Summertime was made for fun-from beach vacations to family barbecues, road trips, and dips in the pool. But unfortunately, sometimes during all that fun, there’s a mishap or two….
Make sure that your home and property are fully protected in case anything happens. Use this guide as a reference on how to insure yourself and your family for summer fun.
Swimming Pools
Your swimming pool is probably covered under your homeowner’s policy. That being said, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough to cover the following situations.
Injury or drowning
If someone is hurt or drowns in your pool, you are responsible. It doesn’t matter whether or not you gave them permission to swim. Your personal liability coverage is designed to cover these instances. Typical homeowner’s policies carry $100,000 of liability protection. If you have a swimming pool, you need considerably more. Experts suggest either increasing your personal liability (with the maximum being $500,000 or $1,000,000 depending upon the state) or adding a personal umbrella policy. Umbrella policies start at $1,000,000 in coverage. In addition, take steps to prevent these tragedies by securing your pool with a fence and self-latching gates. Make sure children never swim unattended. Install alarms that alert you if someone is entering the water.
Pro Tip: Make sure your pool meets the local municipal code. We’ve seen some insurance companies refuse to pay if the pool is not up to code.
Tree falls into your pool
Summer storms can be intense, and could cause your tree to fall on your house or into your in-ground pool. If a tree falls into your pool, your homeowner’s insurance could cover a reasonable expense to remove it if it was felled by a covered peril and if it struck a covered structure (like your pool) and damaged it. No more than $500 will be paid for any one tree and no more than $1,000 total for any one claim.
Trampolines and Swing Sets
Trampolines and swing sets are considered attractive nuisances, places on your property that can attract children but also put them in danger. (Swimming pools are, too.) You will need to safeguard them, such as by making sure they are in a fenced area.
Trampolines
Trampoline injuries or deaths are covered under your personal liability insurance as part of your homeowner’s policy. Check with your insurance agent to see if you have enough coverage for a trampoline accident. Also, check to see whether there are any individual limits to that coverage. Protect against these accidents by installing an enclosure to secure the trampoline so there are no unsupervised guests. Always supervise children while they are using the trampoline and enforce the rule that only one person uses it at a time.
Swing Sets
Swing set accidents also are covered by personal liability. Make sure your homeowner’s policy has adequate coverage. Supervise children whenever they are using the swing set. Inspect your set regularly and cover sharp corners or protruding nails that could cause injury. Check that there is a minimum of 22 inches between swings and that the slide is no longer than 10 feet. Also, make sure there’s at least 10 feet of clearance around the swing set.
Dog Bites
Dogs spend time outside with us in the summer. Sometimes that can lead to circumstances where dogs can bite. If your dog bites a third party, you are responsible. Liability coverage protects you in this instance. It pays for the bite victim’s medical expenses and covers your legal fees if they sue you.
Make sure that your dog’s breed is not restricted by your insurance policy. Some policies will not cover breeds such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, or Rottweilers. California Casualty does not currently have such restrictions.
If your dog is a victim of a bite, pet insurance can help cover that emergency vet visit. You also may be able to be reimbursed by the other dog owner’s liability coverage.
BBQ Grill Fires
Backyard barbecues are a favorite summertime activity. We may not think about them being dangerous, but they can be. Practice summertime fire safety. Keep your grill away from the house and any other structures. Store your charcoal or propane safely and away from the heat. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Always supervise young children when around a grill.
If a grill fire spreads to your home or property, and causes costly damage, your homeowner’s policy will likely cover repairs, minus the deductible.
If a guest is injured by a fire on your property, and you are legally responsible for that bodily injury, your liability insurance will cover that person’s medical expenses. 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.
Boats and Personal Water Craft
Small boats like kayaks and canoes may be covered under your homeowner’s policy as personal property. If you have a boat, you will need a separate boat insurance policy. You also need one for personal watercraft such as jet skis.
Boats – The costs of insurance will vary depending on the value of your boat and where you keep it. For a California Casualty property contract, the policy will cover up to $1,500 for boats and a trailer for 16 named perils but not for theft away from the residence.
If you’re transporting your boat on a car trailer, your auto insurance will likely cover any accidents.
o If you are at fault for a car accident, your auto liability will extend coverage but there will be no physical damage coverage for the boat or trailer.
If you want physical damage coverage for the trailer, it needs to be added to the auto policy. If you want physical damage coverage for the boat, it needs to be included on the boat policy.
If your boat is parked at your house and is damaged, your homeowner’s insurance may cover it. Otherwise, your boat policy will cover accidents on the water.
Personal Watercraft – Your jet ski or other personal watercraft will need its own policy to protect you from vandalism, accidents, and liability for injuries to people riding your personal watercraft. This type of policy is available through the Agency Services division of California Casualty.
Rental Car Accidents
If you’re heading on vacation this summer, you might be driving a rental car. Your own auto insurance may cover a rental car, minus your deductible, or the credit card that you used to book the car may come with insurance. If not, you will want to make sure that you are covered by purchasing rental insurance through the rental car company. Here’s what you will need to think about.
Collision Damage or Loss Damage Waiver – Optional in many states, this type of coverage pays for the rental car if it is damaged or stolen. There usually is a deductible, for which you’re responsible. If your auto policy covers collision damage, make sure that it also covers “loss of use.” For a rental company, getting a car repaired in the shop means it loses the income it could be getting from renting the car. The rental company can charge you the daily rental rate for each day the vehicle is out of service.
Personal Accident Insurance – This optional policy covers you, the driver, in the event of an accident, including ambulance transportation and medical bills.
Supplemental/Additional Liability Insurance – This optional policy covers the other driver and passengers whom you may injure in an accident. It also covers any property damage. You likely have liability on your own auto policy. Check to make sure the liability limit is enough. You can purchase supplemental liability insurance with the rental car company or get an umbrella policy from your current insurer.
Personal Effects Coverage – This optional policy covers your possessions if they are damaged, lost, or stolen, something your homeowner or renter’s policy may already cover.
Have a great, fun-filled summer!
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 have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting Customer Care Specialist, Taylor Christianson
Let’s get to know, Taylor!
Where are you from?
Minnesota, but I work in the Colorado Springs office.
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I’m a golfer 🙂
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza!
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Hiking with my husky
EDM concerts/ bass music
Epoxy resin art
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
New opportunities!
If you want to learn more about Taylor or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
If you’ve ever been in a car for hours on end, you know the challenges of long-distance driving. It can be uncomfortable, boring, and if you’re tired, even dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe and comfortable during your next long distance road trip.
Plan your route.
Even if you’re using a GPS, you will want to take a look at a map to know where you are going. That allows you to plan your trip, including where to stop to ensure that you’re not driving too long without a break.
Try to take a 15-minute break for every 2 hours of driving.
Plan your rest stops, not only for mealtimes, but also consider interesting places to visit to break up the trip.
Account for peak travel times. You may make less progress during rush hours, so consider getting off the road during that time.
Prepare your vehicle.
There’s nothing worse than breaking down on the road for something that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. Before your trip, take a good look at your car, and have it serviced at your local mechanic to make sure it’s in good condition for the trip.
Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and your lights are working.
Pack an emergency kit for your car, just in case. This should include safety flares, a flashlight and extra batteries, and a first aid kit.
Clean and vacuum your car. Sitting in a clutter-free car makes the trip so much nicer.
Childproof your car before the trip. Make sure it’s safe for your youngest passengers.
Make sure you’re well-rested.
Driving when you’re tired can lead to poor decisions and reduced reaction time which can cause accidents. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 328,000 crashes each year are caused by drowsy driving. Researchers believe there may be even more than reported. Don’t put yourself or your family at risk.
Get enough sleep the night before your trip, and if possible, the night before that as well.
Don’t drive when you’re already tired. Avoid planning long drives after work.
If you feel tired, pull off the road. You can even take a short nap in your car in a safe place, such as a rest stop.
You can also try short-term pick-me-ups, such as caffeine. Chewing gum can work to keep you awake. Or try an energizing scent. The scent of peppermint can help make you temporarily more alert.
Stay hydrated.
You may be reluctant to drink a lot on your trip, for fear of having to stop more often to go to the bathroom. However, it’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel more tired and cause blurry vision.
Avoid sugary drinks which can cause dehydration.
Avoid coffee or tea, except as the occasional pick-me-up. They also can dehydrate you.
Drink water. Pack a cooler and keep it nice and cold so it will feel refreshing.
You can add citrus or berries to your water for some healthy flavor.
Prepare and plan food and snacks.
Mealtime and snacks are some of the fun of long-distance road trips. Whether you check out a new restaurant or munch on some home-brought favorites, food can be a highlight. Plan for your meals and snacks ahead of time so that you’re not searching for food when you’re hungry, and so that you make the most of your travel time.
Pack sandwiches, put them in a cooler, and then stop for a picnic lunch at a rest stop or park.
If you have family along the route, stop for a visit around mealtime. You’ll enjoy some homemade food and family time as a bonus.
Research restaurants along your route. You might find some local fare that you otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to try.
Choose healthy snacks that keep you full and that aren’t overly messy for the car. These include mixed nuts, trail mix, jerky, granola bars, crackers, carrots, celery, and fresh fruit.
Bring wipes and designate a trash bag. If you need the floor space for luggage or legs, try a trash container that hangs on the back of the seat.
Stock your car with entertainment.
Long car rides can be boring, and not only for children. Planning things to do can help make the time pass more quickly. If you’re not the one driving, you may even be able to use the downtime productively.
Make a playlist of your favorite songs. Take requests from your (future) passengers and you’ll have everyone engaged.
Listen to an audiobook or podcast. You can borrow one from your local library or use a favorite streaming service.
Keep the children occupied with books, puzzles, Mad Libs, Rubberneckers or car games that you can play without any materials, such as I Spy or “find the license plate.”
Complete a mini-project if you’re not driving, such as organizing your Smartphone screen, deleting photos and emails, brainstorming goals, or practicing a new language.
Finally, make sure you have the proper car insurance. Coverage will give you peace of mind should anything happen on your long distance road trip.
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.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
All over, I was born in Oklahoma, but I’m an Air Force brat. My dad served for 21 years, I had the pleasure of living all over the place!
Now I work in the Colorado Springs office.
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I love bowling and when I was in 5th grade, I bowled my best game yet a 200!
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mexican!
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Anything with my family.
Disc Golfing with my husband.
Girls Night’s with my close group of friends.
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
The culture, the people, and my husband. He was hired here, and raved about it. I decided I couldn’t let him have all the fun without me!
If you want to learn more about Erin or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting New Claims Adjuster. Rich Gilliam
Let’s get to know, Rich!
Where are you from?
I work in the Arizona office, but I’m originally from Farmington, NM.
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I am a two-time brain cancer survivor.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Theatre
Singing
Spending time with my sons
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
I enjoy being a claims adjuster and love the company culture at California Casualty!
If you want to learn more about Rich or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
When you take your motorcycle out on a beautiful day, you can enjoy it all — the open road, the sunshine, the fresh air, and the calmness of the ride. But when you take your bike out on a windy day, it’s a much different experience.
Not only can the wind be cold and uncomfortable for riding, but it can also make it more challenging to maintain control. In fact, riding your motorcycle in the wind can be such a nerve-wracking journey that it might make you decide to skip the trip entirely. However, there will be times when you get caught on a windy day or when your bike is your only option. Follow these tips to stay safe when riding your motorcycle in the wind.
Tip #1: Prepare in advance for a windy ride.
Minimize the amount of baggage that you carry. Saddlebags, backpacks, and even your clothing can catch the wind, creating unnecessary drag.
Secure loose items that could be easily blown away.
Wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from any windblown dirt or debris.
Tip #2: Check the weather.
Wind speeds exceeding 50 mph are considered too dangerous for motorcycles, even heavier models.
Wind speeds between 20 and 30 mph will be too much for most lightweight motorcycles.
Avoid taking your motorcycle out during high wind warnings, hurricane-force winds, tornados, or other severe weather conditions.
Tip #3: Stay calm and in control.
Don’t panic. Relax and try not to grip the handles too hard. Maintain a steady speed.
Ride in the middle of the lane. Give yourself some space in case you move to the right or left due to wind gusts. Know that the other vehicles on the road could be moved by the wind, too.
Know your abilities. If you’re inexperienced, or if you feel out of control, find a safe place to wait it out. Better safe than sorry.
Tip #4: Know the direction of the wind and how to adjust.
You may be able to feel the direction of the wind. But if you’re unsure, look for things that are blowing: grass, the tops of trees, and flags. Note the direction the wind is blowing.
If it’s a tailwind, it will push you from behind.
Give yourself extra stopping distance. The wind could propel you forward as you’re trying to slow and stop.
Watch your speed and stay in your comfort zone. You don’t want the wind to push you faster than you are comfortable traveling.
If it’s a crosswind, it comes from the sides.
This is the most difficult type of wind. It can come to you from either side, or both.
Shift your weight to the side the crosswind is coming from and lean into it slightly. Do it carefully so you don’t affect your balance.
Using your leg on the side the wind is coming from, turn your knee in the direction the wind is blowing. Your leg acts as a sail and the wind won’t push you as hard.
If it’s a headwind, it’s coming to you from the front.
Headwinds are stronger than the wind that usually comes at you from the front.
Ride low behind the windshield.
Keep your legs and arms close to your body and to the bike.
Tip #5: Be aware of wind fluctuations.
The wind direction can change at any time. Be prepared to adjust accordingly.
If you’re behind a large truck, it will block the wind from you somewhat. Be prepared for a wind gust as you move away from the truck.
Remember the rules about sharing the road with others. Add extra distance when it’s windy in case you need it.
Tip #6: Certain places are windier than others.
Winds are generally higher in the hills and lower in the valleys.
Roads with hedges and other barriers can help to protect you from the wind.
If the open road is too windy, see if there is another route you can take that is more sheltered.
Windy conditions can contribute to accidents. Make sure your bike is fully protected with the right amount of motorcycle insurance. Safe travels—and enjoy the ride.
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.
