Frederick Mutual Coverage Highlight: Secure® BOP CyberLiability

Cybercrime costs the global economy about 1 trillion and is predicted to keep increasing. Cyber criminals target small businesses as many are unprepared for cyber attacks. In fact, 28% of all data breaches involve small businesses. $2.35 million was the average cost in 2020 for small organizations targeted in a cyber attack. One in every five small businesses do not have adequate security in place and one in three organizations rely on free cybersecurity measures. Cyber attacks result in loss of productivity, legal liability, loss of business continuity, and damage to the organization's reputation. Frederick Mutual now offers Cyber Suite Coverage that is available for all renewal and new Secure® BOP policies. Some of our Cyber Suite Coverages include:

• Data Compromise Response Expenses Coverage including Forensic IT, Legal Review, Public Relations, Regulatory Fines, Named Malicious Code

• Computer Attack Coverage including Loss of Business and Public Relations

• Cyber Extortion

• Data Compromise Liability

• Coverage is available in many limit options ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 damage” to “your work”, “your product”, and “impaired property” caused by a contractor’s “Wrongful Act” in rendering (or failing to render) “Contractor Services”

Frederick Mutual offers Cyber Suite Coverage for your business owners policy and for your home. To request a quote for Cyber Suite Coverage please click below!

Frederick Mutual Insurance Company Introduces My.FrederickMutualInsurance.Com

Manage Your Insurance Policy from Your Phone

Frederick, MD (June 17th, 2021) –– ​​Frederick Mutual Insurance Company, provider of small business and homeowner’s insurance in the mid-Atlantic region, paired up with BriteCore, a leading provider of next-generation core software solutions for insurers, to provide an app where policyholders can easily access their insurance information from their personal electronic devices.   

Following a rapid, three-week implementation, FMIC customers now enjoy new, digital self-service capabilities such as policy management, making online payments, filing claims, contacting agents, uploading photos and more. This self-service app will not only benefit policyholders but will save time for Frederick Mutual staff and agents as call volumes and processing time get reduced through policyholders inputting information via https://my.frederickmutualinsurance.com/. 

Nancy Newmister, President & CEO of FMIC, shared, “The policyholder portal better serves our clients who want easier and more convenient access to their policy, documents, and claims. Providing tools to help small businesses and homeowners thrive is a part of our long tradition of service. We are excited to continue adapting to our clients’ changing needs.”  My.FrederickMutualInsurance.com is available in English and Spanish! Visit https://my.frederickmutualinsurance.com/ to sign up today.

​​​​About Frederick Mutual Insurance

Founded on December 15, 1843, FMIC has continuously operated for 178 years as a mutual insurance company serving policyholders, initially in Maryland; and subsequently expanding the operating territory into Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, D.C., North Carolina, and South Carolina. Frederick Mutual is the 3rd oldest insurance company in Maryland and the 9th oldest in the United States. Frederick Mutuals’ longevity is attributed to strong financials, derived from safeguarding the interests of policyholders, and keeping pace with an ever-changing industry.

A team of responsive, knowledgeable team of Underwriters, and dedicated, onsite Claims Department FMIC provides partner with Independent Agents to provide Peace of Mind to policyholders. 
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For more information, please visit http://www.frederickmutual.com/manage-your-policy-online

Agency Spring Council Meeting! FMIC Staff and Agents Collaborate BiAnnually

As April brings in new life, Frederick Mutual is launching a series of new products and technologies that will keep us on the cutting edge of the insurance industry. We can attribute the insight to develop and release these new products and technologies in part to our Agency Council members with whom we gather biannually. These meetings are critical for Frederick Mutual as they capture feedback on our existing products, systems, service, and technologies so that we can continuously improve and maximize our partnership with our agents and policyholders. Last week our Agency Council gathered to discuss the past year and all the new technologies and products that Frederick Mutual has introduced amid the pandemic. To learn about the new release of Frederick Mutual Secure Home read here and be on the lookout for the release of our new technologies!

To learn more about becoming a Frederick Mutual agent or our profit-sharing program and becoming an agency council member please submit an inquiry here.

Frederick Mutual Secure Home: The Cutting Edge of Homeowners Coverage

Frederick Mutual releases new homeowners insurance product In Maryland: Frederick Mutual Secure™ Home. The release of this new product unveils a new era for coverage for policyholders looking for competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage for their home. Click here to read about all the new offerings to Frederick Mutual Secure™ Home product and see some of the coverage highlights below! The launch of the new homeowners product in Maryland will be followed by offerings in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina!

COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

• 50% Coverage A additional replacement cost.

• Personal Injury Coverage Included.

• $10,000 Loss assessment coverage.

• Additional coverage on collectibles, records, securities, and theft exposures of personal property.

• Increased limits for damage to property of others.

• Increased Fire Department and Lock replacement.

• Additional business property coverages.

• Coverage for trampolines that meet underwriting eligibility.

Wind Watchers!

Frederick Mutual Insures Wind Damage

As the winds of Spring blow out the last of the winter weather many homeowners and businesses experience significant wind damage to their dwellings and personal property. Wind, though you cannot see it, can cause considerable damage to your home. Wind speeds of 47 mph and above can start to cause light structural damage to your home while wind speeds reaching 55 mph or above can uproot trees and inflict greater structural damage. What can you do to protect your home and business from significant wind damage? 

• Make sure your tree limbs on your home or commercial property are properly pruned. 

• Make sure roof shingles are properly installed to avoid wind ripping them off your roof.  

• Store personal and commercial vehicles in garages or away from large limbed trees 

• Secure outdoor items in enclosed areas. 

• Secure windows, doors, and garage doors to prevent the wind from entering your household or business.  

• Know your region and location. Depending on your city and state what plot of land you choose to build or buy your home or commercial building could see more wind damage. Take time to learn the weather patterns and previous damage to homes and businesses around where you are looking to own.  

With winter blowing out high winds can accompany the spring season rolling in. Are you properly protected with your insurance coverage? Frederick Mutual can provide you with homeowners and business insurance that will protect your home, property, or business in the case of damage caused by wind. We also can advise you on how to greater protect your property. Call 240-877-9105 or email marketing@frederickmutal.com for your free quote request! 

Frozen Pipes: How they occur and what you can do to prevent them from bursting.

Emerging from a winter storm and some regions still in the throes of winter we have seen many claims surrounding frozen pipes. Frozen pipes and subsequent bursts can cause significant property damage.  

 How do pipes burst and what you can do to prevent them from bursting?  

When water freezes inside of a pipe it creates an ice dam. As the ice expands inside of the pipe the pressure of the trapped water greatly increases. Eventually, the pipe will burst at its weakest point, which will release hundreds of, if not thousands of, gallons of water that were trapped behind the ice dam.  You can prevent this by turning off your pipes overnight during extreme cold weather. In regions that are exposed to greater degrees of freezing weather during the winter, pipes in homes and commercial spaces could be designed with Pex piping that withstand expansion caused by an ice dam better than metal or plastic piping.  

 Pipes freeze at varying rates. As a generalization, you can see pipes freeze in 20 degree weather that holds for 6 hours. If these pipes do not have any insulation, then it could take as little as three hours for your pipes to freeze. 

 Recommendations for your Home and Business 

If you experienced a pipe bursting this winter or fear that it could happen to you in the future you should consider inspecting them for better insulation or replacement. 

 Are you properly insured? Frederick Mutual offers coverage for service lines that run water to your home or commercial property. If you would like to receive a quote to see if your home or business qualifies for service line insurance coverage to make sure your pipes and living and workspaces are adequately insured during the winter months, please contact our team at marketing@frederickmutual.com!  

Winter Slips, Falls, and Trips: Protect Yourself & Make Sure you are Insured

With wintry conditions causing slippery surfaces, make sure your home and business are protected from slips and falls.  Slips, falls, and trips are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths; and, icy conditions are a leading cause of those falls. As another winter storm has hit the Mid Atlantic region in the states Frederick Mutual operates (Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina), follow these tips to prevent falls at your workplace and home:

1. Wear the Right Shoes: Grooved, non skid rubber treads can help to avoid slips and trips on the ice and snow and indoors where water can be tracked in at the workplace.

2. Step Carefully: Avoid walking on icy patches, and hidden ice patches under the snow and slush. Take short and flat steps over these areas. If you are going up stairs remember to face the railing and use both hands to hold on to the rails as you step sideways.  

3. Make sure all indoor wet spots are marked, especially near entryways. Make sure all entryways have a non slip rug to wipe feet at your business or home. 

4. Use caution while getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support if you need.

5. Watch for slippery floors when you enter any building or home.

6. Report any untreated surfaces at your workplace to the manager so proper measures can be done to prevent falls. 

7. Bring a bag of kitty litter or sand to spread on icy surfaces. 

8. Avoid going outside to exercise and run. Try to do home workouts, if possible. 

Secure Insurance for your Business & Home in Wintry Conditions

Frederick Mutual offers competitive liability insurance for your business and home. Before slips, trips and falls occur at your office, workplace or home make sure you have insurance to cover you. If you live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina see which insurance coverages are available to you to protect your home or business. If you are facing wintry conditions with no coverage or improper coverage contact marketing@frederickmutual.com today to request a quote on your business or homeowners insurance today. With the groundhogs predictions winter will continue to last so prioritize your safety today!

Wintry Weather and Power Outages: How to Stay Safe and Secure

Icy, wintry mixes and freezing have caused significant power losses in the mid-Atlantic region and states that Frederick Mutual Insurance Company operates (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, D.C., Virginia, and North Carolina). With icy, wintry weather hitting our region again this week how can you keep safe? Here are tips from RedCross if you experience a power outage:

●      Stay away from the downed power lines, park vehicles in protected areas.

●      Unplug appliances and electronics, limit cell phone use to conserve battery life.

●      Use portable generators outdoors only, well away from open windows and doors; Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking. If using a generator, keep it outside in a well-ventilated area away from windows.

●      Eat your fresh, perishable foods first. Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer to preserve cool temperatures. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Throw out food that has been warmer than 40 degrees F.

●      Monitor alerts. Check local weather reports and any notifications. by phone, television, or radio. Utility officials may come to your door to alert you of a planned power outage.

●      Contact your support network. Let people in your network know that you are OK, check to see if they are OK, and tell each other if you need help.

●      Prevent power overloads and fire hazards. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect damage or if local officials instruct you to do so. Your gas line can only be turned on by a qualified professional. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.

●      Decide if you need to stay or go. Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power. Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.

Get the Insurance You Need

Protect your home or business from power outages caused by wintry weather that my cause damage to your home or business. Contact us at marketing@frederickmutual.com for a quote on your homeowners and/or business insurance. Frederick Mutual offers coverages for spoilage, repair to damaged service lines, and equipment breakdown that may occur due to the winter weather in our region. If you are a homeowner or business owner in Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, Virginia, or North Carolina see what insurance coverages are available to you in your state. Keep safe as this next wintry mix hits!

Frederick Mutual Launches New Policy Administrative System

January 26th, 2021 marked the initial launch of a more efficient quoting and policy administration experience for agents writing business with FMIC. The commercial Secure BOP™ and Commercial Umbrella lines are ready for quoting new business. Personal Lines products are scheduled to launch in March 2021 – with the introduction of the new Frederick Mutual Secure™ Home product. If you are a current agent and require your new login information, or training on the new platform please contact marketing@frederickmutual.com. If you are interested in learning more about the new Frederick Mutual technological and product innovations please gives us a call at 240-877-9105 or email us at marketing@frederickmutual.com!

Betterview's Property Analytics Boosted FMIC's Underwriting & Claims Productivity

Betterview’s building & property data and analytics allows us to gain a better understanding of risk, whether it is underwriting new business or determining the cause of a claim for reinsurance purposes. Watch the video to find out more.

Severe Impending Weather Announcement

Important News Statement – Impending Severe Weather

As Hurricane season approaches we would like to remind you of Frederick Mutual’s binding authority and our Protocol for Temporary Moratoriums.

A Temporary Moratorium shall be implemented if:

• The National Weather Service issues a hurricane or tropical storm watch or warning for part of the State or the entire State and applies only to those areas of the State affected by a watch or warning.

• The Governor or other governmental entity declares a State of Emergency for part of the State or the entire State and applies only to those areas of the State affected by the State of Emergency.

Note: Frederick Mutual will follow the moratorium protocol for Maryland that was issued by the Maryland Insurance Administration.

We monitor the news and weather reports for severe storms as they develop. We post any restrictions of binding on our Agent Portal.

Claim Submission and Contact Numbers

The Frederick Mutual Claim Department is staffed with specially trained claim representatives who are prepared to help whenever a catastrophe strikes.

Customers can report claims any time, day or night via:

• Complete our online form

• Call the Frederick Mutual Claims Department at 1-800-544-8737
  (After 4:30 - 1-866-212-5246)

Sincerely,

Jill Showalter, CPCU, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Robert Pelletier, Vice President & Chief Claim Officer

For further information regarding Hurricane Preparedness, please see our Protect Your Assets Section within our Customer Care link at the top of our website.

Stroke of Genius County’s Oldest Business at 177 Years Frederick Mutual Celebrates Milestone

In the 1840s, Frederick was among the 100 largest cities in America and considered “cutting edge” in many ways. On the corner of South Market and All Saints Streets, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad dispatched passengers from then-faraway places like Pittsburgh and New York City. Other travelers journeyed westward by wagon on the nation’s first paved highway that cut through the city on Patrick Street.

Read the full article here.

Frederick Mutual Launches Into North Carolina!

Frederick Mutual is thrilled to announce that the company has partnered with independent agencies in North Carolina and has commenced writing new business there.  Secure BOP and Commercial Umbrella are the initial products launched in North Carolina.  Secure BOP is an ISO based BOP product that has optional extension endorsements and professional lines coverage’s that can be added to enhance coverage.  The Commercial Umbrella is also an ISO based product with available limits up to $5M.