Happy holidays from all of us at Alandale!

The world of insurance continues to be ever changing.  We strive to keep you posted on the changes that effect your coverage, business and budgets.  With those directives in mind, we realize our job to be not only responsive but also knowledgeable.  Particularly in the workers compensation marketplace, pricing and rates have been on a decline since 2002 with average rate declining by over 55%.  That said, we may be at or near the end of those rate reductions, see the articles attached from both the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (recommended 5.2% rate increase for January 2008) and Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner (recommends no change in rates).  This represents the first time in 3 years that the commissioners office has not recommended a rate reduction.

We have also presented an article on the importance of disaster preparedness BEFORE the disaster arrives.  This article is just the tip of the iceberg, however, if your business has not addressed this issue previously, it's a start.  We have also provided an article from our strategic partners at Hill, Farrer & Burrill, LLP to address a quick checklist to help avoid wrongful termination lawsuits for your California employees. 

We hope you find this information both timely and helpful.  If you have any suggestions or requests on information you would like to see in future editions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.  I also encourage you to participate in our annual Toy Drive in support of the Midnight Mission and Santa's Village by dropping off or asking us to come to pick-up new, unwrapped toys.  We will take care of delivery to the charities.

Happy Holiday!