WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023
 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
Posted 6:14 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
 Home Maintenance Tips This Fall
Before the weather grows colder it’s important to prepare for the winter months to prevent costly damage.
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.
Posted 6:00 PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022
 In the new sharing economy, ridesharing allows vehicle owners to transport passengers in their own cars for a fee or a donation. Drivers sign up with a service that charges a fee to connect passengers with drivers via a website or smartphone app. Passengers arrange rides and pay with a credit card using the app.
Ridesharing is becoming more common around the state and the nation, particularly in large cities. Capitalizing on the new sharing economy and to a certain extent the coolness factor, this simple concept is thriving. Passengers and drivers for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) alike are generally little informed of the fact that under a personal auto policy, they may not be covered under a number of circumstances.
What Drivers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for drivers?
Most standard personal auto policies exclude coverage for “public or livery conveyance;” in other words, the use of the vehicle to transport passengers for a fee. Some policies have even stronger exclusions that exclude any coverage when the driver is available for hire.
Other restrictions could apply, so even if you don’t see a specific exclusion, you should not assume that there is coverage under the personal auto policy. Regulators in many states have been issuing consumer alerts to warn the public about possible implications when signing up as a driver – or as a passenger – with the ridesharing apps.
What if my Transportation Network Company tells me I’m covered when I drive for them?
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to cover the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. Some may also offer Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage, something that can protect you when you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who had insufficient coverage or no coverage at all (which happens all too frequently). You should ask your TNC:
- What they would provide, and
- Whether their coverage would be primary.
How do I know if I’m covered as a driver?
If you are considering becoming a driver for a TNC, you should:
- Find out what the TNC will cover for your commercial exposure, including when coverage starts and when it ends, and
- Talk to your agent about what your personal auto policy may cover if you are involved in an accident.
Although insurance issues are often downplayed by TNCs, the coordination between the commercial and the personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of the accident will have a bearing on whether coverage is afforded or not. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Can you give an example?
Examples are a great way to get a better understanding between you and the TNC and/or the insurer and to identify potential gaps. At the minimum, you should find out how the TNC will cover you when:
- You are available for hire (logged into the app) but not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged in and transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out and not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out after dropping off your last passenger, and heading home.
Is this issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
What Passengers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for passengers?
Ridesharing is not the same as riding in a taxi or limousine. Taxis are licensed by the state or a local authority and subject to strict standards, from vehicle inspection and driver licensing to insurance that protects passengers and others who could be hurt in an accident.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber or Lyft are not subject to the same requirements. However, they have drawn increasing attention from state regulators and legislators concerned that the public may not be properly protected. In fact, various state regulators have issued consumer alerts to warn the public about possible risks of using a ridesharing app when riding as a passenger.
How is the ridesharing company insured?
Insurance is the crux of the issue. Drivers are using their personal vehicles. Personal auto insurance generally excludes coverage when transporting passengers for a fee.
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to provide some protection by covering the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. The nature and scope of coverage provided by the TNC varies from company to company, and its coordination with the driver’s personal auto policy can leave uninsured gaps, in some cases significant.
How do I know if I’m covered as a passenger?
If you are considering using a ridesharing service, you should:
- Research the companies that operate in your city
- Find out how these companies protect their drivers and passengers, including their liability limits
If you have a personal auto policy yourself, you may be able to claim some coverage under your policy if you are hurt in an accident as a passenger. If you do not own a car, you will not have that option, unless you purchased a “named non-owner” policy. Your agent can advise you about coverages.
Why should I worry? How likely is it that a bad claim will occur?
There is no way of knowing what kind of accident will occur. Hopefully, none. However, many of the insurance issues that have come to light have stemmed from catastrophic claims: one in California in which a six-year-old girl was killed in a collision with a rideshare car.
While often downplayed by those who have an interest in the ridesharing business, coordination between the commercial and personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of any accident will have a bearing on whether coverage extends to the driver and the passenger. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Is this insurance issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
- Content used in this post is used with permission and was originally published by Insurance Agents and Brokers.
Posted 3:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022
 With the kids out of school for the summer, it's the perfect time to take a family vacation. And by family, I mean the whole family – the dog too!
Traveling with your dog can be difficult, but with planning and a little bit of research you can make it a fun and unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout all of your summer adventures!
Find Lodging that Allows Pets
There are a fair amount of hotels and rental homes that allow pets during your stay. Many online sites even allow you to filter search results so that you only see pet-friendly options. Before you book, call and confirm their pet policies – it will save you some trouble down the road.
Tip: Try a pet-friendly campground. With hiking trails and room to explore, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.
Don't Leave Your Dog in the Car
Car rides can be challenging with a dog, especially if you are driving long distances. Leave someone outside with your dog if you stop to get food or go to the bathroom. Cars can get extremely hot when parked in the sun and, if left inside, dogs are at risk of overheating. Besides, it's probably time for a potty break anyways.
Tip: Some places allow dogs to come inside. Call ahead and plan your pit stops to make traveling a little bit easier.
Pack Water
Cars aren't the only place that dogs can overheat. Normal activities such as going for a walk can become a health hazard if you don't take the necessary precautions. Panting, loss of energy, lethargy, and a dry nose are all signs of dehydration and overheating. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it may be a good idea for everyone to take a water break in the shade.
Tip: Bring a collapsible water bowl. You can pull it out to give your dog water and easily fold it up to store it once you are done.
Watch out for Paw Burns
A dog's paws are sensitive to heat in the same way that our palms are. Even if they don't show pain, walking on hot pavement can cause serious burns. Make sure to test the pavement before taking your dog out for a walk. Be especially careful in cities with dark, paved roads. If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for theirs.
Tip: Try walking in the shade. The pavement will be cooler, and so will you!
Protect Them from Fleas and Ticks
Would you believe me if I told you there are monsters in the forest? Tiny little monsters called fleas and ticks are parasitic to humans and animals. They live in heavily wooded areas and tall grass. Make sure to check your dog's fur after being outside to confirm they are bug-free. Once you get home, wash their toys and bedding to get rid of any stowaways.
Tip: Did you know that fleas and ticks can’t fly? Walking on short grass or dirt will make it harder for the bugs to get on you or your dog.
Originally posted by Foremost Insurance Group: https://blog.foremost.com/vacationing-with-your-dog.asp
Posted 12:16 AM
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022
Beware of Flood-Damaged Vehicles
Cox Automotive estimates the number of vehicles lost to Hurricane Florence-related flooding between 20,000 and 40,000. And, as typically occurs after a mass-flooding event, there are concerns about these vehicles being resold throughout the country – to unsuspecting buyers and to those who don’t understand the financial repercussions of purchasing a flood-damaged car.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a consumer alert with tips for identifying a previously flooded car, including:
- Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, a database of total loss and junk/salvage vehicles
- Look for suspicious signs of a flooded vehicle (e.g. rust, corrosion, mildew smell)
- Demand to see the title, as some car wholesalers will claim to have lost the title or will transfer it to avoid disclosing flood damage
Review the NAIC Consumer Alert
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CARRIERS, LENDERS
Insurance companies likely will not provide comprehensive and collision coverage on a flood-damaged car because its value and the extent of repairs are uncertain. In turn, without securing comprehensive and collision coverage, consumers likely cannot secure a car loan.
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman in a recent press release on Florence-damaged cars added:
Even if the vehicle is new, if a claim is later filed, the insurance company will research the vehicle history and see the prior claim for flood damage. If the vehicle is deemed to be a total loss, the insurer will likely pay out significantly less than would be paid for a vehicle that did not have flood damage.
REPUBLISHED FROM 2018 Originally published by Insurance Agents & Brokers www.iabforme.com
Posted 10:46 AM
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