Category: Insurance

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Insurance Small Business General Tariffs

California Retailers: How to Stay Afloat with Tariffs

The Liberation Day tariffs are reshaping the retail landscape—and for California retailers, the impact is immediate. Rising import costs, shipment delays, and shrinking margins are hitting businesses from all sides, from e-commerce giants to boutique apparel shops.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, approximately 40% of U.S. containerized imports move through California ports, with China accounting for $144 billion in trade through the state in 2023 (USTR). The result? California retailers tariffs are now driving up product prices by 10–30%, slowing shipments by weeks, and forcing urgent changes to sourcing, pricing, and supply chain strategies.

At Gild Insurance, we help retailers adapt to uncertainty with smarter protection strategies, flexible insurance coverage, and practical business guidance. Below, we break down the risks California retailers face and what you can do to stay ahead.

How California Retailers Tariffs Are Disrupting the Supply Chain

Real-time data shows California retailers are being squeezed from both ends: rising import costs and declining consumer spending. Here’s how it’s unfolding:

  • Heavy import reliance: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle over 40% of U.S. containerized imports, making California retailers especially vulnerable to global trade disruption (LAEDC).
  • Industry vulnerability: Tariffs on key goods like apparel and electronics are driving up costs significantly. According to the Consumer Technology Association, tariffs could raise laptop and tablet prices by up to 46%, and smartphones by 26%. Apparel has seen price increases of over 17% in some categories (CTA, Yale Budget Lab).
  • Cash flow risk: SBA data shows 20% of small firms have fewer than 90 days of cash reserves, putting them at risk of insolvency by Q3 2025 if cost pressures continue (SBA).
  • Port delays: Ongoing congestion at California’s major ports is contributing to 2–4 week shipment delays—disrupting just-in-time inventory strategies and consumer satisfaction.

California retailers tariffs aren’t just economic headlines. They’re already affecting stock, pricing, and operational stability across the state.

Why Retailers Must Act Now to Stay Competitive

Tariffs aren’t going away anytime soon. They’re part of a broader global trend toward protectionism. If California retailers don’t adapt quickly, they risk:

  • Squeezed profit margins due to higher input costs
  • Lost customers as prices rise or products go out of stock
  • Operational downtime from shipment delays or supplier issues
  • Greater exposure to legal or reputational risk from product issues or missed delivery windows

Adaptation isn’t optional; it’s critical. California retailers must audit their sourcing, protect their cash flow, and build in safeguards now.

How Insurance Helps California Retailers Weather Tariff Fallout

Insurance isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a proactive risk solution. Gild Insurance helps California retailers stay resilient in turbulent markets with coverage tailored to your industry. Recommended policies include:

🔗 Schedule a time with a Gild agent to audit your policies and see how you could save up to 20% while reinforcing your protection.

🔗 Get an online quote today and see how fast and affordable smart coverage can be.

Smart Strategies for California Retailers Facing Tariff Disruption

To stay afloat in the face of rising California retailers tariffs, small business owners should:

  • Source smarter: Shift to partners in Mexico, Canada, or Vietnam where possible.
  • Consolidate inventory: Negotiate better terms with bulk domestic suppliers.
  • Pivot to service models: Offer customization, repairs, or faster local fulfillment.
  • Audit import exposure: If 30% or more of your inventory comes from tariffed countries, prioritize diversification.
  • Leverage insurance: Use coverage to buffer supply chain, liability, and revenue risks.

Gild can help you implement these tactics quickly and confidently.

Partner Resources to Reduce Costs and Risk

Gild collaborates with trusted providers to help retailers build resilience:

  • Rocket Lawyer – Simplify annual reporting and stay on top of required tax filings
  • RangeMe – Find vetted, tariff-exempt suppliers in North America
  • Envision Payroll – Cut back-office costs with scalable payroll solutions
  • Owners Bank – Access funding to cushion against cost increases or shipment delays

These partnerships offer immediate tools to offset tariff fallout.

Protect What You’ve Built

California retailers face a tough road ahead—but with the right strategy, you can stay ahead. From insurance to smarter sourcing and partner support, Gild is here to help you navigate the shifting trade landscape. 

👉Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead.  

👉Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future 

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Insurance Partners Small Business General

Gild Insurance Partners with Billy.com to Bring Contractors Coverage 

At Gild Insurance, we’re on a mission to make business and health insurance simple, accessible, and tailored to the needs of independent contractors. Today, we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Billy.com—a leading platform that connects customers with trusted local professionals who are ready to deliver essential services right when they’re needed.

Through this partnership, Billy.com professionals now have access to Gild’s Insurance solutions and dedicated support whether they’re looking to protect their business, their health, or both. 

What Billy.com Contractors Get with Gild

Contractors using Billy.com to grow their business have even more reasons to get excited. Through our new partnership, Billy.com users gain access to exclusive insurance benefits designed to support independent professionals on and off the job.

Here’s what Billy.com contractors can expect:

This collaboration is about more than just insurance. It’s about giving contractors the tools to grow, protect, and sustain their business with confidence.

Start a Partnership with Gild Insurance

Ready to transform how you support small business owners? Partner with Gild to deliver seamless, end-to-end customer service tailored to their needs—when and how they want it. Whether you’re seeking an embedded insurance solution, a custom insurance program, or a dedicated insurance agency, we’re here to make it happen. Let’s connect and build the future together! 

Have questions? Contact us at partner@yourgild.com. 

Categories
Claims Concierge Insurance Small Business General

Storm Preparedness Tips and Fast Support from Gild’s Claims Concierge

Severe weather season is here—and that means it’s time to act. From hail and heavy winds to flooding and fallen trees, property damage can strike fast and derail your business. These storm preparedness tips will help you minimize downtime, avoid confusion, and recover faster.

And with Gild’s Claims Concierge, you won’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Storm Preparedness Tips to Avoid Getting Caught Off Guard

Even the best-run businesses can be vulnerable to extreme weather. The cost of not being prepared? Lost revenue, delayed projects, and expensive repairs.

Here’s what you can do today:

  • Review your insurance policy and know what’s covered
  • Keep photos and videos of your property on file
  • Create a contact list of vendors, contractors, and insurers
  • Secure loose items outdoors and protect windows
  • Save your insurance documents in a digital folder

Gild Insurance takes it a step further. If a storm damages your property, our Claims Concierge handles the claims process for you from inspection to repair.

Storm Preparedness Tips Only Go So Far—Here’s What Happens Next

Storm damage can be overwhelming. But Gild’s four-step Claims Concierge makes recovery simple and fast:

✅ Step 1: Sign Up for Claims Support and Storm Preparedness Tips

Complete a short form so we can match you with a partner claims advisor.

✅ Step 2: Let Us Handle It

We work directly with adjusters, so you don’t have to chase anyone down.

✅ Step 3: Repairs Begin Immediately

Once your claim is approved, work starts right away—even before your insurance check arrives.

✅ Step 4: Stay in the Loop

You’ll receive real-time updates through email, text, or phone—whichever you prefer.

Fast, Free Support—Even If You’re Not a Gild Policyholder

Severe weather doesn’t care who your insurance carrier is—and neither do we. Gild’s Claims Concierge is free for both policyholders and non-policyholders.

When you use our service, you get:

  • Faster claims processing 
  • Vetted and approved network of contractors 
  • Better experience, fewer delays 

If you’ve been searching for storm preparedness tips that go beyond “buy sandbags,” this is it: get expert help, and get it fast.

Stay One Step Ahead—Start with Gild

Preparation is essential, but action is everything. Gild is here to make sure you’re not alone when the storm hits—and not stuck after it passes.

👉 Sign up for Gild’s Claims Concierge
👉 Review your policy with an agent
👉 Download a storm preparedness checklist

Storm preparedness tips only go so far. Let’s protect what you’ve built—together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do immediately after storm damage occurs? Ensure safety first, then document all damages with photos and videos. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Gild’s Claims Concierge is a service that provides personalized support throughout the insurance claims process, helping policyholders navigate post-storm recovery efficiently.

Q2: How can I prepare my home for storm season? Secure loose items, reinforce windows and doors, trim trees, and review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.

Q3: How long does it take to process a storm damage insurance claim? Processing times vary based on the extent of damage and the volume of claims, but initiating the claim promptly and providing thorough documentation can expedite the process.

Categories
Insurance Small Business General Tariffs

How Do Tariffs Affect Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs and How to Respond Now 

The Liberation Day tariffs are here and for U.S. small businesses, the impact is immediate and personal. Rising household costs and skyrocketing business expenses are squeezing margins from both sides. Entrepreneurs are getting hit twice: at home and at work.  From food trucks and retail shops to consulting firms and manufacturers, small business owners are feeling the pressure. How do tariffs affect small businesses and entrepreneurs? The short answer: financially, operationally, and strategically. 

That’s why Gild Insurance created the Tariffs Runbook. A resource built specifically to help small businesses adapt, survive, and protect their operations during ongoing trade disruptions. 

If you want practical strategies to stay ahead, cut costs, and safeguard your future, this guide is a must-read. 

How Tariffs Affect Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Real-time market data shows that the impact of tariffs is accelerating faster than many expected: 

  • Import Dependency: States like California and Texas, source over 20% of small business inputs from now-tariffed countries. In industries like electronics and textiles, reliance can exceed 50%. (National Retail Federation, 2024) 
  • Cash Flow Pressures: About 20% of U.S. small businesses have fewer than four months of cash reserves (Source: PYMNTS, 2025). Rising costs from tariffs and slowing consumer demand could push many to the brink by mid-2025 if conditions persist. 
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Port delays at major hubs like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey are affecting 10–20% of shipments, contributing to inventory shortages and delivery backlogs (Source: Seavantage, 2025). 

These pressures aren’t theoretical, they’re happening now. The businesses that adapt early will survive and thrive. 

Get the strategies you need inside the Tariffs Runbook — built for small business owners like you. 

Why It’s Critical to Act Now 

Tariffs aren’t a temporary problem; they’re part of a broader shift toward protectionism. Without a plan, small businesses risk: 

  • Shrinking profit margins 
  • Lost customer loyalty due to price hikes 
  • Increased operational downtime 
  • Greater vulnerability to supply chain disruptions 

You don’t have to figure this out alone. 
The Gild Tariffs Runbook helps you assess your exposure, rethink your supplier strategies, and protect your business with smart risk management moves. 

What’s Inside the Tariffs Runbook (And Why You Need It) 

The Tariffs Runbook offers actionable guidance without the fluff, including: 

  • Insurance Risk Audit: How the right coverage shields your business from ripple effects like delays, lawsuits, and revenue loss. 
  • State Level Risk Snapshots: Breaking down where tariffs will hit the hardest in 2025. 
  • Risk Identification Checklist: Spot hidden tariff vulnerabilities across your supply chain.  
  • Partner Resources: How Gild partners can help you reduce costs and give your business access to affordable services beyond insurance. 

Don’t let tariff uncertainty catch you off guard. Download your Tariffs Runbook now. 

Recommended Insurance Solutions for Tariff Fallout 

Tailored coverage is a crucial part of risk management in today’s trade climate. Here are the top products Gild recommends: 

  • Inland Marine: Covers goods in transit as you reroute around port delays or tariffed routes. 
  • Cyber Insurance: Important if you’re switching to digital suppliers or platforms under pressure. 

Schedule a policy review with a Gild agent to ensure your insurance protects you against delays, supply chain interruptions, and increased legal exposure. 

How Gild Helps Beyond Tariffs: Partner Resources to Reduce Costs 

Need help finding more savings beyond insurance? Gild works with vetted partners who offer real solutions: 

  • Rocket Lawyer – Affordable legal help for renegotiating contracts or adding tariff clauses 
  • RangeMe – Connect with domestic and tariff-exempt suppliers 
  • Owners Bank – Smart financing options to weather short-term cash flow disruptions. 

By leveraging these partnerships, small business owners can strengthen their operations, streamline expenses, and stay resilient—no matter how trade policies shift. 

Protect What You’ve Built 

You’ve worked too hard to let global trade shifts derail your success. 

Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead. 

Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future 

Categories
Contractor Network Insurance Small Business General

How to Get Jobs as a Contractor with the Gild Contractor Network

At Gild Insurance, we know that figuring out how to get jobs as a contractor is about more than just delivering great work. You also need to stay responsive, on time, and ready to take on new opportunities. But that’s not always easy—especially when insurance claims slow you down. The back-and-forth with adjusters, paperwork overload, and slow payments can hold your business back. 

That’s why we created the Gild Contractor Network; a service built to simplify the insurance claims process for contractors like you. By handling the heavy lifting on claims, we help you focus on what matters: growing your business, delivering results, and winning your next job.  

How to Get Jobs as a Contractor Without Delays

Every successful contractor knows that staying ready for the next opportunity is key. But when insurance claims create delays—whether it’s slow payments or material shortages—it can stop your momentum cold. 

The Gild Contractor Network keeps you moving forward by managing claims from start to finish. With our help, you avoid: 

  • Slow approvals or unclear payouts 
  • Endless documentation and follow-ups 
  • Project delays that cause you to turn down new work 

When you remove these obstacles, you create the time and flexibility needed to land more jobs—and that’s the foundation of how to get jobs as a contractor.  

The Gild Contractor Network: Your Key to Job Readiness

Success in contracting is about more than completing a project—it’s about being ready for the next one. The Gild Contractor Network makes that easier by giving you the support you need to keep working without interruptions. 

Here’s what you get: 

  • Guaranteed Weekly Payments – No more wondering when your check will arrive 
  • Upfront Material Coordination – Materials ready before the work even begins 
  • Labor Funding – We front labor costs to keep your crews active 
  • Streamlined Communication – Our team deals with insurers and adjusters, so you don’t have to 

Together, these advantages allow you to take on more jobs, respond faster to new opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition. That’s exactly how to get jobs as a contractor—again and again.  

Quick Tips: How to Get Jobs as a Contractor

Landing consistent work takes more than craftsmanship—it takes speed, relationships, and a solid support system. While the Gild Contractor Network helps you stay job-ready by streamlining insurance claims, here are a few additional strategies that can help you secure more opportunities:

  • Build relationships with insurance carriers or adjusters who refer reliable contractors
  • Stay available and ready, with materials and crews prepped when opportunity strikes
  • Join networks like Gild that pay quickly and reduce claims-related friction—so you can take on more jobs with confidence

When you’re proactive, reliable, and backed by the right support, landing steady work becomes much easier.

We simplify the process so you can:

  • Keep your calendar full
  • Move quickly from one project to the next
  • Build trust with new and returning clients
  • Grow your business with confidence

That’s how to get jobs as a contractor—and keep them coming.

Join the Gild Contractor Network Today

Landing your next job shouldn’t be slowed down by insurance paperwork and payment delays. If you’re still figuring out how to get jobs as a contractor and build momentum, the solution starts with removing the obstacles in your way.

Join the Gild Contractor Network today to experience a faster, smoother, and more contractor-friendly way to handle insurance claims—so you can stay ready, stay working, and stay growing.