Retrieved from: https://www.safeco.com/blog/back-to-school-ready

September 4, 2019
By Safeco

We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, it’s already time to think about the new school year.

And as you think about how to get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for something else — your home. It won’t just be good for you; in many instances, removing clutter also means removing distractions, which can help your kids focus better.

Where to start
You can start wherever you like, but it might be best to make sure your activities are organized before you start in on the daunting task of tackling all of your stuff. With sports and other activities, the school year can be a blur for parents. So keeping a family calendar — whether it’s a dry-erase board or just a weekly printout on the fridge — will ensure that everyone knows where they’re going, and when.

Before the kids go back
Don’t head out for back-to-school shopping just yet. First, do an inventory of school supplies, clothes and shoes so you aren’t buying things you don’t need. Toss or donate stuff that’s old, that doesn’t fit, or that your kids simply don’t like and won’t wear any more. One trick we’ve seen online: If you’re going through a whole closet and you’re not sure what fits your kids, have them try on pants until you find a good pair. Then use that pair to compare the length of all of the other pants.

When they’ve got homework
If possible, designate a study space where your kids have the tools they need for success. It should be well-lit, quiet and free of distractions. Different kids have different learning styles, so you’ll soon find out what works well and what doesn’t.

Now that you’ve gotten them organized ...
... It’s time to focus some energy on your stuff. Eliminate as much clutter from the house as you can, perhaps by following the classic 80/20 theory: 80% of the time, most people use only 20% of their stuff. If the item you’re looking at isn’t in that 20%, ask yourself: Do I really need this?

Stay on top of things
You’re off to a good start in the organizing battle — so keep things rolling! Each week, set aside time to go on a “search and destroy” mission for clutter. It’s much easier to stay organized when you only have to do a little at a time. And make sure the kids are involved, too. Everything — homework, school forms, backpacks — should have a home. And when everything has a home, you’ll be happier in yours!

Written By: Ryker Huizinga

Retrieved from: https://blog.foremost.com/tips-for-effectively-filing-claims.asp

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.
While the claims process isn't something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.
Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.
Reach out to your agent first.In the event of a potential claim, it's best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.
Report your loss promptly.Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it's safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.
Be prepared with the right information.When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

• The customer's name and address
• The policy number
• The date the loss happened
• A description of what happened
• A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.
Record important details from all correspondence.While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.
Make appropriate emergency repairs.If you're dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs, and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.
Ask questions.Don't be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.
Overall, it's important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

If you asked homeowners to create a list of situations they hoped to never have to deal with at home, a sump pump failure would likely rank just underneath having a fire.
Why?
It’s a disaster. Typically, when a sump pump fails it causes water to backup into your home, sometimes bringing all kinds of water-borne materials with it. A water backup can create costly damage. And homeowners have to quickly arrange for cleanup and repairs to avoid further damage.
While all of that may be a good enough reason to take a second look at water backup coverage, here are four more:
Reason #1: It’s not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Not sure if your home insurance policy includes water backup coverage? Then it’s time to give your independent insurance agent a call.
Water backup coverage is an optional endorsement that must be added onto a standard homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy. Without the endorsement, you would be stuck paying for the cost of cleanup or damages caused by a sump, sump pump or similar equipment that’s not considered a plumbing system or household appliance.
Reason #2: It’s fairly inexpensive.
The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage is $50 to $250 annually, depending on your risk exposure and the limits you select.
Different limits are available to match people’s different needs. For example, think about what’s in your basement—it’s an area that’s more likely to flood during a water backup. Is it partially or fully finished? Is your basement a storage area for expensive or hard-to-replace items? Work with your insurance agent to choose a limit that matches your unique coverage needs.
Reason #3: Water backups can happen to anyone.
There are a lot of misconceptions about who is more or less likely to experience a water backup situation. And the truth is it doesn’t matter if you live on top of a hill, if you don’t have a basement, if you already have flood insurance (which is a different type of insurance coverage) or if your home has never had a water backup issue before. Everyone has the potential to experience this type of loss.
Reason #4: It qualifies you for Loss of Use coverage if your home is uninhabitable.
In most cases, a sump pump failure doesn’t make your home unlivable—in other words, you would still be able to live in your home while it was being cleaned and repaired. But in the rare case that it does make your home uninhabitable, having water backup coverage would qualify you for Loss of Use coverage.
For example, this might apply if your furnace is damaged due to a water backup, it’s 30 degrees outside and you can’t heat your home.
Loss of Use coverage covers additional living expenses, above and beyond a person’s normal living expenses, as well as loss of rent, if that’s the case. So if a water backup makes your home unlivable, puts you and your family in a hotel for a couple of days and your claim adjuster approves you for Loss of Use coverage, then the cost of the hotel room would be covered.
How to best prevent water backups
To save yourself from a major headache down the road, here are some tips for avoiding water backups:

• Don’t pour cooking oil or grease down your drains.
• Only flush bathroom tissue in your toilets (i.e. don’t flush paper towels, feminine products, etc.).
• Consider replacing your line with plastic pipe to prevent tree roots from entering it.
• Consult a sump pump professional, typically a plumber, to check your sump pump regularly and look for any pre-existing drainage system issues.
• Install a backwater prevention valve to prevent sewer backups—in fact, most new homes are built with this already installed.
• Buy a battery backup to keep your sump pump running when the power goes out, or buy a water-powered backup sump pump.

Talk to your independent agent to learn more about water backup coverage. Grange Insurance offers an endorsement called Backup of Sewer and Drains that you can add to your homeowners’ insurance policy. Contact your local independent agent for full details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies.
Reference 
-Insurance Information Institute
​-www.grangeinsurance.com

March 13, 2019 | Amanda Austin 
Retrieved from: https://lifehappens.org/blog/9-reasons-not-to-buy-life-insurance-and-why-you-should-rethink-them/

From getting married to having a baby to starting a business, there are lots of reasons why you’d want to consider buying life insurance. But maybe something is holding you back from getting the coverage you know (or suspect) you need.
Here are nine of the biggest reasons you’ll hear for not buying life insurance—and why you shouldn’t let them keep you from considering coverage.
1. It’s too expensive. Concern over cost is one of the most common reasons people give for forgoing life insurance. And that’s too bad when you consider that most people overestimate the cost of life insurance. That includes Millennials: Four in 10 think it cost five times the actual amount (Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA). As a guide, a healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term life insurance policy for about $13 a month.
2. I don’t have any kids. Does your spouse or partner depend on your paycheck to help pay for living expenses? Or do you have a sick parent or relative who would need to hire a caretaker if you weren’t around? These are just a few of the (many) reasons to consider life insurance if you’re childless.
3. I’m too young and healthy to worry about life insurance. No one is invincible or knows what tomorrow may bring. If anyone depends on you to make ends meet, you’ll want to consider life insurance. Plus, young and healthy people tend to get great rates–and can often lock in coverage in case their health takes a turn for the worse later in life.
4. I’m too old to need life insurance. We all know age is just a number, and that’s certainly the case when someone would face a financial hit without you in the picture.
 5. My health isn’t great. There are lots of life insurance options for anyone in less than optimal health, so don’t assume you can’t get coverage if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, for example. The key is typically to have the condition under control with a physician’s guidance and medication if needed.
6. I smoke. There are many companies that offer life insurance for smokers–just know that you’ll end up paying more than nonsmokers.
7. I don’t work outside of the house. Whether you’re caring for young children or aging parents (or both!), you provide invaluable services that would be expensive to replace. Life insurance can help ensure the ones you leave behind get the care they need.
8. I don’t have the time to get coverage. These days, it’s easy to get a quote online or over the phone and to e-sign required documents. And there are even policies out there that don’t mandate a medical exam, often called simplified underwriting.
9. I don’t know what kind of coverage I need or how much. That’s what four in 10 people give as an excuse, according to the Barometer Study. There are lots of trusted insurance agents and advisors in your community and online who can help you pinpoint coverage that works for your life and budget.

Retrieved from Grange Insurance: https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/before-you-loan-your-car?utm_source=grangewire&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tips&utm_content=41719

Have you ever loaned your car to a friend or family member when they were in need? It’s a kind gesture, but if they were to get in an accident behind the wheel of your vehicle, you may be uncertain whose insurance will cover the costs.
Since accidents can happen at any time, it’s important to understand how your coverage works and ultimately who will cover accident-related costs. Here’s what to know before you loan your car.
​
1. Know your coverage.

First, it’s important to know if the driver is covered by your insurance. Family members living in your household are typically covered by your insurance unless you expressly exclude them from your policy.
If a friend or a family member who is not a member of the household borrows your vehicle with your permission and gets in an accident, you may or may not be liable for some of the costs depending on your policy, the state you live in, and if the other driver carries their own insurance. Always check your policy and be familiar with how your coverage works so you aren’t stuck with surprise costs after an accident.

2. Understand who pays.

There’s a common misconception that the driver’s insurance will always cover an accident, but that’s not always the case. Most times, car insurance follows the vehicle. However, exact coverage will depend upon the language in your policy and the state you live in, which is why being familiar with the in’s and out’s of your policy is so important before someone loans your car.

There are exceptions, of course. If the accident wasn’t your friend or family member’s fault, the other driver will pay for the accident and your insurance will be unaffected. Or, if your vehicle is stolen and crashes, you will not be held liable for damages or injuries. However, damage to your own vehicle will most likely be covered under your insurance.

3. Lend responsibly.

If there’s a chance someone will regularly use your car, include them on your policy. And, always make sure you are lending responsibly. You could be sued for damages if you let an impaired or unlicensed driver operate your vehicle.
There are many scenarios that can play out when someone borrows your car, which is why it’s important to understand the terms of your coverage and be familiar with who is covered under your insurance policy. Talk with us if you have questions about the terms of your insurance.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. To learn more about Grange’s auto insurance, speak with us!

Written by Erie Insurance

As a proud business owner, it’s your job to consider the “what-ifs” for your business. Of course, you don’t want to think about the worst… but in order to be prepared, it’s a necessity. No matter how careful or cautious you and your employees are, accidents do happen – and sometimes they can be serious.
If you experience a catastrophic accident, things can get costly… and fast. That’s where your ERIE agent and ERIE’s Business Umbrella Policy can help.
 Why Do I Need a Business Umbrella Policy?
This specialized policy can kick in with extra financial protection against a legal judgment for a covered loss. Business umbrella liability offers a cushion above and beyond the limits of your commercial general liability, professional liability, business auto liability and employer’s liability insurance.
Business umbrella insurance could help you when facing a serious and costly claim, for example:

• One of your drivers causes a very serious accident and a suit is filed against your business.
  
• A fire starts at your owned location and damages several other buildings in the surrounding area. A suit is filed against your business for the resulting damage.
  
• Your business gets sued because a customer is injured by a product he or she purchased through your business.
  
• A competitor claims you made false or malicious statements about their business in public or in an advertisement and decides to take legal action.
  

A major claim, like those mentioned above, could threaten the very existence of your business. And if a claim is serious enough, it could even have the potential to put your own personal assets — like your home and your retirement account — at risk.

What Erie Insurance Offers
ERIE’s Business Umbrella coverage offers your business $1 million or more of extra protection above your primary Erie Insurance policy’s liability coverage.
 ERIE’s business policies also give you access to a variety of resources including:

• Coverage for legal costs to defend a covered claim.
  
• Assistance from a risk control consultant who can recommend measures to help you identify, manage and reduce your business’s risks 
  
• Access to online disaster planning and business continuity tools through the Institute for Business and Home Safety’s “Open for Business” program.
  

 Business umbrella insurance is probably more affordable thank you think. Talk to your local ERIE agent about adding business umbrella insurance to your current business policy. He or she will talk to you about affordable options that can work for your business.

Retrieved from: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/business-liability​

by RACHEL WRAY THOMPSON

It’s winter — that means you’re probably piling on your blankets and turning up the thermostat. But if you’re looking to reduce energy bills and heat specific areas of your home, consider a space heater. ConsumerSearch recently complied a great space heater report — here are their tips on how to select a space heater, and their top four picks:

ConsumerSearch pulled from great review sources like Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping and This Old House, as well as user reviews from sites like Amazon.com.

Types of heatersRadiant Space Heaters
Advantages: Good for spot heating, quick heating; most efficient for short periods; quiet
Disadvantages: Not good at heating rooms; heat dissipates quickly; orange glow is distracting and/or annoying to some

Convection Space Heaters
Advantages: Best for heating rooms; variety of shapes and price ranges; some have fans
Disadvantages: Models without fans are slow to heat; models with fans can be noisy; can be expensive

Questions to ask yourself before you buy:

• What kind of heating do I need? 
  Specifically, are you looking for a heater that will heat a room (like a convection space heater) or are you more looking for a personal heater that will just warm you up (in which case a radiant space heater might work best)?
• How safe do I need this space heater to be? 
  Obviously, all space heaters should be relatively safe to use before buying, but parents in particular might want to consider other safety issues before purchasing a heater, like considering how hot the materials get and whether materials are protected from curious kids. Also look for tip-over sensors and an overheat cut-off.
• How much noise can I handle? 
  Some folks find the ambient noise of a heater to be soothing, others find it annoying. Know which camp you’re in before you choose a heater type to purchase.
• Do I care if it looks good? 
  Chances are if you’re reading a design website you care about aesthetics, and yes, if you’re looking for a space heater for a public space in your home and happen to entertain a lot, you might want to spend a little extra dough on models that also sport sleek design. But if you know you’ll be the only one seeing it or have a spot you can stow it out of sight when guests come over, consider saving some money.
• What’s my budget? 
  If this is a temporary solution or you’re not sure how long you might need a space heater, consider budget options that still rate highly. But if you know this is a tool you’ll be using to keep your home warm for years to come, you should take that into consideration and invest in a high-quality one.

4 ConsumerSearch top picks:

1. Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat, (Around $25). 
   It heats well for the price, and its small size would work great in small spaces. It doesn’t have a tip-over sensor and some users complain that it’s a bit too loud
2. DeLonghi TRD0715T Oil-Filled Radiator, (Around $85).
   Consistent heat output and quiet operation. Performs reasonably well in comparative tests, scoring excellent ratings for temperature control and noise. Users agree, saying the DeLonghi radiator runs quietly and has a convenient programmable timer. Like most radiators, it does take awhile to heat a room.
3. Vornado TVH500 Whole Room Vortex Heater, (Around $155). 
   Good for warming a person that’s seated next to it, this heater has been reported to do well at warming rooms, too. It has good safety features and isn’t very loud, but some users have complained that the heat distribution is uneven.
4. Honeywell MyEnergySmart Infared Whole Room Heater (Around $180).
   With lots of safety features, this heater is efficient at heating small spots well, but doesn’t exactly scream high design. But, it what it lacks in looks it makes up for in convience, offering lots of function and even a remote control.

Sourced from: ​https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-space-heaters-consume-163936

There are a handful of tasks during the winter months that need to be addressed in order to keep your home or business in good condition. From shoveling snow that’s obstructing pathways to ensuring your pipes don’t burst, the process of protecting your home or business during the winter is one that should not be overlooked. But there is one task that some people may not be aware of: protecting your roof from ice dams.

Ice dams occur when warm air from your living area escapes into your attic. This warm air then heats up your roof, causing any snow that has accumulated on there to begin melting. This melting snow runs down to your roof’s edge, freezing in your gutters to create an ice dam. The remaining melting snow is then trapped and begins to back up underneath the shingles of your roof.

Ice dams are very harmful and can cause severe damage to your roof if they are not prevented. Here are a few tips to prevent ice dams from forming this winter:

1. Keep your gutters clean. 
Keeping your gutters clear of debris, like twigs and leaves, is a very simple way to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in the winter. Make sure there is a place for melting snow to drain from your roof to eliminate the possibility of ice dams from forming.

2. Invest in a snow rake. 
Investing in a snow rake is an excellent idea to protect your roof and help eliminate the formation of ice dams. Snow rakes are flat-headed with a long handle (some have extensions), and they allow you to remove snow from your roof while being able to stay on the ground. These rakes can range anywhere from $35 to $110, depending on the length and quality of the rake. This is an efficient and safe way to clear accumulating snow that could potentially melt and form an ice dam.

3. Ventilate your attic. 
Making sure your attic is well ventilated is crucial when it comes to maintaining your roof during the winter. According to Energy Star, allowing a natural flow of outdoor air to ventilate into your attic will help keep it cold and prevent ice dams from forming.

4. Consult a professional. 
Consulting a professional snow removal contractor to assist in the snow removal process is a fantastic way to protect your roof from ice dams. These professionals will inspect your roof to ensure that it is able to handle the winter months, as well as remove any snow or ice dams that have accumulated. Professional snow removal contractors use rakes, shovels, de-icing and anti-icing techniques to remove existing snow and to prevent the formation of ice on your roof. Carefully research the snow removal contractors in your area so you know the professional you are hiring is credible and will take the necessary steps to clear your roof in a safe and effective manner. Although this is the most expensive method for maintaining your roof during the winter, it is also one of the best ways to prevent ice dams and snow from causing issues on your roof.

References:
- IBHS
- Energy Star
-https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/4-ways-to-prevent-ice-dams?utm_source=grangeagent.com&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=tips&utm_content=121218
​

by Erie Insurance on November 19, 2018

The fall season is beautiful, but it also introduces a few different driving hazards… deer collisions being one of them. From October to December, mating and hunting season make deer go on the move. For drivers, that means you’re more likely to hit one.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, deer-vehicle collisions are the top animal-related claim in the U.S. Before you get too worried, here are some helpful tips on how to avoid hitting a deer… and how to handle things if you end up hitting one despite your best efforts.
HOW TO AVOID HITTING A DEER

1. Know where the deer are likely to be. Areas with high deer populations are normally marked with a bright yellow sign. Deer also tend to graze in wooded areas or open fields. When driving your usual route to work, be attentive to areas where you’ve seen deer in the past – they are likely to cross there again.
   
   
2. Be alert at sunrise and sunset. Deer are more active during dawn and dusk hours.
   
   
3. Use your high beams. When possible, use your high beams for better visibility. The extra light will help make it easier to spot a deer, or other animals, lurking alongside the road.
   
   
4. Don’t rely on deer gadgets. Whether it’s a deer whistle, deer fence or other type of product to scare away the deer… don’t rely solely on them to keep deer away. Research isn’t exact on whether or not these products truly work.
   
   
5. When you see one… you’ll probably see more. Deer travel in groups. If one comes across your path, proceed with caution in case there are more.
   
   
6. Don’t swerve. Swerving isn’t always the safest option. Hitting a deer might often cause less damage than swerving to avoid it… and then hitting a more dangerous obstacle, like a vehicle in oncoming traffic.
   
   
7. Wear your seat belt. If you do hit a deer, wearing a seat belt decreases your chances of injury.
   
   
8. Spread the word. When friends or family head out on the road, let them know to be careful and alert. Even a simple reminder can help prevent deer collisions.
   
   

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT A DEERTaking the above precautions can help you avoid hitting a deer… but nothing can entirely rule out the possibility. Here are steps you can take after you hit a deer.

1. Pull over. Move your vehicle to a safe place off the road. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights.
   
   
2. Stay away from the deer. An injured deer can still lash out and hurt someone.
   
   
3. Assess the damage. When you’re out of harm’s way, examine your vehicle and take photographs of any damage to your car. Use good judgement to know if your car is safe to drive or if you’ll need to call for a tow truck.
   
   
4. Call for help. Depending on the circumstances, consider calling the police or an animal expert. While it’s not always required to file a police report, it can provide evidence if you decide to make an insurance claim. If the deer is still in the middle of the road, a trained professional from animal control, the game commission or your local fish and wildlife service can move it away for everyone’s safety.
   
   
5. Know if you should file an insurance claim. An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent can help you make the decision based on the specifics of your auto insurance policy. Talking with someone you already know and who is familiar with the claims process can help put your mind more at ease.
   
   

DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE COVER HITTING A DEER?You can’t always predict if a deer will walk into your path, but if one does, we’re here to help get you back on the road as soon as possible. At Erie Insurance, deer-vehicle collisions are covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance, which is an optional coverage you can choose to add on. 
An insurance professional like a local Erie Insurance agent can help you customize an auto insurance package that fits your needs and budget. 

Call us, your local Erie Insurance agent at 740-927-1469.
Retrieved from: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/hitting-a-deer
​

Does your business need cyber coverage?

The simple answer is yes. If you have a computer—or even just do business with someone who has a computer—you, your business and your information are at risk.
And the consequences can be severe. Sixty percent of small businesses close within six months of a data breach.
For small and medium-sized businesses, cyber coverage might seem unnecessary. But data breaches aren’t just for big retailers. While those large-scale attacks generate headlines, most cyberattacks target businesses with less than 250 employees.

And if you think your business liability insurance has got you covered, think again. Standard business liability insurance typically doesn’t cover cyber liability, and with new threats emerging rapidly in the digital world, cyber liability will likely remain separate from business liability.

Now that you know the facts, here’s how cyber coverage can help your business:

Data breach

A data breach is a security failure where sensitive, protected or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by someone who is not authorized to do so.
It can be as high-tech as a hacker cracking a complex encrypted system or as simple as an employee losing a smartphone. And it happens more often than you can imagine. More than 1 billion personal information records were stolen in 2014 alone.

Losing your customers’ data can quickly become expensive. In 2015, the average cost paid for each lost or stolen record containing confidential information was $154.4 And there can be severe penalties for losing credit card data, along with the costs of forensic investigations, credit card reissuance and fraud. But maybe the biggest cost is the loss of your customers’ trust if you aren’t covered by insurance or prepared to remedy the situation.

Third-party data

Whether it’s your company handling someone else’s data or a vendor that handles your sensitive information, you must make sure you’re protected.

Even if you’ve entrusted someone else or another company to keep your data safe, cyber coverage can cover you if that information is ever lost or stolen.

Ransomware and extortion

Hackers who target small businesses will sometimes install malware on your system or devices, then demand payment to remove it. With cyber coverage, your business can be protected against this kind of threat.

Cyber coverage is rapidly evolving and determining your risk and needs is essential. The best way to find what fits your business is to speak with an independent agent. Your agent will review your business exposure, different coverage options and make the best policy recommendation for you.

1 - U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology
2 - Aabacosmallbusiness.com
3 - Quickbooks.intuit.com
4 - Securityintelligence.com

Source: https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/cyber-coverage-for-business​