How to Avoid Door Dings

How to Avoid Door Dings

What’s more frustrating than returning to your car after shopping, and noticing a new door ding or scratch? Whether it was the car next to you, a runaway shopping cart, or a careless passerby… unfortunately dings happen.

While dings are inevitable, you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some proven tips and tactics to help protect your vehicle.

Park in an end spot.
In general, parking as far away from other cars as possible will help to minimize the chance of dings. If you’re in the end spot, you have the added protection of only having one side of the car next to another vehicle. Park as close to the outer edge as you can, which will give you an extra foot of space between you and the other car. Hopefully, that’s plenty of room to avoid swinging car doors.

Open your door slowly.
While some dings happen to us, we also can cause others. Being aware of your surroundings and opening your car door slowly will help you exit without hitting anything.

Look for the lines.
Parking lot lines are supposed to keep everyone lined up neatly in their own spaces. That’s not always the case. Avoid those spots where people are over the lines or positioned at a strange angle. That’s a sign they may not be as careful around your car. Also, avoid parking in tight spaces. Even if you can navigate those, the cars around you may not do as well.

Stay away from shopping cart return areas.
Runaway shopping carts are a key cause of dents and dings. Park far away to put as much distance between your car and the carts as possible.

Park beside a car in great condition.
You can tell by the condition of a perfectly clean and waxed car that it is well-maintained. Look for those cars in the lot and park next to them. Chances are the owner will take great care in not dinging his car or yours. Similarly, you’ll want to park away from those cars that have lots of dents and dings. Those owners probably don’t even notice and may take less care.

Avoid parking on the same side as a child safety seat.
Sometimes people can scratch or dent your car without meaning to do so, such as exuberant children and parents balancing too much. You may be able to avoid such situations by looking at the placement of the child safety seat in the neighboring car. Try not to park on the same side as the seat. Chances are that’s the side where parents and children will be congregating.

Pro Tip: Parents, teach your kids safety in and around vehicles.

Stay away from busy walkways.
Skateboarders and bicycle riders can whiz by your car and accidentally knock into it. Pedestrians also can scratch your car as they squeeze by. Park away from busy walkways so these encounters are less of a possibility.

Use covered parking.
Dings and dents are sometimes weather-related. Avoid damage from hail and other weather events by parking in a garage or other covered option. Alternatively, you can use a car cover to protect your vehicle. See our related blog on protecting your car from spring storms, too.

Pay attention to your surroundings.
It’s easy enough to brush by something and scratch your car. That’s why paying attention to your surroundings in a parking lot is your best defense. Look out for tall curbs, signs, light posts, walls, and cement pillars. Take steps to avoid them and a potential parking lot accident.

Do not park sideways.
You may have seen cars parked sideways or diagonally, taking up multiple parking spots. While in theory, it prevents anyone from parking near them, in practice, it’s considered a “jerk” move. There have been cases where people have targeted a car just because someone parked it that way.

Finally, while you can use insurance to fix door dings, most repairs are not much more than your deductible. You’ll probably be paying out-of-pocket. The good news is that modern technology has made it possible for paintless dent removal. It’s eco-friendly and usually less expensive than a body shop repair.

 

 

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.

Thanksgiving Dinner Disasters – There’s Coverage for That

Thanksgiving Dinner Disasters – There’s Coverage for That

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with loved ones. But when your turkey catches fire, your aunt drinks a little too much and falls and breaks her leg, or your fur baby takes a little nip of a guest, it’s time to be thankful for insurance. Fortunately, there’s coverage for most Thanksgiving dinner disasters. Whether you’re home entertaining guests, or traveling to friends or family, we’ve compiled a quick guide.

 

Cooking Fires

It’s easy to lose sight of something on the stove or in the oven when you’re also attending to guests. That’s why you’re more likely to have a holiday cooking fire on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The risk increases if you’re deep-frying a turkey. Deep fryers heat up to such a degree that they have caused severe burns and injuries, and even deaths. (If you must have a deep-fried turkey, consider ordering one from your local grocery store.) When cooking fire accidents happen, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover the damage to your home, your belongings, and any related injuries to your guests. (For the guest injury part, skip to the next section.)

    •  Your homeowner’s policy includes dwelling coverage. This covers the repair or rebuilding of the structure of your home up to your policy limit. So, if the fire damages your kitchen or other areas, you can report the claim to your insurance adjuster. They will advise you on how to proceed. Your insurer will likely send someone out to inspect the damage and write up an estimate. You will get reimbursed by your policy, minus your deductible (which is the amount that you chose to pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in).

    •  Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as kitchen appliances, furnishings, and if the fire spreads beyond the kitchen, your television, clothing, etc. Fire is one of 16 different named “perils” that your policy covers. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. If you’re renting, you get to choose the amount of personal property coverage when you select your policy.

    • You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) for personal property. ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost (and we strongly recommend it).

    • Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be livable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Under Coverage D – Loss of Use, called “Additional Living Expense,” your policy will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.

Pro Tip: Having a fire extinguisher could earn you a discount on your home insurance policy.

 

Guest Injuries

Injuries can happen anytime, especially during gatherings where people may drink. Guests could become tipsy and trip, slip, and fall. That could happen even if they’re not drunk, of course. Burns could occur if there is a kitchen fire. Your guests could get food poisoning. Your normally well-behaved fur baby could bite one of your guests. While you can’t anticipate every situation, you can make sure there are no obvious dangers in your home, such as tripping hazards or unsecure handrails. Keep everyone’s safety and comfort in mind, including where your pet may be during the festivities. Then, if a guest does get injured, your insurance can kick in.

    • You may be covered for guest injuries under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. If you are found liable, the policy may cover damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.

    • 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.

    • Liability coverage does not apply to you and your family. Your own injuries or illnesses are not covered under homeowner’s or renter’s policies. You would use your own health insurance policy to cover any injuries that you might have in your home.

    • If your dog has bitten a guest, 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.

 

 

Thanksgiving on the Road

If you’re among the millions who drive to Thanksgiving celebrations, you’ll want to make sure your car is well-maintained, and that your car insurance is up to date. Be ready for the holiday traffic, and drive safely. An accident can put a damper on the holiday. The good news is that you’re covered if you do have one.

    • If you cause an accident, you are responsible for damages. You would pay with your vehicle’s liability policy. Importantly, auto liability does not cover any damage to your own vehicle; that’s covered by collision. It also does not cover injury to you and your family; it only covers the people in the other car. Liability coverage is required by law in most states.

    • There are two types of liability coverage:
      • If you are found liable for the accident, bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the driver and passengers in the other vehicle. We say “helps pay” because it depends on how much coverage you choose. The costs of an accident can be more than your insurance policy limit.
      • 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.

    • If you are not at fault for the accident, the other driver is responsible for damages. Your insurance kicks in if the other driver does not have enough insurance. Collision covers your car for any type of damage, regardless of fault or if the person does not carry any/enough insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage are for injuries. They cover you and your passengers if you are hit by an at-fault UM or UIM. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) can cover your car if hit by an at-fault uninsured motorist.

    • Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have.

No matter where you enjoy the holiday, we wish you a safe celebration. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

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.

 

 

So a Friend is Driving Your Car…

So a Friend is Driving Your Car…

You’re home visiting family when your cousin asks to borrow your car. You hesitate because you’re not sure if your insurance covers him. The good news is that it probably does, but the bigger picture is that a lot depends upon your specific policy. Read on to find out what to expect before you encounter this situation in real life.

 

Vehicle insurance typically follows the car, not the driver.

Your automobile insurance policy covers your car, and that’s the case whether you’re driving it or someone else is driving it. It is your policy that is considered the primary policy if an accident happens. The policy of the driver borrowing your car would be considered excess insurance if it ends up being used at all.

 

What happens if your friend or relative gets in an accident?

If your friend or relative was at fault, your insurance would cover the accident. Here’s how it would play out.

Liability would help pay for damage to the other car and help pay for the other driver’s and passengers’ medical bills. It will not pay for your friend’s injuries, if any, or for damage to your car.

Collision can pay for your vehicle repairs, once your deductible is met. Collision, however, is an optional coverage (unless you’re leasing or financing the car). Not every policyholder will have collision. If you do not have collision insurance, you will be responsible for the repair and/or replacement of your car out of your own pocket.

Medical payments coverage can help pay the medical bills for your friend or relative if they are injured.

 

There are some exceptions and extenuating circumstances…

 

If the accident was so extensive in terms of damage or injuries, it could max out the policy limits. In that case, your friend’s insurance may be asked to cover the remaining amount. If your friend doesn’t have insurance, then you will need to cover the costs out-of-pocket.

Some policies only cover the person named on the policy so there is no coverage if you loan your vehicle to a friend or family member. Other policies provide coverage for friends/relatives on a limited basis. Some policies also don’t cover relatives living in the same house as you who are not already named on the policy. (That’s a good reason to make sure your teen driver is added as soon as he or she is driving.)

Some insurers increase your deductible before they cover an accident if someone other than an authorized driver on the policy is driving your car. Some policies also lower your liability coverage to state minimums if the accident is caused by someone other than a named insured/insured.

 

If, however, your friend or relative was not at fault, the other driver’s insurance would cover the accident.

 

Your friend or relative would need to get information from the other driver, including Identifying information like driver’s license number and/or vehicle license plate number. You can also get their name, address, insurer, policy number. An easy way to do this is to take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card, front and back. While you can file a claim with their insurance company, you can always file the claim with your own insurance company and let them start the process. They will subrogate the other company for payment.

If the accident was a hit and run, your policy could cover the costs, subject to your deductible if you carry collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage.

 

Before you hand over the keys…

Accidents can be costly, and not only due to repairs and medical expenses. An accident may cause your insurer to raise your rates on your policy for the future, even though you are not the one involved in the accident.

It’s a good idea to know what you’re in for before you say yes to anyone wanting to borrow your car.

  • Make sure they have a driver’s license and a good driving record.
  • Know whether they have insurance, including collision.
  • Read the fine print on your policy or talk to your insurance agent to know what is covered in the event of an accident.
  • Decide what portion of the deductible, or any costs, your guest driver will need to pay in case of an accident.

With that information, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision about who gets to drive your car this season. Happy holidays!

 

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.

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Insurance Policy

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Insurance Policy

We love the spooky fun that Halloween brings. Yet sometimes the celebration can be scarier than we like. Mischief night vandalism, pumpkin fires, and even guests who had too much to drink can create frightening scenarios.

Fortunately, your insurance policy can cover many of these Halloween horrors. Read on to learn more, including how you can stay safe and protected this Halloween.

 

Vandalism or Theft

The night before Halloween brings out some mischief makers who may toilet paper your car or egg your house. Trampled lawns, broken lawn decorations, and shattered windows have also been known to occur before or on Halloween.

 

Are you covered?

Fortunately, vandalism and malicious mischief are covered perils in most homeowner and renter policies. The policy protects against losses caused by vandals or thieves. If it’s your car that is vandalized or stolen, however, your homeowner’s policy will not cover it. You have to have an auto policy with comprehensive (other than collision) insurance coverage.

 

What you need to know:

• Your homeowner’s or rental policy covers your home and other structures (such as a detached garage or gazebo) on an open-peril basis. That means it only lists the exclusions, the situations not covered. If it’s not listed, you are covered for it. Vandalism to your home is not excluded; therefore, it is covered.

Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as TV, furniture, and clothing. Personal property is covered on a named peril basis, not an open-peril one. With named perils, the policy lists the ones covered. Your policy will pay for 16 different named “perils.” In this case, vandalism is a covered peril. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. Renters get to choose the amount of personal property coverage.

• For vehicles, comprehensive insurance covers vandalism and theft. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.

• You will have a choice in how you will be compensated in a home policy (not an auto policy.) You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost since that is higher than ACV. You will get reimbursed minus the amount you have chosen for your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays a claim. That’s why all of these decisions when you set up a policy are so important.

 

What else you can do:

• Park your car in the garage.

• Post no trespassing signs or beware of dog signs.

• Keep your yard brightly lit to deter vandals

.• Set up a video alarm system.

• Form a neighborhood watch to look out for mischief makers.

 

Halloween Fire Safety

Halloween is a common time for fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Crepe paper, cornstalks, and costumes are highly flammable. Bumping into a pumpkin with a lit candle could have devastating results. Fire damage to your home or car can be extensive and expensive.

 

Are you covered?

If a fire starts accidentally on your property, you are most likely covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If that fire affects your car, you are covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive insurance for damage or total loss.

 

What you need to know

• Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be habitable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Your policy’s living expense coverage will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.

• If your car is damaged by fire, your comprehensive coverage pays for it. This is coverage that is required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Comprehensive covers natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.

 

What else you could do

• Use battery-powered lights in your pumpkins rather than candles with open flames. There are some very realistic flickering flameless candles available.

• Make sure your electronic decorations meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety standards. This is an independent nonprofit organization that tests electrical components for potential hazards.

• Test smoke alarms before the holiday to make sure they are in good working order.

 

 

Dog or Cat Bites

Halloween can be a stressful time for pets. Doorbells, lots of strangers, and costumes could excite or frighten your dog. This might cause an otherwise friendly dog or cat to bite.

 

Are you covered?

You are covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. The policy pays for damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.

 

What you need to know

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. It could be at your place or it could be anywhere in the world.

• If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance advisor about an umbrella policy, which will provide much greater coverage.

 

What else you could do

• Remove your fur baby from the Halloween chaos. If your dog is crate-trained, he may feel most comfortable there.

• Keep your pet inside the house and give out candy on the porch or at a table at the curb.

 

 

Injured Trick-or-Treater

Slips and falls could occur on your property. Other injuries may happen, too. When visitors to your home are hurt, you could be held accountable.

 

Are you covered?

Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy includes liability coverage. This can be used to cover medical bills when someone is injured on your property. It can also cover legal expenses if they decide to sue you.

 

What you need to know

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. You want to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets – a minimum amount is $100,000. Higher limits are strongly recommended and may be increased for a nominal fee.

• Bodily injury or property damage that results from a business in your home is not covered by your policy. You could however purchase an endorsement for your business to get that coverage.

 

What else you could do

• Make sure your property is well lit.

• Make sure paths to your house are clear.

• Be aware that trick-or-treaters may travel across your lawn. You do not want them tripping over tombstones or other decorations.

 

 

Alcoholic Incidents

Just as in the case of a trick-or-treater who slips and falls, an intoxicated guest who injures himself at your party could hold you liable.

 

Are you covered?

Again, your liability coverage will cover medical bills and legal expenses. Your policy also provides a coverage called “Medical Payments to Others.” The policy includes $1,000 but, for an additional premium, it can be increased to $3,000 or $5,000. This coverage will pay the necessary medical expenses to a person at the insured’s home with the permission of the insured. The insured doesn’t have to be liable for this coverage to pay out.

 

What you need to know

• Some states follow a “social host liability” law. If you host a party, and one of your drunken guests leaves and causes harm to someone else, you could be liable.

• You may be able to purchase social host liquor liability insurance. This is a short-term policy to cover a party where you are serving alcohol.

 

What else you could do

• Plan ahead for guests to stay at your place or arrange a safe ride home for them.

• Do not serve underage party guests. You could face fines and even criminal charges.

• Hire a professional bartender. They typically carry their own liability insurance.

• Stop serving alcohol at a designated time.

 

Finally, an annual review of your homeowner’s policy and your auto policy will ensure you are fully covered in any situation.

Happy Halloween!

 

 

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.

Common Car Noises And What They Mean

Common Car Noises And What They Mean

It’s never a good sign when our cars start to screech, thump, or grind…However, while we may not be excited to hear these sounds, paying attention to them can help us take care of the problem before it gets worse- keeping us safer and maybe even saving us some money.

We compiled a list of common car noises and what they could mean. Read on to find out what your car is trying to tell you.

 

Banging

A loud bang Like a firecracker could mean that your vehicle’s fuel is burning at the wrong time. It could be that the fuel-to-air ratio has more fuel than it should or there’s an issue with the spark plugs. While this is not an emergency, over time it could damage your exhaust system, so get it checked out.

 

 

Clicking

If you hear clicking sounds as you turn the steering wheel, it could be from your CV (Constant Velocity) joint. The CV needs grease or it becomes dry. You may just need to replenish the grease, or you might have to replace the shaft boot if it’s torn and leaking grease. If the damage is extensive, you may have to replace the whole CV joint.

 

 

Growling or Grating

A low growl or grating sound when you step on the brakes could mean your brake pads have worn away. Brake pads push against metal rotors or drums. When they’re worn away, they can start to damage other parts and become a costly repair. You’ll want to take care of this as soon as possible.

 

 

Hissing

A hissing sound could indicate a fluid leak such as radiator coolant leaking onto the engine. If hissing occurs when you speed up, it could be a vacuum leak from a small hose around the engine’s air intake. You’ll need to replace the hoses or other components that are leaking.

 

 

Humming

If you hear a low drone or humming sound that increases in volume when accelerating, check your tires. Their tread could be worn-out or wearing unevenly. The wheel bearing in your tires also may be damaged, which is a serious issue. Your tires also may need an alignment and some air. Have tires and bearings checked and, if needed, replaced as soon as possible.

 

 

Knocking or Pinging

A knocking or pinging sound under your hood that increases as you accelerate can occur when fuel in your engine detonates at incorrect times. Sometimes this is the result of using fuel with too low an octane level. Other times, it is more serious. There may be a worn crankshaft bearing or a piston that needs replacing. Address this sooner rather than later.

 

 

Rattling

Rattling, vibrating, or squeaking sounds when you drive over a speed bump or pothole could indicate a problem with your suspension. There could be bad bushings, the cushions that help absorb road bumps. Try performing a bounce test. Step outside the car and press down firmly on the front corner. If you hear the sound, you will want to get it checked out. If your car is rattling when the car is idling, it could mean a damaged heat shield in your exhaust system. Check that out, too, to make sure everything stays cool when you’re operating your vehicle.

 

 

Roaring

Your car’s muffler is designed to muffle the roaring sound made by your engine. However, if there’s a crack in the exhaust system, the gases that cause the roar can escape before they reach the muffler. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can even leak into the cabin. A missing catalytic converter also can cause this sound. Get this sound addressed right away.

Pro Tip: Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem and they are expensive to replace. Consider getting your VIN number stamped on the catalytic converter or installing an anti-theft device.

 

 

Rumbling

A low-pitched engine rumble with vibrations can indicate an exhaust leak in a gasket, flex pipe, resonator or muffler. A dirty fuel injector could cause a rumbling sound. (Try adding a fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank). A dirty air filter could be another cause, so try replacing that part. Your oxygen sensor could be creating the wrong mix of fuel and oxygen. Finally, the sound could be caused by worn spark plugs that fire inconsistently.

 

 

Scraping

A rock or other debris stuck in your brake rotor could cause a scraping sound and cause damage over time. Get that removed before it becomes a problem.

 

 

Squeaking or Squealing

Squeaking or squealing could be caused by a number of things. If the sound happens when you brake, you may have worn brake pads, improperly cut brake rotors, or glazed brake pads that get too hot. You also may have broken anti-rattle clips or incorrectly installed insulation shims. If you hear loud squealing after you start your car, but then the sound gradually fades, it may be a serpentine belt that is failing. If you hear the squeal when you turn on the air conditioning, it may need a serpentine belt adjustment or replacement. Squeaking or whining when turning the steering wheel could be a power steering issue. There may be air in the fluid and adding more fluid could help. However, if you hear a high-pitch whine when you make a turn, the pump could be damaged. Get these sounds checked out for your safety.

 

 

Thumping

When you brake and hear a thumping sound, that means potential damage. A thumping in the rear could be rear brake drums and thumping in the front could be rotor damage. Rotor damage can be caused by a car not being used, and just sitting outside and rusting.

 

 

Washing Machine Sound

If your car sounds like a washing machine on the high-spin cycle with loose change inside, pull over as soon as safely possible. This likely means a loose lug nut is inside your hubcap. When that happens, the tire could fall off or you could have a blowout. Pull over as soon as you safely can. Jack up the car and use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Fill the tire if the pressure is low or swap it out for the spare tire. Call roadside assistance if needed.

 

 

Whirring

If your car whirs like a helicopter and gets louder as you travel faster, it’s most likely a worn-out wheel bearing. You can check this while driving. Turn the wheel to the left and then to the right and see if the noise disappears briefly. Wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible.

 

 

Figuring It Out

If you are able to do so safely, record the sound your car is making using your phone or other device. Then play it for your mechanic. This will help to pinpoint the exact sound you are hearing.

Finally, if your noise isn’t listed here, or you’re not sure about what sound you hear, it’s always a good idea to consult a trusted mechanic. This will help to find any problems and fix them before they become expensive issues.

Paying attention to your car’s dashboard lights and sounds will help you keep it well-maintained. Protect your vehicle with the right insurance and keep up with auto recalls 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.

New Employee Spotlight: Aaron Kerr

We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The New Employee 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 Claims Adjuster, Aaron Kerr

Let’s get to know, Aaron

employee spotlight

 

Where are you from?

Colorado Springs, CO

 

What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?

I have 7 chickens, 3 cats, 2 dogs & a lizard.

 

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chinese

 

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Miniature painting

Camping

Bike Riding

 

What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?

I had been with USAA for ~15 years prior and was not happy with the direction that my career was taking (or rather not taking). I found California Casualty after my best friend got a job here and, can’t be more excited to complete my career here!

 

If you want to learn more about Aaron 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