Relocation Insurance Can Give Peace of Mind When Moving the Elderly

Moving an aging loved one is never an easy task. Not only are there concerns for the care of the loved ones but their possessions as well. According to the Employee Relocation Council moving is the 3rd most stressful event in a person’s life, this follows death and divorce. While the United States Census Bureau says the average American moves approximately 12 times in their life this will likely be the last move for the elderly person or couple. Between 2010 and 2030 the United States population of people 65 and older will jump by 80%.

With the SMM profession growing it seems logical to assume the need for relocation insurance for the elderly will grow as well. Relocation insurance and storage insurance for the elderly not only gives peace of mind to the person moving but the family members as well. Moving insurance is the key to this peace of mind.

This type of insurance is common to acquire as goods get damaged mostly during moving. Relocation insurance companies will pay the amount of the respective goods in case any of the goods get damaged while in the midst of transportation. Suggesting moving insurance not only gives your customers peace of mind but you as well. Even the best of moving companies have accidents beyond their control. Relocation Insurance gives your customer something to fall back on in the event that the coverage you offer isn’t enough thus keeping complaints and unhappiness to a minimum.

Statistics show that approximately 1 in every 3.5 moves ends with a claim. This is likely due to the fact that the United States has become very litigious in the past decade. Moving insurance not only protects the customer it protects you. A customer purchasing moving insurance will be required to have professional packers pack their boxes. Not only is this financially beneficial to you but it ensures that the utmost care will be taken to pack the boxes and reduce risk of damage during the actual move.

How do you help your customers move their elderly family members or friends? Do you offer your customers Relocation Insurance? Do your customers feel more at ease knowing they are covered by Relocation Insurance (if they choose to purchase it.)? Comment below.

Does Group Health Insurance Make Sense for My Business?

Like most Americans today, healthcare reform is at the forefront of the minds of virtually all business owners, managers, and employees. While planning ahead is always a good move, many of the components of President Obama’s proposed legislation will not take effect until at least 2013. In the meantime, we still face the age-old question: “Does group health insurance make sense for my business?”

Obvious factors such as cost of premiums, tax benefits, and overall health of staff are common to all businesses. Instead, let’s explore the question using conditions specific to the relocation industry: injury risk, high turnover rate, and low wages.

Injury Risk

Movers are obviously subject to rigorous physical activity which can put them at higher levels of risk for injury. It might make sense to help keep employees as healthy as possible by offering medical benefits, which may also keep workman’s compensation claims to a minimum. However, many hourly laborers continue to work with known injuries to avoid missing any wages for time off tending to them.

High Turnover Rate

Most group insurance plans require a 90-day employment period before new hires become eligible. This helps avoid unnecessary paperwork and administrative costs for the employer. Unfortunately, there tends to be a high turnover rate amongst relocation professionals, so a relatively high percentage of workers never become eligible for benefits in the first place.

Low Wages

Of course some employees will inevitably stay with you for longer terms, rendering them eligible to participate in a group insurance plan. In general, employees with healthcare benefits tend to be happier with their employment and of course in better shape to perform their jobs. Although according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, workers with lower wages may prefer to keep more of their paychecks over contributing to group insurance premiums. Tack on deductibles and co-pays, and suddenly healthcare coverage doesn’t look so attractive to a low-wage, hourly employee.

So, should you provide group health insurance benefits or not? We’re willing to bet that for most relocation firms, it just doesn’t make sense financially. However, we want to hear from you! Are you currently providing medical benefits? Why or why not? Share your thoughts and discuss in the comments below.