Various Types of Home Insurance
March 4, 2022
Various Types of Home Insurance

Everyone is familiar with a high-level explanation of what Homeowners Insurance is, but what does it really cover? You know it covers your home and personal items from damaging events like a fire, theft or inclement weather, but what else? We have put together this resource for you to help you navigate your way to protecting your home.


What do I typically get with home insurance?

All mortgage companies require homeowners to purchase home insurance based on the replacement value of the property in order to approve the loan to purchase the home. A home insurance policy is very customizable based on the needs of the owner, however, certain components are standard.


Damages to Your Home

Your insurer will cover damages to your home or perhaps a complete rebuild if certain disasters strike. This includes vandalism, lightening, storms, fire or more. However, some things are not usually included in a standard home insurance plan such as damage from floods, earthquakes, a home not properly maintained, sheds, and other freestanding structures like a garage. However, you can purchase additional coverages separately if you need those protections added.


Personal Belongings

In the event of a disaster that your insurance policy covers, things like your clothes, appliances, furniture, and most things in your home will be covered. But how much is covered? A good rule of thumb is that approximately 50 to 70% of the amount you spend on your home insurance is what most insurance agencies will cover for your personal belongings and possessions. If you have a lot of valuable possessions like expensive jewelry, fine art, you will want to consider itemizing out what you have and purchasing a rider since a general home policy would only cover typically $1500 of stolen valuable possessions.


Personal Liability for Damages to Others

Lawsuits are costly and accidents happen. Liability coverage protects you from lawsuits others may file against you. This includes protection if your dog bites a jogger, the medical bills will be covered; or if a visitor slips on your wet floor and sues for lost wages, or pain and suffering, you’ll be covered.


Umbrella Policies for Extra Coverage

A few hundred dollars more on your policy can get you about $1 million more with an umbrella policy. Things that are not covered in your standard home policy, can be covered with an umbrella policy.


Temporary Stays While your Home is Rebuilt or Fixed

In the event that you are not able to stay in your home for a while, your additional living expenses portion of your policy would reimburse you for your hotel or renting costs. Make sure to look up your policy as there may be limitations as to what level of accommodations will be covered.  There is a range of limitations options depending on how much you’d like to spend on your policy.


Various Types of Homeowners Coverage

You have a lot of options when it comes to home insurance. Not all plans cover the same items. The more you want covered, of course, the more it will cost. Essentially there are three levels of coverage to choose from:


1. Actual cash value

Actual cash value covers the cost of the house and the value or your belongings after depreciation is taken out. What those items are worth is what you’ll get back, not what you initially paid for them.


2. Replacement cost

Replacement policies will cover the actual cash value of your home and belongings without depreciation taken out. This would allow you to rebuild your home up to what you originally paid for it.


3. Guaranteed replacement cost or value

This is the most inclusive option offered and covers the costs to fix or rebuild your home even if it goes beyond your policy limit. This helps against inflation. But there is a ceiling that is usually 20-25% more than your policy limit.


What is not covered by home insurance?

Not all acts of God are covered in your homeowners policy. Depending on where you live, you may be in a flood zone or a place known for hurricanes or earthquakes. In these instances, you’ll want to purchase a rider for the protections you’ll need for living in those areas. Lack of properly maintaining your home will cause damages not to be covered. For example, insect and rodent damage to your home, mold and rot, and general wear are not covered. Damage from smoke from industrial or agricultural operations, and things like identity theft is not covered. Attacks from certain breeds of dogs typically are not covered. However, if your dog breed is covered and attacks, there are limits as to how much damage it will cover and you could be responsible for the remaining amount.


How much will you pay for home insurance?

Insurance agencies consider their risk from how likely the homeowner will file a claim. They’ll take a look at previous home insurance claims that were submitted by the homeowner, and claims that were previously filed on the property, and credit score. Other factors such crime rates in the area, building material availability, security features, condition of the home, heating type, pools, and what riders you purchase all add into your annual premium. A home in poor condition could increase your rate because the odds of filing a claim are higher.


How to save money on insurance?

A great way to save money on insurance is to add in safety features. Purchasing a security system that is tied into the police, installing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, sprinklers and dead-bolt locks can help reduce your cost of insurance.


Consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium but know that smaller “fixes” to your home could add up to be costly and come out of your pocket if you choose this route.


Packaging your policy with auto or health insurance at the same company may allow you to save on two premiums. Shop around to find an insurance company that offers discounts.


When renovating your home, consider what materials you will purchase. Materials less flammable typically cost less to insure.


When you pay off your mortgage, you can see your premiums drop because your insurer assumes that since you own the residence in full, you’ll take great care of it.


Review your policy annually to see if you still have the best policy for the best price, as well as look for changes to your home that could lower your premium since last time you’ve reviewed your coverage. If you’ve removed a pool, trampoline, or playground, installed security systems, or upgraded your electric, plumbing or roof, reach out to your insurance company to see if it saves you money.


Choose paperless billing and making your payments automatic from the bank could make you eligible for a discount.

Certain careers have special discounts such as engineering, firefighting, and teaching.


Make sure that your policy is based on how much it costs to rebuild your home, not it’s real estate value—or your premiums could be much higher that they need to be.


Limit the number of claims you make, as they increase your premiums or your insurer may drop you and therefore make it difficult and expensive to find coverage again

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Your Guide to 4th of July Fun, Fireworks, and Celebrating Safely in Ontario County

June 30, 2025
The Fourth of July is almost here, and communities across Ontario County are gearing up for a weekend filled with parades, fireworks, and hometown celebrations. Whether you're heading out for live music and lawn games or simply enjoying time with friends and family, there are plenty of ways to celebrate locally. At Simco, we’re proud to support our neighbors with practical tips to enjoy the holiday safely, while making sure your insurance coverage is up to date and ready for the unexpected. Where to Watch Fireworks in Ontario County JULY 3 Farmington – Fireworks at dusk with food trucks and live music starting at 6 PM (Farmington Town Park) Honeoye Lake – The beloved “Ring of Fire” lights up the lake, with parking available at Sandy Bottom Park JULY 4 Canandaigua – Lincoln Hill Farms hosts an all-day celebration (1–10 PM) with fireworks after dark, music, games, and more. ($30 parking, cash only) JULY 5 Canandaigua North Shore – Keep the celebrations going with another round of fireworks at dark JULY 11 Geneva – Free Summerfest fireworks at 9:45 PM at the Geneva Recreation Center Parade Lineup JULY 3 Honeoye – Parade at 7 PM from United Church to Sandy Bottom Park. Stick around for the Honeoye Community Band and the Ring of Fire afterward! JULY 4 Canandaigua – The city’s annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10 AM from City Hall and heads south along Main Street JULY 12 Geneva – Firefighters Parade begins at 7 PM on Exchange Street, ending at the Geneva Rec Center for SummerFest festivities What Fireworks Are Legal in New York? While fireworks are a staple of July 4th, not everything that sparks and explodes is legal in New York State. Using illegal fireworks can actually void your insurance coverage if something goes wrong. What’s Allowed in NY: Ground-based or handheld sparkling devices (like cylindrical fountains or cones) Wooden sparklers/dipped sticks Party poppers Snappers (the small “pop” ones) What’s Not Allowed (and Not Covered): Aerial consumer fireworks Firecrackers Chasers Roman candles Skyrockets Bombs (even small ones!) Metal wire sparklers (they burn much hotter than they look) Quick Tip: If it launches into the sky or explodes, it’s not legal. Stick to sparklers and save yourself a potential insurance headache. Insurance Tips for a Safe Holiday A little awareness goes a long way in protecting your home, family, and peace of mind this 4th of July. Stay within NY guidelines. If an incident is caused by illegal fireworks, your insurer may deny the claim. Keep safety front and center. Supervise all activities involving sparklers or devices and keep water nearby for emergencies. Know what your policy covers. Not every homeowner’s policy includes damage from fireworks-related accidents. If you’re unsure, reach out. We’re happy to review your coverage. Report incidents quickly. Prompt reporting helps ensure claims are handled smoothly and effectively. From All of Us at Simco We’re wishing you a joyful, memorable, and safe Independence Day. Whether you’re lighting up the sky with sparklers or relaxing lakeside with family, we’re here to help you protect what matters most, before, during, and after the festivities. Have questions about your insurance coverage this summer? 📞 Call us at 585-394-5482 or visit our Contact Us page.

Understanding Accent Discrimination in the Workplace: How Employers Can Lead with Inclusion

June 25, 2025
As organizations continue to grow and diversify, the way we communicate at work is evolving, bringing new opportunities for inclusion as well as potential blind spots. One issue that often goes overlooked is accent discrimination: the tendency to judge, exclude, or undervalue individuals based on their speech patterns, dialect, or pronunciation. While accents are often rooted in geography, heritage, or culture, bias toward or against certain ways of speaking can influence decisions in hiring, promotions, evaluations, and daily interactions. For employers, particularly those in small to mid-sized organizations, understanding where this shows up and how to respond isn’t just about creating a respectful workplace. It’s also essential for risk mitigation and legal compliance. What Constitutes Accent Discrimination? Accent discrimination occurs when employees or candidates are treated unfairly due to the way they speak. This type of treatment may stem from overt, conscious bias, such as assuming someone is less capable based on how they sound, or from more subtle, unconscious preferences, like favoring those who speak in what’s perceived as a “standard” or “neutral” accent. Legally, accent-based discrimination can be considered a form of national origin discrimination, which is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Many states reinforce these protections through their own civil rights laws. Employers should be aware that even unintentional practices, such as informal communication preferences or subjective feedback, can result in compliance issues or reputational damage. Clear Communication vs. Discriminatory Practice It is important to distinguish between legitimate communication needs and bias. In certain narrowly defined circumstances, an accent may be relevant to an employee’s ability to perform essential duties. For instance, in roles that require precise, real-time verbal communication, such as emergency response or high-risk operational jobs, an employer may need to assess whether a language barrier or speech pattern materially interferes with safety or accuracy. However, such evaluations must be backed by objective evidence and a clearly defined business necessity. Vague discomfort, personal preference, or client feedback based on unfamiliarity are not valid reasons to deny someone an opportunity. Any decision related to an accent must be both job-related and supported by measurable performance impacts. Standardize Hiring and Promotion Processes to Minimize Bias One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of discrimination is by formalizing your hiring and promotion practices. Employers should examine whether their processes allow room for bias (conscious or unconscious) to influence decisions. Subjective impressions, especially in interviews or internal evaluations, can be disproportionately shaped by how a person speaks. To counteract this, companies should move toward structured, competency-based hiring frameworks. Use consistent criteria and scoring systems across all candidates, and rely on written assessments or role-specific tasks where appropriate. Similarly, promotions should be guided by documented performance metrics, not informal perceptions of professionalism or communication style. In doing so, not only do you reduce the chance for bias to affect outcomes, but you also make better staffing decisions that reflect skills, qualifications, and organizational fit: not speech patterns. Why This Matters More Now In today’s hybrid and remote work environments, the ability to navigate diverse communication styles has become even more important. With teams collaborating across geographic regions and cultural backgrounds, inclusivity in communication is essential for morale, cohesion, and productivity. Moreover, younger workers and job seekers are placing a high value on belonging and inclusion. Discriminatory or exclusionary behavior, intentional or not, can quickly erode trust and lead to disengagement or turnover, especially when tied to identity-based characteristics like accent or dialect. Employers who lead with fairness in communication are more likely to attract and retain talent, maintain strong teams, and avoid costly compliance missteps. Building a Culture Where All Voices Are Valued Ultimately, embracing different accents in the workplace is about genuine, judgment-free listening. Employers should encourage active listening practices, create space for respectful clarification when needed, and ensure employees feel safe speaking up, regardless of how they sound. Miscommunication is a solvable issue. Discrimination is not. Leaders who prioritize clarity, fairness, and consistency, rather than conformity, build workplaces that are both inclusive and high-performing. And the benefits go beyond compliance. They create environments where people thrive because they are heard and valued.

Balancing Holiday Time Off Requests Without Slowing Down Your Business

June 18, 2025
Between Independence Day, summer travel plans, and Labor Day on the horizon, time-off requests are about to pick up significantly, and with good reason. Employees need time to recharge, spend time with family, and enjoy the season. For employers, especially in small to mid-sized businesses, this means finding the delicate balance between fostering a supportive work culture that respects employees’ need for time away and managing the practical realities of maintaining adequate coverage, meeting deadlines, and keeping operations running smoothly. The good news? With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the right tools in place, you can navigate this busy season effectively, ensuring your team gets the rest they deserve without compromising business continuity. Here are a few practical strategies to help you manage PTO during the summer months while keeping your business running smoothly:  1. Plan Early and Communicate Clearly Encourage employees to submit holiday PTO requests well in advance. Set a clear internal deadline (e.g., “All holiday time-off requests must be submitted by August 15”) and explain the process upfront, including: How requests will be reviewed and approved How overlapping requests will be handled Any blackout dates or essential coverage periods A clear and consistent approach eliminates guesswork, reduces friction, and helps everyone feel they’re being treated fairly. 2. Use a PTO Policy That Balances Fairness and Flexibility Your time-off policy should include guidelines for high-demand periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Some companies use: First-come, first-served approvals A rotation system so everyone eventually gets prime time off A seniority or department-based system with built-in equity checks Whatever method you choose, consistency is key. A well-documented policy gives managers a framework to follow, and gives employees peace of mind that decisions are made justly, not arbitrarily. 3. Leverage Your HCM or Scheduling Technology If you're using a system like isolved , you already have powerful tools to streamline the PTO process. Automate request tracking, visualize department coverage in real time, and flag conflicts early to avoid blind spots. This gives HR and team leads the visibility they need to make smart, timely decisions. Bonus tip: Use system alerts to notify managers when coverage is thin, or configure it to close PTO windows automatically after a set date. These features take manual work off your plate while protecting productivity. 4. Cross-Train and Create Holiday Coverage Plans Rather than scrambling when someone’s out, prepare your team to adapt. Cross-train employees in advance so they can cover essential tasks if a teammate is unavailable. Before the busy season kicks in, put together a simple holiday coverage plan that outlines: Who will monitor essential tasks (client inquiries, payroll processing, etc.) What needs to get done and by whom each week Who’s available for backup support if needed A little upfront planning makes a big difference in keeping service levels steady during staff absences. 5. Appreciate Those Who Step Up Don’t let holiday contributions go unnoticed. Employees who work through the holidays or shift their schedules to ensure coverage deserve meaningful recognition. Consider: Spot bonuses or incentives Public recognition in a team meeting or internal email Additional time off (comp time) after the holidays Even small gestures show your team that their flexibility and dedication are valued, and that you see the extra effort. 6. Set Expectations With Clients (and With Your Team) If your operations will run on limited hours or staffing during the holidays, notify clients and partners well in advance. Clear communication avoids surprises and sets realistic expectations. Internally, define what’s essential versus what can wait, especially to avoid employees overworking during slower periods. When everyone understands what’s expected, your team can better prioritize, delegate, and breathe a little easier during the season. Final Thought: Flexibility Builds Loyalty The holiday season is a test of your workplace culture. How you support your team, especially when juggling competing needs, leaves a lasting impression. Even when saying no to a request, doing so with empathy and transparency reinforces a culture of trust, fairness, and respect. And in return, you'll see greater engagement, improved morale, and a team that’s ready to go the extra mile — during the holidays and beyond. Need help building better time-off workflows or updating your PTO policies before year-end? Simco’s HR and HCM experts are here to help. Let’s talk about how to balance compliance, efficiency, and employee satisfaction, all year round.

Have a question? Get in touch.