You’re ready to head home after a night out, but there’s one thing missing: your car. You could have sworn you parked it right here, but it’s no longer there. Vehicle theft can happen anytime, anywhere. When it comes to keeping your car safe, where you park can make all the difference.
Theft by the Numbers
A vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. More than a million vehicles are reported stolen each year. California and Colorado have some of the highest number of auto thefts in the country, and of course, urban centers are hotspots for theft. However, thefts happen in the suburbs too, and cars can even be taken from your driveway. In honor of July, National Vehicle Theft Protection Month, we’re taking a look at what you need to know to keep your vehicle safe.
The Worst Places to Park Your Car
Thieves are looking for a chance to steal a car. Don’t give them the opportunity to steal yours. Before you park your car for a short time, or overnight, look around and assess the area for theft potential. Is the area well lit? Are other vehicles parked nearby? Are people around? Is there a security camera or guard? Are there signs of break-ins or damage? All of these can offer clues to an area’s safety.
Avoid empty streets.
Quiet streets and alleyways offer thieves a place to work without interruption. With no one around to witness the theft, they can get in and out quickly with your vehicle.
Avoid poorly lit areas.
Thieves prefer locations where they can work without being seen. Well-lit areas increase their chances of being noticed, while poorly lit and dark locations offer cover.
Avoid high-crime areas.
Do your research before parking in a new place. If the crime rate is high, it’s worth paying for a more secure parking option. High-crime areas aren’t just seedy sections of town. They could be residential neighborhoods that are targeted by thieves.
Avoid empty lots.
You may see lots of cars at office parking lots or at schools. However, when these buildings are not in session, the empty lots provide an easy place for thieves to work. Don’t be tempted to park in an empty lot and put your vehicle at risk.
Avoid remote locations.
Places that are less frequently traveled can be attractive for thieves. Chances are these locations are less often patrolled.
Avoid parking near large vehicles.
Parking your smaller car next to a larger vehicle automatically gives thieves cover. The truck or large car blocks the view so they can work without being easily seen.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
A skilled thief can steal a car in about a minute. However, there are things you can do to make your car seem harder to steal because it will take longer, or they are more likely to get caught.
When parking away from home:
Park in a garage with security cameras. Park in view of the cameras.
Be aware of tow truck thieves who come in and tow away your vehicle. When you park, turn your wheel as far to one side as possible. If you have front-wheel drive, park forwards in the spot. For rear wheel drive, back into the spot. This will make it harder to tow your car.
If you’re parking on the street, choose a busy road where there will be people and other cars the whole time your car will be there.
Lock your vehicle. The first thing that thieves do is try the doors.
Hide your valuables out of sight. Even loose change, phone chargers, and other items can tempt thieves to break in.
Don’t crack your window open on a hot day. An experienced thief can use that to get inside.
Don’t run your car with the keys in it – while you’re somewhere else.
Keep your registration and insurance in your wallet rather than your glove compartment. That will help prevent the risk of identity theft if your car is stolen.
Use an anti-theft system. New cars come with one, and you can also add one after market.
When parking at home:
If you can, park inside your home’s garage. Don’t leave the garage door open. Out of sight is out of mind, and thieves won’t try to steal a car they cannot see.
Add motion sensor lights to your home and driveway area.
Don’t leave your key fob in the car. Don’t put it near a door or window inside your home either. Thieves can use the signal to break into your vehicle. Consider keeping keys in a container that doesn’t allow digital signals to pass through.
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.
Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2023 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the opportunity to do in-person presentations to award all the very deserving recipients with a check for $250 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.
Local President Melissa Funk, recipient Mckenzie Pollano, and Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty.
Tenaya Middle School
Music & Arts Grant recipient Nickie Seno and Chris Nieto from California Casualty
Adams City High School
Jason Malmberg – District 14 Classroom Teachers Association President, Brendan Parker – Recipient, Jolie Spence – California Casualty, and Chris Garcia – Principal
Stonecreek Junior High School
Chris Nieto from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient Kimberly Aguayo
Edith Teter Elementary School
California Casualty Music & Arts Grant recipient Kim Green
Topeka High School
Paula Reilly, Associate Principal; Dustin Dick, Principal; Josh Davis, Grant Recipient; Angela Neuroth, Topeka NEA President; Lindsay Buck, KNEA UniServ Director; Rebecca Stumpf, California Casualty
South Elementary School
Jolie Spence, California Casualty; Jessica Bush, recipient; and Kathey Ruybal, BEA President
Liberty Elementary School
Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient Stacy Ryan
Sabin Middle School
Daniel Carragher, Principal (it was pajama day); Megan Langdon and Jessica Medina, recipients; and Jolie Spence, California Casualty
West Putnam Elementary School
Patrisa Espinosa, principal at West Putnam Elementary, and recipient Stephanie Adegbenro
Woodglen Elementary School
Jolie Spence from California Casualty and Music & Arts Grant recipient, Devan Willis
Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School
California Casualty Music and Arts Grant recipient Lindsey Sparacino
Joe Stefani Elementary School
Jessica Coronado, recipient of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant
Ella B. Allen Elementary School
Chelice Gilman, California Casualty Music & Arts Grant recipient
Bear Creek K-8 School
Jolie Spence from California Casualty with Music & Arts Grant recipient, Angelina “Crow” Medina
Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School
Nancy Corsaro, recipient of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant
Midway Elementary School
Mitzi Hull, recipient of a 2023 Music & Arts Grant from California Casualty
Cheldelin Middle School
Music & Arts Grant recipient, David Blake and Dee Dee Templeton from California Casualty
Koelsch Elementary
Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Marci Greear, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president
Owyhee Elementary
Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Charles Diemart, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president
Hillside Junior High
Lara Luthy, Boise Education Association president; Emily White, Music & Arts Grant recipient; and Layne McInelly, Idaho Education Association president
Miano Elementary School
Monique Mowad, recipient of a California Casualty Music & Arts Grant
Powell Middle School
Amanda Crosby, LEA President; Mindy Enley, recipient; and Jolie Spence, California Casualty
Diablo Vista Middle School
Chavonta Edington, Music Teacher Ben Loomer, Principal Jeffrey Osbom, and Angie Rajczyk from California Casualty
Olympic High School
Angie Rajczyk from California Casualty with Grant recipient Unjoo Chang, and Principal Courtney Lyou
Mark West Charter School
Angie Rayczyk from California Casualty with Music & Arts Grant recipient Lisa Chapman, and Principal Michelle Franci
Valley Verde Elementary School
California Casualty’s Angie Rajczyk with grant recipient Criag Yen, and Principal Mignon Perkins
Tynes Elementary School
Music & Arts Grant recipient Mary Stuckmeier, APLE President, Linda Manion and Principal, Tonya Gordillo
Barton Elementary School
Principal, Sandy Bartoldus, and Music & Arts Grant recipient, Rosa Guzman
Locke College Prep Academy
Music & Arts Grant recipient, Larry McDuffie with Principal, Peggy Gutierrez
Lindstrom Elementary School
Principal, Dr. Olga Rios, Jana Charles from California Casualty, and grant recipient, Lara Cummins
Madison Elementary School
AVP, Vivian Hanson, Santa Ana USD Trustee, Katelyn Brazer Aceves, Principal, Sara Marin, Grant Recipient, Maria Hollingsworth, (student aide, unknown) and President of SAEA, Sonta Garner-Marcelo
California Casualty has proudly worked with the Oregon Education Association (OEA) as their exclusive auto & home provider since 1974. Recently our Account Development Manager, DeeDee Templeton, made a visit to the OEA headquarters in Portland to meet with board members of the OEA Foundation to deliver a special contribution on behalf of the California Casualty Charitable Contributions Committee.
In attendance and pictured above (left to right): Stephen Siegel – OEA Region I Vice President, Jennifer Underhill -OEA District 2 Board Director, Forrest Cooper – OEA District 4 Board Director, Enrique Farrera – OEA Vice President, and DeeDee Templeton- California Casualty Account Development Manager.
The OEA Foundation provides educators with grants up to $100 to help students meet basic, urgent, and immediate needs so they can succeed in school. Over the past 28 years, the OEA Foundation has purchased countless pairs of eyeglasses, provided many students with their first warm winter coat, paid for dental work and doctor visits, fitted new shoes on lots of feet, and even replaced a broken bedroom window. The Foundation is completely funded through the generosity of our members and community partners, and 100% of funding is used to support Oregon’s students.
The California Casualty Charitable Contributions Committee values the great work of the OEA Foundation and is honored to be able to provide support to the education community. OEA Vice President, Enrique Farrera stated “The OEA Foundation and students from all over Oregon appreciate the collaboration of California Casualty and their financial support. Without their contribution we would not be able to help so many students.”
To learn more about the OEA Foundation and support this organization,visit here.
Congratulations to California Casualty’s Senior Business Analyst Greg Best on being selected as the 2023 Chairman of the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA).
It takes a lot of companies working together to help keep vehicles safely on the road. CIECA is a nonprofit industry association created to develop a common language that enables members of the collision industry to communicate quickly and efficiently. CIECA exists to develop the Standards that member companies from all segments of the collision industry use to exchange information with their partners.
Use of the CIECA Standards enables insurers, like California Casualty, to help control costs as a business and service our customers more effectively in the event of a claim. For example, the highly-automated processes most insurers use to assign
vehicles to repair shops and to receive estimates and invoices are driven by CIECA Standards.
California Casualty is a Major Corporate Member of CIECA. And Best, who has been with us for almost 11 years, has held many positions within CIECA since his induction in 2014, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice Chair on the Executive Committee. Now as Chairman, he will be responsible for working with the Executive Director on overseeing the business operations of the Association and participating in various committees working with the standards.
“I am proud to serve as CIECA’s 2023 chair and have the opportunity to assist all of our partners on the journey through the development of our next-generation CIECA Open API Standards (CAPIS),” said Best. “I look forward to continuing the work of the executive committee and our members as we collaborate and evolve these Standards to meet the changing technological needs of the industry.”
These CIECA standards will continue to help California Casualty’s mission to provide the highest levels of service and care to our community heroes, by allowing a quicker integration with other members of the collision industry.
Congratulations to Greg on this superior achievement.
7.3 million families are living in poverty in the United States. For these families and individuals, the winter months are more expensive meaning they may not have the budget to buy winter coats for their children.
‘Coats for Kids’ was established in 2013 by the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah (PFFU) to combat one of the most fundamental hardships of childhood poverty- the absence of a warm winter coat.
In Utah, and many other communities across the country, the lack of a winter coat often results in frequent school absenteeism which translates to forgone learning, missed opportunities for socialization and play, and the loss of balanced nutrition provided through the school’s meal program. Helping students stay warm as they walk to and from school helps prevent illness and leads to increased attendance, allowing children of families in need to experience the critical childhood benefits their school has to offer.
For more than a decade, PFFU has watched the problem of childhood poverty creep mercilessly into the homes of the communities it serves. Poverty ravages families without discrimination – and by necessity those struggling to survive naturally prioritize food, heat, and rent above winter clothing.
Each year California Casualty partners with the PFFU to deliver winter coats to children in need in their area through PFFU’s ‘Costs for Kids’ program. There is no denying the joy of a child being zipped into their brand-new coat by their hometown heroes. And to date, we’ve donated over 2,500 coats in fourteen different elementary schools to children in need.
California Casualty Field Marketing Manager, Michelle Hawkins attended this year’s event at Mountain View Elementary School in Salt Lake City.
*Children’s faces have been blurred for privacy
“This was my first time attending Coats for Kids alongside members of PFFU.,” Said Michelle. “The care and cheer PFFU and Salt Lake City Fire Members brought to the students and staff of Mountain View was magical. This was a special group of people serving their community in a way that will impact those students’ lives forever.
Students at Mountain View in a variety of grades received a total of 300 coats to help them stay warm and safe during the winter months ahead.
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.
A moment of silence filled the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on Sept. 11, 2022. Despite the thousands in attendance, you could hear a pin drop. Firefighters clad in full gear—helmets, packs, boots—stood at attention, some holding high the name tags of fallen frontline heroes, those who gave their lives on that fateful day, so that others may live.
This was the Red Rocks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb held on the 21st anniversary of our national tragedy. At precisely 9:02 am, the time that the first plane hit the Towers, bootsteps began to echo in the Amphitheatre. Bagpipes played as men, women, and children began the trek that is the equivalent of 110 stories in the World Trade Center, symbolizing the heroic journey made by their fallen peers. Not even the span of two decades could dampen the emotion felt by those in attendance ready to make the climb, including California Casualty employees and their families.
When the 9-11 attacks happened in 2001, fearful New Yorkers fled the World Trade Center. Firefighters and first responders headed in the opposite direction—into the danger. Of those heroes who answered the call, 343 did not make it out alive. This day was to remember them and to help the families of other frontline heroes who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) holds these memorial stair climbs nationwide. Proceeds support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit.
As an organization committed to protecting first responders, California Casualty is a proud sponsor of these events. We supported 12 NFFF Stair Climbs this year in Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL, Morrison, CO; Dayton, OH; Springfield, MO; Columbus, OH; Imperial, CA; Bishop, CA; Oxon Hill, MD; Scottsdale, AZ; Salina, KS; Tollhouse, CA. Our employees and their families have attended many of these events.
“I wanted to reach out and thank you again for California Casualty’s support of our event,” said Colin Altman at the Gem City, Ohio Stair Climb. “We’ve been working with California Casualty since our first year (2014), and we’re so excited to continue the partnership!”
“Thank you all again for your sponsorship this year,” said Julie Mercer, Marketing Coordinator, Springfield, Missouri Memorial Climb. “It was great seeing you Saturday; thank you for joining us! Thank you also for the wonderful snacks for the climbers, I know they really enjoyed having them. Hope you made it home safe. We hope to see you again next year.”
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Partner Award
California Casualty works hand-in-hand with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and their families. Aside from the annual stair climb events, our sponsorship supports training and education, such as NFFF’s Every Firefighter Goes Home and the Taking Care of Our Own program which help prevent in-the-line-of-duty deaths. And some of our funds contribute to financial assistance for families of fallen firefighters and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are awarded to spouses, children, and step-children of fallen firefighters.
Because of our continued support of the initiatives of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation we were awarded this plaque for our longtime partnership.
Roxanne Dean, Vice President of Partner Relations at California Casualty, accepted the plaque on behalf of the company from NFFF Consultant, Bill Hinton. This award is given to longtime corporate sponsors of the NFFF to show gratitude for their partnership and support of the Foundation and the families of the fallen heroes.
Join California Casualty in supporting the efforts of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by visiting their webpage at www.firehero.org and by making a donation to help the families who have lost a loved one at www.firehero.org/donate.
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.
