Cyber Liability Coverage

 

 

 

 

Cyber Liability Coverage: with an estimated cyber-attack occurring every 19 seconds, your business requires a robust cyber insurance policy to keep you safe and able to recover from cyber incidents.

Cyber Liability Coverage

  • Security Breach Expense
  • Security Breach Liability
  • Restoration of Electronic Data
  • Extortion Threats
  • Public Relations Expense
  • Computer and Funds Transfer
  • Business Income & Extra Expense
  • Social Engineering
  • Ransom Payments
  • Hardware Replacement Costs
  • Telecommunications Fraud
  • Post Brach Remediation Coverage

Standalone cyber insurance coverage is not as expensive as you may think. Give us a call to talk about what we can offer to help protect your business from cyber threats.

Life Insurance and Covid-19

Life Insurance and Covid-19

 

 

 

There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has taught us a number of valuable lessons, one of which is how financially vulnerable we are.

Many have witnessed first-hand how quickly life can change and perhaps been reminded of the importance of having financial protection in place.

If you’ve been motivated to take out life insurance since COVID-19, here’s what you need to know.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your family or other dependants if you pass away during the term (length) of the policy. It offers peace of mind that your loved ones would be financially protected if you were no longer around to provide for them.

Effect of COVID-19 on life insurance

While coronavirus has had a huge impact on the insurance industry as a whole, the life insurance sector has been left relatively unscathed. There has been no evidence of life insurers pulling out of the market, premiums have remained steady and COVID-related claims are being paid.

Life insurance is still readily available to buy and – whether new or existing – policies will cover coronavirus.

And, while the process of applying for life insurance is taking longer as insurers have been updating their underwriting processes, these issues have been largely resolved and application times have improved.

One undeniable change however, is the introduction of COVID-19-specific questions on life insurance application forms.  Insurers are asking a few more questions and underwriting has tightened in some areas, especially for those with diabetes, asthma or who might be overweight.

This means that when you run a life insurance quote, you’ll need to answer questions such as:

Within the last 30 days have you:

  • tested positive for coronavirus?
  • been advised to self-isolate?
  • had any symptoms of coronavirus?
  • been in direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with or who is suspected of having coronavirus?’

If you answer yes one or more of these questions, your life insurance application is likely to be postponed – how long for will depend on the insurer but it’s often around a month (after the point of recovery if you actually contracted the virus).

And if you have suffered particularly serious symptoms, for example if you were hospitalised, your application could be postponed for longer.

It’s crucial you answer these and all other questions honestly however, and don’t fail to disclose pre-existing conditions. If you ever make a claim and your insurer discovers you were dishonest, it may well be rejected.

Can I still get cover with a pre-existing condition?

The short answer is yes, but it will depend on the type and severity of the condition, and many insurers have become more selective about who they accept.

If your condition puts you at greater risk from COVID-19, such as asthma and diabetes, or you’re over 50 years of age, you may find it harder to get life insurance coverage, while those insurers that do offer cover are likely to charge higher premiums.

It is typical for the insurer to review your medical records from your General Practitioner before making an offer. You will also likely need to have a medical examination, called a paramedical exam. These usually only last around 20 to 30 minutes and involve answering some questions about your health and lifestyle, as well as having your height, weight and blood pressure checked, and having a blood or urine sample taken.

If you’re concerned you won’t be able to find coverage, it’s worth speaking to an independent agent, like Johnson & Rohan, whose experts will discuss your options and help find you the most appropriate coverage.  Our agency works with over 70 life carriers- we’ll find you the best available coverage and premium.

 

Ordinance or Law Coverage

Ordinance or Law Coverage

Ordinance or Law Coverage was recently in the news and, as a result, our Agency received a flurry of phone calls. After completing dozens of reviews of coverage, let’s talk about:

Ordinance or Law Coverage — coverage for loss caused by enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating construction and repair of damaged buildings. Older structures that are damaged may need upgraded electrical; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC); and plumbing units based on city codes.

Ordinance or Law insurance coverage provides limited protection for costs associated with repairing, rebuilding, or constructing a structure when physical damage to the structure by a covered cause of loss triggers an ordinance or law.

According to Adjuster’s International Disaster Recovery Consulting, compliance with ordinances and laws after a loss can add 50% or more to the cost of the claim. (Paul O. Dudey CPCU and Donald S. Malecki, Adjusting Today Issue #3009, “Ordinance or Law Coverage – Code for Recovery!”).
Insureds should take a proactive approach to their insurance program and the coverage provided by the program. Learning about important exclusions and limitations after a catastrophe strikes will cause the Insured to experience frustration and anxiety. Insureds should always read their policies, and in some states, may be required by law to do so.


ORDINANCE OR LAW EXCLUSION

Most property insurance policies will have an Ordinance or Law exclusion. The exclusion applies to both physical damage and time element coverage. Ordinance or Law coverage is readily available in the market, typically by end

Give us a call to review your coverage.

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our office will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th and we will re-open on Monday at 8:00 am.

We are thankful for all of our clients that have enabled us to grow and expand our markets.

We say it often, but can’t say it enough: “Thank you for insuring with us.

If you need to report a claim during off hours, you can do so 24 hours a day. Have your policy number ready and dial:

Travelers/ Premier:  1-877-425-2466

Vermont Mutual: 1-800-435-0397

Safety Insurance:  1-866-906-5016

MPIUA:  1-800-392-6108

Progressive: 1-800-776-4737

Commerce/MAPFRE: 1-800-922-8276

Amica: 1-800-242-6422

Plymouth Rock/Pilgrim Insurance: 617-951-1620

Hagerty Insurance: 1-800385-0274

Swyfft Insurance:  1-855-479-9338

 

24/7 Off Hour Claim Reporting Numbers

24/7 Off Hour Claim Reporting Numbers

When you have a claim or a claim question, give us a call. We will advise, advocate and report the claim to the insurance company on your behalf.

If you need to report a claim, many of our companies offer 24 hour claim service numbers:

Travelers/ Premier:  1-877-425-2466

Vermont Mutual: 1-800-435-0397

Safety Insurance:  1-866-906-5016

MPIUA:  1-800-392-6108

Progressive: 1-800-776-4737

Commerce/MAPFRE: 1-800-922-8276

Amica: 1-800-242-6422

Plymouth Rock/Pilgrim Insurance: 617-951-1620

Hagerty Insurance: 1-800385-0274

Swyfft Insurance:  1-855-479-9338

Please let us know if you have any problems or if we can be of service.

Cyber Business Coverage

 

Cyber Business Coverage

The cyber insurance market is evolving at a rapid pace. Three significant cyber attacks took place since March 2021, raising awareness of cyber for all businesses. Even Federal Reserve Chairman Jeremy Powell stated that the next major threat to the economy is cyber in a 60 Minutes Interview:

  1. Microsoft Exchange Hack (3/2/2021) – A vulnerability in the Microsoft Exchange email servers exposed over 30,000 business’ internal data to hackers.
  2. Colonial Pipeline Attack (5/7/2021) – The Colonial Pipeline Attack impacted nearly half of the East Coast’s fuel supply and shut off their pipelines for 11 days. This event highlights how ransomware attacks are leading to greater cyber risks.
  3. VMware Exploit (6/4/2021) – A VMware vulnerability with a severity rating of 9.8 out of 10 was exploited by cybercriminals to launch attacks on organizations using VMware.

These events signify the growing risk of cyber threats. No business, big or small, is immune from cyber incidents which can be devastating. Businesses need robust and customized cyber coverage, so they can return to normal operations quickly after an incident.

We have companies that offer standalone cyber insurance that can be customized to match the needs of any business, and can help protect you from evolving cyber threats.

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting, and sometimes scary, event for the new driver and the new driver’s family. Operating a motor vehicle is serious business and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a strict Junior Operator Law for new drivers.

Massachusetts Junior Operator Law 101:

Any motor vehicle operator or motorcyclist between the ages of 16 1/2 and 18 is considered a Junior Operator. The Junior Operator Law has several requirements and restrictions that significantly affect the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who has a Junior Operator’s License (JOL). The basic purpose of the law is to provide new drivers supervised opportunities in which to develop good driving skills, while keeping those drivers free of the possible distractions caused by friends under age 18 who are present while the drivers are behind the wheel.

Following, from the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles Driver’s Manual, we offer Massachusetts Junior Operator License Restrictions:

  • You may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six months after receiving your JOL while any person under age 18 is in the vehicle (other than you or an immediate family member), unless you are accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old, has at least one year of driving experience, holds a valid driver’s license form Massachusetts or another state and is occupying a seat beside you.

General Rule: The passenger restriction that applies to the Junior Operator (Under age 18) is lifted once the Junior Operator completes the six-month period or you reach age 18, whichever occurs first.

The six-month passenger restriction period will stop running, temporarily, during any suspension. When your JOL is reinstated, you will still have to complete the remainder of the six-month restriction period that existed at the beginning of the suspension period, unless you have already turned 18.

  • As the holder of a Junior Operator License (JOL), you may not operate a motor vehicle between 12:30 a.m and 5:00 a.m. unless you are accompanied by one of your parents or your legal guardian. If you are found operating a motor vehicle in violation of this restriction, you may be charged with operating a motor vehicle without being licensed. This is a criminal violation.
  • If you violate the passenger restriction or the night restriction, you will be subject to a license suspension of 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense, and one year for subsequent offenses. For a second or subsequent offense, you will also be required to complete a Driver Attitudinal Retraining course. The law requires the Registrar to impose this suspension in addition to any other penalty, fine, suspension, revocation, or requirement that may be imposed in connection with a violation committed at the time you were violating the passenger or night restriction.
  • You may not operate a motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
  • You will be suspended for one year if you are under 18 when you have committed certain driving offenses and alcohol or drugs were involved (180 days if age 18 to 21), in addition to any penalty assessed by a court or other law.
  • You will be ineligible for a full license until you have completed the period of suspension imposed while operating with a JOL and you reach age 18.
  • You will face additional suspension periods of one year for a first drag racing offense and three years for a subsequent offense, you will be suspended for one year.

Call or click us at Johnson & Rohan Insurance if you would like more information on Massachusetts insurance or the Massachusetts Junior Operator Law.

Grill Safety

June 20, 2021 marks the longest day of the year, the beginning of summer and, of course: Father’s Day.

As we approach the summer solstice, it’s time to fire up the grill. Remember to exercise some caution before you do so.

The insurance industry reports of over 500 fires and over 30 injuries per year as a result of gas grill fires and explosions.

Many of these fires occur when people use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or when they have just refilled and reattached the grill’s gas container.

It is important to carefully check your grill before you use it each summer.

Check grill hoses for cracks, holes, and leaks; ensure that the tubes that lead into the burner are free of any debris that could block the flow of gas; and replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can allow gas to leak.

Once cleaned and inspected, enjoy the 2021 summer grill season.

Who cares if the guy mowing my lawn isn’t insured, injuries are his problem, not mine. Right?

Who cares if the guy mowing my lawn isn't insured, injuries are his problem, not mine. Right?

Safety Insurance published: You should carry adequate home liability insurance because lawsuits are almost as common as car accidents. Do you find that you struggle to resist the lure of a cheap price when presented with bids for contracted work? Unfortunately, the lowest bids often come from unlicensed and uninsured contractors such as landscape companies or handymen.

The importance of liability insurance for homeowners

You should care if the person mowing your lawn is not insured, especially if you do not have adequate homeowner’s insurance. Whenever you hire someone to perform a service in or around your house, including a teenage babysitter or your neighbor’s kid who wants to mow your lawn, you open the door to a potential legal headache should that person be injured. Depending upon the circumstances, you might be financially liable for any injury or resulting disability.

What does homeowner’s liability insurance cover?

Liability coverage is standard on all homeowner’s policies, and there is no extra cost for basic limits. However, you can raise the limits if you are willing to pay an extra premium. If you are in the habit of hiring uninsured workers, you should consider increasing your liability coverage.

Most basic liability insurance for homeowners includes:

  • Legal representation if you are sued.
  • Payment for any legal judgment against you, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of coverage purchased.
  • Payment for accidents that happen off your property. Examples include hitting a fellow golfer with your ball and causing serious injury, having your dog run off your property and bite someone, or a rock flying through the air and breaking a neighbor’s window while you or an uninsured individual is mowing your lawn.

Never assume that your homeowner’s liability insurance is adequate for all circumstances without checking your coverage. You can purchase an umbrella policy to supplement your homeowner’s insurance which gives you additional protection.

Dangers of lawn mowing

Flying debris caused by lawn mowers is actually a common occurrence and not just a freak accident. Other dangers include riding mowers rolling over on a hill or cuts from sharp blades, including accidental limb amputations. If you think that personal injury of this nature is “one in a million,” think again. Insurance claims can include not only medical care but also property loss and potential worker’s compensation.

Check your homeowner’s liability insurance

Hiring someone to mow your lawn might seem to be your cheapest alternative other than doing the job yourself, but is it really worth the risk? If you aren’t adequately covered for liability, hiring cheap labor can turn into a costly mistake. Some policies require that all contracted work be performed by licensed contractors and will not cover you should there be an accident. Your initial savings will be minuscule compared with the alternative costs of a lawsuit without any help from your insurance company.

There are many more home insurance coverage enhancements Safety offers. Check out our products for more information on our endorsements.

Please contact your Independent Agent if you have any questions on coverage.

Annual Insurance Review

Annual insurance review

We recommend an annual insurance review. Like a good spring cleaning, visit, phone, or exchange e-mails with us to review your insurance coverage!

It is important to understand your insurance coverage.

We are here to help.

Some questions to ask us:
  • Do we carry adequate liability limits? Limits should equal, at least, your net worth.
  • Should we carry Umbrella coverage? (Yes.)
  • What is the value of our vehicle? If the value is low, should we still carry collision coverage?
  • Are all new drivers included?
  • Do other companies offer lower premiums?
  • If our car loan is paid off, should we remove the lienholder on our policy?
  • Are we getting all available discounts?
  • Should you have Special Items, such as jewelry, antiques, silverware, or collectibles scheduled onto your policy?
  • Do we have enough life insurance?
  • Would you like us to quote your business insurance? Johnson & Rohan Insurance has great commercial markets.

Call us for your annual, insurance review, explanation of coverage, and discount double-check.