We’ve all read the stories of people who’ve lost money, had prescriptions filled under their names, and even been mistakenly arrested as a result of identity theft. Between 2008 and 2009, approximately 11 million Americans have been victims to this seemingly new phenomenon.
But identity theft has been around since the first time a person attempted to pretend to be someone else for dishonest reasons. Now, though, identity theft is defined as what happens when any party secures goods, services, or financial benefits using someone else’s confidential information–without that person’s permission.
The New Year brings with it new business relationships.
If you’re a subcontractor on a larger project, you may be asked to enter into a contract that requires insurance coverage for any damages that may be sustained while working on that project. This usually means you’ll be asked for something called a certificate of insurance. So what is it, how is it used, and when is it necessary?
A certificate of insurance is not an insurance policy; it simply describes your policy to the other party, including particulars like effective date of coverage, types of insurance coverage, and the dollar amount of any liability.
Often the “certificate holder” (the party requesting the certificate) will ask to be added to your policy. This way if any damage or suit is incurred, both you and the certificate holder will be covered by your insurance. This is called “making an endorsement to the policy” (not “endorsing the certificate of insurance,” as it’s often mistakenly put). (more…)
2015 is off to a great start! Our very own Will Penny was recognized for his service as a member of the 2014 Property and Casualty Agent Advisory Committee by Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. In Wayne’s words,”Will’s service to this committee, and to the citizens of North Carolina, has been extremely valuable. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such a passionate and knowledgeable insurance professional.” It goes without saying that we could not be prouder of Will and his accomplishments.
The Property and Casualty Agent Advisory Committee was established by Insurance Commissioner Goodwin in 2009 as a means of strengthening communication between the North Carolina Department of Insurance and members of the insurance industry. The committee is made up of insurance agents and industry professionals who represent one of the state’s three regions: East, West and Piedmont. Since its inception, more than 60 insurance professionals from across the state have served on the Property and Casualty Agent Advisory Committee, working with the commissioner to develop long-term solutions related to insurance agents and consumers in the state of North Carolina.
More information about the North Carolina Department of Insurance is available at www.ncdoi.gov.
As your company vehicle carries prized cargo and employees on the road, your most important priority is to ensure everyone and everything onboard arrives in one piece. Barring accidents caused by other parties, natural events, and unfortunate circumstances, your driver’s level of attention to the road–or lack thereof–can make the difference between a successful run and an insurance claim.
Your driver may be easily distracted–and therefore less aware of the road–by things like:
chatting with passengers (or other drivers)
“rubbernecking”: being intensely attracted to sights on the road like car wrecks, emergency and law enforcement activities on the road, flashy tourist attractions, and even attractive passersby
map reading
personal activities like shaving, combing and arranging hair, applying make-up or skincare
