Pool Safety 101

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Enjoy the last few days of summer in the pool by keeping safe!

Luckily, Californians can enjoy their pool days well into October because of the sunny, warm fall season. With active use of the pool, it is important to note that California homeowners insurance can provide coverage for damage to your pool as well as liability claims.

The quickest way to ruin the rest of your year is to struggle with large pool repair bill or for a guest to file all medical and rehabilitation bills to you because they injured themselves while in your pool. You can ensure that you receive the correct coverage, along with following safety steps to minimize the risk of injury or damages.

Stay safe at the pool with these tips:

What you and your guests can do:

  • Keep toys away from the pool
  • Avoid electrical appliances poolside
  • Do not dive in the shallow end
  • No running on the pool deck
  • Always supervise children and unsure swimmers
  • Never allow glass bottles around the pool

Pool adjustments:

  • Install a pool fence at least 4 feet high
  • Invest in a sturdy pool cover
  • Keep a life-saving floatation devices nearby
  • Check the pool’s drain and suction covers
  • Have enough lights around the pool
  • Keep the pool clean

These simple safety tips will keep you, your family, and your guests safe while enjoying some last minute swimming in the fall season. Be sure that you have the proper coverage in your homeowners insurance policy so that you are protected in the event of an accident.

Visit Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley insurance needs. Our trusted professionals guide you through the process of selecting the correct insurance for you, so call us today!

Minimize Your Smartphone’s Cyber Liability Risk

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Technology is advancing to a point where hackers can log into your phone within seconds.

It is estimated that an experienced hacker can remotely find their way into your smartphone in under a minute if you have not taken the basic security precautions. These days, your phone is more than just a phone! It holds your business’ emails, important contact information, your bank account apps, and mostl likely more sensitive information than what you would like out in the open!

Although smartphones make our lives much easier, if the phone was to fall into the wrong person’s hands, or a hacker was able to access all of the information, it can be risky for ourselves, businesses, and accounts.

To help you to protect your smartphone’s cyber liability risk, follow these tips:

  • Passcode It: If your phone has a PIN code, use it! Be sure that every time you want to access your phone, this code has to be entered. Without this kind of protection, any person who picks up your phone can gain instant access to all of your data.
  • Trust No Download: Never download an app from a source that you do not trust or has bad reviews. The same applies for website links that ask you to download content.
  • Use Encoding: A lot of phones offer encryption software that will ask for a code before allowing access to certain folders or apps. This is particularly important for your bank account apps, text messages, and emails.
  • Never ‘Remember Me’: Avoid saving your bank account or online shopping account information so that you don’t have to log in every time. It’s better to enter your username and password every time than allowing others to view your credit card information.
  • Don’t Access Bank Account on Shared Wi-Fi: A shared Wi-Fi system has a greater risk of someone finding all of the data that you submit while on the Wi-Fi. Therefore, try not to enter sensitive information when using the mall, store, or restaurant Wi-Fi. Instead, use your network’s data when absolutely necessary to check accounts.

In our digital age, we must take precautions when using our devices so that we are not at risk of a cyber attack! This is why Cyber Liability Insurance is available. It supplies you with crucial coverage so that you and your information is safe and your reputation is unharmed. Contact us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for more information!

What You Need to Know About California Car Insurance

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Before you go with the first quote online, be sure to know about California car insurance.

Most California motorists purchase their auto insurance directly from carriers or through agents. If you purchase liability insurance, your coverage must meet the following requirements:

  • $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
  • $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
  • $5,000 for damage to property.

It is advised that you purchase additional coverage. For example, you can buy comprehensive coverage which protects you if your car is damaged from incidents such as storms, thefts, and falling objects.

Luckily, there are multiple ways to save money on car insurance!

Good Driver Discount
A good driver in California is eligible for a 20 percent discount of their insurance premium. The California DMV website notes what qualifies as a good driver.

Insurance Program for Low-Income Drivers
To qualify for a discount, you must be single with an income below $28,725, or a family of four living on less than $58,875. Which county you reside in will determine the discount of your premium.

Good Student Discount
If you, or your child, attend school or college and are averaging good grades, then you can be eligible for a discount on your premium!

Car Features
More often than not, if you park your car in a garage over night, drive less than the average amount of miles per year, or have updated safety features such as day-time running headlights and automatic seatbelts, you can receive a discount on your auto insurance policy!

Personalized Car Insurance in California
Specializing in auto insurance, Cappuccino Insurance Agency, finds our clients the best coverage policies at competitive rates. We are conveniently located in Westlake Village, California, so stop by our office or give us a call today for a personalized quote!

How To Save During Your Next Road Trip

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Road Trip Tips

Road trips are one of the best ways to see a new part of the country. However, while they may be easier than coordinating flights for the whole family, road trips are much more than just jumping in your car. Keep these planning tips in mind to make sure that your next road trip goes as smooth as possible.

  • Plan out your route – knowing where you are going, and how long it will take you to get there can help to ensure that you do not get lost in an unfamiliar location. When planning your route, you should also let a close family member or friend know your plans in case you do not make it home on time.
  • Save on gas – there are many smartphone apps, such as GasBuddy that can help you save money throughout your trip by pointing you in the direction of the cheapest gas no matter where you are. It can also help you budget for your gas costs when you put in your route.
  • Save on food – instead of eating out at every stop, stock up on food that you can make on your own. Bringing a refillable water bottle can also help you save on drinks when you stop.
  • Consider camping – booking a night at a campground is much less expensive than booking a room at a hotel. Camping will also allow you to fully enjoy each of your stops. If you cannot imagine rolling out a sleeping bag, make sure to use a hotel deal app, such as Priceline to help you save money.

Most importantly, look over your auto insurance policy to make sure that you have the right amount of protection while out on the road. Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley car insurance coverage needs.

3 Car Insurance Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

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Auto Insurance Misconceptions

While auto insurance is required in almost every state, there are many misconceptions that are out there about the coverage. If you get caught believing false information about your auto insurance coverage, it can lead to you investing in the wrong policy. Knowing the truth behind these common car insurance myths can help to keep you safe while on the road.

  1. Working directly with the insurance company is cheaper than working with an independent agent – auto insurance companies can only show you specific policies that they offer while independent agents are able to show you policies that are offered by all of their affiliates. Being able to choose from more policies and providers can help to make sure that you pay the right price for your coverage.
  2. You can only start looking for a policy once yours expires – no matter the length of your auto insurance term, you can cancel at any time, you will just be subject to fees. However, if you find a less expensive policy at a better price, paying the cancelation fee may be worth it in the long run.
  3. Your rates will automatically go down when you turn 25 – age is one of the most important factors when determining your premiums, but that does not mean it is the only factor. While people 25 and older are considered to be lower risk, your auto insurance company will look at other factors, such as your driving history. If you are over 25 but have a spotty driving history, your rates will not decrease until your driving record clears up.

Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your auto insurance coverage needs. We will work with you to make sure that you have the protection that you deserve, all at the right price.

Lowering Your Commercial Auto Insurance Rates

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Insurance Premiums For Company Cars

Finding the right commercial vehicle insurance policy that will best fit your needs can be much easier said than done. There are many factors that you need to consider when deciding on the right policy, all which can have serious impacts on how much you pay each month. Make sure to consider all of these factors to ensure that you are able to invest in the right amount of coverage for your specific needs.

  • Your drivers – the driving record of all your employees is one of the biggest factors that is used to determine what your commercial auto insurance rates will be. When hiring new drivers for your company, make sure to take a look at their driving record. The better their record is, the lower your rates will be.
  • Your fleet – your auto insurance company will want to know what type of vehicles you are looking to insure. The more expensive your vehicles are, the higher your rates will be. If you are planning on buying new vehicles to fill up your fleet, consider newer vehicles that may qualify for more discounts than older vehicles.
  • Your vehicles – each company vehicle that is included in your fleet helps to determine your rates. There are auto specific coverage options that can help to lower your price if you properly insure your cars. If you have many different types of cars in your fleet, you may want to invest in similar commercial coverage for each vehicle to keep your premiums as low as possible.

For all of your Conejo Valley business insurance needs, and to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price.

You Will Love These Local Events!

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Conejo Valley Local Events

With summer coming to an end, it is the perfect time to start looking for ways to celebrate the dropping temperatures in the local area. Do not miss out on all of these exciting Conejo Valley local events that your family can enjoy together this September.

On Friday, September 4th through the 7th, head out to Malibu to enjoy the 34th Anniversary of the Malibu Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off, Carnival and Fair. All the fun starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. on Saturday through Monday. There is plenty to enjoy at the event, including a chili cook-off, fair, carnival, silent auction, live entertainment, vendors, delicious food for sale, and much more. Tickets for the Carnival and Fair are just $10, and toddlers are free.

The 7th Annual Camarillo Chili Cook-Off and Music Festival is going on at the Camarillo Ranch on Sunday, September 6th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Along with the Chili Cook-Off, there will be plenty of other activities to enjoy, including a classic car display, fun and games zone for kids, Texas hold ‘em poker tournament, live music, and a beer and wine garden. The event helps to benefit the Camarillo Hospice, which is a volunteer hospice and grief support center that is dedicated to the dignity of life by providing support, comfort, care, and counseling to families and individuals who are facing a life-limiting illness and/or are grieving the loss of a loved one.

You will not want to miss out on the 3rd Annual Ventura Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K on Sunday, September 13th. From 7 a.m. until noon, you can enjoy all that this event has to offer with people of all ages. Head out to Ventura a day early on Saturday to take part in the Kids Sand Runs and 100, 62, and 53 Mile Bike Rides.

All of us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to invite you out to enjoy all of these events next month!

What Smoking Means For Your Life Insurance Premiums

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Smokers and Life Insurance

It is not a secret that smoking is bad for your health. Due to the fact that smoking can significantly shorten your life, life insurance companies will dramatically increase your policy premiums when you are a smoker.

When determining your life insurance rates, your life insurance company will most likely require that you get a physical to determine your weight, height, blood pressure, and other health metrics. If you have a risky habit, such as smoking, you will face much higher premiums than a non-smoker. Men and women who smoke spend more than $1,000 more each year for a term life insurance policy than those who do not light up.

If you quit smoking while your insurance policy is already in place, your premiums will decrease each year that passes. However, you will need to avoid cigarettes for at least five years before you will start paying the same life insurance rates as non-smokers.

If you are an ex-smoker, there are some strategies that you should keep in mind to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protection, including:

  • Do not lie – your medical records and medical exam will reveal if you were a smoker, so your insurance company can figure out if you were lying on the application. Lying to your insurance company can be considered fraud and may lead to issues with the death benefit.
  • If you start smoking after your policy is already in place, you will not need to notify your insurance company, just like with any other medical problems that you develop after your policy is in place.

For all of your Conejo Valley life insurance needs, contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you and your loved ones have the protection that you deserve.

How Much Are You Spending on Auto Insurance?

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Insurance Facts

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average auto insurance expenditure increased from $798 in 2011 to $815 in 2012, and has continued to rise every year since. The average expenditure measures what drivers actually spend for their insurance coverage of each vehicle. It does not equal the sum of collision, liability, and comprehensive expenditures since not all policyholders have all three coverage options.

The amount that people spend on their auto insurance coverage is affected by how much coverage they invest in, as well as many other factors. States that have a healthy economy have more people who are likely to buy a new car. Since new car owners are much more likely to invest in physical damage coverage options with their auto insurance, these states tend to have a higher average expenditure.

The population will also have an effect on auto insurance expenditure. States that have an urban population and a higher traffic density and per capita income will have much higher car insurance premiums. Other factors that have an impact on auto insurance prices include liability coverage requirements, repair costs, and theft rates.

Although California ranks number 22 on the list of most expensive states for auto insurance, there was an increase of 1.3 percent in costs between 2011 and 2012. The average expenditure for auto insurance in 2012 was just under $750, while it was just a few cents over $740 the year before.

When looking for the right auto insurance policy that will best fit your specific needs, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. As an independent insurance agency, we will work with you to make sure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Take Advantage of Summer With These Local Events!

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Conejo Valley Events

What is going on next week? Especially if your children are out of school for the summer, this is most likely a question that you ask yourself every day. Luckily, the Conejo Valley is full of exciting, family friendly local events that you can take advantage of this season. Do not miss out on all of these events with all of your loved ones.

The Janss Marketplace 2015 Summer Concert Series started on June 24th and is running through August 26th. Every Wednesday night, bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the shows. Get there early and enjoy the delicious dinner specials, and merchant samples that will be going on. You will also have the chance to win various prizes during the concerts that run from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

If you have not made it out to the Gardens of the World on Thousand Oaks Boulevard, the 13th Annual Summer Jazz Concert Series is the best excuse to make a trip! Starting on August 2nd, and every Sunday through August 23rd, you and your family will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best jazz bands and artists out there. From The Mills Brothers to Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Orchestra, you will not want to skip out on these Sunday evening concerts.

Head out to the Moorpark Country Club on August 17th to enjoy the 22nd Annual Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise and Simi Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament. This fun event helps to benefit the Simi Valley Police Foundation K-9 Team as part of the “Dog Days of Summer.”

All of us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to invite you and your family out to enjoy all these wonderful events this summer!