CHAPP Has Answers to Your DOT Regulations Questions
     Whenever you have questions about DOT regulations related to your hauling operations or employee transportation, remember that CHAPP has the answers. The assistance provided is free of charge as just another benefit of being a CHAPP client!

FCCI Ag Claims Unit Announces New Toll-Free Number
     FCCI’s Ag Claims Unit has a toll-free phone line for when you need to contact the claims adjusters and supervisors (including Jill Keene) directly. The new number is 800-239-4778.

     You will still call Jamie King at CHAPP to report all injuries and to ask general questions on claims!

FAJUA Rate Change for Vans, Buses, Field Trucks
     The FAJUA decreased its rates for all new business effective March 10, 2000. The changes do not effect current policy endorsements or policies that renew before May 1, 2000.

     Under new underwriting standards, we will not write watermelon field trucks under the same program used for citrus goats. The watermelon trucks will now be rated the same as other field trucks.

ACE USA to Audit Files
     ACE USA will be conducting its annual audit of Harvester Program files in May. If you have received a recent request for information (crew cards, registrations, vehicle inspections) and have not sent us the items that we asked for, please do so immediately!

     ACE USA can cancel insurance coverage on any account that does not provide all underwriting information that is needed for their files.

Employee Leasing Creates Insurance Questions
     The employee leasing industry continues to solicit business from agricultural industries. Major selling points are that the employer might see lower unemployment tax advantages and lower employment-related costs. For some employers with high experience modifications, there are also worker’s compensation insurance savings.

     However, many of the employee leasing sales representatives are not licensed insurance agents. We have found that they either do not know about or do not provide important information on how contracting with an employee leasing company affects your liability exposure and your insurance coverages. For instance, under employee leasing an employer loses its Worker’s Compensation liability sole remedy immunity and can be sued by injured workers for negligence as a third party.

      There are several other areas of concern related to your liability as both a business and an employer and your insurance coverages that you should be aware of when considering employee leasing. Please contact us before you make a decision without knowing this information.