Celebrating Ability: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This annual observance highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices that benefit employees and employers alike. For businesses, NDEAM is an opportunity to consider the importance of accessibility, equity, and the role of employer-sponsored benefits in supporting employees of all abilities.

History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” Over time, the observance expanded into a month-long campaign that includes all individuals with disabilities. Today, NDEAM is organized by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor and serves as a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and encourage inclusive hiring practices. Although the theme of NDEAM changes every year, the mission remains the same: to celebrate the talents of individuals with disabilities, break down barriers, and ensure workplaces are accessible and equitable for all. 

Why Disability Employment Matters

Individuals with disabilities make up a significant portion of the workforce. Although these workers bring unique perspectives, skills, and resilience to their jobs, they face higher unemployment rates than people without disabilities. By fostering inclusive workplaces, businesses can support social equity and find untapped talent to strengthen their teams. 

Inclusive employment is more than compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It means creating an environment where every employee has an opportunity to succeed. Companies that embrace diversity and disability inclusion tend to have higher employee satisfaction, stronger innovation, and improved financial performance. 

Role of Insurance in Supporting Inclusive Workplaces

Providing comprehensive insurance benefits is one of the most effective ways for businesses to support employees with disabilities. Health insurance, disability insurance, and other workplace benefits make it possible for employees to focus on their work and well-being without unnecessary financial strain in the following ways:

• Health insurance: Quality health coverage allows employees with disabilities to access the care and resources they need. Offering a robust health plan is a concrete way for companies to demonstrate care and inclusivity.
• Disability insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage provides financial protection for employees who may be unable to work because of illness or injury. This benefit supports workers and reassures them that their employers value their security. 
• Life and supplemental insurance options: Voluntary benefits, such as life, hospital, and critical illness insurance give employees flexibility to meet their unique needs. 

Group insurance benefits convey the message that all employees are supported equally, regardless of ability. This can help businesses attract diverse talent and retain employees long term. 

A Win-Win for Businesses and Employees

NDEAM is a reminder that ability comes in many forms, and everyone benefits when employers create inclusive workplaces. Inclusive employment practices benefit employees and also help businesses thrive. By supporting workers of all abilities, companies can improve morale, build a culture of respect, and foster stronger teams. Our experienced agents at Foresight Insurance, LLC are here to show employers and employees how disability coverage and inclusive benefits can help create secure, supportive workplaces.

Life Insurance’s Role: Adapting Your Coverage to Big Changes 

As life changes, so do your financial needs, and life insurance should match your current situation. While many people buy a policy and forget about it, your coverage should evolve with each major life event. From tying the knot to expanding your family or launching a business, staying protected means regularly reviewing your policy and making adjustments if needed.

Why Getting Married or Having Kids Changes Everything

When you get married, your financial responsibilities grow. Your loved ones may rely on your income to cover bills, housing, and savings. Add children to the picture, and the stakes are even higher. A parent’s sudden death could leave the surviving spouse overwhelmed with expenses for childcare, schooling, and the basic costs of living.

If your current policy was purchased when you were single, it’s likely that it no longer provides sufficient protection. Updating your coverage to match these life events ensures your loved ones will have the financial support they need.

What Buying a Home or Starting a Business Means for Your Policy

A mortgage is often the largest long-term debt most people take on. Life insurance can help you ensure that this debt doesn’t fall on your spouse if an unexpected death, severe illness, or other health condition occurs. The same applies to business ventures. If you have taken out a loan or invested personal income, your policy should reflect your new financial risk.

In some cases, your business partners may choose to put life insurance policies in place to ensure continuity should an owner, partner, or key employee pass away. Life insurance can provide the funds needed to buy out a deceased partner’s shares or keep the business running during the transition.

Don’t Let Your Coverage Fall Behind

It’s wise to review your life insurance annually, even if you have not experienced a major change. A quick review can help you update beneficiaries, increase coverage limits, or ensure you are not overpaying. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate whether your current type of policy (term or permanent) still makes sense.

Even a small increase in income, a move to a new home, or the decision to start saving for your children’s college education can shift your needs regarding life insurance.

Understanding Term and Whole Life Options

If you’re in the early stages of your career, term life insurance is usually the most affordable way to get coverage. It’s ideal for covering debts such as a mortgage or the costs of raising children. Whole life or other permanent insurance products offer coverage for your lifetime and build up a cash value that grows over time, becoming a valuable asset.

As your financial profile becomes more complex, many people choose to layer policies, maintaining a term life policy while adding a smaller whole life policy to address their long-term needs.

Life Insurance as a Financial Planning Tool

Beyond protection, life insurance can serve strategic purposes. Do you want to leave a legacy, fund a trust, or ensure a child with special needs is cared for after you’re gone? A customized policy helps make that possible. With the right plan in place, life insurance can support retirement planning, wealth transfer, and charitable giving.

Let’s Make Sure You’re Covered for What’s Next

Every chapter of life brings new opportunities and new responsibilities. Don’t let an outdated life insurance policy fall short when your family needs it most. Call (301) 985-2667 to schedule time with one of our agents to help you review your options and adjust your coverage to align with your life, goals, and future.

Secure for the Holidays: A Cybersecurity Refresh for Increased Online Activity

The holiday season isn’t just busy for retailers; it’s also prime time for cybercriminals. With the rise of online shopping, increased email traffic, and a huge surge in digital transactions, businesses have become increasingly vulnerable to data breaches or cyberattacks. Now is the perfect time to refresh your cybersecurity practices and ensure your business insurance includes cyber liability protection.

Seasonal Sales, Seasonal Scams: Why Cyber Risk Spikes

Hackers know when businesses are busiest and most vulnerable to distraction. During the holidays, many businesses see a surge in online traffic, credit card processing, and digital promotions. This increased activity provides more opportunities for phishing emails, fake websites, and malware attacks to slip through. A single employee clicking a suspicious link can compromise your entire security system.

Employee Training for Safer Holidays

Your employees are your first line of defense. Invest in refresher trainings before the holiday rush begins. Remind staff to:

• Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
• Recognize common signs of phishing emails
• Report suspicious activity immediately

Even basic reminders about logging out of accounts and avoiding public Wi-Fi while working remotely can dramatically reduce risk.

Data Breach Preparedness 

A data breach can expose sensitive client information, damage your reputation, and lead to costly legal cases. Prepare in advance by:

• Backing up critical business data securely
• Encrypting stored data and communications
• Ensuring all antivirus and security software is updated
• Creating an incident response plan that includes contact info for your IT team, legal counsel, and your insurer

Preparation can significantly reduce downtime and help your business recover more quickly.

The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance

Even with the best cybersecurity practices in place, no system is completely immune. Cyber liability insurance helps your business recover from a breach by covering costs such as:

• Notifying affected customers
• Restoring compromised data
• Legal defense and regulatory fines
• Business interruption losses

If you haven’t reviewed your business insurance recently, now is the time to see if cyber liability coverage is included, or if a standalone policy is the best option.

Tools, Tips, and Tech to Bolster Your Defenses

Modern cybersecurity tools can do more than ever before. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection software help detect and prevent attacks. Cloud-based storage with built-in encryption and automatic backups offers an added layer of security. And cybersecurity audits, conducted either internally or through a third party, can reveal blind spots.

E-Commerce and Remote Work: A Double Risk Factor

If your business operates an online store or has employees working remotely, your risk is even higher. Home networks are typically less secure, and remote workers may use personal devices that lack enterprise-grade protections. Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms can be targeted through fake logins, payment skimming, and DDoS attacks. Ensuring your employees understand your company’s cybersecurity protocols and regularly updating your e-commerce platform are both critical steps in keeping your business safe during the holiday rush.

Protect Your Data and Your Dollars With Cyber Coverage

Cyber threats aren’t going away, and during the holidays, the risks are higher than ever. A little preparation now can prevent major headaches in the future. Give us a call at (301) 985-2667 to talk about how we can help you safeguard your business with smart cybersecurity practices and the right business insurance solutions, including cyber liability coverage. Don’t leave a digital storefront unguarded. Connect with us today.

Renters’ Insurance and Back to School: Protecting Student Belongings

As students head back to college campuses and dorm rooms fill with laptops, textbooks, and tech gear, one essential protection can be overlooked: renters’ insurance. While dorm life is exciting and new, it’s not without risks. From theft and fire to accidental water damage, your student’s belongings may be more vulnerable than you think. Here’s why renters’ insurance is a smart move before the semester begins.

The Risks of Dorm Life

College housing often involves shared living spaces, communal laundry rooms, and limited security, all of which can increase the chance of personal property damage or loss. A moment of distraction can lead to a stolen backpack, a spilled drink can damage electronics, and a cooking mishap down the hall could result in smoke or water damage. The value of everything your student brings to school can quickly add up and should not be left unprotected.

What Renters’ Insurance Actually Covers

Renters’ insurance typically covers personal property against risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, and specific types of water damage. It may also include liability protection in case your student accidentally causes damage to a dorm, or their actions injure another person, as well as loss-of-use coverage if their dorm room becomes uninhabitable. Some policies even cover belongings stolen from a vehicle or from off-campus housing.

Parents’ Policies vs. Student Policies: Know the Difference

Depending on your homeowners’ insurance policy, your student’s belongings might be partially covered while they live in a dorm. But there are limitations:

• Coverage is often capped at 10% of your total personal property limit.
• Off-campus apartments typically aren’t covered in standard policies.
• Your homeowners’ policy deductible may be higher than the value of the items lost.

A separate renters’ policy is often the safer and more cost-effective option, especially for students who live off-campus.

Common Claims: Theft, Fire, and Water Damage

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, theft remains one of the most common claims filed by college students. Dorms are high-traffic areas with frequent visitors, and unlocked doors or unattended items create easy opportunities for theft. Fires, whether caused by overloaded outlets or microwave mishaps, can also result in significant losses. Even a sprinkler system activated by a small fire can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. Renters’ insurance steps in to help you recover the cost.

Easy Steps to Get Covered Before the Semester Starts

Securing coverage is quick, easy, and surprisingly affordable. Most renters’ insurance policies for students cost less than $20 per month. To get started:

• Create an inventory of the belongings your student will be bringing to the campus.
• Get a quote from an insurance agency specifying whether your student lives on- or off-campus.
• Review coverage limits and consider adding replacement cost coverage to your policy.

Don’t Wait for a Loss: Secure Your Student’s Belongings Today

While college is about learning, growing, and gaining independence, it is also a time to learn about avoiding financial losses. Renters’ insurance provides peace of mind for both students and parents by protecting the items that matter most. Our friendly agents at Foresight Insurance, LLC can help you explore affordable personal insurance solutions to safeguard your student’s property during their years away at college.

Back to School: Why Life Insurance is a Must-Have

As the back-to-school season begins, most families are focused on supplies, arranging carpools, and returning to the school day rhythms of daily life. Behind the flurry of paperwork and school lunches lies a bigger question: Are you protecting your family’s financial future? Life insurance may not be on your school shopping list, but for growing families, it’s one of the most important investments to make.

New School Year, New Responsibilities

With each passing school year, your responsibilities as a parent increase. From paying tuition and organizing transportation to managing childcare and extracurricular activities, your family depends on your income and guidance every day. But what would happen if you were no longer there and able to provide it?

Life insurance ensures that your children can continue their education, stay in the home, and access resources in the wake of tragedy. It provides critical financial support during the most challenging moments of life, so your family isn’t left scrambling to survive.

How Life Insurance Supports Long-Term Goals

It’s easy to think of life insurance as something that only matters in a worst-case scenario. But in reality, life insurance plays a central role in long-term financial planning. A properly structured policy can:

• Replace lost income, helping your family cover the cost of bills and living expenses
• Cover education expenses like private school tuition or future college costs
• Pay off debts, including a mortgage, car loan, and student loans
• Fund major life milestones like weddings or the purchase of a first home

Permanent life insurance policies build cash value over time, money you can borrow later when the cash value has built up. In short, life insurance isn’t just about protection. It’s about creating long-term financial stability.

Protecting Children’s Futures Beyond the Classroom

Education is only one part of a child’s future. Whether it’s providing a sense of security, avoiding financial hardship, or helping your children thrive long-term, life insurance offers the foundation your family will need to move forward if unexpected death or severe illness occurs.

Without life insurance, your spouse or co-parent may be forced to take on multiple jobs, owe expensive taxes, may be forced to move homes, or rely on their extended family to get by. With the right policy in place, your spouse and children can focus on the future without severe financial stress.

Affordable Options for Growing Families

Many families assume life insurance is too expensive or only for older adults. In truth, the younger you are when you buy, the more affordable it is. Term life insurance is especially attractive for parents, as it offers high coverage amounts for a relatively low monthly premium.

Depending on your age and health, a basic term life policy can cost less than your monthly streaming subscriptions. It’s a small investment that provides peace of mind. Life insurance pays out quickly, without the wait associated with probating an estate, and is generally not subject to taxation.

Don’t Wait for “Later”: Why Now Is the Time

Delaying life insurance is taking a gamble. An unexpected health diagnosis could make you uninsurable or lock you into much higher premiums. Buying life insurance when you’re healthy ensures you are eligible for the best rates and coverage. Additionally, many policies permit future conversion to permanent life insurance or increases in the value of the payout as your career advances.

Get a Quote with Us Today to Secure Their Tomorrow

As your children head back to school, give them more than laptops, pencils, pens, and notebooks; offer them a real foundation for the future. Life insurance protects your family’s goals, dreams, and financial well-being. Foresight Insurance, LLC can help you explore affordable life insurance solutions for your family’s unique needs and your budget. We can help you ensure you are covered today, tomorrow, and that your family is protected for the long term.

Weathering the Storm: How Businesses Can Prepare for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can strike without warning: floods, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and winter storms are all part of doing business in our unpredictable climate. For business owners, these events aren’t just an inconvenience; they pose a significant financial threat. Without proper preparation and insurance, a single disaster can force a business to close its doors permanently. Is your business ready to weather the storm?

Disaster Can Strike Anywhere

While some areas are more prone to certain risks, no region is completely immune to disaster. Floods have occurred in all 50 states. Wildfires have expanded beyond traditionally dry regions. Winter storms and high winds can impact businesses even in mild climates. According to FEMA, nearly 40% of small businesses are unable to reopen after a disaster. That number jumps significantly if the business lacks a continuity plan or adequate insurance coverage.

Creating a Business Continuity Plan

A business continuity plan outlines how your company will operate during and after a disaster. It should include:

• Emergency contact protocols for employees and clients
• Data backup and off-site storage strategies
• Alternate suppliers or vendors if your normal supply chain is disrupted
• Contingency plans for remote work or temporary relocation

With these elements in place, business owners can reduce downtime and enable the enterprise to recover more quickly, minimizing losses and preserving customer trust.

Insuring for Impact: Key Policies That Matter Most

General property insurance is a start, but it may not be enough. To stay truly protected, your business may need:

• Business interruption insurance: Covers lost income and operating expenses if your business is forced to shut down temporarily.
• Flood insurance: This critical type of insurance is not included in most standard policies but is essential in flood-prone zones.
• Equipment breakdown coverage: Protects against damage to critical machinery and systems.
• Extra expense coverage: Helps cover the cost of setting up a temporary location to keep operations open and running.

Reviewing and updating your business insurance regularly ensures that your coverage aligns with your business’s current risk profile.

What to Do Before, During, and After a Storm

Preparation is key. Before a predicted big storm, secure all outdoor signage and equipment, back up all digital data, and ensure you have access to emergency cash reserves or lines of credit. During the storm, prioritize safety; shut down operations early if needed and follow local emergency guidance. Afterward, document all damages with photos, save receipts for any costs incurred, and contact your insurer promptly to file claims and initiate the first step in the recovery.

Recovery Takes Planning: Learn from Businesses That Survived

Many businesses that survived disasters credit their recovery to proactive planning and the right coverage. Those with continuity plans in place and adequate insurance often recover more quickly, avoid costly delays, and retain their customer base. Learning from their successes can offer insight into what works, and what to avoid.

Get Started by Safeguarding Your Business

Don’t wait until the skies darken to protect what you’ve built. With the right business insurance and disaster planning, you can face the unexpected with confidence. Foresight Insurance, LLC can help you review your current coverage, identify the gaps, and put a plan in place to keep your business moving forward, even when the weather turns against you. Reach out today to prepare for tomorrow.

Back to School, Back on the Road: Auto Insurance Tips for Teen Drivers

For many families in Maryland, the back-to-school season marks a time when teens get behind the wheel for the first time. Whether your teen is getting a permit, a first car, or driving to school events, having the right auto insurance is essential. Find out what every parent and teen driver should know about auto insurance.

First Car, First Policy: What You Need to Know

Getting a first car is a major life milestone. But with that freedom comes responsibility and, of course, risks. Most insurance companies require a teen driver to be listed on a parent’s policy or to carry a separate policy if they own the vehicle themselves. If your teen is using a family car, you must notify your insurance provider to ensure they are covered. If they have a car, ensure the title and insurance match the primary driver; this helps avoid potential claim disputes later.

Teen Risk Factors and Why They Matter to Insurers

Teen drivers have the highest crash rates among any age group, according to the CDC. Inexperience, distracted driving, and risk-taking behavior all contribute to higher accident rates. That’s why insurance companies charge more to cover teen drivers; statistically, they’re more likely to file a claim. Factors such as good grades, a clean driving record, and driver education can help lower premiums with some providers.

Tips for Lowering Teen Driver Premiums

While teen driver insurance is typically costly, there are steps parents can take to reduce the financial burden:

• Good student discounts: Many insurers reward teens who maintain a B average or higher.
• Defensive driving courses: These courses teach teens critical safety skills and can lower premiums.
• Safe vehicles: Cars with high safety ratings, airbags, and anti-lock brakes typically cost less to insure than sports cars or older model vehicles that have fewer safety features.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Programs that track driving habits through apps or devices may offer discounts for safe driving behavior.

Monitoring Apps and Safety Features

New technologies bring powerful tools for both parents and teens. Apps like Life360 or built-in features from insurance providers can help monitor speed, location, and driving habits. Many vehicles now include crash avoidance features, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking; these features not only improve safety but may reduce insurance costs.

How Parents Influence Teen Driving

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s driving habits. Studies show that teens whose parents model safe driving behaviors are more likely to adopt those habits. Establish clear expectations regarding phone use, passenger behavior, curfews, and seatbelt usage. Consider creating a teen driving contract to encourage accountability.

Call Today for the Right Auto Policy

Whether your teen is a cautious first-timer or a confident senior on the move, the right policy can help bring you peace of mind. The staff at Foresight Insurance, LLC can help you explore affordable personal insurance options and ensure your coverage fits your teen’s needs. Reach out at (301) 985-2667 to schedule some time to review your policy and get your family road-ready for the school year.

Beyond Culture: The Economic Power of Hispanic Heritage in the U.S.

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate Latino culture, history, and community. But beyond the music, food, and festivities lies a powerful economic story. The growing Latino population is helping to shape the future of the U.S. economy. From workforce participation to entrepreneurship and consumer influence, Hispanic Americans are a driving force of innovation, resilience, and growth.

A Demographic Powerhouse with Lasting Impact

The Latino population in the United States is now the largest ethnic minority group in the country and continues to grow at a steady rate. This demographic shift is altering the cultural landscape and transforming labor market trends, business ownership patterns, and consumer behavior.

Latino Americans are, on average, younger than the general population, and they participate in the workforce at high rates. As a result, they contribute significantly to the country’s productivity and long-term economic vitality.

The Growing Latino GDP and What It Means

If the Latino community in the U.S. were its national economy, it would rank among the largest in the world. The combined economic output of Hispanic Americans represents a multi-trillion-dollar contribution to the U.S. GDP. This number continues to rise with every passing year.

This upward trend reflects growth in labor participation, rising educational attainment, and an increase in business formation across various industries. It also signals the importance of policies and investment strategies that recognize and support the full economic potential of Hispanic communities.

Latino Consumers Are Shaping the Marketplace

With rising purchasing power and a growing share of the consumer market, Latino households are influencing everything from retail to technology to financial services. Their preferences, brand loyalty, and spending patterns are shaping marketing trends and business strategies nationwide.

For businesses and service providers, including those in the insurance industry, understanding and serving the needs of Latino consumers is both a strategic priority and a competitive advantage. Bilingual outreach, culturally relevant communication, and personalized services are crucial for establishing trust and fostering long-term client relationships.

Small Businesses, Big Contributions

Latino entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic group. These businesses range from local service providers to tech startups and national brands. Despite facing historical barriers to funding and market access, Hispanic-owned companies demonstrate strong growth, innovation, and resilience.

Supporting these enterprises is beneficial for both diversity and the economy. When Latino businesses thrive, they generate jobs, reinvest in their communities, and drive broader economic development.

Connect With Us and Celebrate Hispanic Culture and Invest in Your Future 

Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that honoring culture involves meaningful investments and engaging inclusively. Our agency is committed to supporting diverse communities with insurance solutions that reflect their values, protect their assets, and empower their growth. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive future together.

Retirement Safety Net: How Life Insurance Can Support Your Golden Years

When most people think of life insurance, they picture a safety net for loved ones after they’re gone. Life insurance can do much more than that and can serve as a powerful financial asset in your retirement years. As one aspect of a long-term planning strategy, life insurance can help provide supplemental income, protect your legacy, and offer peace of mind during a time when financial stability is key.

Life Insurance for the Living

Life insurance isn’t just about what happens after death. Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life, accumulate cash value over time. This cash value is available to the policyholder during their lifetime. It can be borrowed against or even withdrawn, often without triggering immediate taxation.

This feature makes life insurance a valuable financial resource for retirees who may need additional funds to cover unexpected expenses, long-term care or to supplement other sources of retirement income like Social Security or pensions. In times of market downturns, having access to a non-market-correlated asset like life insurance can help retirees avoid drawing from investment accounts during poor performance years.

Tax-Deferred Growth Explained

One of the key benefits of permanent life insurance is the tax-advantaged growth of its cash value. As long as the funds remain in the policy, they grow on a tax-deferred basis. That means you won’t pay taxes on the gains as the value accumulates, allowing the policy’s value to grow more efficiently over time.

Additionally, policyholders can borrow against the cash value of their policy through a policy loan. If structured properly, these loans are not considered taxable income and do not need to be repaid during the policyholder’s lifetime. However, any unpaid loans will reduce the death benefit.

This tax-deferred structure allows retirees to access funds without increasing their taxable income, which is especially useful for managing tax brackets and preserving eligibility for income-based benefits like Medicare or Social Security.

Supporting Your Heirs and Estate Plans

Life insurance also plays an important role in legacy planning. The death benefit is typically paid out to beneficiaries tax-free, providing a simple and efficient way to leave an inheritance. For those with larger estates, life insurance can be used to offset estate taxes, ensuring that more of your assets pass directly to your heirs.

By using life insurance as a funding tool, you can provide financial stability for your loved ones, donate to charitable causes, or even establish a family trust to preserve wealth for future generations.

The Importance of Early Enrollment

The younger and healthier you are when you purchase life insurance, the more affordable and flexible your options will be. Locking in coverage early can secure lower premiums and maximize long-term cash value growth. Waiting until later in life often results in higher costs or limited coverage due to health conditions.

How Life Insurance Supports a Diversified Retirement Plan

A well-rounded retirement strategy includes more than just a 401(k) or IRA. Life insurance adds another layer of stability and flexibility. It acts as a non-correlated asset, offers liquidity through loans or withdrawals, and provides guaranteed benefits regardless of market fluctuations.

Plan Now, Relax Later

Life insurance can be a powerful tool in securing your retirement lifestyle and protecting your legacy. Whether you’re decades from retirement or already making withdrawal plans, our team st Foresight Insurance, LLC can help you understand how life insurance fits into your financial future. Reach out at (301) 985-2667 to explore your options with one of our experienced advisors.

What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance, commonly called EPLI, is a crucial business insurance that safeguards companies against employee claims alleging rights violations. In today’s complex employment landscape, even small businesses face exposure to potential lawsuits related to hiring, firing, workplace conduct, and management decisions. Having EPLI coverage can provide 

EPLI 101: A Shield Against Workplace Lawsuits

EPLI policies typically cover legal defense costs and settlements associated with a range of employee claims, including:

• Discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, or other protected categories
• Wrongful termination
• Sexual harassment or other forms of workplace harassment
• Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting misconduct

These claims can arise from current, former, or job applicants. With legal fees and settlements often reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, the cost of defending your business without EPLI coverage can be devastating.

Who Needs EPL?

Many business owners mistakenly believe EPLI is only necessary for large corporations. In reality, any business with employees can be at risk. Smaller businesses may be more vulnerable as they may not have in-house legal or HR departments focusing on labor laws. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), nearly 55% of employment-related claims are filed against companies with fewer than 100 employees.

Whether you employ five people or fifty, EPLI can shield your business from the financial fallout of an employment-related claim. The more employees you have, the greater your risk, but even a single disgruntled worker can file a lawsuit that disrupts operations and drains resources.

What EPLI Doesn’t Cover: Know the Boundaries

Like all insurance policies, EPLI has limitations. Common exclusions include:

• Wage and hour disputes, such as unpaid overtime or misclassification of employees
• Criminal acts or intentional wrongdoing by the employer
• Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance claims
• Violations of labor regulations not specifically covered under the policy

Understanding these exclusions is crucial. Some risks may be managed through other insurance policies or better internal practices.

Real Claims and How EPLI Responds

Consider the case of a small restaurant sued by a former server who claimed she was fired for complaining about inappropriate comments from a manager. The EPLI policy covered the legal defense costs and a negotiated settlement, saving the business over $80,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

In another instance, a tech startup was sued by a rejected job applicant who alleged age discrimination. Without EPLI, the company paid over $30,000 in legal fees before the case was dismissed. EPLI coverage would have helped absorb those costs.

HR Best Practices That Support EPLI

EPLI works best in tandem with strong human resources practices. Implement clear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Train all employees, especially supervisors, on appropriate workplace behavior. Keep detailed documentation of employment decisions, disciplinary actions, and employee complaints. These steps not only help reduce the risk of claims but may also lead to more favorable EPLI policy terms and premiums.

Cover Your Business From the Inside Out

Workplace claims can happen to any business, regardless of size or industry. At Foresight Insurance, LLC our advisors have helped businesses in Maryland assess employment-related risks and guide them toward the most suitable Employment Practices Liability Insurance. Let’s work together to protect your business from the inside out. Call us at (301) 985-2667 to get started.