July 2015 Newsletter

Quiz: Can We Guess Your Car Color?

It's been shown that certain people gravitate toward certain car colors. Answer our quick, 7-question quiz to see if we can guess your car's color. READ MORE.

What's Your Fear Factor?

An ERIE actuary offers insight into real versus perceived threats. READ MORE.

Coming Soon: Emoji Passwords?

Emojis are more than just a way to broadcast your emotions. READ MORE.

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

Protecting yourself from this lethal gas is easier than you think. READ MORE

Motorcycle Survey Reveals Riders' Top 5 Pet Peeves
We asked nearly 200 U.S. motorcycle riders to share their top annoyances and more – and you won't believe what they said.

Video: 7 Things to Know About Life Insurance
It only takes a minute to get some clarity about life.

ERIE Opens the Doors to Renovated Armory Building
ERIE continues to grow its campus with the recent renovation of a historic building.

Car Shopping Tips from a Former Car Salesman
Learn top tips straight from the horse's mouth.

Video: Your Road Trip Checklist
Join ERIE for "The Summer of No Regrets Road Trip." First stop: Cincinnati.

Cybersecurity

Are Hackers Targeting Your Business?
Expert shares tips for keeping your data safe

If a data breach could compromise the business operations of national retailers like Target and Home Depot, imagine what it can do to a smaller business like yours.

David Kennedy, a recognized leader in the security field, closely follows cybersecurity developments. In a recent interview with Erie Insurance, Kennedy answered questions on one of today's biggest business threats and what cybersecurity means for business owners. Check out Erie Insurance's blog, to learn:

• Why data breaches can be devastating to small businesses
• Three key security tips to keep your business safe
• Top resources to learn more

Insurance Coverage

Liability Cases Could Be a Lurking Threat to Your Business
Business Catastrophe Liability Policy – what it is and how it works

Many trends in today's business world are exciting and encouraging. Unfortunately, the number of lawsuits and high dollar awards in liability cases are not one of those positive trends. Here are few recent news headlines from around the country:

• Pennsylvania hotel sued for concussion from shower slip1
• Fatal two-truck accident case in New York results in $3.97 million settlement2
• Virginia victims get settlement checks (about $9 million) over toxic drywall3

There's no way to prevent lawsuits like these entirely, but you can manage the impact. A Business Catastrophe Liability Policy from Erie Insurance serves as financial protection, or cushion, against a legal judgment for a covered loss, beyond the limits of your underlying insurance policies. It doesn't replace your present policy, but bolsters it with an additional $1 million (or more) in liability protection. Contact our agency to discuss protecting your business from this ever-increasing risk.

Business Continuity Planning

Get a Head Start in Advance of Severe Weather Threats
Eight tips for keeping your emergency plan up to date

Emergency planning ideally is a year-round priority, but summer is a good time to refocus. The safety experts at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommend the following tips:

1. Review your business continuity plan and emergency preparedness/response plans, update as needed, including employee contact information.
2. Designate an employee to monitor weather reports and alert your team of potential severe weather.
3. Remind employees of key elements of the plan, including post-event communication procedures and work/payroll procedures.
4. Review all emergency shutdown and start-up procedures, such as electrical gas, and/or other utility systems, with appropriate personnel.
5. If back-up power (such as a diesel generator) is to be used, test your system at least monthly, keep the fuel tank full, and create a list of fuel suppliers for emergency fuel deliveries.
6. Re-inspect and replenish emergency supplies inventory.
7. Test all life safety equipment.
8. Conduct training/simulation exercises for both your business continuity and emergency preparedness/response plans.

After several mild hurricane and tornado seasons, it's easy to have a false sense of security and forget how important it is to be prepared. It's essential to keep your plan up to date before you find yourself and your business in the middle of a raging weather event.

Thanks for your business. Any time you have a question or need information on how to protect your assets and manage risks, please contact our agency. We're here to help.