Archives: May 2023

How to Insure Your Side Business

A side business is a great way to make extra money or pursue your passion before building it into a full-time career. If you are considering starting a side business or are already successful in an endeavor, it is essential to consider your insurance coverage. Depending on your product or service, you may need various types of coverage. Here are some pointers to protect yourself from losses associated with your side business.

Do Your Research

When you start providing products or services from home, you may be dealing with more risk than what is covered by your personal insurance. To see what type of insurance you will need to cover your side business operations, you must answer some questions to determine what is really at risk. These can include:

• Do you have valuable inventory in your home, garage, or storage area?
• Are you being entrusted with sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or Personally Identifiable Information? Is this data stored on a personal laptop or computer?
• Are you or a business partner using a personal car to perform company business?
• Are you dealing with food or edible substances that could potentially make a customer ill?
• Are you caring for children or animals as part of your work?

All these and more can help you determine what areas of the business are most valuable and what could be at risk should anything go wrong. Some types of insurance that could be appropriate include the following: 

• General Liability Insurance: The most common type of business insurance is general liability insurance, which covers your business’s main risks, such as employee injuries, property damage, and inventory loss. Be sure that any general liability policy is tailored to your business. 
• Commercial Property Insurance: This covers repairing or replacing damaged buildings, equipment, and inventory, ensuring you can rebuild after a disaster.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: The primary vehicle used for your work will be covered for damage and repairs. 
• Business Interruption Insurance: If unforeseen consequences cause you to temporarily halt operations, this coverage can help replace lost income and cover expenses.
• Cyber Threat Insurance: As more businesses go digital, hackers have become a serious threat to operations. Insuring yourself against cyber-attacks can help protect against losses from data breaches or website shutdowns. 

Talk to a Licensed Insurance Agent

Get the assistance you need from a licensed insurance agent who can explain the business insurance options available to you. Our insurance agents are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your coverage. Have the agent prepare a few scenarios or options so you are not left with a yes or no proposition.

Compare Policy Options

As needed, take your time to review each of the available coverage options and decide which one provides the best coverage for you based on your unique business needs. Various issues to consider when choosing a policy include the following: 

• Costs
• Benefits received
• Longevity and financial stability of the provider
• Quality of service
• Personal peace of mind

Choose Your Policy

Once you have chosen the right policy for you, give our independent agency a call. Our friendly agents can ensure the proper paperwork is completed. The date your coverage starts is usually consistent with your first payment and will be listed on your copy of the insurance policy. Be sure to keep your policy in a safe location that can be easily accessed in an emergency. 

5 Steps to Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when any carbon-based substance is burned to create heat or energy. If inhaled in small quantities, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, weakness, headaches, vomiting, and chest pain. When inhaled in more significant amounts, the gas is fatal for children and adults. If a person is asleep or intoxicated when they begin to breathe carbon monoxide, they may not experience any symptoms before they die. 

November has been called “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month,” as November is typically the onset of colder weather when people are more likely to misuse fuel-burning appliances to create warmth—inadvertently poisoning themselves or their loved ones. Every year, 100,000 Americans visit the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 400 die, as reported by the CDC. Understanding how to protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning is essential to staying well during the winter and year-round. 

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms 

The only way poisonous carbon monoxide gas can be detected is with a carbon monoxide alarm, as the gas is odorless. Alarms should be installed on all floors and placed within 15 feet of bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test the alarms to ensure they are loud enough to wake you if you are sleeping. Be sure to check the alarms’ batteries regularly. A good rule is to check the batteries in these units when you change the clocks. Test the devices to ensure they are functional each month. 

2. Avoid Using Fuel-Burning Devices Incorrectly

Any device or machine that burns gas, wood, oil, or charcoal can produce carbon monoxide. Some examples include furnaces, gas stoves, generators, fireplaces, water heaters, and automobiles. You can put your life and the lives of your loved ones at risk by misusing fuel-burning units or failing to ensure the exhaust is directed out of and away from the home. Here are some common points to watch for: 

• Stoves should never be used as space heaters.
• Gas generators must always be located outside of the house. 
• Chimneys must be clear and unobstructed before starting a fire.
• Generally, exercise caution and read directions when dealing with fuel-burning devices to avoid CO poisoning. 
• Coal must never be burned inside a home.

3. Maintain Existing Gas or Fuel Burning Appliances

Most homes today have appliances that burn fuel. Be sure that your existing gas-burning devices are maintained, with no leaks or broken pieces, and that they are correctly ventilated. Hire a professional to check for damage or blockages regularly so your appliances are safe and operating as they should. 

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation in Your Home

In addition to ensuring each gas-burning appliance has a correctly fitted exhaust pipe, review your home’s ventilation to ensure it cannot become a carbon monoxide trap. For safety and general health, verify that fresh air can get in and out of your home as it should.

5. Develop an Emergency Escape Plan

Once a CO alarm goes off, it is imperative to leave the house immediately and call 911 for help. The longer any person in the household breathes the gas, the more likely they will experience severe or even fatal consequences. If the CO detector goes off, create an emergency escape plan for your family or group to meet at a set location, like a tree or mailbox. From here, you can contact the authorities. You can return home after the carbon monoxide leak is resolved and your home is safe—not before. 

Stay Safe with Peace of Mind

By installing alarms, avoiding heating unit misuse, maintaining the home, and establishing an emergency escape plan, you can help keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. One more thing that will give you peace of mind is good personal insurance coverage. Talk to one of our helpful local agents today about an appropriate plan that covers medical bills, lost income, and property damage associated with carbon monoxide. 

6 Questions (and Answers) About French Drains

If you’re dealing with a wet basement or a soggy lawn, you might want to look into installing a French drain. While it’s not necessarily a “quick fix,” a French drain can be a smart investment to keep your home and yard dry. Here’s what to know before you dig. What are French drains? French […]

What to Do After Being Hacked

October is National Cyber Security Month, a time to focus on the rising threat of cyberattacks and hacking incidents. With the increasing prevalence of digital threats, businesses and individuals risk falling victim to hackers. If you discover you’ve been hacked, acting quickly to mitigate damage and secure your information is essential. This guide outlines the immediate steps to recover from a hack and prevent future incidents.

Assess the Situation

Once you’ve discovered a hack, the first step is to investigate the extent of the breach. Determine how the attack happened, which systems were compromised, and what data may have been exposed. If necessary, contact cybersecurity professionals who can assist in diagnosing the problem. At this stage, you must notify your legal team and insurance provider. Your business insurance may include cyber liability coverage, which can help offset the financial losses associated with a breach.

Outreach

Depending on the nature of the attack, you may need to disclose the incident to employees, customers, or other stakeholders. Transparency is critical when data has been compromised, as individuals affected by the breach must take steps to protect themselves. Inform them about the situation and provide guidance on what actions they should take, such as changing their passwords or monitoring their accounts for unusual activity.

Secure Your Accounts

Change Passwords Immediately

One of the first actions after being hacked is to change the passwords for all compromised accounts. Ensure that each password is strong, unique, and not easily guessed. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make it harder for hackers to gain access again. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store complex passwords securely.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is an essential step in safeguarding your accounts. 2FA requires a second verification form, such as a code sent to your phone and your password. Doing so can significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

Review Account Activity

After securing your accounts, review recent activity to check for unauthorized access or suspicious transactions. Look for unfamiliar logins, changes in account settings, or unexpected charges. If you find any unauthorized actions, immediately report them to the relevant institutions, such as your bank or credit card company.

Assess the Damage

In the aftermath of a hack, it’s essential to identify the full extent of the damage. Determine what data was compromised and whether any sensitive information, such as financial or personal details, was exposed. Notify relevant parties, such as banks and credit card companies, if you believe your financial data was affected. Taking swift action can help minimize the long-term consequences of the breach.

Prevent Future Hacks

Once you’ve addressed the immediate crisis, focus on preventing future attacks. Start by updating all software, including operating systems and antivirus programs, to protect your devices against the latest threats. Educate yourself and your team on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails and avoiding suspicious links or downloads.

Act Fast to Minimize the Damage from a Hack

A swift, organized response is necessary to minimize the damage caused by a hack. By assessing the situation, securing your accounts, and taking preventive measures, you can recover from the incident and reduce the likelihood of future attacks. If the breach is significant, consider seeking professional help from cybersecurity experts. In the meantime, our team is here for you. Give one of our local insurance agents a call today for more information on how cyber liability insurance can protect your business.

Your Guide to Purchasing a Home Security System

In today’s world, home security has become a top priority for homeowners looking to protect their property and loved ones. With burglaries and home invasions a constant concern, investing in a reliable home security system can provide invaluable peace of mind. Beyond deterring potential intruders, modern security systems offer many benefits, from protecting your home to integrating with smart technology for added convenience.

Types of Home Security Systems

1. Monitored Systems

Monitored home security systems are among the most comprehensive options available. These systems are professionally monitored 24/7, meaning that trained professionals will respond immediately if an alarm is triggered. The primary benefit of a monitored system is constant oversight, ensuring that emergency services are contacted even if you’re not home or unable to call for help. While these systems may come with higher installation and monthly fees, their reliability and fast response times make them ideal for homeowners seeking robust protection.

2. DIY Systems

DIY security systems are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability and ease of installation. These systems are typically wireless and come with customizable components, allowing homeowners to tailor the setup to their needs. While DIY systems generally don’t include professional monitoring, many offer remote monitoring through a mobile app, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere. These systems are perfect for tech-savvy homeowners looking for flexibility and control over their security.

3. Wireless vs. Wired Systems

Wireless and wired home security systems each have their pros and cons. Wireless systems are easy to install, making them ideal for renters or homeowners who want a hassle-free setup. They are also portable, allowing them to be easily moved or expanded. However, they rely on Wi-Fi, which could be a vulnerability if the connection drops. On the other hand, wired systems offer more stable connections and don’t depend on wireless signals. Still, their installation is more complex, often requiring professional assistance and permanent fixtures within the home.

Features to Consider

When choosing a home security system, including essential components that provide enhanced protection is critical. Here are key features to keep in mind:

• Cameras: Essential for monitoring entrances and vulnerable areas around your home.
• Sensors: Placed on windows and doors to detect any unauthorized entry.
• Alarms: Effective deterrents for burglars, alerting you and your neighbors of a break-in.
• Smart Home Integration: Many systems can control locks, lights, and cameras remotely through a smartphone app, making it easier to monitor your home from anywhere.

Choosing the Right System

Several factors should guide your decision when selecting a home security system:

• Budget: Systems vary widely in cost based on features and whether professional monitoring is included.
• Home Size: The size of your home determines how many cameras and sensors you’ll need.
• Neighborhood: Consider your neighborhood’s safety. Homes in higher-crime areas may require more advanced security features.
• Comprehensive Detection: Look for systems that offer additional protection, such as smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring and burglary protection.

Secure Your Home with the Right System

Purchasing the right home security system involves understanding the options available and choosing one that fits your needs. Whether you opt for a monitored system or a DIY setup, the right system can help protect your home and family. As you explore your options, consider the features, installation process, and costs that make the most sense for your home. Prioritizing home security gives you peace of mind that your property is safe, whether at home or away. To learn how home security systems affect your insurance coverage, talk to one of our local insurance agents today.

How much car insurance do I need?

Determining how much insurance you need to be fully protected and fit into your budget is a tricky task. Many factors come into play when answering this question. Things like state minimums, lender requirements, and the value of your assets are all considered when determining the answer. How much car insurance is enough? The answer […]

8 Homeowners Insurance Coverages You Need

When it comes to homeowners insurance, not all policies are created equal. And that’s important to remember when it comes to protecting what could very well be your biggest asset. Check out the list below, which shows some major “must haves” in homeowners insurance. The right limits. One thing that people commonly gravitate to when […]

What is Full Coverage Insurance?

If you’ve ever bought or leased a car, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve been told you need “full coverage” auto insurance while under a loan or lease. But what exactly does that mean? Honestly, there is no such thing. It is not a term generally used by insurance companies because no insurance company can […]

5 Ways to Remain Productive After Equipment Malfunctions

Equipment malfunctions can severely disrupt business operations, leading to delays and lost productivity. Whether it’s a computer crash, machinery failure, or technical breakdown, these unexpected issues can disrupt your workflow. However, maintaining productivity despite such challenges is central to ensuring your business runs smoothly. By implementing strategies to manage equipment failures effectively, you can minimize downtime and keep things moving forward.

1. Assess the Issue Quickly

The first step after an equipment malfunction is to diagnose the problem efficiently. Quickly identifying the cause of the breakdown helps you determine whether an immediate fix or more extensive repair is needed. Start by checking for simple issues, such as loose connections, outdated software, or power supply problems. If the problem is more complex, contact your IT or maintenance team as soon as possible to avoid further delays. A swift assessment allows you to plan your next steps without wasting valuable time.

2. Temporary Workarounds

While waiting for repairs, finding temporary workarounds is essential to keep the workflow going. For example, if a computer crashes, you can switch to a backup system or cloud-based tools to continue your tasks. In manufacturing, alternate machinery or manual methods may serve as temporary solutions. The goal is to utilize available resources that can help maintain progress, even at a reduced capacity, until the primary equipment is restored.

3. Prioritize Tasks

During equipment downtime, focusing on your most critical tasks is essential. By prioritizing urgent work, you can ensure that the most essential operations continue, even if other tasks are delayed. Create a list of high-priority tasks that can still be completed without the malfunctioning equipment, and delegate responsibilities to team members accordingly. This approach helps you remain productive while reducing the overall impact of the breakdown.

4. Communicate Delays

If the malfunction is likely to cause delays in deliverables or project timelines, it’s essential to communicate this information to your stakeholders or clients. Transparency builds trust, and letting people know about potential delays allows them to adjust their expectations. If possible, provide a clear timeline for resolution and offer alternative solutions or partial progress updates to keep them informed.

5. Efficient Use of Downtime

Instead of sitting idle during equipment malfunctions, use the downtime productively. The time can be an excellent opportunity for employees to learn new skills, complete non-dependent tasks, or review projects that may not require immediate attention. Encourage your team to focus on administrative work, training, or planning tasks that can help improve long-term productivity, even while equipment is being repaired.

Long-Term Strategies

To prevent future disruption, implement long-term strategies such as regular equipment maintenance and having backups in place. Routine checkups and timely repairs can help you avoid unexpected malfunctions. Additionally, developing contingency plans ensures that your business is prepared for potential breakdowns. These plans should outline clear procedures for diagnosing issues, deploying temporary solutions, and maintaining stakeholder communication.

Keep Productivity Alive Even When Equipment Fails

Staying productive during equipment malfunctions requires adaptability and proactive problem-solving. You can minimize downtime and maintain momentum by quickly assessing the issue, utilizing temporary workarounds, prioritizing tasks, and communicating with stakeholders. Additionally, efficient use of downtime and implementing long-term strategies, such as regular maintenance and contingency planning, will help your business stay resilient during future challenges. If you don’t already have a plan in place or coverage for equipment failures, there’s no time like the present to make a change! Talk to one of our local insurance agents today if you’re looking for insurance solutions to protect your business from unexpected equipment failures.

Coach vs. Mentor: What Can They do for Your Professional Development?

Whether it’s in our personal lives, athletic activities or professional endeavors, many of us have relied on the guiding hand of a trusted third party to help overcome challenges. Our first encounter may have been a grade school coach who helped us learn how to hit a ball or shave a few seconds off the […]