Auto Insurance Info 7 | California Casualty

Vehicle Air Conditioning – How to Maximize the Cool

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Finances | 0 comments

Getting into a hot car is the last thing you want to do on a scorching summer day. You want to cool that car down fast. We researched the tried-and-true methods to maximize the cool in your car’s air conditioning system. Read on to find out more.

How air conditioning works in your vehicle

Your car’s air conditioning pulls air in from the cabin or outdoors. It takes out the heat and moisture, and then pushes it through the vents so you feel cool air. Importantly, the air conditioner draws energy from the engine. When you put on the air, your engine must work harder, and you burn more fuel. So, you want to cool down, but you don’t necessarily want to do it by burning more than you need to.

Follow these 6 tips to cool your car quickly and efficiently.

#1: Park in a shady spot.

Give your air conditioner some help by parking in a shady spot. While your car will still be hot, it will be cooler than in the direct sun. That way your air conditioning will start with the air at a relatively lower temperature and have less work to do to bring the temperature down.

Pro Tip: If there is no shady spot, create one with a sunshade. Not only does it help with heat, a sunshade protects the inside of your car from damaging UV rays.

#2: Wait to run the AC.

Roll down the windows and let the warm air escape before you get into the car. Open your door and move it back and forth like a fan, to force some cooler air in and hot air out. Then, wait until the car is in motion to turn on the air conditioning. Precooling without driving can reduce the battery life of an electric or hybrid car. Plus, as you’re moving, the air flow will naturally help the AC run more efficiently. The faster you go, the faster the engine turns, and the faster the compressor runs, resulting in cooler air.

Pro Tip: So that the steering wheel and other components aren’t too hot to touch, try wiping them down with a damp cloth prior to driving. In a pinch, wet wipes can work.

#3: Don’t switch to max right away.

When you first get into the car, it’s usually hotter inside than the air outside. You don’t want to pull in that hot air. Instead, turn on the fan to maximum speed and make sure it’s set to outside mode (not recirculate). Leave the AC button off at first. Once you’ve had a chance to force out some of the humid and hot air, then turn on the AC mode and set it to recirculate. Keep it on the coldest setting until it’s the temperature you want.

Pro Tip: Before you shut off your car, turn the air off. That way it won’t go on automatically when you turn it on again.

#4: Install an AC curtain.

It’s faster to cool a smaller space than a larger one. That’s the idea behind an AC curtain. This fan-powered device creates an invisible barrier that keeps cold air in one section. In a larger SUV or minivan, this could reduce the space that needs to be cooled, and it works well if there are just a couple of occupants.

Pro Tip: Amp up the cool with a cooling seat cover with its own temperature control.

#5: Change your air filters.

Your car’s air filters remove dirt, pollen, and dust from the air. When your cabin filters are clogged, they struggle to get the air through. That’s why it’s important to clean them according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. This is usually every year or two, or every 15,000-20,000 miles.

#6: Keep your car well maintained.

A dirty air condenser impacts the performance of your air conditioning system. Have your condenser cleaned with regular maintenance. If your AC is not working well, check the system. It could be a worn-out part, or too little refrigerant in in the system. Note that adding refrigerant is not a normal task. The system is sealed, and so if refrigerant is low, you could have a leak.

Finally, protect your car with the right insurance for added peace of mind this summer.

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.

When You NEED to File a Claim, and When You DON’T

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Finances | 0 comments

You accidentally bump the car in front of you. Luckily, there’s not much damage. You pick up the phone to call your insurer. Wait a minute. Will filing a claim for this accident save you money or cost you in the long run?

Filing a claim may have consequences down the road. Too many claims could cause a non-renewal of your policy. Even a single claim could raise your insurance premium when you renew. Plus, you may not have to file a claim with your insurance company if you are not at fault. You can possibly get compensated by the other driver’s insurer.

Follow this guide to know when to file a claim, when to skip it, and what to do if someone else is at fault.

Do file a claim…

If there is bodily injury

You should always file a claim if someone is injured. Bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the driver and passengers in the other vehicle. In no-fault states, your own injuries are typically covered by your auto policy through a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim. (It differs from state to state.) Note that many injuries don’t show up immediately. Whiplash could take days or weeks to appear.

If there is major property damage

You should always file a claim if there is major property damage. With an auto insurance policy, 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. With home insurance, a personal property policy covers damage to your possessions. Other parts of your homeowner’s policy cover the home and other structures.

If you’re at fault and others are involved

Even if the damage seems minor, the other driver can sue you after the accident. That’s why it’s a good idea to file a claim for accidents where you are at fault and others are involved. Report the accident to your insurer so that they will be able to represent you. Your liability insurance will help to cover you. Your insurer will work hard to avoid a lawsuit. They will handle the claim and pay for damages/injuries for which you are legally responsible. If you purchased coverage for your car, they would repair that also, subject to your deductible. Importantly, don’t pay the other driver out-of-pocket for damage that you caused. That will work against you if you are sued since it appears you were at fault.

Don’t file a claim…

If it’s a single-car accident and nobody is hurt

If your car hits a tree or fence, and no one is hurt, it may not make sense to file a claim.

However, if you are at fault, you will have to pay for the damage/repairs to the tree/fence. In this case, your Property Damage coverage would apply and pay for damages you are liable for up to your policy limit.

Your collision will pay for repairs minus the deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs. If, however, your car hits a deer, your comprehensive coverage kicks in. Comprehensive coverage applies when something other than a collision causes the damage.

When damage is close to the deductible amount

If your deductible is $500, and repairs would be about that amount, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim. You’re responsible for the deductible amount, and you would get just a minimal check from your insurer.

When you hit a family member’s parked car

If it’s unlikely your family will sue you after the accident, and if the damage is minor, you can probably handle it without filing a claim. You can pay for the repair for your family member out-of-pocket.

If you’re not at fault

If the other driver has insurance

If the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim with his or her insurance company. That insurer can provide you compensation with no effect on your insurance policy. Note that it is possible for fault to be shared. You may have to file a claim with both your insurer and the other driver’s insurance company if that is the case.

If the other driver has no insurance

File a claim with your insurance company. Your collision coverage will apply if you are hit by an at fault uninsured motorist. Your collision deductible can be waived if there is direct physical contact, and the owner or operator of the uninsured vehicle is identified by its license plate number. If you don’t carry collision, you can carry UMPD – uninsured motorist property damage. This coverage has either a policy maximum or a special deductible. Most states allow you to carry Collision or UMPD, but not both. Collision has a deductible but no policy limit. UMPD has either a policy limit or a deductible. If you or your passengers are injured by an accident with an at fault uninsured/underinsured motorist, you can use your uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, if purchased.

Noteworthy tips

Take photos of damages. Try to take them before the cars are moved, especially in a parking lot accident. Make notes of the street, speed, and get ID from the other driver, i.e., license plate or driver’s license number. Get information on “independent” witnesses (not your friends or family members). You may need them even if the other person says they are sorry. People often change their story when it comes time to file a claim. Police don’t often come to accident scenes any longer unless injuries, drugs, or alcohol are involved.
Even if you do not file a claim, make sure to file a police report. This is evidence that the accident occurred and could protect you from false claims late You typically file the report online now. Some states require you to file a report; check your state requirements.
Check out your car after an accident. Small leaks or damage could be present that weren’t immediately apparent. Knowing the extent of the damage may help inform you whether to make a claim.
Don’t delay your decision. You have limited time to file a claim, though most states allow 1+ years to make and settle an injury claim.
Buy a dashcam. It may be the only thing that proves what happened in the accident.

It’s always a good idea to read your policy and understand your coverage. If you have questions, we’re only a phone call away.

Newlywed Checklist

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Finances, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

You had a checklist for the perfect wedding. Now that the big day is over, you’re ready for the next step: the “to do” list after the “I do’s.”

We’ve put together the definitive checklist so that you won’t miss a thing as you transition into married life. It’ll be a piece of cake – pun intended – after planning a wedding. Remember, you’ve got this.

Take care of the post-wedding details.

The wedding may be over, but there are likely some details that still need to be addressed. You’ll want to take care of them in a timely fashion, but most can wait until after the honeymoon.

Returned rented clothing and items. Take your wedding dress to be cleaned, boxed, and preserved.
Pay outstanding vendor bills. Many wedding vendors require payment on the day of your event, but for those who will bill you, make sure to pay them promptly.
Order photos. Set aside several hours to review your photos and choose the top 20-30. Then create a flow that tells the story of the day from start to finish.
Send thank you notes within 3 months of the wedding. Consider alternatives to handwritten notes, such as postcards with a photo of the wedding and a heartfelt sentiment.

Request your marriage certificate.

This is not to be confused with your marriage license, which is the legal document that allows you to get married. A marriage certificate is legal proof that you are married. It often has a raised seal.

After the ceremony, it is the responsibility of your officiant to bring the marriage license to the county clerk so that a marriage certificate may be generated.
Contact the county clerk’s office and order 3-5 certified copies. Note that there will be a charge for each one that you request.
Arrange to have the copies mailed, or for you to pick them up.

Legally change your name (optional).

If you plan to change your name, there is a process to follow.

You will need your marriage certificate to apply for a new social security card. That’s the first step in changing your name.
Once you have a social security card, you can take that, your marriage certificate, and proof of address and visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for an updated driver’s license. You are now ready to use your new ID to update your name on your financial accounts. (See below.)
You also may want to update your name on your social media accounts.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to take the time to do it yourself, there are companies that provide name change services for a fee.

Alert your employer.

If you changed your name and/or your address, you want to alert your employer so that they have the correct information on file.

Provide a copy of your new driver’s license to your employer, which will include your new name and/or address.
Make sure your employer has updated bank deposit information for payroll, health insurance, and your 401K.
Request new business cards and/or an updated email address.

Update your financial accounts.

Your financial accounts need to be updated if you changed your name and/or address. In addition, this is a good opportunity to take stock of your finances, create a budget, and how you will move forward as a married couple.

Provide a copy of your marriage certificate, updated driver’s license, and proof of address to update the information at your bank.
Do the same for any loans, such as car loans and mortgage providers, and for your credit cards.
Set up a joint bank account if desired. Order checks with your married name and address.

Update or change your insurance.

Now that you’re married, you will want to update your homeowner’s or renter’s policy and auto insurance so you’re together on the same policy.

Contact your insurance provider to update them on your new name, address, and marital status. You will need to do this even if you do not change your name.
Determine what changes need to be made on your homeowner’s or renter’s and car insurance policies. If you had individual policies previously, you would want to cancel them and have a new policy written for both of you.
You may qualify for discounts through bundling Don’t forget to ask about those.

Alert your service providers.

You’ll also want to update your service providers with your new name and address.

Contact the utility providers for your home, including gas, electric, water, and Internet.
Make a list of your doctors and other medical providers and alert them with new information, including updated health insurance if applicable.
Update your memberships and subscriptions with any new information.

Notify the government.

You’ll want to make sure that your married name is listed with your local town and various government agencies.

If you own your home, check with the town/county clerk, and make sure your married name is listed on the property deed. This should also put your correct name on property taxes and sewer bills.
Update your name (and if needed, address) with the post office and with your state’s voter registration.
File for a new government-issued passport in your married name so that you’ll be ready for your next adventure.

Merge your stuff.

You brought stuff to the marriage and so did your partner. Likely, you have duplicates. Now is a good time to decide what to keep and what to give away or sell. There are many Free Cycle and Buy Nothing Groups to donate right in your local community.

Sell or donate your wedding dress, wedding décor, and any other wedding-related supplies that you no longer need.
Go through your household items to look for duplicates. Decide to regift or sell.
Return any unwanted wedding gifts within 2 months. You may use the credit with the store to buy the items you still need.

Make a newlywed bucket list.

The wedding may be over, but your adventures are just beginning. To help with the post-wedding blues, create your newlywed bucket list and start planning.

Make a list of the things you’d like to do together. Then choose a few you’d like to try sooner rather than later.
Remember that it doesn’t have to be costly. You just spent a lot on a wedding and honeymoon. Maybe it’s hosting your first dinner party as a married couple or trying out a new hobby together.
Plan a one-year anniversary vacation. Follow these pro tips to save money when you travel. You’ll have a year to save for the trip, and it will be another wonderful celebration of your new life together.

Graduation – When to Remove Your Child from Your Auto Policy

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

Your son or daughter has graduated college and is ready to start his or her adult life. Is now a good time to take them off your car insurance?

It’s a decision that many parents tend to put off. Unlike health insurance, there is no maximum age for children on a vehicle policy. As long as they live with you, and drive a car you own, they could remain on your policy indefinitely. However, you may also choose to remove them, and that’s the case even if they do live with you. Here are some reasons why you might consider it.

- It will likely save you money. It is more costly to insure younger, less experienced drivers and so removing them from your policy will likely lower your premium.
- It will teach your child responsibility. Car insurance premiums are usually among the first bills that a young person is responsible for paying.
- It can improve their credit score. Paying the premiums on time will help build your child’s credit score.
- You both may qualify for a multi-vehicle household bundles or discounts.
- In some cases, children move to a new address and don’t update their auto insurance right away. Getting your child his or her own policy will ensure that there is no gap in coverage when they move out.

When you need to remove your child

If you’re thinking about removing your child from your auto policy, read on. We’ve compiled a list of situations when it is recommended that young adults have their own policy.

Your son or daughter no longer lives with you.

- Your policy is tied to your home address. If your child has moved away, they can’t be on your policy.
- If, however, your son or daughter is simply living at college, their home address is likely still yours. That allows them to remain on your policy, with some modifications.
- If the college is enough of a distance away, and they are not driving, the insurance premium may be temporarily discounted or reduced.
- If they take their car to college, the new location will be incorporated in the premium quote.

Your son or daughter is covered under another auto policy.

- The car that your child drives can only go on one policy. If your son or daughter is covered under another policy, such as in cases of separation or divorce, you do not need to pay for a second policy.
- If your son or daughter lives mostly at one location, your teen may be listed on the policy at that home.
- If your son or daughter regularly parks his or her car at both parents’ homes, your child will still be covered at both locations under one policy.

Your child has bought his/her own car.

- Insurance companies generally require that any vehicles on your policy be in the primary policyholder’s name.
- If your child buys his/her own car, the insurer may require a separate policy.
- If you do not get a separate policy, then you remain the primary policyholder. If your child gets into an accident with his/her car, and the claim is covered, the check will be written to you.

How to remove your child from your policy

1. Contact your insurer. Ask to have your child removed from the policy.

Insurance companies usually require you to list all household members of driving age when you apply for, or renew, your policy. If your child gets his or her own policy, and still lives at home, you will need to exclude them from your coverage. That means they won’t be covered in an accident even if they had an occasional use with permission. Note that you may be charged a fee or excluding a driver that lives in your household.

2. Provide proof of other insurance.

When you remove your child from your policy, your insurer will require proof that your child has his/her own policy. You can choose to get a new policy with your current insurer and maybe take advantage of household discounts. You also could change insurance companies. Make sure to set up the timing so that one policy kicks in when the other one lapses.

3. Provide proof of new address.

If your child has moved to a new address, your insurer may ask for proof of residence. This may include a utility bill or other authorized mail.

Talk to your insurer about options so that you can find the best fit for your family, and also meet state and insurance requirements.

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.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

You’ve probably heard of someone stealing a catalytic converter, but never thought it could happen to you in your neighborhood. Well, think again…

The number of catalytic converter thefts reported in insurance company claims has greatly increased over the past three years, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that these thefts increased by 1,215% between 2019 and 2022. Stolen catalytic converters can garner anywhere from $20 to $350 on the black market, with the replacement cost to vehicle owners averaging over $2,500 according to the National Automobile Dealers Association.

What are catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are part of your car’s exhaust system. They turn harmful emissions into harmless gases. These essential car parts contain precious metals like platinum, palladium or rhodium, which can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars when sold to scrap yards. Catalytic converters are especially attractive to thieves because they are not easily tracked. Plus, they can be removed from your vehicle in a matter of minutes.

What vehicles are thieves targeting?

Any car manufactured after 1974 has a catalytic converter, and is a potential target. However, thieves often look for taller vehicles like pickup trucks or SUVs because they can slide underneath them more easily. They also look for hybrids, which have a greater supply of those precious metals in their catalytic converters. The only vehicle without a catalytic converter is an electric vehicle (EV).

What steps can you take to prevent a theft?

You want to make it more difficult for thieves to steal your catalytic converter, and harder for them to profit if they do. Here are some of the most popular ways to help prevent a theft.

Keep things well-lit and secure.

For thefts that occur at night, keeping your property lit up could be a deterrent. Install motion sensor lights in your driveway which could surprise a thief and potentially scare him away. A home security system with visible cameras also can help prevent thefts.

Park in the right place.

Park in your locked garage if you have one, or in your driveway. Avoid street parking that is beyond the scope of your security cameras. If you’re in a public space, choose the first row of parking spaces near the building. These are generally the ones that are well lit and covered by the building’s security camera. They have the added advantage of being the places where people are most likely to pass by.

Pro Tip: For cars with lower clearances, you might find that parking on hills, gravel or uneven surfaces can help make it harder for thieves to get underneath. They may pass by your car for a converter on another vehicle that’s easier to reach.

Mark your converter.

Etch your car’s VIN or license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This will help alert scrap dealers that it’s a stolen part. While thieves could file off the etching, the filing marks will still be noticeable. Alternatively, paint your catalytic converter a bright color. It’s unsellable in that condition; thieves will have to clean off the paint, which is a time-consuming process. They may decide not to bother with your catalytic converter and look elsewhere.

Install an anti-theft device.

Aftermarket devices can be installed that make it difficult or impossible to remove a catalytic converter. These include cages, panels and shields. You can weld the bolts of your converter so they cannot be turned. You also can weld your converter in place. Add a warning sticker on your vehicle’s window saying that your car has an anti-theft device. Thieves will see it and take notice.

Add an alarm.

You can install a motion sensor alarm that will go off if someone is using a vibrating power tool on your car. It’s easy to install. The downside is that it’s also easy to remove, and so it may not be the deterrent you want.

Start a neighborhood watch group.

Catalytic converter theft is often a crime where a whole neighborhood is targeted on a single night. Forming a neighborhood watch group will help prevent a series of thefts. Set up a text chain and share information from your doorbell and security cameras. Report suspicious behavior, such as unknown cars circling the block. If you see someone tampering with vehicles on your street, report it immediately to the police—and alert your neighbors.

How do you know if your converter is stolen?

You don’t have to know cars to know when your catalytic converter is stolen. You’ll hear it as soon as you start your car. It will make a loud roar which will become even louder when you accelerate. Your car also may sputter. It will not drive smoothly. You may notice an increase in exhaust and/or exhaust smells. The check engine light may go on. The theft may have been silent and secretive, but the aftermath is not.

The cost to replace a catalytic converter can be pricey, but if you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle, that will help to cover the replacement part, after the deductible has been met. Make sure that your auto insurance policy is up to date and that you are fully covered should anything happen.

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.

Insurance & Divorce 101

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

When you’re married, you share insurance policies with your spouse. When you’re separated or divorced, you need to make changes to all of your financial documents, including insurance.

You will want to contact your insurance company when a separation or divorce is beginning. Here’s a quick guide to navigating your auto and homeowner’s policies during this challenging time.

Auto Insurance

Where you live will determine whether you can stay on the same car insurance policy while separated.

- If you’re at the same address, and that’s where your cars are parked at night, then you can keep the car insurance together for the time being.
- Make sure your insurer has both spouses’ contact information. However, note that any correspondence, such as a copy of nonpayment information and a legal notice, will only be sent to the address on the policy.
- If you have different addresses, because you are separated, that’s the time to get separate policies. As a side note, even if you are married and you keep the car at separate addresses, you may need separate policies. Your insurer sometimes can add a separate “garaging location” but you do need to notify the insurance company whenever addresses and vehicle locations change.

When you divorce, you will need individual car insurance policies.

- That may mean that one person takes over the current policy and the other gets a new one, or you both get new ones and the original policy is canceled. There may be cancellation fees involved.
- If both spouses are residing in the same household, both are still named insureds and only one person’s authorization is needed to cancel or change a policy. Once the ex is removed, the ex no longer has any input into what the insured does with the policy.
- If you share ownership of a car, you will need to get that car titled in one person’s name. You may need to revisit financing options as well if it is still being paid off.
- Make sure you get the new policy before you cancel the old, or you could be penalized for a gap in coverage.

There may be a difference in price with the new policies.

- Don’t be surprised if your rate goes up or down after divorce, even if you took over the original policy. For example, you will likely lose the discount given for being married. You may lose a multi-car or multi-policy discount. However, if your spouse’s driving record is worse than yours, your rate as a single person may be lower than it was as a couple.
- Refinancing a house or buying a new car also can change your credit score, which is used to determine your rate.
- Your new zip code will likely change the amount that you need to pay. Location is often factored into the insurance rate whether auto or home.

Teen drivers have to be included on the policy.

- The car that your teen drives can only go on one policy. You will need to pick who is responsible for paying the insurance and that is where the teen/car will be rated.
- If your son or daughter lives mostly at one location, your teen may be listed on the policy at that home.
- While insurers list everyone age 14+ on the policy, they only charge a premium if the teen is not insured elsewhere. They don’t want to double insure any person or car.

- If your son or daughter regularly parks his or her car at both parents’ homes, your teen will still be covered at both locations.
- Your divorce agreement can determine if your spouse contributes to the payment of the policy that covers your teen.

Homeowner’s Insurance

A homeowner’s policy can be maintained during a separation, but should be changed as soon as the divorce is finalized. At California Casualty, we typically wait until the divorce is final and/or the policy renewal date to move property policies from one account to another.

- Only a named insured on the policy is authorized to make changes. Ideally, the changes should follow the separation agreement.
- The effective date the change takes place depends upon your policy.
- The spouse who moves out, but is still on the deed, should be named as an additional insured.

You will want to get renter’s insurance if you are moving out of your house.

- Renter’s insurance is like homeowner’s insurance but for tenants. Starting at about $10 a month, it protects your personal belongings.
- It will include personal liability coverage, an important safeguard if you’re found at fault for property damage or injuries at your place (and even around the world).
- It also can help if your apartment or home is unlivable, due to a covered loss. Insurance can cover the increase in living expenses.

Your homeowner’s policy should be listed under whoever keeps the house.

- If one spouse gets the house in the divorce, the homeowner’s policy must be transferred to their name.
- Your insurer will rewrite the policy based on updated personal property coverage and the current needs of the homeowner. Any umbrella policies should be reviewed.
- Ask for ways to keep your rates affordable, such as bundling home and auto, or buying a home security system.
- Ask about discounts, too. California Casualty offers discounts to nurses, educators, and first responders.

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.