Business Insurance News

Necessary Insurance for Cyber Risks

May 20, 2019

Necessary Insurance for Cyber Risks

Cyber attacks continue to evolve at an alarming rate, with businesses struggling to keep up. Cyber insurance is essential to allow companies to protect the business and assets, including consumer information if network security is breached.

How Coverage Helps Your Business

It seems as though there is a never-ending list of cyber risks for a business, including lost data, leaked customer information, system malfunctions and dangerous viruses. These can lead to expensive costs for businesses that must conduct forensic analysis to find the breach and the extent of the damage, as well as any costs associated with the recovery. Cyber insurance can help a company in the following ways after a breach has occurred:

Legal fees, including settlements
Regulatory fees, including investigations and fines
Customer and employee notification costs
Reimbursement for cyber extortion
Credit monitoring for customer accounts
Public relations expenses

Protecting Your Business From Data Breaches

Just because you have network security does not mean your business is safe from cyber attacks. Including cyber insurance as part of your commercial policy can help lessen the damage to your business, client accounts and reputation if a breach occurs. A cyber attack doesn’t have to be the end of your business and the right insurance policy can help you move forward.

Keeping The Family Tradition Alive

May 16, 2019

From the moment The Owens Group opened its doors in 1957, we have provided each of our clients with the tools to head into a secure future where all their assets are covered. Whether you are the head of a household, a business owner or an individual, our policies bring you a peace of mind you deserve and need in today’s hectic society. Our expertise and excellent customer care come together to bring you an insurance package that is tailored to you and that fits your budget.

Personalized Personal Coverage

We understand everyone’s situation is different and that each requires a different set of coverage. That is why our team makes the effort to assess your need and build a plan that is unique to you. Our personal insurance plans include personal umbrella, auto, workers’ compensation, kidnap & ransom, aviation and cyber. With us, you can trust that your future is in good hands.

Beneficial Business Protection

We also have a rich history of working with generations of businesses of all types. We work with theater, entertainment, cannabis, retail, manufacturing, tech and non-profit businesses among many others. The Owens Group works with management every step of the way to build coverage that can take the brunt of emergencies.

Our team works hard to keep the tradition of its family of founders alive. We do so by bringing you the best customer care possible. Reach out to our team today to see for yourself the kind of service that has made us so well respected in the industry.

Protecting Whats Most Important to You

May 14, 2019

If you run a non-profit organization (NPO), then you understand what a thankless, yet rewarding position it can be. On one hand, you’re doing something to make a change in the world and that is a noble goal. On the other, your funding is not government-issued and comes only from donors, and that is difficult. No matter what your cause is, protect it with specialty NPO insurance plans from companies like Moody Insurance.

What Kinds of Insurance?

Being an NPO doesn’t mean that you don’t need the same coverage as any other small business. Opt for insurance plans that protect you and other employees, the physical residence and any vehicles that your NPO might use.

General liability coverage is one of the most basic, yet most important insurance plans for any business. It protects the organization in case someone is injured on the premises or their personal property is damaged.

You insure your personal vehicle, extend the same courtesy to any company vehicles. This includes vans, trucks or any other vehicle that employees or volunteers will use.

If your building is damaged by the weather, vandals or any other sort, cover it with property insurance. Your out-of-pocket expenses will be much less with this kind of policy.

NPOs are important fixtures in the world because they make changes happen. Protect your baby by being sure it is properly insured.

Common Errors and Omission Risks for Mortgage Brokers

May 7, 2019

Business owners and individuals purchase property using mortgages on a daily basis. While the market is good, the mortgage industry flourishes, but the risks never cease. Common lawsuit risks covered by indemnity insurance mortgage coverage are listed here.

Non-Disclosure

Failure to disclose information to the buyer puts the mortgage lender at risk for a lawsuit. Common late disclosed or non-disclosed information includes negative amortization, ARM terms and interest rates.

Kickbacks

Secret commissions and kickbacks for giving business to certain lenders are generally illegal but do happen. Federally-related mortgage loans can receive no kickbacks per the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and can result in a lawsuit.

Early Payment

Investors have filed claims against mortgage lenders for loans declining in value due to early payments. Many of these investors from Wall Street have demanded the lender buy back the loans. This seems to be a holdover from the subprime bubble of 2008.

Yield Spread Premium

Dubious practices such as hidden fees have caused litigation for the mortgage industry. The yield spread premium is a common controversial fee seen in claims. This list is by no means exhaustive, but the mortgage company can protect its financial assets with indemnity insurance mortgage coverage. Errors and omissions happen even with the most diligent broker, thats where insurance comes in. Insurance helps during a lawsuit to protect assets and your reputation.

4 Tips To Prep Your Home For Sale This Spring

April 29, 2019

Spring marks the time of year where many homeowners start to prep their homes for a late spring or summer sale. If you are thinking about moving, make sure you keep your Putnam Connecticut homeowners insurance active until the home is sold. These four tips can help you prep your home for a spring sale.

Renovations

Small renovations such as fresh paint can increase the look of your home without the costs and time of a full renovation. Replacing the garage door or upgrading the stone veneer on a home can increase the value without costing you a lot of money.

Smells

Odd or gross smells can turn away potential buyers. Hunt down any detracting smells caused by food, tobacco or pets. Throw out items that retain smell and consider shampooing your carpets.

Colors

If you are considering any painting within the home, go with neutral or white colors. Vivid or bright colors dont appeal to all buyers and may turn some away.

Light

Natural light is one of the beauties of selling your home in the spring and summer months. Consider replacing or removing outdated window hangings and opening up blinds and curtains to allow light to brighten the space.

If you decide to purchase a new home, be sure to call and transfer your Putnam Connecticut homeowners insurance policy to the new residence. There may be some overlap in policies if one home is bought before the other is sold.

Insurance Coverage for Marinas

April 25, 2019

Living in California has many benefits. From the incredible weather to world class arts and culture, California has a great deal to offer. And if youre lucky enough to own a marina along the coastline, you might be the envy of all your friends. That could change quickly, however, unless you have a great California marina insurance policy.

Marina owners have an increased level of risk thats associated with living and/or working on the water. If you own a marina, youll want to look carefully at all of the relevant policy options that are available to you.

Commercial General Liability

This could be the most extensive portion of your policy. You want to ensure you have sufficient protection from anything that could be seen as your responsibility. This is especially critical when youre renting out dock space to others.

Property Damage

This coverage is critical because you may be held financially responsible for any damage thats caused to your property if the person causing the damage is uninsured. Property includes facilities, but you probably also want coverage on other kinds of marina-related property.

Docks
Piers
Wharves
Boats

Protection and Indemnity

This is another important component of California marina insurance coverage, which is specifically related to watercraft. It will protect you from both bodily injury and property damage thats caused by a boat.

4 Essential Steps to Take When Your Home Has Been Robbed

April 16, 2019

Coming home to find your possessions stolen and the house damaged is terrible. Filing personal insurance company claims is definitely on the list of must-dos after a robbery. Consider these other steps to secure the home and protect things you love.

Police

While this may seem obvious, it is imperative to get a police report as soon as possible. Do this before entering the home to ensure there isnt a criminal waiting for you.

Loved Ones

Make sure your loved ones and any pets are safe and sound. Call any direct family members not with you to ensure their safety. Dont forget to search for your fur babies as they may have escaped.

Documentation

The police will ask you a variety of questions and so will your insurance agent. Write things down that you remember about how things were left, time frames and what items have gone missing or were damaged.

Security

Re-evaluating your security measures is always a good idea after a burglary. Analyze what you currently have and look into other ways to secure your property. This may mean getting neighbors involved in a community effort. Your personal insurance company claims are part of the process to getting back on your feet after a robbery. The insurance agent is there to work with you when life deals you lemons.

How To Save When Filming in Remote Locales

March 28, 2019

Documentaries allow audiences to learn important issues facing the world today or in the past. Many documentaries are filmed in remote locales such as the jungles of Thailand or small islands off the coast of South America. Wherever your film takes you, save yourself time and hassle with production insurance, proper research and the right tools.

Insurance

The farther away you are from your home turf, the more risks you assume with the production. The subject of your film may pose additional risks. Insure the production and yourself with production, travel and health insurances.

Research

Remote locales have the mystery and appeal of a riveting story. While you have thoroughly researched your subject, you also need to research the location and potential issues before departing. Remote locations don’t have all the luxuries of the modern world. The climate, geography and the people all can impact the production and your journey.

Tools

Make sure before you set off to film that you have all the tools you need. In addition to your camera and its accessories, consider taking along LED lights, extra batteries, a rain hood, additional memory cards and power adapters. Don’t forget to back up as often as possible.

Go ahead and film the masterpiece of your dreams with a little preparation. Production insurance can help you make your dreams a reality.

Whats the Difference Between Brokers and Agents?

March 28, 2019

When you shop for insurance, you will likely come across both insurance brokers and insurance agents. If you are unfamiliar with the disciplines, you might believe the two professionals regularly do battle – insurance brokers vs agents. So whats the difference?

Whats the Same?

Both brokers and agents work as intermediaries between the insurer and the insured. They are bound by law to help you find the right insurance policy that fits your need. They must also ensure that it is available at a reasonable price. Agents and brokers must be licensed to sell insurance and must obey the regulations set forth by the states in which they do business.

Whats the Difference?

The biggest difference between brokers and agents is who they represent. Brokers represent the insurance buyer – you or your organization. Agents represent insurance companies.

Agents come in two types, captive or independent. Captive agents represent one insurer, while independents represent multiple insurers. They are joined with the insurer by contract, which identifies the policies and products the agent can sell and outlines the commission the agent will make.

Brokers, on the other hand, submit a buyers completed application to various insurers requesting a quote. You will likely work with either a retail or wholesale broker. Retail brokers work directly with buyers. Wholesale brokers work with retail brokers to help find coverage for buyers who couldnt obtain coverage otherwise.

Tips to Consider When Planning a Cruise

March 20, 2019

If youre looking to plan a cruise for your next vacation, its worth it to research the cruise line first and foremost. Some cruise packages are suspiciously cheap, so before taking advantage of low prices, make sure youre getting what you think youre paying for!

What kind of insurance does the cruise line have? Think about smaller concerns like how they treat lost or stolen baggage, but dont forget about big concerns too. Is there vessel pollution insurance if there is a leakage of some kind? What happens in case the ship collides with something? All concerns, from misplaced baggage to vessel pollution insurance, are valid.

Be aware of seasonal weather. For example, a trip to Bermuda might be dirt cheap during the months of June through September. Before jumping on this offer, research what the weather is doing during those months (which happen to be hurricane season!). Be smart when deciding on a departure date.

If the cruise line is based out of another country than the US, it might follow different procedures. Read as much as you can ahead of time about the cruise lines safety policies to make sure you are comfortable with them. In case of an emergency, you dont want to be stuck on a floating vessel with no plan!

Planning a trip is exciting, but remember to be smart when planning too. Every trip is memorable, just make sure your cruise isnt memorable for the wrong reasons!