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E-bikes: A Cautionary Tale

ebike

Electronic Bicycles, also called e-bikes, have become increasingly popular in the US following COVID among drivers for delivery apps, like Uber Eats, and for commuters looking for an alternative to mass transit. They have found e-bikes to be a cost-effective form of transportation. While these bikes are zippy, they have a history of malfunctioning batteries that riders should be aware of!

According to Consumer Reports, between December 2021 and December 2022,, 202 fires were attributed to the lithium-ion batteries used to power e-bikes and similar transportation devices (like e-scooters) in New York City alone. These batteries, when poorly constructed, are left charging too long, are overcharged, or are over used can catch fire or explode, spreading the fire faster.

What can you do to lessen the chance of fire?

  • Use the right charger: Always use the charger that came with your e-bike, and avoid using chargers from other brands. Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging your battery.
  • Monitor the battery: Keep an eye on the battery while charging and do not leave it unattended for long periods. Also, avoid overcharging the battery or leaving it on the charger for too long.
  • Proper storage: Store your e-bike in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, and flammable materials. Also, avoid storing the bike in extremely cold or hot temperatures, as this can damage the battery. Try storing it in a detached structure if possible and avoid placing it at or near a doorway that could be blocked in the chance it does ignite.
  • Regular maintenance: Maintain your e-bike regularly and have it serviced by a qualified technician as needed. This includes checking the wiring and connectors for signs of damage or wear.
  • Use high-quality batteries: Invest in high-quality batteries from reputable manufacturers, as they are less likely to fail and are generally more reliable. Be mindful and refrain from the use of aftermarket batteries. Use the batteries manufactured by or approved by the e-bike manufacturer.
  • Do not modify the bike: Avoid making any modifications to the bike’s electrical components or battery, as this can increase the risk of fire.
  • Check for recalls: Keep up-to-date with any recalls related to your e-bike’s battery or electrical system, and have any necessary repairs or replacements done promptly.
  • In the case of fire: Try to move the e-bike out of and away from the building as a lithium-ion battery fire can be extremely dangerous and difficult to extinguish.

Like any other vehicle, e-bikes also come with their own set of risks that may require insurance coverage. Here are some potential insurance risks to consider:

  • Accidents: If you get into an accident while riding your e-bike, you may be liable for any damages or injuries you cause to others. You may also suffer injuries that require medical attention or damage your e-bike. Therefore, it’s essential to have liability insurance to cover any damages or injuries you may cause.
  • Theft: E-bikes are a popular target for thieves because they are expensive and relatively easy to steal. To protect against theft, you may want to consider comprehensive coverage or adding theft coverage to your policy.
  • Vandalism: Your e-bike may be vandalized, which can cause damage and require repairs. Comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs in this situation.
  • Damage from natural disasters: Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes can cause damage to your e-bike. Comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement in such cases.
  • Personal injuries: E-bikes can travel at high speeds, and accidents can cause serious injuries. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with personal injuries.

It’s important to note that insurance requirements for e-bikes may vary by state. It’s best to consult with your Quincy Mutual agent to determine the insurance coverage that best suits your needs. If you’re not a Quincy Mutual client yet, find your closest agent here.

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The Quincy Connect

Large Commercial Accounts

Having trouble finding a home for large commercial accounts?

Looking for a more comprehensive and competitive BOP offering for your larger risks?

Quincy Mutual is happy to offer a solution to your large commercial needs. We have found success with large accounts in a wide range of class codes for apartments and condominiums, mercantile classes like salons and barber shops, as well as offices, and more! Mixed occupancy buildings and multiple classes across locations are eligible. We can entertain a total insurable value of up to $30 million at a single location and can consider higher TIV’s depending on the geographic spread of risk.

Below are some of our coverage highlights that allow you to provide the most comprehensive policy for your client. In addition, our Presidential Enhancement is available in 3 different bucket limits and will tailor to the class code of your locations, providing additional protection for those coverages that the class code needs most.

Feel free to reach out to your underwriter if you want to learn more about our offerings or have any questions about coverages. We are happy to assist in quoting any new business you have.

*Coverage may not be available depending on the location’s state. Contact your underwriter for more information.

Lithium Ion Batteries

There are growing concerns with the fires linked to consumer products powered by lithium-ion batteries. These fires are causing significant property damage, leading to injuries and even death. Many popular consumer items are powered with lithium-ion batteries ranging from electric cars, bikes or scooters to the numerous phone and computer devices we use on a daily basis. When lithium-ion batteries are damaged or overcharged they will overheat, catch fire and can explode.

Another cause for concern is after-market batteries that may be poorly designed or lack the safeguards of the original manufacturer battery. New York recently introduced legislation to regulate batteries in an effort to prevent fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries. Fires caused by these batteries can be difficult to extinguish and the chemical reactions can reignite the fire at a later time.

If a fire does occur, people should evacuate to a safe area and call 911 so that proper fire fighting apparatus is used to extinguish the fire. Many governmental and safety organizations suggest consumers follow manufacturer instructions for the specific product and are also warning consumers to take extra care when using or charging electrical items powered by such batteries and not leave them unattended and unplugging the device if there is excessive heat.

Quincy Mutual Charitable Giving

Quincy Mutual continues to give back to the community. Our Charitable Giving Volunteer committee hosted a Diaper Drive in February. Diapers and related items were collected from employees. All items were donated to DOVE: Domestic Violence Ended. Their mission is to end domestic and partner violence by providing a range of advocacy and support series.

Next up, the Charitable Giving Volunteer committee will be hosting an event for Happy Hope Factory, where volunteers will assemble activity packs for children who are hospitalized. The packs will be sent to two Boston hospitals. This event will be coming up this spring.

Update from Claims

After a relatively moderate 2022, the year ended with a windstorm, resulting in an influx of claim volume. A severe cold front originating in the Rocky Mountain range worked its way across the United States, eventually bringing heavy rains, power outages and wind to New England on December 23rd. ISO later categorized this as a multi-state catastrophe affecting 38 states and estimated the industry impact to be $3.5 billion. With solid preparations in place, the claims team was able to quickly close 70% of the volume over the span of just a few weeks.

A little over a month later, a severe deep freeze descended into New England, bringing windy arctic air with wind chills reaching negative fifty degrees in some areas. Although the event moved out of our area rather quickly, it left a deluge of frozen pipe burst claims in its wake.

Quincy Mutual prepared proactively by getting ahead of claim setups that weekend, aligning resources to respond to our policyholders and streamlining adjustment guidelines to help manage the claim volume. With an event like this, the severity is much worse than a typical wind event bringing down trees or causing power outages. When a pipe freezes and bursts, the thawed water escapes until shut off. Often these pipes are in hard to reach areas, or are in seldom visited areas of the home or business which increases the loss severity.

As carriers across New England struggle with the influx, Quincy Mutual was prepared with a plan and quickly executed to help our insureds quickly recover.

Spring is here!

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How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Difficulty
Beginner

Duration
Under 2 hours

Dirty or clogged dryer vents and ductwork don’t just reduce your dryer’s performance. The combination of heat and accumulated dryer lint and dust can lead to a fire hazard. In fact, clogged clothes dryer vents cause thousands of fires per year in the United States. Learn how to clean a dryer vent at least once a year to keep your home safe and ensure that laundry day runs at peak efficiency.

Tip: Check for warning signs of clothes dryer lint buildup such as laundry taking longer to dry, the clothes dryer becoming hotter to the touch or a burning smell becoming noticeable in the laundry room.

1

Disconnect the Dryer

  • Before dryer vent cleaning, locate the vent, which should be easily found at the back of the dryer. Also locate the dryer exhaust vent at your home’s exterior.
  • The first step on how to clean a dryer vent is to unplug the dryer. If you have a gas dryer, turn the supply valve off while cleaning.
  • Pull the dryer away from the wall about a foot to begin cleaning your dryer vent.
  • Disconnect the dryer ductfrom the back of the dryer. You may need to use a screwdriver to disconnect the vent clamp.

Tip: Some types of flexible dryer hose made of plastic, vinyl or foil are more likely to become clogged and cause fires, so replace them with ductwork that meets your local building codes.

2

Vacuum Out the Vent

  • While wearing safety gloves, remove lint from the hole at the back of the dryer.
  • Cleaning lint from a dryer duct requires a vacuum. Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or shop vacto clean in and around the hole at the back of the dryer.
  • If you can detach the length of duct where it meets the wall, do so. It will make cleaning it easier.
  • Cleaning a dryer duct isn’t difficult. Remove lint from the duct by hand and then vacuum the inside of the duct. Use hose extensions, if available, to vacuum out as much of the duct as you can.
  • Go outside the house and remove the exterior vent cover.
  • Clean out the dryer vent from the outside using a vacuum.

Tip: Some homeowners use a leaf blower to expel dust through the vent from inside, but this tends to be a less efficient system for most homes.

3

Brush Out the Vent

  • If your dryer vent is too long to efficiently use a vacuum to remove the lint, buy a dryer vent kitfor an alternate method. These kits contain flexible brushes with extensions that can be used comparably to drain snakes and more thoroughly clean the vent’s interior walls.
  • The first step to cleaning a dryer duct is to feed the brush into the duct and move it back and forth while slightly rotating it.
  • Extend the brush as needed and continue until the vents are free of dust and lint.

Tip: Determine whether the interior or exterior opening of your house is higher and begin brushing on the higher side, so gravity will help loosen the lint.

4

Reconnect the Dryer

  • When finished cleaning, inspect the ducts to make sure that they are undamaged and up to safety codes. Replace ducts if needed.
  • Reattach ductwork and vent cover. If necessary, seal sections of ductwork with UL-listed metal foil duct tape.
  • Push the dryer back into place and plug it in or turn the gas valve back on.
  • To test the dryer, run it for 15 to 20 minutes on the fluff or air dry setting to make sure all the connections are strong and to dislodge any remaining debris.

Tip: If the above vent cleaning steps are insufficient, consider hiring a dryer vent cleaning service.

5

Take Steps to Avoid Lint Buildup

Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around your dryer may reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent.

  • Regularly sweep and dust the area around the dryer.
  • Remove the lint trap filter and clean it out before every cycle. It’s quick, easy and makes a big difference in your dryer’s performance.
  • On a regular basis, remove the lint screen and vacuum in and around the lint filter housing with the hose attachment of the vacuum cleaner.
  • Dryer sheets can leave residue on a lint screen that can build up over time. If the lint screen is clogged, use a scrub brushto wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse it with clean water and dry it off with a towel.

It’s important to remove lint regularly to avoid lint buildup. Cleaning lint from a dryer ultimately protects your home from house fires as well. Not only can the lint catch fire due to buildup, but if a fire were to start due to other circumstances, the lint would provide fuel, causing the fire to grow. Cleaning a dryer vent not only keeps your home safe, but keeps your dryer working properly and efficiently.

A clogged clothes dryer may not just be a fire hazard, but can cause your energy bills to increase by requiring longer drying times for your laundry. Knowing how to clean a dryer vent can protect your house, save some money and make your clothes look better.

Get all the things you need to clean your dryer vent today. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.

Source: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-a-dryer-vent/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90104093975

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Where’s Your Water Shutoff?

Water Shutoff

Do you know where your water shutoffs are? For your sinks? For toilets? For your washer? What about the main valve that controls your whole house or business? If you don’t know the locations of your water shutoffs, you need to!

Knowing where your shutoffs are is important for variety of reasons. If you’re replacing your kitchen sink, you’ll need to know how to shut off the water. If your toilet is running, you can shut off the water between uses until it can be repaired. Most importantly, if you are experiencing a burst pipe, you can shut off the water to the whole building to lessen the possibility of flooding!

Our Claims Department has seen many instances where shutting off the water could have saved home or business owners’ time, money and hassle, but they didn’t know where the water shutoff was. Our advice- find your shutoffs! Show your family where to find them, show your employees where these are located, tell anyone who is housesitting for you where to find them, and put a tag on the main valve so it’s easily visible in an emergency. We have a printable tag on our site for just this purpose.

Quincy Mutual Group is dedicated to helping you maintain your lifestyle, and that includes easy tips that allow you to act quickly if an emergency arises. Prevent flooding; prevent hassle; prevent a claim! If you’re not a Quincy Mutual client yet, find your closest agent here.

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Offering Equipment Breakdown & Service Line Coverage

Kitchen

Did you know that Quincy Mutual offers Equipment Breakdown & Service Line coverages for homeowners? These coverages are very affordable solutions to some pretty expensive problems.

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲

KitchenEquipment Breakdown protects you in the event of Mechanical, Electrical, or Pressure System breakdowns from televisions to security systems to pools and much more!

A single power surge could short-circuit the appliances in your kitchen; imagine paying for a replacement stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave! What if your appliances are smart appliances? The cost could get out of hand quickly! This coverage would help pay to replace these items for you.

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲

Construction_Underground_PipesIf you thought the utility lines on your property were covered under your standard homeowners insurance or that it’s the city’s responsibility to pay for repairs to these, you are mistaken. Water pipes, gas lines, cable lines, sewer lines- all cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace if needed!

Service Line coverage protects you if there is damage to underground piping, wiring, valves or attached devices that connect a home to a public utility service provider or private system!

You can find an interactive link that explains more about these coverages here. You can also contact your local Quincy Mutual Group agent with questions or to add this coverage to your homeowners policy. If you’re not a Quincy Mutual client yet, find your closest agent here.

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Winter Safety Guide

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We’re officially in one of the most dreaded winter weather months — February. Historically, this month is infamous for heavy storms, frozen roadways, and the risk of dangerous conditions. In the coming days we know it is likely that temperatures will drop drastically. As you prepare for the cold, brush up on these safety tips.

Staying Warm and Avoiding Frostbite

  • Dress warmly in several layers of clothing—wear boots, gloves, or mittens and a hat when going outside.
  • Limit time outside for infants as they lose heat quickly.
  • Make sure to protect your pets and ensure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • Use the “buddy system” to monitor your physical reaction to the cold if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time.

Preparing your home

  • Sealing any drafts if the first step to keeping the inside of your home warm and the cold weather out. Doors and windows can leak heat 24/7, but weather-stripping will give you an added layer of protection.
  • Ensure all windows, storm windows and doors are closed; add insulation to prevent drafts.
  • Maintain consistent temperature in the home greater than 65 degrees.
  • Open cabinets and doors under sinks or where plumbing exists.
  • Turn off water to outside faucets and spickets, and open valves to let them drain. Allow hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath to drip or single control faucet in the middle. Know the location of your water shut off valve for your home. If a pipe freeze does occur, call a plumber, and keep the faucet open when thawing to allow water to flow. If a plumber is not available, gradually warm the pipe to restore flow.
  • Make sure your fireplace, chimney, and furnace are all working properly in order to keep your home safe while heating it.
  • Close your fireplace flue when you are not using it.
  • Check current oil level, order fuel if necessary.
  • Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold), especially under house, with foam insulation.
  • Clean your gutters to avoid ice forming in them. Keep a roof rake on hand and clear excessive snow from the roof to prevent ice dams and avoid collapse if excessive amounts of snow fall.
  • Reverse your ceiling fans to help distribute heat through the house.
  • If a generator is used as backup, confirm it is operational and fuel is secured and stored properly.
  • Check on your elderly neighbors.
  • Check on any secondary or rental exposures to utilize the same loss prevention techniques as noted above.
  • Have some important essentials in your home as a Winter Preparedness Kit in the case that you may need them:
    • Flashlights and batteries
    • Battery operated radio
    • Bottled water
    • Medications and first aid kit
    • Blankets, warm clothes, and heating alternatives
    • Non-perishable foods.

Preparing your vehicle

  • If you can, fill up your gas tank.
  • Make sure you have the proper tires for icy conditions.
  • Having some important essentials in your car as well is also key:
    • Jumper Cables
    • Flashlight
    • First Aid Kit
    • Shovel
    • Ice Scraper
    • Warm Clothes
    • Hand Warmers
    • Blankets

Preparing your business

  • Freezing temperatures could force businesses to close down for several days. Investing in generators can help to ensure businesses will have constant power.
  • The ability to make arrangements to allow employees to work from home can help keep businesses operating if commuting becomes unsafe. If your employees still have to drive, remind them to take additional caution due to the winter weather. Drive slowly, give extra time to stop and change direction, bridges can be icy when other road surfaces are not, do not use cruise control during slippery conditions.
  • It is always helpful to ensure that there is adequate business coverage, including loss of business income, to help in the case of these events.
  • Here are some additional important things to note on winter preparation for your business:
    • Ensure the thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit in all areas to keep pipes from freezing.
    • Turn off water to outside faucets and spickets, and open valves to let them drain. Allow hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath to drip or single control faucet in the middle. Know the location of your water shut off valve for your home. If a pipe freeze does occur, call a plumber, and keep the faucet open when thawing to allow water to flow. If a plumber is not available, gradually warm the pipe to restore flow.
    • Open cabinets and doors under sinks or where plumbing exists.
    • Review winter storm contingencies and have alternative power options like generators.
    • Set expectation with employees and keep them informed.
    • If you are a landlord, you may want to send the information regarding preparing your home to tenants to keep them and the property safe as well.
    • Follow weather updates.
    • Add ice melt to sidewalks and periodically clear them to keep up with snow accumulation.
    • Add non-slip mats and fans for water removal by building entrances.
    • Hire a snow/ice removal service.
    • Repair any defects in sidewalks and walkways.
    • Inspect building insulation.
    • Add new tires to the business auto fleet.
    • Stay up to date on vehicle maintenance.
    • Maintain the roof of your building.
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Umbrella Insurance – Consider This

Umbrella

You’ve heard the term Umbrella policy before, but figured you already had insurance for your belongings. So why do you need this coverage? Consider this- you’re in an auto accident and the other driver sues you. The other driver wins the lawsuit against you and you’re now required to pay them $1 million, but your auto insurance only covers a portion of that. Now you’re on the hook for the remaining amount. Without an umbrella policy in place, this sum is an out of pocket expense not covered by your primary homeowner or automobile policies.

With an umbrella policy, this scenario plays out differently. You have an additional coverage that goes above and beyond what your auto insurance pays out. Instead of dipping into your personal finances to pay the other driver, you pull from your umbrella policy and avert the potential for financial struggles!

In a nutshell, an umbrella insurance policy offers you and your family additional liability protection over the basic coverage provided by your automobile, homeowners or boat policy. $1 million, $2 million, $3 million or $5 million ($3 and $5 million option not available in all states) limits are available.

If you would like more information on our products, or to add this coverage, please contact your existing Quincy Mutual agent or use our agent locator.

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Hauling Your Christmas Tree

Tree_Tie_Down

You know it’s the holiday season in New England when you see cars on their way home with a Christmas tree tied to their roof! While we love seeing this display of Christmas cheer, Quincy Mutual Group wants to ensure that if you’re planning to join the crowd traveling with trees, you are doing so correctly!

Step 1- Use the Right Vehicle: Trucks, minivans and SUVs are perfect for this task! They either have a bed in the back, or a roof rack for carrying items. We do NOT recommend that sedans or similar cars carry a tree home!

Step 2- Protect Your Vehicle: Avoid scratches and sap damaging your vehicle’s paint by throwing down a blanket before securing your tree.

Step 3- Correctly Position Your Tree: You’ll want to have the trunk of your tree facing the front of the vehicle. This allows for less resistance from the branches, which will be bundled toward the rear of your vehicle.

Step 4- Secure Your Tree: Don’t skimp on this part of the process. Weak tie-downs (or worse, the twine some tree lots offer) will not give the security needed for the tree’s trip home. Bring out the ratchet straps or bungee cords instead.

Step 5- Mind Your Speed: Slow and steady gets the tree home. Mind your speed, and take backroads home if needed. Going too fast or braking too suddenly could result in your tree coming loose and causing an accident or injury.

Step 6- Getting Your Tree Down: Just like in Step 2, you’re going to want to protect your vehicle. Consider leaving the tree on the blanket it traveled on, and use the blanket to gently carry the tree off your vehicle.

Avoid auto insurance claims and ensure the safety of your passengers, other motorists and pedestrians by following these tips. At Quincy Mutual Group, your road safety is very important to us. Visit our Agent Locator here and any of our 500+ agents can assist you with a car insurance quote!

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Guide To Commercial Auto Insurance

If you run a company that relies on the use of vehicles for yourself or employees to complete job-related tasks, a personal auto insurance policy isn’t sufficient coverage to protect you in the event of an accident or damage.

Commercial auto policies are designed to provide coverage for
the increased risks that come from a business’s daily operations.
If you have employees who spend a lot of time on the road, or you’re an individual who uses your personal vehicle to make money, here’s everything you need to know about commercial auto insurance:

What is commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is a business insurance policy that applies to autos owned by or used for your business that protects against liability for damages caused by accidents involving your business autos. This type of policy also provides certain compensation to occupants of your business autos who may be injured in an accident.

The difference between personal and commercial auto policies
The main difference between commercial and personal auto insurance is the coverage provided. A personal auto policy provides coverage to protect you, your personal assets, and prevent you and your family from experiencing financial hardship. Commercial auto insurance provides coverage to protect you and businesses from auto-related lawsuits and settlements.
Another key factor to this policy is vehicle ownership. If your vehicles are owned by your business, they need to be covered under a commercial auto policy. That way, commercial auto insurance will help protect your business’s finances from costs related to accidents or other covered losses. It’s events like these — when you or your employees are driving one of your
business’s vehicles — where you need this protection most.

Do I need commercial auto insurance?
When do you need business auto insurance for your vehicle? Consider the following:

How is the vehicle used?

If you own a business, have a business owner policy, or general liability policy for your business, and own or use the auto in conjunction with your owned business, you’ll most likely need a commercial auto policy to protect those vehicles and your business.

Who owns the vehicle?
Your vehicle will most likely need commercial auto insurance if it’s owned by a business, but if you’re the sole proprietor, you might only need a personal auto insurance policy. For instance, if you only use your vehicle simply for commuting to and from work, you might be covered by your personal auto insurance policy. Contact your agent to make sure.

You’ll typically need commercial auto insurance if:
● Any of your vehicles are owned by a partnership, LLC, or corporation.
● Any of your vehicles are registered or titled to a business, including corporation or partnership.
● Any of your employees or you rent or lease vehicles for business purposes.
● Any non-listed drivers use their own vehicles to conduct business on your business’s behalf.

How is the vehicle being used?
The type of your vehicle, ownership and how the vehicle is used are important factors when determining if you need commercial auto insurance. Consider the following:
● Are any of your vehicles a dump truck, semi or commercial trailer?
● Do any of your vehicles, including pickups, vans or utility vehicles, exceed a gross weight of 15,000 pounds?
● Do any of your vehicles have catering equipment?
● Is your vehicle outfitted for snow plowing and not used for personal use snow plowing?
● Are any of your vehicles equipped with altered suspensions, hydraulic lifts?

Coverage included with commercial auto insurance
Like any insurance policy, coverage will vary based on your business’ specific needs. We recommend you review your policy thoroughly with your insurer, however, the following are common when it comes to a commercial auto insurance:
● Liability Coverage — Covers damage to you or another individual’s vehicle and any legal
costs related to an accident.
● Medical Payments Coverage — Covers the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and, if applicable, lost wages and funeral expenses for you and your passengers as a result of an accident, no matter who is at fault.
● Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage (UI/UIM) — Coverage in the event that another driver involved in an accident does not have insurance or doesn’t have sufficient coverage to pay your medical bills. Nearly 14% of all drivers in the US are uninsured, so you’re taking your chances if you don’t add UM/UIM coverage to your commercial auto policy.
● Comprehensive Coverage — Payment to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged from an incident out of your control, such as fire, vandalism, theft, natural disasters, or animal collisions.

We hope this helps you better understand commercial auto insurance and whether it’s right for
you. Visit our website to find an agent near you who can help explain your coverage options.

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Wellness Tips for Hybrid Employees

Today, 51% of companies are in favor of a hybrid-remote work schedule for their employees. As more and more employers begin to adopt this type of working environment, it’s important to prioritize the well-being of individuals regardless of location to help avoid burnout, especially when the lines between work and home are blurred.

Here are some wellness tips to maintain productivity and boost overall success.

Set Boundaries
When you work and live in the same place, it can be challenging to maintain a separation between your personal and professional life. Your home becomes your office and vice versa. Unplugging has become more challenging than ever. Research shows remote workers log an average of four more hours per week than their on-site counterparts, ultimately leading to burnout and poor mental health.

To set healthy boundaries, get ready for the day as if you’re going to an office. Set up a space in your home designated for work tasks and work tasks only. When you sign off for the day, try to avoid checking email or answering calls following that time.

Schedule Breaks
In an office setting, you probably take breaks throughout the day to take a walk, eat lunch, get a coffee, or chat with colleagues. When you’re at home, you may just remain glued to your computer or work the entire day. Set an alarm to take breaks throughout the day at home and in the office so you get into a similar routine.

Avoid Tech Fatigue
In the era of Zoom meetings, everyone is spending more time on computers or technology in general than ever before. Aside from normal time spent on devices like phones, computers, and tablets, this added screen time can be detrimental to your vision. Here are a few ways to combat this:
● Shift out of full screen views to reduce the size of the window relative to your monitor. Also, keep your screens on a lower brightness setting.
● On Zoom calls, hide your self-view or opt for camera off options entirely.
● Use an external keyboard or mouse so you can set your screen up farther away from your face.
● Opt for phone calls when possible.

Promote Wellness in Company Culture
Step challenges, walking groups, and fitness contests are popular among offices and can be translated to remote work environments too. Promoting healthy activities and offering incentives like an extra vacation day to the winner can have a ripple effect on overall wellness and productivity in your employees.

Here are a few ideas to consider:
● Create an office intramural sports team.
● Offer group fitness classes for days employees are in office.
● Encourage walking breaks throughout the day.
● Offer reimbursement for gym memberships and fitness classes or equipment.

Plan Meetings with Purpose
With remote work, “meeting overload” has become a common culprit of burnout. Before you hit send on an invite, be sure you’re only inviting those who truly need to be present and make the meeting as efficient as possible.

No matter where you work from, employee wellness should always be a priority. We hope these tips help you implement some positive practices within your company.