Can You Qualify for a Good Driver Discount?

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Good Driver Discount

Thanks to Proposition 103, which passed in 1988, all auto insurance providers in California are required to offer discounts to good drivers. This discount will lower your monthly auto insurance premiums by 20 percent as long as you meet specific qualifications.

In order to qualify for the discount, you must have your driver’s license for at least three years. While Proposition 103 only applies to California drivers, it does not mean that you have to have been driving in California for three years. As long as you have held a license for three years anywhere in the United States or Canada, you can qualify for the discount.

During the three years that you are a licensed driver, you must not have received more than one point on your driving record, completed traffic school for more than one traffic violation, or been found at fault for an accident. In order to be found at fault for an accident, you only have to be 51 percent responsible for the accident. If you have a DUI on your driving record, you will have to wait 10 years before you are able to qualify for the good driver discount, even if you meet all the other requirements.

When looking for the right auto insurance policy, your insurance agent is required to tell you about the good driver discount if you qualify, which means that you do not have to worry if you did not ask about it the last time you renewed your policy.

Contact the insurance experts at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your auto insurance coverage needs. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to ensure that you have the right amount of protection, all at the right price.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage

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Auto Insurance Terms

When deciding how much auto insurance coverage you need, it can be a difficult and even confusing decision. With all the special terms in auto insurance policies, it can be hard to make sure that you are getting the coverage that you deserve. To ensure that you choose the right policy, make sure that you know what these confusing car insurance terms mean.

  • Bodily injury liability – as a required coverage in California, bodily injury liability will cover any medical bills if you injure another person during an accident that you are found to be at fault for. Keep in mind that this coverage will not provide any protection for injuries that you or your passengers sustain.
  • Comprehensive coverage – sometimes known as “other than collision coverage,” comprehensive coverage will pay for any damages to your vehicle that occur in an incident other than an accident, such as damage incurred during theft or fire. Keep in mind that any damage that is caused outside of an accident will be your responsibility to pay for if you skip out on comprehensive coverage.
  • Property damage liability – if you hit another person’s car or property, property damage liability will cover the cost of the repairs.
  • Personal injury protection – also known as PIP, this coverage will pay your own medical bills if you are injured during a car accident. PIP will also cover any lost wages and funeral expenses after a car accident. In most cases, it will also provide coverage for any passengers that are injured during the accident.

For all of your auto insurance needs and to ensure that you have the right amount of protection, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you fully understand your auto insurance coverage.

Most Common Business Insurance Claims

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Small Business Insurance 101

Small business owners have many worries, including property damage, theft, and fire. While these are all serious concerns that should be addressed, there are many other threats which could cause serious damage to your business. Keep these top small business insurance concerns in mind to ensure that your business is as safe as possible.

  • Burglary and theft – 20 percent of all small business claims deal with burglary and theft, with an average cost of $8,000. To help avoid a burglary or theft claim, conduct background checks on all employees that you hire, and make sure that you have the right security devices installed, including security cameras, lighting, and gates.
  • Water and freezing damage – 15 percent of all small business claims deal with water damage, with an average cost of $17,000. Make sure that some of your key employees know where the water shut off valve is in case a pipe bursts.
  • Hail and wind damage – 15 percent of all small business claims deal with wind and hail damage, with an average cost of $26,000. Knowing the dangers that may affect your property can help you be better protected. Remove any threats, such as tall trees or unsecure items that could become projectiles.
  • Fire – 10 percent of all small business claims deal with fire, with an average cost of $35,000. Regularly test all fire detectors and suppression equipment throughout your company. At least twice a year, update your emergency preparedness and make sure all employees know the plan.

For all of your small business insurance needs, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. As an independent insurance company, we will work with you to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Don’t Miss Out On These Local Events!

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Local Events

Are you looking for new ways to enjoy the spring season? Then you are in the right place! Make sure to mark your calendar for these fun and exciting events in the local community that you can enjoy with all of your friends and family.

The 59th Annual Conejo Valley Days in Thousand Oaks is happening from May 7th through the 10th. As one of the most looked forward to events in the area, Conejo Valley Days is four full days of entertainment for people of all ages. From live entertainment, carnival rides, a western saloon, games, and outhouse races, everyone is sure to have fun. Tickets are just $10 for adults, and $5 for kids. Children under 5 are free.

The Hope Run 10K, 5K, and 1K Kid Run is taking place at the Ventura Promenade on May 16th. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the inaugural event to help raise money and awareness for cancer research and patient services. All participants in the race will receive a free T-shirt, raffle ticket, and refreshments after the race. You also have the option to purchase additional raffle tickets the day of the event.

The 38th Annual Ojai Art in the Park Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect way to spend the holiday. From May 23rd through the 24th, head out to Libbey Park in central Ojai to see some of the most talented artists from across the state. There will be artists who work in many different mediums, including pastel, acrylic, oil, glass, watercolor, wood, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and fine jewelry, all who will have their work on display.

All of us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to invite you and your family out to enjoy the Conejo Valley local events!

Moving This Spring? Make Sure To Invest In The Right Insurance

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Renter’s Insurance Coverage

Spring is the perfect time to find a new place to rent. No matter if you are searching for an apartment or a house to rent, you should also start looking for the right renter’s insurance policy to ensure that your new home is properly protected in case of any disaster.

Typical renter’s insurance policies have three main coverage options, including:

  • Personal property coverage – the insurance policy that your landlord has for your home will only provide coverage for the structure, not for any of your personal belongings that you keep inside. The personal property coverage that is provided by a renter’s insurance policy will provide protection in case your assets are stolen, damaged, or destroyed by a covered peril, such as a fire. If you have any valuable belongings, you may want to consider scheduling the items within your policy, which will provide additional coverage.
  • Liability coverage – the liability portion of your renter’s insurance will provide protection in case someone is injured while visiting your home. It will cover any legal expenses if they decide to sue you after the accident, as well as any medical bills that are associated with the accident. If you do not have liability coverage, your assets and savings may be put at risk after someone is injured at your home.
  • Coverage for additional living expenses – if your rental home is uninhabitable after a disaster, additional living expensive coverage will pay for a temporary living situation, such as if you have to move into a hotel. The coverage will also pay for any additional costs that are associated with having to move out, such as restaurant bills if you do not have a kitchen to cook in.

For all of your renter’s insurance needs when finding the perfect Conejo Valley home this spring, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

Protect Your Home When The Earth Starts Quaking

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Earthquake Insurance Basics

California is one of the most sought after places to make a home. However, those who already live in California know that the beautiful coastline and warm weather also come with the danger of experiencing an earthquake. Investing in a specific earthquake insurance policy is the best way to ensure that you and your family stay safe in case of an earthquake.

While your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage for many perils, it will not provide any coverage for damage that is done during an earthquake, only an earthquake insurance policy will. Typical earthquake insurance policies will provide coverage for any type of earth movement, which can include sinkholes, mudslides, and mudflows. It is important to keep in mind that an earthquake insurance policy will not provide any coverage for a fire that is started due to an earthquake. However, your home insurance will kick in and cover any damages caused by the fire.

Earthquake insurance can be bought as a stand-alone policy, or can be added onto your home insurance as an endorsement. No matter which way you choose to protect your home, there are two parts to the policy. The first part will provide coverage for the structure of your home and the second part will provide coverage for your personal property. When looking for the right amount of coverage, make sure to take into consideration the value of your belongings. Using your home inventory can be a great way to ensure that you invest in the right amount of protection in case of an earthquake.

Contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley earthquake insurance needs. We will work with you to ensure that you have the protection that you deserve when the ground starts to quake.

Properly Protecting Your Business From a Disaster

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Business Insurance For Disasters

When you own a business, you do all you can to protect it from a disaster, including investing in the right insurance policies. However, if you are relying on just your business owner’s policy to provide coverage, you may not have enough protection. Make sure to consider these business insurance policies to ensure that you are not left paying for repairs out of your own pocket.

  • Insurance for your structure – your commercial property insurance policy will provide protection if the structure of your building is damaged during a disaster. As an added bonus, your commercial property insurance policy will also provide coverage for your equipment that is damaged. If you have any specialty equipment that is valuable, you may want to invest in extra coverage. Talking with your insurance agent will give you a better idea of how much coverage you need.
  • Insurance for your commercial vehicles – your existing commercial vehicle insurance policy will provide coverage for any damage that is done to your company cars during a disaster, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will provide protection for any damage that is done by a disaster other than a car crash.
  • Insurance for flooding – the only way to protect your business from damage that is done by a flood is to invest in a specific flood insurance policy. If you are relying on your property insurance policy, you will be left paying for all the damages that are done during the flood.

For all of your business insurance needs, contact the insurance experts at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to ensure that you have the right amount of protection for any disaster, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Don’t Miss Out On These Easter Events!

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Easter Events

Are you ready for the Easter holiday? If you are still looking for a fun, family friendly way to celebrate Easter, make sure to check out all of these events happening in the local community that people of all ages will enjoy!

Head over to The Lakes at Westlake tonight from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for the Easter Egg-stravaganza! The exciting event includes an Easter egg hunt, Easter petting zoo, tasty treats, prizes, and more! You will also have the opportunity to take a picture with the Easter bunny! Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

On April 4th, head out to the Camarillo Animal Shelter from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the 5th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza. There will be an Easter egg hunt that is bigger than in years past, face painting, henna tattoos, a jolly jump, arts and crafts, and more. There will also be a DJ to keep you entertained all day, and food trucks to keep you full. You even have the chance to learn about some of the animals at the shelter from the various animal presentations. You will not want to miss out on your chance to take a picture with the Easter bunny!

All of us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to invite you and your family out to enjoy all of these exciting Easter events in the Thousand Oaks community!

Smart Homes Are Closer Than Ever

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New Home Technologies

Smart homes may seem like something straight out of a science fiction movie. However, they are closer than ever before. With all the new home technology trends that are emerging, life at home is becoming easier than ever. Make sure to look out for these 2015 home technology trends to help bring your home into the future.

  • Nest Thermostat – programmable thermostats have been around for many years and can help you save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill each year. The Nest Thermostat has taken it a step further by learning your preferences, and then programming itself to follow them. You can also control the Nest Thermostat with your smartphone, ensuring that you always come home to a house that is the perfect temperature.
  • Keen Vent – along with thermostats, vents are now smarter than ever. The Keen Vent replace the existing vents in your house, and will open and close on their own to help reduce the amount of hot or cold spots throughout your house. As an added bonus, the vents come in a variety to beautifully designed vents.
  • Aros Smart Window Air Conditioner – window air conditioners may seem outdated, but they are making huge leaps into the future. The Aros system will learn your location and schedule by connecting to your smartphone, and will turn on the air right before you arrive at home to ensure that you do not walk into a hot house.
  • The Echo – much like Siri on iPhone, Amazon’s new personal assistance technology uses a voice recognition system that allows you to ask her questions from anywhere in your house, such as the weather for the day. It also has the ability to play music throughout your whole house.

For all of your homeowners insurance needs throughout the Conejo Valley to ensure that your home has the right amount of protection now and when smart homes are a reality, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

Happy National Nutrition Month!

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Healthy Eating Tips

March is National Nutrition Month, which is the best time to see what small changes you can make in your life to become a little healthier. National Nutrition Month was started to help bring attention to the need to make healthy food choices every day and find ways to add physical exercise to your daily life.

To help you make healthy nutrition choices this month, keep these healthy eating tips in mind.

  • Do not avoid carbs all together, but make sure to choose good carbs. The best way to find good carbs is in whole grains.
  • Pay attention to the package that your protein comes in. Poultry, fish, nuts, and beans are your best bet when looking for healthy proteins to add to your diet.
  • Look for foods that have healthy fats, while limiting your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat, and completely avoiding foods that have trans fat. Fish, nuts, and plant oils are some of the best sources of healthy fats.
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits throughout the day. When loading up on fruits and veggies, look for a variety of colors, including yellow, dark green, red, and orange.
  • Water will work the best to quench your thirst. Pass on sugary drinks, such as soda, and limit the amount of juice and milk that you drink each day.
  • The less salt your have in your diet, the better. Look for fresh foods that are not processed to help keep your salt intake low.
  • Adding a daily vitamin to your nutrition plan can help to ensure that you are getting the recommended nutrients. Extra vitamin D can help to add an extra healthy boost.

For all of your Conejo Valley insurance coverage needs to ensure that you stay healthy and safe, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.