by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Is your lease nearing its end, and you’re wondering whether to say goodbye or keep the keys? Buying out your leased vehicle can be a smart financial move—or a costly mistake—depending on your situation. With used car prices fluctuating and interest rates shifting, now is the time to weigh your options carefully. Should you purchase your leased car or walk away? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right road to take.
Why Consider Buying Out Your Lease?
Leasing a car allows you to make lower initial payments while giving you time to test the vehicle before committing to ownership. Many people lease because it offers flexibility, but when the lease ends, you must make the decision to buy or return the car. That depends on several factors.
Understanding the Buyout Amount
Most leases include a buyout option, meaning you can purchase the vehicle at a predetermined price set by the leasing company. This price, known as the residual value, is estimated at the start of the lease. If you choose to buy, you’ll need to pay the buyout amount, plus taxes, fees, and any remaining lease payments.
If you don’t have the cash to buy the car outright, you can finance the buyout. Keep in mind that financing comes with interest. Check out the current interest rate before committing to financing a buyout. Know that if you buy out your lease early, it may also come with additional fees. Importantly, going from a lease to financing a buyout could increase your monthly payments.
Evaluating Your Car’s Value
Before deciding, compare the buyout price with the car’s market value. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can provide an estimate, or you can visit another dealership to get an appraisal for your vehicle. If the buyout price is lower than the car’s market value, purchasing it may be a good deal. If it’s higher, walking away might be the better choice. If it’s close, it still may make sense to buy.
Considering Mileage and Condition
Most leases have mileage limits, typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you’ve exceeded your limit, you’ll owe an overage fee—usually between 10 and 25 cents per mile. In this case, buying out your lease might save you money. While unused miles aren’t refunded, your car will likely be valued higher at a lower mileage.
Leasing companies expect the car to be returned in good condition. Any damage—such as dents, scratches, or cracked mirrors—could result in excess wear-and-tear fees. If you’re considering a buyout, repairing minor issues yourself can save you money. Also, remember that once you own the car, future maintenance and repairs will be your responsibility. A pre-purchase mechanical inspection is a good idea so there are no surprises down the road.
Your Personal Situation
Buying out your lease might make sense if:
- You like the car and know its history.
- You want to avoid the hassle of car shopping.
- You prefer to keep a car that won’t immediately depreciate like a new vehicle.
- Your transportation needs remain the same.
Turning in your car might make sense if:
- You did not go over the mileage for your lease and the car is in good condition.
- You prefer to lease another car.
- Your transportation needs have changed.
- You would like to purchase a new car or a used one.
If you’re trading in your leased car, dealerships may charge cleaning and prep fees. Buying it avoids these costs.
Can You Negotiate the Buyout Price?
It depends on your lease agreement. If the lease was written by the automaker’s finance division, the buyout price is usually non-negotiable. However, if a third-party bank holds the lease, they may be open to negotiation. Even if the buyout price is firm, you might be able to negotiate the fees.
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide. Start evaluating your options at least 90 days before your lease ends. This gives you time to:
- Assess the car’s value.
- Review your credit before applying for a loan.
- Secure financing if needed.
- Negotiate fees or buyout terms.
You can buy out your lease through the dealership or arrange independent financing through a bank or credit union. If financing on your own, you’ll need to send payment to the leasing company and visit the DMV to handle taxes and title transfer.
Insurance Considerations
Switching from a lease to ownership may impact your insurance rates. Review your policy and contact your insurance company to explore potential savings and coverage changes.
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, Pets |
Are you ready to unleash some serious tail-wagging fun and purr-fect joy? Whether you’ve got a barking buddy, a whisker-twitching sidekick, or a feathered friend, it’s time to shower your pet with extra attention. After all, Love Your Pet Day is Tues., Feb. 20, and who loves us more than our pets?
Give them treats and toys.
- Store-bought treats are great, but making your pet a treat is extra special. It’s also easier than you may think. Check out our blog on easy pet treat recipes for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and reptiles.
- Most cats love to eat grass and need it for their digestion. You can grow your own cat grass right inside your home. Not to be confused with catnip, cat grass is a mixture of rye, barley, oat, or wheat seeds. It’s a healthy option for cats, and may keep them away from your plants.
- Take your pet to a pet store and let him/her choose a special toy or treat. Consider Kong-style toys that you can fill with peanut butter for dogs or treat dispensing toys for all types of pets. While you may not take your bird to a pet store, try wrapping their gift. Birds can have as much fun unwrapping as they do with the treat or toy.
Spend some quality time.
- Playtime is a great way to bond with your pet. So, grab that squeaky toy, dangle that feather wand, and get ready for some tail-chasing, treat-tossing, cuddle-filled bliss! Dance with your bird to their favorite music. Give your rabbit, bird or reptile some out-of-habitat time to safely explore under your supervision.
- Challenge your pet with a puzzle. Hide treats in an empty egg carton. Cats love to hunt, so consider hiding feeders around the house for them to find. You can make your own puzzles for dogs, cats, and birds, or find ones online from a reputable pet supplier.
- Schedule some cuddle time. Playtime can be exhausting so follow it with a nap on the couch or some quiet time. Follow your pet’s cue on the cuddle, though. Some pets like hugs and kisses; others do not.
Learn your pet’s language.
- Your pet “talks” to you in their language. Wouldn’t it be fun to know what they’re saying? Check out Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide by Brenda Aloff for dogs or Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett.
- Pay attention to your pet’s nonverbal cues. Try to understand what your pet enjoys and what he or she wants.
- Songbirds and parrots are able to mimic human speech. They need to be taught with lots of repetition. Dogs and cats have been known to press buttons that “speak” human words. Whether or not your pet communicates at these levels, you can enjoy the learning process.
Take a class, meet a friend.
- Consider training classes for mental and physical enrichment for your pet. For dogs, there are classes on social skills, tricks, nose work, and agility. You can help your pet to earn their Canine Good Citizen or Therapy Dog certification. Look up tutorials online for tricks and activities that you can do with your type of pet.
- Join a local pet enthusiast group. Not only will you make friends with others who love pets, you might enjoy local meetups at pet-friendly places from outdoor dining to parks, and more.
Get some exercise.
- We and our pets both benefit from regular exercise. Get your dog walking, running, playing fetch, tug of war, learning agility, and more can help keep them physically fit. As a bonus, you’ll get exercise too.
- Yoga is an exercise that you can do at home with your pet. Dog Yoga is increasingly popular. Incorporating your pet into your yoga routine will make them feel important and you might be more likely to exercise. Even if it’s a complete fail, you’re likely to enjoy laughter and cuddles.
Feed them healthy food.
- Just like humans, pets require a balanced diet to stay healthy. A diet rich in essential nutrients helps support their immune system, promotes healthy growth and development, and provides the energy they need for their daily activities.
- A nutritious diet can prevent various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, extending your pet’s lifespan and enhancing their quality of life. By prioritizing their nutrition, you’re investing in your pet’s long-term health and happiness, ensuring they lead a vibrant and fulfilling life by your side.
Get them groomed.
- Regular grooming doesn’t just help your pet look their best; it helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur from their coat. This prevents matting and reduces the risk of skin irritations. Brushing your pet’s fur also promotes healthy circulation and distributes natural oils, keeping their coat shiny and healthy. Plus, it’s a nice time to bond with your pet.
- Additionally, grooming sessions provide an opportunity to check for any abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, or parasites, allowing for early detection of potential health issues.
Visit the vet.
- Just as humans need regular check-ups with a doctor, pets require routine veterinary visits to monitor their overall health, detect any potential issues early, and ensure they receive appropriate vaccinations and preventive care.
- Pet insurance can help offset some of the larger costs of pet care. For a nominal monthly fee, you can have access to coverage that will help if your pet needs surgery or has health issues. Shop around for a pet insurance policy that fits your needs. Before you purchase, make sure you understand the deductible, the coverage limits, and the exclusions. Some policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or wellness care.
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, Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety |
It’s the Houdini of winter, the slippery vanishing act that turns a simple stroll into a slip-and-fall. We’re talking about black ice, that invisible coating that has us spinning out of control on the roadways. When it appears on our driveways and sidewalks, pedestrians beware.
Not only don’t you want to slip on black ice, you also don’t want to injure someone on your property. That might lead to legal problems. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to keep your property safe.
Read on to find out how to remove black ice from your driveway and sidewalk.
What exactly is black ice?
Black ice is a thin, almost transparent layer of ice on the surface of a roadway, driveway, deck, or other surface. It forms when a surface is wet and then temperatures drop below freezing. What makes it so dangerous is that it’s hard to see. It blends in with the surface and you don’t realize that it’s there until you’re slipping and sliding on it.
If you’re looking for black ice, there are some telltale signs. Sometimes you can notice a glossy or shiny appearance. However, if an area looks dry while surrounding areas are wet or have snow, there could be black ice present. Whether or not you see it, there are steps you can take to remove it, and even prevent it from forming.
Ways to Remove and Prevent Black Ice
Put on protective gear.
To keep yourself from slipping and sliding, you will want sturdy boots with good traction. Water resistant winter gloves will help protect your hands. When spreading chemicals, you also will want to wear safety glasses to shield your eyes. Remember that stairs leading down from your house could be especially slippery and covered in black ice. Use handrails.
Clear the snow and ice.
Shoveling the snow and breaking up the ice will help prevent it from melting and reforming as black ice. Use a snow shovel and ice pick. Finish off with a broom with stiff bristles to sweep away the loose ice. Toss snow and ice away from driveways and walkways. Make sure that when the snow and ice melt, they won’t run back onto the driveway and sidewalk.
Pro Tip: Sometimes you cannot smash the ice or shovel it away. In those cases, use a spade to scratch the surface in several places. This will make the black ice visible to others.
Salt, sand, or de-ice.
You want to prevent slipping, and you can do that by creating traction with sand or sawdust. Alternately, you can use an ice melting product. Use a spreader or bucket to spread these products. Note that salt and chemicals can be harmful to pets, plants, and young children. They also can damage your surfaces and the environment, so use them carefully.
- Rock salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt. Spread a thin, even layer of salt. Allow it to penetrate and melt the ice. Use a shovel or broom to remove any ice and salt residue.
- Sand provides traction. While it doesn’t melt the ice, it creates a gritty surface. Spread generous amount of sand, gravel, kitty litter, or sawdust. Leave it in place until ice melts naturally. After the temperatures warm and ice is no longer a danger, be prepared to clean up the mess that results.
- De-icers (deicers) are chemical compounds. They come in many forms including liquids, pellets, and granules. Choose ones that are pet safe; even if you don’t have a pet, chances are your neighbors do. Sprinkle or spread the deicer evenly. Remove any remaining ice with a shovel or broom.
Use heated mats.
While heated driveways aren’t an option for many of us, we can use the more affordable alternative: snow-melting mats. These heated mats are made of slip resistant, waterproof rubber with a built-in heating system. If you turn on the mats before the snowfall, your walkways could stay dry and clear. They make larger ones for driveway use that cars can drive on. Snow melting mats aren’t cheap, but they are less expensive than installing radiant heat under your driveway and sidewalk.
Try rubberized stair treads or tarps.
Rubberized stair treads provide a high traction surface for your shoes, so it’s less likely that you will slip. You also may try a winter weather tarp to cover the surfaces that would typically get ice and snow. They are like a carpet for your driveway. You put them down before a snowfall and lift them up afterward.
Unblock drains and gutters.
Blocked drains can cause water to build up and surfaces to ice over. Clogged gutters also can divert water to places where it shouldn’t go, such as driveways. Make sure that these areas are clear ahead of storms.
Finally, protect your home and property with the right insurance for added peace of mind. After all, it’s one of your greatest investments.
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 |
We love the idea of decluttering. Doing it, however, is another story. Luckily, there’s help. Follow this guide for inspiration and ideas on easy ways to declutter your home this season.
Benefits of decluttering
The older you are, the more stuff you accumulate, from mugs and books to clothes and souvenirs. Holidays and birthdays bring in even more items. After a while, you run out of places to put things. They go into boxes where they often are forgotten and certainly not enjoyed. Getting rid of the clutter not only frees up space. It reduces stress. There is less to clean and organize, and more time to relax. Plus, decluttering helps you enjoy the possessions that you have in a space that feels clean and comfortable.
Set your expectations.
Remember that the clutter didn’t arrive in a day. Don’t expect it to be gone so quickly. Schedule time each week to focus on this task until it is done. Try to incorporate the habits from the decluttering process to keep your home clutter-free in the future.
View your home as if you were a first-time visitor.
You need a game plan. One easy way is to walk your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Use that perspective to decide what spaces you would like to declutter.
- Draw a map of all the rooms. In each room, mark the clutter hotspots you want to tackle.
- Give each spot a grade from 1 to 3, where 3 is the most cluttered and 1 is the least. This will help you allocate the right amount of time to those areas.
- Use the map as your decluttering guide.
Throw out the trash.
Tackle the easiest part of decluttering first. Grab a trash bag and throw away anything that is obviously broken or that is actual garbage. Do this step before you dive into decluttering.
Set aside the time.
Set a timeline for what you will tackle first. It’s fine to start small so that you will feel accomplished. Looking at one cleaned space can inspire you to do more.
- Choose a timeframe that is doable. You will be able to adjust as needed, once you figure out how much time it really takes to declutter.
- Take a “before” photo so you’ll know how much you accomplished.
- Set a timer and begin work.
- Applaud yourself when you are finished the session.
- Don’t forget to take an “after photo” so you can see your progress.
Use the organizing triangle.
Separate your items into three piles: keep, trash, or donate. Some people add a fourth box for “undecided.” For paper, the piles are slightly different: file, trash, or recycle. You can use boxes to organize the piles.
- The “keep” pile should have the things that are meaningful to you and/or things that you use.
- The “donate” pile should include things that are useful but that you no longer use or that do not fit you anymore.
- The “trash” pile should be the items that you no longer need and that are not in good enough condition to be donated.
- Don’t keep something in case you need it in the future. Give yourself permission to buy it again if you might need it. (This may not apply to seasonal items and special occasion wear.)
- At the end of each session, immediately find a place for the items you are keeping. Consider storing similar items with each other.
- For documents or other paper products that you’d like to keep, consider a digital filing system. Block out time to do that as part of the decluttering process.
Sort your clothes by what you wear.
You can use the organizing triangle for your clothes, or you could use the following system that naturally sorts the clothes in your closet by whether you wear them.
- Face all your hangers in one direction.
- Every time you wear something, face the hanger the opposite direction.
- Check after a few months and you’ll easily see what you don’t wear. Donate those clothes.
- For drawers, you can fold your clothes a different way when you place them back (e.g. roll them vs. folding them flat).
- After a while, you’ll see which clothes you don’t wear and can donate them, too.
Tidy up by category.
It might be easier to declutter by the type of item versus by room or space. Gather all the similar items into one area. This is an easier way to get rid of duplicates and determine how many items you really need.
- Start with clothes. Decide how many pants you need, choose your favorites, and donate the rest. Repeat with tops. You’ll want to account for work and casual wardrobes, and special occasions.
- Repeat the process with your shoes, boots, and footwear.
- Next look at your books. Organizing expert Marie Kondo recommends keeping less than 30 books. Choose the ones that inspire you, your favorite stories, and the ones you want to reread.
- Go through your kitchen tools. If you can’t remember the last time you used a kitchen item, it’s time to donate it.
- End with sentimental items. By now you’re used to the decluttering process, which could make it easier to distinguish which special items you truly want to keep. Make sure you have a place for them. If you’re keeping them in a box, then you’re not enjoying them.
Enlist some help.
Getting help can be the inspiration that you need. Not only do many hands make light work, but you can also get another person’s perspective.
- Get help from a friend or family member. Ask them to suggest some big items to throw or give away.
- You can hire a professional organizer. This could be useful if you’re not making progress or if you’ve gotten to a point and can’t get past it.
- Rent a dumpster. You can get rid of larger household items that way.
Cut down on future clutter.
Here are some ways that you can continue to keep your home clutter-free.
- Use those Amazon boxes that bring new things into your house to donate the same number of things to go out of your home. Do it as soon as you get something new: one in, one out.
- Sort through your mail at the recycling bin so you can immediately toss what is not needed.
- Keep a box in your closet. Every time you try something on, and you don’t feel good in it, toss it in the box for future donations.
- Give away one item each day. By the end of the year, you’ll have given away 365 things.
- Set a timer and commit to 20 minutes each day, or week, to stay on top of the clutter. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.
Finally, make sure your home is covered by the right homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to protect your possessions now and for years to come.
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.
