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Your Winter Electrical Safety Checklist

National Home Warranty Day was last week, so it’s an ideal time to take steps to protect your home from excessive wear and tear with a home warranty. Homeowners can guard against the unexpected with specific personal insurance policies. Keep your home safe and warm this winter with these critical electrical safety tips arranged in a handy checklist. 

Outside Power Lines and Electric Components

Ensure Your Power Lines are Clear

Heavy snow and storms can cause trees or heavy branches to fall onto energized power lines. If you see any trees that could interfere with your electricity supply or pose a fire risk, contact your utility company or a private electrical contractor with tree-trimming services to address the problem and ensure your property and home are safe.

Find and Label Your Breakers

If you haven’t been to your electrical panel recently, now is the time to re-familiarize yourself with the unit. Label what area of the house each breaker controls so it is easier to flip the right switch if a circuit blows.

Inspect and Protect Electrical Panels and Outlets

Take a brisk walk around your property and check all outdoor panels, outlets, or junction boxes are protected from the elements. Water from melting snow and ice can pose a shock hazard, and dirt and debris will eventually erode exposed electrical elements. Replace any missing covers as needed to protect these external parts of your setup.

Shield Equipment from Snow and Ice

If you have larger equipment outdoors, such as ventilation units, lighting fixtures, or wiring, be sure they are shielded with waterproof covers. Inspect any outdoor wiring for damage and get any wires showing wear replaced immediately.

Run Any Generators Outside

A generator can be a lifesaver in case of a power outage. Gas-powered generators produce toxic fumes like carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless killer. If you are running a generator, be sure it is located outside and adequately ventilated. You can use an open outdoor shed to keep snow off the system. When using extension cords, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines; don’t overload what the cord is rated for. 

Your Home’s Electrical Safety: Inside 

Watch for Water Leaks

Water near electrical systems increases the possibility of shock or fire due to the extreme conductivity of water. Inspect the roof, basement, and areas prone to water intrusions to find leaks before they lead to an electrical fire. 

Check Your Electrical Cords

The use of extension cords increases during the cold weather season. Space heaters, electric blankets, holiday lights, air purifiers, and other electrically powered items may be used. Inspecting extension and electrical cords on heaters and other electrically powered units yearly is essential to ensure no cords show any wear and tear. Replace all cords that pose a risk of fire due to wear.

Avoid Overloading a Single-Circuit

Each circuit in your home delivers a specific amount of electrical energy. If you use a power strip, be mindful of how many appliances or devices you plug into the unit. Spread high-powered appliances to different circuits or only plug in one appliance at a time to avoid tripping a breaker or causing an electrical fire due to circuit overloading. 

Understand Space Heater Safety

Never leave a space heater unattended. The U.S. Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires related to space heaters yearly. If you need a space heater to stay comfortable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the unit is placed a safe distance from blankets, drapes, and other items that could ignite. Any space heater used in the home should have a shut-off feature that activates if the unit is knocked over. Check the cord and plug powering the heater. If it is hot to the touch, immediately move the heater to another outlet. Then, recheck the unit. If the cord remains hot, replace the heater.

Test Your Detection Alarms: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Regular testing of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm can give you peace of mind and alert you to smoke or carbon monoxide. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years as a minimum, and batteries should be replaced yearly. The batteries need replacement if you hear a high-pitched chirping noise.

Stay Safe, Warm, and Secure This Season

This checklist will help you and your loved ones stay safe and warm with a properly functioning electrical system. A personal insurance policy can be a lifesaver for more protection from various risks. Your home warranty and personal insurance provide security and peace of mind, so you are confident you and your family are protected from fire. Contact our agents today to see how the right home insurance policy can benefit you by protecting the safety of your home. 

What is a Loss Control Program, And Do I Need One?

A loss control program is a coordinated set of actions or practices that help locate and address potential risks for a business. The program could evaluate losses from employee theft, financial difficulties from claims or lawsuits, and other risks. A tailored loss control program reduces risk and mitigates the extent of economic losses when unexpected incidents occur. 

How Do I Know If I Need a Loss Control Program?

Most businesses can benefit from a loss control program. The first step is to review your business’s risks. You have risks unique to your enterprise, along with a range of standard risks. Some common potential losses that many companies share include:

  • Product theft
  • Damaged inventory
  • Workplace injuries
  • Property damage
  • Online security threats
  • Client claims

Developing a Plan

Set clear targets to reduce the risk of potential loss in each area. Speaking to a business insurance agent at our firm can help. We can help walk you through your business insurance options and what policies offer. Your loss control program should list the actions to take, deadlines for completion, and the individual responsible. Vague or unclear targets rarely get completed—be specific.

Most businesses find that having a safety manual for employees is a practical part of a loss prevention program. Educating your staff makes them more likely to respond to emergencies correctly and confidently.

Getting Your Plan into Action

Take the targets from your planning papers to the physical universe. Have the assigned executives complete their tasks such as:

  • Employee safety manual: Have the safety manual written, printed, distributed, and read by all employees. 
  • Security cameras: Get cameras installed if needed, and place clear signage about video surveillance as a deterrent. 
  • Anti-theft tags: If you work in retail, implement RFID tags. 
  • Inventory monitoring: Perform regular inventory reviews to ensure your products are safe from employee theft.
  • First aid stations: Be prepared in case of an accident. Purchase a quality first aid kit, or several if you have larger premises. Place first aid kits in easily accessible locations. Ensure your employees are informed where first aid supplies are available should an unexpected injury accident occur.

Monitoring Your Results

Without feedback, ensuring your efforts are working is challenging. Close the loop by asking staff and customers to share their thoughts. Do they feel more secure? Do they understand what actions to take to help avoid unnecessary risks? Regular safety training ensures your employees know what to do in case of fire, an injury, or any incident requiring immediate intervention.

Improve Your Loss Control Program

A loss control program will be outdated over time. As your business expands and changes, so do its needs. Business insurance covers many aspects of your business and can act as a safety net, ensuring your business can flourish. Some insurance providers may reward company owners who have implemented a loss control program by offering lower premiums. 

Business Insurance Gives Peace of Mind

Loss control programs can go a long way to keeping your products, clients, and personnel safe from harm, but they can also protect your enterprise from unexpected financial losses. Speak with one of our business insurance agents today to have your current policy reviewed and learn if new options on the market could better serve your operation. You have worked hard to build your business; your business insurance policy safeguards against losses you can’t afford.

5 Winter Driving Mistakes That May Increase Your Premium

Yesterday was Car Insurance Day. The first of February has been set aside as the annual day to be thankful for the peace of mind your auto insurance provides—and to focus on the importance of safe driving. As we face the last several weeks of winter, it is the perfect time for an insurance policy review to check that your policy still meets your needs. Safe driving is the best strategy to keep your premiums as low as possible. 

Not Clearing All the Snow Off Your Vehicle

While you may be tempted to quickly sweep the snow off the windshield when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, failing to clear the snow from the top or front of your car can have disastrous consequences. Sudden stops, starts, or turns can result in snow from your roof sliding down and covering your front or back window or the snow on the hood of your car sliding upwards, dangerously obscuring your view.

Staying Bundled Up While Driving

Brr—it’s cold outside! You need to wear layers when you are outdoors and need to stay warm. While you need warm clothing outside, wearing mittens and a thick coat in the driver’s seat can be a liability, reducing your ability to grip the wheel and control the car. Bulky snow boots can make it hard to feel the pedal position and wide boots can make pressing one pedal at a time difficult. Leave your bulky winter clothes in the back seat and use the car’s heating system to stay warm when driving. 

Driving Too Fast for Weather Conditions

The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under normal conditions. Remember that snow, ice, and other winter weather hazards can add minutes, if not hours, to your travel time. Always head out with time to spare. Fast driving in snowy, icy, or rainy conditions or exceeding the speed limit in winter conditions puts you and others at risk should the vehicle go out of control. If you cause a crash by driving unsafely in winter weather conditions, it signals to your policy provider that you are a higher-risk driver; your insurance premium will increase.

Following Too Closely on Slippery Roads

Tailgating and following another car too closely is always illegal. When the roads are icy, braking requires even more distance. Tailgating is more than unpleasant to your fellow drivers; it is dangerous driving behavior that can lead to a fender-bender or worse. In good weather, the rule is to leave three seconds of roadway space between you and the vehicle ahead. In winter road conditions, coming to a complete stop takes even longer. You will need five to eight seconds to stop on snowy roads and 10 to 14 seconds on ice. Adjust your driving, leaving a longer distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Stay safe and keep your insurance rates lower.

Lack of Vehicle Winter Maintenance Check

When the cold hits, it is time to get your car’s tires, brakes, and wipers checked for damage and replaced if needed. It’s much better to fix problems ahead of time than to discover them when navigating through a howling storm. Regular car maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and improve its performance in rough weather.

Stay Safe This Winter with Car Insurance You Can Trust

No one can predict every hazard, but it pays to be prepared. Now is the time of year to review your insurance and ensure coverage. Talk with one of our agents today to see what new policies are available with better coverage at a lower cost. We are happy to review your current policy and help you have greater peace of mind, knowing you have the coverage you need.

What You Should Know About E-commerce Business Insurance

A brick-and-mortar establishment comes with known risks, but e-commerce has specific liabilities. Some are shared with traditional stores, but others are unique to online businesses. Business insurance tailored to meet the needs of your online operations can make all the difference when you face unexpected losses. 

What is Covered in E-Commerce Business Insurance?

E-commerce business insurance policies include: 

  • General liability insurance
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Worker’s compensation insurance
  • Business income insurance

What Types of Businesses Need E-Commerce Insurance:

Any merchant activity, selling services, products, or digital wares, will benefit from enrolling in an e-commerce insurance plan. 

  • Online retail: Whether you are selling pajamas or personalized jewelry, interruptions in your supply chain, shipping delays, and employee injuries can cause financial setbacks that endanger your company’s survival.
  • Traditional retail with an online component: If you allow store or curb-side pick-up for online orders or operate a whole range of online-only merchandise in addition to the offerings at your physical location, you face the combined liabilities of commercial property and digital ransomware or data breaches. 
  • Virtual marketplace sellers: If you sell your art, crafts, or services on platforms like Etsy, eBay, Airbnb, or Fiverr as a source of income, it’s worth covering your losses. If there are any claims about your products or quality, you can resolve the issue and move on rather than facing costs that can be a killing blow. 
  • Online rideshare work: You are considered an independent contractor when you drive for Uber or Lyft. This type of work does not fall under traditional e-commerce and may need a specialized plan focused on commercial auto insurance. Your auto insurance should be customized to cover any damages not covered by the rideshare company. 

What Happens If I Don’t Get E-Commerce Business Insurance?

When you experience what can happen without insurance, it becomes evident that proper coverage is a necessity, not a “nice to have.” Some examples of potential liabilities that will have you paying out of pocket include:

  • Employee injuries: If your employee climbs a ladder to access items from a top shelf but falls and breaks their ankle, you could have to pay their medical bills out of pocket if you are not covered. 
  • Customer lawsuit: This is particularly relevant for companies selling food, cosmetics, or medical items. If a customer claims your product made them sick, no coverage can put you in danger of a long and expensive court process. 
  • Damaged inventory: If your stock is ruined by flood or fire, you may face delays, refunds, and a wave of customer complaints. E-commerce insurance can cover your losses. 
  • Stolen information: Hackers could access your customer database and sell it to bad actors. This is embarrassing and can also result in significant issues with customer service. 
  • Car accidents: Your delivery vehicle, which may also be your personal property or that of an employee, could experience unexpected damage on the road. Personal auto insurance will likely not cover the losses the vehicle is used for regular transport and delivery runs. 

Protect Your E-Commerce Business with the Correct Coverage

Give yourself peace of mind for the year ahead. E-commerce is an evolving field; ensure your safety net expands with your enterprise. Please meet with one of our e-commerce business insurance agents about acquiring or updating your current coverage today. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms

During the winter months, the weather can get pretty grim. Freezing icy conditions, blizzards, torrential rain, and wind events can test any structure, including your home. The best policy is to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Here are some ways you can protect your home from the damage of winter storms this year. 

Indoor Checks and Safety Measures 

Heating System

No one wants to be stranded at home with no heat during a storm. Before the heavy cold sets in, check that all the parts of your system, including filters, wood heating systems, boilers, furnaces, and pipes, are in good condition. Keep your heating at 65 degrees, even when out of the house, to help protect against frozen pipes.

Pipe Insulation

Not all pipes are within the walls. Check the attic or basement for any exposed pipes and get them insulated. If you want to do it yourself, you can find pre-slit foam pipe insulators online or at your local home improvement store. Just read up on how to apply them so you don’t leave gaps. 

Water Main

When was the last time you located your water main? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. Ensure you know its location and how to turn it on and off. If you have any trouble with frozen or burst pipes during the winter, you can stop the main flow of H2O to prevent your emergency from becoming a disaster. 

Faucet Control

Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water. When the temperature plunges, turn your hot and cold faucets to have a slow, steady drip, particularly those furthest from the water supply, to reduce the risk of frozen pipes in cold weather. 

Emergency Supplies

If you are snowed in and can’t go out. Make sure your safety reserves and emergency kit are well stocked. Essential things you need include:

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • First-aid kit
  • Warm blankets and clothes
  • Flashlights
  • Cell phone charger backups

Outdoor Concerns 

Cracks and Gaps

Walk around your property and note any places you may lose heating. Small cracks and gaps around windows or your garage door may not expose you to grave danger during a storm, but they could add up to considerable savings on energy costs when addressed.

Gutters

Clean leaves and debris from your gutters. When the storms hit, you don’t want a build-up of water freezing, leading to ice and damage to your roof and home. If you spot icicles, it is a sign that there could be a problem. It is vital to repair any issues to avoid risking severe damage to your home’s structure.

Sidewalks

Keep your sidewalks shoveled and clear of snow and ice. You don’t want visitors to your home to slip and be forced to file a claim against your personal liability policy. 

Roofing

It is time to invest in repairs if you have structural issues with your roof or any leaks. Repairs can be managed on cold days without too much snow. A collapsed roof from heavy, wet snow can be a disaster and impossible to resolve in a howling storm. 

Air Quality Control

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your household smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested at least once per year. As carbon monoxide poisoning occurs most often during winter, now is the time to check your alarm and replace the batteries. Also, verify the “replace by” date on the back of your device and get it changed out if it is overdue, which should occur about every five to seven years. 

Engine Check

While your car isn’t a part of your home, it is wise to think ahead and ensure the engine, oil, and belts are in good condition and can handle the challenges of the winter months. Remember, gas engines running in an enclosed space release carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas. Thousands of deaths are caused by unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the U.S. annually. Always run your car engine and any gas-powered generators outside the house or garage and away from ventilation systems leading indoors. When engines are on inside the garage, even if the doors are open, enough CO can build up and cause serious or deadly consequences.

Stay Safe and Secure with Compatible Coverage 

By taking precautions, you can prevent the worst of any storm damage. Not everything can be predicted and prevented, so make sure your homeowner’s insurance is in good shape. Our agents can help answer any questions on whether your current policy includes structural, personal property, and specific peril coverage and how to fill the gaps as needed. Contact us for an interview today.

7 Tips for Staying Safe During Extreme Cold Weather

Polar Vortex and Extreme Cold Safety Tips Only travel if you have to. In extreme cold, you shouldn’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. Staying inside will reduce your chance of getting frostbite or risking uncertain road conditions. If you do need to leave the house, be sure to brush up on best practices for winter driving safety. […]

Navigating Cyber Insurance in 2025

With the New Year comes new possibilities. If your work includes online operations, e-commerce, or website hosting, it also comes with new dangers. Hackers have new skills, and the race to keep online security ahead of the ever-changing curve is of great concern. In 2025, cyber insurance will be a necessity like never before.

Cyber Insurance: What It Is and Why It Matters

Cyber insurance is a type of business insurance that protects against financial losses associated with cyberattacks and risks related to the company’s online activities. Due to the frequency and severity of online criminal activity, such as breaches and ransomware, cyber insurance has become crucial for any business with an online presence. While cyber insurance used to be a simple sign-up process, insurance companies are becoming increasingly wary of losses and have imposed new requirements for those applying for coverage. 

Top Tips for Purchasing Cyber Insurance

Understand Your Risks

Before you talk to one of our cyber insurance agents, thoroughly review your organization’s operations to identify any potential risks. Your evaluation should include the protections for online sales, customer databases, confidential data storage, or patent-protected applications. 

Study Your Options

Shop for the best policy. Have your agent help you review all the options that will best protect your enterprise if you have a breach.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Ask as many questions as needed to know which policy is best for you. Taking the time to sift through all the details can make a difference.

What Does My Business Need to Qualify for Cyber Insurance?

Ten years ago, applying for cyber insurance was as easy as filling in your company’s name, number of employees, revenue, and whether or not you had a website. Today, you have more requirements, and you must show that your operation has fairly robust online security to qualify for cyber insurance as part of your business insurance coverage. 

  • Password protection: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) makes accessing sensitive data more difficult by requiring users to prove their identity using multiple factors. 
  • Offline data backups: To recover from data being stolen or wiped out, backups that are “air-gapped” and not physically connected to the computer network are necessary.
  • Proactive vulnerability management: Online safety requires constant vigilance. Vulnerability management consists of conducting regular scans of your digital presence to locate and mitigate potential weaknesses that bad actors could exploit. 
  • Real-time detection and response: Having an assigned cyber security employee or contractor responsible for responding to emerging cyber threats in real time helps to mitigate potential risks.
  • Security awareness training: Hackers can use the vulnerabilities of human staff to trick unwitting employees into giving away passwords or confirming confidential information. A vigorous security awareness training program keeps staff on their toes and vigilant against threats. 

Protect Your Business with Cyber Insurance Coverage

Cyber insurance can help you recover quickly from losses sustained by downtime, business interruption, data restoration, and the reputational damage caused by a data breach. Our agents are available and ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a new cyber policy or your eligibility for coverage. 

New Year’s Resolutions for Policy Holders

The New Year is traditionally the time we make decisions about the future. Most New Year’s resolutions focus on personal health or family and business goals. Don’t forget to include greater peace of mind and security for yourself and those you love as part of your New Year’s list. By reviewing your policy coverage and making the necessary changes based on your other annual targets, you will be well on your way to having a happier and more secure New Year. 

Three Steps to Start Your New Year’s Insurance Policy Review

Changes are ahead, but are your personal insurance policies up-to-date? When you sit down to write out your New Year’s resolutions, be sure your policy matches your current situation by doing the following:

  • Review your coverage: If you have not recently reviewed your insurance policies, it is time to look at what is covered and at what value. 
  • Note needed changes: As time passes, life comes with changes. It may be time to get more coverage, new coverage, a better deal, or another change that would benefit you. 
  • Fill in the gaps: Contact one of our local insurance agents to help you understand the fine print on your existing insurance and discuss new options.

Do My New Year’s Resolutions Affect My Insurance Coverage?

Yes. Every life change is also an opportunity to ensure insurance protects you against avoidable losses. Here are some big decisions that may be on your list this year that will affect your coverage. 

  • Improving your health: If you’re embarking on a major weight loss journey, the good news is that this could lower your risk rating and policy premium. Some health insurance also offers coverage for weight loss programs; ask your agent if you are unsure about yours. 
  • Saving money: Some life insurance policies provide a cash value component that acts as a savings cushion that can be used in times of need. 
  • Taking a road trip: Many choose to engage in this adventure, but it is always better when carried out with a reliable safety net of personal and auto insurance that covers any potential mishaps along the way. 
  • Getting married: If you are looking forward to getting married in the next 12 months, be sure that you are ready to expand your coverage to include your spouse. 
  • Growing your family: Children bring so much life and joy and many future responsibilities. Ensure your coverage is expanded to include considerations for your child’s future education. Our agents can also help you set up a life insurance policy for your child that will grow with them. 
  • Buying a home: If you are taking the big step towards home ownership in 2025, congratulations! Home insurance can ensure that your home is protected from fires, floods, earthquakes, and other risks. Our agents can walk you through everything you need to know.
  • Remodeling an existing home: If you’re considering adding an extension or renovating your kitchen, your property’s inherent value will increase, and your policy will need to be adjusted appropriately. 

Make Your New Year’s Resolutions a Big Success with Proper Coverage 

As you set out to make your New Year a successful one, don’t forget one of your resolutions should be peace of mind for you and those you love. Following these guidelines and talking with one of our agents about any gaps and changes in your coverage for 2025 will help set you up for a truly happy and safe New Year. 

Preparing for Change in the New Year

A new year is upon us when we traditionally make resolutions about our health and plans—but what about resolutions for your business? The New Year is an ideal time to embrace growth opportunities and consider canceling programs that failed to produce results in 2024.

Look at Where You Are At

As the year comes to a close, it is time to take stock of how you and your team did. Review all company financial reports, including the following:

  • Year-over-year profit and loss
  • Year-end balance sheet
  • Cash flow analysis

Don’t just stop at the financial outlook. Look over the other key metrics. The review could include the amount of merchandise sold, the number of people reached with your message or brand, customer satisfaction and reviews, and other statistical data affecting the bottom line. A full review of this data can inspire new ideas for business growth in 2025.

Envision Realistic Growth Goals

Next step: the future. Discuss your business goals as a business owner or with your executive team. Whether you have a one-year or five-year plan, set realistic goals for production, sales, new customers, and other key metrics. Name precise numbers and quantities that must be attainable and reflect your vision for the ideal scene for your enterprise. Along with all your planning, the end of the year is the best time to review your business insurance policy. As your enterprise grows, your business insurance coverage may need to be updated.

Evaluate Existing Programs 

After a full review of the year’s statistics, it is time to evaluate the programs you have running, including your marketing campaigns and the products or services that have been most successful. Do a comprehensive evaluation of customer reviews and create a plan to increase goodwill and brand recognition. 

Throw Out the Bad, Reinforce the Good

Once you’ve determined what is working and what isn’t, decide the changes to initiate for the new year. It would be best to consider phasing out certain less popular or profitable products and investing in more promising products or services. Set achievable goals to quantify the “how” and “when.” For programs for the new year, your targets should be: 

  • Specific: Be exact and name the precise quantity of sales, products, impressions, etc., you plan to achieve to attain the growth you envision for your company.
  • Measurable: Make sure the goal you set can be measured and tracked. “Lots of sales” is not the same as “Maintain an average of $50,000 in XYZ product sales each month, achieving $600,000 total annual sales by year-end.”
  • Attainable: Make your goal challenging but not impossible. Be honest with yourself and consider the actual resources you have. 
  • Relevant: After your analysis, you should know what matters to your business and what doesn’t. Don’t waste time and effort setting and achieving goals that will not get you closer to the ideal you have envisioned for your company. 
  • Time-bound: Set a deadline. And don’t make everything “by the end of the year,” either. Set realistic time targets so progress towards your goals happens regularly.

Plan A Smooth Transition

Now that you know where you stand and where you are going, ensure you issue a program to the relevant employees so they are onboard to move your enterprise forward. The plan could be as simple as a few steps for new staff to be hired and trained to expand your sales force or a complex plan for multi-location businesses. 

Stay Safe While You Make Changes With the Right Business Insurance

The coming of the new year is a time to refresh and improve, not just as individuals, but to make resolutions regarding your company goals. As you plan for a new year of growth and change, business insurance will protect the progress you’ve made and cushion your business from financial losses from unexpected events that could arise. 

If you need guidance on finding the most affordable business policies for your line of work, one of our helpful agents can discuss your options. 

What Should I Do if I Have Trouble Driving at Night?

We all know there are plenty of driving hazards to worry about during the day – from rain and snow to deer and potholes. But driving at night adds a completely new set of challenges. Why? It all comes down to one word: visibility. During a clear day, you might be able to see thousands […]