The deductible is the amount that you pay before the insurance company pays a claim. Higher deductibles mean lower payments. According to NerdWallet, you could save 20 percent by raising a $500 deductible to $1,000. If you do increase your deductible, make sure that you can cover the costs of repairs should something happen.
Ask about discounts.
You may qualify for insurance discounts for being part of a professional association, such as groups for teachers, nurses or first responders. There are also discounts for being retired, for paying via automatic bank payments, and for paying in full upfront. You may qualify for a new home discount, or a discount if you have updated your utilities (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling) in an older home. There are discounts for a new roof and an automatic sprinkler system. You can even be rewarded for being a loyal customer.
Remove attractive nuisances.
You may be paying extra for high-risk items. These attractive nuisances are potential dangers that could attract kids and cause injuries. Examples include trampolines, swimming pools, and playground equipment. If you are willing to get rid of these items, it may lower your payments.
Skip a payment.
Some insurance companies allow you to skip payments. At California Casualty, you have the option to skip payments in either the summer or the winter!. Ask your agent for details.
Take care of minor repairs.
Your home insurance policy can take care of both major and minor damage from a covered loss. But sometimes it’s easy enough to take care of those minor repairs on your own, out-of-pocket. That way you’ll avoid filing a claim and if you remain claims-free for a period of time, that qualifies for a discount, too.
Buy home and auto insurance from the same company.
The better protected your home is, the less chance that there will be a claim. That’s why disaster-proofing and securing your home can save you in insurance premiums. To protect against disasters, consider storm shutter, impact-resistant roofing. Having a fire extinguisher could earn you a discount. For enhanced security, a burglar alarm and deadbolt locks can earn you discounts. While some of these repairs and updates are expensive, they will pay off in the long run. Remember that flood and earthquake insurance are not included in standard homeowner’s coverage. However, you can make home improvements that reduce their cost as well. Importantly, you will need a new home inspection before new rates can take effect, and you may need to pay for it.
Check your credit score.
Your credit score indicates your ability to pay your debts. Missing payments, not having a long credit history, and high credit card balances could create an unfavorable credit score. A credit score under 630 could increase your insurance rates, according to NerdWallet. You can get a free credit report once a year from the three credit agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Check your score, and take actions to improve it.
In addition, in some states, you can get your credit-based insurance score, which indicates how likely you are to file an insurance claim. If you are eligible for that report, you can find it at CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) from LexisNexis
Review your insurance limits annually.
If your insurance is billed to your mortgage bank, you may not think much about your annual premiums. But it’s a good idea to review your policies annually to make sure you’re not paying for coverage that you no longer need.
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 don’t think much about our heat, electrical, or plumbing until they stop working…
Like a regular health checkup, a home system checkup includes routine maintenance that can help prevent costly repairs and future emergencies.
Homeowners, follow our checklist to keep your home systems running smoothly all season long.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) System
The HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling your home. Regular maintenance can help lower your utility bills, increase your system’s lifespan, and ensure you are breathing healthy air.
Check the air filter. If it’s dirty, it will make your furnace work harder. Clean or replace the filter every three months.
Clean the air vents. You can vacuum the vents to help prevent blockages. If you suspect there’s a buildup of dirt and grime, consider scheduling an air duct cleaning.
Vacuum lint from the clothes dryer vent that leads to the outside of your house.
Adjust your programable thermostat for heat rather than air conditioning. If your thermostat takes batteries, replace them at this time.
Cover the outdoor air conditioning unit once you no longer are using it for the season. That will protect it from the weather, dirt, and debris.
Rotate your ceiling fans’ blades clockwise in cool months and counterclockwise in warm months to keep heat moving in a direction that minimizes the effort of your HVAC system.
If you haven’t done so this year, schedule an annual professional checkup to make sure your HVAC system is in good working order.
Even the best furnaces don’t last forever. You may need to replace your furnace after 10-25 years.
Plumbing System
A plumbing system delivers fresh water to your sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures. It also takes away water and waste to a sewer or septic tank. Regular maintenance will help prevent issues such as leaks, clogs, and frozen pipes, which can be disruptive and costly.
Clean drains in your sinks and tubs by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar.
Remove mineral deposits from your showerheads by filling a plastic bag with vinegar. Secure it with a rubber band over the showerhead and leave it overnight. In the morning, you should be able to wipe any buildup away.
Clean your garbage disposal to prevent it from hosting harmful bacteria or growing mold. This Old House suggests this approach: Pour a half cup of baking soda in the disposal. Wait 30 minutes, then pour in one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture foam for 3 minutes, then rinse with hot water. Finally, grind up two cups of ice and a cup of salt while running cold water. You also can grind lemon peels at the end for a fresh scent.
Flush your water heater to remove any mineral buildup. You can find instructions online or call a professional.
Check your faucets inside and outside to make sure they are not dripping or leaking.
Check under the sink for any leaks or stains, which could signal water damage or mold.
Check any exposed pipes in your home for leaks and seal them. Insulate pipes in places that aren’t heated.
Disconnect outside water hoses to prevent them from freezing. Turn off underground sprinkler systems.
Clear debris from your
Call a plumber if there are issues.
Electrical System
An electrical system powers your lights, appliances, and more. Working around electricity requires knowledge and skill to take the proper safety precautions. If you’re unsure of how to do something, consult a trained professional.
Inspect your breaker panel. Check for signs of corrosion. Flip the breakers on and off to make sure they move easily and do not stick. (Make sure first to alert members of your household that you are switching off electricity so they can prepare accordingly.)
Test your outlets. You can buy a cube or block tester at any hardware store. You simply plug it in, and it lights up to indicate common issues. Also, test each outlet for tightness. Outlets may wear out over time. Finally, consider installing tamper-resistant outlets in any areas where children may be able to reach.
Place your hand on outlets and light switches to check for excessive heat. Also be aware of any “hot wire” smell when a light is on or an appliance is plugged in, or popping and cracking sounds. These indicate that you may need to replace that outlet or switch.
Look at exposed wires and cables in your basement and other areas of your home. If you notice damage, replace them.
Make sure exterior outlets are covered so that they are not damaged by the weather and animals.
Security System
Your home security system protects you from threats. No matter what system you have, a semi-annual check can keep it in top working order.
Inspect your sensors. Make sure they are firmly attached to windows or doors. Try to set off a motion sensor to ensure it is working properly.
Replace batteries if your system uses them.
Check lighting and replace bulbs as needed.
Make any adjustments needed to the camera angles. This is a good time to clean the lens.
Trim bushes that have overgrown and might provide cover for a thief.
Tighten loose screws in gates, door hinges, knobs, and locks.
Check your warranty or contract to see if you qualify for an upgrade.
Home fires spike in the fall and winter. Being prepared is key and could save your life if you are the victim of an unexpected house fire.
If you have not done so already, purchase smoke alarms that also function as carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous, odorless gas that claims over 400 lives each year.
Install detectors on every level of your home, including inside of bedrooms and in common rooms.
Test and change batteries in older detectors or alarms.
Replace them after 10 years.
Have a disaster plan in case of a home fire and keep all other fire safety materials, like fire extinguishers, in well-working condition.
Take the proper precautions to avoid winter home hazards and keep your home in good working order this season.
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.
It’s time to make a move. Whether you’re heading across town or going cross-country, moving yourself or hiring movers, you want an organized, stress-free experience.
There are reputable companies, and there are ones that put out misleading information. There are even plenty of moving scams. Choosing a sketchy moving company not only won’t save you money but it could end up costing you plenty. Know the warning signs. Avoid moving companies that only give phone estimates and/or require large deposits. Skip the ones that only offer non-binding estimates (a quote based on estimated weight of your things). That means they could be planning a much higher bill at the end. Be suspicious of moving companies that have similar names to well-known national brands but are not them. Finally, avoid any mover without an address.
All moving companies that move across state lines must have a DOT number. Ask for it and then look it up in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. Make sure their information matches what they told you.
Mistake #2: Not getting an estimate in writing
It’s hard for a mover to give you an accurate estimate without seeing your belongings in person. That’s why a mover that only provides a phone estimate is probably not reputable. Insist on a mover who visits your home and gives an estimate in writing. It’s always best to get three estimates. Make sure to read the fine print, and think twice about choosing the lowest bid. If possible, choose a mover that offers a binding not-to-exceed estimate. That means you won’t be charged more than the estimate and may be charged less.
Mistake #3: Not giving yourself enough time to pack—and/or not packing boxes correctly
Packing is going to take more time than you think. If you leave it to the last minute, you will be tempted to throw things into boxes without organizing them, which could make unpacking difficult. According to movers.com, it takes 3-5 days full-time to pack a three-bedroom house. If you’re working around a job and other responsibilities, give yourself additional time.
Pack your boxes so they are filled to the top but not overfilled or underfilled. Underfilled boxes can collapse under the weight of others on top of them. You should be able to tape boxes closed so the top is flat. A standard moving box will have a weight limit printed on the bottom. But being able to lift the box is also a consideration. Limit the weight of your boxes to 50 lbs. and you should generally meet the box weight requirements and keep it manageable to lift.
Mistake #4: Moving unnecessary items
It may be tempting to bring everything to a new home, and sort it out there. However, moving is a great time to take stock of what you really use and what you don’t. Why spend the time and money moving things that you’ll just end up storing, giving away, or throwing out? Hold a yard sale or donate items before you start packing. This will help lighten the load. Keep track of your donations; you can expense them on your taxes.
Mistake #5: Not knowing the obstacles at your new location
Are there narrow roads or restricted access at your new home? Is there no parking for an 18-wheeler? If so, your moving company may need to get a smaller truck and shuttle your stuff—at an extra charge. Also, if your furniture doesn’t fit through the doorways or hallways of your new home, it may need to be disassembled. You’ll be charged for these extra services, so be aware. Note also that many cheap pieces of furniture are made from particleboard. It’s not meant to be moved and is easily broken.
Mistake #6: Not preparing for your pets
Your pets are part of the family, but moving day will be particularly stressful for them. After all, they won’t understand why strangers are taking their furniture. With all of the commotion, it’s also easy for a pet to get lost in the shuffle, or have a scared animal run away or hide. Consider having relatives or friends take care of your pets or board them in a kennel for moving day. Also, make sure that you have your pet’s records for easy access when you need them.
Mistake #7: Choosing to move your valuables with the moving company
You may not care much if you have to replace the IKEA artwork from your living room, but the picture painted by your grandfather is irreplaceable. Therefore, if it’s sentimental and it can’t be replaced with money, plan to move that valuable item yourself.
Mistake #8: Not having enough insurance
Who covers your valuables if your mover drops something and breaks it? Surprisingly, it may not be the moving company. Homeowner’s and renter’s policies cover your personal property while at your home and in storage—but not while they are being transported by movers.
Your moving company should offer insurance, as listed in your contract. Options include: full value protection, released value protection, and separate liability coverage. You’ll pay for full value but will also be reimbursed the full value if anything breaks. For released value protection, you’ll typically get just 60 cents on the dollar per pound (so a 30-lb. flat-screen TV would be an $18 reimbursement).
If you’re moving yourself, you can arrange for trip transit insurance, special perils contents coverage, or a floater for valuables with your insurance company. Protect your possessions so they make it safely to your new home.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You’ve bought a house. Congratulations! Now the fun begins. As a new homeowner, you’re going to be responsible for a lot more than when you were renting.
Follow these 7 money-saving tips to set up your new home like a pro.
Tip #1: Wait to spend on nonessentials. Fix things first.
Don’t worry about buying furniture, changing your cabinets, decorating or personalizing your home right away. Right now, your focus should be on repairing and replacing.
Take care of any maintenance and repairs that you can do yourself, such as painting walls and replacing doorknobs and locks.
Hire a qualified contractor for electrical work, plumbing, roof repair, gas appliances, and to handle any toxic materials like mold or asbestos.
When choosing a contractor, get cost estimate quotes from three different providers. This will help you find the one that is most cost-effective.
Make sure any contractors you use are licensed to work in your state. Ask for references and talk to some of their past clients.
Tip #2: Seal your home. Check your insulation and look for small air leaks.
Insulation is the material that keeps the heat in your home during the winter and the cool in during the summer. When you have the right amount of insulation, and no air leaks around openings like doors, it will help to lower your heating and cooling bills
Check to see that you have at least six inches of insulation in your attic. You will need more in colder climates.
Don’t forget to insulate around the attic opening. That’s a common place to lose heat.
Wrap any exposed water pipes in insulation. This will help prevent frozen pipes.
Caulk and weatherstrip to seal small air leaks around doors, windows, and electric outlets. These are all places where air can get in and out.
Tip #3: Regulate the temperature in your home.
Your home’s heating and cooling systems work to keep things comfortable—at a cost. You can help reduce those bills with a few simple adjustments.
Install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to raise the heat while you’re at work and cool down when you are home during the summer months and vice versa for the winter.
Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F. Not only will it help with your energy bill, but it will also help prevent scalding burns.
Install ceiling fans. This is a great way to move air around, and help reduce the amount of air conditioning you need.
Close the blinds to block the sun which can heat up your house.
A sudden increase in your water bill is a sign that you probably have a leak. Keeping on top of these repairs is an easy way to prevent this unnecessary cost.
If you have a dripping faucet, repair or replace it as soon as possible.
Check under the sinks for wet spots that may indicate leaky pipes.
If your toilet is constantly running, that could raise your water bill as well. You may need to replace a part such as a flapper, fill valve or chain.
Check for a leaky toilet. Remove the tank lid and put a few drops of food coloring in the back of the tank. Wait 30 minutes without flushing your toilet. If you see the color in the toilet bowl within that time, you probably have a leak.
Tip #5: Take advantage of tax benefits and incentives.
As a homeowner, you may qualify for tax benefits and incentives if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Consider hiring an accountant to help you maximize your refund.
Mortgage interest is deductible.
Home equity loan interest is deductible if you spent the money on home improvements.
You may get a tax break for paying property taxes.
If you work at home, you can deduct home office expenses.
Tip #6: Pay off your mortgage early.
You can reduce the amount of interest that you pay if you budget correctly and pay off your mortgage early.
Switch your mortgage to a biweekly payment. If your monthly payment is $1,000, pay half, $500, every two weeks. You will pay the same amount that you would, but will end up making 13 full payments instead of just 12 in a year. You also will rack up less interest, which is calculated daily. Overall, this will end up saving you thousands of dollars.
Make extra principal payments when you send your monthly payments.
Consider using any windfalls, such as your tax refund, as payments toward your principal.
Tip #7: Update your insurance.
Your home is likely your largest investment. Make sure it is protected with the right insurance.
Your mortgage lender requires homeowner insurance. Many homeowners pay the mortgage lender who in turn pays the insurance company through an escrow account.
Consider bundling your car insurance and homeowner insurance to save money.
Make sure that you have disability income insurance so that you can continue to pay for your home in the event you are unable to work.
Consider an umbrella policy for extra coverage beyond your homeowner policy.
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.
Like our real children, there isn’t much we wouldn’t do for our fur babies. They give us so much love, and they trust us to keep them fed, sheltered, and safe. But did you know, you might be putting them in danger without even knowing it?
Some common household items can be toxic to pets. Here’s what you need to know to pet-proof your home.
In the Kitchen
Many of the foods we enjoy are not good for our pets. In fact, these foods can make them very ill. The things we throw into our trash are potential hazards, too.
Foods to avoid include coffee grounds, tea, chocolate, avocado, unbaked dough, grapes/raisins, salt, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, and anything with the artificial sweetener xylitol. Also, avoid alcohol. For a more detailed list, click here.
Watch out for choking hazards. Fruit pits are common hazards. Plastic bags can choke or suffocate your fur baby. Rubber bands and string can also be problematic.
Never give your dog cooked bones, such as from your family dinner. Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter in a pet’s mouth. Raw bones generally are safer. Avoid any bone that your dog could easily swallow whole. Also, stay away from pork bones which easily crack, and rib bones that can get stuck in your fur baby’s throat.
Steps to take:
Keep a list of harmful foods in your kitchen for easy reference.
Check ingredients before you give human food to your pet.
Supervise your pet whenever he/she is eating.
Secure your kitchen garbage so that pets cannot access it. Put it behind a closed cabinet door or buy locks for your trash cans.
In the Bathroom
From the medicine cabinet to the shower, bathrooms are filled with hazards for our furry friends. Remember that cats can jump up to high places, so store your hazardous items accordingly.
Medicines that are especially dangerous to our fur babies include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Acetaminophen is also poisonous. So are cold medicines, antihistamines, antidepressants, and prescription drugs.
Soaps and toothpaste can cause stomach upset if ingested. Commercial cleaning products, if stored in your bathroom, are a danger. Pets also like to drink from the toilet. If you’ve added a toilet cleaner to the water, that could make them sick.
Steps to take:
Store any hazardous materials behind closed cabinets and out of reach.
Use soap pumps rather than bars of soap.
Keep the toilet lid closed.
You can make your own natural cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar. Mix one-part baking soda to two-parts vinegar (e.g. ¼ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
In the Living Room or Den
We spend a lot of time relaxing in our living rooms and dens, and don’t give a second thought to the items around us that could be dangerous. From plants to electric cords, there are plenty of hazards.
Plants are a top hazard, as many can be poisonous to pets if eaten. These include lilies, foxgloves, azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips, chrysanthemums, rhubarb leaves, shamrocks, fungi, autumn crocuses, aloe vera, and poinsettias. For a more detailed list, click here.
Scented potpourri and tobacco products also are toxic to pets. Surprisingly, pennies minted after 1982 are as well, as they contain zinc.
Keep your fur babies away from small items like buttons and jewelry which may be swallowed. Be extra careful around objects with open flames like candles and fireplaces. Teething puppies and curious kittens may go for electric cords, too.
Steps to take:
Remove any toxic plants.
Do a quick check daily for small items and other hazards.
Choose flameless candles to prevent pet burns. Secure your fireplace with a mesh screen to keep pets away.
Use furniture to block access to electric cords, or purchase pet-friendly cord protectors. You can also try an anti-chew spray available at most pet stores, or make your own from two parts apple cider vinegar to one-part white vinegar.
In the Bedroom
Bedrooms contain some of the same hazards mentioned earlier, but in addition, often have windows and sometimes balconies. Even though your cat may climb to the highest spot in your home, and jump down seemingly without effort, it is dangerous to let your cat near an open window or on the balcony. Falls from that height can severely injure and even kill them.
People also sometimes store their winter wool clothes in mothballs. They contain a high concentration of insect repellant and can be toxic if ingested. Even the fumes can affect your pets.
Steps to take:
Keep your windows closed when possible and definitely if you are not around to supervise your pet.
If you open a window, see if you can do so from the top only. Make sure the window screen is secure, and cannot be pushed out easily.
Do not allow cats on balconies or to sun themselves on the window sill of an open window. If startled, the cat could lose his/her balance.
Do not store your clothes in mothballs, or if you do, keep them up in an attic or a place that is inaccessible to pets.
In the Laundry Room
Those fabric softener sheets that you toss into the dryer to reduce static cling are a danger to your fur baby. They are infused with chemicals that can make them sick. Commercial laundry soap is also toxic. Those pods that attract kids also interest pets. Finally, washers and dryers are favorite hiding places for kitties.
Steps to take:
Choose brands of detergent and fabric softener sheets that use plant-based ingredients and are safe for pets. Avoid pods.
Store all supplies behind a cabinet and/or out of reach of curious pets.
Always check your washer and dryer before you use it.
If you have a door to the laundry room, close it so that pets don’t get in while you’re not there.
In the Garage
We store a lot in our garage, and many of the items are not good for pets. These include antifreeze, alkaline batteries, herbicides, insecticides, wood glue and adhesives, and paint. In addition, warm cars are favorite places for cats to nap on a cold winter’s night.
Steps to take:
Store any chemicals and hazardous materials out of reach of your pet.
When possible, purchase pet-safe alternatives such as de-icing salt that won’t harm their paws.
Check for animals in and around your car before you drive it. Give the hood of your car a couple of hard knocks or honk your horn before you start your engine.
Never keep your pet in the garage, even safely in a crate. Garages have dangerous temperatures (low and high) as well as fumes and other hazards that could affect their health.
If you suspect your pet came in contact with a household danger, call your vet immediately. You may also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
And for more tips on how to be a responsible pet owner, click here.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Your student is headed to college out-of-state – or across the state. It’s a milestone, and you’re helping them set up all of the necessary items associated with that big move, furniture, textbooks, food, cleaning supplies, etc.
In the midst of all of your preparation, don’t forget one of the most important items – insurance. Whether they stay on your policy or decide to get one of their own, you want to make sure your son or daughter is fully covered in terms of car and home/renters insurance.
Auto Insurance
Here are some common auto insurance questions for parents of college students.
My student won’t have a car away at school; do I still need to keep them insured?
Some students drive thousands of miles away so they can have their car with them, but others would rather keep their cars at home, and opt for flying in and using public transportation when they arrive. To avoid overcrowding, some schools even set limits on who can have cars on campus.
If your son or daughter will not have a car at college, you should still keep your student on your auto policy. This will avoid a lapse in coverage, and he/she may need to drive in an emergency and also will be coming home for breaks. (If your child has a car that will be kept at home and not driven while he/she is at school, ask your insurance company whether you qualify for a discounted rate.)
Do I need to change my insurance coverage to the state where the college is located?
Since college is not considered a permanent address, your student can keep his state driver’s license and the car may be registered and insured in your home state. However, you will want to check the insurance requirements where your student is attending college—and make sure that your state’s policy meets their minimum standards in the event of an accident. Either way, make sure that you notify the insurance company that the car will be kept in a different state so that they may update their records.
Should my student get his/her own auto policy?
As long as your son or daughter is still living with you, and you own the car he/she is driving, there is no need to get them their own car insurance, unless you would like to. There also is no specific age where you have to make that transition. A common time to switch to their own policy is when young adults move from the family home to their own first apartment.
If your student is living off-campus, and maintaining that address year-round, you may consider a separate auto policy.
Are there any discounts that we qualify for?
Your student may qualify for a good student driver discount, available from many insurance companies with proof of grades. Ask your insurance agent for other discounts that may be available.
Don’t forget! If your student is enrolled in school full time, was a resident of your household before moving out to attend school, and is a relative 24 years or younger or 21 or younger and in your care, your California Casualty homeowner’s policy offers the personal property protection they need as well.
Whether your child stays in a dorm on campus or resides in a leased residence off-campus, 10% of your homeowner’s personal property coverage (coverage c) extends to their possessions while they are away. If you believe they need more than that 10% coverage – for expensive musical instruments or computer equipment – then consider adding a scheduled personal property endorsement to your policy. With computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming systems, furniture and clothes, you would be spending thousands of dollars to replace your student’s possessions without this layer of protection.
You can’t be with them at college, but you can still protect them—with the right insurance.
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.
