by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info, Pets |
Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Or maybe your relatives are bringing their four-legged companion for a visit? Either way, ensuring your home is safe and welcoming for pets is important. From curious kittens to energetic pups exploring every corner, pet-proofing your space is essential to prevent mishaps. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a cozy and secure environment that’s perfect for both pets and people. Here’s a room-by-room guide.
Family Room/Living Room
- Furnishings: Pets love to jump, even if you don’t allow them on your furniture. Make sure it’s safe in case they get up there. Remove furniture that moves when jumped on (rocking chairs and chairs with wheels), and don’t leave reclining chairs open. They can close from the momentum of the jump, entrapping your pet. Add anti-scratch tape to the couch and other furniture to discourage scratching.
- Cords and wires: Pets love to play with dangling wires. Make sure cords from lamps, TVs, and other appliances are out of reach or taped down. You can use a pet-safe bitter apple spray to deter chewing. Cover electric cords or put them away when not in use. Follow guidelines for extension cord safety.
- Knickknacks and toys: Be prepared for décor and knickknacks to be knocked over. Keep them out of reach of curious pets. Remove children’s toys to avoid damage and potential choking hazards.
- House plants: Many plants can be poisonous to pets. Move them out of reach, possibly to a room where the door is closed so pets have no access. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly plants that you and your fur baby can both enjoy.
- Fireplace and heaters: Place dog beds and blankets away from fireplaces or heaters. Block off access to the fireplace for pets just as you would for young children.
- Windows: Pets love to look out the window. Make sure your windows are closed. Install window guards so curious pets don’t accidentally fall through.
Kitchen
- Cabinets: Pets can pry open cabinets. Add childproof latches to cabinets within their reach so curious paws and noses can’t get in.
- Stove: Put up a stove guard to keep cats from jumping on a hot surface. Always supervise cooking. Don’t leave your stove unattended with pets in the house.
- Dishwasher: Close the dishwasher when not in use. Dishwasher detergent has chemicals that can cause severe irritation to the mouth and well as gastrointestinal upset. Plus, sharp objects like knives with food residue can be enticing for pets, and cause injury.
- Counters: Food can entice pets to jump up on counters. Even if the food is safe for them to eat, you don’t want them there. Store food in containers with tightly closed lids or in the fridge. Layering aluminum foil can keep cats from jumping on counters.
- Trash cans: Keep garbage in pet-safe trash containers. Some are heavy enough so they can’t easily be knocked over and others come with locks. You can also tuck trash cans away in a closet or cabinet.
Bathroom
- Cleaners: Store cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals out of reach to keep curious pets safe. Consider using cabinet latches to secure lower cabinets, and for dogs, placing items on high shelves can provide extra protection.
- Medication: Always store medications in a secure cabinet or drawer. Even small amounts of medications can be toxic to pets if ingested.
- Toilet: Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent pets from drinking water that may contain harmful chemicals. Use a toilet roll protector to keep playful pets from making a mess.
- Accessories and bath items: Keep small items like hair accessories, loofahs, and razors out of reach. These items can pose choking or ingestion risks and laceration hazards.
- Hair-styling heat tools: Always unplug and store curling irons, straighteners, and other heat tools immediately after use to prevent burns or accidents.
Bedroom
- Closets: Keep closet doors closed to prevent pets from accessing laundry or shoes. Items like drawstrings, buttons, or small accessories can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Don’t forget to check under the bed for loose socks or undergarments and store them safely out of reach.
- Curtain Cords: Dangling cords can be irresistibly tempting for pets but pose serious risks of entanglement or injury. Tie them up securely or opt for cordless window treatments to eliminate the hazard.
- Bedside Table: Store medications, lotions, and cosmetics in drawers or on higher shelves, away from curious noses and paws. These items can be harmful if ingested.
- Charging Cables and Electrical Cords: Keep electrical cords out of reach to prevent chewing, which can lead to electric shocks or burns. Charge devices on a high shelf, and tuck away charging cables when not in use.
Other Spaces
- General: Use pet gates to section off certain areas for dogs. Keep in mind that gates are less effective for cats, as they can climb or jump over them.
- Laundry Room: Always keep washer and dryer doors closed. Before starting the dryer, ensure no pets, especially cats, have climbed inside. Block small spaces behind washer and dryer units to prevent pets from getting stuck. Store dryer sheets in a sealed container on a high shelf; they contain chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and other serious health issues.
- Garage: Store chemicals like antifreeze, paints, and cleaners on high shelves or behind locked doors. Clean any antifreeze spills immediately—just a small amount can be lethal if ingested. Keep sharp tools and objects safely stored and remove any mouse or insect traps that could harm pets.
- Yard: Avoid letting pets into the yard immediately after applying pest control chemicals. Check that all outdoor plants are safe and non-toxic for pets. Repair holes in fences to prevent pets from escaping. Store lawn and gardening tools securely when not in use. Keep pets away from compost piles, mulch, and fertilizers, which can be harmful if ingested. Choose a pet-safe ice melt for your property during the winter months.
- Balconies and Swimming Pools: Block access to balconies or use barriers to prevent falls, especially for small pets. Restrict access to swimming pools when not supervised to prevent drowning accidents.
- Finally, don’t forget to protect your fur baby with pet insurance for added peace of mind, and to save on your vet bill. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety |
As temperatures drop and roads become icy, taking steps to winterize your car ensures you stay safe and stress-free. From checking your battery to swapping out wiper blades, preparing for the season is all about protecting yourself and your ride. Ready to keep your car in peak performance through the cold months? Let’s get started!
Take care of your tires.
You depend on your tires to grip the road. Make sure they’re in the best condition to help you maneuver safely.
- Check the tread. Tread gives you traction, and worn tread will take longer to stop on slippery roads with ice and snow. Put a penny into one of the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing you and upside down. If you see all his head, your tread depth is dangerously low. Replace your tires.
- Rotate your tires. Tires don’t wear evenly. The front tires usually have more wear on the outside edges, because they lean when you turn right or left. The front tires also hold the weight of the engine. To help your tires wear evenly, you need to rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles.
- Align your tires. If you’ve ever taken your hand off the wheel while driving, and notice your car veering toward the side, you need an alignment. You need to align your tires to keep them pointing straight ahead. You can easily knock them out of alignment by going over a pothole. If you don’t align your tires, you can experience steering problems, poor fuel economy, and uneven tire wear.
- Consider snow tires. If you live in a place where snow is heavy, you may wish to switch to snow tires. Their softer rubber remains flexible in cold weather and helps them grip the road. Their wider grooves also are better at repelling water and gaining traction in snow.
- Check your tire pressure. As the weather changes, you will notice corresponding changes in your tire pressure. That’s because air expands as it gets hotter, which raises the pressure. It contracts as it gets colder, which lowers it. In cold weather, tire pressure can decrease about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure when the weather changes, in extreme heat and cold, and adjust as needed.
Take care of your fluids.
Cold weather affects your car’s essential fluids.
- Change your oil. Cold weather thickens engine oil. That makes it harder for parts to turn. It also puts a strain on the starter and the battery. Choose a lighter weight oil for winter. Check your owner’s manual for the proper oil weight.
- Top off coolant (antifreeze) Coolant prevents your engine from overheating or freezing. Check the reservoir tank (not the radiator) and ensure the level is between the “min” and “max” lines. Use the correct coolant specified in your owner’s manual, as using the wrong type can damage the engine. Mix coolant with water in the ratio recommended in your manual.
- Refill windshield fluid. We use our windshield wipers a lot in the snow and rain. Make sure you have enough wiper fluid. Use a formula designed for low temperatures to avoid freezing. Keep an extra gallon in your car for emergencies.
- Change differential fluid if needed. This fluid helps to lubricate the gears and helps the wheels rotate at different speeds. It should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles as the fluid breaks down over time.
Take care of your car’s components.
Cold weather can wear down critical parts of your vehicle. Getting your vehicle checked out with routine maintenance helps you stay on top of things.
- Test your battery. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions in the battery, reducing power. Check for corrosion and ensure it holds a charge. Replace old batteries to avoid breakdowns.
- Inspect belts and hoses. Cracks or wear in belts and hoses can lead to failures in cold weather. Address any issues immediately.
- Check your brakes. On slippery winter roadways, your brakes must be in good condition. Check and make sure your pads are not worn down. Otherwise, it will take longer to stop and could cause an accident.
- Check your spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can make your car more difficult to start in the winter. Look for signs of wear like carbon buildup, a damaged ceramic insulator, or oil deposits. Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals.
- Change your wiper blades. Snow, salt and slush builds up on your windshield. Your wipers need to work well. If your wipers look dry and feel brittle, if they make noise, or if they leave streaks, you will want to replace them. You can also get winter wipers which have a rubber edge and are heavier than regular wipers. A heavier weight makes the wiper motor work harder so make sure to remove them come spring.
- Change the cabin air filter if needed. A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to perform poorly. It can slow down defogging of your windows, and not screen airborne contaminants. Change the filter at recommended intervals.
Equip your car with emergency essentials.
Winter driving can be unpredictable, so pack for the unexpected.
- Stay warm. Include hand warmers, blankets, and a winter emergency kit.
- Be ready for snow and ice. Make sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush.
- Bring along cat litter. Keep a bag of cat litter to sprinkle if you get stuck in the snow or on a slick patch. The extra weight will also increase your tire’s grip on the road.
- Stay fueled. Fill up your gas tank every time it hits the halfway mark. That way if you’re stranded, you’ll have gas to run the heat and keep you warm until help comes.
- Stock up. Keep bottled water and snacks handy. In case of a breakdown, that will help.
Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance for added peace of mind. Safe travels 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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
It’s a moment every driver dreads: the sudden thud, the jolt of your car, and the sinking realization that you’ve hit an animal. Your heart races, and questions flood your mind—what should you do next? Knowing how to respond calmly and responsibly in this situation can make all the difference. Let’s break down the steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Honk and brake.
You see a deer—or a raccoon, coyote or other animal. Your first instinct might be to swerve. Think twice, as it could put you directly into oncoming traffic or cause you to crash into the trees. The best thing to do is sound your horn and hit your brakes. The hope is the animal will be startled and run, or that you’ll slow down enough to lessen the impact. The only time you should swerve is for animals, like moose, that weigh 1,000 lbs. or more.
Pull over to the side of the road.
Hitting an animal can be nerve-wracking. Do your best to remain calm. You’ll want to pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Put up flares if you have them so you’re visible to other drivers. If it’s dark and the animal is lying on the road, you can point your headlights toward it, so the animal is visible to other motorists.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
You just experienced a collision. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if anyone needs immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, attend to any pressing injuries using your first aid kit.
Call the police.
Report the accident to the police. (In some areas, there are fines for not reporting collisions with animals who are 55 lbs. or more.) You will want to let them know if the animal is obstructing the road and is a danger to other drivers. The police will file a report which you can use when you submit an insurance claim.
When it’s safe, get out of your vehicle.
The only times you shouldn’t exit your vehicle is if you hit a predatory animal like a mountain lion or bear, or if conditions outside are dangerous. When you feel comfortable, get out of your car and survey the scene. Carry a light so that any approaching vehicles will be able to see you.
Do not approach the animal.
Take stock of the animal from a safe distance but do not approach. If the animal is hurt, it could be afraid, dangerous and unpredictable. Do not try to move the animal; wait for police or wildlife control assistance. If you hit a farm animal or a family pet, there may be a tag or other identification. This will allow you to contact the owner. Owners of farm animals that are not correctly corralled could be charged with negligence and could be required to pay for your damages.
Take photos of any damage.
Collisions with animals could cause significant damage to your vehicle, including dents you can see and issues you cannot. Take pictures of any damage to your car’s body or bumper. Also take photos of the area around the accident. Make notes about what happened, including road conditions, exact location, date, time, and any other details that tell the story.
Contact your insurance company.
If your car is damaged, you may want to file a claim with your insurance company. You will need comprehensive coverage for collisions with animals. This is an optional addition to your standard vehicle insurance policy. If you don’t have this coverage, you may want to consider adding it.
Take your car to a reputable auto body shop.
You had an accident, and you want to make sure there’s no damage below the surface that you cannot see. If you have a diagnostic scan tool, you can use it to pinpoint issues and know whether your car is safe to drive. You will want to get your car checked out with your trusted mechanic to make sure everything is still working well.
Reduce Your Risk of Hitting an Animal.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of hitting an animal in the future. Follow these guidelines.
- Animals are more active at dusk and dawn. Be alert during these hours.
- Pay attention to animal crossing signs. These are areas where animals are likely to be.
- Look for movement along the side of the road. That could indicate an animal nearby.
- Be careful when roads are slippery, and visibility is reduced.
- Use your brights to see farther at a distance, if other cars are not coming the opposite direction.
- Ask your passengers to watch out for animals too. Another set of eyes is always helpful.
- Avoid distractions that could take your attention away from the road.
Finally, make sure your vehicle is protected with the right insurance. This will help your peace of mind should you get into an accident. Safe travels.
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 |
Transportation Expense (TE) coverage, often called rental reimbursement is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy to help cover the costs associated with renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered loss, such as an accident.
Many drivers opt for the minimum rental reimbursement coverage, but is that enough? With the rising cost of vehicle rentals, extended repair times, and other complications, minimum coverage often proves insufficient, leaving policyholders to cover unexpected expenses out of pocket.
Understanding TE Coverage
This coverage provides a fixed daily amount, up to a total limit, that is put toward rental car expenses. For example, if you have $30/$900, these amounts refer to the specific limits:
- $30 per day: The maximum amount your insurance company will reimburse you per day for rental car expenses.
- $900 total: The maximum amount your insurer will pay out for rental car expenses over the entire repair period.
On the surface, opting for low rental reimbursement coverage could seem like enough, but it may not go as far as you think when you need it most – leaving you responsible for the difference.
Rising Rental Car Costs
The price of renting a car has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2023, the average daily cost of renting a car was between $50 and $70, depending on the location, vehicle type, and availability. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, primarily driven by supply chain disruptions, vehicle shortages, and inflation.
If you have minimal TE coverage that offers only $30 per day, but rental prices are closer to $50 or more per day, you would be left covering the difference of $20 per day. This gap can add up quickly. For example, if your repairs take two weeks and the daily rental cost is $60, your insurance would cover only $30 of that each day, leaving you responsible for the remaining $30. Over 14 days, that adds up to $420 out of pocket—a substantial and unexpected expense.
Extended Repair Times
Another factor that can make $30/$900 rental reimbursement coverage insufficient is the time it takes to repair vehicles. Repair times have increased due to various factors, including shortages of auto parts, labor shortages in repair shops, and the growing complexity of modern vehicles. What used to be a simple fix taking a few days might now take weeks—or even a month—depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts.
If you have minimum coverage, the total limit might not cover your rental for the entire repair period. For instance, if your car is in the shop for 25 days and you’re renting a car at $50 per day, you would need $1,250 in rental car coverage. However, with minimal TE coverage capped at $900, you’ll be on the hook for the remaining $350, even though you’ve been responsible and maintained insurance coverage.
Limited Vehicle Options
The type of vehicle you need can also impact whether carrying minimum rental reimbursement coverage is sufficient. For instance, if you typically drive a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, you may need to rent a similar-sized vehicle to accommodate your family or lifestyle needs. Unfortunately, rental prices for larger vehicles tend to be significantly higher than those for compact or economy cars, sometimes reaching $80 to $100 per day.
If your insurance only reimburses $30 per day, but you need an SUV rental that costs $90 per day, you would be responsible for the $60 daily difference. Over the course of just days, this could result in hundreds of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Protect Yourself from Paying Out of Pocket
While minimal TE coverage may seem like a cost-effective choice at first, it’s important to weigh the risks and consider upgrading your coverage to ensure you’re fully protected in the event of an accident. Here are some ways to avoid financial surprises:
- Choose Higher Daily and Total Limits: For a small increase in cost, upgrade your TE coverage limits to $50/$1500. By selecting a higher daily limit and total coverage amount, you’ll have greater peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of out-of-pocket expenses.
Pro Tip: As a California Casualty policyholder, we give you the option to update your coverage at any time during your policy period.
- Choose an Economy Rental: If possible, opt for an economy or compact car. These vehicles typically have the lowest daily rates, making it more likely that your $30 daily allowance will cover the cost. Even if you normally drive a larger vehicle, renting a smaller car temporarily can help you avoid additional costs.
- Go Through CalCas: Take advantage of our partnership with Enterprise so you can benefit from:
- Negotiated rates that are below the published daily rate
- Expedited reservations services
- Direct billing from Enterprise to California Casualty for your covered transportation expenses
- Pick up and drop off service in many areas when using our Guaranteed Repair Network of body shops
While choosing minimal Transportation Expense coverage might seem like a smart way to save money, it can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses if rental costs, repair times, or vehicle needs exceed your coverage. With rental prices on the rise and repairs taking longer, a bit more coverage now could help you avoid unwanted surprises later.
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 | Helpful Tips |
Want to instantly make your home brighter, safer, and more welcoming? A few simple lighting upgrades can do just that. Whether you’re creating a cozy atmosphere in the living room, brightening up your kitchen workspace, or making sure hallways and staircases are well-lit to prevent accidents, improving your home’s lighting can make all the difference. Not only does good lighting boost mood and productivity, but it also enhances safety and adds value. Ready to see your home in a whole new light? Read on.
Enhance your natural light.
Sunlight is free, and there are ways to maximize how much light is naturally in your home. Make sure your windows are clean as a first step. Then try some of these tips.
- Use sheer curtains on your windows rather than heavy drapes. Try curtains or blinds that can be pulled back or opened wide to let the light in.
- Paint your walls lighter colors and your ceilings white. You’ll be surprised at how much that can lighten up a space.
- Place mirrors in hallways or corners to reflect the natural light coming in your windows. Other glossy surfaces have a similar effect, so consider adding silky fabrics, wallpaper with a sheen, or glass tables and objects.
- Make sure nothing is blocking your windows inside or out. Move furniture. Trim bushes. Clear the way for more sunshine.
Consider the type of lighting.
Not all lighting is the same. Knowing the types will help you determine which works best for each space in your home.
- Ambient describes general lighting. This is usually the main source of light, when you flip the light switch as you enter a room. It is a foundation for the lighting of your rooms. You can then add lighting as you see fit.
- Task lighting illuminates an area for a specific task. These are typically brighter lights for seeing clearly as you are cooking or while you’re in the bathroom. Task lighting could also be the desk lamp that you use for your home office or a table lamp for reading while the rest of the room is lit by ambient light.
- Accent lighting draws attention to pieces of art or an architectural feature of a room. It draws the eye in that direction.
- Decorative lighting offers the finishing touch to your home’s décor. This type of lighting typically includes wall sconces, chandeliers, hanging pendant lights, and floor and table lamps.
Pay attention to the bulbs.
Bulbs range in brightness and in color—and different choices can really change the feel of a room. Energy efficiency is also a factor in light bulb selection, as it can save you money over time. There are a lot of choices on the market so do your research for the right bulbs for your home.
- Warm white light works best for relaxing. Look for bulbs that are 2000 Kelvin (K) to 3000 K.
- Cool bright light looks the most like daylight. Look for bulbs that are 4500 K and above.
- Neutral light or bright white light, ranging from 3100 K – 4500 K, is for areas that require focus: kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms.
- Bulbs are measured by lumens and watts. The more lumens a bulb has, the brighter the light will be. The more watts a bulb has, the more energy it will use.
- Incandescent bulbs used to be the industry standard. They are not as energy efficient as other kinds of bulbs. Halogen light bulbs use less energy. Fluorescents are popular for kitchens and offices. LED bulbs are longer lasting and energy efficient. Smart versions of LED bulbs can be adjusted remotely for brightness and timing.
Pro Tip: Chances are you have three or four different types of light bulbs with different color temperatures throughout your home (and possibly even in the same room). Replace them with one kind for a more cohesive look.
Layer your lighting.
You will benefit from having several types of lighting in each room, so you have multiple options for different moods and tasks.
- Consider the activities that will take place in the room and the need for lighting. Use the ambient light as the base.
- Include brighter lights for tasks, which can be turned off or dimmed when you do not need them.
- Add an accent lamp on the table or floor for softer and more flattering lighting. Try a new lampshade. Light colored shades help diffuse light. Dark colored shades will concentrate it.
Pay attention to placement.
You can use lighting to help define your space by strategically placing it throughout the room, at different levels – on a table, floor, and hanging from the ceiling.
- Consider LED strips under cabinets to illuminate counters.
- For larger rooms, cluster the lighting to break the space into cozier areas.
- To make a room appear wider, place lamps in the corners.
- Point your light fixtures toward walls and ceilings, which can diffuse harsh light and reduce glare.
Install motion sensor lights.
Motion sensor lights enhance home safety by automatically lighting dark areas when movement is detected.
- Install them in hallways and stairwells, which are prime places for slip, trip and fall accidents.
- Use plug-in night lights with motion sensors.
- Battery operated LED light strips are available if you don’t have outlets in these spaces.
- Motion sensor lights are also effective outside your home. A sudden light can alert you to movement on your property and deter intruders.
Use smart lights and dimmers.
Smart lights and dimmers offer customizable, energy-efficient lighting solutions that adapt to your mood, schedule, and lifestyle with just a tap or voice command.
- With smart options, you can set up routines for changing lighting throughout the day and evening.
- You can control your lighting from anywhere via an app, adjusting for color and brightness.
- Dimmers also are available with manual switches. Dimming lights helps you save on your energy bill.
Add exterior fixtures for safety.
Exterior lights provide visibility around entry points, driveways, and walkways outside your home to enhance security.
- Walk your perimeter at night. Identify the dark spaces you want to illuminate.
- Try sconces for a side door or garage door.
- Landscape lighting is effective for a walkway and is available in solar and battery powered options.
- Consider smart lighting solutions for the outside that can be controlled remotely from inside or wherever you happen to be.
Your home is one of your greatest investments. Make sure to protect it 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.
