by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Is there anything better than knowing your vacation is near? You’ve taken off work and you’re busy planning and packing. But while you’re focused on your destination, don’t forget that you’ll also be leaving your home unattended.
Whether you’re heading out of town for two days or two weeks, take the time to prepare your house and property so there will be no unfortunate surprises (or visitors) while you’re away.
Make your home looks lived-in.
Savvy thieves look for signs that you are away, such as an overgrown lawn, a pile-up of mail or packages, or an empty driveway. A well-maintained home and property reinforce the fact that people are living here, and most likely at home.
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- Mow and edge your lawn before you leave. Trim your bushes, especially around windows and close to your house.
- Pick up any debris and any personal items in your front or backyard.
- Stop your mail and newspapers, and arrange for a neighbor to pick up any packages.
- Leave a car parked in your driveway or ask a neighbor to park in front of your house.
- Invest in an inexpensive light timer to turn the lights on and off while you’re away.
Secure your home and property.
There’s a lot more than simply locking the doors that goes into securing your home and property. You want to make it unlikely that a thief would target your home, and also protect its contents should a neighborhood fire or disaster occur.
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- A security system can help protect your property and also reduce the cost of your home insurance policy.
- Consider a motion-sensor floodlight, which can help to deter trespassers.
- Make sure your important papers are in a fireproof container or safe.
- Leave an emergency contact number and a spare key with a trusted neighbor. (Don’t hide your key in a rock. That’s the first place a thief will look.)
- Don’t advertise that you are going away on social media. Wait until you return home to post photos.
Clean thoroughly.
Coming home to a dirty house is no fun. Neither is being greeted by week-old smells of stinky garbage. Take the time to clean up before you leave so everything is fresh and ready for your return.
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- Give your house an overall cleaning.
- Empty the refrigerator of perishable items.
- Empty all of the trashcans, especially the kitchen trash, right before you leave. Ask your neighbor to put out your trash cans on the next trash day.
- Run your garbage disposal with half a cup of vinegar and some water.
- Do the laundry and change the sheets.
Make plans for your pets and your plants.
It goes without saying that you won’t leave your pets or plants unattended if you’re going to be away.
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- Depending on the type of pet, you may need a pet sitter or boarding facility. Make those plans well in advance of your trip.
- If you’re leaving pets at home, make arrangements for someone to check on them. You will provide them with food and water of course. But even low-maintenance animals can get accidentally trapped in spaces or encounter other mischief.
- Ask a neighbor to water your plants at your home or theirs. If you dole out your plants to multiple neighbors, make a list of plants and locations so you know who has what.
Put your systems in vacation mode.
If no one will be living in your house, why pay for gas, electric or water? It’s a good time to save energy by shutting down the home systems that you don’t need, taking into account if there are any pets or plants that will need them.
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- Put your water heater in vacation mode. It’s a setting that allows your water heater to run your boiler at a lower temperature than normal.
- Turn off the water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks, if no one is going to be using them (such as a neighbor watering plants).
- Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to the outside temperature. Just remember to adjust it for pets and plants as needed.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors if you have not recently done so.
Do a final check the day you leave.
There’s a lot to think about as you’re leaving for vacation, and likely your mind is more focused on the trip ahead than what’s happening at home. This is where a final “to do” list and check-in helps. Plan to do these things on the day you leave.
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- Unplug and shut off appliances not in use. Not only does this save on your electric bills, it protects items from power surges.
- Close all doors and windows. Close the curtains and blinds.
- Leave on a light or two on or set a lamp timer.
- Set the thermostat appropriately.
- Check the washer. The last thing you want is old (and smelly) wet laundry to greet you when you return.
- Make sure your oven is off. Make sure your iron is off.
- Pro tip: Take pictures of items you’re worried about, such as oven knobs to show they’re off. That way, you can check back if you’re concerned about them.
Check-in while you’re away.
You may be out of town, but you’ve got great ways to check in to see what’s happening in the neighborhood.
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- Subscribe to a local app such as NextDoor.
- Look at online footage from your home’s security camera.
- Text or call a neighbor to check in.
You also may consider hiring a house sitter so that you don’t have to worry about what’s happening at home. If you do choose that route, make sure that the person is a reputable one. Establish a set of rules, so it is clear what your house sitter can and cannot do (for example: can watch Netflix; can’t have parties).
Don’t forget to thank the neighbors who helped you. Bring them a souvenir or small gift from your vacation or get them a gift card for a dinner out.
Finally, know that your home and property are protected by homeowner’s insurance. Should anything happen while you’re gone, your policy helps provide that peace of mind.
Have a great trip.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
When you take your motorcycle out on a beautiful day, you can enjoy it all — the open road, the sunshine, the fresh air, and the calmness of the ride. But when you take your bike out on a windy day, it’s a much different experience.
Not only can the wind be cold and uncomfortable for riding, but it can also make it more challenging to maintain control. In fact, riding your motorcycle in the wind can be such a nerve-wracking journey that it might make you decide to skip the trip entirely. However, there will be times when you get caught on a windy day or when your bike is your only option. Follow these tips to stay safe when riding your motorcycle in the wind.
Tip #1: Prepare in advance for a windy ride.
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- Minimize the amount of baggage that you carry. Saddlebags, backpacks, and even your clothing can catch the wind, creating unnecessary drag.
- Secure loose items that could be easily blown away.
- Wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from any windblown dirt or debris.
Tip #2: Check the weather.
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- Wind speeds exceeding 50 mph are considered too dangerous for motorcycles, even heavier models.
- Wind speeds between 20 and 30 mph will be too much for most lightweight motorcycles.
- Avoid taking your motorcycle out during high wind warnings, hurricane-force winds, tornados, or other severe weather conditions.
Tip #3: Stay calm and in control.
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- Don’t panic. Relax and try not to grip the handles too hard. Maintain a steady speed.
- Ride in the middle of the lane. Give yourself some space in case you move to the right or left due to wind gusts. Know that the other vehicles on the road could be moved by the wind, too.
- Know your abilities. If you’re inexperienced, or if you feel out of control, find a safe place to wait it out. Better safe than sorry.
Tip #4: Know the direction of the wind and how to adjust.
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- You may be able to feel the direction of the wind. But if you’re unsure, look for things that are blowing: grass, the tops of trees, and flags. Note the direction the wind is blowing.
- If it’s a tailwind, it will push you from behind.
- Give yourself extra stopping distance. The wind could propel you forward as you’re trying to slow and stop.
- Watch your speed and stay in your comfort zone. You don’t want the wind to push you faster than you are comfortable traveling.
- If it’s a crosswind, it comes from the sides.
- This is the most difficult type of wind. It can come to you from either side, or both.
- Shift your weight to the side the crosswind is coming from and lean into it slightly. Do it carefully so you don’t affect your balance.
- Using your leg on the side the wind is coming from, turn your knee in the direction the wind is blowing. Your leg acts as a sail and the wind won’t push you as hard.
- If it’s a headwind, it’s coming to you from the front.
- Headwinds are stronger than the wind that usually comes at you from the front.
- Ride low behind the windshield.
- Keep your legs and arms close to your body and to the bike.
Tip #5: Be aware of wind fluctuations.
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- The wind direction can change at any time. Be prepared to adjust accordingly.
- If you’re behind a large truck, it will block the wind from you somewhat. Be prepared for a wind gust as you move away from the truck.
- Remember the rules about sharing the road with others. Add extra distance when it’s windy in case you need it.
Tip #6: Certain places are windier than others.
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- Winds are generally higher in the hills and lower in the valleys.
- Roads with hedges and other barriers can help to protect you from the wind.
- If the open road is too windy, see if there is another route you can take that is more sheltered.
Windy conditions can contribute to accidents. Make sure your bike is fully protected with the right amount of motorcycle insurance. Safe travels—and enjoy the ride.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Calcas Connection |
Anyone who has ever dropped off at soccer practice, then zoomed to dance, and back again to school, knows the reality of parenting today. We live in our cars. In fact, we can’t live without them, which is why it’s more than just an inconvenience when our cars are in the shop.
Enter the rental car, the savior helping us to navigate our hectic lives, pun intended. Rentals can be a necessity when our car is in the shop for repairs after an accident, and it would be nice if we didn’t have to pay too much for them. That’s where rental car reimbursement coverage (also called transportation expense coverage) can help. A basic amount of this coverage is included with collision/comprehensive coverage in your auto policy. It helps cover the cost of a rental car after a car accident, but the basic coverage may not be enough these days. Optional higher coverage levels are available and can help to cover more of the cost of a rental car.
Things are changing—which could impact your budget.
Today’s world is not the same as pre-pandemic. The changes that have happened in the last year or longer are impacting the repair and rental car industries. This could cause you to pay significantly more out-of-pocket even with rental car reimbursement. Read on to find out why, and what you can do about it.
Parts are taking longer to get.
We’ve been spoiled with free, fast shipping, getting items in a couple of days from the time we order them. That’s no longer the case. Just as you probably had to wait for the hottest toy for the holidays (or that elusive Sony PlayStation 5), repair shops have had to wait…and wait…and wait…for parts. There’s a global supply chain shortage. Parts that used to arrive in a day or two are now taking weeks or longer. Ships carrying supplies are being held at docks. There’s also a global semiconductor shortage, which especially affects the advanced electronics in our cars.
Shops are doing partial repairs or keeping your car indefinitely.
With parts delayed for weeks or longer, some shops are making partial repairs on drivable vehicles, sending them home, and finishing the job later. They are keeping undrivable cars for weeks or even months while waiting for parts.
When there’s no one to work on your car, it sits for longer.
The labor shortage has hit the automotive industry. There are fewer truck drivers transporting parts, fewer dock workers unloading them, and fewer mechanics working. The pandemic prompted many people to reevaluate their career choices, and leave their jobs. If you’re lucky, your body shop is fully staffed. If not, you’re likely in for a longer repair.
Your car could be in the shop longer than your rental coverage.
Normally, you’d expect to have a rental car for a couple of weeks. It might surprise you to learn that the average repair time at the end of last year was 17 days, according to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. That means that many people had their cars in the shop even longer than that. The length of rentals has continued to increase in 2022. If shops are waiting on parts and workers, chances are that your rental car coverage will run out before repairs are done. Not only that but the rental bill can be even more than the repair bill, and you’re hit with any expense that insurance doesn’t cover.
Longer collision repair times are just part of higher costs. Rising inflation rates and greater demand for vehicles have increased rental car prices. AAA is seeing car rental prices trending higher in 2022 than in the previous four years.
It makes sense (and cents) to bump up your coverage.
The typical auto policy includes a basic amount of coverage that reimburses up to $20 a day with a $600 cap per accident. That means your $20 per day coverage lasts for 30 days. Luckily, you’re not limited to those numbers. Consider expanding your coverage to $30/$900, $40/$1,200 or $50/$1,500. Selecting a higher amount will help you cover today’s higher cost of rental cars, especially for longer repair times.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
This time of year, boat owners are getting their boats out of storage and ready for the water. If you’re among those eagerly anticipating the new boating season, you’ll want to make sure you’ve done everything to get your boat prepared and ensure you’ll be boating safely.
Follow this checklist for spring boat maintenance before you take off for the first time this season! (Friendly reminder, you can do much of this basic maintenance yourself, but if you’re unsure, always consult a professional boat mechanic.)
1. Inspect the Battery.
After sitting idle for months, your battery will likely need attention. You will want to make sure that it’s fully charged and ready to go. There are three basic types of boat batteries: AGM (absorbed glass mat), gel cell, and lead-acid. When working around batteries, always use eye protection, wear gloves, and never put your face near a battery.
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- If you have a lead-acid battery, you need to top off the fluid with distilled water. Remove the caps and use a flashlight to check the level. Add the water so it just covers the top of the plates. Be very careful doing this, as bubbles can pop and splash acid.
- Use a meter reader to check the charge on your battery. Set the meter so it’s reading DC volts. A full charge is in the range of 12.65 to 12.77 volts. A dead battery measures 11.75 to 11.89 volts, so the numbers are pretty close. If you have a lead-acid battery, you can use a battery hydrometer instead of a meter reader.
- Make sure not to overcharge or undercharge your battery. Both can limit its lifespan. Consider a marine-smart battery charger, which is permanently installed.
- Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminals. Fill the cells with distilled water.
- Check and tighten the cable connections to your battery. Loose connections can create a fire hazard.
- Make sure that there is a lid on the battery box to prevent short circuits.
2. Check the fuel system.
Your fuel system encompasses more than your gas tank. It involves hoses, and if your boat is older, a carburetor. You want to check it to make sure that it’s in good working order.
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- Inspect your fill and vent hoses. Look for brittleness or cracks and replace any as needed with U.S. Coast Guard-approved hoses.
- Look for stains around fuel line clamps and fittings. Check for smells around the fittings. If you find any, replace those fittings so you don’t have a dangerous leak.
- If you detect a smell, you may want to check your fuel tank for leaks.
- Check for water in your fuel tank.
- Fuel your boat with gasoline that does not contain ethanol. If you only have ethanol blends available, choose one with less than 10 percent ethanol.
- Use a fuel stabilizer additive if you’re not going to be using up the gas in your tank within a week or two.
3. Examine the engine.
There are several components in your engine that wear down over time. Now is your chance to give them a look and make sure that they do not need replacement.
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- Inspect the belts and cables to make sure they’re not cracked.
- Replace the spark plugs as needed.
- Look for rust or any indication that clamps or other parts may need replacement.
- If you didn’t do it before you stored your boat for the winter, change the oil and filter, and the drive lubricants.
- Check the fluids for your power steering and coolant and top them off if needed.
- Check the impeller pump to make sure it’s not worn. Impellers bring cooling water to the engine and are necessary for its safe operation. They should be replaced every 2 years or after 200 hours of use.
- If your boat has lights, make sure they are functioning.
4. Check the boat’s hull.
The hull or bottom of your boat comes in contact with water, which means that its parts may deteriorate over time.
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- Check your boat’s anodes. These protect underwater areas of your boat from corrosion. If you see that your anodes are half dissolved, you will want to replace them.
- Reinstall sea strainers for raw water cooling. If they weren’t properly drained for the winter, check for damage by ice.
- Install the drain plug for your boat trailer if you removed it last fall.
5. Get out your cleaning supplies.
After a winter of just sitting around, your boat will naturally be dusty. You want to make sure that you give it a good cleaning, and also check for any potential problems like mold.
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- Choose a mild detergent for the exterior, then add a coat of wax.
- Use an all-purpose spray cleaner for the console.
- Use a vinyl cleaner on the seats.
- Wipe down windows.
- Clean carpets with a power washer.
- Take note of any areas that have a smell or may have had water. The moisture can cause mold, which you will want to remove completely and as soon as possible.
6. Stock up on safety essentials.
Your old safety gear may be in good working order or it may need to be replaced. Now is the time to check.
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- Make sure you have enough life jackets, and that they are in good condition and easily accessible.
- Check your safety kit. You should have first aid supplies, flares, fire extinguishers, and flashlights in a waterproof container. Make sure your extinguisher is mounted where you can easily reach it.
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and your flares. Replace them as needed.
- Test your boat’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Take advantage of the U.S. Coast Guard vessel safety check.
7. Check your trailer.
If you transport your boat via a trailer, spring is a good time to check-in. You don’t want any issues getting your boat to the water.
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- Make sure your trailer’s brake lights are working.
- Check the tires. Look for cracks in the sidewalls. Most trailer tires don’t wear out their tread but they can crack from exposure to the elements.
- Check the tire pressure. Make sure you have a spare tire.
8. Get your papers in order.
Before you take your boat out, make sure that you have the right paperwork. This includes documentation for insurance so that you are fully protected in the event of a boating accident.
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- Review your boat insurance. Make sure it’s up to date and you understand what’s covered.
- Keep your boat registration handy.
- Make sure you have a fishing license and trailer tags as needed.
Happy boating!
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.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
There’s a reason spring cleaning is so popular-the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and there is a sense of newness in the air! There’s no better time to open up those windows and scrub away all signs of winter. However, spring cleaning isn’t just for dusting and decluttering. It’s also a great chance to assess and address safety issues, especially fire hazards.
Every 89 seconds, a fire department responds to a home fire in the U.S. And according to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2020, home fires were responsible for 3,500 deaths, 15,200 injuries, and $21.9 billion in property damage.
When you clean with fire safety in mind, you help protect your home and family from these often-unforeseen fire safety dangers. To help you stay safe this season, we’ve compiled the top safety cleaning tips from fire departments around the country.
Tip #1: Clear your stovetop of fire hazards.
Stovetops account for the majority of kitchen fires. Making sure that there are no flammable hazards nearby will help prevent the flames from catching and spreading a fire.
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- Keep your stovetop clean between cooking meals.
- Put space between your stove and anything flammable: oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, wooden stove covers, and kitchen curtains.
- Keep your kitchen counter free of grease or clutter.
- Always stay near the food you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles inward so you can’t accidentally bump them.
Tip #2: Clean the lint trap in your dryer.
Dryers are a common cause of home fires, and too often, the lint traps are the culprit. Making sure your lint trap is not too full will help.
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- Clean lint filters before or after each load.
- Remove lint from around the dryer rim.
- Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is free and clear, and that the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is on.
- Move flammable items like cardboard and cleaning supplies away from the dryer, especially when it is on.
Tip #3: Check extension cords, outlets, and wiring.
Damaged cords, overtaxed outlets, and old wiring can cause electrical fires. Check these items to make sure that your electrical setup is not putting your safety at risk.
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- Check for frayed or damaged extension cords. If you find any, throw them out and replace them.
- Make sure your extension cords are rated for the appliances and items that they are powering.
- Do not put electric cords under carpets or across doorways.
- Check to make sure that your outlets aren’t overloaded.
- If an electric appliance smokes, smells funny, or is drawing heat when plugged in, unplug it.
- If you’re familiar with your home’s electrical system and you can take a look, check for scorch marks or frayed wires. Call an electrician to update or rewire the system.
Tip #4: Check for potential fire hazards.
As you do your spring cleaning, check your home for possible fire hazards. Then, take the steps to minimize their risk.
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- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn them off before leaving the room and before going to sleep.
- Practice safety with candle flames. Store matches where children cannot get them. Alternatively use child-resistant lighters.
- If you have a chimney, get it professionally cleaned and inspected. Chimneys can have a build-up accumulation of creosote, a flammable substance that lines the flue.
- Keep cleaning fluids away from heat sources. Many are combustible. These chemicals could even heat up to dangerous levels outside in the sun. (Consider non-toxic cleaners that are safer when heated, such as vinegar mixed with water.)
Tip #5: Remove potential hazards from the garage.
The garage is where we often store our extra stuff. That includes items that could fuel a fire. As part of your cleaning routine, declutter the garage.
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- Remove stored newspapers, wrapping paper, blankets, and other flammable items that you may be storing in the garage.
- Dispose of oil or greasy rags. Never leave them in a pile. If you must keep them, store them in a labeled metal container.
- Move propane or gasoline outside your home to a shed or detached garage.
- Check your lawn mower’s gas tank for rust. Make sure the fuel line has no leaks. Check any other gas-powered tools, too.
Tip #6: Clear your outside space.
Even fallen leaves and grass clippings can become fuel for a fire. That’s why clearing your yard is so important.
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- Clean away dead vegetation, fallen branches, and any debris.
- Clean leaves from your roof and gutters.
- Move trash and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from your house.
- Replace mulch, and keep it at least 3 feet from the house.
- Position your barbecue grill away from your home. Also, keep it away from windows, heating and air conditioning units, and vegetation. Clean the grease or fat buildup every time you cook.
- Make sure your propane hose has no leaks or cracks. If you smell gas when you turn it on, shut it off immediately.
Tip #7: Be prepared.
Despite your best efforts, fires can happen. Make sure you are fully prepared to know about them and to take action.
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- Test smoke alarms monthly. Make sure they have working batteries. Replace batteries every six months. Replace the smoke detectors every 10 years.
- Make sure smoke detectors are on every level of the house, including the basement, and outside every bedroom. Consider interconnected smoke alarms, so if one goes off, then all will sound the alarm.
- Keep fire extinguishers fully charged and easily reachable.
- Make sure doors and windows easily open in case of the need to escape fast.
- Display your house number prominently in case you need to call for help.
- Create a family escape plan. Include a map of each level of your home. Make sure there are 2 escape routes for each room, such as a window and door. Make sure you account for pets, and also name an outside meeting place in the event of an emergency.
- Practice the plan so that everyone is ready, just in case.
For more home tips on fire safety this spring, check out our blog on The 6 Most At-Risk Fire Areas of Your 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.
