Imagine getting into a fender bender and realizing your insurance won’t fully cover the damages. With rising medical costs and repair expenses, California is making its first major update to auto insurance requirements in over 50 years. Starting January 1, 2025, new higher minimum liability limits will better protect drivers from unexpected financial burdens. But what do these changes mean for you? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Liability Coverage
Liability insurance helps cover damages if you cause an accident. It does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage—that’s where collision and comprehensive coverage come in.
Because accidents can lead to costly damages, liability insurance is required by law in most states to protect victims of accidents. It consists of two parts:
Bodily Injury Coverage – Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the other driver and passengers.
Property Damage Coverage – Pays for repairs or replacement of the other vehicle or damaged property, such as a fence or building.
Why Coverage Limits Matter
When you buy liability insurance, you choose a coverage limit. If the costs of an accident exceed your limit, you’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket. For example, if your policy covers $50,000 per person, but the injured driver’s medical bills total $60,000, you would be responsible for the extra $10,000.
The main goal of liability insurance is to protect your assets, and so you may choose a higher limit than the state specifies. You’ll want to take into account the amount of medical expenses that could be incurred in an accident. You could be responsible for lost wages for the driver. If tragically he or she dies, you could be providing lost wages for the driver’s family.
On the other hand, if you’re the victim of an accident and the at-fault driver has higher liability limits, their insurance will be better equipped to cover your medical expenses and property damage. So, that’s good news.
What’s Changing in 2025?
California’s previous minimum coverage limits—set in 1967—were among the lowest in the nation. The costs of medical car and car repairs have increased substantially since that time. The new limits under Senate Bill 1107 (the Protect California Drivers Act) increase the minimum amount of coverage to align more closely with today’s costs. They seek to reduce the financial burden on crash victims.
Effective, January 1, 2025, the new limits are as follows:
$30,000 for injury or death to one person (previously $15,000)
$60,000 for injury or death to multiple people (previously $30,000)
$15,000 for property damage (previously $5,000)
While increasing liability limits provides better financial protection, it can also lead to a slight rise in premiums, especially for those who currently have only the minimum required coverage. However, this added cost is often minimal compared to the potential financial burden of an accident that exceeds your policy limits.
Time to Review Your Auto Policy
With these new requirements, now is the perfect time to review your auto coverage. While many insurance companies will automatically update your policy if you reside in California, you’ll want to make sure the new limits are in place. After all, failing to meet the new minimums could result in:
Legal penalties, fines, impoundment of your vehicle, or suspension of your driver’s license and/or registration
Out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills, property damage, and legal fees
How to Save on Coverage
Higher limits don’t always mean higher costs. At California Casualty, we offer package discounts and savings for customers carrying higher coverage levels. Additional discounts may apply if you:
Are a member of an eligible group (educators, nurses, first responders, firefighters and law enforcement);
Maintain a good insurance score known as the Financial Responsibility (FR) Score.
Knowing what affects your car insurance rate can help you make changes to reduce the amount you pay while still getting great coverage. Learn more about your options and get a free quote today.
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 2024 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the privilege to connect both in-person and virtually with many of the grant recipients to present them with a check for $250 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.
Check out the awardee spotlights and see the full list of recipients below.
Hannah Hurst – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, Kansas Hannah Hurst, Kansas National Education Association Member Deerfield Elementary Art Program
Hannah Hurst, art teacher and Kansas National Education Association Member, applied for a Music & Arts Grant to request funding for the Deerfield Elementary Art Program. Deerfield Elementary School is within the Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence, Kansas and is considered a Title 1 school, with 28% of the student population considered economically disadvantaged.
Hannah wrote in her application, “My elementary art program lost 20% of its funding last school year due to a district wide budget crisis. Our budget now only allocates $3.00 per student for art supplies. This grant would help purchase consumable supplies for over 500 students.”
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, located in the greater Denver area, presented Hannah with the grant during a staff meeting via Zoom. Hannah remarked after receiving the grant “I am just thrilled to be able to provide my students with the supplies they need to have the very best art education!”
Photo: Hannah Hurst, Awardee
Molly Curro – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Columbian Elementary School Molly Curro, Colorado Education Association Member Columbian Elementary Art Program
Molly Curro, music teacher and Colorado Education Association member, heard about the Music & Arts Grant from her local union, Pueblo Education Association (PEA). She knew that her school Columbian Elementary, located in a high poverty community, would greatly benefit from the grant.
Molly wrote in her application that the grant would go towards a Piano Lab that would enhance music education through hands-on learning, promote creativity and collaboration among students and in turn enrich the school’s overall arts program.
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty located in the greater Denver area, was excited to award this grant to Molly and Columbian Elementary. She along with Mike Maes (PEA President), Justina Carter (PEA Vice President), Jimmie Pool, Columbian Elementary Principal and colleagues presented the grant to Molly.
Photo L-R: Jimmie Pool, Columbian Elementary Principal, Molly Curro, Awardee, Mike Maes, Pueblo Education Association President, Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager
Kendall Wightman – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Elmhurst Elementary School, Ventura, California Kendall Wightman, Teacher and California Teachers Association Member Elmhurst Elementary Art Program
Kendall Wightman, Art Teacher and California Teachers Association Member, heard about the California Casualty Music and Arts Grant from her local union representative. Kendall shared in her application, “with budget cuts over the years, the school no longer receives the simplest of materials such as Sharpie markers for our students.”
Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager, working located in the Southern California Los Angeles area, along with the Music & Arts Grant committee selected Kendall’s application to receive. Jana was due to surprise Kendall with the grant, however plans changed, “this was my most unforgettable presentation. On November 6th while in route to Elmhurst ES, I received a call from the school secretary advising me to turn back immediately, as schools across the district were dismissing staff and shutting down operations due to the wildfires in Ventura County. Despite the chaos, one week later I had the privilege of attending their November 13th staff meeting to surprise CTA member, Kendal Wightman, with the grant. This group was the most humble and enthusiastic group of individuals.” Although the Mountain Fire was destructive, burning over 20,000 acres, damaging and destroying hundreds of building, luckily few individuals were injured.
Photo L-R: Bret Klopfenstein, Principal (and happy CalCas customer), Sarah McLaughlin, President of Ventura Unified Education Association (another happy CalCas customer), Jana Charles, Kendall Wightman, Awardee, and Ryan Oast, Ventura Unified Education Association site representative
Katrina Snow – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Paradise Valley Elementary, Casper, Wyoming Katrina Snow, Art Teacher and Wyoming Education Association Member Paradise Valley Elementary Lunar New Year Program
Paradise Elementary School in Casper, Wyoming services a dual language student population of both Mandarin Chinese and English. Each year the art, music and physical education teachers fund and host an all-school student art show that centers around the Zodiac animal of the Lunar New Year.
Katrina Snow, Art Teacher and Wyoming Education Association member, was excited to learn about the grant, writing that if awarded a grant, funds would go to props, costumes and other supplies so each student could make at least 2 projects to celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Year of the Snake.
Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager located in the greater Denver area, notified Katrina of the grant awardee. Jolie received a note from Katrina stating, “we are very excited to use these funds to enhance our all-school Lunar New Year Celebration taking place on January 31, 2025. The funds will be used well for the art show and performance by all of our talented students. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Photo: Katrina Snow, Awardee
Blake Kuroiwa – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Mountainside High School, Beaverton, Oregon Blake Kuroiwa, Oregon Education Association Member Mountainside Band Program
Blake Kuroiwa, Band Instructor, Teacher and Oregon Education Association member, applied with a note stating that the band budget had been reduced by half this year due to cuts. This has reduced the program’s ability to serve students of lower socio-economic status. The funds from the grant will aid those students who wish to participate in marching band, winter guard, or winter percussion.
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager working locally in Oregon, presented to Blake along with the Band Booster President, Stephanie Marr. Dee Dee remarked that Blake was excited and thankful to receive the grant. He told Dee Dee that he spends his summer break looking for opportunities to raise funds and to find grants.
Photo L-R: Dee Dee Templeton, California Casualty Sr. Account Development Manager, Stephanie Marr, Band Booster President, Band member, Dani Castaneda, band member and Blake Kuroiwa, Awardee
Jim Phillips – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Coeur d’Alene High School, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Jim Phillips, Instrumental Music Director and Idaho Education Association Member Coeur d’Alene High School Orchestra Program
Coeur d’Alene High School receives a Music & Arts Grant to help keep the music going. Located seven hours north of Boise is Coeur d’Alene High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The area is known for being the playground of the Pacific Northwest because of the many recreational activities. But for the orchestra department at the high school, budget cuts were impacting students’ ability to continuously play.
Jim Phillips, Instrumental Music Director and teacher at Coeur d’Alene High School wrote in his application that the orchestra has not had a budget for about five years. If a string breaks in rehearsal, the instrument and the player are out of commission until a new string can be acquired.
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager working locally in Oregon, shared the goods news with Jim about his application being selected for a Music & Arts Grant. Dee Dee shared that Jim was so thankful for the grant award, that being able to have new strings readily available is such a basic need.
Photo L-R: Jim Phillips, Awardee, and Mike Randles, Coeur D’Alene High School Principal
Melanie Tanesco – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
J.C. Crumpton Elementary School, Marina, California Melanie Tanesco, 1st Grade/Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association Member J.C. Crumpton Elementary Saturday Academy – Inclusive Program
Melanie Tanesco, 1st Grade/Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association member, heard about the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant from her local union newsletter. She knew the J.C. Crumpton Elementary Saturday Academy program would benefit from the grant.
Melanie wrote in her application that the program includes painting, STEAM art challenges and other inclusive programs attended by both general and special education students. “The grant will ensure that all students continue to benefit from these enriching experiences, helping our kids to be creative and embrace their unique talents. Despite potential budget constraints, the focus will be on maintaining the quality and accessibility of our inclusive Saturday Academy to support the diverse needs of our student community and foster a love for creativity and learning.”
Chris Nieto, Account Development Manager located in central California, delivered the good news to Melanie. Chris said that “Melanie was very excited and thankful to be chosen as one of this year’s recipients of the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant. She plans to use the funds for a variety of art projects.”
Photo: Melanie Tanesco, Awardee, and Chris Nieto, Account Development Manager
Brian Mabry – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Leroy Greene Academy, Sacramento, California Brian Mabry, Music Teacher and California Teachers Association Member Leroy Greene Academy Band
Brian Mabry, Music Teacher at Leroy Greene Academy was in the middle of updating his California Casualty Insurance policy when he was surprised by Amanda Keidel, Account Development Manager covering accounts in northern California, and Mara Harvey, Natomas Teachers’ Association President. They were there to deliver a $250 Music & Arts Grant award to Brian.
In the application, Brian wrote, “the LGA music program has suffered for the past several years due to lack of staffing. Previously it offered classes for junior high and high school students with two different teachers. Last year they could not find a teacher; the music class was transformed into a computer course. In my first year, I started a band program and have almost 200 students.”
Amanda said that Brian was very surprised and thrilled; he plans to purchase sheet music and reeds for his classes.
Photo L-R: Brian Mabry, Awardee and Mara Harvey, Natomas Teachers’ Association President
Rhonda McQuown – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Rio Vista Elementary, Cathedral City, California Rhonda McQuown, Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association Member Special Education – Special Day Class
Rhonda McQuown, Special Education Teacher and California Teachers Association member, was surprised this fall with a $250 Music & Arts Grant from California Casualty.
Rhonda wrote in her application that she was requesting funding to purchase art supplies that are appropriate for her special education classroom of mild/moderate students that have learning disabilities, autism or intellectual disabilities, stating “appropriate art supplies will enhance student enrichment and art experiences.”
Inez Morales, Sr. Account Development Manager, located in southern California, had the pleasure of surprising Rhonda with the grant award. She along with the Principal, Vice Principal of Rio Vista Elementary, the Palm Springs Teachers Association President and fellow colleagues celebrated Rhoda and her students. Inez remarked, “Rhonda helps her students reach their full potential, offering not just academic instruction but also emotional support, advocacy, and life skills development. The way her students interacted with her spoke volumes about how special she is, there were smiles all around that day.”
Photo L-R: Aaron Tarzian, Rio Vista Elementary Principal, Rhonda McQuown, Awardee, Karen Johnson, Palm Springs Teachers Association President
Inez Rowles – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
New Hope Elementary, Thornton, California Inez Rowles, Teacher, New Hope Education Association President and California Teachers Association Member Art in the Classroom
Inez Rowles, kindergarten teacher, New Hope Education Association President and California Teachers Association Member, at New Hope Elementary heard about the Music & Arts Grant from Angie Rajczyk, Account Development Manager covering accounts in the San Francisco Bay Area. New Hope Elementary is a one-building school district in a very rural area, with limited resources. Inez applied asking to support art education for the students in her classroom.
Angie along with New Hope Elementary Principal, Clint Johnson, presented the grant to Inez. Inez told Angie that ” I am so excited for the grant. I am going to use the funds to purchase portfolios and art supplies for all the students. This will allow them to keep all of their artwork in one place and be able to showcase it at the end of the year.”
Not only is Inez the local president of New Hope Education Association, the Principal, Clint, is an ACSA member!
Photo L-R: Inez Rowles, Awardee, Angie Rajczyk, Account Development Manager and Cliff Johnson, New Hope Elementary Principal
Amy Kirchoff – 2024 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Richardson Elementary School, Tucson, AZ Amy Kirchoff, Music Teacher and Arizona Education Association Member Richardson Elementary Music Program
Amy Kirchoff, music teacher and Arizona Education Association member, has felt the pressure of budget cuts. With an idea to broaden her students’ horizons through music she looked to the California Casualty Music & Arts Grant as a solution. Amy wrote if awarded, “the grant money will be used to purchase multicultural instruments, games, and activities for her students.”
On the afternoon of October 30th, Amy was expecting a routine discussion with her school principal, Mr. Linker, to celebrate her recent achievements. He informed Amy that there would be more participants attending the meeting virtually. It was an exciting moment when Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager and Paul Deutsch, Strategic Account Manager presented Amy with the grant, recognizing her hard work and dedication. Jana remarked that Amy’s reaction was priceless, making the surprise even more special.
Photo Top-Bottom: Amy Kirchoff, Awardee, Paul Deutsch, Strategic Account Manager, Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager
The complete list of 2024 Grant recipients are:
Danielle Yeti,A.M. Winn Elementary School , Sacramento , CA , Electives programs for grades 6-8
Ashley Martinez , Anna McKenney Intermediate , Marysville , CA , Drama
Joleen Vincent , Creative Connections Arts Academy High School , Sacramento , CA , Introduction to Art classes
Joleen Vincent , Creative Connections Arts Academy High School , North Highlands , CA , Visual Arts
Beth Geise , Hooker Oak Elementary School , Chico , CA , Alzheimers Care
Brian Mabry , Leroy Greene Academy , Sacramento , CA , LGA Band
Erica Hung , Riverview STEM Academy , Rancho Cordova , CA , Education through Music
David Hunter , Bridge Program – Diablo Unified School District , Concord, CA , Visual Arts
Jessica Gutierrez , James Lick High School , San Jose , CA , James Lick Advanced Art Pathway / Visual Arts Program
Leslie McNabb , Lone Tree Elementary , Antioch , CA , Classroom
Angela Ordaz , Mountain View Elementary , Concord , CA , School Counseling
Inez Rowles , New Hope Elementary , Thornton , CA , Art in my classroom
Crystal Latonio , Zane Middle School , Eureka , CA , Art Therapy
Alexa Quezada , El Monte Middle School , Orosi , CA , Art Elective Classroom
Lindsay Doyle , Fairmont Elementary , Sanger , CA , Art Show
Amber Wilkerson , Los Ranchos Elementary School , San Luis Obispo , CA , Special Education Day Classes
Rebecca Townsend , Rivergold Elementary School , Coarsegold , CA , Classroom
Janet Washington , Stella Hills Elementary , Bakersfield , CA , Art
Jim Phillips , Coeur d’Alene High School , Coeur D Alene , ID , Orchestra
Jessica Johnson , Hawthorne Middle School , Pocatello , ID , Hawthorne Middle School Choirs
Melissa Syverson , Lewiston High School , Lewiston , ID , Drama Department
Ainsley Boan , Whitney Elementary School , Boise , ID , Art
Andrew Thompson , Aloha High School , Aloha , OR , Music Studio Program
Jennifer Stone , Cedar Park Middle School , Porland , OR , Band
Blake Kuroiwa , Mountainside High School , Beaverton , OR , Mountainside Band Program
Brianna Carder , Talmadge Middle School , Independence , OR , Mariachi Program
Chelice M Gilman , Ella B. Allen Elementary , Bonita , CA , Visual Art
Lisa Sandberg , Gus Franklin Jr. STEM School , Victorville , CA , Art program
Carolyn Quirino , La Granada Elementary , Riverside , CA , Art lessons for students through Art Smarts
Natalee Boggs , Murrieta Mesa High School , Murrieta , CA , Special Education
Natalee Boggs , Murrieta Mesa High School , Murrieta , CA , Unified Leadership
David von Behren , Oasis Elementary School , Twentynine Palms , CA , Autism Music and Sculpture
Rhonda McQuown , Rio Vista Elementary , Cathedral City , CA , Special Day Class
Jean Tillman , Brookhurst Elementary School , Garden Grove , CA , Kindergarten Students
Kristen Hellewell , Castille Elementary , Mission Viejo , CA , Special Needs in Music
Roberto Ontiveros , Century High School , Santa Ana , CA , Century Instrumental Music Program
Kendall Wightman , Elmhurst Elementary , Ventura , CA , Elementary Art
Araceli Garcia , Workman High School , City of Industry , CA , ELD Design-Based Learning Summer program
Jessica Reed , York Elementary , Hawthorne , CA , Painting
Kirstin Miller , Bear Creek High School , Lakewood , CO , Bear Creek High School Instrumental Music Program
Kathy Van Wert , Bill Reed Middle School , Loveland , CO , Bill Reed Middle School Band Program
Molly Curro , Columbian Elementary , Pueblo , CO ,
Cheryl Malet , Escalante-Biggs Academy , Denver , CO , Art
Michele Arthur , Jack Swigert Middle School , CO Springs , CO , Art
Amelia Haug , Maplewood Elementary , Greeley , CO , Music Classes and Choir Program
Amy Holle , Niwot High School , Niwot , CO , Unified Theater
Patricia Koed , Platte Valley Middle School , Kersey , CO , PVMS Choir
Kari Dusenbery , York International , Thornton , CO , Middle/High School art and Design
Hannah Hurst , Deerfield Elementary , Lawrence , KS , Deerfield Elementary Art Program
Crystal Plante , Hill City Grade School , Hill City , KS , Art
Katrina Snow , Paradise Valley Elementary , Casper , WY , Primarily Art-art and music programs works together to create a school-wide art show and performance.
Lynnsey Patterson , Woods Learning Center , Casper , WY , Art
Charla Jones , Carol G. Peck School , Glendale , AZ , K-8 art program
Monika Beauvais Landi , Fulton Elementary School , Chandler , AZ , Fulton Elementary School General Music Program
Gabriela Carrillo , Mitchell Elementary , Phoenix , AZ , Mitchell’s Art Program
Christina Ozuna , Park Meadows Elementary , Glendale , AZ , Art
Marguerite Samples , Pueblo Gardens PreK-8 School , Tucson , AZ , Art
Graham Corp , Rhodes Jr. High School , Mesa , AZ , Special Education/Band
Amy Kirchoff , Richardson Elementary , Tucson , AZ , Music
Monica Tavcar , Sunrise Elementary School , Phoenix , AZ , Sunrise School Art Program
Judith Arnold , Thomas Elementary School , Flagstaff , AZ , Native American education
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
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting Sales Support Specialist, Dailen Terry
Let’s get to know, Dailen!
Where are you from?
Colorado Springs, CO
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I was my high school’s class valedictorian.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Working out
Watching movies
Playing video games with my friends
What made you want to start your new career at California Casualty?
I wanted to be somewhere that was flexible with my school schedule and join a loving work family.
If you want to learn more about Dailen or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
If your bill at the grocery store is higher than you’d like, you’re not alone. The average cost of groceries is 13% higher than this time last year. A family of four can spend as much as $932 on their monthly food bill…
Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. From how you pay for groceries to where and when you shop, here are our top tips for saving money on groceries and feeding your family on a budget.
1. Redefine dinner.
Who says that dinner has to be a three-course affair with meat, veggies, a starch, and a dessert? Take the pressure off and serve breakfast for dinner a few times a week. Omelets are a relatively inexpensive meal and very filling. You also can have soup and sandwich night or a big salad. Be creative. Try going meatless to save money or adding beans to ground beef to increase the amount of food. Put shredded chicken over a soup, salad, or pasta and you’ll use a lot less than when serving pieces of chicken.
Pro Tip: Plan to cook so that you definitely will have leftovers. It’s easier and often cheaper to make a large portion than to plan a whole new meal with new ingredients.
2. Make a list and actually stick to it.
Make a meal plan for the week so you know exactly what to put on your shopping list. Pre-planning cuts down on impulse purchases, which can put you over budget. Then shop only for those items on your list. To help stick to your list, always make sure to eat before shopping,
3. Raid your pantry.
When meal planning, remember that you likely have plenty of food at home that you can incorporate. Look through your pantry and see if you can create a recipe around the food that is there. Check your freezer too. That way, you may just need a few items on your list to create some delicious meals.
Pro Tip: Check out websites that can help you build a recipe with ingredients that you already have like MyFridgeFood or SuperCook.
4. Sign up for the store’s loyalty program.
Most grocery stores offer loyalty programs that are free to join. You can get discounts automatically deducted at checkout. If you’re not on your store’s program, sign up the next time you’re there.
5. Clip coupons and look for sales.
Look at the weekly circular in print or digitally for sales, and clip/save coupons for the items you use. Digital coupons can even be loaded directly onto your loyalty card. Remember to do the math, however. Not all sales are the same good deal. Look at the unit price per ounce to compare the costs of different brands. Plus, if you’re not sure that you’ll use it, don’t buy it. Spoiled fruit in the garbage is the same as throwing away money.
6. Buy store brands.
The cost of store brands is usually 20-25% less. Try them out next time and see if you notice enough of a difference to justify buying the name brand. If you can’t buy all generic brands, at least try store brands for staples like salt and sugar.
7. Avoid pre-made items.
Convenience comes at a price. That means if something is prepared for you, you’re likely paying more for it. When you’re shopping, try to find food closest to its natural state. Buy block cheese instead of shredded cheese, and a box of pasta rather than a heat-and-eat variety. Snacks are some of the priciest items to buy. You can really save a lot here if you prepare them yourself.
8. Tally as you go.
Use the calculator on your phone to add up your order as you shop. You’ll be less likely to add items this way, and there will be no surprises when you get to the checkout. It might cause you to think, “do I really need this?”
9. When you shop matters.
Shop midweek when many grocery stores restock their shelves. That’s also when they change the discounts. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the price cut from last week’s sale. If you’re looking for clearance specials, shop first thing in the morning – or right after a holiday. If you’re looking for specials in the bakery, deli, or prepared foods section, shop right before closing. Many supermarkets mark down their rotisserie chickens, for example.
10. Pay with a rewards credit card or cash.
You might as well get some cash back when you shop. Pay with a grocery rewards card and you can automatically see some savings. Or if you can, pay with cash. Bring only the amount you want to spend, and when the cash runs out, you can’t buy anything else.
11. Compare prices at different stores.
Compare prices at different nearby grocery stores. Switch to a store that’s known for more affordable food prices like Walmart, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s. Even Dollar Tree has grocery items. Or you can join a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club. These stores stock items in bulk at often lower prices. You’ll have to spend more upfront but you’ll save in the long run. That might not be for everyone but it’s a good value for large families.
12. Use a rebate app.
Sign up for apps like Ibotta and Rakuten. They give you cash back for buying groceries, among other items. Stores pay these apps a commission for sending them your way. Find out which apps link to your grocery store to make sure that they are an affiliate partner.
Happy shopping!
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.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting Fraud Examiner, Bruce Madison
Let’s get to know, Bruce
Where are you from?
Lincoln, Nebraska
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
While in the USAF I was one of the “Camo Dudes”/ Security Police forces assigned to Area 51 in Nevada.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Attending my son’s baseball games
Tinkering with my 1971 Camaro and 1972 Thunderbird
Eating pizza
If you want to learn more about Bruce or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
