As a successful business, you know how important it is to attract and retain top employees. Unfortunately, that is something that we have found to be a major issue among businesses, especially where unique skills and qualifications are required which limit the potential to replace workers. The good news is there are several objectives you can layout to help change the culture within your company, and create one that encourages employee performance and retention. One that you should focus on is employee benefits. Having a proper strategy regarding employee benefits can help your company in several ways. While initially it may seem like offering benefits can add another expense, you should be looking at it as being an investment, here’s why.

Stand Out from the Pack

According to MetLife 59% of employees say that health and wellness benefits are important for increasing loyalty to their employer. Yet according to Zane Benefits, “only 54% of small and medium sized businesses (with fewer than 200 employees) even offer traditional health insurance.” Employees who feel as if they are well taken care of will go above and beyond to pay it back to the company they work for. While employees should be working smarter, not harder, the extra effort can go a long way into the success of your business.

Another way that having good benefits for workers will change your business for the better is by attracting the top employees in your industry or field. The top talent comes at a top price, and while you may be willing to pay them a handsome salary, they often look for more than what is on their pay stub.

Investment not Expense

Good work place benefits will help to keep dedicated workers and the top talent in your organization. They will be less inclined to go look elsewhere for something they aren’t getting, which lowers your turnover and training expenses. According to Zane Benefits, The cost of employee turnover is estimated at the equivalent of 6 to 9 months’ salary. Other studies predict that cost is even more, as high as 2x their annual salary. So instead of looking at it as creating more expenses for business, look at the bigger picture of how your overall expenses can even out while your company gains a good reputation and builds a loyal and dedicated work force.

Promote Wellness

Many of the insurance benefits that companies are implementing include various wellness programs. These programs promote wellness amongst your employees and their families, and reward them for taking the steps necessary to ensure peak health. Another aspect that should be noted, the right benefit mix can assist to lower absenteeism due to illness, and increase productivity. If your workers aren’t provided with good insurance, they are then left to take matters in to their own hands. Therefore, if they aren’t encouraged to visit the doctor or take care of themselves, it may result in less people showing up to work.

Another great benefit of instilling a wellness program is that it can often save your company money when it comes to premiums. If a certain amount of your employees buy into the program and participate, you may reduce the overall cost. According to Rand Corporation, “the two component programs (life style management and disease management) reduced employer’s average health care costs by about $30 per member per month.” That can quickly add up to several thousands of dollars in savings per year!

It should also be known that employees who participate in these programs also receive benefits. Based on tasks they complete such as annual physicals, exercising, etc., they earn rewards points that can be used to purchase items such as gift cards from a rewards website.

We Can Help

Having dedicated and talented workers who aren’t looking for greener grass somewhere else is a recipe for a successful and thriving business, and we can help! If you are the decision maker of your company and are curious about insurance benefit packages including small group insurance, contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit our mhginsurance.com to learn more about our insurance expertise.

No matter what type of business you have, every company has unique needs when it comes to liability protection. Especially if your business is conducted near or on the water, such as marinas and shipyards. Marine general liability coverage is necessary for businesses of this nature, however there are some business owners who aren’t aware of the difference between Marine General Liability and Commercial General Liability. So, let’s look at a few reasons why you might need a Marine General Liability policy (MGL) over a Commercial General Liability policy (CGL).

Define the Difference

One easy way to understand what type of policy best suits your business is by defining the different types of insurance.

Commercial General Liability policies protect business owners against third party claims for bodily injury, property damage, damage to premises, fire damage to premises caused by negligence of the insured, and personal and advertising injury (slander and false advertising). These policies are designed for business that conduct their operations on land only. Most contain specific exclusions for work done on watercraft and any work done over water. The standard Commercial General Liability policy will also not extend liability for anyone operating a watercraft or for damage to a watercraft that is in the insured’s care, custody, or control.

Marine General Liability policies will respond to a third-party claim for liability in the same way as a Commercial General Liability policy and they will also include coverages designed specifically for those who work at sea. These policies include coverage for marine contractors and others who work on or near water. They provide coverage for the typical liability risks that businesses incur, which are covered in a standard commercial general liability policy, and may be endorsed to offer additional, more specific protection that addresses the more unique needs and potential risks associated with maritime operation, such as:

• Liability when renting or leasing a boat or watercraft. Protection includes property damage to the vessel, as well as pier damage;
• Liability and hazards faced by marina operators, and includes property and structure damage protection;
• Liability met by terminal operators against loss or damage of cargo;
• Liability met by operators and owners of piers or wharves, covering damage to property of others while in their custody, including tugs, tows, cargo and equipment.

Many are Uninsured or Underinsured

Companies may try to save money by choosing a policy with a lower premium. The problem they often face is that they may be purchasing a policy that specifically excludes the work they do on a daily basis. Even if you spend the majority of your time working on land, one project on a ship or over water might lead to a claim that is not covered by a standard Commercial General Liability policy. Your insurance broker should consider your risks, as working around water means specific coverages are needed.

Custom Plans are Available

Marine General Liability coverage can be tailored to include hull and P&I, international liability, contractor’s equipment, and more.  It is essential to seek the advice and information from a trusted, knowledgeable broker, such as MHG Insurance Brokers. The team at MHG Insurance Brokers is well versed in the risks and coverage requirements of those who work in the industry. MHG Insurance Brokers works with you to determine your specific needs and budget, and will create a comprehensive liability package that will meet every one of those needs.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

Saving money is something everyone should be interested in. Especially when it comes to insurance premiums. That is even more the case when it comes to life insurance premiums. In many cases, life insurance is viewed as a luxury. We couldn’t agree less as it should be a necessity, no matter what stage of life you are in. But, that doesn’t stop us from helping people and advising them on ways they could potentially save money, which may motivate them to get the insurance coverage they need. If you have been looking to get a life insurance policy but are turned off by the cost, the following tips may help you get the life insurance coverage to protect your loved ones.

Do Your Research

There are several different types of life insurance policies, but the main two are whole life insurance and term life insurance. Whole life insurance will offer you coverage for the duration of your life, and offers many other benefits. Term life insurance offers you coverage for a period of time, such as 25 years. While having a whole life policy may offer better and more complete coverage, a term life policy tends to have a lower premium.

In addition to figuring out what type of policy you are looking for, you should also look at different companies. Shop around and try to find which insurance company will give you the best deal.

Stop Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for health, and the healthier you are, the lower your premium will likely be. Insurance companies base your price on risk. Since smoking causes several different diseases, you will be seen as a higher risk client which will then increase the premium you must pay.

Get Insured at a Young Age

Just like with smoking, the older a person is the more likely they are to develop health problems. This should incentivize you to get coverage when you are young and seen as less of a risk. Many people wait to get life insurance to save money in the meantime. However, you will save money in the long run by getting life insurance now!

Get the Proper Coverage Amount

One of the items that dictate the cost of your insurance policy is the pay-out. Some people want a lot of coverage because they see a large number, however you can calculate how much coverage you need! While having a million-dollar life insurance policy is great, you may be able to cover everything and everyone you wanted at half that amount. Talk to your insurance agent to help you formulate a plan and get an idea of everything you should be covering.

There are many things to take into consideration when making the decision of which type of policy is best for you, your family, or loved ones.  Are you interested in purchasing Life insurance or International Life Insurance? Would you like some more information regarding Life Insurance options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to a Life Insurance expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact us 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com and talk to one of our insurance specialists for help in selecting Life Insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.

You know what they say about real estate, “location, location, location!” There are few better locations to live than in sunny South Florida, Fort Lauderdale to be specific. Minutes away from the beach, vibrant downtown city life, and a growing suburb population, Fort Lauderdale has everything you are looking for in a place to call home.

One of the most glaring is the amazing weather. There is a reason people from colder climates come to South Florida during the winter months. How would you like to live where people vacation? Also, one of the great features of Fort Lauderdale is that it is centrally located in South Florida, between Miami and West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale also has a growing number of expatriates and as more and more companies are opening branches and headquarters here, as this area is a link to South America and the Caribbean.

If you are ready to become an expatriate, or are just looking to relocate, Fort Lauderdale should be a city you consider for many reasons.

What to Do

Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone. Are you an outdoors person? You can visit the everglades and go on a hike to see wildlife that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. Go on a fishing trip, saltwater or fresh water. Go camping in one of the nature parks throughout the area.

Looking for something more relaxing? Visit one of the many museums in the city, take in a show at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Enjoy a day catching some rays at the beach.

Are you a sports fan? Attend a game of one of the many professional and collegiate athletic teams in South Florida. The options are endless. World famous restaurants, world renowned shopping, no matter what you enjoy doing in your spare time, Fort Lauderdale has it!

Business Side

Like many metropolitan areas, Fort Lauderdale has many different professions to choose from. But one profession in particular that brings people from around the world is yachting! Fort Lauderdale is known as the yachting capital of the world, and with that title comes great maritime presence. It just so happens that the city is also home to a very popular port for cruise ships, and is a short car ride away from many of the cruise line’s headquarters.

Before relocating to another country, trying to find expatriate health insurance coverage on your own can be a daunting task. Not to mention the checklist you must complete before leaving. For help developing a checklist, read our previous blog, “Expat Checklist before the Big Move.”

Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and we understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, and individuals and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to find you the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans. Our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide assistance throughout the claims process. Call us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you, your family or business!

Good work is as hard to find as good workers are to keep. Anyone that works in a Human Resources role can attest to the difficulty of attracting workers, keeping workers happy, and making sure employees are motivated. This can be even more true when talking about yacht crew members. Crew members are constantly moving from one ship to another for many different reasons. The following tips can help you formulate a plan to help keep your crew on your vessel. They can also help to motivate crew in general, as workers may work harder knowing that they are being ‘taken care of’ or feeling grateful for the position they are in on board.

Salary

The most obvious thing that can motivate someone to work for you, or to work harder, is money. Are your wages competitive in within the industry? Depending on what someone’s title is, they can make anywhere from $30,000 to almost $500,000. By offering competitive salaries, crew members may be more inclined to come work for you and may think twice before deciding to leave.

People They Work With

One aspect of employment that can be considered priceless is the people that work with you. While this applies to many jobs, it carries even more weight with yacht crew members. One reason is because crew are essentially family. Would you want to live and work closely with someone you didn’t like?

Itinerary

Many crew members decide what yacht they may want to work on by looking at the itinerary. One of the benefits of being part of a crew is getting paid to sail around the world, and visit places you may have otherwise never even considered going. Also, some crew members may only want to stick to certain areas they are familiar with, or places they consider safe.

Vessel Size

The size of the yacht can be a deciding factor in where someone decides to work. After all, the larger the yacht, the better it looks on the resume. Not to mention there are more positions to fill, giving you the opportunity to work with more people. Let’s not forget also, that a larger yacht can also mean a higher salary. Some crew prefer the environment of a smaller yacht, where there are often less personalities to work with and sometimes a less strenuous work environment.

Insurance Benefits

The last tip, and probably most important one, is offering a complete insurance benefit package for you crew. While money is important to sustain your life, without your health you won’t have a life to live. Sailing around to world, going from country to country, leaves those who work on board at risk if something ever happened to them. Where would they go? Who would they talk to if they didn’t speak the language? Not having to worry about paying what could be thousands of dollars for an emergency medical situation can be the ultimate benefit for a yacht crew member. Having other coverage such as benefits for lost wages, routine care, dental and vision are also key components to providing a complete package.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (February 17, 2017) - MHG Insurance Brokers has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida for the second year in a row. This program is conducted by the South Florida Business Journal, and honors the area’s leading employers that go above and beyond to create an enjoyable and meaningful work environment for employees.

Companies are judged based on the results of an employee survey which evaluates qualities such as retention, engagement, leadership and more. Results of the survey are then submitted to Quantum Workplace for analysis. Employees were encouraged to answer freely as all answers remain anonymous.

“Being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida is something that we love to be recognized for!” said Sheree Lynch, MHG Operations Director. “The greatest asset any company has is its staff and we work diligently to make the working culture of MHG a priority. We genuinely care about our team, so it’s very flattering to be recognized by such a prestigious publication with other top companies in our community.”

While many of the companies in attendance had similar benefits or characteristics that made them worthy of the honor of being a Best Places to Work in South Florida, there were some benefits that MHG offers that stood out from the rest. They include its family atmosphere, excellent health insurance that is 100% funded by the company, flexibility, 401k matching, and MHG’s entrepreneurial spirit which encourages employees to present new opportunities and initiatives for the company.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Since 1991, MHG Insurance Brokers has been committed to providing expert insurance advice and innovative solutions for the marine, aviation, energy and related industries. Today, with over two decades of experience and relationships with some of the world’s top insurance markets, MHG has established an enviable reputation for providing quality advice, products and service for groups, businesses and individuals around the world. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida MHG has insurance specialists worldwide, with offices in Isle of Man, the Cote d’Azur and Hamburg. For more information, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (February 21, 2017) – MHG Insurance announced today that Conor Hayes has joined the company’s Property & Casualty Division as a Senior Broker. He has the additional mandate of leading the company’s efforts to develop its existing book of ocean marine business. As MHG continues to expand upon its capabilities in these sectors of the insurance industry, Hayes possesses a wealth of experience, having worked as an insurance broker in the U.S., Caribbean, and U.K.

Hayes comes to MHG from a very technical background with numerous insurance-specific qualifications and brings particular expertise in blue water marine, commercial property and professional risks. Most recently, he was the Regional Vice President of a local insurance brokerage where he developed and managed a diverse book of business comprising of both marine and non-marine clients, which followed him to MHG.

“Conor has longstanding relationships with many important domestic P&C and Ocean Marine underwriters” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s CEO. “With his addition to our existing P&C team, we look forward to using these relationships as a platform to write a lot more business by also taking advantage of MHG’s executive level connections in the cruise industry. We will be specifically targeting domestic manufacturing companies, the marine trades and tour & excursion operators, both in the Caribbean and worldwide.”

Hayes is also one of the founding members and current Vice President of the South Florida Irish American Chamber of Commerce (SFIACC). It is the first organization of its type in the region that is dedicated to promoting trade and commerce between the Irish communities in the tri-county area and with the island of Ireland.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through our extensive relationships with international underwriters, we offer a comprehensive suite of products including Employee Benefits, Risk Mitigation programs, Property & Casualty insurance and Financial Services all of which are supported by a client-focused approach. In the marine community, MHG is globally recognized for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and for developing bespoke MLC aligned insurance solutions for maritime employers. On the domestic front, we provide group and individual employee benefits along with expert advice on key federal statutes such as the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the wide array of services that our company offers, please visit mhginsurance.com

Moving to a new country for work is a big decision for someone to make. Many times, a person must consider moving their spouse, family, and must do research on the area to see if it is even a feasible option to relocate there. While it can be difficult to finally make the decision to become an expatriate, it can also be difficult for companies to lure expatriate workers to come work for them. While providing great benefits is an obvious must-do to make the job attractive, some businesses don’t realize the extent those benefits can go to in order to assure that their workers are happy and feel taken care of which often creates a loyal employee. Here are some ideas to attract expat workers.

Life and Health Benefits

One of the more obvious benefits to offer workers, whether they are expats or not is providing workers with good health insurance. It would be even better if you covered 100% of the premiums, leaving more money in your worker’s paychecks. Also, many companies also cover their employees with life insurance, with the amount dependent on their salary.

Pay for the Move

Something that may assist a foreign worker joining your company is your willingness to assist them on their big move. Relocating from a different country can turn out to be quite the investment. Covering moving costs, or even helping them find housing could be a make or break detail that dictates their decision.

More Vacation

If someone is moving from another country to come and work for your company, they are likely leaving behind friends, family, and a whole other life. Offering more vacation days would allow them to go back home more often to cure any home sickness they get.

Develop a Program

Many companies have expatriate programs set up to assistance their workers with settling into their new environment. Whether it is getting their kids set up in the best schools nearby, organizing events to mingle and getting to know the area, or even having someone on staff who is the go to person to answer any questions or offer any assistance to those new to the area.

Government and Legal Support

Every country has different laws regarding immigration and expatriates, and some governments offer more assistance than others. If you happen to live in a country who offers more assistance to expats, or it may be easier to get someone cleared to come work for you, take advantage of it. Promote it to workers, and let them know the process won’t give them a headache.

Security

Depending on the country, one perk you may be able to offer workers is more security. Many expatriate workers come from troubled areas, and the idea of move to a more stable and secure country is very appealing. Especially if they can also benefit from a stronger economy than the one back home.

Many of us at MHG are expats ourselves and we understand the global insurance needs of international businesses, and individuals and families living and working around the world. Our Insurance Specialists have the experience, knowledge, and access to multiple international insurance carriers to find you the most suitable plan based on your budget and future plans. Our commitment to your well-being does not end once you have purchased a plan; through our “Concierge Broker Service”, we will continue to assist you with questions about your policy and provide assistance throughout the claims process. Call us at +1 954-828-1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help finding expatriate insurance coverage for you, your family or business!

Many people consider life insurance a luxury. They don’t see it as being important because they can’t use it while they are alive. However, that doesn’t make it any less important. Do you care about your loved ones? Do you want to leave them responsible for your debts, funeral costs, and other expenses? There is also a chance you may leave your family with a reduced income which could make things very difficult for them. These are common reasons why everyone should consider purchasing a life insurance policy. But one reason you may not have considered is to protect your business.

Are You a Business Owner?

Owning a business is a great accomplishment for any individual or family. You get to be your own boss, make your own rules, and hopefully reap most of the rewards from your company’s endeavors. While there are many positives to owning a business, there also comes many obligations as well. Do you have a lot of overhead? As you know operating a business requires increases expenses, which is why you should consider protecting them with life insurance.

Most people that open a business or are working to grow and expand take on debt to do so. Taking out a life insurance policy can help payoff that debt in the event of your death. One important thing to note, if you are a sole proprietor, your business and all its debts will be left to your family. So, whether your business will be kept or sold, your loved ones will be able to reap more of the proceeds.

Do You Have Business Partners?

If you have business partners, it would be ideal for all of them to get a life insurance policy as well. Many smaller businesses have agreements in place that organize the transfer of ownership from the deceased to the surviving partner(s). The loss of a business partner could leave you and the reaming partners left with more financial obligations which could hurt the company, and even force it to close. When a partner purchases a life insurance policy, they will need to leave the death benefit for the other business owners so that the benefit goes to the business.

Do You Rely on Key Employees?

While owners and partners share an important role in the success of a company, there are also key employees that you may rely on as well. These could be sales people, managers, creative personnel, and even administrators. The sudden death of a key employee could impair the operation of your business. To protect your company from that, you can take out a key employee life insurance policy that will pay your company a benefit if something were to happen to said employee. You will be responsible for the premium, and how much coverage you would like to take out. You may also be allowed to borrow against the policy, and use the benefit any way that would benefit the business.

Keep in mind that life insurance doesn’t replace someone’s income, value, or even an employee. It will only offer a one-time benefit to get you, your loved ones, or your business through a difficult time and situation.

There are many things to take into consideration when making the decision of which type of policy is best for you, your family, or loved ones. Are you interested in purchasing Life Insurance or International Life Insurance? Would you like some more information regarding Life Insurance options that are available to you? Would you like to ask some questions to a Life Insurance expert? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact us 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com and talk to one of our insurance specialists for help in selecting Life Insurance and other coverage to ensure that you and your loved ones have the protection you need at every stage of life.

Many people in the insurance industry work hard to avoid the bad reputation that insurance typically carries. However, people often jump to negative conclusions about anything involving insurance. Time and time again, we come across people who have the wrong idea of what an insurance broker is and why they are actually advantageous to the consumer. We have heard they are a waste of time, waste of money, and only care about making their commission. Being a dedicated group of insurance brokers, we can tell you that those descriptions are often false! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when we hear information that is incorrect, it encourages us to step in. Do you know what an insurance broker does?

If you know the answer to, then you are already aware of all the benefits of using an insurance broker. If not, learn why you should be using one. Take the time to find a quality, reputable broker to work with you in fulfilling your insurance needs. Not only will it be time well spent in the beginning, but it will also serve you well for the entire time that you have insurance needs, whether you are working on a yacht or wherever your travels may take you.

Brokers Can Offer More of a Selection

One benefit of an insurance broker is the selection of policies and plans. Typically, brokers can help you select insurance from a variety of different companies. Different insurance companies offer different plans, so having access to plans from multiple companies can afford you the opportunity to find the coverage that fits you best.

Also, depending on the insurance brokerage they may sell different types of insurance, allowing you to have a one stop solution for all your insurance needs.

Brokers Do Much More Than Sell Insurance

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they can be so much more than that. An insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with the claims process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at the insurance companies so you may not have to sit on a 1-800 line for a long time, only to learn someone doesn’t have the authority to help you. Brokers also know which carriers provide consistent service, allowing you to avoid companies that may not deliver the level of care that you deserve at time of claim.

We Work for You

As brokers, we do not work for any insurance company, we work for you! Our goals are to please you, and make sure all you questions and concerns are handled. If you think about it, with all the benefits of using an insurance broker, it is certainly better than just going out and buying a policy from an insurance agent. Will an agent fight for you and your best interests?

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about marine crew insurance, travel insurance, U.S. life and health, expatriate insurance, or property and casualty, please contact us at

or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.