Eco-Solids International has showcased its Cellruptor installation at Yorkshire Water’s Esholt WWTW, which proved to be one of the main highlights of the 15th European Biosolids and Organic Resources Conference & Exhibition.

Getting Handyman Insurance Identification Cards: The chances are that if an individual owns an automobile or plans on operating one, the law will require that the vehicle and driver are covered by an auto insurance policy; although there may be a few states that have a few exceptions to such laws. In addition to the need to keep vehicles insured, there are many states that require motorists to also carry proof of automobile coverage at all times while behind the wheel and fortunately, there are many ways to go about getting such documentation.

Prior to acquiring a document that will prove that a vehicle is insured, motorists must first purchase a policy from an insurer. This can be done in a number of different ways such as purchasing policies in person directly from an agent, over the phone or even on the Internet. Following a purchase it is extremely important that the policyholder obtain proof that the automobile is insured. Generally, when a policy is bought, the insurer will issue an identification (I.D.) card which may be temporary and a permanent card will be mailed, but depending on the method used to obtain coverage, there may be a few different options to choose from. If a motorist is sitting across from an agent when buying a policy, an I.D. card will usually be handed right over to the newly insured once the transaction is complete.

Nowadays, consumers have the ability to get policies right from the comfort of their own home so they will need to be sure that the documentation is sent a soon as possible and prior to operating their automobile. Whether the transaction is completed on the phone or over the Internet, the option to obtain the car insurance cards online via email, right on a website or by fax should be offered; the insurer can mail the paperwork, but it could take days before it is received. In addition, if identification cards are ever misplaced, it should take very little effort to replace them and can be easily done by contacting the insurer or even visiting their website and printing them out.

Carry Proof of Insurance at All Times

Obtaining the documentation proving that a motor vehicle is insured should be fairly easy once a policy is purchased from a carrier and any good company will be happy to provide a replacement should a customer misplace their proof of car insurance. With that in mind, motorists should also have this paperwork handy while operating an automobile. Although not all states require that drivers carry policy information, there are many times when it can come in handy and there really is not reason that it should not be accessible to a motorist driving a vehicle. Usually a company will send two identification cards to policyholders and one should remain in the vehicle in an area such as the glove compartment; this will help those who may borrow the automobile access it should they need it.

There can be many situations that may arise where having proof of coverage can be helpful and assist in avoiding complications. In the event of a traffic collision, whether the state requires I.D. cards to be carried or not, the parties involved will need to exchange information to settle claims and collect compensation from the insurer; all of the necessary information should be located on the identification card and can speed up the process of settling these matters rather than having to obtain such info later.

In states that require motorists to carry policy documents at all times, simply gathering the info at a later time may not be so cut and dry. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue a ticket can be issued for lack of proof of insurance and many states follow the same law with some enforcing harsher penalties. It is often advised to contact the police if involved in a collision with a driver who cannot prove that they are insured. If a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene of the crash and one of the parties is lacking the necessary documentation, it may result in a ticket and even the impoundment of the vehicle; this can be a costly result of simply not putting a tiny piece of paper in an automobile. Keeping policy information in cars at all times can save a lot of hassle and takes very little effort.

Details About Massachusetts Handyman Business Auto Insurance: The Bay State requires that every vehicle that is operated in Mass. must be insured. Individuals who own a motor vehicle that is found to be knowingly driven without auto insurance coverage will have the automobile’s registration revoked by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MA is one of the minority states that implement the No-Fault system, which means that motorists must be covered by automobile policies that cover the injuries of the policyholder and those considered “insured” that result from a traffic accident. The majority of states require that drivers carry a policy that will solely compensate injuries to third parties.

In order for residents to comply with these no fault laws, Massachusetts car insurance policies must be purchased that contain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) consisting of a limit of no less than $8,000. Unlike some no-fault states, in addition to PIP, MA also requires liability coverage to be obtained to cover the injuries of others and have limits of $20,000 for the bodily injury of one person and $40,000 for the bodily injury of two or more people. In addition, and similar to most states, motorists must have compensation in place to pay for property damage that they may cause. In Mass., drivers must carry at least $5,000 in property damage liability. Massachusetts’ laws also mandate that resident-drivers protect against uninsured motorists by purchasing protection for bodily injury equal to the state’s minimum liability limits of $20,000 and $40,000.

Further Details Regarding MA Insurance

Unfortunately, residents of the Bay State pay some of the highest premiums for automobile policies in the nation. It is believed that there are a few reasons for the inflated prices of coverage in the state and the major factor is the risk involved with insuring Massachusetts’ vehicles. According to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), the state has more bodily injury and property damage claims than almost any other state. Generally when insurers must absorb losses they must increase rates to offset payout which leads to more expensive auto insurance for residents. The state also has a higher than average cost of living and this translates into more expensive medical care, vehicle repair and court costs. These two factors combined not only means more claims, but higher payouts as well.

The good news for residents that own and operate vehicles is that there are ways to find the most affordable coverage possible and this best achieved by shopping around. Beginning April 1, 2008, car insurance companies were allowed to determine their own premiums which led to competition; rates must be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance. With competition usually comes a higher probability of finding the best price for any product, including automobile coverage. This is because carriers must now compete for the business of motorists and keep pricing attractive in order to obtain new customers. Consumers are urged to shop around to find the most inexpensive policy available from competitors.

Necessary Handyman Car Insurance in Alabama: Automobiles are restricted from being operated, registered or to keep registration without being covered by an active AL car insurance policy or valid proof of financially responsibility. Similar to just about every state in the nation, a motorist must have the ability to pay and compensate other parties for bodily injury and/or property that they may cause as a result of a traffic accident. The most common method used by residents to comply with such laws set by the state is by purchasing automobile coverage from a licensed insurer that meets Alabama’s minimum  protection requirements.

In accordance with Act 2008-393 all vehicles in the state that are covered by an Alabama automobile insurance policy must contain liability limits of no less than $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. All policies must be issued by an insurer that is approved and licensed by the state and documentation proving that a vehicle is insured must be carried at all times while the automobile is being operated. Documentation proving that vehicles are covered must contain the name insured, year make and model of the automobile, vehicle identification number (VIN), name of carrier, policy number and the effective and expiration dates of coverage.

Failure to Carry AL auto insurance

Operating an automobile without financial responsibility in place is not only illegal, but can also lead to consequences that can be avoided. Law enforcement officers are allowed, and may request proof of a valid policy during a routine traffic stop or upon arrival on the scene of a traffic accident. If a motorist’s auto insurance is canceled for any reason and the Department of Revenue is notified and made aware of this, the registration of the automobile can be suspended. In addition to the suspension of a vehicle’s registration a fine may be issued as well. In order to have the the car re-registered the fine must be paid and proof of coverage must be submitted.

The fine for a first time suspension is a $100 reinstatement fee and subsequent violations can result in $200 reinstatement fees and a suspended registration of four months. However, complying with the state’s laws can be done quite easily and may be far less of a hassle than having to deal with fines, suspended registrations and court appearances. Shopping around can help residents find the best deal on automobile coverage and avoid such penalties and the chance of being involved in an uninsured accident which can be extremely devastating both monetarily and emotionally. Alabamans may want to refer to the Consumer’s Guide to auto insurance provided by the state to help assist in understanding more about vehicle policies.

Make Sure to Get Your Handyman Insurance Questions Answered: Aside from purchasing a home or vehicles, obtaining automobile coverage is one of the most important purchases made American motorists and not only from a legal aspect. Of course, abiding by the car insurance laws of an individual’s particular state in which they reside should be the first concern of a driver, getting the right type of coverage can be of equal importance. Far too many people purchase vehicle policies without fully understanding what exactly it is that they are buying and asking or finding the answer to a particular question can be extremely beneficial.

Insuring automobiles and drivers can be very complicated when one takes into consideration all of the different types of coverage, options available and the various companies that are willing to offer policies. Consumers should take the time to get the answers to any auto insurance coverage questions that may come to mind to help ensure that the ideal protection is located to best secure assets and cover the numerous risks that exist while behind the wheel. There are many ways to go about getting inquiries answered about the various aspects of a vehicle policy and making that the options available when insuring automobiles can be the difference between being adequately protected following an accident or being susceptible to unexpected expenses.

Getting Answers to Insurance Questions

Unfortunately, there are many individuals that simply purchase a policy that will fulfill the requirements set by the law or the coverage that is recommended by an agent, friend or family member. While recommendations from such individuals is always a good thing, it may not always be correct. Motorists should take the time to understand what options that they have to choose from and what can be beneficial for their particular situation.

For instance, a state such as California only requires motorists to carry $5,000 in property damage liability which can easily be used up following a collision involving an expensive vehicle or striking a building. What many may not be aware of is that once the $5,000 limit is exceeded, the policyholder will be responsible for paying the other party for anything over this amount and following a legal proceeding, a judge can rule that the person’s assets be used to pay for damages; this can include savings, stocks, bonds, homes and even future wages. Asking the question, “Do I need more coverage?” can help avoid such a scenario and the answer is usually a resounding yes. For not much more in premium dollars, a driver may be able to obtain $50,000 in property damage liability and would be glad they did if they ever find themselves in such a situation.

A great place to obtain an answer regarding auto insurance is to speak with an industry professional such as a licensed agent. Agents can be a helpful resource in guiding a consumer to the right type of coverage that will properly protect against potential risks and help secure assets. If a person wishes they may be able to “pick the brain” of an agent to get every question that they may have answered. One other great resource and trustworthy is that of state insurance regulators which often offer consumer guides to help residents understand the options that they have to choose from. Consumers can always call the regulator as well and speak to a representative if they are uncertain about something. The bottom line is that getting insured should not be done prior to obtaining the answers to any lingering questions and there are resources that would be happy to help.

Handyman Michigan Insurance Required: Residents of the Wolverine State are well aware that if they own and operate an automobile the cost of ownership can be exorbitant. Aside from the normal ownership costs of vehicles including oil changes, tires, tune ups, gasoline, etc., Michigan’s motorists are also required by law to maintain the mandated auto insurance coverage set by the state. Unfortunately, the requirements are quite extensive and generally lead to high premiums for drivers. In fact, the average amount paid by consumers for automobile policies are among the highest in the nation and in a city such as Detroit, a motorist may be looking at an annual premium of over $4,000.

One of the major reasons that the cost of Michigan car insurance coverage can become very expensive is due to the fact that the state enforces one of, if not the most comprehensive No-Fault insurance systems in the United States to cover the expenses arising from traffic accidents. The majority of states follow the tort system and require motorists to purchase liability coverage to pay for bodily injuries and property damage that a policyholder may cause to a third party. MI mandates that this type of protection be maintained by motorists as well as purchasing policies that will cover the insured for their injuries in the event of an accident regardless of who is to be found at fault. This type of system is believed to be effective in ensuring that a person receives the compensation needed should they be injured and suffer losses in an auto collision.

Breakdown of Michigan auto insurance Requirements

As mentioned, policies must contain extensive coverage consisting of various types of protection. Motorists must carry Residual Liability to cover the bodily injury and/or property damage that they may cause to another person. The minimum limits required are $20,000 for bodily injuries to one person, $40,000 for bodily injuries to two or more people and $10,000 for property damage caused in another state. In addition, drivers must also obtain Property Protection with a limit of $1 million to pay for damages sustained to another person’s property. This will pay for damage caused to such items as poles, fences, buildings and legally parked vehicles.

The most extensive portion of a MI automobile policy is probably Personally Injury Protection (PIP). This covers injuries sustained by the insured and will pay all medical expenses incurred that result from a traffic accident regardless of who is at fault. Additionally, the policyholder will receive 85% of the income that they would have earned if they are unable to work following the incident for up to three years. The maximum amount that can be received by policyholders is $4,929 monthly and is adjusted each year; the last adjustment took place October 1, 2010. If the insured is killed in the accident then the benefits will be transferred to the household family members. Although the cost of coverage in the Wolverine state can be a bit costly it does come with its benefits. Residents may want to refer to the publication titled, Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance to get additional information regarding policies.

Opting for Virginia Handyman Auto Insurance: The state of Virginia has what is called a financial responsibility law, which means that all drivers, whether insured or not, are financially responsible in the event that they are involved in an automobile accident and are found to be at fault. All insured motorists must purchase an automobile policy that covers $25,000 for an individual who is injured or killed during an accident, $50,000 for two persons in the event that they are injured or killed, and $20,000 for any property damage. VA is a state where auto insurance is not required; however, the financial responsibility law still remains in effect.

Uninsured motorists must pay an “uninsured motorists fee,” which costs $500 and must be paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It’s important to note that this fee does not mean that said purchaser is in any way insured. It simply means that they are registered as “uninsured,” and must still cover any damages in which they are responsible out of their own pockets. Because of this, opting to purchase Virginia auto insurance often ends up saving individuals money in the long run. With the ability to drive uninsured being present within the state, some VA citizens opt to purchase additional Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in order to protect themselves against possible collisions with uninsured drivers. In the event that such an incident occurs, purchasers will most likely be saved from having to pay large repair bills out of pocket.

Reasons to Buy VA Insurance

Even though Virginia’s laws give drivers the option not to purchase automobile insurance, many citizens decide to do so rather than not. This is because, if an individual is involved in an accident and does not have insurance, then they may still be responsible for any property damage that they happen to cause, as well as any medical expenses, or for the pain and suffering of any injured persons. According to 2009 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts there were 116,744 reported traffic accidents, which means that some would consider forgoing coverage to be a poor decision. With the amount of additional protection that is available, however, should an insured individual get in an automobile accident, there is a good chance that many of their expenses will be covered.

The state of Virginia offers a wide array of additions to preexisting plans, including rental reimbursement coverage, which handles the expense of renting a substitute vehicle in the event that the insured would need to rent a car because their own had been damaged in an accident or suffered comprehensive damage (such as fire or theft). In addition to this, VA has the option of including medical expense and loss of income benefits coverage, creating yet another reason for drivers to pursue increased protection. This addition covers all necessary medical costs that may occur as a result of getting in an accident. This may include funeral costs, and is applied to a person who is present within the vehicle of the insured person, and the coverage persists even if the protected driver is the cause of the accident. Virginians should explore all coverage options that are available and consider purchasing any that can be afforded.

Handyman Insurance With No Money Down: Dependent on many factors, the cost of finding the cheapest automobile coverage can be either a walk in the park or an uphill battle. Middle aged female motorists with no tickets or accidents are likely to pay the best rates for vehicle policies than any other type of driver, when solely based on individual characteristics and excluding the type of vehicle to be insured. The fact of the matter is that a high risk driver operating the same exact type of vehicle can pay double or triple the amount of a low risk motorist and the possibility of paying a premium in full can be out of the question and the need to locate a carrier that is willing offer car insurance with no down payment with the remaining balance to be paid in installments may be the only feasible option to maintaining coverage.

For certain motorists, the annual cost of an auto insurance premium can equal thousands of dollars, and some consumers can simply not afford to pay such an amount in one lump sum. For instance, teenagers, especially 16 year olds, are charged extremely high rates due to the likelihood of them being involved in a traffic accident, which is more than any other age. The chances are, the average sixteen year old probably does not have a couple of thousand dollars lying around and are probably full time students; therefore, the only option of staying insured is by putting as little money as possible up front and making payment to continue coverage and fortunately, this is a possibility.

Getting Insurance With Nothing Down

Very few consumers pay for policies up front and in full. Whether it is due to the fact that it may be extremely expensive, they cannot afford to or they would just rather keep the money on hand. Whatever the case may be, many companies are willing to provide policies and allow monthly payments to be made until the premium is paid. In order to find carriers that will offer such an option, motorists must shop around and locate a provider that will do so at the lowest rate and allow the smallest start up cost. Many individuals have the misconception that “no down payment” means that no money would have to change hands to begin coverage, but this is not the case. What it does mean is that only the first month’s premium would have to be paid without any other fees being tacked on.

To help ensure that the best deal is found and lowest amount is paid up front is to get as many quotes as possible and select a few of the cheapest available. Prior to making a purchase or payments ask if there are any fees that will be included with the price being paid to begin protection; this may include service or billing fees. If there are fees, see if there would be any way to negotiate these in order to get the lowest price. Companies are in business to obtain as many customers as possible and may be willing to cut costs to get a new policyholder. It may also be a good idea to take advantage of tools such as the New Jersey auto insurance Purchasing Planner to help with the shopping process. With some diligence, a consumer may be able to find a policy and only pay the first month’s premium up front.

Find the Cheapest Handyman Insurance In 2011: With the past year having flashed by in the blink of an eye for many, it is just days away for individuals to prepare for 2011. Aside from planning December 31st parties, chanting the midnight countdown, popping a cork and raising glasses, consumers may also want to be preparing for the upcoming new year and how to make it the most prosperous and enjoyable one yet. One goal of many is to lower monthly bills and although items such as mortgages, rent or automobile payments may be a difficult area to cut costs, one way that can quickly save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the New Year is reducing the price of car insurance.

Many consumers let far too much time pass prior to reviewing policies and ensuring that the right coverage and the best rate is being paid. A number of motorists stick with the same policies for much longer than they should and there may be cheaper options available. Although a cheap auto insurance premium may have been found when coverage was initially purchased, this may no longer be the case for several different reasons. As time passes, many things change and a policy review and quote comparison can help ensure that individuals are not paying too much for protection, getting the discounts that they are entitled to and are insured by the cheapest insurer.

Review Insurance for Cheaper Rates in the New Year

When the New Year comes along consumers can potentially save a good amount of money by taking a simple and most suggested approach, and that is to comparison shop for cheaper carriers. Putting aside some time to compare quotes from numerous insurers may lead to finding a more affordable carrier due to a couple of reasons. Insurers periodically change rates and enter markets, therefore, if a consumer may have obtained a good deal from one particular company, there may be one now available that is more competitively priced. In addition, if a motorist purchased a policy and had a few blemishes on their driving history, they may have been turned down by the most inexpensive providers, but as time passes and past mistakes behind the wheel may no longer be used negatively, the most competitive carriers may now be willing to offer policies at the cheapest rates.

One of the most important reasons to review policies is to make sure that the proper protection is being paid for. Many vehicle owners protect against physical damage by purchasing comprehensive and collision coverage, but as time passes this may no longer be necessary due to the value of an automobile depreciating and could be a waste of money. A consumer can check an appraisal website to get an estimate of what their vehicle’s value is and see if it makes sense financially to pay for the premium and the deductible if a loss should occur; if the automobile’s worth is near this figure it may be a better idea to save the money to put towards a new car. For individuals that are still in need of comprehensive and collision, it may be worth looking into increasing deductibles. The publication titled, 9 Ways To Lower Your auto insurance Costs states that choosing a higher deductible can reduce rates significantly. However, one must keep in mind that although this could lower premiums, the amount chosen would need to be paid in the event of a loss. A quick policy review can reduce premiums and although the New Year is a good time to do so, one may want to consider reviewing policies more often to ensure that the most affordable coverage is maintained.

Handyman Insurance Comparisons on Various Factors: While most consumers dread the time when it comes to shopping for auto insurance, completing thorough comparisons can be extremely important and should not be taken lightly. Comparing the various aspects of automobile coverage and the carriers that are willing to provide such products can be all the difference in locating the right amount of protection, a sound company and a provider that can be relied on when assistance is needed.

In general, consumers are out to get the best price possible when looking to purchase practically any product, and although this may be a good idea when buying small goods, groceries, etc., motorists should realize that vehicle policies are extremely important and should be treated as such. A car insurance comparison should be conducted based on several factors, and when comparing companies and coverage options, there are a number of items that are often overlooked that can end up saving a consumer a lot of grief, especially when it comes to the amount of protection that should be obtained.

Insurance Factors to Consider Comparing

One of the most vital aspects of getting insured is to find the best coverage that can suit a specific individual’s needs. Although it may be tempting to purchase the absolute minimum policy requirements mandated by the state in which a driver resides, in many cases this can leave a motorist vulnerable to financial hardship. Individuals who live in states with low liability requirements can be left having to pay any difference in compensation above the required levels that may be due to another party. If a person is only required to carry $15,000 in bodily injury liability and injures another person as a result of a traffic accident and the medical care costs are $50,000, the policyholder could be held responsible for paying the $35,000 balance. Motorists may want to compare the cost of obtaining the most coverage that can be afforded to help avoid such situations.

In addition, Illinois Insurance Facts provided by the state suggest that motorist look into various other factors when shopping for an insurer. The state suggests that consumers make sure to find a reliable company, which can be done by checking a number of various areas of the make-up of carriers. When comparison shopping and after an acceptable rate has been found for the desired coverage, consumers should look into the company prior to finalizing the transaction. It is advised to make sure that the carrier is licensed to ensure that they are legitimate and legally providing policies. Also, one may want to check the company’s complaint ratio to gauge a carrier’s customer satisfaction level; both licensing and complaint information should be obtainable through the driver’s state department of insurance. One last thing that may want to be checked is the financial stability of a provider. This shows how financially sound a carrier is and indicates their ability to pay out on claims in which they are obligated; this can usually be done online by visiting the website of one of the various rating agencies that judge and grade the financial outlook of insurer. While price is important, it can be of equal importance to ensure that the right protection is obtained from a quality carrier.

November Handyman Construction Slides 9%: At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $375.9 billion, new construction starts in November fell 9% from the previous month, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Handyman Information Regarding Montana Insurance: The state of Montana requires that motorists are financially responsible for any bodily injury and/or property damage that may be caused as a result of a traffic accident. A large portion of the state’s drivers choose to purchase a liability car insurance policy to satisfy this law. Policies must cover at least $25,000 for bodily injury for a single person, $50,000 for bodily injury coverage for two people, and $10,000 coverage for property damages. It’s important to note that Montana’s required state automobile liability policies only covers damages to others in an accident if the insured is at fault, but not the driver’s own personal losses.

The Montana auto insurance laws also require that carriers offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which may be rejected by the consumer. If a motorist does choose to purchase the Uninsured Motorist option, the limits of protection must equal $25,000 for a single person and $50,000 for two people. The coverage required by the state does not provide any compensation for damage sustained by the insured’s vehicle or bodily injury resulting from a collision with the exception of UM and when only involved with a driver lacking a policy. Consumers may want to consider additional protection and in many cases it could be necessary and beneficial.

Additional Montana Insurance Options

When choosing one’s auto insurance options, there may be benefits to including Medical Payments Coverage, particularly if the vehicle owner does not have a health care plan. In the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault, Medical Payments would provide protection for not only the insured, but the insured’s family members and passengers who were present in the insured’s car at the time of the accident, up to the policy limits. This coverage, however, does not include injuries sustained by passengers in any other car involved in the accident.

Another form of coverage that drivers may want to take into consideration is Comprehensive and Collision coverage. This form of protection is particularly beneficial to people who are financing or own a particularly expensive vehicle. This is because the Comprehensive protects the car from damages that are not collision related, such as hail or contact with a bird or animal. In some cases, banks may insist upon this form of coverage when financing an expensive car as part of the loan agreement.

Prior to purchasing a policy, a consumer may want to comparison shop and locate rates based on different options. In many cases, additional coverage can be obtained for a small premium amount. Shopping around is cost free and may lead a consumer to find more adequate protection. One can also refer to the Montana Automobile Insurance Rate Comparison Guide to view sample rates based on common scenarios.

A Jersey-based sand and gravel quarry has taken delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak from Finlay Plant Southern. Simon Sand & Gravel Limited a fifth generation, family-owned quarry situated at St Ouen’s Bay on the west coast has been supplying the island’s building equipment for years.

FM Conway, based in Dartford, Kent, has ordered 31 Canter 7C15s trucks to work on its portfolio of maintenance contracts with borough councils across the capital. The new fleet of clean, ‘green’ 7.5-tonne Fuso Canters will be used in London’s Low Emission Zone.

Mr. Sponge Waterproofing is now offering its newly developed tie-rod hole leak device called “TRX Compressed Swell Plug”. Property managers and maintenance repair personnel can now save time and money on costly basement repairs by doing this repair process themselves.

Aon Risk Solutions has formed a Public Entity practice to address and work to fulfill increased demand among state governments, counties, towns, special districts and public schools for specialized risk advice and services.

Building on its inaugural conference in 2009, ADBA’s (The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association) second national conference in London attracted the industry’s leading players to a packed day of speakers and discussions.

William Anelay Ltd has announced it has completed the latest phase of work at the grade 1 listed St. Augustine’s Church in Hedon near Hull. The contract involved repairs and replacements to some of the building’s structural masonry, much of it dating back eight hundred years.

The U.S. Labor Department has now published what it calls its “preliminary interpretations” and a request for information regarding the federal Fair Labor Standards Act lactation-break amendment we wrote about in April and July.  The deadline for submitting information and comments is February 22, 2011.  Employers should give serious consideration to weighing-in on these “preliminary interpretations”.

The material says that the “reasonable break time” required should be evaluated according to individualized considerations of both the time spent expressing milk and “steps reasonably necessary” to that activity.  In DOL’s view, the length of a required break will depend upon a variety of things, like:

•   How much time it takes to express the milk (DOL anticipates 15 to 20 minutes),

•   Time spent walking to and from the break location, and any time waiting to use the space,

•   Time spent retrieving, unpacking, and setting-up a pump and related supplies,

•   The efficiency of the pump,

•   Time spent in washing, in cleaning the pump and attachments, and in any related steps, taking into account whether there is a sink with running water nearby, and

•   Time spent storing the milk in a safe manner.

As for the frequency and number of breaks, DOL will consider factors such as:

•   The baby’s age as this relates to the child’s feeding needs,

•   The number of feedings in the baby’s normal daily schedule,

•   Whether the baby is eating solid food, and

•   How often the baby usually nurses.

DOL anticipates that the number of necessary breaks will “typically” be two or three during an eight-hour shift (and possibly more for longer shifts).  Apparently, then, DOL would not consider total breaktime of, say, 45 to 90 minutes each workday to be out of the ordinary.  DOL also says that these breaks might not track the employee’s regular break times or meal periods.

According to DOL, employers are required to make a suitable room available for use “where practicable” (although this room need not necessarily be a permanent space dedicated to that purpose).  If it is not “practicable” to do so, the employer must “create a space with partitions or curtains” that is also otherwise appropriate under the amendment.  DOL says that employers are not complying with the break requirement if the space is so far from the employee that it is “impractical” for her to take the breaks, or if the number of employees needing to use the space means that this “prevents” an employee from taking breaks or “necessitates a prolonged waiting time”.

DOL continues to “interpret” the amendment to mean that:

♦   An employer allowing paid breaks must compensate a nursing employee in the same way it does others if she uses such a break in order to express breastmilk; and

♦   The break must be treated as worktime if the employee is not “completely relieved from duty” (apparently ascribing this to a non-existent “general requirement” in the FLSA itself).

For a variety of reasons, both the correctness of these positions under the FLSA and DOL’s authority to propound them are subject to serious question.  Nonetheless, DOL clearly intends to impose them.

These “preliminary interpretations” touch upon and seek input with respect to other subjects also, such as:

•   Whether and under what circumstances managers’ offices, locker rooms, utility closets, storage spaces, or anterooms or lounges associated with bathrooms might be adequate break spaces,

•   What approaches there might be to situations in which employees (such as drivers) do not perform their jobs at a fixed place of work,

•   How to comply with the requirement when an employee works at a client’s or customer’s place of business,

•   How the employer is to be notified about the employee’s intention to take lactation breaks (including whether a “simple conversation” should suffice), and

•   How the under-50-employee “undue hardship” exemption will apply (indications are that DOL intends to construe it very restrictively).

Although this latest release is couched as a request for public comment for DOL’s use in “formulating further guidance”, there is some hint that instead it might actually be DOL’s last pronouncement on the subject for the foreseeable future.  Moreover, DOL states that it does not intend to issue regulations “[a]t this time” (it is not apparent by what authority DOL would do so in the absence of any empowering language in the amendment itself).  Even so, employers ought to study these materials carefully and should submit their reactions and any suggestions or objections.  For one thing, a muted response risks a later argument that the “regulated community” tacitly embraced DOL’s views in their entirety.

◊   Have a comment or something else to add?  Please use our comment feature below.

The U.S. Labor Department/American Bar Association lawyer-referral program we wrote about earlier is underway.  This so-called “Bridge to Justice” is now described on the U.S. Wage and Hour Division’s website.

As details continue to emerge, there is cause for heightened concern about how this will be handled.  First, it appears that the potential remains for referrals to be made under circumstances implicating neither the federal Fair Labor Standards Act nor any other law DOL enforces.

Moreover, program descriptions are replete with references to “violations”, worker exploitation, “back wages owed”, and so on that will serve as a predicate for referring an employee to a lawyer.  But the unfortunate fact is that, at least sometimes, initial DOL determinations of this kind are later shown to be based in whole or in part upon mistaken views of the facts, erroneous legal interpretations, or misapplication of the law to the facts.  In the past, it has usually been possible to work cooperatively with DOL to reach a proper conclusion in these situations.  However, it now seems that employers caught up in some appreciable number of these instances will instead have to devote their already-scarce resources to protracted litigation with unjustifiably emboldened employees and their lawyers.

A referred employee will also “get a form that will allow them or an authorized attorney representative to quickly obtain certain items from the investigation case file.”  This is part of the “special process for complainants and representing attorneys to quickly obtain certain relevant case information and documents when available.”  DOL says that whether some kinds of information will be released will depend upon the scope of disclosures permitted by the Freedom of Information Act and other provisions, but at present this is cold comfort.  It remains to be seen to what extent and in what ways the flow of information and materials to employees’ lawyers will be limited.  While employers must of course abide by their legal obligations in connection with DOL investigations, the existence of this “special process” should cause management to be cautious both in deciding what documents and information will be provided to investigators and in judging how and under what circumstances these things will be disclosed.  For example, employers should be prepared to assert at the very outset the confidential nature of financial and employment-related information.

We have seen no reference to any new “special process” whereby employers can secure case information from DOL’s files.

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The U.S. Labor Department’s most-recent regulatory agenda now targets April 2011 for the release of a proposed rule that DOL says is intended to, among other things, “update [federal Fair Labor Standards Act] recordkeeping requirements to foster more openness and transparency in demonstrating employers’ compliance with applicable requirements to their workers, to better ensure compliance by regulated entities, and to assist in enforcement.”  Elsewhere, DOL has stated that this forthcoming “Right To Know Under The Fair Labor Standards Act” would address “notification of workers’ status as employees or some other status such as independent contractors, and whether that worker is entitled to the protections of the FLSA.”  The proposal would “also explore requiring employers to provide a wage statement each pay period to their employees,” apparently so as to convey to employees “how their pay is computed.”

These current notifications include even fewer specifics than their predecessors, about which we reported in May.  At that time, DOL expressed an intention to require employers to notify workers of their FLSA rights in some unidentified way and to provide unspecified “information” about hours worked and wage computations.

DOL also said earlier that employers would be required to prepare some sort of “classification analysis” for a worker whom the employer will “exclude . . . from the FLSA’s coverage,” to disclose this analysis to the worker, and to provide the analysis to a DOL investigator upon “request.”  Judging from the latest notices, this is still on the table.  It is less than transparent whether such an analysis would be restricted to situations in which a worker is categorized as being or not being an employee for FLSA purposes.  For example, there is concern that it will also extend to an employer’s decisions about which employees it will treat as being exempt from the FLSA’s pay requirements.  At a May “Stakeholder Forum” in Washington, D.C., DOL officials declined to address this question.

We continue to recommend that employers remain on the alert for this proposed rule.  When it is published, employers should evaluate each provision in detail, should carefully consider all potential ramifications, and should be prepared to submit suggestions, comments, and any objections.  In light of the recent “Bridge to Justice” initiative, there is every reason to anticipate that information compiled under the requirements of any final regulation will wind up in the hands of claimants and their lawyers.

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The US Labor Department is aggressively investigating compliance with the wage-rate and benefits commitments employers must make in an H-1B Labor Condition Application (LCA). These investigations are usually triggered when an H-1B employee complains that the employer failed to pay the LCA wage.

The H-1B program allows foreign nationals to work in the US in professional or specialty jobs.  However, the employer must attest, among other things, that it will:

◊   Pay the H-1B employee at least the prevailing wage set by DOL based upon job duties and the employment location, and

◊   Offer the foreign worker benefits comparable to those offered to US workers in the same job classification.

DOL is taking these investigations very seriously and is assessing significant liability.  For example, under a December 2010 consent order, a software consulting company agreed to pay over $638,000 in back wages and interest for LCA violations.  The company and the owner also agreed to pay more than $126,000 in civil money penalties and interest for failing to provide the required LCA notice at each work site and for seeking a penalty from H-1B employees for terminating their employment early.  The company will be debarred for a year from participating in the H-1B program.

During an investigation, DOL reviews information such as:

•   The contents of the LCA itself,

•   A statement of how the wage rate was set,

•   Documentation showing how the prevailing wage was established,

•   The original notices posted advising workers about the LCA filing,

•   A summary of the benefits offered to US workers in the same occupation,

•   Payroll records and dates of employment for the H-1B employee,

•   A copy of the H-1B petition filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),

•   Evidence that the employer notified USCIS if the H-1B employment was terminated prior to the end of the authorized period and that the LCA was withdrawn, and

•   The current or last-known address and contact information for all H-1B employees.

The investigation generally includes interviews with management officials and H-1B employees.

DOL’s main goals are (i) to determine whether the employer paid each H-1B employee the LCA wage for the period the LCA remained in effect (liability for not doing so can continue even after the employee was no longer employed but the LCA was not withdrawn); and (ii) to ensure that H-1B employees’ wages were not docked when they were ready, willing, and able to work but the employer did not permit them to do so.  If the investigator finds that the employer is in violation, DOL normally assesses liability for back-pay, any benefits shortfalls, interest, and civil money penalties.  DOL might also insist upon monitoring and auditing the company’s compliance with H-1B requirements.  In serious cases, DOL might debar the employer from using the H-1B program. Read more about USDOL, USCIS, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits in the January 2011 edition of our Labor Letter.

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Handyman California Auto Insurance Discounts: The price of automobile coverage in the Golden State can be down right unaffordable for some residents, especially for those who may be newly licensed, have blemished driving records, or simply own an expensive vehicle. Fortunately, a number of the car insurance companies offer motorists multiple discounts for numerous reasons, and taking advantage of any that are applicable may end up saving a Californian a great deal of money. Consumers should become aware of all of the types of rate reductions offered by insurers to help make the cost of policies as affordable as possible.

One of the most common discounts available to CA motorists is the good driver discount. If a motorist has a clean history they can have premiums reduced in the area of 20%, which is a substantial savings. Unfortunately, many drivers have received tickets or been involved in traffic accidents and may not be eligible for the “good driver discount”, however, there are other savings available that can lower rates. Many teenagers who have just obtained their driver’s license will likely be charged exorbitant prices for policies and since being considered a “good driver” usually means that the motorist has been licensed for at least three years and have maintained a clean driving record; this is not possible for 16-18 year olds. The good news is that there is a good student discount that is offered by California auto insurance companies to students who have a 3.0 grade point average or higher and can help with the price of coverage.

Additional CA Insurance Discounts

The “good driver and student discount” may be among the most common and can reduce rates quite a bit, but there are others available that a person may not even be aware is offered. Some discounts are automatically applied by insurers for such things as owning a vehicle equipped with safety features or anti-theft devices; individuals who put an aftermarket anti-theft device may have to provide proof of installation such as a receipt to receive a discount. Another type of savings that may be available is by having two vehicles (multi-car) or an automobile and home (multi-line) on the same policy.

The most recent way for Californians to save on automobile coverage is the Pay-As-You-Drive option. The California Department of Insurance just recently approved two carriers to provide premiums based on the actual mileage driven rather than an estimate given by the insured. The option to purchase this type of coverage will be available beginning February, 2011 and will be offered by two carriers. One of the companies that is going to provide the pay-as-you-drive option estimates that approximately 25% of current policyholders will choose this coverage and will save customers around $31 million dollars; it is thought that savings would be in the 5% range.

Handyman Auto Insurance With No Driver’s License: Whether licensed or not, there are many individuals who will still need to get auto insurance for a number of reasons. While the average consumer may not see the point of paying for automobile coverage while lacking the licensing by a state to operate a vehicle, there are many instances where it may be necessary. Unfortunately, many are under the impression that there are not companies available that will offer policies to an unlicensed person, but this is not necessarily always the case and it can be in one’s best interest to find a carrier that will offer to insure them without a driver’s license.

The bottom line is that it is illegal in most states to operate a motor vehicle without an automobile policy and while a motorist with suspended or revoked driving privileges should not get behind the wheel, there are individuals who may need to obtain car insurance with no license and there are companies that will offer it. Another misconception is that some may think that simply because they are unlicensed they will be subject to inflated rates and although this may be true for those who have have their licenses revoked due to certain traffic violations, international motorists may be able to find policies at the same price that a domestically licensed driver may pay.

Why to Get Insurance without a License

Individuals who are visiting or relocating to the United States will more than likely need to drive in order to get around and complete tasks. Those who are only visiting are allowed by most states to operate legally with foreign licensing, but they must be financially responsible for any bodily injury or property damage that they may cause while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Therefore, it may be in their best interest to obtain auto insurance to avoid any legal repercussions during their visit. Many companies will insure drivers with foreign licenses or identification cards for a specified length of time; company guidelines will differ.

One of the most common reasons why people may need to obtain automobile policies is to have driving privileges reinstated. A driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for a number of reasons and the majority of states will not reinstate licensing without proof of coverage being submitted to the appropriate state department. The Arizona Department of Transportation requires that a Certificate of Insurance (also known as an SR 22) be provided prior to the reinstatement of driving privileges. Although it may not seem necessary to purchase a policy if one cannot drive, it may be needed to begin operating a vehicle in the future.

Necessary Handyman Colorado Auto Insurance: Motorists in Colorado must maintain financial responsibility at all times while behind the wheel of an automobile and the majority of residents choose to do so by purchasing and maintaining auto insurance coverage. The state mandates that all motorists must have compensation in place in the event that they cause a traffic accident and injure another driver, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists or any other party that may be occupying the roads. Although there may be other ways accepted by the state as form of financial responsibility, Coloradans often choose to purchase a policy in order to comply since it can be a more affordable option.

If a resident driver does choose to purchase a Colorado car insurance policy to be in compliance with the state’s laws, they will have to obtain liability limits consisting of no less than $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury for two or more people and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Higher limits of liability can be purchased and is often recommended; usually in the amounts of $100,000 for bodily injury to one person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $50,000 for property damage. Motorists should also be aware that the required liability policies only cover the bodily injuries and/or property damage sustained by a third party.

Additional Required CO Car Insurance

Aside from the mandated state liability requirements, as of January 1, 2009, CO required that “med-pay” also became mandatory and must be offered by insurers in an amount of at least $5,000; this is also known as Medical Payments and will pay for the bodily injury of the policyholder and/or passengers involved in a traffic accident no matter which party is found responsible for being at fault. Consumers do have the option to reject such protection in writing at the time of policy inception and insurers must keep such proof of rejection for a time period of no less than three years from the effective date of coverage. It is often suggested not to reject this option since it fairly inexpensive and could be beneficial.

The state also requires carriers to offer potential customers Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage and consumers also have the option to reject this option as well. However, motorists may be tempted to go without this coverage, but the fact of the matter is that there are many drivers who operate without policies and this will pay for bodily injury (up to the policy’s limits) to the policyholder and any party considered “insured” if involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist or if the cost of medical expenses exceeds the liability limits of the other party. Similar to “Med-Pay”, this add-on is relatively inexpensive and could come in handy if involved in an accident with motorists lacking policies. Residents may want to review the Colorado Department of Insurance Uninsured/Underinsured FAQ’s before deciding to decline this coverage.