California Casualty recognizes employees who have made a significant impact on how our organization does business as your insurance partner with two annual awards.
The Thomas R. Brown Pride in the Code Award is a tribute to Tom Brown, recognizing employees for outstanding contributions that reflect one or more of the company’s five core values drawn from the California Casualty Code: Acting with Integrity, Fulfilling our Promises, Providing Exceptional Service, Pursuing Excellence through Learning and Working as a Team.
Throughout the year, employees can be nominated by their peers to receive a PRIDE in the Code award. Quarterly award winners are selected from among all employees receiving a PRIDE in the Code award during a particular quarter. The highlight each year is when one of the quarterly winners is selected for the annual Thomas R. Brown PRIDE in the Code award.
The Carl G. Brown Jr. Award of Excellence, considered California Casualty’s highest honor,is given to those who exemplify the value of Carl G. Brown Jr. – author of the California Casualty Code – who, over his 40 years of service, tirelessly dedicated his time, talent and energy to the company and the community.
Each year, in keeping with Mr. Brown’s deep personal commitment to responsibility and achievement in both these areas, the award is presented to an employee in recognition of excellence in their contributions to California Casualty and their local community.
The 2020 recipient of the Thomas R. Brown Pride in the Code Award is Carleen N., Senior Communications Systems Analyst, for Providing Exceptional Service.
Carleen went above and beyond to help our employees work through phone and workspace issues at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was instrumental in assisting employees in many areas of the company to set up workspaces at home. Carleen solved numerous work-from-home phone issues, helped departments learn how to use our enterprise videoconferencing solution, and supported employees coming back into the office.
In addition to demonstrating the value of Providing Exceptional Service, Carleen is also someone who lives our core value of Working as a Team. One of her PRIDE in the Code nominators, Lisa P., said, “Carleen worked with so many employees with varying levels of system expertise. She was always patient and kind, with a positive attitude the entire time.” Another of her nominators, Greg F., added, “Carleen was willing to do whatever it took, working later in the evenings and on weekends as well!”
Managers and team leaders across the company recognize that Carleen’s expertise and dedication have helped their teams deliver for California Casualty’s policyholders in this difficult time, when nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, and educators are being stretched to do their jobs in ways that would have seemed unimaginable a year ago. Mike McCormick stated, “We have been able to continue to be available to our group members through it all because of Carleen’s responsiveness in working with our team!”
The Sales Leadership Team summed it up well: “We are so appreciative of Carleen and wanted to recognize her for the difference she makes. Thank you, Carleen!”
The 2020 recipient of the Carl G. Brown Jr. Award of Excellence is Todd B., Senior Vice President-Underwriting Operations/ Analysis & Corporate Legal.
Todd started his CCMC career in the Colorado Service Center in 1998, excelling as a Sales Representative and as a Sales Team Manager. From 2003 to 2012, a period that included his election to Vice President in 2009, Todd had responsibility for various combinations of the following departments: Underwriting Operations, Service, Sales, and Direct Mail/Marketing Services. After a brief hiatus of just over one year as a self-employed entrepreneur, Todd returned to California Casualty in 2013 as Manager of Home Office Underwriting. Over the next few years, Todd gained responsibility for Underwriting Quality Assurance and Underwriting Operations, and he was re-elected Vice President in 2017. In 2020, Todd’s responsibilities were further expanded to add Corporate Legal and Licensing, and in December 2020 he was elected Senior Vice President.
Todd is a true champion of continuing education, personally earning seven insurance designations including his CPCU. He has successfully encouraged his staff to do the same as a way to increase their knowledge and elevate their expertise, through learning and obtaining the designations to reflect their achievements and their professionalism. On the application submitted for this award, Todd’s nominators stated, “With the value, he has set on education, it is no surprise that Underwriting has experienced a large number of employees receiving designations over the past few years with more in the works.” We are proud of the many employees in Underwriting and throughout the company who have risen to the challenge of boosting their knowledge and expertise, as California Casualty moves forward in a rapidly changing personal lines marketplace.
Todd is a “skilled and enthusiastic communicator” who is “able to gain buy-in by others for procedure changes and project implementations.” The key to his success is that his “openness to creative solutions is contagious and is a great gift Todd provides to those he interacts with.” Todd has always been open to new processes and innovations, leading or collaborating with others on many projects that have positively impacted California Casualty and how we do business. Todd is a bowhunter who has held leadership positions in organizations dedicated to conservation and record keeping. He has served as a director on the board of the Colorado Bowhunters Association, from which he received the 2018 CBA Bowhunter of the Year award, a lifetime achievement award, for his many hours of service and efforts. Todd has also served as a director of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society and of Pope & Young, the largest bowhunting organization in North America.
Please join us in congratulating Todd!
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.
Purchasing a home is an extremely exciting adventure in the life journey – in fact, more than anything it might represent achieving the American dream. For all the excitement though, it can be confusing, challenging, and stressful. And even for those who’ve done it before, today’s real estate and credit markets are significantly different from even five years ago.
So, whether you’re embarking on this journey as a first-time home buyer, taking advantage of record-low interest rates, or just planning on downsizing or upgrading, follow our guide to help get you in great home-buying shape.
Phase 1: Prepping and Planning
1. Decide how much you can afford – If you’re like many, your home is the largest purchase you’ll ever make – so the biggest question is around how much you can comfortably afford. This is determined according to your income, debt, credit score, location, and more. Then there’s the down payment, for which you’ll probably need to have a savings plan to reach (typical amount is 10-20% of the home value). You can use a home affordability calculator or, better yet, talk to a financial planner.
2. Put your financial ducks in a row – You’ll want to be in good financial shape before house shopping. That means paying off all or most of your debt and making sure you have an emergency fund. The latter will be helpful for those unexpected expenses you’ll have as a new homeowner (that you didn’t have to worry about as a renter!). You’ll also want to save for closing costs (typically 2-5% of loan amount), moving expenses, repairs, and other various expenses.
3. Strengthen your credit – Your credit score affects what loans you will qualify for, so you want it as strong as possible. Get free credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and make sure there aren’t any errors. Then build your score by making sure to pay all bills on time and keeping card balances low. If you don’t have much credit history, quickly start building your score by putting a utility bill or two in your name and staying current on your payments.
4. Educate yourself – Get familiar with all the steps of the process, including all the costs along the way and the people who will be involved. Your main contact (and person working on your behalf) will be your real estate agent, but you will/may also be working with a seller’s agent, broker, loan officer, underwriter, appraiser, listing agent, loan servicer, home inspector, and others.
5. Work with recommended professionals – The most important of these is your real estate agent, who will be representing you and your interests through the process. Ask for recommendations in your circle. Pro tip: You may get referrals to “real estate agents,” “realtors,” and “real estate brokers.” What’s the difference? The first is a licensed professional representing buyers or sellers, the second is a real estate agent who’s a member of the realtors’ association, and the last generally has more training and may work independently or have their own firm.
6. Explore your mortgage options – You can go with all kinds of lenders – all of which have a different down payment and eligibility requirements. Make sure you look at the range of loans, including conventional mortgages as well as loans offered by the FHA, USDA, and VA. As a first-time homebuyer, be sure to research federal or local assistance programs for your buying cohort – they typically offer advantages and savings not offered to other home buyers! After your research, carefully compare the different loan fees and rates.
7. Get pre-approved – After you’ve chosen a preferred lender, apply for pre-approval. Having a pre-approval letter (which specifies the lender’s offer amount) shows real estate agents and home sellers that you’re serious about buying, which can put you at the front of the bidder line.
Phase 2: House Shopping
8. Research the area – Smart buyers don’t make buying decisions based on the property and house alone. Make sure you thoroughly research the neighborhood (visiting it at different times and days) and think about proximity to schools and workplaces. Research crime rates and consider traffic congestion and freeway access. Also, know the value of homes in the area – a price per square foot average is a great yardstick for making sure you don’t end up paying over market value.
9. Go to open houses – The pandemic has made online home-viewing easier than ever. Take advantage of 3D home tours, which will let you filter out homes that don’t fit your needs. From there, you can attend in-person open houses only at those homes you’re most interested in.
10. Get an inspection – Paying for a home inspection is money well spent and can save you very expensive headaches down the road. A typical inspection covers things like structural elements, grounds, attic, heating and cooling systems, roof, exterior surfaces, basement, insulation, electrical system, and all other parts of the home.
11. Make an offer – Once you’ve found the home you want and can afford, you’ll make an offer to the seller. If you’re not sure how much that should be, lean on your agent for their expertise! They can also help guide you through any negotiating (on say, repairs) or other terms or conditions. Finally, a personalized offer letter never hurts!
12. Know the market – You may be buying in a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, or somewhere in between. Knowing the larger marketplace will help ensure you don’t over-or underbid (again, your agent should be your guide here!). If the market is especially hot you’ll be competing against lots of other offers – know your top price going in so that you don’t get saddled with debt you can’t afford.
13. Get adequate home insurance – Your lender will require homeowners insurance, so start shopping for coverage early (at least 30 days before closing). Get quotes and make sure you understand what’s covered, what’s not, what the terms are, and any additional coverage your home may need. Have questions? Give us a call – we offer special benefits to educators, firefighters, nurses, and peace officers!
Congratulations on embarking on the exciting home-buying journey! With a little extra effort, a plan, and a solid understanding of the process, you’ll be settled into the home of your dreams in no time.
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 no secret our pets bring us so much joy, but owning a pet – especially one that’s young – is a lot of responsibility. Like children they are not something that can be brought home and forgotten about, they require your time, effort, and care.
February is responsible pet owner’s month, and whether you’re bringing home your first pet or your 6th, it’s always good to be reminded how to be a responsible and caring owner.
Here’s are 10 responsible pet owner tips that will help you and your furry friend adjust to this new life together.
1. Recognize they are a commitment. Your lifestyle may have to adjust based on the needs of your pet. Make sure you are ready to make this commitment before you bring them home.
2. Create a safe space for them. Pet-proof your home to avoid accidents and give them a space that is completely their own, with a bed, toys, blankets, food, and water.
3. Give them time to adjust. When you bring them home they may be timid or wild, but give them the time and they will learn their new home and your routine.
4. Visit the vet. Even if they hate it, preventive care is essential in making sure your pet stays happy and healthy.
5. Make them tags. Microchip and/or give them ID tags with your name and number on them, in the event that they escape, you will be notified if they are found.
6. Train them. Don’t give up on your pet if they aren’t acting like you thought they would, as their owner it’s your responsibility to put in the time and effort to train them or have them trained.
7. Create a healthy lifestyle for them. Feed them a healthy pet food and be sure not over or underfeed them. Exercise is also very important, especially for young pets that need to exercise to release their extra energy.
8. Socialize them. Let them play with friends and family, and also other pets. If they are too scared or anxious you may have to work on socialization with your vet or trainer.
9. Give them love & affection. Like humans, pets crave your love and attention and need it to be happy in your home.
10. Make them feel like part of the family. Most importantly, treat them like a member of your family, because they are 🙂
Don’t forget to make sure your new pet is covered! Pet health insurance helps you pay for expensive veterinary bills, so you don’t have to. Pets Best pet insurance is available to all California Casualty members at a 5%* discount. Click here for your quote.
We know that bringing home a new pet can be just as scary as it is exciting, but don’t worry, you’ve got this!
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.
Who knew we needed this holiday so much!? Celebrating friendship, love, appreciation, and inclusivity – Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to bring your class some fun and good-feels after a tough year.
In normal times, we’d be organizing handmade paper valentines, classroom activities, candy hearts, and other treats for an in-person celebration. But this year requires a little creativity in moving the holiday online and rocking it – luckily, we’ve gathered up a list of 13 great ideas to help you do just that!
1. Throw a party – Yep, even if you’re teaching remotely you can still throw a great virtual party. The key is creating a fun mood and tone. Decorate your space in pink and red (even just a little goes a long way) with things like garlands, paper heart cut-outs, paper flowers, and other crafts. Check out tips on resources, tech, and tailoring for different grade levels here.
2. Make Valentine’s Day cards – These are the beloved Valentine’s standby – and the good news is they’re not going anywhere. With some planning ahead, you and your class can still make traditional paper cards (see #s 2, 3, 16, and 18 here) or you can go totally virtual using any of the many online cardmaking apps out there. We also have free downloadable teacher-to-student Valentine’s cards on our blog.
3. Do holiday word games – From word scrambles to crosswords and rhyming exercises check out these holiday-themed downloadable worksheets.
4. Get crafty – Send a craft packet out to your students ahead of time and add craft-making to your party plan. The ideas are endless: beaded hearts with pipe cleaners, heart pockets, friendship bracelets, collages, and more – find dozens of ideas here and here.
5. Embrace magnetic poetry – Students can create poetry for the occasion by using this easy-to-use free online tool.
6. Facilitate peer shout-outs – Part of the beauty of Valentine’s Day is lifting up the things we find great about another person. Use this cool heart-shaped word cloud to help students create clouds containing things they love about their fellow students or family members. This exercise is great to assign to student pairs.
7. Do a candy heart experiment – Slip in some science with this fun activity. Best for preschoolers or kindergarteners (requires parental supervision).
8. Spread the love – Check your local Children’s Hospital or hospital’s pediatric unit to see if they have a Valentine’s Day card campaign your classroom can join. These can be done online and be delivered electronically. Pro tip: hospitals usually ask that the message sticks to a Valentine’s theme rather than a “get well” message.
9. Share stories – Ask students to create their own “Things I Heart”: on a heart-shaped paper cut-out, they can write down things they love in their life – this could be people, pets, food, activities, sports – anything that makes them happy and feeling good. Besides being good for the holiday, this also helps them start strengthening their gratitude muscle. Download our printable template here.
10. Do a kindness challenge – Devote the day, a week, or even the whole month to a kindness challenge. The idea is to have kids think of little kindnesses they can do for others – such as leaving a thank-you note for their mailman, doing an extra household chore for their parents, or hanging a birdfeeder for hungry birds. Find more ideas here and here (make Covid adjustments as necessary).
11. Have a poetry reading – There are a zillion poems about friendship and love – and plenty appropriate for every grade level. Have students find a poem they like and then share it with the class (older ones can memorize and recite; little ones can read from the page or screen).
12. Do some creative writing – There are so many writing prompts for the day! Have students write their own poetry, write a friendship letter, make a gratitude list, draft a love letter to the earth or write thank-you notes.
13. Holiday gif – Kids can easily make Valentine’s-themed pixel art for free at home. A great intro to animation!
Just because Valentine’s Day may not happen in the classroom this year doesn’t mean it can’t still be great. Enjoy this day of kindness and love with your students – kindness really does make the world go round!
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.
Umbrella Insurance, sometimes called “personal umbrella insurance”, is a type of personal liability insurance that provides an extra layer of affordable liability protection in the event of an accident.
Adding Umbrella Insurance protects you and your family by covering additional damage costs that extend beyond the limits of your homeowner’s, auto, or watercraft policies. This additional coverage ensures your personal assets are safe.
Considering adding an Umbrella Insurance policy? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
What does it cover?
The primary purpose of this coverage is to protect you if you’re found liable for causing bodily injury to others or damage to their property. It also protects against incidents involving slander, libel, false arrest, and invasion of privacy, as well as any legal defense costs – even if you’re not found liable. It protects not just you as a policyholder, but also other family members within your household.
What does it not cover?
Umbrella insurance does not cover damage to your own property, nor does it cover any deliberate damage to others’ property caused by anyone on the policy.
How does it work?
Think of it as a “supplement” to your core coverage. Let’s say you have liability limits of $250,000 through your auto and homeowners insurance and you’re sued for $1,000,000. The umbrella insurance would kick in after legal fees and costs exceed $250,000 – which can happen staggeringly quickly – protecting you against having to pay the remaining amount out of pocket.
How do you know if you need it?
You might need an umbrella policy if you: own a car, own a home, want to protect your assets against a lawsuit or judgment, or want to protect your retirement savings or future earnings. Accidents happen every day – umbrella insurance is an affordable way to protect the assets that you’ve worked hard to acquire.
How much does it cost?
For the amount of protection it offers, liability insurance is surprisingly affordable. The decision on whether or not to get it calls for weighing the risk of what you stand to lose – current assets as well as the potential loss of future income or earnings. It’s especially affordable if you already have a policy with the same insurance company. Are you already a California Casualty member? Call us for an Umbrella Insurance quote today!
Does it cover car rentals?
Your automobile policy is the primary coverage for any damage or injuries you might cause while driving a rental car. However, if the cost of damage or any lawsuit fees is greater than your auto insurance liability limits, that’s when umbrella insurance protection would provide you further protection.
Does it cover rental property?
If you’re a renter and have renters insurance, an umbrella policy can extend your liability protection beyond the limits of your primary policy. If you’re a landlord, this coverage can help protect you from lawsuits by tenants, their guests, or other third parties.
If you are still on the fence about Umbrella Insurance, here’s what you can do. Add the value of your home, significant assets, and any investment portfolios or retirement savings accounts, and determine how much liability coverage you have from your home and auto policies. Do your current policies cover your assets?
If the answer is no, it may be time to consider an Umbrella Insurance 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.
