We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Customer Care Representative, Rafael Romero
Rafael has been with us for almost 2 years and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Rafael!
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
I felt like a needed a change, for the better, from my old job. I saw California Casualty had a posting for this job, so I thought I’d give it a chance.
Ever since my first interview, I knew I really wanted to work here. During the interview process, before I was even hired, the recruitment staff and my managers immediately made me feel like family, and I can honestly say, it has been the same family-like environment ever since.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The very best part about my job is when customers call in hoping they can save some money on their policy and I end saving them hundreds at a time. At that point you can basically see their smile through the phone and it makes me really happy knowing I helped bring it to their face.
I love my job here because this is a company that has shown great appreciation for me and the work that I do to help our customers. I’ve never felt anything but valued since I’ve been here.
This is a very caring, team-centered environment and everyone is constantly looking to help each other and our customers.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
To be honest, before I started working here I didn’t know anything about insurance. So in my 2 years, I’ve learned TONS of information about this industry. So much so, that it was almost overwhelming, but with all the resources available to me and awesome training we have, it has been much easier to compartmentalize everything.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I really enjoy playing pool; I am part of the American Pool Association and really like playing in leagues and get to know new people!
I also love basketball, I have been a Lakers fan since I can remember and Kobe (R.I.P.) will forever be my idol.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
in 2009, I joined the Army straight out of high school in Puerto Rico. Next thing I know I’m stationed in Ft Carson, CO, and getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, where I spent a year. I got out in 2013 after I got married and had my daughter, Jaelynn, who is now 7 years old and in 2015 I had my son, Rafael, who is now 4.
I am currently working and going to school to get my accounting degree (I love numbers) and, thankfully, I am less than 20 credit hours away!
If you want to learn more about Rafael or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
While we’ve been shut in our homes for months, many people have taken the opportunity to clean, organize, and purge.
Before stowing your supplies, go through the checklists below to finish your spring cleaning (inside and out) before the lazy days of summer hit. -You’ll also find tips for recycling or donating items like extra business wear, old shoes, and leftover paint!
Spring Cleaning Indoors
You know the drill: dust and wipe down all surfaces. Vacuum and mop floors; clean carpets and rugs as needed. Disinfect light switch covers, doorknobs, and handles throughout your home. Expert tip: clean one room at a time before moving to the next. And try to hit these extras—they’ll make a huge difference:
Kitchen. Organize pantry and cupboards. Defrost and clean the freezer. Toss expired food. Sharpen knives and give your pots and pans a deep clean. Don’t forget the oven (inside and underneath).
Bedrooms. Vacuum, rotate, and flip mattresses.Launder all bedding—including pillows!
Living areas. Clean the fireplace and hearth. Launder curtains and drapes. Vacuum sofas and under cushions, and wash cushion covers. Change the batteries in the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
Laundry room. Clean appliances—underneath and even inside. Clean dryer lint trap.
Bathrooms. Clean toilet lid hinges and bolt covers on the toilet base. Clean exhaust fan. Check expiration dates on medications and dispose of safely.
Garage. Get rid of unwanted items and re-organize what you want to keep. Sweep, wash and degrease the floor—and repair any cracks to extend the life of the concrete. Inspect your garage door, including weather stripping and the door track hardware.
Basement. Declutter and re-organize items. Vacuum and wash vents. Check for and treat any mold or mildew.
Spring Cleaning Outdoors
Backyards and home exteriors, often forgotten, also benefit from spring cleaning love. The following not only ups the beauty quotient but enhance safety and prevent damage.
Gutters. Clean out debris and check for cracks, gaps, or sagging.
Patio furniture. Scrub furniture clean with the appropriate cleaning solution. Hose off and let dry in the sun. Brush off and wash outdoor cushions.
Deck. Sweep, scrub, and powerwash. Inspect for and repair any rotting word, chips in concrete or rusted metal.
Trees. Trim low-hanging limbs or any that risk damaging your house.
Lighting. Replace bulbs as needed. Clear fixtures of cobwebs and insects, and clean inside and out.
Windows. Wash windows inside and out. Gently brush and wipe down screens (remove if necessary to deep clean). Remove, wash, and store any storm windows.
Grill. Check all connections and functions. Give the grill a thorough scrubbing and replace propane tanks if needed.
Outdoor surfaces. Powerwash the siding around your home. Check driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and walkways for damage or safety hazards.
Where You Can Donate
You’ve purged and cleared the clutter—inside and out. What to do with all that stuff you’ve bagged up or set aside to get rid of? Besides the local donation stand-bys, try apps like NextDoor or Freecycle to donate usable items to folks in your neighborhood. Here are other ideas for some common items.
Old running shoes — Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program keeps athletic shoes out of the landfill—and turns them into new running surfaces.
Linens — Many animal shelters welcome used towels and blankets for their 4-legged residents.
Leftover paint — Many organizations can use your (non-expired) leftover paint. Try Habitat for Humanity, local shelters or churches, and community organizations that work with kids (and hence, have projects!)
Hazardous materials — Drain cleaner, antifreeze, motor oil and other toxic chemicals can be dropped off or collected by your local waste management agency, or the national Waste Management, which serves most U.S. municipalities.
Lumber scraps – Untreated wood (along with tree trimmings!) can be composted. Wood that’s painted, treated, or varnished unfortunately must go to the landfill. Remember not to burn it, as that releases toxic chemicals.
A freshly scrubbed home and yard will make every day relaxing and summer barbeques all the more enjoyable. And you’ll feel better knowing your used items helped out neighbors in need.
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.
Each Memorial Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of all the brave men and women who have laid down their lives, and put them at risk, for our freedom.
Many Americans celebrate Memorial Day by hosting large parties with friends and family, while others choose to attend memorial celebrations and parades. This year; however, may look a little different.
Here’s how you can observe Memorial Day while staying away from the crowds:
Observe a Moment of Silence – Plan a time for you and your family on Monday to pause for a few minutes to honor those fallen and reflect on your gratitude for the sacrifices made by those heroes and their families.
Make a Donation to a Military or Veteran Charity Fund – If you would like to make a difference this Memorial Day, donating to a charity is one of the best ways you can help our military veterans and their families. There are all kinds of charities out there, so find one with a mission that you would like to support and give what you can, or donate straight on the VA’s website.
Visit a VA Cemetery –VA cemeteries will be open to the public throughout the weekend for friends and family members to visit and place flags and flowers on graves; however, the ceremonies, like the Wreath Laying Ceremony will not be. Most ceremonies will be streamed online this year. You can watch live by searching for the cemetery on social media on Memorial Day or visiting this link.
Visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) Online– The VA, alongside the National Cemetery Association, has launched the VLM website to memorialize the 3.7 million Veterans interred in VA cemeteries to a digital memorial space by providing a VLM profile page for each Veteran. Families and friends can search for their veterans and create online memorials.
Watch PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert – The concert will be held on the eve of Memorial Day, Monday the 24th, at 8 p.m. EST. In previous years, the concert has been held on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn, but this year it will be a series of performances, stories, and special messages.
Show Your Support on Social Media– If you have friends or family that are in the military, dedicate a social media post for them to thank them for their service. If you don’t, but would still like to show your support, you share our Memorial Day graphic straight from our Facebook page.
Happy Memorial Day to all of our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service.
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.
Unpredictable weather is a trademark of spring:73° and deliciously sunny one day, 41°, and sideways rain the next.
Fluctuating weather during this time of year also plays a major factor in the development of severe spring storms. However, with the right preparation, you can be sure that your home and family are ready to withstand the worst of it.
Follow these preparation tips to be sure you are spring storm-ready.
Be Weather Aware — You can sign up for a number of free weather alert services provided by national or local agencies, weather channels, and power companies. Usually, alerts come to your phone via text message or app, but many have multiple delivery methods. And remember, radio is the old standby, especially in a power outage (so set your emergency radio to the correct station ahead of time).
Trim the Trees — Trim low-hanging limbs, as well as any branches hanging near your home or power lines that could snap off in high winds and cause damage.
Free Your Gutters — Remove leaves and other debris from gutters, drains, and downspouts (best done each spring and fall). This ensures that any deluge of rainwater is quickly diverted away from your home and foundation rather than potentially flooding it. Take the opportunity to check gutters for leaks, damage, and sagging; also make sure they’re securely attached.
Check the Sump Pump — If you haven’t had to deal with a flooded basement, thanks are due to your hardworking sump pump. To keep it in good working order, test it a few times a year, including before spring storms. Clear any debris and make sure it’s working and draining properly. Consider adding a battery-powered back-up pump, or a standby generator, in case of power outages.
Get Ahead of Leaks — Leaks are sneaky … and can cause damage quickly. If you’ve had any leaks in the past, now’s the time to seal them up—before the big rains start. Also do a preventive check on your doors’ and windows’ sealing (inside and outside), as well as in the garage and basement, then fix any gaps or cracks.
Secure Items — By the time the wind is bending trees, it’s too late to worry about securing items in your yard. As soon as storms are forecast, bring items like patio furniture into the garage (or secure them in place outside). Anything that can become a projectile should be moved inside. Also close and secure shutters around your home. Drawing interior blinds and shades provide yet another layer of protection against flying debris and broken glass.
Get Your Plans in Place — When the storms roll in, you’ll be glad you made plans ahead of time.
Storm Safety Plan — Create a safety plan with your family, and make sure everyone understands it and is on board. This would cover things like shelter-in-place locations in the home, evacuation routes, communication protocols if you’re separated, and a plan for your pets.
Emergency Kit — Regularly check your kit and add, replace or discard items as needed. See our checklist here for a full emergency kit inventory. At the very least, prepare the following for storms: first aid supplies, flashlights with new batteries, two gallons of water per person, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, a three-day supply of non-perishable food for your family and pets, and a two-month supply of any necessary medications.
Be Ready for a Power Outage — Are you ready for a few days of no power? Charge all phones and electronic devices ahead of time. Make sure your generator is operational and ready to go. Fill your car’s gas tank (and some cans for your generator). For more tips, check out our power outage safety hacks. Finally, remember to use surge protectors when the power is being restored.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to safeguarding your home, the steps above can go a long way toward preventing costly damage, headache, and hassle. And there’s no time like the present to start!
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.
About half of all Americans have been financially affected by the coronavirus. Many have lost jobs or are dealing with reduced hours, and those still working might be anxious about what’s on the horizon. Lean times—even the possibility of them—call for fiscal prudence.
Here are some tips to cut costs and put yourself and your family on better financial footing.
Evergreen Principles
These tips are wise moves in any economy, but especially important right now.
Revise your budget. Depending on your family’s situation, your income and expenses might look very different from just a few months ago. Review with fresh eyes how much money is coming into and out of your household.
Cut the fat. What are your essential expenses? For most people, it’s rent/mortgage, groceries, loans, and utility payments. For all other expenses, reassess what you really need—and don’t be afraid to make cuts.
Lower your energy bill. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can translate to dollars saved. Also, check your doors and windows for easy-to-fix gaps that may be leaking air.
Consolidate your entertainment. Streaming services and subscriptions can add up quickly. Only keep those you use; and turn off “auto-renew.” Cutting your cable can also mean big savings.
Check cell phone & internet bills. Your plans may have add-ons (extra data, faster speed, etc.) that you’ve forgotten about or don’t need. Ditch those, and then call to change or negotiate your plan—and don’t be afraid to switch providers (many will lower your bill to keep your business).
Get smart on groceries. Plan meals ahead of time to reduce impulse buys at the store. Make large meals (soups, stews, salads) in big batches to last for days. Vegetarian meals are especially budget-friendly. Also, look at your food waste—and use what you buy.
Made for These Times
Sometimes crises come with opportunities; in the case of coronavirus, there are some new ways to save.
Coronavirus resources. The federal assistance available to those impacted by coronavirus includes resources for unemployment, healthcare, loans, stimulus checks, and business aid. Check the site to see if you’re eligible.
Free subscriptions. Many digital platforms are offering free subscriptions right now. From streaming services and educational programs to online workouts, you can find a lot just by doing a web search.
Low refinance rates. The Federal Reserve’s recent slashing of the interest rate translates to very low rates on loans. If you were considering refinancing your mortgage or another large loan, this might be a great time.
Lower debt interest. Federal student loan interest (along with principal) has been suspended until September 30, 2020. Check with your other creditors to see if they will work with you to lower your interest rate or temporarily suspend it.
Eviction, rent, and mortgage protection. Due to widespread hardship, there are assistance programs available for rent and mortgage payments, as well as protection against eviction. Check your state’s programs and the Federal website.
Summer Skip option. Educators who are California Casualty policyholders can opt to take a break from premium payments during the summer months.
If you’re able to, pad your healthcare and emergency savings as much as possible. If you’re expecting a tax refund (tax day has been extended to July 15), try to stash that in savings.
Hopefully, the lean times will be temporary, but you’ll never regret saving money where you could.
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.
