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

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

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.

 

 

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.

Newlywed Checklist

Newlywed Checklist

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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

 

 

What to Ask Your Home Inspector

What to Ask Your Home Inspector

A home inspection is an important part of buying and selling a home. In fact, it can make or break a sale. That’s why the questions you ask your home inspector are so important.

We’ve compiled a list of questions so you can get the most out of your home inspection. Keep this list handy and share it with anyone who is buying or selling a home.

First, a quick explanation about home inspections vs. home appraisals…

It’s easy to confuse home inspections with home appraisals. The processes are similar.

  • A home inspector looks at the condition of a home and its systems, from electrical and plumbing to heating and ventilation, foundation, and more. He or she points out any areas of major concern. These are repairs that can be negotiated before the home is sold. Otherwise, the home inspection report is a “to do” list for the future homeowner.
  • A home appraiser’s job is to estimate the value of the home. He or she looks at the condition of the house and notes any upgrades. The appraiser compares the home to similar ones in the area. Then, they establish a value and share it with the lender. That way the loan amount does not exceed the value of the home.

Most lenders require home inspections for loan approval.  If you’re buying a home, the home inspection helps you know exactly what you’re getting. If you’re selling a home, you may consider doing a pre-listing home inspection. That can flag any major issues that could cause buyers to withdraw their offer.

Here’s what to ask your home inspector before and during the inspection.

What are your credentials?

Maybe your realtor referred you to a home inspector. Maybe you found him or her through Google, a Facebook neighbors’ group, or old-fashioned word of mouth. Either way, you want to make sure your home inspector has the right training and experience.

  • How long have you been doing this?
  • Do you belong to a state or national association?
  • Do you participate in any continuing education?
  • Are you bonded and insured? (If anything happens to the property during an inspection, the bond will protect the homeowner.)
  • May I get references from satisfied clients?
  • May I get a copy of your inspector’s license and insurance?

 

What are the payment details?

Home inspection is a service that is paid for by the person requesting the inspection. It could be the prospective homebuyer, or it could be the seller who wants to make sure everything is in order before placing the home on the market. Home inspection costs vary, depending on the region, size, and age of the house.

  • What will the home inspection cost?
  • When do you need payment? (Most inspectors will need payment immediately after the inspection.)
  • What type of payment do you prefer?

 

What does the report look like?

You want to know what you’re purchasing ahead of time, and an easy way to do that is to see a sample inspection report. You’ll be able to see your inspector’s reporting style, whether there are pictures, etc.

  • Can I see a sample report?
  • Do you provide digital photos?
  • How long after the inspection do you provide the report?
  • How do you send it?

 

What does the inspection cover?

A home inspection should comply with standard practice and meet all requirements in your state. If you live in a condo, your inspector does not have to inspect the common spaces, roof, or exterior walls. For single family homes and townhomes, you can expect the full home to be reviewed. However, this may not include radon or mold, so double check if you need additional inspections for those hazards.

  • Do you walk the roof? (It’s better if your inspector does. Some just use binoculars to eyeball any roof damage.)
  • Do you do sewer line or septic tank inspections?
  • Do you test for radon or mold?
  • Do you test for lead (for homes built before 1978)?
  • Do you test for carbon monoxide or check the smoke detectors?
  • What does the inspection not cover?

 

May I attend?

You should be allowed to attend your home inspection, and it’s a good idea. (It’s also a red flag if your inspector says you are not allowed. Consider getting another inspector.) It takes about 2-3 hours for a typical single family home inspection, so be sure to allocate enough time. Come prepared with a list of questions. This is a great learning experience about your new home.

  • Where is the main water shutoff?
  • Where is the main electrical breaker?
  • What is the age of the home’s systems? The roof?
  • What is the routine maintenance needed for each of the home’s systems?
  • What kind of pipes does the home’s plumbing system have (e.g. copper, CPVC water piping or polybutylene)? Polybutylene is defective water piping that is no longer being made.
  • Are there any ungrounded outlets? These can become a fire hazard or short-circuit your appliances.
  • Is the home well insulated? This will impact your energy bill.
  • Does the home appear to be a flip (and therefore lower quality materials used in the renovation)?


Pro Tip: Verify that all permits have been pulled by the city or county for any renovations to the home. Failure to do so can tip you off that there were corners cut.

What should I do about the problems identified?

If you’re the buyer, you can use the problems as a negotiating point with the seller. If the problems are too costly, or living conditions are unsafe, you could walk away from the sale. While some states and associations forbid an inspector from performing repairs, you can ask your home inspector for guidance.

  • Can you recommend a professional for this repair?
  • What would you fix first if this were your home?
  • Will you answer questions after the inspection?
  • Do you perform re-inspections of a home to make sure everything is fixed? Not all inspectors do this due to liability issues.

With a successful inspection behind you, you’re ready to take the next step as a new homeowner. Protect your new home with the right insurance. Looking for a quote? Call us 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

 

How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?

How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?

Homeowner’s insurance helps to protect your most valuable investment—your home. But homeowner’s policies can vary in cost, depending on where you live and what you’re insuring. Following are homeowner’s insurance costs explained so that you can make decisions about your specific needs.

 

Why you need homeowner’s insurance

If you have a home mortgage, you are required to have homeowner’s insurance. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, it’s recommended that you have insurance to protect your home.

Simply put, homeowner’s insurance provides coverage:

    • In case your home or belongings are damaged
    • In cases of fire, wind, snow and other covered perils
    • In case you are held responsible for an accident or injury

How much coverage you will need depends upon your location, the size and scope of your home/dwelling, other structures on your property, and your personal belongings. You don’t want to shortchange the amount of coverage, or you may not have enough to rebuild your home or replace your possessions in the event of a claim.

Note that homeowner’s insurance is not the same as mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is required when you put less than 20% down when you buy your home. Mortgage insurance protects the lender. Home insurance protects your home.

 

Location

Depending on where you live, you may face different types of risks which can affect your home. These include extreme heat, drought, fire, and severe storms. Your insurer will take those risks into account when pricing your policy.

There also are natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes which are not covered by homeowner’s insurance. You can add these coverages with a separate policy or an endorsement added to your property policy.  

 

Dwelling Coverage

Coverage A, dwelling coverage, covers the structure of your home. This includes the roof, walls, floorboards, cabinets and bath fixtures. Essentially, if you could tip your house upside down, it would cover everything that remains attached. Under dwelling coverage, your insurance provider will pay to rebuild your house if the structure is damaged by a covered peril. Coverage for the dwelling and other structures is categorized as “open perils,” meaning it’s covered unless it’s excluded. Building materials like hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens, granite counters, and tile roofs are all factored into the appropriate amount of insurance you would be offered under dwelling coverage.

Especially in periods of economic inflation and building supply or labor shortages, the true rebuild cost of your home may be substantially higher than the market value and even much higher than the cost of building a new house on an empty lot. If your insurance provider hasn’t recalculated the cost to rebuild your home recently, then you may be at risk of running out of coverage if you experience a total loss. That’s why it’s good to periodically check with your provider to make sure you are fully covered.

 

Other Structures

You may have a swimming pool, shed, detached garage, or fence. These are other structures that can be damaged and therefore need to be included in your insurance policy. Other structures coverage will cover damage to these structures that is not specifically excluded in the policy.

The coverage limit for other structures is generally set at 10% of your home’s coverage limit. That means if your home is insured for $200,000, the coverage limit for your detached garage would be $20,000. For an additional premium, you can add an endorsement for additional coverage.

 

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage protects your possessions. If they are stolen, or damaged by fire/smoke or any of 16 named “perils,” your policy will pay for them subject to your deductible. There are dollar limits for theft of certain items, such as jewelry and firearms. 

You may choose the replacement cost or the actual cash value (ACV) for reimbursement in personal property coverage. ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost since that is higher than ACV. 

 

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage includes two coverages:  Coverage E – Personal Liability and Coverage F – Medical Payments to Others.  

Personal Liability protects you if a claim is made or a suit brought against you for bodily injury or property damage caused by an occurrence to which coverage applies. An occurrence means an accident, which results in Bodily injury or Property damage. If you are found liable, the policy will pay up to its limit of liability for damages for which an insured is legally liable. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.  

You want to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets – a minimum amount is $100,000. Liability covers you at your place or anywhere in the world. For example, if your dog bites someone, you’re covered. The policy pays for the bite victim’s medical expenses and covers court fees if they sue you. 

If you are not liable, but your guest was injured through his/her own fault, then Coverage F – Medical Payment to Others may cover your guest’s medical bills. Under Coverage F, the insurance company will pay the necessary medical expenses to a person injured on the insured location with the permission of an insured, or off the insured location if the injury is caused by the activities of an insured or caused by an animal owned by an insured.

 

Additional Living Expenses

If your home is damaged in a covered claim, it may not be livable. If that’s the case, you would need to stay somewhere else. You would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Under Coverage D – Loss of Use, called “Additional Living Expense,” your policy will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.

 

Deductible

Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower the cost of your insurance premium. Since the deductible is the amount your insurance provider will subtract from an insurance payout, you’ll have to select a deductible that you’re comfortable paying out-of-pocket after a loss.  

 

Other Things That Affect Cost

Finally, there are other items that can affect the cost of a policy. Your insurance claim history could be factored in. If you have a number of past claims, or the home you are trying to insure has a number of claims, your rate could be higher. The age of your home and condition of your roof may be taken into account. 

Get started with a free quote today at mycalcas.com/quote.

 

 

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 Save Money on Utilities

How to Save Money on Utilities

Utility bills aren’t cheap. On average, Americans spend more than $4,400 per year on gas, electric, water, and other home-related services. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help reduce that cost. We’ve compiled a list of some small changes that can really add up over time. Read on to find out how you can save money on utilities this year.

#1. Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling your home accounts for more than half of the energy that you use. Reducing this cost can make a big impact.

    • Use a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature lower while you’re away from home and at night while you’re sleeping. Just make sure it is still comfortable for any pets you may have and that it’s warm enough to protect against frozen pipes.
    • Use fans. They cost less than your furnace or air conditioner and can help with both heating and cooling. For heat, adjust your ceiling fan so it turns clockwise. That will push warm air down. For cooling, switch it to turn counterclockwise to bring cool air down. In warmer months, try plugging in floor or pedestal fans rather than turning on your air.
    • Change the filters for forced air furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, which is more expensive. 
    • Keep your room’s air vents clear and open. Your system also works harder when vents are closed or blocked by furniture. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to clean any dust around the vent. The more your system can “breathe,” the more efficiently it will work.
    • Trim back bushes from your outside air conditioning unit. Remove debris touching the system. It needs at least a foot of space.
    • Seal air leaks around doors and windows. This helps keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
    • Check your attic’s duct work. It may be allowing warm or cool air out. Make sure you have proper insulation and that there are no air leaks at seals and joints.
    • Turn the heat or air off completely in the shoulder seasons. Run it only when it starts to get uncomfortably warm or cold. 

 

#2. Electricity and Lighting

The average electricity bill in the U.S. is $115 monthly. That’s nearly $1,400 a year. Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce this cost.

    • Turn off lights when you are not using them. 
    • Change light bulbs to energy efficient varieties. Compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED bulbs are the most energy efficient. They cost more upfront but last longer and save energy. Pro Tip: If you don’t have the cash to replace them all at once just replace bulbs as they burn out.
    • The electric company charges more for peak use times, so try to use electricity at off peak hours. Run your dishwasher or do your laundry late at night or early in the morning to save some money.
    • Seal your electrical sockets so warm or cool air doesn’t escape.

 

#3. Appliances

We depend on our appliances to make life easier. However, by changing just a few of our habits, we can continue to use them and save money at the same time.

    • Turn off electronics that are plugged in but not being used. This includes TVs, computers, coffee makers, and toaster ovens. When these electronics are plugged in, they still draw electricity and you’re charged for it. 
    • Use appliances wisely. Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it, and do the same for your washing machine. Reduce stove or oven cooking time by thawing foods and cutting vegetables into small pieces.
    • Avoid opening the fridge to browse. Each time you do, you’re releasing cold air and forcing your refrigerator to work harder to get back to temperature. If you have a second refrigerator, in the garage for example, you’re paying twice. Get rid of it if you can.
    • Lower your water heater temperature. The default temperature is 140 degrees, but if you drop it down to 120, you’ll still have hot water and save money.
    • Do laundry in cold water.  It will save on hot water heating costs.
    • Clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer to help improve efficiency and prevent fires. Pro Tip: Use dryer balls, which can reduce drying time by up to 25%.
    • Replace old appliances. New appliances are more energy efficient and will save you money over time.

 

#4. Water

Your water bill depends upon where you live and how much water your family uses. Make sure to use your water wisely.

    • Replace old, inefficient toilets with more efficient brands. This will save you gallons of water and money on your bill.
    • Take shorter showers to cut down on your water use. Invest in a more efficient showerhead that uses less water.
    • Fix leaky faucets. A dripping faucet can add a lot to your bill for water you’re not even using.
    • Turn off hot water when you are not using it. This will help reduce water use and heat.
    • Set the water level on your washer to match the size of the load, so you’re not overfilling it.

 

#5. Phone, Internet, and Cable

If you’re like most Americans, you spend a lot for your phone, internet, cable, and other viewing services. You want to make sure that you get value for your money.

    • Ask your current provider for discounts. If they don’t provide them, shop around for cheaper providers. Call on a weekday. You’ll have a shorter hold time and probably reach a higher-level rep to help you. Pro Tip: Don’t say yes to the first offer. Most likely, you’ll then be offered a better deal.
    • Determine which services you really need and cut those that you don’t use.
    • Buy your own equipment rather than renting it. You’ll save money in the long term.

You also can lower your home insurance costs. At California Casualty, we offer discounts for nurses, educators, and first responders and through bundling your coverages. Contact your insurer to find out more.

 

 

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.

Why It’s Important to Pay Your Premium on Time

Why It’s Important to Pay Your Premium on Time

It may not seem like a big deal, but forgetting to make an auto or home insurance payment or having a lapse in coverage can have serious repercussions.

Let’s say you don’t drive that much anymore, so you miss an insurance payment or two, but then you get into an accident… If your premium goes unpaid, your insurance policy is void. Meaning, your insurance company is not obligated to rewrite your policy. You’ll be left without coverage and will likely have a higher rate when you do find a new carrier because the lapse has now left you labeled as “high risk”.

Your cancel notice gives you the date that payment must be received by, and if that date occurs with no payment, the system will automatically cancel your policy. Once you’re canceled, your carrier will not take you back unless they are required by law.

Let’s dive further into more facts and answer some questions every vehicle or homeowner should know about their coverage.

 

Home insurance is required if you have a mortgage.

While home insurance isn’t required by law, your lender will require you to be insured if you have a mortgage. Your policy will need to cover wind, hail, fire, and vandalism. The lender will be named as an additional insured. Should you file a claim for damage or loss, the insurance company will issue a two-party check naming you as the insured along with the mortgage company.

If you fail to pay your home insurance, you could have a lapse in coverage. Your policy will cancel, which is a violation of your mortgage agreement, and there will be no coverage in the event of a loss or claim. Also, the homeowner’s insurance is a package, which covers the home, other structures, your personal property, additional living expenses, and provides personal liability. You will lose all of that if the policy cancels.

 

Car insurance is required by law.

In every state except New Hampshire, you’re required to have car insurance. You have to have minimum coverage in case you get in an accident, though what you are required to carry does vary by state.

When you register your car, you submit proof of insurance. When you buy a car, you can’t leave the lot without signing up for insurance. It’s just along the way that you might accidentally, or on purpose, miss a payment and cause your insurance to lapse.

 

What is a lapse?

You pay for a specific time period on your insurance. It may be six months, a year, or another timeframe. In all cases, you will have a start date and an end date. As long as you are paying the bills on time, all is well.

If, however, you miss a payment, your coverage lapses. A lapse in coverage can be as short as one day or it can be much longer. Like other bills that you may be late in paying, there may be a grace period and a late fee. Unlike other services, however, you might face more severe consequences including government-mandated ones, if the lapse goes too long.

 

What happens when you drive without insurance?

If your insurance premium goes unpaid for long enough, your insurer will cancel your policy. Insurance helps with the financial responsibility if you get into an accident. Because it is usually required by law, there are additional consequences if you don’t have it. Here’s a summary of what you can expect if you let your insurance lapse.

    • If you’re in an accident, you would be fully responsible for any damages or injuries.
    • Depending upon the state where you live, you may be limited in the amount that you can sue the at-fault driver.
    • Your insurance company may cancel your policy and alert the Division of Motor Vehicles.
    • Your license and registration may be revoked, and you would be responsible for paying daily fines to the Division of Motor Vehicles. You may also have to pay a fine to reinstate your license and registration.
    • Once you are reinsured, you may need to carry an SR-22 form with you for three years, showing proof that you have the minimum required insurance.
    • You may have difficulty getting insurance again, as you’re now considered a risk. If you do get insurance, your insurer can raise your rates. Drivers with a coverage lapse of 30 days or more saw an average premium increase of 35%.
    • Your car could be repossessed if it is leased or if you are paying a loan.
    • Your credit score may drop, which can affect your ability to get a loan or credit card. The lapse will remain on your credit report for up to 7 years.

What happens if your home insurance is canceled?

If you lapse in payments for your home insurance, and as a result, your policy is canceled, your mortgage lender will be informed in writing.

    • Your lender can force you into a more expensive policy, called forced-placed insurance. This insurance only covers the loan amount for the mortgage company. There is no coverage for your belongings or personal liability. Therefore, if the house costs more to rebuild than the remaining loan amount, it won’t be covered.
    • If you don’t agree to the insurance, your lender can send your loan into default. This presents a risk of losing your home to foreclosure.
    • Your credit score will drop as a result.
    • Without insurance, whether or not you have a mortgage, you are responsible for 100% of the costs for any damage to your home if something unexpected happens.

 

What should you do if you have a lapse in coverage?

    • Once you realize your policy has been canceled or you’ve missed a payment call your insurance company and see what can be done.
    • Find out if they are able to rewrite your policy. Pay whatever fines are needed. Many companies may charge extra or interest fees on the remaining balance but California Casualty only charges a small monthly fee.
    • If you cancel over a certain number of days, you will be looked at as a brand-new customer and have to meet all underwriting guidelines. You may lose certain discounts or benefits for customer loyalty.
    • If you’re unable to make your insurance payment, let your insurer know. They may be able to adjust the policy to lower your cost.
    • Your insurer may deny you coverage. In that case, you will need to shop around for a new policy. Be honest with the new company. They will be able to check to see if your coverage has lapsed in the past. Be prepared to pay a higher premium because of it.
    • After you get insurance again, contact your state’s Division of Motor Vehicles to update your insurance information. Make sure that your registration and license are still valid.
    • Similarly, update your mortgage lender if your home insurance has been affected.
    • If you’ve changed insurance companies, and you owe your old insurance company any money, make sure to pay it. They will likely pass it along to a debt collection agency if you do not.

 

How can you prevent a lapse?

The best way to avoid any lapse in coverage is to set up a system so you will pay your premium
on time.

    • Pay the premium in full if you are able to do so. Consider using your credit card for your annual insurance payment to get extra credit card award points. There is a cost savings and convenience of paying in full with most policies. At California Casualty, if the state allows, both auto and home policies offer this type of savings.
    • Set up automatic payments such as an EFT from your checking account or a payroll deduction, if offered or available.
    • Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for your premium due date.
    • Make sure you know the end date of your policy. From 30-60 days prior to the renewal, California Casualty sends out a renewal policy for the insured to review. Schedule a time with an agent to review your policy to see if you need any updates before the renewal takes place.
    • If you switch insurance companies, make sure to time the start date of your new policy with the end date of your old policy so there is no lapse.
    • Talk to your insurer about options if you are not driving for an extended period of time. For example, you may be deployed overseas. You still may want coverage since your car would remain at risk for damage due to weather or vandalism, and it could be stolen. However, you can suspend coverage for a time period, including while you are deployed or on sabbatical. This may not be an option if your car is leased or you’re paying off a loan.

 

 

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.

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