In the past year, inflation has sent prices soaring on many household items and gasoline—especially gasoline. While the effect on inflation does not have the same immediate impact on insurance premiums as it does for gas and groceries, insurance carriers have...
Alert: New Russian cyberthreats discovered, governments issue guidance to reduce cyber security exposures
Amid the escalating situations in Ukraine, federal and state governments are alerting U.S. individuals and businesses of more cyberthreats that stem from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that could impact cybersecurity in the near future. CISA cyber security...
N.Y.: Gov. Hochul ends public indoor mask rule; NY HERO Act still active
Gov. Kathy Hochul ended New York state’s mask requirements for indoor public spaces on Feb. 10, 2022. However, counties and municipalities such as New York City still may choose to enforce their own orders, and businesses in the state still can require masks or proof...
N.Y.: Gov. Hochul expected to end indoor mask requirements Thursday
Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to let New York’s indoor mask requirement expire on Thursday. Hochul announced in December that masks would be required to be worn in all indoor public places across New York state—unless businesses/venues implement a...
Tragedy in The Bronx reveals important insurance implications
On Sunday, a fire in a Bronx, N.Y., apartment building claimed the lives of 17 people[1], including eight children. According to the Associated Press, the fire was caused by a space heater. The flames damaged only the apartment unit in which the space heater was...
COVID-19: How life insurance sales are trending
Communities around the globe first faced the threat of COVID-19 in late 2019. At the time, no one knew how bad it was going to be, but as cities overseas (e.g., China and Italy) began to experience the effects of the pandemic—and lockdowns were instituted to blunt the...
Life insurance underwriting is getting tougher
COVID-19 and the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York state has affected underwriting greatly. To complicate matters further, some municipalities are considering opting-out of the cannabis adult-use law. These changes are causing insurance underwriters and...
Water-damage claims can happen anywhere at any time; education & tech can mitigate damage
I’m a coastal agent who insures a lot of secondary homes. At my agency, I have been watching water-damage claims closely for years. When our area gets a deep freeze, we do have a fair number of large claims due to water damage. However, weather is only a part of...
Are you protected in case of a pirate raid?
Now before I lose you before we start, hear me out. If pirates attacked your home and loved ones or your office and employees tomorrow, would you have the right insurance coverage to cover the loss? Pirates often steal, break things, harm or kill people, or they could...
Tragic accident highlights importance of regulation and insurance
Last week, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins—best known for her work on Archenemy, Darlin’, and Blindfire—was killed on the movie set of Rust, after a prop firearm was discharged during filming. The firearm—which was discharged by actor Alec Baldwin, known for his roles...