How to Avoid Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Date: January 22, 2025 Author: Rinehart Insurance
Personal Insurance Gaps

Personal Insurance GapsInsurance plays a crucial role in your life’s financial security and stability. The various policies and coverages that make up your insurance portfolio can potentially ensure you’re able to endure accidents, natural disasters and unexpected circumstances that might otherwise incur devastating financial losses. These risks may be particularly prevalent for those who fail to identify and address common coverage gaps.

This article can help you understand how and why specific gaps in your insurance could have significant financial ramifications for you and your family. Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance is focused on assisting you in not only identifying and understanding these possible pitfalls but also filling them and ensuring that your personal lines insurance portfolio offers fortified financial protection.

Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Your personal lines insurance portfolio may consist of several types of policies, each covering risks and exposures that might otherwise lead to significant financial losses. Despite how you may have assembled an appropriate collection of policies, each one might still be prone to having coverage gaps that could leave you vulnerable to unexpected situations. The aftermath of an accident or other losses is the worst time to realize you’re underinsured, so it’s essential to identify and address gaps before coverage is needed.

Consider the following common personal insurance coverage gaps:

Home insurance

Also known as homeowners insurance, this type of policy can be rife with coverage gaps if you’re not careful and do not work with a qualified professional. Be particularly mindful of the following possible gaps:
o Natural disaster exclusions—Certain natural disasters are often explicitly excluded from standard home insurance policies. For example, flood insurance must typically be purchased separately. Homeowners in certain parts of the country may also need coverage for earthquakes and windstorms.
o Coming up short of the 80% rule—Insurance carriers typically enforce the 80% rule, which states that homeowners must retain enough coverage to pay for at least 80% of the estimated cost of a complete rebuild of their home. Failing to do this could lead to lesser payouts following covered losses.
o Neglecting scheduled property coverage—Home insurance typically includes some coverage for personal possessions, but limits are often insufficient for those with significant valuables, such as fine art and jewelry. Additional coverage options, such as scheduled property coverage, may be necessary to ensure policyholders can recoup losses involving treasured items.

Auto insurance

These policies may also be referred to as car insurance and are often legally required. Still, while one of the most commonly purchased types of insurance, auto coverage is easily misunderstood, necessitating awareness of the following possible errors:
o Fulfilling only minimum requirements—While most states require motorists to carry certain levels of coverage, such as third-party liability coverage, simply complying with such mandates may not be enough. For example, many states do not require collision coverage, but if you crash your car, this part of a policy could be critical in ensuring you can repair or replace your vehicle.
o Lacking gap coverage—Aptly named, lacking this component of an auto insurance policy could represent a significant hole in your coverage. Gap coverage can be critical in offsetting losses if you’ve financed your vehicle. If your car is totaled or stolen and you still owe more on your loan than the vehicle’s current value, this coverage can make up the difference and limit out-of-pocket losses.

Life insurance

The right life insurance policy can provide financial stability and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, insufficient or outdated coverage could have dire ramifications, exacerbating the already difficult circumstances of a grieving family. Avoid this hardship by considering the following potential shortcomings in your coverage:
o Relying on group coverage—Life insurance offered by an employer can be a valuable employee benefit; however, one should not depend on this as your only form of coverage. Group life insurance plans are typically tied to employment status, meaning that being let go or retiring would result in no remaining coverage.
o Insufficient limits—As a person’s circumstances change, they may need to adjust their life insurance policies. For example, having a child or gaining a dependent typically increases expected expenses. Without making adjustments to life insurance, payouts could be insufficient to provide for a deceased’s family.

Personal umbrella insurance

This type of insurance may not be as well known as others, but for many people, it can be just as important. An umbrella insurance policy casts an additional layer of financial protection over various liabilities that might exceed the coverage limits in other policies. Consider how personal umbrella insurance might help fill the following coverage gaps:
o Inadequate auto insurance—Even if you’ve fulfilled your auto insurance policy’s minimum liability coverage requirements, severe accidents could have greater costs. If several people are severely injured, many vehicles are damaged or losses otherwise amount to a sum greater than your auto coverage can handle, personal umbrella insurance can offer additional aid and limit out-of-pocket losses.
o Insufficient home insurance—Certain accidents and other incidents at your home could be exceptionally costly. For instance, if your home has attractive nuisances, such as a swimming pool, or you regularly host large gatherings, accidents affecting multiple guests or inflicting significant injuries could quickly exhaust the liability coverage limits in your home insurance policy. Without umbrella coverage, you’d be saddled with paying the remainder out of pocket.

How to Avoid Coverage Gaps

Now that you have a better understanding of common coverage gaps and the potential consequences of being underinsured, you can take steps to shore up your insurance portfolio. Consider the following steps:

  • Appraise your belongings. One of the most effective ways to ensure you’re adequately covered is by being current on the value of what you’re insuring. Save receipts and document the condition of your possessions, and consider enlisting the assistance of professionals to appraise certain items, such as fine art and jewelry.
  • Assess liability risks. Whether considering home, renters, auto or umbrella coverage, certain policyholders may need to manage greater liability risk levels. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want to retain more coverage in your home insurance policy. Similarly, additional financial security may be advisable if you have a teen driver listed on your policy.
  • Consider recent life events. When your circumstances change, you should revisit your insurance policies. Getting married, having a child, buying a home or car, or moving should all trigger this process. Neglecting to account for life events in your insurance portfolio could lead to you being underinsured and your policies’ limits being incapable of covering losses.
  • Understand endorsements and options. Familiarize yourself with all of the features and enhancements that might be available. While a standard home insurance policy may be sufficient most of the time, specific exclusions, such as for floods and hurricanes, could mean the difference between weathering a financial storm alone or being buoyed by financial aid.
  • Enlist assistance. The knowledge and experience of a qualified insurance professional can be invaluable as you seek to purchase or reassess the components of your personal lines coverage.

Get the Right Coverage

In the wake of an accident, damage to your home or other incident involving financial losses, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance isn’t capable of what you expected. Coverage gaps can quickly lead to unexpected expenses, potentially incurring far-reaching fiscal consequences that might upend your entire life.

At Rinehart, Walters & Danner Insurance, we’re committed to making sure that you and your family are adequately insured. Contact us today to learn more about personal lines coverage options and to ensure you’ve identified and remedied any coverage gaps.

How To Prevent Ice Dams and Homeowners Insurance Claims

Date: January 15, 2025 Author: Rinehart Insurance
prevent ice dam

prevent ice damThis crazy up and down weather we’ve had lately can really reek havoc on our homes. Between the arctic chill and freezing pipes, to the heat wave and snow melt we don’t know if it’s Winter or Spring. One think to keep an eye on is your roof. All this thawing and freezing can create ice dams on your roof which can lead to major water damage.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. It prevents melting snow and water from draining off the roof. The water that does not drain can leak into your home and damage your walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Ice dams are typically caused by uneven heat loss from your home in wintry conditions such as snow, heat melting the snow, and cold temperatures re-freezing melted snow. A common cause of heat loss is due to inadequate attic insulation or from warm air seeping into the attic from living spaces below. This causes the roof to warm and melt the snow and then re-freeze before the melted snow slides off the roof. If this cycle repeats enough you get an ice dam and water collecting behind it.

How To Prevent Ice Dams

There are steps you can take to help prevent ice dams on your home. 

  • Keep the attic well ventilated. 
  • Seal air leaks to prevent warm air leakage from plumbing vents, junction boxes from ceiling fixtures and attic hatches. 
  • Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising into the attic from below. (between 16 and 22 inches of insulation).
  • Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow. This will help prevent ice buildup in your gutters. 
  • Consider using an ice shield under your shingles when your house is getting re-roofed. 
  • Use a roof rake to clear the snow above the gutter. Clear as much as three to four feet above the gutter to allow water to drain freely into the gutter.

Don’t let this crazy Ohio weather turn into a disaster for your home. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your home which can turn into a large homeowners insurance claim. Take the extra time before the bad weather to do the necessary preventative measures. 

Share this information with your friends and family to help them prevent ice dams. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips Everyone Should To Know

Date: January 8, 2025 Author: Rinehart Insurance
winter driving

winter drivingLosing control of a car is undoubtedly one of the most frightening experiences behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it is a potential side effect when the temperatures turn frigid and the roads get slick with ice or snow. Being familiar with winter driving safety is critical to keep you and other drivers safe. 

One of the most dangerous winter driving hazards is skidding, which, at high speeds, could result in a nasty crash. To prevent an unnecessary skid, slip or accident, consider the following accident prevention techniques.

  • Slow down ahead of turns and curves, as this will allow you to prepare for potential icy spots.
  • When at a curve, apply power slightly to the gas and steer steadily. Do not change directions abruptly and refrain from braking suddenly.
  • Be prepared for lane changes. Check your rearview mirror and blind spot, and then signal your direction to alert other motorists.
  • When changing lanes, move over in a long, gradual line with minimal steering changes.
  • Look out for ice patches, piles of wet leaves and shady areas. These areas are skidding hazards.
  • Anticipate stops by slowing down gradually, well ahead of intersections. These areas are generally slicker than other parts of the road because of the excess starting and stopping traffic.
  • Drive at reduced speeds. Slow your speed and increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This will allow for a larger buffer in case you start to lose control.
  • Avoid overpowering in deep snow.
  • Use a light foot on the accelerator (rather than slamming on the gas to move forward).

If You Start to Skid

If your car starts to skid, do not panic. Steer in the direction that the vehicle is sliding until you feel the wheels regain traction. Then, slowly straighten your wheels and keep rolling.

If you need to brake before your tires regain traction, apply the brake carefully so that you do not lock your wheels.  

If you have an accident

In the unfortunate event you end up in an auto accident, we are here to help. Click here to learn what to do after an auto accident or contact us by clicking here. 

How To Stay Healthy This Winter

Date: December 18, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
healthy this winter

The winter months are notorious for bringing sickness. Flu season begins in October and ramps up into December. Colds are also more common during the winter months. Read on for tips on keeping yourself and your family healthy this winter.

Why Are Sicknesses More Common in Winter?

Viruses transmit more effectively in cold and dry weather, increasing your chances of coming into contact with sickness. Additionally, as cold weather drives people indoors, you’re more likely to be in close contact with someone who isn’t feeling well.

How Can I Stay Healthy in Winter?

You’re less likely to fall ill when your body is well-taken care of. Some of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy in winter are to adopt good self-care practices, such as:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Getting a full night’s rest
  • Eating nutrient-rich foods

Additional tips to avoid catching an illness from others include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Get a flu vaccine.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

How Can I Stop From Infecting Others?

No matter how careful you are, sickness happens. When you aren’t feeling well, consider these tips to prevent yourself from passing on your illness:

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Don’t go to school or work if you aren’t feeling well.
  • If you have a fever, stay home for 24 hours unless seeking medical care.

The winter months may inevitably bring illness. Keep these tips in mind to help prevent getting or spreading sickness. For further guidance, contact your doctor today. Also, many health insurance plans include no cost of low cost annual immunizations for common illnesses. 

Helpful Ways To avoid Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Date: November 13, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
Personal Insurance gaps

Insurance plays a crucial role in your life’s financial security and stability. The various policies and coverages that make up your insurance portfolio can potentially ensure you’re able to endure accidents, natural disasters and unexpected circumstances that might otherwise incur devastating financial losses. These risks may be particularly prevalent for those who fail to identify and address common coverage gaps.

This article can help you understand how and why specific gaps in your insurance could have significant financial ramifications for you and your family. Rinehart, Walters & Danner is focused on assisting you in not only identifying and understanding these possible pitfalls but also filling them and ensuring that your personal lines insurance portfolio offers fortified financial protection.

Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Your personal lines insurance portfolio may consist of several types of policies, each covering risks and exposures that might otherwise lead to significant financial losses. Despite how you may have assembled an appropriate collection of policies, each one might still be prone to having coverage gaps that could leave you vulnerable to unexpected situations. The aftermath of an accident or other losses is the worst time to realize you’re underinsured, so it’s essential to identify and address gaps before coverage is needed.

Consider the following common personal insurance coverage gaps:

  • Home insurance—Also known as homeowners insurance, this type of policy can be rife with coverage gaps if you’re not careful and do not work with a qualified professional. Be particularly mindful of the following possible gaps:
    • Natural disaster exclusions—Certain natural disasters are often explicitly excluded from standard home insurance policies. For example, flood insurance must typically be purchased separately. Homeowners in certain parts of the country may also need coverage for earthquakes and windstorms.
    • Coming up short of the 80% rule—Insurance carriers typically enforce the 80% rule, which states that homeowners must retain enough coverage to pay for at least 80% of the estimated cost of a complete rebuild of their home. Failing to do this could lead to lesser payouts following covered losses.
    • Neglecting scheduled property coverage—Home insurance typically includes some coverage for personal possessions, but limits are often insufficient for those with significant valuables, such as fine art and jewelry. Additional coverage options, such as scheduled property coverage, may be necessary to ensure policyholders can recoup losses involving treasured items.
  • Auto insurance—These policies may also be referred to as car insurance and are often legally required. Still, while one of the most commonly purchased types of insurance, auto coverage is easily misunderstood, necessitating awareness of the following possible errors:
    • Fulfilling only minimum requirements—While most states require motorists to carry certain levels of coverage, such as third-party liability coverage, simply complying with such mandates may not be enough. For example, many states do not require collision coverage, but if you crash your car, this part of a policy could be critical in ensuring you can repair or replace your vehicle.
    • Lacking gap coverage—Aptly named, lacking this component of an auto insurance policy could represent a significant hole in your coverage. Gap coverage can be critical in offsetting losses if you’ve financed your vehicle. If your car is totaled or stolen and you still owe more on your loan than the vehicle’s current value, this coverage can make up the difference and limit out-of-pocket losses.
  • Life insurance—The right life insurance policy can provide financial stability and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, insufficient or outdated coverage could have dire ramifications, exacerbating the already difficult circumstances of a grieving family. Avoid this hardship by considering the following potential shortcomings in your coverage:
    • Relying on group coverage—Life insurance offered by an employer can be a valuable employee benefit; however, one should not depend on this as your only form of coverage. Group life insurance plans are typically tied to employment status, meaning that being let go or retiring would result in no remaining coverage.
    • Insufficient limits—As a person’s circumstances change, they may need to adjust their life insurance policies. For example, having a child or gaining a dependent typically increases expected expenses. Without making adjustments to life insurance, payouts could be insufficient to provide for a deceased’s family.
  • Personal umbrella insurance—This type of insurance may not be as well known as others, but for many people, it can be just as important. An umbrella insurance policy casts an additional layer of financial protection over various liabilities that might exceed the coverage limits in other policies. Consider how personal umbrella insurance might help fill the following coverage gaps:
    • Inadequate auto insurance—Even if you’ve fulfilled your auto insurance policy’s minimum liability coverage requirements, severe accidents could have greater costs. If several people are severely injured, many vehicles are damaged or losses otherwise amount to a sum greater than your auto coverage can handle, personal umbrella insurance can offer additional aid and limit out-of-pocket losses.
    • Insufficient home insurance—Certain accidents and other incidents at your home could be exceptionally costly. For instance, if your home has attractive nuisances, such as a swimming pool, or you regularly host large gatherings, accidents affecting multiple guests or inflicting significant injuries could quickly exhaust the liability coverage limits in your home insurance policy. Without umbrella coverage, you’d be saddled with paying the remainder out of pocket.

How to Avoid Coverage Gaps

Now that you have a better understanding of common coverage gaps and the potential consequences of being underinsured, you can take steps to shore up your insurance portfolio. Consider the following steps:

  • Appraise your belongings. One of the most effective ways to ensure you’re adequately covered is by being current on the value of what you’re insuring. Save receipts and document the condition of your possessions, and consider enlisting the assistance of professionals to appraise certain items, such as fine art and jewelry.
  • Assess liability risks. Whether considering home, renters, auto or umbrella coverage, certain policyholders may need to manage greater liability risk levels. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want to retain more coverage in your home insurance policy. Similarly, additional financial security may be advisable if you have a teen driver listed on your policy.
  • Consider recent life events. When your circumstances change, you should revisit your insurance policies. Getting married, having a child, buying a home or car, or moving should all trigger this process. Neglecting to account for life events in your insurance portfolio could lead to you being underinsured and your policies’ limits being incapable of covering losses.
  • Understand endorsements and options. Familiarize yourself with all of the features and enhancements that might be available. While a standard home insurance policy may be sufficient most of the time, specific exclusions, such as for floods and hurricanes, could mean the difference between weathering a financial storm alone or being buoyed by financial aid.
  • Enlist assistance. The knowledge and experience of a qualified insurance professional can be invaluable as you seek to purchase or reassess the components of your personal lines coverage.

Get the Right Coverage

In the wake of an accident, damage to your home or other incident involving financial losses, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance isn’t capable of what you expected. Coverage gaps can quickly lead to unexpected expenses, potentially incurring far-reaching fiscal consequences that might upend your entire life.

At Rinehart, Walters & Danner, we’re committed to making sure that you and your family are adequately insured. Contact us today to learn more about personal lines coverage options and to ensure you’ve identified and remedied any coverage gaps.

Important Chimney Maintenance Tips You need To Know

Date: October 23, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
chimney maintenance

chimney maintenanceIn spite of the ambiance and relaxation that a fireplace provides, there are also inherent fire dangers. To combat the risk of fire or inhalation of dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas, it is important for you to make chimney maintenance part of your home maintenance plan. Follow these tips to keep your chimney in good shape and prevent fire hazards.

General Chimney Maintenance Tips

Both metal and masonry chimneys require maintenance so that smoke and flue gases are ventilated properly. At the very least, you should have your chimney inspected annually before each heating season. In addition:

  • Have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to reduce creosote buildup.
  • Make sure your masonry chimney has a flue liner in place to reduce the possibility that the masonry could absorb creosote.
  • Replace damaged liners, as they will allow creosote to accumulate and heat to escape.
  • When hiring someone to reline your chimney, only allow the contractor to use a product that has been tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Specific Chimney Maintenance Tips

There are two types of chimneys that require specific maintenance to limit the risks in your home.

  1. Fireplace inserts—Make sure the vent is connected to the flue of the chimney.
  2. Factory-built metal chimneys—Do not use natural gas, fuel oil vents, well casing, stovepipe or other material in the chimney, as they cannot withstand the heat in the wood burner.

Keep These Precautions in Mind

Do not vent more than one heater or appliance into a single flue, as major complications can arise. If one fuel-burning appliance is connected to a flue and then you attach another appliance, such as a water heater, you are running the risk of various problems. Such problems include heavy creosote accumulation, deterioration of the flue or CO gas drifting into your home.

For additional home maintenance guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact us today.

 

 

4 Fall Driving Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Date: October 9, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
Fall Driving Safety

Fall Driving SafetyFall can be a particularly dangerous time to drive. Fortunately, by considering the following guidance, you may be able to limit your risk of accidents:

Watch for children.
With school back in session, you should be mindful of increased foot traffic, as well as the frequent presence of school buses.

Prioritize lighting.
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself driving in the dark more often. Be sure to turn on your headlights as soon as it starts to get dark.

Consider driving conditions.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds and take your time when changing lanes or making other maneuvers, as fog, frost and fallen leaves can all affect your visibility and traction.

Be mindful of animals.
Many animals may become more active during the fall, including deer. Take particular care to watch the sides of roads at dawn and twilight, as this is when many animals are most active.

Contact us today to learn more about automobile safety.

10 Important Health Insurance Terms Everyone Should Know

Date: October 2, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
health insurance terms

health insurance termsDo you know the ABCs of health insurance? With a good understanding of what some health insurance terms mean, it will be easier to find an insurance plan that  meets your needs—and fits within your budget.

1) Allowable Costs

Charges for health care services and supplies for which benefits are available under your health insurance plan.

An allowable cost may also be referred to as an allowable charge, an approved charge or an allowed amount. Actual charges are different and refer to the amount  billed by the provider for the specific service. The allowed amount is the amount your insurance carrier is willing to pay for the rendered service.

2) Coinsurance

The percentage you pay for the cost of covered health care services, after you meet your deductible.

It’s important to understand that coinsurance and copayments are not the same thing and are two separate parts of your health insurance plan. Read on to learn about copayments.

3) Copayment

A flat fee you pay upfront for doctor visits, prescriptions and other health care services.

Copayments, or copays, do not count toward your deductible. You are typically required to pay your copay when you receive the service. When shopping for plan,  look closely to see when you’ll have a copay and how much it will cost for different services.

4) Deductible

The amount you pay out of pocket before your health insurance starts to cover costs.

Tip: Consider keeping your deductible to no more than 5% of your gross annual income.
When shopping for a plan, keep in mind that the deductible is tied to the premium.

LOW DEDUCTIBLE PLAN
=
HIGHER PREMIUM		 HIGH DEDUCTIBLE PLAN
=
LOWER PREMIUM

5) Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

An account set up through an employer to set aside pre-tax money for common medical costs and dependent care.

An FSA is often part of an employer’s benefits package and allows you to pay for copays, deductibles, medications and other medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.  The common rule with funds in an FSA is to “use it or lose it” each year.

6) Health Savings Account (HSA)

A personal savings account that’s used to only cover qualified health care expenses.

An HSA allows you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. HSAs are only available to people who have a high-deductible health plan, and any remaining  funds may be rolled over year to year.

Should you choose an FSA or HSA?

Both accounts have benefits to help you manage out-of-pocket costs throughout the year. There are some differences between the accounts, so refer to this table to find which one is best for you.

FSA vs HSA

7) Network

A group of doctors, labs, hospitals and other health care providers that your plan contracts with at a set payment rate.

Health insurance companies would prefer you to receive services from their in-network providers because it costs them less. If you’re changing plans, do a bit of  homework to make sure desired providers are in your network.

8) Out-of-Network Provider

A provider who doesn’t have a contract with your health insurance plan.

You are still able to receive services from out-of-network providers, but it will likely cost you more. Take a look at out-of-network benefits to help make an informed decision about a new plan.

9) Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The highest amount you’ll pay for in-network health care services.

Remember that only covered services from in-network providers will count toward reaching this cap. Once you hit the maximum, you won’t have to worry if you  suddenly get seriously sick, become critically injured or need specialized care.

TOTAL HEALTH INSURANCE
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS		 = PREMIUM
+ DEDUCTIBLE
+ COPAYS & COINSURANCE

10) Premium

The amount charged by your health insurance company.

Most people pay their premium every month, but payments could be due quarterly or annually. You must pay your premium to keep coverage active, regardless of  whether you use it or not. The premium is usually the first cost you see and consider, but it’s important to also factor in details such as copays, deductibles,  coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.

Contact us today to discuss your health insurance options. 

9 Controls to Know For National Cybersecurity Month

Date: September 25, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
National Cybersecurity Month

National Cybersecurity MonthOctober is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this annual event, government and cybersecurity leaders and the insurance community come together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. 

It is important to remember that businesses must stay cybersecure to safeguard company data, protect customers’ personal information and ensure employee privacy. Here are 9 essential cybersecurity controls that organizations can implement to help manage their cyber exposures.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

EDR solutions record and store events from endpoint, utilize various data analytics techniques to detect suspicious system behaviors, provide contextual information, block malicious activities and offer remediation suggestions to help organizations restore affected technology.

Patch Management

Patches are software and operating system updates that address security vulnerabilities within programs and products. A consistent approach to patching and updating software and operating systems can help organizations limit their cyber exposures.

Network Segmentation and Segregation

Network segmentation refers to dividing larger networks into smaller segments, whereas network segregation entails isolating crucial networks from external networks, such as the internet. Both processes limit the risk of cybercriminals gaining expansive access to organizations’ IT infrastructures.

End-of-Life Software Management

When software reaches the end of its life, manufacturers will discontinue technical support and security improvements for these products, thus creating vulnerabilities
that cybercriminals can easily exploit. As such, having plans for introducing new software and phasing out unsupported products is critical.

Remote Desk Protocol (RDP) Safeguards

RDP ports allow users to connect remotely to other servers or devices. Although these ports are useful, they can also be leveraged as a vector for launching ransomware attacks. To safeguard their RDP ports, organizations should keep these ports turned off when they aren’t in use and ensure such ports aren’t left  exposed to the internet.

Email Authentication

This technology monitors incoming emails and determines the validity of these messages based on specific sender verification standards that organizations have in place. Such technology can help keep potentially dangerous emails out of employees’ inboxes. 

Data Backups

Organizations should determine safe locations to store their critical data, generate concrete schedules for backing up this information and outline data recovery  procedures to ensure swift restoration amid possible cyber events.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a layered approach to securing data and applications where a system requires a user to present a combination of two or more credentials to verify their identity for login. Organizations should enable MFA for remote access to their networks.

Employee Training

Employees are widely considered organizations’ first line of defense against cyber incidents, making cybersecurity training crucial. This training should occur  regularly and center around helping employees identify and respond to common cyberthreats.

For more cyber risk management and insurance guidance, contact us today.

How To Stay Healthy And Avoid The Flu This Fall

Date: September 11, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance
avoid the flu

avoid the fluIt’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the temperature is getting cooler, and you’re doing everything you can to avoid the flu. No one enjoys being sick, but some of us are more prone to sickness than others. Knowing where you are most likely to come into contact with germs and what you can do to prevent sickness are key for this fall season. 

Germ Hot Spots

There are several “hot spots” to keep in mind when it comes to germs. 

  • Doorknobs
  • Light Switches
  • Elevator buttons
  • Water fountain handles
  • Microwave door handles
  • Telephones
  • Bathroom faucets
  • Handrails

These areas are high traffic areas that can be touched by numerous people. When you touch a doorknob you never know if the person who touched it before you sneezed into their hand and didn’t was it. Yuck! 

What You Can Do to Help Yourself Avoid The Flu

  • Wash your hands. Even if you are cautious of what you touch, there is a chance you’ve still come into contact with some germ. To protect yourself from illness, it’s important to wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat or after you cough, sneeze or use the restroom. 
  • Keep your distance. Illnesses can spread fast. Keep your distance from others who are sick. 
  • Get the flu shot. Yearly flu shots are the single best way to prevent getting sick. Contrary to popular belief, flu vaccines cannot cause the flu, though side effects may occur. Often, these side effects are minor and may include congestion, coughs, headaches, abdominal pain and wheezing. 
    • Did you know many health insurance plans cover the flu shot at 100% or a small copay? If you need help determining your health insurance benefits, we can help. Give us a call or click here or here to learn more about health insurance benefits.

Taking the extra time to wash hands and wipe down surfaces could mean the difference between a happy fall and an unpleasant fall spent on the couch sick. Stay healthy and do your part to spread the word to others.