Many of us enjoy traveling away from home throughout the year, whether it's for an annual vacation, an upcoming holiday, a honeymoon, or to see the family.  Our trips can take us across the country or across the globe.

Your Homeowners policy covers your home and contents while you're away, but did you know the items you take with you are covered as well?  They're covered anywhere in the world! 

If your golf clubs are stolen, your luggage is lost, or you experience a hotel theft, your Homeowners policy may cover the loss.  There is a policy deductible and limits to high value items like jewelry, cash, precious metals, and guns so be sure to reach out to our agents to find out what's covered, if you have enough coverage, and if you need to take additional action to receive coverage.

Your personal liability coverage limit also follows you around the world.  Personal liability covers claims made against you for accidental bodily injury you cause to other people or property damage you cause to other property.  If you unintentionally break a window or kitchen appliance in your rental home or accidentally hit someone with your golf ball while golfing, there is coverage on your Homeowners policy.

Whether you're traveling across town or across the Atlantic Ocean, your Homeowners insurance follows you there.  Happy traveling!

Originally published by Goodville Mutual Casualty Company

The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department (NLCRPD) has reached out for assistance in spreading the word about an upcoming event they are hosting to help prevent the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 4pm - 8pm or while supplies last

600 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601

Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been the target of a TikTok social media challenge, which has put a spotlight on the vehicles' lack of an immobilizer. The challenge shows TikTok viewers how to hot-wire Kia and Hyundai cars with a USB cord and a screwdriver. This has led to many vehicles being stolen and resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities countrywide.  You can find more information from this CBS news article.

These car manufacturers are working on software updates for the vulnerable vehicles, but in the meantime, the NLCRPD is hosting an event to distribute 320 wheel locks free of charge to any Lancaster County KIA or Hyundai vehicle owner. The NLCRPD has asked if local agencies to share the information about this giveaway to our insureds. 

Anyone desiring one of these free wheel locks need only to show some proof of ownership of a Kia or Hyundai vehicle such as the registration card or proof of insurance. 

Questions can be directed to Officer Tod Neifert, Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department at 717-664-5909 (Office), 717-733-0965 (Station), or NeifertT@nlcrpd.org.

Security Tips for Remote Workers

As more employees work from home, basic security measures need to be taken to protect the individual and enterprise from cyber criminals who are taking advantage of lax telework security practices. The National Cyber Security Alliance offers these tips: Think Before You Click. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of people seeking information on COVID-19. They are distributing malware campaigns that impersonate organizations like WHO, CDC, and other reputable sources by asking you to click on links or download outbreak maps. Slow down. Don't click. Go directly to a reputable website to access the content.

Lock Down Your Login. Create long and unique passphrases for all accounts and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA will fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics or a unique one-time code sent to your phone or mobile device. 

Connect to a secure network and use a company-issued Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access any work accounts. Home routers should be updated to the most current software and secured with a lengthy, unique passphrase. Employees should not be connecting to public WiFi to access work accounts unless using a VPN.

Separate your network so your company devices are on their own WiFi network, and your personal devices are on their own. Keep devices with you at all times or stored in a secure location when not in use. Set auto log-out if you walk away from your computer and forget to log out.

Use company-approved/vetted devices and applications to collaborate and complete your tasks. Don't substitute your preferred tools with ones that have been vetted by the company's security team. 

Update your software. Before connecting to your corporate network, be sure that all internet-connected devices ‒including PCs, smartphones and tablets ‒ are running the most current versions of software. Updates include important changes that improve the performance and security of your devices.

Source: staysafeonline.org

Home Maintenance Tips This Fall

Below are the Fall preventative home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.

Gutters and Downspouts

Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters.

Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.

Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

Heating Systems

Replace the filter in your furnace.

Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.

Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.

Plumbing

To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated.

Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze.