C O V I D - 1 9 B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S
COVID-19 Presents Insurance Challenges
their agents on the implementation of these initiatives by their companies. The following are some items to consider:
By BARRY MOFFETT, LLB
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he current COVID-19 epidemic presents unique insurance challenges to the numerous restaurants and taverns that are now closed for business or partially open for takeout and delivery. Several companies have mitigated the financial stress to clients by initiating procedures, such as a grace periods for finance payments, suspending liquor and/or liability coverages, and reducing receipts. Establishments should check with
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Although there is an exclusion in property policies for viruses causing the closure of establishments by civil authority, in order to be on record, claims should be presented to the companies for any business interruption losses. If you’re involved in delivery or takeout “Non-Owned and Hired Auto” coverage should be added to protect your interest against employees driving with low limits or no insurance if they’re involved in an accident during a delivery.
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If you offer takeout, liability coverage should remain intact and liquor should remain on the policy if you’re delivering or having liquor picked up.
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If you’re closed completely, your umbrella or excess policy could be suspended
Dining Alliance Savings Now, When Florida Restaurants Need it Most: Take advantage of our latest partnership to reduce costs and boost profitability
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ne of FRLA’s newest partnership agreements represents a winwin situation for FRLA and its members. Dining Alliance, the nation’s largest Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), with offices throughout Florida, offers no-cost savings opportunities for FRLA members. These savings take the form of deviated/discounted prices and quarterly Cash Back rebate checks. There’s nothing for FRLA members to do… except… well… sign up! Many FRLA members have recently explored the Dining Alliance Cash Back program, and most have utilized Dining Alliance’s easy sign-up process to join the GPO. Many of these sign-ups, however, are incomplete because distributors have not been added or activated. How it works: Dining Alliance holds pricing and rebate contracts with hundreds of manufacturers on 165,000 line items. In order to pay FLRA members their rebates for the items they purchase, Dining Alliance needs ‘proof-of-purchase’ to show the manufacturer the total volume of purchases on their products. By signing up to automatically have your rebates sent to Dining Alliance, FRLA members guarantee that all of their purchases are captured, all of their rebates are paid as quickly as possible, and restaurants never need to worry about missing an upload. This option is available during the myDining Alliance distributor activation process. Visit portal. buyersedgeplatform.com/#/lop/partners/frla to register or activate distributors now. The Bottom Line: FRLA members have the opportunity to register with Dining Alliance and ensure years of savings. Dining Alliance has no fees or dues ever — in fact, they will send YOU checks every quarter. The only cost for FRLA members is approximately 10 minutes time spent completing the registration process. For more information, or for personalized help with the Dining Alliance registration process, please contact your FRLA representative.
28 SUMMER
2020
until you reopen and your workmen’s compensation cost could be reduced with a current reduction in payroll. »
If your insurance is expiring and due for a renewal, you should notify your agent to assure there is no lapse in coverage.
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While liability and liquor may be suspended during the closure, if you carry property, the exposure for a loss still exists and should remain in force.
Hopefully your company will work with you through the crisis and your coverage will remain intact upon reopening. I wish you the best of luck during this disruption and look forward to the hospitality industry returning to normal as quickly as possible. Barry Moffett is the President/CEO of Specialty Insurance.
Learn More About AmeriGas
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meriGas Propane is committed to keeping our customers’ businesses running smoothly – even during times of uncertainty. This commitment drives us to be the safest, most reliable and responsive propane company in the United States. We partner closely with every customer to keep them fueled for growth. As the nation’s largest propane company, our investment in infrastructure, people and technology ensures we are ready for your business at any scale. And with a nationwide distribution network of over 6,000 trucks, 24/7 emergency service, live dispatchers, online account management tools and dedicated, local account representatives, you can always be sure that we will keep your business running. Whether you are looking to power your stove, backup generator, heated pool or simply need a flexible fuel source — AmeriGas is here for you. Contact Patrick McGrath at Patrick. McGrath@amerigas.com to see how we can fulfill your propane needs. To hear firsthand from our customers on how we kept them fueled in a time of need, visit our website: Ameri.gs/airborne1.
FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
