by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
You let them get their license, and you’ve handed over the keys. But are they truly ready?
Sure, you set rules for when they drive, where they go, and who rides with them. You also taught them the dangers of distracted driving. But, have you taught them about the 3,000lb piece of machinery that they are now handling?
Driving responsibility doesn’t stop with passing the driver’s test, turning down the radio, adjusting the mirrors, and using the turn signals. Before they get behind the wheel, young drivers should know basic vehicle care, maintenance, and warning signs.
Wiper blades and washer fluids – if they can’t see where they are going, how will they get there safely? Get your young driver in the habit of checking their wiper blades and washer fluid levels. There are super easy fixes to help correct wiper blade problems. And be sure they also know how to refill washer fluid (where it goes and what product to use).
Lights – it’s important to always have clean headlights and working rear lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights. These are the ways other drivers know what actions to expect from your teen’s vehicle. Show your teen how to check them regularly. Remind them of the importance of properly functioning lights. Teach them how to change them or how they can contact the dealership to have them changed by a technician.
Tire pressure, tread, and rotation – show your teen driver where the PSI rate is listed on the sticker of the driver’s door jam. Teach them how to check their tire pressure. Show them how to fill their tires with air or reach out to the dealership if they need more nitrogen. Be sure to explain that tire pressure can change with cooler and warmer weather, so it’s smarter to check more often. Show them, the quarter test, not the penny test to check tire tread. Explain the importance of tire rotations to help tires wear evenly. Share with them the notion that rotating and balancing tires should be done on a routine schedule that makes the most of their tire investment.
Check fluids and change the oil – have your young driver get in the habit of checking their oil levels, brake fluid, antifreeze, and transmission fluid. Explain what products go where and how to maintain the right levels as needed. Teach them how to change their oil, or how often to schedule an oil change on a regular basis.
A car battery can fail at any time, but there are usually warning signs. If new drivers know how they function and what the signs are for replacement, then they can be more proactive when a new battery is needed. A completely dead battery is a safety issue if they are stranded.
Knowing the dashboard warning lights can make a world of a difference for the safety of your young driver and their passengers. There are 15 common warning lights on your dashboard that hold significant meaning. Have your new driver review them with you!
And in case of a roadside emergency, give your teen a list of contacts to call, do a run-through of how to change a tire, gift them an emergency roadside kit.
It’s a lot to digest, but the responsibility of becoming a driver is worth the time invested in sharing the knowledge above. It’s another layer of protection to keeping your driver safe.
Want more tips for teaching your young driver the rules on and off of the road? Click here for more teen driver safety tips and here for the driving experiences your teen needs.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info |
The same winter wonderland scene that gives us soft snowdrifts outside cozy living rooms can also serve up treacherous blizzards, freezes, and black ice.
Contrary to its name, black ice is actually clear and forms a frozen “glaze” that coats all kinds of surfaces and can cause slips, falls, and car accidents. It’s incredibly dangerous not only because of how slippery it is but also because it’s so hard to spot. Transparent and thin, it can hide in plain sight.
It frequently occurs on roads, sidewalks, porches, pathways, and driveways – in other words, surfaces we frequent to get where we’re going every day. Here are some ways to stay safe at home and on the road when conditions are ripe for black ice.
At Home
Besides your driveway, you probably have paved walkways or other hard-surfaced paths around your home. These tips will help reduce injury risk when ice is underfoot, and before it forms.
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- Unblock drains and gutters. This will help melting snow and ice go where you want it to, so it doesn’t freeze on walkways.
- Keep up with snow shoveling. Make sure to keep up with falling snow so that it doesn’t melt and refreeze into a slipping hazard.
- Put out a tarp. If freezing temps are on their way, lay out a tarp or cloth where you want to prevent black ice. This can include your car, porch, pathways, and the driveway.
- Add some grit. You can sprinkle fine gravel, sand, kitty litter, wood ash or coffee grinds on surfaces to reduce slickness. A note of caution that some work better than others and some can leave a mess.
- Consider a snow-melting mat. If you deal with freezing temps very often, you might want to look into heated driveway mats, which can be effective at preventing black ice formation.
- During icy conditions
- Clear out the snow. If snow has fallen, clear it out so the sun can dry the surface rather than melt the snow into ice.
- Consider a de-icer. Use these with caution though (and probably as a last resort), as some can be harmful to pets, your yard, driveway, and the environment. Try not to over-salt, either, for the same reasons.
In the Car
When temps are at or below freezing, avoid driving if you can. But if you have to get on the road, keep these precautions in mind.
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- Check the tires. Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. The less tread, the less traction. If they’re getting worn, replace them asap. Better yet, get winter tires.
- Know your brakes. Standard brakes perform differently from anti-lock, or ABS, brakes, so make sure you know what kind you have and how they behave in snowy, icy, and other hazardous road conditions.
- Do a winter safety check. Make sure your vehicle is prepped for winter safety (and stranding as a worst-case scenario!) – follow our tips here.
- Double-check your car kit. All it takes is one small patch of black ice to cause a slide that lands you immobile on the roadside. Check that your emergency winter car kit contains everything you need.
- Warm-up your car. Let your car warm up before getting on the road. When you feel the heat coming through the vents, it’s sufficiently warmed and ready to go.
- Improve your visibility. Make sure you set out with 100% visibility. If your windshield is foggy inside or iced over on the outside, use our tips here to get it cleaned off and clear.
- Take your time. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going and be sure to drive much slower than you normally would – this will give you and other drivers more time to react if you need to.
- Slow down and increase following distance. Give yourself and other drivers more room than normal – and never tailgate.
- Know what to do in a skid. If your car goes into a skid, do not hit the accelerator or the brakes. Instead, steer gently in the direction of the skid, making sure not to jerk the steering wheel. Get the full step-by-step info here.
Your best bet against injuries caused by black ice is to use an abundance of caution, make prevention a habit and develop a “sixth sense” for spotting this wintertime danger. Stay safe out there!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
There is nothing like the roar of a muscle car engine or the gleam from highly polished chrome. Classic cars evoke memories of simpler times when good ole American cars ruled the roads. They are often crowd favorites in parades and events and usually attract appreciative stares from other drivers and pedestrians during automotive rallies. classic cars
For those who love classic and collectible vehicles, fall is typically the last hurrah each year to see them. Many owners know autumn is great time to take their baby out for a drive or exhibit at a car show. The weather is more predictable and most classic car owners want to get them out a few more times before waxing them up and garaging them for winter.
If you have one of these beauties, you probably know that they need special insurance coverage. If you’ve just gotten your first classic or exotic vehicle, here’s why you need a collector car policy.
Classic cars are an investment. And collector car insurance is the best way to cover the full value if something happened to a ’57 T-bird convertible, ’69 Camaro Z28, or ’55 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing – many of which are now valued into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Standard auto insurance is based on actual cash value and depreciation. Meaning the older your vehicle is, the less it is worth. On the other hand, collector car insurance protects the vehicle for the full agreed value. This means it covers these desirable cars and trucks for their increased worth. Just like regular car insurance, collector auto policies offer the same coverage options: liability, collision and comprehensive, and medical pay — while also paying the full value of the vehicle that you and your insurance provider have agreed to if the worse should occur.
Here’s the best part. Collectible auto insurance usually costs less than standard auto insurance because classic and collector vehicles are normally driven less, are kept garaged. Plus, owners typically maintain them better; therefore, they are considered a better risk.
Collector car policies do come with restrictions:
- The vehicle must be stored in a locked, safe garage or storage facility
- The insured vehicle is at least 15 or 25 years old
- Limits on the miles it can be driven
- It is not used as a regular commute vehicle
- All drivers have a clean driving record
Some people don’t insure their collector vehicles because they store it or drive it so seldom, but that could be a big mistake. Classic car auto insurance pays the agreed value if the vehicle is damaged in a fire, flood, or during transportation, or if it is stolen. It also covers the higher cost of repairs if someone scratches the paint or chrome, or steals a specialty part.
Here are some important things to consider when purchasing collector car insurance:
- Choose a carrier that specializes in classic car coverage
- Pay attention to the fine print, exclusions and restrictions
- Maintain coverage when you are storing your vehicle
- Review your coverage each year to reflect any increase in value
There are many choices to insure your classic vehicle. California Casualty offers collector vehicle insurance through our partner, Condon Skelly. Unlike most classic insurance providers, Condon Skelly does not limit mileage or require seasonal coverage, while still offering competitive rates.
California Casualty is ready to help keep your beautiful baby protected and on the road. Contact one of our advisors today to arrange insurance for your classic or collectible car at 1.866.704.8614 or visit www.calcas.com/classic-car-insurance.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses.
by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Good to Know |
Americans are driving more and there’s been a corresponding increase in in automobile crashes. As we go about the routine of driving our kids to school, battling traffic to and from work, or heading to weekend events, it’s easy to forget the simple things that can make the trip safer. Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family, and here are some traffic and driving reminders:
- Always wear seat belts – the most effective way to protect your precious cargo – even for a quick trip to the store or a neighbor’s house
- Secure children and infants in appropriate car and booster seats at all times to reduce the risk of injuries by 70 percent – it’s also important to have seats inspected (as many as half of the children riding in vehicles are in improperly installed safety seats)
- Pay attention to the roadway and avoid electronic devices, applying makeup or turning around to interact with passengers – actions that double your risk of a crash
- Be familiar with areas where you are driving and obey road signs and local traffic laws
- Slow down in bad weather – conditions can change rapidly
- Practice defensive driving techniques
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained
- Check for recalls on your vehicles (safercar.gov/checkforrecalls)
Accidents and breakdowns happen when you least expect them. Now is also a good time to assemble a safety kit for your car or truck that includes a spare cell phone battery, first aid kit, blanket, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, reflective warning triangles and foam sealant for flat tires.
TAKEAWAY: Find a wealth of auto safety tips at our resources page, www.calcas.com/resources.
Read all the articles from this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
So did you take some time off this Labor Day? It’s the last hurrah of summer and one of the last chances to get in a vacation before winter. Getting away could also save your life.
Numerous job-site studies have found almost half of all American workers don’t use their vacation time, despite the fact that over 60 percent say work stresses them out. Stress can be a killer, causing heart disease, digestive disorders, lack of sleep, high blood pressure and weight gain. Health experts warn that not taking your vacation time can be dangerous to your health.
That’s compounded by employers demanding more from their employees, who often clock in well over the standard 40 hour work week. A government study found that job stress leads to more accidents, absenteeism and even violence in the work place, resulting in $300 billion dollar cost to U.S. businesses each year.
So why would we skip vacations? Many of us say we can’t afford them – monetarily or because of work demands. However, research shows workers who take time to de-stress and relax actually save businesses billions of dollars by reducing health care costs and through increased worker productivity.
With that in mind, Expedia looked at the research and came up with 12 reasons why you need to take your vacations:
- Time off boosts brain power, improving memorizing new skills
- Time away from work fully recharges a depleted brain
- Being away from work allows the brain to connect and consolidate, creating better problem solving
- Workers who take time off live longer (reducing risk of disease by 21 percent)
- Time off helps the heart (men who skip vacation increase their risk of heart attack by 30 percent)
- Relaxation prevents coronary heart disease
- Vacations improve worker quality
- Time off stimulates creativity
- Worker performance increased the more vacation employees used
- Vacation time helps prevent depression
- Time off improves sleep
- Taking vacations improves attitudes and motivates employees to achieve higher goals
For those looking for one last great summer adventure, Expedia has collected data and released a list of the top 10 destinations for Labor Day 2016:
- Atlanta
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- New York
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- San Francisco
- Denver
- Seattle
- Las Vegas
- Charlotte, NC
If Europe has been on your travel radar, the strong dollar compared to the Euro has made many trans-Atlantic destinations even more affordable this year.
And, if you are packing the car and hitting the road for the three day weekend, you are not alone. Fuel prices are some of the lowest in decades this Labor Day. That means more Americans will be on the nation’s highways and byways and unfortunately traffic crashes are expected to rise. The National Safety Council is urging all drivers to remain attentive, avoid alcohol before taking the wheel, get plenty of sleep, never use a cell phone or other devices while driving and have everyone in the vehicle wear their seat belts.
Don’t let a flat tire or heat drained battery detour your fun if you choose to drive to your Labor Day destination; check out our list of summer auto care tips.
So, where is your favorite place or thing to do for Labor Day? Let us know so we can share it with others.
