Guardians of the States | Our Privacy Commitment

2. Text Messaging (SMS)

We use no automation or third-party services to send or receive text (short) message services (SMS).  All text messages are only sent and received by our agents and producers.  We only use SMS for service-related purposes, and not for promotional or marketing use.  The messages we send are requests for information relative to quoting, managing your account with us, and alerts such as upcoming renewals or cancellations.  We will send these messages upon your request for information, through timely intervals such as policy renewal or expiry, or in response to questions or alerts that arise from you or our carriers.  SMS MESSAGING WILL ONLY BE USED DIRECTLY WITH OUR ORGANIZATION FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES ONLY, AND WILL NOT BE USED FOR MARKETING OR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.  YOUR CONSENT IS LIMITED TO OUR ORGANIZATION ALONE, AND WILL NOT BE SHARED WITH ANY THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING OUR OWN CARRIERS AND AFFILIATES.

2A.  Opting In

You may opt in to receive text messages from us by explicitly informing us that you consent to conduct business with us via SMS.  We may also ask you for your consent by email, telephone, or in our office.  Consent can be given via asking or agreeing to receive text messages from us via email, asking or agreeing to receive text messages from us via telephone, or by asking or agreeing to accept text messages from us verbally at our office.  You are under no obligation to consent to text messaging, and consent is not required for any part of our core functionality.  You may withdraw your consent by opting out at any time (see 2B., Opting out.)  ANY INFORMATION WE COLLECT WILL ONLY BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR INSURANCE PURPOSES.  WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY.  WE WILL NEVER SHARE YOUR CONSENT TO OPT IN FOR SMS WITH ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING OUR CARRIERS AND AFFILIATES.

2B. Opting Out

You may opt out to stop receiving SMS from us at any time by typing “STOP” in response to any one of our text messages.  You will receive an acknowledgement message that you have opted out, and your consent will be considered withdrawn.  You will receive no further messages from us unless you choose to opt in again.  You may also opt out by informing us that you withdraw your consent by email, telephone, or in person at our office.

3. Information We Collect

The types of personal information that we collect may include: your name, address, date of birth, phone number, email address, prior insurance coverage and terms, your current occupation, driver’s license ID, motor vehicle history (accidents or violations,) and desired coverage limits and premiums.  We may also collect information on the property to be insured which may include: the make, model, vehicle identification number and mileage of a car, the year constructed, construction or architectural style, square footage, and other descriptors of a domicile and its location, the nature of business, losses, revenue, and employees of any commercial property, or any information directly relevant to insure any requested property.

4. How We Collect Your Information

We may collect personal data from our web forms on our website when you provide it by requesting a quote or managing your account.  We may ask for and collect personal data via email, telephone, or verbally with our agents at our office.  We may also obtain data from third parties, including our affiliates and public sources.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use this information solely to conduct our business for our everyday purposes, to provide you with an accurate quote for property to be insured, and to ensure your coverage needs are met.  We may periodically review and alert you to when your coverage is expiring, if we receive notice of non-renewal, of upcoming renewal with changes to your coverage or premium, or any other matter directly relevant to you and your policy or policies.

6. Data Storage and Retention

We store and manage your personal data on our Customer Relation Management service, EZLynx by Applied Systems, and our Agency Management System Nexsure, by DYAD inc.  We also store and maintain back-up copies of your personal data in our computer network and external hardware such as external hard drives.  All personal data is protected by password, PIN, and two-factor authentication.  Physical devices designated solely for backup are encrypted and physically secure in locked storage.  We keep your personal data for three years or as required by law and industry best practices, and we are compliant with the NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation, 23 NYCRR 500.

7. Information We Share

We only share information only as needed with necessary affiliates and carriers involved in providing your insurance services, including our master agency (SAN Group,) our agency network, (SIAA,) our insurance group (BIGINY,) and the carrier that will be providing your insurance.  WE DO NOT SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY.  WE DO NOT USE, SELL, SOLICIT OR SHARE YOUR INFORMATION FOR MARKETING, PROMOTIONAL, OR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that our practices comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations. This includes adherence to laws governing the sharing and protection of personal information.

8. Access and Corrections

You have the right to access and correct your information.  If you notice any errors in your personal information, need to make any changes or updates, or wish to verify the information we have on file, you can do so by managing your account through customer service on our website, calling us by telephone, visiting our office, contacting us via email, or submitting a request in writing.

9. Changes to this Policy

10. Disclaimer of General Information and Coverage Binding