Worst Passwords of 2011

The Insurance Journal did a piece not too long ago on the worst passwords of 2011.  As we are inching our way closer into 2012, maybe it's time to review the top 25 worst passwords and see if any match up with your current passwords.  A good password is the first defense to a cyber attack.  If any of your passwords hit upon this list, it's time to make a change - pronto! 

1. password
2. 123456
3. 12345678
4. qwerty
5. abc123
6. monkey
7. 1234567
8. letmein
9. trustno1
10. dragon
11. baseball
12. 111111
13. iloveyou
14. master
15. sunshine
16. ashley
17. bailey
18. passw0rd
19. shadow
20. 123123
21. 654321
22. superman
23. qazwsx
24. michael
25. football

Now besides some of the extremely obvious passwords above, here are a few other things to think about when working or carrying mobile devices:

Don't post your password somewhere where everyone can see it...seriously?!

Please refrain from using your birth date as a password or pin number!

Make sure you password protect your laptop!

Cheap Car Insurance

The reason behind this is the increase in the number of accidents in these states. U.S. is among the most populated city which makes it necessary for the government to take essential steps to avoid the accidents and mishaps and protect the citizens. There are lot of companies and establishments in the United States due to which people living here has their own car and its insurance. If a person own a car and has a valid license plate, then he must have the car insurance.

If one has the city auto insurance, then the individual can cover the cost of medical expenses and damage that has been caused during the accident. Thus, the person does not need to pay the bills from his pocket at the time of financial crisis. The huge costs will be covered by the insurance. A new law has been passed which makes it compulsory for the automobile owner to have the automobile insurance. Since, this has been made compulsory so people try to get the automobile insurance at the low rate. There are various ways by which you can get the cheap car insurance. Insurance companies are present in the market that offers the outstanding customer services; insurance policy at the low rate and good premiums.

By making research for the multiple insurance quotes from different companies and then comparing them, you can get the best automobile insurance at the low rate. Internet is the best medium to get the quotes. You can make the search online to get the best deal. Also, you can instantly compare the automobile insurance affiliate. For getting different insurance policies from the best insurance companies, you can customize the auto insurance feature.

Do I Really Have to Report Every Workers Compensation Claim?!?!

This past week I did a presentation on what a reportable claim is and how first aid differs from a reportable claim.  After the presentation I quickly realized that many people in the room, let alone my current clients, probably had no idea they had an option when it comes to reporting workplace injuries.  So in the next few minutes, I'll attempt to explain what a first aid vs. reportable claim summary situation actually is.


First off, Cal/OSHA defines "first aid" as any one-time treatment, and any follow-up visit for the purpose of observation of minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters, or other minor industrial injuries, which do not ordinarily require medical care.  This one-time treatment, and follow-up visit for the purpose of observation, is considered first aid even though provided by a physician or registered professional personnel.  For those of you who do not know who or what Cal/OSHA is, they are responsible for enforcing California laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and health.  They provide free assistance to employers and workers about workplace safety and health issues.  Cal/OSHA is also the organization that enforces rules and regulations, can impose inspections and/or fines to employers based on worker complaints and high hazard industries.

What's the difference between recordable incidents and first aid?  I've listed some examples below.

RECORDABLE INCIDENTS:

• Occupational fatalities
• Occupational illnesses
• Lost work day injuries - injury caused absence from work and/or restricted activity beyond the day of injury
• Loss of consciousness
• Positive X-ray diagnosis (fractures or broken bones)
  

n

NON-RECORDABLE INCIDENTS "FIRST AID":

• Treatment of first degree burn
• Application of antiseptics during the first visit to medical personnel
• Removal of foreign bodies not embedded in the eye by irrigation
• Use of non-prescription medications
• Application of hot and cold compresses during the first visit to medical personnel
• Negative X-rays diagnosis (no fractures or broken bones)

First aid is a one time treatment and subsequent observation of minor injuries and need not be recorded if the work related injury does not involve loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or transfer to another job.  

Let's cut to the point.  Why does it matter?!  Well a reportable incident means that a claim will show up on your insurance loss runs or claims summary for the year.  If you report a claim to your workers compensation carrier, it will show up on your annual report.  An incident that only requires first aid does NOT have to be reported to your insurance company as a claim.  Not only can your experience modification rating be positively effected by this, but the bottom line is that it effects your pocket book in a positive way, as well.  Less frequency of claims shows a workers compensation carrier that you are a safe, responsible employer and in turn more premium credits are given to those safe, responsible employers.

If your questioning whether or not a claim is reportable, feel free to give a us a call before making that call.  We're always here to help!

Shopping Around - Is It Worth It?

Towards the end of the year it seems like I get a wave of panic from clients and potential clients.  As many insured's renew around the first of the year, they all are wondering if they are getting the best deal or if there's anything else they should be looking at.  If I owned my own business, I would be doing the same thing.  I would want to know I was getting the best deal with the best coverage.  And, if you have an ethical broker, they should be marketing your renewal out annually.


This isn't to say that every year there will be a better deal out there or that it's even smart to move carriers year after year.  There are pros and cons to moving insurance carriers.  One of the pros is that you could find a better deal possibly with better coverage and save some money.  Now whether that is five dollars or five thousand dollars is another thing.  The cons to moving around could be that with each carrier move, coverage changes.  Forms and exclusions are not the same across the board with each insurance carrier.  Gaps in your insurance program can ensue making it difficult to know which insurance carrier is covering what type of loss or claim. 

Remember, being with the same carrier for a few years consecutively does mean something.  Insurance carriers appreciate loyalty and being with the same insurance company for a few years repeatedly does make it easier to sort out claim situations if they arise.  But, every year it is nice to have a broker that does a insurance market vital check.  Are there new competitive markets that have popped up for specific industries?  Are some existing markets entering into new industries or classes of business?  Are specific insurance carriers getting out of specific industries?  All of these questions should be answered by your broker before your renewal has come and gone. 

The bottom line is if you have a great relationship with your broker and they provide you with fantastic service upon renewal and throughout the year, there's probably not much of a reason to move.  However, if you notice that you've never received another insurance indication or quote other then the incumbent, maybe it is time to make a call.  Happy shopping!

Gene Simmons Insured His TONGUE?!

Some celebrities have some amazing "assets" and have specifically decided to insure certain body parts.  Being in the insurance industry for quite some time, I have heard the rumors of J Lo's bum being insured and Mariah Carey's legs, as well.  But were those rumors really true???  Turns out, they are.  And many times it's a sponsor or advertising partner that has put up the cash for these crazy policies.  Here are some of my favorites from the outrageous list.


$317,000 Mustache, MERV HUGHES, Cricket Player

$1 Million Dollar Legs, RIHANNA, Singer

$1 Million Dollar Tongue, GENE SIMMONS, Singer

$1.6 Million Dollar Hands, KEITH RICHARDS, Guitarist

$10 Million Dollar Smile, AMERICA FERRERA, Actress

$16 Million Dollar Taste Buds, ANGELA MOUNT, Wine Expert

$40 Million Dollar Feet, MICHAEL FLATLEY, Dancer

$70 Million Dollar Legs, DAVID BECKHAM, Soccer Player

$300 Million Dollar Bum, JENNIFER LOPEZ, Singer/Actress

$1 Billion Dollar Legs, MARIAH CAREY, Singer

So What Do You Think This Will Cost Me?

I've been flooded with a slue of submissions lately and some companies are start-ups or fairly new in business.  After my initial meeting with the insured and getting to know their company a bit, the ultimate question is posed: "So what do you think this will cost me?".  If only I had a magic wand!  I would wave that wand and poof, an accurate number would appear.

Bottom line is that every business has different exposures and risks to consider.  So not every company, even in the same industry, will be priced or reviewed the same.  If a company doesn't know what their estimated annual gross revenue will be or their estimated annual payroll, there is no way I can even give an accurate assumption of what the insurance program costs will be. 

However, the goods news is when you deal with an experienced broker they will be able to ask the important questions in your initial meeting and should be able to condense the back and forth Q&A.  Whenever I come upon a risk I have never insured, I think about it from an underwriter's perspective.  What would be their main concern with this risk?  Where does the insured's risk originate from?  Are they providing a product or service to the public?  Is the company advising their clients on financial needs or investments?  What safeguards or procedures does the company have in place?  Depending on the answers, it could prompt me to ask further questions.

It's always a good idea to poke around the insurance market before you get into a particular industry.  Sometimes what seems like a great business model, product or service could end up costing more then what the business budgeted for insurance costs.  What an average business owner thinks is a small risk could be a HUGE risk to an underwriter.  So don't be afraid to reach out to your insurance broker, ask questions and be prepared for those legit insurance costs down the line. 

You and your bottom line will thank you.