Brennan Insurance Agency

07/16/2026

Boating Safety Tips:

Take a boating safety course
If you're new to boating or have kids interested in driving, consider enrolling yourself or them in a boating safety course. These classes teach boat handling and navigation, safety procedures, and weather pattern recognition. Courses are available online or through your state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Wear a life jacket
A life jacket is like a seatbelt; it should be worn at all times. Double-check that there's one for every person on board and ensure children always wear them. Big waves or high winds could toss you overboard causing panic and possibly a fight for your life. Life jackets keep you afloat and your face out of the water if you're unconscious, significantly increasing your chance of survival.

Prepare and stock your boat
No matter what your vessel's size, bring these essential items:

Life jackets (correct sizes for adults and children)
Drinking water and food
Sunscreen and necessary medications
Fire extinguisher, flashlight, and flares
Maps, navigation lights, whistle, and communication tools
Bucket or bailer
Extra fuel
Tailor your safety kit to your specific water activities and location.

Bring a backup boater
It's risky for one adult to manage a boat full of kids. Not only is it a big responsibility, but if the primary driver is injured or unable to navigate, it’s vital that there’s another adult who’s also familiar with the boat and can get everyone back to land safely.

Understand rules and regulations
Familiarize yourself with state laws, U.S. Coast Guard requirements, and your vessel’s owner’s manual. Also, communicate rules to your passengers so everyone knows what to expect and how to respond in an emergency.

Prepare and share a float plan
If you’re heading out on a large body of water, leave a float plan with a friend or neighbor. It should include:

Vessel identification information as well as communication, propulsion, and navigation tools
Safety and survival equipment
Operator and passenger information
Travel itinerary
This helps authorities respond quickly if something goes wrong. Here’s a sample float plan you can use.

Watch the weather
The weather can change rapidly. Check the forecast before departure and consider using weather alert apps. If you know phone service is an issue, be sure to check the local forecast before going out on the water. Storms with heavy rain, lightning, or high winds can be catastrophic to those on the water. If storms are in the forecast, you may need to stay on land.

Use a spotter when towing
If you're pulling a skier or tuber, always have a spotter watch and communicate using hand signals. This ensures safer rides and quick responses if issues arise.

Respect other boaters
Reckless behavior endangers everyone. Don’t push your boat or riders beyond their limits. Be mindful of boat traffic, follow safe distances, and operate your boat responsibly.

Summer boating can be an incredible experience when done safely and responsibly. By preparing properly and understanding both the safety rules and your insurance coverage, you can make the most of every moment on the water.

05/14/2026

Life isn’t possible without water. But for all its life-giving benefits, water can also be a destructive force of nature. If you rank all the potential disasters that could hit your property, water damage will stand an excellent chance of taking the top spot.

Water damage affects buildings on so many levels. When water creeps into areas of your property where it shouldn’t be, your floor could warp. Water damage also discolors beautifully painted walls. All that moisture can also lead not only to the formation of mold inside the building but also to a vermin infestation. Worst of all, water damage that isn’t immediately addressed through water damage restoration could eventually weaken the foundation of any building.

Water damage is also deceptively costly. You might think that an inch or two of water flooding your home or business wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket, but there have been cases where that little amount of water has caused damage that cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair and restore.

The worst thing about water damage is that it can happen anytime. Let’s look at some of the common causes of water damage.

Severe weather
Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters don’t happen daily, but when they do, there’ll always be the risk of water damage striking your property.

The strong winds and heavy downpours could damage your roof, sending a certain amount of rainwater straight down into your house or business. Worse, severe weather can sometimes lead to flash flooding, especially when your property is in a flood-prone area.

Clogged gutters
Your home’s gutter system is supposed to draw rainwater away from your house. However, gutters often get blocked by leaves, branches, and other types of debris over time. When that happens, rainwater won’t be able to flow properly away from your property and will instead overflow the edges of your gutters, run down the side of the house, and cause water damage to the ceiling, walls, and floors.

Leaking pipes
A loose-fitting pipe in the kitchen sink could leak enough water to damage the cabinet underneath it. A broken pipe inside the wall could make things even more complicated. The entire wall could be damaged, fostering the formation of mold.

Worse yet would be a leaking plumbing supply line or a drainage pipe in the soil underneath your concrete slab. When this happens, you’ll likely face costly repairs.

Washing machine water supply line leak
Your washing machine is fed by water supply lines that are under constant pressure. You have nothing to worry about if your lines are made from braided stainless steel. The problem will be if your washing machine has rubber or PVC supply lines. They can quickly wear out and rupture, which means your entire laundry room will be flooded in minutes if you don’t shut off the water source in time.

Condensation from AC
Your air conditioning unit produces condensation, with the moisture dripping from the unit’s evaporator coil into a drain pan and out of your property through a condensate drain line. This drainage system works until the drain pan is damaged or the condensate drain line is clogged with dust or dirt.

With the water unable to get out, it will leak from your AC straight into your home. All that water dripping from your AC unit can damage the floor and walls and even make your insulation soggy.

Blocked drains
The drains in your kitchen sink, bathroom floor, and bathtub clog up for many reasons. Hair, grease buildup, toiletries, dirt, toys, and other foreign objects could obstruct the drainpipe and prevent normal drainage. When not dealt with immediately, clogged drains can easily back up and cause flooding and water damage inside your property.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
Once activated during a fire, a sprinkler system will save your property and life. The problem is that there have been incidents where older sprinkler systems have turned themselves on even when there isn’t the slightest indication of a fire. As you can guess, the water damage a malfunctioning or accidentally set-off sprinkler system causes can be considerable, especially when computers and other electronic appliances are all over your property.

Leaking water heater
If you have an old water heater, the likelihood that it’ll eventually spring a leak is high. The same goes for poorly maintained or badly installed water heaters. Sometimes, the leak is brought about by too much tank pressure. When a water heater leaks, you can expect your basement, where it’s presumably located, to be flooded quickly.

Preventing water damage may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Address the possible causes mentioned above, and you just might have a chance of at least minimizing water damage.

02/23/2026

To our Safeco Insurance clients:
Safeco Insurance was acquired by Liberty Mutual in 2008 and starting today, February 23, the name Safeco is being retired and the name will change to Liberty Mutual moving forward. There will be no change to your coverage and there is no need for concern, it's merely a unification into one brand.

01/23/2026

What items should you keep in your car in case you're stranded during a winter storm?

1. Keep a shovel in your trunk.

If you’re stranded on the roadway or slide into a ditch, removing the snow around your car is critical. If you idle your car to keep warm, the exhaust pipe must remain clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you don’t have a shovel, use your arms and legs to move the snow away from your car.

2. Small candles and matches.

Small candles and a coffee can be used as an emergency heat source.

3. Tow chain or rope.

Roadside assistance is an excellent service to have. The service usually works well in normal weather conditions; however, usage increases significantly during major winter storms so there aren’t enough tow trucks to go around. If you have a tow chain or rope, a Good Samaritan may be able to pull you out.

4. Food and water.

Keep snack foods, such as energy bars, nuts, raisins, and water in your car all winter.

5. Medications.

Consider taking a few days’ supply of your medications. And a roll of toilet paper may come in handy.

6. Emergency flares, reflectors, and flashlights.

These will help you remain visible and assist emergency crews in finding you.

7. Extra clothes and blankets.

Packing boots, jeans, sweatshirts, and blankets can make you more comfortable until help arrives.

10/08/2025

We are thrilled to be the sponsors of the ofrendas Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum Dia de Los Mu***os celebration on October 25th. Please be a part of this special event!

01/03/2025

An arctic blast of cold temperatures is expected to affect a large part of the country this coming week and could drop temperatures below freezing for several days. Here is some information that can help prevent water damage from frozen pipes:

Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Disconnect any hoses from exterior faucets. Even frost proof faucets/sillcocks require that the hose to be disconnected in freezing weather to allow residual water to drain.

• If provided, close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups. Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain. Be sure to keep them open during the cold weather months, while the water supply is turned off.

• Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.

• Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is located. This can help allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

• For pipes that are at risk of freezing (both hot and cold water pipes), let water drip from faucets.

• Keep the heat in your home set at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Identify areas that have experienced freeze issues in past winter storms and consult with a plumber or mechanical contractor to address and help protect those vulnerable areas ahead of the cold weather.

What to Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe

• Locate and close the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.

• Inspect pipes for damage, including those in attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.

• As temperatures increase above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.

• If a pipe is leaking, do not turn on the water. Open all faucets including those outside to drain remaining water from pipes and call a licensed plumber for repairs.

• If no leaks are detected, turn water back on slowly. Continue to check for leaks before turning water on completely.

• Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.

05/15/2024

If you’re thinking about starting a business or have recently started one, you know there are plenty of things to do and consider. Some examples include hiring employees, attracting customers, and managing your finances.

While these are essential priorities, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of protecting your business with the right insurance coverage at an adequate level. Without it, your business and potentially, you, personally, could experience significant financial loss.

Imagine this: You’ve finally started your dream business and are off to a successful start. One day, a customer slips and falls on your premises and is injured. Does your business have enough money to defend itself against a lawsuit and/or pay the party damages for his/her injuries? It’s imperative that you have Business Liability insurance to protect yourself.

What’s Business Liability insurance?
Business Liability insurance provides financial protection to businesses in the event of claims made against them for property damages, bodily injuries, and other types of injuries caused to others. Claims could arise from accidents on or off the business premises, product defects, errors in services provided, or even advertising liabilities.

There are different types of Business Liability insurance products. It’s important to understand the difference between the types of coverages available and select the coverage(s) that best fit your business risks.

•General Liability
This standard commercial coverage protects your business against common risks such as bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury claims.

•Professional Liability
This is also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. It’s a specialized form of insurance that protects financial, insurance, real estate, and other types of professionals against claims of negligence or errors in your work that lead to client injuries or losses. It’s often paired with General Liability insurance.

•Product Liability
If your business manufactures or sells products, this specialized coverage protects against claims from third-parties arising out of how your product was designed, manufactured, marketed, or used. It’s also often paired with General Liability insurance.

•Cyber Liability
This newer, specialized coverage protects your business from cyber threats. It covers expenses related to data breaches, cyberattacks, and other security incidents. It’s often paired with General Liability and other types of insurance.

Ways you and your business benefit from liability insurance
As a new business owner, you may be tempted to cut corners on insurance to save money. Doing so can put you and your business and its reputation at risk. Insurance provides these protections:

•Legal
Liability insurance can provide financial assistance for legal fees, settlements, and judgments against your business. Without insurance, costs of litigation, alone, could potentially bankrupt your business.

•Financial
Accidents happen, and even the most diligent businesses can experience them. Liability insurance ensures your business can survive the financial impact of claims or damages.

•Asset
Personal assets may be at risk if your business faces legal action. Liability insurance helps separate your personal finances from your business liabilities, protecting your savings, home, and other personal property.

Business Liability insurance isn’t just another expense; it's a critical investment in your business's long-term success and sustainability. In the ever-changing business landscape, talk to your independent insurance agent to ensure you have sufficient coverage that best suits your business.

04/18/2024

April showers are bringing May flowers, and wet roads. As the season changes, drivers may be facing flooded streets and slippery conditions. And it’s not just water that’s a problem — rain can mix with oil and other debris, making wet roads even slicker than expected.

Here are some tips on navigating roads in wet weather:

Choose an inside lane. Stick to the inside lanes if pooling water is evident. Roads are generally constructed so water drains to the side.

Avoid flooded streets. Never drive through flowing or standing water unless you can confidently judge its depth. Choose an alternate route if you can. Deep water may flood your engine or even carry you off the roadway.

Turn on your headlights. Remember that headlights aren’t just to help you see, they help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

Keep your distance. You need more time to brake when driving on wet roads. Give yourself time to react by keeping at least two or three car lengths from the vehicle in front of you.

Slow down. If you’re driving too fast in wet conditions, your car can lose traction and start to hydroplane. When you drive at a slower pace, you allow more of your tire tread to make contact with the road.

Know how to recover if you’re hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when the water in front of your car builds up faster than your tires can push it out of the way. If that happens, your car can rise up on a thin layer of water and lose contact with the road. If you find yourself hydroplaning, stay calm. Don’t brake or turn suddenly or you could throw your car into a skid. Ease off the gas until the car slows. If you have ABS ( since September 2000 this is required all new cars), brake firmly and slowly turn your car in the direction you want it to go.

Pull over if you can’t see. You may know your local roads like the back of your hand, but if rain is coming down so hard that you can’t see at a safe distance, pull off the road, turn your hazard lights on, and wait it out.

Maintain your tires. As your tires age, the tread wears out and they lose their ability to channel water and grip the road. Keep tires on your vehicles properly inflated and inspect them regularly.

10/31/2023

With the recent drop in temperatures, don't forget to winterize your home:

Winter season to-do’s
Simple precautionary tips for when the outside temperature drops below 20ºF.
Inside your home:
• Keep the house heated at a minimum of 65ºF in all locations.
• If you have a furnace or fireplace, have it inspected to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently.
Tip: Place fireplace ashes in a metal bucket and allow them to cool for 12 -24 hours before wetting them down and disposing of them appropriately outside.
• Close the internal valves on the pipes that lead to the hoses outside your home.
Outside your home:
• Drain and remove hoses and cover faucets.
• Clean and repair any damaged gutters to help prevent ice dams, which can damage your roof.
• Store patio furniture and grill. Furniture that can’t be stored should be protected with weatherproof covers.

12/14/2022

This is a busy time of year, if possible, take some time to slow down with these tips:

Isn’t this time of year supposed to be fun and relaxing? Here’s a list of tips that can make this time of year more enjoyable and less stressful.