July/August 2010 HSB Claim Service Makes Restaurant Owner a "Customer for Life" He Was Going to Drop His Coverage, Until a Breakdown Threatened His Business When small business owners feel a financial pinch, they look for ways to save money. The owner of a small restaurant wondered if his equipment breakdown policy was worth the price of the premiums. Then his air conditioning failed during a severe heat wave and HSB's prompt claim service made him a "customer for life." THE BREAKING POINT The insured had already told his agent that he didn't plan to renew his equipment breakdown coverage when the restaurant's air conditioning compressor shorted out. With temperatures in the 100-degree range all week, the restaurant was virtually shut down and the repair firms he contacted were all too busy helping other businesses to respond. "LOAD IT ON A TRUCK" Once HSB was notified, our adjuster called the area contractors we work with and found one with a five-ton hermetic compressor that matched the insured's unit. The adjuster told the company to load it on a truck and meet him at the restaurant. The new unit was installed and the insured back in business within 24 hours of the breakdown. HSB GETS THE JOB DONE It cost approximately $6,000 to repair the compressor, but just as important was the claim service the owner received when he needed it most. Without equipment breakdown coverage, he could have lost income and customers. HSB had the contacts and experience to get the job done and our adjuster acted fast to get the restaurant back in business. THE CUSTOMER IS CONVINCED The restaurant owner had a new view of equipment breakdown coverage. Could he afford another serious equipment loss? His experience convinced him he needed coverage, he said, adding, "HSB has a customer for life." HSB Can Help NYC Boiler Owners Avoid $1,000 Fine HSB is contacting our customers in New York City to help them complete jurisdictional inspections and avoid paying fines of up to $1,000 per boiler. You should urge your clients who are insured by HSB in New York City to call HSB's Inspection Hotline toll-free now at 1-800-333-4677 to schedule an inspection in time to meet a November 15, 2010, deadline. They must contact HSB no later than October 15. HSB is taking a proactive approach to alert customers to this fine increase. HSB includes jurisdictional inspections of boilers as part of our coverage, at no cost outside the premium. Can't Track Sales A power surge damaged telephones, satellite receivers and other components of a point-of-sale system used to track orders and checks in a restaurant and banquet hall. Since spare parts were no longer available, the system had to be replaced. Total Paid Loss $85,693 This example summarizes actual losses and coverage. For all terms, conditions and exclusions, consult the actual policy. Worker Claims are Surging, Protect Your Agency with EPL Coverage A worker is fired for poor performance, but responds with a discrimination claim against her small employer. After months of hearings, the employee is awarded more than $35,000. Think this can't happen to you? With work-related charges at all time highs, every agent and broker should be concerned about employment claims. And like most smaller employers, agents may not be prepared to defend themselves. HSB offers employment practices liability coverage through other insurers that can help pay to defend against employment claims. We also provide useful loss prevention services. Hartford Steam Boiler - One State Street - P.O. Box 5024 - Hartford, CT 06102-5024 Phone: 860-722-1866 - Fax: 860-722-5106 ©1996-2010 The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. All rights reserved.