Beware of Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), 2024 was a record year for scams, totaling over $12.5 billion in the United States – up 25% from 2023. Globally, it is estimated that losses to scammers exceeded $1.03 trillion. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to scams – losing $4.8 billion in 2024. According to the FBI, the average loss sustained by those over age 60 in 2024 was $83,000.
Preparing for Potential Power Failures
Yearly storms bring widespread loss of electricity and other utility services. With these failures comes a flood of questions from owners of homes and businesses about what insurance coverage is available. Helping clients understand the ins and outs of power failure and how coverage applies is another value-added service of the professional insurance agent.
Have You Been “Brushed?”
Scammers continue to come up with creative ways to disrupt people’s lives. Brushing scams – receiving items that you did not order, or having your name used in reviews of products you don’t use – is one of the current popular schemes. It is called brushing because the perpetrator is trying to “brush up” or […]
Flood Damage – A Rising Problem
According to climate.gov, 2023 brought record climate and weather-related disasters to the United States. In all, 28 such events each caused at least $1 billion in damage, with the total exceeding $92.9 billion. Results for 2024 will be even more severe, with estimated losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton reaching $50 billion each.
Battery Do’s and Don’ts
Batteries are a ubiquitous part of everyday life – powering everything from flashlights to electronic devices and now even bicycles and cars. According to www.des.nh.gov, the average household in the United States has 20-60 batteries at any given time.
Loss Assessment Coverage Tips
Properties with shared ownership, such as homeowner and residential and commercial condominium associations, pose special challenges for unit owners and their insurance companies.
Home Generator Safety
Power outages can happen at any time, but they are especially dangerous during cold weather.
Drug Crisis Impact Increases
The United States is currently experiencing the worst drug crisis in its history, believed by many to have been exacerbated by pandemic lockdowns and increased trafficking at our borders (cfr.org).
Certificate of Insurance Concerns
Certificates of insurance (COI) are often a source of headaches for insurance agents and producers. Mishandling of certificate requests can lead to an errors and omissions exposure for the agent.
Avoiding Holiday Scams
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. Unfortunately, con artists are also out in full force.