How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Long car rides and road trips with your furry friend require pre-planning, but they can be fun and cheaper than boarding your pet while you’re away. Whether you’re traveling with a dog or cat, your travel buddy should wear a collar with tags that display your pet’s name, your name, your cell phone number and proof of rabies shots. It’s also smart to get your pet microchipped (if your pet already has a microchip, be sure to call the company and update the information).

Just like you pack for yourself, you must also pack for your pet. Bring a supply of your pet’s food, bottles of water, spill-proof water bowl, medications and some favorite toys. For dogs, choose toys that will keep them occupied, such as bones or hollow toys that can be filled with treats. For cats, choose toys filled with catnip, along with a portable litter box (which can be found at most pet stores).

You may need to plan a week or two in advance if you pet suffers from car-related anxiety. If you have an anxious dog, you should adjust your dog to being in the car before leaving. Bring your dog into the car and sit in the driveway. Once that’s tolerable, slowly build up to short rides that end someplace fun, like a park. Feeding your dog a meal in the car can help associate the car with good things, as well. If you have an anxious cat, pick up some products from the pet store that promote feelings of calm and comfort, such as pheromone-infused products and catnip-filled toys.

You may enjoy letting your pet ride on your lap, but it’s a very dangerous habit. The safest place for your pet is in a crate that’s strapped down in the backseat. Being secured prevents your pet from distracting you while behind the wheel; not to mention, a pet with free range of the car can become seriously injured or die in the event of an accident. Use a crate that’s well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, turn and lie down. If your pet has a squeamish bladder, line the crate with absorbent padding, such as a wee pad, underneath your pet’s cushion.

Whether nervous or excited, you pet will need constant access to water while in the car. You may prefer to make frequent stops for potty breaks and rehydration, but if you’d rather keep moving, freeze a bowl of water that your pet can lick to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave a pet unattended in a car; it’s not safe in any weather conditions.

Review your coverage before a big road trip. Call Silver Coast Insurance at 909-877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Workplace Party Etiquette

The major holidays may be over, but workplace parties can happen all throughout the year. Whether it is a retirement party, baby shower, anniversary party, or a get together for a job well done, it is important to maintain professional etiquette. As an employer, it’s a time when you can recognize the hard work of your employees and treat them to a nice meal as a thank you.

Throwing an office party during work hours is becoming increasingly popular. A catered lunch in or a nice lunch out may be the perfect way to show your appreciation and boost employee morale. If you do throw an evening party, schedule it for a weeknight so employees don’t feel obligated to give up their weekend to work. Some companies now throw their holiday parties in October or January to avoid any further stress on employee’s busy holiday schedules. Once the party is planned, inform employees if spouses and/or children are allowed to attend.

Remember, even though a party is festive and fun, it’s still a work function and professional etiquette is a must. Limit employee drinking by offering two drink tickets per person; you may even want to limit the alcohol to beer and wine. Ensure that employees are aware of the dress code. Just one employee who shows up in inappropriate dress and gets embarrassingly drunk can ruin the party for everyone. But since everyone is gathered at a social event, mingle and network among your employees. Branch out from your usual work buddies and get to know other individuals who you’re not as familiar with.

Some employees may be shy or uncomfortable hanging out with co-workers. Entertainment helps break the ice, whether you hire a band or plan games. Many companies participate in gift exchanges during holiday parties, which is a great way for employees to learn more about each. However, some people are strapped for cash, so set a low maximum budget for gifts, such as $10 to $20.

The biggest measure of success for a workplace office party is attendance. Encourage your employees to join the festivities, but don’t put too much pressure on them. The more people feel comfortable around their co-workers and supervisors, the more will come to celebrate the occasion.

 Boosting employee morale is only one way to improve the security of your business. Call Silver Coast Insurance at (909) 877-2200 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga business insurance.

Keeping Your Child Safe In the Car

In 2010, over 1,200 children under age 14 died in car accidents, and approximately 171,000 were injured. However, the proper use of car seats and seat belts save lives. That same year, buckling up saved the lives of over 300 children under age 4.

Still not convinced of the importance of child safety seats? You may be interested to know that car seats reduce the risk of death resulting from car accidents by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Similarly, booster seats reduce the risk for serious injury by 45 percent for children ages 4 to 8.

The safest place in a car for children of any age is in the back seat, buckled up according to their age, weight and height recommendations. Let’s take a look at what those are:

• Up to age 2: Infants should be buckled into a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of the car. Infants should remain in this seat until they outgrow the weight and height limits of the particular car seat, as stated in the instruction manual.
• Ages 2 to 5: Toddlers should be buckled into a forward-facing car seat in the backseat of the car. Just as with the infant seat, toddlers should remain in this seat until they outgrow the weight and height limits of the particular car seat.
• Ages 5 to 9: Young children should be buckled into a booster seat in the backseat of the car. This type of seat positions the seat belt to better fit the small bodies of children. Children should remain in this seat until they can rest their back against the seat and their knees can bend comfortably over the seat’s edge; this usually occurs between ages 8 and 12, or once your child reaches 4 feet 9 inches.
• Ages 9 and up: Older children should buckle their seat belts, preferably in the backseat until exceeding age 13. Seat belts should be used once they fit children properly; this occurs when lap and shoulder belts fit comfortably without digging into the neck. Do not allow children to tuck the shoulder strap behind their backs. If your car has shoulder belt height adjusters, the fit can be customized for optimal comfort.

Child safety seats only work if they’re properly installed and the child is buckled up according to the instruction manual. Make sure you read all directions before hitting the road. Once your child is old enough to use the car’s seat belt, make a rule that you don’t start the car until everyone is buckled up. This will teach your children to put safety first with each car ride.

Protect your car for the continued safety of you and your family. Call Silver Coast Auto Insurance at 855-323-3600 for more information on Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance.

Should You Buy Renters Insurance?

Yes, if you would like to protect your belongings

You and your apartment manager/landlord share a goal: To ensure the safety of the things you each own. Your landlord is concerned about the structure of the apartment or rental house and you are concerned about the safety of your bed, jewelry, couch and other possessions. When you sign a lease, you are required to give a security deposit. This security deposit is a way for your landlord to be able to cover any damages you may cause or if you choose to break the lease before it is completed. Basically, it is a form of insurance for him from you. However, if no damages are sustained during your lease and you follow all the terms of the lease, the deposit will more than likely be returned to you.

So, as the renter, how can you protect your valuables? Renters' insurance. If you live in an apartment, you likely find flyers on your door or in your mailbox advertising renters insurance. And if you're like many renters, you probably disregard them. However, renters insurance is something you should consider.

Some apartments require renters insurance from all of their residents. But, even if you are not required to buy renters insurance, you should look at getting it. Some people argue that they don’t have a pet, are not going to cause any damage to the apartment or that it is just too expensive to pay for something like that. But remember, you are not just protecting your stuff from something you might cause, but you are protecting your stuff from other renters or disasters. Fires, floods, tornadoes and other disasters can destroy an apartment and everything in it. Also, other tenants could cause a flood that damages your apartment, a thief could break-in or some form of vandalism could occur. Your landlord’s insurance only covers the repair of the structure, not your possessions in it.

Most renters insurance policies provide coverage for the following renters' issues:

• Personal liability if you ever are sued over accidental injury to others that are in your apartment or rental house
• Living expenses if you are unable to live in your home and have to stay somewhere else for a length of time
• Accidental damage to property of others in your care
• Damage to personal property from a natural disaster like fire or wind

There are many other potentials for disaster that renters insurance covers, such as:

• An electric surge that fries your electronics
• While visiting your next door neighbor, you fall over his grill and start a fire
• Your friend accidentally falls in your apartment and breaks their arm
• and the list continues.

And of course, as we all know, we can never discount those crazy-sounding possibilities. You know, the things that seem to only happen if and only if you’re not ready (or covered) for them. Renters Insurance will cover those things too.

It is important to keep in mind that each state can have different requirements for renters insurance policies. Be sure to check with your independent insurance agent about different insurance companies, the requirements for a California renters insurance policy, what the policy does/does not cover, limits and deductibles for the policy. If your apartment complex requires renters insurance, they may require a minimum limit. Also, if you have a job or hobby like a graphic designer who has several expensive computers or a golfer with many expensive golf clubs, you will want to make sure your renters insurance policy has the necessary limits to cover these things. Your independent insurance agent will be able to help you find the policy that best fits your needs. Give Silver Coast Insurance a call at 855-323-3600. We look forward to helping you set up Rancho Cucamonga renters insurance.

Maintain Your Home With These Tips

The weather is finally cooling down and fall is officially here. Kids are off at school and life is more of a routine. This is the perfect season to perform some routine maintenance on your home. Even though winters are not brutally cold in Rancho Cucamonga, a yearly check-up will help your home stay in good condition and hopefully lead to less repairs and less insurance claims in the long run. Take a look at these helpful tips and take some time this fall to do a quick spruce up of your home.

1.) Examine the grounds of your property:

Throughout the year as the weather changes, ground shifts and cars drive up and down your driveway, your concrete can crack or chip. Gophers and moles have also been known to wreak havoc on a yard. Use this fall season to repair any concrete that may be dangerously cracked and fill in any holes that gophers or moles might have dug in your yard. Be sure to call the gopher control as well!

2.) Check your roof and gutters for needed repairs:

A roof is the first defense against storms that come rolling in. Take a look at your roof and take note of any missing/cracked shingles, low or sagging spots, leaks, broken vents or broken flashings. Be sure to keep your roof in good condition and repair it when needed. Also clear your gutters from any debris that may have built up this summer and fall. Keep leaves, bird nests and other debris out of your gutters so that when it rains, water will easily flow away from your home.

3.) Change the filters:

If you have a central air conditioning system, changing the air filters in your home should be done once or twice a year. This will keep the air coming into your home cleaner, alleviate dust in your home and can improve allergies and health. While you are changing that filter, go ahead and check the filter in your clothes dryer, oven, room fans and vacuum cleaner. Once or twice a year, perform this routine to keep the air in your home clean and keep your family healthy.

4) Check hot water heater:

Is your hot water heater in good condition? Make sure it is functioning correctly. Check your water heater each year for routine maintenance. It is never fun to jump in the shower and be greeted by cold water!

5.) Repair leaky faucets:

Over time, faucets can become lose and start leaking water. You can ignore it for a little while, but its eventually time to repair it. Now is the time to tighten your faucets and stop the leak. You would be amazed at how much water you will save!

6.) Prepare your fireplace:

California winters may not be terribly cold, but it still can be nice to have a fire every once in a while. Before you use your fireplace, make sure the chimney has been cleaned out. Sometimes little furry creatures like to make their home there! Also, leaves can easily build up in a chimney. Using a fireplace before it has been cleaned leads to a potential fire so be sure to prepare it correctly.

7.) Check windows and doors for drafts:

Every once in a while, the ground can slightly shift and cause small cracks in the openings for doors and windows. Warm air can get out through these cracks and small insects can get in. Add some weatherstripping or caulk to small cracks to prevent this.

Enjoy these days of fall and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Refer to tips to help you start your fall home maintenance to care for your home. Rancho Cucamonga home insurance is another way to care for your home. If you have questions about what insurance is needed for your home, give Silver Coast Insurance a call at 855-323-3600. Your home will thank you!

Bundling Insurance Policies Can Give you Discounts

Every, millions of people get tired of spending more and more money—rent goes up, cable goes up, utilities go up, and insurance premiums go up. How are you supposed to pay increasing bills when the only thing that doesn’t go up is your paycheck?

Did you know that by bundling your insurance policies, you could save money?

You can bundle your policies into a package discount if you insure two or more things with the same insurance company. The more policies you bundle, the more you typically save. Because of these savings and the ease of using one company, people who bundle are more satisfied with their providers than those who don’t.

To start bundling, you need to think about these three simple steps:

• Choose your services: The most commonly bundled policies are home and auto insurance. However, you’re not limited to those two. You can save more if you add policies to the bundle, such as motorcycle, boat, or business insurance.

• Compare prices: Working with an independent insurance agent makes this step very easy because they do the work for you. They can shop around and compare quotes from a variety of providers based on the types of insurance you’re seeking. This is a great way to be sure you’re saving all you can.

• Sign the contract: Once the contracts for each insurance product is signed, your savings will take effect immediately.

Your insurance agent can help you apply any extra relevant discounts, such as security alarm discounts for homeowner’s insurance or a safe driver discount. Insurance needs and options are constantly changing. Make it a practice to revisit your insurance decisions each year. It’s important to keep your coverage up-to-date in the event a big change, like purchasing a new car or getting married.

Your agent is there to help you make smart decisions when it comes to insurance. One of the smartest decisions you can make is to save money by bundling insurance products. Give us a call at 855-323-3600 to request a quote from Silver Coast Insurance for Rancho Cucamonga auto insurance and home insurance.

Protecting Your Home While On Vacation

Taking a well-earned summer vacation with your family should be a time of great joy. However, far too many Americans return home to find that their home has been burglarized. Thieves are cunning, and career criminals go to great lengths to ensure that the homes they violate are empty. Taking some precautions before you leave will fool would-be burglars into thinking you may still be at home. Deterring thieves will protect your possessions and also reduce your home or renters insurance premiums.

Make Your Home Appear Occupied

There are some quick and simple ways to create the illusion that your home is occupied when you're on vacation. Leave prominent lights switched on and partially draw your curtains to obscure the view from outside. If you're planning a long vacation, you may have to take extra steps. Enlist the help of neighbors to open curtains, pick up your mail and switch on lights at random intervals. If you can't trust your neighbors, there are some cheap time-delay switches on the market that will perform these tasks for you. Make sure you don't organize any deliveries that could arrive when you're away; your failure to answer the door will be a sure sign that you're not home. Cancel any daily deliveries of newspapers, and if possible, arrange for your local Post Office to hold on to your mail until your return. If you have a garden, it may be a good idea to arrange to have your lawn mowed regularly; overgrown weeds and grass could give your absence away.

Security Features 

Double check that all windows and doors are locked before you leave. A lot of thieves gain access to property via a garage, so lock it securely and ensure that the access door to the main property is fitted with a secure deadbolt. The majority of standard locking devices on windows are not fit for this purpose. Arranging for a local locksmith to perform a full inspection of your home will identify potential areas of unauthorized access. This can be more expensive upfront, but it's also a small price to pay in the long run if it protects your home and keeps your insurance premiums as low as possible. If your home has sliding glass doors, arrange for a special lock to be fitted and consider installing strengthened glass.  
  
Your home provides you with shelter and is also your place of refuge and safety. It's somewhere you should feel completely safe. Taking a few precautions before you leave on vacation will give you peace of mind in knowing that your home is as safe and secure as possible. Those precautions could also mean your home insurance premiums are kept to an absolute minimum.

If you are looking for advice on home security or Rancho Cucamonga home insurance, call Silver Coast Insurance now at 855-323-3600, and one of our agents will be happy to discuss your circumstances in detail.