Knowing the despair that follows a major loss, Carrie Mitchell founded TWS Home Inventory in 2012 after helping victims of the devastation caused by Colorado’s Waldo Canyon fire in. It was in the aftermath that Carrie realized how much heartache and stress could be avoided with a professionally detailed home inventory. TWS Home Inventory is now available in California and the East Coast.
Carrie and TWS Home Inventory have been featured in Colorado media, FOX News National, FOX News Business, the Insurance Journal and the Huffington Post. Carrie will be providing us with important content about the need for a home inventory and the many ways not having one could hurt you.
California Casualty proudly insures a sector of society that knows all too well the importance of being proactive instead of reactive in our everyday lives. As educators, health care providers, fire fighters, first responders, and peace officers you see the devastating aftermath of situations outside of our control.
TWS Home Inventory and Asset Management Group was founded in 2012 as a direct result of the plight of affected homeowners in the aftermath of Colorado’s Waldo Canyon Fire. As a homeowner personally affected by this natural disaster that devastated the Colorado Springs area in 2012, I saw first-hand the trail of destruction left behind: over 350 homes destroyed and countless numbers severely damaged, 18,247 acres of forest blackened, firefighting costs alone were over $15 million, home losses and insurance claims were estimated at over $356 million two years after the fire, and many claims remain in dispute even after three years.
Although most homes were insured, the financial recovery for contents was much less than the insured structure amount and for valuables such as jewelry, guns, paintings, family heirlooms and antiques. Many of these precious possessions were simply lost forever. The simple reason for this fact is that most homeowners had no physical record or documentation of their valued possessions, let alone were even able to remember a fraction of the items lost. Now, three years later, many homeowners are still struggling to itemize their possessions leaving them with a feeling of being victimized a second time.
As a volunteer assisting these homeowners, the idea for a professionally documented home inventory service was born and TWS Home Inventory and Asset Management Group was formed. In 2013, the Black Forest Wildfire brought even greater devastation to the Colorado Springs area with over 511 homes destroyed and it was followed by the Waldo Canyon Flood.
The Root of the Problem
Once insured, a homeowner assumes that everything is covered and is totally unaware of the serious need for a documented inventory, much less the value that it adds to their insurance coverage. In my experience, most homeowners never read their policy to see what actually is and is not covered until they are in the claims process. Any loss, partial or total, requires some form of proof of ownership of contents, especially when it comes to specific valuable articles. Working with victims of loss, one thing seems to always be evident; homeowners tend to want to blame the insurance company for insufficient compensation. Unfortunately, few realize until after the fact that it is the homeowner’s responsibility prior to that loss to inform the insurance carrier of what they own to ensure proper coverage.
In the coming months we look forward to sharing with you the invaluable information learned over the past three years from homeowners affected by some of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Our goal in this series is to help educate proactive policyholders on the specific personal items you may own which need to have appraisals, floaters, riders, and endorsements not covered in a typical homeowner’s policy, because
When it’s too late….It’s too late!
You can learn more about Carrie Mitchell and free home inspection resources at
There’s no better feeling than finally get your holiday gift buying done. It’s such a sense of accomplishment and you can’t wait to see the beaming faces of friends and loved ones opening their special presents. However, if you’re not careful you might also be is advertising that bounty to crooks and thieves who are looking to take it from you.
Nothing steals the joy of the season like a holiday home burglary. Unfortunately, the FBI warns that they increase during the holidays with nearly 400,000 break-ins occurring during November and December. Most of those are crimes of opportunity from criminals looking for an easy target.
Here are things you can do to reduce your risk of being a victim:
Make your home less vulnerable
Trim back bushes or hedges that block visibility and give thieves areas to hide
Install outdoor lighting (motion sensitive are best)
Put indoor lights on timers
Have a security system installed
Get a dog (crooks say a barking dog is a huge deterrent)
Keep garage doors closed
Always lock doors and windows
Keep watch of your neighbors’ homes and ask they do the same for you
Don’t advertise to criminals
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries if you are going away
Arrange for your neighbors to accept any home deliveries when you are not home
Don’t leave garbage cans out while you are away
Never leave notes on doors telling someone you are out and when you will return
Do leave a radio or TV on while you are away
Have a trusted friend, neighbor or relative make trips to your home or park a car in the driveway to make it look lived in while you are away
Conceal valuables and don’t leave Christmas trees and presents visible from the outside
Break down and conceal boxes for expensive items and electronics when putting out the trash (boxes for the new 60” HD TV or the latest computer are like shopping flyers for thieves)
Don’t advertise on social media that you are going away to grandma’s house or on a wonderful vacation (this also applies to your children)
Protect yourself
Make a complete home inventory of your possessions to assist if you need to file a police report, help speed up an insurance claim and help with a tax-loss write off
Be sure to have an identity theft protection and recovery service if burglars get access to your personal or banking information
Not only do you feel violated after someone breaks into your home, but it can be expensive to fix the damage and replace items. That’s why you need homeowners and renters insurance. We can’t stop all criminals, but California Casualty is here to protect you with quality auto and home insurance with exclusive benefits not available to the general public. Every policy also comes with free ID theft protection. Call an advisor today for a policy comparison or review at 1.800.800.9410, or visit www.calcas.com.
Fall is my favorite time of year; the air turns crisp and cool, the leaves change brilliant colors and it’s a nice breather before winter sends its icy grip. As the days grow shorter and the leaves fall, it’s the perfect time to look around your home and get prepared for winter. Fall’s mild temperatures and adequate daylight provides an opportunity to check the heater, repair gutters and add extra insulation to the attic. An early autumn storm or blizzard is no time to learn you have leaks or other problems.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that winter-related damage causes over a billion dollars in insurance losses annually. Prevent your home from being a statistic; use this checklist to make sure it’s ready for the onslaught of winter:
Have your heating system checked and cleaned
Inspect ceilings, windows and outer walls for cracks
Change air filters
Check your pipes and plumbing
Inspect your roof for wear or damage and clean the gutters
Install weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors
Seal up foundation and driveway cracks
Check your fireplace and chimney for cracks or leaks
Look around your deck or patio and yard; now is the time to clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture and flower pots, drain sprinkler systems, trim trees and shrubs, fertilize lawns and mulch gardens. Don’t forget to service the snow blower and lawn mower while you are at it.
You also need to make sure your home is fire safe and you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; the National Fire Protection Association warns that home fires and carbon monoxide poisonings climb during the fall and winter months. They recommend:
Installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on all levels of the home
Installing carbon monoxide detectors in a central location outside each sleeping area and on all levels of the home
Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing the batteries once a year (fall is the preferred time)
Having heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
Keeping any flammable material at least three feet from heat sources
Checking fire extinguishers
Knowing and practicing home escape routes
A vital preparation for any season is to review and understand your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Contact a California Casualty advisor today for a free, no hassle insurance policy review and comparison at 1.800.800.9410. You may also find you qualify for significant discounts and better coverage.
We all love the wonderful aroma of baking pies and roasting turkeys; however, preparing the Thanksgiving meal can be a dangerous time. The National Fire Protection Association is reminding everyone to be especially careful because Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires in the United States, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Unattended cooking was the leading factor in these fires, and cooking equipment was the leading cause of home fires that caused burns and injuries.
So as you begin preparing that mouth-watering meal for your friends and loved ones, here are some simple tips to keep everyone safe and the holiday meal a success:
Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on the food
Don’t leave home while cooking your turkey and check it frequently
Remove any loose fitting clothing or dangling sleeves
Make sure plastic bags, paper towels, oven mitts and other combustibles are away from open flames and heat sources
Keep children at least three feet away from stoves
Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids that can cause serious burns
Keep floors clear and clean so you don’t slip or trip
Keep knives out of the reach of children
Never leave children alone with or in reach of candles, lighters or matches
Have a fire extinguisher available
Make sure that your smoke alarms are working properly
One of the more dangerous turkey cooking methods is deep fat frying; while it can provide a super succulent bird, fire agencies warn it can cause burns and eruptive fires. In fact, UL testing labs does not certify any home deep fat fryers. If you decide to use this method, the Butterball Turkey Hotline has very specific instructions to reduce the risk of fire or injury.
Also, on this holiday, don’t forget to thank our emergency personnel: firefighters, law enforcement officers and nurses who will be working, offering protection and comfort. California Casualty wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. We are here to protect your auto and home from fire and other dangers with insurance specifically tailored for law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses and educators. Learn more at www.calcas.com or call one of our advisors at 1.800.800.9410.
As more and more of us opt to rent rather than own a home, the monthly cost has been climbing. My wife and I are experiencing it as we start looking for a place for our daughter when she moves out of the dorm next year. There’s nothing worse than thinking you have found the perfect place and then realizing you really can’t afford it. Here are some things to take into consideration for your calculations.
First, how much rent can you really afford? Let’s face it; it’s really expensive these days to rent a place. A new Harvard study found many of us are now paying 50 percent of our income on rent. However, The U.S. Census Bureau and many financial experts say we should only pay 20 to 30 percent of our monthly take home pay. So, if you bring home $4,000 a month, you should consider monthly rents around $1,200. Every dollar more means less you will have for going out to dinners, concerts or saving for a home.
Second, calculate the expense of finding that place. Many first time renters fail to consider application fees many landlords now charge, the security deposit (often a month’s rent) and having to come up with first and last month’s rent. This can add up to a many thousands of dollars before you even get the chance to move into your new apartment or house.
Third, don’t forget to use your “scam radar.” As apartment and home rentals become scarce and more expensive, scammers are working to lure desperate people. The Federal Trade Commission is warning about a growing proliferation of criminals running fake rental ads or hijacking landlord advertising accounts trying to steal money from vulnerable consumers. Many people fail to confirm what they are renting and who they might be renting from, as evidenced by a New York bar owner who ran a fake ad about a one bedroom for rent that turned out to be his public restroom. He was shocked at the number of people who responded. With that in mind, here are the top signs that apartment or home rental ad could be fake:
It seems too good to be true
There is no address
The contact is only by email or mail
The landlord seems too eager to rent and doesn’t ask for your employment verification or any other tenant screening
You are asked to wire money to apply or hold the apartment (especially if you never met anyone in person)
You’re told you don’t need a lease or rental agreement
The “landlord” says she is out of town and will only come back to meet you if you send money first
Finally, think about your other expenses. After you pay rent, will you have enough for utilities, cell phone, cable, internet, food, fuel, car payment and fun? Don’t forget about any student loans you have to repay. If you overdo what you pay for rent you may not have enough money for your other financial obligations, not to mention not being able to afford going out to see a movie or joining friends for dinner. Use this rent affordability calculator to gage what your budget allows.
Look outside the urban area like a nearby town or suburb for rentals
Get a roommate or roommates
Apply for rental subsidies offered by some cities and the federal government
Scale down your expectations and find a smaller apartment
Negotiate with the landlord
Do without cable or satellite TV
Have more meals at home with friends rather than going to restaurants
One expense you should never skimp on is renters insurance. Your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your things, and many landlords now require you to have our own policy. For as little as $15 a month you can protect your possessions from fire, theft or damage from a broken water pipe. Renters insurance also covers you in case someone gets hurt at your place and sues. Make sure you have the coverage you need, contact a California Casualty advisor for a quote today at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.
If you live in a flood prone area, you should have flood insurance. It seems like common sense but many of us still don’t get it. As rivers crested to new heights and raging waters destroyed homes in Central and Southern Texas this spring, the Insurance Council of Texas fears that less than half of those with damage purchased a flood policy. Many thousands affected by record flooding in South Carolina may also be without flood insurance; state insurance companies estimate that only 10% of residents purchased flood protection.
Here are some reasons why people don’t buy flood insurance:
They think their homeowners or renters insurance covers flooding
They think the government will help them
They think it’s too expensive
They didn’t know it was available
Floods are the number one disaster in the United States and the National Flood Insurance Program estimates that just three inches of water in a 2,000 square foot house will result in $23,000 in damage.
With that in mind, let’s soak up seven myths that might be floating around about flood insurance.
Flooding is covered under most homeowners insurance.
It is not. Homeowners and renters need to purchase separate flood insurance protection. Umbrella insurance does not usually cover flooding.
I don’t live in a flood prone area so I don’t need it.
Every state in the union has experienced flooding and it can happen anywhere. The National Flood Insurance Program estimates that 25 percent of flood claims come from areas outside of high-risk flood zones.
The Federal Government will help pay for flood damage.
Federal disaster assistance is only available when the president formally declares a disaster. The aid comes as low interest loans, not compensation for your damage.
Flood insurance is only for homeowners and businesses.
Flood insurance is available to renters. It is also available to condo owners and renters. It will cover damage to your possessions from a flood.
Flood Insurance is expensive.
The average policy costs about $700 per year: the higher your risk, the higher your premium. Keep in mind the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $38,000.
I can get flood insurance coverage immediately.
In most cases there is a 30 day waiting period from the date you purchase the insurance before it goes into effect.
I can shop around for the best flood insurance deal.
While you can purchase flood insurance from numerous companies, the price is set by the federal government and doesn’t vary. Rates do vary depending on your flood risk and the year and type of construction.
Make sure the building is safe to enter – mud and water may contain dangerous chemicals, bacteria or poisonous snakes and there could be a risk from electrocution
Secure the property from further damage or theft with plywood, tarps or plastic
Remove branches and other debris
Before cleanup, take photos or videos of all the damage
Throw out water damaged food including canned goods
Keep receipts for any items you buy to make temporary repairs and for living expenses, they may be covered if your loss is insured or can be used for tax purposes if the loss is not covered
Contact your insurance company – flooding and other water damage to your vehicle is covered if you have comprehensive auto insurance
California Casualty can help keep you above water with flood insurance. Find out more today at 877.652.2638 or visit www.calcas.com/flood-insurance. Make sure your property is fully protected from wind, fire, lightning, hail or falling trees with a policy review by calling an advisor today at 1.800.800.9410 or visiting www.calcas.com.
