Every fall we remind our members about one of the great benefits offered by NCRA: Insurance. Whether you are insured through NCRA’s partner programs administered by Mercer Health and Benefits Administration, LLC, or another company, this is the time to review what you currently have and what you need. It doesn’t hurt comparing costs and benefits too. And keep in mind your circumstances might have changed in the last year, so make sure your business and you and your family (including your pets) are adequately covered against all contingencies. Members have access to many different products through multiple carriers at reasonable prices negotiated on their behalf by Mercer. Many products were developed to specifically meet the unique business and equipment needs of court reporters, captioners, legal videographers, and associated professionals. By working with the National Court Reporters Association, Mercer has made it easy for you and your family to get the protection you need at an economical price.
Here are a few of the most popular insurance plans.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment used for business is often not insurable under your homeowner’s policy. Protect your steno machine, computers, printers, security keys, video camera, software, and any other business equipment from loss, damage, theft, and vandalism with low premiums and no deductible. Additionally, premiums may also be tax deductible as a normal business expense.
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
Consider the catastrophic losses that can result if you are faced with an errors and omissions suit. Protect yourself financially against a wide variety of lawsuit situations, including court judgments or out-of-court settlements.
BUSINESS OWNERS PACKAGE/ WORKERS COMPENSATION
Specifically designed for business owners, this insurance coverage offers more than 300 optional coverage endorsements uniquely designed for court reporters, captioners, and videographers. In addition, it offers increased deductible options and a wide range of limit options for both property and general liability coverage packages.
CYBER PRIVACY LIABILITY
This plan is designed to mitigate losses from the risk posed by conducting business over the internet, over other networks, or using electronic storage technology. A variety of cyber incidents are covered, including, but not limited to, data breaches, network damage (including third-party lawsuits due to loss of privacy), ransom demands, crime coverage, business interruption coverage, and reputation repair assistance.
GROUP ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT
This plan provides accidental death benefits for covered accidents as well as for loss of the use of certain body parts or functions, regardless of whether you are able to work or not. There is a choice of benefit amounts from $50,000 to $500,000, and member-only or family plans are available.
LONG-TERM CARE
The need for long-term care usually arises from age, chronic illness, injury, or disability. This plan protects your assets and savings, letting you stay at home as long as possible, and maintains flexibility in your care options
DENTAL
Dental care is expensive and often neglected due to the cost. Providing comprehensive coverage and a broad network of dentists, this plan has competitive rates to help you afford your dental treatments.
VISION
VSP® individual vision plans give you convenient access to quality doctors while saving money on your vision care needs, including eye exams and glasses or contact lenses.
PET
Pets are part of the family too, and when your pet becomes sick or injured, you don’t need the added stress of worrying about how you will pay the veterinary bill. With pet insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can care for your pet no matter the cost of your pet’s medical bills, including treatments, surgeries, lab fees, X-rays, prescriptions, and more.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE
Life insurance is one of the cornerstones of financial planning. In the event of an unexpected or premature death, having insurance will provide the financial security your family needs, ensuring they will be able to meet current and future expenses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To see all NCRA insurance options available to you, please visit NCRAInsurance.com. If you have general questions, such as about features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations, and exclusions, call 800-503-9230. To get a quote and compare rates, visit mercercompare.com.
Not all plans may be available in all states.
Natalie Dippenaar is NCRA’s Director of Membership & Technology. She can be reached at membership@ncra.org.
NCRA insurance programs and other benefits through its partner programs are only available to NCRA members. To see full benefits and to become an NCRA member, visit our Membership site.
The full text of this article is available to NCRA members here.
