What is Personally Identifiable Information?
Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that can be used to identify a specific individual.
The following list contains examples of information that may be considered PII.
- Name, such as full name, maiden name, mother‘s maiden name, or alias
- Social security number (SSN), passport number, driver‘s license number, taxpayer identification number, patient identification number, and financial account or credit card number
- Address information, such as street address or email address
- Telephone numbers, including mobile, business, and personal numbers
- Photographic image (especially of face or other distinguishing characteristic), x-rays, fingerprints, or other biometric image or template data (e.g., retina scan, voice signature, facial geometry)
- Vehicle registration number, owned property or title number and related information
- Linkable information to one of the above (e.g., date of birth, place of birth, race, religion, weight, activities, geographical indicators, employment information, medical information, education information, financial information).
Often it is the combination of one or more of the above identifiers that will compromise a persons’ identity. Thoughtful care must be given to protect this information as it is common for people to believe the data is harmless and given without risk.
Why would I need a Cyber Policy for my computers if they are coverage by my Property coverage?
The standard Property coverage will cover for physical damage or theft to your computers – tangible property. The Cyber policy will provide coverage for loss of Digital Assets, Non-Physical Business Interruption and computer damage by illegal encryption from a Ransomware attack.
Do I need International Insurance if I sell or manufacture products overseas?
Absolutely…Your Commercial Package policy and Workers’ Compensation policies will only provide domestic coverage – U.S. including territories and possessions, Puerto Rico and Canada. Your business will likely need International Commercial General Liability coverage, Workers’ Compensation and Repatriation coverage. Please let us know if you have any overseas sales or manufacturing.
What is a Claims Made policy?
We are most familiar with an Occurrence policy such as Auto or Homeowners insurance or most Commercial General Liability policies. These policies are triggered by the date of the “Occurrence”. If a claim develops for an injury that occurred two years ago, we simply report the claim to the insurance company that provided the coverage two years ago even if they do not currently provide the coverage. There is the one trigger – the date of the occurrence.
A Claims Made policy requires two triggers. First, just like the Occurrence policy, was the policy in force on the date of the alleged Occurrence and second, is the policy in force on the day that the claim is made? Being able to satisfy this second trigger becomes an issue if the policy is terminated. Please let us know if we can provide you with additional information about Claims Made policies.
What does Homeowners insurance really cover?
Your homeowners’ policy will cover repairs or rebuilding of your home is damaged by fire, hail, lightning, or other perils listed in your policy. A standard homeowners’ policy does not cover damages caused by earthquake, flood, or normal wear and tear. Dwelling – Coverage A: Provides coverage for the main structure on your property. Losses are subject to modified or extended replacement cost. Other Structures – Coverage B: Covers any structures that are not attached to the main dwelling structure. Personal Property – Coverage C: Protects all household furnishings. Loss of Use/Additional Living Expense – Coverage D: Protects you against the added cost you incur in the event a covered loss leaves your home uninhabitable. Personal Liability – Coverage E: Protects you in the event a claim is made or suit is brought against you because of bodily injury or property damage to a third party where you are at fault. Under your basic homeowners’ insurance policy, personal liability coverage may protect you under the following circumstances, up to your policy limits:
- Lawsuits you may face if an accident occurs
- Bodily injury to an individual
- Property damage that occurs as a result of your negligence
Premises Medical Payments – Coverage F: Provides medical coverage for any person other than a regular resident or employee, who is injured on your premises regardless of who is at fault. The purpose of medical payments coverage in your homeowners’ insurance is to cover a medical injury caused by you or a family member.
If my roommate and I rent an apartment, do we both need renter’s insurance?
Both you and your roommate have your own belongings, and neither of you has insurable interest in the property owned by the other. In order to insure your property, you will need your own policy. More importantly, the renters’ policy provides Personal Liability coverage to protect you should someone become injured at your home/apartment, or if you accidentally hit someone at the golf course or trip someone at the restaurant.
What questions should I expect to answer when applying for insurance?
Info about vehicles including odometer reading and estimated annual mileage. Info about drivers including birthdays and license numbers. Property policies will require info about dwelling including year built, foundation type, square footage, alarm, roof type, renovation years, dog breeds in home, and claim history. We are able to pull some information off of home listing sites such as Zillow for newly purchased homes but might require you to provide additional information if your home is older and few details are available online. An info questionnaire is available upon request.
What determines the cost of my auto insurance?
There are many factors that come into play when determining the cost of auto insurance. The year and value of vehicles, your chosen limits of coverage, and your age and past driving record are all rated to determine your premium.
What should I do if someone gets injured on my property?
After getting the appropriate medical attention, get their name and contact information and reach out to your agent with a description of the incident or any photos you might have. They will be able to submit a claim on your behalf.
Am I covered if my dog hurts someone?
If your dog injures someone other than yourself or residents of your home, yes, your Personal Liability coverage found in your homeowners’ policy will respond to the claim. Many insurance carriers exclude coverage from certain dog breeds. Be sure to check with your agent.
Is my boat still covered when it’s on the trailer behind my car?
Most homeowners’ policies provide some limited coverage for watercraft and trailers with endorsement. Be sure to properly insure your boat. The limited coverage provided in a homeowners’ policy will often not cover for theft if stolen away from your home.
How much auto liability coverage should I have?
A recent study indicated that the average compensation paid as a result of a serious auto accident injury was $352,396. The average for severe injuries was $747,188. People often mistakenly think that the amount of coverage should be based on the amount of their assets. A large claim can often bring financial ruin. This is why we will always recommend that you obtain an Umbrella/Excess Liability policy.
Do I still need insurance if my car is old and doesn’t have much value?
Yes. California requires drivers to carry at least the following auto insurance coverages: Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum. Property damage liability coverage: $5,000 minimum. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident minimum. Although a person may be able to lose or do without an old run down car should it be damaged in an accident, it could be financial ruin should you be involved in an at fault accident without liability coverage. Ask your agent about the options available for liability only insurance.
If I have personal property coverage, are my pets covered too?
You may have paid dearly for Fido, however, your dog is not considered covered property under your homeowners’ policy.
How does rental car coverage work?
When your car becomes inoperable from a claim, if your policy provides rental reimbursement (also called loss of use), you are provided a specific limit of reimbursement for using a rental during that time. This coverage is available for a small additional premium. If you were renting a car for a vacation, should you damage the vehicle, you will be responsible for the same deductible that you have on your own vehicle.