A message from our Private Client Services Team during a time where “social distancing” is the new norm with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): We are here for you!
We want to let you know that we are here. Please read on for updates on where we are, what we’re seeing and how we can help.
Where we are:
While we’ve cancelled any upcoming large group presentations and individual business travel, instated remote office capabilities for our staff and we may not be able to have you visit our office or have an in person meeting over coffee for the time being, we’re only a phone call away. We recognize that lives must go on and there are risk management and insurance items that you need us to take care of and address. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our Private Client Services team members via email or give our office a call. We have business continuity plans in place to make this as seamless as possible for you.
Where you are:
Where possible, sign up for local alerts to keep posted on what is going on in your own area. We assist clients across the US and internationally but, as an example, for those in the Pittsburgh area, the Allegheny County Health Department is providing local resources and information on the outbreak. Please check with your own local counties to determine the best way to receive notifications on what is going on in your area.
What we’re seeing in the insurance market:
While travel and large events have been significantly decreasing in the efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to know what your options are in the future when rescheduling. Travel and event insurance, under normal circumstances, are available through our office but, at the moment, many companies have placed a pause on issuing any new business until further notice for this type of coverage. If you have a question or concern, please reach out for further discussion.
Cyber attacks continue to be a trend that we are seeing in the marketplace. If you do not have personal cyber insurance or have not had this discussion, please reach out to your Account Manager to review your options and easy risk management tactics that you can quickly put into place. With COVID-19, we’ve seen an uptick in issues and want to make sure you have proper protection.
Under normal circumstances, personal automobile and motorcycle policies exclude coverage for things like using your personal vehicle to provide food deliveries. Some companies have issued statements providing leniency in certain situations to assist during the COVID-19 state of emergency to temporarily help out US citizens. Many restaurants have been thrust into delivery activity that they did not contemplate until the stay at home mandates were made and have forced many to use their personal vehicles to assist with food deliveries. Each company has issued a different stance and if you or a family member are utilizing your personal auto to provide food deliveries from restaurants or through groups, please reach out to discuss your specific information to confirm you have proper coverage in place while driving.
We, along with all of our carriers, are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this post as needed along with providing additional helpful tips and information on our social media platforms through LinkedIn and Facebook. Please know that we are here for you and are available to address any of the regular day to day needs – home, vehicle, and valuable article purchases and questions on risk mitigation and risk management, to name a few. Please reach out as we’d love to hear from you.
From our family to yours, stay safe and be well,
Your Simpson|McCrady Private Client Services Team
*Last updated 3/27/2020