<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2878" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29164524/tragedy-blog-image-1.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29164524/tragedy-blog-image-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29164524/tragedy-blog-image-1-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29164524/tragedy-blog-image-1-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29164524/tragedy-blog-image-1-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><em>By Jeff Zander, CEO of Zander Insurance</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">From the COVID-19 pandemic to the tornadoes and the downtown explosion, 2020 was one of the most challenging years in history for many Nashville business owners. Our hearts go out to those who had to permanently close their doors in a year that no one could have predicted would be so tragic. </span></p>
<hr />
<p>We have worked with numerous businesses when natural disasters occur and, while we hope 2023 doesn&#8217;t bring us anything near what we experienced in 2020, it doesn&#8217;t hurt to plan for the worst and ensure your insurance policies are where you need them to be should another tragedy strike.</p>
<h3><strong>Natural Disasters</strong></h3>
<p>The top piece of advice I recommend to business owners (and anyone for that matter) is to compare policy rates through an independent insurance broker. On your behalf, a broker shops to find the best available policy and rates from an extensive array of companies. By comparison, going solely with a captive agency that only represents one insurance company won’t allow you to shop the market and compare options, thereby maximizing coverage and value.</p>
<p>With commercial insurance, most policies are written on an “all-risk policy” form. Contrary to its name, the all-risk policy will generally list what is not covered. Make sure to read the exclusions section of your policy to be clear on what is included. Usually, most all-risk policies will cover windstorms, tornadoes, hail, lightning, fire and other natural disasters; however, they typically exclude floods and earthquakes. These coverages can be added separately.</p>
<p>Start by reviewing what the policy will not cover and evaluate if your business should purchase an additional policy covering damage from those excluded perils or risks.</p>
<h3><strong>Bombings, Explosions and More</strong></h3>
<p>Much like natural disasters, explosions like the one that affected downtown Nashville on Christmas Day cannot be predicted. According to the Insurors of Tennessee, an &#8220;explosion&#8221; is a covered loss under most property policies, and in some cases, it may be named an &#8220;act of vandalism&#8221; and covered as such.</p>
<p>If the explosion had been certified as an &#8220;act of terrorism,&#8221; most small businesses would have been covered. However, in some limited cases, large specialty-type business risks may have a policy that excludes terrorism, but there is an option to buy back that coverage. Companies falling into this category should have been notified by their agent when the policy was purchased, and the option was presented.</p>
<h3><strong>Cybersecurity Threats</strong></h3>
<p>A <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/12/09/how-the-coronavirus-outbreak-has-and-hasnt-changed-the-way-americans-work/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20a%20majority%20(56%25),need%20to%20do%20their%20job.">Pew Research</a> poll found that 71 percent of employees shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, with many schools doing virtual learning, students and parents are at an increased risk for identity theft and other cyber-crimes.</p>
<p>More remote work creates not only an increased risk for employees but also for their employers. In most cases, remote employees use personal devices to log into company systems, which may not maintain the same cybersecurity measures implemented in the office. A lack of cyber safety measures at home may expose the business to increased risks that could cause significant financial loss and disruption for their clients in the event of a data breach or other cyber intrusion. Small- and medium-sized businesses have become prime targets due to their less focused efforts toward cybersecurity.</p>
<p>Business owners and HR managers should educate employees on risk factors associated with working from home, emphasizing the importance of protecting their personal and financial information and the company&#8217;s information.</p>
<p>Additionally, you should ensure that all of your anti-virus, malware and other cybersecurity systems are up to date. Having a Data Breach insurance policy in place is another critical step since cybersecurity measures alone may not protect against a breach or other cyber attack.</p>
<p>I also recommend employers consider including identity theft as an employee benefit, especially since remote work is likely here to stay for many companies.</p>
<h3><strong>Plan Ahead</strong></h3>
<p>Whether you’re a business owner, employee or a stay-at-home parent, let this serve as a reminder to do a “check-in” on your insurance policies, whether they be commercial, life, health, automotive, identity theft or home. It never hurts to be prepared and rest knowing you&#8217;re adequately insured.</p>
<p>To learn more from an insurance broker, visit <a href="https://www.zanderins.com .">zander.com</a></p>
<p><em>Jeff Zander has more than 35 years of experience working in the insurance industry, and his knowledge dates back even further. Nashville-based Zander Insurance Group was founded nearly 100 years ago by his great grandfather Herman Zander, and Jeff is CEO of this fourth-generation, family-and-employee-owned business.</em></p>


Find out about avoiding insurance tragedies in 2023 from Zander Insurance including details about tornadoes to explosions, cyber security and planning ahead.

Avoiding Insurance Tragedies - Tornadoes | Zander Insurance

From tornadoes to explosions: avoiding insurance tragedies in 2023

<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2913" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30151100/Flood-blog-image-header.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30151100/Flood-blog-image-header.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30151100/Flood-blog-image-header-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30151100/Flood-blog-image-header-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30151100/Flood-blog-image-header-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Do you have protection for a 99% problem? </span><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Although only 3% of homeowners see flooding as a risk to their homes, 99% of US counties have experienced flooding in the last 25 years, according to FEMA. Scientists expect the frequency and intensity of flooding to increase as climate change continues to create more intense precipitation and sea level rise is accelerating.</span></p>
<hr />
<h3>About $1000 per year protects from a $50,000 disaster</h3>
<h3>As a homeowner, you’re likely aware that standard homeowners&#8217; insurance policies won’t cover flood damage to your home and belongings from storm surges, river and stream overflows, and flash floods. And while only 15% of property owners carry flood insurance, the average National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood claim payout to those who do is over $50,000, according to FEMA’s latest 2019 figures.<br />
Flood insurance is available through NFIP and private market carriers. Average annual flood insurance costs depend on several factors, from your home’s structure and elevation to frequency of flooding and distance to water. Overall costs range by state from $629 to $1410.</h3>
<p>Federal Aid Challenges</p>
<p>Some homeowners believe that federal disaster aid will cover them in the event of an unexpected flood. However, what they don’t realize is:<br />
• Disaster aid isn’t offered after every flood<br />
• Disaster aid often takes months<br />
• Uninsured flood victims then get a disaster loan from the SBA</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the damage is done, and funding for repairs doesn’t come quickly, if at all. Yet, those who choose to carry flood insurance can get claims quickly processed and begin to recover from the damage to their home and belongings.</p>
<h3>5 Ways to Reduce Flood Insurance Costs</h3>
<p>Even though the average premium is worth the protection, homeowners have a few options for reducing policy costs. Consider:<br />
1. Choosing a higher deductible<br />
2. Taking steps to mitigate flood risks, like elevating HVAC units above the first floor<br />
3. Getting an elevation certificate<br />
4. Qualifying for the NRIP Community Rating System discount<br />
5. Comparing NFIP rates to the private market<br />
Discover more about NFIP’s specific building and belongings flood coverage, replacement cost vs. ACV, FEMA’s Risk Ratings 2.0, private flood insurance options, and more in this Forbes Advisor article.</p>


Look at details about how to protect your home from flooding from Zander Insurance including information about federal aid challenges and how to reduce costs.

How To Protect Your Home from Flooding | Zander Insurance

How To Protect Your Home from Flooding

<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2908" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30144111/bad-thing-blog-image.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30144111/bad-thing-blog-image.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30144111/bad-thing-blog-image-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30144111/bad-thing-blog-image-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30144111/bad-thing-blog-image-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p><em>By Kell Holland, Sheridan Jemison and Joe Deyo</em> <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/"><em>Zander Insurance</em></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Wow. Just wow. It has been a crazy couple of years for small businesses. Most have been absorbing and ducking punches from the world like a championship boxer. The list of haymakers that have come your way is long, and includes COVID-19, lockdowns, a tanked economy, a surging economy, supply chain issues, work-from-home requests, inflation, cyberattacks, worker shortages, severe weather, killer bees and more. Oh, and don’t forget the usual small business challenges of providing a quality product or service that people want at an affordable price. </span></p>
<hr />
<p>As insurance advisors we have a front-row seat to the challenges businesses face. This includes historic threats such as liability issues and property protection, current issues like competitive and compliant employee benefit packages, and the evolving challenges of cyber liability and identity theft protection. More than ever small businesses need a reliable and knowledgeable insurance advisor in their corner – one that is focused not on selling you something, but one that is there with good questions, good solutions, and good strategy. A good agent focuses on your current needs, but also helps you prepare for the next big thing – or bad thing.</p>
<p>Working with organizations in Tennessee and across the country, we have seen it all. Here are a few examples of coverages you may want to consider for your business.</p>
<h3>Cyber Liability</h3>
<p>Cyberattacks are one of the greatest challenges for small businesses today. Increasing 600% since the pandemic, cybercrime includes data breaches, ransomware extortion, malware, viruses, phishing, and social engineering where the cybercriminal tricks someone into sending funds, sharing passwords, or giving access to other critical information.</p>
<p>While cyberattacks reported in the media focus on large corporations, the reality is that small businesses, with less security and fewer resources, are often seen as easy targets. Recent market surveys show that in the past 12 months, 23% to 40% of small business have suffered at least one cyberattack with an average cost of $25K. The bad guys LOVE American small business.</p>
<p>Some of the potential costs arising from a cyberattack that can be covered by insurance include legal fees related to lawsuits by those affected, ransom demands, legal notifications to impacted parties, IT costs to recover lost data, money lost from transferred funds, and more. Remediation services are also a huge benefit to small business owners, helping you mitigate the negative impact that a cyberattack has on your client base and rebuilding trust. Coverage for this type of loss is typically excluded from your general liability policy, however both cyber policies and crime policies can offer security. Cyber Liability protection could save your business, so it’s important to speak with your agent about protecting yourself from this ever-increasing threat.</p>
<h3>Business Interruption</h3>
<p>In the spring of 2020, a string of tornadoes moved through middle Tennessee causing extensive damage. One of our clients called the next day and shared that their business office and primary warehouse had been nearly decimated due to the storms. This thriving company essentially went out of business in the span of one day. Fortunately, they had a Business Interruption insurance policy in place that was designed for this very situation. It provided immediate funds that allowed the company to lease a new location, configure it for their needs, and quickly get back to full operations. While it was a difficult punch to absorb, it wasn’t a knockout blow.</p>
<p>Business Interruption coverage is great to have to protect against losses from situations out of your control, such as storm damage, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, unforeseen road closures, and more. While it doesn’t protect your business from a pandemic, in other situations it can make the difference in whether you can keep your doors open.</p>
<h3>Employee Benefits</h3>
<p>Finding and keeping employees is harder than ever. A recent survey noted that up to 45% of all employees are contemplating a job change or will soon. Yikes! One line of defense (and offense) that many employers are implementing is revised employee benefit offerings. Health insurance remains the centerpiece of most benefits packages, and is still the most requested. Beyond that, employees are also looking for dental, vision, disability, life, identity theft protection, and other optional coverages to choose from. One benefit that is getting increased attention lately is disability insurance &#8211; or the more aptly titled “paycheck insurance.” This pays an employee a percentage of their normal pay in case they are out of work for a sickness or injury.</p>
<p>Small employers should not assume that good benefits are too expensive and out of reach. With things like “level funded” plans for health insurance, voluntary benefits, Health Savings Accounts, and setting up employee classifications, having a quality benefits package that helps you attract and retain the talent you need is doable. Work with your insurance agent/advisor to learn about the options and put together a strategy that works for you.</p>
<h3>Get A Move On</h3>
<p>The last few years have provided some historic challenges for small businesses, and more punches are sure to come in the future. Having a reliable and trustworthy insurance agent/advisor in your corner is a key component of being ready for the fight – one that has a deep expertise in all the types of coverage that your business needs. Don’t sacrifice your success with an agency that only specializes in one area and just dabbles in other lines of insurance. Partner with your agency to conduct a top-to-bottom evaluation of your current coverages, assess any gaps or coverage you might be paying too much for, and get a strategy in place to take care of it. Doing that may just help you be a little bit more prepared for the next big thing – or bad thing.</p>
<p>For nearly 100 years, Zander has been putting clients first by simplifying the process of researching insurance products and allowing clients to purchase a complete portfolio from one office. This fourth-generation family/employee-owned business provides a comprehensive selection of business, employee benefits and personal insurance products to their nationwide client base.</p>
<p>Kell Holland, Executive Vice President, <a href="mailto:kholland@zanderins.com">kholland@zanderins.com</a><br />
Sheridan Jemison, Property and Casualty Consultant, <a href="mailto:sjemison@zanderins.com">sjemison@zanderins.com</a><br />
Joe Deyo, Director – Group Benefits, <a href="mailto:jdeyo@zanderins.com">jdeyo@zanderins.com</a></p>
<p>The authors each have over 25 years of insurance expertise and specialize in serving businesses of all sizes. At Zander Insurance they work together with their teams to provide a cohesive and strategic approach to serving client needs.</p>


Read about preparing your business for the next big thing from Zander Insurance including cyber liability, business interruption and employee benefits.

Prepare Your Business for The Next Big Thing | Zander Insurance

Prepare Your Business for The Next Big (Bad) Thing

<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2899" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29200405/take-action-blog-.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29200405/take-action-blog-.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29200405/take-action-blog--300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29200405/take-action-blog--1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29200405/take-action-blog--768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; background: white; text-align: left;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;">By Jeff Zander, CEO of Zander Insurance</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">September is recognized as National Preparedness Month by <a href="https://www.ready.gov/september">FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security</a>. It’s a time to ensure plans and processes are in place for emergencies and natural disasters. Being prepared goes beyond changing the batteries in your fire alarm or reviewing what to do in a tornado or flood. It&#8217;s also about careful consideration of your insurance policies and putting your mind at ease against worst-case scenarios. </span></p>
<hr />
<h3>Preparing Your Home</h3>
<p>When we think about being prepared, one of the easiest ways we can do this is by obtaining a home insurance policy. Home insurance will cover a variety of potential disasters, including fire or lightning damage, tornado damage, busted pipe damage, damage from a tree falling and more.</p>
<p>There can be some confusion about when it&#8217;s necessary to have a specific &#8220;niche&#8221; insurance, such as flood insurance or insurance for higher value personal property items. The best way to determine your needs is by working with a reputable insurance agent or agency that is not only price conscious but also coverage conscious. Come prepared with questions and be willing to disclose items of a unique or higher value that may need protection.</p>
<p>Overall, home insurance policies cover a lot, but there are some essential coverages to consider when shopping for a policy.<br />
• Adding Guaranteed or Extended Replacement Cost coverage ensures that the full cost of repairs are covered if something happens to your home.<br />
• Know your deductibles for all peril. Some companies increase them for wind/hail damage. It’s also important to review for changes every renewal.<br />
• If you have any detached structures to the home, make sure the Other Structures limit is adequate.<br />
• Check on the Roof Replacement Cost Coverage. Some companies no longer offer this anymore and may only pay actual cash value.</p>
<h3>Preparing Your Business</h3>
<p>When it comes to evaluating your business insurance protections, it’s important to prepare against not only a natural disaster but also a company-related crisis such as a breach or identity theft.</p>
<p>As winter is approaching in a few months, now is the time to start preparing by contracting with a company for ice removal on your commercial property; ensuring you have contacts for emergency repairs; having a plan to notify employees in case of an emergency; and more.</p>
<p>When it comes to shopping for or reevaluating your business insurance policy, it’s important to choose an independent agent/agency with proven experience in the industry who will shop your coverage with multiple carriers. Make sure the agent/agency will have the capability to provide the level of service you expect and will review your plan with you annually. They should understand the inherent exposures of your business.</p>
<p>Insurance needs for small businesses vary by the industry in which they operate, but General Liability is the most important since it protects the business owner against costs related to injury and property damage—liabilities that arise through the conduct of your business operations.</p>
<p>Property coverage and Workers Compensation would be two other types of coverage worth strong consideration.?Property coverage protects the business for the property that they own and could include not only contents of an office but also the equipment and vehicles used off premise while working at a client location or other facilities.</p>
<p>Finally, most people don’t know that ID theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation, and few business owners realize how crucial it is to protect their business&#8217; identity in addition to their customer data. 60% of small and mid-size businesses that are hacked go out of business within 6 months. Make sure your response strategy includes protections for those clients affected by your breach; this is your only chance to preserve that individual or company as a client. A few points to keep in mind for Cyber Insurance and Breach Readiness:</p>
<p>• Per your state law, breach notifications must be sent to customers.<br />
• Implement a response plan with the help of your insurance carrier and/or IT resources.<br />
• Make sure your cyber protection policy provides monitoring services and includes the cost to retain public relations consulting and restoration of reputation.<br />
• Remember, your business is as much a target of ID theft as your clients’ information so make sure to protect both.</p>
<h3>Feeling Prepared</h3>
<p>I&#8217;ve only briefly touched on several ways to do a check-up on your preparedness. When in doubt, consider taking inventory of your home or business. One easy way to do this is to take a video of each room in your home or business. This will help you determine items that may be damaged or lost if disaster strikes.</p>
<p>Another great resource is Ready.gov, where you can download the Ready 2019 National Seasonal Preparedness Messaging Calendar. There are several toolkits available to assist with different types of safety and preparedness actions you can take.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, find an insurance agency/agent that you trust. To learn more about all of the different ways to be prepared, visit <a href="http://zander.com">https://www.zanderins.com.</a></p>


Find out how to take action during National Preparedness Month from Zander Insurance including preparing your home and business and what you can do to help.

Take Action During National Preparedness Month | Zander Insurance

Take Action During National Preparedness Month

<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2893" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29194722/tragedy-blog-image-2.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29194722/tragedy-blog-image-2.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29194722/tragedy-blog-image-2-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29194722/tragedy-blog-image-2-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29194722/tragedy-blog-image-2-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; background: white; text-align: left;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;">By Jeff Zander, CEO of Zander Insurance</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Since the beginning of the pandemic, we&#8217;ve seen a significant increase in the purchase of term life and health insurance policies due to the devastating impacts of COVID. Though most people understand why these coverages have been crucial during the current health crisis, many have not recognized how to avoid identity theft and the quickly growing need for cyber protection. In 2020, the FTC received 4.8 million identity (ID) theft and fraud complaints, an increase of 45 percent in 2019. When we think about ID theft, a data breach is often the first thing that comes to mind. A data breach occurs when information is stolen from a system without the knowledge or authorization of the system&#8217;s owner, within large corporations and small businesses alike. Last year, however, we saw cyber thieves getting more creative and aggressive during the pandemic. </span></p>
<hr />
<p>Nearly one-third of the FTC complaints filed last year were for scams involving government benefits, including federal stimulus payments and unemployment claims. Over the last year, our company&#8217;s caseload quadrupled due to ID theft claims surrounding unemployment fraud and SBA loans. We saw scammers creating fake business names similar to a legitimate business but using the EIN/tax ID number of the member&#8217;s business to get a loan. Cases like these are incredibly frustrating for the victimized company and can be a nightmare to resolve when multiple government entities are involved.</p>
<p>Another common way to be a victim of ID theft is through phishing scams. Phishing is where an attacker sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a human into revealing sensitive information. I’ve seen people in the process of closing on a house receive an email from a realtor whose email address was slightly off, but they were asking the sellers to wire money before closing. We&#8217;ve also seen a considerable increase in ransomware attacks, a type of malware that threatens to publish the victim&#8217;s data or perpetually block access unless a ransom is paid. Victims typically open themselves up to this type of cyber-extortion by clicking a link in a phishing email or downloading an email attachment.</p>
<p>Last year, Tennesseans reported losses of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-tennessee-4615e5bf2e5ca585b822aba85b47e335">$40.6 million</a> due to fraud and identity theft—at this rate, we aren&#8217;t expecting that number to decrease for 2023. Fortunately, ID theft protection is an affordable way to prevent yourself from becoming a victim and give you the peace of mind that a team of advocates is on your side. There are also some key things that you can implement to ensure you’re as protected as possible.</p>
<p>• Install antivirus software to prevent or remove malware from your computer. Antivirus software will aid in protecting your identity from cybercriminals.<br />
• Additionally, consider using a VPN (virtual private network) to ensure safety on public Wi-Fi networks and even protect your data privacy from your internet service provider.<br />
• Create strong and unique passwords for your computers, tablets, iPads and smartphones.<br />
• Always pay close attention to the spelling of email addresses and don’t open their attachments. When in doubt, call the company claiming to need information from you to verify<br />
it’s legitimate before you respond.<br />
• Consider these <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection/resources">helpful resources</a> like adding a fraud alert to your credit report, implementing a credit freeze and signing up for the <a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/">Do Not Call registry</a>.<br />
• Purchase an ID theft protection plan that protects the entire family (children are equally at risk). The plan should continually monitor your personal and financial information, alert you of any suspicious activity, provide a recovery team to help you restore your identity to pre-theft status if you become a victim and offer reimbursement of stolen funds and expenses if you become a victim.</p>
<p>If you’re a business owner, there are also programs available to safeguard your company’s most valuable assets.</p>
<h3>Business ID theft protection</h3>
<p>The ID theft protection will track the trade and selling of business-related information through surveillance and monitoring services, including bank account numbers, employee email addresses, credit card numbers, and business URLs to alert you when your information is at risk. If a business becomes a victim, the protection plan will provide unlimited recovery services to remedy the problem and restore the company to pre-theft status.</p>
<h3>Cyber/breach insurance</h3>
<p>Data breaches and ID theft events are never 100 percent preventable. In the event of a data breach, this type of program will assist in limiting the damage, delivering legally mandated notifications to your affected customers, and taking proactive resolution measures to help reduce the negative impact. With ransomware becoming a fast-growing threat, especially to small and mid-size organizations, it is crucial to have a protection plan in place if your business becomes a target. The coverage will also protect against costly lawsuits.</p>
<h3>Employee protection</h3>
<p>Group ID theft protection plans not only provide protection if your employee’s data is hacked but also offers the ability to expand an Employee Benefit plan with a service that is timely to your Team’s needs and helps reduce the stress and distraction caused if they do become a victim from whatever type of attack occurs. The Employee Benefit Protection Plans offered are very similar to individual protections noted above but often at a significant discount if purchased as a group.</p>
<p>Whether you’re concerned about yourself, your business, or your employees, ID theft and cybersecurity events are on the rise, and you should consider a protection plan that features benefits designed to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.</p>
<p><em>Jeff Zander has more than 40+ years of experience working in the insurance industry and specializing in all areas of Personal, Business and Employee Benefit programs. Nashville-based Zander Insurance Group was founded nearly 100 years ago by his great grandfather Herman Zander, and Jeff is CEO of this fourth-generation, family-and-employee-owned business. </em></p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection</a></p>


Read about how to avoid identity theft personally and professionally from Zander Insurance including details about phishing scams, business id protection and more.

How To Avoid Identity Theft Personally and Professionally

How To Avoid Identity Theft Personally &#038; Professionally

<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2903" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29202003/employee-blog.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29202003/employee-blog.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29202003/employee-blog-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29202003/employee-blog-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29202003/employee-blog-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p><em>By Rebecca Jobe of Nashville-based</em><a href="https://www.zanderins.com/"> <em>Zander Insurance</em></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Today is National Employee Appreciation Day, a chance to honor and celebrate employees by expressing just how grateful you are to have them on your team. While making it an official “holiday” helps us remember to pause and show employees our gratitude for their hard work, recognition can’t be limited to just one day on a calendar. True appreciation for your employees’ contribution to the success of the organization requires a conscious effort to make it a part of the company’s culture – every day. As an employer, it is crucial to ask yourself, “How am I purposefully acknowledging my team?” Here’s what works for us.</span></p>
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<h3>Be Available</h3>
<p>Employees feel valued when you make time for them. Whether it’s through one-on-one meetings, daily huddles, or just responding to your team member’s email in a timely manner, the importance of your availability cannot be understated. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities and appear too busy for the people around you, but being present and available shows your team that you value their time, which in turn makes for happier employees. Hold yourself accountable for regular check-ins.</p>
<p>When employees are in contact with their bosses, they actually enjoy their jobs more. In fact, according to a TinyPulse survey, the #1 reason for employee dissatisfaction with a direct supervisor was a “lack of presence,” and “limited interactions with team.” So keeping your employees engaged and feeling appreciated starts with showing up and being available.</p>
<p>One of the ways this principle is applied at Zander is by having bi-monthly “Q&amp;A with Shervin” sessions with each department, allowing team members the opportunity to ask any questions they have about the business. Members of the executive management team also have an open-door policy to encourage employees to come in and make suggestions, address concerns, or simply enjoy an espresso with the company president.</p>
<h3>Thank Them</h3>
<p>Saying “thank you” to your employees is a given; showing them you are thankful is what lets them know you mean it.</p>
<p>Expressing gratitude does not have to be something extravagant or costly. Consider having lunch brought into the office, or providing a monthly delivery of fresh fruit as an ongoing show of gratitude. If food isn’t a motivator for your team, remember that thoughtfulness is what matters. A simple thank you note or email can also go a long way.</p>
<p>Another great way to foster appreciation is to develop a program that allows employees to thank each other. In our office we have the “Prize Patrol,” where colleagues can recognize and reward their coworkers for nearly any reason – whether it’s for helping them with a challenging case or holding the door for them. Recipients of the prize patrol receive a notecard with the statement of gratitude from the coworker and a gift card to a coffee shop or retail store.</p>
<p>Create a culture of thankfulness, and it will start manifesting to your team. When you express gratitude, your employees will show their gratefulness to each other.</p>
<h3>Celebrate All Year</h3>
<p>While National Employee Appreciation Day is a great time to honor employees, my goal is to make sure they feel appreciated throughout the year. For starters, new employees receive a hand-written letter and “swag bag” during onboarding to welcome them to the team. We also go beyond just one day of appreciation for our employees, dedicating an entire week each year to food, fun activities, and prizes centered on our gratitude for their hard work.</p>
<p>Another initiative that shows you care is to allot a portion of company funds to giving back within the organization. Zander is proud to support employees who are raising money for their children’s schools, activities, or projects they are passionate about. Additionally, our peer-nominated Employee of the Month program gives employees yet another outlet to recognize each other’s successes and dedication.</p>
<p>Investing in your employees throughout the year is the greatest way to show you value them, and to retain them. After all, employee loyalty reaps dividends when it comes to customer loyalty.</p>
<p>What steps will you take to celebrate your employees today and throughout the year?</p>


Read about three ways to celebrate employees from Zander Insurance including details about being available, thanking them and celebrating the entire year.

Three Ways to Celebrate Employees | Zander Insurance

Three Ways to Celebrate Employees

<p><em><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2888" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29180324/inflation-blog-image.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29180324/inflation-blog-image.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29180324/inflation-blog-image-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29180324/inflation-blog-image-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29180324/inflation-blog-image-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></em></p>
<p><em>By Jeff Zander, CEO of Zander Insurance</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">U.S. inflation rates have soared to a record 8.2%, the highest rate the country has seen in over 40 years. While most industries expect to see a proportionate rate of price increases, many people in Nashville have inquired specifically about the immediate and long-term effects on the insurance industry and their costs and coverages. </span></p>
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<p>Both Nashville natives and new arrivals have seen the real estate market surge over the last few years, and homeowners are questioning whether their insurance policies are still adequate based on the impact of inflation and rising building costs.</p>
<h3>Do I have enough coverage to rebuild in the event of a claim?</h3>
<p>The answer lies in determining the exact replacement cost of your home, which is a challenge that a trusted builder can help solve based on building costs in your neighborhood. When reviewing your policy, understand that there is an important distinction between the “sale price” and the “price to build” from when you originally secured your home insurance.</p>
<p>The sale price of your home is what you paid at market value and includes additional factors such as the price of your land. The estimated price to build is based on the actual cost of building a home of your size with similar finishes and building materials. This can fluctuate based on additions such as outdoor living spaces and finished basements, and it does not include the cost of your land. The estimated price to build gives you a starting point for your home’s replacement cost in the event of a total loss.</p>
<h3>What about the increased price of goods since I originally insured my home?</h3>
<p>This question comes up regularly for those of us working in the insurance industry. Most insurance policies have built-in protection programs to offset inflated construction and materials costs. Inflation guard protection is an automatic yearly increase to your building coverage limit ranging from 4% to 10%. These increases build on your initial evaluation to keep up with inflation.</p>
<p>The potential risk for Nashville homeowners lies in the method you used to insure your home when you bought it. If your initial replacement cost missed the mark at some level, then the inflation protection will simply keep your original quote up to date as prices rise. In this case, you will still be underinsured.</p>
<h3>Is there anything I can do today to ensure I am adequately covered?</h3>
<p>The good news is you can speak with your insurance provider about replacement cost endorsements. These policy riders provide additional coverage over the limit listed on your policy in case of a claim.</p>
<p>Two options are:</p>
<h3>Extended Replacement Cost</h3>
<p>The extended replacement cost option allows you to increase your current replacement cost coverage for your home by 20%, 50% or 100%, building on your home’s initial insured value.</p>
<p>For example, if your home is currently valued at $250,000, and you have a 50% extended replacement cost endorsement, your insurance company will give you an additional $125,000, totaling $375,000 towards your rebuild in the event of a total loss.</p>
<h3>Guaranteed Replacement Cost</h3>
<p>The guaranteed replacement cost rider is the ideal protection plan for your home, but it may not be offered by all insurance companies. It provides guaranteed replacement, regardless of the cost to rebuild the home, even if it is higher than the limits shown on your policy. For example, if your home value is $250,000 and becomes a total loss, and the cost to rebuild is $400,000, the insurance company will pay the full replacement cost of your home at $400,000.</p>
<p>My strongest recommendation for new and existing homeowners is to promptly connect with your agent to discuss your current policy coverages. Because the cost to rebuild homes has increased substantially in the past two years, it is crucial to ensure your coverage is keeping up with the pace of inflation and the higher cost of building (or rebuilding) a home.</p>
<p>To learn more from an insurance broker, visit <a href="https://www.zanderins.com">zander.com</a></p>
<p><em>Jeff Zander has more than 35 years of experience working in the insurance industry, and his knowledge dates back even further. Nashville-based Zander Insurance Group was founded nearly 100 years ago by his great grandfather Herman Zander, and Jeff is CEO of this fourth-generation, family-and-employee-owned business.</em></p>


Read about how to choose home insurance to fight off record inflation from Zander Insurance including details about having enough coverage & replacement costs.

How To Choose Homeowners Insurance To Fight Off Record Inflation

How To Choose Homeowners Insurance to Fight Off Record Inflation

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2771" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16140852/blog_post_headers-7.png" alt="identity theft" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16140852/blog_post_headers-7.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16140852/blog_post_headers-7-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16140852/blog_post_headers-7-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16140852/blog_post_headers-7-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">If you notice suspicious activity and are a member of Zander Identity Theft Solutions, contact us right away so that we can open a case on your behalf and restore your account to its pre-theft status. We encourage you to join our plan if you are not yet a member because, once you have been a victim of ID theft, you are at a higher risk of being victimized again in the future. </span></p>
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<p>While we cannot help you with an ID Theft event that happens before you become a member, we have several helpful resources on our <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection/resources">Helpful Links page</a>, which include: how to place fraud alerts, how to view and access your credit report, and much more. It is crucial to include that, if you were involved in a data breach, it does not make you a victim of ID Theft. Your data being compromised in a data breach does put you more at risk, but you are only considered a victim if a thief illegally uses your information so you would remain eligible to enroll in our plan and have any future events covered.</p>
<p>As a member of <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander ID Theft Solutions</a>, you not only receive unlimited recovery services to clear up fraud if you fall victim to it, but you also get alerts of suspicious activity, up to $1 million in stolen funds protection and reimbursement, lost wallet protection and much more. Our team of experts is here to help 24/7/365 for your convenience and peace of mind.</p>


Find out what to do if you are a victim of identity theft like how to place fraud alerts, access your credit report and more from Zander Insurance.

What Do I Do if I’m a Victim of Identity Theft? | Zander Insurance

What Do I Do if I’m a Victim of Identity Theft?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2766" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16132416/blog_post_headers-6.png" alt="identity theft protection antivirus" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16132416/blog_post_headers-6.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16132416/blog_post_headers-6-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16132416/blog_post_headers-6-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16132416/blog_post_headers-6-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">No, it is not necessary to have two antivirus programs on a device. </span></p>
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<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="color: black;">If you are using another antivirus software that you are content with, you can upgrade to our Elite plan and take advantage of the other features offered, such as the UltraVPN, Credit Lock, and Financial Account Takeover monitoring. </span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="color: black;">If you wanted to use the Ultra Antivirus feature of your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander Elite ID theft protection plan</a>, you would need to uninstall any current antivirus program (ex: Norton or Windows Defender) before downloading the Ultra Antivirus. Running multiple antivirus programs on a device could cause problems mid installation, and the device may not perform as well as it should.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p>


Learn about the Zander Insurance identity theft protection plan's feature, Ultra Antivirus and whether you need it if you already have protection.

Should I Activate Zander Insurance Ultra Antivirus Feature?

Should I Activate Zander’s Ultra Antivirus Feature if I Already Have Antivirus Software?

<p>You can most effectively combat identity theft by enrolling in a program that combines prevention components with full-service recovery. The truth is that no plan can thoroughly prevent ID theft 100% of the time, so we have integrated the tools that help reduce your risk while providing critical recovery services if an ID theft event does occur. No matter the cost or how long it takes, our certified recovery specialists will take care of restoring your identity to pre-theft status if you fall victim to this expensive, time-consuming, and terrifying crime.</p>
<p>As part of our prevention services, we monitor your personal information, searching the web and other databases for signs of misuse. Additionally, we provide online cybersecurity services such as VPN (a virtual private network) and antivirus software that allow you to browse the web, stream content, shop, and bank online with encryption. Looking after and reducing access to your information is an important step to reduce becoming an identity theft victim.</p>
<p>Regardless of the fraud committed- financial, Social Security or unemployment, medical id theft, crimes committed in your name, etc, our restoration services cover it all. To minimize the impact on your daily life, we provide white-glove service and recover your identity as fast as possible.<br />
As an added benefit, our members receive $1,000,000 ($2,000,000 on family plans) in stolen funds protection and expense reimbursement coverage, including legal fees, lost wages, and more. Our family plan covers any two adults and children at no cost. Our U.S.-based support is offered 24/7/365 to assist you in whatever you might need, such as reviewing your credit reports and accessing free services credit card opt-out, do-not-call lists, placing fraud alerts, freezing your credit, and more.</p>
<p>We have developed the most thorough and affordable plan that helps reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft. With <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander Identity Theft Solutions</a>, if you are a victim, you will receive immediate and effective assistance from a team you can trust to handle the problem and limit the hassles caused by having your identity stolen. That is why Dave Ramsey has only ever recommended and used our plan for his family and all his team members. Check out our comprehensive options or call us toll-free at <a href="tel:18882103274;">1.888.210.3274</a>.</p>


Read details about how the Zander ID Theft Plan works and more information about protecting your identity through our protection plans.

How Does The Zander ID Theft Plan Work? | Zander Insurance

How Does Zander’s ID Theft Plan Work?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2752" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13212841/blog_post_headers-5.png" alt="identity theft spouse" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13212841/blog_post_headers-5.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13212841/blog_post_headers-5-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13212841/blog_post_headers-5-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13212841/blog_post_headers-5-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">We recommend that each spouse take part in an ID theft protection plan, as you and your spouse have individual identities that could be stolen. </span></p>
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<p>Identity theft does not only involve financial fraud, but it can also include social security fraud, medical identity theft, IRS scams, employment fraud, and much more. You and your spouse have valuable personal information that identity thieves can access in various places.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Identity theft protection</a> is for all family members, including children. We offer free, comprehensive protection to children 18 and under, and limited benefits for adult dependents with our family plan.</p>


Having your important information protected is vital. If you have identity theft protection and are married, your spouse might need it too!

Does My Spouse Need ID Theft Protection | Zander Insurance

Does my Spouse Need ID Theft Protection, Too?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2747" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13211212/blog_post_headers-4.png" alt="child life insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13211212/blog_post_headers-4.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13211212/blog_post_headers-4-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13211212/blog_post_headers-4-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13211212/blog_post_headers-4-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Dave Ramsey does not recommend purchasing life insurance on children, specifically Gerber Life and similar policies that pose as college savings plans or promise a child’s insurability into the future.</span></p>
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<p>Children’s life insurance is another method of selling whole life insurance to people who don’t need it. As a child’s premature death is extremely rare, Dave feels that the expense can be managed via the parent’s emergency fund.</p>
<p>Alternatively, for those who wish to have some sort of extra protection in place, a <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/child-rider">child rider</a> can be added to most term life policies. Companies that offer a child rider tend to charge $50 to $60 a year for $10-20,000 of coverage, which would cover all children in the household (usually up to age 25). Once the child is old enough to buy their own life insurance, they can convert their child rider coverage to an individual policy even if they have health issues. So, instead of spending too much money on a policy for your child, consider using those funds for better investment options such as Education Savings Accounts, 529 plans, or regular mutual funds.</p>


Having term life insurance for yourself is very important, but does that mean your children need coverage too? Read more to find out.

Should I Have Life Insurance on My Children? | Zander Insurance

Should I Have Life Insurance on My Children?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2741" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26205655/blog_post_headers-3.png" alt="burial insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26205655/blog_post_headers-3.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26205655/blog_post_headers-3-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26205655/blog_post_headers-3-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26205655/blog_post_headers-3-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Term life insurance should not be used for final expenses or burial. Your term life insurance plan could expire before the death of the insured, making it not a viable method to plan for final expenses.</span></p>
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<p>When buying <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a>, the goal is to be paying off debt and growing your savings, so that by the time your insurance expires, there won’t be a need for life insurance. Dave Ramsey doesn’t recommend buying life insurance with the sole intention of using the money to cover final expenses, as in most cases your emergency fund and/or savings should pay for them.</p>
<p>There are some rare instances that you want to consider a burial type of policy, such as one through Senior Legacy Insurance. While Dave Ramsey does not typically recommend a burial policy, as it is a cash value plan, it could be the only way to address a need for insurance if you are dealing with an older individual whose financial or medical situation does not allow for any other option.</p>
<p>See answers to more <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/faqs">frequently asked questions</a> about term life insurance.</p>


Is there an instance when you might need a burial policy and term life insurance coverage? Find out what our experts and Dave Ramsey suggest.

When Do I Need a Burial Policy? | Zander Insurance

Do I Need a Burial Policy?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2737" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26195808/blog_post_headers-2.png" alt="life insurance expires" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26195808/blog_post_headers-2.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26195808/blog_post_headers-2-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26195808/blog_post_headers-2-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/26195808/blog_post_headers-2-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Most Term Life plans are renewable to age 90 or older. But the cost of the policy goes up substantially each year once the guaranteed level premium period expires. </span></p>
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<p>However, the affordability and flexibility provided by the long-term rate guarantees (10,15,20,25 and 30 years) of term life plans and the financial achievements you can accomplish during that time period is the reason <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a> is a much better option than cash-value plans.</p>
<p>Cash-value plans (Whole Life, Universal and Variable Life, and Return of Premium Plans) assert that you will need life insurance for your entire life, so to cover the higher cost of insuring you in your later years, they overcharge you in the earlier years of the policy. It is Dave Ramsey’s opinion that the money you save with term life insurance should be used to pay off debts and grow your wealth so that, by the time you’re older and the term expires, you won’t even need life insurance anymore. Don’t be fooled by the idea that you’ll need lifelong insurance coverage – life insurance is only necessary when your death would cause your family to suffer financially due to loss of income or debt.</p>


Do you know what to do should your term life insurance expire? Read tips about what you should do if your policy is about to expire from Zander.

What Happens When My Term Life Insurance Expires? | Zander

What Happens When My Term Life Insurance Expires?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2724" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05151125/blog_post_headers-1.png" alt="term life insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05151125/blog_post_headers-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05151125/blog_post_headers-1-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05151125/blog_post_headers-1-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05151125/blog_post_headers-1-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">No. The insurance industry has been very creative in perpetuating the idea that you will need life insurance for your entire life – that’s where cash value products get their name (Whole Life, Universal and Variable Life). </span></p>
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<p>The truth is you only need life insurance for the time in which your family would not be able to maintain their financial lifestyle due to a lack of savings or debt. When you purchase <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a>, your rate is locked for the timeframe of your choice. During this time, you should establish an emergency fund, pay down debts, and grow your savings. It doesn’t make sense to overpay for whole life insurance now so you can have protection in later years &#8212; you shouldn’t need life insurance at that point.</p>
<p>It is important to remember that as you are increasing savings and attacking debts, you are on the road to eliminating your need for life insurance so that, in the future, you can put those funds towards other investment options. There is no financial justification for spending money on a product you will eventually no longer need, just to receive a minimal rate of return. Also, because your emergency fund and savings should be established by this point, any final expenses or burial costs should be paid from these funds.</p>
<p>Learn more about the “<a href="https://www.zanderins.com/blog/whole-vs-term">Term vs. Cash Value</a>” debate.</p>


Do you need whole life insurance? Find out the truth behind whole life insurance and why term life might be a better fit from Zander Insurance.

Do I Need Life Insurance for My Whole Life? | Zander

Do I Need Life Insurance for My Whole Life?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2717" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/26194752/blog_post_headers.png" alt="life insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/26194752/blog_post_headers.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/26194752/blog_post_headers-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/26194752/blog_post_headers-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/26194752/blog_post_headers-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Dave Ramsey considers term life insurance to be an immediate need, which is why you won’t find it in the Baby Steps – it comes first! </span></p>
<hr />
<p>Dave’s advice is simple: no matter where you are in your financial journey, if your death would cause financial hardship for your family then you need life insurance. The most crucial time to have <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a> is when your family is in debt and has a lack of savings, as they would be less likely to continue their lifestyle if your income was gone. It is important to remember that as long as you are growing your savings and paying off your debts, you will need less insurance coverage as you get older.</p>


As you continue your financial journey, there comes a time when you need to think about life insurance, and how it can help protect your family.

When Should I Consider Life Insurance? | Zander Insurance

When Should I Consider Life Insurance?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2684" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19200701/blog-idt-fake-job-ads.png" alt="idt fake job ads" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19200701/blog-idt-fake-job-ads.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19200701/blog-idt-fake-job-ads-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19200701/blog-idt-fake-job-ads-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19200701/blog-idt-fake-job-ads-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">The most recent employment scam gaining popularity is fraudulent job postings. With many Americans leaving their jobs or being unemployed due to the pandemic, scammers have taken advantage of this situation, fooling many into applying to fake job ads.</span></p>
<hr />
<h2>How Are Scam Job Postings Happening?</h2>
<p>Scammers dupe potential applicants by recreating companies&#8217; career pages in which the site asks applicants to provide personally identifiable information. Once the person applies, the scammer will reach out to ask for even more information, all while using a web address that resembles the actual company&#8217;s web address.</p>
<p>Scammers also pose as potential employers and send unsolicited job offers after applicants have posted their resumes to <em>actual </em>job sites. Many people have reported receiving emails asking them to interview for jobs to which they haven&#8217;t even applied.</p>
<p>Job application scams are nothing new. Victims have reportedly been asked to buy software or equipment from the scammers to prep for the nonexistent job, or reship items purchased with stolen credit cards.</p>
<p>Indeed, LinkedIn, and Facebook are the top three platforms where users have reported seeing fake job advertisements. However, Indeed has quality guidelines that each job listing must meet and they remove over ten million listings a month that do not meet those standards.</p>
<h2>How To Protect Yourself</h2>
<p>When applying to jobs online, make sure to research the company and verify it is a real business. Another helpful strategy is to fill out the application directly on the company&#8217;s careers page to ensure the job posting is legitimate. If you fall victim to a job application scam, the best thing you can do is have identity theft protection in place.</p>
<h2>What Does This Mean For You</h2>
<p>There is no need to worry if you are a <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander Identity Theft Solutions</a> member. You will receive an alert if we detect that your information is misused. We recommend upgrading to our Elite plan in preparation. For a few dollars more per month, you will get ou r premium VPN and Antivirus software, Experian CreditLock, Account Takeover Monitoring and New Account Monitoring.</p>
<p>If you do not have identity theft protection, now would be a great time to enroll in a plan! Zander Identity Theft Solutions offers $1,000,000 in stolen funds protection, military-grade monitoring, alerts, and full-service restoration. Zander also boasts the most affordable cybersecurity bundle that reduces your risk of becoming a victim.</p>
<p>If you have identity theft protection through a different provider, your identity is still protected; but with Zander Identity Theft, we can save you money if you switch while ensuring full recovery if anything were to happen.</p>
<p>Protect yourself from fake job postings by signing up for Zander Identity Theft Solutions! Give us a call at <a href="tel:18882103274;"><span style="color: #1077af;">888-210-3274</span></a> today!</p>


Find out about fraudulent job postings and fake job ads a new identity theft tactic including how they happen and protection from it.

Fraudulent Job Postings - Fake Job Ads | Zander Insurance

Fraudulent Job Postings

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2677" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19155416/blog_accounttakeover.png" alt="identity theft account takeover" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19155416/blog_accounttakeover.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19155416/blog_accounttakeover-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19155416/blog_accounttakeover-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/19155416/blog_accounttakeover-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 35px;">Account takeover fraud is when cybercriminals obtain access to any of your bank or credit card accounts and use them to make purchases, withdraw money, or take the information they can use to access your other accounts. </span></p>
<hr />
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">These criminals can get access to your information via data breaches, malware, or phishing. If successful, an account takeover fraud can lead to unauthorized shopping, fraudulent transactions, and credit card fraud from compromised customer accounts. </span></p>
<h2>How does Account Takeover Happen?</h2>
<p>There is a multitude of ways for account takeover to happen; a few of those are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Brute-force attacks: Typically through an automated script, an attacker will try various username and password combinations until one works across multiple accounts.</li>
<li>Breach replay attacks: Hackers know that many people often use the same password for many of their accounts. If a password leaks due to a data breach, any account with the same username and password is vulnerable.</li>
<li>Phishing: Through email or another form of communication, an attacker can appear to be a reputable company or person. But once that form of communication gets opened, the attacker can steal your email address, or user ID, and password.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">What Are Account Takeover and New Account Monitoring Services?</span></h2>
<p>With New Account Monitoring and Account Takeover Monitoring alerts from Zander, your name and SSN are monitored, and you will be notified if an unusual or high-risk activity is detected. By accessing thousands of financial institutions across the country, Zander can monitor information daily against a cross-industry database and help with account takeover prevention.</p>
<h2>Why Do I Need New Account Monitoring?</h2>
<p>A fraudulent credit card account could be used to buy an endless number of items. Credit card offers are often a result of a change-of-address request processed by the post office. Thieves can use a credit card offer to open a fake account using your address, then go to the post office and complete a change-of-address form so that the bill will get mailed to the thief, wherever they choose. Sending the credit card bill to a new address means it takes much longer for the victim to realize they&#8217;ve become a victim. By having new account monitoring alert you can stop account takeover fraud and spot the signs of identity theft quicker, allowing you to react faster.</p>
<h2>What Does New Account Monitoring Do For You?</h2>
<p>New Account Monitoring allows you to minimize damage to your credit file by alerting you anytime your personal information is used to open a new credit account. The sooner you know your credit is compromised, the sooner you can work towards minimizing the damage. Zander is here to help!</p>
<p>To sign up for account takeover monitoring &#8211; included with the Elite Plan &#8211; contact Zander Insurance at <a href="tel:18882103274;"><span style="color: #1077af;">888-210-3274</span></a>!</p>


Read about what account takeover fraud is, how it happens and new account monitoring services to prevent it from Zander Insurance.

What Is Account Takeover Fraud | Zander Insurance

What Is Account Takeover Fraud?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2657" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03141812/blog-banner_storm-2.png" alt="zander vpn" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03141812/blog-banner_storm-2.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03141812/blog-banner_storm-2-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03141812/blog-banner_storm-2-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03141812/blog-banner_storm-2-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px;">A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works to disguise your online identity by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for both your internet provider and other third-party services to track and steal data. A VPN essentially makes your data unreadable so that even if someone were to access your data, it would be useless. </span></p>
<hr />
<h2>How Does a VPN Work?</h2>
<p>A VPN works like a tunnel between your internet connection and a remote server that could be miles away from your actual location. This tunnel gives the impression that your data is coming from the VPN, not your computer. Doing so obscures your online identity – safely, securely, and anonymously. Your IP address is a unique ID attached to your computer that gets left behind like breadcrumbs on every site you visit. These breadcrumbs are traceable, which makes your information susceptible to hackers. A VPN hides your IP address from hackers so that they cannot steal your information or, worst case, your identity. Internet service providers can sell your data to advertisers but a VPN would prevent the data from being sold – keeping your private information private.</p>
<h2>What Does a VPN Do For You?</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">A VPN allows you to control your privacy. Your IP address is connected to various forms of identification, such as your geographic location and browsing history. With a VPN, all of that information is concealed. When the VPN server communicates your inquiry to the website you are trying to reach, the website sees the server’s IP address instead of yours.</span></p>
<h2>Why Choose Zander&#8217;s Ultra VPN?</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Zander’s UltraVPN works to secure your internet connection with military-grade encryption that hides your IP address from hackers on up to 10 devices. It protects your data and identity while you browse, stream, shop, or bank online &#8211; keeping you safe from online thieves and threats. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Contact Zander Insurance to sign up for the UltraVPN included with the Elite Plan at <a href="tel:8882103274;">888-210-3274</a> today!</span></p>


Read about what is a VPN and how does it work including information about why you should choose the Zander Insurance UltraVPN plan.

What Is A VPN and How Does It Work | Zander Insurance

What is a VPN?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2663" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03155329/blog-idt-antivirus.png" alt="idt antivirus" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03155329/blog-idt-antivirus.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03155329/blog-idt-antivirus-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03155329/blog-idt-antivirus-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03155329/blog-idt-antivirus-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px;">An antivirus program works in the background to identify and remove viruses and other forms of suspicious malware from your device. Once the threat is identified, antivirus software works to remove it from your computer and or laptop. Not only does it work to remove known viruses, but it works preemptively to prevent any virus from infecting your computer.</span></p>
<hr />
<h2>What is a Computer Virus?</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="TextRun SCXW81867063 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW81867063 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">A computer virus is any program that enters your system without your knowledge. A virus, like a cold, can spread from computer to computer, performing unwanted and malicious actions that can affect your system&#8217;s performance, such as slowing it down, damaging or deleting files, and preventing you from using your computer. These viruses, spyware, and other malicious software are called malware, which can be downloaded onto your computer without you knowing. But a computer virus can have larger consequences than just file damage. It can enable hackers to have access to your personal information, possibly leading to identity theft.</span></span></p>
<h2>How Does My Computer Get Infected by Malware?</h2>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW53213705 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW53213705 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Hackers typically use a malware or virus program to access and infect their victims&#8217; computers. By sending a malicious email, the hacker can access your files. Once access is gained, the hacker can use your information as they please, either deleting or damaging it and in some cases demanding ransom for it later.?</span></span></p>
<h2>Do I Need Antivirus Software?</h2>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="TextRun SCXW221756248 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW221756248 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Antivirus software is essential to protecting your computer and personal information. A good way to understand why you need antivirus software is to think of your computer as a home, and a computer without antivirus software is like a home with an unlocked front door. Anyone that comes along would have access to your home and everything in it. This same idea applies to your computer without antivirus software. A computer without antivirus software is susceptible to an array of threats. By installing antivirus software, you lock the front door and protect your computer and everything on it.?</span></span></p>
<h2>Zander UltraAV</h2>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The UltraAntivirus software included with the Elite plan protects against malware, spyware, trojans, worms, and other malicious software that could compromise your data and spread to other networks. It looks for hidden viruses and eliminates them automatically.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Contact Zander Insurance to sign up for the UltraAntivirus software included with the Elite Plan at <a href="tel:8882103274;">888-210-3274</a> today!</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Find out what is antivirus software including details about computer viruses, getting infected and why you need it from Zander Insurance.

What Is Antivirus Software - IDT | Zander Insurance

What Is Antivirus Software?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2488" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/09154708/blog-banner_storm-1.png" alt="rainy umbrella" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/09154708/blog-banner_storm-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/09154708/blog-banner_storm-1-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/09154708/blog-banner_storm-1-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/09154708/blog-banner_storm-1-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<h2>When severe weather hits, the most important thing you can have is a plan. At Zander Insurance, we want our clients to know that we’ve got your back before and after an inclement weather event, so we’ve provided some tips to help you, your family, and your home withstand the storms.</h2>
<hr />
<h2>Tornadoes</h2>
<p>Tornadoes often come with little to no warning and, with speeds reaching up to 70 MPH, give you minimal time to find a safe space for shelter.</p>
<h3><strong><u>Before the Tornado</u></strong></h3>
<p><strong>Plan a Family Tornado Drill</strong></p>
<p>Everyone in your family must know what to do and where to go in the event of a tornado. During your practice drill, you should make sure to say what rooms in your home/apartment building are the safest to be in if a tornado happens.</p>
<p><strong>Recognize the Warning Signs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Dark skies, often greenish in hue</li>
<li>Sizeable hail</li>
<li>Large, low-lying dark clouds (especially if rotating)</li>
<li>Loud roar, similar to a freight train</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong><u>During the Tornado</u></strong></h3>
<p><strong>Get To Shelter</strong></p>
<p>If you have access to a safe room, get there fast. If you do not have a safe room &#8212; or if there is no time to reach it – get to the most secure place you can find, putting as many walls (and ceilings) between you and the tornado as possible. In the event you aren’t home, seek shelter in the closest building to you and head to the lowest floor. Most importantly, do not try to outrun it, even if you are in a car. If you’re in a vehicle and there are no nearby structures to seek shelter, fasten your seatbelt and cover your head.  Don’t park your vehicle under a bridge or overpass – these structures can collapse during a tornado.</p>
<p>Don’t worry if you live in a high-rise building or don’t have a basement; simply go to a bathroom or closet, or the lowest floor. You could take shelter under a stairwell, but make sure to cover yourself with paddings, like a mattress or blankets, to protect against flying debris.</p>
<p><strong>Get the Word Out</strong></p>
<p>Call neighbors and loved ones to ensure they know when the area is affected by a tornado watch, and use social media to encourage people to get somewhere safe.</p>
<h3><strong><u>After the Tornado</u></strong></h3>
<p>Looking for damage after the tornado should only be done once the tornado warning has expired. Even if it looks calm out, that doesn’t mean it is safe to go out. Once you have received the all-clear to leave your shelter, be cautious when checking damages to your house and vehicle. Also make sure to report any downed power lines or issues with your utilities.</p>
<h2>Floods</h2>
<p>Before preparing for a flood, it is important to discern between a flood watch versus a warning. The Red Cross notes that a flood watch means, based on conditions, it is likely for a flood or flash flood to occur. However, a flood warning means that either a flood or flash flood is about to happen or <em>is</em> happening.</p>
<h3><strong><u>Before a Flood</u></strong></h3>
<p>It is important to take these steps to help protect your family and home:</p>
<ul>
<li>Clear gutters and downspouts of debris, so water can run freely.</li>
<li>Elevate furniture and electronics; set appliances on concrete blocks.</li>
<li>Know what route you’re taking in the event of an evacuation.</li>
<li>Shut off utilities if the breaker panel could end up underwater.</li>
<li>Fill your car’s gas tank and pack an emergency kit at the first notification of a flood watch.</li>
<li>If time allows, consider placing sandbags around your home.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong><u>During a Flood</u></strong></h3>
<p>If you are told to evacuate, make sure you do so as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck. If evacuation is not necessary for your area, keep track of the news via television or weather radio to be aware of any weather changes and get to the high ground if necessary. It is important to not walk, swim, or drive through flooded waters as they could contain debris or sewage.  Even worse, currents could sweep you away and cause injury or death.</p>
<h3><strong><u>After a Flood </u></strong></h3>
<p>If you are evacuated, only return home once authorities say it is safe to do so. Once you arrive home, be wary of floodwater as it can contain dangerous debris or be electrically charged from downed power lines. Make sure to clean anything that got wet during the flood to avoid growing hazardous mold. If there is still floodwater in your area, avoid driving unless it is an emergency.</p>
<h2>Hurricanes</h2>
<h3><strong><u>Before a Hurricane</u></strong></h3>
<p><strong>Stock Emergency Supplies </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days</li>
<li>At least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods</li>
<li>Flashlight(s) and extra batteries</li>
<li>First-aid kit</li>
<li>Necessary medications, including glasses and contact lenses</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Document Belongings</strong></p>
<p>Take photos of all your possessions, your home, deck, vehicles, etc. before the storm hits, in the event you need to document damage afterward.</p>
<p><strong>Fill Your Bathtub with Water</strong></p>
<p>Before the hurricane, fill your bathtub with water to use in the event your water supply is cut off and you need to clean clothes, dishes or add water to flush toilets.</p>
<p>Bring in all lawn furniture and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.</p>
<h3><strong><u>During a Hurricane </u></strong></h3>
<p>Take shelter in the safest room in your house and stay there until the storm is over. In most cases, the safest place to be is your basement.</p>
<p>If your power goes out, to avoid the threat of fire, don’t use candles. Use only flashlights and battery-operated lanterns for illumination.</p>
<h3><strong><u>After A Hurricane</u></strong></h3>
<p>Wait until it has been confirmed that the hurricane has passed. Just because the weather has died down doesn’t mean it is safe to go outside – it could just be the eye of the storm.</p>
<p>Once you have received the okay to leave your house, only drive if necessary and be sure to avoid flooded roads. In your home, do not drink the tap water until it has been confirmed as contamination-free. Be sure to take photos and create a list of all damages your home, property, or vehicle might have sustained and then contact your insurance company to report the damage and file a claim.</p>
<p>In the event of a disaster, the Personal Lines Team is here for you! We are not only part of your community, but we live here as well. Our team can help you with reporting a claim and help you get back on the road to recovery. We have a mobile team that can work from just about anywhere. In the unfortunate event of a catastrophe, please call us at 800-356-4282. We will be glad to help.</p>


When severe whether hits follow these tips to stay safe. For your home insurance coverage, Zander Insurance is here to help you weather the storm.

Tips to Help You Weather the Storms | Zander Insurance

Tips to Help You Weather the Storms

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2304" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/24182440/antivirus.png" alt="antivirus" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/24182440/antivirus.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/24182440/antivirus-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/24182440/antivirus-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/24182440/antivirus-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<h2>As our world grows more reliant on technology, cybercriminals have developed sophisticated ways to access our personal devices.</h2>
<hr />
<p>While being a cautious Internet user can help to decrease your risk of becoming a victim, anyone who completes transactions online needs protection in place to keep their private information just that – <em>private. </em>Antivirus and VPN software are two of the most cost-effective solutions to navigate the risk of shopping, communicating, and working digitally.</p>
<h2><strong>Why Do I Need Antivirus Software?</strong></h2>
<p>Antivirus software runs in the background to prevent, scan, detect, and delete viruses. Without this protection, your devices are vulnerable to becoming infected with malware, spyware, ransomware, and adware. This can cause your computer to run slower, delete files, or crash completely. Your identity may also be compromised if your device becomes infected, making antivirus software an important component of <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">identity theft protection</a>. Most people use several devices to complete everyday transactions, so be mindful of that when considering which devices need this protection. If you use a smartphone, computer, tablet, and/or any other electronic devices, consider how you use them and whether or not antivirus software would increase the security of each device.</p>
<h2><strong>What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?</strong></h2>
<p>A virtual private network (VPN) masks your IP address, allowing you to browse the web anonymously through a private network. This anonymity has been more necessary in recent years, as several companies track Internet habits to determine consumer behavior. A public internet connection also leaves your network vulnerable to attacks, creating another avenue for thieves to access files on your computer, your conversations, and your personal information, often with the goal of stealing your identity. This is a threat that has only grown more prevalent in recent years as most people access their bank accounts, shop online, send emails, and pay bills while on the go. Unless you’re using a private network all of the information you’re transmitting may be susceptible to exposure. In addition to increased cybersecurity, a VPN allows you to stream from any location – this is especially important if you plan on traveling overseas, as streaming services are often unavailable outside of the country.</p>
<h2><strong>Where Can I Get VPN and Antivirus Software?</strong></h2>
<p>Zander Elite includes UltraVPN and UltraAV in addition to our identity theft protection services.  This cybersecurity bundle enhances your protection at a fraction of what you’d pay for the products individually. The best part? By combining your device protection with your ID theft protection, you simplify your life with only one point of contact for all your cybersecurity needs. This upgraded plan also allows you to lock and unlock your Experian credit report to protect against unauthorized use and updates you on new account activity. Give our team at Zander ID Theft Solutions a call at <a href="tel:18882103274"><strong>1.888.210.3274</strong></a> to learn more about our premium VPN, antivirus software, personal information monitoring, reimbursement, or any other features of our plan. You can also visit the link below to enroll and activate your protection immediately.</p>


Read what are antivirus and VPN software including why you need it, what it is, where you can get it and details about Zander Elite.

What Are Antivirus and VPN Software | Zander Elite

What Are Antivirus and VPN Software – Zander Elite

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2145" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02210502/dark_web_monitoring_zander_idt.png" alt="dark web monitoring zander idt" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02210502/dark_web_monitoring_zander_idt.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02210502/dark_web_monitoring_zander_idt-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02210502/dark_web_monitoring_zander_idt-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02210502/dark_web_monitoring_zander_idt-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>The dark web – mysterious, dangerous, and something regular people don’t have to worry about. Right? Not exactly. Data breaches have exposed millions of personal and financial records, leaving virtually everyone at risk for identity theft. In fact, there were 13 million victims in 2019 alone!<sup>1 </sup>Once that information is exposed, you can probably guess where it often ends up: the dark web.</p>
<h2><strong>What <em>is </em>the Dark Web?<br />
</strong></h2>
<p>Most of us are familiar with the term “dark web” – but what exactly is it? There are three levels to the Internet: that which is publicly available (the world wide web), the deep web, and the dark web. Here’s a quick overview of what each of these levels entail:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The World Wide Web:</strong> This part of the Internet is made up of online shopping sites, news sources, social media, and other sites where you likely spend most of your time.</li>
<li><strong>The Deep Web:</strong> This makes up the largest segment of the Internet and includes members-only sites, school intranets, and internal company sites.</li>
<li><strong>The Dark Web:</strong> This is a hidden network of sites that you can only access with a special web browser. This is where the majority of identity theft incidents take place, as these sites allow users to mask their IP address, maintaining their anonymity.</li>
</ul>
<p>While the dark web is the primary spot for buying and selling personal information, there are several ways identity thieves use the public web to obtain that information in the first place. Keep an eye out for some of the <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/blog/scams">most common scams</a> to lessen your chances of your information falling into the wrong hands.</p>
<h2><strong>How Can I Keep My Information Off the Dark Web?</strong></h2>
<p>If it <em>does </em>hit the dark web, however, you want to know about it immediately. If you’re a Zander ID Theft Solutions member, <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/blog/zander-idt-alert-what-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">we’ll send you an alert</a> if your information is found on the dark web so you know to take proactive measures like checking your credit report for suspicious transactions and placing a fraud alert on your credit. A fraud alert will notify creditors that extra steps should be taken to verify your identity if your information is used to apply for credit. Using strong passwords, using a virtual private network (VPN), and being careful with your wallet and other items which may contain sensitive information are just a few ways to keep your information safer.</p>
<h2><strong>What Does Dark Web Monitoring Mean?</strong></h2>
<p>Dark web monitoring scans hundreds of thousands of websites for your personal information. If a match is found, you’ll receive an alert. <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Zander ID Theft Solutions’</a> surveillance technology monitors black-market sites globally, covering everything from chat rooms to social media. This process scans for your social security number, bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, passport numbers, medical ID numbers, and any other information you provide us to monitor.</p>
<h2><strong>Why is Dark Web Monitoring Important?<br />
</strong></h2>
<p>The process of identifying personal information on the dark web is more than anyone can handle manually – in fact, this portion of the Internet isn’t even accessible to the average person! Zander ID Theft Solutions uses technology that scans <em>millions</em> of data points with spidering technology and forum extraction every day to alert you if your information is being bought, sold, or traded on the dark web. If we see your information somewhere it doesn’t belong, we’ll let you know and will walk you through the next steps in protecting your identity.</p>
<h4>Call Zander Identity Theft Solutions at 1-888-210-3274 or <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">view plans</a> starting at less than $7 a month. <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/contact-us">Contact us</a> if you have any questions about dark web monitoring.</h4>
<p><em><sup>1</sup>Citation: 2019 Identity Fraud Study, Javelin Strategy &amp; Research, Identity Theft Resource Center</em></p>


Find out is your personal information on the dark web including details about what it is and how to keep your identity off it from Zander Insurance.

Is Your Personal Information On The Dark Web | Zander

Is Your Personal Information on the Dark Web?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-2087 size-full" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/03150715/blog-banner-min.jpg" alt="Unemployment Fraud on the Rise" width="825" height="305" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/03150715/blog-banner-min.jpg 825w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/03150715/blog-banner-min-300x111.jpg 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/03150715/blog-banner-min-768x284.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px;">As more and more people are laid off or voluntarily leave their jobs due to safety concerns, budget cuts, and lifestyle changes associated with COVID-19, it’s important to know what to look out for when it comes to unemployment fraud. Unfortunately, it’s in these moments of vulnerability that identity thieves prey on victims, making an already-difficult time even more challenging. Here are some common scams to look out for while navigating this situation. </span></p>
<hr />
<h2>Fake Government Websites</h2>
<p>A common approach thieves use is creating fake websites meant to look like they’re run by the government. This is a way for them to get enough of your information to file an unemployment claim in your name. Keep in mind that if they have enough data to do that, they likely have enough to commit other forms of identity theft with that information as well.</p>
<h2>Phishing Texts and Emails</h2>
<p>This tried-and-true method is one most of us are aware of but should remain top-of-mind. If you don’t recognize a number or email address from which someone is contacting you, don’t click on any links or open attachments or provide any sensitive information. Phishing attempts have gotten more sophisticated, and may often appear to come from a friend or colleague (for example, your HR department asking to update your file with personal information)!</p>
<h2>Unsolicited Phone Calls</h2>
<p>The are a couple of reasons you could get a call about an unemployment claim when you haven’t filed one. One may be that someone else has filed an unemployment claim posing as you (here are some <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/blog/signs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">signs that your identity may have been stolen</a>). Alternatively, you could be getting the call from someone who is trying to steal your identity. If the person on the line asks you to pay a fee or provide personal information on the phone, beware! Those are two of the biggest red flags you may encounter with any type of solicitation.</p>
<h2>How Do I Protect Myself?</h2>
<p>The best way to protect your personal information is to be aware of scams, remain diligent in monitoring your transactions, and know who to call if something goes wrong. Sometimes thieves make minor purchases before making attempts at larger ones as a way to see if you’re monitoring your transactions, so make sure to report anything suspicious, no matter how small.</p>
<p>There is no way to prevent identity theft entirely, which is<strong> why your safest option is to enroll in a comprehensive identity theft protection plan.</strong> <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander Identity Theft Solutions</a> covers all types of identity theft and monitors your information to let you know if you’ve become a victim. If that is the case, we’ll handle the restoration work and provides up to $1 million dollars in reimbursement.</p>


Unemployment fraud is on the rise and Zander Insurance will teach you what you're up against and explain how you can protect yourself.

Unemployment Fraud On The Rise | Zander Insurance

Unemployment Fraud on the Rise

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1965" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01135814/ZanderAlerts_October.png" alt="Zander IDT Alerts" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01135814/ZanderAlerts_October.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01135814/ZanderAlerts_October-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01135814/ZanderAlerts_October-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/01135814/ZanderAlerts_October-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px;">Receiving an alert that your personal information has been compromised can be scary. The good news? It doesn’t mean you’re a victim of identity theft. We proactively monitor your information and alert you if that information is found on the dark web. </span></p>
<hr />
<h2>Here are a few steps to take if you receive a notification from us:</h2>
<h2>Check Your Credit Report</h2>
<p>We recommend checking your credit reports and other financial statements regularly (regardless of whether or not you’ve received an alert). The purpose of this is to keep an eye on your transactions and investigate any you do not recognize. If you <em>do </em>see suspicious activity on your credit report, financial statements, or anywhere else, please reach out to us. Our team of restoration specialists will immediately get to work on your behalf to clear your name.</p>
<p>You can access your credit reports from all three bureaus at no cost at <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action</a>. You can even check for updates once a week at no additional charge! It’s a free and easy way to stay on top your financial information.</p>
<h2>Place a Fraud Alert</h2>
<p>Visit <a href="https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html</a> to place a fraud alert on your credit. This will notify a potential creditor that extra identity verification steps should be taken if your personal information is used to apply for credit. Fraud alerts are free and last an entire year.</p>
<h2>Stay Calm<strong><br />
</strong></h2>
<p>It’s easier said than done, but you can rest assured that if you received an alert from Zander ID Theft Solutions, we’re handling it. We cover all types of <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">identity theft</a>, so if you <em>do </em>become a victim, remember – you’re protected by $1 million in stolen funds and expense reimbursement, full-service restoration, and access to our team of experts 24/7/365.</p>


Have you received a Zander Insurance Identity Theft Solutions alert? Get your answers from the experts and learn what to do next.

What Does A Zander Identity Theft Solutions Alert Mean

I Received an Alert from Zander ID Theft Solutions – What Now?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1883" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193931/IDTCOVID-19UPDATE.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193931/IDTCOVID-19UPDATE.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193931/IDTCOVID-19UPDATE-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193931/IDTCOVID-19UPDATE-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193931/IDTCOVID-19UPDATE-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>According to the Federal Trade Commission, there have been more than 150,000 complaints and $68 million dollars lost due to COVID-19 scams. New methods of obtaining personal information are emerging, including fake antibody testing and contact tracing. An important part of keeping yourself safe from identity thieves (both during the pandemic and after) is to know their tactics. Read to learn which states are most vulnerable, what tricks are most commonly used, and a few ways to safeguard your personal information during this chaotic time.</p>
<h2><strong>What States Have Been Hit the Hardest?</strong></h2>
<p>With the influx of news stories about unemployment fraud, it may not surprise you that there is a correlation between a state’s unemployment rate and the amount of fraud that occurs in that state. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed during the pandemic, creating an increased opportunity for identity thieves to fraudulently file for unemployment benefits. One contributing factor is that many states have had to set aside normal protocols in order to meet the increased demand for these benefits. In response to this, some states have been able to streamline the number of questions a person has to answer, making it easier for employers to verify the claimant’s information.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_1881" style="width: 1120px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1881" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-1881" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193038/Complaints_of_COVID_19_States.png" alt="" width="1110" height="550" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193038/Complaints_of_COVID_19_States.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193038/Complaints_of_COVID_19_States-300x149.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193038/Complaints_of_COVID_19_States-1024x507.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03193038/Complaints_of_COVID_19_States-768x381.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /><p id="caption-attachment-1881" class="wp-caption-text">Source: <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/16/states-hit-hardest-by-coronavirus-scams.html" rel="nofollow">CNBC</a></p></div>
<h2><strong>FBI Warns of Fraudulent Coronavirus Antibody Tests</strong></h2>
<p>The FBI recently alerted the public to fraudulent at-home antibody tests, which are being used to obtain personal information. These fake tests have been promoted via email, phone calls, and social media. As of July 2020, there is no legitimate at-home antibody test on the market. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, contact a healthcare professional for next steps.</p>
<h2><strong>Contact Tracers: How to Spot a Fake</strong></h2>
<p>Identity thieves aren’t stopping at fake antibody tests – they’re also posing as contact tracers. Their goal: to obtain personal information or payment from unsuspecting victims. This type of scam leaves even the most diligent vulnerable, as they’re typically fielding calls from the health department, their doctor, job, family, and friends in the aftermath of contracting the virus.</p>
<p>Depending on your state’s protocol, legitimate contact tracers could call, text, email, or visit your home. A few things they will ask for is your name and home address, health information (i.e. symptoms you are experiencing), and the names of places and people you have visited. What they <em>won’t</em> do is ask you to download something, pay a fee, or share sensitive information such as your social security number, account numbers or immigration status.</p>
<h2><strong>How to Protect Your Data</strong></h2>
<p>Thieves have shown no shortage of creativity when it comes to using the pandemic as a way of gaining personal information. Protect yourself by learning about <a href="/blog/covid-19-scams-update">common coronavirus scams</a> and remaining diligent. We know – it’s easier said than done. That’s why we created Zander Identity Theft Solutions. Enroll today to receive proactive <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection-personal-information-monitoring">monitoring</a> and alerts, $1 million in stolen funds and expense reimbursement, and full-service restoration.</p>


Get the latest from Zander Insurance about the conditions of fraud in the U.S. since COVID-19 hit including other scams to know about.

COVID-19 Update - Latest Scams | Zander Insurance

COVID-19 Update: Latest Scams

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1871" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/15215629/home-and-lightning.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/15215629/home-and-lightning.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/15215629/home-and-lightning-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/15215629/home-and-lightning-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/15215629/home-and-lightning-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>When storms come, we all know to take shelter. What happens, though, if that shelter becomes unsafe? Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your home from the rare – but possible – occurrence of a lightning strike, and what to do if it happens to you.</p>
<h2>How lightning enters homes</h2>
<p>Lightning may enter your home either through a direct strike or through pipes and wires connected to your house. Once this happens, the lightning can travel through electronics such as your phone, radio, TV, or plumbing system. This is why experts recommend avoiding using electronics, taking baths or showers, and taking shelter during storms.</p>
<h2>Ways to protect your house from lightning</h2>
<p>There are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of having lightning strike your house. These methods, while worthwhile, are not foolproof, so we strongly recommend becoming familiar with the details of lightning coverage in your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/home-insurance">homeowners policy</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lightning Rods:</strong> The best way to prevent lightning damage to your home is to install a lightning rod, which reduced your risk of these damages by 90%. These are smaller and more inconspicuous today than they were many years ago and are typically less than one foot in height. Make sure you are working with a legitimate company that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or the Lightning Protection Institute.</li>
<li><strong>Tree Maintenance:</strong> Another precaution you should take is making sure there are no large, low-hanging branches that could fall and damage your home if struck by lightning. This protects your home against damage from other natural disasters that may cause a tree to fall as well.</li>
<li><strong>Surge Protectors:</strong> Investing in a surge protector can prevent lightning from entering your home and traveling through your devices. These devices absorb large surges that come in contact with your home and can be installed by a trusted electrician or your utility company.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What to do if your house gets struck by lightning</h2>
<p>First and foremost, evacuate immediately. Lightning can spark fires, and you may not be aware of the full extent of the strike’s damage right away. Once you are in a safe location, call 911 and let them know what has occurred. They will send the fire department to assess damage and risk on your property.</p>
<p>Next, reach out to your electrician to make sure the wiring in your home is still functional and secure. This is an important step, because a potential future fire hazard the <em>last </em>thing you’ll want to be dealing with after getting everything settles. Finally, once you’ve taken care of the most urgent need – your family’s safety – you can begin the daunting task of sorting everything out with the insurance company. If you have your home insurance through Zander, you can give us a call and we’ll handle talking to your insurance company to save you some time (and stress)! Get a free, instant quote below to get in touch with an agent you can trust.</p>


Find out details about lightning safety and your home from the experts at Zander Insurance including tips that will protect you.

Lightning Safety and Your Home | Zander Insurance

Lightning Safety and Your Home

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1853" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26191632/ecofriendlyinsurance.png" alt="eco friendly insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26191632/ecofriendlyinsurance.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26191632/ecofriendlyinsurance-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26191632/ecofriendlyinsurance-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26191632/ecofriendlyinsurance-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Whether it’s concern for the climate or gas prices, there are plenty of reasons to opt for an eco-friendly car. Keep in mind, however, that while you work to save the earth, you <em>might </em>not be saving cash. Your insurance premiums will likely be a bit more expensive for alternative-energy vehicles. Cost isn’t the only factor to consider, but shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re pinching pennies and considering a going green to create more space in your budget.</p>
<h2>Why does environmentally-friendly auto insurance cost more?</h2>
<p>The cost of your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/auto-insurance">auto insurance</a> depends, in part, on the cost of your vehicle. If your car costs more, so do the parts that must be replaced or repaired if damaged. Comprehensive and collision coverage premiums in particular may be priced higher for your hybrid or electric vehicle because the parts are less common and are typically more expensive to replace. As cars with alternative fuel sources become more common, this will become less of an issue.</p>
<h2><strong>So – <em>do </em>you pay more in the long run?</strong></h2>
<p>It’s hard to say, and as with most insurance questions, the answer to this depends on your personal circumstances. Generally speaking, choosing a hybrid or electric probably isn’t the best way to go if your motives are purely economic. In most cases, you’ll save more in the long run with a pre-owned gas-engine vehicle. But don’t fret – there are other ways to decrease the toxins (and <em>cash</em>) you’re putting out on your commute. Consider carpooling, moving closer to work, or trading in your gas-guzzler for a used vehicle with better mileage.</p>
<p>If social responsibility is what’s fueling your decision, don’t let your auto premiums discourage you. An independent agent can compare rates from various companies to see where you can get the best deal. Some insurance companies also offer discounts to incentivize drivers to go green, so ask your agent about those options as well. Allstate, Farmers, 21st Century, The Hartford Group, Liberty Mutual, and Travelers are a few companies who have offered some type of incentive to decrease your carbon footprint. As more businesses trend toward social responsibility, these discounts may become more widely available.</p>
<p>If you’re still crunching numbers and unsure of where to turn next, give us a call. Our Guides are well-versed in which companies offer these discounts and can help you determine what your options are.</p>


Read information about if you pay more for having an eco-friendly car from Zander Insurance including how it impacts insurance rates.

Do You Pay More For Having An Eco-Friendly Car | Zander

Do you pay more for having an eco-friendly car?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1857" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/29165116/lifeinsurancecovid19update.png" alt="life insurance covid19 update" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/29165116/lifeinsurancecovid19update.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/29165116/lifeinsurancecovid19update-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/29165116/lifeinsurancecovid19update-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/29165116/lifeinsurancecovid19update-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>As health officials continue to learn more about what this virus means for us long-term, we’re understanding more about how this will affect the insurance industry as well. Rate increases and restrictions on who can apply have become more prevalent and aren’t slowing down any time soon. As you consider the best way to protect your loved ones, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">effect of the coronavirus on life insurance</a>:</p>
<h2>Will the coronavirus affect life insurance prices?</h2>
<p>If you already have a policy in place, know that the Coronavirus pandemic will not change that. If you don’t yet have this protection, however, you should move quickly. Companies have had to implement pricing increases because of the risk older age groups face, and whether or not everyone will absorb these increases or if it will only affect the older demographic is still unknown. In short: prices won’t be going down anytime soon, so it’s smart to get your application in as soon as possible<strong>.</strong> New data on the mortality rates of the coronavirus have also led to a continued tightening of restrictions on who can apply, so waiting means risking the possibility of being unable to get the coverage you need.</p>
<h2>When will things go back to <em>normal</em>?</h2>
<p>Insurance companies have widely acknowledged that this could change the underwriting process forever. The possibility of long-term damage to the lungs and heart means that even once an individual recovers from the virus, they may have more serious complications down the road, which may make effect of the coronavirus on life insurance coverage even more difficult and expensive to obtain. Even a vaccine may not change this fact, as news of re-infections has surfaced.</p>
<h2>Is it safe to get a medical exam?</h2>
<p>We continue to work with the medical exam companies to find the safest, quickest ways for you to complete this requirement. The exam companies with whom we work are following CDC guidelines to ensure your health and safety. We’re also seeing new developments in electronic medical record retrieval and alternatives to in-person exams for some individuals, meaning that you may be able to complete this requirement without meeting with an examiner.</p>
<p>We’re here to support you during this difficult time and will do everything in our power to help you secure this necessary protection for your family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email with any questions or concerns.</p>


Read about the Coronavirus and how it impacts life insurance including prices, getting an exam, and when things will go back to normal.

Coronavirus and Life Insurance | Zander Insurance

Life Insurance and Coronavirus Update – Zander Insurance

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1848" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/19141053/monitordriving.png" alt="monitor driving" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/19141053/monitordriving.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/19141053/monitordriving-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/19141053/monitordriving-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/19141053/monitordriving-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Typically, your driving history is the primary way for insurance companies to learn what kind of driver you are. But circumstances change–and so do our driving habits. When a company is able to track your driving behavior (with a tracker known officially as a “vehicle telematics device”), they have access to information such as your commute and observation of road rules and can use those factors to determine how much your premium will be.</p>
<p>This type of plan, called “usage based car insurance,” is growing in popularity, and for good reason! Depending on your insurance company and your personal driving habits, your premium could go down by as much as 40%. Some companies use a base price plus a per-mile rate, which may be beneficial to low-mileage drivers.</p>
<h3>Are there any risks?</h3>
<p>On the other end of the spectrum, risky drivers may want to avoid driving behavior monitoring (or better yet, start practicing safer driving), as their prices could go <em>up. </em>That’s right–these devices catch the good and the bad, in hopes that this will encourage better driving and make <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance-auto-insurance">auto insurance</a> pricing fairer. Not every company enforces penalties for bad driving, however, so it’s important to ask about. If they do raise premiums for bad driving, make sure to get all the details, such as which behaviors (speeding, slamming your brakes, etc.) can cause your rate to go up.</p>
<p>The other trade-off for agreeing to allow your insurance company to monitor your driving behaviors is relinquishing a bit of privacy. These monitors show them how fast–and <em>where</em>–you go. These details reveal a lot about who you are and what you enjoy, so if this is a concern, we advise reaching out to ask the company how the information they receive will be used.</p>
<h3><strong>What companies offer low prices for good drivers?</strong></h3>
<p>Here are a few companies that offer this benefit:</p>
<ul>
<li>Snapshot by Progressive</li>
<li>SmartRide by Nationwide</li>
<li>Drive Safe &amp; Save by State Farm</li>
<li>Drivewise by Allstate</li>
<li>RightTrack by Liberty Mutual and Safeco</li>
<li>OnTrack by Grange</li>
<li>Safety 360 by State Auto</li>
<li>IntelliDrive by Travelers</li>
</ul>
<p>If your insurance company doesn’t offer this benefit, you might want to consider shopping around to see who does. Checking out your options doesn’t cost a thing, and our Zander Guides are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is familiar not only with safe driving discounts, but also has access to competitive pricing that saves our average customer $600 a year. That’s the Zander Way.</p>


Find out information about if your insurance company monitors your driving behavior from Zander Insurance including risks and pricing.

Does Your Insurance Company Monitor Your Driving | Zander Insurance

Does your insurance company monitor your driving?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1841" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08141854/childonlinesafety.png" alt="child online safety" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08141854/childonlinesafety.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08141854/childonlinesafety-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08141854/childonlinesafety-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08141854/childonlinesafety-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>The Internet can be an educational tool, source of entertainment, and method of communication. However, there are a number of risks associated with the Internet as well, so it’s important that we educate our kids about how to be a safe consumer of technology. Here are a few tips for when and how to have these conversations.</p>
<h2>When to have the talk</h2>
<p>When is the right time to start having age-appropriate conversations about online safety? As soon as your child begins using the Internet.  Even if you’re still supervising everything they do on the computer, it’s important to make them aware of the precautions they must take to stay safe.</p>
<h2>What points to cover</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stranger Danger. </strong>This is especially important if your child uses social media sites or gaming consoles that allow them to connect with other people. Xbox and PlayStation 4 are two examples of systems that include this feature. If your child accesses one of these systems, it may be a good idea to adjust the “Privacy and Online Safety” settings to your comfort level.</li>
<li><strong>Mental Health. </strong>Even if they follow all the rules and avoid talking to people they don’t know in real life, bullying is an issue that seems to have only gotten worse with the increase in social media use. Another mental health risk is the time factor–it’s easy for adults to get sucked into technology, and the same applies to our kids! Setting solid guidelines for how much time can be spent on technology is a good way to prevent this issue. The Nintendo Switch even allows parents to control how long the device stays on through their mobile app!</li>
<li><strong>Privacy and Information.</strong> Passwords protect our personal information–but only if those passwords are secure. Educate your child on what makes a password safe. Using a different password for every site and using numbers, capital letters, and special characters are good ways to ensure password security.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other tips to keep them safe</h2>
<p>When all else fails, monitoring behavior is an effective method to keep your child (especially young ones) safe on the Internet. Keeping the computer in a shared space such as a living room helps encourage safe behavior and allows you to see if they are engaging in any activities that may be unsafe. If your kiddo has a mobile phone or tablet, blocking sites you’re uncomfortable with them visiting is an alternative that still allows you some control over their online activity. In short, <strong>educate</strong> your child about staying safe online, <strong>model </strong>safe practices, and <strong>check in</strong> to make sure those guidelines are being followed.</p>


Read about how to talk to your child about online safety including what points to cover and when to discuss from Zander Insurance.

How To Talk To Your Child About Online Safety | Zander

How to Talk to Your Child about Online Safety

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1788" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/21220326/single_blog.png" alt="life insurance for singles" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/21220326/single_blog.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/21220326/single_blog-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/21220326/single_blog-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/21220326/single_blog-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>The best way to determine whether or not you need <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance-instant-quotes">life insurance</a> is to ask yourself one simple question: <em>who depends on my income?</em> If the answer is <em>only you</em>, life insurance may not be your biggest priority right now – and that’s okay! The primary purpose of life insurance is to allow your loved ones to maintain their financial lifestyle after you’re gone. If the loss of your income wouldn’t impact anyone else, then you don’t have to worry about that. Generally speaking, if you’re not married, you can save yourself a little money by foregoing life insurance for the time being. As with most things, however, there are a few exceptions.</p>
<h2>If you have children . . .</h2>
<p>Children are called our “dependents” for a reason. They depend on us for care, guidance, and resources. If you have a kiddo in your life that relies on your income to meet their needs, you need term life insurance. The age of your child(ren) plays a role in how long you’ll need coverage – ideally, until they graduate college – so keep that in mind when choosing your term length.</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>Life insurance is to replace your income for someone who counts on it. That’s the main thing.</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h2>If it’s offered by your employer . . .</h2>
<p>When an employer provides life insurance at no cost, there’s really no reason not to take it. If you have dependents, however, <a href="/blog/why-your-employers-group-plan-is-not-enough">your employer’s group plan may not be enough</a>. Dave Ramsey recommends having 10 to 12 times your income in term life coverage, and no more that 50% of your life insurance through your employer, so be sure to supplement that with an individual policy if someone in your life does depend on your income.</p>
<h2>If you’re drowning in debt . . .</h2>
<p>Unfortunately, most of us have some debt in our lives. If you’re in the “single with student loans” category, purchasing a term life policy to cover your income while you’re paying those off is a smart move. We know – the thought of adding anything else into your budget while working on that debt snowball can be intimidating. The good news? It’s probably more affordable than you think, and the risk of leaving loved ones with your debts outweighs the benefit of saving a few dollars a month.</p>
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</div>
</div>


Read about if you need life insurance if you are single from Zander Insurance if you have children, offered by your job, and more.

Do You Need Life Insurance If You Are Single | Zander

I’m Single – Do I Need Life Insurance? (Maybe)

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1767" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/19195806/COVID19Update-1.png" alt="COVID-19 Scams to Watch Out For" width="1110" height="411" /></p>
<p>The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) have seen a drastic increase in fraudulent activity since COVID-19 began to spread in the U.S. Multiple factors have caused this spike – economic impact payments are being distributed, and with so many out of work, more people are filing for unemployment and other government benefits. The increase in people utilizing these programs has created new opportunities for criminals to prey on the uncertainty and fear many of us are experiencing. Here are a few of the latest scams we’ve seen – and how to avoid them.</p>
<h2><strong>Nursing Home and Assisted Living Scams</strong></h2>
<p>The FTC has received reports that some nursing home and assisted living facilities are tricking residents into signing over their economic impact payments. These organizations argue that since the individual is on Medicaid, the payment would rightfully go to the facility (which is not the case). If you or a loved one was a victim of this scam, contact your state attorney general, who can help to return that money to its rightful owner.</p>
<h2><strong>Unemployment Fraud</strong></h2>
<p>More than 36 million people filed for unemployment at the height of the coronavirus pandemic – a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by identity thieves. Some of the information needed to file for unemployment was already made public by past data breaches, and criminals have gotten creative when it comes to getting the information they’re missing. Many have posed as individuals claiming to assist with filing, but instead use the information they receive to file under their own name! A number of fake websites have also been set up to get personal information needed to file for benefits. Avoid falling victim to this scam by making sure any website you use to file for, check the status of, or claim benefits ends in “.gov.”</p>
<h2><strong>Puppy Scams (Yes, You Read That Right)</strong></h2>
<p>The BBB has recorded an increase in fraudulent websites which claim to sell pets. There has been a spike in this scam as many people have turned to our animal friends for companionship during this pandemic to ease feelings of isolation. The virus has also made this scam more effective, as fraudsters use social distancing restrictions as an excuse for not being able to show the animal to the buyer before the purchase is made. Another red flag to watch out for is when a seller asks you to pay extra to vaccinate the animal for COVID-19 – there  are no vaccinations currently on the market, so that’s a good indication that the seller isn’t legitimate. The BBB recommends not buying a pet before seeing it and recommends calling your local animal shelter as a safe alternative. If you have been scammed, report the incident to the BBB or the FTC.</p>
<p>Learn about other pandemic-related scams including <a href="/blog/covid-19-scams">malicious links, fake charities, and economic impact payment fraud</a>.</p>


Look at details about the COVID-19 scams that continue to spread in nursing homes, unemployment, and others from Zander Insurance.

COVID-19 Scams Continue To Spread | Zander Insurance

COVID-19 Continues to Spread – and So Do the Scams

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1700" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/17191556/historylifeinsurance.png" alt="history-life-insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/17191556/historylifeinsurance.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/17191556/historylifeinsurance-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/17191556/historylifeinsurance-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/17191556/historylifeinsurance-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Each year, May 2<sup>nd</sup> is celebrated as National Life Insurance Day, marking the anniversary of the first <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance-instant-quotes">life insurance</a> policy being written in the U.S. in the late 1760s. While you may not have had this day marked on your calendar, it does serve as a good reminder that it might be time for a life insurance check-up.</p>
<p>Despite having a national holiday dedicated to it, less than 60 percent of Americans have a life insurance policy in place, and 1 in 5 of those people admit that they don’t have enough. Whether you are underinsured or part of the 40% who have no insurance at all, one thing is certain – 100% of us need life insurance protection. So what’s stopping you from getting this vital coverage?</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>Term life insurance is a necessary investment for anyone who wants a bright financial future.</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<div class="col-lg-2 my-auto text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center"><img decoding="async" class="center-block" style="margin: 2rem;" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/18151437/Dave-Ramsey-circle.png" alt="Dave Ramsey Insurance" width="200" /></div>
</div>
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<p>For some, it’s simply not knowing enough about the product to make an informed decision about purchasing it. For instance, the first question most people ask is “how much life insurance do I actually need?” Dave Ramsey recommends that you choose a face amount – the amount of benefit that would go to your family if you pass away – that is 10-12 times your annual income. This ensures your family has enough financial support to help them move forward, cover any bills and debts, and prepare for their future.</p>
<p>Another common misunderstanding about life insurance policies is the difference between term life insurance versus whole (also known as permanent or cash value) life insurance. The most affordable type of life insurance plan (and the only type that Dave recommends) is term life. Term life insurance provides you with coverage for a specific amount of time, usually between 10 and 30 years. This option is more affordable because it is not worth anything unless you were to die during the course of the term, at which point your beneficiary would receive the tax-free proceeds of your policy. Once the term period is over, you are no longer covered by life insurance unless you purchase a new term policy.</p>
<p>Whole life insurance – as the name implies – lasts for your whole life. The premiums on these policies tend to be significantly more expensive than those of term life insurance because you are accumulating a cash value in addition to your death benefit, which is similar to an investment-type product. Often, these premiums can be 6-20 times more expensive than their term life counterparts, and the rate of return on the investments is not good. Because of the high cost of whole life insurance, obtaining 10-12 times your income is typically not an affordable option, so many people buy lower-value policies than what they need and therefore cannot provide their families with the level of protection that they deserve.</p>
<p>As a society, we are strained by debt and struggling to balance our finances and responsibilities. It is possible, however, to establish an emergency fund, get out of debt, and seek out high-quality investment opportunities to build wealth while making sure your family is taken care of. Term life insurance helps make these goals attainable with protection that is low in cost and high in value.</p>
<p>One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is security for the future. Don’t be a part of the 50 million American families who are either uninsured or underinsured. You are not in this alone – at Zander Insurance, it’s our mission to protect families – and we’re here to help you do just that. Give us a call at 1-800-356-4282 to talk through your options or visit the link below to get your free, instant quote.</p>


Read about the history of Life Insurance Day from Zander Insurance and why it is so important to have it to protect your families.

The History Of Life Insurance Day | Zander Insurance

History of Life Insurance

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1684" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15194305/scottrider_DIAM.png" alt="scott rider DIAM" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15194305/scottrider_DIAM.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15194305/scottrider_DIAM-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15194305/scottrider_DIAM-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15194305/scottrider_DIAM-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>His running earned him the title of the 1982 NCAA Track and Field All-American, a spot in the 1984 Olympic Trials, and the record for the Men’s Outdoor 800-Meter at Ohio State University, which he still holds to this day. Scott Rider was active and healthy, achieving more athletic accomplishments in his early years than most people do in an entire lifetime.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px; color: #1077af;">That’s why it came as such a surprise that, at just 47 years old, Scott was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.</span></strong></p>
<h2><strong>That diagnosis was Scott’s <em>moment.</em><br />
</strong></h2>
<p>After years of being misdiagnosed, he had an answer to what was wrong. A problem that started out so small and subtle turned out to be much bigger than he could have imagined. Scott’s life <em>did </em>change – drastically – but it didn’t come to a halt. Fortunately, he and his family were able to maintain their lifestyle, thanks to the fact that Scott had taken out a disability insurance policy years earlier. Today, that policy helps cover his medical bills and provides enough income for his wife, Kelly, to stay at home and work as his caregiver.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 50px; color: #1077af;">“Without it, I don’t know where I’d be. I feel fortunate that I understood early on that my income was my most valuable asset, and that I needed to insure it.” – Scott<br />
</span></strong></p>
<p>Scott’s story shows us that no matter how healthy we are, none of us knows what the future may hold. Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset, and it’s one that needs to be protected. Make sure that you are taken care of, no matter what you <em>moment </em>may be.</p>
<h2><strong>What does Dave recommend?</strong></h2>
<p>Dave Ramsey recommends Zander for <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/disability-insurance-instant-quotes">long-term disability insurance</a>. A good policy will cover 60-70% of your income for a minimum period of five years (or to age 65 if that’s within your budget). A 90-day elimination period (time until your benefits kick in) is standard, but your price will go down substantially if you select a 180-day period instead. Pro tip: prepare for a longer elimination period by beefing up your emergency fund.</p>


Scott Rider is an Olympic athlete who got Parkinsons and learned the importance of disability insurance. Learn more about his story!

From Olympics to Parkinsons - How One Man Overcame

From Olympics to Parkinson’s: How One Man Overcame

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1761" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/19193101/DIAM2.0.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/19193101/DIAM2.0.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/19193101/DIAM2.0-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/19193101/DIAM2.0-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/19193101/DIAM2.0-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Finding ways to cut costs and save money is important – we get it. Saving people money is actually our job! One way you <em>shouldn’t </em>try to lower expenses, however, is by sacrificing insurance coverage that you really need. <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/disability-insurance/instant-quotes">Long-term disability</a> is one of the often-overlooked types of policies that you can’t afford to go without. Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset, and you need to protect it.</p>
<h2><strong>Why do I need disability insurance if I have workers’ comp?</strong></h2>
<p>You’re only eligible to receive <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/business-insurance/property-and-casualty/workers-compensation">workers’ compensation</a> if your illness or injury was the result of activities related to your job. The vast majority of cases, however, do <em>not </em>involve the workplace, meaning that these disabilities and illnesses are not covered! Think about it: if you were to have an accident that prevented you from working and it didn’t happen <em>on</em> the job, you would not be eligible for workers’ compensation.  How would you pay the bills or put food on the table? Dave Ramsey suggests purchasing a long-term disability policy no matter how healthy you are or how safe your job is. One in four people will experience a disabling event before retirement, so you’re far more likely to need this than you probably think.</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>There are more than 51 million working adults without disability coverage. That’s a huge mistake!</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h2><strong>What type of policy should I get?</strong></h2>
<p>When it comes to laying out the specifics of a policy, the details can get confusing. Here are some general guidelines based on Dave Ramsey’s recommendations:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Long-Term vs. Short-Term:</strong> <em>Definitely </em>opt for a long-term policy; you should be able to cover any short-term disabilities with your emergency fund</li>
<li><strong>Coverage Amount:</strong> Choose a policy that covers 60-70% of your income.</li>
<li><strong>Benefit Period: </strong>Select a benefit period of at <em>least</em> five years (85% of cases are resolved within this timeframe), but preferably to age 65.</li>
<li><strong>Elimination Period: </strong>Get the longest elimination period you can afford; the average is 90 days but the cost of coverage reduces significantly if you can wait 180 days to start receiving disability benefits. Remember, your emergency fund should have enough in it to cover this amount of time.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How do I get started?<br />
</strong></h2>
<p>Our Guides are here to answer any questions you may have and connect you with long-term disability coverage at a competitive price. Give us a call at <a href="tel:18003564282">1.800.356.4282</a> to learn more.</p>


Find out can workers compensation replace disability insurance from Zander Insurance including how to get coverage and policy options.

Can Workers Compensation Replace Disability Insurance

Can Workers’ Comp Replace Disability Insurance?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1674" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08214055/ASK-DAVE-1.png" alt="home title fraud" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08214055/ASK-DAVE-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08214055/ASK-DAVE-1-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08214055/ASK-DAVE-1-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08214055/ASK-DAVE-1-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="normaltextrun">Home title fraud occurs when a criminal scours electronic records to find a home that has accrued equity. The thief then forges the homeowner’s signature onto a fraudulent bill of sale and transfers legal ownership of the house to themselves. Once the home is in their name, they typically take out home equity loans and disappear, leaving the homeowner with the bill. The scariest part? Most people don’t find out that title theft has occurred until they receive a foreclosure notice in the mail.</span><span class="eop">  </span></p>
<h2><strong>What happens if I become a victim?</strong></h2>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="normaltextrun">The thief can use your home’s equity to take out personal loans in your name, and even sell your home without your knowledge.</span><span class="eop"> </span></p>
<h2><strong>Is there any way to prevent it?</strong></h2>
<p class="paragraph" style="margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="normaltextrun">There is no guaranteed way to prevent home title fraud. If you do become a victim of this or any other fraud, it can take 600+ hours to resolve, and between legal fees and other expenses, can be very costly.</span><span class="eop"> </span></p>
<p>The best thing you can do to protect yourself is invest in a comprehensive <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">identity theft protection plan</a> that includes white glove restoration services. <span class="normaltextrun">Zander Identity Theft Solutions covers all types of identity theft, including home title fraud, meaning there is no need to pay for a costly plan that covers this separately. If you become a victim, our team will take over the work to ensure your identity is fully restored to its pre-theft status, and our plan will reimburse you for up to $1,000,000 in stolen funds and expenses.</span><span class="eop"> </span></p>


Find out details about how home title fraud can happen and what it is from Zander Insurance so an identity thief does not steal it.

How Does Home Title Fraud Happen | Zander Insurance

What is Home Title Fraud and is it Covered on Zander’s ID Theft Plan?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1656" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30214334/IDTSuccessStory.png" alt="IDT Success Story" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30214334/IDTSuccessStory.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30214334/IDTSuccessStory-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30214334/IDTSuccessStory-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30214334/IDTSuccessStory-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>When Mr. and Mrs. Smith saw charges to Xbox, Microsoft, and iTunes on their bank statement, they knew something was wrong. <strong>They soon found out they had become victims of identity theft, </strong>and their checking account had been used for <em>hundreds </em>of fraudulent purchases that occurred right under their noses<em>.</em></p>
<p>The money was taken in small increments – so small, in fact, that <strong>they didn’t notice the money was missing until <em>two years</em> and more than $8,000 later.</strong> By the time they realized what had happened, the 90-day cutoff to file a stolen funds claim had long passed, meaning the bank was no longer responsible for the loss and denied the Smiths’ claim.</p>
<p>That’s when <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">Zander Identity Theft Solutions</a> stepped in. We worked directly with the insurance companies to file claims on their behalf, scoured their bank statements, learned their spending habits, and found <em>additional </em>fraudulent charges that had gone unnoticed. We are proud to say that our ID theft team was able to secure the Smiths’ account and put their hard-earned money back in their hands.</p>


Read about a couple that had an identity theft loss of $8,000 that was fully restored by Zander Insurance that helped them recover it.

Identity Theft Loss Fully Restored | Zander Insurance

$8k+ Stolen. Fully Restored.

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1669" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07212128/RealityCheckDIAM.png" alt="Reality Check DIAM" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07212128/RealityCheckDIAM.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07212128/RealityCheckDIAM-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07212128/RealityCheckDIAM-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07212128/RealityCheckDIAM-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.zanderins.com/disability-insurance/instant-quotes">Disability insurance</a> isn’t for people who work in an office . . . right? The statistics say otherwise. It’s not on-the-job accidents that cause the majority of disabilities that prevent people from being able to work – it’s <em>illness!</em></p>
<p>Your emergency fund should be able to cover three months of expenses – but what if you are out of work longer than that? <strong>One in four people</strong> who are in their twenties today <strong>will be</strong> <strong>out of work for</strong> <strong>at least a year</strong> due to disability at some point in their lifetime. <em>That’s </em>something that most of us don’t have stashed away, which is why disability insurance is so important!</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>Long-term disability is mandatory. You&#8217;ve got to get it.</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h2><strong>What type of policy should I get?</strong></h2>
<p>Dave Ramsey recommends purchasing a policy that will replace 60-70% of your income (you can reduce this amount over time as you pay down debt and build up savings). If a policy that lasts to age 65 is within your budget, that is the best option. Otherwise, Dave suggests opting for a policy with benefit period of at least five years. The reason for this is that 85% of disabilities are resolved within that timeframe, so you’re unlikely to need it beyond that point. He also suggests taking the longest elimination period within your budget and avoiding all the bells and whistles the insurance companies will try to sell you on.</p>
<h2><strong>How do I find a good policy?</strong></h2>
<p>Whether you work on a construction site or an office, disability insurance can be the difference that determines whether you’re able to continue paying bills and putting food on the table. At Zander, we’re committed to helping you find the right long-term disability policy for your needs. Get a free, instant quote at the link below or give us a call at <a href="tel:18003564282">1.800.356.4282</a> to protect your most valuable asset.</p>


Look at information about the need for disability insurance if you work in a non dangerous profession from Zander Insurance.

Disability Insurance Need For A Non Dangerous Profession

Do I Need Disability Insurance If I Don’t Work in a Dangerous Profession?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1651" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30131814/Untitled-design-2020-03-30T081723.977.png" alt="covid-19 scams" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30131814/Untitled-design-2020-03-30T081723.977.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30131814/Untitled-design-2020-03-30T081723.977-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30131814/Untitled-design-2020-03-30T081723.977-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30131814/Untitled-design-2020-03-30T081723.977-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>During uncertain times, scammers often attempt to prey on the fear and empathy of potential victims. Here are a few common scams to look out for during the COVID-19 crisis from <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/">Zander Insurance</a>:</p>
<p><strong>Malicious links</strong></p>
<p>If you haven’t already, you will likely receive emails with links offering information about the virus. Many clients have already reported receiving emails supposedly from the World Health Organization, the Wall Street Journal, and other reputable sources, that are, in fact, fraudulent.</p>
<p>Tip: Be sure to look carefully at the sender’s email address, as well as the URL to which the link would direct you, before clicking anywhere within the message. Malicious links are often used to steal personal information, capture login credentials, or install malware on your device.</p>
<p><strong>Fake charities</strong></p>
<p>Another frequently used tactic that re-surfaces during times of crisis: fake charities. Bad actors may attempt to exploit your kind nature by asking for donations to help distribute a coronavirus vaccine (there isn’t one) or similar causes. Be wary of these emails and do your research before opening your wallet!</p>
<p><strong>Checks from the Government</strong></p>
<p>Since there are reports that the United States government may begin sending stimulus money to Americans due to the COVID-19 crisis, either by check or direct deposit, the Federal Trade Commission has made a list of three important tips to keep in mind:</p>
<ul>
<li>The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money.</li>
<li>The government will not call to ask for your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers. Anyone who does is not legitimate.</li>
<li>Checks are not currently being sent out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is using this as a tactic to get your money.</li>
</ul>


Watch out for Coronavirus scams from scammers who prey on the fear of potential victims and read tips from Zander Insurance to help.

Watch Out For Coronavirus Scams | Zander Insurance

Watch Out for These Coronavirus Scams

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1600" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13152917/COVID19.png" alt="COVID-19" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13152917/COVID19.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13152917/COVID19-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13152917/COVID19-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13152917/COVID19-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p><em>Updated with new information on May 27, 2020.</em></p>
<p>If you already have life insurance, you are covered – a company cannot make changes to a policy that is already active. If you do not currently have coverage, however, your application may be affected. Here’s what you need to know:</p>
<h3>If you’re covered – you’re covered.</h3>
<p>If you already have <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a>, you can continue to rest easy knowing you have nothing to worry about. Your active policy is secure and will remain unchanged.</p>
<h3>Your safety is our priority.</h3>
<p>If you utilize Zander for your life insurance, your exam will be completed by a third-party paramedical exam company, which is closely following CDC guidelines to ensure the protection of their staff and clients during the pandemic. Exam staff will be conducting appointments and testing as usual during this time, with additional emphasis on hand-washing and other precautionary measures.</p>
<h3>Age restrictions may apply.</h3>
<p>As insurance companies remain unsure of the full effects of this virus, some have implemented age limits for those applying for life insurance. It&#8217;s typically cheaper the earlier you buy, so it&#8217;s always a good idea to take of this sooner rather than later, but <em>especially</em> in this situation.</p>
<h3>Travel to certain countries may have an impact.</h3>
<p>If you have recently traveled (or plan to travel) abroad, be specific about your travel history or plans on your application. This question is always on the application, so don’t worry that this will prevent you from obtaining coverage. But if you have traveled to high-infection areas like China, South Korea, Iran, or Italy to other Level 3 countries as noted on the CDC website (this list changing as developments occur), your application may be postponed for a brief time period. Otherwise, at this time, we have not seen any other changes in eligibility or rates from insurance companies.</p>
<h3>Policies vary by insurer.</h3>
<p>Keep in mind that each insurance company is handling the pandemic differently. It is important now, more than ever, to shop around to make sure the company you choose meets your needs. That’s our role, to help. Our Guides are familiar with each company’s policies and can help you find the one that best fits your individual situation.</p>
<h3>Don’t wait until the crisis is over to get insured.</h3>
<p>It is <em>especially </em>important to make sure your family is protected during a health crisis. Unless your health has been adversely affected (or may have been affected by travel to certain regions) you likely won’t have your application affected. In short – apply as soon as possible.</p>
<p>As always, we are committed to protecting your family, and are here to serve you. Our team is prepared to answer any questions you may have and help you get the coverage you need. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns during this time.</p>


If you're wondering how will COVID-19 affect your life insurance coverage or buying life insurance, Zander Insurance has tips for you!

How Will COVID-19 Affect Your Life Insurance Coverage

How Will COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Affect Life Insurance?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1590" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/05212137/storm.png" alt="storm fraud" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/05212137/storm.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/05212137/storm-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/05212137/storm-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/05212137/storm-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>There are always people who will prey on the vulnerable, and natural disasters are no exception. Here are some tips on how to avoid being taken advantage of by storm fraud and contractors in the aftermath of it:</p>
<h3>Choose reputable contractors.</h3>
<p>Opportunists may show up at your doorstep unannounced (red flag). It’s important to be cautious and select a professional who is known to your community. Online reviews are an easy way to get an idea of who has done work in your area. Most companies will not reimburse you for faulty workmanship, which could drastically lower the value of your home or building.</p>
<h3>Remain vigilant.</h3>
<p>Ask to see their contract (and take the time to review it and compare it to others online) and their proof of insurance. This is easy to request, and if they are legitimate, easy for them to provide. If subcontractors will be working on the job as well, they need to have the same coverage.</p>
<h3>Avoid cash payments.</h3>
<p>It’s easier to file a claim against a fraudulent contractor if there’s a money trail. If someone insists on cash payments, be wary. That is a tactic crooks use to disappear (with your cash!) without a trace, leaving necessary repairs unfinished.</p>
<p>Some other red flags to watch out for are contractors who give low prices due to having left over materials, those without a fixed address, can’t provide references, or ask for 10% or more of the estimated cost upfront.</p>
<p><strong>If you have any questions or need help filing a claim, please reach out to us – we are here to help: </strong><a href="tel:18003564282"><strong>800-356-4282</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>


Learn about tips on how to avoid storm fraud from contractors like avoiding cash payments and remaining vigilant from Zander Insurance.

Tips On How To Avoid Storm Fraud | Zander Insurance

Storm-Related Fraud and How to Avoid It

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1581" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03201421/Untitled-design-2020-03-03T141407.736.png" alt="disaster plan" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03201421/Untitled-design-2020-03-03T141407.736.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03201421/Untitled-design-2020-03-03T141407.736-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03201421/Untitled-design-2020-03-03T141407.736-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03201421/Untitled-design-2020-03-03T141407.736-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Storms are called natural <em>disasters </em>for a reason. If you’ve experienced a catastrophic event, you know how stressful recovery can be, both physically and financially. Let us be a resource for you as you figure out your next steps.</p>
<h3>If Your Home is Damaged . . .<strong><br />
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<ul>
<li>Take pictures of as much damage as you can for documentation for the adjuster, documenting with video when you can. At the very least, make a written list of all belongings; it is very difficult to recall from memory all your personal belongings, especially in times of crisis.</li>
<li>If there is a partial loss or significant damage, try to cover as much as possible to prevent further damage – <em>only</em> if the area is safe.</li>
<li>Notify your insurance agent of your claim as quickly as possible.</li>
<li>When contacting a contractor, find out as much information about them prior to signing an agreement. The carriers may also have a list of approved contractors, don’t be afraid to ask.</li>
<li>Discuss additional living expenses with your adjuster. If your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/home-insurance">home</a> is uninhabitable, the insurance company could provide living expenses up to the limits of the policy, or an advance to pay for repairs to begin.</li>
<li>Discuss with adjuster any trees that are blocking access to the home, as well as damage to adjacent structures like retaining walls, garages, pools, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Rely on your insurance agent.</strong> In a catastrophic situation, when resources are often strained, your agent can make sure you get the attention you need.</li>
</ul>
<h3>If Your Car is Damaged . . .</h3>
<ul>
<li>Take photos and/or video of all the damage. Be aware of broken glass or any other damage that could be harmful during your inspection.</li>
<li>Notify your insurance agent of your claim as quickly as possible.</li>
<li>If the vehicle is not operable, have a repair shop in mind that you want to use. Alternatively, you can ask your adjuster for an approved shop.</li>
<li>The shop can organize towing between the vehicle’s location and the repair shop of your choice.</li>
<li>Be aware of your deductible. If there is damage to both your home and <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/auto-insurance">automobile</a>, ask your adjuster if there will be one deductible only.</li>
<li><strong>Rely on your insurance agent.</strong> They are here to help you get the attention you need.</li>
<li>From the moment you lose use of your car, keep receipts for any items you purchased, including food, clothing, transportation expenses, or temporary lodging. Keep a record of these and provide to the adjuster.</li>
</ul>
<h3>If Your Business is Damaged . . .</h3>
<ul>
<li>Notify your insurance agent of your claim as quickly as possible.</li>
<li>Use caution when entering your impacted business premises due to risks surrounding structural, gas, and electrical exposures.</li>
<li>Take photos and/or video of all the damage.</li>
<li>Contact a restoration company to begin the cleanup process. Your insurance agent can provide assistance with reputable providers.</li>
<li>Notify your employees of revised work schedules.</li>
<li>Expect contact from your insurance adjuster within 48 hours.</li>
<li>Keep all receipts connected with clean up and repair to submit to the insurance adjuster.</li>
</ul>
<p>No matter what the damage is, we are here to help. Give us a call at <a href="tel:18003564282">1.800.356.4282</a> with questions or for help filing claim.</p>


Find out what next steps are from getting storm damage from a natural disaster from Zander Insurance who helps guide you through it.

Storm Damage - Natural Disaster Plan | Zander Insurance

Storm Damage: What Now?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1519" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/10192557/life_insurance_checheckup.png" alt="life insurance check up" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/10192557/life_insurance_checheckup.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/10192557/life_insurance_checheckup-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/10192557/life_insurance_checheckup-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/10192557/life_insurance_checheckup-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Whether it’s the doctor, the dentist, or a routine car inspection, we know that to keep things running smoothly, we need to have a checkup every now and then. Unfortunately, many people don’t apply this mindset to their life insurance. The truth is – life changes, and so do our insurance needs. Is your policy keeping up?</p>
<h2><strong>Here’s the Problem <span style="color: #1077af;">(and the Solution)</span></strong></h2>
<p>1 in 5 Americans with life insurance don’t think they have enough coverage¹. If you’re one of them, it’s important that you take care of that immediately. Waiting can result in higher rates, ineligibility, and, worst-case scenario – your passing with inadequate protection for your family.</p>
<p>The reason many people don’t add coverage – even when they know they don’t have enough – is cost. Our advice? Don’t let this keep you from giving your family the protection they need. Our Guides are here to work with you (and your budget) to find the coverage you need at a great value.</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1077af;">&#8220;Zander only offers plans that really make sense for your financial goals of getting out of debt and growing wealth.&#8221;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></span></h2>
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<p>Dave Ramsey recommends having 10-12 times your income in coverage, though the exact amount will depend on your personal situation. If you’re not sure if the amount you have now should be higher due to changing circumstances, give us a call at <a href="tel:18003564282">1-800-356-4282</a> to discuss your options or <a href="/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">run an updated quote yourself.</a></p>
<p><em>¹2018 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA</em></p>


You want to make sure that you have had your life insurance checkup and why it is as important as your routine doctor or dentist visit.

Have You Had Your Life Insurance Checkup | Zander Insurance

Have you had your life insurance checkup?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-1376 alignnone" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/27220707/idt-3.png" alt="identity theft" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/27220707/idt-3.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/27220707/idt-3-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/27220707/idt-3-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/27220707/idt-3-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<h2><strong>In 2018, identity thieves stole over $9.69 billion from taxpayers and the IRS through fraudulent tax returns.</strong></h2>
<p>Tax identity theft occurs when a fraudster uses your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and claim your tax refund as their own. This crime frequently occurs very early in the year, as thieves want to make sure the IRS receives their phony return before your real one arrives. That’s why it’s wise to start thinking sooner, rather than later, about what you can do to protect your identity <em>(and </em>your refund) this tax season.</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>Thieves can steal more than just your money. <em>That&#8217;s</em> why I recommend Zander Identity Theft Protection.</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h3><strong>File as early as possible.</strong></h3>
<p>The earlier you file, the lower your risk of an identity thief filing before you and claiming your refund. You may not always know if your personal information has been compromised. It is wise take this precautionary step even if you haven’t seen any red flags.</p>
<h3><strong>Review your credit report.</strong></h3>
<p>You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus once a year. That means you can get a report every 4 months if you time it right. This is a good idea to do regularly and will help you ensure that any fraudulent activity is caught quickly.</p>
<h3><strong>Practice good password habits.</strong></h3>
<p>Having different passwords for each of your accounts, changing your passwords regularly, and avoiding using personal information such as names and birthdates are all ways you can make your passwords more secure.</p>
<p>While taking these steps will lower your risk of becoming a victim, there is no foolproof way to <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">prevent identity theft</a>, tax or otherwise. The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you’ll be supported (<em>and reimbursed</em>) if it happens to you. Zander Identity Theft Solutions is the smarter, more affordable way to protect yourself. With $1 million in stolen funds and expense reimbursement, proactive monitoring and alerts, and free coverage for children on our family plan, we are truly here to support and protect your family.</p>


Read about tax season and identity theft solutions from Dave Ramsey’s trusted source Zander Insurance and tips to protect yourself.

Tax Season and Identity Theft Solutions | Zander Insurance

Who looks forward to tax season? Identity thieves.

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2069" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13143901/wholevslife.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13143901/wholevslife.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13143901/wholevslife-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13143901/wholevslife-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13143901/wholevslife-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" />If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering purchasing a life insurance policy. If so – congratulations! It’s one of the best ways to protect your family and will bring you peace of mind for years to come. Before you commit, though, you need to determine what type of policy is best for you: <a href="https://www.termvscashvalue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>whole or term life</strong></a>?</p>
<h2><strong>Whole Life Insurance</strong></h2>
<p>The primary benefit of whole life insurance: your agent will receive a <em>big commission. </em>Good for them – but not so much for you. Whole life insurance is <strong>exponentially more expensive</strong> than term! The only real “benefit” to <em>you </em>is that a whole life insurance policy is permanent. That may sound enticing but, if you’re following the financial principles of Dave Ramsey (like we do), you shouldn’t <em>need</em> life insurance for your whole life! Think about it . . . in 20-30 years, will your family still be dependent on your income? Will you still have a mortgage payment?  Or will you have ample savings and an empty nest? If you’re not planning to be in debt for your whole life, then you don’t need whole life insurance, either.</p>
<p><strong>Overall, whole life insurance is a high-cost product with very little return on your investment.</strong></p>
<p>One of the biggest downfalls of whole life insurance is that it includes a “savings” aspect, which requires you to pay into the plan through exorbitant premiums. This is how cash value is built. You can borrow from the cash value, sure, but to do so would also require you to pay a penalty to withdraw that money – <em>your</em> money. When you die, however, your beneficiary receives only the face value of the plan. So what happens to the cash value you spent so much to build? The insurance company keeps it!</p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;<strong>Whole life insurance is one of the worst financial products in the world. It’s the payday lender of the middle class.</strong>&#8220;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h2><strong>Term Life Insurance</strong></h2>
<p>If you can’t tell already – term life insurance is the better deal. We feel so strongly about this, in fact, that it’s the only type of coverage that we quote!</p>
<p>One of the benefits of a term life insurance policy is that you can customize your term length and coverage amount, allowing you to plan around your personal financial journey.  Term life insurance is also <em>way </em>cheaper, saving you a boatload of money over cash-value plans and letting you put those savings toward more profitable and wise investments.<br />
</p>
<table id="tablePreview" class="table"></p>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col"></th>
<th scope="col">Whole life policy</th>
<th scope="col">20-year term life policy</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Jack’s death benefit amount</strong>*<br />
(we recommend having life insurance coverage equal to 10 times your income)</td>
<td>$125,000</td>
<td>$400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>What’s Jack’s monthly premium?</strong></td>
<td>$100</td>
<td>$18 (and Jack invests $82 a month into a Roth IRA or mutual fund)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Average made in investments after 20 years </strong>(by age 50)</td>
<td>$25,619</td>
<td>$61,994 (assuming a 10% return)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Average made in investments</strong> (by age 70)</td>
<td>$66,268</td>
<td>$479,062</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<p></table>
<p>You’re also far less likely to end your policy early (and put your family at risk in the process) with a term life insurance policy because it’s simple and reliable. Your policy is pure protection – not an account you can dip into. This is crucial! Term life insurance is just that: insurance. Your policy is to make sure your family is taken care of when you die and should <em>never </em>be used as a savings vehicle.</p>
<h2><strong>Your Next Step</strong></h2>
<p>Providing for your family’s financial future can come with a lot of pressure. Luckily, that’s why we’re here! Zander is an insurance <em>broker, </em>not an insurance <em>company. </em>That means we have no incentive to load you up with add-ons that are high in price and low on value. We work for <em>you. </em>With Zander, you pick your path. If you’re ready to get your free, instant term life insurance quote, click <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">here</a>. Prefer to talk to one of our Guides? Give us a call at 1.800.356.4282, and we will walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.</p>

Choosing between whole versus term life insurance can be a confusing process and at Zander we can help you navigate between the two.

Whole Versus Term Life Insurance – What Is Different

Whole vs. Term Life – What&#8217;s the Difference?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-2073 aligncenter" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13155425/howmuchhomeownersinsurance-min.png" alt="home owners insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13155425/howmuchhomeownersinsurance-min.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13155425/howmuchhomeownersinsurance-min-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13155425/howmuchhomeownersinsurance-min-1024x379.png 1024w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13155425/howmuchhomeownersinsurance-min-768x284.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Three out of every five Americans fail to purchase enough homeowners insurance<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/homeowners-insurance/what-you-dont-know-about-homeowners-insurance-could-cost-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1</a>, and often because they don’t know how much they should really have. Figuring that out can be difficult, so we have broken it down into the following categories: extended dwelling coverage; personal property; liability; and additional living expenses.</p>
<h3><strong>Dwelling Coverage</strong></h3>
<p>This is the “rebuild your home” part of your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/home-insurance">homeowners insurance</a> policy. Give us a call for help determining local construction costs for the square footage on your home (deck, garage, and any other structure connected to your home should be included in this estimate). It’s important to run this estimate again every couple of years, particularly if there have been changes which could affect your replacement costs, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>New building codes</li>
<li>Remodeling</li>
<li>Additional rooms/structures</li>
<li>Inflation</li>
<li>Old/unique features</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Personal Property Coverage</strong></h3>
<p>Take inventory of everything you own – this will include everything from furniture to appliances, electronics, clothing, and even food. Imagine that a natural disaster hits and wipes out your home. The cost to replace <em>everything </em>in it is the amount of personal property coverage you need. If you own particularly high-value items, ask your Zander Insurance agent if you need a separate policy for those items.</p>
<h3><strong>Liability</strong></h3>
<p>If someone gets hurt on your property, you need liability insurance to avoid paying for medical bills and lawsuits that may come your way. Dave Ramsey recommends between $300-500,000 in liability coverage. Keep in mind that many of these injuries are a result of interactions with family pets. Even if you <em>know </em>Fido would never hurt a fly, you should try to get coverage that applies to those incidents as well. Certain breeds of dogs (including Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and a few others) are considered “high-risk” by some carriers. If you think your pet may fall into this category, mention it to your agent so we can help find a carrier that covers any possible mishaps.</p>
<h3><strong>Additional Living Expenses</strong></h3>
<p>With damage to the home often comes additional expenses (staying in hotels and eating out while your home is being rebuild, for instance). Most carriers will calculate your need as 20-30% of your dwelling coverage. If you anticipate this amount you would need being higher, ask your agent how to increase this coverage.</p>


Find out how much homeowners insurance do you need from Zander including dwelling and personal property coverage, liability and more.

How Much Homeowners Insurance Do You Need | Zander

How Much Homeowners Insurance Do You Need?

<p><span data-contrast="auto"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-1286 alignleft" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13200417/TermLife_BabySteps.png" alt="Finance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13200417/TermLife_BabySteps.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13200417/TermLife_BabySteps-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13200417/TermLife_BabySteps-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13200417/TermLife_BabySteps-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">If you are following Dave Ramsey&#8217;s 7 Baby Steps to change your money habits, you&#8217;re trying to save and pay off debt as quickly as possible. So – where does term life insurance fall into that plan?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span><b><span data-contrast="auto">Dave’s answer: immediately!</span></b></p>
<h3>Why It&#8217;s Not Part of the Baby Steps</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Purchasing <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/term-life-insurance/instant-quotes">term life insurance</a> isn</span><span data-contrast="auto">’</span><span data-contrast="auto">t part of the Baby Steps because y</span><span data-contrast="auto">our family is never more at risk than when you are in debt. How would they manage financially if something happened to you today?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> Whether you are just starting your emergency fund, paying off your debt snowball, or somewhere further along, you need to take care of this right away.</span></p>
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<h2 class="FormHeaderText__heading align-self-center text-sm-center text-md-center text-lg-left text-center" style="line-height: 3rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: left;">&#8220;It&#8217;s not a baby step. It&#8217;s an <em>immediate</em> need.&#8221;<i> &#8211; Dave Ramsey</i></h2>
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<h3>How it Impacts Your Budget</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">One of the best things about choosing term life insurance is that it&#8217;s the most affordable type of coverage available because you&#8217;re only paying for the length of time that you need it. Look at it this way – depending on your age, health status, and a few other factors, a $250,000, 15-year term policy could cost you less than $10/month. That comes out to about 33 cents a day — much less than your daily coffee run and a pretty low price for peace of mind.</span></p>
<h3>Pick Your Path</h3>
<p>With Zander, you choose how to move forward. If you have questions about <a href="https://www.termvscashvalue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">term length</a>, coverage amounts, or anything else, give us a call to get started. Our Guides are here to walk you through every step of the process. Short on time or just prefer to get started on your own? Get a free, instant quote at the link below. We work our process around your schedule to give you an easy, personalized experience.</p>


Find out about term life insurance in Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps including where it falls and why it is an immediate need from Zander.

Where Is Term Life Insurance In Dave Ramsey Baby Steps

Where is Term Life Insurance in Dave’s Baby Steps?

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1218" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11174129/switchautoinsurance.png" alt="zander auto insurance" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11174129/switchautoinsurance.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11174129/switchautoinsurance-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11174129/switchautoinsurance-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11174129/switchautoinsurance-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>Do you know if you’re getting the best deal on your <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/other-insurance/auto-insurance">auto insurance</a>? It pays (figuratively <em>and </em>literally) to find out. People save an average of $600 a year when they buy through Zander Insurance! If the fear of switching carriers is keeping you from looking into other options, check out these five simple steps to a smooth transition:</p>
<h3>1. Reach out to a Guide</h3>
<p>When you work with Zander, we will let you know what information you’ll need to make the switch, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process. That’s why this is the best place to start – if you have questions as you work through the next few steps, not to worry! Your Zander Guide will be there to (you guessed it) guide you.</p>
<h3>2. Gather necessary information</h3>
<p>Your Zander Guide will tell you what you will need to provide, but here are a few things to begin gathering if you want to get a head start:</p>
<ul>
<li>Driver’s license numbers for all drivers on the policy</li>
<li>Vehicle Information Numbers (VINs) for all cars you’d like covered (don’t worry if you don’t have this – your Zander Guide can likely pull this for you)</li>
<li>Names and dates of birth for everyone on the policy</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Examine your coverage options</h3>
<p>You shouldn’t just get the minimum coverage required by your state. Your Zander Guide can help you determine how much you need in each of the following categories:</p>
<ul>
<li>Liability coverage: covers damage you cause to another person’s car, passengers, or driver – aim for at least $500,000 in coverage</li>
<li>Collision coverage: covers damage to your own car if you’re in a wreck, regardless of who caused the accident</li>
<li>Comprehensive coverage: covers non-collision damage, such as vandalism, hail, or animals – oh <em>deer!</em></li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Cancel your former policy</h3>
<p>Make sure to do this <em>after </em>your new policy takes effect so there is no lapse in coverage. On the other end of the spectrum, make sure you do it immediately after your new policy takes effect – unless, of course, you want to pay for two policies (we’re guessing that’s a hard no). If you prepaid for your former policy or changed policies in the middle of the month, your former insurance carrier owes you a refund for any unearned premium! When you call them to cancel, be sure to ask about that.</p>
<h3>5. Put your new insurance ID in your glovebox</h3>
<p>Please don’t skip this one! If you get pulled over without proof of insurance, you could face a hefty fine. Most companies will send you a temporary card, but you can usually print one out at home if you’d like one sooner. Download the Zander app for <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zander-insurance-app/id1176258759" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">iPhone</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appliedsystems.mobileinsured.zande01&amp;hl=en_US" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Android</a> to access your ID anytime, anywhere.</p>


Find out about switching your auto insurance to Zander Insurance and get the best rate for your policy which will help you save money.

Switching Your Auto Insurance To Zander Insurance

Auto Insurance: Making the Switch

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-1152 size-full" style="margin: 1rem 0 2rem 0;" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/22162401/disabilityforclosure-1.png" alt="crutches" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/22162401/disabilityforclosure-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/22162401/disabilityforclosure-1-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/22162401/disabilityforclosure-1-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/22162401/disabilityforclosure-1-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" />Half of American families would suffer financially in less than a month if the primary wage-earner became too sick to work. The average time someone is out of work due to long-term disability is 2.5 years. Could your family get by without your income for that long? For most of us, the answer is “no.”</p>
<p>For many families, that means they would not be able to pay the mortgage, transportation costs, utilities, or even put food on the table. That’s why disability is the leading cause of foreclosure and bankruptcy – and it happens to more people than you may think. Studies show that 1 in 4 people will have a disabling event before retirement.</p>
<h3>The Solution</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.zanderins.com/disability-insurance/instant-quotes">Disability insurance</a> is an affordable way to prevent your family from facing financial instability if you become ill or injured and can’t work. A good policy will provide income that will help you pay your bills and maintain your way of life. Dave Ramsey even says it’s “just as important as life insurance!”</p>
<h3>Why Zander?</h3>
<p>Zander Insurance has been nationally endorsed by Dave Ramsey for over 20 years because we offer plans that protect your family and your wallet. He says “Zander provides the broadest eligibility for all types of professions and avoids add-on coverages that just waste your money.” Our Zander Guides will help you customize a policy to fit your needs. That’s the Zander Way.</p>


Read about how to avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy with disability insurance which is an affordable way to protect your assets.

Avoid Foreclosure and Bankruptcy | Zander Insurance

Avoid the #1 Cause of Foreclosure and Bankruptcy

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-1095 alignleft" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12192613/Copy-of-FraudAwarenessWeekBlog.png" alt="" width="1110" height="411" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12192613/Copy-of-FraudAwarenessWeekBlog.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12192613/Copy-of-FraudAwarenessWeekBlog-300x111.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12192613/Copy-of-FraudAwarenessWeekBlog-768x284.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12192613/Copy-of-FraudAwarenessWeekBlog-1024x379.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>The holidays are just around the corner, and inboxes across the world are being inundated with news of Black Friday sales. This time of year is an identity thief&#8217;s dream! As the number of purchases you make increases, the chance that you&#8217;ll notice an unusual charge on your bank statement decreases.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1107" src="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12193832/Copy-of-fraudweekawarenessstats-1.png" alt="" width="1110" height="311" srcset="https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12193832/Copy-of-fraudweekawarenessstats-1.png 1110w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12193832/Copy-of-fraudweekawarenessstats-1-300x84.png 300w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12193832/Copy-of-fraudweekawarenessstats-1-768x215.png 768w, https://static.zanderins.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12193832/Copy-of-fraudweekawarenessstats-1-1024x287.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /></p>
<p>So before you hit the mall (or the Internet, for those of us who prefer Cyber Monday shopping in our pajamas), be sure you know what to look out for. Here are some signs your identity may have been compromised:</p>
<ul>
<li>You receive a credit card you didn&#8217;t apply for in the mail</li>
<li>You see charges, withdrawals, or even deposits you didn&#8217;t make</li>
<li>You stop receiving bank/credit card statements</li>
<li>You receive a statement for a credit card you didn&#8217;t open</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Unfortunately, you won’t always see these signs – and when you do, it is often too late. </strong>The best way to ensure your identity is protected is to purchase a comprehensive <a href="https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection">ID theft protection plan</a>. Zander ID Theft Solutions looks for these signs <em>for you. </em>If you do become a victim, Zander will restore your identity and reimburse you for up to $1 million in stolen funds and expenses. This holiday season, protect yourself with the smarter, more affordable solution to identity theft.</p>


Find out information about signs your identity has been stolen from Zander Insurance including how to protect yourself from it.

How Do I Find the Best Rates on Auto Insurance?

AUTO INSURANCE