Auto Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
How COVID-19 Has Affected How the Insurance Industry
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance companies have made significant adjustments to their policies to accommodate the shift to remote work for business owners and employees. Here are the main ways these changes have manifested:
- Business Interruption Insurance:
- Coverage Adjustments: Many businesses that had to close their physical locations or reduce operations during the pandemic discovered that their business interruption insurance often didn’t cover pandemics. In response, some insurers have clarified or adjusted their terms, explicitly excluding or including pandemic-related disruptions.
- Remote Work Impact: The trend toward remote work has prompted some insurers to re-evaluate and re-calculate business interruption. If a business continues to operate remotely, the risk factors change (e.g., no foot traffic at physical locations). Insurance policies may have been revised to account for the reduced risk in these situations.
- General Liability Insurance:
- Home Office Liability: As employees began working from home, concerns arose over whether businesses were still liable for incidents that happened at employees’ home offices (e.g., an employee injuring themselves while working). Some insurers extended liability coverage to home offices or added riders to address this change. However, businesses were often required to make adjustments or provide proof of home office conditions to maintain proper coverage.
- Telecommuting Risk: Insurers are now assessing the potential risks associated with employees working from home, particularly around cybersecurity, data breaches, and liability for accidents that occur outside of the traditional office setting.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance:
- Remote Work and Coverage: One major concern for insurers and employers is whether remote work changes the scope of workers’ compensation claims. If employees are working from home, it’s important to determine if incidents that occur at home (e.g., falls or injuries) are still covered. Many workers’ compensation insurers clarified that as long as employees are performing work-related tasks, injuries occurring at home may still be covered, but some insurers have asked businesses to report remote work arrangements or adjust their premiums.
- Telecommuting Guidelines: Some states and insurers introduced new guidelines or modified reporting requirements to ensure businesses met workers’ compensation obligations when employees worked remotely. Employers were often required to maintain records about the home office setup or specify if the employee’s job was suitable for remote work.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
- Increased Focus on Cyber Liability: With the shift to remote work, many employees accessed company data from less secure home networks, increasing the risk of cyberattacks. In response, insurance companies that offer cyber liability coverage began to update their policies, often increasing premiums or offering new coverage for risks associated with remote work.
- Security Measures for Home Offices: Insurers might now require companies to implement specific security measures (like VPNs or employee training on cybersecurity) to mitigate the risks posed by remote work. Some policies may only provide full coverage if a business takes certain precautions.
- Property Insurance:
- Home Office Equipment: As employees moved to remote work, many companies needed to ensure that their property insurance covered office equipment used at home. Insurance companies adjusted their policies to clarify whether home office equipment (computers, office furniture, etc.) would be covered under standard business property policies or if a rider would be necessary.
- Equipment Coverage: Insurance policies have also had to address whether businesses were responsible for replacing office equipment employees used at home if it became damaged or stolen.
- Premium Adjustments and Flexibility:
- Temporary Premium Adjustments: Some insurance providers temporarily reduced premiums or offered rebates during periods of reduced in-person operations (such as during lockdowns). The idea was that less physical business activity led to lower risks and therefore warranted lower premiums.
- Flexible Coverage Options: To better support businesses adjusting to remote work, insurers also began offering more flexible policy options. Some insurers allowed businesses to easily adjust coverage levels or made it easier to switch from traditional office-based policies to ones that cater more to remote or hybrid workforces.
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance:
- Change in Claims: As businesses adapted to remote work, new employee-related claims emerged, such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination in the context of remote working conditions. Some insurers adapted their EPLI policies to address theses changes, either expanding coverage for remote work issues or adjusting exclusions.
- Health Insurance and Employment Benefits:
- Telemedicine and Virtual Health: With the increase in remote work, there was a surge in the use of telemedicine. Many insurance providers adjusted health plans to include or expand coverage for virtual healthcare services. Some companies now provide employees with a broader range of remote healthcare options to maintain well-being during times of isolation.
- Mental Health Coverage: The pandemic also led to heightened concerns over mental health, especially as employees dealt with stress of working from home. Many insurers enhanced mental health coverage and offered more flexible benefits, including virtual counseling.
Insurance companies have adapted to the rise of remote work by updating their policies to better address the evolving risks that come with it. Businesses have had to review their coverage options carefully to ensure their employees’ work-from-home situations are fully protected. Insurers have responded with tailored solutions that address the nuances of remote work, from liability to cybersecurity, while offering more flexibility in premiums and coverage adjustments.
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What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Driving At Night?
If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s important to take steps to ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some things you can do:
- Ensure Your Eyesight is Clear
- Get an eye exam: Poor vision is a common issue when driving at night. If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, schedule an appointment to ensure your vision is up to par.
- Wear corrective lenses if needed: Glasses or contacts prescribed for night driving can help. Consider lenses that reduce glare.
- Keep your windshield clean: A dirty windshield can amplify glare from headlights. Regularly clean both inside and outside the windshield.
- Use anti-glare glasses: These can help reduce the effects of headlights from oncoming vehicles, which can cause discomfort or vision problems at night.
- Improve Vehicle Lighting
- Use your headlights properly: Always use your headlights on low beam in well-lit areas, and switch to high beam when you’re on dark, empty roads (except when there are other cars around).
- Check your headlights: Ensure your headlights are properly aligned, clean, and functioning well. Misaligned headlights can cause reduced visibility or glare.
- Consider upgrading your headlights: If your vehicle has outdated halogen lights, you might benefit from upgrading to brighter LED or HID headlights.
- Drive Slowly and Cautiously
- Increase following distance: At night, your depth perception and peripheral vision are reduced, so give yourself more space between your car and others.
- Reduce speed: You may not be able to see obstacles, pedestrians, or animals as clearly at night. Slowing down allows you more time to react.
- Avoid sudden movements: Because night driving reduces your field of vision, sudden swerves or changes in direction could be dangerous.
- Use Night Driving Aids
- Use fog lights: If it’s foggy or there’s low visibility, fog lights can help. They illuminate the road closer to your vehicle and reduce glare.
- Adjust your mirror: Use the night setting on your rearview mirror to reduce glare from headlights behind you.
- Consider adaptive headlights: Some modern vehicles are equipped with adaptive headlights that automatically adjust the angle based on steering, improving visibility around curves.
- Take Breaks
- Avoid fatigue: Driving while tired can make it more difficult to stay alert at night. Take regular breaks to rest, especially on long trips.
- Share the driving: If you’re traveling with someone else, consider swapping driving duties to avoid getting too tired.
- Consider Avoiding Night Driving if Necessary
- Use alternative transportation: If you feel unsafe driving at night, consider using public transport, rideshare services, or asking someone else to drive.
- Drive only when necessary: If night driving consistently causes you trouble, try to schedule trips during daylight hours when visibility is better.
If your trouble with night driving continues despite these efforts, it may be wise to consult a driving instructor or medical professional for further advice.
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What Should My New Year’s Resolution Be With Regard to My Insurance?
The coming new year is always a time when people feel inspired to assess their accomplishments of the previous year and to see how they can make improvements to their moving forward. From traveling more to getting into the best physical shape of your life, the ideas certainly can make up a long list. But, when was the last time you thought about your insurance coverage? Are you sure that you have enough in place? What if something disastrous happens? Will you be covered? Are your current coverages sufficient enough to cover the damages? Now may be a good time to consider giving us a call!
- Review and Update All Policies
- Why: Over time, your life circumstances (new job, home purchase, family changes) may affect your insurance needs.
- Action: Make it a habit to review your auto, home, life, and health insurance policies annually. Ensure that your coverage amounts are still appropriate and that you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
- Increase Your Deductibles to Save Money
- Why: Higher deductibles generally result in lower monthly premiums.
- Action: If your financial situation allows for it, consider increasing your deductibles to save on premiums. Just make sure you can afford the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
- Add or Review Supplemental Insurance
- Why: Sometimes, basic coverage isn’t enough for certain needs.
- Action: Look into adding supplemental policies like disability insurance, critical illness insurance, or an umbrella policy if you think additional protection is needed.
- Ensure You Have Enough Life Insurance
- Why: Life insurance should reflect the current needs of your family and dependents.
- Action: If you’ve had major life changes (e.g. marriage, children, or a home purchase), review your life insurance policy to ensure it’s adequate.
- Focus on Preventative Health Measures
- Why: Good health insurance can be more affordable and valuable when used for preventative care.
- Action: If you have health insurance, make sure you take advantage of preventative care benefits. Staying healthy can help reduce overall healthcare costs and premiums.
- Set a Goal for Claims-Free Status
- Why: Maintaining a claims-free status can lead to discounts and fewer premium increases.
- Action: Try to minimize accidents or damages, and avoid unnecessary claims to keep your rates low.
- Read and Understand Your Policies More Thoroughly
- Why: Knowing the ins and outs of your coverage will help you make informed decisions.
- Action: Take time to carefully read your policy documents and learn about your coverage limits, exclusions, and claims process.
- Consider an Umbrella Insurance Policy
- Why: It offers extra liability coverage beyond your home and auto insurance, which can be beneficial for unexpected situations.
- Action: Research whether an umbrella policy fits your needs for an extra layer of financial protection.
- Assess Your Auto Insurance Coverage
- Why: Driving habits, the type of car you own, and even the area in which you live can influence how much coverage you need.
- Action: Reevaluate your auto insurance limits, considering factors like commute distance, vehicle value, and driving history.
Making a resolution to stay on top of your insurance ensures you’re both financially protected and not overpaying for your insurance.
Read moreWhat Supplies Should I Keep In My Car In Case of An Emergency?
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected situations when you’re on the road. Here’s a comprehensive list of emergency supplies you should keep in your car:
Essential Tools & Equipment
- Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench – In case you get a flat
- Tire Pressure Gauge – To ensure your tires are properly inflated.
- Jumper Cables – For starting a dead battery.
- Tow Rope or Tow Strap – Useful if you need t o be pulled out of a tough spot.
- Road Flares or Reflective Triangles – To signal for help or mark your location if you’re stuck.
- Flashlight (with extra batteries) – To see and be seen in the dark.
- Basic Tool Kit – Screwdrivers, pliers, tape, utility knife, and adjustable wrench for small repairs.
- Duct Tape – For temporary fixes of broken parts or leaks.
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife – Versatile for various tasks.
Safety & First Aid
- First Aid Kit – Includes bandages, antiseptic, gauze, pain relievers, tweezers, and any personal medications.
- Seatbelt Cutter and Window Breaker – A specialized tool emergencies in the event of an accident.
- Fire Extinguisher – A compact, car-rated fire extinguisher.
- Blanket or Emergency Space Blanket – To keep warm in case you’re stranded.
- Work Gloves – To protect your hands while handling debris, tools, or doing any repairs.
- Whistle – For signaling for help if you’re stranded.
Food & Water
- Bottled Water – At least a couple of bottles to stay hydrated.
- Non-perishable Snacks – Granola bars, nuts, or energy bars to keep your energy up if you’re stranded.
- Electrolyte Drink Mix – In case you need to rehydrate after a long wait.
Weather Protection
- Rain Poncho or Waterproof Gear – Stay dry during unexpected rain.
- Sunscreen – For protection if you’re stranded in the heat.
- Hand Warmers – Small, disposable warmers for cold weather.
- Shovel – A small foldable shovel can help dig out snow or mud if you’re stuck.
Navigation & Communication
- Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank) – Keep your phone charged in case you need it for emergencies.
- Car Charger for Your Phone – In case your phone is running low on battery.
- Paper Map or Atlas – a backup in case GPS fails.
- Pen and Paper – For leaving notes or writing down important information.
Personal & Comfort Items
- Spare Clothes – An extra set of clothes, especially socks and underwear, in case of an emergency.
- Sanitary Supplies – Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues for hygiene.
- Trash Bags – To keep your car clean and dispose of waste properly.
Special Considerations
- Seasonal Items: If you’re in a cold region, you might want to add a bag of sand or kitty litter (for traction on ice), a snow brush, or ice scraper. If you’re in a hot region, you may need a sunshade for the windshield to keep your car cooler.
- Car Documentation: Keep your car insurance, registration, and emergency contact information in a small folder or zippered pouch.
Optional but Useful
- Emergency Sleeping Bag or Tent – If you’re traveling in a remote area.
- Portable Stove or Cooking Gear – For extended emergencies, especially on long road trips.
- Hand Crank Radio – To listen for weather updates or news if you’re stranded for a while.
Keeping these items in your car can make a big difference in an emergency, and it doesn’t take up much space. Be sure to check your supplies regularly to ensure everything is in good working order, especially batteries, food, and water!
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