By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
 
WASHINGTON — After more than a year of kicking the can downfield, Congress may finally be ready to extend and overhaul the federal flood insurance program so important to New Jersey.
 
At a hearing Wednesday, the new House Financial Services Committee chairwoman, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., backed changes to the program championed by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

The plan includes steps to hold down premiums, invest in construction projects designed to reduce the impact of the next storm, forgive a $20 billion debt that ballooned after Hurricane Katrina and then after Sandy, and develop new maps that accurately identify areas in danger of flooding.
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Federal flood insurance is one of the few federal programs that benefits New Jersey more than other states. FEMA has paid $6 billion to property owners in the state from Jan. 1, 1978, through Sept. 30, 2018, behind only Louisiana and Texas, agency statistics show.
 
About 227,000 New Jerseyans have federal flood insurance. The Garden State bore the brunt of Hurricane Sandy.

Menendez said he would work with Waters on legislation, unlike in the last Congress where he found no support among most House Republicans for his measure.

His plan would have held down increases in flood insurance premiums, allocated funds to protect properties against water damage rather than just paying claims, and changed procedures in response to problems that surfaced when Hurricane Sandy homeowners sought to be compensated for damages.

Click here to read the full article and to stay on top of this topic. ​​

Suburban Brokers has called Fair Lawn, New Jersey home for over 60 years. We are proud to be part of the Fair Lawn and Bergen County Communities. We are also proud of our hard-earned reputation in the insurance industry. Whether it's Homeowners, Car Insurance, Business, Life or Health, or any other insurance you may need, Suburban can find the best solution for you.

What's In Your Winter Survival Kit?​

If you drive in remote areas or are planning a long trip this winter, keep a winter survival kit in your car. While some of the items may be appropriate for your car all year long, these supplies can help you deal with winter weather.

Consumers may currently be thinking about how they can best protect themselves from cyber threats while shopping online during the holiday season, but insurers and risk managers are already looking ahead with hopes of mitigating threats that may emerge in the new year.

Recently, Experian® shared its sixth annual “Data Breach Industry Forecast,” which broaches such topics as cloud attacks and biometric hacking.

​“Hackers have become very nimble at outsmarting protection measures,” Michael Bruemmer, Experian’s vice president of Data Breach Resolution, said in a press release. “Our predictions look at where hackers may go next to exploit vulnerabilities, so companies can safeguard themselves against these future threats.”

​We now provide insurance for consumers and businesses for the following:

• Cyber Crime Coverage
• Reputational Damage Coverage from Cyber Event
• Computer Fraud and Funds Transfer Fraud

​Call me so we can discuss how to protect you and your business against cyber threats.

Have a safe and healthy New Year!

Travelers has teamed up with Amazon to offer smart home kits and valuable insurance and risk management information through the insurance industry’s first digital storefront: Amazon.com/Travelers.

The smart home kits, which will be offered at discounted prices for Travelers customers in participating states, are designed to help protect homeowners from some of the most common causes of loss. Discounted kit installation through Amazon Smart Home Services is also offered where available. The smart home kits include:

• Security cameras.
• Water sensors.
• Motion detectors with multi-sensor capabilities.
• A smart home hub that wirelessly connects a wide range of smart devices and enables them to work together.
• An Amazon Echo Dot.

Eligible Travelers home insurance customers will receive a discount on their policy with the purchase of a smart home kit.

Now you can get help managing your Travelers policies and get home safety and maintenance tips by simply asking Alexa on any Alexa enabled device. Travelers is proud to offer two new Travelers skills for Alexa - 
​Travelers Home Central Skill and the Travelers Skill. ​

For more information, visit Travelers Here or give me a call and I'll be happy to assist you at 201-796-1881. 

While we normally associate the beginning of the school year with more traffic in school zone areas, it’s also important to keep in mind the increase of traffic on highways and roads as well. In September, commute times typically rise due to commuting students and parents dropping off children at schools.
 
By exercising a little extra care and caution, and keeping these facts in mind, we can all keep ourselves and families safe.

Cyber Threats Continue to Increase

Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission found that millennials are reporting fraud a lot more often than other groups, with an average loss around $200. Seniors reported less frequently, but their average loss is $1,200.

 
64 percent of Americans have an online account involving health, financial or other sensitive data. As more and more people rely on the internet to do business and manage their personal lives, their information has the potential to become susceptible to a cyber breach.

Your home is full of cyber risks. Too many homeowners don’t realize this until it’s too late. Whether it’s your computer or mobile device, or your laptop or connected home technology, you need the right protection for the exposures that come with modern connected life.

What is a Personal Cyber Policy and why should individuals consider this coverage?
 
Personal cyber insurance policies will give insureds security in the case of a cyber attack, allowing them to file claims for ransom and extortion payments, identity theft fees, and data restoration expenses related to a personal cybersecurity breach.
 
With HSB Home Cyber Protection™, you can gain a suite of innovative cyber coverage for computer attacks, cyber extortion, online fraud and the breach of personal information of others involving smartphones, computers and connected home devices.

What are some actions you can take to help protect your data?

In addition to offering Personal Cyber coverage, be aware of what information you place online, and how to protect it. Many people have an outdated impression that hackers are just rogue individuals, typically working out of someone’s basement – this is no longer the case. Today, hacking is a full-time job and organized crime in the cyber world is a huge syndicate.

There are a few initial steps that consumers can take to protect themselves, including:

1. Personal Cyber Policy: This will protect clients against traditional identity theft, paying any direct monetary losses that are unrecoverable as well as any expenses to investigate and remediate. Policyholders also get the benefit of a specialist to help restore their credit report.
   
2. Install a password manager: Password strength and encryption are important, and using a password manager allows users to not have to rely on memory to remember passwords. The manager will also encrypt users’ information and automatically change his or her password every time they access a site.
3. Use available resources: The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) can provide clients with a wealth of knowledge and act as a great educational resource for people needing help to navigate a cyber attack. And best of all, it’s free.

 
Personal cyber crime is not something that can be prevented. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans have experienced some form of data theft. 
 
Contact me if you wish to discuss your risks and we can come up with the best line of defense to protect you.

​Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season. From cross-country road trips to surfing at the beach, summer likely means fun travel and outdoor activities. However, even carefully planned trips can be disrupted by unforeseen incidents. Extreme sports, boating, and even pool parties – all carry some risk and liability.

​Whether you’re leaving home for a weekend getaway or a long road trip, be aware of what your policy covers while you’re away. Typically, your homeowners insurance will follow you, protecting you even while you’re not at home. Off-premises coverage means your belongings are covered anywhere in the world. If you’re staying at a hotel and your belongings are stolen, your policy will provide coverage, but the exact coverage depends on your specific policy. If you are traveling with high-priced items, it’s a good idea to insure them separately.

Not sure what your coverage is for summer travel? Give us a call and we’ll review your policies and help you fine tune coverage for your family and your business. 201-796-1881

Have a safe Memorial Day and enjoy your summer travels!

The average American will have 3 or 4 auto accidents in his or her lifetime!

In 2015 alone, more than 2.4 million people were injured and nearly 35,000 people died in 6.2 million crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The good news? Most car collisions aren’t deadly.

Check out some car accident statistics from DriverKnowledge.com:

• About 9 people are killed each day as a result of distracted driving.
• You are 23 times as likely to crash if you text while driving.
• 1 out of 3 people texts while driving.
• Wearing a seat belt reduces your risk of death by 45%.
• 1 in 7 people do not wear a seat belt while driving.
• People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle during a crash.

Having an auto accident or dealing with a catastrophe is stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. The right steps will help keep you safe and prevent further stress.

You never have to manage a car accident alone. We are here to help you every step of the way. During business hours, contact us as soon as possible at 201-796-1881. We are always ready and willing to assist you.
​
Happy Spring and safe driving.

Black Ice - It’s slippery, hard-to-spot and potentially deadly. “The biggest danger is that you are at the mercy of your vehicle and the ice until your car passes over it,” claims Julie Lee, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety.

​Black ice forms most often when it’s raining, and air is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Andrew Mussoline. Low ground temperature causes the precipitation to freeze upon impact, thus creating ice.

Home and businesses that suffered flood damage from the first nor’easter might be invaded by the sea yet again. It’s helpful to have weeks or months between storms so proper damage surveys can be performed, and so measures can be taken to prevent flooding during future storms.

When storms come just days apart, it’s not so easy. Along the coast, residents are working feverishly to prepare their homes for nor’easter Quinn with hopes that the flooding won’t be as severe.

If you suffer any kind of damage and need to contact your insurance provider, visit the claims page on our website, or contact us during business hours at 201-796-1881. We are always here and ready to assist you. 

​Stay safe.

​Distracted driving is dangerous and claimed 3,477 lives in 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved and help us keep America’s roads safe.
 
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
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You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and can increase your risk of crashing.

​Consequences
In 2015, 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers and during daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers were using cell phones while driving. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. Teens were the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes. 
​ 
NHTSA is Dedicated to Eliminating Risky Behaviors for a Safer Road
NHTSA leads the fight nationally against distracted driving by educating Americans about its dangers and partnering with the States and local police to enforce laws against distracted driving that help keep people safe.
NHTSA’s campaigns and public service announcements make the case to Americans that safe driving means driving without distractions.

Get Involved: Help Stop Distracted Driving
Teens are the best messengers to their peers, so encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted.

Parents first must lead by example, and never drive distracted, as well as have a talk with their young driver about distractions and all of the responsibilities that come with driving.

Educators and Employers – spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving.
​
Make Your Voice Heard – be a voice in your community by supporting local laws and speaking out.

Are You Driving Under the Influence of Your Phone? Click to take the quiz.

More accidents equate to higher costs for insurance companies, and insurers pass along these costs to consumers. The Boston Globe reports that insurers plan on increasing auto premiums 3% to 6% on Massachusetts drivers this year, on top of increases of 6% to 9% in 2016. Insurers in North Carolina, meanwhile, have requested auto premium hikes averaging 13.8%, according to the Charlotte Observer. Drivers in neighboring South Carolina saw their auto insurance rates increase an average of 8.9% last year.

And it’s not just teenage drivers. State Farm says 36 percent of all drivers’ text and drive – and it’s making everyone’s costs go up.

In my mind, that means it’s up to everyone to get involved. As a parent, as an educator, as an employer, and as a citizen. We all need to make our voice be heard.
​
Visit the NHTSA website for more resources and to learn how you can get more involved.

Happy New Year and safe travels to everyone from all of us at Suburban Brokers!

Will your primary insurance policies be enough?

Auto, homeowners and other property insurance liability limits may not be adequate to cover a large court judgment. It is easy to find yourself without enough coverage – even if you have high liability limits on your auto or property policy.

Enjoy peace of mind.

To make it easy for you to get the right level of coverage for your specific needs, Travelers offers limits ranging from $1 million to $10 million for customers meeting eligibility criteria. And, when you require legal defense for a covered claim, the policy helps cover defense costs such as attorney’s fees and other expenses.

Travelers Umbrella Insurance Can Provide:

• An extra $1 million to $10 million of liability coverage, which can help protect assets such as your home, car and boat.
• Coverage for claims like libel, slander, defamation of character and invasion of privacy. 
• It also helps cover defense costs, attorney fees and other charges associated with lawsuits. 
• This coverage also extends to international occurrences.

 
In today’s world, anyone can get hit with a lawsuit. That's why it's more important than ever to consider an added layer of protection for your assets – and your peace of mind.
​
All the things you’ve worked so hard to earn should be protected. Call me to find out what is at risk and how an umbrella policy can protect you.  Call 201-796-1881.

It's reassuring to have insurance on our homes, our health and other parts of our lives. But, sometimes our primary insurance policies leave gaps in coverage, and limits on payments. 

​An umbrella liability policy covers a much higher limit, and goes above and beyond claims directly relating to your home and auto. ​

It is not just about what is in your bank account. Lawsuits can claim more in damages, putting your retirement savings and your home at risk. A settlement may even garnish your wages.
​
In these cases, umbrella insurance can cover amounts above the limits of your current homeowner and auto policies. It can also cover rental units you may own, and cover you in case of false arrest, libel, or slander.

Might you need a Commercial Umbrella Insurance Policy? Significant assets can be at risk when businesses are the target of lawsuits, if the cost of a claim exceeds the limits of a business’s underlying primary insurance policies. Commercial Umbrella Insurance extends liability coverage for an additional layer of insurance to further protect business assets.

The Bright Side: Umbrella coverage is inexpensive. With rates for around $17 per month*, a Travelers Umbrella policy is valuable protection. That is a low price to pay to ensure that your assets and future are protected, and for the peace of mind that comes with it. *Download the Travelers Policy overview below.

We are always happy to talk with you to find the right coverage for you. Call us at 201-796-1881.

​The Dog Days of Summer Have Arrived!

What exactly does that mean? The phrase doesn’t stem from lazy dogs lying around on hot and humid days. Instead, we need to look to the summer sky. The ancient Romans called the hottest, most humid days of summer “diēs caniculārēs” or “dog days.” They associated the hottest days with the star Sirius. Sirius was known as the “Dog Star” because it was the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major – and also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. For the ancient Romans, the dog days of summer occurred from about July 24 to August 24. Today, The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists the traditional timing of the dog days of summer as being July 3 – August 11.