Health Insurance and Sports: How to Make it a Home-Run!

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Sports injuries are relatively common, and while they are generally covered by your regular health insurance plan, it may be worth checking to see if your coverage is sufficient. Whether trying out for the varsity team or just starting Little League, it can be easy to forget about insurance in the hustle and bustle of a busy season.

Many schools or club teams provide optional insurance that can be paid for alongside any fees, however, the overage they provide varies by team, district, and level. Be sure to find out what types of injuries are covered (and to what extent). Often times, policies do not cover cosmetic extras including dental or plastic surgery. If a tooth is chipped or knocked out or a broken nose needs to be repaired, general insurance may not cover it. It is worth comparing the price and coverage of a team plan to a private plan, which can be made to suit your child’s specific needs or piggyback off of general coverage in order to fill in the gaps and ensure you’re covered in every situation.

There are also a few special cases that can affect your general insurance. For some high-risk sports such as BMX, Football or MMA we may recommend different coverage than for non-contact sports- or that you add a little extra coverage to your general policy. Your coverage may also be affected by whether or not the team travels- if the games are local your child will likely be covered, but if your child plays out of state (or internationally) they may need slightly different coverage.

No matter what happens on the field, we’re here to cheer on your family- that’s the Conrey Difference. We’ll be happy to help evaluate your coverage, whether your child is trying something new or continuing in their athletic pursuits. It’s as simple as contacting a member of our winning team- within minutes you’ll be ready to get back to the action.

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

Is your Swimming Pool Putting you at Risk?

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During hot summer days, nothing is more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool. Many people believe that swimming pools are safe, so long as everyone is behaving well and there are other people around. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case, and last year swimming pool drownings led to the deaths of 163 people during the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day alone (U.S. CPSC). For this reason, it is important to be informed about how to prevent drownings and keep safe at the pool.

  • Restrict Access to the Pool

Young children are the most at risk group in pool drownings. It can be easy for children to slip away from sight and on a hot summer day, the pool can seem alluring. Putting up a safety fence to prevent young children from accessing the pool on their own can help prevent drownings.

  • Know the Signs of Drowning

All too often, people believe drowning is apparent; in movies and TV, it is often depicted as flailing and yelling for help. In reality, drowning tends to be silent and can often be quick. Among the most common signs of drowning are gasping, sudden quietness, and trying to swim but getting nowhere. To read a full list of signs from Medical News Today, click here.

  • Learn How to Swim

Whether learning how to swim yourself or making sure any little ones know how to, knowing how to swim can save lives and reduce the risk of drowning. To find a class near you, visit the Red Cross’ class finder page.

  • Be Careful Around Alcohol

While drowning in swimming pools is much more common in children than adults, Pool Safely reports that 51 adults drowned in pools in 2016. One of the most common factors in these deaths was the involvement of alcohol. Watch intoxicated adults similarly to toddlers, and be on the lookout for signs that they are in distress.

  • Don’t Assume Someone Else is Watching

All too often, when someone drowns others around them will claim that they thought someone else was watching. Make sure that when around pools, someone is acting as a lifeguard and pay careful attention to swimmers that are at the highest risk. Never leave young or incapacitated swimmers alone in the pool and be extra alert if it becomes suddenly quiet.

Here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we know the importance of keeping loved ones safe and we want to help. For more pool safety tips, visit The American Red Cross. For those homeowners who have a pool or are considering one, contact one of our agents in order to learn more about your liability and make sure that you’re properly protected so you can play the day away without worry.

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

Group Benefits: What you Need to Know about CA Health Insurance Mandates

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State health insurance mandates are laws regulating the terms of coverage for insured health plans. This Employment Law Summary contains a chart outlining California’s benefit, provider and person mandates for group health insurance plans. Download your free guide here.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, our goal is to make sure your business – and your employees – are properly protected. World-class service is our promise – that’s the Conrey Difference. Read more about our Employee Benefits offerings here.

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

Moving This Summer? Read this Before You Start Packing!

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Moving can be an exciting time. With so much happening, it can be tempting to simply toss your stuff in a U-Haul or skip the fine print when hiring movers. But are your household contents properly protected? The answer is probably no. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a quick checklist to make the process of checking your contract quick and painless.

Check 1: Valuation or Insurance- Choose Wisely!

In most cases, moving companies will be liable for damaged or lost items, however, many moving companies limit their liability to a certain price per weight. This means that if the moving company loses or breaks a 10-pound box of expensive electronics, you may only be entitled to a fraction of the replacement cost! For this reason, it is suggested that you try and find movers with full valuation coverage. Although usually a bit more expensive, full valuation coverage provides the full value needed to replace any lost or damaged items- but is often limited to a hundred dollars a pound and does not account for natural disasters.

Unlike the above two types of valuation, insurance policies can cover your belongings while moving no matter what the situation. Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring movers, insurance can cover your items for their full value, often times for less than a full valuation through a moving company or as an add-on to an existing policy.

Check 2: Preparing for the Move

Whether you choose valuation or insurance, it is important to document expensive items while packing for the move. Items such as jewelry, electronics, or other high-value items need to be noted in order to be thoroughly covered. If you are hiring movers, be aware your items may be required to be packed by the movers to assume responsibility for their condition. Finally, be aware of dangerous or perishable items which could limit the responsibility of the moving company.

Check 3: Unpack and Assess

Try to unpack your boxes in a timely manner. If you notice missing items or damage, you will usually only have nine months to report it, however the sooner it is reported, the better. Checking the most valuable items first is recommended, as you’ll want to be able to document damage or loss right away.

For more information on mover liability in your state and for tips on how to protect your treasures, visit The United States Department of Transportation. After that, our team at Conrey Insurance Brokers will be happy to help, no matter what stage you’re at in the moving process. We’ll review your options and find the best coverage for you at a stellar price so you can protect what matters.

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

Remodeling Your Home? Don’t Overlook This One Critical Detail.

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Summer is a popular time for remodeling! In all the excitement of improving your home, don’t forget to make sure you are properly protected while doing so. Here are some things to check before you wreck.

  1. Make sure your contractor has workers compensation, general liability, and builder’s risk coverage; this protects workers, property, and the materials involved in your remodel. Be sure to ask to see a Certificate of Insurance before finalizing the contract!
  2. DI-Why?- If you are DIY-ing your remodel, you will not have the same level of protection that a professional contractor will have. It is crucial that you review your homeowner’s insurance and umbrella policies with your agent in order to evaluate what will be covered.
  3. Plan Ahead- you may need to update your homeowner’s policy regardless of whether you are using a contractor or going the DIY route. A remodel tends to add value to your home, so you’ll want your policy to properly reflect this, ensuring that your hard work is appreciated.

If you’re getting ready to remodel (or even in the middle of one), we encourage you to contact us and let one of our team members help you build the defense for the new additions to your castle. We’ll help set you up with the proper coverage and avoid any potential pitfalls that may result from this exciting but challenging event.

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

The Conrey Difference and Auto Insurance: Better Coverage, Better Value – No Gimmicks

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Why Has My Auto Insurance Gotten So Expensive?

Lately, you may have noticed that your auto insurance premiums have gone up. There are many reasons for these rising premiums. Here are three of the most common reasons for rising auto insurance rates:

  1. More Drivers Mean More Accidents

As more and more Americans begin to drive, more accidents will need to be paid for by insurers.

  1. Uninsured Motorists

According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 13% of drivers are uninsured and uninsured claim payments have increased by a whopping 75%. The takeaway? An average of a $14 premium increase for insured individuals.

  1. Higher Costs Across the Board

As healthcare costs, repair costs, and replacement parts rise in price, insurance does too. CarMD suggests that more expensive technology in newer vehicles is a major factor in rising repair costs.

Fed Up? So Are We.

The bad news is that many of the reasons for rising auto insurance aren’t your fault- because of this, it may seem as though you have no control over your policy. Our team at Conrey Insurance Brokers wants to change that! Unlike a charming gecko, a man named “Mayhem”, or a girl who names her car Brad (really?), we’re not about gimmicks. We think that insurance should be handled, well, differently, which is why we deliver the Conrey Difference. In the face of rising insurance costs, we’d like to save you more, give you more coverage for your dollar, and do more to make sure your favorite toys- and their drivers- are thoroughly protected. Check out the Auto Insurance section of our website for more information.

Give Conrey Insurance Brokers a Try!

While many budget companies cut corners to provide their savings, Conrey’s team works to find the whole package at an affordable price. We have access to all the same providers and can work to custom build your policy to fit you and your budget. If you’re getting fed up with your rising car insurance premiums, want to get a re-evaluation on your current insurance, or simply want to get a glimpse of the difference between us and our competitors,

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

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.

Conrey Website Achieves National Recognition With Communicator Award

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A strong online presence has become essential to engage clients and customers for virtually every business. And the bar for developing a website that’s both distinctive and effective continues to rise. The Conrey Team’s new website recently was honored with an Award of Distinction from the 2018 Communicator Awards—a national program sanctioned and judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. The invitation-only group includes professionals from acclaimed media, communications, advertising, creative and marketing firms. Held annually for more than two decades, The Communicator Awards now receives more than 6,000 entries every year. The recognition earned by the Conrey Team against such competition is a significant achievement.

 

Developed to inform.

First and foremost, the new Conrey website was constructed to help visitors become better-informed consumers. Organized to make it easy to find specific areas of personal or business coverage, the site provides food for thought with “Fast Facts” on key issues. Videos provide a tour of the new site, and explain Conrey’s distinctive approach to coverage that’s tailored to a complete understanding of each client’s unique needs.

 

Designed to inspire.

Just as Conrey is noted for thinking beyond the usual solutions to provide clients with the most appropriate coverage, the Conrey website was honored for an approach that differs significantly from that taken by the typical brokerage. Agency Principal Jerry Conrey, MBA, explains, “We recognized that much of what we insure today was a mere vision, dream or aspiration of things folks thought were important in their youth. Our clients dreamed of owning a business, or a house, or being a mom or dad and having children and so on, so we wanted imagery that evoked that.” Constructed around these images of childhood, the site visually acknowledges the Conrey Team’s understanding of how long clients have worked to obtain what they’re about to insure. This inspires visitors to recognize how important a true partnership with their insurance team can be.

 

Created to help you protect what matters most.

A tour of the new Conrey website offers plenty of opportunities to learn about ways to better protect the life you’ve built, and discover how an insurance strategist who appreciates your goals can provide invaluable assistance. To explore further, contact us at 1-877-450-1872 or online, and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.

Weed in the Workplace: Do You Know Your Rights?

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Whether you call it weed, cannabis or another moniker, the legalization of marijuana in California has opened up many questions regarding its use. For employers and employees alike, the use of recreational marijuana can be a subject that is difficult to broach and very confusing. Just what is the difference between the state and federal laws? How will the new laws affect me? Employers may wonder if they can ban its use on a professional level. Luckily, states have realized this dilemma and have begun to rule on the extent to which recreational use can be controlled within the workplace.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, we strive to bring you the latest information about hot topics-which is why we’ve compiled an up-to-date informative guide detailing the rights of both employees and employers following these recent legal changes. Whether you’re just curious or want to learn more about your rights, we encourage you to educate yourself with our handy guide, which can be downloaded here.

Want more interesting articles? Have any questions? Want to check up on your business insurance?  We’re here to help no matter what your needs- to speak with a member of the Conrey Team, simply call (877)-450-1872 or contact us.

It’s Our Favorite Holiday of the Year

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Happy National Insurance Awareness Day! Have you heard of it? Maybe not. While any day is a good day to protect the things that are most precious to you, National Insurance Awareness Day is a holiday that prompts everyone to take a closer look at their insurance in order to truly understand what it covers and to what extent. Here are just a few of the reasons you may want to re-evaluate your coverage:

  • Changes in Value- As time goes on, some assets, including your home or car, may grow or shrink in value. It is important to consider these changes in order to make sure your coverage is enough.
  • Life Changes and Major Events- From marriage, to children, to career changes, or retirement, major lifestyle changes can increase (or decrease) the amount of coverage you need in order to protect your family’s lifestyle.
  • You’ve Changed- Perhaps you’ve lost a few pounds or quit smoking. These changes can be reflected in your insurance costs, saving you money as a bonus perk.
  • Changes in Your Business Status- Have you started your own business? Has your business grown or downsized? You’ll want to make sure your enterprise is fully covered.
  • You Want Savings- Depending on a variety of factors, reevaluating your insurance can save you money, both in the long and short run.

Just like an annual check-up with your doctor is a priority, make sure an evaluation of your insurance coverage is a priority too.  It’s as simple as contacting Conrey Insurance Brokers for a free insurance check-up. We understand the importance of providing you with proper protection through the best insurers with the most competitive pricing. Our goal is for you to achieve peace of mind knowing what matters most to you is properly protected, because at Conrey Insurance Brokers, every day is National Insurance Awareness Day. World-class service is our promise – that’s the Conrey Difference.

So mark your calendars for June 28th and let us celebrate National Insurance Awareness Day by making sure you are properly protected. To schedule your free insurance check-up, simply call us at 1-877-450-1872, or online and experience the Conrey Difference for yourself.