Traveling in Extreme Heat

Traveling in Extreme Heat

by | Safety, Travel | 0 comments

It’s going to be a hot one. When you’re traveling, that can be a problem. Vacationing in extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but it can put you in real danger. Here’s how to keep your cool when you’re traveling or vacationing in extreme heat this summer.

 

Avoid the hottest hours.

The sun is highest at midday but that’s not when the air is the hottest. While it depends on your geographic location, generally the hottest times of day are between 3 and 6 pm. It’s a good idea to avoid being outside during those hours. Take a siesta in your vacation home. Plan an itinerary that includes outdoor adventures earlier in the day or in the evening. The advantage of traveling in the summer is that sunset is very late in some countries so there’s extended daylight well into the evening hours.

Pro Tip: Check for evening discounts. Some attractions may offer them.

 

Wear the right clothes.

Look for white or light-colored clothing made of rayon, cotton, or linen. Those fabrics will allow heat to pass through and keep you cooler. Avoid synthetics and dark colors which absorb heat. Choose loose styles that allow your body the space to “breathe” and sweat. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses; both will help.

 

Stay hydrated.

You sweat more when it’s hot, and so you need to replenish the water and nutrients lost by your body. Try to drink every 15-30 minutes even if you’re not thirsty. Stick to water or sports drinks that have electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which are dehydrating.

Pro Tip: Set reminders on your phone to hydrate. There are apps available that can make it fun.

 

Choose the right foods.

When we eat a lot of heavy foods, our bodies work hard to digest them. In the process, that creates heat. Choose lighter fare instead. Hydrating foods like fruits and salads do double duty and provide extra water. Cold foods, like ice cream and smoothies, naturally help to cool down your body. Salty snacks such as salted nuts, popcorn, and trail mixes help replace electrolytes.

 

Get wet.

If you can’t get to a swimming pool to cool down, there are some creative options. Take a cold shower or dunk your head under the faucet. Wet hair will make breezes feel cool. Hold your wrists under cool running water. Wet your hat or wear a damp evaporation scarf. All of this will help lower your body’s core temperature.

Pro Tip: Invest in a breeze fan and bring the misty breeze along with you.

 

Use an umbrella.

Think of it as your personal shady spot. By keeping the sun’s rays off you, an umbrella will make you cooler. Heading to the beach? Bring a tent or umbrella for a similar effect. In general, it’s a good idea to seek out shade wherever you go.

 

Look for places to cool off.

Look for malls, libraries, museums, and galleries that can offer quick relief. Plan for those inside activities during the hottest part of the day. You may want to call ahead to confirm that they have air conditioning. It is not necessarily the norm in countries outside the U.S.

 

Don’t overdo it.

Exercise raises your core body temperature. Limit physical activities in the heat. Avoid climbing hills or doing any activities that require exertion. These activities will only put extra stress on your body as it’s trying to deal with the heat.

 

Take care of your car.

Extreme heat can affect your car, too. If you’re on a road trip, make sure to be aware of the effects. The heat could make it hard for your battery to hold a charge. It can affect tire pressure and even cause tires to overheat, putting you at risk for a blowout. Air conditioning puts extra stress on the engine. Before you plan a road trip in the summer, have your vehicle checked to make sure it’s in its best shape to travel.

 

Acclimate yourself before your trip.

You can adjust your body to the heat before your vacation. Go to a sauna or steam room. Work up to spending 30-40 minutes in that sauna/steam room over 7-10 days. It allows your body to get used to the heat.

 

Beware of heat stroke.

Know the signs of heat stroke and a place where you can get medical attention while traveling. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable so you will want to take extra precautions to keep them cool.

 

Safe travels and enjoy the journey!

 

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.

Protecting Your Cell Phone From Hackers

Protecting Your Cell Phone From Hackers

by | Finances, Safety | 0 comments

Your cell phone is your trusted companion, your admin assistant, social director, banker, compass, and connection to the world. If it ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in deep trouble.

At best, a hacked phone could make life difficult. At worst, it could result in thousands of dollars in identity theft. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cell phone from hackers.

 

Update to the latest version.

Many hackers take advantage of out-of-date operating systems. Whether you have iOS or Android, make sure to update your phone to the newest version. This will give you the latest security fixes.

 

Avoid fingerprint and facial recognition.

Hackers can take your fingerprints from a drinking glass to open your phone. They also can use photos of you to get past facial recognition settings. Use a pin instead and make sure you’re the only one that knows it. Change it regularly, at least once a year.

Pro Tip: Don’t set your phone to automatically unlock, even at home. If you’re an iOS user, disable Siri access from the lock screen.

 

Avoid unsecured connections.

Public WiFi is available nearly everywhere. While it makes our lives easier, it comes with security risks. Use caution if you’re on an unsecured network. Never access your bank account or shop online unless you’re on a secure network with a lock icon.

Pro Tip: Use a VPN, a virtual private network that protects your identity while working on a public network. VPNs usually have an associated fee.

 

Use strong passwords for your apps.

Avoid pet names, birthdays, and other personal information that may readily be available on social media. It makes it easy for hackers to guess your password. The best passwords are complex and unique. Password managers make it easy to set distinct passwords without having to memorize them.

Pro Tip: For an added layer of security, use different email addresses: one for financials and one for social media.

 

Don’t just download any apps.

Anyone can create an app, including hackers. If you download the wrong app, you could be adding malware that can steal from your phone. Make sure the apps you’re using are from reputable companies. Take a few minutes to review your apps and delete any that aren’t verified.

 

Don’t save your information.

It may be convenient to save your credit card information on online shopping sites. Check out as a guest instead. Be selective when you give out your personal information.

 

Freeze your credit.

Cell phone providers use the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. Freeze your credit with them and with the big 3 credit unions: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. This will ensure that no one can open new accounts in your name.

 

Disable WiFi, Bluetooth and Cellular Data if not using your phone.

A hacker can’t hack you if you’re not connected. When in a public place, you can disable access to the internet. One easy way is to turn on Airplane Mode. You also can use your user’s manual to find out how to disable connectivity.

 

Consider anti-virus software.

There are two schools of thought on whether security software is necessary for smartphones. Some say it’s unnecessary and others recommend it. You may consider it as an additional layer of protection.

 

Know how to control your phone remotely.

Settings and apps allow you to remotely lock and erase your phone if it’s stolen. Make sure you know how to use them. There is the “Find My Phone” option in iCloud and the Android Device Manager in Google.

 

Back up your data.

Make sure you regularly back up your data to the cloud or your computer. If you’re hacked, you’ll still have access to that information.

 

How to Know if Your Phone Has Been Hacked

You may not realize the moment your phone is hacked. Initially, it may present as a technical issue. Malware can cause this with its malicious code. Watch for these telltale signs:

  • Your phone loses charge quickly.
  • Your phone runs very slowly, freezes and crashes.
  • You notice unusual activity on your online accounts.
  • There are popups or changes to your home screen.
  • You receive unfamiliar calls or texts.

If you believe your phone was hacked, install and run anti-virus protection. Delete any risky apps, texts, and files. If the damage is extensive, you can always wipe and restore your phone to factory settings. Then you’ll be able to address the damage done by hackers to your accounts, both financial and social.

 

 

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.

 

Vehicle Air Conditioning – How to Maximize the Cool

Vehicle Air Conditioning – How to Maximize the Cool

by | Auto Insurance Info, Finances | 0 comments

Getting into a hot car is the last thing you want to do on a scorching summer day. You want to cool that car down fast. We researched the tried-and-true methods to maximize the cool in your car’s air conditioning system. Read on to find out more.

How air conditioning works in your vehicle

Your car’s air conditioning pulls air in from the cabin or outdoors. It takes out the heat and moisture, and then pushes it through the vents so you feel cool air. Importantly, the air conditioner draws energy from the engine. When you put on the air, your engine must work harder, and you burn more fuel. So, you want to cool down, but you don’t necessarily want to do it by burning more than you need to.

Follow these 6 tips to cool your car quickly and efficiently.

 

#1: Park in a shady spot.

Give your air conditioner some help by parking in a shady spot. While your car will still be hot, it will be cooler than in the direct sun. That way your air conditioning will start with the air at a relatively lower temperature and have less work to do to bring the temperature down.

Pro Tip: If there is no shady spot, create one with a sunshade. Not only does it help with heat, a sunshade protects the inside of your car from damaging UV rays.

 

#2: Wait to run the AC.

Roll down the windows and let the warm air escape before you get into the car. Open your door and move it back and forth like a fan, to force some cooler air in and hot air out. Then, wait until the car is in motion to turn on the air conditioning. Precooling without driving can reduce the battery life of an electric or hybrid car. Plus, as you’re moving, the air flow will naturally help the AC run more efficiently. The faster you go, the faster the engine turns, and the faster the compressor runs, resulting in cooler air.

Pro Tip: So that the steering wheel and other components aren’t too hot to touch, try wiping them down with a damp cloth prior to driving. In a pinch, wet wipes can work.

 

#3: Don’t switch to max right away.

When you first get into the car, it’s usually hotter inside than the air outside. You don’t want to pull in that hot air. Instead, turn on the fan to maximum speed and make sure it’s set to outside mode (not recirculate). Leave the AC button off at first. Once you’ve had a chance to force out some of the humid and hot air, then turn on the AC mode and set it to recirculate. Keep it on the coldest setting until it’s the temperature you want.

Pro Tip: Before you shut off your car, turn the air off. That way it won’t go on automatically when you turn it on again.

 

#4: Install an AC curtain.

It’s faster to cool a smaller space than a larger one. That’s the idea behind an AC curtain. This fan-powered device creates an invisible barrier that keeps cold air in one section. In a larger SUV or minivan, this could reduce the space that needs to be cooled, and it works well if there are just a couple of occupants.

Pro Tip: Amp up the cool with a cooling seat cover with its own temperature control.

 

#5: Change your air filters.

Your car’s air filters remove dirt, pollen, and dust from the air. When your cabin filters are clogged, they struggle to get the air through. That’s why it’s important to clean them according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. This is usually every year or two, or every 15,000-20,000 miles.

 

#6: Keep your car well maintained.

A dirty air condenser impacts the performance of your air conditioning system. Have your condenser cleaned with regular maintenance. If your AC is not working well, check the system. It could be a worn-out part, or too little refrigerant in in the system. Note that adding refrigerant is not a normal task. The system is sealed, and so if refrigerant is low, you could have a leak.

 

Finally, protect your car with the right insurance for added peace of mind this summer.

 

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.

 

When You NEED to File a Claim, and When You DON’T

by | Auto Insurance Info, Finances | 0 comments

You accidentally bump the car in front of you. Luckily, there’s not much damage. You pick up the phone to call your insurer. Wait a minute. Will filing a claim for this accident save you money or cost you in the long run?

Filing a claim may have consequences down the road. Too many claims could cause a non-renewal of your policy. Even a single claim could raise your insurance premium when you renew. Plus, you may not have to file a claim with your insurance company if you are not at fault. You can possibly get compensated by the other driver’s insurer.

Follow this guide to know when to file a claim, when to skip it, and what to do if someone else is at fault.

 

Do file a claim…

If there is bodily injury

You should always file a claim if someone is injured. Bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the driver and passengers in the other vehicle. In no-fault states, your own injuries are typically covered by your auto policy through a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim. (It differs from state to state.) Note that many injuries don’t show up immediately. Whiplash could take days or weeks to appear.

If there is major property damage

You should always file a claim if there is major property damage. With an auto insurance policy, property damage coverage helps pay for repairs for the other vehicle or for repair/replacement of property, such as a fence, damaged or destroyed in the collision. With home insurance, a personal property policy covers damage to your possessions. Other parts of your homeowner’s policy cover the home and other structures.

If you’re at fault and others are involved

Even if the damage seems minor, the other driver can sue you after the accident. That’s why it’s a good idea to file a claim for accidents where you are at fault and others are involved. Report the accident to your insurer so that they will be able to represent you. Your liability insurance will help to cover you. Your insurer will work hard to avoid a lawsuit. They will handle the claim and pay for damages/injuries for which you are legally responsible. If you purchased coverage for your car, they would repair that also, subject to your deductible. Importantly, don’t pay the other driver out-of-pocket for damage that you caused. That will work against you if you are sued since it appears you were at fault.

 

Don’t file a claim…

If it’s a single-car accident and nobody is hurt

If your car hits a tree or fence, and no one is hurt, it may not make sense to file a claim.

However, if you are at fault, you will have to pay for the damage/repairs to the tree/fence. In this case, your Property Damage coverage would apply and pay for damages you are liable for up to your policy limit.

Your collision will pay for repairs minus the deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs. If, however, your car hits a deer, your comprehensive coverage kicks in. Comprehensive coverage applies when something other than a collision causes the damage.

When damage is close to the deductible amount

If your deductible is $500, and repairs would be about that amount, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim. You’re responsible for the deductible amount, and you would get just a minimal check from your insurer.

When you hit a family member’s parked car

If it’s unlikely your family will sue you after the accident, and if the damage is minor, you can probably handle it without filing a claim. You can pay for the repair for your family member out-of-pocket.

 

If you’re not at fault

If the other driver has insurance

If the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim with his or her insurance company. That insurer can provide you compensation with no effect on your insurance policy. Note that it is possible for fault to be shared. You may have to file a claim with both your insurer and the other driver’s insurance company if that is the case.

If the other driver has no insurance

File a claim with your insurance company. Your collision coverage will apply if you are hit by an at fault uninsured motorist.  Your collision deductible can be waived if there is direct physical contact, and the owner or operator of the uninsured vehicle is identified by its license plate number. If you don’t carry collision, you can carry UMPD – uninsured motorist property damage.  This coverage has either a policy maximum or a special deductible.  Most states allow you to carry Collision or UMPD, but not both. Collision has a deductible but no policy limit.  UMPD has either a policy limit or a deductible. If you or your passengers are injured by an accident with an at fault uninsured/underinsured motorist, you can use your uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, if purchased. 

 

Noteworthy tips

  • Take photos of damages. Try to take them before the cars are moved, especially in a parking lot accident. Make notes of the street, speed, and get ID from the other driver, i.e., license plate or driver’s license number.  Get information on “independent” witnesses (not your friends or family members). You may need them even if the other person says they are sorry.  People often change their story when it comes time to file a claim.  Police don’t often come to accident scenes any longer unless injuries, drugs, or alcohol are involved.
  • Even if you do not file a claim, make sure to file a police report. This is evidence that the accident occurred and could protect you from false claims late You typically file the report online now. Some states require you to file a report; check your state requirements.
  • Check out your car after an accident. Small leaks or damage could be present that weren’t immediately apparent. Knowing the extent of the damage may help inform you whether to make a claim.
  • Don’t delay your decision. You have limited time to file a claim, though most states allow 1+ years to make and settle an injury claim.
  • Buy a dashcam. It may be the only thing that proves what happened in the accident.

It’s always a good idea to read your policy and understand your coverage. If you have questions, we’re only a phone call away.

 

 

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.

Newlywed Checklist

Newlywed Checklist

by | Auto Insurance Info, Finances, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

You had a checklist for the perfect wedding. Now that the big day is over, you’re ready for the next step: the “to do” list after the “I do’s.”

We’ve put together the definitive checklist so that you won’t miss a thing as you transition into married life. It’ll be a piece of cake – pun intended – after planning a wedding. Remember, you’ve got this.

  1. Take care of the post-wedding details.

The wedding may be over, but there are likely some details that still need to be addressed. You’ll want to take care of them in a timely fashion, but most can wait until after the honeymoon.

  • Returned rented clothing and items. Take your wedding dress to be cleaned, boxed, and preserved.
  • Pay outstanding vendor bills. Many wedding vendors require payment on the day of your event, but for those who will bill you, make sure to pay them promptly.
  • Order photos. Set aside several hours to review your photos and choose the top 20-30. Then create a flow that tells the story of the day from start to finish.
  • Send thank you notes within 3 months of the wedding. Consider alternatives to handwritten notes, such as postcards with a photo of the wedding and a heartfelt sentiment.
  1. Request your marriage certificate.

This is not to be confused with your marriage license, which is the legal document that allows you to get married. A marriage certificate is legal proof that you are married. It often has a raised seal.

  • After the ceremony, it is the responsibility of your officiant to bring the marriage license to the county clerk so that a marriage certificate may be generated.
  • Contact the county clerk’s office and order 3-5 certified copies. Note that there will be a charge for each one that you request.
  • Arrange to have the copies mailed, or for you to pick them up.
  1. Legally change your name (optional).

If you plan to change your name, there is a process to follow.

  • You will need your marriage certificate to apply for a new social security card. That’s the first step in changing your name.
  • Once you have a social security card, you can take that, your marriage certificate, and proof of address and visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for an updated driver’s license. You are now ready to use your new ID to update your name on your financial accounts. (See below.)
  • You also may want to update your name on your social media accounts.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to take the time to do it yourself, there are companies that provide name change services for a fee.

  1. Alert your employer.

If you changed your name and/or your address, you want to alert your employer so that they have the correct information on file.

  • Provide a copy of your new driver’s license to your employer, which will include your new name and/or address.
  • Make sure your employer has updated bank deposit information for payroll, health insurance, and your 401K.
  • Request new business cards and/or an updated email address.
  1. Update your financial accounts.

Your financial accounts need to be updated if you changed your name and/or address. In addition, this is a good opportunity to take stock of your finances, create a budget, and how you will move forward as a married couple.

  • Provide a copy of your marriage certificate, updated driver’s license, and proof of address to update the information at your bank.
  • Do the same for any loans, such as car loans and mortgage providers, and for your credit cards.
  • Set up a joint bank account if desired. Order checks with your married name and address.
  1. Update or change your insurance.

Now that you’re married, you will want to update your homeowner’s or renter’s policy and auto insurance so you’re together on the same policy.

  • Contact your insurance provider to update them on your new name, address, and marital status. You will need to do this even if you do not change your name.
  • Determine what changes need to be made on your homeowner’s or renter’s and car insurance policies. If you had individual policies previously, you would want to cancel them and have a new policy written for both of you.
  • You may qualify for discounts through bundling Don’t forget to ask about those.
  1. Alert your service providers.

You’ll also want to update your service providers with your new name and address.

  • Contact the utility providers for your home, including gas, electric, water, and Internet.
  • Make a list of your doctors and other medical providers and alert them with new information, including updated health insurance if applicable.
  • Update your memberships and subscriptions with any new information.
  1. Notify the government.

You’ll want to make sure that your married name is listed with your local town and various government agencies.

  • If you own your home, check with the town/county clerk, and make sure your married name is listed on the property deed. This should also put your correct name on property taxes and sewer bills.
  • Update your name (and if needed, address) with the post office and with your state’s voter registration.
  • File for a new government-issued passport in your married name so that you’ll be ready for your next adventure.
  1. Merge your stuff.

You brought stuff to the marriage and so did your partner. Likely, you have duplicates. Now is a good time to decide what to keep and what to give away or sell. There are many Free Cycle and Buy Nothing Groups to donate right in your local community.

  • Sell or donate your wedding dress, wedding décor, and any other wedding-related supplies that you no longer need.
  • Go through your household items to look for duplicates. Decide to regift or sell.
  • Return any unwanted wedding gifts within 2 months. You may use the credit with the store to buy the items you still need.
  1. Make a newlywed bucket list.

The wedding may be over, but your adventures are just beginning. To help with the post-wedding blues, create your newlywed bucket list and start planning.

  • Make a list of the things you’d like to do together. Then choose a few you’d like to try sooner rather than later.
  • Remember that it doesn’t have to be costly. You just spent a lot on a wedding and honeymoon. Maybe it’s hosting your first dinner party as a married couple or trying out a new hobby together.
  • Plan a one-year anniversary vacation. Follow these pro tips to save money when you travel. You’ll have a year to save for the trip, and it will be another wonderful celebration of your new life together.

 

 

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.