September 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

Quick Quiz

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Each month I'll give you a new question.

Anne Rice was an American author. What series of novels is she best known for?

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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.

"Kayley is my agent and she is always so responsive to my emails. Answers all my questions and provides me with added information regarding my policy and any changes that might be coming up. I never hesitate to send her an email if I have any questions because I know she will respond promptly. Thank You Kayley for being great!"

Christine D.

How Your Homeowners Insurance Can Help with Halloween Horror Stories

As the leaves begin to change and a crisp autumn breeze fills the air, Halloween enthusiasts eagerly prepare for the spookiest night of the year. However, amidst the excitement and revelry, this night could also mean all kinds of pranks and mischievous behavior, which, while harmless in intent, can sometimes result in unexpected mishaps.

Here’s how your home can be protected from Halloween mischief and mishaps.
Let's say some teenagers decided it was a good idea to make hard-boiled eggs and egg your windows. If they accidentally break one, what happens next? Well, this is a case of vandalism your homeowners insurance will most likely cover, even if they looked like the cast of Cats. That’s after the deductible, of course.

Now what if a group of Barbies and Kens pull a prank and trash your garage with spray paint? Luckily, if your home insurance includes coverage B (other structures), you should be able to make a claim. It’s always best to check with your insurance agent if you’re not sure.

The kids probably thought it was funny when they stole $400 worth of decorations from your spectacular front lawn display, but you’re definitely not laughing. Even if the decorations were placed outside, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to file a claim for them. Your homeowners insurance can also cover you against theft.

And what happens if a wayward Harry Potter crashes his broom into the side of your car and scratches it up? Your auto insurance policy will save the day and take care of the damages, again after your deductible.

Are you still spooked? Don’t worry. Drop us a message to find out more about what your insurance can cover. We’re always here to help.

Take Your Cleaning to the Next Level with These Hacks

Sometimes it feels like we can never get our own homes quite as clean as the professionals do. What are their secrets? We've scoured the Internet for these tips to make your own home feel as clean as a hotel.

Vinegar is a friend. If you prefer using nontoxic ingredients, vinegar is a go-to solution. One of its best tricks is descaling kettles. Fill the kettle up with half vinegar, half water and let it sit for at least an hour. Then boil and pour the mixture out.

Essential oils are for more than a massage. If your drain won't stop smelling, pour a few drops of peppermint essential oil down it. It will remain odor free and will also help deter mice and other rodents.

Red wine? White wine. The oldest trick in the book and one that really works: if you spill a glass of red, pour white over it immediately. It might seem counterintuitive, but it works! Layer the stain with salt afterward to draw out the rest of the red.

Use lint rollers for hard-to-reach spots. Hard as we try, the vacuum doesn't always reach everywhere. Use a lint roller to pick up dust and fluff in those pesky corners and hard-to-reach spots.

Iron off candle wax. Picture this: you decided to get the fancy dinner candles out, but now your favorite table runner is covered in wax droplets. Wax may feel like the hardest thing to expel from fabric, but the truth is a quick run under an iron will make it disappear. Remember to put a paper towel between them!

Use citrus peels for freshness. Save your orange and lemon peels and put them in a jar with white vinegar (that helpful friend) for an effective yet fresh surface cleaning solution.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Ingredients:

Yields 16

10 Medjool dates, pitted and diced (about 1 cup diced)

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups oat flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant milk)

1 15 oz. can cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

Optional: 1 cup frosting

In small bowl, soak dates with 3/4 cup water for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin pie spice and flour. In a blender, add soaked dates, date soak water, vanilla and milk and purée 1–2 minutes until smooth. Add to bowl with flour and spices along with pumpkin. Mix with wooden spoon until dry ingredients are incorporated.

Pour batter into 8x8 baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly browned with some cracks. Cool for 10–15 minutes. Cut into squares before serving. Frost, if desired, before serving.

Check Out our New Insurance Agent App

Submit a claim, pay bills, check your policies, get an auto ID card, email/text/call your agent or customer service person, inventory your valuables... you can do it all anywhere with our new app.

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