rivercityins

Five Tips for Small Businesses

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:48:54 GMT

Small Business Week takes place in the last week in April and is a great time to revisit your business goals you made at the beginning of the year.

Use this time to take a look at what’s working and what you can tweak with the help of these five tips.

Focus on your goals. It’s ok to re-evaluate your business goals and objectives—it’s even necessary sometimes. You can break your goals into smaller ones to make them more focused and easier to obtain. Knowing you’re taking smaller steps to meet your larger goal is sometimes all you need for that extra push.
Make an investment…in people. Whether it’s training sessions, onboarding new employees or having regular conversations around customer service, it’s important to keep your employees engaged in the business . Having a greater knowledge about the business and better understanding of expectations is going to save you time and money in the long run.
Get ahead of your taxes. It’s never too soon to prioritize and manage your taxes.
- Go digital. If you’re still keeping your paper receipts in a shoebox, know that the IRS accepts digital copies of receipts. You can even use a digital expense tracker or other cloud-based tools that organize your expenses as they come in, which can save you time.
- Schedule time each week. Depending on the size of your business, it only takes about thirty minutes each week to reconcile your books, log your digital receipts and prep for your quarterly payments. Taking time each week to organize can make tax time a breeze.
- Mark your calendar with important tax deadlines. Are you known for filing late? You can sign up for email reminders directly from the IRS to help make this year the year you file on time.
- W-2s and 1099 prep. If you have employees, they need a W-2 from you; independent contractors get a 1099. They'll both need to be sent to recipients and submitted to the IRS by January 31.
- Collect all necessary tax forms for the type of business entity you have established. Pro Tip: save them all in one place on your laptop for easy access and no email inbox searching.
Re-evaluate your risks. As you work through this year’s challenges, new projects or business ventures may open you up to a new set of risks. When you have a business policy through ERIE, you have access to a variety of resources, including assistance from an ERIE risk control consultant , who can help you identify and mitigate potential risks.
Plan some self-care. While this business is your pride and joy, it’s important to take time for yourself away from the hustle and bustle to help improve your overall productivity and reduce stress. Plan a weekend away, get a massage, do yoga. Whatever makes your heart happy will help you recharge.

Protect What You’ve Built

As a business owner, the sky’s the limit on where you want to take your business. Whether you’re growing your home business or expanding to a second location, it’s important to make sure you have the right coverage to fit the needs of your business (employees included). Set up some time to talk to your local Erie Insurance Agent soon.

Small Business Week takes place in the last week in April and is a great time to revisit your business goals you made at the beginning of the year. Use this time to take a look at what’s working and what you can tweak with the help of these five tips.

How to Clear Your Home of Bugs and Rodents

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:43:19 GMT

Your warm and well-provisioned home looks like an excellent destination for cold and hungry pests.

No one wants a furry or creepy crawly house guest. Let’s take a look at some ways to prevent those critters from making their nests in yours.

What Are the Signs of an Infestation?

Thankfully, rodents aren’t very subtle. They like to leave presents (droppings) wherever they go. They’ll also help themselves to a feast if they find one, so you’ll likely find torn-open bags of food, and if your cold-weather guests are of the fur-and-claw variety, you may even notice some teeth marks nearby.

With insects, you’ll typically find the dead bodies of their fallen scouts in large numbers; the more you find, the more likely you are to have an actual infestation. You may also notice more spider webs since they like to camp out in areas with a high concentration of bugs.

What Can Make a Home Attractive to Pests?

Depending on the type of house you have, you might end up as a prime target for new, wall-inhabiting tenants. Pests like termites and carpenter ants are drawn to wood construction, while wasps and ants sniff out food sources with high sugar content. Rodents are less picky, usually seeking food in low, easily accessible areas.

Maintaining clean household surfaces and storing food away from the floor wherever possible can dissuade hungry scouts from further investigating your home.

Where Did They Come from In the First Place?

While pests can be surprisingly intelligent and resourceful, they usually can’t gain access to your home without exploiting a vulnerability. Consider inspecting your house for probable areas of entry, such as cracked foundations, lifted baseboards or areas of separation near pipes or vents. Preventing future entry could be as simple as filling in a few gaps!

I Have a Pest Problem. What Did I Do Wrong?

Once you’ve determined that you have an infestation, it’s time to cut the clutter. A cluttered home gives insects and rodents plenty of places to nest or hide, as well as easy access to the things that drew them to your house in the first place. Cleaning your home provides less incentive for pests to linger or to come in the first place.

How to Get Rid of Pests

If your problem persists after you’ve cut the clutter and put food in safe storage, you may need to take more aggressive action. Hiring a licensed exterminator can eliminate your pest problem. If you’re looking for a more natural way to eliminate unwanted visitors, here are some ideas:

Ants: Spices such as chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, dried peppermint or tartar have all been proven to repel ants when placed near their entrance holes. Coffee grounds and lemon juice can also do the trick. Learn more about preventing ants.
Wasps: Nonessential oil sprays can dissuade wasps from setting up shop. It’s also imperative that you identify and destroy the nest or fill it with dirt before it gets too big.
Mice or rats: Mouse traps and catch-and-release traps can mitigate your existing problem. Sealing the holes and storing food in sealed locations can prevent new mice from entering. Get more tips for keeping mice out of your home.
Cockroaches: One of the world’s heartiest pests hates bay leaves. Placing them in areas where roaches are drawn (typically areas with food or standing water) will dissuade them from coming back. Borax has also proven to be effective.
Termites: Keeping wooden structures and wood piles away from your home reduces your risk of infestation. Borax, neem tree oil and orange oil are also effective termite repellents. Find out the telltale signs of a termite infestation.

Understand Your Coverage

Generally speaking, damage from pests is not covered by your homeowners insurance. That’s because pest infestations are considered a home maintenance issue, since the damage is gradual – as opposed to a sudden event, like your neighbor’s tree falling on your roof.

An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent can help you understand what your insurance does (and doesn’t) cover. When it comes to your home, there’s no place like it – and it’s yours, so make sure you protect it.

Find a local agent to ask questions or get a customized homeowners insurance quote.

Your warm and well-provisioned home looks like an excellent destination for cold and hungry pests. No one wants a furry or creepy crawly house guest. Let’s take a look at some ways to prevent those critters from making their nests in yours.

Top Three Reasons Why People Buy Life Insurance

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:31:30 GMT

Before you get life insurance coverage, you should understand why you need it.

While there are many reasons to buy life insurance, the most common reasons include:

Final expenses: Final expenses refer to any expenses related to someone’s passing. This can include a casket, funeral, preparations, memorial service, cremation and more. Life insurance for final expenses is worth considering—after all, the National Funeral Directors Association reports that the median price of a funeral with a casket is around $7,850. Families without enough funds are forced to cut back on the service or ask friends and family for donations. Some families have turned to crowdfunding to help cover the cost. A modest term life insurance policy can unburden your loved ones by taking care of these expenses.
Income replacement: Your loved ones depend on your income to meet daily needs for food, medical care, utilities, car payments and much more. There are also future costs like a child’s college education or contributions you would have made toward a surviving spouse’s retirement. If you pass away without a means for replacing your income, their standard of living could be in serious jeopardy. Having a life insurance policy in place can help provide financial security and the ability to maintain your current lifestyle (especially if you stay home with young children). How much life insurance you need is based on two factors: your salary and the number of years until you retire. An insurance agent will also account for any other factors such as Social Security benefits, your partner’s income, your debt and your savings. Always aim to buy the amount you really need—but also remember that something is better than nothing when it comes to life insurance coverage. (Spoiler alert: it’s more affordable than you may think!)
Paying off a mortgage: A mortgage is often the biggest single line item in a person’s budget. Could your family afford your home’s mortgage without your paycheck in the picture? If not, an already sad situation would be compounded by the family possibly losing the house they love. This could also mean your children could no longer attend a school in their current district or maintain the friendships they currently have. Life insurance can pay off an outstanding mortgage so your family can enjoy the home they love without the burden of outstanding payments.

These are the three most common reasons people purchase life insurance. Yet there are many other reasons for buying life insurance, such as building or leaving an inheritance, saving for retirement, protecting student loan co-signers and more.

Life Insurance=Love Insurance

February is Insure Your Love month and the campaign is coordinated each year by Life Happens. Make sure to connect with your local ERIE Insurance agent to insure your love with life insurance.

Life Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products. Life Happens Pro furthers its mission of educating the public by making its resources customizable and putting them directly into the hands of agents.

DO I NEED TO INSURE MY ENGAGEMENT RING?

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:18:18 GMT

Your engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a reminder that you’ve found your ideal partner and you’re ready to build a life together.

But on the practical side, an engagement ring is a big financial investment. Even if you’re careful, life has a way of serving up surprises. Your ring could slide down the kitchen sink while washing dishes… get swept away in the waves at the beach… get stolen… or even be eaten by the family dog. (Trust us – we’ve seen it all.)

The good news is that there are practical ways to protect those expensive, hard-to-replace items like your engagement ring.

Stay Brilliant

Losing a ring – or losing a stone from the setting – is a more common reason for filing an insurance claim than having the ring stolen. Many times, common mishaps leading to total or partial loss of your ring can be prevented by routinely inspecting it.

Loose prongs are a leading culprit in the loss of gemstones. Getting caught or snagged on clothing or equipment can bend the metal that holds your diamond in place, and routinely inspecting your ring with a magnifying glass can give you an early jump on potential problems.

Even better, a professional jeweler can give your ring a more thorough checkup and will usually provide a bundled buff and shine to bring it back to like-new condition.

Stay Fit

One popular way to lose jewelry is during a workout.

Many of us are reluctant to remove our jewelry — whether for sentimental or practical reasons — but many of us also know someone who lost a bauble on their morning run or during a regular workout.

You don’t want your engagement ring to go among the missing as a cost of staying fit. Removing and safely storing your ring before a fitness session can save you a lot of frantic unhappiness.

If you can’t leave the ring at home (if you hit the gym on the way to work, for example) be sure to store it on a chain while you work out. If you choose to hang the chain in your locker instead of around your neck, make sure it’s secured behind a hefty lock.

Stay Covered

Many people wonder if their homeowners insurance covers engagement rings. The answer largely depends on how much the ring is worth.

In most cases, standard homeowners (and renters) insurance only covers theft of jewelry to a specific dollar amount – an amount known as the “sublimit.” This covers any single piece of jewelry or the total amount lost or stolen.

However, many engagement rings are worth more than the average insurance sublimit. According to The Knot , in 2022 the average couple spent $6,000 on a new engagement ring.

With that in mind, it’s a smart decision to consider insuring your engagement ring on its own — a coverage option known as “scheduling.” When you schedule a piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring, you can insure your jewelry based on its cost or appraised value, rather than limiting coverage to the sublimit associated with a homeowners or renters policy.

On average, ring insurance costs $1 to $2 for every $100 your ring is worth. That means an insurance policy for a $5,000 ring would typically cost around $50 to $100 per year.

Stay Current

Always save the receipt for your ring and any appraisals you’ve had done on it. This can give you an idea of how much you should insure your ring for, as well as document any unique identifiers for your ring if it’s ever lost or stolen. An appraisal will typically look at the ring’s stone shape and quality (measured by carat weight, color, cut and clarity); metal type and fineness; and any identifying marks, such as an engraved serial or certification number.

Generally speaking: If your ring is worth less than $7,000 and/or newer than seven years old, then you don’t need to get it appraised.

However, fine jewelry usually appreciates in value over time, so reappraise your ring periodically after that seven-year mark to make sure you’re still insuring it for the right amount.

As always, though, keep your insurance agent apprised of any important life changes . Big changes like getting married or changing jobs can change your coverage needs, and understanding your insurance is an important part of successfully navigating change.

Stay Smart

When it comes to cost, ERIE gives you options. You can save money on your premium by choosing from a range of deductibles – the amount of money you’d be willing to pay out of pocket toward an insured loss. Or, you can opt to have no deductible at all (and pay a little more in premium). It all depends on your personal preference and financial situation.

Your Erie Insurance policy is our pledge to be there when you need us. You can sleep better at night knowing we’re there to protect everything that matters most. Request a quote for personal valuables insurance or reach out to a local ERIE agent to learn more.

DRIVING ON BLACK ICE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:13:32 GMT

From snow to sleet to freezing rain, severe weather conditions can make winter driving especially difficult.

But perhaps none is more dangerous than black ice. That’s because unlike snow and sleet, black ice can be practically invisible to an unsuspecting driver. (Related: 7 Dangerous Winter Driving Myths… Debunked )

The safest thing to do is stay home when conditions call for icy roads – but of course, that’s not always possible. So, what can you do?

Keep reading to find out how to handle this all-too-common winter hazard.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that can form on road surfaces in cold weather. It gets its name because the depth of the ice makes it practically invisible on pavement. This invisibility is what makes black ice such a dangerous driving surface.

How Does Black Ice Form?

Black ice occurs when snow or moisture from the air freezes rapidly, attaching itself to the frozen pavement. Unlike freezing rain, which can appear white or translucent due to trapped air bubbles, black ice is almost perfectly clear.

Where Can You Commonly Find Black Ice?

Black ice is more common on roads that receive little or no sunlight because the pavement temperature can stay below freezing, even as the air temperature warms. You’re also likely to find it on seldom-used back roads, as well as tunnels, underpasses and bridges.

How Do You Know if You Are Driving on Black Ice?

Because you can’t see black ice, you’ll first notice it when you feel your car start to slide or lose traction. If small shifts in your steering seem to generate an exaggerated response from your vehicle, it’s a sign that you may be driving on black ice.

What techniques should you use while driving on black ice?

First, slow down in conditions when black ice can form. When you reduce your speed, you lessen your chance of skidding. When conditions are right for black ice, it’s best not to use cruise control.

Avoid any urges to make jerky, reactive movements that could cause skidding – or an accident. Slow speeds and small steering inputs are key to safely navigating black ice.

How Can You Recover from Skidding on Black Ice?

For front-wheel and all-wheel drive cars, turn your steering wheel into the skid. Change the direction of your steering if the skid takes you in another direction. Maintain your speed and don’t suddenly apply the brakes or gas pedal. Push in your clutch if you have a manual transmission.

Steer your car in the direction you want to go. This may mean counter-steering if the back of your vehicle swerves away from this direction. Resist slamming on your brakes if you start to skid.

Be gentle with your steering inputs. An overreaction could send your vehicle’s back end in the opposite direction. After straightening your vehicle, apply gentle pressure to the accelerator.

How Can I Stay Safe in Winter Driving Conditions?

Good tires can be your best defense against unpredictable winter roads. Invest in a set of sturdy all-season tires with high traction and good tread depth. If you live in a consistently snowy area, snow tires might be a better fit. Read more in our guide to winter and snow tires.

Another thing that can give you peace of mind is having the right auto insurance. After all, accidents can — and do — happen, so you’ll want to make sure your coverage can go the distance.

At Erie Insurance, our promise is simple: to be there when you need us. Learn more about car insurance from ERIE or find insurance agents near you.

Protecting Your Family with ERIExpress Life

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 09:57:17 GMT

You’ve covered the electrical outlets, read the reviews for every crib, and learned more about car safety ratings than you ever wanted to know. We all go to great lengths to protect our families, but what about getting life insurance? With ERIExpress Life, protecting your family’s financial future has never been easier.

Keep reading to see why ERIExpress Life could be the perfect fit for your life insurance needs.

Who Needs Life Insurance?

If you have people who depend on you, you need life insurance. Even though it’s hard to think about a day when you might not be there for your family, it’s important to plan for. Life insurance 1 can help your loved ones with expenses like:

Mortgage or rent
Auto loan or other debts
Medical bills
Education costs
Final expenses

What is ERIExpress Life?

ERIExpress Life is the easy-to-get, easy-to-afford life insurance that gives you the protection you need with a simple application process, no physical medical exam 2 and a faster approval time.

Why Choose ERIExpress Life?

Besides the fact that there’s no medical exam, the application is just a few questions. And your coverage could be in effect as soon as today. In fact, the whole process could take less time to get started than scheduling a test drive in a new minivan.

Choosing this policy also features:

Choose term or whole life policy
Coverage amounts from $10,000 to $500,000 3
Choose from a range of plans to fit your budget and provide the protection your family needs
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider automatically included

Contact your local ERIE agent 1 today and make sure that your family is taken care of even after you’re gone. Have more than one policy with ERIE? Bundle two or more of your ERIE policies 4 together to receive a multi-policy discount. Talk with your ERIE agent about your current policies to see what discounts you qualify for.

1 ERIE® life insurance products and services are provided by Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home office: Erie, Pennsylvania). Erie Family Life Insurance Company is not licensed to operate in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure information. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions, and exclusions. The insurance products and services described in this brochure are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance products are not available in New York. Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

2 ERIExpress Life application contains medical questions. All applications are subject to underwriting approval and certain health conditions may require a fully underwritten life policy instead.

3 This life insurance offer is available for applicants ages 18-55 with policy face amounts up to $500,000.

4 All discounts are subject to eligibility criteria and applicable rates and rules at the time of purchase. Actual savings vary. Life multi-policy discount is not available in conjunction with auto policies already taking advantage of ERIE Rate Lock®. Erie Family Life insurance products are not available in New York.

The Homeowner's Guide to Chimney Inspections

baylie@rivercityins.biz (Baylie Hancock) — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 09:41:35 GMT

The fireplace often serves as a warm and inviting place for families to gather. However according to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2016 and 2020, fireplaces and chimneys were responsible for seven percent of residential fires in the United States. Despite accounting for only seven percent, chimney fires were responsible for more than $200 million in property damage.

Figures like these underscore the need for an annual chimney inspection. This is true even for homeowners who don't frequently use their fireplaces: other heating devices in the home also release potentially toxic gasses through the chimney. Without the clear ventilation of a well-maintained chimney, those gasses can remain in the home.

Why You Should Get a Chimney Inspection

Chimney fires often result from the accumulation of creosote, a byproduct of burning wood — particularly green or soft wood. The unnoticed build-up of this sticky substance within uninspected chimneys creates an environment in which an otherwise sturdy-looking chimney is primed for a damaging fire.

Even without a fire, ignoring creosote buildup can result in costly repairs. But, in the unfortunate event of a fire, it can result in the loss of your home.

If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of homeowner, it may be tempting to clean your chimney yourself, but the use of professional services is a far better option.

According to Forbes , the average cost of chimney service costs is about $250 — varying based on the level of inspection you require. While this might cost a bit more than the DIY option, the thorough examination and maintenance offered by a chimney professional helps to eliminate costly mistakes that can haunt the home-repair enthusiast.

Professionals can accurately measure crucial components such as the size of the firebox and the clearance from a wood stove. Then, once the status of your chimney is professionally assessed, a certified inspector can recommend whether your chimney needs sweeping and what type of sweeping is most appropriate.

So, what kind of inspection will you need: level one, level two or level three?

Level One Inspection

If you regularly maintain your chimney, a level-one inspection may suffice. During a level-one inspection, a professional will:

Spend approximately one hour measuring all readily accessible components.
Determine if your chimney needs sweeping based on factors such as debris blocking air ducts and creosote buildup.

Level Two Inspection

If you're a new homeowner or haven't had a level-one inspection, the additional detail of a level-two inspection can offer additional peace of mind.

A level two inspection includes all of the requirements of a level one inspection, as well as the following:

Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements and crawl spaces
Inspection of accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior
Inspection of accessible portions of any appliance and chimney connection(s)
Video scanning, or other thorough inspection, of the flue interior
Evaluation of the flue lining to determine if the material & sizing is appropriate

Level Three Inspection

This is the most extensive of inspections, and the one you’re least likely to need unless your chimney was extremely damaged.

This inspection is necessary whenever a level one or two inspection indicates hidden problems in your chimney or that special tools might be necessary to access concealed areas. It may also involve tearing out building materials to reach the potential problem areas of your chimney (like tearing out the drywall around your fireplace).

So, once you’ve settled on the idea of professional chimney service, who do you call?

Finding a Qualified Chimney Sweep

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) lists more than 1,300 professionals who have earned the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Credential . This credential signifies a superior understanding of the tools, techniques, and processes needed for a thorough chimney inspection.

The certification is more than just proof of knowledge: all CSIA-certified sweeps pledge to uphold a code of ethics that obligates them to maintain their state-of-the-art knowledge and to properly educate their clients. To locate a certified chimney sweep near you, visit the CSIA home page.

Safe and Warm

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it means taking steps like scheduling regular chimney inspections. Beyond safeguarding, proper chimney care also ensures the health and safety of you and your family.

Even with care and maintenance, though, the unexpected can still happen, and getting back to normal after a disaster can be difficult. Guaranteed Replacement Cost insurance from ERIE Insurance can help put the pieces back together just as they were. Speak with a local ERIE agent today, and let us show you how to safeguard your lifestyle as well as your home.

Aegis General Insurance x eSurvey

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:19:51 GMT

HAVE YOU HEARD?

We now offer eSurvey for our insureds.

Inspections couldn’t be easier, eSurvey allows your insured to inspect their home without a third-party inspector.

Play the video below to learn more.

An Agent’s Guide to Hagerty Claims

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:14:10 GMT

“You find out the real value of your friends and those who you do business with when things go badly.”
Bob I., Hagerty client

The quote above illustrates exactly why a buttery-smooth claims process should be top-of-mind for auto insurance agents. Think about it… Other than price ( more on that here ), what’s most likely to convince your customers to make an insurance switch?

If you guessed a bad claims experience, you’re absolutely right.

And this rings even more true among collector car owners. After all, these vehicles aren’t just daily grocery-getters. In most cases, your enthusiast clients treat their classic and collector cars like members of the family.

And like family, collector vehicles are filled with years of love, work, memories, and stories. So whether it’s a cracked windshield, a crumpled bumper, or something worse, your clients will expect their claim to be addressed quickly and resolved with expertise by people who understand what they’re going through.

This is where Hagerty shines. Our Hagerty claims team carried an industry-leading 78 NPS score in 2021.* NPS (Net Promoter Score) is the gold standard of customer experience metrics and represents a whole lot of satisfied clients.

Let’s pop the hood to show how Hagerty delivers exceptional claims experiences, and why agents should feel confident when recommending and writing with our team.

Hagerty claims are handled by collector car repair experts

Ever try matching the exact paint color of an '86 Corvette? How about finding a side-view mirror for a '64 Porsche?

These aren’t easy asks you can trust to just any body shop. And yet, these are the exact repair requests the Hagerty in-house claims team handles every day.

Hagerty knows aftermarket parts can impact a vehicle’s value and collectability, and our claims team is savvy enough to find the best part available for any given scenario. And when we hit a speed bump, we’ll leverage the Hagerty CARcierge service for help.

Comprised of over 100 employees, our claims team is obsessed with great service and doing everything we can to help your client get back on the road the right way.

Hagerty offers flexible repair options

Our claims team members are not only claims experts but are also well-trained in price estimation and negotiation. These subtle arts help keep repair costs limited to only what’s needed for the claim, and for the car to repaired correctly.

We’ve also built relationships with a network of 300+ trusted repair and restoration shops across the United States to serve clients in need. As part of the Hagerty Expert Repair Network, these shops are chosen specifically for their quality of work and customer service.**

In many cases they’re referred by clients or employees specifically because they support the collector car hobby and have a great service reputation in their area.

Of course, your clients don’t have to select one of these shops. They’re free to use any repair shop they choose. And, if your client would rather repair a vehicle themselves? We’re all for it. We’ll even pay them a fair hourly rate for their time.

Have a client with a vehicle too dear to part with? There’s even an option to buy back salvage in case of a total loss. Our Cherished Salvage® endorsement lets your client keep their vehicle and still receive its full Guaranteed Value .®

Clients receive personalized communication and reimbursement

Repair options aren’t the only claims service we customize for your clients.

“I made one call to Hagerty, my body shop sent in pictures and a quote, and then you folks called to tell me a check was on its way!”

J. Drewelow, Hagerty client

Whether your client wants an appraiser to assess their vehicle’s damage, or they’d rather process a claim via photo estimating, we’ve got them covered.

Your client can choose exactly how we stay in touch. If they prefer email, phone calls, or written communication, we’ll follow their lead. And when they call us, they get us. At Hagerty, we take pride in contacting clients the same day a claim is reported.

Your clients can even choose how they’re reimbursed. Paper checks are always available, or we can transfer funds electronically via Automated Clearing House, PayPal, Venmo, or using a debit card (some restrictions apply).

This type of flexibility is why you can always count on the Hagerty claims team to take care of your client, ensuring you look good, and drive retention.

Hagerty gives clients their own personal pit crew

In 2021 alone Hagerty put more than 21,000 vehicles back on the road. What’s more, 9 out of 10 clients who have had a claim would recommend us to a friend.+

It’s easy to make promises when trying to make a sale. It’s hard to deliver on those promises when misfortune strikes. When you write with Hagerty, you can trust our claims team to deliver on the promises we’ve made as partners. Just ask our clients.

“When people have an investment in an automobile, there is a lot of money, time, and preciousness involved (especially if they built it). It often means a lot to them to have an insurance agency that will stand by their side and make sure that they’re covered – without grief and without agony. That’s why I highly recommend Hagerty to anybody who has a collectible automobile.”

Jimmy G., Hagerty client

If they’re not satisfied, you’ll probably hear about it. And by contrast, when you do right by your clients, they'll tell everyone they know about their great experience.

As your expert partner in all things automotive, Hagerty is here to help. Visit the Hagerty Agent Business Center to log in or learn more about claims with Hagerty . You can also call us at 800-747-5348 or live chat at hagertyagent.com .

How Increasing Catastrophes Impact Builders Risk Agents

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:42:52 GMT

The Impact of Changing Weather on Builders Risk

It seems more and more we're hearing about catastrophes and the impact they have on the world around us. To break down how things are changing and what insurance agents should expect, we sat down with US Assure’s SVP, Head of Product Underwriting, Rachele Holden.

Q: What conditions would you consider under the umbrella of "weather catastrophe?"

A: I mean, that could be anything from earthquakes, floods, hail, tsunamis, wind, tornadoes, a catastrophe actually means that it's covering an array of certain areas of acres or counties.

Q: What are some of the greatest challenges that face insurance agents in light of those changing weather conditions?

A: Wrapping your head around how things are changing. You can start by Google searching some of these patterns, even the types of weather conditions that are happening. You're getting hailstorms now in areas that we never got hail before. Tornadoes are more frequent in other areas. Lightning storms, you know, freeze losses. Mother Nature is playing havoc every day for the past few years. So, if the agents get educated on the amount of where it's all happening, all that information helps them educate their insureds — which really are their partners. Just like we’re the agents’ partners, the insureds are their partners as well. So, let's get them the education they need.

Q: What are some resources that agents can use to emphasize the need for proper coverage?

A: You know, there's all kinds of stuff out there that's free. You've got Stormersite that will give you all the hailstorms and the tornado information. It's by city, it's by state. It tells you how many they've had in a year. You've got earthquake and earth movement. Well, there's an earthquake tracker so you can put in the city, in the state, and you can find out how many earthquakes have occurred. They actually have a diameter of color codes and tells you how close in each area that the earthquakes have hit, because that's what the underwriters are going to be looking at. They're looking at the history and the potential. You've also got Home Facts , which gives you a list of earthquakes, tornadoes, the winds and everything. ProMetrix will give you how many fire hydrants, how close to the fire department is it, and also gives you the crime rating. Is it protected? Is it not protected? It gives you a lot of information.

Q: The purchasers of insurance are changing from just contractors to commercial and residential property owners, right?

A: Yes, I would say we're probably looking at our book. I would say we're getting 50 / 50. Fifty percent of our apps are going to builders, then the other half is from the actual homeowners.

Q: Where does that leave the role of the agent?

A: I think the agent now has more due diligence for education. If your insured is the builder, he knows what all these definitions mean and what it means to have delays, coverage, and everything else. Your homeowner doesn't know this. They likely don't have any insurance knowledge. You need to train them. Walk them through the coverage forms, explain special conditions, exclusions in the policy. Define differences in losses, how the deductibles work, how they're calculated, what does it mean to be occupied. This will help prepare them in the event of a claim. They'll be more familiar with what a claims adjuster is asking for and understand where to find important details in their coverage form.

Q: Part of this due diligence must be to explore the protection in the marketplace. What's an example of differing coverages between carriers?

A: You know, that can be an array of everything. Each carrier has proprietary forms, underwriting guidelines and rating. So, they're naturally going to have their own endorsements and conditions. You need to compare the carriers and determine the conditions, exclusions and deductibles. When does coverage end and begin? Review those conditions first and find the best of the best, then rating and pricing. You always want to make sure you've secured the right coverage for your insured.

Q: How are these catastrophes impacting the role of the agent?

A: I can think of a recent example with Hurricane Ian. This major hurricane shut down some of our agencies, they lost their buildings, suffered major damages and some simply couldn't enter into the area. So, not only did their insured suffer in their area, they experienced losses themselves. I think that leaves agents needing to look closely at carriers, see what their opportunity is. You need to know whether they will be there for you. Maybe they could help you get through the endorsing or the issuance, maybe reporting a claim for you. That's always a great help. I think agents are also more understanding of everything that this poor insured is going through. Their anxiety. They're impatient because they want something done. You can walk them through the process, how long it could take and what would the delays might be so they feel prepared and heard.

Q: One of the many ways agents can help their insureds is through navigating policy details. One of the details we’re asked about a lot is percentage deductibles. Tell us about those.

A: That’s a big one for our program. We have two coverage forms. The online form is for residential and small commercial, and that percent deductible can be applied to wind and hail, flood, earthquake. Then on the large form, we have wind and hail, flood, earthquake as well. But the forms are different. On the online issuance form, the percentage deductible is calculated off of the value you insured your project for. So, if I insured it for $2 million and I have a 1% deductible, that’s a $20,000 deductible. But, on your large commercial, it’s calculated from values at risk. So, if I’m only 20% into the value, that’s what will determine the deductible, not the $2 million. If you're writing builders risk with other carriers, read the form and make sure you understand how it's calculated. Having a $1000 deductible or have a $25,000 wind and hail deductible makes a big difference to an insured.

Q: Let's talk about when the rubber hits the road. Claims. What might help the insured know what to expect when the claim adjuster calls them?

A: The claims adjuster will ask for supplemental information. For thefts, it might be receipts for the materials. If they need to determine when the start date is, they'll ask for a receipt of the foundation being poured. The construction cost breakdown is going to help the claims adjuster determine that the value was insured properly. The may also ask you to fill out some forms about the loss, the estimated amount and so on. They'll sometimes also ask the insured to join a recorded call. The quicker that they get this information, the quicker the adjustment, determination of coverage and the payment of the claim can go. In fact, when you’re completing an application, get the cost breakdown and keep it in your file. When you report a claim, it will speed up the process as the adjusters will already have one item prepared.

The market has changed. The world around us is changing. But there are steps that you can take to not only prepare yourself, but prepare your clients for what's coming next.

This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers. Any description of policy provisions is meant to give a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend a policy. Refer to the policy coverage form for a complete representation of the scope of coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions and more. The policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Some products may not be available in all states and may only be offered on a non-admitted basis. Product availability is subject to change.

Read The Bulletin digitally

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:25:04 GMT

This week includes your next Eriesense® Magazine Marketing Assist, which will help you plan ahead to get the most out of the Fall issue of the magazine. (A few agencies did not receive a marketing assist with their paper copy of The Bulletin. In those cases, your paper copy will follow later in the week.)

Cyber Insurance: Protecting Small Businesses from Social Engineering Fraud

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:26:08 GMT

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to examine and refine your business’s cyber security precautions, things like password policies and employee training. It’s also the perfect time to make sure you have a cyber insurance policy.

If you operate a small or midsize business (SMB), this domain of criminal enterprise increasingly has you in its crosshairs.

Why Are SMBs Targeted?

If you’re a small business owner, it may seem odd to imagine criminals targeting you rather than bigger names with bigger revenues. But, with small businesses constituting 44% of American gross domestic product, according to the Small Business Administration, there are logical reasons for the bad guys to pick on the little guys including:

Low security budget. Smaller companies tend to have smaller security budgets. Often without a dedicated security team or lacking the most up-to-date countermeasures, they can be seen as easier targets than bigger companies with beefier budgets.
Weak security protocols. Smaller companies are also more likely to have less sophisticated security policies and protocols than their larger counterparts, leaving sensitive information unaddressed and unprotected.
Gateway to bigger prey. By committing supply chain attacks — exploiting vulnerabilities in small companies that service numerous larger clients — attackers can often get more bang for their cyber-crime buck by gaining illicit access to several victims at once.

Once it’s understood that a smaller market footprint offers no real protection from cyber crime, it’s important to know the ways your business can be targeted. And, given the trends highlighted in the FBI’s March 10, 2023 release of its annual Internet Crime Report , there’s at least one threat everyone should pay attention to: Social Engineering Fraud.

What Is Social Engineering Fraud?

While traditional “hacking” relies on vulnerabilities in software or hardware to gain unauthorized access to networks and computer systems, social engineering fraud relies on people and emotions.

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, socially engineered attacks are those that use “human interaction (social skills) to obtain or compromise information about an organization or its computer systems.”

Such exchanges can take the form of convincing text messages, email and voice interaction capable of duping even cautious employees into disclosing sensitive information — especially when combined with powerful emotions like fear, love and urgency.

Social Engineering: 10 Types of Fraud

As criminals attempt to leverage technology, trust and emotion against you and your team, familiarity with their techniques can help you avoid becoming a victim. Popular techniques for this ever-evolving type of fraud include:

Baiting. Baiting attacks tempt victims into reusing passwords with offers of quick or easy access to goods and materials or by luring them into inserting USB flash drives to install malware .
Business Email Compromise (BEC). Among the most costly and difficult-to-detect social engineering attacks, BEC uses executive impersonation to direct subordinates to perform fraudulent funds transfers.
Diversion Theft. An old tactic adapted for contemporary use, victims of diversion theft attacks are tricked into sending or obtaining sensitive information to/from a spoofed location or person.
Honeytrap. Often used with romantic overtones, the honeytrap uses a counterfeit online profile to deceive a victim into disclosing information to what she or he believes is a real person.
Phishing. These attacks use email or a counterfeit website from a seemingly trustworthy source about topics of broad interest to solicit personal information from a large pool of people.
Pretexting. Impersonating an authoritative or trustworthy source, a pretexting attack will ask for personal information that can be used either to directly gain unauthorized access or further impersonate its initial victim in a subsequent attack on the intended target.
Quid Pro Quo. Usually posed as a bogus offer for a valuable service (like improved network speed or updated software), a quid pro quo attacker asks for login credentials as a precondition.
Smishing. Easy and cheap to set up and perform, smishing uses malicious links sent as text messages in order to lure victims to fraudulent websites for malware installation.
Tailgating. Sometimes referred to as “piggybacking,” the tailgate attack is an in-person exploit that solicits seemingly trivial courtesies (e.g. “I forgot my laptop. Can I borrow yours?”) as a means of gaining access to otherwise restricted areas and resources.
Whaling. These attacks are specialized phishing attacks that target a powerful stakeholder such as a CEO using highly developed personal information rather than general interests.

A common theme in all of these attacks is the use of emotion — for example, the desire to help another person or the fear of being responsible for a costly mistake — as a means of encouraging the victim to grant the attacker access.

What Can I Do About Social Engineering Fraud?

As always, encourage employees to use best practices like creating a strong password and using a VPN when possible to help protect your business data. And, while it’s always a good idea to make sure your security policies and systems are current, there are some important non-technical steps you can take to promote cyber security:

Understand the threat environment. Dedicate time throughout the year to stay current with authorities like the FBI or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Knowing about an attack before it’s used on you can make a big difference.
Communicate with your team. Make sure your team knows about these threats and how to call them out. A quarterly update of the latest scams and threats will keep everyone informed. Encourage your team to question and verify rather than act on fear or urgency. Most cyber crimes are easily preventable with rationality and diligence.
Get cyber insurance. Review and update your commercial insurance policy to ensure proper coverage. Business owners are discovering that they are either uninsured or underinsured for cyber crime since many insurance companies’ cyber insurance policies don’t cover social engineering claims.

However, ERIE offers a cyber insurance coverage that may cover claims arising out of social engineering. As Commercial Lines Product Development Consultant Kristen Stevanus explains, “ERIE’s Cyber Suite coverage addresses a variety of cyber-crime consequences — including things like data breach, misdirected payments and malware — where a policyholder’s employee unwittingly grants access to the attacker.” Cyber Suite coverage with ERIE includes access to additional resources to help business owners protect themselves against cyber threats. With Cyber Suite, customers gets Cyber Safety, a risk management service that provides employee training, cyber security policy templates, website scanning and more.

This kind of cyber crime protection addresses more than just the direct effects of the attack itself. Covered claims also include protection for downstream consequences like forensics, compliance and recovery.

Stay Current, Stay Safe

Cyber security is an evolving concern, and keeping up to date with the latest threats is one way to avoid them. But even when you take precautions, cyber fraud can still occur. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you protect your business by having the right insurance protection.

With Cyber Suite from ERIE (1), you’re covered for losses arising from a host of cybercrimes, including data breaches, computer fraud and attacks, cyber extortion, misdirected payment fraud and telecommunications fraud. Cyber Suite also includes third-party liability coverages for privacy incident liability, network security liability and electronic media liability. And as an added bonus, you’ll have access to a team of cyber professionals experienced in handling these types of claims.

A local agent can help you understand the benefits of this important coverage, which is just one reason why it’s beneficial to have a knowledgeable Erie Insurance agent .

(1)Cyber Suite is only available to Customers with an ErieSecure Business® policy (not available in NY). Cyber Suite coverage and associated services reinsured under an arrangement with the Hartford Steam Boiler (Home Office: Hartford, Connecticut). © 2021 The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (“HSB”). All rights reserved. This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not modify or invalidate any of the terms or conditions of the policy and endorsements. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the coverage form.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of September 2023 and may be changed at any time.

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long-term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.