Commercial Auto Insurance covers your cars, trucks, and vans used in your business. It covers the costs from vehicle damage in collisions, theft, vandalism and weather damage. It also covers medical expenses for to injured parties.
Workers Compensation covers your employees' medical costs and lost wages while recovering from a work-related injury or illness. The employee gives up the right to sue your company in return for receiving cash and benefits from Workers Compensation. In some states it’s mandatory for businesses!
Employment Practice Liability Insurance, or EPLI, protects you from employment-related claims. If you're accused wrongful termination, discrimination in hiring or firing or workplace harassment, EPLI covers your defense and settlement costs.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) protects you from business liability and property damage at a lower cost. BOP covers claims resulting from fire, theft & disasters. BOP also covers claims of bodily injury or property damage during your business operations.
Professional Liability Insurance (or E&O Insurance), protects your small business from claims of mistakes, negligence or malpractice made when providing your services that caused somebody financial loss. PLI covers your legal defense costs, damages and settlements.
General Liability Insurance protects your small business against claims of third-party bodily injury and property damage, reputational harm and advertising injury. It covers medical bills, repair costs & legal fees.
What risks could Staffing Agencies face?
The risks to staffing agencies can be great, regardless of whether you hire for temporary or permanent employment. Risk starts the moment you interview a potential employee. If you chose not to hire them you could face charges of discrimination for not hiring, sexual harassment and other potential liabilities.
How much does Staffing Agency Insurance cost?
The cost of coverage will depend on the policies you purchase, the types of professions you specialize in, and the annual revenue of your company. For instance, General Liability insurance can be as low as $300/year. Professional Liability (E&O) insurance as low as $600/year. Commercial Auto insurance averages $3,000 a year. A Workers' Compensation depends on the number of employees you have and starts at a few hundred dollars a year.
Do I need Workers Compensation for my Employment Placement Agency?
Yes, depending on how many employees you have it is likely mandated by your state that you carry it. After the first employee is hired it is prudent to take out a Workers Compensation policy.
How can I reduce the risk of my Staffing Agency?
You can build in risk mitigation processes and procedures. Your customer contracts should include indemnification clauses in your favor and you should set your customer's expectations when starting a relationship. Often, overpromising services can get a staffing company in trouble.