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Cruising for a Good Time: 4 Safety Tips for Your Next Cruise

July 19, 2016 Karen O'Connor

In any given year, more than 20 million passengers across the globe set sail on a cruise, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. If you plan to join them this summer, here are four common sense tips to help ensure your journey is a happy one:

Don’t skip the safety drill. Most cruises begin with a muster drill, where you’ll learn where your lifeboat is, how to put on a life jacket, and what the ship’s alarms sound like. Pay attention, even if you think you’ve heard it all before. Also, establish a good rapport with your cabin steward – remembering his or her name after your initial introduction is a good start.
Keep it clean. You’ve no doubt heard about cruise ship outbreaks. Do your part to help prevent one by washing your hands regularly. If the ship also happens to have hand sanitizer dispensers at strategic locations, such as dining room entrances, use them. Or carry your own.
Secure your valuables. Your cabin’s small safe is a useful place to stash such items as cash, tickets, passports, and small electronic devices. But remember that numerous crew members have access to bypass codes for room safes (in case passengers forget their codes). If you have especially valuable items (jewelry for formal nights, for example) visit the administration desk and ask to store them in the ship’s safe.
Enjoy all things in moderation. There are ample opportunities to drink on a cruise ship, and a strong temptation to take advantage of them. After all, you’re on vacation, and you’re certainly not going to be driving. But, alcohol can impair your safety and judgment in key situations, such as walking back to your cabin during rocky seas. Also, be mindful of limiting your sun exposure and using sunscreen.

As you’ve perhaps realized by now, awareness and common sense are always the best guides for smooth sailing – on land or sea. Don’t forget preparedness – you may want to consider travel insurance to protect the investment you’re making in your trip.

Finally, if you’d like to review your personal property coverage for the valuable items you’ll be taking, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 314.434.0038. Knowing your belongings are covered will help you make the most of the experience.

Clean Your Way to a Longer-Lasting Car

July 12, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Motor vehicle corrosion is a billion-dollar problem in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And, no wonder. Road salt, tree sap, mud, pollution and even dead bugs and bird poop all contribute to a year-round assault on your vehicle in St. Louis, potentially leading to serious damage and pre-mature aging.

Safety is also an issue. Grime across your windshield and windows restricts visibility in all directions, and even a light coating of dust or pollen can impair your vision, especially at night or when driving into the sun’s glare.

That’s why we encourage you to visit your local car wash regularly. Washing your car removes dirt, residues, and pollutants that degrade your paint finish and corrode the underlying metal. It’s like anti-aging cosmetics for your automobile!

But, is hand washing at home or visiting a commercial car wash your best bet? While both lead to a clean vehicle, you’ll cut your water usage in half by going to a commercial facility and help keep toxins and soap away from street drains, which can lead to local waterways. As a bonus, some commercial facilities recycle their water.

No matter which method you choose, these five tips will help you get the most out of your car-cleaning routine:

Wash often. The longer tree sap, dead bugs, and other gunk sit atop your paint, the more damage they can cause.
Avoid abrasive soaps, cloths, and sponges that can grind dirt deeper into your paint finish.
Wash the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent rust, especially after driving on road salt in the winter.
Don’t forget the headlights. When you’re driving at night, in the rain or through an unfamiliar neighborhood, you want every lumen of illumination you can muster.
Consider eco-friendly car soaps, such as biodegradable or waterless products, to help lighten the environmental impact of washing your car more often.

And, when you’re all done? Finish up with a good waxing to give your car extra protection and shine.

Travel Smarter with Your Smartphone

July 5, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Gone are the days when you had to take maps, a translation dictionary, and a bulky camera on international trips; instead, we now have all of that in one handy device: a smartphone. While they are (probably) the most useful piece of technology you own, there are a few considerations to make before taking your smartphone abroad.

Be Honest With Yourself. Do you really need a smartphone where you are travelling? Some trips, like backpacking or exploring a new city, necessitate it. Others, like a guided safari or group camping, really don’t. While it is always a good idea for one person to have an emergency phone, don’t waste your money on an international plan if you are going on a guided trip. You most likely won’t be sitting on your phone anyway on this sort of trip, and (believe it or not) cell service is pretty scarce in the middle of the Sahara.
Sign Up for an International Phone Plan. When I was in college, I went to South Africa for four months. It was amazing, but the accidental overages on my Verizon bill certainly were not. Though my parents were able to negotiate the charges down, international data and roaming can add THOUSANDS to your bill, which is probably pretty close to how much you paid for a plane ticket. Be smarter than I was and make sure your provider covers the area that you are going to; we were told I had an international plan that “wasn’t valid for South Africa” after I accrued overages.
Monitor Your Data. You just took the best picture of the Eiffel Tower and want to show all of your friends back home. You know you bought some international data, but how much does one photo upload actually use? Almost every phone will have the data meter under the “Settings” menu, and if you cannot find it, an app like NetCounter can save you immensely.
WiFi, especially free WiFi, is Your Best Friend. There are subscription services for international WiFi access (like Boingo), but I would reason that the average tourist has no need for these. Starbucks, McDonald’s, and even some bars and hostels have free WiFi, so keep an eye out.
Turn On Airplane Mode, Turn off Push Notifications. Airplane Mode keeps you from roaming, sending and receiving messages and data, and saves battery life. If you are using your phone predominantly as an alarm and camera while travelling, keep it on Airplane Mode. Most apps have an option for push notifications, or those things that alert you when someone likes your photo or when your Candy Crush energy is full. Those notifications use data, constantly. Go into your apps and turn off all alerts while travelling abroad to save your data.
Beef Up Your Security. These fall under the “things you should already be doing” label – set up a PIN or password for your phone, disable Bluetooth when not in use, and lock up your tech in the hotel’s safe if you leave without it. We all want to wish the best of people, but data gets stolen every day. Make sure it isn’t yours.

We at O’Connor Insurance hope your summer is full of exciting travel opportunities and memories.

Power Outages and Food Safety: Toss it or Keep it?

June 28, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Missouri summers are magical – fireflies, floating on the rivers, and those captivating summer storms. But what happens when those storms knock out power? St. Louis is no stranger to rolling summer power outages, and what’s worse is they usually come at the hottest part of the year. While we can’t prevent the outages from happening, your friends at O’Connor Insurance can help you curb your losses in the kitchen.

Obviously you want to err on the side of caution here. And, since you shouldn’t taste food to help determine whether it’s safe (harmful bacteria doesn’t always have a rancid smell or taste), here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help you decide what to keep and what to toss once the power is back on:

Throw away meat, poultry, and seafood once it’s been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Almost every home goods store sells internal read thermometers (most for less than $10). Not only are they good for instances like this, they are excellent tools to have year round.
Discard milk, sour cream, yogurt, and soft cheeses after four hours at 40 degrees or higher. Butter and margarine, as well as hard and processed cheeses, should be OK.
Toss mayo, tartar sauce, horseradish, and creamy dressings after eight hours at 50-plus degrees. Vinegar-based dressings, along with ketchup, barbecue sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce are likely fine. One obvious tip to simply read the label – if it says “refrigerate after opening” and it is hovering at 70+ degrees for a day or two, the best practice is to throw it out.
Refreeze food that still contains ice crystals, or is still below 40 degrees.
Dispose of all food that has come in contact with flood waters or firefighting chemicals. Even if it looks unharmed, it could still be unsafe and – to a lesser extent – taste terrible.

We know it’s frustrating to have to throw out food, so try this simple trick to potentially help preserve it for longer: When the power goes out, keep the fridge and freezer doors tightly shut. The longer you keep them closed, the cooler they stay. If available, get a cooler and ice and salvage what you can, being careful to make sure the cooler stays cold.

Having appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer, as well as picking up a food thermometer, will help eliminate some guesswork. Additionally, maintaining a nonperishable food supply in a safe place – somewhere cool that’s not susceptible to flooding – means you’ll have something to eat no matter what. Be sure to replace items as they expire or get used.

As for the cost of all that spoiled food? Your homeowner’s policy may help. If the value of the damages you claim is less than your deductible, you won’t have any coverage. However, if you have both home damage and spoiled food, filing a claim is the way to go. Give us a call at 314.434.0038 to discuss your options.

Four Things to Consider When Insuring a Vacation Home

June 23, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Everyone loves vacation. But, vacationing in your own seasonal home? Even better.

However, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to protecting your investment in a vacation home, and you definitely want to protect it.

To that end, here are four things that may impact the coverage you choose and how much you’ll pay for it:

Separate Policy: Your seasonal home won’t be part of your primary property policy. It needs its own policy, and you can expect it to be similar to the one for your primary residence. However, you do need to watch out for “named perils” coverage, under which your policy explicitly lists the perils it will cover. If a peril isn’t listed, no coverage. We typically steer homeowners away from this type of coverage, in favor of broader coverage.
Location and Occupancy: The “where” of your vacation home is no doubt among the primary reasons you bought it. But, it will also impact your insurance costs. Rural areas are hard for emergency responders to reach, and waterfront homes are prone to flooding. These added risks can mean added insurance costs, such as the need for a separate flood policy. If the home is unoccupied or rented for much of the year, there are even more insurance considerations.
Personal Property: Establishing and maintaining a separate inventory of the things you keep at your vacation home will help you select an appropriate level of personal property coverage. If it’s filled with expensive skiing and snowboarding gear, for example, you may need increased coverage or to schedule some of the more valuable items separately.
Extra Liability Protection: If you plan to regularly host guests at your summer or winter retreat, you should consider an umbrella policy, which will help to increase your liability limits in case someone is seriously injured on your property. This can go for invited and uninvited guests alike.

We know you want to relax and enjoy your chosen spot in the sun – or snow. Having the right insurance coverage helps you do just that, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent at O’Connor Insurance at 314.434.0038.

I'm borrowing my friend's car – am I covered?

June 14, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Most people have a vague idea of what it and isn’t covered by their insurance policy, but what about those issues that come up and make a gray area of coverage? Fortunately, your agents at O’Connor Insurance are prepared to answer these questions. During the summer months, we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

Now that warmer weather is here, you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, but what happens if you have an accident or damage the bed of the truck?

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it – as long as they have the owner’s permission. Make sure you have the owner’s explicit permission to use the vehicle, and give them specific details about where you will be travelling. This can go a long way in protecting both of you later on.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called permissive use coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car (a spouse or child, for example). However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to the zoo, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner, or if the borrower is using your car for business purposes. This is why it becomes so important to fully trust those that borrow your vehicle.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for normal use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Feel free to give us a call at 314.434.0038 if you have any questions after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers!

Summers mean backyard grilling – safely!

June 7, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Just like swimming pools and sunburns, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer, but grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family.

Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you’re literally playing with fire. Thousands of residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents.

There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only your burgers – and not your house – the next time you fire up the grill.

TIPS FOR ALL GRILLS
* Your grill, whether gas or charcoal, should be on a level surface outdoors, away from anything that could be ignited by flames.
* NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you. If rain ruins your cookout, invest in a cast iron grill pan that can be used on the stove.
* Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed.
* Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children play near it.

CHARCOAL GRILL TIPS
From Kingsford.com
* Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. The flame could travel up the stream of fluid and burn you.
* Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.
* Use flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs, as coals can reach up to 1,000 degrees.
* To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you cannot wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water.

GAS GRILL TIPS
From the National Fire Protection Association
* Check your grill’s hoses for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If you have a leak, and it will not stop after the grill and gas is turned off, call the fire department. If the leak stops when the grill and gas are turned off, have your grill serviced by a professional.
* If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
* Do not keep a filled propane tank in a hot car or trunk. When getting containers refilled, make that your last stop before going home.
* Store propane tanks in an upright position, and never indoors.

From all of us at O’Connor Insurance happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!

Boating Safety Tips

June 2, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Every summer, our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like – courtesy of our partners at Safeco. Summer is meant for fun in the sun, not accidents.

Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board – wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. It goes without saying that every child should be wearing a life vest from the time you leave the dock until you get back, adults need them too. More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group, and many of those are preventable accidents. Life vests have come a long way in style, so if glamour is your thing, find one that matches your swimsuit; no matter what they look like, just make sure they float. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water. Don’t let passengers “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Both Washington and Oregon made teak-surfing illegal in the last few years, after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100.

Get Watercraft Insurance. Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft coverage is your best bet. Not only does is cover accidents, it will also help you in the case of theft, damage, and injuries. Some policies will also cover your expensive watersports gear.

Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive. Be a conscious boater and watch your guests’ intake, as well.

Boats Need TLC too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste, and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks, so you have no excuse not to be diligent.

Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from Safeco and other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

Sites for Information:
Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org
Coast Guard Auxiliary: nws.cgaux.org/
Safeco tips: www.safeco.com/insurance-101/consumer-tips/your-boat

Getting Your Graduate Insurance Savvy

May 26, 2016 Karen O'Connor

College graduation is an exciting, yet nerve-wracking time in most students’ (and parents’) lives. Facing student loan repayments, first “grown up” job jitters, and leaving the security of university can leave graduates feeling less than celebratory. This is also about the time your child will need to take the reins of their own insurance coverage.

As insurance professionals, O’Connor Insurance knows the wide world of coverage can be a confusing topic. We also know that seemingly small missed details can result in very large losses. We want to make sure your graduate is prepared to make decisions regarding their coverage and understands what they are paying for. Here a few things to think about when talking about insurance with your graduate.

Review your family’s current insurance. The first step when considering insurance for your new graduate is evaluating the coverage you currently have. Make an appointment with your agent who can advise on whether it’s appropriate given the pending changes and whether it will cover your son or daughter.
Know the law. Most states require drivers to have auto insurance and most of those have minimum policy limit requirements. In Missouri, the minimum amount of coverage you are required to have is $25,000 per person for bodily injury; $50,000 per accident for bodily injury; and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Research the law in your son or daughter’s stat, or consult with your agent to make sure they are covered adequately. And remember, the minimum is just that – anything above that amount will be paid from your pocket.
Read the lease. Many apartments, condominiums, and home rental properties require tenants to maintain a certain level of renter’s insurance which covers the contents of the home in the event of a robbery, fire, or other loss. Make sure you know the terms of your son or daughter’s new lease and insure them accordingly.
Don’t end up liable. Any home renter or owner is exposed to liability risk. To ensure there is adequate coverage in the event someone gets injured on your son or daughter’s property, speak with your agent about liability insurance.
Know your graduate’s company benefits. Many college graduates move straight into the workforce where they will be eligible for certain company benefits. Study the company’s human resources handbook to learn what benefits are available, when they go into effect, and what their limitations are.

Remember, even though your graduate now carries a college degree, they may not be carrying the insurance coverage they need. Set up a meeting with your insurance agent at O’Connor Insurance and your graduate to review coverage. We would be happy to “school” them in the wide world of insurance. Call us at 314.434.0038 to set up an appointment.

Emergency Contact Cards Can Help During a Crisis

May 17, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Here is a handy card we received from one of our vendors. Complete and put in your wallet or glove box. You may want to load the information into your cell phone, as well. Remember, though, cell phones may not work in a catastrophe, so having a hard copy with this information is still very important.