Why do I Need Flood Insurance?

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Did you know that flood damage typically isn’t covered by your homeowners policy? As with most insurance policies not every protection is added on in the basic policy and you might not have the coverage if a flood were to occur. This document helps you learn more about how flood insurance can help protect your home from a disaster.

At Conrey Insurance we want to ensure that you are covered in any instance, including if you have a flood loss. To speak with a member of the Conrey Team, call (877) 450-1872 or contact us and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself.

Preparing for Wildfires

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Each year wildfire season is continuing to get worse. Wildfires devastate large areas of land and in some instances can be very hard for Firefighters to contain. This video includes six tips to help you stay safe and protect your property during wildfire season.

At Conrey Insurance we want to ensure that you are protected from the devastation that can take place during wildfire season. To speak with a member of the Conrey Team, call (877) 450-1872 or contact us and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself.

Using Fireworks Safely

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Celebrate our nation’s birthday without injuries. Remember these safety tips to have a fun, safe celebration with fireworks. Firework’s safety is important on every street across America and with these tips you can be the expert on your own.

At Conrey Insurance we want to insure that you know what the risks are of using fireworks and make sure you have a safe 4th of July. To speak with a member of the Conrey Team, call (877) 450-1872 or contact us and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Silent, Deadly and Preventable

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While we tend to take precautions against a variety of dangers, many underestimate the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Unlike many hazards, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and produces symptoms similar to having a cold or flu, meaning that it is often undetected until the more severe stages of illness. Luckily, carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable; be proactive by taking the proper precautions and learn to recognize the symptoms of poisoning.

What are the symptoms?

Carbon monoxide poisoning may cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and forgetfulness. In many cases, these symptoms may be mistaken as another illness or even the common cold, leading them to be dismissed. Be aware and cautious if you experience these symptoms.

What precautions should I take?

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in California homes and offices; however, it is important to periodically check to make sure the alarms are in working order in case of emergency. Be sure that appliances are properly installed to avoid gas leaks. In addition, heating systems, including vents, should be serviced annually and checked for damage. If appliances begin to work inefficiently, for example, furnaces or water heaters failing to heat, then damages may have occurred that increase the risk of a leak.

What else should I know?

Carbon monoxide poisoning affects over 50,000 in the United States and kills around 500. Business owners and landlords might be liable for injury or death from CO poisoning if found to be negligent in taking proper precautions or fixing preexisting issues. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often overlooked, so it is important to protect your family, business, or tenants.

As part of our ongoing effort to ensure proper protection, we want to make sure that your family, friends, coworkers, and you are safe no matter where you are – that’s The Conrey Difference. Take a moment to review this helpful article and video.  As always, we’d like to invite you to have a conversation with us, no matter your insurance or risk management needs; we’re here to help.

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself.

 

As Daylight Savings Comes to an End, Put That Extra Hour to Good Use

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Soon, we will be setting the clocks back by one hour signaling the end of daylight savings time. Though most will be excited for the extra hour of sleep, falling back provides an opportunity to get a few extra tasks done around the house in preparation for shorter, colder days and nights. Here are a few easy but important tips for using that extra hour of time:

Light Your Walkways

As it becomes dark sooner, it will be important that outdoor lights are in working order. This will not only prevent you from fumbling with your keys but will also reduce your likelihood of tripping and help improve your overall safety and visibility. If your bulbs are burnt out, simply replace them with new ones, and if your walkway is lacking in light, you may consider purchasing simple pathway lights such as these.

Check Your CO₂ and Smoke Detectors

Checking the batteries in your CO₂ and smoke detectors only take a few minutes, yet can be a lifesaver. It’s recommended that the batteries are changed twice a year; the beginning and end of daylight savings make great markers.

Maintain Your Car

Make sure that headlights and windshield wipers are in working order, as fall back means that you may find yourself driving in the dark more often. Though rain is relatively rare in California, it may be slightly rainier in the fall and winter months, so it is worthwhile to make sure your windshield wipers work well.

Stock Up on Common Medications

With cold and flu season fast approaching, it is important that you stock up on medications for common illnesses. Nobody wants to leave the house to buy medicine while they are sick, so it is easier and more convenient to grab some before it becomes a problem and have it on hand for emergencies.

Prevent Negligence; Check Up on Vents and Appliances

Dirty filters, vents, and coils can create fire hazards, yet they only take a few minutes to clean and check. You can use your vacuum wand to clean dust from the coils of your fridge (you can use this guide if you’ve never done it before). You should also inspect heating and AC filters and replace them if needed, and take the opportunity to look at your vacuum and water filters. Finally, we recommend you vacuum your dryer’s filters and vents in order to prevent fires caused by built up deposits of lint.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we believe that prevention is as important as proper protection. Insurance may not cover claims made as a result of negligence or improper maintenance, so doing your part to maintain a safe environment is important. Maybe we should start a new trend and remind everyone also to do an insurance coverage check-up as part of their fall back routine. We’re always here to help, so call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Prepare, Protect and Plan: Three Key Steps to Fire Safety

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If you live in California, every season is fire season. It is imperative that every homeowner is properly protected before the Santa Ana winds begin to blow. Here are three things that we recommend in order for you to be prepared:

  1. Document Your Belongings in Order to Get Full Replacement Value

It is recommended by most insurers that you document your belongings in order to be able to easily claim the full replacement value. Without these documents, insurers may offer the cheapest comparable replacements. There are several methods that can be used, including keeping a photographic log of items and their receipts (in the case of more expensive items like electronics and jewelry), or a video showing the items in your household. Remember to make sure that any model numbers or identifying features are visible.

  1. Review Your Homeowners Policy – You May Not Be Fully Covered

In order to make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers fire damage, review your existing policy. In some cases, plans limit how much compensation can be given for fire damage; this may mean that your coverage is not enough to replace the full value of your home and belongings. While most homeowner’s insurance provides fire protection, it often only does so to an extent. For instance, in an area that has been widely affected, labor and material costs may rise as people rebuild. Homeowner’s insurance may also neglect to cover the cost of certain aspects of clean up such as ash and debris. For this reason, it is important to consider reviewing your policy to ensure that the coverage you have is adequate for your property, especially as we enter the driest month of the year.

  1. Download Our Guide

In your home, there is only one thing that is truly irreplaceable: Your Family. That’s why we’re offering this helpful guide that provides important safety tips and information on what to do if you are the victim of a fire. Click here to download our free fire safety guide.

We believe in proactively protecting the things that you’ve worked so hard to build; it’s The Conrey Difference. Download our comprehensive fire safety guide and schedule an appointment today to discuss your coverage and manage your risk. We’ll be happy to help.

 

Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

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!

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.