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How to Apply for a REAL ID in Massachusetts 12 Mar 2025, 5:52 am
If you live in Massachusetts, you’ve probably heard of the REAL ID.
In fact, REAL IDs have been a topic of conversation ever since 2005, when Congress passed the REAL ID Act to standardize the issuance and enhance the security of identification documents. It’s now two decades later, and soon people living in Massachusetts will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or another form of identification approved by the Transportation Security Administration) to board domestic flights, access federal buildings, and enter military bases. The deadline is set for May 7, 2025, for all travelers 18 and older.
With the deadline fast approaching, it’s important that you understand what the REAL ID is, how it impacts you, and what you need to do to comply with this legislation. At Gilbert Insurance, we’re here to ensure you’re ready for the changes that are around the corner.
REAL ID in Massachusetts: What It Is and How to Obtain One
Technically speaking, REAL IDs have been available in Massachusetts since March 2018. If you don’t have one yet, there’s no immediate rush—unless, of course, you already know that you will need to board a flight or engage in one of the other activities that require a REAL ID on or after the May 7, 2025, deadline. With that said, even if you don’t have immediate plans to do any of these things, now may be the perfect time to start thinking about getting a REAL ID.
To apply for the Massachusetts REAL ID, travelers 18 or older will need to complete the process in person at the RMV. Unlike with a standard license, you cannot complete this application online. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to bring with you when you head to your closest RMV location.
- Proof of Lawful Presence
- U.S. citizens: A valid passport or certified U.S. birth certificate.
- Permanent residents: A valid green card.
- Proof of Social Security Number
- A nonlaminated Social Security card or other official document (such as a recent pay stub) that displays your Social Security number.
- Proof of Massachusetts Residency
- Two documents showing your current residential address (e.g., a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement).
In addition, you’ll want to make sure all outstanding parking tickets, excise taxes, and E-ZPass violations are paid before you apply for a REAL ID in Massachusetts. These must be settled before you can get your REAL ID.
Is It Mandatory to Get a REAL ID in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts residents currently have two options for identification: a REAL ID or a standard driver’s license. Both options come with the same associated fees and five-year expiration period. For daily driving and identification purposes, a standard driver’s license will still be valid.
However, starting May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID will allow you to board domestic flights, access federal buildings, and enter military bases. So, even though you are not required to upgrade to a REAL ID, doing so may help you avoid an unpleasant surprise at the airport, a federal building, or a military base months from now. By getting your REAL ID now, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush, ensure you’re prepared for travel, and streamline your future federal identification needs.
At Gilbert Insurance, we understand that staying on top of new regulations and deadlines can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the latest updates and guidance, such as making it easy for you to comply with REAL ID regulations in Massachusetts, follow the new Massachusetts vehicle inspection process, and more.
Ice Dams: Interesting Facts and Important Prevention Tips 16 Jan 2025, 6:39 am
Should you be worried about an ice dam forming on your roof and gutters when colder weather arrives? If past winters are any indication, the answer is yes. New England has traditionally been a hotbed for these seasonal hassles, especially following a heavy snowfall.
Even if we happen to have an unusually warm winter with little to no snow accumulation, your home will not necessarily be safe from this icy threat. A large rain event combined with freezing temperatures can lead to ice damming just as quickly as a big storm that dumps several feet of snow.
The main reason most homeowners dread ice dams is the vast amount of damage they can do. Whether it grows to be a monstrous structure weighing in at over 1,000 lbs. or remains relatively small and just a few inches around, an ice dam has the potential to ruin your roof, gutters, ceilings, walls, insulation, floors, and more.
The Gilbert Insurance team knows our clients and neighbors have lots of questions about ice dams and how to avoid them. We’ve gathered some interesting facts and important prevention tips to help you better understand this perennial property threat and how you may be able to safeguard your home from it.
Of course, you don’t have to wait for an ice dam or other winter nuisance to create problems on your property in order to enlist our assistance. Feel free to reach out to one of our knowledgeable professionals today for a review of your home, car, business, and other insurance policies so you can gain a thorough understanding of what may or may not be covered if one of these events occurs, as well as advice on how to affordably broaden your protection if needed.
Tips for Recognizing and Avoiding RMV Phishing Scams 18 Dec 2024, 8:37 pm
Today, much of our communication with others occurs online, with email, social media, and text messages accessible through an app on our smart devices. While this method of communicating is certainly convenient, it also makes it possible for fraudsters to launch sophisticated attacks mirroring these interactions in an attempt to gather personal information from even the most tech-savvy people. From deep fake videos of Taylor Swift giving away cookware to spam job recruitment messages on LinkedIn and phishing text scams, Americans are being inundated with digital fraud attempts.
Text scams, in particular, duped Americans out of $330 million in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, Americans were on the receiving end of 225 billion spam texts that same year, a 157% increase from 2021, according to a report by Robokiller.
One digital deception that is of particular concern for us here at Gilbert Insurance is Massachusetts RMV text scams. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles released a statement in April 2024 reminding residents to stay vigilant and use only the agency’s official website for information or to renew a license or vehicle registration. The statement was issued because cybercriminals were sending phishing texts that contained links to deceptive websites, with the intention of misleading people into thinking they were interacting with the official RMV website. In many cases, the recipients of these texts supplied bad actors with personal information.
Thankfully, there hasn’t been an uptick in the number of these attacks recently. However, the Massachusetts RMV’s advice continues to apply. “We urge everyone to be vigilant when performing transactions or providing information online for RMV-related services,” the RMV said in April. “Customers should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites claiming to assist with RMV services, and inform their relatives and friends about this as well.”
In support of that initiative, our team is sharing tips for our clients and neighbors on recognizing and avoiding sophisticated phishing scams like this one.
How to recognize a phishing scam
Cybercriminals often use text messages and email to try to steal personal information, including passwords, account numbers, and Social Security numbers. With these critical pieces of information in hand, they can access email or bank accounts or sell information to other scammers.
By definition, phishing attacks trick recipients into clicking a malicious link or opening an attachment via email or text message. For this reason, The Federal Trade Commission encourages consumers not to interact with unexpected emails or text messages, even if these communications appear to be from a company they know and trust, like their bank, utility company, or the RMV.
3 tips to help protect yourself and your family from phishing attacks
- Protect your smart devices. Ensure that software updates occur automatically on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Doing so provides an extra line of defense in combating new security threats.
- Safeguard your accounts with multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a type of login method that companies use to grant user access to a website or application. The user must present two or more pieces of information to authenticate their identity, such as a PIN, a one-time randomly generated passcode, and a face or fingerprint scan. MFA makes it challenging for scammers to log in to digital accounts, which is why it’s strongly advised to set up this service on your devices when and where appropriate.
- Back up your data. Protect your data by backing it up to an external hard drive or in the cloud for safekeeping and easy recovery in case of a successful cybercrime.
In today’s increasingly digital world, staying vigilant about cyberattacks like phishing emails and text messages is essential. If you’re concerned about a cyberattack causing you financial harm or leading to time-consuming recovery efforts, exploring a cyber insurance policy designed to protect you and your family may be worthwhile.
Want to learn more about cyber insurance or determine if you have the right coverages in place to help you recover in case a cybercriminal gets access to your personal information? At Gilbert Insurance, we offer personal cyber insurance solutions that may provide the financial backing and professional support you need if you or a family member is the victim of a cyber incident like phishing. Please call us today at 781-942-2225 to learn more.
9 Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Precautions to Apply in the Workplace 13 Nov 2024, 6:49 am
Over the past decade, the power tools, landscaping and gardening equipment, and even heavy machinery, like forklifts and excavators, used by artisans and contractors have been rapidly transitioning to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as an energy source.
This battery technology evolution offers numerous benefits. For example, tools and equipment powered by Li-ion batteries perform significantly more work per charge, extending their capabilities and providing more portability. In addition, machines that utilize Li-ion batteries offer significantly reduced exhaust gas emissions and noise levels.
However, like the Li-ion batteries widely used in many household devices, Li-ion batteries used in workplace equipment can pose a fire risk. If they are not used, charged, and stored properly, there can be catastrophic consequences.
To help mitigate these risks, and help you better protect your property and people, the Gilbert team has gathered best practices from global private safety companies, leading organizations for power tool safety, OSHA, and other experts. We encourage you to share these nine important tips with your entire team.
1. Make sure batteries, their chargers, and the equipment they power meet the highest testing and certification standards. All lithium-ion batteries, chargers, and associated equipment should be tested and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory or should meet another appropriate standard, such as UL 2054, the Standard for Household and Commercial Batteries.
2. Always read manufacturers’ instruction manuals before using batteries, chargers, tools, and equipment. This information typically includes guidelines for proper battery storage, use, charging, and maintenance that, if adhered to, can significantly reduce the likelihood of a battery becoming a fire hazard.
3. Only use batteries and chargers designed and approved for use in a specific tool or machine. Buying Li-ion batteries and chargers from the original equipment manufacturer or a manufacturer’s authorized reseller ensures they will function properly with the uniquely manufactured systems in your equipment.
4. Keep Li-ion-powered equipment and batteries away from anything flammable when charging. Should batteries or equipment ignite, separating them from other equipment, inventory, vehicles, and anything that is combustible may help reduce the speed at which a fire could spread throughout your facility.
5. Be cautious of overcharging Li-ion-powered equipment and batteries. When tools or batteries are fully charged, they should be removed from the charging device—the charging station is definitely not meant to be a storage spot. It’s also strongly recommended that you unplug chargers when they’re not being used.
6. Regularly inspect batteries and equipment for damage. Stay alert for signs of bulging, crushing, punctures, cracking, hissing, smoking, liquid leakage, melted plastic, elevated temperatures, or any other similar evidence of a problem. Additional indications that a battery or piece of equipment may be damaged include if they fail to fully charge or hold a charge, have longer-than-usual charging times or a noticeable drop in performance, or demonstrate unusual LED activity when placed on a charger. If you identify any of these issues, discontinue use immediately.
7. Store batteries and equipment in fire-resistant containers and cool, dry locations. Do you remember back in tip No. 2 when we mentioned reading manufacturers’ instructions? These same manuals typically contain information on the temperature range for using and storing batteries and equipment. In general, though, experts warn against leaving batteries where they may be exposed to rising temperatures, like near a sunny window or inside a vehicle. If there isn’t an optimal spot in your workplace to safely store lithium-ion batteries and equipment, you may want to consider investing in a safety cabinet specifically designed for that purpose.
8. Don’t do anything that can damage a battery and make it a greater fire risk. If at all possible, you and your employees should avoid doing the following to a Li-ion battery:
- Dropping it.
- Using it as a hammer or hammering it.
- Modifying, disassembling, or tampering with it.
- Storing or transporting it in a container with loose metal objects or anything else that could short-circuit it.
- Burning or incinerating it.
- Immersing it in liquid or allowing any fluids to get inside it.
- Leaving it near corrosive gases.
- Attempting to jump-start it with another power source if it is not charging.
9. Follow local, state, and federal regulations for properly disposing of batteries that are damaged or past their useful life. The most important thing to know about Li-ion battery disposal is that these batteries should not be thrown in regular garbage or recycling bins. Instead, they should be taken to a specialized recycling facility or household hazardous waste collection point. To help prevent an incident before they are safely disposed of or while in transit, experts suggest placing defunct batteries in separate, sealable plastic bags; taping their battery terminals; and putting them in a fire-resistant container with sand or another extinguishing agent.
Implementing these lithium-ion battery safety precautions in your workplace is an excellent start to managing the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. However, it is equally important to have a plan in place that provides direction to your people on how to respond if a fire, explosion, or other battery-related failure occurs. Make sure to include lithium-ion-related incident response procedures in your workplace emergency action plans and employee training.
As Li-ion battery use becomes more prevalent across construction, landscaping, and many other industries, workplace incidents involving these batteries are likely to rise. This makes it a great time to do a quick check-in with your local Gilbert Insurance professional so we can review your existing commercial property and other business insurance policies. We want to help you evaluate your current coverage and whether you have appropriate financial protection for your equipment, building, inventory, and more in light of the new workplace hazards and challenges that Li-ion batteries present.
Tornadoes: Interesting Facts and Important Storm Safety Tips 19 Aug 2024, 1:00 pm
From powerful thunderstorms, coastal flooding, and nor’easters to extreme heat waves, hurricanes, and hailstorms, we get our fair share of severe weather here in Massachusetts. But tornadoes? Those have been pretty rare in these parts. Until recently, that is.
In the past five years, 27 tornadoes have touched down in Massachusetts. Thankfully, these storms injured very few people. However, they did cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage. With winds that can reach up to 300 mph and damage paths that can exceed one mile wide and 50 miles long, it’s no wonder the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) calls them “nature’s most violent storms.”
Of course, the frequency and impact of tornadoes in our region hasn’t yet reached the level of activity in Tornado Alley—and hopefully never will. But with the rise in tornado watches, warnings, and touchdowns in our area, the Gilbert Insurance team wants to provide our clients and neighbors with easy access to important facts about these fierce storms along with key tornado safety tips we’ve gathered from local and national weather experts and public safety officials.
Finally, while you might not immediately think to do so, it’s important to reach out to your insurance professional. In the aftermath of a tornado or other similar emergency, our goal at Gilbert Insurance is to alleviate some of the stress of the situation by supporting our clients in any way we can, which includes helping them gather the details to make their claim and making sure it goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. We also do our best to share storm information and severe weather alerts that may impact our community on our social media channels, so please make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Of course, you shouldn’t wait for a tornado or other serious storm to enlist our assistance. In fact, we highly recommend you reach out to one of our knowledgeable professionals today for a review of your home, car, business, and other insurance policies. We want you to have a thorough understanding of what damages might be covered if one of these events does occur and make sure you know about all the affordable options you can secure to broaden your protection if needed.
Gilbert Asks the Expert: Cybersecurity Insights for Small Business Owners from FlightPath IT President Jonathan Sheldon 29 Jul 2024, 5:32 am
As an IT professional with over 20 years of experience—and one of the first people to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—Jonathan Sheldon knows just how devastating a phishing scheme, ransomware attack, or system failure can be to a small business. However, Jonathan, who is now the president of FlightPath IT, an IT services company for businesses throughout the North Shore and greater Boston area, also understands that investing in cybersecurity may seem like a tall order for a smaller company with tighter operating budgets and a leaner staff.
But if, like so many other businesses today, technology is at the heart of yours, it’s essential to keep it in good shape and steadily pumping away. So, Jonathan shared with Gilbert Insurance three things all businesses, no matter their size and resources, can do to help keep their valuable information, databanks, systems, and networks safe from bad actors.
Tip #1: Make life as difficult as possible for a would-be cybercriminal.
The more work a bad actor must do to infiltrate your network, the more likely they are to throw up their hands and move on to a new and vulnerable target. According to Jonathan, some of the best ways for small businesses to frustrate a cybercriminal are:
- Using multifactor authentication for all online accounts. Multifactor authentication requires a bit more work for you and your employees because you must present multiple credentials to verify your identity when logging into a system. However, the extra seconds it takes will be well worth it if it deters a potential hacker trying to gain access to your company emails, financial accounts, virtual private network (VPN), and more.
- Installing antivirus software on every digital device. This type of software works behind the scenes to find and remove harmful viruses from a user’s computer. Without this software in place, these viruses can delete or botch sensitive information.
- Regularly backing up everything, from critical data to hardware, software, and firmware. If your computers or network are taken over, having your most important files and data backed up in several different formats not only means that the hackers should have less leverage over you to ask for a ransom but also that you’re likely to get things back up and running sooner.
- Having a process for employees to report suspicious emails and making sure to act on any concerns immediately. Asking your employees to be proactive at the first sign of trouble may keep cyberattackers from getting too deep into your critical systems and sensitive data—or gaining access at all. Even if an investigation of a potential cyberattack turns up no apparent threat, you still may want to err on the side of caution. Take the opportunity to have everyone change passwords, run device and software updates, and conduct backups.
Tip #2: Speaking of employees… make sure they know how to spot a potential cyber threat.
One of the most common avenues that bad actors use to gain access to your company’s systems or data is through your employees. And most of the time, according to Jonathan, employees have no idea that they’ve become an accomplice to a cybercrime. So, he says, it’s extremely important for small business owners to provide employees with cybersecurity awareness training. This training can happen via online webinars, in-person presentations, and even interactive simulations that show in real time what a cyberattack, like phishing or social engineering, might look like.
In addition, training should cover the telltale signs that a computer might be infected with a virus or was taken over by a bad actor. For example, if an employee’s computer is getting flooded with pop-up ads, frequently crashes, or suddenly performs painstakingly slowly, it should be immediately evaluated. Finally, you’ll want to provide your employees with guidance on how to build strong, hack-proof passwords and make sure they are using a variety of passwords for different logins.
Tip #3: Know that you don’t have to take on cybercriminals on your own.
As a small business owner, himself, Jonathan is all too familiar with the notion of trying to have his hands in every single part of the company. But he’s learned that’s just not a realistic way to run his business successfully. In fact, spreading himself too thin and trying to manage things that he isn’t the expert in could actually put his business at risk.
In the same vein, if you or others on your team don’t have the time, knowledge, ability, or bandwidth to stay on top of cybersecurity and other important IT tasks, it might be time to let go of some (or all) of these responsibilities by bringing in an IT services company to support you. Especially considering that just one misstep online has the potential to lead to a serious data breach and substantial financial and reputational repercussions for your small business.
You’ll be happy to know that hiring an IT services company doesn’t have to bust a smaller budget. You can start off by just outsourcing the most critical security tasks or decide to contract them to manage everything, from your cloud services to compliance management and backups.
The key is to find the IT partner who best fits your specific needs, including your budget. Jonathan offers a few criteria you can use to evaluate IT services and cybersecurity companies:
- Did they take the time to explain the IT services they offer and identify ones they think your company would benefit from as well as explain why they think they are necessary?
- Do they have a proven track record of protecting clients from cyber threats?
- Will they help you develop and implement a detailed response and recovery plan in the event a bad actor does penetrate your systems?
- How will they help you stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and trends?
- Will they help facilitate cybersecurity awareness training for your employees?
- Will they set up regular meetings with you to go over your questions and concerns?
Last but not least, Jonathan mentions that working with an IT services company may make a favorable impression on insurance companies, meaning you could have easier access to and better options for critical insurance coverages, like liability and cyber insurance.
We hope these insider tips from FlightPath IT President Jonathan Sheldon have been beneficial. If you’d like more cybersecurity insights like these—and want to get alerts about the latest phone scams, tech glitches, fraudulent domains, and more that could impact your business—follow FlightPath IT on Facebook and LinkedIn.
You can also access more tips from local business owners and industry experts on our Gilbert Insurance blog. Look for this interview with William Cassotis of Lazy River Products, a premier recreational marijuana dispensary, as well as an article featuring Tavern on High restaurant owners Paul Gargano and Ryan O’Connor, where they talk about navigating the rewards and challenges of their industry.
The Gilbert team also wants you to know that we are here to offer our insurance expertise and risk management knowledge to support to your IT business. While you’re busy protecting the valuable assets of other businesses, our team will find the right insurance solutions to safeguard your company from the distinct risks of your industry and profession. Please call us with any questions you have about technology insurance and for help finding broad and affordable coverage.
Does Home Insurance Cover These 6 Types of Water Damage? 29 May 2024, 5:00 am
Wet weather is something all four seasons have in common here on the North Shore. As a result, roof leaks, ice dams, backed-up drains and sewers, basement seepage, flooding, and many other types of water-related events threaten our homes year-round. Because home water damage can be so destructive and costly, the Gilbert team wants to make sure that all homeowners understand what a standard homeowners policy might cover and what insurance solutions may be available to fill in any coverage gaps.
In this blog, we discuss six common events that can lead to significant home water damage and what home insurance may or may not cover. We also share a few tips that may help you limit, or even prevent, home water damage in the first place.
To help you safeguard your property, it always helps to have a local and highly knowledgeable professional, like Gilbert Insurance, on your side.
Our team is dedicated to educating you about your home insurance coverage; sharing valuable facts and insights about the most common perils, like water damage, that can impact your home; and providing information on what is and isn’t typically covered by your policy. Please don’t hesitate to send us a message or give us a call if you’d like to learn more about the coverage in your specific homeowners policy and how it may be there to help if you experience home water or other damage to your house and belongings.
How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent 16 May 2024, 1:00 pm
The Essential House-Hunting Guide for First-Time Homebuyers, Part Four: Identifying the Real Estate Agent Who Will Be the Best Fit for You
There may be nobody who will play a more important role in the homebuying process than your real estate agent. When you select the professional you want to work with, you are entering into a relationship that is likely to last many months, requires close collaboration, and may need to withstand several ups and downs along the way.
Click the image below to download checklist.
A great place to start when you’re looking for a real estate agent is to get referrals from people you know who recently bought a home. Then, once you’ve gathered some recommendations, you can search for additional client reviews of these professionals online. Finally, after you’ve narrowed it down to a few top candidates, it is a smart idea to set up interviews with them.
The Gilbert team thought you might want some assistance figuring out what to ask these real estate agents in an interview, so we gathered advice from several local real estate experts. Based on their input, we created a downloadable list of questions that may aid you in finding and selecting an agent who has the qualifications and characteristics you value most.
Of course, we’ve left lots of room for taking notes as an agent answers your questions. In addition, you may also want to write down what the agent asks you and if they appear to be listening intently to your responses. If an agent is interested in getting to know you and your priorities now, it can be a good indication they will also be likely to help you thoroughly understand and prepare for the homebuying process from start to finish.
Gilbert Insurance Has Gathered More Advice for First-Time Homebuyers
We hope these tips and this interview guide will help facilitate your search for a real estate agent who you feel confident will make a great partner and homebuying representative. Also, when you start to put together a team of experts to assist you in the homebuying process, we hope you’ll contact Gilbert for help with all your home or condo insurance needs. We are very committed to helping you conquer the homebuying process. In fact, we’ve created an entire blog series dedicated to doing so.
To create this series, we spoke with several local professionals, including financial planners, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents, and collected their top tips and insights about the house-hunting process. You’ve just finished reading the final installment. If you’ve missed any of the three other posts in this series, we encourage you to read them:
- Part One: Reviewing Your Financial Situation with 10 Important Questions and Tips from a Financial Professional
- Part Two: Creating a Comprehensive Wants-and-Needs List to Help You Find Your Perfect Home
- Part Three: 10 Q&As about the Mortgage Approval Process
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn so you can get alerts about similar blog posts related to homeownership in the future.
A special thank-you to our colleague Travers Peterson, a Realtor with The Team-Real Estate Advisors at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, for providing his input.
A Guide to Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Condo Associations and Their Unit Owners 8 Apr 2024, 8:48 am
Making sure the residents of your building are equipped with safety information to keep themselves, their belongings, and their neighbors safe is one of your top responsibilities. In today’s technology-centered world, that includes knowing the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and sharing tips with condo unit owners on how they can minimize those risks.
In 2022, lithium-ion batteries caused 12 fires in Massachusetts alone. While that might seem like a relatively small number, it’s more than double the number of fires caused by these batteries in 2019. And, as the number of devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries grows, along with the number of people purchasing these devices, there’s a good chance that the number of fires and explosions that can be traced back to lithium-ion batteries will also continue to increase.
At Gilbert, when working with condo associations, one of our main goals is to provide advice that can help prevent situations that may result in damage to the building or injuries to its residents. Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to cause both. Given how many items use these batteries for power—including e-bikes, scooters, smart phones, tablets, and laptops, among other things—we’re certain many of your residents have at least one of these devices in their units. So, it’s important that you know how to properly charge and dispose of lithium-ion batteries in order to share the information with your condo residents.
What dangers are associated with lithium-ion batteries that condo residents should know about?
There are three primary concerns that can arise with lithium-ion batteries. The first, and most common, is the threat that a lithium-ion battery can catch fire. The second, but more rare, concern is the danger that a battery may explode. And third, but no less alarming, is the potential that people may be exposed to chemical and toxic fumes given off by these batteries if they do catch fire or explode.
What might cause a lithium-ion battery-related fire in a condo or other building?
When a resident uses a charger that isn’t approved by the device manufacturer or overcharges the device, leading it to overheat, there is the potential for a fire to start. A fire may also break out if a flaw with the battery is introduced during the manufacturing process or if the battery becomes damaged after getting wet, hit, dropped, or crushed.
What might make a lithium-ion battery explode and cause damage to a condo unit or building?
The same reasons why a lithium-ion battery could catch fire are the same reasons why it could explode. Improper charging of the battery, overheating, damage, and manufacturing defects are all potential causes.
How might condo residents end up exposed to chemical or toxic fumes from a lithium-ion battery?
If a lithium-ion battery were to catch fire or explode, it could release unsafe chemicals into the air. These chemicals could then land on anything that is around the battery, such as a condo unit owner’s personal belongings. Smoke from a fire or explosion can also release toxic fumes, which can spread all over the condo property. These chemicals and fumes can cause people in the building to experience nose and throat irritation, headaches, and more.
How can condo residents safely charge devices powered by lithium-ion batteries?
The following are some general charging safety tips that typically apply to devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries:
- Keep chargers away from anything flammable.
- Do not charge the battery for extended periods of time or overnight.
- Only use the charger that comes with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
- Do not charge a device in a hot environment or in direct sunlight.
- When the battery is fully charged, unplug it from the charger.
- Do not charge lithium-ion battery-powered devices, like phones or tablets, on soft surfaces such as beds or sofas.
Following these tips should help mitigate the chances that residents will be exposed to fires, explosions, and unsafe chemicals and fumes that can be attributable to lithium-ion batteries. That being said, it’s absolutely critical to encourage your condo residents to read the manual that comes with their specific device, as it may have distinct directions for handling, charging, and storing the battery.
How can a condo unit owner tell if a lithium-ion battery might be damaged?
It’s important that your residents frequently inspect the lithium-ion batteries being used in their devices for warning signs that something may be wrong. Indications that a lithium-ion battery is damaged include the following:
- The battery is bulging, swelling, or cracking.
- An unpleasant odor is coming from the battery.
- The lithium-ion battery device is emitting odd noises while not in use.
- The battery has changed color or shape.
One or more of these developments could mean the battery is overheated or overcharged, which, again, could lead to a fire or an explosion and to the spread of harmful chemicals and fumes. Condo unit owners will want to call emergency services if they notice a lithium-ion battery exhibiting any of these characteristics, as it could be dangerous to try to deal with the damaged battery themselves.
How should condo residents dispose of their lithium-ion batteries?
Whether a lithium-ion battery is being tossed due to damage or because it’s reached the end of its useful life, proper disposal of these powerful batteries is essential. Lithium-ion batteries that end up in a landfill or dumpster could catch fire and create a serious problem. As a result, these batteries are not suitable for the regular trash and should always be recycled in containers specifically designed for lithium-ion battery collection. You can make things as easy as possible on your residents by letting them know where the nearest recycling center is to your condo building and sharing best practices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, such as putting electrical tape on the battery or placing it in its own plastic bag before bringing it to a recycling facility.
How can a condo association spread the word to unit owners about lithium-ion battery risks and safety tips?
You can help reduce the possibility of damages and injuries from these batteries by sharing this blog with your residents or by typing up a list of safety tips to put in everyone’s mailbox. You may also want to present safety information to condo unit owners at a condo association meeting. Another suggestion is to email resources from trusted organizations, like the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), to all condo residents. The NFPA website has all sorts of safety information regarding lithium-ion batteries, from phones and tablets to e-bikes and scooters.
If a lithium-ion battery-related incident does happen, Gilbert has your back.
At Gilbert, we’re committed to helping condo associations mitigate the safety risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and other situations. Hopefully you never have to deal with the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries, but just in case the unthinkable does happen, it’s best to be prepared by having the right insurance in place. Let us help you determine which master condo insurance solutions are right for your property. We can also guide your condo residents toward insurance options designed to help protect them and their belongings from potential hazards. To learn more about how Gilbert can help condo associations like yours find the right coverage, give us a call today.
What Is Rental Car Reimbursement Insurance Coverage and Is It Worth It? 28 Nov 2023, 6:56 am
There are some things in this world that you just don’t want to have to spend your hard-earned money on. One of these is paying for the added expense of renting a car after yours is damaged or totaled in an accident. The thing is, while you wait for your car to get fixed or search for a new one, you probably can’t go without a car for weeks on end. You may have people who rely on you for rides, like your kids or grandparents; you may need a car to get to work or to fulfill your job responsibilities; or you may simply have places to go and things to do that can’t wait. So, what can you do? The Gilbert Insurance team is here to explain how adding rental car reimbursement insurance coverage to your auto policy may help you keep your life moving—and potentially save you hundreds of dollars—if your car is ever out of commission because of a crash.
What does rental car reimbursement insurance cover?
This auto policy endorsement helps you pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or, in a worst-case scenario, while you’re searching for a new car to buy after you’ve had a covered total loss.
However, it’s important to note that rental car reimbursement insurance is not meant to help you pay for a rental car every time your vehicle is in the shop. For example, this coverage does not apply if your car is undergoing routine maintenance. Additionally, you can’t use this coverage to pay for a rental car while you’re on vacation or traveling for business.
How does rental car reimbursement insurance work?
Immediately after an accident in which your car is damaged or totaled, the first critical step is to start the claims process by either contacting your local insurance professional, like Gilbert, or filing a claim directly with your insurance company. Then, if you have rental car reimbursement insurance coverage, often your insurance company will recommend a nearby rental car company you can contact. Some insurance carriers may even do the legwork for you, working directly with the rental car company to book a vehicle for you. Additionally, you will want to verify with your insurer whether the rental car company’s invoices will be sent directly to the insurance company or if you’ll be getting the charges and then must submit receipts to the insurer for reimbursement. We want to stress that it is extremely important to make sure that you have the proper approvals and authorizations from your insurance company prior to renting a car, and to lean on your local insurance agent for assistance.
Is rental car reimbursement coverage available to every Massachusetts driver?
To be eligible for rental car reimbursement insurance, you need to have both collision and comprehensive included in your auto policy. Though collision and comprehensive are also optional coverages for Massachusetts drivers, we strongly encourage drivers to include them in their auto policies, as they generally provide invaluable protection in a variety of scenarios. For example, collision coverage may help you pay to repair or replace your car after an accident in which you hit another vehicle or an object like a mailbox, telephone pole, or guardrail. Comprehensive, on the other hand, may cover the costs related to fixing your car after it’s been damaged by events such as theft, fire, extreme weather, and vandalism. So, there are many good reasons to have collision and comprehensive, not the least of which is that it allows you to access rental car reimbursement coverage.
Are there any coverage limits to rental car reimbursement insurance?
Your car insurance company will usually limit how much you are allowed to spend per day, as well as in total, on a rental car. For example, your insurance carrier might limit you to $50 a day with a total spending budget of $1,500. However, if you’re looking for a bigger budget than this, you’ll be happy to hear that some carriers’ limits extend to as much as $100 a day, or $3,000 total. So, as you can see, this coverage is not one size fits all and you can select higher coverage limits. However, doing so typically increases the cost of this endorsement slightly.
In addition, most insurance companies limit how long the coverage will last—usually up to 30 days from the date your claim is filed. If you hit your specific total spending or time limit and still require a rental car, you’ll have to start paying for the vehicle out of pocket.
Something else to keep in mind is that you can always rent a car beyond the daily limit set by your insurance company. For example, if your daily limit is set at $50 but the car you’ve had your eye on and would like to test-drive is available to rent for $60 a day, you can decide to go for it if you’d like. Just be aware that you will be responsible for the difference between the daily limit set by your insurance company and the actual rental cost of the car you select, which in this scenario would be $10 a day.
Of course, once your vehicle is out of the shop or you’ve purchased a new one, your rental car reimbursement coverage benefits end, regardless of whether you’ve maxed out the spend or time limits.
Is rental car reimbursement insurance coverage expensive?
While the coverage limits and pricing typically vary by carrier, you may be able to access this coverage for as little as $5 per month. When you compare this minimal amount to the hundreds of dollars you might have to spend on renting a car if you don’t have rental car reimbursement coverage, it’s clear that getting this type of insurance could be a good long-term financial decision.
Do you really need rental car reimbursement insurance?
If you’ve recently stopped by your local auto body shop to see about getting some minor work done on your car, you probably already know there can be prolonged wait times for service and parts these days.
So, imagine if you bring in your dinged-up car for repairs after an accident. There could be huge delays in getting your car back on the road. The new and used vehicle markets don’t offer a great alternative either—it is more challenging than ever for car buyers to find the vehicle they want, or any car for that matter, at an affordable price.
If you’re renting a car during the extended period when either your car is in the shop or you’re on the hunt for a new vehicle, it could be a big drain on your bank account. While many drivers might be able to afford a few days of rental car payments, few of us would want to pay this unexpected expense for several weeks or longer.
You should absolutely consider getting rental car reimbursement coverage if you’d like peace of mind that your car insurance is going to help you cover the rental car costs as well as assist you in securing a vehicle to rent.
Gilbert can help you stay on the move after an accident and save you money
If you’re interested in learning more about rental car reimbursement insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our insurance professionals. We’ll be happy to discuss the benefits of adding this optional coverage to your specific policy and help you evaluate if it is a good fit with your driving behaviors and budget. In addition, we are glad to review other important, and potentially money-saving, auto insurance endorsements and discounts that you might be missing out on, including bundling home and auto, accident forgiveness, disappearing deductible, and loan/lease gap.