Phishing is a type of cyberfraud that utilizes deceptive emails or other electronic communication to manipulate recipients into sharing sensitive information, clicking on malicious links or opening harmful attachments. Many significant cyberattacks have included a phishing component. [Read more…]
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Review the following article for more information on distracted driving and ways you can help prevent it. [Read more…]
Rising Property Replacement Costs
Commercial property losses and insurance premiums have significantly increased over the past two years due to environmental and economic factors. Undervaluation of the replacement costs for a damaged building or equipment can also be linked to commercial property insurers experiencing high loss costs. To compensate, insurers continue to increase premiums, with rates rising 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. [Read more…]
Spring Safe Driving Tips
As flowers bloom, drivers often think the worst of their driving worries have melted away, but spring driving comes with its own unique set of risks. Heavy spring showers, potholes, increased wildlife activity and pedestrian traffic are just a few of the risks spring drivers need to watch out for. Knowing the following tips for safe spring driving can help prevent accidents. [Read more…]
Is It Time to Replace Your Tires?
Your car’s tire performance is a key indicator of its efficiency. Tires eventually lose traction and braking ability, and should be replaced when necessary. When your tires are in tip-top shape, they can help you stay safe behind the wheel. Keep reading for more guidance on taking proper care of your tires. [Read more…]
The OSHA Vaccine Mandate Was Blocked— What Now?
Near the end of 2021, workplaces were poised to implement COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements in their organizations. The requirements were drafted by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and would apply to certain organizations across the country. In January 2022, the OSHA rule was halted by the Supreme Court of the United States. In effect, this means workplaces are no longer required to implement COVID-19 testing or vaccination mandates. However, that doesn’t mean this is the last time you’ll hear about COVID-19 workplace policies. Health experts agree that implementing COVID-19 precautions in the workplace is critical for limiting infections. Therefore, employees shouldn’t be surprised if their employer adopts or expands COVID-19 prevention measures even after the OSHA rule has been halted. Employers may still choose to take steps to reduce potential COVID-19 exposures within their organizations through mask-wearing protocols, regular testing, vaccination requirements or other measures. [Read more…]
Commercial Automobile Policy Symbols: What Do They Mean?
Taking the time to understand the language and symbols on your commercial automobile insurance policy may seem like trying to learn a new language, but it is important to fully understand your policy so you know how you’re protected. Here are a few general guidelines that are helpful when deciphering your policy:
- Each symbol represents the type of vehicle protected by the applicable liability or physical damage limit.
- The symbol may apply to the type of vehicle covered or the vehicle’s ownership status.
- The various terms within your policy have specific definitions that you should become familiar with.
- The symbols are different on coverage for liability as compared to physical damage coverage.
Why Do I Need Personal Cyber Coverage?
Today’s society has grown increasingly digital in nature, with many individuals leveraging smart devices within their daily lives. Although this technology can offer various benefits, it can also make individuals more susceptible to cybercrime. Such incidents have steadily become more common and costly. In fact, the FBI reported receiving more than 800,000 complaints regarding cybercrimes in the past year, totaling $4.2 billion in overall expenses.
These findings emphasize how critical it is for individuals to safeguard themselves and their families from cyber events. That’s where personal cyber insurance can help. Typically offered as an endorsement to a homeowners policy, this form of coverage can provide financial protection for losses resulting from a range of cyber incidents—including fraud, identity theft and data breaches. Keep reading to learn more about the growing need for this coverage and the key types of personal cyber insurance available. [Read more…]
Is Cheaper Insurance Better?
So many people make the mistake of only looking at numbers when choosing insurance. We understand you don’t want to break the bank, but you also need to protect the money in the bank. Many dealers are seeing an increase in their garage liability premiums and want to search for a cheaper option. But cheaper insurance premiums may cost you more money in the long run.
A Cheaper Insurance Policy Could Cost You More
Recently we reviewed a dealer’s insurance policy from the previous year… his premium was less than $1,000! Wow, this guy hit the jackpot, right?! Wrong. His policy coverages were very limited. If he had been hit by someone who didn’t have insurance at the time of the auto accident, he would have no coverage for his damaged automobile or his medical bills. Why is that? His policy did not contain uninsured motorist coverage (required by law) or physical damage coverage. He could’ve purchased this coverage for only a couple hundred dollars more but this accident could cost him tens of thousands of dollars. What effect could this have on his business? Is the insurance premium savings worth not having the insurance coverage that could’ve saved him a lot of money in car repairs and hospital bills? Are you willing to take that risk for you or a loved one driving your auto?
5 Rules Every Landlord Should Live By
I’m pretty confident that if you asked anyone who has ever owned a rental property you would get an overwhelming response that it’s not as lucrative or easy as they thought it would be. In fact, owning a rental property can be a major pain, and end up costing you a ton of money!
I certainly don’t mean to be a “Debbie Downer”, and I know that if it’s done right it can be lucrative, but from an insurance agent’s perspective, I don’t see a lot of people doing it right.
So you’re probably thinking, “Well Chris, you are an insurance agent. What do you know about real estate or rental properties? Why should I take advice from you?”
I’m not a real estate agent, and I don’t own a rental property. However, several of my friends/family/clients/co-workers own rentals, and because I insure a bunch of their properties, I’ve had a first hand account of the process, and I’ve learned what to do, and what not to do.