October 2023 Newsletter | Central Sequoia Insurance

Troubled California Insurance Market

I'm sure you've heard of the turmoil in the California insurance marketplace. A few companies have left the state and most of the others have either stopped or slowed down writing new auto and home policies.
 
Why is this happening you ask? The reason given by insurance companies is that it has been very difficult to charge enough premium to cover the cost of doing business. In California, insurance companies must present their case for increasing premiums to the Insurance Commissioner. They can't just "willy nilly" increase premiums without their approval. Companies must prove that the increase is justified. And it often takes a lot of time and expense to get it done. And the Commissioner is slow to increase premiums.
 
Just like you and I, insurance companies have been affected by inflation. The cost of repairs to cars and homes, medical costs, and settlements have been inflated in recent years. So, if insurance companies want to make a profit, they must increase premiums.to cover these costs. One expert says that inflation has increased the cost of goods and services by 20% just over the last two years.
 
So, what can you do to soften the eventual rise in premiums:
 
 1. Pay your premiums on time and do not let your policy lapse. Companies are making it difficult to reinstate your insurance. And you may not be able to find insurance.
 2. Consider raising your deductible to lower your premium.
 3. Call us to discuss how to make it more affordable. We're here to help you weather this inflationary storm.  
 
If you need help with your insurance, please call us at 559-802-4094

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Good Words for Our Staff

"We have been with Central Sequoia Insurance since we bought our home. Ryan has been the agent helping us since day 1. Communication is great, I've had any and all questions answered promptly!"

Cody B.

"I have received exceptional service since I started with Scott in 2011. Barbara has been working with me over the last few years and has been extremely helpful with getting additional savings on my policies. She is a gem and I will miss working with her now that she has retired, but I'm confident I will continue to experience the exceptional service I always have."

Kimberly M.

Restore and Rejuvenate with These Self-Care Rituals

The holiday season is upon us, and with it can often come an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety. The large family gatherings, the travel, the weeks of preparation and the sometimes endless list of gifts, cards and foodstuffs we have to remember to pick up can all become a bit much if we don't practice self-care in between. Here are five self-care rituals that will prove priceless if you find the festivities starting to get on top of you.

Set some boundaries. With so many tasks and people vying for your attention, it's okay to say no to some things to protect your mental wellbeing. You don't have to be available to everyone at all times.

Schedule regular time-outs. Allowing yourself a short period a couple of times a day in which you temporarily let go of your troubles and electronic devices can work wonders for a healthy mind. Switch off your phone and take a walk in the park, meditate or read a book.

Have a nice hot bath. Few things are as physically and mentally relaxing as a nice bubble bath. Warm water on the skin has a physically calming effect on both the mind and body, while adding in some essential oils and nourishing soaps leaves you feeling totally rejuvenated.

Keep a gratitude journal. Regularly making a note of things you feel grateful for in life helps you develop an all-around positive mental attitude, keeping the joyous things at the front of your mind rather than the anxieties that try to seep in.

Stretch or practice yoga regularly. A surprising amount of our mental woes can begin as physical ones, whether it's an achy back making you grumpy or a stiff neck grinding your gears. Practicing yoga, Pilates or even just simple stretches on the regular can help eliminate those troubles, making you feel happy, energized and able to do more with your body as well as your mind.

Avoid Thanksgiving Disasters: Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it's a time for gratitude, delicious food and quality time with loved ones. However, the holiday season can also come with its fair share of disasters if you're not prepared. Here are some common Thanksgiving mishaps and tips on how to avoid them.

Oh no, fire!
No one wants to be remembered for burning the turkey. Every year, there are over 1,000 fryer fires resulting from amateur chefs trying to heat things up in the kitchen. If you are going to be dropping a full turkey into a vat of oil, make sure the bird is thawed completely, keep anything flammable a safe distance away, and use the right amount of oil. If a fire occurs, make sure you use a fire extinguisher and not water.
Other kitchen fires are also a higher risk around this time, so make sure no cooking is left unattended. Most fire damage is covered by your homeowners policy, but prevention is always better.

Pet liability
Our beloved pets can sometimes act unpredictably, especially when holiday gatherings bring in more guests and chaos. Did you know that dog bites are quite common, with over 4.5 million reported each year? To ensure safety, socialize and train your pets in advance, monitor them closely during celebrations, and confirm your insurance policy covers animal liability incidents.
 
Guest injuries
Apart from turkey fryer accidents, guests could slip on icy walkways, trip over rugs or have mishaps due to excess wine and food. Your home insurance can cover medical expenses for injuries during the gathering. Plan ahead to prevent accidents, but if they occur, insurance can provide assistance.

If you want to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving, make sure you’re insured correctly. Get in touch with us to find out more about what your policies cover.

Famous Quotes on Gathering

In honor of the holidays, here are some quotes about gathering and celebration:

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
Nancie J. Carmody

We just like to get together and have a laugh.
Lori Mittereder

Gathering matters because it is through each other that we figure out what we believe.
Priya Parker

Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.
Julia Child

Erin Fisher.. 3rd Quarter Referral Rewards Drawing winner!

Client Erin Fisher displays the booty for winning our referral rewards drawing. Thanks for your business and referrals, Erin!

Vegetable Tian

Serves 6

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 6-oz. can of tomato paste

4 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

3/4 cup water

1 medium baking potato, very thinly sliced

3 Roma tomatoes, very thinly sliced

1 zucchini, very thinly sliced

1 yellow summer squash, very thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Spray 12-inch round baking dish with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, combine onion, garlic, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 tablespoon thyme and water. Spread into bottom of dish. Arrange alternating vertical slices of potato, tomato, zucchini and squash, starting at outer edge of the dish, working concentrically towards center. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with rest of thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with foil.

Bake until tender about 45 minutes. Optional: after 30 minutes, sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered for last 15 minutes.

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