Various Types of Home Insurance
March 4, 2022
Various Types of Home Insurance

Everyone is familiar with a high-level explanation of what Homeowners Insurance is, but what does it really cover? You know it covers your home and personal items from damaging events like a fire, theft or inclement weather, but what else? We have put together this resource for you to help you navigate your way to protecting your home.


What do I typically get with home insurance?

All mortgage companies require homeowners to purchase home insurance based on the replacement value of the property in order to approve the loan to purchase the home. A home insurance policy is very customizable based on the needs of the owner, however, certain components are standard.


Damages to Your Home

Your insurer will cover damages to your home or perhaps a complete rebuild if certain disasters strike. This includes vandalism, lightening, storms, fire or more. However, some things are not usually included in a standard home insurance plan such as damage from floods, earthquakes, a home not properly maintained, sheds, and other freestanding structures like a garage. However, you can purchase additional coverages separately if you need those protections added.


Personal Belongings

In the event of a disaster that your insurance policy covers, things like your clothes, appliances, furniture, and most things in your home will be covered. But how much is covered? A good rule of thumb is that approximately 50 to 70% of the amount you spend on your home insurance is what most insurance agencies will cover for your personal belongings and possessions. If you have a lot of valuable possessions like expensive jewelry, fine art, you will want to consider itemizing out what you have and purchasing a rider since a general home policy would only cover typically $1500 of stolen valuable possessions.


Personal Liability for Damages to Others

Lawsuits are costly and accidents happen. Liability coverage protects you from lawsuits others may file against you. This includes protection if your dog bites a jogger, the medical bills will be covered; or if a visitor slips on your wet floor and sues for lost wages, or pain and suffering, you’ll be covered.


Umbrella Policies for Extra Coverage

A few hundred dollars more on your policy can get you about $1 million more with an umbrella policy. Things that are not covered in your standard home policy, can be covered with an umbrella policy.


Temporary Stays While your Home is Rebuilt or Fixed

In the event that you are not able to stay in your home for a while, your additional living expenses portion of your policy would reimburse you for your hotel or renting costs. Make sure to look up your policy as there may be limitations as to what level of accommodations will be covered.  There is a range of limitations options depending on how much you’d like to spend on your policy.


Various Types of Homeowners Coverage

You have a lot of options when it comes to home insurance. Not all plans cover the same items. The more you want covered, of course, the more it will cost. Essentially there are three levels of coverage to choose from:


1. Actual cash value

Actual cash value covers the cost of the house and the value or your belongings after depreciation is taken out. What those items are worth is what you’ll get back, not what you initially paid for them.


2. Replacement cost

Replacement policies will cover the actual cash value of your home and belongings without depreciation taken out. This would allow you to rebuild your home up to what you originally paid for it.


3. Guaranteed replacement cost or value

This is the most inclusive option offered and covers the costs to fix or rebuild your home even if it goes beyond your policy limit. This helps against inflation. But there is a ceiling that is usually 20-25% more than your policy limit.


What is not covered by home insurance?

Not all acts of God are covered in your homeowners policy. Depending on where you live, you may be in a flood zone or a place known for hurricanes or earthquakes. In these instances, you’ll want to purchase a rider for the protections you’ll need for living in those areas. Lack of properly maintaining your home will cause damages not to be covered. For example, insect and rodent damage to your home, mold and rot, and general wear are not covered. Damage from smoke from industrial or agricultural operations, and things like identity theft is not covered. Attacks from certain breeds of dogs typically are not covered. However, if your dog breed is covered and attacks, there are limits as to how much damage it will cover and you could be responsible for the remaining amount.


How much will you pay for home insurance?

Insurance agencies consider their risk from how likely the homeowner will file a claim. They’ll take a look at previous home insurance claims that were submitted by the homeowner, and claims that were previously filed on the property, and credit score. Other factors such crime rates in the area, building material availability, security features, condition of the home, heating type, pools, and what riders you purchase all add into your annual premium. A home in poor condition could increase your rate because the odds of filing a claim are higher.


How to save money on insurance?

A great way to save money on insurance is to add in safety features. Purchasing a security system that is tied into the police, installing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, sprinklers and dead-bolt locks can help reduce your cost of insurance.


Consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium but know that smaller “fixes” to your home could add up to be costly and come out of your pocket if you choose this route.


Packaging your policy with auto or health insurance at the same company may allow you to save on two premiums. Shop around to find an insurance company that offers discounts.


When renovating your home, consider what materials you will purchase. Materials less flammable typically cost less to insure.


When you pay off your mortgage, you can see your premiums drop because your insurer assumes that since you own the residence in full, you’ll take great care of it.


Review your policy annually to see if you still have the best policy for the best price, as well as look for changes to your home that could lower your premium since last time you’ve reviewed your coverage. If you’ve removed a pool, trampoline, or playground, installed security systems, or upgraded your electric, plumbing or roof, reach out to your insurance company to see if it saves you money.


Choose paperless billing and making your payments automatic from the bank could make you eligible for a discount.

Certain careers have special discounts such as engineering, firefighting, and teaching.


Make sure that your policy is based on how much it costs to rebuild your home, not it’s real estate value—or your premiums could be much higher that they need to be.


Limit the number of claims you make, as they increase your premiums or your insurer may drop you and therefore make it difficult and expensive to find coverage again

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March 24, 2025
The future of work is changing fast, and HR leaders are taking notice. More than half of companies are planning to switch their HCM platform this year—but not just for any solution. They’re looking for intelligent, scalable, and AI-driven technology that doesn’t just process payroll but actively enhances business operations. The days of rigid, outdated systems are over. Now, businesses need platforms that adapt, automate, and evolve alongside them. At Simco, we’re passionate about delivering the most advanced, transformative solutions to our clients. That’s why we’ve partnered with isolved, a recognized leader in the HCM space, to provide our clients with a powerful, AI-enabled platform that makes workforce management effortless. With a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and employee experience, isolved is changing the game for small and mid-sized businesses—and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Why isolved Stands Out in the HCM Market For the second consecutive year, Nucleus Research has named isolved a leader in its HCM Value Matrix for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). The firm’s analysis highlights isolved’s enterprise-grade functionality, designed specifically for SMBs looking to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and leverage AI to drive efficiency. isolved’s adaptability ensures it evolves alongside customer needs. Whether an organization’s HR function matures or its priorities shift, isolved is uniquely positioned to support its success through continuous innovation. In 2024, the company launched 480+ product enhancements directly driven by direct customer feedback. Nucleus Research’s report also highlights several key updates, including: isolved's Candidate Match Tool , an AI-powered feature that evaluates and ranks candidates, streamlining the hiring process. Enhanced Talent Acquisition Services , including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), job placement assistance, and comprehensive hiring solutions for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). A Broadened Content Library, now with over 95,000 courses designed for employee training, compliance, and professional development. A Next-Gen Time Clock , featuring advanced facial recognition and remote access for secure and accurate time tracking. The Power of Partnership: Simco + isolved While technology is the foundation, the real value comes from how it’s applied. At Simco, we don’t just provide software—we offer a full-service HCM and advisory solution, ensuring that all aspects of workforce management integrate seamlessly. Our clients benefit from: A Dedicated Client Success Manager – Your go-to resource who oversees your relationship with Simco, ensuring that every service—HCM, HR advisory, benefits, insurance, and retirement—works together without gaps. A Fully Integrated HCM & Advisory Solution – No need to juggle multiple vendors for payroll, HR advisory, employee benefits, commercial insurance, and 401(k)/retirement plans. Simco is your one-stop shop for all workforce solutions. Strategic Guidance & Ongoing Optimization – We help businesses maximize their investment in HCM technology while aligning it with compliance, employee engagement, and long-term growth goals. As businesses evolve, so do their workforce management needs. By combining isolved’s leading-edge technology with Simco’s hands-on service and industry expertise, we help businesses stay ahead of change, improve efficiency, and create better employee experiences. Ready to explore the future of HCM? Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your workforce operations!
March 3, 2025
Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, making phishing attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. Every day, countless phishing emails reach inboxes, often with the intent to steal sensitive information or spread malware. Unfortunately, many of these attacks succeed in just a matter of seconds— the median time for users to fall for phishing emails is less than 60 seconds according to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report . With stolen credentials being one of the most popular methods of attack, businesses face increasing risks as these types of cyber threats become more complex and dangerous. How Phishing and Spoofed Domains Work Phishing attacks aim to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, often through: Fraudulent Email Links – These emails appear to be from trusted sources but contain malicious links that install malware or steal login credentials. Look-Alike Domains – Hackers create fake websites that resemble real business portals, altering a single character in the domain (e.g., “micr0soft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”). Credential Theft – Once hackers obtain login credentials, they sell them on the dark web, leading to widespread data breaches. Red Flags: How to Identify a Phishing Email Unusual Sender Addresses – Cybercriminals often spoof email addresses to look like trusted sources. Carefully inspect the sender's domain name for typos, extra characters, or strange formatting. A genuine email from "paypal.com" could be faked as "paypall.com" or "paypal-support.com." Urgent or Threatening Language – Many phishing emails attempt to create a sense of urgency, claiming that an account will be suspended, a payment has failed, or legal action is imminent. If an email pressures you into immediate action, be suspicious. Unexpected Attachments or Links – Hover over hyperlinks before clicking to see the actual URL destination. If the web address looks unfamiliar or mismatched with the sender's identity, do not click. Similarly, attachments that appear out of context—especially ZIP files, PDFs, or Word documents—could contain malware. Requests for Sensitive Information – Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking details via email. If an email requests confidential information, verify with the company directly using a trusted phone number. Generic Greetings or Poor Grammar – Emails that start with “Dear Customer” instead of your name, or those containing awkward phrasing and misspellings, often indicate phishing attempts. Many cybercriminals operate internationally and use machine translations, leading to unnatural wording. Best Practices to Protect Your Business Train Employees Regularly – Frequent security awareness training helps employees recognize phishing attempts. Past studies by Proofpoint show that companies with ongoing cybersecurity training reduce phishing-related breaches by up to 60%. Implement simulated phishing tests to reinforce learning. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA significantly decreases the chances of an account being compromised, even if login credentials are stolen. Microsoft reports that MFA can block over 99% of automated cyberattacks . Ensure all employees activate MFA for business accounts. Verify Requests Independently – If an email asks for sensitive actions (e.g., wire transfers, login changes, or software downloads), confirm the request through a known and trusted contact method. Never use the phone number or link provided in the email —instead, visit the company's official website or call using a verified number. Monitor and Filter Emails – Implement robust email security tools that automatically flag suspicious messages. Advanced filtering systems, like those offered by Barracuda Networks, can block over 90% of phishing emails before they reach inboxes. Encourage a Report-First Culture – Employees should feel empowered to report suspicious emails even if they are unsure. IT teams can analyze these reports to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Early detection prevents widespread damage. Use a Password Manager – Employees often reuse passwords across multiple accounts, increasing security risks. Encourage the use of password managers like 1Password or LastPass to generate and store complex passwords securely. New Tactic: The Rise of QR Code Phishing ("Quishing") QR code phishing, or "quishing," is a new phishing tactic gaining momentum as attackers exploit the widespread use of QR codes. Unlike traditional phishing, which relies on malicious email links, quishing uses QR codes to redirect users to fake websites designed to steal login credentials. 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By fostering a culture of awareness and encouraging open communication, you empower your employees to be the first line of defense. Together, with vigilance and the right tools in place, you can ensure the safety of your sensitive data and build a more secure future for your business.
February 28, 2025
Employee Appreciation Day, which falls on March 7th this year, is an ideal occasion to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication of your employees. At Simco, we recognize that employee appreciation shouldn’t be limited to just one day, but this day presents a special opportunity to go above and beyond in showing your team how much they mean to the success of your organization. When employees feel recognized and valued, it enhances morale, engagement, and ultimately, productivity. Here are several thoughtful and impactful ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, creating lasting positive effects for both your employees and your company. 1. Personalized Appreciation Nothing shows employees you truly value them more than personalized recognition. Tailor your appreciation efforts to each individual, acknowledging their unique contributions and the impact they’ve made. Personalized gestures help employees feel recognized for the specific work they’ve done, making the appreciation feel authentic and meaningful. You can: Write Personalized Thank-You Notes : Take the time to write handwritten notes to your employees, thanking them for their specific achievements and how they contribute to the company’s overall success. Publicly Acknowledge Contributions : During a company meeting or via a group email, recognize each team member's individual contributions, celebrating their efforts with concrete examples. Employee Spotlights : Feature standout employees in your internal newsletter or on social media to highlight their unique strengths and hard work. 2. Host an Engaging Celebration Employee Appreciation Day is an excellent time to host a celebration that brings everyone together, whether virtually or in person. A well-planned event can boost morale and provide a chance for employees to connect with one another outside of their usual work routines. Ideas for celebration include: Catered Meals or Special Treats : Provide lunch, snacks, or a special treat to make the day feel celebratory. A fun lunch or dessert bar can offer an opportunity for employees to mingle and bond. Themed Events : Host a fun, themed event such as a retro office party or a “thank you” happy hour where employees can unwind and enjoy themselves. Virtual Celebration : For remote or hybrid teams, set up a virtual event like a game or trivia session where employees can engage and laugh together. 3. Offer Tangible Tokens of Appreciation While a simple thank-you is powerful, offering a meaningful gift can take employee appreciation to the next level. Thoughtful rewards can show your team that you not only recognize their hard work but are also willing to invest in their well-being. Consider: Gift Cards : Offer gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, or online stores, allowing employees to pick out something they personally enjoy. Wellness Incentives : Gifts that promote health and wellness—such as fitness trackers, yoga classes, or access to mental health resources—show employees you care about their overall well-being. Company Merchandise : High-quality, branded merchandise like apparel, accessories, or tech gadgets can serve as a lasting reminder of your appreciation. 4. Invest in Professional Development One of the most meaningful ways to honor your employees is by helping them grow professionally. Employee Appreciation Day is a great time to invest in their future, whether through formal training, new opportunities, or fostering leadership skills. Ways to offer growth opportunities include: Learning Stipends : Offer financial support for employees to pursue further education, certifications, or online courses that align with their career goals. Internal Development Programs : Launch mentorship initiatives or leadership programs that enable employees to expand their skill sets within the organization. Growth Opportunities : Encourage employees to explore new roles or responsibilities that align with their career aspirations, reinforcing your commitment to their long-term success. 5. Encourage Peer Recognition Employee appreciation doesn’t have to be a one-way street from management to employees. Encouraging peer-to-peer recognition helps build a strong team culture, where employees feel supported and valued by their colleagues as well. This helps foster camaraderie and teamwork, which benefits the entire organization. Ideas for peer recognition: Peer-to-Peer Appreciation Platforms : Create an internal platform where employees can nominate or thank their colleagues for their contributions, highlighting specific ways they've gone above and beyond. Recognition Wall : Set up a virtual or physical wall where employees can post messages of appreciation for their peers, encouraging a culture of gratitude. Monthly Recognition : Implement a peer-nominated “Employee of the Month” program to recognize and reward employees for their ongoing contributions. 6. Give Back Employee Appreciation Day also provides an opportunity to show gratitude by giving back to the community. Many employees value working for companies that have a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. By organizing a charitable event or initiative, you demonstrate that your organization cares about making a positive difference beyond the workplace. Ideas for giving back include: Company Volunteer Days : Organize a day of service where employees can volunteer at a local charity or nonprofit, allowing them to contribute to causes they care about while bonding with their colleagues. Matching Donations : Offer to match employee donations to their favorite charities, demonstrating that you support their personal values and causes. Charitable Fundraising Events : Host fundraising activities or auctions with proceeds going to a charitable organization chosen by the team. 7. Seek Feedback Finally, a key part of showing appreciation is listening to your employees and gathering feedback on how they feel valued. Employee Appreciation Day offers the perfect occasion to ask for input on what makes them feel appreciated and what could be improved. This helps ensure that future efforts are even more meaningful. Ways to gather feedback: Anonymous Surveys : Send out a survey asking employees what makes them feel most appreciated and if they have any suggestions for improving recognition practices. One-on-One Check-ins : Arrange individual meetings with employees to hear their thoughts on workplace culture and recognition, providing an opportunity for honest feedback. Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation Year-Round Employee Appreciation Day is a special occasion, but the benefits of recognizing your team should last well beyond this single day. When employees feel consistently valued and appreciated, it leads to higher morale, greater job satisfaction, and increased engagement. By investing in recognition efforts, offering meaningful rewards, and fostering a culture of appreciation, you ensure that your team remains motivated, happy, and productive all year long. At Simco, we believe that lifting and supporting employees is integral to creating a thriving workplace. Whether you celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with gifts, events, or personalized recognition, taking the time to show gratitude is a small gesture that can have a lasting impact on both your employees and your business.

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