AUGUST 3RD, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
Mary and Bill decide to take a 3-day vacation at their cottage on Lake George. As they pull into the gravel driveway, they see a large broken tree branch sticking through the roof. Though they have only been away for a few weeks, the damage inside is tremendous. Not only is the roof punctured, but several weeks worth of rain has ruined their furniture, seeped into the floor boards and caused mold and mildew.
Most people understand the importance of a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy, but many individuals with second homes do not adequately protect themselves. Vacant houses are highly susceptible to expensive repairs, resulting from minor damage left undetected for a period of time, escalating any problem. Homes with pools, open garages or barn structures are even more vulnerable because of constant exposure to the elements, and easy access for trespassers.
Fortunately, mold remediation, higher deductibles and bundling your second home plan with your primary residence will help make comprehensive coverage affordable.
JULY 15TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
Everyone wants to know how to save money while retaining the best insurance coverage. Patti Clement of HUB International’s Private Client Advisors Group was recently featured in a white paper released by ACE Private Risk Services on opportunities to maximize the value of your personal insurance. Some interesting findings that came out of the survey of 600 agents and brokers include:
Mind the Gap in Coverage: Umbrella policies are a great tool for protection, but Read more »
Unlike most major holidays, which we all associate with airport delays, July 4th is more often celebrated closer to home with barbeques, fireworks and friendly neighbors. The proximity to home keeps everyone feeling safe and at ease, but it is important to be on the look out for local dangers that can result in injury, death and possibly a lawsuit.
Watch for Intoxicated Drivers: Normally-sober drivers feel confident that they will arrive home safely because of the short distance. Unfortunately, many of them underestimate the influence alcohol can have Read more »
JUNE 10TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
Every day, businesses are threatened by Cyber criminals looking for money, trade secrets and the thrill of bypassing complex firewall systems. For their May 2010 issue, Printing Industries of America: The Magazine asked HUB International Northeast’s own Michael Zeldes to share his expertise on the Top 5 IT Threats of 2010.
Click here to view the article from the Printing Industries of America: The Magazine.
MAY 26TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
When considering pollution risks, people usually think about the deteriorating ozone layer, oil spills and smog, not the contaminants found in our offices. And yet, there is risk of pollution conditions such as mold, bacterial outbreaks, fumes from cleaning products, dumpsters, fuel tanks and carbon monoxide released from heating systems.
An environmental policy is designed to Read more »
MAY 8TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
All over the world, wine is drunk in celebration, in religious ceremonies, after a stressful day and to accompany a fine meal. Most people enjoy the flavor, the history and the rarity of a bottle, and many horde bottles of prized vintage for upcoming events and as an investment in the future. Yet, few can tell if they are drinking a true 1944 Pinot Noir or a counterfeit 1994.
Recently the Bordeaux Index and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) issued warnings Read more »
MAY 7TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
Everyone knows it is a Buyer’s Market in the world of Real Estate, but few realize it is also a Buyer’s Market for insurance. Because of this market change, many insurance companies are reducing premiums and offering more comprehensive coverage.
Premium reductions and better coverage put you in control of Read more »
APRIL 15TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
HUB International Northeast, Your Firewall Against Risk, has been sought out as a voice of insurance authority by The New York Times.
On April 2nd, The New York Times published an article titled “Protect Your Art With More Than a Handshake”, in which the leader of HUB International Northeast’s Fine Arts and Special Risks department was quoted on his extensive experience insuring fine art collections, galleries and purchase agreements.
Click here to view the article from The New York Times.
MARCH 25TH, 2010
By RISKFIREWALL
Companies can install security systems to try and keep out hackers. They can ask employees to sign non-compete clauses to keep them from stealing their trade secrets. But businesses likely aren’t protecting themselves against perhaps the most damaging threats of all, the “15 minutes of fame” phenomenon sweeping the world.
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn all appeal to the ego. Nothing is more satisfying to a disgruntled employee than receiving INSTANT recognition by seeing confidential information he or she provided plastered anonymously all over the Internet. Read more »
AUGUST 21ST, 2009
By RISKFIREWALL
If you think that the “Inc.” in your corporate name protects your personal assets from attack – think again. As a small business owner whose personal assets are depleting, it is tempting to use your business funds to pay your personal bills – writing checks from your business account to pay your family expenses. Before long, you may realize that your business has become undercapitalized and is hurdling towards insolvency. In such a situation, you leave yourself especially vulnerable to a creditor who wants repayment for his or her goods or services. Read more »
