Get the protection you need through the Retail Council’s complete line of affordable insurance products.
To learn more about any of the Council’s Insurance Programs, call the Council at (800) 442-3589 and speak with one of our licensed insurance professionals – Virginia, Ken or Nicholl. Or submit an information card and we will be in touch with you.
The Retail Council’s fully-insured Workers’ Compensation Safety Group rewards members for safe working environments.
Eligible participants can save 50% or more on their annual premium costs.
The Retail Council of New York State meets the workers’ compensation needs of retailers through Safety Group 493, a program designed to reward employers who maintain a safe working environment.
Substantial Savings
Since Safety Group 493 formed in 1976, we have been helping our eligible members lower their workers’ compensation insurance costs by returning a portion of their premium in the form of annual dividend payments. Although dividends cannot be guaranteed, we have averaged a return of 39% over the past 33 years.
In fact, as part of our most recent 32.5% dividend we returned more than $3.2 million to eligible Safety Group members.
Eligible participants can save 50% or more on their annual premium costs via a combination of the following:
- Dividends averaging 39% over the life of the group
- Up-front policy discounts of up to 25%
- New York State Assessment fee of 10.1%, that’s 50% in savings over the industry standard of 20.2%
Our bottom line is significant savings for your business.
More than $97 million in dividends returned to members since 1978!
| Dividend History Table* | |
| 2011 | 32.5% |
| 2010 | 40% |
| 2009 | 37.5% |
| 2008 | 37.5% |
| 2007 | 40% |
| 2006 | 45% |
| 2005 | 45% |
| 2004 | 42.5% |
| 2003 | 45% |
| 2002 | 42.5% |
|
Workers’ Comp tips and articles |
Security and Strength
One of the oldest and most successful safety groups in New York State, the group boasts nearly 1,200 safety-minded retailers and maintains a healthy contingent reserve. While not guaranteed, this entitles group members to anticipate a yearly payment of dividends on a consistent basis.
Exceptional Service
The Council’s in-house team of licensed professionals serves the workers’ compensation insurance needs of retailers of all size. Group members rely on quick and personalized attention in response to all of their questions.
Additionally, you can complement your workers’ compensation insurance policy with the Council’s statutory disability insurance program. Our disability insurance rates are among the lowest available for New York State retailers.
Underwritten by the New York State Insurance Fund. Dividends cannot be guaranteed, but check our dividend history!
Help your bottom line – enroll in the Retail Council’s disability insurance programs.
New York State Statutory Disability Insurance
Your Council membership can save you even more on your statutory disability insurance (DBL). The Council, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Retail Council Services Corp.,* works with The Hartford, one of the nation’s leading insurance carriers, to offer our members a true association plan.
Call the Council at (800) 442-3589 for DBL rates and a free quote.
In addition to great savings, other perks of enrolling in the Retail Council’s DBL Program with The Hartford include:
- Free tax reporting services. The Hartford will withhold and deposit employees’ portions of FICA and federal income taxes, if applicable, and prepare an Annual Summary of Disability Payments. They will also prepare and file employees’ W-2 forms.
- Manage your DBL program online. Use The Hartford’s secure website to get comprehensive reports on disability activity, claim status, transaction detail and much more.
- Integrate your DBL with The Hartford’s Group Long-Term Disability Plan. Purchase additional protection from one carrier for service efficiency.
* Retail Council Services Corp. is a licensed insurance agent/broker by the New York State Insurance Department.
Without proper insurance, businesses leave themselves wide open to any number of risks. Fire, theft of equipment or merchandise, or the injury of a customer on a business’ premises could have devastating consequences. Fortunately, a BOP policy packages a number of coverages generally needed by small and medium-sized businesses for much less than it would cost to purchase each type of coverage individually. A BOP policy typically includes:
- Property insurance, which covers buildings, equipment and inventory.
- Business income insurance, which covers losses should you need to suspend business operations for a period of time.
- Casualty or liability protection, which covers the business in the event an employee, or the business’ product or a service, causes damage to another person or their property.
- Crime insurance (both monies lost and property damage) due to robbery, burglary and employee theft or embezzlement.
- Liability insurance for customer/guest accidents on your property.
- Personal and advertising coverage for accusations of copyright infringement, slander or libel.
- Rented or borrowed vehicle coverage.
Other insurances may be necessary depending on the type of business you own. These can be added as endorsements to your policy for additional cost. Be sure to discuss your business’ particular needs with the Retail Council’s licensed insurance representatives.
Also, be aware BOP does not cover vehicles owned by the business; you’ll need to purchase an auto policy. Also, New York State law requires businesses with employees to provide workers’ compensation insurance (for a job-related sickness or injury) and statutory disability insurance (for non-work related sickness or injury). Learn more about the Council’s Workers’ Compensation Safety Group and Statutory Disability Insurance Programs here.
If you would like more information, please call the Retail Council at (800) 442-3589 and ask to speak with Virginia or Ken in our Insurance Services Department. Alternatively, send Ken an email at krutsky@retailcouncilnys.com.
The skyrocketing cost of health insurance is a big concern for business owners. The Council’s experts can design a health insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget. To get started, our partner broker will survey all the carriers in your area and provide you with the best options available.
We also offer dependable dental insurance at competitive rates. Please call our Insurance Services Department to inquire about the programs that may be available in your area. We can help you determine the coverage, deductible and premium plans that are right for you, your family and your employees.
In addition, the Retail Council has a preferred group vision plan and prescription card services available to members. Offered to employers of all size, these plans have low annual fees and large provider networks.
Other insurance products are available and include:
- Group Long-Term Disability
- Group Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Supplemental or Voluntary Employee Life Insurance
While the Retail Council believes its members will be well served and fully satisfied by endorsed organizations, we can neither guarantee nor be held responsible for either the sufficiency or quality of the services offered or provided by any endorsed organization.