SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: TAKE THE SAFE ROAD

One of the greatest and more devastating risks that organizations face today is the operation of vehicles for business and events. Your school can be held liable for damages whether you own, lease or borrow a vehicle, or if your volunteers and staff members use their own personal vehicles for transportation. On a regular basis, we read reports and handle transportation-related claims that involve serious injury and death. More often than not, these accidents involve unsafe vehicles and practices. Vans and cars in disrepair, not wearing seatbelts, driver fatigue and distracted drivers are all cited as causes of accidents.

The following information from the GuideOne Center for Risk Management can help you reduce vehicle risks and determine whether or not you have the right coverage in place.

Safe Transportation Strategies

Form a transportation committee consisting of staff, drivers, maintenance workers and parents.
Adopt a written transportation policy that outlines who can drive, how vehicles will be selected and maintained, and what safety measures you will employ.
Check driving records of all current and potential staff and volunteer drivers. Have drivers complete a release allowing you to review their driving record.
Remember that more accidents occur with drivers under age 25 and over age 70.
Train drivers on safe vehicle operation .
Assign responsibility for vehicle maintenance. Ensure consistent pre- and post-trip inspections by drivers, and semiannual inspections with a qualified mechanic.
Only use non-owned vehicles that pass a strict safety inspection.

Are You Covered if an Accident Happens?

A large number of liability claims against organizations often result from vehicle accidents. Claims can be devastating if an accident involves a bus or van.
Protection is needed against negligent driving, operation and entrustment. (Example: The driver has no license or a history of substance abuse.)
A business automobile insurance policy can cover any vehicle your organization owns. It will cover damage to the vehicle, injuries and damage to other property.
Non-owned vehicle coverage is also needed for situations where the organization controls the list of pickups (of children or youth) by volunteers’ personal vehicles for organizational activities.
In addition to general liability coverage, a commercial umbrella policy with $1 million of coverage or more is recommended.

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Audits

Insurance Mergers and Acquisitions Hold Steady in 2024

Despite a slight decline in overall insurance M&A activity, the industry remains at pre-pandemic transaction levels, signaling a resilient and evolving marketplace. According to a recent OPTIS Partners report, 750 insurance agency mergers and acquisitions were announced in 2024, a 10% drop from the 833 recorded in 2023. However, activity picked up in the latter half of the year, with a 21% increase over the first half, demonstrating sustained investor confidence. “The M&A market remains stable, with no rush to close year-end deals for the second consecutive year,” said Tim Cunningham, managing partner of OPTIS Partners. “We anticipate more large-scale transactions in the next 12 to 24 months, as firms continue to seek growth through strategic acquisitions.” What This Means for Skyscraper Insurance At Skyscraper Insurance, we understand the impact of these market shifts and remain committed to delivering top-tier risk management solutions. As industry giants consolidate, we continue to prioritize personalized service, innovative coverage solutions, and strategic growth to better serve our clients. Key 2024 Transactions ✅ AON Acquires NFP – AON completed a $13 billion deal to acquire NFP, a firm with $2.2 billion in revenue.✅ Marsh McLennan Expands with McGriff Insurance Services – A $7.75 billion acquisition strengthens Marsh’s footprint.✅ Arthur J. Gallagher Secures AssuredPartners – A $13.45 billion agreement set to finalize in early 2025. As major players reshape the landscape, Skyscraper Insurance remains a trusted partner for businesses navigating today’s complex risk environment. Our expertise in risk management and tailored insurance solutions ensures that clients continue to receive industry-leading protection. #WeShareYourVisionForABetterTomorrow#SkyscraperInsurance #RiskManagement #MergersAndAcquisitions #InsuranceIndustry

Technology

13 Ways AI Moves Insurance Marketing Forward

As professionals in the insurance industry, we at Skyscraper Insurance understand the allure of innovation. Much like a classic car enthusiast admires shiny, powerful machines, we embrace the transformative power of technology—especially when artificial intelligence (AI) drives forward insurance marketing. AI is not just a buzzword; it represents a monumental leap in marketing capabilities. But with this powerful tool, we must ask: Are we ready to harness its full potential responsibly? AI promises to revolutionize marketing, elevating our strategies from traditional methods to cutting-edge, data-driven practices. By understanding where and how to apply AI, Skyscraper Insurance aims to refine our marketing campaigns and achieve unparalleled success. The Enduring Value of Traditional Marketing Classic marketing methods—relationship-building, personalized service, and human intuition—remain integral to insurance. Strategies like direct mail, in-person networking, and grassroots campaigns resonate deeply within our industry. However, these approaches, much like vintage cars, can be labor-intensive and lack the scalability and efficiency of modern methods. To stay competitive, traditional marketing must evolve. By integrating digital tools into classic strategies, we can modernize our outreach while retaining its personal touch. At Skyscraper Insurance, we blend time-tested methods with advanced metrics, ensuring our campaigns are both effective and enduring. How AI Powers Precision in Marketing AI introduces unparalleled precision and efficiency into insurance marketing. Think of it as the most advanced smart vehicle—equipped with adaptive technology that enhances every journey. With AI, Skyscraper Insurance can: These tools allow us to navigate marketing challenges with the confidence of a self-driving system, ensuring smarter and safer campaigns. The Evolution of SEO Through AI AI is reshaping search engine optimization (SEO), enhancing traditional practices with cutting-edge capabilities: By integrating AI into SEO strategies, Skyscraper Insurance ensures our content remains visible and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape. Adapting for AI Platforms As AI platforms like ChatGPT redefine content discovery, we focus on: Balancing traditional SEO with AI-driven strategies keeps our content effective across diverse platforms. Finding Harmony Between Tradition and Innovation At Skyscraper Insurance, we believe in blending the best of traditional marketing with the advancements of AI. Just as a classic car enthusiast might upgrade their vehicle without losing its charm, we integrate AI to enhance human relationships and intuition. Driving Forward With Confidence As we navigate the future of insurance marketing, Skyscraper Insurance combines the reliability of traditional methods with the innovation of AI. This dual approach ensures we stay ahead in delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions to our clients. Whether fine-tuning classic strategies or adopting AI-powered tools, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals with precision and care. At Skyscraper Insurance, #WeShareYourVisionForABetterTomorrow.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: TAKE THE SAFE ROAD