An Important Insurance Message From The California Landscape Contractors Association

Dear CLCA Member,

Seeking to offer you and other members outstanding customer service and significant savings on insurance premiums, the Board of Directors of the California Landscape Contractors Association has selected Networked Insurance Agents to be the official provider of insurance services to association members.

I encourage you to just compare. If you are currently insured by Golden Oak, ask your agent for a quote, factor in the amount of your last rebate, and ask Golden Oak for the amount accumulated in your equity retirement account. Then call Networked and get a quote.

My company, Signature Pools and Landscape, has already saved thousand of dollars in premiums. In switching to Networked, our insurance costs will drop by more than 25 percent. Several CLCA members who have already taken the "just compare" challenge report hassle-free significant savings.

"I signed up with Networked in November," says Javier Lesaca of Lesaca Landscape Company, Bakersfield. "The process was quick and easy — seven days, if that — and they jumped on it right away. I will save a couple thousand dollars in premiums this year. That's great news for my bottom line."

Frank Niccoli of The Village Gardener, Inc., says "the numbers are significant, it's not one-zees and two-zees — it's thousands. We think we’re going to save $6,000 on workers comp. In this economy, every penny counts."

In addition to significant cost savings, Networked offers CLCA members low-cost financing and fast and hassle-free customer service, as well as education and online access to applications and certificates. Need a certificate for a proposal due at 5 p.m. — and its 4:50 p.m.? Jump on-line and it's there.

"Overall, working with Networked was a very positive experience," says CLCA 2011 President Bob Wade, CLP, CLIA, who also made the switch and saved thousands.

In southern California, call Unickel Insurance at (855) 443-CLCA (2522). In central and northern California, call Assurance Risk Managers at (855)-662-CLCA (2522). Just compare!

Sincerely,

Eric Watanabe
2012 President, California Landscape Contractors Association

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Fact Sheet

About Networked Insurance Agents,
   CLCA's New Endorsed Insurance Provider

Networked has been in business since 1991, serving more than 60,000 policy holders in 11 western states. They have access to 50 A rated carriers and a complete line of insurance products. They have experience with the landscape industry and come highly recommended by another major California association. Networked specializes in business owners', workers’ compensation, contractors' liability, property, auto, umbrella, employment practices liability coverages and surety bonds. In addition, the company offers insurance from six major Excess and Surplus carriers. Networked also gives CLCA members access to the Strongwood online Risk Management Services to assist with loss control.

F.A.Q.

• Why is the association just now telling me about this?
• The association's endorsement agreement with its former program — Golden Oak — remained in effect until December 31, 2011 and we wanted to honor that agreement. We were also advised not to disclose ongoing negotiations.
• Why did CLCA change insurance programs?
• In March 2011, Golden Oak notified the association that it was terminating the agreement and wanted to renegotiate. While researching options, the Board of Directors determined that the new program would be a much better deal for members.
• Why did the board select Networked?
• Several reasons:
• Great rates that should be competitive, if not the best in the business, due to the new program’s multi-carrier structure.
• Better service. For example, the new program has a bigger sales force and more comprehensive geographical distribution of that staff.
• The new program has on-line access to a plethora of information as well as certificates of insurance.
• Increased transparency for both policyholders and the association. For example, the previous program claimed that its financial reports were proprietary information. The new program had no problem disclosing this information during the interview process and has committed to do so in the future.
• Great track record and recommendations from existing clients of the new program.
• The new program appears to have a very careful approach to handling claims.
• A positive, “desire to please” attitude is evident from the new company’s representatives.
• Doesn't CLCA own Golden Oak?
• No. We are two separate entities, legally and otherwise. Initially, the insurance program was part of the association, but was split off into a for-profit trust to protect the association's non-profit status. When this split happened, CLCA entered into an endorsement agreement with Golden Oak many years ago.
• Did the board rush to make a decision?
• No. Since April, board members have devoted hundreds of hours to this issue. CLCA leaders carefully considered multiple proposals before selecting three finalists, including Golden Oak. CLCA leaders received guidance and input from the association's attorney and an independent insurance industry expert.
• Does the board and the association really support this?
• Yes. Every vote at every board meeting was unanimous to not accept the new endorsement agreement put forth by Golden Oak. Every vote. Every meeting.
• I have more questions …
• This is an important and complex issue and your professional association is here to help. More information will be posted at www.clca.us/insurance on January 16, or call CLCA HQ at (800) 448-2522.
• I want to just compare. What do I do?
• Call and get a quote. In southern California, call Unickel Insurance at (855) 443-CLCA (2522). In central and northern California, call Assurance Risk Managers at (855)-662-CLCA (2522). Let them know that you are a CLCA member and want the discounted CLCA member rate. Expect to see significant cost savings.

© California Landscape Contractors Association 2012