subject: Insuring Computers, Ensuring Internet Safety At Home [print this page] Obtaining homeowners insurance in Miami, just like anywhere else in the country, is essential for ones home, whether its a mobile home, condo, standalone house, or other type of residence. Insurance can protect the property and the contents, and offer protection from certain types of liability for homeowners (such as when a guest falls off the stairs and breaks an ankle). Most homeowners insurance policies will offer protection for most computer equipment, up to a certain limit; these days, when everyone in the family from mom and dad to all the kids have computers, laptops or other types of computer equipment, it may be wise to obtain additional protection beyond the basic amount of computer coverage offered under the standard Miami homeowners policy.
Children, computers and the internet equal potential risk
Insuring computer equipment is just the beginning; safely using the equipment is just as important, especially when it comes to children using the internet. Years ago, when most homes had a single tower computer, it was relatively simple to situate the computer in a central, open location in order to better monitor children while they used the computer and went online. Nowadays, when children have their own systemsportable laptops and tablets that they can take wherever they goit is much more difficult to keep an eye on what children are exposed to as they surf the net.
The internet is a tremendous source for education, social exchange, games, and more, but danger lurks everywhere. Make sure children understand and follow basic safety rules:
Dont provide personal information via a screen name (e.g., mary121298 is a dead giveaway for a birthday), or use information that reveals hometown, school, or hobbies.
Dont share personal photos with people that are met online, or other personal information about self or family.
Dont open emails from strangers, or attachments in these emails; delete them promptly.
Dont respond to messages that contain bullying, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate content. Show the messages to parents immediately.
Dont share passwords or account IDs with friends, but make sure parents have access to this information.
Never make plans to meet someone befriended online in person.
When in doubt about anything unusual encountered on the internet, ask parents for help.
Insure property and ensure good behavior
Talk to a professional insurance agent in Miami about insuring computer equipment with a homeowners insurance policy, and talk to everyone in the household to ensure that safe practices are observed when using the internet.
