Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1413077
It all depends on whether you dealt with them directly, or if you went through a local insurance agent. If the latter, you will want to make sure that your agent has a good working knowledge of the insurance companies that remain in this space. A good, experienced agent that you have worked with for years has probably provided you with alternative quotes in the past and you should be fine. However, make sure you contact them as soon as possible to make sure. It is essential that they are aware of the insurer's track record and experience. If you are dealing directly with the aforementioned provider, or your current agent does not appear to have a good handle on this problem, it is recommended that you interview several agents before deciding from whom you wish to entertain quotes. Find someone that knows the industry and your specific business. The coverages needed in the rink industry are different than those in most commercial situations. Specific knowledge and claims handling expertise are crucial. Many businesses want settlement of liability claims as soon as possible in order to keep the customer coming back. The rink business often requires the opposite. Claims often need to be fought vigorously to prevent similar claims in the future. They also need the loss control expertise to keep issues to a minimum and to provide defensive tools should that not be possible. Property claims also need a detailed level of expertise due to the mechanical issues presented. Equipment breakdown and the resulting loss of income are a much larger issue in your business than most other commercial industries. In the end, it all comes down to whom you feel most comfortable calling when the big one comes. I hope this helps you to decide. J Tom Ferguson has been in the insurance industry since 1976 as an insurance company underwriter, an independent insurance agent and underwriter for a Managing General Agent. He has been directly involved with the rink industry providing coverage since 1993, and is a Sales Consultant for Safehold Special Risk, Inc. Tom has also served on the NEISMA Board of Directors since 2008, and is currently their Second Vice President. 46 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2021 USICERINKS.COM FIND SOMEONE THAT KNOWS THE INDUSTRY AND YOUR SPECIFIC BUSINESS. THE COVERAGES NEEDED IN THE RINK INDUSTRY ARE DIFFERENT THAN THOSE IN MOST COMMERCIAL SITUATIONS. SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND CLAIMS HANDLING EXPERTISE ARE CRUCIAL. Ensuring You Have the Right Insurance ILLUSTRATION: BIGSTOCK PHOTO