Anyone who has ever dropped off at soccer practice, then zoomed to dance, and back again to school, knows the reality of parenting today. We live in our cars. In fact, we can’t live without them, which is why it’s more than just an inconvenience when our cars are in the shop.
Enter the rental car, the savior helping us to navigate our hectic lives, pun intended. Rentals can be a necessity when our car is in the shop for repairs after an accident, and it would be nice if we didn’t have to pay too much for them. That’s where rental car reimbursement coverage (also called transportation expense coverage) can help. A basic amount of this coverage is included with collision/comprehensive coverage in your auto policy. It helps cover the cost of a rental car after a car accident, but the basic coverage may not be enough these days. Optional higher coverage levels are available and can help to cover more of the cost of a rental car.
Things are changing—which could impact your budget.
Today’s world is not the same as pre-pandemic. The changes that have happened in the last year or longer are impacting the repair and rental car industries. This could cause you to pay significantly more out-of-pocket even with rental car reimbursement. Read on to find out why, and what you can do about it.
Parts are taking longer to get.
We’ve been spoiled with free, fast shipping, getting items in a couple of days from the time we order them. That’s no longer the case. Just as you probably had to wait for the hottest toy for the holidays (or that elusive Sony PlayStation 5), repair shops have had to wait…and wait…and wait…for parts. There’s a global supply chain shortage. Parts that used to arrive in a day or two are now taking weeks or longer. Ships carrying supplies are being held at docks. There’s also a global semiconductor shortage, which especially affects the advanced electronics in our cars.
Shops are doing partial repairs or keeping your car indefinitely.
With parts delayed for weeks or longer, some shops are making partial repairs on drivable vehicles, sending them home, and finishing the job later. They are keeping undrivable cars for weeks or even months while waiting for parts.
When there’s no one to work on your car, it sits for longer.
The labor shortage has hit the automotive industry. There are fewer truck drivers transporting parts, fewer dock workers unloading them, and fewer mechanics working. The pandemic prompted many people to reevaluate their career choices, and leave their jobs. If you’re lucky, your body shop is fully staffed. If not, you’re likely in for a longer repair.
Your car could be in the shop longer than your rental coverage.
Normally, you’d expect to have a rental car for a couple of weeks. It might surprise you to learn that the average repair time at the end of last year was 17 days, according to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. That means that many people had their cars in the shop even longer than that. The length of rentals has continued to increase in 2022. If shops are waiting on parts and workers, chances are that your rental car coverage will run out before repairs are done. Not only that but the rental bill can be even more than the repair bill, and you’re hit with any expense that insurance doesn’t cover.
Longer collision repair times are just part of higher costs. Rising inflation rates and greater demand for vehicles have increased rental car prices. AAA is seeing car rental prices trending higher in 2022 than in the previous four years.
It makes sense (and cents) to bump up your coverage.
The typical auto policy includes a basic amount of coverage that reimburses up to $20 a day with a $600 cap per accident. That means your $20 per day coverage lasts for 30 days. Luckily, you’re not limited to those numbers. Consider expanding your coverage to $30/$900, $40/$1,200 or $50/$1,500. Selecting a higher amount will help you cover today’s higher cost of rental cars, especially for longer repair times.
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.
This time of year, boat owners are getting their boats out of storage and ready for the water. If you’re among those eagerly anticipating the new boating season, you’ll want to make sure you’ve done everything to get your boat prepared and ensure you’ll be boating safely.
Follow this checklist for spring boat maintenance before you take off for the first time this season! (Friendly reminder, you can do much of this basic maintenance yourself, but if you’re unsure, always consult a professional boat mechanic.)
1. Inspect the Battery.
After sitting idle for months, your battery will likely need attention. You will want to make sure that it’s fully charged and ready to go. There are three basic types of boat batteries: AGM (absorbed glass mat), gel cell, and lead-acid. When working around batteries, always use eye protection, wear gloves, and never put your face near a battery.
If you have a lead-acid battery, you need to top off the fluid with distilled water. Remove the caps and use a flashlight to check the level. Add the water so it just covers the top of the plates. Be very careful doing this, as bubbles can pop and splash acid.
Use a meter reader to check the charge on your battery. Set the meter so it’s reading DC volts. A full charge is in the range of 12.65 to 12.77 volts. A dead battery measures 11.75 to 11.89 volts, so the numbers are pretty close. If you have a lead-acid battery, you can use a battery hydrometer instead of a meter reader.
Make sure not to overcharge or undercharge your battery. Both can limit its lifespan. Consider a marine-smart battery charger, which is permanently installed.
Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminals. Fill the cells with distilled water.
Check and tighten the cable connections to your battery. Loose connections can create a fire hazard.
Make sure that there is a lid on the battery box to prevent short circuits.
2. Check the fuel system.
Your fuel system encompasses more than your gas tank. It involves hoses, and if your boat is older, a carburetor. You want to check it to make sure that it’s in good working order.
Inspect your fill and vent hoses. Look for brittleness or cracks and replace any as needed with U.S. Coast Guard-approved hoses.
Look for stains around fuel line clamps and fittings. Check for smells around the fittings. If you find any, replace those fittings so you don’t have a dangerous leak.
If you detect a smell, you may want to check your fuel tank for leaks.
Fuel your boat with gasoline that does not contain ethanol. If you only have ethanol blends available, choose one with less than 10 percent ethanol.
Use a fuel stabilizer additive if you’re not going to be using up the gas in your tank within a week or two.
3. Examine the engine.
There are several components in your engine that wear down over time. Now is your chance to give them a look and make sure that they do not need replacement.
Inspect the belts and cables to make sure they’re not cracked.
Replace the spark plugs as needed.
Look for rust or any indication that clamps or other parts may need replacement.
If you didn’t do it before you stored your boat for the winter, change the oil and filter, and the drive lubricants.
Check the fluids for your power steering and coolant and top them off if needed.
Check the impeller pump to make sure it’s not worn. Impellers bring cooling water to the engine and are necessary for its safe operation. They should be replaced every 2 years or after 200 hours of use.
If your boat has lights, make sure they are functioning.
4. Check the boat’s hull.
The hull or bottom of your boat comes in contact with water, which means that its parts may deteriorate over time.
Check your boat’s anodes. These protect underwater areas of your boat from corrosion. If you see that your anodes are half dissolved, you will want to replace them.
Reinstall sea strainers for raw water cooling. If they weren’t properly drained for the winter, check for damage by ice.
Install the drain plug for your boat trailer if you removed it last fall.
5. Get out your cleaning supplies.
After a winter of just sitting around, your boat will naturally be dusty. You want to make sure that you give it a good cleaning, and also check for any potential problems like mold.
Choose a mild detergent for the exterior, then add a coat of wax.
Use an all-purpose spray cleaner for the console.
Use a vinyl cleaner on the seats.
Wipe down windows.
Clean carpets with a power washer.
Take note of any areas that have a smell or may have had water. The moisture can cause mold, which you will want to remove completely and as soon as possible.
6. Stock up on safety essentials.
Your old safety gear may be in good working order or it may need to be replaced. Now is the time to check.
Make sure you have enough life jackets, and that they are in good condition and easily accessible.
Check your safety kit. You should have first aid supplies, flares, fire extinguishers, and flashlights in a waterproof container. Make sure your extinguisher is mounted where you can easily reach it.
Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and your flares. Replace them as needed.
Test your boat’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
If you transport your boat via a trailer, spring is a good time to check-in. You don’t want any issues getting your boat to the water.
Make sure your trailer’s brake lights are working.
Check the tires. Look for cracks in the sidewalls. Most trailer tires don’t wear out their tread but they can crack from exposure to the elements.
Check the tire pressure. Make sure you have a spare tire.
8. Get your papers in order.
Before you take your boat out, make sure that you have the right paperwork. This includes documentation for insurance so that you are fully protected in the event of a boating accident.
Review your boat insurance. Make sure it’s up to date and you understand what’s covered.
Keep your boat registration handy.
Make sure you have a fishing license and trailer tags as needed.
Happy boating!
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.
From hail to high winds, flooding, and more, spring storms can do some real damage — and not just to your home and property. These intense storms can also take their toll on your car.
Here are some ways you can protect your vehicle from spring storms.
Take cover – and cover-up — during hailstorms.
Hailstorms do billions of dollars of damage each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If you live in one of the states that typically receives a lot of hail, your car could be at even greater risk. But even if you don’t, it only takes one bad hailstorm to dent your vehicle or crack your windshield.
If you have a garage or barn, park your car inside. Being in an enclosed structure will help protect your car from hailstones and flying debris.
It may be a bit inconvenient but you can find covered parking in malls or parking garages. Park above the ground floor to minimize contact with water in case there is flooding.
If you cannot park inside, move your car away from trees. Park near the side of a building or your house for some protection.
Cover your vehicle with a car cover. You can buy one or make your own with blankets. Secure the blankets with duct tape; while it may leave a sticky residue, it will not damage your paint.
If you’re driving when a hailstorm hits, pull over. Hailstones fall at a pretty good speed. When you add your car’s forward motion, that actually increases the impact.
Stay far from trees and other cars in high winds.
High or straight-line winds can leave destruction in their wake, from downed trees to flying debris. Check with your local weather service on wind speeds and know what wind can do. Winds traveling at 50 mph can move patio furniture. At 60 mph, they can pick up a car and shatter windows.
Park away from trees, which could potentially fall or drop heavy branches on your vehicle. Stay away from power lines, too.
Park inside if space is available. Reinforced garage doors are helpful if you’re in a place with frequent high winds.
If time permits, trim your tree branches in advance of the storm. Also, remove any items that could potentially impact your car.
Remove valuables from your car that could be blown away if winds hit high speeds and shatter your windows. Don’t tape your windows; it’s a myth that tape will help contain the glass and prevent tiny shards from flying around.
If you’re driving in strong winds, consider pulling over. If you continue driving, keep plenty of space between you and the cars around you.
Stay high and dry when it rains and floods.
Rain and flooding can cause serious problems with your car. Water can damage your engine, electrical components, and interior. Its effects may not even show up immediately. You may have trouble starting your car, or notice premature rusting.
Make sure your windows are rolled up, and your sunroof is closed before a rainstorm. If water gets inside your car, it can cause mold to grow.
Store important documents for your car in a water-tight bag.
Park on high ground if possible, or in a garage.
You can purchase a flood cover that may help to protect your car.
Avoid driving through pools of water. The water could reach your car’s undercarriage.
Stay off the roads if you can. Floodwaters can rise quickly and you want to avoid contact with your car.
If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, do not remain with your car. Exit your vehicle and get to high ground. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car and 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, according to AAA.
Know what to expect and plan ahead.
Your local town or your state will likely issue severe weather alerts. Getting a heads up on impending storms will help you make the proper preparations ahead of storms this spring.
Download a weather app on your phone for advance notice.
Research places in case you need to take shelter, including where to park your car.
Check your tires and make sure they are fully inflated.
Check your windshield wipers and replace blades that leave streaks.
Make sure that you have a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate.
Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your vehicle.
Despite your best efforts to protect your vehicle, sometimes damage happens. But if you have the right insurance coverage, you’ll likely be able to repair or replace your vehicle without large out-of-pocket costs.
Comprehensive coverage is for natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. Think of it as “bad luck coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is not usually required unless you’re leasing a vehicle or paying a car loan. However, it’s valuable to protect your car from spring storm damage.
If your car needs to stay in the shop, an insurance policy with rental car coverage will be most helpful.
If spring storms damage your car to the extent that it is totaled, your insurance policy will likely pay you for the actual cash value of your car.
Talk to your insurance agent to see what is covered under your auto policy before spring storms hit!
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.
Daylight savings may not only be affecting your sleep routine, research shows that daylight savings also has a connection with a surge in fatal car crashes.
During daylight savings time in the spring our clocks “spring forward” one hour, changing the amount of light we receive at certain times of day. Now we are experiencing the sun rising later in the morning and setting later in the evening. Although it’s just an hour difference, it can really take a toll on your body. “The sudden change in clock time can disrupt your sleep pattern, leading to a decrease in total sleep time and reduced sleep quality. This sleep disruption can reduce daytime alertness,” says Dr. Kelly Carden, the president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Drowsy driving along with now making the morning commute to work in the dark, are why researchers believe the spike in car accidents happen. Let’s look further into why that is.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a form of distracted driving – the leading cause of car accidents in the United States. It’s a dangerous combination of fatigue and sleepiness that often happens when the driver has not gotten enough sleep, however drowsy driving can also be a side effect of sleep disorders, medication, drinking, or shift work.
Drowsy driving is responsible for more than 6,400 U.S. deaths annually. Remember, when you drive drowsy, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are also putting everyone else on the roadway at risk if you fall asleep, are unable to react in time, or lose control.
Drowsy Driving…
…makes you less able to pay attention to the road.
…slows reaction time if you must brake or steer.
…affects your ability to make good decisions.
The best way to avoid driving drowsy is to make sure you are getting enough sleep at night (the recommended amount for adults is 7 hours) by practicing good sleeping habits. And to avoid any substances that may make you more tired before getting on the road.
Driving in the Dark
With the time change, it’s likely that your morning commute is now entirely in the dark. And while that may not seem like a major change, depth perception and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind or disorient you.
Visibility is also limited to less than 500 ft, meaning there is less time to react in case of an emergency or if something is in the middle of the roadway, like a tire or deer. Because of this, the number of road fatalities triples when it’s dark.
Unfortunately, for those who in situations where drowsy and night driving are unavoidable, like workers with irregular hours or parents of newborns, etc. here are a few tips that you can do behind the wheel to help prevent a crash.
Be aware of your surroundings – watch for other drivers, animals, or obstructions in the roadway that could be hidden by the darkness
Slow down – don’t be afraid to reduce your speed when visibility is low
Stay alert to the best of your ability – turn on the air conditioner or some loud music to help you focus and stay awake.
Don’t look directly into headlights – avoid bright headlights by starting at the white line on the right-hand side of the road when other cars are passing.
Avoid common distractions– like food or your phone
Limit your night driving – if it’s not necessary, stay in!
Always follow the rules of the road– never speed or break the law to get to your destination quicker
If you know you cannot drive– ask someone for a ride or call a rideshare
And in the case of an accident make sure you are covered, by having the proper auto insurance protection.
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.
There’s a reason why a tornado strikes immediate fear for those in its path. These violent storms can flip cars, uproot trees, and destroy entire properties. Their powerful winds can even lift objects hundreds of feet off the ground and leave complete devastation in their wake.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your home, your vehicle, and your family safe from tornadoes and high winds.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a spinning, funnel-shaped cloud usually formed as part of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes can be over a mile wide and as much as 50 miles long. Their narrow funnel shape extends from sky to ground with winds that can reach speeds up to 300 mph. (To put that in context, the average car can be moved by a 90-mph wind.)
While certain regions of the country have been dubbed “Tornado Alley,” it’s not true that tornadoes are prone to occur in those places. Tornadoes can occur anywhere and anytime and have been reported in all 50 states.
How do we predict tornadoes?
Tornados, and their paths, are notoriously difficult to predict. Even meteorologists who study the weather don’t know for sure how they form. However, the National Weather Service is able to track conditions that can contribute to tornadoes—and issue tornado watches and warnings as needed.
A tornado watch means to prepare for severe weather. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.
What are the warning signs of a tornado?
By the time you see warning signs, that means a tornado is well on its way. You’ll need to act fast. Here are just some signs to look for:
Large hail without rain
Dark or greenish sky
An approaching cloud of debris
A loud roar like that of a freight train
How do you prepare for a tornado?
You can take the steps to protect your home, your car, and your family right now.
1.Sign up for severe weather alerts. You can get critical and timely information from local media broadcasts and the emergency alert system on your TV or desktop and mobile devices. In addition, your local utility company, township, city, or state may offer free alerts. Check with your electric or gas company, and with city hall or municipal government.
2. Develop a family disaster plan. Your plan of action will identify where you and your family will shelter in place, and what to do if you get separated. It also will address any special needs of family members and your pets.
3. If there is not a safe space in your home to wait out a tornado, research local public shelters. For example, if you live in a mobile home, tornadoes can easily turn over mobile homes. Plan to go to a public shelter.
4. Gather emergency supplies in case you need to shelter in place. Keep them together in an easily accessible place. Include water, nonperishable food, and medication. Pack a first aid kit.
5. If there is a tornado watch, store items like outdoor furnishings that could become flying debris. Make sure cars are parked well away from trees.
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
If you’re home…
Go immediately to a safe place such as a basement, storm cellar, center hall, or small interior room in your home. Choose the lowest floor possible and avoid windows. Also, avoid places where heavy items like refrigerators may be directly above you. If a tornado strikes, it could come crashing down.
For added protection, get under a table. Cover yourself with thick padding such as blankets or even a mattress. This will help in case the ceiling falls in.
If the power goes out, use flashlights rather than candles if you need a light. An open flame can create a fire hazard if gas lines are damaged by severe weather.
Have a weather radio or your phone tuned into local weather. Tornadoes can be accompanied by flooding. Know when the tornado is gone and it is safe to emerge.
If you’re driving…
Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Pull over.
Tune into your local weather radio station, or if you are traveling, call the weather emergency number listed on the signs along the highway.
Park in a low, flat location. Avoid bridges or overpasses.
If you can, leave your car and get to safety inside a sturdy building.
If you cannot find adequate shelter, then stay in your car with your seat belt buckled. Put your head down below the windows. Cover your body with a coat or blanket and your head with your arms.
What do you do after a tornado?
Once it is safe to venture out, it’s time to inspect the damage. Wait until daylight and make sure to look around safely. Stay clear of fallen power lines. Stay out of damaged buildings. Make a plan to clear away debris and downed trees from your yard.
If your home, car, or property suffered damage from the tornado, you will want to take the following steps:
Secure your property from further damage.
Take photos to document what has happened.
Alert your insurance company, determine if you are covered for the damage, and file a claim.
You have home and car insurance for a reason. Put it to work if you need it. Make sure you and your family are fully protected in the event of a tornado, and any damage that follows, such as flooding. Call a California Casualty agent today at 1.866.704.8614 or visit our website www.calcas.com.
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.
Spring brings warmer weather, plenty of sunshine, and new blooms. But it also brings its share of storms, road glare, and other driving hazards. Here’s how you can stay safe when driving this spring.
Tip #1: Drive slowly and use caution in the rain.
Roads are most slippery when it starts to rain. This is due to rainwater mixing with the oil and grease on the road. But whether the rain has just begun or it’s been coming down for a while, it still makes roads slick.
Keep your headlights on so that you are more easily seen.
Slow down and increase your following distance from other cars. Remember that any amount of water could cause you to skid or hydroplane.
Make sure your tires have enough tread and your wiper blades are in good condition.
Avoid using cruise control in the rain.
Avoid driving through water, which can damage your vehicle. If there’s too large a puddle, consider an alternate route.
Tip #2: Avoid potholes and puddles that could be covering potholes.
Freezing, thawing, and road salt in winter can help to create potholes. That’s why you may notice more of them in the spring. If you hit a pothole at too high a speed, or if it’s too deep, there could be problems. Potholes can lead to punctured tires, bent rims, suspension damage, poor alignment, or other expensive repairs.
You may or may not see potholes coming. It’s even harder when they’re covered by puddles. Slow down and drive around both potholes and puddles.
Keep a safe distance when following another vehicle.
Keep both hands on the wheel to avoid losing control if you do strike a pothole.
If you encounter a pothole that is especially large or deep, try to find another route.
Tip #3: Be prepared for sun glare.
Spring is known for its bright sunshine that can temporarily blind you when you’re driving. The hours following dawn and preceding sunset are typically the times when the sun is the brightest.
Position the sun visor in your car to block the light.
Sometimes moving the visors don’t do it. Sunglasses help reduce the sun’s intensity. Keep a pair handy in your car. Wearing a hat or sun visor can help too.
Slow down. Give yourself plenty of distance behind the car in front.
Keep your windshield clean. Dust, dirt, and pollen can make the glare worse.
Pull over if you can’t see.
Tip #4: Share the road with construction, bikes, pedestrians, and kids playing.
Spring weather brings everyone out. That includes construction crews, bicyclists, pedestrians, and of course, children playing. Awareness is the first step.
Drive slowly in residential areas. If a ball goes bouncing into the street, chances are there will be a child chasing it.
Stop and give the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never pass vehicles that are stopped at crosswalks.
Slow down and follow signs for new traffic patterns in construction zones. Solid lines in construction zones mean “stay in your lane.”
Learn biking hand signals, and look for bicycles before you make turns. Allow plenty of space when passing bicyclists.
Tip #5: Be on the lookout for deer at dawn and dusk.
Deer migrate during the spring and sometimes venture too close to roads. A collision with a deer is not only fatal for them; it’s costly in terms of vehicle repairs.
Be especially careful during dawn and dusk when deer activity is at its highest.
Look out for deer crossing signs. These are posted at locations where deer sightings are common.
Use high beams at night as long as facing traffic isn’t coming.
If a collision seems inevitable, do not swerve into the other lane. You could hit a vehicle and cause an accident that’s worse.
Brake firmly, and try to graze the deer rather than hit it. Ease up on the brake just before you connect with the deer. It will cause your vehicle to lift a bit, which might keep the animal from hitting your windshield.
Tip #6: Know how spring allergies can affect your driving.
Spring is a time for allergies. Driving with sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and congestion can be a big distraction. But allergy medications that cause drowsiness could do greater harm.
Read the warning label on your allergy medication. If it warns against driving or operating heavy machinery, don’t do it.
Replace your car’s air filters to ensure they are filtering pollen, mold, and other allergens.
Consider washable car mats instead of cloth ones so you can clean them. Give your car a spring cleaning.
Roll up your windows and turn your air conditioner to the recirculation setting. This minimizes the amount of fresh air coming in.
Tip 7: Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
Keeping your vehicle in top condition will help you navigate the challenges of spring driving more easily. Follow a schedule for regular maintenance.
Check your vehicle’s headlights, turn signals, and tail lights to make sure they are working. Make sure your headlights are aligned.
Check your car’s wipers and replace the blades if they are showing signs of wear.
Check your car’s air conditioning system to make sure it’s working.
Make sure your tires have enough tread and are inflated. As temperatures rise and fall, your car tires may expand and contract. This causes loss of air pressure. You will want your tires to be inflated to manufacturer specifications. Check your owner’s manual.
Finally, make sure you have the proper car insurance. Coverage will give you peace of mind should anything happen.
Now go enjoy the warmer weather. 😊
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.
