The holiday season is a favorite time for charitable giving. However, when embracing the spirit of the season, be sure to choose your recipient wisely. To ensure that your gifts go where they will do the most good, keep the following in mind: Make sure that the charity is the one you think it is Many less ethical organizations take advantage of...

When you are away for the season, it makes sense to make your unoccupied property work for you. To ensure rental income is a net positive instead of a liability, make sure you take these considerations into account: Is your home in good condition for renting? Any needed repairs and updates should be in place before you start looking for renters....

When hackers successfully encrypt the computers of a large public company, the media pays attention.   In 2016, around $1 billion in ransomware payments were paid, over four times as much as was paid the year before. It’s likely that 2017 will see an even higher number.  There is no doubt that ransomware demands will continue to increase. While...

Properties become vacant or unoccupied for a number of reasons…Tenants move out, elderly owners pass away, prior owners list the homes for sale, etc. The number of vacancies tends to increase as the economy gets tougher as well. Whether it is a large commercial building or a small single-family dwelling, being aware of the potential hazards...

When it comes to high net worth clients, things can get complicated. But properly insuring their homes doesn’t have to be… It is our responsibility as insurance agents and brokers to educate the homeowner on ways to protect their largest asset. Homes that have a Replacement Cost over $1,000,000 are considered “High Valued”. However, Replacement...

When coverage is bound with Underwriters at Lloyds, London, several syndicates share a percentage of the total risk. The syndicates which bear the largest share of the risk are called the “leads” or “co-leads” depending on how many syndicates share a particular portion of any given risk. Quaker Special Risk has delegated authority for Lloyds’...

If you are a business owner whose business is something other than information technology or network security, cyber insurance may seem unnecessary. Network security may seem like something you can just hire someone else to worry about. If you have even a single computer that is used in the course of running your business, however, you are...

A roof replacement is one of the most expensive maintenance tasks homeowners will face. It’s important to make the most of every dollar spent on a new roof. The following roofing materials offer the high quality and durability that will serve you well for many years to come. Reflective shingles Also known as cool roofs, these shingles reflect...

If you are not prepared, ransomware can be expensive. When one law firm was attacked, the total cost added up to $725,000 between the paid ransom and lost business. The attack began when a lawyer at the firm opened an infected attachment, which infected the firm’s entire computer network. To get their encrypted files back, the firm had to...

When just one employee’s system is compromised, it can put your entire business at risk. Good security is a must! Even with good security software, end users must remain vigilant in order to keep bad guys out. To keep your business and your data safe, keep the following in mind: Always keep OSes and anti-virus programs up to date. Hackers find...

Since 1981, The MA office of Quaker Special Risk has been helping agents and brokers throughout New England develop unique insurance coverages for their clients. Quaker Special Risk is one of few Privately-Owned Surplus Lines brokers in the US. We are Independent, allowing us to be flexible & quick to adapt in the ever-changing E&S...

After 19 years of dedicated and loyal service, Nancy Flek will be retiring on September 9, 2016. Nancy has been QSR’s beloved receptionist since September of 1997. Over the years, she has truly enjoyed the daily contact with our Agents and Carriers. Nancy prides herself in having provided prompt, courteous, and professional service to all of...

The change of seasons means that it’s time for students, both young and old, to head back to school. As a result, your clients will be facing risks that are not an issue at other times of the year. Make sure that you and they are prepared for higher insurance risks in these five areas: Car accident risk from young drivers. A regular commute to...

Do you know which risks are most prevalent in the area where you own property? Which losses are the most likely to occur and which will cost the most? By assessing your business property’s specific risks and working to mitigate them in advance, you can reduce the chances of a loss. Here are a few ways to take care of some of your most common...

If you have a spare room or plan to spend some time traveling this summer, you may be tempted to list your home or apartment on a site like AirBnb or HomeAway. After all, New England is gorgeous this time of year, and who couldn’t use a bit of extra cash for spaces you aren’t currently using? But, before you post an ad, there are a few things you...

Cyber insurance is still a new idea to many organizations. But, data breaches are becoming more popular and the consequences of them more severe. As a non-profit, you may feel that you do not have the same risks as a for-profit company. However, there are many reasons that your organization can be vulnerable and why it can be just as or more...