[DFW Area Landscaper]

This is like pulling teeth trying to get a quote for workman's comp insurance. I called an agent who sells Texas Mutual back on January 21st. She said it would take about 30 days to get a quote from them. No quote yet. Called her yesterday. She said she'd follow up. I hear nothing. Call her back this morning. Still nothing. I call Texas Mutual directly. The agent dropped the ball by not telling them what they needed to know back on January 27th. I explain that I'd like to use another, more repsonsible agent. The Texas Mutual lady recommends I don't do that because it will further delay the entire process. Midway thorugh this phone call, I feel like I'm working at the friggin' phone company again.

So I call another agent. He sells Lloyds and he sells Texas Mutual. He said he could have me a quote within a week from Lloyds.

A week???

Should I assume that I am the only landscaper they've ever insured for workman's comp? Why is this so time consuming??? I could understand a one week turn around if I was asking them to build me a new patio with retaining walls and select plant materials and draw color pictures. But this is simply a numbers game. Why a week???

Does anyone sell workmans' comp insurance in Texas who knows what the fugg they're doing? Name & phone number of agent, please.

Later,
DFW Area Landscaper

 

[Jroctx]

Going on a month, still waiting for a pesticide quote myself. I was told to roughly estimate 1% of gross salary for worksman comp ins. Might just be a texas deal. They say we pay some of the highest prems. But service is stupid!

 

[DFW Area Landscaper]

Jroctx,

Was that a typo? I was told to expect 10% above the wages, not 1%.

Later,
DFW Area Landscaper

 

[Mowingman]

My cost runs about 10% of the gross wages. I have been very happy with the Lloyds policy I have for WC. IT should not take more than 3 or 4 days to get a quote from Lloyds. I would check at some other independent agents that handle Lloyds. Many do handle that company here in our area.
You might want to try my agent here in Denton. Call Lord and Company Insurance Agency, (940)382-9324. They also have a Dallas number, (972)420-7903. Ask for Donna.

 

[hunter]

Mine is running 9.87%

 

[Jroctx]

Yes DFW, 10%, I'm thinking about that other government fee!

 

[DFW Area Landscaper]

Well, I guess I'll post the update. Someone in another thread I had started recommended Hotchkisins.com. I called them yesterday at 4:00pm. They called me back this morning and I signed up. 8.4%. Not bad. Very impressive. They also have the best GL rates I've found so far too.

Later,
DFW Area Landscaper

 

[Jroctx]

Thanks, I hope they cover Austin as well! I found one company down here that offers $479 for GL. For solo that's great, but if you have multiple owners, that fee is per person.

 

[okcpa]

DFW... is that web address correct? Hotchkisins.com?? thanks

 

[thill]

Jroctx,

I have an agent who has been very responsive and seemed to shop the policies very well last June.

I think it took her about three days to get a rate for W/C from Texas Mutual Fund. My effective rate was 9.8% but we had some claims with a sister company two years ago.

She is an independant agent who is hungry and works hard for us.

Let me know if you decide to shop for an agent.

Tom

 

[DFW Area Landscaper]

++++DFW... is that web address correct? Hotchkisins.com?? thanks++++

http://www.hotchkissins.com/

Later,
DFW Area Landscaper

 

[FarrisFrog]

www.thanksal.com or call 1-800-842-6572

 

[AssuredServicesCo]

before i went to college for landscape architecture i was in the insurace adjusting business. our family retains the largest adjusting company in texas since 1962. i can tell you to get with a standard carrier and not a lloyds carrier because if you ever have a claim lloyds will use a thir party to adjust the claim and this is like a pancho doing a job or a professional doing a job. keep looking. you've got the money and find an agent that will work for you. whiz on the rest. a standard company is regulated by your state's insurance department for solvency and a surplus lines carrier, like lloyds is not. most of these peanut indipendent agents sell lloyds policies because they are cheaper. hunker down and get the best insurance. it sucks to buy buy can save your ass when youve got all your eggs in the landscape basket. rock on.

 

[DFW Area Landscaper]

Assured,

I wound up going with Hartford. Do you recommend them for workmans' comp?

Thanks,
DFW Area Landscaper

 

[houston]

DFW Area Landscaper:

I was the one who posted the Hotchkiss company in the other thread. Just curious why you did not go with them?

:waving:

 

[Fantasy Lawns]

WC rates are standard with in each state .... our rate here is 12.06% of payroll .... this % increases with added services such as tree work or pesticide spray .... heavy equip contruction

That percentage can be lowered when having more than 10 full time employees, drug screening, training & safety programs

So the rate in your state will be the same no matter whom you use

 

[FarrisFrog]

Call 1800-842-6572 ext 2581.

They are an independent agency and represent several companies so they find the best rates and they represent the top 10% of carriers in Texas. They also can help with all your other insurance needs like health, auto, homeowner etc. I personally went with American Mercury with them but that may not be tyhe best option for you call them and see they are very agressive and will work hard to get you the best rates. Thye also have all mu other insurance as well!! I have worked with them for years.

 

[DFW Area Landscaper]

Houston,

I did go with hotchkiss. They set me up with Hartford.

Later,
DFW Area Landscaper