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Understanding Auto and Home Insurance Rate Changes

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Calcas Connection, Finances, Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

We understand that changes to insurance premiums can be concerning, and we want to help you understand the factors that influence your rates. Insurance rates are determined by a combination of external conditions and personal policy coverage selections. Below, we’ll explain some of the most common reasons rates can increase and what changes in your policy could impact your premium.

External Factors That Can Cause Rate Increases

1. Rising Costs of Repairs and Replacements
For auto insurance, advanced technology in vehicles, like sensors and cameras, makes repairs more expensive. In the case of a total loss, rising prices for new and used vehicles drives up the cost of replacement. Similarly, home insurance is impacted by increasing prices for building materials and labor, making it more costly to repair or rebuild homes after a loss.

2. Weather and Natural Disasters
Severe weather events, such as wildfires, floods, and hailstorms, are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. These events lead to higher claim payouts and cause insurance rates to rise, even in areas that haven’t been directly affected.

3. Inflation
General inflation affects nearly every industry, including insurance. The rising cost of goods and services —from everything associated with a minor vehicle repair all the way to restoring extensive home damage, like parts, materials, labor, rental cars, temporary housing, legal and medical expenses —can result in an adjustment of premiums to align with the amount that is paid out on claims.

4. Increased Claim Frequency
More claims being filed—whether due to a rise in car accidents, litigation, or property damage—paired with increased claims costs can lead to paying out more on claims than what is collected in premium. When this happens, a rate increase can occur.

5. Reassessment of Risks
Insurance companies regularly re-evaluate risks in specific areas. If you live in a region that’s seen more accidents, theft, or natural disasters, your premiums may increase to reflect the heightened risk.

How Policy Changes or Adjustments Affect Your Premium

1. Adding or Removing Coverage
Expanding your coverage—such as adding comprehensive auto coverage or increasing your home insurance policy limits—will raise your premium. Conversely, reducing coverage may lower your rate but could leave you underinsured.

2. Adjusting Deductibles
Choosing a higher deductible typically lowers your premium since you agree to pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. However, a lower deductible means your insurer covers more upfront, which increases your premium.

3. Policy Discounts and Loss of Discounts
We offer many discounts including affiliated group membership, bundling auto and home, multi-vehicle, safe driving, home security, non-smoking, good student, mature driver, etc. If you no longer qualify for a discount, your rate may increase.

4. Changes in Your Personal Profile
Life changes such as adding a new driver to your policy, changes to the number or type of covered vehicles, or moving to a different area can impact your premiums.

5. Claims History or Driving Record
Filing a claim can result in higher premiums at renewal. Additionally, if a ticket or accident is charged against your driving record, you may be subject to a surcharge that will likely raise your rates.

How You Can Help Manage Your Premiums

While some factors are out of your control, there are steps you can take to keep your premiums manageable:

Bundle Policies: Combining your auto and home insurance or having multiple vehicles on one policy can help you save more.
Review Your Coverage: Call us for a free policy review to make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need.
Increase Your Deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium but be prepared to cover more out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.
Maintain a Safe Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your auto insurance costs down.
Home Upgrades: A new roof, installing alarms, fire-resistive updates, or upgrading plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems can help you qualify for discounts.
Ask About Discounts: Let us know if there have been changes, like completing a mature driving course, a child away at school without a vehicle, or reaching a milestone like retirement. We also offer discounts for multi-home, years claim free, good student, safe driving, and driver training for youthful drivers

How to Winterize Your Vehicle

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety | 0 comments

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.

Critter-Proofing Your Home for Winter

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

As the temperature drops, uninvited guests may view your home as the perfect winter retreat. Small critters like mice, squirrels, bats, and raccoons are experts at finding cozy nooks to ride out the chill. But don’t worry—keeping your home critter-free this winter is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you can secure your space against these furry invaders and avoid the damage and mess they can bring.

Ready to critter-proof your home? Let’s get started!

Steps to Take Outside

Animals live outside and you would expect them to be there. However, you don’t want them nesting so close to your home that they may be tempted to venture inside.

Trim landscaping. Keep shrubs close to the house well-trimmed so there are not places for them to build a home. Trim your trees so squirrels won’t be able to easily jump from there to your roof. Avoid using wood chips as mulch, as these make wonderful nesting material.
Store firewood safely. Firewood can be a cozy hideout. Place logs at least 20 feet away from your house. Not only will that keep critters farther away, but the distance will also help protect against a fire risk. Keep the wood at least 18 inches off the ground to reduce the chance of rodents seeking shelter there.
Remove food sources. Food is a major draw for animals. Place bird feeders away from your home and use squirrel guards to keep unwanted visitors out. Store food in sealed containers, and ensure garbage cans are securely closed and inaccessible.
Secure decks and porches. The spaces beneath decks and porches are prime nesting spots. Look for signs of activity like gnawed wood, droppings, or burrow holes. Animals prefer dark, quiet areas, so deter them with a combination of radios, flashing lights, and apple cider vinegar-soaked rags. Once the critters leave, block openings with decorative lattice, burying the bottom edge to prevent reentry.

A note: Groundhogs who burrow under concrete slab, deck, porch are hibernators. You do not need to worry about them in the winter. They will not bother anything. However, during the springtime, you can use some of the above actions to get them to leave. Mylar windmills that move with the wind also will frighten them away.

Steps to Take in the Garage

Your garage is the midpoint between the outside and your house. Due to its proximity to your home, and the amount of stuff you probably store there, it could be inviting for critters.

Seal openings. Garages offer shelter that is relatively warm, dry and protected from the elements. It’s no wonder critters want to be there. They don’t need a lot of space to get inside. Mice can enter in a ¼ inch gap. Check your garage for any openings. Caulk and fill in any cracks. Install a garage weather seal to close the gaps at the bottom of the doors.
Clear the clutter. Critters do not like being out in the open. They are seeking cozy spaces where they can hide. This includes behind boxes, under shelves, beneath insulation, inside old tires, and so on. Remove any unnecessary boxes. Use plastic bins with tight lids so they can’t get inside. Raise items off the floor as a further deterrent.
Eliminate food sources. Don’t keep trash or store food in your garage. Animals can smell a food source. If you must keep food in your garage, seal it in a container that will help prevent the scent from being detected.
Insulate cavity walls. If your garage has cavity walls, you may find them make great homes for smaller animals such as mice. Consider filling them with a spray foam insulation. Not only will it help prevent critters from nesting there, but it will keep your garage warmer. Pro Tip: Choose a foam that includes rodent repellent.

Steps to Take in the Attic and Chimney

Both attics and chimneys are popular places for critters to nest. They are often easily accessible to the outside, and like garages, they offer protection from the outside elements. They also are generally dark and quiet, something critters enjoy.

Check for signs of critters. Listen for noises. Look for droppings or urine stains and for damage such as chewed wood or ripped ventilation ducts. If you suspect that there are animals, take steps to remove them safely. Your local wildlife organization or a professional exterminator are good resources.
Seal entry points. Animals enter your attic through small openings. The easiest way to check is to look during daylight, and see the places where light is coming in. Common spots are by attic vents, and openings in your roof soffits or eaves. Take steps to seal those openings. For attic vents, put a screen to cover the entire vent using ½ inch mesh. Use gutter guards on your roof to keep critters from settling there.
Install chimney covers. These mesh screens allow airflow while blocking access to birds, squirrels, bats and other animals. In addition, make sure your chimney damper is properly closed when you’re not using your fireplace.

Steps to Take Inside

Your home is a warm, comfortable sanctuary for you, but it can also be an inviting retreat for unwelcome critters. With countless hiding spots, from behind your walls to under your cabinets, pests can easily find cozy nooks. The key to keeping them out is vigilance and preparation.

Inspect every room. Conduct a room-by-room inspection to identify potential entry points. Focus on areas where gaps might exist along your floors, under cabinets, or around doors. Pay close attention to places where wires, pipes, or vents penetrate walls; even a tiny ¼-inch gap is enough for a mouse to slip through. Use caulk or sealant to close these gaps and consider plugging larger holes with steel wool, as rodents find it difficult to chew through.
Secure doors and windows. Install or upgrade weather stripping around your doors and windows to seal off any openings. For exterior doors, consider adding a sweep or brush strip to block even the smallest gaps at the bottom. These simple steps help keep pests—and drafts—out.
Examine vents and exhausts. Check your dryer vent, stove exhaust vent, and other external openings. Birds and small animals often see these as perfect nesting spots. Install vent covers or screens to prevent intrusions while maintaining proper airflow.
Store food properly. Avoid leaving food out in the open, including pet food. Store all pantry items in sealed, airtight containers. This not only deters pests but also keeps your food fresher for longer.
Try natural deterrents. Use the power of scent to repel pests naturally. Peppermint oil, for instance, is a proven deterrent for mice. Soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them near suspected entry points or in areas prone to critter activity. Replace them regularly to maintain their potency.

Your home is your greatest investment. Keep up with winter home maintenance and protect your home with the right insurance for added peace of mind.

What To Do If You Hit an Animal While Driving

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety | 0 comments

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.

Gutter Guards 101

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Those beautiful autumn leaves you’ve been admiring are not so pretty when they’re clogging your gutters. Acorns, leaves, branches, and other debris have a way of piling up, leading to blockages that can cause water damage and costly repairs. Enter gutter guards—a practical solution that keeps debris out while letting rainwater flow freely. Here’s a quick guide to gutter guards, including why autumn is the best time to check and clean your own gutters.

What exactly are gutters?

Gutters are channels along the edge of your roof that direct water away from your home. They include downspouts that bring water down to the ground, moving it at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation. When gutters get clogged, they no longer work the way they should. Water could stay pooled in the channels or move in ways that negatively affect your home. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive problems: soil erosion, basement flooding, structural damage, roof damage, siding damage, and foundation issues. A buildup of debris could also increase the risk of a fire. Luckily, there is an easy way to protect your gutters from getting clogged – gutter guards.

Types of Gutter Guards

There are many different types of gutter guards. Some can be self-installed, and others require a professional. Below is a brief description of the main kinds along with their pros and cons. (Check the warranty on your shingles before you install a gutter guard that requires attaching directly to shingles with screws or nails as that could potentially void it.)

Screen Guards

This is like a window screen for your gutters. The screen keeps out debris while the holes let the water pass through.

Pros: These guards are affordable and can be self-installed.

Cons: Dirt and small debris can still pass through the screen and get in your gutter. These guards need to be removed and cleaned at least once a year.

Micro-mesh Guards

Micro-mesh guards are like screen guards, but with holes that are much tinier. They are particularly good at keeping out pine needles and dirt, which can slip through larger openings. These guards are usually made of stainless steel and other durable materials.

Pros: Micro-mesh guards are low maintenance, and long lasting. They are easy to clean and should be cleaned every 3-12 months.

Cons: They require professional installation.

Reverse-Curve Guards (Surface Tension Guards)

These guards are attached beneath the shingles, and they go over the gutter and curve back a little. The curve creates a hood, so debris doesn’t get into the gutter, but the unique design lets the water seep through.

Pros: These are long-lasting and low maintenance guards.

Cons: Reverse-curve guards require professional installation. They also are highly visible and could affect your home’s aesthetic.

Brush Guards

These guards are made of stiff brushes that point up inside your gutters. The bristles catch debris as the water passes through.

Pros: They are easy to install and remove for cleaning.

Cons: These guards require frequent cleaning. Small debris can get caught in the brushes’ bristles, and these guards can be tough to clean as a result.

Foam Guards

This triangular-shaped foam fits inside your gutter to prevent leaves and other debris from lodging there. It’s usually made from polyurethane and has a spongy texture that allows water to flow through. Some foam guards restrict water flow more than others.

Pros: These are affordable and easy to install. They are good at blocking large debris.

Cons: Small debris can enter through gaps between the foam and gutter walls. The foam also can break and is susceptible to mold due to dampness. These need to be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on weather conditions in your area.

DIY vs. Professional

Should you install your own gutter guards or hire a professional? Here are some things to consider.

Choose DIY gutter guards and install them yourself if:

You want or need to save money.
You’re generally handy and comfortable on a ladder.
Your roof is easy to access.
You like the choices available for DIY. You can find most at your local home improvement store.

Hire a professional to install your gutter guards if:

You have the budget for professional installation, and you prefer the convenience.
You want a warranty to show the installation was done correctly and that will address potential future issues.
You want a higher quality gutter guard than is available DIY.
Your roof is unusually steep or is difficult to access.
You have concerns about doing it yourself.

Before the Installation

The best time to install gutter guards is late summer and early fall. This helps prepare for the large volume of leaves that start coming down during the season. Before the installation, you will want to clean and check your gutters.

Cleaning your gutters is part of fall home maintenance. It helps to ensure that your home is ready for winter storm season and severe weather. Here’s a quick overview of how the process is done.

Gather your supplies: a bucket for debris, trowel or gutter scoop, garden hose with spray nozzle, latex or waterproof gloves to protect your hands from wet debris, safety eyewear, and a sturdy ladder.
Start at the downspout. Use your gloved hand or a trowel to remove leaves, twigs and packed material.
Then go up to roof level on your ladder. Use your gloved hand to clear large debris like leaves or twigs. Use the trowel for compacted debris.
Remove and clean the downspout strainer.
Flush the downspout and the gutter with water from your hose.
Look for leaks, making sure water flows freely through the downspout. You will want to repair any issues before you add gutter guards.
Inspect your gutter for rust spots or peeling paint which could show signs of deterioration. Again you will want to address any issues and potentially replace those parts before adding the guards.
Look for mold or mildew near the foundation which could mean water is getting in there. That could signal a larger problem.

Ready to start the project?

Once you have clean gutters without any issues, you are ready to protect them with gutter guards. Measure your gutters so that you will be able to purchase the right length of gutter guards. If you’re doing a DYI installation, make sure to fully read and understand the instructions. Watch tutorials and online customer reviews for a heads up on potential mistakes. Know that installing gutter guards can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. If you’re choosing a professional installation, make sure to get several estimates and ask for references to avoid scams.

Your home is your greatest investment. Keep it fully protected for added peace of mind.

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