Central Insurance
Catalytic Converter Thefts: A Return to Popularity
By Tobi Haynes
As if 2020 didn’t have enough problems, it appears to have also caused a drastic increase in catalytic converter thefts. You may wonder what the pandemic and the catalytic converters have in common, but to law enforcement and claims professionals, this is not the first time they’ve seen a spike in the costly crime. The last significant increase was during the recession in 2008. When the economy struggles, crimes go up, and many cities across America have seen an increase in the reported thefts by 300%. Denver has seen a 1600% increase!
Tips for Businesses to Battle Sleep Deprivation after Daylight Savings Time Change
This year, daylight savings time begins on March 14, 2021, at 2 a.m. We “spring forward” and gain daylight but lose an hour of sleep. I’m sure as many of you have experienced in the past, this can lead to various side effects because our internal clock becomes out of sync. Each person is different and can have different reactions to the time change and the amount of adjustment time needed.
Tips to Get Your Home Spring Ready!
Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons. All winter I look forward to planting flowers, enjoying the warmer weather and the merciful end of snow and ice. (Not to mention my birthday!)
But, spring also brings rain, storms, and other perils that could cause damage to your home (personal flood coverage will be coming up in a future blog). Follow this checklist below to ensure that your home is ready for spring!
Read MoreProtect Tax Returns and Stimulus Payments from Identity Thieves
Over the past several years, the IRS actions against tax identity fraud were successful in driving down the rate of tax fraud. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. The IRS extended due dates and become bogged down trying to process returns while keeping their employees safe. Additionally, U.S. stimulus payments were administered as tax refunds and the Federal government enhanced state unemployment benefits. Identity thieves had more financial incentive than ever before to commit tax and benefits fraud.
Prevent Slips and Falls with a Snow & Ice Removal Plan
It’s snowin’ and blowin’ everywhere in Ohio right now and in much of the U.S., but like my grandma says, “It’s that time of year!” There are times when we have to venture out, even during and after winter weather events. When there are snow and ice on the ground, it can be dangerous for people walking in and out of homes, workplaces, stores, and restaurants.
Read MoreCOVID-19 Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Family from These Rapidly Spreading Scams
As if a global pandemic isn’t bad enough, fraudsters are trying to take advantage of this tragedy by scamming the general public. Former Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in regards to these scams, “A pandemic is a time when people should come together to pursue the common good, but sadly there are some who instead use it as an opportunity to deceive and thieve.”
The Cold Hard Facts About Ice Dams
Winter is in full force and the potential for claims resulting from ice dams is on the rise! While most of the damage caused by a winter storm is immediate, ice dams losses usually don’t occur until several days after.
Just what is an ice dam? As the heat from inside your house rises and melts the snow on your roof, the water will flow down the slope until it reaches a portion of your roof where the temperature is freezing. The water will refreeze and a ridge of ice will form.
“I want to work in insurance when I grow up!” – No One Ever
“I want to work in insurance when I grow up!” – No One Ever
There aren’t a lot of people working for insurance carriers or agents who grew up thinking that’s where their career would take them. Unless insurance was a family business, most people have other dreams. Even if one goes to college to study business or finance, a job in insurance is usually not what one has in mind.
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week
Tax season is upon us. As consumers wait for tax-related documents to be delivered to their mailboxes, thieves are lying in wait, ready to intercept. According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax identity theft is one of the top types of ID theft reported. Using stolen personal information, which can be found on tax-related forms, identity thieves can file phony tax returns and collect the refund.
The Benefits of Telematics for Company Vehicles
When I’m completing a risk management review for one of our commercial partners, the most common area of losses we discuss are fleet claims. Whether your company has one vehicle or 100, having drivers out on the roadway poses a constant risk to your vehicles and employees.