by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Consider This |
When you signed up with California Casualty, you joined a well-respected, 105-year-old, family-owned insurance company. It’s easy, after the excitement of making a change, to forget some of the reasons you chose California Casualty. Not only did you qualify for special group pricing, you also received valuable benefits that came with your auto and home insurance. They include:
- Rates good for a full year, not six months like many insurers offer
- Auto insurance that covers $500 for non-electronic items taken from your vehicle
- $0 deductible for accidents in a rental car
- Broad policy protection for anyone you allow to drive your vehicle
- Free ID defense
- Free pet injury coverage up to $1,000
- Holiday or summer skip payment options
- Exceptional towing and roadside assistance availability
However, we can help you in many other ways. Our advisors can also line you up with flood insurance and, in certain states, earthquake insurance. If you have a boat, classic car, RV, motorcycle or snowmobile, California Casualty can get you the insurance you need. We even offer pet health insurance that can save you thousands of dollars if something happens to your furry friend.
TAKEAWAY:
If you need flood and earthquake insurance, or coverage for your pet, boat, collectable car, motorcycle or summer and winter recreation vehicles, contact our Agency Services team at 1.877.652.2638 or email agencyservices@calcas.com. Also, please share your California Casualty experience with your colleagues and family members; we’d love to offer them the same quality insurance with the benefits that you are enjoying, visit www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Behind the Scenes, Calcas Connection |
Kim, Tanya, Kelly, Bianca, Linda, Lori and Nancy
With almost 100 years combined insurance industry experience, California Casualty’s Agency Services team can help you with your specialty insurance needs, such as earthquake, flood, pet insurance, personal umbrella, or antique and collectible car insurance. It’s a one-stop shop for your insurance needs.
Our Agency Services team members are a diverse group of personalities. From the world-traveling Tanya and the outdoorsy Kelly, to Nancy, who is the vegetarian military mom, this group of individuals finds ways to have fun while providing you exceptional service.
Lori S. is the team manager of the group. She has nine years of insurance experience, seven-and-a-half of those with California Casualty. She takes great pride in educating people about the insurance Agency Services offers.
Lori values time with family members. “Coming from a large family helps me manage our fun, exuberant group. It has also taught me how to relate to others. I will do whatever I can to help customers and keep them with California Casualty,” she said.
Lori also helps organize the many Agency Services potlucks and celebrations, because everyone in the group considers themselves a “foodie.” The lunches provide a time for everyone to catch up with each other, building teamwork and unity.
Tanya C. has worked in insurance for 20 years, and has the longest tenure with Agency Services, starting when it was created, 16 years ago.
A travel aficionado, Tanya says seeing and experiencing other parts of the world allows her to connect with people who have different perspectives. “It helps me relate and build rapport,” she said.
Tanya credits her travel experiences and her ability to relate to others for her long run with Agency Services.
Tanya is also the “green chili” champ of the group, having won numerous Agency Services and California Casualty chili cook-offs.
Kelly D. has been at California Casualty since she was a teenager. In her 15 years with the company, she has worked in underwriting, sales, customer service and Agency Services.
Kelly and her family are avid outdoors people, and she often goes camping, hiking or exploring with her husband and daughter. That time away helps her recharge, enabling her to be a better agent to others.
“I try and make sure people understand what they are getting, what it will do and won’t do. I don’t want to sell something they don’t need.” she said.
Kelly loves that California Casualty is a family-owned business that appreciates the people it serves, and is very proud of the company’s disaster call-out efforts. “I was talking to a police officer in South Carolina after the hurricane who was so surprised and thankful that we were checking on him. I told him that we care about protecting him just as he was protecting his community.”
Kelly likes to show off her culinary expertise at potluck time. While she’s perfected many dishes, one of her favorite creations are her home-made cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. “They are light, fluffy, and not-too-sweet heavenly deliciousness,” she added.
Nancy N. is the quiet one. She’s also considered the flood insurance expert of the team. She has 13 years experience in insurance, seven of those in Agency Services. She considers herself a “sports and military mom,” supporting and traveling with her military family that includes three children who are all very involved in a variety of athletics. “All this has taught me how to deal with a multitude of interesting situations. That helps me address the many needs of our clientele,” she said.
She added that she especially loves working with first responders, who often don’t take care of their own insurance needs because they are too busy helping others. “I believe in helping them quickly and efficiently and giving them the insurance they need to protect them and their families.”
Being the vegetarian of the group, Nancy brings healthy choices to their various food events.
Kim H. has been employed in insurance since 1985, with the last eight years at California Casualty. She’s licensed for property and casualty, health, life and commercial insurance.
She is a devoted grandma who likes to tackle home improvements. After a recent fall that resulted in a broken wrist, her four-year old grandson now calls her “Grandma Owie.”
Kim also spends many evenings playing softball.
Working in specialty products, Kim tries to put herself in other people’s situations. “I was a mother with teens and understand the difficulties of insuring them, and the high rates that come with that. I think it takes empathy, understanding and compassion to do this job well,” she said.
With a broad understanding of insurance, Kim is dedicated to counseling the people she works with, and believes in follow-through to the end. “I make sure that everything gets done by reassuring the client, and then confirming with them when the paperwork is completed.”
While she may have great follow-through with clients, Kim likes to take the easy way out by bringing Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef to the luncheons.
Linda T. is the team’s administrative assistant. She’s been with California Casualty almost nine of the 30 years she’s been in the insurance business.
Besides handling reports, paperwork and other duties, Linda takes great pride in doing important follow-up with clients on policies and renewals.
Linda works with customers to make sure they have the appropriate insurance, reminding them to pay before renewal and helping them get refunds. “I try and do as much as I can in my administrative role to free up our licensed agents to do their important work.”
Linda is devoted to golf, both as a sport and working weekends at a golf course. She likes to say that she serves people at both jobs. She likes to bring sports-related food to the team’s potlucks, like chips with homemade salsa or BBQ wings.
Bianca O. oversees the operations of the Agency Services Department, in addition to managing an inbound customer service team. In the 18+ years that she’s worked for California Casualty, she’s had the pleasure of working in sales, customer service and Agency Services.
When Bianca isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Getting to know the ladies in Agency Services, and sharing various meals and gatherings, has been a delight for Bianca. “The team’s wealth of knowledge and ability to change focus with each incoming call is extraordinary,” she said.
With a husband who is a bakery chef, Bianca likes to put the “sweet” in the Agency Services potlucks with a variety of scrumptious deserts.
Agency Services – Ready to Serve You
With wide-ranging backgrounds and years of expertise, if you need specialty insurance, our Agency Services department can provide it. Lori, Tanya, Kelly, Nancy, Kim, Linda and Bianca are ready to help you, and they might even share their favorite recipes.
TAKEAWAY:
Meet the team and contact California Casualty’s Agency Services for your specialty insurance needs at 1.877.652.2638 or at agencyservices@calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Great educators can have a lifelong impact on their students. As they challenge and encourage the learning process, they also guide them on the path to future success.
They don’t do it alone. Creating a learning environment for all students requires the combined efforts of schools, administrators, teachers and professional support staff.
Those who succeed have a passion for pushing students to reach new heights. They don’t do it for glory or adulation; they do it because they can make a difference in a child’s life. Working in education is more than just a job; it’s a calling.
That devotion is exhibited by Palm Springs Painted Hills Middle School music-band and choir instructor Brian McDaniel, California’s 2018 National Teacher of the Year nominee. He believes that, “An outstanding teacher is a force of nature, an earthquake looking for every opportunity to burst through the surface and change the world. The power of an outstanding teacher can generate countless aftershocks long after they’ve passed on.”
McDaniel’s colleagues and students say he motivates and inspires everyone he meets. He overcame being homeless and in foster care early in life through music. His belief in the power of music to heal has been embraced by students, and their performances routinely win awards.
California Casualty values the contributions of educators like Mr. McDaniel.
As the Presenting Sponsor of the California School Recognition Program, California Casualty is proud to make possible the events that honor the 2018 California Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the year, and the public schools named as Distinguished Schools. From the many years that we have been visiting classrooms and listening to educators, we’ve learned that every person or school that is recognized represents dozens more that are doing great things for students, staff and their communities.
With a relationship that spans 66 years, CTA and California Casualty are mutually committed supporting educators in their goal of improving the learning environment. We understand that great teachers don’t accomplish great things by themselves. That’s why California Casualty and CTA are sponsors of the California School Recognition Program.
California Casualty CEO Beau Brown said it best when he remarked, “Our partnerships with CTA and the California Department of Education is a testament of how schools, businesses and communities can come together to promote the remarkable successes of those developing the minds of our future generations.”
California Casualty supports educators in other meaningful ways with programs that have real impact on their lives. These include $7,500 School Lounge Makeovers; California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grants; Impact Teen Drivers “Create Real Impact” contest that works to end distracted driving crashes – the number one killer of teens today; and $250 Help Your Classroom grants.
We thank everyone involved with education that makes a difference every day.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction with California Casualty AVP Lisa Almeida, Field Marketing Manager Amanda Keidel and CEO Beau Brown at 2017 Teachers of the Year Ceremony
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Spring is here. As we look forward to longer, warmer days, it’s a good time to look around your home or apartment and identify the elements that might pose a danger to you or others. You might also eliminate conditions that could cause unnecessary damage.
Here are five simple things that can make your home or apartment safer.
1. Prevent break-ins.
Did you know break-ins increase in the spring and summer? The Justice Department says a home in the U.S. is burglarized every 20 seconds. Many of these are crimes of opportunity from thieves looking for an easy target. Simply locking doors and windows, not leaving garage doors open and installing extra lighting and a security system can reduce the risk. Trimming back bushes from around the home, having a dog and joining a neighborhood watch group are also good ways to deter a burglar.
2. Fire-proof your home.
Many of us may not know that fires burn hotter and faster than in the past. New tests show the open floor plans of modern homes, synthetic furniture and tons of electronics can cause a spark or a flame to flash into a major blaze in just three to five minutes. It’s important that we eliminate clutter, install smoke detectors on all levels of the home and in all bedrooms, have fire extinguishers available, and have an escape plan. It’s also essential to create defensible space around your home in case of a wildfire. Remember, too, that smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths.
3. Eliminate trips and falls.
While you can’t prevent all of them, you can make certain that stairs are in good repair with firm handrails, toys, newspapers and other clutter are picked up, rugs have a non-skid backing and bathrooms and showers have safety handles and no-slip bathmats. Adequate lighting inside and outside also helps. Not only will these actions protect your family, but they help prevent you from being sued if someone hurt themselves at your home or apartment.
4. Prepare for natural disasters.
This is the beginning of storm season. Do you have a safe area in case there is a tornado or earthquake? Do you know your risk for flood, fire or weather events? Now is the time to make certain your home is as disaster proof as possible, that you have an evacuation and communications plan, and prepare an emergency kit with extra food, water, medicines, etc.
5. Check appliances, pipes and wires.
Water from broken pipes, loose fittings and clogged drains can cause serious damage to your home. Inspect the backs of refrigerators, washers and other water sources for cracked pipes or rusted connectors. Frayed wires and clogged vents can cause fires, as can fireplaces and heaters that haven’t been cleaned and checked.
No matter how well you plan, you need home or renters insurance to protect your most valuable asset and your possessions. Homeowners and renters insurance also provide temporary housing and additional living costs while your home is repaired, as well as liability protection in case you get sued. Don’t forget that earthquakes and floods are not covered under your homeowner or renters insurance. You need separate policies for those.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
You worked hard, saved your money and bought a home. Now you want to protect the largest investment you have ever made with homeowners insurance. You’ll sleep better knowing that your insurance will help you rebuild if there’s a fire, tornado or a tree falls onto your home. What you may not know are the many things it might not cover. Your sweet dreams of protection could turn out to be a nightmare because you don’t have the coverage you thought you did.
Here are five things not covered by most home insurance policies:
- Earthquake and land movement. As landslides and earthquakes have become more common in many states, many people are surprised to learn that earthquake or land movement damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. You need to purchase separate earthquake and landslide insurance protection.
- Floods. Multiple surveys have found a majority of homeowners and renters thought their property insurance protected them from flooding; it doesn’t. If a river overflows its banks or storm surge sends tides into your home, you’ll need to purchase separate flood insurance, provided primarily by the federal government. Keep in mind there is a 30 day waiting period before any flood policy can go into effect.
- Sewer backups. The sludge can do serious damage and make your home unsafe until it’s properly cleaned up, but it’s not covered under most homeowner insurance policies. Your insurance company can provide a special endorsement to cover sewer or sump pump backups. What you may not know is that homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of sewer and water lines through their property up to the sewer main, and many cities and utility departments will deny responsibility for most sewer incidents.
- Maintenance issues. Insurance companies can dispute payment of damage or injuries if you fail to repair a broken step or other obvious hazards, or for mechanical breakdown of an appliance. In most cases, you will also need a special rider to cover food that might be lost due to a power outage or failure of a freezer or refrigerator.
- Expensive jewelry, fine art, firearms, musical instruments, furs and collectables. Many people learn after a fire or tornado that their precious items only had minimal coverage. You’ll need special scheduled personal property coverage, often called a “floater,” to make sure they are protected for their full value.
And, if you have a swimming pool, trampoline or certain types of dogs, you need to call your insurance company to make sure you are protected. Many insurance companies are starting to exclude them from policies or refusing to insure homes that have one or more of these.
The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) also warns that as many as 60 percent of America’s homes are underinsured because owners:
- Didn’t update insurance after remodeling or adding on
- Only purchased enough insurance to cover the mortgage
- Underestimated costs associated with updated building codes
- Didn’t factor in building material inflation in replacement costs
Another important step many homeowners fail to take is to do a home inventory. Nobody can predict when a fire or tornado might strike, but you can make sure your possessions are properly protected. A survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found 60 percent of homeowners have not documented all the things they own. What does that mean to you? Completing a home inventory can speed up your claim and help you determine how much coverage you need. The Insurance Information Institute has created an easy to use home inventory brochure. Items to include are:
- Electronics
- Personal care items
- Jewelry
- Art
- Kitchen items
- Furniture
- Carpeting
- Beds and linens
- Holiday ornaments
- Lawn and yard equipment and tools
