Garage Updates That Boost Your Home’s Value

Garage Updates That Boost Your Home’s Value

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car. It’s a space brimming with potential—whether as a storage haven, a home gym, or even a workspace. But if it’s cluttered, outdated, or simply an afterthought, it might not be adding as much value to your home as it could. Here’s how a few strategic updates can make all the difference.

The First Step: Take a Hard Look at Your Garage

Before you start transforming your garage, take a step back and assess its current state. Is it simply a parking space, or do you use it for storage, projects, or workouts? Look for structural issues—cracks in the foundation, roof leaks, signs of critters or water damage. Understanding what you have (and what you need) will help you prioritize the best upgrades. Make sure to address any issues before you take the next step.

Upgrade Your Garage Door—Form Meets Function

Your garage door plays a big role in both security and curb appeal. If it’s outdated or difficult to operate, consider replacing it with an insulated, easy-to-use model. Automatic doors add convenience, while lightweight aluminum doors are a sleek, modern option. Choosing a color that complements your home’s exterior can elevate your property’s appearance instantly.

Climate Control: Stay Comfortable Year-Round

Extreme temperatures can make your garage unbearable. Insulating the walls and ceiling can help protect your car and stored belongings while making the space more usable. Weatherstripping the garage door reduces drafts, while a properly vented space keeps carbon monoxide from seeping into your home. Depending on your budget, options range from simple portable heaters and fans to a fully integrated HVAC system.

Smart Storage for a Clutter-Free Garage

Garages tend to accumulate everything from holiday decorations to sports gear. A well-organized space makes life easier and more appealing to future buyers. Invest in heavy-duty plastic bins, labeled and neatly stacked on secured shelving. Pegboards are a great way to hang tools, while overhead storage is perfect for seasonal items, luggage, and bulky equipment. Keeping things off the floor not only maximizes space but also prevents damage from spills or moisture.

Let There Be Light!

A dimly lit garage feels uninviting and unsafe. Install bright, energy-efficient LED lighting to make the space more functional. Motion-sensor lights outside improve security, while decorative sconces add a polished touch. If your budget allows, consider skylights or additional windows to brighten the space.

Durable & Stylish Flooring Options

Your garage floor takes a beating, so upgrading it can enhance durability and aesthetics. Epoxy coatings seal porous concrete, making cleanup easier and preventing stains. If you prefer a high-end look, polished concrete provides a sleek finish. Interlocking tiles in rubber, plastic, or vinyl offer cushioning and are easy to install, while rollout mats provide simple protection against stains. For cold climates, radiant heating under the floor can add comfort and melt snow from your car.

Power Up: Add More Electrical Outlets

A well-wired garage is essential for both convenience and safety. Installing multiple GFCI-protected outlets ensures you have enough power for tools, appliances, and even an electric vehicle charger. If you frequently work in the garage, proper wiring will prevent overload issues and enhance usability.

Plumbing for Extra Functionality

Adding plumbing can transform your garage into a more functional space. A utility sink makes cleanup easier, while a mudroom or pet-washing station can be a game-changer for active households. If you’re considering a larger renovation, incorporating plumbing could even allow for a future guest suite or apartment above the garage.

Keep It a Garage—But Make It Shine

While it may be tempting to turn your garage into a game room or art studio, think twice before eliminating its primary function. Most buyers want a place to park their car, and repurposing the garage completely can hurt resale value. However, if you’re considering adding a finished living space above the garage, that can be a big selling point—especially if it includes a kitchen and bathroom. Just be sure to check local zoning laws and secure the necessary permits before starting construction.

Curb Appeal: A Garage That Wows

Your garage is a major focal point of your home’s exterior, so make sure it looks the part. If the outside appears worn or outdated, it can negatively impact your home’s perceived value. Consider upgrading the garage door with a stylish design like a carriage house or modern paneling. Fresh paint, decorative hardware, and window boxes can also make a significant impact without a hefty price tag.

Security & Safety: Protect What Matters

Since garages often provide direct access to the home, security is crucial. Installing a security system with cameras and motion detectors can deter potential intruders. Smart locks and keypad entry systems enhance protection while adding convenience. Inside the garage, be sure to have a fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and a first aid kit. Regularly inspect for hazards like exposed wires or leaks and address them promptly.

With the right upgrades, your garage can be more than just a place to park—it can enhance your lifestyle, increase your home’s value, and even improve safety and security. Whether you’re planning small improvements or a major transformation, investing in your garage is an investment in your home’s future.

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.

Keeping Your Car’s Technology Safe from Hackers

Keeping Your Car’s Technology Safe from Hackers

You love your car’s technology—keyless entry, GPS navigation, smartphone connectivity, and even self-driving features. But while these make driving easier, they also open the door to cyber threats. Just like your computer or phone, your car can be hacked, putting your personal data and even your safety at risk. So how can you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals? Here’s what you need to know to keep your car’s technology secure.

Understanding Your Car’s Vulnerabilities

One of the main entry points for cyber-attacks is the car’s infotainment or navigation system, which connects to the internet and often stores personal data such as contacts, locations, and music preferences. Additionally, many newer vehicles come equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing multiple devices to connect. While convenient, these features can also be exploited if not properly secured. To reduce risk, limit connections to trusted devices only and review your list of connected devices regularly. Be cautious when using third-party apps and services for navigation, entertainment, or remote control, as they can introduce vulnerabilities.

Beyond infotainment, various vehicle systems are also connected to the internet, including mileage tracking, tire pressure monitoring, fuel usage, braking data, and engine diagnostics. While this connectivity is helpful, it can also be a target for hackers. Check with your car dealer about the cybersecurity measures in place to protect your vehicle’s systems.

Protecting Your Key Fob

Your key fob, which grants access to your car, can be an easy target for hackers. Criminals use electronic signal amplifiers to intercept your fob’s signal, sometimes from up to 100 feet away, potentially unlocking and even starting your car without your knowledge. To prevent this:

  • Store your key fob in a metal box or an RFID-blocking pouch to prevent signal interception.
  • Some key fobs allow you to disable the wireless signal manually—check your vehicle manual to see if this feature is available.
  • Wrapping your fob in aluminum foil can also help block signals in a pinch.
  • Manually locking your doors is an extra safeguard, as some thieves use signal jammers to make you think your car is locked when it isn’t.

Keep Your Car’s Software Up to Date

Software updates are crucial for fixing security vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access to a vehicle’s systems. To protect yourself:

  • Bring your car to the dealer for routine software updates.
  • Check your manufacturer’s official website for downloadable updates.
  • Stay in contact with your car manufacturer to receive notifications about recalls.
  • Check gov for any relevant recalls affecting your vehicle.

Be Wary of Mechanics and Counterfeit Parts

Your mechanic has access to your car’s onboard diagnostics, which contain valuable data. While most mechanics are trustworthy, some may use this access to replicate keys and steal vehicles. Additionally, counterfeit parts pose not only cybersecurity risks but also physical safety concerns. Always ensure that you’re getting certified parts and working with reputable mechanics.

Be Cautious with Your OBD-II Port

The OBD-II port is a diagnostic access point that allows mechanics to check engine performance and retrieve vehicle data. However, leaving devices plugged into this port, such as insurance tracking devices, can make your car more vulnerable to cyberattacks. If you don’t need a device plugged in, remove it to reduce risk.

Extra Layers of Security

You can take simple steps to make it harder for a hacker to access your vehicle.

  • Invest in a steering wheel lock. Even if a hacker gains electronic access to your car, they won’t be able to drive away with a physical lock in place.
  • Turn off Bluetooth when not in use. If you’re not actively using Bluetooth, disable it to prevent hackers from getting to your phone or vehicle data.
  • Secure your Wi-Fi password. If your car has Wi-Fi-enabled remote features, change the default password and enable two-factor authentication if possible. Never leave your password written down in your car and make sure to regularly update it.
  • Disable remote systems when not needed. Features that allow remote unlocking, starting, or tracking should be turned off when not in use to minimize potential entry points for hackers.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals often use phishing tactics to gain access to vehicles. They may send fake emails with malicious links or attachments that install malware on your car’s system. Since cars lack built-in malware protection, these infections can be hard to detect. Protect yourself by:

  • Never opening emails from unknown sources.
  • Avoiding clicking on suspicious links.
  • Verifying messages from your car manufacturer before taking any action.

Watch for Suspicious Activity

If you notice unusual behavior in your vehicle, such as unexpected setting changes, new sounds, or erratic electronic functions, it could be a sign of hacking. If anything seems off, contact your dealer or manufacturer immediately to investigate potential breaches.

By staying vigilant and following these cybersecurity measures, you can enjoy your car’s advanced technology while keeping it safe from hackers.

Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance for added peace of mind. Safe travels from all of us at California Casualty.

 

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.

Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

Hybrid vs. Electric: Which is Right for You?

Thinking about going green with your next vehicle? Hybrid and electric cars both offer fuel savings and eco-friendly benefits, but which one is the better fit for your lifestyle? From driving range to charging convenience—and even how they handle in different weather conditions—we’ll break down the pros and cons to help you decide.

What’s the difference?

  • Hybrid Vehicle: A hybrid car has a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gas engine and battery-powered motor work together to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Hybrids don’t need to be plugged in because they recharge the battery while you drive.
  • Electric Vehicle (EV): An EV runs entirely on electricity. It has no gas engine—just a battery and an electric motor. EVs need to be plugged in to charge, and they produce zero emissions, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a deeper dive and explore the pros and cons of each, including how they fare in extreme weather.

Hybrid Vehicles

Pros

  • Better Fuel Efficiency – Hybrids use less gas than traditional cars, saving money at the pump.
  • No Charging Required – The battery recharges while you drive, so there’s no need to plug it in.
  • Smoother, Quieter Ride – The electric motor helps reduce engine noise and provides a seamless driving experience.
  • Longer Driving Range – Since hybrids use both gas and electricity, you won’t have range anxiety like with some EVs.

In Extreme Weather…

  • Quick Warmup – A hybrid may be safely driven with only a short warmup—about a minute in cold weather.
  • Less Affected by Cold Weather – Since hybrids have a gas engine, they don’t rely solely on battery power, which helps maintain performance in freezing temperatures.
  • No Need for Charging – Unlike EVs, hybrids don’t depend on charging stations, which can be slower or less available in extreme conditions.
  • Consistent Range – Cold or hot weather has less impact on a hybrid’s driving range compared to a fully electric vehicle.

 Cons 

  • Less Fuel Savings Than an EV – Hybrids still rely on gas, so it’s not as cost-effective as a fully electric vehicle in the long run.
  • More Maintenance Than an EV – Since hybrids have both an engine and a battery system, they require more maintenance than an all-electric car.
  • Battery Replacement Costs – The hybrid battery can be expensive to replace, though it usually lasts many years.

In Extreme Weather…

  • Reduced Fuel Efficiency in Cold – The gas engine runs more often in low temperatures, slightly lowering fuel economy.
  • Battery Performance Can Drop – While not as noticeable as in EVs, extreme cold can still reduce battery efficiency.
  • Hot Weather Can Strain the System – High temperatures may cause the battery and engine to work harder, potentially leading to wear over time.

Electric Vehicles

Pros

  • Zero Emissions – EVs don’t burn gas, making them the most eco-friendly option.
  • Lower Operating Costs – Charging is often cheaper than fueling up, and there’s no need for oil changes or many traditional maintenance
  • Quiet and Smooth Ride – Electric motors make EVs nearly silent and provide instant acceleration.
  • Fewer Moving Parts – Less wear and tear means fewer repairs compared to gas or hybrid cars.
  • Incentives and Tax Credits – Many EV buyers qualify for government rebates and incentives, reducing the purchase cost.

In Extreme Weather…

  • Instant Start – EVs don’t have traditional engines that require oil or warming up, so they start instantly, even in freezing temperatures.
  • More Efficient in Stop-and-Go Traffic – Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs don’t waste energy idling, making them efficient in winter traffic jams.
  • Preconditioning Helps – Many EVs allow you to warm up or cool down the car while plugged in, reducing the impact on battery life.

Cons 

  • Higher Upfront Cost – EVs can be more expensive than gas or hybrid cars, though prices are improving.
  • Limited Range – Some EVs can’t travel as far on a single charge as a gas or hybrid car can on a full tank.
  • Charging Time – Even fast charging takes longer than a quick stop at a gas station.
  • Charging Infrastructure – Public charging stations aren’t as common as gas stations, and home charging requires special installation.
  • Crash-related fires – Should a crash occur, and damage the battery, it could spark a fire. EV fires are much harder to control than those of gas-powered vehicles.

In Extreme Weather…

  • Cabin heat – It takes a lot of battery to warm the cabin. It’s better to warm the cabin while the car is still plugged in for about 5-10 minutes. Otherwise, you’ll reduce your driving range significantly.
  • More HVAC Impact – Heating and cooling the cabin draws power from the battery, further reducing range.
  • Reduced Range in Cold Weather – EVs can lose 10–36% of their range in freezing temperatures because the battery works harder.
  • Slower Charging in the Cold – Charging times increase in low temperatures, making it less convenient for road trips.
  • Hot Weather Can Overheat Batteries – High heat can degrade battery life over time and make charging less efficient.

Both hybrids and EVs typically cost more to repair than gas-powered cars due to specialized parts and technology (like battery systems). This can lead to higher insurance premiums. Talk to your insurer about a policy that’s right for your budget and needs.

 

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 Out Your Leased Vehicle – Is It the Right Move for You? 

Buying Out Your Leased Vehicle – Is It the Right Move for You? 

Is your lease nearing its end, and you’re wondering whether to say goodbye or keep the keys? Buying out your leased vehicle can be a smart financial move—or a costly mistake—depending on your situation. With used car prices fluctuating and interest rates shifting, now is the time to weigh your options carefully. Should you purchase your leased car or walk away? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right road to take.

Why Consider Buying Out Your Lease?

Leasing a car allows you to make lower initial payments while giving you time to test the vehicle before committing to ownership. Many people lease because it offers flexibility, but when the lease ends, you must make the decision to buy or return the car. That depends on several factors.

Understanding the Buyout Amount

Most leases include a buyout option, meaning you can purchase the vehicle at a predetermined price set by the leasing company. This price, known as the residual value, is estimated at the start of the lease. If you choose to buy, you’ll need to pay the buyout amount, plus taxes, fees, and any remaining lease payments.

If you don’t have the cash to buy the car outright, you can finance the buyout. Keep in mind that financing comes with interest. Check out the current interest rate before committing to financing a buyout. Know that if you buy out your lease early, it may also come with additional fees. Importantly, going from a lease to financing a buyout could increase your monthly payments.

Evaluating Your Car’s Value

Before deciding, compare the buyout price with the car’s market value. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can provide an estimate, or you can visit another dealership to get an appraisal for your vehicle. If the buyout price is lower than the car’s market value, purchasing it may be a good deal. If it’s higher, walking away might be the better choice. If it’s close, it still may make sense to buy.

Considering Mileage and Condition

Most leases have mileage limits, typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you’ve exceeded your limit, you’ll owe an overage fee—usually between 10 and 25 cents per mile. In this case, buying out your lease might save you money. While unused miles aren’t refunded, your car will likely be valued higher at a lower mileage.

Leasing companies expect the car to be returned in good condition. Any damage—such as dents, scratches, or cracked mirrors—could result in excess wear-and-tear fees. If you’re considering a buyout, repairing minor issues yourself can save you money. Also, remember that once you own the car, future maintenance and repairs will be your responsibility. A pre-purchase mechanical inspection is a good idea so there are no surprises down the road.

Your Personal Situation

Buying out your lease might make sense if:

  • You like the car and know its history.
  • You want to avoid the hassle of car shopping.
  • You prefer to keep a car that won’t immediately depreciate like a new vehicle.
  • Your transportation needs remain the same.

Turning in your car might make sense if:

  • You did not go over the mileage for your lease and the car is in good condition.
  • You prefer to lease another car.
  • Your transportation needs have changed.
  • You would like to purchase a new car or a used one.

If you’re trading in your leased car, dealerships may charge cleaning and prep fees. Buying it avoids these costs.

Can You Negotiate the Buyout Price?

It depends on your lease agreement. If the lease was written by the automaker’s finance division, the buyout price is usually non-negotiable. However, if a third-party bank holds the lease, they may be open to negotiation. Even if the buyout price is firm, you might be able to negotiate the fees.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute to decide. Start evaluating your options at least 90 days before your lease ends. This gives you time to:

  • Assess the car’s value.
  • Review your credit before applying for a loan.
  • Secure financing if needed.
  • Negotiate fees or buyout terms.

You can buy out your lease through the dealership or arrange independent financing through a bank or credit union. If financing on your own, you’ll need to send payment to the leasing company and visit the DMV to handle taxes and title transfer.

Insurance Considerations

Switching from a lease to ownership may impact your insurance rates. Review your policy and contact your insurance company to explore potential savings and coverage changes.

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.

Driving Tips for Senior Drivers

Driving Tips for Senior Drivers

Age may bring wisdom, but it also comes with new challenges behind the wheel. From adapting to changing reflexes to navigating the latest technology in cars, senior drivers face unique hurdles. If you are a senior driver, or know one, here are simple tips to help stay safe and confident on the road.

 How does age affect your driving?

As we get older, changes in our bodies can affect how safely we drive. Stiff joints, muscle weakness, or arthritis can make it harder to turn your head, press the brakes, or react quickly in traffic. If you’ve lost some feeling in your fingers or feet, it might slow down your reaction time or make it harder to stay in control of the car. Vision changes can make it tough to see at night or read road signs quickly, and hearing loss might mean you don’t notice important sounds like sirens or horns. On top of that, some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slower reactions, which can all affect your driving.

Tip #1: Stay on top of your health.

  • Regularly check your vision, hearing, and mobility to ensure they’re not affecting your ability to drive safely. Minimize distractions, such as loud music or other sounds, to help you hear important traffic cues like horns or sirens.
  • If you have limited mobility, consider vehicle modifications. For example, hand controls can replace traditional gas and brake pedals if leg movement is a challenge. Consult with your doctor and an occupational therapist to explore your options.
  • Be mindful of how medications impact driving. Avoid driving if you’re taking anything that causes drowsiness or lightheadedness.

Tip #2: Make sure your car is the right fit for you.

  • If it’s an option, select larger dials and easy to read symbols on your car’s dashboard. Turn brightness up on your instrument panel so it is easy to see.
  • Adjust your seat so you’re not sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel. Make sure your feet can easily press the pedals, without your having to reach with your toes. Pedal extensions are available for those who need it.
  • Check out the CarFit program sponsored by AAA, AARP Driver Safety, and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association). This program can help educate you on ways you can make your car more comfortable and safer as you age.

Tip #3: Understand your car’s safety technology.

  • Check your owner’s manual to determine the advanced safety technologies in your vehicle. This may include blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera, automatic crash notification, navigation, and more.
  • Seek help from tech-savvy family or friends who can explain features and help you practice. Watch online tutorials—many car manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos on their websites or YouTube channels. You can also ask your dealer for a demonstration when servicing your car.
  • If new tech seems overwhelming, take it slow. Practice one new feature at a time to get comfortable with it. Start with the safety features like blind spot monitors. Don’t get discouraged as it can take time to learn new technology.

Tip #4: Drive safely and defensively.

  • Maintain a safe following distance. Avoid tailgating and give yourself plenty of space to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. This is especially important in bad weather or heavy traffic.
  • Drive at a comfortable speed. Stick to the speed limit and, if you prefer driving slower, stay in the right lane to let faster traffic pass safely.
  • Stay focused and alert. Avoid distractions like using your phone, eating, or multitasking while driving. Never drink and drive and be mindful of any medications that might impair your ability to focus.

Tip #5: Avoid driving certain times of the day or night.

  • If driving at night feels difficult or uncomfortable, try to avoid it. Similarly, be cautious around sunrise and sunset when glare from the sun can impact your visibility.
  • Refrain from driving when you’re stressed, tired, or not feeling alert. Skip rush hour or heavy traffic areas to reduce stress and risk.
  • Avoid driving in rain, snow, ice, or other challenging weather conditions. Consider using rideshare services, public transportation, or asking for a ride from friends or family during these times.

Tip #6: Know how to deal with night driving.

  • Make sure your headlights, taillights, windshield and side windows are clean.
  • Allow for more space between you and the car in front to allow for additional stopping room – it’s harder to judge speed and distance in the dark.
  • If headlights of oncoming vehicles are too bright, look down and to the right. It will help deflect the light and you can use the right side of the road as your guide.
  • Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses at night. It reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes and can make driving hazardous.

Tip #7: Take advantage of available support.

  • Refresh your knowledge of driving rules with a program like AAA’s RoadWise Driver Course. Completing the course may even qualify you for a discount with certain insurance providers.
  • Consider hiring a driving rehabilitation specialist. These professionals assess key factors such as muscle strength, flexibility, reaction time, and decision-making skills to help ensure safe driving.
  • Talk to trusted friends and family about your driving. Their honest feedback and support can help you identify areas for improvement and give you confidence behind the wheel.

Tip #8: Is it time to stop driving? Know the warning signs.

  • Be alert for warning signs such as multiple accidents, near-misses, or new scrapes and dents on the vehicle. Pay attention if you have received two or more tickets or warnings within the past two years.
  • Watch for signs of erratic, unsafe, or aggressive driving from your loved one, or if you’re the driver, for times you felt out of control.
  • Take seriously any recommendation from a doctor to change driving habits or stop driving altogether.
  • Approach the conversation with your loved one with empathy, focusing on positivity and support. Together, you can explore alternative ways to maintain their freedom and connection to the world around them.

Finally, make sure your car is fully protected for added peace of mind. 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.

2025 California Liability Limit Increases: What You Need to Know

2025 California Liability Limit Increases: What You Need to Know

Imagine getting into a fender bender and realizing your insurance won’t fully cover the damages. With rising medical costs and repair expenses, California is making its first major update to auto insurance requirements in over 50 years. Starting January 1, 2025, new higher minimum liability limits will better protect drivers from unexpected financial burdens. But what do these changes mean for you? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Liability Coverage

Liability insurance helps cover damages if you cause an accident. It does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage—that’s where collision and comprehensive coverage come in.

Because accidents can lead to costly damages, liability insurance is required by law in most states to protect victims of accidents. It consists of two parts:

  • Bodily Injury Coverage – Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the other driver and passengers.
  • Property Damage Coverage – Pays for repairs or replacement of the other vehicle or damaged property, such as a fence or building.

Why Coverage Limits Matter

When you buy liability insurance, you choose a coverage limit. If the costs of an accident exceed your limit, you’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket. For example, if your policy covers $50,000 per person, but the injured driver’s medical bills total $60,000, you would be responsible for the extra $10,000.

The main goal of liability insurance is to protect your assets, and so you may choose a higher limit than the state specifies. You’ll want to take into account the amount of medical expenses that could be incurred in an accident. You could be responsible for lost wages for the driver. If tragically he or she dies, you could be providing lost wages for the driver’s family.

On the other hand, if you’re the victim of an accident and the at-fault driver has higher liability limits, their insurance will be better equipped to cover your medical expenses and property damage. So, that’s good news.

What’s Changing in 2025?

California’s previous minimum coverage limits—set in 1967—were among the lowest in the nation. The costs of medical car and car repairs have increased substantially since that time. The new limits under Senate Bill 1107 (the Protect California Drivers Act) increase the minimum amount of coverage to align more closely with today’s costs. They seek to reduce the financial burden on crash victims.

Effective, January 1, 2025, the new limits are as follows:

  • $30,000 for injury or death to one person (previously $15,000)
  • $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people (previously $30,000)
  • $15,000 for property damage (previously $5,000)

While increasing liability limits provides better financial protection, it can also lead to a slight rise in premiums, especially for those who currently have only the minimum required coverage. However, this added cost is often minimal compared to the potential financial burden of an accident that exceeds your policy limits.

Time to Review Your Auto Policy

With these new requirements, now is the perfect time to review your auto coverage. While many insurance companies will automatically update your policy if you reside in California, you’ll want to make sure the new limits are in place. After all, failing to meet the new minimums could result in:

  • Legal penalties, fines, impoundment of your vehicle, or suspension of your driver’s license and/or registration
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills, property damage, and legal fees

How to Save on Coverage

Higher limits don’t always mean higher costs. At California Casualty, we offer package discounts and savings for customers carrying higher coverage levels. Additional discounts may apply if you:

  • Are a member of an eligible group (educators, nurses, first responders, firefighters and law enforcement);
  • Bundle home and auto insurance;
  • Take a driver safety course; and/or
  • Maintain a good insurance score known as the Financial Responsibility (FR) Score.

Knowing what affects your car insurance rate can help you make changes to reduce the amount you pay while still getting great coverage. Learn more about your options and get a free quote today.

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.

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