News
News & Views: What they know about us
Newsletter – Monday, April 2, 2018
As I was listening to the news this morning I was blown away by a statement made in an article about Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying in Congress next month. The news host was interviewing a Congressman about the nefarious activities of Cambridge Analytics and (guilty by collaboration) Facebook. So this is what stopped me in my tracks; the interviewee implied that the collection of a Facebook user’s data with the intent of spreading propaganda was the weaponization of social media. Wow. I’ve known about terror organizations that used social media to recruit and spread disinformation, but this is the first time I’ve heard it applied to the business model of Facebook.
So I tell myself, get over it – Facebook uses what they know about me to sell me wine, travel packages, and weight loss schemes! That is how they make money. But where do they cross the line? Personally I am much more offended by the idea that someone manipulated our citizenry with the intent to polarize us than I am by the fact Facebook knows I am fat. Is this the Brave New World?
As you can probably tell, I’m just a tad worked up! If you are a Facebook fan I hope you won’t take my comments personally. I haven’t deleted my Facebook page yet; otherwise, how else would I keep up with the things my kids are doing?
Since we are talking about it, I’d like to point out that Tuscano does try to keep the information about our agents and brokers as up to date and accurate as we can. It allows us to contact you on the risks we are working on and it is shared within our office so not only does your underwriter have your email, his or her assistant, the Accounting Team, and our Policy Service department does too. Yes, we use your email to send you this newsletter twice a month, but if you want to opt out I won’t be offended. We try to keep track of the role you fill in your office so we can do the best job of reaching out to the right person in your shop when we need to. If you want to see the information we have on file, just click on the User/Admin link on the upper right corner of our website – we are fully transparent! While you are there, feel free to update it.
And, while Cyber Liability coverage won’t respond to the type of intentional act mentioned above, Tuscano underwriters are pros at insuring technology-related risks. We have access to multiple markets who range in appetite from low exposure/low premium (we even have an online rater for that) to heavy exposure with the full complement of tech support and coverage in the event of an incident. Call one of our Casualty Team underwriters to discuss a risk or visit our Cyber product page online.
Since spring is here, I want to remind you that we are a 4-seasons wholesaler! As the seasons change, we are here for you with whatever your insurance needs may be. Think of us for rental properties and vacant properties especially as folks are starting their spring renovation projects. We can help you with sports leagues, special events, farmer’s markets, and festivals. And we offer access to a full line of specialty personal lines products such as boats, jet skis, motorcycles, and collector cars.
Finally, I have some BIG news to share. We’ve been working all winter to develop direct billing for your personal lines customers. Policy holders that are placed with a Tuscano carrier that does not offer direct bill can now receive the benefit of this service! Beginning with new business in mid-April and renewals effective in June, all Tuscano personal lines will be converted to direct billing of the insured or mortgagee. Notices, policies, and underwriting-related information will continue to go through your office. All we are doing is taking over the billing of the premium. We’ll be sending out more detailed information as we close in on our go-live date and if you have any questions feel free to give me or Jinny a call or shoot us an email (actually contact Jinny – she knows more than me!)
Stay positive spring is coming!