by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Each year, 1 in every 6 people in the U.S. get a speeding ticket at the average cost of about $150. But tickets aren’t the only price you pay for speeding. Your auto insurance rates could take a hit; how much depends upon important factors like your driving record, the state where you live, and how fast you were traveling.
Your driving record is important.
Speeding increases your chances of causing an accident which impacts your policy and your pocketbook in a negative way. If your previous driving record includes speeding, accidents, and other violations, you could be considered risky to insure. Your insurer would likely raise your rates in that case. You may even have trouble getting insured.
For most states where California Casualty offers insurance, the maximum minor convictions per driver is two over a 3-year period. Once you reach three, you no longer meet our new business acceptability guidelines.
In addition, in most states, points are used to keep track of moving violations. You get points added to your license for each offense, with more points given for serious ones like driving under the influence (DUI). Too many points can cause your license to be suspended. (In the states that don’t use points, they still keep track of violations.)
From an insurance standpoint, a minor ticket like speeding is surcharged for a 3-year period from the date of conviction. Major convictions can impact your rates and acceptability from 3 to 10 years, depending on the state.
Your insurance company is not typically notified by the Department of Motor Vehicles that you have points on your license because of a speeding violation. However, before quoting you a price, an insurer will order a new motor vehicle report to get updated information.
Speed and location make a difference.
There’s a difference if you’re going 5 miles over the speed limit or 25. The latter may be considered reckless driving, a more serious charge.
NerdWallet found that car insurance typically increases about 25% after a speeding ticket.
Insurance.com notes that if you are 11-15 miles over the speed limit, that can raise your rate by 20% on average. If you have two tickets going that speed, that can raise your rate by an average of 43%.
It also varies by state. A speeding ticket in Texas for 16 miles over the limit costs customers an average insurance increase of $600 over three years. Nationwide, the average speeding ticket raises rates $1,380 over three years.
These increases don’t always happen right away. They are usually calculated at the time that you renew your auto policy. Of course, speeding charges can impact you immediately if you start a new policy or make changes to your existing policy. Be ready.
Here’s how to lower your premium after a speeding ticket.
Paying the speeding fine and moving on may seem like that best thing to do. However, you can take extra steps that could help save you money on your future insurance premium.
• Take a defensive driving course. Ask for the court’s permission to take a driver safety course to help get your ticket dismissed or the points reduced. You may need to pay some upfront fees to do so, such as court costs and for the driving course. You’ll also have to spend 6 hours in training for a refresher on safety like how to share the road with others. However, it may be worth it to save money on your insurance premiums in the future. Be aware that some states limit the number of times you can take a driving class within a certain period of time.
• Ask for a deferred deposition or adjudication. This may be an option in your state if you were going less than 25 mph above the posted speed limit. Ask the court to delay a decision on your case for a specified timeframe. You’ll be placed on probation during this time period. If you follow the rules, your case may be dismissed. You most likely will have to pay additional court fees for this option.
• Ask for mitigation. While you can plead guilty to speeding, you can explain the circumstances to the court and ask if they can reduce the points on your license. They may even be able to change the charge to a non-moving violation. If reduced to a VEQ (Vehicle Equipment Violation), the ticket is ignored for surcharging and for acceptability purposes for all states. You likely will still have to pay a fine, so come prepared.
• Contest the ticket. If you feel the ticket was in error, it is in your best interests to contest it. Go to court, and plead not guilty. You may wish to bring a lawyer to present your strongest case.
• Keep track and notify your insurer. One benefit of California Casualty is that if you call us the day after a minor conviction turns 3 years old, we will remove the surcharge. At that time, we’ll order an updated Motor Vehicle Report so we have all of the current information.
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 | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Your house may be warm and cozy, but chances are your water pipes aren’t. When temperatures dip too low, those pipes are in danger of freezing and bursting. If that happens, you’re in for a hefty bill…
Causes of burst pipes
Winter is a common season for frozen pipe bursts. That’s because water expands when it freezes. So, when the water in your pipes becomes ice, it takes up more space and pushes against the sides of your metal or plastic pipes. That pressure continues to build up. When it reaches the breaking point, a pipe can burst and send water flowing.
Pipes can also burst for other reasons. This includes corrosion, as pipes rust and weaken over time. Tree roots can interfere with outside pipes. Shifting soil from construction around your home has a similar effect. Finally, clogs from toilet paper and hair can be large enough to cause pipes to burst.
What to do if your pipes burst
You want to take quick action if a pipe has burst in your house. Here’s what to do.
1. Turn off the main water supply. This will keep the water from flowing uncontrollably. If you live in an apartment building, you won’t have access to the main shutoff valve. Contact your landlord right away so he or she can take action. (Pro Tip: Most main water shutoff valves are located close to your water heater or furnace.)
2. Shut off the power. This will help ensure that you don’t get electrocuted through highly charged water that has come in contact with your electrical system.
3. Call a plumber. When pipes burst, it’s best to let a professional handle the problem. If you know that water has affected your electrical system, call an electrician as well.
4. Drain the pipes. You want to get the water out of your pipes to avoid more freezing, bursting, and leaking. With the water main still off, turn on all the cold taps and let the water run. Then turn off your hot water heater and turn on the hot taps. Let the water run. Finally, flush all the toilets.
5. If you turn on the water and only a trickle comes out, you may still have a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet on. As you defrost the ice ball, you want water to be able to flow freely. Use a hair dryer to safely thaw the pipes. Move it around to reach as many places as possible. Alternatively, wet some towels in hot water and place them across the pipes. Replace them as they cool. Do not use an open flame to warm your pipes. That could cause a fire or damage the pipes.
6. Assess the damage. Figure out where the broken pipe is. A plumber can help you to do this.
7. Contact your insurance agent. They will advise you on how to file a claim, and also what the policy may cover. They will send a representative out to inspect the damage.
8. Clean up any standing water. A wet/dry vacuum will pull water from carpets. Dehumidifiers also can help. You will need to clean the area thoroughly. Consider a professional repair that can help prevent future costly problems like mold.
How to prevent frozen pipes
You can take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Follow this checklist.
1. Pipes most likely to freeze are outside or in unheated areas of your home like basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and cupboards. These include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and pipes close to the outside of the house.
2. Add insulation to these places, such as your attic, basement or crawlspace. You can cover your pipes with insulation, too. You can find it at your local hardware store. Measure the length of the pipe and cut the insulation foam to size. Wrap the pipe with insulation. Seal the seam with tape.
3. Consider heat tape which is not tape at all but a type of wiring. It looks like an extension cord that plugs into a wall and then wraps around the pipe. If you use heat tape, make sure it is designated for water pipes and properly installed. Check the tape monthly while in use. Remove it if there are cracks, bite marks, or signs of deterioration.
4. Caulk the cracks in your walls and foundation to keep cold air out. Ask a professional contractor to make sure that your basement is appropriately sealed.
5. Remember to turn off outdoor water faucets in winter. Disconnect your garden hoses. Drain water from sprinkler and swimming pool lines. Do not put antifreeze in these lines, as it is environmentally harmful and dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife.
6. When temperatures are very cold outside, turn a faucet on cold and let it drip to a trickle. This keeps water flowing and helps prevent freezing. (Pro Tip: Put a bucket underneath to collect that water and use it to water your plants.)
7. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate. Just make sure to relocate or safeguard any chemicals that could be hazardous to children or pets.
8. Set up fans to blow heat into colder rooms. Or use space heaters. You can add a space heater to a room where pipes are exposed; however, use caution. Make sure it’s plugged into an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent electric shock. Do not use an extension cord and only use the space heater when you are home.
9. Keep your thermostat set to the same warm setting day and night. If you plan to be away from home for any length of time, make sure that the thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to help protect against frozen pipes.
10. Consider relocating your pipes if you continually have issues with freezing.
Your home is one of your greatest investments. 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.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Try these clever hacks for making and keeping rooms warm this winter.
1. Change the furnace filter.
Filters get clogged with dust and pet hair. Dirty filters make your furnace work harder and less efficiently. They also impact your home’s indoor air quality. Replace your filters when they are dirty to help air circulate freely.
2. Move your furniture.
Furniture can block heat from getting into the room. Moving a couch, chair or table away from radiators or vents can help heat to flow freely. Pro Tip: Put foil behind the radiator to reflect the heat into the room.
3. Layer your bedding.
The order of the sheets and blankets on your bed can affect how warm you feel. Put sheets on first, followed by a lightweight fluffy blanket. Finish it off with a thick, dense blanket on top. This will create a heat barrier, keeping the warmth in. Add a hot water bottle by your feet for added comfort.
4. Let the sun in.
Open your curtains and let the sunshine in on sunny days. This will help to warm your home, but remember to protect against UV Rays. Then close those curtains at night to keep the heat in. Choose a heavier fabric for winter curtains to provide an extra layer of warmth.
5. Cover your windows and drafty openings.
Create a barrier between drafts and your home. Cover windows with bubble wrap. Just cut a piece to the outer edges, spray the window with water, and press the wrap firmly. Stop mini-drafts from mail slots and doggy doors with old towels. Use draft stoppers under doors. For more ideas, see our blog on Winter Window Hacks.
6. Boost your ducts.
If you have forced-air heat, you can use duct booster fans to increase the flow of air. Some plug into outlets; others are hard-wired. Just know that cheaper ones can be noisy.
7. Reverse ceiling fans.
Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to easily change their direction. In colder months, make sure your fan is moving clockwise. Run your fan on low and it will push the warm air downward where it’s needed.
8. Use shower steam.
Leave the bathroom door open when you’re showering. The warm steam will travel through the house. Similarly, a boiling kettle will help warm your kitchen.
9. Leave the oven door open.
After baking, leave the oven door open slightly. The heat will help warm the kitchen. A word of advice: If you have small children, pets or elderly house guests, make sure the kitchen is securely closed off and that your charges are under constant supervision while the oven is open.
10. Use a dryer to warm items.
Put your pajamas in the dryer for a few minutes before bed and you’ll be wrapped in toasty comfort. You can also use this trick for blankets, mittens, scarves, and hats.
11. Use a fireplace plug.
You can lose a lot of heat through your fireplace if there are loose dampers. Try a fireplace draft stopper to seal the flue. Be sure to measure first so you get the right fit.
12. Make your own heater.
You can transform terra cotta pots into a makeshift room heater with candles and a few other supplies. Learn how in this video, and make sure to take safety precautions if you live with children or pets. This heater can get hot and should not be left unattended.
13. Add some rugs.
Heat can escape through your floorboards, and cold can come up from your floor, especially if it is uninsulated. Cover your floors with some rugs to provide an extra layer of warmth right under your feet.
14. Use outlet insulators.
If you’re feeling a slight chill when you go to plug into your electric outlets, you’re not imagining it. Cold can come through those small openings. Pick up some outlet insulators at your local hardware store. These foam sheets are installed right behind the face plate to block drafts.
For added peace of mind, protect your home with home insurance. An annual review of your homeowner’s policy will ensure you are fully covered.
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 | Health |
It’s cold and flu season, and as a nurse, teacher, or parent, you’re likely surrounded by sniffling and coughing on the daily. So, at this point how can you keep yourself from getting sick?
Look no further; we’ve got you covered with the best tips to help keep you safe and sniffle-free this winter. Follow this guide to protect yourself and help boost your immune system.
Get quality sleep.
Our bodies do important work while we sleep. They repair cells and make proteins that fight infection. Getting enough sleep, and specifically, quality sleep is important to this process. We know it may be hard to get enough sleep when working 12-hour shifts as a nurse or as a parent of young children. Take the time to set yourself up for success with these tips.
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- Set your thermostat to about 65 degrees for optimum sleeping temperature.
- Create a bedtime routine that does not include devices or television. Sometimes a warm shower or bath can help just prior to bed.
- Use a white noise machine or wear earplugs to soften distracting noise.
- Use blackout shades or curtains and/or wear an eye mask.
- Be consistent with bedtime routines for your children. If your children fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of going to bed, they are getting the right amount of sleep.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble eliminating screens before bed, try wearing blue light-blocker glasses. They will help reduce the light that disturbs your circadian rhythm.
Eat immunity-boosting foods.
It’s easy to reach for prepared foods, microwave meals or vending machine finds. Resist the urge. Instead, fill your diet with the foods that help power your immune system.
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- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
- Citrus fruits are great sources of vitamin C but so are red bell peppers.
- Blueberries are delicious as well as nutritious and can help boost your immunity.
- Broccoli and spinach are both superfoods with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Garlic and turmeric have immune-boosting properties. Ginger helps decrease inflammation.
Make sure to hydrate.
Water helps our bodies to function. Staying well hydrated helps our bodies circulate blood more easily, which allows our white blood cells to better fight off viruses. It also keeps the mucous membranes in our noses moist so they can catch viral invaders.
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- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. By that point, you’re already slightly dehydrated.
- Choose a water bottle you love and bring it with you to work, errands, etc. Get into the habit of sipping throughout the day.
- If you’re bored with the taste of water, infuse it with lemon or cucumber to help encourage you to drink.
- Avoid other beverages so that you’ll drink more water. The caffeine in coffee and soda can dehydrate you, which has exactly the opposite effect of what your body needs.
- Green tea has only a small amount of caffeine, and tea has antioxidants. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for an alternative to coffee.
Reduce your stress.
When we’re stressed, our ability to fight off infection decreases. That’s why managing stress is so important.
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- Take steps to avoid burnout. Slow down and give yourself breaks to protect your mental health.
- Try meditating, deep breathing, and other relaxation strategies.
- Incorporate exercise into your routine. Park farther away and walk to your destination. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Plan a workout session that’s easy to fit into your schedule.
- Laugh more. Make time for the activities that you enjoy with the people who are important to you.
Follow healthy habits.
You can reduce your exposure to potential infections by taking the precautions that can make a difference.
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- Continue proper handwashing habits. Wet your hands and then scrub them for at least 20 seconds with soap. That’s equivalent to humming Happy Birthday twice. Rinse with clean, running water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- Reduce allergens in your home to improve indoor air quality.
- Keep your classroom at a comfortable temperature for learning.
- Don’t use handkerchiefs. Use disposable tissues and discard them when done.
- Don’t smoke. Drink alcohol in moderation. Both tobacco and alcohol can affect your body’s ability to fight infections.
- Keep up to date on your vaccinations
Do you have a way to stay healthy that’s not included in this blog? Share it with us in the comments.
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 | Finances |
It’s gift-giving season, but there’s no need to stress.
You’ve got first-rate ideas that are sure to impress.
Just take a pause before filling your cart,
and consult this short blog for an awesome head start.
Give one and give all, with forethought and reason.
Use these clever ways to save money this season.
1. Make a list and check it twice.
The more people you have on your holiday list, the more money you’ll spend. That’s why narrowing down your list of gift recipients is a good first step.
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- Write down the names of all the people on your gift list.
- Take a second look at the list. Is there anyone you can delete, or move to a card-only list? Adjust the list as necessary.
- Then, for each name, write down the person’s hobbies/interests.
- Write down 1-3 possible gift ideas and their approximate costs.
- Total up the list, and compare it to your holiday gift-giving budget in #3. You may need to adjust gift-giving expectations.
2. Limit the number of people you buy for.
You may want to buy for everyone on your list but there are creative ways to limit the number of people, and still cover everyone.
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- Whether in a group of friends, coworkers, or family, draw names and set a price limit. That way, you only have to buy for one person.
- Do a white elephant gift exchange. Everyone brings one wrapped gift. People take turns choosing a present and opening it. They may keep their gift or “steal” someone else’s gift. The last person to go has the choice of any gift in the room.
- Give a group gift. Connect with your siblings to contribute to your parents’ gift. Or give one gift to a family that everyone will enjoy.
- Skip all the adults and just give to the children. This only works if everyone agrees; otherwise, you will have some folks showing up with gifts, which could be awkward.
3. Set and follow a budget.
Americans will spend an average of $832.84 on gifts and holiday items this season. You may spend less—or more. Keep to what you can afford by putting together a gift-giving budget.
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- Make sure the budget is realistic.
- Decide how to split the budget among your gift recipients.
- Keep the budget with you, on your phone or in your purse or wallet, so you can reference it throughout the holiday season.
- Not sure what to budget? Look at your credit card statement from last year and see what you spent on gifts.
4. Shop around.
You could buy items at full price or you could buy them on sale. Find the best deals by shopping around, finding discounts, and using cards and sites that give rewards.
- Compare prices of an item at various retailers before you buy it. Use apps like Honey, PriceGrabber, ShopSavvy, and CamelCamelCamel.
- Look for online promo codes at sites like CouponCabin, RetailMeNot, and SlickDeals.
- Use online shopping portals, like BeFrugal, Rakuten, and MrRebates, to get money back when you shop. Or use credit cards with cash-back rewards.
- If shopping online, look for free shipping. There’s a free shipping day in mid-December, and many retailers participate.
- Many stores offer discount codes during the holiday season and additional discounts for teachers, students, veterans, military families, seniors, nurses, and first responders. Look for or ask about discounts that apply to you.
5. Buy second-hand items or make your own gift.
Not only are gently-used gifts sustainable, but they are also much less expensive than buying new. So is making your own gift. However, you’ll want to give it to the right person. (Not everyone appreciates a thrift store or homemade present.)
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- Second-hand gifts can be very thoughtful. You can gift family heirlooms or your own special item.
- For the fashionista, hipster, or collector, thrift stores are a treasure trove of potential gifts.
- Facebook Buy-Sell-Trade or Marketplace groups offer free and low-cost gift ideas.
- Baked goods, candy, and cocoa make wonderful holiday gifts. Put it in a decorative tin or basket to make it festive.
- Exercise your creativity with some home crafting.
6. Save on gift wrap.
Skip the expense of gift wrap with your own homemade version. You can be creative with items you probably have around the house.
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- Substitute any of the following for wrapping paper: butcher block paper, newspaper comics, and black paper with drawings done with a white paint marker.
- Use shredded colored paper to cushion gifts in boxes and gift bags.
- For extra-large presents, a plastic tablecloth works well as gift wrap.
- Use old cards cut with pinking shears for your gift tags.
- Remember to save this year’s bows, ribbons, and wrap for next year’s presents. Wind the ribbon around old wrapping paper tubes.
Pro Tip: To freshen wrinkled bows, put them in the dryer with a damp washcloth. Run the machine on the delicate cycle for 2 minutes.
7. Choose a less gift-focused holiday.
Talk to your family and friends sooner rather than later if you’d prefer to focus less on the gifts and more on the spirit of the holiday season.
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- Consider making a joint donation to a favorite charity instead of gift-giving.
- Volunteer together over the holidays.
- Give the gift of your time. Babysitting, a home-cooked meal, and even cleaning out the basement are all wonderful ways to show you care.
- Plan a family trip or experience instead of giving actual gifts
Looking for extra cash for holiday gifts?
Some insurance companies allow you to skip payments around the holidays. At California Casualty, you have the option to skip your auto insurance payment for three whole months. (You also have this option to skip in the summer.) Ask your agent for details.
Happy holidays from all of us at California Casualty!
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.
