It never feels good to fall victim to a scam or pay more for a product because of it. That’s what it is like with car insurance fraud.
Car insurance fraud happens when someone lies to get a better rate or a larger payout. It could be intentional or accidental, but either way it can cost you money in premiums. The FBI estimates that car insurance fraud costs the average family an additional $400 to $700 every year. In addition, nearly 7 in 10 consumers are tricked into illegal schemes, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance fraud, including some clever scams that could catch you unaware.
What are the types of fraud?
Staged Accidents
In staged accidents, dishonest people intentionally cause a collision with an unsuspecting driver. Then they misrepresent the situation, putting the other driver at fault—and thus get a payout that they don’t deserve. Common scenarios for staged accidents include:
Two vehicles trap your car and force you into a rear end collision.
Someone waves you on that it is safe to pull out, and then another car collides with you.
You are tricked into turning early and the oncoming driver moves forward and collides with you.
Another car purposefully sideswipes your vehicle in a dual left turn intersection.
A car deliberately and abruptly brakes in front of you.
Injury Fraud
Dishonest people can file claims for unnecessary medical treatments or for treatments that they did not receive. Injury fraud also includes claims where people exaggerate the extent of their injury to get a bigger payout.
Exaggerated Claims
Sometimes after an accident, a dishonest person can cause additional damage to their vehicle to receive a bigger payout. That’s why taking photos of the damage is so important to do at the scene of the accident. Another exaggerated claim could be to file multiple claims for the same accident. Finally, disreputable shops can charge for repairs that weren’t made or for substandard work.
Counterfeit Airbags
If you have your airbag replaced by a dishonest shop, you might be charged for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) bag but get a counterfeit one installed. In a worst-case scenario, a disreputable shop could install a garbage bag stuffed with rags. Counterfeit bags are dangerous and may not protect you in the event of an accident. The good news is that it’s easy to check. With an airbag, the light on your dashboard will flash when you start the car. You can also ask an authorized dealer to check that you have a quality airbag.
Windshield Replacement Scams
There are a variety of different scams associated with windshield replacement. Here are some of the most popular.
A stranger approaches you in a parking lot and offers a free windshield replacement. They point out nonexistent damage that can be fixed. They take your insurance information and file an exaggerated or false claim.
Windshield scam artists also could go door-to-door or call you with a “special” for customers in your area. Then they follow a similar process of filing a false claim.
If you live in one of the states that has no deductible for windshield replacement, con artists can file a claim for your windshield and charge you for the deductible.
Tow Truck Scams
Tow trucks that appear right after your accident could be “bandits” who will only tow your vehicle to their shop and charge you hundreds to repair and release it. Calling your own tow truck will help you to avoid this scam.
False Reports of Stolen Vehicles
Reporting a vehicle that hasn’t really been stolen as stolen is illegal. So is misrepresenting the value of a stolen vehicle.
False Documentation
Intentionally providing a false address for your policy to get a better rate is a form of fraud. Understating the annual mileage, misrepresenting the use of a commercial vehicle, and failing to add a new driver also is fraud.
What are the consequences of fraud?
It depends on the seriousness of the fraud. For minor infractions, your claim can simply be denied. For more serious offenses, your policy may be canceled, you could be fined or even serve jail time. A misdemeanor for auto insurance fraud can come with a fine and probation. A felony conviction can result in significant fines and prison time.
How can you fight against fraud?
Carefully check your insurance application forms for mistakes.
If you’re in an accident, take good notes of all those involved. Take pictures at the scene. Don’t sign any documents or agree to any terms at the scene of the accident.
Don’t accept fault for an accident if you believe you are not at fault.
Be wary of individuals offering services that you didn’t request. Avoid sharing details about your auto policy with those who may be disreputable.
Don’t tailgate. This gives criminals a chance to take advantage.
If your car needs repairs or maintenance, go to a trusted professional.
Don’t accept a windshield replacement offer.
Choose OEM parts for vehicle repairs to avoid counterfeits. Before buying a used car, have a certified mechanic check that there are authentic air bags.
Avoid rushed decisions. If someone is pressuring you into something, that could be a red flag.
If you suspect fraud, report it to your insurer as well as to the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 800-835-6422 https://www.nicb.org/.
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 a beautiful night to sit around the fire pit. The flicker of the flames and the crackling of the fire create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and conversation. Yet the scene can quickly turn dangerous without the right precautions.
Each year, fire pits send thousands of people to the emergency room. Young children and pets are especially vulnerable. Fire pits can also pose a significant fire hazard for your property, igniting leaves and grass, wooden structures and even your home. Follow these 10 fire pit safety tips to help keep everyone and everything safe.
1. Choose the right location.
Place your fire pit at least 10 to 20 feet away from other structures. Keep it away from low hanging branches above. There should be a minimum of 12 feet between your fire pit and tree branches. Never set up below power lines or string lights, which can create immediate danger if sparks fly. Don’t put your fire pit under a building overhang or in an enclosed area. That could cause a buildup of smoke, carbon monoxide and harmful gases that can be deadly.
2. Select a safe, stable surface.
Avoid putting your fire pit directly on the grass or on a wood deck. Instead place your pit on brick, concrete pavers, gravel or sand. Alternatively, you can buy pit pads and heat shields for underneath your pit, as well as pedestals. Surround your pit with crushed stone, sand or brick for added protection.
3. Choose the right fuel.
Soft woods like pine burn less efficiently, and spark more. It’s better to buy seasoned hardwood kindling and logs. You also could use fallen branches from trees in your yard. Do not, however, use construction lumber like pressure treated wood, plywood or chemically treated pallets. These woods will emit toxic fumes when they burn. So will trash and plastic. Never start a fire with lighter fluid or gasoline; that will create a burst of flames and can even release toxic gas or cause an explosion. Don’t throw leaves into the fire. They are light and can be carried by the wind. Finally, when tending to the fire, make sure your sleeves are rolled up and your hair is tied back. Use heat-proof gloves, a metal fire poker or safe long handled tongs.
4. Check the wind conditions.
Don’t use your fire pit on windy days. Wind can easily blow sparks around to surrounding brush. Use a screen to contain sparks and large embers. If your fire pit is portable, place it in a location with a natural windbreak before you start the fire. Always heed “no burn” alerts from your local municipality. If they say conditions are unsafe for a fire, it’s too risky to chance it.
5. Keep chairs far enough away.
Carefully place your seats around the fire pit. If you’re too close, your hair or clothes could catch fire. Stay 3-4 feet away from wood burning fires and 2-3 feet away from gas fires. Keep children 3-10 feet away from the flames. If a light breeze is blowing, have guests sit upwind so they can keep clear of the smoke.
6. Supervise children and pets.
Children and pets don’t understand the dangers of fires. They are naturally curious. Teach children the rules about not touching the fire or fire pit and not throwing things into it. Make sure they stay sufficiently away and remind them if they venture closer. Consider barriers or designated areas for both children and pets. Make sure there is a responsible adult who always has eyes on them.
7. Drink responsibly.
Fire and alcohol are not a good combination. Alcohol is highly flammable, and overindulgence can affect our judgment, coordination, and reflexes. If you are going to serve alcohol around the fire pit, have a designated nondrinker overseeing the flames. Keep everyone a safe distance away. You also may consider a smokeless fire pit which could add a layer of safety.Never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish it completely when you are done.
8. Never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish it completely when you are done.
Sparks can fly and fire emergencies can happen in an instant. If you must leave the area, designate a deputy to watch over your fire pit. Remember that fires are “live” for long after they seem to stop burning. Almost extinguished fires with hot ash and hidden embers have been known to cause plenty of damage. Make sure to put out the fire completely before leaving it. Pour water over live embers. Turn the logs to make sure all sides have stopped burning. Check the fire pit the next day just in case. Hover your hand over the ashes to make sure they are not still radiating heat. When it is safe to do so, use a metal shovel to dispose of ashes in a metal pail or trash can. Then wet the ashes by slowing pouring water over them.
9. Be prepared to extinguish a fire in an emergency.
Always keep a shovel, dirt/sand, and water on hand in case of an emergency. You can smother the flames by piling dirt or sand on them. You can spray water from your garden hose but don’t use a focused stream which can spread embers. Also check your manual to see if your firepit is made from a material that is water safe and won’t rust or crack. You may want to invest in a fire blanket which can be used to smother a fire. A multipurpose fire extinguisher can be used as a last resort.
10. Check your local regulations.
Some municipalities require you to get a permit for your fire pit. Due to the fire risk, some homeowners’ associations (HOAs) don’t allow fire pits. Others require an onsite inspection from a local fire official. Do your homework and find out the local rules so that you can follow them.
Finally, protect your home with the right insurance. Accidents happen despite our best precautions. Make sure you have enough coverage in the event of a fire.
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.
The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it begins to lose its value. This can come as quite a shock to new car owners. After all, you just spent your hard-earned money on a vehicle. Yet car depreciation is a reality. Understanding it will help anyone looking to buy, sell, or trade in a vehicle.
What exactly is car depreciation?
It’s the difference between the price you paid for your car and how much it is worth if you were to sell it.
How much do cars depreciate?
It depends a bit on the make and model of car. In general, cars lose 20% of their value in the first year, and 60% over the first five years, according to Kelley Blue Book. You can check out their 5-Year Cost to Own for details on different makes and models. You can also find a car calculator online to get an idea of depreciation for your specific vehicle.
What causes depreciation?
Most things that we buy lose value over time due to wear and tear. That’s the same with cars and trucks. Depreciation is caused by the age of the vehicle and the mileage for starters. In addition, as new models come out with redesigns and new technology, there is less demand for older vehicles. Finally, the condition of the car matters. If your car has been in an accident, or has lots of dents or rusting paint, that impacts the resell value.
Can you slow down depreciation?
While depreciation is inevitable, the good news is that you can take steps to help your car keep its value a little longer.
Maintain your car. Since wear and tear can increase depreciation, taking care of your car helps it stay working its best. Follow the owner’s guide for recommended maintenance.
Take care of your car’s appearance. Dents and scratches can reduce your vehicle’s value. Wash your car, repair scratches and dents, and keep it clean.
Drive carefully. Accidents and damage – even when repaired – will impact a car’s value.
Avoid custom modifications. While these can be fun, they may make it harder to sell your car down the line.
Here’s how to make depreciation work in your favor.
Do you use your car for business? You can deduct your car’s depreciation on your taxes.
Are you buying a car? You can purchase a one-year-old car that is as good as new, but you pay only about 80% of the price. Or you could choose a three-year-old vehicle where the bulk of the depreciation has occurred. Make sure to look for one with low mileage for the greatest value.
Choose a make and model that will resell well. Some vehicles hold their value better than others. It depends on the brand’s reputation plus overall customer demand for certain models. Among the top resellers for 2024 are the Ford Bronco, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Mercedes Benz G-Class.
Other factors that will influence car depreciation include supply and demand. If there are supply chain disruptions that reduce inventory, used versions of those models could be valued at a higher rate. In addition, rising gas prices can put more fuel-efficient cars in demand. Keeping tabs on the market can help you to make informed decisions.
Insurance can also help with depreciation.
Since car loans can last five years, your new car could lose 50% of its value before you pay it off. The loan doesn’t go away even if your car is totaled or stolen. In the event of a total loss, insurance pays the current market value of your vehicle. That’s where a new car replacement policy or gap insurance could help.
New car replacement insurance gives you the money for a new vehicle of the same make and model, minus your deductible. This is typically an add-on coverage that is paired with either collision or comprehensive coverage.
Gap insurance stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection. It is also called loan/lease coverage. Gap is an optional coverage that is paired with either collision or comprehensive coverage. In a covered claim, collision or comprehensive help pay for the totaled or stolen vehicle up to its actual cash value. Gap covers the rest of the loan or lease.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep it protected for added peace of mind.
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.
Understanding the difference between your home warranty and home insurance can save you from financial headaches when things go wrong at home. Let’s break down these two types of coverage to help you make informed decisions about protecting your property.
The Difference At-A-Glance
Home warranties cover repairs and replacements for certain systems and appliances in your home.
Home insurance covers property damage to your home, other structures, or belongings in the case of unexpected events like fires, hail, wind, vandalism, or theft.
Both come with limits on what they cover. Read on to find out more.
What You Need to Know About Home Warranties
The name, home warranty, can lead you to believe that this protection covers your home. That’s not exactly the case. Home warranties cover the major appliances and systems in your house.
When you might purchase a home warranty
Home warranties are generally offered when you purchase a new appliance or system. Examples include washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and garage door openers. You also may have a home warranty for electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. In case one of these “big ticket” purchases malfunctions, you can avoid a major out-of-pocket expense. The home warranty kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
You can also buy a home warranty at any time directly from a home warranty company. Sometimes home warranties are offered as part of real estate transactions as an incentive to close the deal. Such warranties offer peace of mind for the future homeowner.
What your home warranty covers
Home warranties usually cover service, repair, and replacement of a product for a covered problem and everyday wear and tear.
What your home warranty doesn’t cover
Your policy might deny coverage if you have not been keeping up with maintenance. They also could deny coverage for improper installation or modifications, pest damage, or pre-existing conditions. Check your warranty policy for the details of what may be excluded from coverage.
How coverage works
You file a claim. The warranty company connects you with an approved contractor to perform the repair. A technician visits your home to diagnose the appliance or the system, and to recommend a repair or replacement. There may be a service fee associated with this visit. If the repair is simple, the technician can do it the same day. If a replacement is needed or a part must be ordered, then a follow-up appointment is scheduled.
When seeking a home warranty, be an informed consumer:
Take an inventory of your large home appliances and systems. Write down their age and condition. Record the last time they were serviced.
Estimate how much it will cost you to replace those systems. If you can afford to replace them without help, you do not need a home warranty.
Consider a home inspection. This will document any pre-existing conditions that will not be covered by a warranty.
Research coverages and payment amounts. Read the fine print. Many companies limit the amount that they will pay, and it may only be a portion of the appliance or system.
Check that the company you choose is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
What You Need to Know About Home Insurance
A homeowner’s policy is a “package” of coverages. It protects your home and personal property from specific events that can damage them and provides additional living expenses if you are unable to live there due to an insured loss. In addition, your homeowner’s policy covers you for lawsuits or liability claims that might otherwise be your responsibility if you accidentally injure other people or damage their property.
When you might purchase home insurance:
You will purchase home insurance when you buy your home. If you have a home mortgage, then maintaining homeowner’s insurance is generally a requirement of your loan agreement. Even if you own your home outright, it’s recommended that you protect your equity in the home by maintaining homeowner’s insurance.
What your home insurance covers and doesn’t cover:
Following are highlights of what your home insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover. For details on these and other coverages, see our blog on Home Insurance 101.
Dwelling coverage refers to the structure of your home: the roof, walls, floorboards, cabinets, and bath fixtures. A loss is covered unless it’s excluded by your policy.
Other structures insurance covers pools, fences, gazebos, sheds, etc. A loss is covered unless it’s excluded by your policy.
Personal property coverage protects your possessions, such as furniture, clothes, sports equipment, and other personal items. If your possessions are stolen, or damaged by fire/smoke or any of 16 covered “perils,” your policy will pay for them subject to your deductible.
If your home is damaged in a covered loss, it may not be livable. If that’s the case, you would need to stay somewhere else. Loss of Use, also called Additional Living Expense, covers you for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas.
Personal Liability protects you if a claim is made or a suit brought against you for bodily injury or property damage caused by an occurrence to which coverage applies. Liability covers you at your place or anywhere in the world.
If you are not liable, but your guest was injured through his/her own fault, then Coverage F – Medical Payment to Others may cover your guest’s medical bills.
How coverage works:
You file a claim. You’ll fill out the necessary paperwork online or by email. For a homeowner’s or personal property claim, you will need to provide a Proof of Loss statement. That’s a list of items that were damaged or stolen and how much it costs to replace them. You may have to get a repair estimate and include that information. Then, you’ll wait for approval. Once the repair is authorized, you’ll be able proceed. Either you or the contractor will receive payment from the insurance company, so check with your adjuster. You will be responsible for the deductible amount, the amount that you will pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
When seeking home insurance, be an informed consumer:
Estimate how much it would cost to rebuild your home from scratch in your current location. Also ballpark the cost to replace all your personal property. This will give you a starting point as to how much insurance you will need.
Determine if you will need specialized coverage beyond a standard homeowner’s policy. For example, you may want flood or earthquake coverage for your location.
Shop around for insurance, and keep in mind, that it usually pays to buy home and auto coverage from the same company. When you bundle your home and auto insurance, you can often qualify for reduced rates, saving hundreds of dollars.
Ask about discounts. You may qualify for insurance discounts for being part of a professional association, such as groups for teachers, nurses or first responders. There are also discounts for being retired, for paying via automatic bank payments, and for paying in full upfront.
Check that the insurance company you choose is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
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.
Imagine this: you’ve just bought a brand-new car and barely had time to savor that new car smell before disaster strikes. Whether it’s a major accident or theft, your car is now a total loss. Here’s the kicker: your insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover what you still owe on your car loan or lease.
That’s where gap insurance comes in. It covers the difference (“the gap”) between what your insurance pays and what you still owe, sparing you from being stuck with a hefty bill for a car you no longer have.
What is gap insurance?
Gap insurance stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection. It is also called loan/lease coverage. Gap is an optional coverage that is paired with either collision or comprehensive coverage. In a covered claim, collision or comprehensive help pay for the totaled or stolen vehicle up to its actual cash value. Gap covers the rest of the loan or lease.
Why is gap coverage necessary?
When you buy or lease a new car, it starts to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot. Most new vehicles lose up to 20 percent of their value in the first year, according to Kelley Blue Book. That means that the actual cash value of your new vehicle could be lower than your loan or lease amount.
In the event of a total loss, insurance pays the current market value of your vehicle. The loan doesn’t go away even if your car is totaled or stolen. If there is an additional amount still owed to repay the loan, your Gap insurance covers it. Otherwise, you will have to pay that amount out-of-pocket.
What doesn’t gap insurance cover?
Gap insurance does not pay if your car is only damaged and not declared a total loss. It does not cover mechanical failures and will not pay if your engine dies. Gap does not cover your deductible for collision or comprehensive. It does not pay overdue payments or late fees on your car loan. It only covers the gap, or difference, between your car’s actual value and the amount of your loan.
When should you consider gap insurance?
New car owners generally find value from gap insurance if their car is less than 3 years old. Consider gap insurance if:
You made a down payment that was less than 20 percent of your car’s value.
You financed the vehicle for 60 months or longer.
You leased the vehicle. (Gap insurance is generally required if leasing a car.)
You moved negative equity from an old car loan into a new one.
Your vehicle depreciates faster than average.
Calculate whether gap insurance offers a good value for you.
Here’s an easy way to determine if the amount of gap insurance works with your situation.
Use the Kelley Blue Book to estimate your car’s current value.
Calculate the difference between the value of your car and your loan amount. Are you able to cover this cost out-of-pocket?
Get a cost quote for gap coverage.
Determine how long you will need gap coverage. At some point, the value of your car and the amount of your loan will be close. Mark on your calendar when to drop gap coverage from your policy.
Where should you get gap coverage?
Your car dealer will offer to sell you gap insurance, but if you buy it there, it will be rolled into your car loan. That means you’ll be paying interest on it. You’ll also lose the flexibility to cancel it when you no longer need it. In addition, car dealers often charge a higher fee for gap coverage. Check with your auto insurer. You should be able to add gap coverage to an existing auto policy.
Gap insurance is one of those coverages that we hope we never need, but it’s so helpful if we do. Enjoy your new car, and 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.
