Be Smart About Smart Toys

19 Dec 2023 Articles

Smart toys are a popular, fun way for kids to learn and be entertained!  By 2027, the smart toy market is expected to be over $24 billion!

But smart toys that collect personal data could expose you to identity theft if the information isn’t kept secure.

Below are some things to keep in mind, especially as your family might give or receive smart toys this holiday season!

1.  Tech Talk

Know what technology the toy has, such as:

  • A microphone
  • A speaker
  • Internet and Bluetooth® connections
  • A pairable mobile app

…and ask yourself what the toy does.  For example, does it:

  • Use artificial intelligence to recognize, listen to, and talk to your child?
  • Record and store conversations?
  • Take photos?

2.  It’s Personal

Consider what personal data the toy can access, such as:

  • Email accounts
  • Social media accounts
  • Credit card information

3.  Smart Sleuthing

If you have doubts about the toy’s safety, research online.  Also, search for any concerns from consumer watchdog and safe harbor groups. 

Additional Tips to Remember

Identity theft can be financially devastating and challenging to resolve. Although there are preventative steps you can take, even the most careful planning can’t eliminate the threat of identity theft. Consider Identity Theft Recovery coverage. Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for victims of identity theft.

Your options during a “Hard Market”

19 Dec 2023 Articles

As insurance premiums rise and policies become more restrictive or harder to find, you may be tempted to cut back on coverage or eliminate specific policies. We highly recommend you have a conversation with your EFM&A representative before making any drastic decisions – in order to avoid huge risks that could lead to severe financial hardships if you have a claim.

Here are five things you should do during an insurance “hard market”:

Risk Management Review:

  • Evaluate and strengthen your risk management strategies. Carriers are more selective during a hard market, so demonstrating a robust risk management program can make you a more attractive policyholder. Identify potential risks, implement mitigation measures, and maintain thorough records of your risk management practices.

Raise Your Deductible or Self-Insure to Lower Premium:

  • Self-insuring or opting for a higher deductible provides flexibility in risk transfer. Instead of relying solely on insurance, individuals can allocate a portion of the risk to themselves. This flexibility allows for a strategic approach to risk management, balancing the desire for cost savings with financial protection.

Policy Review and Adjustments:

  • Reevaluate your insurance policies and coverage limits. Assess whether your current coverage aligns with your risk exposure and financial situation. Adjusting coverage levels, deductibles, or policy terms may be necessary to suit your needs better. Be proactive in communicating with your insurance provider to explore options that meet your requirements.

Loss Prevention Measures:

  • Implement measures to prevent losses and claims. Insurers may look favorably upon policyholders who take proactive steps to minimize risks. This could include investing in safety programs, employee training, and adopting technologies or practices that reduce the likelihood of incidents. Demonstrating a commitment to loss prevention may lead to more favorable terms and conditions.

Maintain Strong Communication with your EFM&A Team:

  • Cultivate and maintain open lines of communication with your insurance providers. Establishing a solid relationship can be beneficial, especially when insurers are more selective in a hard market. Keep your insurers informed about changes in your business operations, safety initiatives, or risk management practices. Building a positive rapport may contribute to more favorable terms and better understanding in case of a claim.

Insurance “Hard Market”: what it means for you!

17 Dec 2023 Articles

Recently, the insurance industry has entered what we refer to as a “hard market.” A “hard market” is a result of various factors, such as high interest rates, more lawsuits, and catastrophic claims. Sometimes, the industry experiences this circumstance where all of these things seem to be happening at an elevated level during a specific period. This causes coverage to be more expensive, and some insurers possibly reduce or limit your coverage.

It’s important to know that your team at Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates is taking the best steps to evaluate your account and the available options. We are working closely with our carriers and are making every effort to ensure that your investments, both personal or business are protected.

Important things to remember during a “Hard Market”:

  • Hard markets are cyclical. This is good news because we know it will eventually pass. The bad news is we don’t know exactly when. But there are ways to adapt during hard market times. 
  • During a hard market, there may be fewer insurers competing for your business. Fewer options affect prices, the type of coverage, and the overall level of coverage. This is not a guarantee but, rather, a possibility. 
  • Your coverage might be more expensive, or you might see a reduction in the amount of your policy limits. We will work with you to explore all of your options, and to make adjustments accordingly so you can maintain the protection you need at the best price.

Get Ready for Winter: Checklist

Although the first lake effect snow storm is around the corner – it’s never too late to ensure you are ready for winter! These simple steps can help reduce your chances of damage or other related issues that come with the fun of winter weather!

If you have any other tips and tricks for winterizing your home – we’d love to hear from you! Send an email to [email protected]!

5 Benefits of CyberSecurity Insurance

10 Oct 2023 Articles

Protecting your personal and financial information online is crucial in today’s digital age. To prevent cyber threats, such as phishing emails and social engineering attacks, it’s essential to secure your data. Cybersecurity insurance can provide peace of mind and protection against potential attacks. Here are five benefits of investing in cybersecurity insurance:

  • Financial Protection: Coverage for financial losses due to cyber-attacks.
  • Legal Assistance: Support and guidance in navigating legal complexities.
  • Data Breach Response: Coverage for breach-related costs and services.
  • Reputation Management: Resources to restore reputational damage.
  • Risk Assessment and Prevention: Services to assess vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Three Years of Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates

Dear Friends of Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates,

 

The three separate family-owned and operated entities of Floss Agency, Inc. in East Amherst; Emerling Agency LLC in Clarence and ML Murphy Agency, Inc. in Lockport became one entity on July 1st, 2020 and we continue to operate out of Lockport and Clarence locations Three years down, and perhaps 300 more years to go!

 

We merged to benefit our clients and associates, to create opportunities for others in the organization, and to carry on the legacy of helping clients find the best insurance coverage and value. We merged to attract talent in Benefits, Life Insurance, and Financial services to better serve our clients’ insurance needs. Uniting gave us the scale to accomplish this without compromising the values that have driven our success. The merger was a groundbreaking event, as the Insurance Agents Association reported.

 

As we enter our fourth year in operation as Emerling, Floss, Murphy & Associates, LLC.; on behalf of our ownership group, I wanted to thank our clients, our Associates, our Core Carrier partners, and our Agency Partners in the EMS group.

 

To our Valued Clients:
Thank you for your loyalty and friendship. The continued growth and success as an organization depends on your continued support of our small business. We are keenly aware that we must earn the right to service your insurance needs every day. Please call on us if you have any questions or service concerns. We strive for excellence and are focused on continual improvement as an organization.

 

To our Associates (All employees at EFM&A):
Thank you for your dedication to our clients and for representing our brand so well. As you know, our reputation is far more important to us than anything! Keep up the great work!

 

To our Core Carrier Partner:
Thank you for providing us with unique and competitive products to offer our clients. We look forward to growing with all of you.

 

To our EMS GROUP agency partners:
As all may be aware, to better serve our clients; we collaborate best practices and aggregate some carrier production requirements with two other family-owned and operated Agencies for over 30 years. We are proud to be associated with Stahlka and McMahon Agencies. It is great working with you and we appreciate the mutual respect and accountability our relationship provides.

 

 

Sincerely,
Joe Floss
President, Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates

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