When a company sends an offer letter, many applicants assume the job is secured. But for many employers, the hiring process continues beyond that point. One major step that happens after the offer is extended is the background check. This is a standard step used to verify the information provided by the candidate and to

Background checks are a routine part of hiring, but many hiring managers still wonder: How much is a background check? The cost depends on what you’re checking, how detailed the report is, and how fast you need results. Go too cheap, and you could risk missing key details or failing to meet legal compliance. Spend

Many employers wonder if a candidate’s financial situation could affect hiring, especially if they’ve had to file for bankruptcy. Although these filings are considered public records, they don’t always appear in routine screenings. Understanding how bankruptcy background checks work is key to handling sensitive financial information responsibly. To make fair and informed hiring decisions, it’s

Wondering if a past police investigation might affect your job search? You’re not alone. Many job seekers worry about what might show up in a background check, especially if they’ve ever been questioned or involved in an investigation. So, can police investigations show up in job background check results? It depends on the situation. This

Applying for jobs in healthcare, education, or childcare? You’ll likely need to pass a Level 2 background check. These screenings go beyond basic checks and rely on national fingerprint-based check systems to review criminal history, employment verification, and more. They’re often required for sensitive roles where employees have direct contact with children, seniors, or patients.

Ever wondered how you can get a background check on someone before making an important decision? Whether you’re hiring, finding a roommate, or meeting someone new, having the right information can help you stay safe and confident. Background checks can reveal details about a person’s criminal history, employment background, or identity. Knowing what to look

Getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can leave you wondering how it might affect your future, especially when you’re applying for a job. The truth is, a DUI usually does show up on a background check because it’s part of your criminal record. Most employers run background checks as a standard part of

Understanding what causes a red flag on a background check is essential for both employers and job seekers. For employers, it helps avoid hiring mistakes. For candidates, it can mean the difference between moving forward in the hiring process or getting passed over. Background checks do not just screen for criminal records. They can also

When reviewing a candidate’s background, one common question that often comes up is: Can a background check find out if you were fired? It’s a valid concern, especially when you’re trying to get a full picture of someone’s work history. While background checks can confirm where someone worked and for how long, they usually won’t

Remote work has reshaped the way companies hire, collaborate, and manage risk, but not without new challenges. As more teams operate across cities, countries, and time zones, one thing often gets overlooked: proper remote employee background checks. Many businesses still assume remote workers pose less of a risk than in-office staff, but that assumption can

Nearly 77 million Americans have a criminal record, and many are unsure how sealed or expunged convictions impact background checks. As more states expand record sealing programs, the question “do sealed records show up on background checks” has become increasingly relevant for both job seekers and employers. In general, sealed records are not supposed to

Wondering if a background check includes a drug test? You’re not alone. Many job seekers and employers find this topic confusing, especially since the answer can vary by industry, role, and company policy. While some jobs require drug testing by law, others leave it up to the employer’s discretion. In this guide, we’ll break down

Ever wondered what shows up when an employer runs a background check on you? In today’s job market, background screening is a common part of the hiring process, so it’s smart to stay one step ahead. Can you do a background check on yourself? Yes, and doing so can help you catch mistakes before they

Most employers now conduct some form of background screening during the hiring process, making it essential to understand what makes you fail a background check. A “failed background check” doesn’t always mean automatic disqualification; it often refers to adverse information that may raise concerns during evaluation. Modern background checks go far beyond criminal records. They

Hiring the wrong person in the healthcare industry can cost organizations up to $10,000 for every day a sanctioned individual remains on the job. That kind of risk isn’t just a financial headache; it’s a serious threat to patient safety, regulatory compliance, and your ability to receive federal funding. In a field where every decision

Healthcare fraud costs the United States around $100 billion each year, with individual cases often exceeding $1 million in losses. One of the most effective ways healthcare organizations can protect themselves is by running thorough FACIS background checks on all staff who interact with patients or handle sensitive data. FACIS Background Check screen for individuals

You’ve completed the pre-employment background check, signed the forms, and now you’re stuck in the waiting game, refreshing your email and wondering what happens after the background check on a job application. It’s a common phase in the hiring process that leaves many job seekers feeling anxious and unsure. This guide breaks down what really

In today’s competitive job market, most employers conduct pre-employment background checks to verify a candidate’s history before making a hiring decision. Whether you’re new to the workforce or an experienced professional, understanding how to pass a background check for a job can give you a strong advantage and help you avoid surprises during the hiring

Nearly all employers conduct background checks, but many aren’t clear on the specifics. So, what is a federal criminal background check? It’s a screening tool that looks for offenses prosecuted at the federal level, such as white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, and crimes that cross state lines, offering a deeper look than standard state or local

Did you know that an estimated five million elderly adults suffer some type of abuse each year in the United States? This alarming statistic highlights why conducting a thorough background check for caregivers is not just a bureaucratic step—it’s an essential safeguard for the most vulnerable members of our society. When it comes to hiring

Imagine denying someone a job based on their background check, only to face a $5 million lawsuit weeks later. This nightmare scenario has become a reality for dozens of companies that failed to understand FCRA compliance. So, what is FCRA compliance? At its core, FCRA compliance means following the rules of the Fair Credit Reporting

In today’s hiring landscape, trust and safety matter more than ever, starting with smart screening practices. With over 94% of employers now conducting background checks, it’s essential to understand what a national criminal background check is and why it plays such a vital role in protecting workplaces. This type of screening offers a broader view

Have you ever wondered what potential employers might discover about your past? In today’s job market, approximately 96% of employers conduct some form of background check on candidates before making hiring decisions. This statistic highlights just how crucial it is to understand what information might surface during this process. For many individuals with prior legal

96% of employers conduct some form of background check on potential employees. That’s right—almost every job you apply for today will likely involve scrutinizing your background information. Understanding what employers look for in a background check can help you navigate the job market with confidence and transparency. While federal guidelines exist, individual states may have

Ever wondered, “Do dropped charges show up on a background check?” It’s a common concern for job seekers with a complicated legal past. Even if charges were dismissed, the fear of them showing up during the hiring process can be stressful. With over 94% of employers conducting background checks, understanding what appears on your record

How to Prepare for a Background Check: The Ultimate Guide Background checks are now a standard part of the hiring process, with most employers using them to vet candidates before making a decision. In a competitive job market, knowing how to prepare for a background check is a key part of a successful job search.

Why Do Employers Do Background Checks? A Comprehensive Guide Background checks have become a standard part of the hiring process, with 95% of employers using them to guide critical employment decisions. But why do employers do background checks in the first place? From verifying qualifications and work history to identifying potential risks, background screening helps

Keyword: how to know if you passed a background check Website: Sapphire Check Meta title: How to Know if You Passed a Background Check? Meta description: Wondering if you passed your background check? Learn the signs, process, and what to do next so you can move forward in your job search with confidence. How to

Smart Background Checks: The Ultimate Guide for Modern Screening Solutions A bad hire can cost a company far more than just a paycheck. In today’s fast-paced world, making informed hiring decisions is critical to protecting your business and building a strong team. Smart background checks are changing the way employers verify candidate information, offering faster,

What is an Advanced Background Check? Did you know that 78% of job applicants admit to misrepresenting themselves on their resumes? This staggering statistic highlights why standard background checks often aren’t enough in today’s complex hiring landscape. Advanced background checks provide employers with deeper insights and more comprehensive screening solutions that go well beyond the

What Does a Background Check Show? Things You Need To Know Did you know that 96% of employers conduct some form of background screening on potential employees? In today’s job market, both job seekers and hiring managers are asking the same important question: What does a background check show? These screenings typically verify key information

How Long Do Reference Checks Take: A Complete Timeline Guide Waiting for that final confirmation after a promising job interview can feel endless, especially during the reference check stage. Whether you’re a candidate eager to move forward or a hiring manager trying to streamline the process, understanding how long reference checks take can ease anxiety

How to Complete I 9 Form? Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is a crucial document that every employer in the United States must complete and retain for each person they hire. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of properly completing Form I-9 to ensure your business remains compliant with federal regulations.

How to Search Federal Criminal Records? Navigating federal criminal records can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the federal court system. These records document violations of federal law and include key details such as charges, case outcomes, and sentencing, all handled within the jurisdiction of federal courts across the U.S. Whether you’re running a

How to Respond to a Pre-Adverse Action Letter: Complete Guide Have you just received a pre-adverse action letter from a potential employer? If so, you might be feeling confused, worried, or unsure about what to do next. The good news is that receiving this letter doesn’t automatically mean you’ve lost the job opportunity. In fact,

What is a FACIS Level 3 Search? A Guide for Healthcare Organizations In healthcare today, thorough background screening isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Healthcare organizations need to properly screen their providers, employees, and vendors to protect patients and follow regulations. Among all screening options available, the FACIS Level 3 search is considered the gold

What is Adverse Action? A Guide for Employers and Candidates Have you ever applied for a job, felt confident about the interview, and then received a notice that something in your background check might prevent you from getting hired? Or perhaps you’re an employer who needs to make hiring decisions based on background check results

What is a Reference Check? A Complete Guide In today’s competitive job market, hiring the right candidate is crucial for organizational success. Reference checks serve as a vital component of the hiring process, providing employers with valuable insights that go beyond resumes and interviews. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about reference

Fast Background Check: The Guide to Quick and Reliable Screening In today’s competitive hiring landscape, fast background checks are essential for securing top talent before they accept offers elsewhere. Traditional checks can take weeks, but modern technology now delivers accurate results within hours or a few days, without sacrificing quality. This speed is crucial, as

How Long Does Onboarding Take? Comprehensive Timeline Guide Effective onboarding process is a critical investment that pays dividends in engagement, productivity, and retention. While 88% of organizations acknowledge its importance, only 12% believe their current onboarding process is truly effective. So exactly how long does onboarding take to do it right? Most HR professionals agree

How to Hire Employees Under an LLC? Starting an LLC is an exciting step that offers benefits like liability protection, tax flexibility, and simple management. As your business grows, hiring employees often becomes necessary, and yes, LLCs can absolutely have employees. In fact, over 50% of LLCs hire staff within their first three years, according

How Long Do Pre Employment Drug Test Results Take? Must-Know In today’s competitive hiring landscape, employers are under increasing pressure to fill positions quickly while ensuring they’re making quality hires. Pre-employment drug testing has become a standard part of the screening process for many companies, but the waiting period for results can create uncertainty in

What is the Most Common Pre-Employment Drug Test? Pre-employment drug testing has become a standard practice for many businesses looking to ensure workplace safety, productivity, and reduce liability. According to the National Safety Council, employees with substance use disorders miss nearly 25 days of work annually, almost three times the absenteeism rate of their peers.

How Long Does the Pre Employment Process Take? Expert Guide In today’s competitive job market, making timely hiring decisions is crucial for securing top talent. One of the most common questions hiring managers and HR professionals ask is: “How long does the pre employment process take?” This question becomes particularly relevant when considering background check

What is Job Onboarding? A Guide to Best Practices and Strategies In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations that prioritize effective employee onboarding gain a significant advantage. But what exactly is job onboarding, and why does it matter so much? At its core, employee onboarding is the strategic process of integrating new team members into an

Do Healthcare Companies Run Background Checks? Companies in the healthcare industry routinely conduct background checks as a standard practice throughout the industry and often as a legal requirement. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 19% of nurse’s aides with substantiated findings of employee theft, abuse, or neglect had

How to Do an Employee Background Check: The Complete Guide for 2025 In today’s competitive job market, hiring the right talent isn’t just about finding impressive resumes and charming personalities. Ensuring your candidates are exactly who they claim to be has become an essential part of the hiring process. According to recent studies, a staggering

How Long Do Background Checks Take For Pre-Employment? When you’re eager to start a new job, waiting for your pre-employment background check to clear can feel like watching paint dry. Whether you’re the job candidate anxiously checking your phone or the hiring manager trying to fill a position quickly, understanding the typical timeline for background

Introduction A federal background check is a critical component of the hiring process for federal government agencies and contractors. It is a thorough investigation into an individual’s past to determine their suitability for a particular role. The federal background check process involves a review of an individual’s criminal history, employment history, education, and other relevant

How Long Does It Take For A Criminal Background Check To Complete? When hiring new employees, conducting a thorough background check is a crucial step in the hiring process. Among the various components of a comprehensive background check, criminal background checks are particularly important for ensuring workplace safety and making informed hiring decisions. If you’re

How Long Is a Background Check Good For? In today’s competitive job market, pre-employment background checks have become an essential tool in the hiring process, helping employers build a reliable, trustworthy workforce and make informed hiring decisions. These screenings provide valuable insights into a candidate’s background, helping employers make informed hiring decisions that protect their

What Does Accurate Background Check Look For? In today’s competitive job market, hiring the right person isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills—it’s about ensuring they’re the secure choice for your organization. An accurate background check serves as your first line of defense against potentially costly hiring mistakes. But what exactly does an

What Are Different Types of Background Checks for Employment Understanding what are different types of background checks for employment is crucial for making informed hiring decisions. This guide will walk you through the key checks like criminal history, identity verification, and education verification. Lets learn What Are Different Types of Background Checks for Employment. Key

How to Check Status of Delayed Background Check? In today’s employment landscape, background checks have become a standard part of the hiring process for most organizations. However, the process doesn’t always go smoothly as background checks face delays, leaving both candidates and employers in a frustrating holding pattern. If you’re experiencing a delay, knowing how

How Far Back Can a Background Check Go? In today’s competitive job market, background checks have become a standard part of the hiring process. But how far back does a background check go? Well, it depends on the type of screening, federal and state regulations, and the employer’s requirements. Most background checks cover 7 years,

Will a Warrant Show Up on a Background Check? As an employer, discovering that a job candidate has an outstanding warrant can raise immediate concerns. But the question remains: will a warrant show up on a background check? The answer isn’t straightforward and depends on several factors including the type of warrant, the comprehensiveness of

Why Is My Background Check Taking So Long? Waiting for employment background checks can feel like being stuck in limbo. You’ve nailed the interview, impressed the hiring manager, and received positive feedback, yet, you’re now in a nerve-wracking waiting period. So, why is your background check taking so long? The good news is that delays

Does a Background Check Show Employment History? In today’s competitive job market, the integrity of employment information has never been more important. A surprising number of job seekers, over 64%, according to recent studies, admit to falsifying details on their resumes, with employment history being the most frequently fabricated aspect. This raises a common question

Why Can’t I Start My Background Check? A Quick Troubleshooting Guide Starting a background check should be straightforward, but various factors can delay the process. A pre-employment background check is a crucial step in the hiring process, assessing failed drug tests, criminal convictions, and other important details. Whether you’re starting a new job or undergoing

How Long Does a Background Check Take? In today’s competitive job market, background checks have become an essential step in the hiring process. Whether you’re a job candidate eagerly awaiting results or an employer managing your hiring timeline, understanding how long a background check takes can help set realistic expectations and streamline the process. Most

How Can You Find Speeding Tickets in Your Background Check? Wondering How Can You Find Speeding Tickets in Your Background Check? When applying for a job, securing a loan, renting a home, or even signing up for certain insurance policies, you may be asked to undergo a background check. These checks are designed to provide

Do Parking Tickets Show Up on Background Checks? If you’ve ever received a parking ticket, you might wonder if it could impact your job prospects or appear during a background check. Whether you’re applying for employment, renting an apartment, or undergoing any form of screening, it’s natural to be concerned about how minor infractions might

What’s Managed State Compliance on Background Check Meaning The landscape of the background screening industry and compliance has become increasingly complex, with organizations facing a maze of federal, state, and local regulations. Recent data shows that 96% of employers conduct background checks, but 72% struggle with maintaining full compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Managed state compliance

A Small Business Guide to Background Checks When it comes to running a small business, every hire counts. A bad hire can be more than just a minor setback 74% of employers admit to having hired the wrong person for a position. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it can cost your business up

What Do Background Checks Reveal About Pending Charges In the complex world of employment screening, pending charges represent a critical consideration for both employers and candidates. A pending charge indicates an active criminal case that hasn’t reached final disposition. These can range from recent arrests awaiting prosecutor review to cases moving through the court system.

How Long do Employee Background Checks Take​ Understanding background check timelines is crucial for employers and job candidates in today’s fast-paced hiring environment. While standard background checks typically take 2-5 business days, various factors can influence this timeline. Recent technological advances have streamlined many verification processes, but some checks require manual intervention. Let’s get into

Do Traffic Violations Show Up on Criminal Background Check? Many job seekers wonder, ‘Do Traffic Violations Show Up on Criminal Background Check?’ The answer depends on the nature of the violation. Whether that speeding ticket from last summer or a red light violation will impact your career prospects isn’t always clear. Let’s get The reality

Do Speeding Tickets Show Up On Background Checks? Introduction: Do Speeding Tickets Show Up On Background Checks Background checks are a critical part of the hiring process, especially when applying for a job that involves driving. These checks are used by employers to check whether candidates comply to safety and compliance standards. But what happens

Can background checks save your corporate brand   An company’s standing matters more than anything – it’s attached to how others view your business, buying choices, income, and the sky is the limit from there. Furthermore, in the present computerized period, general society can immediately know your standing with only a fast Google search. If organizations have

When employers talk about running a “background check,” they’re actually referring to what federal law defines as a “consumer report”—a term that often causes confusion, as many mistakenly believe it only pertains to credit information. In reality, consumer reports can include a wide range of data relevant to employment decisions. In today’s competitive job market,

How Background Check helps in hiring strong tech candidates How Background Check helps in hiring strong tech candidates   Technology companies are much of the time spread across urban communities, states, and landmasses. From a lawful and consistent outlook – employing, enrolling, and screening representative’s turns out to be more multifaceted across districts and worldwide

How background screening automation can help BPO   How background screening automation can help BPO   Background checks are a valuable device for assisting new businesses and laid out organizations with diving more deeply into their representatives, including the particular abilities they offer that would be useful, their work narratives and their singular unconventionalities and ways

Why Background Checks for Volunteers Are Necessary   A large number of workers across America have a constructive outcome by giving their time and ability to causes that are near their souls. These associations wouldn’t be imaginable without their caring commitment, yet in light of the fact that an individual says they need to help

Background Check for Hotel Business   The hospitality industry is wide and remembers organizations for the travel industry, travel, diversion, housing, and food and drinks. On the off chance that you are answerable for recruiting representatives inside the friendliness business, finding the right specialists for your open positions is basic for the progress of your

How Employment Background Checks Save Money   Background checks are a need in the cutting edge business world as they guard your business from risk. Organizations that utilization Background checks have demonstrated that they can guarantee fresh recruits are not a gamble to the association and, all the more critically, to their way of life and workers.

How Long is a Background Check Valid   In the event that you really want to keep a protected and useful workplace, your representatives should be reliable. Background checks can be a powerful approach to guaranteeing this. Foundation screening gives priceless knowledge into who your candidates are and what their past work experience has been.

The pros and cons of a fast background check   The importance of background check :- The time it takes to finish a record verification is essential to your association, since it influences your capacity to keep the recruiting system moving and get fresh recruits on board quickly. As a matter of fact, the sooner

Best Practices of Employer Background Checks The pre-work individual verification is one of the most mind-blowing ways of abstaining from awful employing. Through a pre-work individual verification, organizations can undoubtedly uncover the secret detail or the data that the competitor is attempting to secure. Managers bear a competitor’s historical verification to affirm the data gave

How to Choose Background Check Service for Small Business? Businesses large or small need to settle on savvy recruiting choices. Whether you’re hoping to utilize a clerical specialist, enlist a babysitter, or vet a potential inhabitant, running a personal investigation can provide you with some additional genuine serenity and possibly assist with safeguarding you legitimately.

How Social Media Screening Can Help for choose Best employee What Is Social Media Screening? Social Media Screening is one device behind the scenes screening tool kit that can give current and potential businesses a glance at competitors past their list of references. Virtual entertainment screening can assist you with deciding whether an up-and-comer is

What is Employment screening services? Employment screening or the method involved with playing out a historical verification comprises of exploring and solidifying an assortment of business, instructive, criminal, monetary, and different records about an individual or association to assess that person for work purposes. Background screening alludes to the most common way of examining the

What is included in a Background Check What do a background check show? Since record verifications can uncover exceptionally delicate data, the two bosses and occupation up-and-comers ought to comprehend what is remembered for each sort of personal investigation and how that data can lawfully be utilized. We answer the most often posed inquiries about

Social media screening background check What are social media background checks? As a business, you sure understand what a personal investigation is. A personal investigation decides whether a competitor has a spotless history of any unlawful demonstrations or criminal records or not. Customarily, an individual verification is done by reaching the worker references or through

Employment history background checking benefits Hiring another worker is a major venture for an organization. The expectation is they’ll accompany the association for quite a while and constantly convey extraordinary work that emphatically influences the business. The most ideal situation is you rapidly understand your error and the individual continues on before they can cause

Criminal records monitoring background check Our Criminal Background Check Process As employers look to go with informed employing choices to guarantee wellbeing in their working environments and for their clients, there keeps on being an emphasis on foundation screening. Representative foundation screening is fundamental to recognize possible dangers during the recruiting system. In any case,

Get Your Instant Background Check in USA Welcome to Sapphire Background Check. We are the Internet’s head asset and information base for everything connected with Public Records, both on the web and off. Regular, our Researchers add new assets to assist you with finding the data you’re searching for. Our objective is straightforward – to

Advanced background check services in USA Advanced background reports are intended to explore a person in full. This diminishes the turnover organizations face with workers because of under-qualified recruits or in any event, when up-and-comers distort their resume. A standard foundation report will uncover a singular’s criminal history as well as their work history, common

What background check do most employers use? Nowadays, companies put their 100% focus on compliance. And this is why the requirement for background checks has grown exponentially. Now coming to the question, what background check do most employers use. The answer will actually vary. There are three different levels to choose from. Some employers may want to

What is Level 3 background check? When it comes to background checks, many people don’t know that there are three levels of background checks. Depending on the requirement of the background check, the employer can choose the level. The most important thing for any company is to hire the right candidate who will be the

Affordable Background Check Service- How to Find One? Background check services are available in every nook and corner of the country. However, not every background check service is reliable. Since there are so many out there, those who are the best charge you exorbitantly that goes over the budget, and those who charge you very

Whenever you think of hiring a company for background check services, the first and themost important thing that you should ask yourself is how to get online background checkservices in USA? With the ocean full of background check companies available online, itcan indeed become quite challenging to find the right one. If you are wondering

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued two final rules Nov. 7 thatexempt certain entities from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) contraceptivemandate if theiropposition is based on religious or moral grounds. The rules are likely to be challenged incourt,as have been previous HHS rules on this topic.The ACA requires that group health

Not always does an employee have to win in court to cause troubles for an employer. Thevery fact that someone was taken to court can cause insurance rates to go up, to loweremployment agency ratings, and to show up a huge array of radars manned by sharkswhose sole task in this universe is to annoy

After the Masterpiece cake shop victory in the Supreme Court, things looked prettystraightforward. We had a clear cut case of demonstrable bias, which was more thansufficient to find that the Colorado civil rights commission had no business judging thisparticular case. This means that when a government agency can be shown not to be animpartial adjudicator,

Study after study confirms that an alarming number of applicants are blatantly lying ontheir resumes, and a new study reveals many of these folks are likely to get away with it.That’s because 48% of HR professionals admit to not always checking an employee’squalifications, according to a recent study by Adzuna, a job ad search engine

Get Criminal Background Check online in New York Almost every industry requires a background check; however, there is one industry wherecriminal background check becomes mandatory, which is the medical industry. The reasonwhy criminal background check becomes so critical for the healthcare industry is thatthese working professionals stay close to every patient. Many of them will

There’s always going to be some conflict in the workplace, but the real trouble can happenwhen employees take their anger a step further. A new study by insuranceQuotes, which surveyed over 1,000 U.S. workers, found that 44%of employees admitted to exacting revenge on a co-worker. These acts of revenge range from small to severe, and

So, you’ve discovered that you ought to do a background investigation, yet beginning canbe an overwhelming cycle. An Internet look for the best background investigationcompany in New York can turn up potential suppliers’ heaps – also choices for you todirect a pursuit yourself utilizing on the web apparatuses. Why not do what needs to be

Earlier this week, a 20-state coalition of attorneys general (AGs) filed a lawsuit against thefederal government — specifically the IRS and HHS — over the Affordable Care Act (ACA).The claim: The ACA is no longer constitutional after the repeal of tax that enforced therequirement that people purchase health insurance policies or pay a fine —