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  • Preparing Your Home for Winter

    Preparing Your Home for Winter

    The winter brings some wonderful things: beautiful natural
    scenery, cozy clothing, fuzzy blankets and holiday spirit. But winter
    in New York     is perhaps best known for cold and brutal weather conditions.
     

     

    Preparing your home for the colder months ahead of time can save
    you headaches later. The last thing you’ll want to deal with in the winter is
    an emergency… like frozen pipes at 2 am or heating vents that aren’t emitting
    warm air. Take the time to prepare the inside and outside of your home now
    before you’re stuck dealing with issues in below zero temperatures.  

     

    Inside

    These little fixes can really make a difference in the safety
    and comfort of your home during winter.

    • Make sure nothing is blocking
      any heating vents. This includes furniture, curtains, and pet beds. Look
      for anything that could block air flow. 
    • If you haven’t already,
      consider switching to a programmable thermostat that will let you adjust your
      system automatically. Setting the house to one temperature while you’re
      away or at work, and a more comfortable temperature when you know you’ll
      be home can help you save on your heating bills. You might also consider
      using an device that can be adjusted using a mobile app.
    • Set your fans
      to spin clockwise. Direction actually makes a difference! A clockwise spin
      will push rising warm air downward. Most ceiling fans have a switch that
      will allow you to change the direction they spin, so make sure that your
      fan is spinning clockwise if you want the room to be warmer. Switch it to
      counter-clockwise if you’re feeling too warm and need to cool down. 
    • Stay well
      stocked on basic supplies. There will be plenty of snowy or sub-zero
      degree days where either you can’t or won’t want to leave the house, so
      make sure you have the items that you may need on hand. Stock up on things
      like batteries, flashlights, nonperishable food items, bottled water, hand
      warmers, first aid kits, and insulated blankets. If possible, consider
      getting a generator in case of a prolonged period without
      electricity.   

    Outside

    The inside of your home isn’t the only place that needs a little
    maintenance before the cold settles in.

    • Put your
      outdoor items into storage. Equipment like lawn
      mowers and grills should be serviced and cleaned before you put them away.
      Outdoor furniture should be brought in (or covered if you don’t have room
      to store them inside). You will also want to bring in potted plants or
      flowering trees before the first frost.
    • Make sure
      you’re properly prepared for outdoor winter maintenance by investing in
      plenty of ice melt and some sturdy shovels.
      If you use a snow blower, get
      gas       and make sure to perform maintenance on it before the first
      snowfall.  Don’t wait until you need it to find out it’s not
      working properly.  
    • Have a
      contractor       check your roof to make sure it can handle the weight of heavy snowfall. This
      preventative measure will allow you the time to make repairs or invest in
      a roof rake. A roof rake can be used to pull off snow buildup, as it
      occurs, eliminating pressure on your roof which can lead to leaks and
      damage.
    • Help protect
      your roof during the winter by making sure your gutters are cleared out
      prior to snowfall. Clear gutters can help water (melted snow) drain off
      your roof. This step helps to reduce the chances ice dams. Ice dams occur
      when melted snow freezes in your gutters and seeps into and under your
      roof, causing       water damage. A water-repellent membrane can also help offset ice dams when
      installed under your roof.
    • Disconnect
      your outdoor hoses, and drain them. It’s also beneficial to disconnect
      outside water valves if possible. If you have an in-ground sprinkler
      system, you’ll want to make an appointment to have that drained as well.

     

    Heating

    Ensuring that all sources of heat are working at peak efficiency
    is crucial. This step will not only help prevent nights spent bundled in extra
    sweaters under a mountain of blankets, it can also save you money in the long
    run and keep you safer. 

    • Getting a routine maintenance
      check for your heating
      system is a good way to avoid any surprises when that first cold night
      hits. A professional can vacuum out your vents, check other essential
      other heating components, and take care of any necessary filter
      replacements.  
    • If you have a fireplace, wood
      stove, or pellet stove in your home, have it inspected and cleaned
      by a professional (ideally before the first frost of the season). Stocking
      up on firewood or pellets is also a good way to prepare for the winter.
      For fireplaces and wood stoves, hardwoods (oak, maple, elm, beech) work
      well as firewood. Ensure that any firewood you procure is seasoned. 

    Plumbing

    It’s important to ensure that your plumbing isn’t compromised
    during the colder months to avoid frozen or bursting pipes. 

    • Have a plumber come by to
      identify problem pipes
      that may be more prone to freezing or leaking. This advance warning allows
      you to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of winter
      related plumbing issues. 
    • Wrap pipes that have a history
      of freezing in heat tape or insulation sleeves. This measure can help
      prevent freezing by keeping them warm and reducing heat transfer.
    • Go over how to turn off your
      home’s water source with everyone who lives in the house. In the event of
      a pipe burst, not knowing how to turn off the water can result in excess
      flooding that could have been avoided.

     

    Proper Insulation

    Eliminating gaps or spaces where cold air can infiltrate your
    home, and properly insulating your home, will dramatically increase your heat
    retention during the winter and reduce your energy bill.

    • Check your attic,
      windows, doors, vents, doors, mail chutes, outlets, and basement for
      cracks or holes where drafts may be entering and caulk them. 
    • Winter is a
      great time to invest in thicker insulated curtains! They help to keep out
      cold air and reduce drafts. 
    • Place foam
      outlet protectors around outlets to prevent cold air from entering your
      home. 
    • You’ll want to
      check around the doors of your home to look for wear, and replace worn
      down weather stripping, caulk gaps, and potentially install storm
      doors. 

     

    Little Things to Remember

    Blasting the heat isn’t necessary, but you won’t want to
    completely neglect the fact that your home needs warmth and air circulation
    too. 

    • To prevent
      pipes that might be located in unheated areas of your home from freezing,
      you can keep a small trickle of warm water running.
    • Don’t shut
      your heat off when you’re out of the house. You don’t want it to get too
      cold in your home as this can create issues with pipes freezing.
    • During
      particularly cold nights or days open your cabinet doors to allow warm air
      to better circulate through your home. Especially in your kitchen and
      bathroom as this will help keep pipes warmed. You’ll just want to make
      sure there isn’t anything dangerous located in unsecured cabinets that
      children or pets could get into.

     

    Taking
    the extra time to prepare your home for the winter will help you avoid
    unexpected hassles. There is always a risk of an unexpected crisis, but with
    these precautionary tactics, you’ll have the power of proactivity behind you as
    you settle in for the colder months.

  • Budget-Friendly Holiday Décor Ideas – NYCM Insurance Blog

    Budget-Friendly Holiday Décor Ideas – NYCM Insurance Blog

    With the holidays upon us, you might be thinking of ways to get your home a little more festive without surpassing your holiday budget! Don’t worry, decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to break the bank! We have curated a list of budget-friendly holiday décor ideas for the whole family. Keep reading to learn more. 

    Salt Dough Ornaments


    A great way to add a personal touch to your holiday décor is by making salt dough ornaments. Typically, you will see these ornaments with handprints of the new born baby of the house, but they’re great for creating keepsakes of loved ones, whether they’re two-legged or four! They are also great to use as a blank canvas for kids to paint their own designs on. While they are often more geared toward children, there are a few steps that will require adult assistance. 

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 4 cups of flour (any flour will work)
    • 1 cup of salt
    • 1 ½ cups of warm water

    Combine the flour and salt until well incorporated and then slowly incorporate the warm water. Once it becomes difficult to stir with a spoon, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Start kneading the dough until everything is well combined and it feels smooth and easy to work with. It’s best to lay down a sheet of parchment paper before rolling out the dough to 1/8”, just like you would if you were making sugar cookies. Pro-Tip: Flour your rolling pin or add another sheet of parchment paper on top to avoid the dough from sticking. Cut out your shape of choice and don’t forget to cut out a small hole at the top of your ornament to account for the ribbon. With the cut dough on the parchment paper, remove the excess dough from around your cut ornaments and slide the parchment paper on to your baking sheet. Now is the time to chase your dog or child down to imprint their little paws (or any other design you might have in mind) into the dough. Set your oven to 300° and bake for about an hour. Once the ornaments are completely hard, they are ready. If they turn a little brown, they are overdone, but it’s nothing a little paint can’t fix! When cooled completely, decorate whatever way you like, attach your ribbon, and display your art piece by hanging on the tree! 

    Holiday Card Garland


    Do you find yourself with stacks of holiday cards from friends and family each year? There is an easy and fun way to display these for all to see. Hang some cooking twine, string, or whatever else you might have around the house in a place where you would like to display all of your cards. We would recommend hanging over a mantel if you don’t use your fireplace, under shelves, or high up in tall doorways. Drape your holiday cards over the twine in whatever order you choose, and just like that, you have a holiday card garland. Pro-Tip: For postcard style holiday cards, use small clothespins to clip them to your string for hanging!

    Festive Wine Glass Centerpieces


    An easy way to spruce up your centerpiece at the dinner table is by collecting any stemmed wine glasses that you aren’t planning to use. Fill the glass with mini ornaments or leftover ornaments that you might have lying around that will fit. Invert the glasses on your table and arrange in whatever way you would like. Lastly, top with a pillar or tea candle and you’re done! Pro-Tip: Use battery operated candles to prevent an accidental fire in your home.

    DIY Recycled Snowman


    Bring the fun of a season favorite inside with this recycled-can snowman! Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 1 large, empty coffee can
    • 1 medium sized soup can (smaller than your coffee can)
    • 1 small soup can
    • Paint & paint brush
    • Holiday ribbon
    • Hot glue gun or super glue

    Start by gluing your three clean, empty cans together with the largest can on the bottom and the can’s openings faced down. Once the glue has dried, paint your snowman whatever color you would like. When the base coat dries, it’s time to add the details: coal eyes and a smile, maybe an orange carrot nose, even a corncob pipe if you are feeling adventurous! Grab some leftover ribbon and give your new snowy friend a scarf! This craft would look great on a coffee table, in a child’s room, on the front porch, or even in the kitchen. 

    Personalized Ornaments


    A fun and customizable decoration, or even a gift to a friend, can be made by using clear ornaments. Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Clear ornaments (plastic or glass will work, just make sure you can remove the cap)
    • Various paint colors that you like 
    • Dried flowers, coffee beans, tinsel, or any small objects you have around the house that are meaningful or festive that will look nice in an ornament!

    DIY Tie Dye Ornaments

    Go to a well-ventilated area and place a base of cardboard for easy cleanup. Start by removing the cap from the top of your clear ornament and add paint into the opening at the top. You don’t need too much paint to completely cover the inside of the bulb. Try tilting the ornament all around (without spilling any paint) and maneuver the paint until the ornament is covered with the color you started with, then repeat that step with your next color. Once covered, set the bulbs up to dry completely (if they came in packaging they can dry in, set them back in there. If they didn’t, grab an empty egg carton). When dry, you can pop the metal top back onto the bulb and these DIY ornaments are complete! 

    Custom Favorites Bulbs

    Have a friend who loves coffee? Do you clip and dry flowers and are unsure of where to display them? Clear ornaments are a great way to encapsulate memories and things that make you happy during the holidays! Simply remove the cap of the ornament, and place small trinkets into the globe. Put the cap back on and display or gift the ornaments for the season!

    No room to adorn your tree with these new baubles? Try piling a few into a festive bowl for a centerpiece at the table, add to any garland you might have up in your home, or give some pizzazz to your wreath by adding a few homemade bulbs. 

    Since you’re already in the mood to decorate, you might consider tackling some holiday lighting. Make sure your lighting is safe by clicking the button below to learn more. 

  • 5 Signs You Might Be Underinsured – Life Happens

    5 Signs You Might Be Underinsured – Life Happens

    If you have dependents—or just loved ones who you want to take care of after you die—life insurance is critical. This coverage helps ensure your lost income doesn’t translate to tangible material losses for your family once you’re gone.

    But how much life insurance is enough? That’s a question whose answer can change significantly over your lifetime, and an important one to answer correctly.

    You may be underinsured with life insurance coverage if…

    1. Your only life insurance coverage is through your employer.

    While some life insurance is certainly better than no life insurance, if your only coverage is through your employer, you may not have enough. These plans generally offer very limited coverage (like a year’s worth of your salary, maybe two), which is unlikely to be enough to meet your family’s needs if you have any significant debts or children whose college educations you’re hoping to help fund.

    Furthermore, life insurance offered through your employer is usually contingent on you keeping that job, so if you leave your position for any reason, the coverage disappears.

    Finally, buying an individual policy gives you access to different types of life insurance policies, including permanent life insurance, which has living benefits you can use while you’re alive.

    2. Your income went up.

    Getting a raise is almost always a good thing, but if you’re making significantly more income today than you were when you first bought your life insurance policy, you may find yourself underinsured. A higher income usually comes with associated lifestyle changes, and learning how to live with less is likely the last thing your loved ones will want to do if you depart unexpectedly.

    3. Your stay-at-home spouse doesn’t have life insurance.

    If your stay-at-home spouse doesn’t have life insurance coverage, you’ll want to consider getting them a policy. Even if they don’t make an income that would need replacing, they perform valuable services like childcare that would need to be paid for if they’re no longer there.

    Watch the Virgen family’s Real Life Story to see just how critical life insurance was for a family who, thankfully, insured Teresa, a stay-at-home mom. If not for the insurance, they’re certain that they would have lost their home.

    4. You had a child.

    As every parent knows, having a child is expensive—in fact, in 2023, raising a child costs more than $21,000 per year on average. (And that’s before you factor in college!)

    All of which is to say, if you’re a new parent or you brought an additional child into your family, it’s a good time to review your life insurance coverage and ensure you have enough to meet your dependents’ long-term needs, including food, shelter and education, until they’re of age. Given the high cost of childcare (and the precarious financial position of an underinsured single parent), even one child can increase your life insurance needs significantly.

    5. You bought a new home.

    Paying the mortgage is one of the most pressing financial needs for any family—and more pressing, still, for a newly widowed spouse. If you purchased a new home since you first got your life insurance policy, you may find that you need more coverage to help ensure your loved ones can successfully pay down that debt. After all, moving is never fun, especially in the face of a tragic loss.

    While it can feel overwhelming to determine how much life insurance coverage you need as your financial situation changes over time, it’s also well within your power to ensure you’re sufficiently covered. Life Happens’ Life Insurance Needs Calculator is a great starting point for estimating how much coverage you need. A half hour of work today can translate to years’ worth of financial stability in the future.

  • What Is an Insurance Score?

     


    Learn
    More About Insurance Scores, How They Affect Your Premiums, and How to Raise
    Your Score.

     

    While most people are aware of what a credit
    score is and have a general idea of how it is calculated, fewer people
    understand what an insurance score is and how it impacts their premiums.

     

    What Is an Insurance Score?

     

    An
    insurance score – or insurance credit score – is a three-digit number assigned
    to you to predict the risk of an accident or insurance     claim in the future. Scores above
    770 are considered good, between 500 and 770 average, and below 500 poor.
    Different insurance carriers may have different models for assigning your
    insurance score, which directly affects the premium you pay. If you have a
    lower insurance score, you would likely pay a     higher
    premium     in the same way that if you have a lower credit score, you would pay a
    higher interest rate, and vice versa.

     

    How Is an Insurance Score
    Calculated?

     

    Different
    insurers have different ways of
    measuring your insurance score, but insurers generally utilize details from your
    credit history as well as risk and insurance claim data to measure your score. For
    auto insurance, someone with a clean driving record may be more likely to
    obtain a higher insurance score than someone with a history of traffic
    infractions or     accidents, but for homeowners
    insurance, your driving history won’t necessarily have any effect. Your credit
    information plays a role in determining your insurance score: if you have a
    history of making your payments on time and have little outstanding debt, your
    insurance score will reflect that. Your insurance score can also
    vary as you age or move locations.

     

    How Can I Raise My Insurance
    Score?

     

    While
    it is possible to raise your insurance score, doing so can take some time. If
    your insurance score is low, it could mean you have some missed or late payments
    affecting your credit score. Ensuring you     pay your
    bills
    on time is a good step towards raising your credit score and consequently, your
    insurance score.

     

    A clean
    driving record is also an important factor in raising your insurance score and
    lowering your premium for auto insurance. If you have a history of traffic
    infractions, setting a new trend, free of traffic tickets and accidents, will
    benefit your score over time. Consider taking a defensive driving course to
    sharpen your skills.

     

    While
    some auto claims are unavoidable,
    it is possible to put yourself in a position where they are less likely to
    occur.

     

    ●      
    Perform Regular Maintenance Check-ups on Your Vehicle: Keep an eye on the parts of your vehicle most susceptible to wear and
    tear. Make sure your tire tread isn’t worn, especially in the
    winter when driving conditions can be more challenging. Beyond inspecting the
    tread, rotating your tires every 5,000 miles can help guarantee even wear
    across your tires. It’s also a good idea to regularly check that your brakes
    are functioning as intended. Having proper brakes can be the difference between an
    automobile accident or a close call. As a rule of thumb, having your automobile
    serviced by a certified mechanic at least once a year can be a good step toward    s making sure your vehicle is operating at its best.

    ●      
    Shelter Your Vehicle: If possible, shelter your vehicle in a garage or carport to
    minimize the likelihood of damage.  While
    falling tree limbs and hailstorms can pose a threat to the body of your
    vehicle, it’s also more likely that you will avoid vandalism and theft if you
    are able to enclose your vehicle in a garage. If you are unable to cover your
    vehicle, consider parking away from trees and always make sure your vehicle is
    locked. It can be hard to predict the extent of damage a storm may bring, but
    keeping your vehicle sheltered can give you some added peace of mind.

    ●      
    Travel Roads You Are Familiar With: By
    sticking to driving the routes you are familiar with, you are less likely to
    encounter any dangerous surprises that might turn up along the way, like
    unexpected sharp turns, areas prone to flooding, or other hazards. While it’s
    impossible to completely negate the inherent risks of driving, sticking to the
    roads you know will give you the best chance at arriving to point A from point
    B without incident.

     

    After learning about what an insurance score
    is, you may now be interested in finding out what your premium might be based
    on it! Click the button below to contact an NYCM Insurance agent near you
    today!

  • Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

    Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather


    Winter Weather in New York is Inevitable. Read These Tips to Best Prepare Your Vehicle for Slippery Conditions.

     

    If you’ve experienced a winter in the northeast,
    then you know how challenging driving can be. Between black ice, slush, snow
    flurries and blizzards, there is much to be alert to while hitting the road
    during the winter. Being prepared for anything is key, and this preparation should
    start early in the fall.

     

    Here are a few things
    you might want to consider to get your vehicle prepared for a tough     New York winter:

     

    Have Your Vehicle’s Battery Tested

    A car that won’t start
    is one story, but a car that won’t start in the winter is a completely
    different story. Have your vehicle’s battery tested early-on to ensure you
    aren’t stranded with an inoperable vehicle in below freezing conditions    . If possible, charge your battery often during cold weather for added
    precaution. Not sure how to jumpstart your vehicle? Click
    here    .

     

    Consider Having Your Vehicle Undercoated.

    While the salt used on New York roads is
    necessary to keep us safe by melting ice, it is especially tough on our vehicles. Having your
    vehicle undercoated each season can lessen the damages caused by salt and
    result in a longer lasting and better working vehicle during and after the
    winter weather.

     

    Upgrade
    to Winter Tires

    As someone wise once said, the only thing
    between you and the road is your tires. Good tires
    can make a dramatic difference in safe travel on snow and ice-covered roads.
    Consider changing out your tires for studded or snow tires that are designed to
    handle winter conditions much better than standard tires. PRO TIP: buy rims for
    your snow tires and avoid an additional fee for placing the tires on your
    standard rims each year. To learn more about winter tires,     click
    here    .

     

    Check the Capability of Your Vehicle’s Heating System

    You don’t want to be without your vehicle’s
    heating system, especially in the dead of winter. You’ll
    thank yourself in the end when you have a technician look over your     heating system and resolve any issues before the winter weather
    starts.

     

    Restock and Load Your Winter Safety Kit

    Having a snow brush,
    small shovel, gloves, hat, and hand warmers are all crucial items to add to
    your standard vehicle safety kit during this time of year    .
    For a complete list of items to keep in your vehicle’s winter safety kit, click
    here    .

     

    Check
    and Swap Fluids

    Thankfully there are
    plenty of fluids designed specifically for winter weather. Antifreeze and
    windshield washer fluid are two you will definitely want to ensure are full for
    the upcoming winter, and also plan to have extra on hand for when you run out.

     

    Driving in a NY winter is challenging to say
    the least — but being prepared ahead of time makes all the difference. Adequate
    tires, proper fluids, heat and a stocked safety kit are essential while driving
    during this time of year. To learn more about ways to winterize your vehicle,
    click the button below.

  • What Is Cyber Insurance? – NYCM Insurance Blog

    What Is Cyber Insurance? – NYCM Insurance Blog


    Unfortunately cyber attacks and data breaches
    can affect anyone, and business owners are uniquely at risk of being
    attacked as the keepers of sensitive employee and customer information. Every
    day cyber criminals attempt to gain access to personal and confidential businesses both large and small through a
    variety of ransomware, phishing, remote access, and other scam tactics. While a company can do its best
    to prepare for and prevent these cyber attacks by promoting and enforcing best
    practices, one of the best protections is to attain cyber
    insurance    .

     

    Cyber insurance is a specialty
    coverage     protecting businesses from internet-based risks and
    risks related to information. Cyber attacks on businesses can be costly. According
    to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners,
    a small business loses an average of $38,000 per every cybersecurity incident, and 60 percent of
    those impacted businesses close within six months of being attacked. Cyber
    insurance can provide coverage for a wide variety of online exploits that can
    otherwise permanently impede a business from operating. Continue reading to
    learn about the perks of cyber insurance!

     

    What
    Does Cyber Insurance Cover?

     

    A cyber insurance policy can cover a business’
    liability if a data breach occurs. You may
    ask, “Does general liability coverage cover cyber liability?” And the answer is
    no—in fact, some general liability coverages may even exclude
    cyber liability. When data is breached that includes sensitive employee or
    customer information, like Social Security numbers and payment information,
    cyber insurance can help cover the costs of legal expenses and fees in the
    aftermath. Cyber insurance can assist with cyber extortion in the event your business operations are threatened in a targeted attack. It can also help with the process of restoring your systems and
    aiding affected employees and customers in restoring their identities.

     

    Cyber insurance can also help with the cost of
    lost income to a business after a cyber attack. If a cyber attack occurs that
    prevents your business from operating, cyber insurance coverage can help cover
    you for the income you lose while you get back on your feet.

     

    What Is
    First-Party vs. Third-Party Coverage?

     

    There are two kinds of cyber insurance:
    First-party coverage and third-party coverage.

     

    ●      
    First-party cyber coverage provides reimbursement expenses associated with the cyber attack. It can help with costs related to recovery and replacement of
    data for employees and customers, legal costs, cyber extortion, crisis
    management, and public relations.

    ●      
    Third-party cyber coverage provides protection if
    a third-party (for example, your customer whose data has been breached) brings a claim against you. This coverage can help with
    litigation costs, payments to customers, and defamation losses.

     

    First-party and third-party cyber protection are bundled together to provide comprehensive coverage to the business owner against cyber attacks.

     

    Cybersecurity:
    Best Practices

     

    Beyond purchasing cyber insurance, businesses
    can prepare for and potentially prevent cyber attacks by following some
    cybersecurity best practices. The Federal Trade Commission offers some of the
    following cybersecurity tips to small business owners:

     

    ●      
    Update your software: Old and out of date
    software may have proven vulnerabilities that criminals can easily exploit.

    ●      
    Secure your files offline: Never rely solely
    on storing your files and data on the cloud; always backup your data offline on an external hard
    drive.

    ●      
    Require and regularly change passwords:
    Require passwords to access any company information, and regularly change these
    passwords. Passwords should be complex with varying cases, special characters,
    and numbers, and without any information that can be used to identify you.

    ●      
    Ensure your internet router is secure: When
    you first purchase a router, certain steps may need to be taken in order to
    make it secure. Make sure you change the default name and password of your Wi-Fi
    and turn off remote management if you have not already done so.

    ●      
    Regularly train all staff on security practices: Employees are the first wall of defense against most cyber
    attacks—especially phishing attacks. Keeping them trained and aware of the
    risks, as well as what red flags to look out for to prevent a successful
    breach.

    ●      
    Stay up-to-date on new risks and vulnerabilities: While criminals rely on a lot of familiar tactics to try to break
    into a network, they are also constantly changing their approach in an effort
    to trick people. Try to stay aware of whatever schemes are being used by
    criminals online to avoid falling prey yourself.

    ●      Encrypt your data: The greater the level of encryption, the harder it will be for the data to be accessed and compromised.

     

    It’s unfortunate that there’s a deep-rooted
    risk of cyber attacks when using the internet, but luckily you can know you’re
    covered from the worst with cyber insurance. Click below to contact an agent
    today to discuss which policy would be best for you!

  • Join Life Happens’ 2024 Insure Your Love Facebook Chat – Life Happens

    Join Life Happens’ 2024 Insure Your Love Facebook Chat – Life Happens

    Join Life Happens for a Facebook Chat during Insure Your Love month this February. We’ll discuss all things life insurance and love!

    Date: Thursday, February 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET

    Where: Join us on Facebook using your personal handle or your company’s handle.

    Hashtag: Use and follow #InsureYourLoveChat during the above time frame.

    How to: To share a response from your company account on Life Happens’ posts, first switch your profile to your company’s Facebook page. Then look up Life Happens in the search bar. When you’re on Life Happens’ Facebook page, make sure you’re writing a comment as your company’s page by checking to see that the profile picture and name match your company and not your personal account. If you need any assistance, please contact Corey Goodburn, our Social Media Specialist, at cgoodburn@lifehappens.org.

    Life Happens will moderate the discussion and drive the conversation on Facebook using the questions below. Pass your answers through company compliance beforehand if needed. We’ll share each question as a Facebook post and create a dialogue in the comments with companies’ answers. Remember, you’ll have to use the #InsureYourLoveChat hashtag in each comment. You are also encouraged to share our posts and engage with other comments.

    Q1: How are love and life insurance related to one another? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q2: What are some fears people might have about discussing life insurance with their partner or family? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q3: Four in 10 single parents (43%) hadn’t started planning for their child’s financial future until early childhood (ages of 4-6) or later. Source: Single Parents and the Financial Future, August 2023. What do you think of this statistic? Any tips? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q4: How can people use a life insurance policy’s cash value for love? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q5: Can you share a real life story or example of how life insurance played a crucial role in protecting a family’s financial future? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q6: How can you create multi-generational wealth for your family with life insurance? #InsureYourLoveChat

    Q7: Are there any unique life insurance solutions that can cater to the needs of single moms and their kids? #InsureYourLoveChat

    And don’t forget, Life Happens is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate people about life insurance. Want to help us further our mission by becoming a member company? Contact Brian Steiner at partnerships@lifehappens.org.

  • What Should I Include in a Lease as a Property Owner?

    What Should I Include in a Lease as a Property Owner?


    Learn
    About 10 Things to Include in a Lease as a Landlord!

    Having a lease in place as a property owner or
    landlord is a necessary step in setting the ground rules in your rental building.
    Whether you are an owner of apartment units for renters, or a lessor of commercial units for businesses, the terms you
    set in your lease or rental agreement can have important implications down the
    road if an accident or something unforeseen occurs in the building that you
    own.

    Most property owners know that it’s crucial to have a lease in place that at
    least includes the names of the involved parties, the length of the lease, and
    the amount of payments due. But what you may not know is that a lease is also a
    great opportunity for you as a building owner to receive additional
    protection     by requiring certain things of your lessee in writing.
    Continue reading to learn 10 things to include in a lease.

    1. Names, addresses, and contact information of
    lessor and lessee

     

    Starting with the basics, the first thing you
    need to include in your lease are the names and contact information of your
    lessee. Your lease should express the legal name of the tenant(s) renting your unit, your name and – if
    applicable – the name of the business you are operating, as well as the address
    of the unit you are renting. You should also ask a tenant to provide their best
    methods of contact, including any phone numbers and email addresses.

    2. Rent and security deposit

     

    Clearly state the required amount of rent and
    the dates payments are due in your lease. When you do this, you can also lay
    out if the tenant is responsible for paying late fees in the event they are
    late on their rent payment.

    Determine the amount of the security deposit for the rental. A security
    deposit is an amount of money – sometimes equaling one month’s rent – set aside
    for the landlord to use in the event that the tenant damages the unit beyond everyday wear
    and tear. If a tenant does not damage the apartment beyond everyday wear and
    tear, they are entitled to receive this money back when they move out.

     

    3. Term of tenancy

     

    How long is the term of tenancy in your unit?
    What happens when that term has expired? And what happens if the tenant asks to
    move out before the lease ends? These are questions you should answer in your
    lease to avoid confusion with your tenant.

    The most popular terms of leases are often year-to-year, wherein a landlord and tenant revisit and renew their
    lease once a year, but other options include six month leases or even
    month-to-month terms. Consider what will work best for your situation and get
    it in writing.

     

    4. Included amenities and tenant expectations

     

    State which utilities and amenities are included in your
    lease versus those which are the tenant’s responsibility. Some examples include
    gas and electric, water, internet, trash removal, property upkeep, and parking privileges. Let
    your tenant know what services you will be providing versus what is expected of
    them so that they are prepared and aware.

     

    5. Policy on property modifications

     

    In your lease, you should include your
    expectations as to what kind of changes your tenant is allowed to make in the
    unit, including for example putting holes in the wall to hang photos or whether
    a tenant is allowed to paint a room. State if your tenant is allowed to make
    modifications like these in your lease before they move in.

     

    6. Policy on pets

     

    Do you want to allow pets in your rental unit? While some landlords
    prohibit pets due to the risk of property damage, others may collect a fee to
    account for potential damages. If you are going to allow pets in your unit, you
    should specify what types of animals are allowed and any other restrictions in
    your lease.

     

    7. Rules pertaining to smoking

     

    Whether or not your unit is smoke-free is
    entirely up to you as the property owner. Be sure to state in your lease what
    your policy is regarding smoking in the unit. If your unit is smoke-free, be
    sure to state whether there are any acceptable areas for smoking on your property
    or if it is wholly prohibited.

     

    8. Guidelines for right of entry

     

    When it comes to residential units, the NYS Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide states
    that, “Tenants have the right to privacy within their apartments. A landlord, however,
    may enter a tenant’s apartment with reasonable prior notice, and at a
    reasonable time, and with the tenant’s consent, either to provide routine or
    agreed upon repairs or services, or in accordance with the lease.”

    When it comes to an emergency such as a fire or water leak, the tenants’ right guide
    notes that a landlord is allowed to enter the unit without prior notice. In any
    case, make sure your lease reflects your needs as a property owner as it
    relates to entering your unit so that you and your lessee are on the same page.

     

    9. Required renters insurance



    Requiring renters insurance of your tenants is one of
    the most important things you can include in your lease as a property owner.
    Renters insurance is a relatively inexpensive coverage available to renters
    that can offer your tenant worldwide coverage, liability insurance, and more. It can also offer your tenant
    coverage for the negligent destruction of your property, which can be
    invaluable in the event of a loss.

     

    10. Indicate the building owner must be listed as
    additional insured



    If you are requiring renters insurance from your tenant, you can also stipulate
    that they include you, the property owner, as an additional insured in their coverage. If
    you stipulate that a tenant must list you as an additional insured under their
    renters insurance in the lease, you can transfer some of the risk that is
    inherent in renting out your property. Extending that coverage to you as the
    property owner is often only a nominal charge for the tenant or may even be
    free of charge.

     

    Property management can be a challenging line of work,
    but with the right research and preparations, you can set yourself up for
    success. Click below to learn to read six things you must know as a new
    landlord!

  • 5 Tips for Shopping on Small Business Saturday

    5 Tips for Shopping on Small Business Saturday

    The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping! Shopping during Small Business Saturday is a great way to support local businesses while making a positive impact on your local community! Take on the streets of your town this Small Business Saturday with these tips!

    Small Business Saturday was created as a way for small businesses to shine and thrive during the holiday season. Following Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Small Business Saturday was established to empower small businesses and keep customers shopping locally.

    This holiday season check out your local businesses for deals, coupons, and special sales taking place on Small Business Saturday. When preparing to shop, use these five tips to ensure you make the most of Small Business Saturday.

    1. Map Your Route


    Check the local newspaper, store websites, and Facebook pages to find out if any of your local businesses are advertising specials for Small Business Saturday. Once you decide on the stores you want to visit, check their hours of operation and their location. This will allow you to map out your day, so you get to each store on time to get what you are looking for.


    2. Look for Deals

    Because everyone loves a good deal! Once you find participating businesses, you can visit the business’ personal website or social media page to see what deals and coupons they may be offering that day. Most small businesses offer coupons, specialty items, gifts, or in-store experiences. 

    3. Arrive Early


    Like any     holiday shopping, getting there early is a no-brainer. Just like Black Friday, there are sure to be lines of people eager to get gifts for their loved ones. Nothing is worse than having a gift in mind, getting to the store, and seeing that the item you wanted is no longer in stock. If the store sells out of an item you had your eye on, the beauty of shopping locally is the relationship building process as well! Check with the store associates to see if they can get your item in stock before the holidays, and they might even honor the Small Business Saturday discount!

    4. Be Prepared with Multiple Forms of Payment


    Most stores take some type of card payment, but it’s recommended to bring multiple forms of payment including cash and checks. Some small businesses like to avoid hefty credit card fees and run a cash-only business. It’s best to be prepared for both!

    5. Make Time for Last-Minute Preparations


    This could include gathering your reusable shopping bags, checking the weather, getting your checklist finalized, or getting out your comfortable shoes. Whatever your last-minute prep looks like, make sure you are ready to take on the day of shopping.

  • Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Tips – NYCM Insurance Blog

    Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Tips – NYCM Insurance Blog

    Thanksgiving is all about good food, gratitude, and getting together with friends and family, whether your relatives live near or far. According to AAA, it’s not uncommon for more than 50 million people to hit the road during the Thanksgiving weekend. If you’re planning to be on the road for the holiday, it’s important to prepare ahead of time for this popular travel day. 

    Here are our top tips for making your road trip safe and enjoyable this Thanksgiving: 

    Pack Carefully 

    If you’re travelling with small children, then you’re probably transporting larger objects such as portable cribs and toys. Check the load capacity of your vehicle before packing up for the weekend to ensure that you aren’t overloading your car. It’s also important to make sure all cargo is well-secured. That way, should there be an accident, no one is injured by unsecured objects. It’s also important to make sure all car seats are properly installed for the journey ahead. 

    Bring your Car Safety Kit

    It’s good practice to always keep a car safety kit in your vehicle so that you’re prepared for whatever your travels may bring your way. Don’t have one? Click here to read more about building your kit. 

    Designate a Driver

    Thanksgiving means enjoying a hearty meal and chances are, a drink or two. Before settling in at your Thanksgiving feast, designate a driver (DD) for your trip home. Identifying a DD ahead of time will put everyone’s mind at ease and make it easier to enjoy your visit. 

    Winterize your Vehicle

    Depending on where you live, even late November can start to look like winter, bringing hazardous environmental conditions such as snow and sleet. Consider winterizing your vehicle early to prep for holiday travels. Change out your summer tires for snow tires, re-fill your washer fluid and pack a snow brush and blankets. For more tips on winterizing your car, click here. 

    Practice Defensive Driving

    It’s always important to be aware of other drivers, but this is especially true during heavy traffic.  Stay alert, put all mobile devices away, and designate a passenger with directional duty so that you can devote your full attention to the road. 

    Buckle Up, Every Time

    After eating more than your fair share of turkey and stuffing, it’s critical that all passengers buckle up for the ride home, no matter how full they are. This will keep everyone safe during sudden braking or in the case of an accident. 

    Share your Travel Plans 

    Let your relatives know your departure time, the route you are taking, and your approximate arrival time. Keeping hosts in-the-know is not only polite but will also assist them in sending help to you, should something happen along the way. 

    Rest up

    The holiday season can be a hectic and tiring time of year. Make sure you rest up before taking a road trip, as drowsy driving can be just as hazardous as drunk driving. To read more on avoiding the dangers of driver’s fatigue, click here.