Protect personal information kept in your offices and workspaces.

Keep your passwords strong and private. Nevershare your passwords. Do not write down your passwords or leave them in an open or easy to find location, such as under your keyboard or posted on your computer.

Lock your computer when you leave your office or desk.

Protect your laptops and other computing personal devices such as BlackBerrys or other PDAs with hard drive encryption and password protection. Keep your BlackBerrys and PDAs in your possession at all times.

Properly dispose of all paper documents that contain personal information. You should destroy, shred or pulverize documents that are no longer needed to meet business or record retention requirements. You should also shred destroy or pulverize CDs, DVDs or other media that contain personal information when it is no longer needed.

TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF THE OFFICE:

 Take only what you need offsite.

 Keep your briefcase, laptop, PDA, or other items that contain an individual’s personal information with you at all times. Place these items in a secure location in your carry-on luggage or securely lock them in your car out of view.

 Keep hard-copy information, as well as encrypted storage devices containing sensitive and confidential information in carry-on luggage or securely locked in your car out of plain sight.

 Do not read confidential information or discuss confidential information where eavesdroppers may see or hear.

A wide array of businesses and other organizations can depend on Lifestore Insurance for insurance protection. You can count on us to provide you with outstanding protection and claims service with a personal touch, all at competitive rates. Your business or organization may be eligible for Lifestore Insurance‘s, multi-year coverage terms, which are available in most states. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing the company that insures you has our superior financial strength and stability.

Build Your Insurance Program
Together, you and your agent can build your business insurance program with these products:

• Property (building and business personal property)
• Loss of Income
• General Liability
• Crime
• Commercial Automobile
• Workers’ Compensation
• Commercial Inland Marine
• Commercial Umbrella Liability
• Directors and Officers Liability
• Transportation/Cargo
• Machinery and Equipment Breakdown
• Business Life (for key employee protection, business continuation, retirement savings)
• Worksite Marketing Programs

Find Coverage Tailored to Your Profession
You may qualify for one of our specialty programs covering many types of businesses and professionals:

• Small Businesses
• Contractors (artisan)
• Dentists (including professional liability)
• Financial Institutions
• Funeral Service Providers
• Garage Operations
• Metalworkers
• Printers (including professional liability)
• Religious Institutions (including professional liability)
• and more

Manage Your Business Capital
In addition, your business or organization may benefit from these financial services:

• Leasing Services (automobiles, office equipment and more)
• Commercial Loans
• Bonds (bid, performance, fidelity and others)

Contact an Agent
To obtain a quote or learn more about the value of Lifestore Insurance‘s business insurance programs and reliable claims service, please call 855-730-0200.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft occurs when a person’s personal identifying information is stolen and used fraudulently. This may include your name, Social Security number, birthdate, driver’s license number, banking account information, or credit card account number. Thieves will then use this information to steal from or charge to your accounts, open new accounts in your name, or even worse, create a new identity as you to obtain a car, a home, or even a job. The financial and emotional effects on you, the victim, can last for months, even years.

How Thieves Steal Your Identity

Never underestimate the creativity of thieves. The scams and techniques they deploy are almost endless, ranging from simple means like sorting through your trash to high-tech schemes that entail constructing elaborate but fictitious websites. Here are just a few of the ways that identity theft occurs.

1. Mailbox theft. Identity thieves steal pre-approved credit card offers or stock brokerage, bank and credit card statements, tax information, and other documents containing your personal information from your mailbox. This is particularly common after year-end when such documents are routinely mailed.

 

2. Change of address. Criminals file a change of address form with the Post Office and divert your mail to another location to steal your personal information.

 

3. Bogus charitable appeals. A person calls you, claims to be affiliated with a reputable charity, and requests a donation for a worthy cause, which requires your credit card and other personal information. Seniors and the infirmed are vulnerable to these “appeals.”

 

4. Refinance now. A bank or refinance company calls and asks if you want to refinance your home to get a great rate. You’re asked some innocent questions to get you used to answering and then they ask for your Social Security number so they can check your credit in order to get you the “most favorable refinance rate.”

 

5. Skimming. A waiter at a restaurant or service person at a business where you are making a credit card purchase passes your credit card through a small electronic device which copies the magnetic strip and other details. These are transferred on to a machine which copies the details on to a fake card.

 

6. The government guise. An identity thief posing as the IRS mails you an official looking IRS form that you’re asked to complete and return with your personal information so they can process your refund.

 

7. Your husband has a problem. Thieves call you during the day posing as a credit card issuer. They inform you that “your husband’s payment is overdue.” Playing on your guilt and surprise, they request personal information in order to resolve his “problem.”

 

8. We owe you money. You get a phone call notifying you that you are entitled to a significant tax refund; they just need your credit card number to charge the nominal shipping expense and your Social Security number to confirm the refund amount.

 

9. Phishing by e-mail. You get an e-mail from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offering to upgrade your service. The e-mail has a link to a website that looks and feels exactly like those your ISP uses. You’re asked to enter your personal information to receive the upgraded service. Identity thieves then use your data to open new accounts and make purchases.

 

10. Trash pick-up. You conscientiously place your trash by the curb the night before pickup. Identity thieves posing as people out for an evening stroll go through your trash and remove documents with your personal information.

 

11. Credit check. Posing as your employer, landlord, or someone else with a legitimate reason, identity thieves request firms with your records to supply your Social Security number or other personal information.

 

12. Inside job. An employee in Human Resources or Payroll with access to your personal information agrees to sell it to identity thieves who use it to create a new you and new accounts in your name at another address.

 

13. Cleaning up. Domestic help or contractors enter your home with your permission and collect Social Security numbers and other information from documents you’ve left out unsecured. Dishonest neighbors and even family members that might be invited in have also resorted to this tactic.

 

14. Hacking around. Identity thieves hack websites containing your personal information or account numbers, like catalog companies, and use it to create new accounts.

 

15. Free checking. Thieves steal bill payments you’ve deposited in an outside mailbox, and learn your name, address, account numbers, and even how you sign your checks. Then they open a new account elsewhere and have statements sent to another address.

 

16. Shoulder surfing. Thieves watch from a nearby location as you punch your telephone calling card or credit card information into a telephone or computer.

 

17. Doing your taxes. Identity thieves file a tax return in your name using information they have stolen and have your refund check sent to them.

Safeguard Yourself Against Identity Theft

In this electronic age, your personal information is everywhere and easily accessible. No one can guarantee that you will never be a victim of identity theft but you can reduce your risk. By managing your personal information wisely, being aware of threats, and educating yourself, you can help guard against identity theft. Here are ten simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your information being stolen and misused.

1. Order your credit report. Order your credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (see below). Check each report for accuracy including your name, address, and Social Security number, and for indications of fraud such as:
   • credit accounts that you did not open
   • applications for credit that you did not complete
   • credit inquiries that you did not make
   • charges you did not authorize
   • delinquencies that you did not cause.

 

 

2. Guard your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is often used by companies and businesses as an identifier. Whenever possible, avoid this practice and keep your Social Security number locked away in a safe place. Don’t write or have your number printed on your checks. Finally, check your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement each year to ensure no one is using your number for employment.

 

3. Protect your mail from theft. If possible, use a locked mailbox and mail outgoing bills from post office collection boxes rather than an unsecured mail box. Ask your post office to hold your mail when you are away. Monitor your billing cycles and keep track of incoming mail, particularly tax forms, pay stubs, credit card bills, and bank statements. If it’s an option, receive these documents electronically by e-mail, or retrieve them online. Pick up new checks at the bank rather than having them sent to your home mailbox.

 

4. Destroy documents before disposal. Tear, or better yet, shred your charge and ATM receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements. Also, destroy expired credits cards and convenience checks or credit offers you get in the mail. If you do not want mailed credit offers, contact the three major credit reporting agencies and have your credit report marked “no solicitation.”

 

5. Shop online with caution. Designate one distinct credit card with a low limit for online shopping. Never use a debit card. Make sure the website is a secure site that complies with industry security standards before you provide any credit information. To determine if a site is safe, look for the “lock” symbols in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window and the words “Secure Sockets Layer” or the acronym “SSL” in the merchant’s privacy statement. Never send payment information via e-mail.

 

6. Practice Safe Computing. Update your virus protection software regularly. Download and install security patches for your operating system or browser. Use a firewall program, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection like cable, DSL or T-1, which leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. The firewall program will help prevent persons from accessing your computer and your personal information. Before disposing of a computer use a “wipe” utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive and make files with personal information unrecoverable. Never store personal information on a laptop computer, which is more easily stolen.

 

7. Choose PINs carefully. Do not use any part of your Social Security number as a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Avoid using “easy-to-guess” PINs such as your birth date, pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, address, telephone number, or consecutive numbers. Memorize all PINs and do not write them down. Finally, shield the PIN pad when you are entering the number in a retail establishment or at an ATM to prevent others from observing your PIN.

 

8. Lock up important documents. Keep all documents with personal or account information under lock and key in your home. Don’t leave them unsecured and accessible to visitors. Always keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work, preferably a locked drawer. Carry only those cards you need.

 

9. Record your credit and bank account information. Make a list of, or photocopy, all of your credit and debit cards, including the account number, expiration date, credit limit and the telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments. Safeguard these lists; if one of your cards is stolen, you can contact card issuers and banks faster with the right information. Make a similar list for your bank accounts.

 

10. Don’t take that call. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of mortgage companies, banks, credit card companies, Internet Service Providers, and even government agencies to get you to reveal your personal information.

Ordering Your Credit Report from Major Credit Reporting Agencies

Regular periodic review of your credit report is an essential step in protecting your identity. We recommend that you order your credit report from each credit reporting agency once a year. It is best to alternate your requests between different reporting agencies every four months, rather then obtain all reports at once. This will help you detect problems through the course of the year.

Annualcreditreport.com is a website which allows you to request a free* credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies:

Equifax
P.O. Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348
Request Credit Report:             (800) 525-6285
http://www.equifax.com

Experian
P.O. Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
Request Credit Report:             (888) 397-3742
http://www.experian.com

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92835
Request Credit Report:             (800) 888-4213
http://www.transunion.com

*Eligibility for an annual free credit report is determined by your state of residence based on the rollout schedule set by federal law. The website lists when a free credit report becomes available in your state.

For more information on Identity Theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission website atwww.ftc.gov.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and the majority of them are children. One in five of those bites requires medical attention. Click a link to find out more about how to protect yourself and your family.

Who’s at risk?
How can dog bites be prevented?
How can I protect my children?
How can I prevent my dog from biting?
What if my dog bites someone?
What should I do if I think a dog may attack?
What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

Who’s at risk?

Children are most at risk for a bite, especially those between the ages of 5 and 9. Adult males, the elderly, home service providers such as mail carriers, and those who have a dog in their household are also at increased risk.

How can dog bites be prevented?

Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can learn to reduce their chances of being bitten.

Before you bring a dog into your household:

• Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.

If you decide to bring a dog into your home:

• Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
• Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
• Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control)

How can I protect my children?

To help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog or scream.
• Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control)

How can I prevent my dog from biting?

• Spay or neuter your dog. This important and routine procedure will reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making safe confinement an easier task. Spayed or neutered dogs are much less likely to bite.
• Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types of people and situations so that he or she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.
• Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog’s education. Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home. Note that training classes are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers.
• Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don’t teach your dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun. Your dog can’t always understand the difference between play and real-life situations. Set appropriate limits for your dog’s behavior. Don’t wait for an accident. The first time he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, seek professional help from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help.
• Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone’s safety, don’t allow your dog to roam alone. Make your dog a member of your family. Dogs that spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs that are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite.
• Err on the safe side. If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room. Work with professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.

(Source: The Humane Society)

What if my dog bites someone?

• Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim’s condition. If necessary, seek medical help.
• Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination.
• Cooperate with the animal control official responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian’s hospital. Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.
• Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.
• If your dog’s dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that person’s ability to protect him and prevent him from biting. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does even when he is given to someone else.
• Don’t give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. “Mean” dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal care and control agency or humane society about your options.

(Source: The Humane Society)

What should I do if I think a dog may attack?

If you are approached by a dog that may attack you, follow these steps:

• Never scream and run.
• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
• If the dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

(Source: U.S. Humane Society)

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic.

• Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Contact your physician for additional care and advice.
• Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner’s name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you’ve seen him before, and in which direction he went.

(Source: U.S. Humane Society)

Vacation Trailers

Insurance for vacation trailers provides coverage for non-motorized, portable units designed to provide temporary vacation living quarters. The types of vacation trailers we insure include, but are not limited to:

• Fifth-Wheel Trailers
• Traditional Solid-Frame Trailers
• Pop-Up Tent Trailers
• Cargo trailers with Built-In Living Quarters.
• Truck Mounted Camper Bodies.

Utility Trailers

Coverage is available for utility trailers designed for use with a private passenger automobile, and used to transport equipment, all-terrain vehicles, or other forms of cargo.

Coverage for Trailers

Lifestore proudly offers award-winning service. For more information about coverage for vacation or utility trailers, call one of our independent auto insurance agents today!

Business insurance can take a number of different forms, such as the various kinds of professional liability insurance, also called professional indemnity (PI), which are discussed below under that name; and the business owner’s policy (BOP), which packages into one policy many of the kinds of coverage that a business owner needs, in a way analogous to how homeowners’ insurance packages the coverages that a homeowner needs.^[21]

Auto insurance

Auto insurance protects the policyholder against financial loss in the event of an incident involving a vehicle they own, such as in a traffic collision.

Coverage typically includes:

1. Property coverage, for damage to or theft of the car;
2. Liability coverage, for the legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage;
3. Medical coverage, for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

Most countries require drivers to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. When a car is used as collateral for a loan the lender usually requires specific coverage.

Gap insurance

Gap insurance covers the excess amount on your auto loan in an instance where your insurance company does not cover the entire loan. Depending on the companies specific policies it might or might not cover the deductible as well. This coverage is marketed for those who put low down payments, have high interest rates on their loans, and those with 60 month or longer terms. Gap insurance is typically offered by your finance company when you first purchase your vehicle. Most auto insurance companies offer this coverage to consumers as well. If you are unsure if GAP coverage had been purchased, you should check your vehicle lease or purchase documentation.

Home insurance

Home insurance provides coverage for damage or destruction of the policyholder’s home. In some geographical areas, the policy may exclude certain types of risks, such as flood or earthquake, that require additional coverage. Maintenance-related issues are typically the homeowner’s responsibility. The policy may include inventory, or this can be bought as a separate policy, especially for people who rent housing. In some countries, insurers offer a package which may include liability and legal responsibility for injuries and property damage caused by members of the household, including pets.^[22]

Health insurance

Health insurance policies cover the cost of medical treatments. Dental insurance, like medical insurance protects policyholders for dental costs. In the US and Canada, dental insurance is often part of an employer’s benefits package, along with health insurance.

Accident, sickness and unemployment insurance

• Disability insurance policies provide financial support in the event of the policyholder becoming unable to work because of disabling illness or injury. It provides monthly support to help pay such obligations as mortgage loans and credit cards. Short-term and long-term disability policies are available to individuals, but considering the expense, long-term policies are generally obtained only by those with at least six-figure incomes, such as doctors, lawyers, etc. Short-term disability insurance covers a person for a period typically up to six months, paying a stipend each month to cover medical bills and other necessities.
• Long-term disability insurance covers an individual’s expenses for the long term, up until such time as they are considered permanently disabled and thereafter. Insurance companies will often try to encourage the person back into employment in preference to and before declaring them unable to work at all and therefore totally disabled.
• Disability overhead insurance allows business owners to cover the overhead expenses of their business while they are unable to work.
• Total permanent disability insurance provides benefits when a person is permanently disabled and can no longer work in their profession, often taken as an adjunct to life insurance.
• Workers’ compensation insurance replaces all or part of a worker’s wages lost and accompanying medical expenses incurred because of a job-related injury.

Casualty

Casualty insurance insures against accidents, not necessarily tied to any specific property. It is a broad spectrum of insurance that a number of other types of insurance could be classified, such as auto, workers compensation, and some liability insurances.

• Crime insurance is a form of casualty insurance that covers the policyholder against losses arising from the criminal acts of third parties. For example, a company can obtain crime insurance to cover losses arising from theft or embezzlement.

• Political risk insurance is a form of casualty insurance that can be taken out by businesses with operations in countries in which there is a risk that revolution or other political conditions could result in a loss.

Life

Life insurance provides a monetary benefit to a decedent’s family or other designated beneficiary, and may specifically provide for income to an insured person’s family, burial, funeral and other final expenses. Life insurance policies often allow the option of having the proceeds paid to the beneficiary either in a lump sum cash payment or an annuity.

Annuities provide a stream of payments and are generally classified as insurance because they are issued by insurance companies, are regulated as insurance, and require the same kinds of actuarial and investment management expertise that life insurance requires. Annuities and pensions that pay a benefit for life are sometimes regarded as insurance against the possibility that a retiree will outlive his or her financial resources. In that sense, they are the complement of life insurance and, from an underwriting perspective, are the mirror image of life insurance.

Certain life insurance contracts accumulate cash values, which may be taken by the insured if the policy is surrendered or which may be borrowed against. Some policies, such as annuities and endowment policies, are financial instruments to accumulate or liquidate wealth when it is needed.

In many countries, such as the US and the UK, the tax law provides that the interest on this cash value is not taxable under certain circumstances. This leads to widespread use of life insurance as a tax-efficient method of saving as well as protection in the event of early death.

In the US, the tax on interest income on life insurance policies and annuities is generally deferred. However, in some cases the benefit derived from tax deferral may be offset by a low return. This depends upon the insuring company, the type of policy and other variables (mortality, market return, etc.). Moreover, other income tax saving vehicles (e.g., IRAs, 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs) may be better alternatives for value accumulation.

Burial insurance

Burial insurance is a very old type of life insurance which is paid out upon death to cover final expenses, such as the cost of a funeral. The Greeks and Romans introduced burial insurance circa 600 AD when they organized guilds called “benevolent societies” which cared for the surviving families and paid funeral expenses of members upon death. Guilds in the Middle Ages served a similar purpose, as did friendly societies during Victorian times.

Property

• Aviation insurance protects aircraft hulls and spares, and associated liability risks, such as passenger and third-party liability. Airports may also appear under this subcategory, including air traffic control and refuelling operations for international airports through to smaller domestic exposures.

• Boiler insurance (also known as boiler and machinery insurance, or equipment breakdown insurance) insures against accidental physical damage to boilers, equipment or machinery.

• Builder’s risk insurance insures against the risk of physical loss or damage to property during construction. Builder’s risk insurance is typically written on an “all risk” basis covering damage arising from any cause (including the negligence of the insured) not otherwise expressly excluded. Builder’s risk insurance is coverage that protects a person’s or organization’s insurable interest in materials, fixtures and/or equipment being used in the construction or renovation of a building or structure should those items sustain physical loss or damage from an insured peril.^[23]

• Crop insurance may be purchased by farmers to reduce or manage various risks associated with growing crops. Such risks include crop loss or damage caused by weather, hail, drought, frost damage, insects, or disease.^[24]

• Earthquake insurance is a form of property insurance that pays the policyholder in the event of an earthquake that causes damage to the property. Most ordinary home insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance policies generally feature a high deductible. Rates depend on location and hence the likelihood of an earthquake, as well as the construction of the home.

• Fidelity bond is a form of casualty insurance that covers policyholders for losses incurred as a result of fraudulent acts by specified individuals. It usually insures a business for losses caused by the dishonest acts of its employees.

• Flood insurance protects against property loss due to flooding. Many insurers in the US do not provide flood insurance in some parts of the country. In response to this, the federal government created the National Flood Insurance Program which serves as the insurer of last resort.

• Home insurance, also commonly called hazard insurance, or homeowners insurance (often abbreviated in the real estate industry as HOI), is the type of property insurance that covers private homes, as outlined above.

• Landlord insurance covers residential and commercial properties which are rented to others. Most homeowners’ insurance covers only owner-occupied homes.

• Marine insurance and marine cargo insurance cover the loss or damage of vessels at sea or on inland waterways, and of cargo in transit, regardless of the method of transit. When the owner of the cargo and the carrier are separate corporations, marine cargo insurance typically compensates the owner of cargo for losses sustained from fire, shipwreck, etc., but excludes losses that can be recovered from the carrier or the carrier’s insurance. Many marine insurance underwriters will include “time element” coverage in such policies, which extends the indemnity to cover loss of profit and other business expenses attributable to the delay caused by a covered loss.

• Supplemental natural disaster insurance covers specified expenses after a natural disaster renders the policyholder’s home uninhabitable. Periodic payments are made directly to the insured until the home is rebuilt or a specified time period has elapsed.

• Surety bond insurance is a three-party insurance guaranteeing the performance of the principal.

• Terrorism insurance provides protection against any loss or damage caused by terrorist activities. In the US in the wake of 9/11, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act 2002 (TRIA) set up a federal Program providing a transparent system of shared public and private compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. The program was extended until the end of 2014 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act 2007 (TRIPRA).

• Volcano insurance is a specialized insurance protecting against damage arising specifically from volcanic eruptions.

• Windstorm insurance is an insurance covering the damage that can be caused by wind events such as hurricanes.

Liability

Liability insurance is a very broad superset that covers legal claims against the insured. Many types of insurance include an aspect of liability coverage. For example, a homeowner’s insurance policy will normally include liability coverage which protects the insured in the event of a claim brought by someone who slips and falls on the property; automobile insurance also includes an aspect of liability insurance that indemnifies against the harm that a crashing car can cause to others’ lives, health, or property. The protection offered by a liability insurance policy is twofold: a legal defense in the event of a lawsuit commenced against the policyholder and indemnification (payment on behalf of the insured) with respect to a settlement or court verdict. Liability policies typically cover only the negligence of the insured, and will not apply to results of wilful or intentional acts by the insured.

• Public liability insurance covers a business or organization against claims should its operations injure a member of the public or damage their property in some way.
• Directors and officers liability insurance (D&O) protects an organization (usually a corporation) from costs associated with litigation resulting from errors made by directors and officers for which they are liable.
• Environmental liability insurance protects the insured from bodily injury, property damage and cleanup costs as a result of the dispersal, release or escape of pollutants.
• Errors and omissions insurance is business liability insurance for professionals such as insurance agents, real estate agents and brokers, architects, third-party administrators (TPAs) and other business professionals.
• Prize indemnity insurance protects the insured from giving away a large prize at a specific event. Examples would include offering prizes to contestants who can make a half-court shot at a basketball game, or a hole-in-one at a golf tournament.
• Professional liability insurance, also called professional indemnity insurance (PI), protects insured professionals such as architectural corporations and medical practitioners against potential negligence claims made by their patients/clients. Professional liability insurance may take on different names depending on the profession. For example, professional liability insurance in reference to the medical profession may be called medical malpractice insurance.

Credit

Credit insurance repays some or all of a loan when certain circumstances arise to the borrower such as unemployment, disability, or death.

• Mortgage insurance insures the lender against default by the borrower. Mortgage insurance is a form of credit insurance, although the name “credit insurance” more often is used to refer to policies that cover other kinds of debt.
• Many credit cards offer payment protection plans which are a form of credit insurance.
• Trade credit insurance is business insurance over the accounts receivable of the insured. The policy pays the policy holder for covered accounts receivable if the debtor defaults on payment.

Source: Wikipedia

A Lifestore renters policy can cover:

• Damages to furniture, clothing and other personal items
• Your personal belongings, whether they’re in your home or elsewhere
• Personal liability for another’s injury or their property, if damaged

You can also select policy enhancements and add-ons such as valuable items coverageor extra coverage for your belongings for full replacement costs regardless of depreciation. Learn more about renters insurance.

Savings for home security and more

Along with our competitive rates, you can get an array of money-saving discounts based on factors like your claim history and your home’s security features, including smoke detectors, dead bolts, fire extinguishers and alarm systems.

Plus, when you buy other Lifestore policies, like auto insurance, umbrella insurance, or boat insurance, you could save up to 15% on your Renters Insurance.*

There when you need us

At Lifestore Insurance, we know how important it is for you to resolve an issue as quickly as possible. That’s why our fast, efficient claim services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Some of the perils typically insured against include:

• Fire, lightning and windstorm
• Explosion, sinking or stranding
• Theft and vandalism
• Collision and damage while loading, unloading or launching
• Highway collision or upset

Liability coverage generally protects you against legal liability resulting from covered claims of others for bodily injury or property damage.

Medical payments coverage (if purchased) applies to persons aboard the boat, including skiers who suffer bodily injury resulting from a covered loss.

If you’re into boating, check with a Lifestore Insurance agent for further details about Lifestore’s preferred Boatowner’s Policy or for an insurance quote.

The policy coverages described above are in the most general terms and are subject to the actual policy exclusions and conditions. For specific coverage details and policy exclusions, refer to the policy itself or contact a Lifestore Insurance Agent.

• 1 out of 4 workers, age 35-65, will be disabled for 90 days.*
• Disability is the cause of nearly 50% of all home foreclosures.*
• Before age 65, if a disability lasts 90 days, it is expected to last an average of 2-1/2 years.**
• 80% of U.S. workers will exhaust their savings in only two months without the ability to earn an income.**

* National Association of Life Underwriters
** Commissioner’s Disability Table

A Lifestore Insurance Auto-Owners Disability Income policy will provide money to replace loss of earned income while totally disabled from sickness or an accident.

• Worldwide, 24-hour-a-day coverage while on or off the job.
• Benefit period of 2 years, 5 years, or to age 65.
• Waiting periods (the number of days before benefits begin) are 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.
• Coverage is guaranteed renewable to age 65.
• Premium rates can be changed on a class basis only. Any change will apply to all policies of this type and having a common policy form number.
• A non-smoker discount is given to those who have not smoked cigarettes for 12 months or more.
• Premiums are waived retroactively after 90 consecutive days of total disability.
• First Day Disability Income Benefit may be added to provide a daily income while hospital confined.
• An optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit may be added for any amount from $10,000 to $100,000.
• A Partial Disability Benefit is included at no additional premium. Partial disability must follow a period of total disability for which benefits were paid. The Partial Disability Benefit equals one half the monthly benefit paid while totally disabled, for up to six months or until the end of the benefit period, whichever is less.

NOTE: Coverages or discounts may not apply in all states. Some exclusions and limitations may apply.

Lifestore Insurance Company products are among the best in the industry. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, fairly priced life insurance, disability income, long term care and annuity programs.