Six Boating Safety Tips for a Summer of Smooth Sailing

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When thinking of classic summer activities, refreshing water activities are some of the first that come to mind. Among these popular activities are boating and other watersports. Whether riding on jet skis or piloting your own fishing boat, here are a few important tips that will help keep you safe on those hot summer days.

Tip 1: Learn About Boating Safety

Congratulations! In reading this, you’re already on your way to safer boating. 71% of all deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction. Being aware of simple safety tips and learning about boating safety are key steps to preventing an accident. To sign up for a safety course, visit the California Division of Boating and Waterways here.

Tip 2: Be Careful of Cold Water

When boating, it is important to be aware of the temperature of the surrounding water and proper safety measures. The human body cools 25 times faster in water than air, and water temperatures below 70 degrees are cold enough to cause hypothermia. Even if the temperature is warm outside, the water may still be very cold! Consider using a fishing thermometer to help gauge the temperature. They are sold at many sporting goods stores, or on Amazon.

Tip 3: Look Out for Others

Boating propellers are dangerous and can cause injuries very quickly. Assign a passenger to keep a close watch of any people in the area to ensure they are not near boat propellers and be sure that you watch out for those on and off the boat as well.

Tip 4: Watch Your Liquor

Be aware of intoxication, as alcohol can impair the judgment and coordination of a boat operator and create a dangerous situation for passengers and swimmers.

Tip 5: Be Aware of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, “Carbon Monoxide can accumulate in poorly ventilated canvas coverings, when reversing your boat, being next to another boat, blocked exhaust outlets and idling for long periods of time”. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to seasickness, so be aware and do not disregard the symptoms, especially if more than one person exhibits signs. A Carbon Monoxide alarm, especially for boats, is highly recommended.

Tip 6: Always Wear Your Life Jacket

84% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Make sure you and all of your passengers are properly wearing a well-fitted life jacket while in and near the water.

By following these six simple tips, you can greatly increase your chances of having a safe summer day on the water. For more information on how to make sure your boating experience is smooth sailing, visit us here to learn more about proper protection for your watercraft.  For coverage advice, contact us at 1-877-450-1872 or online, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

Things to Do with Dad on Father’s Day

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Father’s Day is around the corner, and many families make the mistake of spoiling Mom a lot on her special day, but when it comes to Dad, he doesn’t quite receive the same attention. Maybe it is because flowers, cards and candy are so much more appropriate for mothers, and dads just don’t have such easy solutions. Socks, slippers and golf tees just don’t seem to send the same message of appreciation of all that Dad has done for the family.

That’s why we at Conrey Insurance Brokers suggest a different approach. Make a plan to spend time with your father. After all, you never know how much time you will have with him, in the overall scheme of things. He might be the kind of dad that has already established several hobbies or interests that you can decide to “share” with him.

If he is into classic cars check out these events nearby:

Maybe your dad loves to eat – who doesn’t?

Some fathers work so hard during the week that the last thing they want to do on their special day is to get dressed and go out. They might just want to kick back in their favorite chair and read a good book, or watch sports on TV. Whatever it is, spend the time to find out his desires and share some quality time with your dad.

Why Wedding Insurance Should Be On Your Checklist For The Big Event

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Whether it’s an outdoor celebration under sunny June skies, or a fall, winter or spring ceremony in a venue you’ve scouted and reserved far in advance, a successful wedding can take plenty of planning. But with checklist in hand, and vendors carefully selected, what could possibly go wrong when the special day arrives?

Consider the possibilities—and insure for them.
We’re not talking about the minor snags and mishaps that crop up at virtually every wedding, producing nothing more serious than an amusing tale to tell your future grandkids. We’re talking about complications that can spoil memories, wreck budgets and even derail the entire event. A wedding insurance policy tailored to your plans can save the day in any number of situations.

A recent study by a major insurer revealed the costliest wedding claims of the past five years:

• Vendors drop the ball – Did your videographer fail to show up, or an erased memory card wipe out the day’s imagery? Insurance could pay for a reshoot later on. Or if your wedding venue went out of business before the event, insurance can recoup whatever you’ve already paid, so you can still book another.
• Illness intervenes – The second most common claim is due to illness of the bride, groom or a parent. Wedding insurance can help cover your rescheduling expenses.
• Weather won’t cooperate – From clouds that rain out your garden ceremony, to a blizzard, twister or hurricane that wreaks havoc, insurance can help offer a sunny resolution to your change of plans.
• Military duty calls – When an unforeseen military deployment summons one or both wedding-party members, insurance can pay for the deposits lost due to postponing or cancelling the event.
• Other costly catastrophes – Did you get a bill for accidentally breaking something at the wedding venue, or for ravages caused by members on your guest list who couldn’t handle their champagne? Property damage can be included in your wedding insurance. So can the cost of replacing a damaged or lost wedding gown, or rented tuxedo pieces.

Plan ahead, and match your insurance to your wedding.
Although most insurance companies limit how far in advance you can insure the event, it makes sense to arrange coverage as soon as possible. For example if you’ve placed a deposit on your reception venue 12 months ahead of time, that deposit could be at risk if the business fails or burns down before you’ve obtained a wedding policy. As you’re contracting with facilities, caterers and other vendors, verify whether they have their own insurance, and get copies. This can save paying for double coverage when you get your own policy.

You want to properly protect the Big Day – now what?
With your plans and a list of key vendors in hand, contact the Conrey Team to discuss a policy that’s as uniquely tailored to you as the wedding scenario you’ve dreamed of. Call us at 1-877-450-1872, or visit our website.

Happy Anniversary to Our Staff

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“I’d like to acknowledge these four women, whose contributions to our success is difficult to measure.”

-Jerry Conrey, Agency Principal

 

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we are so fortunate to have some phenomenally talented and dedicated individuals on staff. The women in this photo are four of them. They take our mission statement to provide our clients with expert strategies seriously and exemplify our core values such as professionalism, commitment, integrity, and responsibility.

 

From left to right, Christine Campbell is celebrating 25 years of service – specializing in non-profit clientele. Courtney Rader has only been with us for one year, yet her outgoing personality and dedication to staying physically fit is inspiring to all of our clients. Linda Worthington is celebrating two years of being that lovely voice that greets you when you call on the phone. She is our ambassador. Linda Farrow has been with Conrey Insurance Brokers for five years. She is the one behind the scenes who is like a duck – calm and serene on the surface and paddling like crazy under the water… which is appropriate because she loves to swim!

 

Next time you see or speak to one of these incredible women… remember that you are talking to someone special! Congratulations, Ladies!

Quotes for the Mother/s in your life

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All of us at Conrey Insurance Brokers celebrate mothers everywhere, and want to help you do the same.

Take a look at the quotes below, see which one or ones “speak” to you and share them with the special mother/s in your life. Happy Mother’s Day.

 

“A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.”
-Marion C. Garretty

 

“The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.”
-Honore de Balzac

 

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
-Rudyard Kipling

 

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”
-Unknown

 

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
– Cardinal Meymillod

 

“If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to in the beginning.”
– Unknown

 

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.”
– Dorothy Canfield Fisher

 

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.”
-George Washington

 

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”
– Maya Angelou

 

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.”
-Gilda Radner

 

“My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind.”
-Michael Jordan

South County Outreach

Help us support South County Outreach

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South County Outreach

Imagine being a parent placing an empty bowl in front of your hungry child and not having anything to fill the bowl or the tummy of your loved one.

On Tuesday, April 17th, from 6:00-9:00 P.M. at El Niguel Country Club, Conrey Insurance Brokers encourages you to support EMPTY BOWLS and South County Outreach in its efforts to end hunger in Orange County. 14 local chefs will be serving delicious soups to all attendees in ceramic bowls which are hand-crafted by local artists and students. These bowls go home with donors to serve as reminders of those whose bowls are truly empty.

This international event helps provide food, housing and other much-needed resources for unemployed, under-employed seniors, veterans, disabled and children in South Orange County. A mere 90¢ results in provisions that are especially needed in the summer when school programs which typically provide free breakfast and lunch are not available.

Join Jerry Conrey and his staff in supporting this worthwhile effort to end hunger and homelessness right here in our own community. You can get involved for as little as $110 for an individual ticket, or sponsor a VIP table for $10,000.

Click here for more information

 

We’re Ready To Share Our View With You.

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Whether you call it a “new look”, a “face lift” or a “fresh perspective”, Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers has finally made the Herculean effort to redo our entire website so that we can demonstrate the #Conrey Difference. Many months of thought, copy writing, photo selection and heart have gone into creating a website that communicates what makes our company different.

 

WE GET IT. We know that when you were young, you were filled with dreams and aspirations that led to your success. We know that your possessions are not just “stuff”… they are representative of all of your hard work and sweat equity. That is why the pages of our new website are covered with little people playing, pretending, practicing to determine their future roles and responsibilities. It all started with a dream.

 

WHY DO WE GET IT? Because we started from the ground up… just like you. That’s why we are familiar with the pitfalls and we understand the pride. We are not just going to quote you the cheapest price for the insurance product that brought you to us in the first place. We are going to make sure that you are cared for and properly covered at a competitive price.

 

They say it is all about the journey, and that is true – in part – so that is why you should journey through our new website. If you are an existing client, you will understand immediately why we needed to make the change. If you are new to us, it will become clear, quite quickly, who we are and what we stand for.

You can even take a tour of the site with Jerry, himself [link to pop-up]. He’ll show you around. Check out the videos, listen to the testimonials.

 

No matter how you look at it, the Conrey difference is quite compelling…

Congratulations Kitty Nouskajian-Player of the Quarter

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“There are not enough accolades to shower on Kitty and her contributions, at Conrey Insurance Brokers. Kitty is affectionately known as the “Queen of Certificates,” but she is truly so much more; helping clients and her co-workers accomplish whatever the task is before them with aplomb. Kitty possesses a “can do” attitude and a caring personality, it comes natural to the grandmother of ten – her approach is supportive and positive, and she is a delight to work with. When I go into the field to visit clients, I am regularly asked if Kitty is with me, and when she isn’t, there’s disappointment. Kitty brings an air of professionalism to her every interaction, and it is without reservation that she was named our Outstanding Player of the 4th Quarter, and I ask that you join me in congratulating Kitty on a job very well done.” – Jerry Conrey, Agency Principal

Kudos go out to Kitty Nouskajian, Commercial Lines Assistant, who was just named as the Conrey Insurance Brokers Player of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of 2017!
Her official duties are primarily to issue Certificates of Insurance and Cancellations for Non-Payment, and to notify clients of those cancellations – hopefully with the outcome that the premium is collected and the account renewed for another year.

However, in Kitty’s case, she is so much more. Every office has one person to whom everyone else turns for simple answers, aid and assistance. After seven years at Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Management, Kitty is that person. She has always worked in service-oriented positions and her training shines through. As one co-worker puts it… “Kitty is always helpful and kind.”

When asked why she thinks she received the award, she replied, “I think it’s because of my positive attitude.” Kitty has the unusual privilege of working with her husband, Gary. When asked about this and whether or not she finds it challenging, she resoundingly responded, “We both love working together, very much!”

Speaking of Kitty and her husband working together, one thing that is very convenient is the fact that they are both avid Angels baseball fans and season ticket holders. This works out well when there is a game after work, they come in wearing red and go straight to the stadium.

Perhaps the halo that Kitty seems to wear during the day serves to set the tone for her team at night! Congratulations, Kitty… keep up the good work!

What is Risk Management?

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What exactly is Risk Management?

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, Risk Management is process and a way of thinking. It is the science behind the solutions we recommend. You might even think that Risk Management is our way of protecting us. If you don’t suffer a loss, we don’t suffer a loss, and in a way, maybe that’s true. But the reality is that we know what it took to “build your empire”. We realize that not only is there material value attached to a loss, but there is emotional value as well, and this is the loss that cannot be regained.

The Conrey Difference
Unlike other agents who tend to make assumptions, we take the time to know you and your needs. Only through knowledge of you and your reality can we craft the best insurance solutions to properly protect you, your people and your property. We realize what it took to get where you are, and we pledge to provide you the solutions that will assure your peace of mind.

Free Disaster Preparedness Brochure
However, there are things that you can do to minimize a loss, and Conrey Insurance Brokers want to make sure that you are highly aware of these. That is why we are making this special book available to you: Family Conversations about Disaster Planning from our friends at the Hartford who want you to know that planning ahead can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD