Issuu

DECEMBER 12 RSVP »18

INSIDE The Annual National Underwriter / PIA Agent Survey » 7 Information to Share with Your Homeowners & Business Clients » 11 Holiday Parties: They’re on Their Way, or Are They? » 17 Millennials and Basic Insurance » 23 Robocalls: A Growing Problem » 28

December 2018 | Published Monthly

Did you know that PIA’s company council, The PIA Partnership, has conducted nationwide research about the insurance buying preferences of small business owners? The research is encouraging because it found that small business owners strongly prefer independent insurance agents as they make choices in today’s online world. However, the results also serve as a wake-up call that agents must take steps to continue to demonstrate their value and also be more engaged online. PIA and the companies belonging to The PIA Partnership have created a public website that helps agents understand PIA’s findings. PIA members also have access to a private website containing a series of strategies and tools to help them stay ahead of online competition in commercial lines. To access the newest PIA Partnership project, Small Business Insurance & The Internet — The Voice of the Commercial Lines Customer, visit us at www.pianet.com/voiceoftheclcustomer. If you are not a PIA member and want to access all of the tools available through this program, contact us for a membership application or visit us online at www.pianet.com/joinpia.

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents 400 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2353 www.pianet.com | membership@pianet.org | (703) 836-9340

The Annual National Underwriter / PIA Agent Survey | 7 PIA National and National Underwriter is about ready to start the 2019 Independent Agent Survey. This is the third time the association and the publication have partnered to find out what independent agents are thinking. Controversy: Small Business & Health Insurance | 8 Small businesses around the country are shopping for health insurance. In some states for the first time since the advent of ObamaCare, you may have the choice of joining forces with other businesses to buy cheaper insurance. Information to Share with Your Homeowners & Business Clients | 11 U.S. News & World Report recently published an article about what insurance agents wish their clients knew about homeowners insurance. When you think about it, this advice can also apply to business clients. Writing: As in Grammar, etc. is Costing Insurers | 14 A lot of underwriting is done via the copy-andpaste method. The client needs a particular type of insurance — or something similar — that another client has obtained. So to save time, the underwriter copies the text of that policy and pastes it into the new one. Holiday Parties: They’re on Their Way, or Are They? | 17 It’s that time of year. The annual company holiday parties start just after Thanksgiving and last through just after the new year. This year — however — there may not be as many.

Millennials and Basic Insurance | 23 Liberty Mutual took a hard look at millennials and how they approach insurance. The conclusion is that millennials — more than the other generations — work hard to protect their technology and their pets but overlook basic insurance needs. FIO Director Bags the Job & Moves On | 25 Steve Dreyer took the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) Director’s job in June. Last Friday was his last day on the job. He took the FIO job after an extensive vetting process and now feels it wasn’t the best career decision. Robocalls: A Growing Problem | 28 We worry about data theft and cyber attacks. They take the focus these days when it comes to business and consumers. Try this for a statistic. There were 30.5 billion robocalls made in 2017.

PIA NE IA EVENTS Holiday Party: December12, 2018 | 18 Professional Insurance Agents NE IA and The National Alliance Nebraska and Iowa CIC & CISR Designation | 27 Upcoming Events Calendar 2018 | 32

TOP STORIES

THE ANNUAL NATIONAL UNDERWRITER PIA AGENT SURVEY

PIA National and National Underwriter is about ready to start the 2019 Independent Agent Survey. This is the third time the association and the publication have partnered to find out what independent agents are thinking. Starting this week, the survey firm Flaspöhler will be reaching out to many of you with an expanded questionnaire. The results will be presented in NU’s February 2019 issue.

The annual survey is the most comprehensive ever and — among other subjects — looks at: • Demographics • Books of business • Selling practices • Pain points If you don’t think you’re going to be contacted — there is that possibility — and you want to take part in the survey, send an email to rick.flaspohler@nmg-group.com. Email Subject Line: Independent Agent Survey Source: PropertyCasualty360.com

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 7

TOP STORIES

Controversy

Small Business & Health Insurance

Small businesses around the country are shopping for health insurance. In some states for the first time since the advent of ObamaCare, you may have the choice of joining forces with other businesses to buy cheaper insurance.

The Labor Department has issued rules that let sole proprietors and other business owners to combine to form association health plans or AHIP. Those plans are not required to have the Affordable Care Actâ€™s rules on basic coverage.

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 8

TOP STORIES At least for now those plans won’t be available in some states — like the PIA Western Alliance states of Oregon, Washington and California. Those states are involved in a lawsuit to overturn the Trump administration rule to allow these policies to be sold and for these groups to be formed. And many insurance departments — since states regulate insurance and not the federal government — have rules against the administration’s rule changes. So that may make it nearly impossible — in many cases — for those plans to form. Though some who’ve been part of groups like this say they’ve saved up to 20% in premium costs, critics worry that the businesses forming these associations will become victims of scammers. Besides Oregon, Washington and California, the other states participating in the suit are New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and Virginia.

covered by one of these plans and were left with huge medical bills,” he said. He also worries that these plans do away with pre-existing conditions coverage and he has been critical of the Trump administration’s push to not enforce them. “The only coverage that guarantees that protection is the Affordable Care Act. Currently, President Trump and 20 states have asked a Texas federal court to overturn the law and revoke protections for pre-existing conditions,” Kreidler said. Including Washington, the states fighting the issue is the PIA Western Alliance states of Arizona and Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Sources: Insurance Journal, Washington Department of Insurance

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is a very vocal critic of the administration’s relaxation of ObamaCare regulations. He has adopted a rule for his state that restricts the sale of short-term limited duration (STLD) medical plans to three months. It also prohibits renewal, and requires improved disclosure to consumers about coverage limits. In other words, Kreidler says short-term, limited duration plans are not considered health insurance under Washington’s laws. “Some consumers may be caught in a coverage gap and really need a short-term medical plan. But they need to beware of the limits of the coverage they’re buying. We’ve heard horror stories from people who either had or developed a serious medical condition while December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 9

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TOP STORIES

Information to Share with Your Homeowners & Business Clients

U.S. News & World Report recently published an article about what insurance agents wish their clients knew about homeowners insurance. When you think about it, this advice can also apply to business clients. We all know this but considering the growing number of disasters in this country â€” flooding, fires â€” and the usual threat of break-ins and so on, maybe this advice is something we ought to share with our clients.

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 11

TOP STORIES In fact, most insurance experts say if you’re not doing an annual home or business inventory with your clients, you’re doing them — and yourself — a disservice.

These are the recommendations the publication says you wish your clients knew: Smoke alarms: Michael Newcomer of

Florida’s Novel Insurance spoke to the magazine and said his biggest worry when inspecting homes is smoke alarms that aren’t working. Or — worse — that there are no smoke detectors installed at all! “It’s as if people have become complacent or do not see fire as a real material risk to their property,” he says. “The sheer number of homes that I go into where either the fire alarms are periodically beeping because the batteries need to be changed or I see full alarm units removed from the ceiling or walls is staggering.”

“Your roof is the single strongest system holding your home together and protecting it from Mother Nature, so you want a roof that will keep wind and wind-driven rain outside where it belongs,” she says. Millerick says a bad — and sometimes leaky — roof isn’t the only way a home can get water damage. She says your clients need to keep their gutters and downspouts clear and aimed away from the house. Weatherstrips around the draftier areas of the home — like doors and windows — also helps keep water out.

Water & pipes: An automatic water shut-off device is critical. If something goes wrong with the hot water heater or if a pipe springs a leak, your clients need a way to easily shut off the flow.

Some experts also suggest an automatic water shut-off valve if something happens to the pipes and the client is not at home or at the place of business.

The most common reply when he asks why? The constant beeping is annoying. He said if you have time to climb a ladder and remove the device, you have time to just fix it by installing new batteries.

While wind is the most frequent of all claims, water damage is the most expensive. The suggestion of experts is to tell your clients to occasionally check appliance hoses and check for signs of wear, corrosion or bulging.

A study done this year by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) said fires aren’t just deadly, they are the most expensive of all claims.

It is also suggested that clients check the water heater.

The roof & gutters: The NAIC says the most

frequent homeowners claims are because of wind and hail damage. The association — and Susan Millerick of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety — say it needs to be the best roof you can afford.

Hackers: You need to make sure your clients

have a strong firewall to protect the home from online criminals. Once breached hackers can do incredible damage by stealing important personal and private information like bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc. Another problem? During the winter a hacker can access a smart thermostat at a home or

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 12

TOP STORIES business while the client is away and turn the heat off. Bursting pipes are expensive to repair and cause tremendous damage to a home or business.

A camera system: A home or business

camera security system is recommended if a client can afford them. Intruder protection is a great piece of insurance that’s not actual insurance.

A safety walk: Stacey Giulianti is the chief

“I encourage homeowners to walk around their property with an eye toward safety and look for anything that might be dangerous,” he said. “Unfilled holes in your lawn, sharp pieces of broken metal or piping and vehicles on blocks all can cause serious injury.” Millerick adds to that a says make sure a patio, pool furniture and other items around the home that could blow away in a wind storm. Source: US News & World Report

legal officer at Florida Peninsula Insurance Company. His company’s biggest worry is people being injured while visiting a home or a business.

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 13

TOP STORIES

WRITING

As in Grammar, etc. is Costing Insurers

A lot of underwriting is done via the copy-andpaste method. The client needs a particular type of insurance — or something similar — that another client has obtained. So to save time, the underwriter copies the text of that policy and pastes it into the new one.

Chris Casaleggio is a former liability claims adjuster and now manages forensic services and claims for H2M Architects + Engineers. He penned an interesting article on the topic of copying and pasting for National Underwriter’s website PropertyCasualty360.com.

The same thing applies to adjusters. Sometimes the document the underwriter or adjuster cut from has grammatical errors that could end up costing the insurer. Not only does the error cost the firm dollars but it causes the policyholder to question the credibility of the company.

What can go wrong? Casaleggio's list: • A wrong date or year is on a car rental cutoff letter • A bodily injury release names the wrong parties

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 14

TOP STORIES • A letter from the insurer has misspelled words, or has unclear key language • Worse, a cancellation letter has wrong wording Any of the above, or other mistakes from copying and pasting error-laden language cause an increase in calls to claims departments. That leads to complaints, cancellations, and loss of income and credibility.

Diving deeper into the problem, Casaleggio said societal changes are driving changes. Handwriting and penmanship are no longer an educational focus. Texting via cellphones and communication via email tend to be packed with short acronyms and emojis. He says they are butchering the English language. And non-proofing of everything from letters to letterhead — as in Wolcott’s experience — leads to problems.

Casaleggio outlines how all this happens. He said an adjuster — for example — needs help with a unique claim. Another adjuster suggests using a letter he or she used on a issue that is semi-similar. That letter just needs to be edited a bit and it’s good to go.

That said, Casaleggio agrees we need to embrace technology and that technology offers word-processing’s spell checks and grammar tools. If they aren’t available on your processing program, applications are available to do that kind of checking.

However, the adjuster involved is a bit lazy, or is pressed for time, so instead of doing an edit for mistakes like spelling and grammar, he or she just copies and pastes the semi-fit into their own letter and hits send or prints, puts it in an envelope and into the mail it goes.

Casaleggio said another problem is we’re overworked. Sometimes it pays to walk away from the computer screen for a bit. Having fresh eyes when working on a letter or email is critical to eliminating mistakes.

Insurance jargon — says Casaleggio — is already confusing enough to consumers and businesses and the copy and paste practice just adds to that confusion. Weekly Industry News Editor Gary Wolcott can attest to the positives of the editing process. He also has personal experience with a claim he filed. The claims adjuster of the insurer — who will remain unnamed — sent Wolcott a letter asking for a return call at one of the numbers listed in the letter’s header. The extension on the phone number was six digits. When he called the adjuster, the automated attendant told him the digits of the system’s extensions only number five. It took a lot of calls and a lot of time for him to finally reach the adjuster. That added to his stress and that of the company.

He also suggests getting help. Print out the report. Make handwritten corrections. Then have another person read the document. That second set of eyes can be invaluable. Casaleggio’s article concludes that no one looks good if there are mistakes. That starts with the adjuster or underwriter and moves up from there to the company itself. It also isn’t good for a career. Mistakes tend to follow us. Wrapping it up, Casaleggio said take ownership of your documents — and not just insurance docs — and take the time to proof read and edit. It pays off in the long run for you and for your company.

Source: PropertyCasualty360.com

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 15

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TOP STORIES

HOLIDAY PARTIES

They’re on Their Way, or Are They?

It’s that time of year. The annual company holiday parties start just after Thanksgiving and last through just after the new year. This year — however — there may not be as many. Business consultants Challenger, Gray & Christmas (now there’s a name irony for a survey on holiday parties) say we’re going to see fewer holiday celebrations this year compared to previous years. Their recent survey found just 65% of companies will be having a party this year. That’s the lowest percentage since the Great Recession of 2009. Spokesman Andrew Challenger said economic conditions are not the reason. The economy

is booming. “Companies are sitting on tax savings and generally report a thriving economy,” he said. The main reason for the drop, Challenger said, is the #MeToo Movement. “The number could be due to several factors, including potential liability following the #MeToo movement. HR departments nationwide are responding to this particular issue,” he said. Another reason for the lack of parties, is more people work remotely than ever before—that makes the gathering of employees complex. Source: Insurance Journal

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 17

Professional Insurance Agents NE IA Invites Members, Non-Members, Spouses, Guests & Staff to the Annual Holiday Party Benefiting Toys for Tots

December 12, 2018 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Nebraska Club

233 S. 13th Street, Suite 2000 Lincoln, NE 68508 RSVP by December 5, 2018 See Next Page to Reply $25/person - Includes Drink Ticket & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Please bring a new, unwrapped gift. We will be accepting your Toys for Tots donations.

Please RSVP with payment ($25/person) by ONE of the following: 1. Credit Card Card Number Expiration Date Name on Card Signature 2. Check 3. Phone: Call PIA at (402) 392-1611 Fax PIA at (402) 392-2228 Please mail to PIANEIA 920 S. 107th Avenue â€“ Suite 305 Omaha, NE 68114 For questions or registration, Email Lindsey at FrontDesk@pianeia.com

TOP STORIES

CYBER THREATS Small Business Still Not Prepared It’s been a year since the WannaCry ransomware struck. In a four-day period it attacked 300,000 computers, and cost businesses and individuals billions of dollars.

• 77% of chief information security officers (CISO) say they are not equipped to handle these attacks

Gad Naveh of Check Point's Threat Intelligence and Research & Development team did some research on what’s happened in the past year. Since then hackers have created offshoots of the ransomware and they are creating more chaos. His research also points out that — in spite of the continuing threat — businesses still aren’t prepared.

• Security technology conflicting with business operation is another

• Staffing challenges are a problem

• Just 3% of businesses have the protection needed to repel an attack • 79% are using security solutions from generations two and three By the way, Naveh points out that we are now up to generation five — Gen V — of this kind

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 20

TOP STORIES of ransomware. The genesis of ransomware is pre-2000. He is very critical of nations and businesses and says it’s time for the U.S. and other nations to put an end to this problem. He writes, “It does not really matter who launches an attack or why — countries and global business communities simply need to defend themselves better — because the large-scale, multi-vector nature of these attacks are several generations beyond the average enterprise’s security capabilities. The reality is we’re spending trillions globally on military defense technologies, but investing only a fraction of that on defending businesses and infrastructure against cyberattacks.” He suggests going back to the basics to start: • Segment networks to quarantine attacks • Segmentation stops them from propagating • Deploy advanced, real-time threat prevention • This stops attacks before they get a foothold on a network or networks • Do this across all environments: • Networks • Cloud • Mobile He also notes we need to get past petty differences and work together — large businesses and small. “Because cyberattacks have become the modern weapon of choice for crippling critical infrastructure, we must work together as a global cybersecurity community to not only protect individual organizations but also to create a shared vision around protecting cities, nations, and the citizens within them. Without a concerted, collaborative effort, we can expect nations, communities, and our

most trusted companies to continue to be woefully unprotected against the next mega cyberattack,” he said. Another report comes to similar conclusions. Datto is a cyber security and data backup company. It recently released its third annual Global State of the Channel Ransomware Report. The report says ransomware is the leading cyber attack experience by small to mediumsized businesses (SMB). Ransomware tops viruses and spyware as the biggest threat to their firms. • 55% of managed service providers (MSP) said their clients experienced a ransomware attack in the first six-months of this year • 35% said their clients were attacked many times • Some said they were attacked multiple times during a day • 92% of MSPs predict the number of attacks will continue at this rate or a higher rate In the report, the MSPs said their clients have anti-virus software but it’s not enough. • 85% report ransomware protection is installed • 65% say email and spam filters are installed • 29% say their clients have pop-up blockers All failed to block the ransomware attacks. As we know, downtime for a small business leads to lost revenue. If the downtime is long enough, a small business can fail. The report says, the

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 21

TOP STORIES downtime and cost of the attack in other areas is 10-times what it costs to pay the ransom. • The average cost per business is $46,800 • The average ransom is $4,300 per attack James Bergl is a director at Datto APAC. He said most businesses don’t report these attacks and just one in four get reported to authorities. By the way, if you’re an Apple user and think you’re safe, Bergl said Apple operating systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable. In the report, five times as many MSPs reported ransomware attacks on the macOS and iOS platforms from last year to this.

He said the worst attacks are happening in Asia. The report said the best protection against a ransomware attack is employee training. Education and training are highly recommended. And it is suggested that the training be ongoing and in areas where ransomware attacks are must likely to occur: • Phishing attacks • Malicious websites • Web ads • Clickbait directed toward a business

Sources: The Next Web, Security Asia

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RCIC is an equal opportunity provider. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities). Some products not available in all states or counties.This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers provided solely for informational purposes. Coverage is underwritten in all states by Rural Community Insurance Company, Anoka, MN except in Montana where hail coverage is underwritten by Tri-County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Malta, MT. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation, offer, advice, recommendation, or any other service with regard to any type of insurance product or services. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage, terms and conditions. The description of the policy provisions gives a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend the policy. Coverage may vary by state. Coverages and rates are subject to individual insured meeting our underwriting qualifications and product availability in applicable states. RCIS is a registered trademark of Rural Community Insurance Company. © 2018 Rural Community Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

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TOP STORIES

MILLENNIALS & BASIC INSURANCE

Liberty Mutual took a hard look at millennials and how they approach insurance. The conclusion is that millennials — more than the other generations — work hard to protect their technology and their pets but overlook basic insurance needs. The insurer found they are the largest generation of renters ever. A whopping 43% rent but just 42% have renters insurance. In fact, over a quarter of the millennials surveyed said they are looking for ways to cut the cost of their auto, home and renters insurance. Liberty Mutual’s Emily Fink believes that’s because of a lack of insurance knowledge and that lack of knowledge is — as you know — exposing them to potential loss or damages.

• 33% say it never occurred to them to get renters insurance • 31% think getting insurance is too complicated “The unexpected is inevitable, and it’s important for all generations to understand the importance and value of having good insurance coverage customized to individual needs,” she said. Fink and Liberty Mutual find these ironic: • 29% say they have special insurance to cover their technology • Of those having that special insurance, 51% don’t have renters insurance

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 23

TOP STORIES Fink’s conclusion? Smart phones and computers are considered more important than other belongings. There’s more. • Many millennials say they’re trying to save money • However, the value of their personal property is quite high • Take jewelry for example — it averages more than $2,000 in value • Yet only 22% of millennials think it is “extremely” important to have insurance to cover that $2,000 • Just 20% have opted to insure those valuable items Pets — on the other hand — are very important. Millennials are the mostly likely generation to purchase or adopt a dog or cat. The survey says a high percentage will — if they don’t have one now — buy or adopt a pet in the next year.

All are willing to make financial tradeoffs to take care of a pet’s wellbeing. That’s the highest of any generation — ever. • 57% own a pet now • 31% of millennials have pet insurance • Just 8% of baby boomers have pet insurance • Just 15% of Generation X have pet insurance Their health compared to their pet’s? • 37% are likely to skip their own medical treatments to cover their pet’s needs • 28% of generation X will do that • Just 21% of baby boomers will do the same Source: Media Post

TOP STORIES

FIO Director Bags the Job & Moves On Steve Dreyer took the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) Director’s job in June. Last Friday was his last day on the job. He took the FIO job after an extensive vetting process and now feels it wasn’t the best career decision. His background says he’s probably a good choice. Dreyer spent 25-years working for Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (now S&P Global) where he specialized in insurance and infrastructure and enterprise risk management. Not to be he said and he resigned. “Although we have been able to accomplish quite a bit during my time here, upon reflection, I have recognized that working in government turned out to be quite different from my time in the private sector, and I believe that my experiences can be best applied in other pursuits,” Dreyer said after announcing his departure to staff. Dreyer is the second FIO director. Michael McRaith headed the office from its inception

in 2011. Steve Seitz will now serve as acting director. PIA National has always opposed the FIO and believes it usurps the regulation of insurance by states. Source: PropertyCasualty360.com

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 25

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 26

CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR EARNED DESIGNATION The Professional Insurance Agents NE IA would like to congratulate everyone who has earned a designation from The National Alliance in 2017.

2018

CISR Elite Ms. Tiffany Lynn Beevers, CISR Elite TrueNorth Companies, LLC Cedar Rapids, IA

CIC Designation Ms. Kate Rebecca Greenwald, CIC Inspro Insurance Lincoln, NE Mr. Andrew J. Schmidt, CIC Cottingham & Butler Dubuque, IA Mr. Evan Stoakes, CIC Butterbaugh Insurance Center Council Bluffs, IA

CISR Designation Ms. Hallie M. Hamilton, CISR AW Welt Ambrisco Insurance, Inc. Iowa City, IA Ms. Jena M. Jones, CISR TrueNorth Companies Cedar Rapids, IA Ms. Francia Aracely Fernandez Navar, CISR Thams Agency, LLC Denison, IA Ms. Megan Seals, CISR TrueNorth Companies Cedar Rapids, IA

2018

TOP STORIES

ROBOCALLS

A GROWING PROBLEM December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 28

TOP STORIES

ROBOCALLS

We worry about data theft and cyber attacks. They take the focus these days when it comes to business and consumers. Try this for a statistic. There were 30.5 billion robocalls made in 2017. It’s an average of 100 robocalls for every adult in the country and is a 19% hike over 2016. Things will likely get worse early next year when the statistics are released for 2018. Shockingly, 50% to 60% of these calls are legal. They are: • Debt collection

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) spokesman Will Wiquist said his agency picked up 4.5 million robocall complaints in 2017. That’s up from 3.4 million in 2016.

• Political calls • Charity calls • Flight delays

THE FTC SUGGESTS THAT YOU ...

• Prescription refill reminders

1. Don’t answer calls with an unfamiliar phone number. Let it go to voicemail and call back if it’s legit.

“While unfortunately there is no silver bullet for solving it, we’re working hard to tackle this problem through a number of public policy initiatives and enforcement actions,” he said. “We recently passed new rules to allow phone companies to block calls that are likely to be illegal robocalls, and we’re looking at ways to authenticate caller ID information so consumers know who is really calling and blocking services can stop scammers.”

2. Don’t trust caller ID. While it’s a good way to screen calls, you cannot rely on it to guarantee the validity of the phone number displayed. 3. Don’t follow the instructions to press 1 or 2 to get removed from their call list. That doesn’t work. It simply tells them that they’ve reached a working phone number and you’re likely to get more spam calls. 4. Never call back and don’t engage with them. Telephone swindlers do this for a living. They know how to get you to give them your personal information. Once you do that, you can’t take it back. Sources: NBC News, Consumer Affairs

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 29

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 31

PIA NE IA EVENTS

Upcoming Events Calendar 2018 For information and to register Click Here or call (402) 392-1611. Date

Class/Webinar

Where

When

December 5, 2018

Home Business vs. Home Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

December 11, 2018

A Walk Around the Farm: Farm Liability Considerations

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

December 12, 2018

2018 PIA Annual Holiday Party

Lincoln

Nebraska Club

December 12, 2018

Catastrophe: The Coverage Expertise You'll Need When It Matters Most

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

December 13, 2018

Street Level Ethics

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

December 18, 2018

Tricks to Fix: Closing Coverage Gaps in Home, Work and Auto

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

January 10, 2019

On Ethics: Data, Dilemmas and Knuckleheads

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 15, 2019

Certificates of Insurance and Additional Insureds: NE/IA Making Sense of It

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 15, 2019

Home Business vs. Home Insurance

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

January 17, 2019

Insuring the Building Project - Builders & Risk Installation Coverage

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

January 17, 2019

New Technologies, New Risks - Drones, Home and Ride-Sharing

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 6, 2019

CISR: Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Waukee

Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC

February 12 - 13, 2019

Ruble: Graduate Seminar (IA)

West Des Moines

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

February 13, 2019

Contractors, Contractors, Contractors

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 14, 2019

Catastrophe: The Coverage Expertise You'll Need When It Matters Most

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 19, 2019

A Walk Around the Farm Farm Property Considerations (NE)

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

February 20, 2019

CISR: Insuring Personal Residential Property

Davenport

Saint Ambrose University

February 20, 2019

Commercial Property Claims that Cause Problems (NE)

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

February 20, 2019

E&O: Reasons and Solutions

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 32

PIA NE IA EVENTS

February 26, 2019

On Ethics: Data, Dilemmas and Knuckleheads

NE/IA

Webinar: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

February 28, 2019

Cyber Insurance: When Convenience Turns Catastrophic

NE/IA

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

March 6, 2019

CISR: Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

March 13, 2019

On Ethics: Data, Dilemmas and Knuckleheads

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

March 13 - 15, 2019

CIC: Commercial Property Institute

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel

March 19, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 1

Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

March 20, 2019

Certificates of Insurance and Additional Insureds: NE/IA Making Sense of It

Webinar: 8:00AM 11:00AM

March 27, 2019

A Walk Around the Farm: Farm Liability Considerations

NE/IA

Webinar: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

March 27, 2019

Excess and Umbrella Fundamentals Plus

Iowa

Webinar: 8:00AM - 11:00AM

April 4, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 1

Davenport

Saint Ambrose University

April 17, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 2

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

April 23, 2019

CISR: William T. Hold: Advanced Learning Seminar

Waukee

Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC

April 24 - 26, 2019

CIC: Commercial Casualty Institute

West Des Moines

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

May 8, 2019

CISR: Insuring Commercial Property

Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

May 15 - 17, 2019

CIC: Personal Lines Institute

Lincoln

Marriott Courtyard

May 22, 2019

CISR: Elements of Risk Management

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

June 5, 2019

CISR: Insuring Personal Auto Exposures

Davenport

Saint Ambrose University

June 12 - 14, 2019

CIC: Commercial Property Institute

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids Marriott

June 19, 2019

CISR: Dynamics of Service

Waukee

Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC

July 11, 2019

CISR: Personal Lines Miscellaneous

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

July 17 - 19, 2019

CIC: Commercial Multiline Institute

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel

July 25, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 2

Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

August 7, 2019

CISR: Elements of Risk Management

Davenport

Saint Ambrose University

August 14, 2019

CISR: Insuring Personal Residential Property

Waukee

Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC

August 21 - 23, 2019

CIC: Insurance Company Operations Institute

West Des Moines

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 33

PIA NE IA EVENTS

September 11, 2019

CISR: Insuring Commercial Property

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

September 25, 2019

CISR: Personal Lines Miscellaneous

Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

September 25 - 27, 2019 CIC: Commercial Casualty Institute

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel

October 9, 2019

CISR: Agency Operations

Waukee

Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC

October 16 - 18, 2019

CIC: Commercial Multiline Institute

West Des Moines

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

October 23, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 2

Davenport

Saint Ambrose University

November 6, 2019

CISR: Commercial Casualty 1

Hiawatha

Kirkwood Linn Regional Center

November 12 - 13, 2019

Ruble: Graduate Seminar (NE)

Omaha

Omaha Marriott Hotel

November 20, 2019

CISR: Elements of Risk Management

Des Moines

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

December 2018 | Main Street Industry News | www.pianeia.com | 34

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