By admin on Nov 30, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Boat winterization   Tucking your boat in for the winter?   For boat enthusiasts everywhere, the end of boating season can be disappointing because on-the-water adventures are about to come to an end and the task of winterization is about to begin.   As you know, taking the time to protect your watercraft through the winter requires an investment of time, labor and money. While winterization is an absolute imperative that can help prevent irreversible damage, think of the process not as a chore, but a chance to dream about next spring when you’ll be ready to go afloat at the Lake of the Ozarks or on the Mighty Mississippi.   To help you get started, we at Insurance Consultants, Inc., have compiled two essential steps to follow.   Find the best storage place indoors or outdoors If possible, find a place to have your boat spend the winter out of water and well out of the way of inclement weather. If you are storing your boat outdoors, check on the level of security. For example: Is there security personnel on duty? Is it a locked facility? And if your boat will be exposed to the elements over the winter, make sure it is shrink-wrapped by a professional.   Be thorough in winterizing or find a pro If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, the steps to winterizing your boat can be easily found via many online resources.   Your boat’s owner’s manual also could be a great help, as most will include detailed winterization instructions.   Regardless where you get the details, you will ensure a better start come next boating season if you follow a comprehensive checklist now to get your boat ready for winter.   If you’re opting out of the do-it-yourself category and instead trusting the pros, you’ll want to find a shop that specializes in winterization. Get an appointment well in advance of the assault of inclement weather. To find the best option, consider getting a reference from a fellow boating enthusiast.   Regardless of how you choose to prepare your prized watercraft for the frigid days of winter, we at Insurance Consultants, Inc., hope you enjoy the cooler season as you await the return of spring!...

By admin on Nov 23, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Black Friday Strategies       Add some strategy to your ‘Black Friday’ shopping   If there’s anything more satisfying than melting into the couch following a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner complete with all the fixings, it has to be shopping for the best deals of the season the day after in Saint Louis or saint Charles.   Hitting the shops on Black Friday has become a ritual that is as all-American as watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. And why wouldn’t it be, considering what a win-win it is for Missouri customers and retailers alike?   Over the years, however, Black Friday has evolved. Stores that used to open at 6 a.m. now open at midnight, and Cyber Monday has entered the picture, offering bargain prices online the Monday following Black Friday. All of this means that getting the best deals now requires a bit of strategy.   At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we want you to get the best deals for your holiday shopping, so here are a few pointers for maximizing your experience. Be willing to forego the shut-eye. It’s a fact: stores open early. Accept that you will not get eight hours of sleep Thursday night (and remind yourself that your wallet will thank you). Do your research. Go online before the holiday and note who has deals on what and when. Remember to factor in your opportunities for Cyber Monday.   Pick your favorites. You probably won’t have time or energy to go everywhere, so narrow your shopping store list down to focus only on your favorite stores or those that are offering sales on exactly what you’re looking for. Create an itinerary. Before you go, make a list of stores in order of priority based on times they open and items you want to snap up. Then, map it so you know your route. From Insurance Consultants, Inc., to you, we wish you a very productive and enjoyable Black Friday!   Fun fact:   Considered as the kick-off to the Christmas holiday season, Black Friday is often described as the busiest shopping day of the year. This has been true since 2005. The millions of Americans who shop on Black Friday have been keeping...

By admin on Nov 16, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

  Holiday Travel Tip   Over the river and through the woods in MISSOURI …   Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season – the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in Saint Charles or Saint Louis Counties or headed out of state.   At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.   Prepare your car for winter Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And – we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us – your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.   Before you leave Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof – ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.   When you’re on the road Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and...

By admin on Nov 9, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Football Fan Safety Make football season not just fun, but also safe   Finally, we’re welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves, the start of school and, of course, football season in Missouri!   Football season in Missouri brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties. At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you cheer your team to victory, consider the following tips. Keep it clean: Tailgating is one of America’s favorite pastimes! If you’re tailgating, opt for non-breakable, recyclable containers. This will make cleanup easier and help avoid injuries resulting from broken glass. Be smart: Whether you are tailgating, hosting a football-watching party at your house in Saint Charles County, sitting in the stands at a high school game or joining your buddies at the local bar, know your limit on alcohol intake and make sure you have a designated driver. Know where you’re going: Pre-plan travel to and from the stadium to avoid getting lost and to make finding parking easier if you drive. Fill those bellies: Whenever alcohol is consumed, make sure food is too! Be weather wise: If you’re heading to the stadium, be sure to prepare for the weather. In colder temps, bring layers and blankets (especially if you’re bringing the little ones along). Also, avoid umbrellas if you find yourself in a lightning storm. Keep it close: Whether you’re hitting the live game or the local tavern, be sure to keep your valuables, such as wallets, mobile phones and purses, safe. Also, keep it close to you (better yet, attached) at all times to avoid theft. Wherever and however you’re watching the game this weekend, we hope you enjoy every last minute. Go team!   Game day insurance tips Here are a few pointers for making sure your insurance provides an additional safety net on game day: Make sure you have adequate auto coverage to cover any contents that may be stolen in the unfortunate event of a break-in at the stadium parking lot. Ensure you have sufficient...

By admin on Oct 26, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

  Protect your boat with insurance and winterization   Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out of Lake Ozark or The River and putting it away until next year.   As you begin to prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection. After all, we here at Insurance Consultants, Inc. want to make sure you’re ready for the next boating season! (And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also be ready to invite your favorite insurance agent out for a day on the lake. Just a thought.)   First things first: Insurance   If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your Missouri homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!   But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. And there always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out for a day or two! There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call: 636-812-3500.   And while you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.   And remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies...