Our Blog

Posted on October 16th, 2019 by admin

When buying insurance for homes, condos, and rentals, you’ll come across the following terms: Actual Cash Value (ACV)Replacement Cost Value (RCV) The terms themselves appear innocent enough but can have a massive impact on the value of the protection you purchase with your insurance policy. The better you understand the differences between the two, the better you will be able to make the appropriate decision to match your needs. What Does Actual Cash Value Mean for Consumers? Actual cash value is a type of insurance that protects items in your home, such as appliances, furniture, computers, and electronics, for the cost…Read More

Posted on October 15th, 2019 by admin

While spring is a common time for many homeowners to spend some extra attention on upkeep and maintenance, autumn is just as critical a season for preparing your home to withstand the potentially harsh winter weather and temperature conditions that may await you. By making maintenance part of your annual fall routine you can identify potential problems before they arise, and help prepare your home and property for what Mother Nature has to offer. Following are some home maintenance tips to help you prepare for the coming winter: Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.Replace…Read More

Posted on October 10th, 2019 by admin

At ICNJ we know just how devastating a fire can be for a company or a family. We encourage you to think of October as Fire Safety Month. Take the time to make a plan, prepare your loved ones and get your office involved. While most safety tips are for keeping your home and family safe, we feel it is just as important to stay alert and prepared at work. Below are some simple tips to keep in mind at the office. Arson Arson is the largest single cause of fires in general office buildings. Follow your building’s security measures and keep unauthorized people out of the building.Keep…Read More

Posted on September 27th, 2019 by admin

Email fraud happens far more often than many people realize.  In fact, it can be one of the easiest crimes a would-be crook can carry out. While SPAM filters do manage to eliminate the bulk of these scams from making it into your email inbox, some do get by even the most sophisticated technology. Phishing is the most common and the most dangerous as it is designed to steal your confidential and personal information. These emails disguise themselves as legitimate agencies (banks, utility companies, etc.) then attempt to get information from you such as account numbers, personal information, passwords, PIN…Read More

Posted on September 3rd, 2019 by admin

Slip and fall injuries can present big problems for large and small businesses. Not only are customers and guests susceptible to slips, trips, and falls on your property, but so are employees. Slips and falls, according to the National Floor Safety Institute, account for more than one million ER visits annually. These injuries aren’t without consequence either. They can result in: FracturesHead InjuriesDisabilityLost Time at WorkDeath The bottom line is that slip & fall injuries in the workplace can cost businesses big and preventing these injuries needs to be addressed. These 7 tips can help you reduce the risk of…Read More

Posted on September 3rd, 2019 by admin

Our friends at The Hanover Insurance Group put together this excellent infographic containing tips on what to do before a hurricane hits, during the storm and after the storm passes. Please take a few moments to review the tips and keep your family protected this upcoming hurricane season: If you are a business owner, please download this guide from Hanover: Hurricane Preparedness for Business Please contact us at info@icnj.com or call us at 201-525-1100 if you have any questions regarding hurricane insurance coverage.

Posted on June 18th, 2019 by admin

Landlords have many rules and regulations to follow when approving or denying residency to potential residents and the fair treatment of all tenants. Sometimes, though, it’s difficult to see through the noise of all the discrimination complaints to understand what actually qualifies as discriminatory acts. The Federal Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968 and the subsequent Fair Housing Act Amendments Act passed in 1988, identify protected categories against which landlords cannot discriminate. They include: Race or colorReligionNational originFamilial statusAgeDisabilityHandicapGender Specifically, landlords are prohibited from advertising or making statements indicating preferences based on race, religion, or any other protected category. It…Read More

Posted on May 28th, 2019 by admin

Our communities are more well-equipped and better prepared today than ever before due in large part to our consistent building practices. But the work to improve building safety isn’t over. The International Code Council is the trusted source for codes and standards related to building safety. Building owners and managers should review the ICC’s standards to protect the safety of the people who work in and visit their buildings. Topics Include: Preparing for Disasters: Build Strong, Build SmartEnsuring a Safer Future through Training and EducationSecuring Clean, Abundant Water for all CommunitiesConstruction Professionals and Homeowners: Partners in SafetyInnovations in Building Safety…Read More

Posted on May 22nd, 2019 by admin

Despite numerous campaigns throughout the country to end bullying, the numbers related to bullying are quite staggering. According to the Megan Meier Foundation, nearly one of every three students has been bullied during the school year and TeenSafe reports that 87 percent of students have witnessed cyberbullying. The problem with cyber bullying that sets it apart from traditional bullying is that students no longer have a safe haven or refuge to escape the torment. For those who believe that bullying is a victimless crime or that students simply need to toughen up after being victims, perhaps these statistics will shed…Read More

Posted on May 2nd, 2019 by admin

Hiring contractors? One of the most important things you can do to protect your interests and your family’s financial security is to take the necessary steps to ensure you hire fully licensed, bonded, and insured contractors. Secondarily, make sure you are properly insured with either a builders risk policy or by increasing your dwelling coverage when doing major additions or renovations. Why is Hiring Licensed, Bonded and Insured Contractors So Important? Whether it involves contractors, landscapers, painters, or even the guy who comes to clean your pool, proof of insurance is critical when people are working on or around your…Read More