How To Stay Healthy This Winter

Date: December 18, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

The winter months are notorious for bringing sickness. Flu season begins in October and ramps up into December. Colds are also more common during the winter months. Read on for tips on keeping yourself and your family healthy this winter.

Why Are Sicknesses More Common in Winter?

Viruses transmit more effectively in cold and dry weather, increasing your chances of coming into contact with sickness. Additionally, as cold weather drives people indoors, you’re more likely to be in close contact with someone who isn’t feeling well.

How Can I Stay Healthy in Winter?

You’re less likely to fall ill when your body is well-taken care of. Some of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy in winter are to adopt good self-care practices, such as:

Exercising regularly
Getting a full night’s rest
Eating nutrient-rich foods

Additional tips to avoid catching an illness from others include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Get a flu vaccine.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

How Can I Stop From Infecting Others?

No matter how careful you are, sickness happens. When you aren’t feeling well, consider these tips to prevent yourself from passing on your illness:

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Don’t go to school or work if you aren’t feeling well.
If you have a fever, stay home for 24 hours unless seeking medical care.

The winter months may inevitably bring illness. Keep these tips in mind to help prevent getting or spreading sickness. For further guidance, contact your doctor today. Also, many health insurance plans include no cost of low cost annual immunizations for common illnesses.

Helpful Ways To avoid Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Date: November 13, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Insurance plays a crucial role in your life’s financial security and stability. The various policies and coverages that make up your insurance portfolio can potentially ensure you’re able to endure accidents, natural disasters and unexpected circumstances that might otherwise incur devastating financial losses. These risks may be particularly prevalent for those who fail to identify and address common coverage gaps.

This article can help you understand how and why specific gaps in your insurance could have significant financial ramifications for you and your family. Rinehart, Walters & Danner is focused on assisting you in not only identifying and understanding these possible pitfalls but also filling them and ensuring that your personal lines insurance portfolio offers fortified financial protection.

Common Personal Insurance Gaps

Your personal lines insurance portfolio may consist of several types of policies, each covering risks and exposures that might otherwise lead to significant financial losses. Despite how you may have assembled an appropriate collection of policies, each one might still be prone to having coverage gaps that could leave you vulnerable to unexpected situations. The aftermath of an accident or other losses is the worst time to realize you’re underinsured, so it’s essential to identify and address gaps before coverage is needed.

Consider the following common personal insurance coverage gaps:

Home insurance—Also known as homeowners insurance, this type of policy can be rife with coverage gaps if you’re not careful and do not work with a qualified professional. Be particularly mindful of the following possible gaps:
- Natural disaster exclusions—Certain natural disasters are often explicitly excluded from standard home insurance policies. For example, flood insurance must typically be purchased separately. Homeowners in certain parts of the country may also need coverage for earthquakes and windstorms.
- Coming up short of the 80% rule—Insurance carriers typically enforce the 80% rule, which states that homeowners must retain enough coverage to pay for at least 80% of the estimated cost of a complete rebuild of their home. Failing to do this could lead to lesser payouts following covered losses.
- Neglecting scheduled property coverage—Home insurance typically includes some coverage for personal possessions, but limits are often insufficient for those with significant valuables, such as fine art and jewelry. Additional coverage options, such as scheduled property coverage, may be necessary to ensure policyholders can recoup losses involving treasured items.
Auto insurance—These policies may also be referred to as car insurance and are often legally required. Still, while one of the most commonly purchased types of insurance, auto coverage is easily misunderstood, necessitating awareness of the following possible errors:
- Fulfilling only minimum requirements—While most states require motorists to carry certain levels of coverage, such as third-party liability coverage, simply complying with such mandates may not be enough. For example, many states do not require collision coverage, but if you crash your car, this part of a policy could be critical in ensuring you can repair or replace your vehicle.
- Lacking gap coverage—Aptly named, lacking this component of an auto insurance policy could represent a significant hole in your coverage. Gap coverage can be critical in offsetting losses if you’ve financed your vehicle. If your car is totaled or stolen and you still owe more on your loan than the vehicle’s current value, this coverage can make up the difference and limit out-of-pocket losses.
Life insurance—The right life insurance policy can provide financial stability and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, insufficient or outdated coverage could have dire ramifications, exacerbating the already difficult circumstances of a grieving family. Avoid this hardship by considering the following potential shortcomings in your coverage:
- Relying on group coverage—Life insurance offered by an employer can be a valuable employee benefit; however, one should not depend on this as your only form of coverage. Group life insurance plans are typically tied to employment status, meaning that being let go or retiring would result in no remaining coverage.
- Insufficient limits—As a person’s circumstances change, they may need to adjust their life insurance policies. For example, having a child or gaining a dependent typically increases expected expenses. Without making adjustments to life insurance, payouts could be insufficient to provide for a deceased’s family.
Personal umbrella insurance—This type of insurance may not be as well known as others, but for many people, it can be just as important. An umbrella insurance policy casts an additional layer of financial protection over various liabilities that might exceed the coverage limits in other policies. Consider how personal umbrella insurance might help fill the following coverage gaps:
- Inadequate auto insurance—Even if you’ve fulfilled your auto insurance policy’s minimum liability coverage requirements, severe accidents could have greater costs. If several people are severely injured, many vehicles are damaged or losses otherwise amount to a sum greater than your auto coverage can handle, personal umbrella insurance can offer additional aid and limit out-of-pocket losses.
- Insufficient home insurance—Certain accidents and other incidents at your home could be exceptionally costly. For instance, if your home has attractive nuisances, such as a swimming pool, or you regularly host large gatherings, accidents affecting multiple guests or inflicting significant injuries could quickly exhaust the liability coverage limits in your home insurance policy. Without umbrella coverage, you’d be saddled with paying the remainder out of pocket.

How to Avoid Coverage Gaps

Now that you have a better understanding of common coverage gaps and the potential consequences of being underinsured, you can take steps to shore up your insurance portfolio. Consider the following steps:

Appraise your belongings. One of the most effective ways to ensure you’re adequately covered is by being current on the value of what you’re insuring. Save receipts and document the condition of your possessions, and consider enlisting the assistance of professionals to appraise certain items, such as fine art and jewelry.
Assess liability risks. Whether considering home, renters, auto or umbrella coverage, certain policyholders may need to manage greater liability risk levels. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want to retain more coverage in your home insurance policy. Similarly, additional financial security may be advisable if you have a teen driver listed on your policy.
Consider recent life events. When your circumstances change, you should revisit your insurance policies. Getting married, having a child, buying a home or car, or moving should all trigger this process. Neglecting to account for life events in your insurance portfolio could lead to you being underinsured and your policies’ limits being incapable of covering losses.
Understand endorsements and options. Familiarize yourself with all of the features and enhancements that might be available. While a standard home insurance policy may be sufficient most of the time, specific exclusions, such as for floods and hurricanes, could mean the difference between weathering a financial storm alone or being buoyed by financial aid.
Enlist assistance. The knowledge and experience of a qualified insurance professional can be invaluable as you seek to purchase or reassess the components of your personal lines coverage.

Get the Right Coverage

In the wake of an accident, damage to your home or other incident involving financial losses, the last thing you want to hear is that your insurance isn’t capable of what you expected. Coverage gaps can quickly lead to unexpected expenses, potentially incurring far-reaching fiscal consequences that might upend your entire life.

At Rinehart, Walters & Danner, we’re committed to making sure that you and your family are adequately insured. Contact us today to learn more about personal lines coverage options and to ensure you’ve identified and remedied any coverage gaps.

Important Chimney Maintenance Tips You need To Know

Date: October 23, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

In spite of the ambiance and relaxation that a fireplace provides, there are also inherent fire dangers. To combat the risk of fire or inhalation of dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas, it is important for you to make chimney maintenance part of your home maintenance plan. Follow these tips to keep your chimney in good shape and prevent fire hazards.

General Chimney Maintenance Tips

Both metal and masonry chimneys require maintenance so that smoke and flue gases are ventilated properly. At the very least, you should have your chimney inspected annually before each heating season. In addition:

Have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to reduce creosote buildup.
Make sure your masonry chimney has a flue liner in place to reduce the possibility that the masonry could absorb creosote.
Replace damaged liners, as they will allow creosote to accumulate and heat to escape.
When hiring someone to reline your chimney, only allow the contractor to use a product that has been tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Specific Chimney Maintenance Tips

There are two types of chimneys that require specific maintenance to limit the risks in your home.

Fireplace inserts—Make sure the vent is connected to the flue of the chimney.
Factory-built metal chimneys—Do not use natural gas, fuel oil vents, well casing, stovepipe or other material in the chimney, as they cannot withstand the heat in the wood burner.

Keep These Precautions in Mind

Do not vent more than one heater or appliance into a single flue, as major complications can arise. If one fuel-burning appliance is connected to a flue and then you attach another appliance, such as a water heater, you are running the risk of various problems. Such problems include heavy creosote accumulation, deterioration of the flue or CO gas drifting into your home.

For additional home maintenance guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact us today.

4 Fall Driving Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Date: October 9, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Fall can be a particularly dangerous time to drive. Fortunately, by considering the following guidance, you may be able to limit your risk of accidents:

Watch for children.
With school back in session, you should be mindful of increased foot traffic, as well as the frequent presence of school buses.

Prioritize lighting.
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself driving in the dark more often. Be sure to turn on your headlights as soon as it starts to get dark.

Consider driving conditions.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds and take your time when changing lanes or making other maneuvers, as fog, frost and fallen leaves can all affect your visibility and traction.

Be mindful of animals.
Many animals may become more active during the fall, including deer. Take particular care to watch the sides of roads at dawn and twilight, as this is when many animals are most active.

10 Important Health Insurance Terms Everyone Should Know

Date: October 2, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Do you know the ABCs of health insurance? With a good understanding of what some health insurance terms mean, it will be easier to find an insurance plan that meets your needs—and fits within your budget.

1) Allowable Costs

Charges for health care services and supplies for which benefits are available under your health insurance plan.

An allowable cost may also be referred to as an allowable charge, an approved charge or an allowed amount. Actual charges are different and refer to the amount billed by the provider for the specific service. The allowed amount is the amount your insurance carrier is willing to pay for the rendered service.

2) Coinsurance

The percentage you pay for the cost of covered health care services, after you meet your deductible.

It’s important to understand that coinsurance and copayments are not the same thing and are two separate parts of your health insurance plan. Read on to learn about copayments.

3) Copayment

A flat fee you pay upfront for doctor visits, prescriptions and other health care services.

Copayments, or copays, do not count toward your deductible. You are typically required to pay your copay when you receive the service. When shopping for plan, look closely to see when you’ll have a copay and how much it will cost for different services.

4) Deductible

The amount you pay out of pocket before your health insurance starts to cover costs.

Tip: Consider keeping your deductible to no more than 5% of your gross annual income.
When shopping for a plan, keep in mind that the deductible is tied to the premium.

LOW DEDUCTIBLE PLAN
=
HIGHER PREMIUM

HIGH DEDUCTIBLE PLAN
=
LOWER PREMIUM

5) Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

An account set up through an employer to set aside pre-tax money for common medical costs and dependent care.

An FSA is often part of an employer’s benefits package and allows you to pay for copays, deductibles, medications and other medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. The common rule with funds in an FSA is to “use it or lose it” each year.

6) Health Savings Account (HSA)

A personal savings account that’s used to only cover qualified health care expenses.

An HSA allows you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. HSAs are only available to people who have a high-deductible health plan, and any remaining funds may be rolled over year to year.

Should you choose an FSA or HSA?

Both accounts have benefits to help you manage out-of-pocket costs throughout the year. There are some differences between the accounts, so refer to this table to find which one is best for you.

7) Network

A group of doctors, labs, hospitals and other health care providers that your plan contracts with at a set payment rate.

Health insurance companies would prefer you to receive services from their in-network providers because it costs them less. If you’re changing plans, do a bit of homework to make sure desired providers are in your network.

8) Out-of-Network Provider

A provider who doesn’t have a contract with your health insurance plan.

You are still able to receive services from out-of-network providers, but it will likely cost you more. Take a look at out-of-network benefits to help make an informed decision about a new plan.

9) Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The highest amount you’ll pay for in-network health care services.

Remember that only covered services from in-network providers will count toward reaching this cap. Once you hit the maximum, you won’t have to worry if you suddenly get seriously sick, become critically injured or need specialized care.

TOTAL HEALTH INSURANCE
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

PREMIUM
+ DEDUCTIBLE
+ COPAYS & COINSURANCE

10) Premium

The amount charged by your health insurance company.

Most people pay their premium every month, but payments could be due quarterly or annually. You must pay your premium to keep coverage active, regardless of whether you use it or not. The premium is usually the first cost you see and consider, but it’s important to also factor in details such as copays, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.

9 Controls to Know For National Cybersecurity Month

Date: September 25, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this annual event, government and cybersecurity leaders and the insurance community come together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

It is important to remember that businesses must stay cybersecure to safeguard company data, protect customers’ personal information and ensure employee privacy. Here are 9 essential cybersecurity controls that organizations can implement to help manage their cyber exposures.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

EDR solutions record and store events from endpoint, utilize various data analytics techniques to detect suspicious system behaviors, provide contextual information, block malicious activities and offer remediation suggestions to help organizations restore affected technology.

Patch Management

Patches are software and operating system updates that address security vulnerabilities within programs and products. A consistent approach to patching and updating software and operating systems can help organizations limit their cyber exposures.

Network Segmentation and Segregation

Network segmentation refers to dividing larger networks into smaller segments, whereas network segregation entails isolating crucial networks from external networks, such as the internet. Both processes limit the risk of cybercriminals gaining expansive access to organizations’ IT infrastructures.

End-of-Life Software Management

When software reaches the end of its life, manufacturers will discontinue technical support and security improvements for these products, thus creating vulnerabilities
that cybercriminals can easily exploit. As such, having plans for introducing new software and phasing out unsupported products is critical.

Remote Desk Protocol (RDP) Safeguards

RDP ports allow users to connect remotely to other servers or devices. Although these ports are useful, they can also be leveraged as a vector for launching ransomware attacks. To safeguard their RDP ports, organizations should keep these ports turned off when they aren’t in use and ensure such ports aren’t left exposed to the internet.

Email Authentication

This technology monitors incoming emails and determines the validity of these messages based on specific sender verification standards that organizations have in place. Such technology can help keep potentially dangerous emails out of employees’ inboxes.

Data Backups

Organizations should determine safe locations to store their critical data, generate concrete schedules for backing up this information and outline data recovery procedures to ensure swift restoration amid possible cyber events.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a layered approach to securing data and applications where a system requires a user to present a combination of two or more credentials to verify their identity for login. Organizations should enable MFA for remote access to their networks.

Employee Training

Employees are widely considered organizations’ first line of defense against cyber incidents, making cybersecurity training crucial. This training should occur regularly and center around helping employees identify and respond to common cyberthreats.

For more cyber risk management and insurance guidance, contact us today.

How To Stay Healthy And Avoid The Flu This Fall

Date: September 11, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the temperature is getting cooler, and you’re doing everything you can to avoid the flu. No one enjoys being sick, but some of us are more prone to sickness than others. Knowing where you are most likely to come into contact with germs and what you can do to prevent sickness are key for this fall season.

Germ Hot Spots

There are several “hot spots” to keep in mind when it comes to germs.

Doorknobs
Light Switches
Elevator buttons
Water fountain handles
Microwave door handles
Telephones
Bathroom faucets
Handrails

These areas are high traffic areas that can be touched by numerous people. When you touch a doorknob you never know if the person who touched it before you sneezed into their hand and didn’t was it. Yuck!

What You Can Do to Help Yourself Avoid The Flu

Wash your hands. Even if you are cautious of what you touch, there is a chance you’ve still come into contact with some germ. To protect yourself from illness, it’s important to wash your hands regularly, especially before you eat or after you cough, sneeze or use the restroom.
Keep your distance. Illnesses can spread fast. Keep your distance from others who are sick.
Get the flu shot. Yearly flu shots are the single best way to prevent getting sick. Contrary to popular belief, flu vaccines cannot cause the flu, though side effects may occur. Often, these side effects are minor and may include congestion, coughs, headaches, abdominal pain and wheezing.
- Did you know many health insurance plans cover the flu shot at 100% or a small copay? If you need help determining your health insurance benefits, we can help. Give us a call or click here or here to learn more about health insurance benefits.

Taking the extra time to wash hands and wipe down surfaces could mean the difference between a happy fall and an unpleasant fall spent on the couch sick. Stay healthy and do your part to spread the word to others.

Do You Know How to Address Employee Burnout?

Date: August 28, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Employee burnout is escalating globally, with a significant number of workers experiencing severe physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The 2024 Global Talent Trends report reveals that approximately 82% of employees are at risk of burnout, primarily due to financial pressures and excessive workloads.

Burnout occurs when long-term stress overwhelms employees’ ability to cope, leading to lower productivity, negative feelings and a diminished sense of effectiveness at work. It can also result in serious health consequences, such as insomnia and heart disease.

As substantial burnout levels persist, it’s important for employers to recognize the signs and implement preventive measures to create a healthier, more productive work environment.

Spotting Signs of Employee Burnout

Recognizing burnout is the first step toward addressing it. Check with your employees if they exhibit the following symptoms:

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
Noticeable decline in productivity, creativity and efficiency
Feelings of disconnection from colleagues and a lack of enthusiasm for work
Increased irritability, anxiety and depression
Frequent headaches, muscle pain and other stress-related ailments

Tips for Preventing Employee Burnout

Creating a work culture that values employee well-being is essential in preventing burnout. Here are some strategies your organization can adopt:

Encourage employees to take “micro-breaks” (e.g., stretching, five- to 10-minute walks) during the day to help lower stress.
Establish a culture of care where workers feel comfortable discussing their stressors.
Schedule frequent, proactive check-ins with workers to address their well-being needs.
Train leaders to identify employees at risk of burnout and offer resources to support those affected.
Analyze how your employees collaborate and adjust systems to enable them to work more seamlessly.
Ensure workloads are manageable and distributed fairly.
Be flexible and understanding with work schedules and deadlines.
Encourage workers to use their vacation days and disconnect from work after hours.
Provide career development programs that can keep employees motivated and reduce feelings of stagnation.
Reinforce a positive work environment by regularly acknowledging employees’ hard work and contributions.
Share resources and tools that can help improve mental and physical well-being.

Conclusion

Employee burnout is a widespread problem that can significantly impact organizations. As such, it’s crucial for employers to reassess their strategies and prioritize employee well-being.

For more workplace guidance, contact us today.

Why Renters Insurance for College Students is Important

Date: August 21, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

When your child leaves for college, it’s a period of profound change that can be a challenging adjustment. Many moving parts and checklists must be completed for this new life experience. One item you should add to your list is speaking with your insurance provider to ensure your student still has coverage while they are away.

Understanding How Homeowners Insurance Extends to Your Student

Fortunately, most homeowners insurance policies will extend to your student’s belongings while living on campus. Some insurance providers may have a list of requirements to qualify for coverage. These criteria may state that your child must be a full-time student, live on campus, be under the age of 24 and be a relative of the insured on the homeowners policy. However, even if your homeowners insurance policy extends to your student, the coverage limits may not be enough if your student has high-value items, such as gaming devices, computers and other electronics.

Homeowners insurance also may not extend its coverage to your student if they live in a house or apartment off campus. Instead, consider helping them obtain a renters policy. A specified renters insurance policy can provide robust coverage for personal belongings, as well as liability protections and additional living expenses coverage.

Renters Insurance Coverage

Renters insurance typically includes the following three coverages:

Personal possessions coverage can help protect your student’s belongings, such as furniture, electronic devices and other possessions, against covered perils such as fire, theft and vandalism. This coverage can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing them up to the policy’s limits; however, as noted previously, particularly expensive items such as laptops and jewelry may require additional insurance to be covered adequately. Talk to your agent about any high-value property.
Liability protection coverage can help cover lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage for which your student is responsible.
Additional living expenses coverage can help pay hotel and food bills if your student’s residence becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

Value of Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is a valuable and affordable investment for college students. Renters insurance is a relatively inexpensive coverage with some premiums as low as $10 a month. The payments will typically be low, especially compared to what it would cost to replace expensive items out of pocket. In this exciting phase of life, renters insurance grants peace of mind, ensuring students can focus more on their studies and less on the burden of unexpected financial setbacks.

Contact Your Agent Today

Review your homeowners coverage with your agent to understand how coverage may extend to your college student. Your agent can help you understand what is and isn’t covered, coverage limits and potential gaps that may necessitate renters insurance for college students.

5 Quick Tips About Motorcycle Safety

Date: August 14, 2024 Author: Rinehart Insurance

Summer is in full swing and it’s time to get in a few road trips. It is unfortunate, but there is a growing trend in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities each year, making motorcycle safety a real concern for riders and their families. There are many organizations that have created signs, commercials, radio ads, etc cautioning motorists to look out for motorcycles and they have done a great job in promoting safety for riders. As a motorcycle rider yourself, you also should do your part to ensure your own motorcycle safety.

Regardless if you cruise across the country or across town, there are some universal motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind.

1) Always wear a helmet and other appropriate gear. Riding clothes should be bright, reflective or easy for passing or following motorists to see. Your motorcycle is smaller then the other vehicles on the road so make sure to make yourself as visible as possible. In the event of an accident, a helmet will help protect you from a fatal head injury.

2) Be cautious of the road conditions. Hazards such as potholes, cracks and bumps in the road and even road kill can throw you off balance and cause you to loose control of the motorcycle. Gravel roads can also be hazardous because of loose gravel which can cause you to skid. Rain can cause slippery roads from not only the water but oily road grime.

3) Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a motorcycle. Just like in a motor vehicle you should never drink and drive. Alcohol and drugs will lower your response time and cloud your judgment. It’s especially dangerous on a motorcycle because there will be no metal frame surrounding your or airbags to deploy in the event of an accident.

4) Follow posted speed limits and road rules just like when you are in any other motor vehicle. Just because your motorcycle is smaller, stay in your lane of traffic. Do not weave in and out of traffic between cars, even at traffic stops, just because you can fit. Always use turn signals to warn motorists of your intentions.

5) Use extra caution when carrying passengers. There will be extra weight along with another person’s balance to adjust for. Inexperienced passengers will not know to lean into turns for example and can throw off the balance of the bike. If your passenger is inexperienced, go over a few “rules of the road” with them before you leave.

Just like on your personal car or truck, you will also need to maintain insurance coverage on your motorcycle.

- Liability Insurance Coverage will cover bodily injury and proper damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident

- Collision Insurance Coverage will cover damages, minus your deductible, to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident.

- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage will cover damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism and will be subject to your deductible

- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage will cover damages to you and our property caused by another driver that is uninsured or underinsured to cover your damages.

The safety of you and any passengers is the most important part of motorcycle safety. Have a fun, safe, rest of the summer and hit the road and see some amazing sites!! But don’t forget to review your insurance to ensure you understand your coverage and that it is up to date. Have questions? We can help!

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