Spring Boat Maintenance Checklist

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

• • 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.

Daylight Savings and Car Crashes

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

Daylight savings may not only be affecting your sleep routine, research shows that daylight savings also has a connection with a surge in fatal car crashes.

During daylight savings time in the spring our clocks “spring forward” one hour, changing the amount of light we receive at certain times of day. Now we are experiencing the sun rising later in the morning and setting later in the evening. Although it’s just an hour difference, it can really take a toll on your body. “The sudden change in clock time can disrupt your sleep pattern, leading to a decrease in total sleep time and reduced sleep quality. This sleep disruption can reduce daytime alertness,” says Dr. Kelly Carden, the president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Drowsy driving along with now making the morning commute to work in the dark, are why researchers believe the spike in car accidents happen. Let’s look further into why that is.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is a form of distracted driving – the leading cause of car accidents in the United States. It’s a dangerous combination of fatigue and sleepiness that often happens when the driver has not gotten enough sleep, however drowsy driving can also be a side effect of sleep disorders, medication, drinking, or shift work.

Drowsy driving is responsible for more than 6,400 U.S. deaths annually. Remember, when you drive drowsy, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are also putting everyone else on the roadway at risk if you fall asleep, are unable to react in time, or lose control.

Drowsy Driving…

…makes you less able to pay attention to the road.
…slows reaction time if you must brake or steer.
…affects your ability to make good decisions.

The best way to avoid driving drowsy is to make sure you are getting enough sleep at night (the recommended amount for adults is 7 hours) by practicing good sleeping habits. And to avoid any substances that may make you more tired before getting on the road.

Driving in the Dark

With the time change, it’s likely that your morning commute is now entirely in the dark. And while that may not seem like a major change, depth perception and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind or disorient you.

Visibility is also limited to less than 500 ft, meaning there is less time to react in case of an emergency or if something is in the middle of the roadway, like a tire or deer. Because of this, the number of road fatalities triples when it’s dark.

Unfortunately, for those who in situations where drowsy and night driving are unavoidable, like workers with irregular hours or parents of newborns, etc. here are a few tips that you can do behind the wheel to help prevent a crash.

• • Be aware of your surroundings – watch for other drivers, animals, or obstructions in the roadway that could be hidden by the darkness
  • Slow down – don’t be afraid to reduce your speed when visibility is low
  • Stay alert to the best of your ability – turn on the air conditioner or some loud music to help you focus and stay awake.
  • Don’t look directly into headlights – avoid bright headlights by starting at the white line on the right-hand side of the road when other cars are passing.
  • Avoid common distractions– like food or your phone
  • Limit your night driving – if it’s not necessary, stay in!
  • Always follow the rules of the road– never speed or break the law to get to your destination quicker
  • If you know you cannot drive– ask someone for a ride or call a rideshare

And in the case of an accident make sure you are covered, by having the proper auto insurance protection.

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.

Spring Driving Safety Tips

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

Spring brings warmer weather, plenty of sunshine, and new blooms. But it also brings its share of storms, road glare, and other driving hazards. Here’s how you can stay safe when driving this spring.

Tip #1: Drive slowly and use caution in the rain.

Roads are most slippery when it starts to rain. This is due to rainwater mixing with the oil and grease on the road. But whether the rain has just begun or it’s been coming down for a while, it still makes roads slick.

• • • Keep your headlights on so that you are more easily seen.
    • Slow down and increase your following distance from other cars. Remember that any amount of water could cause you to skid or hydroplane.
    • Make sure your tires have enough tread and your wiper blades are in good condition.
    • Avoid using cruise control in the rain.
    • Avoid driving through water, which can damage your vehicle. If there’s too large a puddle, consider an alternate route.

Tip #2: Avoid potholes and puddles that could be covering potholes.

Freezing, thawing, and road salt in winter can help to create potholes. That’s why you may notice more of them in the spring. If you hit a pothole at too high a speed, or if it’s too deep, there could be problems. Potholes can lead to punctured tires, bent rims, suspension damage, poor alignment, or other expensive repairs.

• • • You may or may not see potholes coming. It’s even harder when they’re covered by puddles. Slow down and drive around both potholes and puddles.
    • Keep a safe distance when following another vehicle.
    • Keep both hands on the wheel to avoid losing control if you do strike a pothole.
    • If you encounter a pothole that is especially large or deep, try to find another route.

Tip #3: Be prepared for sun glare.

Spring is known for its bright sunshine that can temporarily blind you when you’re driving. The hours following dawn and preceding sunset are typically the times when the sun is the brightest.

• • • Position the sun visor in your car to block the light.
    • Sometimes moving the visors don’t do it. Sunglasses help reduce the sun’s intensity. Keep a pair handy in your car. Wearing a hat or sun visor can help too.
    • Slow down. Give yourself plenty of distance behind the car in front.
    • Keep your windshield clean. Dust, dirt, and pollen can make the glare worse.
    • Pull over if you can’t see.

Tip #4: Share the road with construction, bikes, pedestrians, and kids playing.

Spring weather brings everyone out. That includes construction crews, bicyclists, pedestrians, and of course, children playing. Awareness is the first step.

• • • Drive slowly in residential areas. If a ball goes bouncing into the street, chances are there will be a child chasing it.
    • Stop and give the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never pass vehicles that are stopped at crosswalks.
    • Slow down and follow signs for new traffic patterns in construction zones. Solid lines in construction zones mean “stay in your lane.”
    • Learn biking hand signals, and look for bicycles before you make turns. Allow plenty of space when passing bicyclists.

Tip #5: Be on the lookout for deer at dawn and dusk.

Deer migrate during the spring and sometimes venture too close to roads. A collision with a deer is not only fatal for them; it’s costly in terms of vehicle repairs.

• • • Be especially careful during dawn and dusk when deer activity is at its highest.
    • Look out for deer crossing signs. These are posted at locations where deer sightings are common.
    • Use high beams at night as long as facing traffic isn’t coming.
    • If a collision seems inevitable, do not swerve into the other lane. You could hit a vehicle and cause an accident that’s worse.
    • Brake firmly, and try to graze the deer rather than hit it. Ease up on the brake just before you connect with the deer. It will cause your vehicle to lift a bit, which might keep the animal from hitting your windshield.

Tip #6: Know how spring allergies can affect your driving.

Spring is a time for allergies. Driving with sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and congestion can be a big distraction. But allergy medications that cause drowsiness could do greater harm.

• • • Read the warning label on your allergy medication. If it warns against driving or operating heavy machinery, don’t do it.
    • Replace your car’s air filters to ensure they are filtering pollen, mold, and other allergens.
    • Consider washable car mats instead of cloth ones so you can clean them. Give your car a spring cleaning.
    • Roll up your windows and turn your air conditioner to the recirculation setting. This minimizes the amount of fresh air coming in.

Tip 7: Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.

Keeping your vehicle in top condition will help you navigate the challenges of spring driving more easily. Follow a schedule for regular maintenance.

• • • Check your vehicle’s headlights, turn signals, and tail lights to make sure they are working. Make sure your headlights are aligned.
    • Check your car’s wipers and replace the blades if they are showing signs of wear.
    • Check your car’s air conditioning system to make sure it’s working.
    • Make sure your tires have enough tread and are inflated. As temperatures rise and fall, your car tires may expand and contract. This causes loss of air pressure. You will want your tires to be inflated to manufacturer specifications. Check your owner’s manual.
    • Finally, make sure you have the proper car insurance. Coverage will give you peace of mind should anything happen.

Now go enjoy the warmer weather. 😊

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 Happens if a Hit-and-Run Happens to Me?

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

No matter the situation, it’s stressful to be in a car crash. It’s even more nerve-wracking if the other driver refuses to stop. In a hit-and-run, you’re left all alone with all of the damage—and if you can’t find the other driver—the cost. 

A hit-and-run is defined as a collision where at least one driver leaves the scene without sharing information or offering help. In most states, this is against the law, but it happens more often than you think- every 43 seconds someone is the victim of a hit-and-run. If there’s damage to your car, a hit-and-run could be a misdemeanor but if there’s also injury, it could be a felony.

So what do you do if a hit-and-run happens to you? 

Step #1: Safety comes first. Check for injuries and that you’re in a safe location.

If you’re hurt and need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. If your car is in a dangerous location, and could be hit again, move it out of harm’s way. 

Step #2: Look for a witness.

Look for a witness. If witnesses are nearby, ask if they’d make a statement. Take their contact information to share with police. (This is good advice for any type of accident.)

Step #3: Write down as much information as you can. Take photos.

Take a moment and write down what you remember about the accident, including the most important thing—the license plate number if you saw it. That will help the police to locate the vehicle. Also include information about the other car, such as the vehicle’s make and model, color, and direction of travel. If you saw who was driving, include a description of that person. Then, take photos of the damage to your car and the place where the accident occurred.

Step #4: Stay where you are and call the police.

In some states, it’s legally required to call the police. You’ll want to do so even if it’s not and even if the damage wasn’t serious. The police need to get out there immediately to make a report from the scene of the accident so that they can help to track down the other driver. In addition, your insurance provider will likely ask for a copy of the police report. Police reports document any physical evidence such as tire marks as well as any witness statements.

Step #5: Call your auto insurer.

Let your insurer know about the accident and file a claim. Calling your insurance company will allow you to find out coverages available, limits, and deductibles. If you don’t have a body shop, they can often refer you to one in your area.  At California Casualty, we call these “GRN’s” – Guaranteed Repair Network. These approved independent facilities meet the company’s strict customer service and quality standards. Your insurer will let you know about the repair process and will share information on whether your policy covers a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

Step #6: If you need a tow, call roadside assistance.

If your car is damaged to the point where it cannot be driven, have it towed to your body shop. 

Know your towing limits. Some coverage will take your car to the nearest place of repair. You may have to pay out-of-pocket if you to tow your car further. Finally, before any work can be done to repair your car, you will want to verify the process with your insurance company.

Who pays for repairs from a hit-and-run?

If you’re able to locate the other driver and he/she is insured, you will be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If that’s not the case, you have a couple of options. These vary by state and are also determined by how your insurance company handles hit-and-run accidents. 

Collision Coverage

Your collision insurance kicks in if you don’t have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. If your car is totaled, collision coverage offers either “actual cash value” for your vehicle or the amount necessary to repair or replace the vehicle with another of similar kind and quality—subject to the deductible. There are certain cases where the deductible could be waived; check with your insurer. Collision applies both to accidents with other drivers and collisions with objects such as a fence or mailbox. It also covers vehicle rollovers. Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of a hit-and-run.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage

One reason that a driver might run from the scene of an accident is if he or she does not have car insurance. If that’s the case, even if the police identify the driver, you cannot file a claim with his/her insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage, you can use that to pay for repairs. These are optional coverages in the majority of states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay. If you have UMPD/UIMPD, and it isn’t enough to cover the total cost of your car, your own collision coverage will help.

Having the right coverage is important for protecting your vehicle and keeping you from having to pay thousands in the event of an accident that is not your fault. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure you are fully protected. Then, stay on top of your coverage by managing your account online.

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.