by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Firefighters, Nurses, Peace Officers |
The winter season is a season of joy, celebration, and togetherness for many of us. For first responders — police, firefighters, nurses, paramedics – this time of year looks very different.
Winter is the time when emergencies increase. Icy conditions cause accidents. There are more heart attacks in cold temperatures. House fires are more common. Thefts are too. All of this keeps first responders working hard, and often extra hours. That means they sacrifice time with their own families to keep us safe.
Here are some thoughtful ways to show appreciation to our local heroes this holiday season and throughout the year. Remember, the key is to express genuine gratitude and to make these gestures personal and heartfelt.
Deliver some holiday cheer.
Make or buy some food or treats. Drop off coffee for the morning shift. Include donuts or pastries. A soft pretzel or cookie tray is always fun, and a homemade hot meal goes a long way. You also can drop off gift cards to local restaurants. Include cash to cover delivery fees and tips.
Bring a basket.
It’s cold out there. Put together an appreciation basket that includes the things that will make life easier for first responders doing their jobs this winter. Consider hand warmers, ChapStick, hand lotion, cough drops or hard candy, tissue packs, hot cocoa packets, and tea bags. Discover some more ideas in our blog on a winter survival kit.
Send notes and pictures.
Encourage your family and friends, especially children, to create handmade thank-you cards expressing appreciation for the hard work of first responders. Collect these cards and deliver them to the local police station, fire department, or hospital. Don’t forget that a personal handwritten note by anyone of any age is always appreciated.
Share your gratitude.
Write a letter to your local newspaper, sharing a positive story about the service provided by first responders in your community. Use social media platforms to thank your local first responders. Your positive stories can inspire others to express their gratitude as well.
Host a community appreciation event.
Coordinate a community gathering or event to express gratitude. This could be a small ceremony, a casual get-together, or a potluck dinner where community members can interact with first responders in a relaxed setting.
Offer your skills or services.
If you have a skill or service that could benefit first responders, consider offering it as a token of appreciation. This could range from providing free maintenance services to organizing a free workshop on stress management or well-being.
Support first responder charities.
Contribute to charities or organizations that support the well-being of first responders. This could involve monetary donations, volunteering your time, or organizing a fundraising event to benefit these essential workers.
Collaborate with local businesses.
Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or special promotions for first responders, police, firefighters, and nurses. Not only does this show appreciation but it also supports local businesses.
Volunteer at the station.
Offer your time by volunteering at the local police station, firehouse, or hospital. This could involve helping with administrative tasks, organizing events, or simply being a supportive presence.
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 | Safety |
A motorcycle helmet is more than a fashion statement. It’s what stands between you and serious injury, or even death, in an accident. Not only that, but helmets also offer important protection against flying debris, pesky bugs, gusty wind, noise, and the ever-unpredictable weather.
There’s an art and a science to picking the right motorcycle helmet. Here’s what you need to know.
First, ask yourself these questions.
- What type of motorcycle riding do you do?
- What material do you want around your head?
- How much of your head do you want covered?
- How much money do you have to spend?
If you primarily ride on pavement, you’ll want a full-face, modular, or dual sport helmet. If you go off-road, you’ll need a dirt helmet. If you do a little of both, you’ll want to consider a dual-sport helmet that can handle the speed of the highway and the flying debris of gravel roads. You’ll also need to decide how much of your head you want covered. Helmets range from full-face to the top of your head. The more coverage, the more protection your helmet can offer.
Helmet shells are made of a variety of materials. These include hard plastic, carbon fiber, carbon Kevlar, and woven fibers with hard shells. Some materials are more costly than others. Helmets can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. The price also depends on features like built-in communications for riding in a group. Just remember that double the price doesn’t necessarily mean double the safety.
Choose a helmet style.
Full-face helmets cover your entire head and face. They are made to offer full protection for street use, highway riding, and racing. The downside is that these helmets can get hot. They also may have a smaller field of vision than a dual sport helmet. Full-face helmets may be fitted with removable face shields or have vents that open and close to address these issues.
Dirt helmets are designed for off-road use. They are typically lighter than full-face helmets, offering more ventilation. They have a peak like a baseball cap that protects from sun. Instead of a closable shield, they have an opening where you can fit pair of motocross goggles.
Dual sport helmets are where road helmets meets dirt styles. They offer the comforts of road travel with the practical elements for off-road rides. There’s a larger field of vision than full-face helmets. The visor cuts down on sun glare.
Open face helmets protect your head and ears but not your face. They provide more visibility and ventilation than full-face and dual sport. There are even some open face helmets that have shields that can be snapped on. The downside is that, without a shield, your face is exposed to the elements. An upside is that you can eat and drink without taking your helmet off.
Modular helmets are a cross between full-face and open face helmets. The chin bar is hinged so that it can be flipped up out of the way. You can drink and it with it on. However, the chin bar must be down when you ride. Modular helmets are good for hot climates where a full-face helmet gets too hot after a short ride.
Dome Helmets/Skull Caps cover just the top of a rider’s head. While lighter and allowing more airflow, they lack serious protection. They don’t protect the ears, face, or chin.
Determine your head shape and size.
The shape of your head is different from the shape of your face, and just like faces, heads have different shapes and sizes. Knowing yours will save you a lot of time when finding the perfect fit.
The three basic head shapes are:
- Long oval where the head is longer front-to-back than it is side-to-side.
- Intermediate oval where the head is slightly longer front-to-back than side-to-side.
- Round oval where the head is about the same front-to-back and side-to-side.
To find out your head shape, take a selfie from above your head or ask a friend to do it. If your head looks long and thin like a wide football, you probably have a long oval. If it resembles a slightly squashed soccer ball, you probably have an intermediate oval. If your head looks more like a soccer ball, you probably have a round oval.
To find out your head size, measure your head with a cloth tape measure:
- Start the end of the tape about an inch above your eyebrows.
- Circle it around so it goes above your ears and meets at the front, like you are wearing a headband.
- That is your side-to-side measurement. Take the measurement in inches as well as centimeters as some brands use the metric system.
Try helmets on for size.
Now that you know your size and head shape, and the type of helmet that you want, you’re ready to try some on. Find your measurement on the size chart. Try different models and brands for the best fit possible. Some may be better for your head shape.
- A well-fitting helmet should fit snugly.
- Hold the helmet by the chin straps and roll your helmet onto your head from front to back. Don’t pull it straight down onto your head.
- Once it’s on, try to roll the helmet forward off your head. You should not be able to do so.
- Hold the helmet at the sides and try to move it up and side to side. The helmet should move your scalp and cheeks along with it.
- Wear the helmet for as long as possible. There should be no pressure points or hot spots.
- After trying it on, take it off and note any red spots or sore spots.
Check the safety certifications.
Helmets in the U.S. must be DOT-approved and manufactured according to safety guidelines. To qualify for DOT certification, they must pass four tests: impact test, penetration test, retention strap test, and peripheral vision test. DOT-approved helmets have a sticker at the back that includes the manufacturer/brand name, model number, and certification number.
Look for organizations like Snell that also test helmets. Snell is a third-party independent nonprofit standard and testing organization. They test in addition to DOT, but manufacturers must pay them to do so. The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and the European Safety Commission FIM also do additional testing. The more testing, the more assurance that your helmet meets safety requirements. However, additional testing also can raise the price of a helmet.
Pro Tip: Beware of imposters who sell novelty helmets with fake DOT labels. These helmets will be less than an inch thick and weigh a pound or less. By contrast, reputable helmets weigh about 3 pounds.
When to replace your helmet
Motorcycle helmets wear out after use. You should replace yours every 3-5 years or if your helmet sustains any damage. For added peace of mind, protect yourself with the right motorcycle insurance so that if you do get into an accident, you’re fully covered.
With the right helmet and the right gear, you’re ready to hit the road. 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, Safety |
When your son or daughter starts driving, it’s a milestone moment. It can also be a little nerve wracking. You can’t be everywhere to keep them safe, but you can help them by choosing the right vehicle. In honor of Teen Driver Safety Week, we researched the best and safest cars for teens in 2023, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports.
What makes a good vehicle for teens?
You want a car with strong reliability ratings and excellent crash test scores. Today’s cars also have hi-tech safety features that can help keep young drivers safe. These include:
- Blind spot monitoring to let you know if there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
- Automatic emergency braking when the car senses a potential collision.
- A lane departure warning that makes a sound or other signal if you veer toward the next lane.
- A lane-keeping assist that steers your vehicle back into your lane.
- Pedestrian detection that identifies people walking in front of the car.
- Built-in systems with teen driver controls, such as speed warnings and muting of audio while driving.
You will want to avoid:
- Sports cars, which have too much horsepower and could tempt a teen to drive beyond their skill level.
- Small cars that weigh under 2,750 pounds; their crumple zones are not good.
- Large vehicles with long braking distances.
- Vehicles with seats for lots of passengers. Each additional passenger increases the odds of an accident due to distractions.
Following is the list of vehicles with above average reliability scores and good crash tests. Prices provided are from Kelley Blue Book and are estimates for the lowest trim models as of May 2023.
New Cars
Small Cars
Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback |
$23,000 |
Midsize Cars
Subaru Legacy |
$25,100 |
Subaru Outback |
$29,300 |
Small SUVs
Honda HR-V |
$24,400 |
Subaru Forester |
$27,700 |
Mazda CX-5 |
$27,800 |
Mazda CX-50 |
$28,900 |
Toyota RAV4 |
$29,300 |
Honda CR-V |
$29,700 |
Lexus UX |
$36,000 |
Midsize SUVs
Subaru Ascent |
$34,600 |
Hyundai Palisade |
$36,600 |
Toyota Highlander |
$37,100 |
Mazda CX-9 |
$38,300 |
Lexus NX |
$39,800 |
Minivan
Best Choices for Used Cars
Small Cars
Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback |
2014-20; built after October 2013 |
$9,100 |
Ford C-Max Hybrid |
2014-16 |
$10,000 |
Toyota Prius |
2014; built after November 2013 |
$12,900 |
Subaru Impreza sedan or wagon |
2018, 2022 |
$14,500 |
Midsize Cars
Subaru Legacy |
2013-21; built after August 2012 |
$7,800 |
Mazda 6 |
2014-18 |
$10,200 |
Subaru Outback |
2015-18, 2022 |
$12,200 |
Toyota Prius v |
2015-17 |
$14,500 |
Volkswagen Passat |
2017 |
$14,500 |
BMW 3 series |
2017 or newer; built after November 2016 |
$16,500 |
Large Cars
Toyota Avalon |
2015 or newer |
$14,600 |
Hyundai Genesis |
2016 |
$18,000 |
Small SUVs
Volvo XC60 |
2013, 2017 |
$9,600 |
Mazda CX-5 |
2014 or newer; built after October 2013 |
$11,800 |
Mazda CX-3 |
2016, 2019 |
$13,900 |
Honda CR-V |
2015 or newer |
$15,200 |
Honda HR-V |
2017 or newer; built after March 2017 |
$16,000 |
Toyota RAV 4 |
2015 or newer; built after November 2014 |
$16,100 |
Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid |
2018 |
$18,900 |
Subaru Forester |
2018 or newer |
$20,000 |
Midsize SUVs
Nissan Murano |
2015 or newer |
$12,400 |
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport |
2018 |
$15,700 |
Toyota Highlander |
2014 or newer |
$17.100 |
Acura RDX |
2016 or newer |
$19,300 |
Minivan
Toyota Sienna |
2015-20 |
$15,700 |
Pickup
Toyota Tacoma extended car or crew cab |
2016 or newer |
$17,900 |
Remember, when looking at vehicles, talk to your insurance agent to see what will save you the most with your teen on your policy. And don’t forget to look out for recalls or damage from previous owners.
Finally, here are some other ways that you can help your teen stay safe.
- Sign them up for driver’s ed or safety classes.
- Make sure they get experience driving in all kinds of conditions.
- Teach them what to do in emergencies.
- Talk to them about how dangerous it is to drive while distracted.
- Make sure they are fully insured for peace of mind.
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 |
Buying your first car is a right of passage. Getting your first auto insurance policy is one, too. Whether you’ve graduated from your parents’ policy, just moved out, or purchased your first car, here’s what you need to know about getting that important first policy.
Learn about the types of coverages.
An auto policy is made up of different coverages. You choose the types you need from a range of options. Some coverages are required by law. Others are optional but will help to fully protect your investment.
- Liability: If you are at fault in an accident, and others are involved, it’s good to have liability coverage. Liability coverage is required by law in most states. It covers you for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. However, it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle; that’s covered by collision. It also does not cover injury to you and your family; it only covers the people in the other car.
- Collision: This coverage is if your car is damaged in a collision with another car or an object, such as a fence. Your collision coverage will pay for repairs minus the deductible. Collision coverage is not 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 an accident.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage is for natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft and animals that damage your vehicle. Think of it as “bad luck coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is not usually required unless you’re leasing a vehicle or paying a car loan. However, it’s valuable to protect your car.
- Medical expenses: If you or others are hurt in an accident, you will want medical expenses covered. You will either be able to get medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). These coverages apply to everyone in your car whether or not you are at fault in the accident. This type of coverage is good to have, as your health insurance may not cover auto accidents and does not normally protect your passengers. PIP is only available in some states and may be mandatory if your state offers it.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist: You may encounter drivers who are not insured or who are underinsured. If so, you will need insurance to cover your car and the people in your car if hit by an at-fault driver in that situation. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) helps pay for repairs to your vehicle. Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury coverage pays for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering for you and your passengers. These are optional coverages in most 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.
See our infographic for a quick overview of car insurance, or consult our blog on liability, collision and comprehensive coverage for more detail on these coverages.
Know what affects your car insurance premiums.
Your car insurance premium will be determined by the coverages you select and other factors that contribute to the risk you present as a driver. These include, but are not limited to:
- Where you live: If you live in the city, there’s greater risk for vandalism and theft. If you live in a location prone to floods, wildfires or other disasters, you could pay more as well. You don’t necessarily have to move to get better rates, but sometimes moving into a neighboring zip code can save you some money.
- How often you drive: The more you drive, the greater chances you have to get into an accident—even if you’re a safe driver. So, people who only drive their car for leisure will pay less than others with a long commute.
- Your car’s make and model: Generally, cars that are more expensive will cost more to replace; therefore, it will cost more to insure them. Cars that are highly rated for safety, or that include certain safety features, may qualify for a reduction in your premium.
- Your driving record: Insurance companies use your past behavior to predict your future behavior. That’s why drivers with few or no accidents, and few or no moving violations like speeding tickets, pay less than those with lots of claims. In many cases, companies keep the violations on record for 3 years. If you have a clean driving record otherwise, you may qualify for a lower rate.
Tips to Save Money on Your Policy
- Shop around. You’ll pay more as a first-time driver and so it’s always good to compare pricing. Compare quotes for insurance but be sure that you are looking at similar coverages or it won’t be a fair comparison.
- Raise your deductible. Since the deductible is the amount your insurance provider will subtract from an insurance payout, you’ll want to select a deductible that you’re comfortable paying out-of-pocket after a loss. However, if you can afford to raise the deductible, you could lower your premium.
- Reduce your annual mileage. Consider carpooling or taking public transportation to reduce your mileage, which in turn can reduce your premium. In most states, your insurer pulls reports to determine annual mileage. But your daily commute mileage to work each day can impact rates so it’s a good idea to live close to where you work.
- Ask about discounts. You may get a discount for installing an anti-theft device. You may qualify for affinity or association member group discounts. At California Casualty, we offer special group rates for educators, nurses, and public safety employees.
- Maintain a good insurance score. This score, known as the Financial Responsibility (FR) Score, is allowed in most states, and has a big impact on your premiums.
Insurance companies use the same basic information to determine your rate. At California Casualty, we have our own unique formula to help our clients save money. Learn more by getting a free quote at https://mycalcas.com/quote.
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, Travel |
We’ve all had that uncomfortable feeling of being tailgated. It’s not just an annoyance. It’s a dangerous behavior that can lead to an accident. But just how risky is tailgating and what can we do about it? Read on.
What is tailgating?
When you’re too close to the car in front of you, you’re riding “on its tail,” or tailgating. Tailgating is an aggressive behavior that can be mistaken for road rage, and even lead to it. Interestingly, even though drivers who tailgate seem to rush ahead, tailgating has little effect on getting there faster.
Why do people tailgate?
There are many reasons why people tailgate. Here are a few of the most common ones.
- Aggressive drivers tend to tailgate. These are the same folks who speed and cut it close when making lane changes. They also can quickly escalate into road rage episodes.
- Drivers who are impatient or frustrated may tailgate. They’re in a hurry and they want to get past the traffic to their destination.
- Intoxicated or drowsy drivers may tailgate without realizing it. Their state of mind causes them to misjudge the distance to the car in front of them.
- Young drivers sometimes tailgate. They do not fully understand the safe distance between cars and/or the consequences of this risky behavior.
- Distracted drivers may tailgate because they’re not paying attention to the road. They’re on their phones or fiddling with something in the car.
Almost always, drivers who tailgate have a false sense of security. They think they can stop in time. Yet it may take longer than you think. Stopping distance is directly related to the size and weight of your vehicle. A large truck will take much longer to stop than a small car. Sharing the road with vehicles of all sizes is important. You need to give yourself an adequate cushion of safety so you have enough time to react and stop your vehicle.
What are the effects of tailgating?
At the very least, you can make the driver in front of you nervous by tailgating. You may even cause them to drive too fast or shift lanes quickly which can cause an accident. They also may tap on their brakes to tell you to back off. That can trigger an accident or road rage incident. In a worst-case scenario, they can stop short, causing you to rear-end them. You may even cause a chain reaction of rear-end collisions.
Rear-end collisions make up about 23% of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These types of collisions cause approximately 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths each year.
Who is liable for a tailgating accident?
In nearly all cases, the driver who is tailgating is the person at fault in a rear-end collision. Note that a single at-fault accident could raise your insurance premium.
Learn the 3-second Rule.
If you’re alert and focused on the road, it takes you about 2 seconds to react to a roadway hazard. That means a safe following distance is at least 3 seconds or more.
Use the 3-second rule as a starting point. You can measure the distance in seconds this way:
- Find a landmark such as a mile marker or telephone pole.
- Start counting once the car in front of you passes that landmark.
- Count slowly until your car reaches the same landmark.
- That is the number of seconds that you are traveling behind the vehicle in front of you.
You will want to increase your following distance when the weather is bad. It’s recommended to use 4 seconds for wet weather and 10 seconds for snow and ice.
How should you react if you are being tailgated?
The last thing you want to do is to be rear-ended by a tailgater. If you are being followed too closely, you will want to take evasive action.
- Don’t engage or look at the tailgater.
- Don’t tap your brakes to tell them to back off. This can be construed as hostile and can cause the driver to react.
- Change lanes and allow the driver to pass.
- Maintain your distance from the driver. Keep as far away as possible.
- Practice defensive driving as you continue on your way.
- Be aware that your car’s crash avoidance system could cause you to brake automatically and suddenly. That may play a role in future tailgating incidents.
Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep your car well maintained and 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.