Newsletter October 2015
AT A GLANCE
New at the Creek
Uninsured Contractors
Halloween Safety
Business Spotlight
NEW AT THE CREEK
Our Team Is Growing And You Can Help!
As we continue to grow we look to add quality team members to help our
loyal client base. Currently we are looking to bring on a customer service
representative. Ideally this person will have 3
Years of experience with an active P&C license.
If you know of a qualified individual please have
Them send their resume to
Uninsured Sub-Contractors and
Independent Contractors
A lot of businesses utilize sub-contractors and independent contractors to help complete
tasks or portions of a project. However, not everyone takes the time to verify if the sub-
contractor is carrying their own insurance. This can cause a surprise when audit time
comes around! If a sub-contractor is performing work for your business, and they are un-
insured, your insurance policy could pick up the coverage for that sub-contractor which
may result in an increased premium.
It is important to collect Certificates of Insurance (COI) from all sub-contractors, and
maintain them on file to be able to provide to your carrier at the time of audit. You will
want to make sure they are carrying a policy with the same limit and coverage as yours.
This applies for General Liability, Commercial Auto and Worker's Compensation. As the
business owner, you may want to take that extra step and verify with the carrier or broker
on the COI that the coverage is active and in-force.
It is also important to note, that Independent Contractors can also be covered under the
Worker's Compensation policy depending on the services they provide. Paying a worker
by form 1099, does not automatically designate them as an independent contractor for the
insurance. The differences between a worker being classified as an independent contrac-
tor and an employee can be somewhat subjective, but you can find more information on
the IRS and Department of Labor Websites.
For more information http://www.insurancejournal.com/
Our Mission: Stone Creek Insurance
is committed to
knowing, meeting, and
exceeding our clients
needs and expectations.
Our Tip:
Make sure to check your
tire pressure frequently
since Fall weather rapidly
changes between warm
and cold, your tires often
contract and expand. This
will keep you and others
safe on the road.
Questions to Keep Your Haunting Brood Safe on Halloween
Despite the fact that Halloween involves walking around at night amongst ghouls and witches, it really only
takes a little common sense to make the night safe for everyone.
1. Are we visible?
Add reflective tape to costumes, clothing and candy bags to make it easier for drivers to see you and your group. That
also goes for pets who are tagging along. Put reflective tape or flashing lights on their leashes or collars. Carrying
flashlights and glow sticks is a good idea as well — they make you more visible and help you see better, too.
2. How safe are our costumes?
Costumes, including masks and shoes, should fit well to prevent blocked vision, trips and falls. Baggy clothing can also
increase the risk of contact with candles. If you purchase costumes, make sure they are marked as flame-resistant.
And accessories such as swords and knives should be soft and flexible.
3. Where are we going?
It is best to have a plan before taking your kids trick-or-treating. You should only go to known neighborhoods and hous-
es that have outside lights on, and children should never enter another home unless an adult is with them. If you have
older children going out on their own, have them tell you their plan.
4. What are the kids eating?
It is always a good idea to examine the items your kids have collected before they dig in. And it is not just about
tampering, either. Be aware of choking hazards, too, particularly for young children. And remember, when it comes to
eating treats, moderation is key.
With the right plan, you can make Halloween fun — and safe — for your little ghosts and goblins. And you can probably
snag a little leftover candy for yourself, too.
ody
Business Spotlight:
Meet one of our clients:
Ghost Town Brewing
Oakland, CA
510-470-4227 Started by metal head home brewers with a desire for free beer and a place to
rehearse music, Ghost Town Brewing launched as a full production brewery from
brew kettle to keg in West Oakland in 2012. You can find us at bars and
restaurants around Oakland including Dogwood, The Lodge, Boot & Shoe Service, Lost & Found, Moxy Beer
Garden, The Libertine, Awaken Cafe and in SF at Hogwash, Rosamunde and Flying Pig among others.
instagram.com/ghosttownbrewing/
We Provide:
Auto Insurance
Home Insurance
Business Owners Policy
Business Auto Policy
Workers Compensation
Flood Insurance
Earthquake Insurance