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How To Save During Your Next Road Trip

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

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

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!

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!

Take Advantage of Summer With These Local Events!

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

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

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!

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

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!

Don’t Miss Out On These Local Events!

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!