Happy 5 Year Anniversary – Debra Barnes!

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“I can’t even believe that I have been with Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Management for five years already! The time has absolutely flown by. And when you add the fact that I have been in the insurance industry for over 45 years, it is all completely incredible to me.

I started out wanting to be a veterinarian or a nurse. I actually began my professional life as a medical assistant. However, when I realized the constrictions and limitations I would be facing in that career path, I took my desire to help people and focused it in the area of guiding business owners to protect themselves and their entities properly.” -Debra Barnes – Commercial Lines Account Manager

“Debra brings tremendous energy and insight from her years of experience to each of her clients. She is able to advise them as to how to properly protect their businesses and keep their potential losses to a minimum. We are all very grateful that she is on our team!” – Jerry Conrey, Agency Principal

“The icing on the cake is the wonderful staff at Conrey Insurance Brokers. We all get along like one big family. I know it sounds silly, but we truly are very fortunate that we support each other and help each other so well. It makes it a pleasure to go to work.” – Debra Barnes

“People Love Us on Yelp” 2017 Award Recipient

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Talk about a childhood dream come true! Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Management is thrilled to announce that they have received the 2017 “People Love Us on Yelp” Award!

Although we have received many awards throughout the years, this one is extra special, because it is a direct reflection as to how you, our customers, feel about our service. This award is given to those businesses which have received numerous reviews that have a high satisfaction ranking among YELP users.

We pride ourselves on offering nearly every insurance and investment product available through our access to the many partner insurance carriers and financial service firms with which we work. We combine this access with our extensive expertise in many areas to provide proper protection.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers we understand what it took to have gathered, grown, or built what you have over the years. We too started from the ground up- just like you. We are familiar with the pitfalls and can relate to the pride of accomplishment. This is also why we know the importance of getting your insurance protection right. Others may focus on price. Although important, it’s not the ultimate goal… proper protection is… and that is our focus.

We have become an organization that not only meets the needs of our clients, our team, and our partner carriers, but does so in a way that overwhelmingly exceeds the boundaries of expectation – making it a place where each person and every interaction matters.

Hazards of the Holidays

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Here are a few tips to keep you safe…

 

  • Only buy electrical decorations that display the UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) rating on the label that shows they have been tested for safe use.
  • Carefully inspect holiday lights that you have used in prior years to make certain that they do not have any cracks or exposed wires that could lead to problems.
  • Do not connect any more than three strands of lights together with one extension cord. This can lead to blowing a fuse, or causing a fire.
  • Plug outside lighting into an outlet that has a ground fault circuit (GFCI). This will help interrupt the flow of electricity should water be introduced into the circuit.
  • Do not use staples or nails to secure outside lights, and refrain from placing extension cords under carpeting, rugs and/or furniture.
  • When you are hanging outside lights, work as a team, using a proper ladder and someone supporting the base to avoid falling.
  • Always unplug or turn off any decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • If you set up a live Christmas tree, make a 1” or 2” diagonal cut from the trunk before placing the tree in water in a strong stand at least three feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace or floor vent. This will help keep it hydrated and make it less of a fire hazard.
  • Only keep a live Christmas tree for two weeks, and check the water level every day, because a dry tree is a prime source of combustible substance that can turn a wonderful holiday into a nightmare.
  • If you set up an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “fire resistant”. Fire resistant trees are less likely to cause fires.
  • Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. Paper can combust very quickly and create a flash fire.
  • Candles are a lovely addition to any décor, but make sure that they are secure and have a steady base. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
  • Place any fragile ornaments or decorations out of the reach of pets or children.
  • Avoid any decorations that look like food or candy. These may be potential hazards for young children.
  • Poinsettias are lovely plants that are popular during the season, but they are POISONOUS when eaten! Keep them out of the reach of children and pets!

 

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, we know what it took to create the lovely home that you are now decorating with care, and we want to make sure that you are being mindful of what it takes to be safe as you prepare for the holidays. We understand what you have at stake and want to make certain that you are properly protected.

 

Happy Holidays!

Renters Insurance | Five Questions to ask your Agent or Broker

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A renters insurance policy can cover a wide array of risks depending on the individual policy.

Renters insurance can cover your personal possessions as well as help pay for legal fees and manage the potential risk of a monetary legal judgment should you be sued because of an accident causing bodily injury or property damage to others. It’s important to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable risk manager to ensure your renters policy protects what you have worked so hard to accumulate.

Here are some questions to bring up with your agent or broker when choosing the amount of protection that will insure what matters most is properly protected.

renters insurance

  1. What is covered under my renters insurance policy?

Never make any assumptions about what is protected and what is not under any insurance policy, including your renters insurance. Should you need to file a claim, your agent or broker should explain in detail what your policy covers, and for how much money. If you are unsure, or have questions, always ask until you have a clear understanding. A respectable risk manager will always make time to be sure you understand the scope and limitations of your insurance policies.

A renters policy is similar to a homeowners policy in that it will generally cover your losses due to fire, theft, and accidental damage. It will also provide some protection against potential legal fees and financial awards due to accidents should you be found to be liable. A renters insurance policy generally does not cover flood or earthquake damage. You should always know the specific amount of coverage you have by category.

  1. Are my roommates covered under my policy?

Generally, only family members and not roommates are covered under a renters policy. Some providers allow multiple individuals to be covered under one policy, but again, never assume, always ask you agent or broker who is covered by your policy.

  1. Know the difference between current value and replacement cost protection.

There are two ways you can be protected by a renters policy. 1) You can have current value protection or 2) replacement cost. With current value protection, you might receive only $600 for a TV you may have paid $1,200 for due to depreciation, whereas replacement cost would ensure you could replace that exact TV at the current price.

  1. Am I protected if my dog bites a guest or neighbor?

Some policies cover liability created by your dog injuring someone, and some do not. It may also depend on the type of dog you own. You should always discuss this matter with your broker and agent when acquiring your renters insurance.

  1. Are items stolen from my car protected under my renters insurance policy?

Renters policies generally include coverage for items stolen off-premises. That means belongings outside your home have insurance protection similar to the things inside your home. However, off premises coverage may be limited to a percentage of your total coverage amount for personal items. For example, if you have $50,000 in personal items coverage, the amount available for off-premises losses may be 10 percent of that figure, or $5,000. Also, keep in mind, there is generally a deductible that applies.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is dedicated to building strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and community. The Conrey Team of experienced risk managers can assist you with your personal insurance, commercial insurance, life insurance, and financial services needs.

Conrey Insurance Brokers prides itself on being a one-stop independent insurance broker and financial services boutique that provides unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and service at a tremendous value.

Act today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow. Contact the Conrey Team at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website to get started on a free consultation today.

Photo #1 downloaded from Pixabay and is a Public Domain image.

Photo #2 by Architecturist and used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Risk Management Chronicles | The Risks of Renting your Property on Airbnb

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Do you rent rooms, or your home, through online property sharing apps like Airbnb?

If so, you need to be aware of the potential risk management issues you could face when renting your property through these services.

Seen as a less expensive alternative to staying at a hotel, travelers are starting to use these home rental services while on vacation. This is creating a financial attractive opportunity for many property owners to make extra money from renting rooms or rental properties through Airbnb and other property sharing services.

In fact, the lucrative nature of utilizing these services has created such a shortage of standard rental property in San Francisco that the city is starting to regulate and limit its usage. A property owner can make more money renting short-term through these services than on a long-term lease to an individual or family.

While you may think you are covered under your standard homeowners or property owner’s policy, you are creating gaps in coverage and a risk management nightmare. These policies are designed for very specific risk management issues a homeowner or landlord may face in a standard situation.

Risk Management

Frequent renting of a room or home by different individuals requires a vacation rental risk management strategy to ensure you are properly protected against potential liability. While Airbnb does provide two ways for property owners to protect themselves, it is important to note that only one is an insurance policy, and that has a much more limited scope of protection than a vacation rental policy.

Anytime you have a major change in your living situation, or the manner in which you are utilizing a rental property, you need to contact your agent or broker so the proper risk management steps can be taken to ensure you and your property are properly protected.

If you would like more information on the risk management issues of renting a room or a rental property through Airbnb, contact your account manager at Conrey Insurance Brokers. They will gladly email you our document regarding the unique risk management issues concerning Airbnb and other home sharing services.

Since 1969, Conrey Insurance Brokers have been protecting the personal, commercial, and financial interests of our clients throughout Southern California. We are here to provide expert risk management solutions, ensuring your interests, loved ones, and financial future is properly protected.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is dedicated to building strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and community. The Conrey Team of experienced risk managers can assist you with your personal insurance, commercial insurance, life insurance, and financial services needs.

Conrey Insurance Brokers prides itself on being a one-stop independent insurance broker and financial services boutique that provides unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and service at a tremendous value.

Act today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow. Contact the Conrey Team at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website to get started on a free consultation today.

Cover Photo by Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine and is in the Public Domain.

Photo #2 by Valeriesophie and is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Heat Illness | A Detailed Explanation of an Employer’s Legal Responsibility

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Are you aware of OSHA and state regulations regarding an employer’s responsibility to protect employees from heat illness?

It is often said a business is only as good as the people it has working for it. That is why it is important on hot days, like the ones we are currently experiencing, employers protect their employees from heat illness. Not only is it good for employee morale, and can help limit your liability to legal judgments, it is the law in the state of California.

Under California state employment regulations, if you employ workers who work outside in the industries of agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, or the transportation or delivery of agricultural products, construction materials or other heavy materials or goods, you are required to take certain measures to ensure your employees’ well being.

The regulations apply to all employers with outdoor places of employment, although certain industries must follow additional “high heat” procedures when the temperature reaches or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The state interprets “outdoor places of employment” to include any open area, including fields, forests, parks, yards, roads, construction sites, and outdoor areas adjacent to buildings, such as loading docks.

Sheds and temporary structures may be considered outdoor places of employment depending on whether the structure decreases the risk of heat illness. If the structure does not significantly reduce the net effect of the environmental risk factors for heat illness, the state would consider it an “outdoor place of employment.” The state has taken the position that employees who spend any significant amount of time working outside would create an outdoor place of employment.

Employers must provide the following accommodations to their employees on days which reach 85 degrees or higher:

  • Convenient access to enough cool water for each employee to consume at least one quart per hour. This must be done at no expense to the employee. This can be accomplished by providing water fountains that dispense cool water, a water cooler with cups, or bottled water in a fridge or ice chest.
  • Employers must provide access to shade for employees. It must be open to the air, or have air conditioning if enclosed, and provide enough room for at least 25% of your workforce to rest comfortably without crowding each other.
  • Management must be trained to spot symptoms of heat illness and procedures for prompt access to medical attention must be in place.
  • It is the responsibility of the employer to monitor weather conditions and prepare accordingly for days that will reach 85 degrees or higher.

The state mandates that employers must develop additional protocols to address heat at or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These protocols include:

  • Ensuring that effective communication by voice, observation, or reliable electronic means (e.g., cell phone) is maintained so that employees at the work site can contact a supervisor when necessary.
  • Observing employees for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness.
  • Reminding employees throughout the work shift to drink plenty of water.
  • Closely supervising any new employee for the first 14 days of employment, unless the new employee indicates at the time of hire that he or she has been doing similar outdoor work for at least 10 of the past 30 days for 4 or more hours per day.

Below is a chart that outlines the most common heat related illness issues, their symptoms, and recommended first aid steps.

To comply with the regulations, Conrey Insurance Brokers recommends that employers should take four essential steps:

Develop and implement written procedures for addressing heat illness prevention.

  • Train employees and supervisors.
  • Provide adequate water.
  • Provide adequate shade.

As experienced risk managers it is our responsibility to educate our clients on operational best practices to help limit their exposure to potential liability. We share a vested interest in the profitability and success of your operations.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is a concierge-style insurance and financial services agency. We can assist in the proper protection of both personal and business needs. We don’t just sell insurance policies, we partner with our clients to put them in a position to succeed.

If interested in learning how Conrey Insurance Brokers sets itself apart from the typical insurance agency, call us at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website.

How Social Media Posts Could Negate Your Insurance Coverage

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Do you post images of your vacation on social media while you are on your trip?

If you personally haven’t done so, you probably have a friend or family member who proudly shared their photos while on vacation. In the past, we have published blog posts that have detailed the risk management issues this could cause for you. It is essentially an announcement to burglars that nobody is home and your house and valuables are ripe for the picking.

Insurers are considering whether to view the posting of real time vacation photos as a violation of the “reasonable care” clause on your homeowners and valuable articles policies. Seeing how more than 2 million residential burglaries occur in the U.S. every year, costing insurers more than $14 billion annually, it is no wonder why insurance providers are spending time seriously analyzing this issue.

social media

Think there is no correlation between social media vacation posts and home burglaries? All you need to do is look at the case of English Premier League professional soccer player John Terry to see that one absolutely exists. Terry was on a ski vacation with his family and posted pictures on his Instagram account of his wife and himself on the slopes. A couple of his 3.4 million followers on Instagram took this as an invitation to break into Terry’s $6,600,000 Surrey, UK mansion. The thieves made off with more than $500,000 worth of the Terry family’s valuables, including hard to replace first edition Harry Potter books valued at more than $23,000.

Police and insurers are alarmed at the increasing correlation between vacation social media posts and residential burglaries. While insurers currently replace the valuables in such a situation, it is increasingly looking as that may not always be the case. An additional consideration is that many have a loved one house-sitting while they are away. Thieves may break into a home expecting it to be empty, only to be surprised by a house-sitter and the consequences of that may not be fixed by any amount of insurance coverage.

Conrey Insurance Brokers urges you and your loved ones not to post pictures of your vacations on social media, especially in real time. While your insurance policy may replace your valuables, it can’t fix the violation you will feel after having your home burglarized.

We want you and your loved ones to enjoy your vacation without getting a dreaded call from your local police or neighbor that your home was burglarized because of an image posted on social media.

For more information on how to secure your home while on vacation follow this link to our blog post on the topic.

Since 1969, Conrey Insurance Brokers have been protecting the personal, commercial, and financial interests of our clients throughout Southern California. We are here to provide expert risk management solutions, ensuring your interests, loved ones, and financial future is properly protected.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is dedicated to building strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and community. The Conrey Team of experienced risk managers can assist you with your personal insurance, commercial insurance, life insurance, and financial services needs.

Conrey Insurance Brokers prides itself on being a one-stop independent insurance broker and financial services boutique that provides unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and service at a tremendous value.

Act today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow. Contact the Conrey Team at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website to get started on a free consultation today.

Cover photo from pexel.com and is used under the CC0 license.

Photo #2 from pexel.com and is used under the CC0 license.

Malware Protection Tips from Conrey Insurance Brokers

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What is Malware and why is Malware protection important?

Malware is a general term that describes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, rootkits, and other unwanted software or programs. Once a Malware program has gained access to a device, it can disrupt normal computing operations, collect information and control system resources.

We recently posted an article on the WannaCry virus, which was a Malware attack impacting businesses and government agencies around the world, including FedEx, Hitachi, and the National Health Service of Great Britain. The WannaCry virus requested around $300 from victims, and if no payment is made, threatens to double the amount after three days, and delete files within seven days. Once it infects one computer, it can spread to every computer in that network within seconds. This attack should highlight the importance of Malware protection for every organization and individual.

malware protection

Malware programs are being produced at an alarming rate and are often transmitted via emails, instant messages and website pop- ups. To protect your personal files from being stolen, deleted, or hijacked consider the following Malware protection tips:

  1. Avoid opening or replying to emails or text messages from unknown sources.
  2. Download files only from reputable sources whenever possible.
  3. Turn Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth off when you are not using them.
  4. Do not share your mobile phone number on public websites and social networks.
  5. Avoid jailbreaking (modifying a device to remove manufacturer-imposed restrictions) your smartphone.

It is also important to have trusted anti-virus and anti-spyware programs installed on your devices. These programs should be set to perform scans on a regular basis for unwanted and harmful programs. Often, it is best to perform scans overnight when your computer is not in use. Being proactive with Malware protection can save you and your business unnecessary headaches and financial losses.

Since 1969, Conrey Insurance Brokers have been protecting the personal, commercial, and financial interests of our clients throughout Southern California. We are here to provide expert risk management solutions, ensuring your interests, loved ones, and financial future is properly protected.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is dedicated to building strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and community. The Conrey Team of experienced risk managers can assist you with your personal insurance, commercial insurance, life insurance, and financial services needs.

Conrey Insurance Brokers prides itself on being a one-stop independent insurance broker and financial services boutique that provides unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and service at a tremendous value.

Act today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow. Contact the Conrey Team at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website to get started on a free consultation today.

Disaster Preparation for your Household

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Disaster preparation is an essential risk management task for every household. Homeowners throughout the United States face a variety of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. If you are unprepared for one of these disasters, you and your family could be left without food, electricity, or even shelter.

To prepare your household for a disaster, Conrey Insurance Brokers offers you the following disaster preparation tips:

  • Know the risks. Depending on where you live, your home could be impacted by any number of unique hazards like landslides or hazardous material spills. Familiarize yourself with the risks that are most likely to occur near your home to guide your disaster preparation.
  • Create a phone list. Create a master list of family and emergency contacts. Ensure that every member of your family has a copy of this list and stores it in a safe and easy-to-access area.
  • Pick a meeting place. If you get separated from your loved ones during a disaster, it’s important to have a meeting place set up. This could be a neighbor’s house, library, or community center.
  • Stay informed. Once impacted by a disaster, you will want to know how to receive updates on the situation. You and your family should know how to get this information ahead of time. Contact your local government to learn the best ways to receive alerts.
  • Know how to turn off utilities. If you suspect a leak, knowing how to turn off your home’s gas and electricity can protect your family from fires or explosions. Locate and label your electrical panel as well as your water and gas valves.
  • Store emergency supplies. Above all, in the event of a disaster, you will need access to clean water. You will need at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. In addition, emergency supplies like first- aid kits, whistles, flashlights, and cell phones will be critical to have on hand. Keep all of these items in a safe area, or create an easy grab-and-go bag for quick access.

Being properly prepared by implementing disaster preparation protocol could be the difference in the survival of you and your loved ones should a disaster happen. We hope you never need to use our disaster preparation tips, but you can sleep easier knowing you are prepared should the need arise.

disaster preparation

Since 1969, Conrey Insurance Brokers have been protecting the personal, commercial, and financial interests of our clients throughout Southern California. We are here to provide expert risk management solutions, ensuring your interests, loved ones, and financial future is properly protected.

Conrey Insurance Brokers is dedicated to building strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and community. The Conrey Team of experienced risk managers can assist you with your personal insurance, commercial insurance, life insurance, and financial services needs.

Conrey Insurance Brokers prides itself on being a one-stop independent insurance broker and financial services boutique that provides unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and service at a tremendous value.

Act today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow. Contact the Conrey Team at 1-877-450-1872 or go to our website to get started on a free consultation today.