#BNformed, stay informed

I n an increasingly digital world, we are more cognizant than ever of the need to protect our personal information. We place credit freezes on our cards and encrypt our Apple watches.  Business owners that collect PII and PHI (Personally Identifiable and Protected Heath Information) face serious liability risks if they don’t properly secure it. Now, the stakes are even higher as PHI also includes Biometric information such as retina scans, fingerprints, and facial features.   In 2008, Illinois became the first state to enact laws protecting the privacy of biometric data. Other states such as Washington, Texas and Virginia are introducing laws to govern this data, and Federal legislation may follow soon as well.  In the meantime, insurance carriers have been silently crafting BIPA exclusions to scale back the broad coverage provided in cyber policies. So where does this leave the business owner in the event of a suit? You guessed it, holding the bag.  In 2020, Facebook agreed to a $650

    If you drive for a rideshare company, you already have auto insurance. But are you certain you’re covered while working? Most drivers assume that they are. After all, both Uber and Lyft have insurance plans as a part of the package. But there may be big gaps in your coverage that you aren’t aware of - especially if you still have your personal auto policy and not a commercial auto policy. Here’s what to look for: When does coverage start?  -  Check your rideshare company to see when coverage starts. If it is only when your ride starts, you could have a gap when driving to a pick-up. What does your auto policy cover?  -  Does your policy cover driving for work? A claim could be denied if you are using your personal car for work. Is a hybrid policy right for you?  - Some carriers have new add-ons for rideshare to cover your drives while picking up and dropping off riders. Can you risk it?  - It is cheaper to pay for more insurance than risking an accident on the job. Talking to an ag