Big I Virginia E-News
June 2023
Welcome
Harter Insurance Agency – Chesterfield, VA 
Encore Insurance Group – Chesterfield, VA 
Inspire Insurance Agency – Henrico, VA
Click here for more information on these new members!
 
Premier Insurance Agency – Chris Hobbs – Midlothian, VA
Towne Insurance – H. Pettus LeCompte & Fred Itzkowitz – Richmond, VA
Hundley Insurance Agency – P. Scott Hundley – Pearisburg, VA
Mason Insurance Agency – Chuck Mason – Orange, VA 
We are always so grateful to our VAPAC contributors, for information on how you can contribute as well, see the form below. For more information on VAPAC visit www.vpap.org.
VAPAC Contribution Form
 
IIAV Member Resources
 
 
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The Security You Need. The Name You Trust.
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies®
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are rated A+ “Superior” by A.M. Best (as of July 26, 2023) and backed by the financial strength of our ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.  In Virginia, we offer a full product suite for your commercial clients that includes a Businessowner’s Policy (with typical limits up to $20 million; $50 million for select classes), Commercial Auto, Commercial Umbrella, Professional Liability, and Workers’ Compensation.  “Pay-as-you-go” billing options are also featured. 
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State & National News
  
With hurricane season starting June 1, the State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) reminds Virginians that the time to plan is now. Planning includes reviewing your insurance policy and making sure you have the coverage you need if a hurricane or other disaster strikes.
 
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write hurricane-related coverage for your home, auto or business until after the storm threat passes.
The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is here. From June 1 through November 30, hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean increases substantially, as does the probability of wind- and flooding-related property damage for the millions of homes along the United States coastline — from Texas to Maine.  
 
Historically, the most severe hurricane-related damage has been concentrated in coastal regions adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. However, recent seasons have demonstrated that hurricane risk can — and likely will continue to — extend further inland, posing threats to millions more homes.  
 
Evidence shows that climate change is impacting hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean with a higher proportion of stronger (e.g., Category 3+), wetter hurricanes that have the potential to travel further inland before dissipating. The combined effects of these factors could significantly impact U.S. properties in future years, including those structures that were once considered out of reach of hurricane winds and flooding.
The official start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was June 1, and this season is forecast to be a busy one, which is why homeowners need to prepare. Yet many lack even the most basic preventative measures, unaware of  the risks they face, according to a new survey by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), in coordination with Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.
 
The new report, Homeowners Perception of Weather Risks, provides insights into trends, behavior and how experiencing a weather event impacts consumer perceptions of future events.  Among the key findings:
 
– 60% of homeowners state that they have not taken any steps to better protect their homes, while 40% have taken some steps — yet maintenance and improvements can help mitigate damage and reduce cost.

– 68% of homeowners report not being impacted by weather events in the last five years.  As a result, 36% believe their residence will never be impacted by climate risk. 
 
– Populations are shifting into harm’s way — more and more people are moving to southern states exposed to coastal weather events. These states include Texas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Many residents who are new to an area don’t even know that they live in storm surge danger zones. 
 
– Less than half (48%) of homeowners say they have an evacuation plan. Being prepared for unforeseen weather events, by creating an evacuation plan, can save lives.
 
– 20% of those surveyed have annual household incomes of less than $40,000, yet this population represents 48% of non-buyers of homeowner’s insurance. At lower income levels, homeowners’ insurance, it was found, may be perceived as a discretionary purchase.
Goodville Mutual
RT Specialty - Richmond
Food For Thought
Question: We have two employees who keep complaining about the temperature. One says it is too warm, one says it is too cold. It is a small office so there isn't a way to allow them to sit in different areas. No one else complains or has an opinion either way. What can we do?
 
Answer: Having people in set areas for long periods of time can bring about several sticky issues about personal space and comfort. While some things, such as what is displayed on a desk, are easier to control, general conditions such as temperature or noise levels can be trickier. 
 
First thing ... if employee safety or functionality is impacted by any workplace condition, you need to defer to that above anything else. For example, a server room may need to be kept at a low temperature to keep the equipment cool, so the "cold" employee may still be cold.
 
In this case, I would find a happy-median temperature that most employees are comfortable with. Then allow the employees to flex their personal conditions to make them comfortable. For example, perhaps one can wear sweatshirts or jackets while the other is allowed short-sleeved tops. 
 
Another possibility is that one employee has a medical condition that makes regulating their body temperature difficult. While you do not need to make everyone else miserable with raising or lowering the temperature (that may not seem as "reasonable"), you could discuss other options such as dress code flexibility, or allowing them to bring a personal space fan or heater into their area. 
 
Again, safety needs to take precedence, followed by operational needs and the comfort of other employees.
Local Presence. Regional Strength.
Penn National Insurance®
Penn National Insurance is small enough to provide personal, caring interactions, but large enough to serve you and your policyholders with the same sophistication and product offering of the largest carriers. We back our promise to help people feel secure and make life better when bad thing happen with our strong financial position, and we remain committed to distributing our products and services through independent agencies.
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Conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) have been everywhere recently. Congress held hearings about it. News outlets have written articles about it, including that content providers have sampled AI’s abilities by having it draft something for them. But how does it impact companies and human resources?
 
According to the Pew Research Center, 62% of Americans believe AI will have a major impact on workers, but only 28% believe it will impact them directly. Unfortunately, AI is already impacting employees, as 4,000 jobs were lost in May 2023 due to AI, the first time it was listed as a reason for a layoff.
 
While most of the recent conversation involves AI-generated content, other AI formats have been used in the workplace for a while.
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A Journey into the Unknown

In the realm of technological progress, there are often instances that resemble the wild, unpredictable nature of a roller coaster ride. One such example is the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). As we reflect on the adventurous Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a classic Disneyland attraction, we can draw parallels to the exciting and sometimes bewildering journey of AI development.
 
The Anticipation and Uncertainty
 
Both Toad’s Wild Ride and the advancement of AI share an initial sense of anticipation and uncertainty. Just as visitors line up, not knowing what twists and turns await them on the ride, AI enthusiasts embark on a path filled with endless possibilities and unforeseen challenges. The exhilarating rush of exploring uncharted territories fuels our imagination, while also raising questions about the potential impact of AI on various aspects of society.
Hilb Group
Iroquois Mid-Atlantic