Cyber Liability

September 2, 2015 at 9:00 AM | Posted in Home, Identity Theft, Insurance Claims, Insurance Policy, Personal Insurance, Safety Tips | Leave a comment
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Every day, whether you know it or not, you are at risk to becoming a victim of a cyber-attack. Educating yourself about cyber-attack prevention and security can help keep you and your loved ones protected.

Who is exposed to Cyber Liability?

  • Family members on Facebook or other Social Media sites
  • On-Line Shoppers
  • Cyber bullying

Cyber-attacks may come from terrorists, criminals, activists, external opportunists and company insiders (both intentional and unintentional). Cyber criminals attack to gain some type of political, military or economic advantage. They usually steal money or information that can eventually be monetized, such as credit card numbers, health records, personal identification information and tax returns.

Cyber risks include:

  • Identity theft as a result of security breaches where sensitive information is stolen by a hacker or inadvertently disclosed, including such data elements as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, employee identification numbers, drivers’ license numbers, birth dates and PIN numbers.
  • Introduction of malware, worms and other malicious computer code.
  • Human error leading to inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information, such as an email from an employee to unintended recipients containing sensitive business information or personal identifying information.
  • The cost of credit monitoring services for people impacted by a security breach.

These are just a few of the exposures you may have in your own home. Do you or your family members meet any of the above?

There are some ways to protect you from these exposures. Most property insurance carriers offer some type of coverage under your home, condo, tenant or dwelling fire (non-owner occupied) policies. Some of the coverages we mention may be added as a separate endorsement to your policy or may be available in package endorsements as well. These include, but may not be limited to, Personal Injury Protection, Identity Fraud coverage and Personal Umbrella coverage.

Contact us at 888-850-9400 to discuss your options and insure you have the right coverages in place.

Preventing Identity Theft

November 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM | Posted in Holidays, Identity Theft, Insurance Policy, Personal Insurance, Specialty Policy | Leave a comment
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‘Tis the season… for things to get hectic. With the added pressures of extra shopping lists, scheduling conflicts, decorating, and general holiday anxiety, it is easy to become vulnerable to Identity Theft. It can happen while you are shopping in stores or shopping online. The following tips can help keep you safe from Identity Theft.

  • Create a list of all of your credit card and bank account information: include account numbers, expiration dates, and hot line numbers for each account’s contact customer service or fraud departments. Keep this list in a locked area at home.
  • Before you leave your home to shop, review the contents of your wallet or purse. Don’t carry extra credit cards or identification with you that isn’t necessary. The more information you carry the easier it is for them to steal your identity.
  • When creating PIN numbers or passwords, avoid using easy information such as birthdates, or the last four numbers of your social security number that can be easily discovered by identity thieves.
  • When you are finished shopping online, make sure you log off completely. Just closing a browser may not prevent your information from being accessed. Do not use the “remember my username or password” feature.
  • Never give out personal information over the phone to someone claiming they represent a creditor.
  • Review your credit card and bank statements regularly to quickly identify and report any purchases you did not make.
  • Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to review your credit report every year. As a Massachusetts resident, you are entitled to one free credit report each year from the major credit bureaus.
  • If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, you should place an initial fraud alert on your credit file. This will prevent any additional lines of credit from being opened without your consent.

Most insurers now offer some form of Identity Fraud coverage under a home policy. There might be an additional fee but the coverage could include credit card fraud coverage, expense reimbursement, and restoration services.

Call Protector Group at 888-850-9400 to find out what coverage options are available to you.

Identity Theft Coverage

January 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM | Posted in Identity Theft, Insurance Policy, Personal Insurance | Leave a comment
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Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, costing millions in fraudulent transactions annually. Criminals can easily assume your name and steal your personal financial information to illegally obtain money, credit cards, loans, or property and then leave you to clean up the mess. Having your identity stolen can be an expensive and stressful situation. Identity theft coverage is offered by most insurance companies as optional coverage. Here is some of the protection you would receive by adding this endorsement to your home, condo, or tenant policy:

  • Lost earnings due to court appearances, meetings with lawyers and creditors.
  • Reasonable and customary legal fees for common legal issues resulting from identity theft.
  • Preparing and notarizing documents, records, and affidavits for credit bureaus, financial institutions, and similar credit grantors and law enforcement agencies.
  • Reapplication expenses for credit or loans or as a result of rejection due to incorrect credit records.
  • Certified or overnight mailing expenses for mail to credit bureaus, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies.

Adding identity theft coverage to your home policy won’t stop someone from stealing your identity, but it will make it much easier and less expensive to get your affairs back on track if it does happen to you.

Call us at 888-850-9400 if you are interested in learning more about adding this coverage to your policy.

Tenant Insurance – Protect Your Personal Property

September 26, 2012 at 9:42 AM | Posted in Home, Identity Theft, Insurance Policy, Personal Insurance, Personal Property, Renters, Specialty Policy | Leave a comment
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When you rent, as a tenant your personal possessions are your most valuable assets. Without Tenant’s Insurance your valuables are not covered for repairs or replacement in the event of a loss such as fire or theft. Most people don’t realize that a landlord’s insurance policy does not provide coverage for a tenant’s personal property.

For a minimal premium, a basic Tenant Insurance policy provides the following coverage:

  • Furniture, clothing, appliances, and many other personal items are covered on an actual cash value basis (at the depreciated value).
  • Personal property is covered while you are traveling.
  • Additional living expenses are covered when you have to temporarily relocate during repairs.
  • Necessary improvements to the rental unit may be covered.
  • Personal Liability Coverage provides protection for you and your family against bodily injury or property damage claims brought against you. The company will defend you against all liability suits, even when they are false or groundless.
  • Medical Payments to Others pays non-household members that are unintentionally injured by you, a family member, or a pet on your property.

For an additional premium, there is optional coverage you can add to your Tenant Insurance policy. These include, but are not limited to, the following endorsements:

  • Contents Replacement Cost – allows you to repair or replace most items with no reduction for depreciation.
  • Scheduled Items – provides broader coverage for special property such as jewelry, furs, silverware, fine arts, cameras, guns, and musical instruments, etc.
  • Identity Theft Coverage.
  • Earthquake Coverage.

After a loss, the task of starting over can be devastating. Remember to document your valuables, keeping receipts, photos, or videos in a safe and secure location. By purchasing Tenant Insurance, you can be sure that you are protected – before it’s too late.

Social Networking: Friend or Foe?

July 3, 2012 at 10:44 AM | Posted in Identity Theft, Reminders, Safety Tips | Leave a comment
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Sharing your lives via social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is the current trend to connect with family and friends. It can also leave you exposed to potential threats against your home, personal property, and even your reputation.

When posting your plans on social networking sites, you’re letting vandals know that your home, vehicles, or other properties may be unattended, making you a vulnerable target. There has been a rise in cars being vandalized and homes broken into because of one posting on a social networking site.

Here are some other things to keep in mind: 

  • Be careful what you and your family are writing. Nothing that is written on the web is completely private.
  • Posting personal information may leave you open to comments about your character, and once something is out there, whether positive or negative, it is for the world to see.
  • Employers, Colleges, and Landlords may check social networking sites when considering an applicant.
  • Taking surveys can seem harmless, but even small amounts of information can lead someone to your personal accounts.

You can protect your social information by selecting tighter privacy settings to your networking accounts. You may want to consider installing a security system in your home to keep you protected while you and your loved ones are away. Not only will this deter thieves from breaking in, but you could also receive a discount on your homeowners insurance for taking extra precautions.

Take a moment to seriously consider the information you post, keeping your personal safety a top priority.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

December 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM | Posted in Home, Identity Theft, Insurance Policy, Motorcycle, Personal Insurance, Personal Property, Renters, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment
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We at Protector Group would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership. May the new year be filled with much joy, happiness, and success. We look forward to working with you in the coming year and hope our relationship continues for many years to come.
Happy Holidays!

Protect Your Identity!

May 11, 2011 at 12:43 PM | Posted in Home, Identity Theft | Leave a comment
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We’ve all seen the news reports about computer systems getting “hacked” and personal information being compromised. Unfortunately, there are many more ways your personal information can be stolen: people sifting through your trash, stealing your mail, or obtaining your ATM pin number.

Once thieves steal personal information they use it to withdraw your money, open new credit or bank accounts, take out new loans, or give your name to police during an arrest.

The good news – You can easily protect your personal information by purchasing identity theft protection under your homeowner policy. Coverage varies by company, and can include:

  • Resolution Services – A fraud specialist will guide you through the process of restoring your good name and credit record.
  • Lost Wages – Replaces salary lost due to time taken off from work to deal with the identity theft.
  • Notary and Certified Mail Charges – Covers the cost of processing and delivering fraud affidavits.
  • Loan Fees – Covers the cost to re-apply for loans that were denied due to erroneous credit information caused by the identity theft.
  • Attorney Fees – Pays the cost of defending erroneous suits brought by merchants and collection agencies, removing criminal or civil judgments wrongly entered against you, or for challenging the information in your credit report.

This coverage is very inexpensive. Call us at 1-888-850-9400 to make sure your identity and financial security are protected.

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