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TWFG CALIFORNIA BLOG

Staged Auto Accidents

4/13/2016

 

Staged Auto Accidents:

How to spot them & How to avoid them

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What is a Staged Auto Accident?
A staged auto accident is when a person, or persons plan a car crash for insurance money. This often means involving an unsuspecting driver whose insurance company ends up paying out large sums.  According to the FBI, these kinds of accidents cost the insurance industry up to $20 billion per year. 
Some Common Staged Accidents:
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The Drive Down: You’re attempting to merge when another driver waves you  forward. Instead of letting you in, he slams into your car. The driver will deny ever motioning you. 

The Swoop and Squat: The first car “swoops” in while another “squats” in front of you. After the “accident,” passengers will file bogus injury claims with your insurance company.

The T-Bone: You’re crossing an intersection when a car coming from a side street accelerates and hits your car. When the police arrive, the driver and several planted “witnesses” claim that you ran a red light or stop sign.
Some Tips to Keep You Safe:
  • If you’re in an accident, call the police immediately. 
  • Report accident claims immediately. ​
  • Don’t settle on-site with cash. 
  • Be careful with your personal information—be mindful of identity theft. 
  • If you can, photograph the car and passengers and write down names, addresses and phone numbers. 
  • Use medical, car repair and legal professionals you know and trust. ​
  •  Drive defensively...don’t tailgate!
Did You Know?
Our office has a 24/7 "warm" line?  You can call our office number at any time to be forwarded to the after hours cell-phone. If someone doesn't answer right away, we will get back to you as soon as possible. 
When an Accident Happens, Document Everything!
The best way to protect yourself after an accident occurs is to take detailed notes.The more you have, the more equipped you are to fight a fraudulent claim. Your notes should include (when possible): the driver’s license number, the VIN, the car insurance information, the name, address and phone number of the driver and the number of passengers (and their general height and weight). Additionally, be sure to take pictures of the involved vehicles from every angle that you can.

If you're in an accident, remember that we are here for you.
​510-573-4745

Drone Safety

1/19/2016

 

Your Home, Your Privacy, Your Insurance and Drones.
What you should know

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Drone Safety

Drones, also referred to as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), are usually thought of as toys or hobbyist aircraft. However, they can also constitute a substantial risk to your family, home and privacy.
Even though most drones only weigh a few pounds, a crash can still cause significant damage to a person or property. Additionally, many drones are equipped with cameras and other technology that can violate your family’s privacy. Whether or not you own a drone, it’s important that you’re aware of regulations and safety tips regarding their use. 

Federal Regulations 

Tips for Safe Drone Use
Even drones that are used only for recreation are legally considered aircraft, and must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here are the basic guidelines for registering recreational drones:
  • Drones that weigh between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered online.
  • Once registered, the drone’s operator will receive a registration number that must be placed on all applicable drones.
  • The registration is valid for three years. Failing to register a drone may result in regulatory and criminal penalties.
Since the FAA legally considers drones the equivalent of manned aircraft, any attempt to damage or destroy one can result in federal penalties. These include up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Even incidental damage could expose you and your family to federal penalties and expenses for any resulting damage.

If you’re concerned with a drone that’s operating in your area, call your local police department. 
You could be financially responsible for any damage a drone causes to a person or property. Here are some basic tips to safely operate a drone:
  •  Check your local laws and ordinances to ensure that drones can be operated in your area.
  • Make sure that the drone’s operator is comfortable with the controls, and that he or she is aware of all safety guidelines.
  • Don’t fly the drone above 400 feet, and always remain below any surrounding obstacles.
  • Keep the drone in sight at all times, and have an observer assist the operator if needed.
  • Remain clear of all manned aircraft. The FAA requires all drones to stay at least 5 miles away from airports.
  • Don’t operate the drone when it’s windy, or in other inclement weather.
  • Don’t operate the drone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
  • Keep the drone away from all pedestrians, roads and open-air stadiums. ​

Drones & Privacy

Researchers have shown that drones equipped with smartphones can access data from an insecure computer network and other electronic devices. Since drones can access areas that a normal person couldn’t, such as a second story window or a fenced-in backyard, they could potentially access your family’s private information and violate your privacy. ​
Though most homeowners policies cover damage caused by aircraft, others may exclude this coverage option. Contact us to check your home’s coverage, and for more drone safety information. 
Contact Us

Home Heating and Ventilation

12/29/2015

 
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It's Cold Outside....

How to keep your home warm and safe with regular chimney maintenance 

       Lighting a fire on a cold night or turning on the furnace is a great way to stay warm. Although these appliances can provide ambiance and relaxation, you may not be thinking about how your home’s chimney can expose you to the risks of carbon monoxide buildup and fire.  Usually, only fireplaces are associated with chimneys. However, other common appliances—such as furnaces and water heaters—also require outdoor chimneys, which are commonly called vents. All of these chimneys function similarly, and they require regular maintenance so that smoke and flue gases are ventilated properly.
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Without regular maintenance, your chimneys can become damaged or obstructed by a buildup of creosote—an oily, black residue that is highly combustible and can block ventilation. Your chimneys should be inspected every year, preferably before winter sets in:
  • Make sure that your appliances are connected to separate flues or ducts to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
  •  Ensure that the interior metal liners of chimneys are in good condition and don’t have any cracks that could release carbon monoxide into your living areas.
  • Inspect the upper openings of your chimneys, if possible. Make sure that the openings are clear of debris, such as leaves and nests.
  • Have your chimneys cleaned to reduce the buildup of creosote.
  • Contact a certified specialist to repair, replace and clean your chimneys. If chimneys aren’t maintained properly, they could become an even larger threat to your home
​Chimneys might seem like a low-tech aspect of your home, but ignoring chimney maintenance can cause catastrophic damage.  Contact Us for information on how to get in touch with a specialist. 

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