California Insurance News

A Time to Celebrate Mothers

Wed, 01 May 2013 18:24:44 GMT

As the second Sunday of May nears, it’s time to think of ways to celebrate mothers – although, of course, that’s a worthy pursuit at any time of year!

At Anixter & Oser Insurance, we thought it would be fun to give you a little of the history behind Mother’s Day, as well as a few ideas to honor the special women in all our lives.

Ancient beginnings

According to MothersDayCentral.com, the ancient Egyptians held an annual festival to honor “the mother of the pharaohs” – the goddess Isis. This is one of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a mother.

How Mother’s Day came to be in the U.S.

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet (and author of the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) had become distraught by the toll of the Civil War. She issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” that year, calling on mothers to protest the killing and create a day celebrating peace and motherhood.

Howe’s proclamation did not result in a national Mother’s Day, but in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia took up the cause. She wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration of all mothers. By 1909, more than 40 states were holding Mother’s Day services, even though it was not a national holiday.

In 1912, according to Wikipedia, West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day. Jarvis continued to promote the day until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914.

She later regretted creating the holiday, believing that it had become too commercialized.

Enough with the history – where are the gift ideas?

Like us at Anixter & Oser Insurance, we know you might have more urgent concerns on your mind, like last-minute shopping, so here are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, according to MothersDayCentral.com.

Flowers
Gift baskets
Personalized gifts
Jewelry
Perfume
Spa gifts
Magazines

Of course, perhaps the best gift of all is getting in touch and letting the moms in your life know just how much they mean to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Protect the expensive gifts

If you're giving or have received an expensive Mother’s Day gift, such as a nice piece of jewelry, please get in touch to find out whether it will be covered by your existing home insurance policy. If it's not covered, we'll advise you on your options.

It's Time for Spring Cleaning!

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:54:29 GMT

Spring is a time of new beginnings in Novato – and now is a great time to take on some cleaning and organization tasks around your home. If you’re anything like many of us here at Anixter & Oser Insurance, some of these tasks are long overdue!

Here are some tips to get you started – and keep you focused. We’re looking forward to using these tips ourselves!

First, get some help

If you’re doing a deep spring clean, try not to put all of the pressure on yourself. Make the event a family affair and assign your spouse or your kids some chores. Or throw a cleaning party and offer pizza to everyone who comes to help.

Second, make a list

It’s extremely helpful to have a plan before you get started. Is the kitchen your biggest trouble spot? The master bedroom? Create a detailed plan of attack and you’ll increase your chance of success. Many people find it best to go room by room so there’s a sense of accomplishment when they finish in a particular area.

Third, remember safety!

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have protective gear like rubber gloves if you’re dealing with chemical cleaners, and even a particle mask if you’ve got some serious dust. Or try using some of the many green cleaning products that are now available. Spring cleaning is also the perfect time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. And it’s a good idea to refresh (or start) your family emergency kit.

Room–by–room quick tips

The tips below will help get you going. If you need more, just do a web search for spring cleaning and you’ll find tons of sites with useful information and detailed checklists.

Kitchen

Clear out the contents of your refrigerator and freezer (but not at the same time) and discard any expired items. Then, clean the appliance thoroughly, removing shelves and racks – you’d be surprised how dirty the bottom of a refrigerator can get. And don’t forget to clean the coils underneath, too; it will boost energy efficiency.
Clean all small appliances – toasters, coffeemakers, etc.
Clean the oven and stove, including burners and spill catchers.

Living room and dining room

Dust all light fixtures and shelves, along with window blinds (or, if you have drapes, take them down and have them cleaned). Don’t forget to dust the ceiling fan!
Clean and dust couches and chairs. This is easily done with a vacuum attachment. Removing cushions will not only give you a deeper clean, but can fill your pocket with change!
It may be time to shampoo your carpets or rugs. You can have a professional do the work for you or rent a machine at a local store.

Bedrooms and closets

How long has it been since you flipped your mattress? Now is the perfect time. Dust your bed frame (and other furniture), strip your bedding and turn over your mattress, rotating it as well. It’s also a good time to wash bedding that you don’t wash often, such as the mattress pad.
Pillows should be washed occasionally. Most can be cleaned in your washing machine, but check the label beforehand to be sure.
Go through the items in your closet. Do you have winter clothing you can put into storage? Do you have items you no longer wear that can be donated or sold at a garage sale?
Remember to clean under the bed.

Bathrooms

Clean fans and vents (this should be done more than once a year, typically).
Go through your medicine cabinet and throw away expired medications or items you no longer use or need. Then move your medications to the kitchen – away from the moisture of a bathroom – where they will store better.
Scrub toilets, sinks, faucets, showers and tubs, including the shower head!

Garage

Hey, you’ve done enough for one spring cleaning cycle, haven’t you? Let’s leave the garage for another time!

One final tip: It’s best to leave sweeping and vacuuming for last in each room.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us. You can also learn more about our homeowners insurance or get a free homeowner insurance quote online today!

Get Ready to Safely 'Spring Forward'

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:13:56 GMT

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10, 2013, for most places in the United States, so don't forget to set your clock forward one hour. We here at Anixter & Oser Insurance want to remind you it’s also a great time to improve your family’s safety.

Be safe in your home

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Whether you live in Novato or elsewhere, practice your plan at least twice a year.

Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Carbon monoxide is a concern too

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors when moving your clocks forward on March 10.

The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

Visit the CDC website for ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

We here at Anixter & Oser Insurance hope these tips help and that you’ll consider sharing them with the people you care about so they can live safer lives too.

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Be the Pinnacle of Health & Wellness This Winter

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:48:38 GMT

It goes without saying that keeping yourself and your family healthy through the winter months in Novato can be a challenge. When you combine chillier temps, housebound days – not to mention kids passing around colds at school like they’re playing “Hot Potato” – you can end up spending the much of the winter under the covers.

No matter how many inherent seasonal risk factors you face, there are ways to prepare for and get through the season virtually unscathed. At Anixter & Oser Insurance, we wish for you a happy and abundantly healthy winter, so here are a few tips to help you stay well and enjoy!

Consider ‘sticking it’ to the Flu. Flu shots seem to be available at practically every drug store or pharmacy in Novato. Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of flu shots for yourself and your family.
Get some zzz’s. Prioritize getting enough sleep – or taking a quick nap – despite your busy schedule. Sleep is essential to health and healing.
Fill the fridge. It’s easy to allow your pantry to start looking like a sweet shop with Valentine's Day nearing. Take care to stock your refrigerator and cabinets with healthy snacks and ingredients for balanced meals. Think fruit, nuts, lower-calorie snacks, veggies and lean proteins.
Keep moving. Despite the many temptations to just relax and stay out of the cold, don’t give in to being a couch potato. Get to the gym or yoga studio, go for a walk, jump on the treadmill or dance. The important thing is to just move!

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Protect Your Motorhome and RV From the Cold

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:54:58 GMT

If you're a snowbird and you're headed away from the cold this winter to a sunnier and warmer spot, you can move on to the next article. Just know that we here at Anixter & Oser Insurance wish you a safe journey – and that we're all a little jealous. But no hard feelings; we'll still be here, standing ready should you need us.

But for those RV owners who aren't able to escape the winter weather, or who are simply storing their RV in a warmer locale for an extended period, it's important to prepare for it. Just as with your home, a little maintenance now will go a long way toward preventing frustration – and expensive repairs – later.

The basic tips below should help you get started. For more detailed information, including step-by-step instructions on replacing the water in your motorhome with antifreeze, simply do a web search for RV winterization and you'll find several great resources. Of course, you should consult your owner's manual for guidelines specific to your unit.

Winterizing your RV's exterior

This is the "easy" part of winterizing your RV. You'll want to clean it thoroughly, and make sure any awnings are fully dry before rolling them in for the winter. Also, keep your tires covered to protect them from sunlight and the elements. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Protecting your motorhome's interior

After cleaning the interior, leave the cabinets open and make sure to remove any food or food residue. If you aren't going to be in your RV over the winter, you sure don't want to attract any animals or insects looking for a cozy spot. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. And never store a propane tank inside your RV, even over the winter.

Engine, tanks and plumbing

If you live somewhere prone to freezing weather, make sure you have enough antifreeze in the engine, and change the oil and filter if needed. If possible, you'll want to charge the battery a few times during the winter (you may even want to remove it from the RV). Then, empty the holding tanks and replace the water in the plumbing lines with non-toxic antifreeze.

Just a little preparation will help ensure your RV is ready to roll when summer comes back around in Novato. You'll be back on the road before you know it. (And then we'll be jealous of you, too!)

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us. You can also learn more about our RV insurance or get a free RV insurance quote online today!

Make Sure Your Holidays Stay Happy … and Safe

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:28:48 GMT

You'll no doubt hear the phrase "Happy Holidays!" about a thousand times over the next month. Here at Anixter & Oser Insurance, we'd like to change that a little bit: "Happy – and Safe – Holidays!"

While the holidays certainly bring cheer here in Novato, they also present some danger unless you take care when putting up your tree, lighting candles and keeping that fire going on a cold winter night.

During November and December, according to estimates by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 12,000 people are treated in emergency rooms nationwide due to holiday-related decorating accidents. Add to that the number of fires involving Christmas trees, candles and fireplaces, and you can see the importance of making safety a part of your holiday preparations.

Read on for some helpful tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your season jolly for kids and adults alike. And make sure to give us a call at 415-898-1600 if you have any questions about your coverage – or if you just need to know when you can drop off your gift to your favorite agency! (We kid, we kid.)

Trees

When purchasing a live tree, make sure to check it for freshness, as dried-out trees present a greater fire risk. It should be green and needles should be hard to pull off and not break when bent between your fingers.
Make sure an artificial tree is labeled "fire resistant".
Any tree set up inside your home should be placed away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Don't block a doorway with your tree.
After cutting a few inches off the tree trunk to allow for better water absorption, keep your stand filled with water. Heated rooms can dry live trees out quickly.

Lights and decorations

Even if you've just purchased them, check all lights before hanging them on your tree. The bulbs should all work and there should be no frayed wires or loose connections.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. You or others could be at risk of electrocution.
Outdoor lights should be certified for outdoor use. Don't use nails or tacks to hold them in place; instead, use hooks or insulated staples.
Turn off lights when you go to bed or leave the house to reduce the risk of shorted-out lights causing a fire.
Outdoor electric decorations and lights should be plugged into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Never use lighted candles on or near a tree.

Fireplaces and candles

Remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from the fireplace area before starting a fire. Make sure the flue is open.
Do not burn gift wrap in the fireplace. Wrapping paper ignites suddenly and burns intensely, which could result in a flash fire.
Keep all burning candles in sight. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room or leave the house.
Make sure candles are on a stable surface where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over.
Of course, keep candles away from other flammable items.

Remember, you can't have happy holidays without holiday safety. Here's to you and yours, and a wonderful season for all.

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us today!

Tips for Preparing for Your Holiday Driving Trip

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:12:57 GMT

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you're simply driving around in Novato or headed across the country.

At Anixter & Oser Insurance, we'd like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you'll get there safely too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter

Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And - we know you've heard this before, but bear with us - your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave

Know exactly where you're going, with maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don't arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don't forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof - ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you're on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it's absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you're caught in a storm that seems like it's too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it's best not to drive in snow and ice at all - stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now's the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the new year!

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us today!

Halloween Safety: Be Ready When the Little Goblins Come Out

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:13:20 GMT

It's a night full of treats for both kids and adults in Novato. But a number of factors - including lots of people walking in the dark, the threat of wet and stormy weather, strangers coming to your door - mean that Halloween in California can have some tricks up its sleeve.

Anixter & Oser Insurance wants your Halloween to be a happy one. So whether you're taking your kids out trick-or-treating, hosting a party or just staying home to greet costumed visitors, we can help make your evening safe while you take care of making it spooky. Just check out the tips below - and, as always, don't hesitate to call us at 415-898-1600 if you have questions about your costume ... er, coverage.

Make your kids' costumes scary - and safe

Make sure costumes are made of flame-resistant material. When wearing your costume, do not walk near lit candles or luminaries.
Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to increase your visibility to drivers.
Masks and costumes should be properly fitted to avoid blocked vision and falls.
Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Safe trick-or-treating in California

Trick-or-treaters should walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Do not allow kids to go out alone.
Make sure kids know their home phone number as well as how to call 911.
Flashlights and glow sticks can help with visibility while trick-or-treating.
Kids should only enter a home if they’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
All treats should be examined for choking hazards and tampering. Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you know the cook well.
Of course, it's a good idea to limit the number of treats your children (and you!) eat. One way to encourage this is by having a full, healthy meal before going out trick-or-treating.

Having a party? Expecting trick-or-treaters at your house?

Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit, and free of obstacles.
Keep candles (including lit jack o'lanterns) away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains.
Remind drivers coming to and from your home to watch out for trick-or-treaters and drive slowly through neighborhoods.

Carving those pumpkins

Creating a jack o'lantern is a time-honored tradition, whether you buy your pumpkins at the grocery store or at a local pumpkin farm. But don't forget, kids and knives are a dangerous combination. It's best to have the kids draw designs on the pumpkin with a marker and then let an adult handle the carving. And here's a great idea for kids who want to remove the seeds - rather than using a knife, hand them an ice-cream scoop. It's a lot safer, and it just might be more effective!

Help keep Halloween safe for everyone - and remember, your kids WILL know if you swipe some treats from their stash!

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us today!

When the Kids Head for College, Put “Insurance 101" on Your Class List

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:09:24 GMT

It's an exciting time when your child heads off to college. Whether they're attending school in California or have moved all the way across the country, there were a ton of things to get done last month, but did you remember to look over their insurance needs? Don't worry - it's never too late!

Homeowners Policies

Coverage of personal property: Most homeowners policies provide 10 percent of Coverage C (Personal Property) for your property while it is at a residence other than your residence. That means if the contents of your home are insured for $100,000, your student's property up to $10,000 generally would be covered if they are living in a dormitory. The damage must be caused by an event covered in the policy, however.
Special items: Be aware that certain items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics and computers, may require special coverage.
Off-campus living: If your student lives in off-campus housing, such as an apartment, we strongly advise you to consider renters insurance, as your homeowners insurance generally would not apply in this instance. Check with us at Anixter & Oser, Inc to be sure. Keep in mind that renters insurance cannot be shared between roommates, so your child will need their own policy.
Create an inventory: It's a good idea to keep an inventory of expensive items your child is taking to school, as well as keeping photos and receipts for the items. In the event of a loss, this can make the claims process much easier.

Auto Policies

Coverage without a car at school: If your student will continue to drive while at home on school breaks - or if there's a chance they could drive a friend's car at school - it is vital that you keep them on your auto policy. They may even qualify for a distant-student or good-student discount. Contact us to see if we can save you some money on your insurance.
Coverage with a car at school: In most instances, a car registered to you and listed on your policy will be covered if used by your student away at school, provided they are listed on your policy. Be sure to call us at 415-898-1600 and make sure your insurance company writes coverage in the college's state and location, however. And please let us know if your child is taking a car to school, because the location of the vehicle can result in a change in premium.

Contact Us!

Not having the right insurance can be a costly mistake - and college is expensive enough as it is. So give us a call today. Your child may be going away, but we'll be right here when you need us! (And we won't call you to ask for pizza money, either.)

For further questions and assistance, contact us!

Get the Most Out of Your RV This Summer

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:15:40 GMT

There's nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV. Whether you're headed to somewhere nearby or somewhere farther away this summer, Anixter & Oser, Inc wants you to get the most out of your travels.

General travel tips

Have a plan. (And maps, or a GPS.) One of the reasons you're traveling in an RV, no doubt, is for the adventure. But while the freedom to go wherever you want in California can be exciting, getting lost isn't (at least for most people). You'll cut down on frustration if you know where you're headed.
Pack the right things. We've all forgotten to pack something while going on vacation. And buying new items at your destination can add up. So make a packing list, and remember that it's not all about clothes and toiletries. Don't forget your favorite road music, or DVDs to watch at night. And if you've got kids with you, be sure to pack games and other things to entertain them.
But don't pack everything. Of course, just because you have an RV doesn't mean you should bring all of your possessions on vacation with you.
Be prepared for anything. You should have a first-aid kit in the RV, as well as some tools for smaller repairs. And if you're traveling a long distance, why not bring some local items from your hometown to give as gifts when you make new friends?
Limit the driving. It's tiring enough driving a car - let alone an RV - hundreds of miles a day, so give yourself plenty of rest and don't overdo the driving.

Want to bring your car?

Taking a car a long with your RV can give you a lot more flexibility on your vacation. But it can also make the driving more stressful, so keep that in mind. According to towingworld.com, there are three main options to bring your car with you:

A trailer: This of course, allows you to raise the car completely off the ground. They're generally more expensive than other options, but keep wear and tear to a minimum for your car.
A tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground. They're useful if you can't tow your car with all four wheels down, and can be easily used for front-wheel drive vehicles without another device to make it towable.
A tow bar: The most popular choice, because of its convenience. It's the option with the least amount of equipment, and usually the least expensive; it also takes up less space than dollies and trailers. Note that not all cars can be towed with four wheels on the ground, so check your manufacturer's recommendations.

Where to stay

If you're looking for campground or RV parks in California and beyond, you're in luck - there are seemingly endless options across the country. But how do you know which ones are good? Or safe? Plenty of online resources have information on various parks, including the ones below:

Wherever you stay, you'll want to take some steps to prevent crime. RVs can be inviting targets for thieves, because they usually contain more valuables than cars. Always lock your doors when you're away from the RV, and keep valuables out of sight or locked away.

If you're parked for the night in a non-camping area, such as a parking lot, try to stay in a well-lit area - and keep the door facing the light. Finally, try to make fuel or convenience store stops during the day, if possible.

You've got a summer full of fun ahead in your RV. We wish we were coming with you! Here's hoping for smooth and safe travels.

And don't forget, we can help you get the right insurance coverage for your RV (and everything else). Contact us today!