PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/Pattanaphong Khuankaew
Check your policy so you’re up to date on all your service offerings. We spoke with three insurance pros who specialize in the pest management industry to get their take on what pest management professionals (PMPs) should include in their policies right now, as well as what the insurance outlook is for the near future. Got something to add? Let us know via pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.
John Culotta
BROWNYARD GROUP
John Culotta
PCOpro Program Manager
My team at PCOpro offers protection and peace of mind — that is, insurance. We provide the broadest insurance coverage available on the market, including general and professional liability, workers’ compensation, auto, property and excess.
However, we will soon be able to offer a new coverage to PMPs: cyber liability. Today, every business faces significant exposures on the cyber side — from employees losing devices in the field to hackers that expose customer data.
PREDICTIONS: With more drivers than ever on the road, we have watched accident frequency and severity drive up premiums. In response, we have focused on supporting our customers and the industry with information on safe driving and ways to reduce the costs associated with claims.
We also are keeping an eye on how technology is shaping the future of pest control. We caution PMPs to be judicious and cautious in adopting and adapting to new technologies. Give us a call to find out whether a new tool or treatment is covered by your current policy.
Andy McGinty
LIPCA INSURANCE
Andy McGinty
EVP/COO
We offer insurance for pest control and lawn care professionals that is completely owned by the pest and lawn industries. We now offer additional coverage for cyber liability, canine mortality/liability and drones. We also offer free loss control, including customer contract reviews.
PREDICTIONS: Educating customers and employees, and new technology are going to be the big focus areas of the future. PMPs should educate not only on the strengths, but on the weaknesses of their services.
Explaining what can happen in the event of a potential loss, infestation or damage is more important than you might think. Take, for example, two Formosan termite customers. Customer A has been told about possible secondary colonies and swarms down the road; Customer B was not informed in any way. Which customer is going to be easier to deal with should a claim occur?
Thermal imaging, drones and other tools and technologies are becoming more and more common. Make sure the policy you have covers these newer services.
Frank MacDonald
SELECT INSURANCE AGENCY
Frank MacDonald
President
We offer customized insurance programs for PMPs, particularly general liability (including pollution), automobile, workers’ compensation, property, umbrella, employment practices, cyber liability and crime.
PREDICTIONS: Auto liability has become, and will continue to be, the largest liability and premium expense facing the industry as a whole. PMPs need to get a good handle on the drivers they hire and retain, and those drivers’ driving habits. They need to take disciplinary action when necessary. If they aren’t on file already, vehicle use and cellphone policies need to be created and signed by each driver.
Telematics — tracking hard braking, speeding, geofencing and after-hours use — should be installed in all vehicles. Phone block technology and driver cameras are going to become critical to ensure premium costs are controlled and may be necessary for the overall insurability of the organization, if loss ratios dictate such requirements.
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