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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!

Protecting Your Vacation Home This Summer

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Dwelling Fire Insurance

Packing up your suitcase to head out to your vacation home is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer season. With all of the comforts of home, vacation homes offer special amenities that you cannot find at a hotel. Just like your primary residence, it is important to make sure that your vacation house is protected with the right insurance coverage.

Your existing home insurance policy may provide a limited amount of coverage for any of your personal belongings that you keep at your vacation home. However, this coverage is typically not enough to protect all of your assets. Investing in a dwelling fire policy can help to provide the additional coverage you need to keep your vacation home safe.

Dwelling fire insurance policies are meant to protect a second home by providing coverage for the structure of the house, as well as the personal property that you keep inside. There are three types of dwelling fire policies to consider for your vacation house, including:

  • Standard form – which will provide coverage for the structure of your house and the contents inside from lightning and peril. It will also cover the cost to remove any property from the dangers of lighting and fire.
  • Broad form – which will provide the same protection as a standard form policy, as well as hail, windstorm, explosion, civil common and riots, smoke, and damage that is caused by a vehicle or aircraft.
  • All risk form – which will provide coverage from any peril except what is specifically excluded on the policy.

When looking to protect your Conejo Valley vacation home, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you have the protection you deserve, no matter how many properties you own.

Staying Safe In Your Backyard This Summer

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Backyard Safety Tips

With the summer season officially here, you may find yourself spending more and more time outside. No matter if you are spending time in your own backyard, or having a neighborhood party next door, it is important to make sure that you know how to stay safe while outside. Keep these backyard safety tips in mind to help ensure that you have a fun and safe season.

  • Always supervise your children when they are around the pool, even if they are strong swimmers. If you have smaller children, never let them further away than you can reach. Any children who do not have strong swimming skills should wear the proper safety equipment while in the pool, such as a life jacket.
  • Install a self-locking gate around your pool that is at least 4 feet tall to keep the little ones away from the pool. Do not keep any chairs, tables, or other furniture near the gate to ensure that nobody is able to climb over the fence.
  • While grilling, keep all children and pets at least three feet away from the grill. Create a safety zone with chalk or cones so that children know where they should not go.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water near your grill at all times to put out any small fires. Also, keep a cell phone close by to call for help if the fire gets out of control.
  • If you have a trampoline, limit the amount of children who are allowed on at once to help keep them safe. Children should always be supervised when jumping on the trampoline.

For all of your Conejo Valley insurance coverage needs and to make sure that you are protected from any peril this season, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California.

Exciting Events to Celebrate the 4th of July!

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Celebrating the 4th of July

Are you ready to celebrate America’s 239th birthday? The 4th of July holiday weekend is just around the corner, which makes right now the perfect time to start looking for exciting local events to celebrate. Check out these Conejo Valley community events that the whole family can enjoy together.

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will start at 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched off the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts, making for great viewing spots at The Oaks and Janss Marketplace parking lots.

The 46th Annual Westlake Village 4th of July Parade is starting at 9:45 a.m., and will be immediately followed by live music, games, inflatables, popsicles, and much more at the Bernice Bennett Park. Make sure to head out before the parade for the Boy Scout pancake breakfast!

If you are looking to celebrate the holiday early, then head out to Moorpark and enjoy the 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park. The event will feature games, food, and live entertainment, all starting at 4 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m., so make sure to stick around.

The City of Calabasas 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Calabasas High School is opening at 5 p.m., with the fireworks display at 9 p.m. The event will feature a kid’s fun zone, as well as live music. Tickets for the event are $10, and tickets are limited, so make sure that you get your ticket before they are gone.

Everyone at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to invite you out to enjoy these Fourth of July events!

Check Out These Hiking Trails in the Conejo Valley

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Enjoy The Great Outdoors With These Beautiful Hiking Trails

Living in Southern California means enjoying the outdoors all year round, but especially during the spring and summer months. With plenty of hiking trails around the Conejo Valley, there is no excuse not to get outside this season. Check out these hiking trails that are perfect for people of all different skill levels.

The Boney Mountain Trail to Hidden Valley Overlook trail rewards you with some of the most beautiful views in the area. Take some time out of your hike to enjoy the benches that sit at the top of Sycamore Canyon and then continue on the trail that runs just a little over two miles.

The Ojai Valley Trail is a 10 mile trail that runs parallel to Highway 33, starting at Foster Park. The side of the trail is paved for bicyclists, joggers, and walkers. There is a post and rail fence that separates the paved path from the dirt path for horseback riders.

Ventura River Trail is just over 6 miles long and includes a pedestrian and bike path that follows the historic Southern Pacific Railroad. A lot of the trail parallels Ojai Freeway 33 and is also known as the Ojai Valley Trail Extension. There are many different access points to the trail, including Stanley Avenue, Shell Road, Orchard Drive, West Park Row Avenue, and more.

Malibu Creek State Park has more than 8,000 square miles of beautiful hills, scenery, and trails. The miles of trails throughout the park will take you through the old M*A*S*H series set, and will eventually lead you to a swimming hole, so make sure to bring your swimming suit.

All of us at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California would like to encourage you to enjoy all of these hiking trails in the local community!

Protecting Your Boat and RV This Summer

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RV and Boat Insurance

Even though the official start of summer is still a couple of weeks away, the temperatures are already rising, which means it is the perfect time to start planning for your next vacation. While taking your RV and boat out of storage, it is important to make sure that you are protected from any peril on the road or water with the right insurance policies.

No matter if you have a motorhome or a trailer, your RV needs to be protected with the right insurance policy. Investing in a separate RV insurance policy that will provide the most coverage while you are away from home. If you have a smaller trailer, you may think that you can rely on your auto insurance coverage to protect your trailer while you are away. While you are towing your trailer, your auto insurance will provide coverage for your trailer while it is being towed. However, once the trailer is unhitched, you will not have any coverage. Choosing a separate policy can help to ensure that you have the coverage that you deserve.

If you are headed out on the water with your boat, your boat will need to be covered by a specific boat insurance policy. There are many coverage options to consider with your boat insurance policy, such as personal property coverage that will replace any lost or damaged items in your boat during an accident. Talking with your insurance agent can help to ensure that you invest in the right amount of coverage for your boat this summer.

For all of your Southern California boat and RV insurance needs, contact the insurance professionals at Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California. We will work with you to make sure that you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price.

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.