Rucking Insurance: Insurance Issues for Rugby Players

Business Insurance: "How much would it cost to insure my space-based taco-creating transmogrifyer?

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:47:00 +0000

You'll never believe some of the businesses I've been asked to insure... But ultimately, they just want to know how much. (Rugby players are long on stories, short on patience...)

Rarely do they ask questions about Products Liability, or Medical Payments... they just want to know the price. (I've included some convenient definitions for General Liability insurance below...)

Premiums are, usually, based on risk and revenue/payrolls. Obviously, a lumber yard with lots of business would be more expensive GL-wise than a small PR agency. But, again, don't just assume that your rate will be cheap. Get multiple quotes. And, look for an association for the class of your business. They may have a program for its membership that'll satisfy your needs.

Other things to be concerned about:

1. Being a "named insured" on a subcontractor's policy. (If your sub doesn't have GL, don't use them.)
2. Property Coverage (You'll want the Special form that includes theft.)
3. Cyber Liability (Hackers...losing private client data...etc.)
4. If you're a team or league or sport association: Abuse Molestation Liability, and Certified Trainers Liability

This is one of the funner parts of insurance, so don't hesitate to call me: 800-605-5024

Here are those terms:

General Liability

This coverage protects your business from claims arising from alleged bodily injury, personal injury or property damage liability. It includes protection for services you render or products you sell. Coverage payments can include judgments, attorney fees, court costs, or other related expenses.

Personal and Advertising Injury Liability

This coverage is used to insure against claims of libel, slander, product disparagement, piracy, infringement of copyrights, etc. that arise out of the advertising of your goods, products, or services.

Medical Payments

This coverage reimburse, without regard to your liability, all reasonable medical expenses incurred by persons as a result of bodily injury sustained by accident as defined in your policy.

Premises/Operations

This coverage is used to insure against claims arising out of your ownership, maintenance or use of premises including any operations that are in progress.

Products/Completed Operations

This coverage is used to insure against claims arising out of bodily injury and property damage that result from products you have sold, manufactured, handled, distributed or disposed of; or for work you have performed, provided the accident occurs away from premises you own or rent.

Rules are made to keep off health insurance plans...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Remember, Health Insurance companies only want young, perfectly healthy people. That's why they spend Millions lobby gov't officials and representatives to keep the sick off their books.

Now, here's the irony. Guess who the Gov't hires to administer gov't based health plans. So, if you have a pre-existing condition, or can't afford health insurance, the very same people who wouldn't help you privately will be the administrators of your public benefits.

Pissed yet?

Premium, Deductible, and Out Of Pocket Max: Axis of Evil?

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Lot's of confusion over these three terms.

Premium: The money you pay the insurance company every month. It's gone, and does NOT apply to either the deductible, the out-of-pocket max. (And, it does NOT go into your HSA...)

Deductible: The money you pay before your insurance company kicks in...

Out of Pocket Maximum: The MOST you'll pay in a calendar year, ASIDE from the Premium.

Now, to add to the loose ruck...A copay is just a fee to the Doc, or medical service provider, and also does NOT count within your deductible, or OOP MAX.

Sucks huh?

The Sick Cost More: F@#$ng Brilliance from a Gov't Study...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:42:00 +0000

So, if you're sick, you cost more in terms of health care. I'm so glad we nailed this down...idiot gov't.

Anyway, for rucks and mauls, check out these three different spins on the same info...

Remember, it's all going to Kaiser. Our only hope are companies like SeeChangeHealth.com

Calculating Life Insurance needs...(creeps me out...)

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:34:00 +0000

I'm a father, so I have life insurance. Here's a nifty calculator for Life Insurance need. Let me know what you think.

I'm not a financial planner, so I'm hesitant in giving any LI advice. But, I know of Rugby Playing Financial Planners that are worth talking to, since most of the scheisters just want to sell you stuff...

Director's and Officer's Liability Insurance: What a Rugger needs to know...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:51:00 +0000

The Hooker for Marin RFC described D&O Insurance as "Bad Business Decision" Insurance. Here's wikipedia's definition.

Would you want your personal assets on the line in case another Board Member or Officer of your Rugby Club made a bone-headed decision?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

If this is a concern with your organization, especially if you run multiple sides, and youth rugby program, give us a call: 800-605-5024

CA Health Insurance: A New Hope...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:26:00 +0000

People are losing health insurance in CA. 21% of the population, or 1 in 5.

Why?

It's too expensive, doesn't seem to have any value, and too many people can skirt by without it, burdening those who do have insurance. (Similar example is Auto Insurance in CA: 25% according to this study.)

Luckily, a new company call See Change Health is working to reversing that trend.

Simply, See Change will PAY YOU to go to the doctor, and to take steps to be healthy.

They understand that catching something early helps everybody, you, your employer, and the bottom line of money.

They create a personalized "Health Action Plan" for each employee, and provide CASH incentives to take the necessary steps to get or stay healthy.

Interested? Call us.

Now, for Rugby Players, imagine getting PAID to go the Chiropractor, or Massage Therapist. How about help with your gym membership, or supplements?

More interested? Call us.

Workers Comp: You are LEGALLY required to carry it...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:12:00 +0000

Got employees? Then you MUST have Workers Comp Insurance.

The CA DOI has a solid pdf regarding the use of PEOs (Preferred Employee Organizations), but the best line is:

"If you can't afford workers comp, you should not be in business."

Word.

Covering the deductible of an insurance plan with a Supplemental

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:50:00 +0000

To reduce costs, many people opt for a higher deductible for their health insurance. Do you have the cash on hand to cover that in case a prop falls on you?

A simple and cheap way to fill the deductible "space" is with a supplemental policy from VBA. Be sure to enroll before the beginning of training, and then cancel, if you like (I'd keep it, since it's good for non-rugby too!) after the season ends. Rates and Benefits vary, but you can enroll here.

[Note: There is a small deductible for the VBA also: $195 to $275. But that's still nicer than $2,500!!!]

Rugby is about putting the ball into space for your teammate to run onto it. The gap can be tiny or huge, and timing is the key. For $35-65/mo extra, you can have the cash(the ball) to go into the space (deductible), and having the timing just right.

STOP asking for cheap health insurance... IT DOES NOT EXIST!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0000

Kids, we need to have a talk. Health Insurance is Expensive. Very Expensive. And, if you're playing rugby without it, your putting yourself at financial risk. (Or, are you?)

Last year, Rucking Insurance Services tried promoting an $80/year adult plan, and a $26/year youth plan. Sales were super low, and therefore the program didn't cover the claims. Program canceled.

Yet, I still get calls for that plan? We needed about 1,000 to purchase it last year. We didn't get close.

A comprehensive health insurance plan could run a few hundred a month, and remember, all you Parents out there, you can NOT buy a child-only policy. The Insurance companies won't sell it to you.

"Why?" you may ask. Because the insurance companies and the politicians want it that way.

Claims cost money. Doctors cost money. Hospitals cost money. And, it's going to get worse.

But here's the interesting part: People are still playing Rugby without health insurance. Parents are letting their kids play without health insurance. If we're unable to hock an $80/year plan to adults, do think they'll purchase a $300/month plan?

We don't know the solution, so that's why we've been closing down our health insurance side, and have expanded into Commercial Insurance, Personal Lines like Home and Auto, and teams and leagues.

We'll always help Rugby. Let us hope this Health Insurance debacle turns around.

"If I had known..."

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:04:00 +0000

"If I had known, that you've been a customer for 10 years, I wouldn't have done that." Actual quote from a Sales Rep from my cell phone company. Really?

"If I had known....

...that I'd get in a car wreck."

....that you were living in a substandard apartment complex."

...that your husband was ill."

Here's how you turn a UNknown, into a KNOWN:

Ask.

It's a cliche, but ignorance is no excuse. The CSR should've looked up my history. The guy should've bought Business Auto since he used his car for his business. The apartment dweller should've bought Renter's Insurance. And, when someone gives you a shitty attitude, 99.99% of the time it's because of a drama in THEIR lives, not yours.

Sorry, seems off topic to insurance... but actually, it's spot on.

"But we've always used State Fund..." Workers Comp Chronicles

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:34:00 +0000

If you're a start up, State Fund, or SCIF, is your only source for Workers Comp in California.

But it doesn't mean you need to stay there.... silly!

Once you've had your trial year, so to type, the WCIRB will calculate an ExMod for you, and then you might be able to shop for better rates. Depending on the size of your payroll, and the classes you employ, you could save a good ton of money.

Which, of course, you can donate to your local Youth Rugby Team...

We Can Ruck Over ANY Insurance Need

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:19:00 +0000

2012 is the year of rebranding for Rucking Insurance Services. We don't just do health insurance. (In fact, probably gonna phase that out, since the gov't is taking over... good luck if you don't have money, or do have a pre-existing condition...)

We Can Ruck Over ANY Insurance Need:

Commercial Insurance
General Liability
Commercial Property
Business Auto
Workers Comp Insurance
Youth Teams and Leagues
Adult Teams and Leagues
Semi Pro and Pro Leagues
Rugby Teams on Tour Overseas
Personal Lines (Homeowner's, Auto, Renter's, 2nd Home, etc.)
Disability Insurance (more important than Life Insurance)
Life Insurance (By referral only...)
Individual Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance

We've grown as you've asked for more over the years. We office in Downtown San Francisco, California and Battery, and are ALWAYS looking for a sweet sponsorship deal. Call us at 800 605 5024 or email Kevin Sullivan at Kevin @ RuckingInsurance.com

Also, don't forget to check out the TRY Donation Program on FB!

Alamo Square Fire: Donations Needs

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Remember the fire from Last Week?

Anyway, donate "stuff" here...

C'mon...y'all ain't using it anyway...

Pass the Ball: More info on Grant Writing for Youth Rugby Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Professional Grant Writer, Jessica Carlson, has once again come through with info regarding Grant Writing.

Many clubs fear this process, but it is an ESSENTIAL method of fundraising. The Question is: Do you go PRO? Meaning, do you or the grant writer need to be registered with the State?

Here's what Jessica found out:

It's suprisingly easy to get a hold of the gov't...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: RCT RCT <RCT@doj.ca.gov>
Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:57:50 -0800
Subject: Re: Registering with the AG for Grant Writing
To:

Ms. Carlson,

Grant writing falls into the "Fundraising Counsel" category.
Fundraising counsels are only required to register if their total
annual gross compensation exceeds $25,000.

Registration requires submission of the application (Form CT-3CF), and
a $350 registration fee (check payable to Registry of Charitable
Trusts).

California law requires a written contract between a fundraising
counsel and the charity for which it provides services. Section
12599.1(f) of the Government Code sets forth a list of specific
provisions that must be included in the contract. The contracts
should be retained in your office and only need to be sent to our
office if we request to see a copy of the contract.

In lieu of all contracts being sent in, a Notice of Intent (Form
CT-11CF) must be filed with our office at least ten (10) days prior to
providing services with respect to a solicitation campaign in
California. A separate Notice must be filed for each charity you are
working with.

Forms, the Government Code and additional information can be found on
our website at http://ag.ca.gov/charities/. I can be contacted at the
number below with any additional questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Candy Hetherington
Registry of Charitable Trusts

>>> 12/6/2011 5:04 PM >>>
First Name: Jessica
Last Name: Carlson
Email:
Subject: Registering with the AG for Grant Writing

Message: Dear Registry,

I am endeavoring on grant writing and I need to know if in California
it is necessary to register with the Attorney General for grant
writing purposes.

Thank you very much for you time and response.

Sincerely,

Jessica Carlson

If you'd like to contact Jessica for more info about grant writing, call Kevin at 800-605-5024 or email Kevin at RuckingInsurance.com

Workers Comp Rates not Jumping as much as predicted...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:35:00 +0000

A few months, RIS posted a possible big JUMP in Workers Comp rates here in CA.

As our end of year/beginning of year renewals get wrapped up, we're NOT noticing that much of a change. Some classes that are high risk were increased, but good loss history and good exmods have kept the premiums manageable.

If you saw a big JUMP in your premiums....well, you should've called us.

Fire in San Francisco: $25,000 for a few hundred bucks mailed to you today...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:41:00 +0000

Big Fire in San Francisco yesterday, one block from where I live. First thing my business partner said, "I'll bet they are all under-insured." (You can donate here.)

You may take this as a sales pitch, and partially, that's true. For a few hundred bucks a year, every renter displaced yesterday could have a check for $25,000 coming to them today.

Imagine how you would feel knowing that money is on the way: considering all your stuff is smoked up, or burnt up, and you're crashing on your exes couch. Think you'd feel relieved?

Renter's Insurance is cheap, and yes, you most likely will never file a claim. I'm sure that's what every person who lost their apartment yesterday believed too...

Stupid Broker Trick: Selling a Group Plan where the Main Local Hospital is OUT of network

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

So, S. Mart rides his bike to work. Everyday.

BOOM! A car smashes into S. and he's whisked to the local emergency room by ambulance. S. had no CHOICE as to the ER since, um, well, HE JUST GOT HIT BY A CAR!!!!!!!!

His group insurance carrier informed him that since the hospital was Out-of-Network, he'll have to pay the difference. (This typically doubles to quadruples your out of pocket...)

Technically, since it was an emergency, and S. had no choice, the out-of-network rates should not be applied. In fact, the carrier did agree, and is reviewing the submitted bills from the hospital. Good on them.

Here's the Stupid Broker Trick: Selling a group plan where the Area's MAJOR ER was Out-of-Network. "I'll bet it was the cheapest," interjected my friend in HR, KRE. So, this guy made the sale, but failed to inform a rather key piece of info.

Luckily, S. is okay, and will pedaling again soon. I wish I could say the opposite for the broker.

Merry Christmas from RuckingInsurance.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:45:00 +0000

Thank you all for the best year ever at Rucking Insurance Services!

Accident Medical Expense Insurance for Adult Contact Sports: Damn, that's Expensive...

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:59:00 +0000

Bob plays Prop. Scrum falls down. Bob gets hurt. Who pay the medical bills if Bob has no health insurance?

Every sports league in America DEMANDS that each participant carry primary health insurance. However, the truth is that many players simply lie, sign the waivers, and play without health insurance.

Accident Medical Expense, sometimes known as Accident & Health Excess is a typical requirement for an athletic association or league. It's designed to provide EXCESS coverage, to fill in the gaps that regular health insurance doesn't cover, such as co-insurance.

AME is also a requirement of most General Liability policies, because they don't want someone stranded with medical bills, and then suing the league or team.

Getting quotes for adult contact sports can be done. However, it's up to the league to ensure that all players are insured outside of the Excess that the league carries.

Even a simple $10,000 VBA plan for $65/month would do wonders for claims. $65 a month kids...

Interestingly, that rate is in line with most Excess Programs...

Oh, and remember, with EXCESS, the claims process is on YOU. You do the claim form, and the follow up. Of course, if you work with me, I'll do that with you...

Bob gets fixed. Rucking Insurance helps fill out form. Bob, the Prop, is happy.

Passing the Ball: Grant Writing Suggestions for Youth Rugby Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:45:00 +0000

From a good friend:

Some places to obtain funding are community and personal foundations,
government grants and educational resources. Some places will agree to
a portion of the asked amount, as long as it is matched by other
funders. It's important to a lot of places to know where your previous
money came from so they feel a sense of security with their
investment. Some places take open proposals, some want an application
first, or a letter of intent, and then we would get an invitation for
a proposal. It all depends.

It's better to apply to fewer, well-suited grants rather than to do a
bunch of them and hope one sticks. The whole process takes a couple to
a few months to finish, but it might take up to a year to get a check
cut. What I start off doing is researching both the organization and
potential funding sources thoroughly, see how we fit, build a
relationship with their representatives, and find out how we can
present ourselves as the best match for their resources.

There's a couple of angles the Warthogs can take to be competitive. 1)
You're helping youth in 2 ways- health promotion and education
promotion. Healthy People 2020 is the list of objectives that the
Department of Health and Human Services sets as their top priorities.
This list has a lot to do with where government funds are directed.
Healthy People itself doesn't provide a lot of grants, but we can use
their objectives as compelling rationale when applying to funds.

"Adolescent Health" (AH-2) happens to be one of their new objectives!
Some areas they are targeting are Environmental Factors, namely
Deliquency Prevention Programs, programs that prevent chronic diseases
(i.e. cardiovascular) and ones that deal with racial and ethnic
disparities.

From a health standpoint, your team is addressing all of those
factors. I'm not sure what the educational benefits are; clearly you
are striving to encourage these young men to attend college. So that
opens up an entirely other branch of potential sources.
I think by coming up with some concrete statistics or qualitative case
studies (which you have on your website), we can use this data as more
compelling evidence to obtain funding. For example, we can figure out
what the percentage of Warthogs finish high school and attend college
versus the rates for the rest of the community, or how many hours of
activity the young men are getting versus their peers.

The other thing that makes an organization competitive is how it
intends to use the funds. "Modeling" is a big buzzword, meaning we're
setting an example/precedent for other similar organizations to
follow. From the little I've seen from TRY, other upcoming leagues
might embrace new direction. Funders also want to see that we're using
the funds to enhance the future of the program and keeping it
sustainable- as opposed to fulfilling one time operational expenses.
Maybe we can put a few heads together to brainstorm about ways of
doing this. Not sure what the laws are about investing grant funds to
receive income from dividends- if you know anyone who is smart with
finance we could talk to them.

One idea is that because it is a long, tedious process to obtain
501(3)c status, many non-profit organizations will use their
established status to be a fiscal sponsor.
This is a formal arrangement where the non-profit takes responsibility
for recieving and accounting the funds for a smaller group w/out
501(3)c status in exchange for a cut/percentage of the amount. It's a
good way to get consistent income.

2) You're helping out an at-risk, low-income population. I'll have to
see exactly what the charts for these grants say, but there's certain
pre-determined locations known to be at risk that funds are set aside
for. Same for ethnicity, I think there's funds if a percentage of the
population has a certain cultural background.

This probably sounds pretty objective and dry, but I thought it would
be helpful to have something for you to reference so you know where
I'm starting from and can share it. I think what you're doing for the
kids in your community is awesome and I'd like to hear your story.
What I lack in experience I hope I make up for in moxie. I think if we
get creative we'll find we have a lot of untapped resources, clearly
you have support. I'm a firm believer that if people are working for a
greater goal, the means make themselves available.

AAU Gets Serious About AML: Abuse Molestation Liability...Rugby Listening?

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

More sexual abuse accusations, this time it's the AAU.

I remember being part of AAU Track & Field as a kid. I also remember my Father telling me to never be alone with a priest.

There's only ONE, ONE Sports GL program that has both Abuse Molestation Coverage, but couples that with FREE services from Praesidium Inc. That would be Rucking Insurance Services. Me.

For less than the current union's cost, RI can provide GL, AML, and Coaches Professional Liability. Combine that with competitive rates for Accident Medical Expense, and Rucking Insurance has the strongest Youth Rugby, and Youth Sports Program, in the US.

Call Kevin at 800-605-5024 now...

TRY Donation Program: SF Fog RFC throw down 4 bags!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:09:00 +0000

First Mate B. Cunnie swung by the Rucking Insurance Services HQ to drop off four tight-head prop sized bags of donations.

Thank you, San Francisco Fog RFC, for making the first bulk donation for Rugby Santa this year.

A complete Concussion program

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:17:00 +0000

If you have a child playing a contact sport, or you yourself still plays Rugby...read.

Friday Pains from Thursday Night's Rugby Training

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Sullivan) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:15:00 +0000

SFGG worked on defense last night, and, of course, we tackled. Would anyone argue that Rugby is NOT a contact sport?

In fact, there once was a popular T-shirt stating "I'd play rugby and lose, than to have ever played softball." Sadly, some legal boobs ruled that Softball IS a contact sport... go figure. (The ruling was positive, as assumption of risk on the participant, even if it was...softball.)

Now, IMHO Hockey is Rugby with sticks. But, the brain trust at the NHL discounts a connection between concussion and a degenerative brain ailment. Really?

Now, these two stories are related by the "Assumption of Risk." I don't like tackling props. But, I assume the risk because I enjoy playing Rugby. I make that choice on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays.

The NHL should go the way of the SC Supreme Court: Acknowledge that multiple concussions can lead to long-term brain degeneration, and then create a program to detect signs early. This won't increase their liability, since the risk is assumed by the players.

Remember, if you hide during Tackling Practice, you'll eventually get outed in a match.