It’s relatively easy to break into a garage. Thieves can do it in a matter of seconds, and grab your tools, sports equipment, and other high-value items before you know it. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your garage from a break-in. Follow these tips to make your garage door more secure.
Tip #1: Light the way.
Thieves lurk in the shadows. Add motion-activated flood lights around your garage. The sudden blaze of light is sure to startle a burglar and could scare him away. It also could alert neighbors or passersby to their activity, which could deter them as well.
Tip #2: Cover your windows.
You probably store high-value items in your garage, including your vehicle. Don’t broadcast that fact to everyone. Use interior curtains or blinds to cover your windows. You also can use an adhesive window film. Windows also are easy to break. Consider garage door windows with panes that are too small to use to enter.
Tip #3: Trim your landscaping.
Make sure there are no bushes near your garage where thieves can hide. You want your neighbors and every passerby to be able to see what’s going on. Pro Tip: Plant thorny shrubs under garage windows to discourage thieves from getting in that way.
Tip #4: Reinforce your service door.
If your garage has a service door that leads to the outside or inside of your home, make sure it’s secure. Most garage service doors can be broken with a well-placed, solid kick. Reinforce your door with a strike plate, using 3-inch screws to secure it.
Tip #5: Add a layer of protection with a lock.
Many garages use keyless locks which open the door with a keypad, fingerprint reader, or remote control. Alternatively, you can use a deadbolt or padlock, which require keys. You can even use a combination of locks, such as a garage door lock bar which stops the door from being raised, in combination with another type of lock for added security. Choose the one(s) that works for your budget and your needs. Pro Tip: Keep the keypad clean. A thief can look at the dirty keys to guess your garage door code.
Tip #6: Update your remotes.
If your garage door remote is old, chances are it is easy to hack. Thieves can use a code grabber that copies your signal. Then they can send it to your garage door to open it. Newer remotes use a rolling code, which slightly changes the signal that your remote sends every time. That’s a good reason to update your garage remotes to a newer model.
Tip #7: Don’t clip your garage remote to your car visor.
It’s like giving thieves a key to your home. They can just break into your car to get your remote. Consider using a smart garage door opener from your smartphone or attach your remote to your keychain so it’s always with you.
Tip #8: Close your garage door.
It may seem simple but sometimes we forget to close our garage doors. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving yours open. Consider an automatic door closer that will shut the door after a specified amount of time. You also may wish to invest in a garage door monitor, which displays whether the garage door is open or closed.
Tip #9: Protect your garage’s emergency release cord.
The emergency release cord is designed to open the garage door in a power outage. Thieves however use it to their advantage. They can push the door inward to create enough of a gap to insert a wire hook. Then they pull down on the cord. There are a few ways that you can protect the cord from this hack. You can pull the cord through a PVC pipe that is too thick and bulky to be pulled by the wire. You can cut the cord very short so thieves cannot easily grab it. You can zip tie it so it cannot be pulled. You can create a door lock shield with a scrap of plywood screwed to the opener’s arm.
Tip #10: Install a security camera.
Security cameras can help deter thieves, especially if they are visible. Make sure that the ones you buy are designed for outdoor use and specifically for the seasonal temperatures in your region. Consider features like motion-activated recording, and WiFi or mobile access via your smartphone or other device. Add a door alarm or security sensor to alert you of a breach. This is especially valuable if you are not home or are on vacation.
Finally, for added peace of mind, you will want to make sure that you fully protect your home with the right coverage. After all, your home is one of your greatest investments.
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.
When your son or daughter starts driving, it’s a milestone moment. It can also be a little nerve wracking. You can’t be everywhere to keep them safe, but you can help them by choosing the right vehicle. In honor of Teen Driver Safety Week, we researched the best and safest cars for teens in 2023, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports.
What makes a good vehicle for teens?
You want a car with strong reliability ratings and excellent crash test scores. Today’s cars also have hi-tech safety features that can help keep young drivers safe. These include:
Blind spot monitoring to let you know if there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
Automatic emergency braking when the car senses a potential collision.
A lane departure warning that makes a sound or other signal if you veer toward the next lane.
A lane-keeping assist that steers your vehicle back into your lane.
Pedestrian detection that identifies people walking in front of the car.
Built-in systems with teen driver controls, such as speed warnings and muting of audio while driving.
You will want to avoid:
Sports cars, which have too much horsepower and could tempt a teen to drive beyond their skill level.
Small cars that weigh under 2,750 pounds; their crumple zones are not good.
Large vehicles with long braking distances.
Vehicles with seats for lots of passengers. Each additional passenger increases the odds of an accident due to distractions.
Following is the list of vehicles with above average reliability scores and good crash tests. Prices provided are from Kelley Blue Book and are estimates for the lowest trim models as of May 2023.
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.
Buying your first car is a right of passage. Getting your first auto insurance policy is one, too. Whether you’ve graduated from your parents’ policy, just moved out, or purchased your first car, here’s what you need to know about getting that important first policy.
Learn about the types of coverages.
An auto policy is made up of different coverages. You choose the types you need from a range of options. Some coverages are required by law. Others are optional but will help to fully protect your investment.
Liability: If you are at fault in an accident, and others are involved, it’s good to have liability coverage. Liability coverage is required by law in most states. It covers you for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. However, it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle; that’s covered by collision. It also does not cover injury to you and your family; it only covers the people in the other car.
Collision: This coverage is if your car is damaged in a collision with another car or an object, such as a fence. Your collision coverage will pay for repairs minus the deductible. Collision coverage is not required unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of an accident.
Comprehensive:Comprehensive coverage is for natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft and animals that damage your vehicle. Think of it as “bad luck coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is not usually required unless you’re leasing a vehicle or paying a car loan. However, it’s valuable to protect your car.
Medical expenses: If you or others are hurt in an accident, you will want medical expenses covered. You will either be able to get medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). These coverages apply to everyone in your car whether or not you are at fault in the accident. This type of coverage is good to have, as your health insurance may not cover auto accidents and does not normally protect your passengers. PIP is only available in some states and may be mandatory if your state offers it.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist: You may encounter drivers who are not insured or who are underinsured. If so, you will need insurance to cover your car and the people in your car if hit by an at-fault driver in that situation. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) helps pay for repairs to your vehicle. Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury coverage pays for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering for you and your passengers. These are optional coverages in most states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay.
Your car insurance premium will be determined by the coverages you select and other factors that contribute to the risk you present as a driver. These include, but are not limited to:
Where you live: If you live in the city, there’s greater risk for vandalism and theft. If you live in a location prone to floods, wildfires or other disasters, you could pay more as well. You don’t necessarily have to move to get better rates, but sometimes moving into a neighboring zip code can save you some money.
How often you drive: The more you drive, the greater chances you have to get into an accident—even if you’re a safe driver. So, people who only drive their car for leisure will pay less than others with a long commute.
Your car’s make and model: Generally, cars that are more expensive will cost more to replace; therefore, it will cost more to insure them. Cars that are highly rated for safety, or that include certain safety features, may qualify for a reduction in your premium.
Your driving record: Insurance companies use your past behavior to predict your future behavior. That’s why drivers with few or no accidents, and few or no moving violations like speeding tickets, pay less than those with lots of claims. In many cases, companies keep the violations on record for 3 years. If you have a clean driving record otherwise, you may qualify for a lower rate.
Tips to Save Money on Your Policy
Shop around. You’ll pay more as a first-time driver and so it’s always good to compare pricing. Compare quotes for insurance but be sure that you are looking at similar coverages or it won’t be a fair comparison.
Raise your deductible. Since the deductible is the amount your insurance provider will subtract from an insurance payout, you’ll want to select a deductible that you’re comfortable paying out-of-pocket after a loss. However, if you can afford to raise the deductible, you could lower your premium.
Reduce your annual mileage. Consider carpooling or taking public transportation to reduce your mileage, which in turn can reduce your premium. In most states, your insurer pulls reports to determine annual mileage. But your daily commute mileage to work each day can impact rates so it’s a good idea to live close to where you work.
Ask about discounts. You may get a discount for installing an anti-theft device. You may qualify for affinity or association member group discounts. At California Casualty, we offer special group rates for educators, nurses, and public safety employees.
Maintain a good insurance score. This score, known as the Financial Responsibility (FR) Score, is allowed in most states, and has a big impact on your premiums.
Insurance companies use the same basic information to determine your rate. At California Casualty, we have our own unique formula to help our clients save money. Learn more by getting a free quote at https://mycalcas.com/quote.
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’ve all had that uncomfortable feeling of being tailgated. It’s not just an annoyance. It’s a dangerous behavior that can lead to an accident. But just how risky is tailgating and what can we do about it? Read on.
What is tailgating?
When you’re too close to the car in front of you, you’re riding “on its tail,” or tailgating. Tailgating is an aggressive behavior that can be mistaken for road rage, and even lead to it. Interestingly, even though drivers who tailgate seem to rush ahead, tailgating has little effect on getting there faster.
Why do people tailgate?
There are many reasons why people tailgate. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Aggressive drivers tend to tailgate. These are the same folks who speed and cut it close when making lane changes. They also can quickly escalate into road rage episodes.
Drivers who are impatient or frustrated may tailgate. They’re in a hurry and they want to get past the traffic to their destination.
Intoxicated or drowsy drivers may tailgate without realizing it. Their state of mind causes them to misjudge the distance to the car in front of them.
Young drivers sometimes tailgate. They do not fully understand the safe distance between cars and/or the consequences of this risky behavior.
Distracted drivers may tailgate because they’re not paying attention to the road. They’re on their phones or fiddling with something in the car.
Almost always, drivers who tailgate have a false sense of security. They think they can stop in time. Yet it may take longer than you think. Stopping distance is directly related to the size and weight of your vehicle. A large truck will take much longer to stop than a small car. Sharing the road with vehicles of all sizes is important. You need to give yourself an adequate cushion of safety so you have enough time to react and stop your vehicle.
What are the effects of tailgating?
At the very least, you can make the driver in front of you nervous by tailgating. You may even cause them to drive too fast or shift lanes quickly which can cause an accident. They also may tap on their brakes to tell you to back off. That can trigger an accident or road rage incident. In a worst-case scenario, they can stop short, causing you to rear-end them. You may even cause a chain reaction of rear-end collisions.
Rear-end collisions make up about 23% of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These types of collisions cause approximately 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths each year.
Who is liable for a tailgating accident?
In nearly all cases, the driver who is tailgating is the person at fault in a rear-end collision. Note that a single at-fault accident could raise your insurance premium.
Learn the 3-second Rule.
If you’re alert and focused on the road, it takes you about 2 seconds to react to a roadway hazard. That means a safe following distance is at least 3 seconds or more.
Use the 3-second rule as a starting point. You can measure the distance in seconds this way:
Find a landmark such as a mile marker or telephone pole.
Start counting once the car in front of you passes that landmark.
Count slowly until your car reaches the same landmark.
That is the number of seconds that you are traveling behind the vehicle in front of you.
You will want to increase your following distance when the weather is bad. It’s recommended to use 4 seconds for wet weather and 10 seconds for snow and ice.
How should you react if you are being tailgated?
The last thing you want to do is to be rear-ended by a tailgater. If you are being followed too closely, you will want to take evasive action.
Don’t engage or look at the tailgater.
Don’t tap your brakes to tell them to back off. This can be construed as hostile and can cause the driver to react.
Change lanes and allow the driver to pass.
Maintain your distance from the driver. Keep as far away as possible.
Be aware that your car’s crash avoidance system could cause you to brake automatically and suddenly. That may play a role in future tailgating incidents.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep your car well maintained and protect it with the right insurance.
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.
Some days it seems we’re practically living in our cars. Having the right things on hand can make our lives that much easier.
As you’re going from soccer practice to dance and back again, make sure you have the kid-friendly “must-haves” in your vehicle. In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, we’ve also included some important items to keep everyone safe.
Essentials
Stock the basic travel items to keep everyone clean and comfortable.
Wipes: These include wet wipes to clean hands and faces as well as disinfecting wipes for surfaces such as car seats. Up your game with stain remover wipes for those “oops” moments.
Tissues: Travel packs are easy to store. Not only are they good for the sniffles, but they can also double as napkins after eating, or toilet paper if you’re in a bathroom that has run out.
A towel: Dry off, clean off, or use to cover a hot seat. Towels can even double as a blanket or a napkin in a pinch.
Scissors: These are helpful in case you need to cut a seatbelt in an emergency. In non-emergency situations, use them to cut open items that won’t easily tear.
Pro Tip: Use a laundry basket for the things going from the car into the house and back again. It’s especially useful for sports equipment.
Clothing
Keep some extra things for everyone in your family.
Ponchos and/or umbrellas: You’ll want these for when you’re caught in the rain. You can find inexpensive disposable ponchos that do the trick.
Extra pair of clothes: Include a change of clothes with underwear, and a plastic bag for dirty or wet things.
Flip flops: It’s easier storing these than shoes for those times when your child splashes in muddy puddles. They’re more forgiving in size and you buy them on clearance.
Coats, sweatshirts, and blankets: These are great when the air conditioning is blasting, or the weather turns colder unexpectedly.
Snacks and Water
Sometimes plans change, or things take longer than you expected. This way, you’ll avoid the question, “can we stop somewhere for dinner?”
Snacks: Stock child-friendly snacks and update even nonperishable ones regularly.
Self-serve containers: Invest in spill-proof cups and containers that enable toddlers and young children to serve themselves.
Water: Choose reusable bottles, filled with fresh water to keep everyone hydrated. Water is also helpful when someone has sticky hands or sandy/dirty feet.
Trash bag: You want a place where the kids can throw their trash. Disposable plastic or paper bags are good options. Make sure to empty them often.
Entertainment
Keep them occupied with their favorite activities so that you can stay focused on the road.
Shoe box of toys: Let them decorate a shoe box and choose their favorite toys for the car. Include crayons and add some coloring books to your bag of books, below.
Reading: Pack a bag of books for every age level. Consider audio books for longer trips.
Power converter: Charge everything from phones to kids’ tablets to portable DVD players.
Restaurant backpack: Stopping to eat? Fill a backpack with toys and activities for kids to use at the restaurant.
Safety
We recognize Child Passenger Safety Week each September. It’s a reminder to keep safety in mind when we’re on the road.
LifeVac anti-choking device: Enjoying snacks in the car? This rescue suction device can save a life in a choking emergency.
Safewise seat alarm: This device detects when you open a back door before starting the engine. It sounds a chime, then issues escalating reminders so that you won’t accidentally leave a child behind in a hot car.
First aid kit: From band aids to antibiotic ointments, chances are you’re going to have to take care of minor injuries on the road. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked with the items you need. Include a first aid manual for those situations where you’re not exactly sure what to do.
Emergency roadside kit: Make sure you’re fully prepared in case you get stuck or stranded. Flares, flashlights, and jumper cables are good things to have in your emergency car kit.
Teach your children safety in and around vehicles for added protection. Finally, protect your car with the right insurance. It will give you peace of mind as you take care of your most precious cargo—your children. 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.
