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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.