

The Wayne Hawley Giving Grant is exclusive to H&A clients that serve the social service and nonprofit community.

The grant is named in loving memory of Phil Hawley's father, Wayne Hawley, who was instrumental in the formation of Hawley & Associates, and a guiding force in making our agency the strong, dedicated and caring company it is today.

The grant is comprised of two individual grants in the amount of $5,000.00 each.

Click here for more information!

Deadline for applications is September 30, 2019!

Happy 4th of July from Hawley & Associates

Food Safety Tips for An Amazing Summer!

Food-borne illnesses are most common in summer. With higher temps and sometimes ‘not so ideal’ conditions, such as camping or a maybe a long road trip, bacteria growth reigns supreme.

Here are some great tips to keep your summer plans on track and most importantly safe!

1. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables to reduce the chance of cross-contamination. Harmful bacteria present in raw meat and poultry can contaminate even cooked food.

2. Keep perishable food cold until ready to use. 

3. Never use tongs or utensils that have touched raw meat or poultry to serve cooked food.

4. Camping – Keeps foods cold!  A block of ice last longer than ice cubes.  Empty milk cartons filled with water and then frozen are a great alternative to ice cubes or purchasing block ice in the store.  Also, fuller coolers tend to stay cooler longer.

5. Put cold drinks in a separate cooler.  This will help minimize the number of times the cooler is opened, thus keeping the food cooler colder longer.

6. Don’t reuse marinades.  This will prevent raw meat juices getting onto your cooked food. 

7. Cook food thoroughly.  Using a thermometer gives you the best results in determining whether your meat is under or overcooked.

8. Throw out leftovers.  Perishable items left out for two or more hours should not be consumed.

9. Thaw and marinade food in the refrigerator.

10. Keep things clean, including your hands!

2019 2nd Qtr. Newsletter Has Arrived! Let's Celebrate Summer!

Celebrating summer with our 2nd Quarter Newsletter.  Click and Enjoy!

Customer Satisfaction Is Our #1 Goal!

Insuring Your Foster Care Agency - Are Changes In The Wind?

The landscape is definitely changing when it comes to insuring your foster care agency. Many agencies are receiving non-renewal notices, or their premiums have increased substantially, even without a large claim history.  What is the reasoning behind these dramatic and sometimes very shocking changes?

Some contributing factors:

•          The high-risk factors associated with child welfare
•          Claims increasing in severity and frequency
•          Nonprofits are diversifying their services, thus increasing their exposures
•          Contracts are requiring higher limits, resulting in higher premiums
•          Changes in carrier appetites and the types businesses they will cover/not cover
•          Changes in policy forms

As a result, Carrier risk management requirements are being raised.  Creating a robust risk management program is imperative in controlling your losses, premiums and meeting carrier requirements.  Start by electing a risk management officer or mandated reporter, create a formal incident reporting program and reduce and manage a social worker’s caseload/workload.  This is a great place to start.

So, what is your foster care agency to do in these changing times? Contact a specialist.  Hawley& Associates specializes in hard-to-place risks, including adoption & foster care.  Our broad access to specialized markets and innovative risk management tools allows us to partner in and empower mission!

Hawley & Associates - Memorial Day Office Closure

Hawley & Associates will be closed Monday, May 27th, 2019 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

If you have any special service requests during this time, please call our after-hour service line at (425) 577-4957.

All of us at Hawley & Associates would like to say THANK YOU for all who served and died for our freedom.

2019 Hurricane Season – Is Your Nonprofit Ready?

Hurricane season begins June 1st, 2019 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a ‘near-normal’ hurricane season, due to El Nino and warmer-than-average Atlantic waters. They also predict a range of 9 to 15 named storms, which could include 2 to 4 major hurricanes (winds over 111 per hour).

If you operate your nonprofit or social service organization anywhere near a coastline, preparation is your best defense in minimizing the impact to your agency.

A thorough review of your commercial insurance policies is essential in preparing for the unpredictable. Get to know all of the exclusions in your policy, and if needed, talk to your insurance broker about purchasing separate coverage, such as flood or business interruption insurance. Without the proper coverage, you could be forced to pay out of pocket for the damages that are excluded in your policy.  Could your agency survive that?

Contact Hawley & Associates today for more information on the right insurance solutions your organization needs to protect your mission.

Community Action Agencies – Changing People’s Lives

The Economic Opportunity Act was founded in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, to fight the war on poverty in the US.  This in-turn created the Community Action Program; a network of public, nonprofit and private organizations that help connect our nations children & families to services and programs, leading them to greater opportunities, economic stability, and self-sufficiency.

May is Community Action Month and Hawley & Associates would like to recognize the over 1000 Community Action Agencies and Programs that have the passion to serve and empower our community’s low-income families.

 

A list of some of the programs offered:

Head Start Programs

Weatherization Assistance

Meals on Wheels

Home Energy Assistance

Employment Services

Income Management

Housing Services

Shelters

Youth Services

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2017, the poverty rate in the US was 12.3 %, which is down 0.4% from 2016.  This is the third consecutive year in which the poverty rate has declined, but the problem is still very real.

 

Thank you to these agencies that dedicate themselves in fighting poverty and helping others help themselves and by allowing Hawley & Associates to be a part of your mission.

Mother's Day Fun Facts

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

1. More calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.

2. Mother’s Day is the third highest selling holiday for flowers and plants (behind Christmas and Hanukkah).

3. One of the earliest Mother's Day celebrations was in Ancient Greece.

4. Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year in the restaurant industry.

5. Woodrow Wilson signed Mother’s Day into law in 1914.

6. In 2018, over $23 billion dollars was spent on Mother’s Day.

7. Most popular gift is a greeting card.

8. Carnations are the symbol for Mother’s Day.

9. On average, people spend $133 on Father’s Day compared to $196 on Mother’s Day.

May Is National Foster Care Month!

May is National Foster Care Month!

Hawley & Associates is honored to partner with our foster care clients' commitment of making the world a better place for our countries foster children.

These inspiring real-life stories from families and professionals made our day!  Help us raise awareness by sharing these empowering experiences.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/reallifestories/

The High Price of Distracted Driving

As of April 22nd, 2019, Arizona became the 48th state to ban texting while driving.  According to a study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in distracted driving-related vehicle accidents in 2016, meaning 9% of all the fatal crashes this year involved distracted driving; and 14% of these crashes involved a fatality.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention away from driving.  A few examples are:

• Eating or drinking
• Talking or texting on a cellphone
• Fiddling with a stereo, navigation or entertainment system
• Talking with someone in the vehicle
• Putting on make-up
• Grabbing something off the floor or backseat

The same study found that texting and driving is six times more dangerous than driving intoxicated. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

What can we do?

Parents: Lead by example; talk with children about distracted driving and the consequences; sign a family pledge not to drive distracted.

Teens: Speak up when they see a friend or peer driving distracted; have friends sign a pledge; share message on social media.

Educators: Remind students about the dangers of distracted driving. Post posters and hand out materials relating to distracted driving.

Employers:  Institute a company policy restricting texting, eating or any other form of distracted driving while operating company vehicles or while using their own vehicle for company business.

Foster Parent Liability Insurance

Being a foster parent today can be more challenging than ever, as many foster children come into the system already abused or neglected.  Allegations of abuse in the foster care system are not uncommon. In 2016, approximately 4.1 million allegations of child abuse and neglect were made to child protective service agencies.

According to the National Foster Parent Association, adoptive parents have a 1 in 8 chance of being falsely accused of abuse or neglect.  Lawsuits can be brought by the biological parent, the child, or others arising out of the foster parent/child relationship.

Every responsible foster parent should consider Foster Parent Liability Insurance, which defends foster parents from allegations of abuse. Attorney fees, defense costs and award judgments can rack up thousands of dollars, even if they are unsubstantiated.

For more information on this important coverage, please contact Hawley & Associates.

Hawley & Associates accepting RFP’s for Insurance Brokerage Services

Hawley & Associates specializes in providing custom insurance solutions for social service and nonprofit organizations across the country.  It’s all we do. This specialization gives us a unique advantage in negotiating lower premiums and providing your organization with the most comprehensive and cost-effective coverage, along with tailored risk management solutions that perfectly align with your unique operations and exposures.

Our specialized niche, exclusive programs, broad access to specialty markets, strong carrier alliances, and team-based approach allows Hawley & Associates to best partner with your organization and support the great work that you do!

Let’s partner in 2019!

Third Party Employment Practices Liability Insurance - A Hidden Gap

Employment Practice Liability Insurance (EPL) covers allegations from employees against other employees and/or the employers itself based on discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation and other specified “Wrongful Acts”. This is what is commonly known as “First Party” EPL coverage, the first party being the employee as the claimant.

So, what is a “Third Party” EPL claim? Allegations of specifically discrimination or harassment against the employees and/or the employer from “Third Parties” with whom the employees come in contact while conducting business on behalf of the organization.

Third Parties can include:

➢ Customers/Clients
➢ Vendors
➢ Independent contractors on the organization’s premises, like cleaning people.

Classes of business with Third Party EPL exposure include:

➢ Artisan contractors (plumbers, landscapers, etc.)
➢ Business services (accountants, consultants, etc.)
➢ Commercial daycare centers and summer camps
➢ Fast food restaurants
➢ Fitness Centers
➢ Hotels and motels
➢ Retail stores, including convenience stores and supermarkets

Many employers do not realize that they have a gap in their insurance coverage that leaves them open and vulnerable to lawsuits from customers, clients, vendors and suppliers.

Contact Hawley & Associates today for more information on Third Party EPL insurance for your organization.

April Fool's Day - How Did It Start Anyways?

"Everything is funny, as long as it’s happening to someone else."– Will Rogers

April Fools' Day (sometimes called All Fool's Day) is one of the most widely recognized non-religious holidays in the Western world. How the custom of playing practical jokes or pranks on April 1 came about is still a bit hazy.

There are many theories out there, with one dating back to the 1500's, when the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian.  Those who forgot (or even refused) to observe the change and attempted to celebrate New Year's (previously celebrated on the 1st of April) on the original date were teased as "April fools."

There are no 'official' rules, but superstition says the joking period must end at noon on the 1st of April.  Anyone pulling a prank after this time is considered to be a ‘fool’ themselves because they don’t know the 'rules', or have failed to follow them.

Happy pranking!

Happy Spring From Hawley & Associates!

          Spring: A lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.

Hawley & Associates’ 1st Quarter Newsletter ~ Happy Spring!

Please enjoy the first Hawley & Associates’ newsletter of 2019!  Click here for full article! 

Hawley & Associates ~ 2018 All Star Award Winner!

We were just named a Constant Contact All Star for 2018. Thanks to our subscribers for reading and responding to our emails!

Nonprofits—Third Largest Workforce in U.S.

Nonprofits play a vital role in the social and economic well-being of the United States.  According to an April 2018 report by Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, titled “Nonprofits: America’s Third Largest Workforce", there are 11.9 million nonprofit jobs in the U.S., making the nonprofit sector the third largest employer in the country. Only two other industries -retail trade (15.7 million) and manufacturing (12.3 million) account for a larger workforce.

While nonprofit workers are employed in a wide variety of fields, 54.3% of nonprofit workers are employed in the health field- encompassing hospitals, clinics and home health services, followed by education (15.6 percent), social assistance (12.1 percent), other services (6.7 percent), arts and recreation (2.5 percent), and professional services (2.2 percent).

Employment is just one factor in determining the importance of the nonprofit to the U.S. economy. Tracking and charting economic trends is imperative in assisting the nonprofit sector with increasing challenges - on both a local and federal level.  Their ability to respond to these challenges has been greatly restricted by a lack of information and data in their sector and how it relates to other industries. 

The John Hopkins Nonprofit Economic Data Project (NED), in collaboration with other local and federal agencies is collecting and providing vital data related to and for the nonprofit sector.

How One Agent Adopted a Niche within a Niche – As published by the Insurance Journal – Feb. 2019

Hawley & Associates is in existence for just one reason; to provide specialized insurance solutions for the nonprofit and social service community.  It has always been and will continue to be our sole focus!

We would like to share a wonderful article recently published by the Insurance Journal about the founding of Hawley & Associates, our niche market and the roots of our unique mission.

We would like to thank our clients for allowing our mission to empower your mission!

Read Full Article

Source: Insurance Journal, February 4^th, 2019 | Volume 97 No. 3