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.

 

 

Entrepreneur Scholarship Winner

Conrey Scholarship Fuels Cal State Fullerton Student’s Entrepreneurial Dreams

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“My mom always told me when I was younger that I’d be a fantastic salesman. And I think I always kind of ran with that,” explains Tristan Starkweather, winner of the 2018 Conrey Insurance Broker’s Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Majoring in business with a concentration in entrepreneurship, the 20-year-old senior at California State University, Fullerton developed a clear vision for his future early in life. His dedication to achieving his dreams made him the top contender among a field of more than a dozen CSU Fullerton students—all of whom personified the Conrey philosophy of helping shape the future by proactively preparing for it.

Recognizing academic and personal achievement.
Through the university’s Scholarship & Award Application process, Tristan supplied the academic and personal information required to qualify for Conrey’s criteria. This included a personal statement providing insights into his achievements, family background, career and educational plans, and the impact a scholarship would have. A personal interview completed the process. About two months after his initial application, Tristan received a call from Professor John Bradley Jackson, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the university. He’d been awarded the Conrey scholarship for 2018. As the 14th recipient of the annual Conrey scholarship, Tristan received $3,500 toward completing his education.

Celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship.
“I love technology. I love the tech space. I love everything that has to do with that,” Tristan says. Starting in his freshman year of high school, he began selling video games he no longer wanted on eBay. He slowly transitioned to Amazon, building a storefront that eventually received weekly shipments of games from wholesalers, which he repackaged and sold. Tristan credits this experience with helping him realize “This was something that I could actually do—that I could be my own boss, and that I could actually run my own company if I had the idea and the passion.” Tristan also credits his parents, who “put in my mind that I could do anything if I really believed in it.”

How can Conrey help with your future?
We created the Conrey Insurance Broker’s Entrepreneurial Scholarship to help make a difference in the futures of business-minded students. Our team is equally committed to helping our clients prepare for their own futures, whether that involves protecting your family or business, wealth management or other financial services. 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!