by David Bell | Oct 15, 2025
If your client has ever asked, “Is this person my employee or just a really dedicated contractor?”—you’re not alone. Worker classification can be confusing, and unfortunately, the IRS, state agencies, and workers’ compensation carriers all have their own opinions about who’s who.
As their trusted insurance advisor, you can help clients avoid costly missteps by breaking it down in simple, practical terms.
The Basics: Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Let’s say your client owns a small business and hires Joe to fix the office AC. A few weeks later, Joe’s there every morning, drinking coffee and asking about PTO. At this point, your client needs to determine:
The answer matters—a lot—for payroll taxes, insurance audits, and potential liability.
The IRS View: All About Control
The IRS uses what’s called the “common law test,” which focuses on how much control the business has over the worker. You can help clients think through it like this:
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Do they decide when, where, and how the worker performs the job?
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Do they provide tools, training, or set specific work hours?
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Can the worker freely take other jobs?
If the client is managing the worker’s day-to-day tasks, the IRS will likely consider that person an employee—meaning payroll taxes, W-2s, and all the associated responsibilities.
The Workers’ Comp Perspective: Even Tougher
Many clients are surprised to learn that workers’ compensation carriers and state agencies use an even stricter test. They often assume:
“If someone is working for you and doesn’t have their own coverage, they’re your responsibility.”
Encourage clients to consider:
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Does the worker operate an independent business (advertising, multiple clients, their own tools)?
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Do they have a certificate of insurance showing their own workers’ comp policy?
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Are they performing the same kind of work as regular employees?
If not, the insurance auditor may classify them as an employee and add those wages to payroll—along with additional premium charges.
Why This Matters
Misclassification can lead to:
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IRS penalties for unpaid taxes
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Workers’ comp audit surprises with back premiums
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Claims disputes when an “independent contractor” gets hurt on the job
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And plenty of stress and confusion for the client (and you!)
Best Practices to Share with Clients
1. Get it in Writing.
A written agreement helps define the relationship, but it won’t override the facts. Make sure the contract aligns with how the work is actually performed.
2. Request a Certificate of Insurance.
No certificate = no proof of independent status. Always collect and keep it on file.
3. Keep Roles Clearly Defined.
If the client is setting schedules, providing tools, and supervising daily work, that’s an employee—not a contractor.
4. Review Annually.
Encourage clients to review all contractor relationships before renewal or audit time. A quick checkup now can prevent a painful surprise later.
Final Thought
Worker classification isn’t just a tax issue—it’s a risk management issue. By helping your clients understand how each agency views the relationship, you protect them from fines, uncovered claims, and administrative headaches.
When in doubt, advise them to:
Because in the world of compliance, it’s always better to classify correctly before someone else does it for you.
by David Bell | Oct 3, 2025
Legendary coach Vince Lombardi had a way of cutting through the noise. Every season, he’d start training camp by holding up a football and saying, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” His players may have been seasoned pros, but he knew success was about mastering the fundamentals—not just the fancy plays.
Sound familiar? It should. Because in the world of insurance, we sometimes forget our own “football.”
Commissions get squeezed, clients scroll the internet looking for the cheapest policy like they’re hunting for gas station discounts, and somewhere along the way, brokers can drift off course. Before we know it, we’re reacting instead of leading.
So let’s ask: what’s the actual goal of an insurance broker?
Spoiler: it’s not just to find the cheapest premium.
Sure, clients may say “I want the lowest price,” but their actions tell another story. They also want claims to get paid, coverage to make sense, and someone who knows more than a chatbot when trouble hits. If we only play the price game, we’re just another commodity in a race to the bottom.
The real mission? Gaining new clients—and keeping them. That’s our touchdown. Commissions follow when we’re focused on protecting clients for the long haul.
So, let’s dust off the playbook and get back to the basics:
The Broker’s Playbook for Success
1. Offer more than a policy.
Add value beyond the quote sheet. Think safety tips, loss control advice, or even HR resources for employers. Show them you’re more than a policy peddler.
2. Be the go-to source of information.
Don’t just pitch products—educate. Share insights about market changes, coverage options, and risk strategies. Position yourself as the expert they can’t Google.
3. Sell quality, not just price.
Clients don’t brag about saving $100 if their claim gets denied later. Present solutions that prioritize long-term stability and protection—not the quick and dirty cheapest option.
At the end of the day, Lombardi’s teams didn’t win because they reinvented football every season. They won because they nailed the fundamentals over and over again.
Brokers, our “football” is the client. Protect them, guide them, and remind yourself: the basics never go out of style.
by David Bell | Sep 25, 2025
You’ve written your business plan, filed the appropriate paperwork, and set yourself up to manage your own business as an allied healthcare provider. You are accepting clients who pay for your specialty services from the get-go. You are well on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
No matter what type of allied healthcare service you offer—from yoga instruction to massage therapy to social work—your focus is on creating, growing and expanding your business opportunities.
You keep reading all the lists to make sure you’re doing it right. Google has become your best friend as you research and absorb all the advice from the “Top Five Ways to Grow Your Business” to “Lessons for Independent Business Owners.”
There is so much to focus on when you run your own business, even if the only person on your payroll is you. Your checklist of things to accomplish is long. But you are confident and focused on creating a unique and genuine business model that is sure to succeed.
Your immediate reaction is to run out and find many clients as quickly as you can. At the same time, you need to create your website, print business cards, and find opportunities to market your services. As you seek opportunities to build your brand and customer base, you discover that you can offer your services by plugging in as a contractor through existing businesses.
Part-Time Opportunities Can Grow Your Client Base
There are many ways to grow your business opportunities as an independent contractor or small business with a handful of employees. Perhaps you’re a yoga instructor or massage therapist at your local gym two days a week. Or maybe you’re a nutritionist or life coach that provides counseling support one day per week at an existing clinic. You could be a licensed independent social worker working as a contractor at a senior living behavioral health center. You may create opportunities that connect your small team of employees with any of the part-time jobs.
Whatever the case may be, you’re on your own and experience the many freedoms of being your own boss. It is glorious to have the flexibility set your schedule and earn more money while you maintain a work-life balance. If you have a small team supporting you, you’re probably enjoying passing along work-life balance to them, too.
With the many freedoms you’re experiencing being your own boss, there is no reason you could fail. Or is there?
When you—or members of your small business—go work with other people you’re offering expert services to others. But no matter how carefully you or your team members work, there are risks that your business can encounter daily.
Liability Incidents Could Potentially Ruin Allied Healthcare Providers
Consider what could happen when you or your employees visit a client’s offices or use a third-party location for any business-related activity. Unexpected accidents, such as trips and falls, could result in unforeseen medical bills that you have to pay.
In today’s lawsuit happy society, you could find yourself needing an attorney because someone sues you for libel or slander. Without even trying, you could find yourself in uncertain situations which create unanticipated financial risks that could leave you bankrupt or at least in a world of hurt.
Most business owners are already aware of the hidden risks. So you shouldn’t be caught off guard when you are required to show proof of insurance to an existing business which you discuss offering your services.
Not convinced yet? There is proof in the numbers…
Small Business Disaster Facts & Numbers
You can have everything aligned for your allied health business to succeed. But, if you get sued or have to pay medical expenses, your business could unexpectedly close the doors. As an independent contractor or small business owner, here are some statistics to consider:
50% of small businesses survive five years or more (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016)
10% of small business claims come from customer slips and falls (Source: The Hartford)
22.2% of small business owners experienced a client complaint or dispute. (Source: Insureon’s 2016 Survey)
If that isn’t enough, Insurance Journal cited the following top most costly liability claims for small businesses: reputational harm ($50,000), customer injury or damage ($30,000), customer slip and fall ($20,000), and struck by an object ($10,000). They went on to share that 35 percent of all general liability claims results in a lawsuit.
So what should you do?
Get Peace of Mind With A Cost Effective Easy Solution
Don’t become another failed business statistic because you didn’t take steps to protect your business. Get a general liability insurance policy so when a lawsuit or unexpected medical claim arises, your hard earned money isn’t at risk.
The minimum cost for a general liability insurance policy can bring you peace of mind and potentially save your business from financial ruin.
Are you an independent contractor or small business owner that provides allied healthcare services? You can enroll online in about 3 minutes and receive a policy by email the same day you sign up. If you’re still not sure, learn more here.
Are you a broker who wants to offer general liability to your clients? Learn more or get a quick quote. You can even add the application on your website.
by David Bell | Jul 15, 2025
Let’s be honest—cybersecurity isn’t exactly the topic that gets small business owners jazzed. It doesn’t come with cool hard hats like Workers’ Comp or shiny property like Commercial Package Policies. But it should come with a red flashing light and a guy in a hoodie typing away in a dark room… because that’s who might be snooping around your client’s data.
Cybercrime: The New Slip-and-Fall
Back in the day, the biggest business liability was someone tripping over a rogue extension cord. Now? It’s clicking on that email from “M1crosoft Support” offering a free gift card… and poof, client records are gone, bank accounts frozen, and Karen’s cake order from 2016 is in the hands of a hacker in Belarus.
Small Biz = Big Target
Here’s the kicker: small businesses are actually more likely to be targeted. Why? Because hackers know your average small business is about as cyber-prepared as a squirrel crossing the freeway. No IT department. No firewalls. And let’s be real—half of them still think “the cloud” is just a weather pattern.
That’s Where Cyber Insurance Comes In
Cyber insurance is like having Batman on speed dial. If a breach happens, it covers things like:
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Data recovery and system restoration
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Legal fees (because, surprise, lawsuits!)
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Customer notification and credit monitoring
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Ransomware payments (yep, it’s a thing now)
Don’t Let Clients Say “Oops” Later
So when you’re talking to your small biz clients—the cupcake shop, the landscaper, the yoga studio with the iPad from 2013—remind them:
Cyber insurance isn’t just for tech companies. It’s for anyone with a computer, an internet connection, and a password that hasn’t been updated since the Bush administration.
Let’s Make Cyber Insurance Sexy (Well… As Sexy As It Gets)
So, brokers, don’t skip it on the quote sheet. And clients—don’t be the person who thinks antivirus software is enough. That’s like locking the front door but leaving the back door wide open with a sign that says “we trust you.”
Bottom Line: Cyber insurance is no longer optional. It’s essential. Just like coffee, Wi-Fi, and not clicking links from Nigerian princes.
Need help quoting it? That’s where we come in. Because at The Syndicated Group, we protect your clients from all kinds of disasters—digital or otherwise.
Now go forth and insure the internet. Just… log out of Facebook first.
by David Bell | Mar 16, 2025
Selling homeowner’s insurance in Florida is a little like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide—challenging, unpredictable, but totally worth it if you know what you’re doing.
Between hurricanes, sinkholes, and the occasional wandering alligator, Florida homeowners need solid insurance more than most. But let’s be honest, finding coverage here can feel like hunting for a shady spot on South Beach in July—rare and competitive.
As an insurance agent, our job is to bring some sunshine to the process. Start with speed—clients love a quick quote, especially when they’re knee-deep in a stressful home purchase. If they’re buying a coastal property, they’ll need someone who speaks fluent “wind mitigation” and “flood zone determinations.”
And let’s not forget the unique Florida challenges. That charming beach bungalow might come with a sky-high windstorm deductible, and a roof over 15 years old? Good luck! But with the right market knowledge and a little creativity, you can help homeowners find coverage that actually works.
The key? Be a problem solver, not a salesperson. Explain coverages in plain English, make sure they understand their hurricane deductibles, and—above all—make the process easy.
At the end of the day, Florida homeowners need insurance that’s as reliable as their favorite beach chair. And if you can deliver that, you’ll have clients for life—maybe even long enough to see their next roof replacement.
Now, who’s ready to talk policies over a piña colada? 🍹
by David Bell | Jan 31, 2025
As an insurance broker, you’re not just selling policies—you’re the lifeline keeping your clients out of financial and legal disaster. And let’s be honest, some clients need a little… extra encouragement when it comes to following the rules.
Sure, they might think compliance is just another box to check, but skipping the basics—like properly reporting payroll or providing workers’ comp—can land them in hot water faster than they can say “IRS audit.”
Why Your Clients NEED to Follow the Rules (Even If They Don’t Want To)
We all have that client—the one who loves to cut corners. Maybe they think workers’ comp is optional. Maybe they’re paying people under the table like it’s a 1920s speakeasy. Either way, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Your job? Make sure they understand the risks. Because when they get hit with fines, penalties, or worse—guess who they’re going to blame? Yep. YOU.
Here’s what happens when clients ignore compliance:
💰 Massive IRS fines – Uncle Sam doesn’t play games. If payroll taxes aren’t reported, expect penalties that hurt.
⚖️ State audits – State agencies are cracking down on misclassified employees. If your client calls a worker a 1099 contractor but treats them like an employee, they’re in trouble.
🤕 No workers’ comp = major lawsuits – If an “under-the-table” worker gets hurt, your client could be on the hook for all medical expenses AND potential legal action.
🚨 They could LOSE their business – Many non-compliant businesses end up shut down when the fines and legal fees stack up.
How You Can Help Your Clients Stay Out of Trouble
The good news? You have the power to protect your clients (and yourself) from a compliance nightmare. Here’s how:
✅ Check in regularly – If a client hasn’t reported payroll, ask why. Are they really not working, or are they just skipping the process?
✅ Make sure they understand 1099 vs. W-2 rules – Misclassifying employees is one of the fastest ways to get audited. Educate them before it’s too late.
✅ Push workers’ comp coverage – Some clients might think they can get away without it—until an injury happens and they’re drowning in medical bills. Don’t let them take that risk.
✅ Offer the right solutions – Whether they need traditional workers’ comp, PEO solutions, or HR compliance services, make sure they’re covered properly.
Don’t Let Your Clients Fall Into the Non-Compliance Trap
At the end of the day, an uninformed client is a liability. If they fail to comply, their business (and your reputation) could be on the line. Be the expert they trust, guide them in the right direction, and keep them compliant.
Need resources or solutions for your clients? Let’s talk—we’re here to help you help them. 🚀
