Archives: 2019

Understanding Kidnap & Ransom Insurance

Kidnapping for ransom is a lucrative business for perpetrators and more prevalent than you may think. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that kidnapping for ransom is on the increase.

Prime targets are wealthy businesspeople and their families, professionals traveling abroad, journalists, and aid workers. Most kidnappings of Americans for ransom or extortion occur in Mexico, Columbia, Central or South American countries, parts of Africa, or the Middle East. As a result, kidnap and ransom insurance is becoming an increasingly popular product.

Who Needs Kidnap & Ransom Insurance?

Kidnap and ransom insurance is available as part of a comprehensive business insurance package, as a stand-alone policy for individuals, and as part of homeowners insurance policies issued by a few insurance companies. Corporate kidnap and ransom insurance is designed to help companies and organizations minimize the financial impact of kidnapping, extortion, and illegal detention. Organizations that may need this type of coverage include:

• Public companies
• Private companies
• Financial institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
• Missionary or human rights groups
• Schools and universities, particularly those with daycare facilities and study abroad programs
• Healthcare facilities
• Entertainment companies

Individuals traveling or doing business in an area of the world that is known as a hotspot for civil unrest, economic instability, or clashes between law enforcement or the military and citizens should consider kidnap and ransom insurance. This coverage is also recommended for individuals with a high profile or a high net worth.

Reasons To Consider Corporate Kidnap & Ransom Insurance

• Thousands of kidnappings occur worldwide every year.
• Expenses associated with kidnapping and extortion or illegal detention can significantly impact your organization.
• Even companies that do not have a global footprint and nonprofit organizations are at risk.
• Purchasing this coverage helps mitigate risk to your company’s most valuable asset – your employees.
• Preparation and preventative measures are part of the cost of doing business, and they provide peace of mind for your employees while also protecting your company’s financial stability.

What Types Of Coverage Does Kidnap & Ransom Insurance Provide?

Kidnap and ransom policies cover some of the expenses associated with dealing with kidnappers and their demands. Corporate policies typically cover hostage negotiation fees, lost wages, and the amount of the ransom. Individual kidnap and ransom policies help cover the cost of dealing with a kidnapping, but will not reimburse you for ransom payments. They generally cover the cost of emergency evacuation from remote or dangerous areas.

This type of policy will help pay for trained hostage negotiators. These professionals know how to secure proof of life, when to call the police and when not to (where corruption exists), how to negotiate with kidnappers and terrorists, and how to ensure the return of the captive goes smoothly.

At least one insurance company offers kidnap and ransom insurance that covers:

• Injury, death, and funeral expenses resulting from a kidnapping incident
• Public relations services for high-profile kidnap cases
• Psychiatric treatment for victims
• Medical and legal advice
• Reward payments
• Unlimited expenses for a crisis response team certified by Homeland Security

Whether you are a business owner or an individual planning to travel abroad, our friendly agent can help you find the best quote on the right kidnap and ransom insurance to suit your needs.

Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage To My Yard?

Each homeowners insurance policy is different. Our knowledgeable representative is ready to discuss your current coverage with you and help make sense of what you have. Generally, homeowners insurance covers a broad range of potential damages that includes the dwelling itself and other structures on the property, such as a fence, shed, or driveway. The following can give you an idea of what is – and is not – usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage For Damage To Structures On The Property

Your homeowners policy may help cover damage to structures on your property caused by a covered peril, such as a fallen tree or a storm. It may also cover structures external to the dwelling, including your:

• Fence
• Shed
• Detached garage

Wind damage to a fence or other insured structure is typically covered by homeowners insurance. If a healthy tree on your property falls and damages a structure, your homeowners insurance will likely pay to repair or replace the structure and remove tree debris. If a neighbor’s tree falls and causes damage on your property, you may still file a claim on your homeowners insurance policy. However, your insurance company may try to recover the costs from your neighbor’s insurance if there is evidence that the tree was weakened by disease or lack of basic maintenance.

Coverage For Landscaping Under Homeowners Insurance

Most standard homeowners policies will pay to replace trees, plants, and shrubs that are damaged by covered perils. These perils typically include:

• Fire
• Explosions
• Lightning
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Damage caused by someone else’s vehicle

However, certain common risks to landscaping are not generally covered by homeowner’s insurance. Perils that are typically not covered include damage from weather, such as wind, hail, and the weight of snow and ice, as well as damage from insects, pests, and diseases. Some insurance companies offer optional coverage to provide additional protection for landscaping.

When Structures Are Covered, But Not Landscaping Is Not

If a tree on your property blows over in a strong wind and damages a structure such as a fence or shed, homeowners insurance would not typically pay to replace the tree, although it may pay to repair the damaged structure. If a tree falls on your property and damages a structure, your homeowners policy will likely cover the cost of removing the tree. However, if a tree falls and no structure is damaged, your homeowners insurance will not cover the cost of having the tree removed.

How Negligence Factors Into Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Please note that if your own negligence led to structural damage on your property, your insurance is not likely to cover it. For example, if a tree on your property has started to rot and you fail to have it removed, your homeowners insurance will not cover the resulting damage if the tree falls and damages your house or another structure on your property. On the other hand, if a rotting tree in your neighbor’s yard falls and damages your home or structures in your yard, your insurance may help cover the damage.

Grinch Protection

Happy New Year! It’s Time to Review Your Insurance Coverage As the new year approaches, many people review their lives and make new goals for the future, to maybe eat better or exercise more, for example. This turning of the calendar page is also a good time to review your insurance coverage. An annual review allows you to update information and policies to ensure you are appropriately protected in the coming year. To complete this process, take the following key steps. Take inventory: Create a home inventory (or update your current one). Be sure to add any major gifts you receive this holiday season and remove anything you have donated, sold, or thrown away in 2019. In your inventory, include a description and the cost of items. Scan or photograph receipts to save with your list. Store everything online and/or off-site so you can access it in case of disaster. Assess automotive needs: Consider the age and value of your vehicles. Is your coverage still appropriate? Have the primary drivers on any vehicles changed this year, or will they soon? Make sure deductibles, limits, and primary driver designations all make sense for your current needs. Look for changes: Have you experienced any changes in the past year that might affect your insurance coverage? Renovations, births, purchases, and commute changes can all affect your insurance considerations. Check for savings: Don’t miss out on any savings opportunities. Check for multiple policy discounts, changes in requirements, or new programs that may cut your insurance costs. Contact our office for a quick review of your policies. I can help you evaluate your insurance needs to make sure you have the right coverage as you head into the new year.

The Year in Review: A Look at the Top Headlines of 2019 It’s nearly the start of a new year and a new decade. As 2019 comes to an end, here’s a look at some of the most newsworthy stories of the year. Diabetes research makes huge strides: Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco announced in February that they had successfully turned human cells into insulin-producing cells. The news brought hope that a cure for type 1 diabetes could be within reach. Fire at the Notre Dame: The famous Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral went up in flames on April 15. More than 400 firefighters battled the blaze, which severely damaged the structure’s spire, roof, and upper walls. Prince Harry’s heir arrives: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6. Baby Archie is currently seventh in line for the British throne. Women astronauts make history: On October 18, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch entered the history books when they made the first-ever all-women spacewalk. The pair visited the International Space Station to replace a faulty battery charger. Plant-based food goes mainstream: Beyond Burger became a household name this year when its surprisingly beef-like patties began widespread distribution in North America and beyond. The burgers and other meatless alternatives by maker Beyond Meat brought plant-based alternatives onto the public menu. Is Virtual Reality Really Helping People Manage Pain? Some top-ranked hospitals have turned to virtual reality as a way of managing pain. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, is testing the use of virtual reality (VR) to manage the pain associated with sickle cell disease, which has been described as an intense throbbing, aching, hammering sensation. Beyond sickle cell disease, VR has been used successfully to alleviate acute pain from wounds, childbirth, burns, dental procedures, and some surgeries. It has been used in various ways on patients from age 3 to age 96. VR immerses viewers in a multisensory, three-dimensional environment that effectively distracts them from the discomfort they are experiencing. In essence, VR engages pathways in the brain that would otherwise be occupied by the sensation of pain. While researchers are still testing the technology and collecting data, Modern Healthcare reports that self-reported pain scores have been reduced by as much as 50 percent in applications at more than 200 providers spanning eight countries. And VR developers are working on developing virtual reality interventions for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health conditions that often accompany pain. As VR technology becomes more affordable, a growing number of health care providers may use it to ease physical suffering. Besides pain management, potential benefits of using virtual reality include a reduced need for other painkillers such as opioids, reduced lengths of hospital stays, improved post-operative recoveries, and cost savings. In fact, some patients who have used VR to learn breathing and mindfulness techniques have gone off pain medications entirely. With so much potential, this treatment option may have significant positive implications for the future of health care. Grinch Protection: Wrap Up Your Home for the Holidays Not every grinch becomes good and returns the stolen treasures. Outside of a Dr. Seuss tale, thieves will gladly carry away your holiday goodies in their sleigh and never look back. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from the season’s sticky-fingered grinches. Use the following tips to keep your home safe and secure for the holidays. Make things merry and bright: Lights can do more than decorate this season. Dark, vacant homes can be particularly tempting for thieves, especially during high-travel seasons like the holidays. Use proper lighting to deter thieves. Set timers for lights or install motion-sensing options. Join Santa in his list-making: St. Nicholas isn’t the only one who should check his list twice this season. Have you created a home inventory of your personal property? Be sure this list includes any recent gift purchases. This inventory will be helpful if you need to file a claim after a burglary. Don’t spoil the surprise: The kids aren’t the only ones anxious to see what appears under the tree. Wait until Christmas Eve to put out the presents. This prevents putting them on display for potential grinches. Keep trips under wraps: If you’ll be away from home this season, don’t advertise your trip to the world. Announcing on social media that your house will be empty can draw the attention of the wrong kind of elf. Check more than the chimney: While Santa may prefer a fireplace entry, thieves are more likely to look for easy-access windows and doors. Avoid leaving patio doors unlocked or propping open apartment-building doors. Keep doors and windows locked and check hardware regularly to verify it is secure. Enjoy holiday peace: Even with the best precautions, a theft may still occur. But you can have peace of mind by investing in appropriate coverage for your home and possessions. Contact my office to discuss policies that can help you recover your cheer if mean old Mr. Grinch tries to steal it.

Top 10 Insurance Claims for Businesses

Top 10 Insurance Claims for Small Businesses Small-business owners hope they never have to file a claim, but research by financial services giant The Hartford reveals that 40 percent of small businesses file a claim within a ten-year period. Where is your business most at risk? What insurance coverage should you invest in to protect your company? The Hartford analyzed claims data and discovered the following top ten most common claims for small businesses. You can consider these incidents as the most likely threats to your business and plan accordingly. 1. Burglary and theft: One in five small businesses filed this claim. Keep in mind that the incidents of theft may involve outsiders or dishonest employees. 2. Water damage: Fifteen percent of small businesses suffered damage from water or freezing and filed claims for these incidents. These claims include damage to roofs from snow and ice as well as any damage caused by frozen plumbing. 3. Wind and hail: Fifteen percent claimed wind and hail damage. These inclement weather conditions can cause damage to many aspects of a business, including vehicles, buildings, and outdoor equipment. 4. Fire: One in ten small businesses made a fire claim. Fires can cause minimal damage, or they can completely destroy a property. It’s important that business owners not underestimate the potential fire has to cripple operations. Without adequate coverage, a small business might not recover from this type of disaster. 5. Slip and falls: Ten percent of small businesses experienced a customer slip and fall that resulted in a claim. Some companies are more susceptible to this risk than others. Consider how often members of the public visit your site to determine the amount of coverage you need for these incidents. 6. Customer injury/damage: Less than five percent experienced a claim for customer injury and damage. These are covered incidents that didn’t involve a slip and fall. These claims include damage to property or personal injuries such as those that occur if a product falls and hits a customer. 7. Product liability: Less than five percent made a product liability claim. The nature of a company’s business, what they produce, and any warranties provided are important factors that determine the level of product liability for any particular business. 8. Struck by an object: Examples of these claims include falling tools, moving vehicles, and mobile equipment. Less than five percent of small businesses made these claims. 9. Reputational harm: These claims include suits of libel and slander. If a party alleges that the company damaged their reputation, they may file a suit, which results in this type of insurance claim to cover the case. Less than five percent of small businesses made this type of claim. 10. Vehicular accident: Less than five percent made these claims. Often, good safety practices and appropriate driver safety training can help prevent auto accidents and allow companies to avoid this type of claim. Every small business is exposed to some type of risk. Some are open to more liabilities than others. To ensure that your company has appropriate protection, contact my office. We can review your operations and determine which policies make sense for your business. Together, we can put coverage in place that gives your company the security it needs for continued growth and success.

HOT BIZ TRENDS 3D Printing Adds New Dimension to Business 3D printing has become a common resource for small and midsize businesses. The technology offers the benefits of simplicity, efficiency, and affordability, and allows a manufacturer to quickly iterate designs and create new products. 3D printing supports a build-on-demand business model that enables instant on-site creation of prototype designs and customized merchandise as well as effective inventory management. The technology can be used to create practically any design or shape, and SMEs are leveraging 3D printing technology for various purposes. Common applications include making sample items for trade shows and promotional events, creating unique promotional materials such as 3D business cards, and test marketing new designs, features, and concepts. Additionally, with the wide variety of materials used in 3D printing, including metals such as gold and silver as well as composite filaments, bio-inks that contain living cells, and pureed food paste, businesses can create innovative and aesthetically pleasing products that push the boundaries of craft, culture, art, technology, and even gastronomy. 3D printing is a quick and easy way to build prototypes, customized products, and marketing materials, and it can also be an additional revenue stream for a business. Many small businesses have found value in offering 3D printing services to other local businesses. Coworking facilities, print shops, and small fabrication shops are now adding 3D printing to their menu of services offered on-demand. Professional 3D printers such as Sculpteo, Shapeways, and Voodoo are emerging to meet the demands of this fast-growing industry, which appears to be shaping the future of business models worldwide. WORK-LIFE BALANCE 5 Ways to Combat Workplace Burnout Burnout is a symptom of chronic stress, and most people assume it’s a result of overwork. But burnout has a heavy emotional component and is usually a combination of physical and psychological fatigue. If you’re feeling burned out, here are some ways to deal with it. Find a physical release. Trips to the gym, laps at the pool, power walks around the block, or evening romps with the dog can help release stress, frustration, and anxiety. Join a recreational group or take up a hobby. A hobby or activity can help refocus your mind on something other than your stress. Plus, it’s an opportunity to make new friends and possibly gain a fresh perspective on what matters in your life. Make sleep a priority. As Shakespeare put it so eloquently, “Sleep knits up the raveled sleeve of care.” A good night’s sleep is rest for mind and body, and often things really do look different in the morning. Don’t over-indulge. When we get stressed, we may resort to binging on comfort foods or alcohol. Self-medicating in this way can, in fact, add to the stress you’re already experiencing. Practice meditation or mindfulness techniques. Meditation is said to be a vitamin for your brain. It has been proven to lessen anxiety, worry, and depression and enhance self-esteem and self-acceptance. Meditation can actually increase cognitive skills and creativity so you don’t just feel better, but you may actually perform better at your job and other tasks you undertake. INSURANCE 4 Things to Consider Before Buying Business Insurance Proper insurance coverage gives your business security and will keep your operations running after a disaster or other unforeseen event. As you set up this coverage, it’s important to keep several key things in mind. Your risk: Do you know what the risks are for your type of business? Review your operations and consider which types of policies you need to have in place. Do you use commercial vehicles, have employees, or operate a brick-and-mortar business? Each of these facets of business requires different types of coverage. Your cost: Keep in mind that obtaining the minimum coverage available isn’t always the best choice. The amount you might save in premiums won’t be worth it if the lower coverage leaves your business exposed after a major event. Your terms: Policies vary greatly. It’s important to know the details of any coverage you obtain. Review what terms are available and choose the options that work best for your business. Your requirements: Be sure to check into any regulations that guide the insurance requirements for your industry. If the law states that you need liability insurance, then this should be part of your insurance package. If you need special insurance due to hazardous materials or other working conditions, be sure to include this coverage. Not sure what your legal obligations are? Contact us for a consultation. We can review your risks, cost, terms, and requirements and help you establish the best coverage for your unique business needs.

Liquor Liability Insurance Vs. Brewery, Vineyard, and Distillery Insurance

Both the popularity and number of craft breweries, vineyards, wineries, and distilleries are on the rise in the U.S. However, these types of businesses can have complicated insurance needs. Any establishment that has a tasting room or serves alcohol needs liquor liability insurance, but that is only the beginning of the coverage you may need. Our knowledgeable agent can help ensure you have the right insurance at the best available rates.

What Does Liquor Liability Insurance Cover?

Liquor liability insurance can be tailored to suit your business needs. Standard coverage under this type of policy includes:

• Third-party bodily injury: If someone becomes intoxicated at your business and injures another person, this coverage can help pay for immediate medical expenses or legal expenses in the event the injured person sues your business.
• Third-party property damage: Liquor liability insurance can cover the cost of replacing or repairing property damaged by an individual who became intoxicated at your establishment.
• Legal costs: If a lawsuit is filed against your business as a result of an incident involving an intoxicated patron, your liquor liability insurance can help cover attorneys fees, court costs, and settlements.

Insurance Protection For Breweries, Vineyards, & Distilleries

If you are the owner of a brewery, vineyard, or distillery, your exposure to risk can be wide ranging. Your brewery insurance, vineyard insurance, or distillery insurance package can be custom-tailored to suit your business needs, and may include any or all of the following types of coverage:

• Business income
• Contract cancellation
• Key employee replacement
• Processing water
• Food contamination
• Product recall
• Tank collapse or leakage
• Liquor liability

Your commercial property insurance can be designed to provide increased or expanded coverage, which may include:

• A restaurant property endorsement (for operations that include a restaurant)
• Product contamination or adulteration endorsement (protects you against accidental contamination of your beverage product while it is being processed)
• Equipment breakdown coverage (extends your property insurance to cover loss to real and business personal property caused by a sudden breakdown of machinery or equipment used in your business)
• Protection against loss from crime (including employee theft, computer fraud, funds transfer fraud, forgery and alteration, theft of money and securities, and losses from accepting money orders and counterfeit money in good faith)
• Liquor tax bonds, state and federal (enables you to meet requirements to ensure payment of taxes due to governmental entities as an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages)

Winery & Vineyard Insurance

Vineyard and winery owners face unique risks, including property exposure to extreme weather, wine spoilage and leakage, chemical drifts, and liability claims. If your business is a vineyard, you will need a standard business insurance package that includes:

• Commercial property insurance that covers your buildings, structures, barrels, equipment, tools, and wine products.
• Liability insurance that includes basic and comprehensive liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, personal injury and advertising injury, product liability, fire legal liability, liquor liability, personal liability (for sole proprietors), and chemical drift liability.

A variety of optional coverages are also available to vineyard owners. These options include coverage for:

• Wine stored off premises or stored for others
• Special events
• Business income and extra expense
• Equipment breakdown
• Fine arts
• Computer/electronic data processing equipment

Do I Need To Insure My Boat During The Winter When I’m Not Using It?

If you own a boat, you are not alone if you are wondering why you need boat insurance year round when you are only using your boat in the warmer months. In fact, some boat owners cancel their boat insurance after every boating season to save on premiums. However, this can actually be more costly in the long run. The following are some good reasons to carry boat insurance all year long.

You May Be Required By Your Lender To Carry Boat Insurance

Boats are expensive to buy. If you financed your boat, as opposed to paying cash, it is probably a requirement of your lender that you carry boat insurance year round. Lenders need their investment protected, even in the off season. If you dock your boat, the marina may also require that the boat be insured.

Coverage For Your Boat Under Your Homeowners Insurance Is Limited

Your homeowners insurance policy will only cover damage to your boat that occurs while the boat is on your property. Also, the amount of coverage provided under a homeowners policy is substantially less than boat insurance provides. The typical boat insurance policy covers:

• Collision damage: Repair or replacement of your boat if a collision occurs.
• Bodily injury liability: Protects you from liability for injuring another person in a boating accident.
• Property damage liability: Protects you from liability for damage to the boat, dock, or other related structures or property of another.
• Comprehensive: Covers you against theft, vandalism, or damage to your boat caused in an incident other than a collision.

There Is No Off Season For Natural Disasters

Your boat is still vulnerable to damage while it is in storage. Depending on where you live, there may be a risk of damage from fire, flooding, or hurricanes. In the event of a natural disaster, having boat insurance could save you many thousands of dollars.

Fire, Theft, & Vandalism Can Happen All Year Round

A boat is a major investment. You would be wise to protect it from potential risks, even when it is not in the water. Your boat insurance policy should provide protection against fire, theft, and vandalism, at a minimum. These events are even more likely to occur during the winter when boatyards may be unattended.

Carrying Boat Insurance Year Round Is More Cost Effective In The Long Run

Canceling your boat insurance for the winter months and starting it up again in the spring may actually increase your costs overall. Most insurance providers will reward policyholders for each claim-free year with a reduced deductible and give loyalty discounts for maintaining coverage and renewing policies annually. If you cancel your boat insurance policy at the end of every boating season, and you ever need to make a claim, you will have to pay the full deductible. You will also miss out on any loyalty discounts you might earn by continuing your coverage.

Speak With An Experienced Agent About Boat Insurance

No one wants to pay more for insurance than they have to, but not carrying boat insurance year round can cost you money in the long run. Our knowledgeable agent can help you find the most cost-effective approach to boat insurance and help ensure you have the coverage you need.

Terrible, No Good Holiday Disasters to Avoid

Terrible, No Good Holiday Disasters to Avoid It’s a time for celebration and remembrance; a time to be surrounded by loved ones, eat well, and rejoice. But holidays are also frequently the days when disasters strike. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that Thanksgiving is a peak day for home cooking fires, and US fire departments respond to over 800 home fires per year that are started by holiday decorations. On top of these dangers, insurance companies report that burglary rates jump by 6 percent during the holidays. To protect yourself, your family, and your home this holiday season, make sure you have the proper insurance policies in place to recover from these common disasters. Following are two of the top holiday incidents that homeowners insurance will cover. Burning More than Dinner Whether it was chestnuts roasting on an open fire or a stove-top disaster in the kitchen, your holiday fire is covered. NFPA reports that $12 million in property damage is caused by Christmas tree fires each year, and another $11 million in damage is caused by other holiday decorations. Insurance companies report the median cost for fireplace-related fires is over $10,000. If you suffer from a household fire, it’s crucial to have insurance to pay for repairs. Typical homeowners insurance coverage will pay for interior damage as well as trees, plants, and shrubs in your yard damaged by fire. A Visit from the Grinch If someone helps themselves to what’s under the tree or stashed in the closet, your homeowners policy will cover the theft. Most policies provide coverage totaling up to 50 or 70 percent of the home coverage. If you purchase a luxury item, keep in mind that there might be limits to your policy, so consult with your insurance agent to see if you need supplemental coverage. I’m happy to review your policy with you and help you make any adjustments needed to ensure you and your family are fully protected this holiday season.

How to Shop Smart This Season with These 6 “Tiny” Shopping Habits Whether you enjoy the adrenaline rush of last-minute holiday shopping or you like to get it done long before the season arrives, this year offers buyers more choices than ever. Try these six smart shopping habits to get the most out of your shopping. 1) Let technology keep you on track so you aren’t stressing and overspending: For iOS users, relying on an app like GiftPlanner lets you set and balance your budget for each gift. It also helps you bookmark items that you’re browsing online. Plus, you can even use it to remind you if you’ve wrapped the gift or not, by taking a photo and storing the info in the app. Android users can turn to an app like Gift List Diary. You can set a budget for each person on your list. It also allows you to mark when you have purchased a gift and when you have wrapped it. Not only that, you have the ability to share your list with your contacts. 2) Take advantage of rewards programs when you shop online and in stores:Rakuten can get you cash-back rewards at many different online stores. Another option is Ibotta. When you provide proof of purchase for certain products, you earn cash-back rewards that you can use for holiday purchases. 3) Use coupon-tracking browser extensions to save online: Honey and RetailMeNot Genie (both free) automatically apply coupons that may be applicable to your purchase as you check out. You don’t even have to search for the coupons! 4) If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t want or need any more “stuff,” go the charitable route: Pick a charity or cause that you know they would appreciate and make a charitable donation in their name. 5) Figure out your backup plans ahead of time: After making your list of gift recipients, pick three potential gifts for each person on your buying list. This way you won’t go nuts when the gift you’ve decided on is maybe too expensive or can’t be found. 6) Reduce the temptation: If you know you are susceptible to sales and buying more than you probably should, consider leaving your credit cards at home and just take your debit cards or cash when you go shopping for gifts. Is It Time for a Digital Detox? Travelers Are Going Off-Screen Today, almost 60 percent of the world’s population is online, up from around 40 percent just five years ago, according to InternetWorldStats.com. In developed countries such as the US and Canada, the figure rises to almost 95 percent. But some people are choosing to disconnect from technology and social media and go digital-free while on vacation. A study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia, the University of Greenwich, and Auckland University of Technology investigated the effects of digital-free tourism on travelers’ holiday experiences. Participants in the study agreed to forego access to cell phones, tablets, laptops, the internet, social media, and navigation tools while on vacation. The study, which was published in the Journal of Travel Research, shows that there were initial symptoms of anxiety, frustration, and withdrawal among many of the travelers, but these gradually evolved into feelings of acceptance, enjoyment, and liberation. What’s more, the travelers reported that they engaged more with their travel companions, with other travelers, and with locals during their off-screen travels. Various factors affected how travelers perceived the digital-free travel experience. The researchers noted that the loss of ability to navigate with Google Maps caused anxiety and frustration more in urban destinations than in rural areas. Also, participants traveling with a companion or in a group tended to be more confident about disconnecting than were solo travelers. If you want to have deeper connections while you’re traveling and exploring new places and cultures, consider doing your own digital detox the next time you set off on an adventure. 5 Ways to Make Your Next Insurance Claim Easier Even fender benders and minor home damage can be stressful. From police reports to home repairs, these are hassles no one wants to handle. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the claims portion of this process easier. Use the following tips to make your next claim smooth and simple. Stay organized: Do you know where your insurance policy and insurance ID cards are stashed? Keep your proof of auto insurance in the glove compartment and store homeowners policy information where you can easily access it. Make it a habit to check these at the end of each month to ensure they’re current. Know your policies: Are you familiar with the details of your insurance policies? It’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not, before an incident occurs. Gather information: Claims go more smoothly when you can provide all the necessary information. For auto accidents, get the other driver’s personal information, vehicle information, and insurance information. Keep records of all medical visits and tests for medical claims. Be sure to respond promptly if additional information is requested during your claim, as this will keep the process moving. Provide documentation: Document damage with photo and/or video. Capture these images as soon as possible so you don’t miss this step before repairs are made. Prevent damage: Of course, the best scenario is a claims-free one. To avoid accidents and claims, use best practices for driving and home safety. Still, even with the best precautions, accidents may happen. If you need to file a claim, do so as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately following an incident for assistance with starting your claim.

Cargo Insurance Vs. Wholesalers & Distributors Insurance

Cargo insurance is not the same thing as wholesalers and distributors insurance. If your business is a wholesaler or distributor that ships cargo, you may need both types of insurance. Our experienced agent can review your business policies with you to help ensure you have the coverage you need at the best price for you.

What Is Cargo Insurance?

Cargo insurance provides protection against risks of damage or loss to freight from any external cause during shipping by land, sea, or air. It is an effective way to cover your customers and your business for damage or loss to goods in transit. Cargo insurance also adds value to help you stand out among the competition.

Types Of Coverage Under Cargo Insurance

A cargo insurance policy can provide coverage for transit in water, air, road, rail, registered post parcel, and courier. Coverage under a cargo insurance policy may include:

• All risk coverage: This provides extensive protection against damage or loss caused by external factors, including cargo abandonment, pest infestation, customs rejection, employee dishonesty, and damage due to improper packing.
• General average coverage: This coverage is a basic requirement for marine cargo transit and covers only partial loss to the shipment. Under general average coverage, all other cargo holding owners on the ship are required to pay compensation to the owner of the periled cargo.
• Free from particular average coverage: This clause excludes coverage of partial losses to the cargo or hull except for losses resulting from sinking, burning, collision, or stranding. The shipper is only liable in cases of significant losses to cargo and does not pay for minor losses.
• Warehouse to warehouse coverage: This coverage is applicable when cargo is unloaded from a ship and transported to the customer’s warehouse.

What Is Wholesalers & Distributors Insurance?

Wholesalers and distributors insurance is business insurance for wholesalers and distributors. Most such companies have a business owners policy that protects the business in much the same way as homeowners insurance protects your home and personal possessions. The typical wholesalers and distributors business insurance package includes at least the following three basic coverages.

Commercial Property Insurance

This coverage helps protect the premises where wholesalers and distributors do business, such as a warehouse or distribution center. It also protects equipment, shelving, etc., whether it is owned or leased.

General Liability Insurance

General liability coverage helps protect wholesalers and distributors from lawsuits in which it is alleged that bodily injury or property damage to another occurred as a result of business operations. For example, it would cover your business if an employee caused damage to a customer’s property while delivering a shipment of goods. It may also cover certain claims of libel and slander.

Business Income Coverage

Business income coverage protects your business against loss of income in case normal operations are interrupted due to a physical loss at the covered premises. In this context, business income is considered to be net profit or loss before taxes that would have been earned or incurred by the insured, plus continuing normal operating expenses, including payroll.

What Does My Renters Insurance Cover?

If you are renting a home or apartment, it is important to have renters insurance. Although there is no legal requirement that you carry renters insurance, it may be required by your landlord under the terms of your lease. It helps protect both you and your landlord by ensuring that, if something happens on the premises, either the landlord’s insurance or your renters insurance will cover it.

Your landlord’s insurance will not cover damage to or loss of your personal possessions – only damage to the building. If a visitor to your rented home is injured on the property, that person could file a premises liability claim against you, your landlord, or both. In this case, your landlord’s insurance policy will only provide liability coverage for your landlord.

What Types Of Protection Does Renters Insurance Provide?

Renters insurance can help protect you in three important ways:

• It can help replace your belongings if they are damaged or lost as a result of fire, theft, or vandalism.
• It can cover the cost of repairs or medical bills if you accidentally damage something or someone gets hurt on the property.
• It can cover your hotel and meals if it is not safe to live at home while damage to the property is being repaired.

Coverage For Your Property Under Renters Insurance

In case of a fire, you can file a claim under your renters insurance policy, pay the deductible, and receive compensation for the costs of your loss, up to the policy limits. This includes smoke and fire damage to your belongings in the rented property.

If your rented home is burglarized, your possessions are covered under your renters insurance policy. Typically, this coverage will extend to items stolen from your car while you are traveling. However, this type of policy will not cover damage to your car itself. That would be covered under comprehensive auto insurance.

Liability Coverage Under Renters Insurance

If you are sued or a claim is made against you because of a covered occurrence, your renters insurance can help pay your legal expenses and related damages. For example, if a visitor to your rented home trips and falls on a moveable object that belongs to you and breaks a leg, your renters insurance should provide protection. Most rental insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 in financial protection against covered liability claims for damage to property or bodily injury that:

• Occurred inside your rented home
• Was caused by your personal activities
• Was caused by your children or pets

Medical payments to others coverage in a renters insurance policy generally pays up to $1,000 per person for necessary medical expenses, regardless of legal responsibility, when an accident in your home causes bodily injury to others. It can also provide coverage in other situations, and higher amounts of coverage are available.

Where Can You Get Renters Insurance?

The most common way to buy renters insurance is through an insurance agent. Our friendly agent can help you find the best quote on the right renters insurance policy to suit your needs.

How Business Owners Package (BOP) Insurance Can Save You Money

Business owners package (BOP) insurance gives you several different insurance products rolled into one. Eligibility for this type of package can vary among providers. Purchasing BOP insurance can save your business money, as it is typically sold at a premium less than the total cost of individual coverages.

What Does Business Owners Package Insurance Cover?

BOP insurance can be individually-tailored to suit your business. Our knowledgeable agent can help you design a package that provides the coverage you need at the best available rates. The typical business owners insurance package protects the business owner against peril, property damage, liability, and business interruption.

Business Property Insurance In A BOP

Property insurance coverage included in BOP insurance is generally available as named-peril coverage. This covers damage to your business property caused by specifically listed events in the policy – usually including fire, explosions, smoke damage, vandalism, and wind damage. “All risk” coverage, to protect against any peril, may be available with some BOPs.

Properties covered under business owners package insurance typically include owned or rented buildings, additions, additions in progress, and outdoor fixtures. A BOP usually covers any items owned by your business or items owned by a third party temporarily in the control or custody of the business or business owner. To be covered, the property is usually required to be kept within qualifying proximity to the business premises (for example, within 100 feet).

BOP Business Liability Coverage

BOPs often provide coverage to protect the business and its owners against legal responsibility for damages caused to others. The damage must result from actions taken in the normal course of business operations that may cause bodily injury or property damage to others. This type of damage can occur as a result of defective products, faulty installations, or errors in services that are provided.

Business Interruption Coverage In Business Owners Package Insurance

When business interruption insurance is included in a BOP, the insurance company covers loss of business income caused by a fire or other disaster that disrupts or interrupts normal business operations. This insurance may also cover additional costs incurred with the necessity of operating out of a temporary location after such an event.

Special Coverage In A BOP Insurance Policy

Depending on the individual situation of your business, you may want to include additional coverage in your business owners package insurance policy. Although available limits may be relatively low, options for these add-ons may include:

• Crime insurance
• Flood insurance
• Vehicle coverage
• Spoilage of merchandise coverage
• Computer equipment coverage
• Mechanical breakdown coverage
• Forgery coverage
• Fidelity bonds

Cost Savings With BOP Insurance

Cost savings with business owner’s package insurance is simple. As with your personal homeowners and auto insurance, when you bundle business insurance policies together, it costs less than buying them separately. However, insurance companies may have certain requirements for a business to qualify for BOP insurance. For example, some insurers may only cover your business if all business takes place on your business premises. Insurance companies may have limitations as to the area of the primary business property. Typically, office-based businesses, retail stores, small restaurants, and apartment buildings qualify for business owners package insurance.