This resource from the White House was provided to state governors on April 16, 2020, during a phone call about next steps for the country. The document outlines guidelines for reopening the states as the coronavirus pandemic eases. It's unclear how these plans may change in the future.

Download the PDF below.

TWFG Tony Voiron | Our Policy is Caring! | (504) 322-7299

The safest and most efficient way to communicate with your TWFG Agent and access your Insurance Policy Information.

Follow the step by step instructions below to get you started.
Download Our App:

• For iOS: App Store
• For Android: Google Play Store

Once Downloaded:

• For first time users will have to click REGISTER at the bottom of the login screen.
• Enter the mobile number that you have on file with your agent, the tap CONTINUE. If an error occurs, contact your agent.
• A PIN number will be sent to you via text message. Enter PIN number, then 
  tap CONFIRM. 
  If you do not receive a PIN number, tap SEND SMS AGAIN.

Setup Your Access:

• After entering your PIN number, you will be prompt to create a password. Create a password, then tap CONFIRM.
  
  Please note: Your password must have at least 8 characters, including a number, an upper and lowercase letter, and a special character. 

Once Logged in, You Can:

• Review Policies
• Request ID Card(s)
• Make Payments
• Report Claims
• Request Service

For more information about the mobile app, please contact TWFG Tony Voiron. ​

Given the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, countless employees across a variety of industries are working remotely. While this allows businesses to remain operational, it can create a number of risks, particularly for those who fail to take the proper precautions.

Above all, information security is one the greatest challenges for companies allowing remote work during the COVID-19 outbreak. When an employee is at the office, their work is protected by safety standards that keep your company’s network and data secure. However, an employee working from home may not have the same safety measures in place to protect your organization’s devices and information.

In order to safeguard your business and employees from data breaches, cyber scams and viruses, consider the following strategies:

• Train employees on how to detect and respond to phishing attacks. Criminals prey on unfortunate circumstances, seeking to capitalize on victims during times of panic and hardship. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Cyber criminals have been known to pose as charities and legitimate websites to lure victims into sending money and revealing personal information. Individuals should scrutinize any emails, texts and social media posts related to COVID-19 and be cautious when clicking any links and attachments. Specifically, employees should be instructed to:
  • Avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, and be wary of email attachments.
  • Use trusted sources when looking for factual information on COVID-19, such as CDC.gov.
  • Never give out personal or financial information via email, even if the sender seems legitimate.
  • Never respond to emails soliciting personal or financial information.
  • Verify a charity’s authenticity before making any donations.
• Have a virtual private network (VPN) in place, and ensure employees are using it to access company systems and data when working remotely. VPNs encrypt internet traffic, which can be particularly useful when your employees are connected to a home or public network. Furthermore, it could be beneficial for your company to prohibit employees from accessing company information from public networks altogether.
• Mandate the use of security and anti-virus software. This software should be up to date and include the latest patches.
• Educate your employees on the kinds of sensitive data they are obligated to protect. This could include confidential business information, trade secrets, intellectual property and personal information. When working with sensitive data, employees should take to the same precautions they would if they were at the office. They should avoid using their personal email for company business and think critically about the documents they are printing at home. If they must print sensitive information, they should shred the document when it is no longer needed. Encrypting sensitive information can also help you protect any data that is stored or sent to remote devices.
• Prohibit employees from sharing their work devices with friends and family members. Doing so reduces risks associated with unauthorized or inadvertent access of company information.
• Have employees update their contact information. That way, if your systems are compromised, you can easily contact your staff and provide the appropriate updates and instructions.
• Create and communicate a system that employees can use to report lost or stolen equipment. This will help your IT department respond quickly and mitigate potential data loss threats.
• Require two-factor authentication for all company passwords. Two-factor authentication adds a layer of security that allows companies to protect against compromised credentials. Through this method, users must confirm their identity by providing extra information (e.g., a phone number or unique security code) when attempting to access corporate applications, networks and servers. This additional login hurdle means that would-be cyber criminals won’t easily unlock an account, even if they have the password in hand.
• Consider security precautions for mobile devices. Proper phone security is just as important as a well-protected computer network. A smartphone could grant access to any number of applications, emails and stored passwords. Depending on how your organization uses such devices, unauthorized access to the information on a smartphone or tablet could be just as damaging as a data breach involving more traditional computer systems.

For additional protection, employers should consider backing up data and bolstering network protections as best as they can. For cyber security insurance or guidance, contact TWFG Tony Voiron

Inland marine insurance was once used strictly in the ocean marine industry to protect against property losses before, during and after water transfers. As the non-ocean aspect of the cargo journey developed, cargoes were transferred to barge, and the term “inland marine” was created. These policies became known as “floaters” because the property covered was originally floating in the ocean.
In the modern insurance industry, inland marine coverage provides protection to fill any gaps in commercial property protection or to reach specific limits of coverage.

Industry-Specific Coverage
Inland marine insurance can provide specific coverage by industry to protect against a wide array of exposures:

• Construction:
  • Builder’s risk: Protection for damage to buildings or structures under construction, renovation or repair.
  • Contractor’s equipment: Protects equipment and tools that are normally excluded under typical builder’s risk insurance.
  • Installation: Covers machinery and equipment during transit, installation and/or testing at project sites.
  • Rigger’s liability: Protection when acting as a rigger for the property of others in their care, control and custody.
• Technology and communication
  • Cable television: Protection for property that is essential to cable television systems.
  • Electronic equipment: Insures equipment that uses microprocessors and semiconductors.
  • Medical imaging equipment: Protects mobile medical equipment housed at hospitals, clinics and other similar premises.
  • Physicians and surgeons: Covers medical, surgical and dental equipment, supplies and instruments used in the medical and dental fields.
  • Telecommunication equipment: Protects telephones, computers, fax machines, video conferencing audio and visual equipment and teleconferencing equipment.
• Transportation:

Commercial transport: Coverage for goods and 

• merchandise in transit for truckers, warehouses, shippers and logistics operators.
• Legal liability: Coverage for sums the policyholder is obligated to cover as a result of damage from a covered loss to property of others.
• Motor truck cargo: Protects owners and operators of trucks against losses to owned property or property of others while in transport.
• Railroad rolling stock: Protects rolling stock owned or leased by railroad companies or other businesses.
• Tank storage: Protects tanks, pipelines and appurtenances and their contents while in the insured’s care, custody and control.

​

• Miscellaneous floaters:
  • Armored cars: Protects against losses attributed to armored cars.
  • Furriers block: Covers furs, fur garments or garments trimmed with fur while in the care of furriers, fur storage companies, department stores and other retailers.
  • Installation sales: Covers retail and wholesale merchants, manufacturers, banks and financial companies  who sell and use personal property as collateral for loans, conditions of sales contracts, as part of a deferred payment plan or as an installment payment plan.
  • Jewelers block: Provides protection for jewelry, semi-precious stones, precious metals, alloys and other goods used in the insured’s business.
  • Miscellaneous floaters: Serves as “catch-all” coverage for property that is movable.
  • Related property: Protection for buildings, business property, income and extra expenses when writing another marine coverage.

​
Additional Resources
Consult TWFG Insurance - Voiron Insurance Services, LLC today to learn more about inland marine insurance to protect items that seem to fall between the lines of your current coverage.  We have the expertise to help you to mitigate your risks and protect your bottom line.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are common in animal species, and most don’t affect humans. As of now, only seven different coronaviruses are known to infect humans. In their lifetime, most people will be infected with at least one common human coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Common coronaviruses typically cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness, and those affected exhibit cold-like symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Some cases of coronavirus can be more severe, and individuals experience more serious lower-respiratory tract illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. For the elderly, infants and those with weakened immune systems, coronavirus can be even more dangerous. 

How is coronavirus diagnosed?
If you’re exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, you should call your doctor, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms and have traveled to countries where outbreaks have been reported. Your doctor will likely order a lab test to detect coronavirus. Be sure to disclose any recent travel to your doctor. 

Deadly Outbreaks of Coronavirus
The 2019 novel coronavirus, as well as two other human coronaviruses, have caused severe symptoms. In 2012, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak caused severe illness—nearly 4 out of 10 people infected died. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which was first reported in Asia in 2003, spread to two dozen countries, infected 8,098 people and caused 774 deaths before it was contained. 

How can I prevent coronavirus infection?
Most common cases of coronavirus occur in the fall and the winter, but can happen at any time throughout the year. Unfortunately, there is not a vaccine that can protect you from human coronavirus infection. However, because human coronavirus is believed to be spread through person-to-person contact, the CDC recommends the following prevention strategies:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.

Wash your hands often with soap and water.​

For more information about coronavirus visit the CDC here.

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tracks and shares its most frequently cited standards. OSHA hopes that by releasing this enforcement data, businesses will take steps to identify and address potential safety issues.
 
For the 2019 fiscal year, the 10 most frequently cited standards from 2018 all remained on the list, although their order changed slightly. The following list includes more information on the most common citations during the 2019 fiscal year.
 
Top 10 OSHA Violations
1.  Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501)
Fall protection topped the list of most frequently cited OSHA standards for the ninth consecutive year. Falls from ladders, roofs and other heights continue to be the leading cause of injuries at work, so identifying fall hazards and making sure that you are doing everything in your power to protect your workers should be a top priority. Some safety precautions that you should always consider implementing include guardrails, safety nets and personal fall protection systems. It is important that employees are properly trained in the use of this equipment and that your workplace also has good general safety practices.
​
2.  Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Hazard communication has been in the No. 2 spot on this list for several years. OSHA standards require that businesses keep track of hazardous chemicals in the workplace in order to keep their employees safe. This standard applies to chemicals either produced or imported into the workplace. Companies are often cited for failing to develop or maintain a proper written training program, inadequate training and not providing safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical that employees will be dealing with.
 
3.  Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451)
Scaffolding violations have been toward the top of OSHA’s most frequently cited standards throughout the past decade. Many scaffolding violations stem from a lack of guardrails, improper decking and supported scaffolds being positioned on inadequate foundations.
 
4.  Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147)
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) moved up to the fourth-most cited OSHA standard for the 2019 fiscal year from fifth in 2018. LOTO refers to safety procedures and practices used to prevent machinery or equipment from unexpectedly starting and potentially injuring employees. Employers were often cited for inadequate training, not regularly evaluating their procedures and for notestablishing an energy control procedure at all. Employees who use mechanical or electrical equipment face the greatest risk of injury if LOTO is not properly implemented.
 
5.       Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)
OSHA standards require employers to establish and maintain a respiratory protection program. Proper respiratory protection helps to keep employees safe from hazards such as oxygen-deficient environments and harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors and sprays. Such hazards can lead to cancer, lung problems and death. In 2019, employers were frequently cited for failing to provide medical evaluations, not conducting required fit testing and not having an established program.
 
6.  Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Ladder violations often stem from inadequate siderails for a landing surface, use of defective ladders, improper use and using the top rung of the ladder as a step. The main factors that lead to injuries are a lack of training and a disregard for safe ladder practices.
 
7.  Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178)
Each year, thousands of workers are injured in accidents involving powered industrial trucks—especially forklifts. Many of these injuries occur when trucks are driven off loading docks, or fall between docks and unsecured trailers. Injuries also often stem from being struck by lift trucks or falling from elevated pallets and tines. Common violations included defective or damaged trucks not being removed from service, failing to evaluate operators every three years and failing to retain certification.
 
8.  Fall Protection Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
OSHA standards require employers to train employees on identifying potential fall hazards and fall protection procedures. Employers were often cited for not providing training to employees, not certifying the training in writing, and inadequate training or retraining. According to OSHA, training should include the use of fall protection methods such as guardrails, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems, and employers should also verify that employees completed the training by keeping written certification records.
 
9.  Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212)
Moving machine parts can cause serious workplace injuries, such as amputations, crushed fingers or hands, burns and blindness. Proper machine guarding is an important part of reducing these risks. Failing to guard points of operation, ensure that guards are securely attached and properly anchor fixed machinery were among the common violations for this standard.
 
10.  Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
Eye injuries cost employers millions of dollars each year due to medical expenses, workers’ compensation and lost production time. It is important that employees are provided with appropriate eye and face protection to stay safe from chemical, mechanical, environmental and radiological hazards. Common violations include not providing adequate protection in environments with flying objects, caustic hazards, gases and vapors, as well as failing to provide equipment with side protection.
 
TWFG Tony Voiron | (504) 322-7299 | www.twfglouisiana.com

Your credit score is one of the most influential factors when it comes to financial outcomes in your life. Most people know that their credit scores affect their ability to obtain a mortgage or loan. What’s more, most people understand that the interest rates they pay on loans is tied to their credit scores. However, there are even more aspects of your life that are influenced by your credit score.
 
In fact, your insurance premiums can be directly affected by your credit score, which means that if your score isn’t great, you’ll be paying more for your coverage.
 
Insurance Scores
Many insurance companies use your credit score to generate a credit-based insurance score that is then used as a factor in determining your premiums. Credit-based insurance scores and your credit score are not the same thing. Insurance scores focus on only some factors of your credit history in order to gain an indication about how you manage risk. Factors that may be used include:
 
• Payment history
• Amount of debt
• Length of credit history
• Recent applications for new credit
• Types of credit you have
 
In some states, insurance companies are limited in whether they can use credit-based insurance scores and, if so, to what extent.
 
While influential, credit-based insurance scores are only one factor in a company’s process of determining your premiums. Auto insurance companies, for example, could consider factors such as your location, age, the model and age of your vehicle, and how much you drive.
 
Improving Your Score
The easiest way to improve your credit-based insurance score is to increase your actual credit score. A healthier credit score can lead to lower premiums and put money back into your pockets. In addition, the higher your credit score, the better terms you will receive on loans and credit cards. As such, having a good credit score is helpful not only for the present, but also for your financial future.
 
Some steps that you should consider taking to improve your credit score include:
 
• Be punctual—Paying your bills on time is a key factor in maintaining or improving your credit score.
• Pay it back—Reducing the amount of overall debt that you have is a good way of improving your score.
• Keep it open—Paying off a credit card feels great, but even if you don’t owe any money, you should still keep the account open.
• Limit new debt—Keep the amount of applications you make for new credit to a minimum.
• Maintain balance—Having a wide variety of types of credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, credit card and personal loan can contribute positively to your credit score.

Looking for affordable insurance in Metairie or New Orleans Louisiana?  Call TWFG Tony Voiron (504) 322-7299.

Car owners often assume that if their car is totaled, it will be replaced at the amount they paid, or at least the amount they owe. However, that’s not always the case — learn why and what you can do to protect yourself.

Is Gap Coverage Right for You?
Guaranteed asset protection, or gap insurance is an optional automobile coverage that helps you transfer the financial risk if you are involved in an auto accident and you owe more for your vehicle than the amount that it’s worth.  This is referred to as being “upside-down.”

Since a new car’s value drops significantly the minute it’s driven off the lot, if you are involved in an accident that totals your vehicle in the first few years you own your vehicle, you may find yourself owing the finance company more than the vehicle’s actual value.  Gap insurance provides for the “gap” between the two amounts.

Is Gap Insurance for Everyone?
New vehicle financing options: If you took advantage of a zero percent down payment deal or put a small amount of money down, or stretched the life of your loan past 3 years, gap insurance is most likely a good idea. That’s because the vehicle typically depreciates considerably faster than you have paid down the value on your vehicle’s loan. Used vehicles: Gap insurance is typically not available for used vehicles. To cover your risk, it’s wise to put down an ample down payment and finance the vehicle for the shortest possible time-frame.

Leased vehicles:
For those who lease a vehicle, gap insurance is considered an essential coverage because typically there is no trade-in and little cash put down to lease the vehicle. Similar to purchasing a vehicle, if the car is a total loss, you will owe the difference between what you have paid and what you owe on the balance of the lease.

Cost versus benefit:
Gap insurance is offered for a nominal fee, which makes it a great value for anyone who finances or leases a new car. We’re Here to Help Depending on your vehicle’s make, model and loan terms, we can help you determine if gap insurance is the right choice for you.

If you’re purchasing a new vehicle, contact TWFG Insurance - Voiron Insurance Services, LLC at 5043227299 to learn about how gap insurance can complement your auto policy coverage options and keep you from getting caught upside-down!

Top Ways to Save on Your Auto Premium:
 Consider raising your deductible.
 Keep up your good driving record.
 Drive less to qualify for a low-mileage discount.
 Drive a car with safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags.
 Install an anti-theft device.
 Ask about our multi-policy discounts.

TWFG Insurance - Voiron Insurance Services, LLC
www.twfglouisiana.com
504-322-7299

Did you know that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and sustain fatal injuries on Halloween than on any other day of the year?  In 2017, October ranked No. 2 in motor vehicle deaths by month, with 3,700.
 
Kids love the magic of Halloween: Trick-or-treating, class parties and haunted houses.  But for parents there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety.
 
In 2017, 7,450 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic incidents, according to Injury Facts. Non-traffic incidents include those occurring on driveways, in parking lots or on private property.
 
18% of these deaths occurred at road crossings or intersections. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these deaths.
 
Costume Safety
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips.
 

• Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards.
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

 
When They're on the Prowl

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
• Agree on a specific time children should return home
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street

 
Safety Tips for Motorists

• NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

 
​Source: National Safety Council

When you’re a small business owner, you’re in charge of your own livelihood. So what would you do if an unforeseen threat came along that put your assets and investments in danger?
Carrying the right insurance can protect you from things like theft, litigation and more. At TWFG, we understand your needs and will make sure you get the right policy at the right price.
Here’s what to know about the coverage that’s available (and if you don’t own a small business, you can share these tips with a friend who does):

General and Professional Liability
Businesses that give advice, make recommendations or provide physical care need professional liability insurance. Also, if a customer is injured on your property or claims your product or service harmed them, general liability insurance can protect you. 
Essentially, liability insurance will pay for any judgment against you (up to the policy limit) and cover your legal expenses. 

Property and Auto
Insurance protects the structure and contents of your business property. Even if you lease space, you’ll want insurance to cover what’s inside. 
Vandals, fire, water and other destructive forces could damage your furnishings, inventory and machinery. Insurance provides funds to fix and replace what’s lost so you can get up and running again.
One more thing: Does your company own vehicles? If so, you need a business auto policy in case of an accident.

Workers’ Compensation
Even though you do your best to ensure a safe workplace, serious injuries can happen due to commonplace accidents like falling off a ladder or slipping on a floor. If an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation can help replace their lost wages.

Next Steps
These are just some of the coverage types we offer to small businesses. If you’re looking to improve coverage or buy it for the first time, give us a call. We’ll help you build the best policy.
TWFG Tony Voiron (504) 322-7299