Mashkoory Insurance Agency Blog

Happy Holidays

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 20:33:41 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT

thanksgiving-mashkoory-insurance-agency.pdf

13 Vegetables That Thrive in the Shade

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 20:28:00 GMT

Vegetables That Thrive in the Shade

Vegetable Carden that does not require direct sun.

Home Remodel Do it yourself

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:48:48 GMT

Don’t have the time or budget for a massive home remodel? No problem! There are many simple, inexpensive projects you can do in and outside your home that can make a big impact. Read our blog for ideas and get started today!

Click the link below for tips

Home Remodel DIY

Apple and Google are teaming up on a plan to make Bluetooth trackers like AirTags safer

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:17:59 GMT

By Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN BusinessPublished 11:05 AM EDT, Wed May 3, 2023

Apple and Google are working together on a new industry-wide effort to help limit the risk of Bluetooth devices like AirTags being used for unwanted tracking after a number of reports about these products enabling stalking.

The companies announced a joint proposal on Tuesday for a new technical specification for manufacturers to build into future products. It would allow location-tracking devices to implement “unauthorized tracking detection and alerts” and work on both iOS and Android platforms.

The goal, according to the proposal, is to enable “unwanted tracking detection” on these devices that “can both detect and alert individuals that a location tracker separated from the owner’s device is traveling with them.” It would also “provide means to find and disable the tracker.”

In a press release, Google and Apple said manufacturers including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification.

“This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of sensing and connectivity.

The companies added that they have incorporated feedback and insight from device manufacturers, as well as safety and advocacy groups, into the development of the specification. The proposal has been submitted for review to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a standards development organization, the companies said.

In 2021, Apple launched the AirTag, a $29 Tile-like Bluetooth locator that attaches to and helps users find items such as keys, wallets, laptops or even a car by giving nearly anything a digital footprint, enabling it to be found on a map. But soon after its launch, some experts warned that the devices could be used to track individuals without their consent.

Late last year, Apple was sued by two women who allege their previous romantic partners used the company’s AirTag devices to track their whereabouts, potentially putting their safety at risk. Separately, in June 2022, a woman from Indiana allegedly used one to track and ultimately murder her boyfriend over an alleged affair, according to reports. AirTags have also allegedly been used to steal cars.

Over time, Apple has worked with safety groups and law enforcement agencies to identify more ways to update its AirTag safety warnings, including alerting people sooner if the small Bluetooth tracker is suspected to be tracking someone.

Location trackers aren’t new. The issue of unwanted tracking also “existed long before AirTags came on the market,” Erica Olsen, director of the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, told CNN last year.

When Should I Review My Home Insurance Coverage?

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 02:47:48 GMT

Insurance is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only does it protect you from damages caused by things like fire and vandalism, but it can also protect your personal property or additional structures like garages, and provide liability coverage.

But when is it time to review your coverages? Should you evaluate your coverage monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between?

The most important times to review coverage

Let’s talk about events that should prompt you to review your home insurance coverage.

You’ve received a shiny new gift or bought something expensive: To eliminate the risk of not being covered if someone were to steal personal belongings, it’s important to review your home insurance coverage when you are keeping something expensive in the home.

If you’ve just received a beautiful diamond bracelet, an expensive new television system, or a timeless (and expensive) piece of artwork, it’s important to talk to an agent to ensure that you’re properly covered.
You’ve added square footage to your home: Many insurance companies base your coverage off of the square footage of your home. That means that if you add a new sunroom to your existing structure, it’s important to report it to your agent.

If not, in the event of a damaging fire or thunderstorm, your entire home may not be covered.
You got married: If you’re going to be adding another person to your home, they’ll likely bring all of their belongings with them. That means that the value of items in your home will increase — in which case, you’ll need to contact your agent to increase your coverage.
You’re starting a business out of your home: If you run a business out of your home, it’s important to report this to your insurance agency.

Why? You’ll need to have liability coverage for the employees that will be working under your roof, which will be a change to your normal policy.
Policy renewal is coming up: When your policy is set to renew, it’s a great time to review it.

Instead of hastily signing on the dotted line to renew your coverage, take time to read the fine print to see if coverage changed in price, if you’ve made any of the above changes to your home, or if there are any new discounts available.

For example, some insurance agencies will offer discounts for installing a security system to your home, and we all want the best price for our insurance.

Are you shopping for home insurance?

If you’re looking to purchase insurance for a new home, or simply looking for a change in policies, contact us to learn about your options! We’re an independent agency and we offer some of the best prices for home insurance in the area.