According to that Wall Street Journal analysis, nearly half of homeowners insurance claims now result in zero payout. The article — fittingly titled “The Home-Insurance Coin Flip” — examined the nation’s largest carriers and tracked how often they closed claims without paying anything over a roughly nine-year period.

This is exactly why we say: insurance is a contract, not a commodity. The lowest premium can quietly become the most expensive decision you ever make.

Not All Insurers Are the Same

One of the most striking parts of the WSJ report was a chart showing the ten top insurers and the percentage of claims each declined to pay. The differences between carriers were significant and revealing.

Some companies paid nothing on a strikingly high share of resolved claims. The Journal noted, for example, that one Florida-focused carrier paid nothing on roughly half the claims it resolved in a recent year, up sharply from about 26% just a few years earlier. That kind of jump shows how quickly a carrier’s claims behavior can change.

By contrast, the two companies near the bottom of that list — Nationwide and Travelers — had the fewest claims rejected. We are proud to represent both. We do not criticize our competitors; instead, we simply point out that we choose to work with companies that have a strong track record of paying claims. You will also notice that Chubb, a premier insurer known for high-value homes and exceptional claims service, did not appear on the mass-market chart at all.

The takeaway is simple: two policies can look nearly identical on paper and cost about the same, yet perform very differently when disaster strikes.

To Be Fair — Sometimes a “No” Is in the Contract

The Journal article is fair, and so are we. A claim that closes with no payment does not always mean an insurer behaved badly. Often, the answer lies in the policy contract itself.

Here are the most common reasons a legitimate claim still results in zero payout.

1. Rising Deductibles

Deductibles have climbed dramatically. A $2,500 deductible is not uncommon today, and in storm-prone regions, many carriers now use percentage-based deductibles for wind, hail, and hurricanes — often 1% to 5% of the home’s insured value.

On a $400,000 home, a 2% wind deductible equals $8,000. So, a $6,000 storm-damage claim may be paid out at exactly nothing, even though the damage is genuine.

2. Flood Damage Is Not Covered

Many homeowners are shocked to learn that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — including rising water, storm surge, and overflowing creeks or rivers. This is true even outside high-risk flood zones.

Flood protection requires a separate flood policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers. Without one, a homeowner can be left paying for foundation, flooring, and structural repairs entirely out of pocket.

3. Reasons That Aren’t Obvious — Until You Read the Contract

Sometimes a denial isn’t apparent to the homeowner, who understandably concludes the insurance company is “a cheap, chiseling, no-good dirtbag.” That can be true. But the honest question we ask is: you picked that company — did you look at anything other than the price?

Just because you have been paying “Quicksand Mutual Insurance Company” faithfully for all these years does not guarantee your claim will be paid. The homeowner’s policy is a legal contract, with specific exclusions written right into it.

The Fine Print Most People Never Read

Let’s be honest, most people don’t read their insurance contract until the moment of a claim. After all, why would you, unless you were looking to cure your insomnia? Unfortunately, that is the worst possible time to discover what isn’t covered.

Here are exclusions and limits that catch homeowners off guard most often:

Wear and Tear. The standard homeowner’s contract specifically excludes gradual deterioration and lack of maintenance. A worn or aging roof, for instance, may be denied even after a storm if the carrier concludes the underlying damage was due to age rather than a sudden event.

Earth Movement. Earthquakes, sinkholes, and mine subsidence are excluded under standard policies. This is especially important in Pennsylvania, where many homes sit above abandoned coal mines. Separate Mine Subsidence Insurance, or MSI, is available and, for many local homeowners, essential.

Jewelry and Valuables Sub-Limits. Standard policies contain specific limits for theft of jewelry that can be as low as $1,500. So, when that $10,000 Rolex is stolen, you may only be reimbursed for $1,500, leaving you out $8,500 and feeling as though you’ve been robbed twice. Higher limits are available for an additional cost by scheduling the item on a personal property endorsement, also known as a “floater.”

A quick annual conversation with your agent can close every one of these gaps before a loss, not after.

What This Means for You

The Wall Street Journal’s findings confirm what we believe deeply: the true value of a policy is determined at the time of a claim, not at the time you pay the premium.

To protect yourself, we recommend:

• Review your policy every year with a licensed independent advisor — looking beyond price at limits, deductibles, and exclusions.

• Right-size your deductible to match the cash you could comfortably pay tomorrow, and check for separate wind, hail, or hurricane deductibles.

• Add coverage where gaps exist — flood, mine subsidence, water backup, and scheduled jewelry or valuables.

• Document your home and belongings with photos, videos, receipts, and appraisals stored digitally.

• Choose your carrier carefully — because the company behind the policy matters as much as the policy itself.

How We Can Help

As an independent, multi-carrier agency with more than 140 years of experience, we are not tied to a single insurer. We can compare carriers, explain contract differences in plain English, and match you with companies that have proven they pay claims — including Nationwide and Travelers, with access to premier insurers like Chubb.

We don’t sell the cheapest coin flip. We help you build coverage designed to perform when it matters most.

Source: This article references reporting from The Wall Street Journal, “The Home-Insurance Coin Flip: Nearly Half of Claims Result in Zero Payout,” published May 30, 2026.

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At E. R. Munro and Company, we pride ourselves on doing things differently from the usual insurance agency. We don’t just talk about customer education—we actively help you uncover and protect your home from major coverage gaps that other agencies completely overlook.

The Reality of Living in Western Pennsylvania

If you live in Western Pennsylvania, there is a very high probability that your home sits over a coal mine—or worse, an abandoned coal mine.

Many of these underground mines were dug out in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Because modern mapping and safety standards didn’t exist back then, there may be absolutely no public record of the mine under your house. Often, a homeowner only finds out about an old mine when their foundation begins to sink.

Furthermore, when mine subsidence happens, it doesn’t just impact the dirt directly underneath a structure. It pulls in the surrounding earth. Even if your home is not directly over a mine, a collapse happening 500 feet away can severely damage your property.

How to Find Out: You can easily check if your property is at risk by using the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Mine Subsidence Insurance (MSI) online mapping tool. You simply type in your address to see known mining maps. Or, you can just ask us to check it for you.

The 95% Certainty: Your Homeowners Insurance Won’t Cover It

There is an estimated 95% chance that your current homeowners insurance policy excludes mine subsidence.

Standard property insurance policies strictly exclude damage caused by earth movement and underground mine collapses. If a mine shifts and your home is compromised, you could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural damage entirely out of pocket.

The Two Ways to Protect Your Home (And Why They Aren’t Equal)

Once you discover your home sits above a risk area, you have two distinct paths for protection. Understanding the difference between them is what we call the Munro Advantage.

Option 1: The State-Run DEP Policy

You can purchase a standalone mine subsidence policy directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s DEP program. It is relatively inexpensive, offering limits from $5,000 up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for no more than $253.75 a year.

However, the state program comes with several distinct disadvantages at the time of a loss:

• The Claims Nightmare: Mine subsidence is immediate; a collapse below can make your home completely uninhabitable within 24 hours. With a state policy, you have to call your homeowners insurance company first, wait for them to deny the claim, and then contact the state days later to start over.

• Structure Only: The state-run policy only covers the physical structure of the home. Your personal belongings and contents inside are completely unprotected.

• Hard Limits: The state will not write a policy for more than $1,000,000. If your home costs more than that to rebuild, you are left underinsured.

Option 2: The Munro Advantage (Private Carrier Endorsements)

We do what standard insurance agencies can’t. We represent two of only a small handful of premier insurance companies that will add mine subsidence coverage directly onto your existing homeowners policy.

Through our partnerships with Travelers and Chubb, we offer a vastly superior alternative:

• One Policy, One Point of Contact: If a crisis happens, you do not have to navigate the state bureaucracy or worry about two entities arguing over who pays. You make one call to your insurance company, an adjuster is typically out the same or next day, and your claim is processed seamlessly.

• Full Replacement & Contents Covered: Unlike the state program, private carrier coverage through Chubb or Travelers can cover both the structure and your personal contents.

• Protection for High-Value Homes: For standard and mid-sized homes, we frequently utilize Travelers. If the cost to rebuild your home exceeds the state’s $1,000,000 maximum limit, we can write your policy through Chubb to ensure your entire investment is safe.

Even If You Think You’re Safe…

Think there’s no mine under your land? Even if a previous owner was 100% sure the ground was solid, there is a 95% chance that the subterranean coal rights are not owned by you.

In a month, a year, or ten years, an entity holding those rights could mine that coal. The safest move is to have your protection active long before the earth moves.

Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting

There is a massive difference between homeowners insurance policies—it isn’t just about the premium price or the basic coverage limits; it’s about knowing your local risks and building a policy that actually protects you.

Don’t wait until your foundation cracks to look at a map. Contact us today. Let our team look up your address, analyze your risk, and give you the comprehensive, single-policy peace of mind you deserve.

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However, businesses can change throughout the year. Payroll may increase or decrease. Sales may be higher or lower than expected. Employees may take on different duties, or the business may add new services. Because of this, the premium charged at the start of the policy may not match the business’s actual exposure by the end of the policy term.

That is where an insurance audit, also called a premium audit, comes in.

A premium audit is a review completed by the insurance company, or an auditor working on its behalf, after the policy period ends. The audit compares the estimates used to issue the policy with the actual payroll, sales, revenue, or business operations during the policy term. The purpose is to determine the final premium.

Why Are Premium Audits Done?

Insurance premiums are based on risk. For Workers’ Compensation insurance, that risk is often tied to payroll and employee classifications. For certain General Liability policies, the premium may be based on gross sales, payroll, subcontractor costs, or another measure of business activity.

Since the insurance company does not know your final figures at the start of the policy term, it uses estimates. At the end of the term, the audit verifies the actual figures.

For example, if a Workers’ Compensation policy was issued based on an estimated annual payroll of $500,000, but the actual payroll was $600,000, the insurance company may charge additional premium. If payroll was lower than estimated, the business may receive a return premium or credit, depending on the policy terms.

In simple terms, the audit helps answer this question: Did the premium charged at the beginning of the policy accurately reflect the business’s actual activity during the year?

What Information Is Reviewed?

The auditor may request records to confirm payroll, sales, or operations. These may include:

• Payroll reports

• Quarterly tax filings

• Federal or state tax forms

• Profit and loss statements

• General ledgers

• Sales or revenue records

• 1099 forms

• Certificates of insurance for subcontractors

• Employee job descriptions or duties

For smaller businesses, the owner may be asked to complete a voluntary audit. In this type of audit, no auditor comes to the business premises. Instead, the owner is sent one or more forms to complete and return in a timely manner.

The insurance company may also ask for supporting documentation to confirm the numbers provided. This could include an annual statement prepared by a bookkeeper, payroll service, or CPA showing the total payroll for the year, as well as a breakdown by employee. Providing complete and accurate information can help avoid delays, follow-up requests, or estimated audit charges.

For a Workers’ Compensation audit, the auditor may also ask what each employee does. This helps confirm that payroll is assigned to the correct classification. Different job duties can carry different levels of risk, which may affect the premium.

For a General Liability audit, the auditor may focus more on sales, revenue, subcontractor costs, or other rating factors listed in the policy.

How Can an Audit Affect Your Premium?

After the audit is completed, the insurance company determines whether the original premium was accurate.

If actual payroll, sales, or revenue were higher than estimated, the business may owe additional premium. If the actual figures were lower than estimated, the business may receive a return premium or credit, subject to policy terms and minimum premium requirements.

An audit may also identify changes in business operations. For example, if a company added a new service, hired employees for different types of work, or used uninsured subcontractors, the final premium could be affected.

This is why it is important to notify your insurance agent during the policy year if your business changes significantly.

What Happens If You Do Not Complete the Audit?

Although the audit process may feel inconvenient, it is important to cooperate with the auditor. If the insurance company cannot obtain the correct information, it may complete an estimated audit.

An estimated audit means the carrier uses estimated figures instead of verified records. This can result in a significant increase in premium — sometimes up to 200% of the original premium, depending on state regulations and insurance company rules.

Audit non-compliance may also create problems with current or future coverage. In some cases, policies may be cancelled or nonrenewed if the audit is not completed.

How to Prepare for a Premium Audit

Good recordkeeping can make the audit process easier. Businesses should keep organized payroll, tax, financial, and subcontractor records throughout the year.

To prepare for an audit, review the request carefully, gather payroll and financial documents, be ready to explain employee duties, keep certificates of insurance for subcontractors, and respond promptly to the auditor’s questions. If you are unsure what is being requested, contact your insurance agent for guidance.

If you receive a voluntary audit form, do not ignore it. Complete the form as accurately as possible and return it by the requested deadline. If supporting documents are requested, include records from your bookkeeper, payroll service, CPA, or internal accounting system that clearly show payroll, sales, or other requested figures.

A premium audit is a normal part of many Workers’ Compensation and General Liability policies. Providing accurate information helps ensure your final premium reflects your actual business activity. Failing to complete the audit may lead to estimated charges, additional premium, or possible policy cancellation.

At E. R. Munro and Company, we help businesses understand their insurance coverage and navigate important policy requirements. If you have questions about a premium audit or how your business insurance premium is calculated, our team is here to help.

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A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that drivers are more likely to handle their phones while speeding, especially on higher-speed roads such as highways and freeways. That finding is concerning because speeding and distracted driving each increase crash risk on their own. When combined, the danger can rise significantly.

What the IIHS Study Found

According to IIHS, safety experts once believed drivers were more likely to use their phones at slower speeds, such as while sitting in traffic or traveling through low-speed areas. However, new data from insurance safe-driving apps shows a different pattern.

The IIHS study analyzed nearly 600,000 trips taken across the United States between July and October 2024. Researchers looked at driving behavior in free-flowing traffic and excluded time spent stopped at intersections, sitting in congestion, or traveling well below the speed limit.

The findings were eye-opening:

• On limited-access roads, such as freeways and highways, phone handling increased by 12% for every 5 mph drivers traveled over the speed limit.

• On other roads, such as arterials and routes connecting towns, phone handling increased by 3% for every 5 mph over the speed limit.

• The connection between speeding and phone use was strongest on roads with higher posted speed limits.

In other words, drivers traveling above the speed limit on faster roads were more likely to also be interacting with their phones.

Why This Matters

Speeding reduces the time a driver must react. It also increases stopping distance and the severity of a crash. Distracted driving takes attention away from the road, hands off the wheel, or eyes away from traffic conditions.

When both behaviors happen at the same time, the margin for error becomes much smaller.

A driver traveling at highway speeds who looks down to read a message, change music, or respond to an alert can cover a significant distance in just a few seconds. At higher speeds, even a brief distraction can mean missing slowing traffic, a lane change, debris in the road, or another vehicle braking unexpectedly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has consistently identified both speeding and distracted driving as major contributors to roadway deaths and injuries. NHTSA reported that distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023, while speeding-related crashes killed 11,775 people that same year.

Why Drivers May Take More Risks on Faster Roads

The IIHS study noted several reasons why phone use and speeding may overlap.

Some drivers may simply be more prone to risky behavior in general. A person who is willing to speed may also be more likely to check a phone while driving.

Road conditions may also play a role. On highways or open roads, drivers may feel more comfortable because there are fewer intersections, pedestrians, traffic lights, or stop signs. That feeling can create a false sense of security, even though the higher speeds leave less room for mistakes.

Stress may be another factor. During commuting hours, school drop-off times, or busy travel periods, drivers may feel pressure to get somewhere quickly while also responding to calls, texts, navigation alerts, or work-related messages.

Whatever the reason, the result is the same: two risky driving behaviors happening at once.

What This Means for Personal Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is designed to help protect drivers financially after an accident, but safer driving can also play a key role in keeping claims and costs under control.

Many insurance companies now offer usage-based insurance or safe-driving app programs. These programs may track behaviors such as speed, hard braking, acceleration, mileage, time of day, and phone handling. Drivers who demonstrate safer habits may qualify for savings, depending on the carrier and program.

However, the IIHS study shows that even drivers enrolled in safe-driving programs may still engage in risky behavior. Technology can encourage safer choices, but it cannot replace personal responsibility behind the wheel.

For individuals and families, this is a good reminder to:

• Put the phone away before driving

• Use hands-free navigation settings before leaving

• Avoid texting, scrolling, or handling the phone while moving

• Follow posted speed limits

• Talk to teen drivers about both speeding and distraction

• Consider whether a safe-driving app or telematics program may be a good fit

Commercial Drivers and Business Auto Risks

This issue is especially important for businesses with employees on the road. Whether a company operates delivery vehicles, service trucks, contractor vans, sales vehicles, or employee-owned vehicles used for work, distracted driving and speeding can create serious liability exposure.

A crash involving an employee driver can lead to vehicle damage, injuries, lawsuits, workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, and higher insurance costs.

Businesses can help reduce risk by implementing clear driving policies, including:

• Prohibiting handheld phone use while driving

• Requiring drivers to pull over safely before making calls or responding to messages

• Monitoring speeding, hard braking, and phone-use trends when appropriate

• Training employees on distracted driving risks

• Maintaining vehicles properly

• Reviewing motor vehicle records for drivers

• Encouraging realistic scheduling so employees do not feel pressured to speed

For many businesses, a strong driver safety program can support better claims experience and may help when working with insurance carriers.

A Good Time to Review Your Coverage

Even careful drivers can be involved in accidents, and claims involving injuries or lawsuits can become expensive quickly. That is why it is important to review your personal auto, commercial auto, and umbrella liability coverage.

An umbrella policy can provide an added layer of liability protection above the limits of underlying policies, such as personal auto or homeowners insurance. For businesses, excess liability coverage may offer similar added protection above commercial policies.

If you have teen drivers, frequent commuting, business vehicles, delivery exposure, or employees who drive as part of their job, reviewing coverage limits is especially important.

Drive Safer, Stay Protected

The latest IIHS research is a reminder that speeding and phone use are not separate problems. Too often, they overlap—and when they do, the risk can increase dramatically.

Putting the phone down, slowing down, and staying focused are simple steps that can help protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, businesses, and families.

At E. R. Munro, we help individuals and businesses understand their insurance options and make sure their coverage fits their needs. If you need insurance of any kind, give us a call at 877-ERMUNRO (877-376-8676), and select option 3. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible.

Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Insurance Information Institute.

Disclaimer: This post may have had a little help from AI during the brainstorming or drafting stage, but the final product was reviewed, edited, and approved by real humans here at E. R. Munro and Company. Any typos are either handcrafted for your enjoyment or artisanally curated for maximum impact.

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The Most Stolen Vehicles in the U.S.

Contrary to what you might expect, thieves aren’t targeting flashy sports cars or high-end luxury vehicles. The most stolen cars are everyday, popular models — the kind that blend into any parking lot. Many are driven or towed to “chop shops” where they are dismantled and sold for parts, including catalytic converters, which can fetch $250 or more on the gray market due to the precious metals they contain.

According to the NICB, the top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2025 were:

1. Hyundai Elantra — 21,732 thefts

2. Honda Accord — 17,797 thefts

3. Hyundai Sonata — 17,687 thefts

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 16,764 thefts

5. Honda Civic — 12,725 thefts

6. Kia Optima — 11,521 thefts

7. Ford F-150 — 10,102 thefts

8. Toyota Camry — 9,833 thefts

9. Honda CR-V — 9,809 thefts

10. Nissan Altima — 8,445 thefts

Pennsylvania Ranks #7 in the Nation for Auto Theft

Pennsylvania is no stranger to auto theft. The Commonwealth ranked 7th in the nation in 2025, with 20,568 vehicles reported stolen. Philadelphia alone accounted for 19,117 of those thefts, placing it 7th among the top metropolitan areas in the country. Here is a look at the top 10 states for auto theft:

1. California — 136,988

2. Texas — 75,269

3. Illinois — 28,327

4. Florida — 27,142

5. New York — 24,206

6. Ohio — 20,628

7. Pennsylvania — 20,568

8. North Carolina — 20,395

9. Washington — 18,039

10. Missouri — 17,496

How to Protect Your Vehicle

The good news is that there are simple, effective steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Always park in a well-lit area with windows closed and doors locked.

• Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for a brief moment.

• Keep your keys or key fob on your person — never hide a spare inside the vehicle.

• Do not leave your vehicle’s title inside the car.

• Install a quality vehicle alarm or consider a hidden “kill switch” to disable the ignition.

• Use a visible steering wheel lock, such as “The Club” as a deterrent.

• Protect your catalytic converter with an anti-theft guard.

• Use a GPS tracking device — even an inexpensive Apple AirTag can help recover a stolen vehicle.

• Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the car when parked.

• If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately and file an insurance claim within 24 hours.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), as reported by Forbes. “These Are the Most Stolen Cars in the U.S., Data Shows” by Jim Gorzelany, March 18, 2026. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2026/03/18/these-are-the-most-stolen-cars-in-the-us-data-shows/

The post Is Your Car on the Most Stolen List? What Drivers Need to Know appeared first on E. R. Munro and Company.

At E. R. Munro and Company, we’ve spent decades helping businesses across all 50 states navigate the complex world of commercial insurance. Here’s what every business owner needs to know to protect their livelihood.

Why Small Business Insurance Really Matters

Consider these scenarios:

A customer slips on a wet floor in your retail store and suffers a serious injury. They sue for medical expenses and lost wages—totaling $75,000.

One of your employees is injured while operating machinery. They need surgery, months of physical therapy, and can’t work during recovery. The costs quickly climb past $100,000.

A cyberattack breaches your customer database, exposing sensitive information for hundreds of clients. You’re facing notification costs, credit monitoring expenses, potential lawsuits, and regulatory fines.

A fire tears through your office building, destroying equipment, inventory, and forcing you to close for three months while repairs are made.

Any of these scenarios could happen to any business—and without proper insurance, any one of them could force you to close your doors permanently. The statistics are sobering: according to FEMA, 40-60% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. While insurance can’t prevent disasters, it can provide the financial resources you need to recover and rebuild.

Essential Types of Small Business Insurance

1. General Liability Insurance

Think of general liability insurance as your business’s first line of defense. This foundational coverage protects your business from the most common risks, including:

• Bodily injury to customers or visitors: If someone gets hurt on your business premises or as a result of your business operations

• Property damage: If your business operations damage someone else’s property

• Personal and advertising injury: Claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising

Who needs it: Virtually every business, regardless of size or industry. If you interact with customers, clients, vendors, or the public in any capacity, general liability insurance is essential.

Real-world example: A customer trips over a cable in your office waiting area and breaks their wrist. They require surgery and miss several weeks of work. General liability insurance would cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees—potentially saving you $50,000 or more out of pocket. 

Coverage limits: Most policies start at $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate limit (the most that will be paid in one year), though your specific needs may vary based on your industry and risk exposure.

2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance isn’t optional; it’s the law in most states. This coverage provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including:

• Medical expenses and treatment costs

• Lost wages during recovery

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs

• Disability benefits for permanent injuries

• Death benefits for employees’ families in fatal accidents

Who needs it: In most states, any business with employees is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The specific requirements vary by state—some require coverage as soon as you hire your first employee, while others have different thresholds.

Why it matters: Workers’ comp protects both your employees and your business. Employees receive guaranteed benefits without having to prove fault, and in exchange, they generally cannot sue your business for workplace injuries.

The cost factor: Workers’ compensation premiums are calculated based on your payroll and the risk level of the work your employees perform. Rates typically range from $0.75 to $2.74 per $100 of payroll, but can be higher for high-risk industries.

3. Commercial Property Insurance

Your business assets represent a significant investment. Commercial property insurance protects these physical assets from damage or loss due to fire, theft, vandalism, storms, and other covered perils. This includes:

• Buildings you own

• Leased or rented space (for improvements and betterments)

• Equipment and machinery

• Inventory and supplies

• Furniture, fixtures, and technology

• Signage and outdoor property

Who needs it: Any business with physical assets—whether you own your building, lease office space, or operate from a storefront. Even home-based businesses need this coverage, as homeowners insurance typically excludes or severely limits coverage for business property.

Important consideration: Make sure your coverage limits reflect the actual replacement cost of your property, not just its depreciated value. Many businesses are underinsured because they haven’t updated their coverage as they’ve acquired new equipment or inventory.

4. Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)

Also known as E&O insurance, professional liability coverage protects your business against claims arising from professional services you provide, including:

• Professional mistakes or negligence

• Failure to deliver promised services

• Missed deadlines that cause financial harm to clients

• Errors in professional advice or recommendations

Who needs it: Service-based businesses, consultants, contractors, healthcare providers, accountants, IT professionals, and anyone who provides professional advice or services. At E. R. Munro and Company, we provide professional liability coverage for tax preparers, notaries, signing agents, auctioneers, private investigators, and many other professions.

Real-world example: A marketing consultant creates a campaign for a client that fails to deliver the promised results. The client sues for the $30,000 they spent on the campaign, plus additional damages. Professional liability insurance would cover legal defense costs and any settlement or judgment, which could easily exceed $100,000.

5. Cyber Liability Insurance

In our increasingly digital world, cyber liability insurance has evolved from a nice-to-have to an absolute necessity. This coverage addresses:

• Data breaches and cyberattacks

• Ransomware incidents

• Customer notification costs (often required by law)

• Credit monitoring services for affected customers

• Legal fees and regulatory fines

• Business interruption due to cyber incidents

• Costs to restore or recover compromised data

Who needs it: Any business that stores customer information digitally, processes payments online, or relies on computer systems for operations, which describes virtually every modern business.

The growing threat: Cyberattacks on small businesses have increased dramatically. Many business owners mistakenly believe they’re “too small” to be targeted, but small businesses are actually prime targets because they often have weaker security measures than larger corporations.

Cost vs. consequence: The average cost of a data breach for a small business exceeds $100,000 when you factor in notification costs, legal fees, regulatory fines, and lost business. A cyber liability policy typically costs a fraction of that potential loss.

6. Business Interruption Insurance

What happens to your business income if you’re forced to close temporarily due to a covered event? Business interruption insurance fills this critical gap by covering:

• Lost income during the closure period

• Ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, and loan payments

• Employee wages and salaries

• Temporary relocation costs

• Extra expenses incurred to minimize the interruption

Who needs it: Businesses that would suffer significant financial loss if forced to close temporarily, especially those with physical locations, high fixed costs, or seasonal revenue patterns.

Common Coverage Gaps (And How to Avoid Them)

Even businesses with insurance often discover dangerous gaps in their coverage. Here are the most common vulnerabilities:

Underinsured Property: Many businesses don’t update their property coverage as they grow and acquire new assets. Review and update your property values at least annually.

Missing Cyber Coverage: Traditional business insurance policies often don’t cover cyber incidents. Add a standalone cyber liability policy or cyber endorsement to your existing coverage.

Employment Practices Liability: Claims of discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination aren’t covered by general liability insurance. Consider Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), especially if you have employees.

Commercial Auto Coverage: Using personal vehicles for business purposes creates a dangerous gap. Add commercial auto insurance or a business use endorsement to your personal auto policy.

Insufficient Liability Limits: Many businesses carry only the minimum required coverage, which may not be enough for a serious claim. Consider umbrella or excess liability policies for additional protection above your primary limits.

When to Review and Update Your Policies

Your business insurance isn’t a “set it and forget it” purchase. Review your policies:

• Annually: At a minimum, conduct a comprehensive review once per year

• When you hire employees: Especially your first employee, as this triggers workers’ compensation requirements

• When you expand: New locations, services, products, or markets may require additional coverage

• When you acquire major assets: New equipment, vehicles, or property should be added to your policy

• When you sign major contracts: Clients often require specific coverage types and limits

• After significant business changes: Mergers, acquisitions, or shifts in your business model

Understanding State and Local Requirements

Insurance requirements vary significantly by state and sometimes even by city or county. At E. R. Munro and Company, we’re licensed in all 50 states and Washington, DC, which gives us unique insight into these varying requirements.

Workers’ Compensation: Most states require coverage once you have employees, but the specifics differ. Some states require it with your first employee; others have exemptions for very small businesses or certain industries. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, including substantial fines and criminal charges.

Professional Licensing: Certain professions require proof of professional liability insurance to obtain or maintain professional licenses. Requirements vary by industry and state.

Local Regulations: Some cities or counties have additional insurance requirements beyond state mandates, particularly for certain types of businesses like restaurants, contractors, or businesses that serve alcohol.

The E. R. Munro Advantage: Independence

Here’s what makes working with an independent insurance agency different: we work for you, not the insurance companies. As an independent agency, we have relationships with multiple insurance carriers, which means we can arrange your coverage from among various providers to find the best combination of coverage and price for your specific needs.

We thoroughly assess your business and situation to develop creative, comprehensive, cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re an auctioneer, tax preparer, private investigator, notary, or run any other type of business, we have the knowledge and carrier relationships to protect what matters most to you.

In today’s ever-changing environment, risk is constant. Your insurance protection shouldn’t be. We stay on top of emerging risks, changing regulations, and new coverage options so you don’t have to.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Protecting your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to get started:

1. Inventory your risks: Make a comprehensive list of your business assets, activities, and potential liabilities

2. Research requirements: Understand your state and local insurance requirements for your specific industry

3. Get expert guidance: Work with an experienced agent who understands your industry and can identify coverage gaps

4. Compare options: Take advantage of independent agencies that can have access to multiple carriers on your behalf

5. Review annually: Set a calendar reminder to review your coverage each year and after major business changes

The Bottom Line

Small business insurance isn’t just another expense on your balance sheet—it’s a critical investment in your business’s future and your personal financial security. The right coverage protects your assets, your employees, your customers, and your peace of mind.

Being uninsured or underinsured puts everything you’ve built at risk. A single uninsured claim could wipe out years of hard work and force you to close your doors. The cost of insurance is minimal compared to the potential cost of going without it.

Your business is more than just a source of income; it’s your livelihood, your legacy, and often the realization of your dreams. Protect it accordingly.

Ready to review your business insurance coverage?

Contact us today. Our knowledgeable team will assess your specific needs and develop comprehensive solutions tailored to your business.

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Here is your essential guide to winterizing your home and understanding your coverage.

Frozen Pipe Prevention: Stop the Burst

Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive winter insurance claims. When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst and flood your home within minutes.

Top Prevention Strategies:

• Insulate Vulnerable Areas: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape in unheated attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

• Maintain the Heat: Never set your thermostat below 55°F, even if you are traveling. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach the plumbing.

• The “Drip” Method: During extreme cold, let faucets exposed to exterior walls drip slightly. Moving water is significantly harder to freeze.

• Exterior Maintenance: Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor lines, and install insulated faucet covers.

Pro Tip: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, keep the faucet open and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.

Understanding Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when snow melts on your roof and refreezes at the eaves, preventing meltwater from draining. This water can back up under shingles and leak into your walls and ceilings.

• Prevention: Keep gutters clear of debris so melting snow can flow freely. Ensure your attic is well-ventilated and insulated to keep the roof temperature consistent.

• Coverage Check: While many policies cover “sudden and accidental” water damage from ice dams, they may not cover the cost of removing the ice dam itself.

Winter Driving & Safety

Preparation isn’t just for the house—it’s for the road. Winter driving requires a different mindset and a well-equipped vehicle.

• Vehicle Maintenance: Check your tire pressure (which drops in the cold), battery health, and antifreeze levels.

• Emergency Kit: Keep a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and a small shovel in your trunk.

• Insurance Note: Review your Collision and Comprehensive coverage. If you slide on black ice and hit a guardrail, Collision coverage is what pays for your repairs.

The Insurance “Catch”

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from burst pipes, but there is a major caveat: Reasonable Care.

If a pipe bursts because you turned the heat off to save money while on vacation, your claim may be denied due to neglect. Insurance is designed for “sudden and accidental” events, not preventable maintenance issues. If you plan to leave your home vacant for an extended period, notify your agent to ensure you have the proper endorsements in place.

Your Trusted Partners at E. R. Munro and Company

Don’t wait for the first deep freeze to find out if you’re protected. If you have questions about your specific coverage or would like us to review your policies to ensure there are no gaps, our insurance team is here to help.

Contact us today to stay protected all season long.

The post Winter Weather Prep: Your Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home and Family appeared first on E. R. Munro and Company.

Whether you live in tornado-prone Oklahoma, face harsh winters in Pennsylvania, or worry about wildfires, home hardening is your first and best line of defense. This concept involves making strategic modifications to your home to increase its resistance to specific hazards.

What is Home Hardening?

Home hardening simply means making your home more resilient to common risks like high winds, hail, water damage, or fire. While the specific threats might change based on your location—as noted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department or the North Dakota Fire Marshal—the fundamental principle of risk mitigation remains the same: prevention is better than recovery.

Much of the advice applicable to states like Oklahoma is highly relevant to Pennsylvania, where the majority of homes we insure are located.

Key Areas to Focus On

You don’t need a full-scale renovation to start hardening your home. Here are some actionable, high-impact tips you can implement now:

1. The Roof: Your Primary Shield

The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home during severe weather.

• Secure Shingles: Ensure all shingles are properly sealed and fastened. High winds can easily peel off loose or damaged sections, leading to immediate water damage and structural exposure.

• Reinforce Vents and Openings: Use sealants or caulk around roof penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys) to prevent wind-driven rain from leaking in.

• Choose Durable Materials: If you are planning a replacement, consider impact-resistant shingles, especially if you live in an area prone to hail.

2. Windows and Doors: Fortify the Entry Points

These are often the second-weakest link against high winds and flying debris.

• Upgrade Glazing: Consider double-paned or tempered glass for increased resistance to impact.

• Secure Garage Doors: Garage doors are often wide and susceptible to being blown in, which can cause catastrophic pressure changes inside the house. Install a vertical bracing system to reinforce it.

• Solid Doors and Locks: Ensure exterior doors are solid-core and equipped with long throw deadbolts to resist forced entry and weather damage.

3. Manage the Landscape: Create a Safety Zone

Your yard and surrounding property can become either a buffer or a hazard.

• Clear Debris: Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water can drain away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to wood rot and water infiltration into the walls.

• Trim Vegetation: Cut back tree branches that hang over your roof or could fall onto your house during a storm.

• Fire-Resistant Landscaping (If Applicable): For areas with wildfire risk, create “defensible space” by clearing flammable materials and choosing fire-resistant plants near the structure.

The Big Picture: Why Hardening Matters

As articles from various state fire marshals and insurance departments confirm, the effort to educate homeowners on risk mitigation is widespread. This isn’t just about reducing your insurance risk—it’s about protecting your quality of life.

Investing time and a little money into home hardening now can save you exponentially more in repair costs, insurance deductibles, and the stress of displacement later. Start with a walk-around inspection, identify your home’s weak points, and tackle one project at a time.

Protect your biggest investment by making it your toughest.

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The Growing Need for Backup Power

Most power outages are weather-related, and as the number and severity of extreme weather events continue to rise, so does the likelihood of experiencing blackouts lasting 24 hours or more. Whether you live in hurricane-prone coastal areas, tornado alley, or regions susceptible to ice storms, the risk of extended power loss is real and growing.

Critical Reasons to Invest in a Home Generator

1. Protect Your Home’s Essential Systems

If your home relies on a well for water, a power outage means losing access to fresh, safe water for drinking, bathing, and heating. Similarly, homes with sump pumps face the risk of basement flooding during storms—precisely when power outages are most likely to occur.

2. Safeguard Your Food Supply

According to the FDA, perishable food items should be thrown out once your refrigerator has been without power for as little as four hours. A single extended outage can result in hundreds of dollars in spoiled food—costs that quickly add up to more than a generator investment.

3. Maintain Business Continuity

For the millions of Americans who work from home, every minute without power translates to lost productivity and potential income. A backup generator ensures your home office stays operational, protecting your livelihood during outages.

4. Protect Medical Equipment

If you or a loved one depends on electrically powered medical devices, a power outage can be life-threatening. While you should always consult with healthcare professionals about emergency preparedness for specific medical devices, a generator provides crucial backup power when it’s needed most.

5. Climate Control in Extreme Weather

Some states face more frequent weather-related outages, while others experience such severe temperature extremes that losing heating or cooling systems poses serious health risks. A generator keeps your HVAC systems running, maintaining safe and comfortable conditions regardless of outdoor temperatures.

Types of Home Generators

Understanding your options is crucial for making the right choice:

• Portable Generators: These gasoline-powered units are budget-friendly and versatile but must be operated at a safe distance from structures

• Standby Generators: Permanently installed units that start automatically during outages, running on propane or natural gas

• Inverter Generators: Quieter and more fuel-efficient than conventional models, ideal for sensitive electronics

Insurance Coverage Considerations

When investing in a generator, it’s important to understand how it affects your homeowners insurance. Whole-house generators that are permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system will likely be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. However, coverage can vary—older generators that break down due to wear and tear may not be covered.

For comprehensive protection, some homeowners opt for additional generator warranty coverage that ensures reliable power backup and offers cost-saving, extensive coverage for major brands. This specialized coverage can protect your investment beyond what standard homeowners insurance provides.

Special Considerations for Seasonal Homes

If you’re a snowbird, frequent traveler, or own a seasonal property, a generator becomes even more valuable. It protects your vacant property from outage-related emergencies, preventing frozen pipes in winter or maintaining security systems year-round.

Making the Right Choice

Before purchasing a generator, consider:

• Your home’s essential power needs

• Local weather patterns and outage frequency

• Available fuel sources (natural gas, propane, gasoline)

• Installation requirements and local codes

• Maintenance needs and costs

The Bottom Line

While we can’t control the weather or prevent all power outages, we can control how prepared we are when they occur. A home generator transforms a potentially dangerous and costly emergency into a manageable inconvenience.

Reach out to us today about coverage options for your generator, and always follow manufacturer recommendations for safe operation. With proper planning and the right equipment, you can weather any storm with confidence.

The post The Smart Homeowner’s Investment: Why Backup Generators Are No Longer a Luxury appeared first on E. R. Munro and Company.

Small businesses face a critical threat in September 2025: 75% of small and medium businesses (SMBs) say they could not continue operating if they were hit with ransomware. With ransomware accounting for 19% of all cyber insurance claims and small businesses paying an average of $120,000 to recover from a cyber-attack, the fiscal impact can be business-ending without proper coverage.

The Coverage Gap Crisis

Despite escalating risks, CyberCube reported in April 2025 that the cyber insurance market continues to underserve small businesses. This occurs even as the global cyber insurance market was valued at $15.3 billion in 2024, highlighting a dangerous disconnect between available protection and business needs.

The targeting has increased dramatically: small organizations with revenue under $25 million using Microsoft Exchange saw a 103% increase in cyber insurance claims. Meanwhile, 59% of small businesses believe their cybersecurity spending is adequate, yet only about 26% have proper protection.

Market Dynamics in 2025

Swiss Re has warned of rate deterioration in cyber insurance, with organic growth slowing and rates declining. While this might seem positive for small businesses, it often coincides with tightening coverage terms and reduced broker engagement in the small business market.

Critical Action Items

Given these realities, small businesses must:

1. Act immediately: With 75% of SMBs unable to survive ransomware attacks, cyber insurance is no longer optional

2. Budget realistically: Plan for the $120,000 average recovery cost that insurance can help mitigate

3. Be proactive: Many brokers aren’t actively pitching cyber coverage to small businesses—seek it out yourself

4. Reassess honestly: If you think your cybersecurity is adequate, conduct a thorough vulnerability assessment

The Bottom Line

As we progress through 2025, cyber insurance has become essential business protection. The statistics are clear: cyber threats are intensifying, recovery costs are substantial, and most small businesses remain dangerously under protected. With three-quarters of SMBs unable to survive a ransomware attack, cyber insurance isn’t just smart business—it’s survival insurance.

For additional information contract Greg Magnus at or call 877-376-8676 ext. 157

Sources:

• : https://www.vikingcloud.com/cybersecurity-statistics/

• : https://www.bdemerson.com/small-business-cybersecurity-statistics/

• : https://www.coalitioninc.com/resources/small-business-cybersecurity-study

• : https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/cyber-insurance-market-trends

Note: Some source URLs are representative examples as the original research was compiled from multiple industry reports and studies.

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