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How did you get into the insurance industry?

My sister helped me get a job in the mail room with General Accident. This was the first time I had an opportunity for a career as opposed to just a job. From the onset, I took advantage of every educational opportunity that was given to me and worked my way through accounting, rating and ultimately obtained the Commercial Underwriting position before General Accident was acquired. I was then hired by O’Connor Insurance some 20+ years ago and continued to increase my knowledge. “If you have a job to do you have to do it well!” There is no point at which you have learned all there is to learn.

What is one piece (or a couple pieces) of advice you give your clients?

Know what can happen and then decide how to deal with that threat. To simply hope it doesn’t happen or deal with it if it does can lead to financial ruin. I do not believe in hard selling, but simply try to let you know what can happen and the potential impact so you can make an informed decision on how best to deal with that exposure. If you choose not to insure that is fine, but that choice should be made after a cost/benefit analysis proves the potential impact justifies retaining that exposure. Also, there is no apples for apples. If you go to buy a car and one costs $10,000 and the other $50,000 you are probably getting something much more desirable with the greater cost. The same is true of insurance – focus on coverage first before comparing cost. Savings will be meaningless in the event a claim is denied that could have easily been covered for more premium.

What’s something you do outside of work that would surprise your co-workers or clients?

I consider myself to be reasonably gifted with words and write poetry with children’s poems being my favorite genre. However, I will write about anything that instills passion.

Now that the fourth of July fireworks have died down, your pet is probably finally starting to relax. But with temperatures creeping up, we want to give you a refresher course on keeping your pups safe in the heat.

Trim, but don’t shave their fur. Fur actually protects dogs from sunburn and overheating, so don’t cut their hair too short during the summer months. Some short-haired dogs even need sunscreen!

Make sure they have plenty of water. Just like us, dogs need extra fluid in warmer months, so make sure their water bowl stays full. Try adding ice cubes on especially hot days for a fun treat.

Know what overheating looks like. The ASPCA says, “excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse” can all be signs of overheating. Additionally, symptoms can also include “seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.”

Do not leave them in the car. If you’ve ever sat down on a leather seat in July, you know it gets very toasty. Our furry friends cannot sweat, so it becomes even more dangerous for them to be left in a hot car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can easily reach three-digit temperatures even if the outside temperature isn’t that hot.

Check the sidewalks when you walk. Asphalt and concrete get incredibly hot when it’s sunny, and since most dogs don’t wear shoes everywhere, their paws are at risk of serious burns. When you walk your dog, put your hand on the surface – if you can barely hold it there without discomfort, maybe try a walk in a grassy park or wait until the sun isn’t so high in the sky.

We hope the rest of your summer is filled with fun times for you and your pet. If you have any questions regarding pet insurance, please call our office – we’d love to help.

The Heartland Chapter of Community Association Institute (CAI) recently presented a lifetime achievement award to O’Connor Insurance Agency in honor of the contributions and leadership to CAI by the late Robert D. O’Connor, agency founder.

Mr. O’Connor was also a founding member of the original Community Association Institute in St. Louis, MO. Accepting on behalf of O’Connor Insurance Agency is Mr. O’Connor’s daughter, Karen Corrigan, current agency President.

1) How did you get into the insurance industry?

I began in the insurance industry in 1999, out of need. I was transitioning from college and working part-time jobs, entering the “real world” and finding a career. I started by running a small captive agents office. At that time, I knew very little about the industry, but my then mentor assured me that if I worked hard and learned fast, I could go far in this business. Out of that, my passion for insurance grew!

2) What is one piece (or a couple pieces) of advice you give your clients?

You can never have too much coverage. Just make sure it’s the proper coverage, and to always read through your policies.

3) What’s something you do outside of work that would surprise your co-workers or clients?

I’m pretty much an open book with my co-workers and they know my current and past lives. However, it might be interesting for my clients to know that, once upon a time, I practiced with a local roller derby league.

How did you get into insurance?

I kind of just “fell into it. “ I was hired at an agency to do the social media. I wanted to get my insurance license, took the test, passed and the rest is history. That was in 2014. My parents (even step-parents) were all in insurance and it is one field I never thought I would go into.

What is one thing you do outside of work that would surprise your clients?

I am a hockey mom. Both of my boys play hockey so naturally I spend most of my outside of work time getting them to and from practices and games.

What’s the one piece of advice you give all of your clients?

Not many clients know me yet since I’m still new-ish to the O’Connor staff, my advice would be: Ask questions if you don’t understand the coverage so you know what you are paying for. Insurance isn’t easy to understand but a good agent will make it a less painful experience.

It’s hard to think of a worse start to a winter day than turning on the faucet and … nothing. Maybe there’s a trickle of water, but it’s clear you have a frozen pipe. So, what now? Here are some smart tips to help you prevent or address what could easily become a very messy and expensive situation:

• See to your outdoor water lines: Before cold weather arrives, drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines, and remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. If possible, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, pick up some foam faucet covers.
• Keep your home warm: Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room.
• Tend to those pipes: Leave the cabinet doors open in the kitchen and bathroom so your pipes aren’t shut off from the warm air. You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves, heat tape, or heat cable. Insulation is especially important in unheated areas, such as your attic, basement, garage or crawl space, and for pipes running along exterior walls. During severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle.
• Call in a professional: Frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water unthaws. So, act quickly to shut off your main water supply, and call in a licensed plumber to see to the situation.

Finally, be sure to touch base with us to check whether you’re covered for the damage a frozen pipe may cause. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this winter, and beyond.

 

Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition, but they can pose a fire risk. On average, says the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments across the country respond to more than 200 blazes related to holiday trees each year.

Despite how much we support our local firefighting heroes, we hope they won’t have a reason to show up at your doorstep this holiday season. So, here are our common-sense suggestions for enjoying a Christmas tree safely:

1. If you opt for an artificial tree, be sure it has a flame-retardant label or certification. If you’re picking out a live tree, forgo the one with brownish needles that are falling out – it’s too dry. Instead choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall out even when you shake the limb.
2. Place your live tree in water as soon as possible, using about a quart of water per each inch of stem diameter. Before you do, however, make a fresh cut from the stem bottom – straight across – to help the tree get water. Replenish the water regularly.
3. Situate the tree so you can still access the exits in the room and keep it at least three feet away from open flames or heat sources, such as your fireplace or radiator.
4. Now it’s time for the best part – trimming the tree. Choose lights and other decorations labeled as flame retardant, and make sure your lights don’t have frayed or worn wires. Leaving the house or going to sleep? Be sure to unplug those lights.
5. It’s always a chore – and somewhat of a bummer – to take down the tree each year, but do so sooner rather than later, especially with a live tree. Otherwise you prolong your risk of a fire. Check for tree recycling options in your area for responsible disposal.

No matter if you trim your tree with popcorn or with heirloom ornaments, we hope it brings the magic of the season alive for you and your loved ones this year.

If you’re like many people, you breathe a sigh of relief once the holidays are over.

Until you get your credit card statement, that is.

From buying gifts to traveling to entertaining, holiday expenses add up quickly — it’s easy to overspend without even realizing it. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some ideas to help keep your spending down and your spirits up.

Buy early

This goes for almost everything — from gifts to airfare to hotel rooms. Buying gifts over the course of the year means you can take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute frenzy. Plus, travel prices often rise as the holidays near.

Leave early (or late)

Whether you’re taking a plane, train or automobile, consider traveling on off-peak dates. You’ll often save money doing so, and you may save yourself some hassle, too.

Spread the load

Entertaining can be costly, so ask others for help. Instead of making all the food yourself, have a potluck. And, share the burden when it comes to gifts. Draw names for gift-giving, make a donation on behalf of the entire family, or set limits for gift buying.

Take a different approach

Do you send holiday cards and a letter each year? Consider emailing your letter, posting it on Facebook, or sending postcards instead. Buying gifts online can save both time and money, too, especially if you take advantage of free shipping and gift-wrapping options. You could even do away with physical gifts altogether, because the best gift of all is spending time with family and friends.

The holidays can be stressful enough, so don’t add to that stress by overextending yourself. With a little bit of planning, and maybe a little shift in thinking, you can have a happy — and budget-friendly — season.

Unless you’re headed to a warmer climate for the winter, fall in the Midwest is the time to start preparing your RV for winter (as long as you’re done using it for a while, that is).

The elements can wreak havoc on your RV’s systems and exterior, but with these five RV winterization tips, you can take steps to protect your investment and make sure it’s ready to go in the spring. Before you get started, though, remember to always check the owners’ manuals for both your RV and any appliances inside — and follow those specific instructions.

1. Drain and blow out the water lines. Frozen water will do a real number on your RV’s water system. So, clear the lines and drain the tanks, and then add nontoxic (not automotive) antifreeze following the specifications in your manual.
2. Clean the interior. You don’t want food to spoil and risk mildew on bedding and clothing, so remove all of it from your RV. You also want to get anything out that will attract animals and insects looking for a cozy winter home. After you clean the interior, open up the cabinets and fridge and leave them that way. Close your blinds to keep the sun out, too.
3. Then, tackle the exterior. Clean all surfaces, including tires (which should be properly inflated), and then put on an RV cover if you have one. Make sure awnings are dry before you roll them up, and close all the windows and doors.
4. Find a good place to park. After you’ve spent all this time getting your RV protected for winter, don’t park it somewhere unsafe, where a tree could fall on it or high weeds will attract insects.
5. Watch the battery. Actually, don’t watch it — disconnect it, particularly if you won’t be driving your RV for at least 30 days.

Bonus tip: While you’re not driving your RV, call us to discuss your insurance coverage. You may be able to save money on your policy if it won’t be on the road for an extended period of time.

Fall is the perfect time to get a few home maintenance tasks done. One that seems to intimidate people (but needs to get done) is cleaning the gutters. You should clean your gutters at least one time a year, and more if you have a lot of trees on your property.

Of course, you could hire a professional service for anywhere between $50 and $250, but you shouldn’t feel scared to take care of the task on your own. There are a few key things to keep in mind, though:

• Dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, non-slip shoes, and perhaps a face mask, if you are prone to seasonal allergies.
• Use your ladder safely. Read our guide from earlier this month (INSERT LINK) on how to use your ladder in the safest way possible. Think about investing in standoff stabilizers to help protect the gutter from being damaged.
• Know your roof. If your roof has a very low pitch, it may be easier and safer to work from the roof, rather than a ladder. That being said, only do this if your are very comfortable being on the roof, and never clean when the roof is wet or it is windy.
• Use a scoop. While you could clear everything with your hand, a small shovel will save you time and frustration. You don’t have to get fancy – a kid’s sand shovel or garden shovel will work just fine.
• Think about your lawn. Throwing dirt and dead leaves directly on your grass can cause brown spots and makes it tough to clean up later. Get a tarp or lawn garbage bags for any debris you remove, and keep your lawn looking great.
• Flush it out. After you remove debris, rinse the gutters and rain spout using your garden hose. This will not only help ensure a clear gutter system, but also may point out any potential cracks or holes in the material.

This fall we hope you find time for all those little home tasks that tend to get overlooked – it just may save you money and frustration in the long run.