You’ve probably heard a lot about identity theft, but it could never happen to you, right? Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think. Every 22 seconds, someone has his/her identity stolen in the U.S.
You could be the next victim. Learn the signs of identity theft and the strategies to help protect your identity.
Types of Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information to steal from you. They can take over your personal accounts. They can ruin your credit. They can take out loans in your name, leaving you on the hook for thousands of dollars or more.
There are many types of identity theft. Here are some of the most common:
• Bank fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Employment fraud
• Tax-related fraud
• Government benefits fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Loan or lease fraud
• Medical services fraud
• Online shopping fraud
Watch for These Warning Signs
Identity theft can easily happen without you knowing it. Be on the lookout for signs that show someone is fraudulently using your information.
1. You do not recognize charges on your credit card or bank account. Check your credit card statement each month, or online more frequently if you feel you may be a victim of identity theft. If you see charges that you didn’t make, contact your credit card company. You can dispute those charges, and change your account number. Similarly, if you see withdrawals on your bank statement that you didn’t make, notify your bank immediately. While they may not be able to refund that money, they can put a hold on your account and open a new one for you.
2. You are getting calls from debt collectors. If you’re getting calls from debt collectors for a purchase you did not make, that’s a huge red flag. It’s possible someone made a purchase in your name. Get the information from the debt collector. Contact the fraud department of the creditor who says that you owe the debt. Request copies of the transaction. Dispute the charge. Close or change the account where the debt was originally charged, whether it’s a bank account or credit card.
3. You receive notifications of password changes you didn’t make. If you get a notification that you changed your password, and you didn’t make the change, take action right away. That means someone was able to access your account. Notify the institution. Change the initial password to something new. If you use that same password elsewhere, change it there, too.
4. You get texts with verification codes. If you get a verification code from PayPal or other services, that’s a sign that someone is using one of your personal accounts. Change your password immediately and contact the account provider.
5. Your credit score suddenly drops. Perhaps you’re denied a loan because your credit report shows unexpected problems. Or maybe you checked your credit score and it’s much lower than it was. Order a credit report to get detailed information. You can get a free report from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Then you can correct any inaccuracies for future reporting.
6. You’re missing mail and bills. Identity thieves sometimes use a change of address form to reroute your mail. That’s one way they can get personal information mailed right to them. If you notice that mail is missing, especially bills, contact those companies and make sure the address on file is the correct one.
7. You’re getting unfamiliar bills. If you’re receiving medical bills for services that you didn’t receive or bills for items you didn’t purchase, someone is pretending to be you. Contact the provider and let them know.
8. The IRS has more than one tax return in your name. This happens when someone files a tax return to get your refund. You will need to contact the IRS to resolve the situation. You can get a copy of the fraudulent return and take steps to protect your social security number in the future.
How to Protect Your Identity
Follow these steps to help prevent identity theft.
• Guard your social security number. Most places will ask for the last four digits only. Do not share the full number unless you are certain it is secure and safe.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Don’t respond to unsolicited calls or emails. Don’t click on links in those emails either. Never enter your personal information in response to an email.
• Keep close tabs on your billing cycles. If bills do not appear, you will know what is missing.
• Read your credit card statements and look for small charges, too. Scammers often start with a small test before making a big purchase.
• Create complex passwords for your accounts. Avoid using complete words and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Initiate 2-step verification for an extra layer of protection. Avoid storing passwords on your devices.
• If you bank online, install virus protection on your computer and mobile devices.
• Don’t use public WiFi. Use a secure VPN for your devices. Keep devices updated with the latest security fixes.
• Freeze your credit. This prevents anyone, including you, from opening a loan or credit card in your name. When you’re ready to do so, you can unfreeze your credit temporarily.
• Sign up for a credit card alert for purchases more than a certain amount. That will give you an instant notification if someone happens to use your card and spend over that amount.
• Use an ID theft protection service like Cyber Scout, offered at no additional cost to you with every California Casualty policy.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s springtime, and you can’t wait to get outside. Your pets feel the same way! After a long winter cooped up, it’s fun to enjoy the nice weather, but it’s not all long walks and trips to the park. From allergies to insects and so much more, spring is filled with potential for illness and injury. Here’s what to watch for, inside and out, to keep your pets safe this season.
You do your spring cleaning to make everything fresh for the new season. Unfortunately, almost all chemicals, even natural ones, are harmful to pets. That includes soaps, bleach, polishes, and cleaners, all of which can irritate your pet’s skin and damage their gastrointestinal tract if ingested. In addition, cleaning supplies like sponges can present problems if eaten.
Whenever possible, use natural cleaners that are marked safe for pets.
You can make your own natural cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar. Mix one-part baking soda to two parts vinegar (e.g. ¼ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Pets like to drink from the toilet. Avoid adding toilet cleaner to the water; that could make them sick.
Store cleaning products out of paws’ reach. Keep pets safely away while you’re cleaning.
Spring is a popular time for home improvement projects in and around the house. Beware of nails, staples, blades, and power tools, as they could injure your fur baby. Paints and solvents also can be toxic, and can cause chemical burns.
Keep your pet in a pet-safe area during home improvement projects. Do not let them wander around unsupervised.
Be aware that the loud noises from power drills and saws can be frightening for your pet. It could even scare them into running away. Consider asking a family member or friend to take your fur baby on a walk or to stay with your pet during the project.
Clean up the area completely. Store tools and supplies safely out of reach.
The fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides that we use on our lawns can be dangerous if pets eat them. It can be tempting because bone meal is used in some fertilizers, and dogs love bones Manure is also a popular choice. (Enough said.)
Dilute fertilizer with plenty of dirt and water.
Keep your pets away from treated areas for at least 24 hours.
Don’t let your fur baby walk on recently fertilized areas. The poisons can be absorbed through their paws.
Hazard #4: Poisonous Plants
Plants grow and flower in springtime, and many are toxic to animals. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Rhododendrons and azaleas can be fatal if eaten by your fur babies. Even drinking water from a vase filled with tulips and daffodils can be dangerous. If you live in the western part of the U.S., be on the lookout for foxtails, a type of grass-like weed. Not only can they get stuck in your pet’s hair, but they can also work their way up into their nose and ears, causing serious infection and even death.
Identify the plants in your house and get rid of any that could be toxic to your pets. Replace them with pet-friendly plants.
Identify the plants in your yard that could be dangerous. Fence or block them off so your pet doesn’t have access.
Supervise your fur babies when they are outside. Provide alternate entertainment such as a game of fetch to keep them occupied.
Hazard #5: Spring Allergies
Just like humans, pets can be allergic to dust, plants, and pollen that are everywhere in the springtime. Look for signs of allergies, such as itching, minor sniffling, and sneezing. Your fur baby may also repeatedly bite or lick its paws, rub its face or shed excessively.
Bathe your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo. Ask your vet for recommendations on how often.
Wash your pet’s bedding in hot, soapy water. Do the same for any plush toys. Dry them on a hot dryer cycle to kill dust mites.
If you suspect allergies, take your pet to the vet to get tested. Your vet can provide allergy medication for much-needed relief.
Hazard #6: Bugs
The bugs come out in spring. Fleas, ticks, parasites, hide in tall grass and crawl on your pet. Mosquitos can nest in stagnant water. Buzzing insects can cause painful stings and even life-threatening injuries. Even the sprays and treatments to control these pests can be toxic. Slug bait is poison mixed with sugar and can be fatal if ingested.
Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventative to guard against heartworm-positive mosquitos.
Keep insect repellents out of pet’s reach. They can cause neurological damage.
If your pet is stung by a bee, use an ice pack to keep the swelling down. A bag of frozen peas works well. Remove it often so you don’t cause frostbite. If swelling is severe or your pet has difficulty breathing, go to the vet at once.
Hazard #7: Windows
We’re tempted to open our windows wide in the spring, to let in that beautiful weather. Before you do, make sure that your window screens are secure. More than one fur baby has fallen through a window screen that wasn’t.
Make sure your window screens are sturdy and have a snug fit. There should be no holes or gaps.
Always supervise pets around open windows, especially cats.
Keep your fur baby from hanging out of the window in your car. Flying debris can enter their ears or eyes and cause problems. Abrupt stops can also launch them out the window. Always secure your pet in a crate or a seatbelt harness specially designed for them.
Hazard #8: Rising Temperatures
The warm spring temperatures can sometimes be pretty hot, depending on where you live. That puts our furry friends in danger of overheating.
Make sure your pets are well-hydrated, and have access to fresh drinking water and shade if they are outside.
Check that the drinking bowl isn’t dirty from pets sticking paws in it to play or cool down.
Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles. The temperature inside a car can quickly become dangerous.
Hazard #9: Spring Holidays
Treats such as chocolate are popular at spring holidays such as Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day. However, they’re toxic to your pets. So is xylitol, a common sugar substitute. Be aware that your special celebration may include these and other household dangers for your fur baby.
Keep a list of harmful foods in your kitchen for easy reference. Check ingredients before you give human food to your pet.
Never give your dog cooked bones, such as from your family dinner. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter in a pet’s mouth.
Supervise your pet whenever he/she is eating.
Secure your kitchen garbage so that pets cannot access it. Put it behind a closed cabinet door or buy locks for your trash cans.
Should something happen to your pet, pet insurance can help offset some of the larger costs. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy.Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It may not seem like a big deal, but forgetting to make an auto or home insurance payment or having a lapse in coverage can have serious repercussions.
Let’s say you don’t drive that much anymore, so you miss an insurance payment or two, but then you get into an accident… If your premium goes unpaid, your insurance policy is void. Meaning, your insurance company is not obligated to rewrite your policy. You’ll be left without coverage and will likely have a higher rate when you do find a new carrier because the lapse has now left you labeled as “high risk”.
Your cancel notice gives you the date that payment must be received by, and if that date occurs with no payment, the system will automatically cancel your policy. Once you’re canceled, your carrier will not take you back unless they are required by law.
Let’s dive further into more facts and answer some questions every vehicle or homeowner should know about their coverage.
Home insurance is required if you have a mortgage.
While home insurance isn’t required by law, your lender will require you to be insured if you have a mortgage. Your policy will need to cover wind, hail,fire, and vandalism. The lender will be named as an additional insured. Should you file a claim for damage or loss, the insurance company will issue a two-party check naming you as the insured along with the mortgage company.
If you fail to pay your home insurance, you could have a lapse in coverage. Your policy will cancel, which is a violation of your mortgage agreement, and there will be no coverage in the event of a loss or claim. Also, the homeowner’s insurance is a package, which covers the home, other structures, your personal property, additional living expenses, and provides personal liability. You will lose all of that if the policy cancels.
Car insurance is required by law.
In every state except New Hampshire, you’re required to have car insurance. You have to have minimum coverage in case you get in an accident, though what you are required to carry does vary by state.
When you register your car, you submit proof of insurance. When you buy a car, you can’t leave the lot without signing up for insurance. It’s just along the way that you might accidentally, or on purpose, miss a payment and cause your insurance to lapse.
What is a lapse?
You pay for a specific time period on your insurance. It may be six months, a year, or another timeframe. In all cases, you will have a start date and an end date. As long as you are paying the bills on time, all is well.
If, however, you miss a payment, your coverage lapses. A lapse in coverage can be as short as one day or it can be much longer. Like other bills that you may be late in paying, there may be a grace period and a late fee. Unlike other services, however, you might face more severe consequences including government-mandated ones, if the lapse goes too long.
What happens when you drive without insurance?
If your insurance premium goes unpaid for long enough, your insurer will cancel your policy. Insurance helps with the financial responsibility if you get into an accident. Because it is usually required by law, there are additional consequences if you don’t have it. Here’s a summary of what you can expect if you let your insurance lapse.
If you’re in an accident, you would be fully responsible for any damages or injuries.
Depending upon the state where you live, you may be limited in the amount that you can sue the at-fault driver.
Your insurance company may cancel your policy and alert the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Your license and registration may be revoked, and you would be responsible for paying daily fines to the Division of Motor Vehicles. You may also have to pay a fine to reinstate your license and registration.
Once you are reinsured, you may need to carry an SR-22 form with you for three years, showing proof that you have the minimum required insurance.
You may have difficulty getting insurance again, as you’re now considered a risk. If you do get insurance, your insurer can raise your rates. Drivers with a coverage lapse of 30 days or more saw an average premium increase of 35%.
Your car could be repossessed if it is leased or if you are paying a loan.
Your credit score may drop, which can affect your ability to get a loan or credit card. The lapse will remain on your credit report for up to 7 years.
What happens if your home insurance is canceled?
If you lapse in payments for your home insurance, and as a result, your policy is canceled, your mortgage lender will be informed in writing.
Your lender can force you into a more expensive policy, called forced-placed insurance. This insurance only covers the loan amount for the mortgage company. There is no coverage for your belongings or personal liability. Therefore, if the house costs more to rebuild than the remaining loan amount, it won’t be covered.
If you don’t agree to the insurance, your lender can send your loan into default. This presents a risk of losing your home to foreclosure.
Your credit score will drop as a result.
Without insurance, whether or not you have a mortgage, you are responsible for 100% of the costs for any damage to your home if something unexpected happens.
What should you do if you have a lapse in coverage?
Once you realize your policy has been canceled or you’ve missed a payment call your insurance company and see what can be done.
Find out if they are able to rewrite your policy. Pay whatever fines are needed. Many companies may charge extra or interest fees on the remaining balance but California Casualty only charges a small monthly fee.
If you cancel over a certain number of days, you will be looked at as a brand-new customer and have to meet all underwriting guidelines. You may lose certain discounts or benefits for customer loyalty.
If you’re unable to make your insurance payment, let your insurer know. They may be able to adjust the policy to lower your cost.
Your insurer may deny you coverage. In that case, you will need to shop around for a new policy. Be honest with the new company. They will be able to check to see if your coverage has lapsed in the past. Be prepared to pay a higher premium because of it.
After you get insurance again, contact your state’s Division of Motor Vehicles to update your insurance information. Make sure that your registration and license are still valid.
Similarly, update your mortgage lender if your home insurance has been affected.
If you’ve changed insurance companies, and you owe your old insurance company any money, make sure to pay it. They will likely pass it along to a debt collection agency if you do not.
How can you prevent a lapse?
The best way to avoid any lapse in coverage is to set up a system so you will pay your premium
on time.
Pay the premium in full if you are able to do so. Consider using your credit card for your annual insurance payment to get extra credit card award points. There is a cost savings and convenience of paying in full with most policies. At California Casualty, if the state allows, both auto and home policies offer this type of savings.
Set up automatic payments such as an EFT from your checking account or a payroll deduction, if offered or available.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for your premium due date.
Make sure you know the end date of your policy. From 30-60 days prior to the renewal, California Casualty sends out a renewal policy for the insured to review. Schedule a time with an agent to review your policy to see if you need any updates before the renewal takes place.
If you switch insurance companies, make sure to time the start date of your new policy with the end date of your old policy so there is no lapse.
Talk to your insurer about options if you are not driving for an extended period of time. For example, you may be deployed overseas. You still may want coverage since your car would remain at risk for damage due to weather or vandalism, and it could be stolen. However, you can suspend coverage for a time period, including while you are deployed or on sabbatical. This may not be an option if your car is leased or you’re paying off a loan.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We all want to think that we’re good drivers. The truth of the matter is, every once in a while, we get distracted…some of us more than others. We reach for that French fry. We have an argument with the kids in the backseat. We hear our phone ding and instinctually grab it to look at a message. We know better, but we do it anyway.
In honor of April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month, here’s a reminder about the dangers of distracted driving and why it’s important to stay focused behind the wheel.
Distracted driving by the numbers
Nine people die each day in crashes caused by distracted driving, reported the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Over 3,100 people were killed and 424,000 injured due to distracted driving in 2019. One in five who died weren’t even in a vehicle. They were walking, riding their bikes, or simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Distracted driving deaths have increased by 12% from 2020 to 2021, reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers aged 18 to 34 are more likely to die due to distracted driving than any other age group. It’s no surprise that teens, with their inexperience behind the wheel and the world at their fingertips, are at greater risk for distracted driving. A survey of U.S. high school students found that 39% admitted to texting while driving in the past 30 days.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes focus off of the road. There are three major types of distractions, as defined by the CDC:
Manual: This causes you to take your hands off of the wheel, such as when you are reaching for something. If you’re eating while still looking at the road, that could be a manual distraction.
Visual: This is anything that takes your eyes off the road ahead. If you are rubbernecking, fiddling with the radio, or even looking at your GPS, that could be a visual distraction.
Cognitive: This type of distraction takes your mind off driving. If you are texting or emailing while driving, that’s a cognitive distraction. If you’re engaged in conversation, daydreaming, or worrying, that takes your attention away, too.
Reaction time and distracted driving
You may think that glancing at your phone to read a text is no big deal, and takes no time at all. Consider this. If you’re reading a text while driving 55 mph, you’ll probably take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. According to NHTSA, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Five seconds is more than enough time to whiz past a stop sign, slam into a car that suddenly brakes in front of you, or seriously hurt or kill a pedestrian. Texting while driving increase your chances of crashing by 2300%.
Even hands-free devices can be a mental distraction. An AAA study found that it takes 27 seconds to regain your full attention after engaging with your hands-free device. At 25 mph, that’s enough time to travel nearly three football fields.
How distracted driving affects your insurance
Many states have bans for handheld cell phones while driving. It is your responsibility to know the local laws, even if you’re traveling out of state. If your state has banned cell phone use, even holding your phone at a stoplight can get you a ticket. If the engine is turned on, your car is considered in motion.
Tickets for illegal cell phone use can come with hefty insurance penalties. Forbes noted that if you are found to be distracted driving, it could raise your insurance rates as much as 41% depending on the state where you live. The average is an increase of 16%. So, in addition to the damage that distracted driving can do to people and property, it can affect your wallet, too.
Tips to stay focused
Follow these tips to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving.
Avoid multitasking while driving. Do everything you need before you start the car. Set up the GPS. Choose radio presets. Send any texts you need to send before you start the car.
Leave your phone in a secure place. Enable the “do not disturb” setting while you’re driving. Your phone will silence texts and maybe even send an automatic response text that tells people you’ll reply to them when you’re not driving.
When in doubt, pull over. Find a parking spot or lot to enter an address in a GPS or call or text someone. Plan breaks to eat, text, and talk.
Lead by example. If you have teens or pre-teens, they are watching your driving habits and taking note.
As a passenger, you can help the driver focus on the road. Limit distractions around them, and speak up if you see them starting to text or otherwise shift their attention.
Educate yourself and your loved ones on the dangers of distracted driving.
Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Maybe you work from home or you live close to work. Perhaps you regularly use rideshare services or public transportation. As a result, you drive less than most people. If that’s the case, you may qualify for the lower rates.
Your annual mileage is a factor in determining your insurance rate. After all, if you drive less often, you have a reduced chance of getting into an accident. There’s also less wear and tear on your car so it stays in better shape. That’s why insurance companies offer discounts for low-mileage drivers.
Low Mileage Discounts
The average American drives about 13,476 miles a year or 37 miles a day. Low mileage insurance policies generally apply to those who drive about half of that amount or less. Each insurer sets its low mileage number so check with your insurance company to see if you qualify.
Your premium may be reduced by a percentage because you are a low-mileage driver, but how do they get this information if you don’t tell them? Your insurer may order reports from a third-party verified mileage program to get your annual mileage data. That data will be used when renewing your policy to make sure the insurer is using the most accurate vehicle information.
Low mileage discounts are automatic. When the mileage is determined, the rate factor (which can result in a decrease or increase) is automatically applied.
How to Reduce Your Mileage
You may be able to reduce your mileage to qualify for a low mileage discount. Here’s how.
Start by calculating your mileage. Write down the odometer reading at the beginning of the week with the date. Then, check it after one week to find out how many miles you traveled. Multiply that number by 52 to get an estimate of about how much you drive a year.
Commuting to work is the number one way that people rack up miles. If you do have a commute, investigate the ways that you can reduce the miles you drive. Try carpooling with a colleague. See if public transportation is available. Ask your employer if you’re able to work from home for a portion of your time.
Plan ahead when doing errands. Map out where you need to be and group your stops. If your grocery store is on your way home from work, for example, plan to stop en route rather than making an extra trip. Pro Tip: Choose free or low-cost home delivery services to avoid the time on the road altogether.
Walk or bike when you can, instead of driving. It gives you the benefit of great exercise in addition to saving on your car’s mileage. Just make sure to brush up on bicycle safety.Pro Tip: Use bike-share programs if your area offers them to save on the cost of a bicycle.
If your family has two cars, try using one for daily driving and the other for leisure. In this way, you may qualify for a low mileage policy on the vehicle used less often.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
