Cyber Security: What is it? Why do I need it?

Cyber Insurance Policy
Keep your business safe from Cyber threats

As a business owner, you know that there are a lot of threats to your success and expenses associated with owning a business.  Sometimes the most dangerous of these threats are the ones that you do not know about.

When it comes to protecting your business, the most common type of risk management tool is insurance.  Unfortunately, many business owners don’t look beyond the basics.  They understand the need for property, general liability, and workers compensation insurance; and try to get coverage for a price they can afford.   They secure a policy, and then renew coverage per expiring year after year; periodically checking the price of current coverage, and adjusting for basic changes like property improvements or increased sales.

In today’s data-driven world, organizations of all sizes are vulnerable to costly exposures to loss that did not exist 30, 20 or even 15 years ago.  Welch Associates can identify these emerging issues and provide you with a combination of coverage best suited to your needs.  Getting a comprehensive insurance review to identify threats is part of being a responsible business owner.

Cyber Insurance: What is it?

Cyber Insurance is sometimes referred to as cyber liability.  It is a term used to describe the type of insurance that protects your business’s assets, customer information, and employees from data breach associated with electronic activities.  At Welch Associates we work closely with our carrier partners to offer products that protect businesses of all sizes.  Below, Travelers Insurance offers the brief but informative explanation of cyber liability and the risks that couldn’t have been contemplated just a few years ago.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=BRte40A3zUw

Why Do I Need It?

  • You Store Employee or Customer Information
    If you collect any of the above information for your employees or customers, you are in control of personally identifiable information.  There are federal and state privacy data breach laws that require specific steps to notify employees or customers in the case of a suspected data breach.  Notification expense is generally the most expensive part of the claim.
  • People Make Mistakes
    Most data breaches involve employee mistakes.  Something as simple as a lost lap top can be a critical mistake to a business owner.  Additionally, employees can also mistakenly open an unauthorized email containing malware which could cripple operations.  One type of cyber coverage, funds transfer fraud, protects your business from employees that are tricked into releasing your company funds via social engineering.  This type of cyber crime is common, and can be expensive.
  • You Accept Credit Cards or Electronic Payments
    Some of the most well-known events include large retailers, like Target.  However, businesses of all sizes have a legal obligation to protect financial information.  Many businesses think that because they use a third party vendor to process the payment, they are immune from this exposure.  In Pennsylvania, the business owner can be included in a claim for data breach simply because they processed the card at the point of sale.  Additionally, you may be held liable for third-party data breaches.
  • Your Business Has a Website
    If you use a business website to transact business, you face the additional risk of business interruption due to denial of service attacks.  Even if you don’t sell your product online, material posted electronically increases your risk of trademark or copyright infringement.  Welch Associates can secure a policy including media liability to cover these types of risks associated with cyber insurance.
  • You Want to Protect Your Reputation
    Welch Associates works hard and takes pride in our reputation.  Data breaches cause instant harm to your reputation.  Without cyber insurance your multi-generational business may lose everything.  It’s not just current customers that are at stake, future customers are unlikely to do business with someone that doesn’t do enough to protect their clients.  Some policies include coverage for the period of time that profits are decreased due to this damage.

Getting a cyber liability quote is easy.  Most businesses can be quoted based on their revenue and a few qualifying underwriting questions.  Contact us today for your free insurance review to see how we can protect your business from Cyber Crime and other emerging trends.

Is Your Teenager Learning to Drive?

Teenage Driver

 

If you have a new teenage driver in your household, we at Welch Insurance feel it is important to help you guide your teenager through the principles of being a responsible driver. Common sense is not so common with teenagers, it is a learned behavior.  Your teenager lacks experience and you need to help them navigate through this time frame safely and effectively.

 

What is a parent to do?

 

  • Be a good role model… Set a good example for your new driver.
  • Require the use of seatbelts for everyone in the vehicle.
  • Mandate no Drinking & Driving.
  • Emphasize the importance of not using a cell phone while driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.
  • Limit nighttime driving, set a curfew and be sure to enforce it.
  • Stress the importance of keeping a safe distance between other vehicles. Keep a 4 second distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. (When a vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object begin counting. At a minimum, you should reach the object no sooner than 4 seconds.)
  • Remind your teenager to always use their turn signal and to mind the speed limit

Your teenager is a new driver; he or she just doesn’t have the behind-the-wheel experience necessary to understand the dynamics associated with driving. Be a good role model, give your teenager plenty of practice, and discuss safe driving with your teenager – it could be one of the most important conversations you have.

Call Welch Associates Insurance at 570-836-3165 today we will be happy to answer any questions you have

Business Insurance

Northeastern PA offers a broad array of business opportunities. Whether you operate as a contractor, restaurant, club, campground, municipality; or are a lawyer, physician, engineer, or funeral director, we develop insurance programs specific to your business and professional needs. From property, liability, automobile, and workers compensation coverage; to professional, umbrella, and cyber liability coverages, we have access to the leading insurance carriers in the country. Let us manage your risk so you can manage your business!

Home Safety & Prevention Tips

 

How can you reduce the risk of damage to your home and dodge a home insurance claim?  The best way to minimize risk is to understand and know what steps you can take to avoid a loss.

Prevent Fires

  • Install smoke alarms.
  • Turn off & unplug all small appliances when not in use.
  • Maintain & clean all working fireplaces.
  • Do not overload or connect one power strip to another.
  • Clean out your lint trap in the dryer after every use.
  • Replace any plastic vents with metal vents.
  • Maintain your furnace with annual inspections.

Avoid Water Damage

  • Know where the main water shut off is for your home.
  • Maintain your water heater.
  • Keep water from pooling near your foundation.
  • Replace plastic and aluminum washing machine hoses with copper or stainless steel.

Deter Theft in Your Home

  • Keep all personal information like passports and financial information in a locked fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
  • Keep garage doors closed and locked, if the garage doors have windows, put the garage door release cord away from those windows.
  • Replace worn keypad entry devices. After extensive use, the combination of letters and number could be worn and visible to potential criminals.
  • Make sure the home’s address is visible for responding police, fire or paramedics.
  • Secure a wireless network at home. Computer access could allow criminals easy access to confidential information.
  • Don’t talk about family vacation plans in public or post about being away from your home on social media.
  • Secure sliding glass doors and windows.
  • Be a good neighbor, neighbors play a key role in preventing home thefts. Close neighbors are more likely to call the police if they see someone suspicious poking around your property.

Do I need an Umbrella Policy?

Comprehensive Coverage
Umbrella Insurance Policy

An Umbrella policy can offer you peace of mind.  Your liability limits for your home and auto may not be enough to cover a large court judgement against you.  An Umbrella policy protects you and your assets in the event you find yourself responsible for damages that exceed your auto, home, renters, boat or cycle liability limits.   It’s time to contact Welch Insurance to learn more about how an Umbrella Policy can benefit you.

An example of how an Umbrella Policy can work for you:        

You are a driver determined to be responsible for an accident that resulted in serious injuries to another driver.  You are sued and the lawsuit results in a $1,000,000 dollar judgement against you.  Your auto policy has coverage up to $500,000.  You now have a $500,000 gap in coverage.  Your personal assets – car, home, money in the bank, investments etc. are now at risk.  If you have a $1,000,000 Umbrella Policy, that will help avoid that gap in coverage and pay the additional $500,000 owed.

If you are still unsure as to whether or not you need an Umbrella policy, call us at Welch Insurance or request a quote.  We will review you current coverages and assets and recommend a policy that protects you and is easy on your budget.

Identity Theft

Is someone using your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases?

Identity theft has affected millions of Americans and it continues to be the fastest growing crime in America.  Identity Theft & Identity Fraud are terms that refer to all types of crimes where someone unlawfully obtains & uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.*

How can I protect myself from Identity Theft?

  • Stop oversharing on Social Networking Websites!
  • Maintain anti-virus & anti-malware software.
  • Handle financial documents with care. If you are discarding them, shred them.
  • Create STRONG passwords, be Cr3@t1ve.
  • Be careful when you are using a public Wi-Fi. Do not make any purchases or share any personal information while on an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
  • Don’t become victimized by fake emails. Scammers are continually sending out more convincing emails; don’t give out any financial information to someone who solicits it from you.  Read emails very carefully before clicking on any links or attachments they may contain a virus.
  • Monitor credit & bank accounts closely

What Can You Do if You Become a Victim of Identity Theft?

  • Notify the companies where you know the fraud occurred.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and get copies.
  • Report the theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov

What Does Identity Theft Have To Do With My Personal Insurance?

Identity theft coverage is an optional coverage on most Homeowner & Tenant policies.  Coverages vary depending on the carrier but it can include lost wages, expenses for replacing government issued identification, travel expenses and even attorney fees.  Call Welch Insurance today to review your Home policy and get Identity Theft Coverage.

*The United States Department of Justice

Auto Accident Guide

If you drive, chances are, you will eventually be involved in a motor vehicle accident.  This guide will help you take the necessary steps in the event of an accident.

  • Move out of the way of traffic, and turn on your hazard lights.
  • Call the police, even in a minor accident. If someone is injured, request medical assistance.  If fire is involved, request fire department aid.
  • Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or a claim representative from your insurance provider.
  • If possible, take photos of the accident scene and the auto damage.
  • Exchange the necessary information with the other driver(s). This information includes:
    • Driver & passenger names
    • License plate numbers
    • Insurance information
    • Year, Make & Model of all vehicles involved
    • Contact information for any witnesses
    • Location of accident
    • The name and badge number of any responding police officers
    • The report number if a report is submitted.

 

Remember to pay attention and drive safe.

For more information on personal auto insurance call Welch Associates Insurance at 570-836-3165 today!