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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You don’t have to wait for your auto policy to expire to change insurance companies. However, you do need to make sure you’re fully covered without any gaps in insurance. We’ve compiled some guidelines to help you decide if a change is right for you.
When should you think about changing policies?
While you don’t need a reason to change your auto insurance, there are some times when it makes sense for you to revisit your policy—even if you don’t change insurance companies. You may end up modifying your current policy to meet your evolving needs. For example:
If you’ve had a major life change, such as getting married or divorced, you may need more or less insurance.
If you’ve moved to a new zip code or state, the new location could affect your premium.
If you’ve become a homeowner, you can bundle your auto and home and save money.
If you’ve gone from working out of the home to remote work, your annual mileage may be less.
If you’ve bought a new car, you will want to check insurance policy options.
If your teenager is about to get his or her license, that will add to your policy.
If your credit score has improved, you may qualify for a lower rate.
If you’re unhappy with your current insurer, you can consider a change.
If you’re approaching your renewal date, you can terminate a contract without cancellation fees.
Follow these steps to make the change.
Step 1: Consider your coverage options.
Figure out how much coverage you need. If you depend upon your care, you want to make sure that you have enough to replace it if necessary. Also, check your state laws. Some states will require you to have certain car insurance. If you lease or finance a car, your lender or lessor will require you to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance.
Step 2: Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Get quotes from several insurers, and make sure you are comparing the same coverage, limits and deductibles. Sometimes policies are cheaper because they don’t have the same coverage. This is also a good time to contact your current insurer to find out about discounts, or other ways to lower your cost. California Casualty offers discounts to nurses, educators, and first responders.
Step 3: Check for penalties and perks.
If you’re in the middle of your policy contract, there may be a penalty for canceling. Make sure you figure that into the decision to switch. You also will want to look for the perks, or little extras, that are offered. Some insurers offer inexpensive roadside assistance or accident forgiveness for qualified customers. Some have smartphone apps or are available 24/7 online.
Step 4: Do your research.
You want to know how your new insurer handles claims, and whether they have a good customer service rating. It may not be worth a lower price if it’s going to be a hassle dealing with the new company. Check out your insurer with the Better Business Bureau, JD Power, or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Step 5: Make sure there’s no gap in coverage.
Car insurance lapses can be expensive, especially if you have an accident on the day in between. If you cancel one policy, make sure the other one is already in place. Your new insurance company can provide proof of insurance to your old company. However, they cannot cancel your policy. You need to do so. You’ll receive a refund for any unused portion. There may be a cancellation fee.
Pro Tip: Also remember to cancel automatic payments to your old insurer with your bank or credit card.
Step 6: Notify your insurer and lender.
Make sure to officially cancel your policy with your old insurer. Otherwise, your insurer will think you simply stopped paying your bill, and you could be liable for charges. Some insurers require 24 hours before canceling, so make sure you are aware of the terms. Also let your lender or lessor know about your new insurance if you are leasing or financing your car.
Step 7: Replace your insurance ID.
Once you make the change, ask for a digital copy of your insurance card. You can also order a printed card. Remember to place your new insurance card in your car’s glovebox.
Finally, if you have an open claim, wait to make a change.
You may not be able to change insurers if you have an open claim with your current insurance company. The claim has to be paid and closed. Also, the rate quoted from your new insurance company may not take into account that most recent claim. If that’s the case, you could have a big increase when you renew with the new company, or even be responsible for a retroactive fee.
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.
If your windshield wipers are leaving long streaks and making loud squeaks, they’re trying to tell you something. They’re ready to be replaced.
Your wipers are not meant to last forever. The rubbery blade wears down over time. Squeaks, streaks, and smears happen when the blades don’t make proper contact with the glass. That causes dangerous driving conditions and potential accidents when you can’t see clearly through your windshield.
You generally have to replace your wiper blades every 6-12 months. Look for these signs that your blades are ready for replacement:
• Worn edges
• Cracks, tears, and missing pieces
• Stiffness in the rubbery part (inability to flex)
• Squeaking or chattering
• Streaks on your windshield
If your wipers are leaving streaks but not making sounds, you can clean the blades, which are the rubbery part of your wiper. Dip a rag or paper towel into rubbing alcohol. Wipe it along the blades, and the windshield. This can help extend the life of your blades for another month or two before you have to replace them.
How to replace your wipers
Step #1: Get the right wipers for your vehicle.
Windshield wiper blades come in many different sizes so it’s important to get the right ones. Your vehicle may even use two different lengths of front wiper blades. (Don’t forget your rear one, too.) One way to find the right size(s) is read your car’s manual. You also can go to an auto parts store in person or online to get assistance. The online sites will often have you type in your car’s make and model.
Once you find the right size, you’ll have other choices to make. Conventional and synthetic rubber blades are usually the cheapest. They will break down over time with exposure to the sun’s UV rays. If you are looking for longer-lasting blades, consider silicone, which is more expensive. There are options for sturdy winter wipers, flat blades, and hybrid blades, too. The difference is that with the conventional kind, you can replace just the rubbery blade. With the others, you have to replace the whole piece.
Many national auto parts stores will install the wipers that you just bought there, sometimes for no additional charge.
Step #2: Get the wipers in position.
You’re ready to start the replacement. Turn the car on and give your windshield a squirt of wiper fluid to lubricate it. Then, turn on the wipers just so you can get them into position. When the two blades are pointed upward toward your roof, turn your car off. Get out of your car and pull the wipers forward so they’re standing upright at 90 degrees.
Step #3: Place a towel on the glass.
Wiper blades are spring-loaded. That means that they can snap back against the windshield. Once you expose the metal wiper arm, this could result in a cracked windshield. To protect against that, cover your windshield with towels. Alternatively, you could wrap the metal hook of the wiper arms with a rag once you detach the blades.
Step #4: Detach the blades.
There are two basic types of traditional wiper connections: tab and pin type. There is a slightly different installation process for each type.
Look for the spot on the wiper where the blade attaches to the arm. There may be a tab where the blade connects. If you don’t have a tab, you may have a pin-type connector. If in doubt, check your vehicle’s user manual for blade removal steps.
• For tab connectors, use your finger to push the tab outwards or inwards. As you push, grab the blade and pull it down parallel to the arm. You should be able to pull it all the way out. You may need to tug a bit if there’s built-up debris.
• For pin-type connectors, you will need to pull the tab up, and pull the pin out. Use a small flathead screwdriver to lift the connecting pin. You should then be able to slide the blade off.
Step #5: Install the new blades.
Remove the new blades from their packaging and then proceed depending upon the type of connection.
• For tab connectors, look for a tab suspended in the middle of a long rectangular hole. Slide the arm hook up and over the tab. Pull the blade up until you hear a snap.
• For pin-type connectors, look at the new blade and look for a small hole in the body. Pull the black tab up slightly. Align the hole with the pin on the wiper and it will snap into place.
Step #6: Clean the windshield.
You’ve got new wipers so you’ll want to make sure your windshield is clean, too. Lift the blades up so they are off of the windshield. Use automotive glass cleaner, a clean and dry microfiber cloth, and a little elbow grease. Alternatively, you can use water, dishwashing liquid, and a few drops of vinegar. Dry your windshield with a clean microfiber cloth. Put your blades back down and you’re ready to go.
If you just want to replace the rubber inserts
You can replace the entire windshield wiper assembly (as described above) or you can simply buy new blade inserts if they are available for your vehicle. This can save you money; however, it is a bit more complicated to replace just the rubber and may require tools. Consult your car’s manual for details.
Replacing wiper blades is part of good car maintenance. And as always, don’t forget to protect your vehicle with the right insurance 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.
