Posts

National Insurance Awareness Day: Why June 28 Should Be on Your Calendar

/in , , , /by

Amid life’s many uncertainties, and especially in extraordinary times such as these, it’s good to step back every so often to take an objective look at where you stand. Fortunately, June 28th has been designated “National Insurance Awareness Day.” It’s an annual reminder to review your insurance cover; to assure it is proper and adequate; to make sure all that has evolved since your last comprehensive look is represented in the protection. We recommend that you get in touch with an insurance professional for such a review. If you are looking for an objective review of your current coverage and needs, look no further, we stand ready to assist.

For our team at Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, June 28th is yet another opportunity to do what we do every other day throughout the year—help our clientele achieve peace of mind by knowing what matters most to them is properly protected. We look forward to discussing your current situation by applying our “Three Ps” of insurance planning—they are:

• Prevention – Everyone is better off when they can avoid a claim before it happens; we provide risk management advice that can assist in preventing losses. Are you taking common-sense precautions to mitigate risk? Are you in compliance with all suggestions, guidelines and safety practices?

• Policy – Routinely, life evolves, business evolves, and needs change. Isn’t it worthwhile to ensure that your policy is aligned with your current situation?

• Proper Protection – As an independent broker tied to no specific insurance carrier, we evaluate your changing needs and provide objective recommendations—not “cookie-cutter” solutions, and from the entire marketplace, not just one insurer. What’s changed in the marketplace; what does it cost to rebuild or to replace items; are your current policies still cost-competitive? Do they still reflect the assumptions made when originally written? Has your advisor kept current, regularly checking in as this article suggests? That’s part of “The Conrey Difference.”

As a full-service firm, Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers offers experts specializing in virtually every major area of insurance and financial services. This National Insurance Awareness Day, or anytime it’s convenient for you, please consider giving us a call at 877-450-1872, or click here, to set up a meeting and discuss your insurance needs—no matter what day in the calendar year, that day will be YOUR insurance awareness day.

A Holiday Message from Jerry Conrey

/in , /by

On behalf of Conrey Insurance Brokers, Jerry Conrey would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Planning for Healthcare in Retirement

/in , , /by

Rising healthcare costs, as well as the burden they may place on your children when you’re retired, are a growing concern. Fortunately, you have options. Exploring them begins by developing a realistic view of your likely future needs.

What are the odds?

While the odds of winning a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot are millions to one, the odds of incurring expenses for your physical or mental care in retirement are 7 out of 10. As a couple, the likelihood rises to 9 out of 10 that at least one of you will incur these expenses. Financially speaking, these odds aren’t in your favor. But with proper planning, you can manage the risks and help improve your chances of a better outcome.

How much should I budget?

How much will you need to budget for your care in retirement? Take a look at this helpful resource link to learn about the cost of care in different parts of the country. It tells you county by county in each state how much it will cost for different types of care and facilities. It also has a slider that lets you calculate projected financial costs up to 30years in the future.

How could a need for care impact my family?

When a family member needs long-term care, the emotional and tangible costs are different for everyone. Click here to learn about the experiences of someone who has experienced these costs first-hand. This video shares a real-life example of a small-business owner and how the need for long-term care has impacted her business and her overall lifestyle.

Who can explain my options?

We know that planning for future healthcare needs can be bewildering. We’re here to help. At Conrey Insurance Brokers, our risk managers have access to a wide variety of resources. We’ll learn what’s important to you and tailor a plan around your personal needs and priorities. By identifying, assessing, and helping relieve you of most of the risks involved, we can help you provide your family with peace of mind for the future. The earlier you get started, the better. Acting today has many benefits, so it doesn’t pay to wait.

We’ve been helping people address the risks of long-term healthcare needs for many years. Let us help make a difference in your life so that you make a difference for your entire family. Check out our Long-Term Care section here, call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Michael A. Mazza is the Financial Services Representative at Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers. Michael makes a difference by helping people with their retirement goals and protects what matters most to them. You can learn more about Michael here.

Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction This Holiday Season

/in , , /by

During the holidays, time is short and quick decisions are made regarding all things – including what you are going to wear to any given holiday gathering. You want to leave an impression, but certainly not a bad one or one that endangers you or those around you!

  • Make sure that new outfits actually do fit. Although you are trying to make an impression, if your pants are too long and haven’t been hemmed properly, you can end up tripping, seriously hurting yourself, and truly impacting your holiday season.
  • Be careful about holiday trim on seasonal outfits – some of these materials are flammable. Being the life of the party could take on a whole new meaning if you pass by a lit candle and you are the one who is actually lit.
  • Bring an extra pair of shoes. Many of us fall victim to the “10-minute shoes” – The phenomenally fashionable footwear that looks festive but feels like the handiwork of a fascist. It is wise to have an optional pair to change in to so you can enjoy the entire holiday event.
  • Determine the dress code for a particular event prior to attending. Often your idea of the appropriate attire is completely different than the intended thoughts of the host or hostess and your entire experience can be affected by the fact that you are wearing jeans to a formal affair even though you might be the most comfortable person in the room!

We at Conrey Insurance Brokers offer these helpful hints as a means of keeping you safe during the holidays when things can be hectic. We know how hard you have worked and how difficult it can be to dress for success safely keeping the holiday hazards at bay! Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

Happy Holidays to one and all.

Let’s Commemorate National America Recycles Day by Improving Our Recycle Habits

/in , , /by

November 15th is National America Recycles Day in association with Keep America Beautiful. The goal of this day is to learn what materials are recyclable in your community, reduce waste, buy products made from recycled materials and share with friends and family the positive effects of recycling. You can take the pledge here.

Currently, the national recycling rate is only 34%. Americans throw away over 200 million tons of trash each year. It is estimated that 75% of the trash that Americans throw away is actually recyclable. Did you know that a glass bottle can go from curb to store shelf in about a month, yet we toss enough glass bottles in the trash every year to fill up a line of semi-trucks from Los Angeles to New York City, and back, every year?1  According to Statista, America produced 262.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2015. Of that 67.8 million tons were recycled. Unfortunately, this means about 195 million pounds of waste was still destined for landfills.2 ­

Many items are thought to be recyclable but are actually not. Here are a few:

Disposable coffee cups: These cups are lined with a liquid-proof polyethylene which is difficult and expensive to separate from the recyclable cup.

Pizza box: These may or may not be recyclable depending on the oil and grease content. If there is a minor amount it should be okay, however, if the cardboard is completely saturated it is no good. The oil and grease go into the cardboard and belongs in the trash. But, check the top of the pizza box. Clean lids can be placed in the recycle bin!

Plastics with oil or vinegar: Many plastics are stamped with a recycle imprint on them, but if they are filled with oil or vinegar they are no longer good to go in the recycle bin. This is usually the case for pre-packaged salads or other meals. If, however, you are able to rinse out the food residue it can be saved!

There are several unique items that are created using recycled goods. These include:

Asphalt: Some asphalt companies are grinding up discarded roofing shingles. Also, glass bottles can be used as the reflective markers lining roads.

Plastic bottles: These bottles can be used to make a wide array of new products including t-shirts, jackets, sleeping bags, playground equipment, park benches, lawn furniture and many other items.

Paper Products: Things like newspaper and copy paper can become cat litter, building insulation, sheetrock, toilet paper, and facial tissues.

Electronic recycling is even more critical. Electronic waste represents about 2% of America’s trash in landfills, yet is responsible for about 70% of toxic waste according to Dosomething.org.3 According to the EPA, electronic waste is the fastest growing municipal waste stream in the United States.3 Properly disposing of e-waste helps prevent lead and other toxic compounds contaminating our landfills and groundwater.  Most electronics encompass many different precious metals. Americans alone toss out over $60 million worth of gold and silver in electronics every year.3 Many local businesses sponsor free electronic waste drop-off events.

If we all pitch in a little we can make a huge impact.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, we strive to help make the world a better place by informing you of topics that are important to us all. That’s the Conrey difference. If you have questions about coverage, we’re always here to help. Call us at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here, and experience The Conrey Difference for yourself!

 

  1. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-recycling
  2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/193923/recycling-of-us-municipal-solid-waste-since-1960/
  3. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-e-waste

Protecting Holiday Packages From Theft: An Easy Guide

/in , , /by

As online holiday shopping continues to increase in popularity, it should be no surprise that package thefts are on the rise. For thieves, stealing a package often involves less risk than shoplifting and the packages themselves often contain a number of valuable items that are prime for resale. As the holidays approach, the number of these packages grows exponentially leaving thieves salivating at the easy and numerous pickings. If you are planning on ordering off of websites such as Amazon, there are several steps you can take to minimize damages and avoid the heartbreak and stress of losing a package to theft.

Utilize Special Delivery Instructions

Many online retailers will have a place to add special delivery instructions. In this area, consider putting clear instructions detailing a safe, hidden place to leave packages. This can be somewhere off to the side of the house, in some densely clustered bushes, or over a fence of some sort. Very few thieves will go looking for packages, especially when neighbors may have theirs readily visible and easy to take.

Require a Signature

Consider marking the package as requiring a signature so that the delivery is given to a trusted person. If you are close with your neighbors, you may consider asking them to sign for you and hold the package if you are not home.

Choose a Delivery Date/Place Strategically

In the age of two-day shipping, it may seem as though sooner is better. However, there are often different shipping options that can be chosen at checkout. Consider choosing a day that you or another family member will be home or have them delivered to your place of work. Alternatively, you can ask for packages to be held at your local post office or delivered to the house of a trusted family member or friend until it is convenient for you to retrieve them. Choosing these options will keep packages from being out in the open for any period of time.

Security Devices: For Packages and More

Lately, home security has become easier than ever with many affordable camera services. These security measures can record video evidence or deter thieves from taking a package, even if it does end up placed on your porch. Options like the Ring doorbell system will alert you of people approaching your door via your phone and even allow you to talk to visitors.

Insurance from the Carrier

Finally, you may want to check and see what insurance is available from the carrier. Many carriers insure items that cost $100 or less. For more expensive packages, you may be able to buy more insurance from the carrier. Be sure to check and see what packages and to what extent they are covered.

If Package Theft Occurs

You can file a credit card dispute with the sender (if it is a big company like Amazon) and they will take care of the issue from their end since they are the ones utilizing the mail service. If the package was sent by a relative, you will need to make a claim of theft.

From all of us here at Conrey Insurance Brokers, we want you to have happy and safe holidays; that’s why we encourage everyone to take proper precautions during this season. We hope that you’ll keep these tips in mind when ordering presents online. Additionally, now is a good time to brush up on homeowner’s insurance or consider an umbrella policy. These policies may compensate in cases of theft allowing you to be reimbursed for the content of your packages. For more information, schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to review your policy; whether it’s with us or another insurance brokerage.

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

/in , /by

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!

How to Protect your Business from Cyber Threats: A Short Guide

/in , , /by

Data breaches, hacking, and other cybersecurity threats seem to be becoming more and more prevalent as technology becomes more ingrained in businesses large and small. As a business owner or someone with primary responsibility for business operations, it can be a difficult threat to manage, especially as most cyber attackers are anonymous. Business executives may believe that the security breaches won’t affect them, however, more frequently, small to medium-sized businesses have become targets as a result of their relatively low levels of security and inability to fight back against their attackers. According to Forbes, “If a business suffers two or more attacks, it will most likely be unable to recover. Moreover, the business is also at risk of facing a class action lawsuit from the individuals who suffered from a loss of data because of the cyber attack.” For a business of any size, an attack can be devastating.

Realizing this threat, we’re proud to offer cyber liability insurance that provides legal and financial support to businesses in case of a breach. In some cases, your professional liability insurance may already include cyber liability insurance or can be modified to include it.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers, we strive to keep you informed on the best ways to protect what you love, which is why we’ve created an informative guide to help you determine whether or not cyber liability insurance is right for you. We encourage you to educate yourself with our guide, which can be downloaded here. Then, set up an appointment so that we can evaluate your coverage; we’ll be happy to help find a plan to protect your business.

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

Be Heat Wise with this Heat Illness Prevention Guide

/in , /by

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces standards for the health and safety of workers through regulations and education. This Heat and Illness Program explains types of heat illness, symptoms and prevention. Also, included are a list of responsibilities for employers and employees to prevent heat-related injuries. Download the free California Code of Regulations here.

At Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, we aim to keep you informed about topics that are important to you. Want more interesting articles? Keep checking our blog for updates. Have any questions, or want to review your insurance? Just speak to a member of the Conrey Insurance Brokers team at 1-877-450-1872 or contact us here.

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

/in , /by

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.