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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.

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.