Last Thursday night our founder Jack Connors was honored at the annual Mechanicville/Stillwater Economic Summit. We couldn’t be more proud of someone who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people remain safe and secure. It’s an honor and a privilege to continue to build on the legacy and foundation you’ve created.

Now that the hectic holidays are over, it seems to be a good time to tune up your insurance for 2014 and beyond.  A good place to start would be by creating your home inventory.

If Christmas brought you a new TV, computer or digital camera, now is the best time to update, (or create) your home inventory for insurance purposes.  If you don’t already have an inventory, you can create one using a simple spreadsheet or table from Microsoft Excel or a similar application.  After you complete it, place the file in a safe place and make sure to keep a backup of the file in a location away from your home.  Another option is to use the free inventory service;Know Your Stuff, from the Insurance Information Institute, (knowyourstuff.org).

Once you’ve updated your inventory, check your homeowners insurance coverage.  You may need to increase your coverage or add a rider to cover new valuables, such as fine jewelry or artwork.  Sometimes circumstances change that would make you eligible for discounts.  For instance, did you install an alarm system?  If so, make sure to let your Agent know.

The same goes for your auto coverage.  If you’ve recently retired or are now driving fewer miles, some auto carriers will change your rate.  If your teenage drivers are getting straight A’s in school, letting your agent know could result in a reduction in premium.  And make sure to ask about other discounts.

And take a look at your Life Insurance to make sure you have the proper coverage.  As always, if you have questions, contact your Independent Insurance Agent, who will be happy to guide you through what can be sometimes a complicated process.

Kevin Connors is a Certified Insurance Counselor and licensed Property/Casualty and Life Insurance Agent with The Connors Insurance Agency in Mechanicville, NY.  Mr. Connors can be reached at (518)664-7307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Isn’t snow great?  Especially when we have to get up an hour earlier to shovel the sidewalk or plow the driveway.  Then, it’s something we have to deal with.  And part of what we have to deal with, whether you know it or not, is insurance.

Do you need insurance for your snow blower, or your snow plow?  Like so many questions of insurance, the answer is, “it depends.”

It depends on whether your snow blower or plow is used in business or strictly personal.  For personal use only, insurance is a non-issue.  If you use your snow blower just to clear your own driveway, you do not need additional coverage.  Even if you clear your neighbor’s sidewalk, that’s no problem.  If you happen do ding their mailbox or bump into their house, your homeowners policy will extend to cover that.  The same goes with snow plows.  If you’re being a good neighbor and plowing out the driveway across the street, your auto policy will cover the damage.

The situation, however, changes dramatically as soon as money enters the picture.  When you accept payment for your snow clearing services, you open yourself to a whole range of liabilities.  Insurance is definitely an issue in this case.  You need to purchase a contractors liability policy.  Even if you’re just doing neighborhood driveways for $30 each and you have your customers sign a liability waiver, insurance is highly advisable.

Not all waivers are enforceable to bar a person from seeking restitution for perceived damages.  Also, whether or not you’re in the right, court costs and lawyer fees can accrue.

Play it safe.  If snow removal turns into a business, make insurance one of the first things you consider.  If you need to talk insurance for snow equipment or anything else, make sure to call you Independent Insurance Agent.  We’re always glad to walk you through any coverage issues and to make sure your policies offer all the protection you need.

Kevin Connors is a Certified Insurance Counselor and licensed Property/Casualty and Life Insurance Agent with The Connors Insurance Agency in Mechanicville, NY. Mr. Connors can be reached at (518)664-7307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Money-Saving Tip: Increasing your home’s security can translate to possible discounts on your homeowners insurance. Call us to find out what safety items, such as alarm systems, would qualify you for a discount!

I know.  You always lock your doors when you leave your house.  But what else can you do to prevent a break in?  Well first of all, make your home appear occupied.  Timers are inexpensive and can be effective at fooling thieves.  Use them to turn lights and TV’s on and off at various times of the day and night.  Light sensing timers for turning outside lights and flood lamps on and off at dusk and dawn and motion detectors are also good.

Have a neighbor pick up your mail, newspapers or other deliveries that are left on your doorsteps or doorknob.  Arrange to have your lawn mowed and driveway shoveled and notify the police if you’ll be going away for any length of time.  Some people even have a friend house sit if necessary.

Don’t advertise your absence, especially on Facebook.  Thieves read that too.  Don’t leave notes to anyone regarding your absence.  Instead, handle those instructions by phone or in person before leaving.  If you arrive home and think you’ve been burglarized, call the police from your cell phone or neighbor’s phone.  Don’t enter your home or touch anything until the police have time to investigate.

Dead bolt locks are highly recommended for all outside doors.  Don’t forget to secure basement windows and don’t hide your keys under flowerpots, doormats or on top of sills.

Keep your valuables out of sight, preferably in a safe deposit box, and refrain from keeping large amounts of cash at home.  And don’t advertise recent purchases, like big screen TV’s, by putting the empty boxes out with the trash.  Break up the box the TV came in and put it in a bag in the trash rather than outside of the can.

Keep your doors locked, and never allow a stranger to enter your home.  Question him or her and ask for identification.  Call Utility Companies, (electric, water or cable companies) for confirmation when someone wants to enter your home to read the meter or do repairs.  Teach your children to answer the phone correctly and never to say you are not home.  Make sure to lock up sporting goods, gardening equipment and tools and keep your house locked while you are working in the yard.

If you move into a new home or apartment, change the locks as soon as possible.  Be aware of what goes on in your neighborhood and report anything suspicious to the police.  You’d want your neighbors to do the same if your home was being burglarized.

And be sure your home and personal property are adequately insured.  Talk to your independent insurance agent about homeowners or renters insurance and about replacement cost coverage on your belongings.  They can provide you with the best coverage options to meet your needs.

Kevin Connors is a Certified Insurance Counselor and licensed Property/Casualty and Life Insurance Agent for The Connors Insurance Agency in Mechanicville, NY.  Mr. Connors can be reached at (518)664-7307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.