News
6 steps to avoid fall injuries in the home
Accidental injury is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S., and 28% of home deaths are the result of slip and fall accidents. Learn what you can do to prevent falls in the home.
5 Steps to Benefits on a Budget
5 Steps to Benefits on a Budget Whether you have offered insurance to your employees for years or are just considering it for the first time, the cost and administration of these benefits can cause many headaches and sleepless nights. The complexity and costs continue to rise as a new generation enters the workforce and older generations remain. Here are some tips to modernize your benefit package while remaining budget conscious: Defined Contribution—consider putting a limit on what you contribute toward your employees’ plans based on a dollar amount or what your budget can afford. For example, you can allow up to $200, or $300, or more dollars for your employees to use toward any or all benefits (no cash value). Each year you can budget an increase based on the dollar amount, regardless of how much the insurance policy increase. This helps take some of the pressure out of [Continue Reading]
Patience is primo for learning to drive a manual transmission
A manual transmission is a good skill to learn, but parents need patience when teaching stick to their teens.
Additional homeowner’s insurance options—when you need extra protection!
Do you know the exclusions to coverage listed in your homeowner's insurance policy?
Business Continuity Planning
Most property risk management reviews entail selecting insurance values for equipment, inventory, and buildings. We need these items to conduct business, so we insure them against accidents and catastrophes. We also need time. I'll argue that time is equally as important and often under-estimated. According to a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of businesses do not reopen following a disaster. An additional 31% of businesses close their doors after 2 years. I assume most of these businesses have insurance, so why is their failure rate so high? Time. Their risk management process failed to properly address the value of time. Consider that your business temporarily closes following a fire. Customers purchase their goods and services elsewhere. Revenue disappears. Expenses like monthly loan payments continue and creditors want payments. Your employees need to pay their own bills so they look for new jobs. It’s a dire situation [Continue Reading]
Want your kids to be good drivers? Be one yourself
Parents may be the most important influence on the drivers their kids turn out to be. Set a good example by being safe, respectful and undistracted on the road.
Road safety in a tornado
If you are caught driving during a tornado, don't stop at an underpass for shelter. Our latest post offers tips to protect yourself during a terrible storm.
Neglecting home maintenance can lead to costly insurance claims
Take some time to schedule home maintenance to save yourself money in costly insurance claims.
Resolve to be Insured
When making your New Years resolution list, if being insured isn’t on it, you should reconsider making 2014 your year to be properly covered. According to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 47 million American were without health insurance in 2012, a level that has been consistent for nearly a decade (1). Despite laws in 49 states - New Hampshire the one exception - that require auto liability insurance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, there are many drivers who get on the roads without it (2). In the case of both types of insurance, cost of insurance and a lack of income is the main determinant in an individual choosing to forgo insurance and the law in the case of auto insurance. Those people who do not have health insurance tend to wait to get health care they need, though, while those without auto insurance [Continue Reading]
2014 Presents 10 New California Laws
10 new California laws go into effect in 2014. With increases to the minimum wage, and gun control laws, protection of transgender students, and protection for victims of domestic violence, there are many changes coming this year. 1. In July, the Minimum wage increases to $9 an hour. 2. Immigrants will now be protected under the Trust Act which limits deportations for those arrested for minor crimes and who have no criminal record. 3. Transgender students will have protection in that children will be allowed to play on sports teams and use restrooms of the gender they identify with. 4. Children will no longer be limited to two parents. The new law states that children can legally have three or more parents. For example, a lesbian couple can be legally recognized as parents as well as the child's father. 5. Faulty parking meters will no longer be a risk. The [Continue Reading]
Enjoy Warm Apple Pie This Winter Without All The Work
Apple pie has gained a reputation for being tricky to master, but this recipe makes both the filling and crust quite easy to pull off correctly. Look for apples labeled for baking to ensure you get maximum flavor and good texture in the finished dish. For the crust: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted 2 teaspoons non-iodized salt 4 teaspoons of sugar 1 cup of vegetable oil, melted butter, melted shortening, melted lard, or a combination 4 tablespoons milk Mix dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk, then fold in the wet ingredients. Keep folding and mixing until the dough comes into a ball and there is no dry flour. Halve the dough, pressing one ball into the pan as the base and rolling out the second for a flat or latticed top. For the filling: Three pounds of baking apples 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4th cup granulated sugar [Continue Reading]
Healthy Holiday Black Bean Brownies
Chocolate is always a hit for the holiday season. Whether you are cooking for an office Christmas party, or you want to bake brownies for homemade food gift giving, try black bean brownies. You'll savor the flavor of rich, dense chocolate brownies while serving guests healthy, low fat and high fiber treats. This gluten free recipe requires no flour. Instead, you'll need a 15-ounce can of cooked, plain black beans. Drain the beans, and then add these along with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ½ cup rolled oats, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup raw honey, ¼ cup coconut oil, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Blend this in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish that has been lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle ½ cup chocolate chips over the surface, and bake [Continue Reading]
Simple Tips to Burn Your Fireplace Safely
There’s nothing like curling your toes in front of a toasty fire. While the flames are crackling and your toes are popping, take every precaution to keep your home from going up in smoke. Use your fireplace safely with these tips. Have your chimney inspected by a professional before you use it. Move all flammable materials away from the hearth. Use a metal screen to keep embers from escaping. Embers are hot enough to ignite carpets and other flammable items. Don't restrict the air flow to the fireplace. Doing so can increase creosote buildup and may cause a chimney fire. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to start a fire. Also, starting a fire with cardboard or newspaper is not recommended. Opt for seasoned hardwood instead of soft wood. Soft wood increases creosote buildup and raises the risk of a fire. Clean leaves, pine needles and twigs [Continue Reading]
Cartoon Classic Cars – The Hottest Ever!
There are lots of great cars in the world and some of the most impressive, although improbable, were the cars from the cartoons well loved by children (and grown-ups!) everywhere. Everyone had a favorite, even if you weren't fond of the cartoon itself. That's because every cartoon car had things going for it that the boring, plain cars parents owned were totally incapable of. According to a recent article Top Five Classic Cartoon Cars, featured in the Hagetry Classic Cars’ weekly news, these are a few of the absolute favorites of all time! - Speed Racer - Based on a combination of the Ferrari Testa Rosa and the Ford GT40, this car could do it all. Deflect bullets, go underwater, drive upside-down and win race after race! A genuine classic car that everyone remembers fondly. - Transformers Bumblebee - No, not the Camaro from the movie but the VW Beetle [Continue Reading]
49th Annual Woodland Holiday Parade
This year marks the 49th annual holiday parade in Woodland, California. The 2013 parade theme is Dashing Through the Snow. Come out to Main Street on December 14th at 10 am to watch the parade, rain or shine. Many thanks to the Woodland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodland for putting together such a wonderful event in the community. Watching the parade will be an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 people. More than 60 entries are planned for this year's parade, including ROTC units, marching bands and prized horses from throughout California in addition to Shriners, religious groups, and boy and girl scouts. Some of the financial supporters of the parade include Woodland Tractor, Davis Enterprise, FFA Pioneer High School and Wilkinson International. Here at Wraith, Scarlett & Randolph this annual event is a highlight of the Woodland community. We hope to see you out in the crowds for [Continue Reading]
Get Into The Holiday Spirit With The Woodland Christmas Tree Lighting Event
Do you love putting up the Christmas tree every year, as the family gets together to put up the decorations and watch the glittering lights splash colors over the walls? If you do, then drive the family to downtown Woodland on December 6th to watch the annual Christmas tree lighting event. At Heritage Plaza located at 701 Main Street, the sky over downtown Woodland will light up with festive colors at 6:00 pm. Check out this wonderful event as you celebrate the holiday season with the rest of the community. In addition, get into the Christmas mood by going on a horse carriage ride. Sit back and enjoy the motion of the carriage with that special someone in your life. Horse carriage rides only cost $2 per person, or you can donate 1 can of food per person to help those less unfortunate in our community. Children who are 3 [Continue Reading]
Our New Website: Reflecting the Changes in Healthcare
We at Wraith, Scarlett & Randolph work with insurance every single day and somewhere along the way it has become demystified. We understand it, and we genuinely enjoy working with it. We do realize, however, that not everyone adores the discussion of insurance like we do! In fact, some people will do whatever they can to avoid it. We honestly cannot blame you. Even as practitioners, we understand how the ever-changing face of insurance can frustrate those seeking to learn more. That's why we're here. You need a tax expert to help you with your taxes, a doctor to help with your health, and insurance experts to stand by you as you navigate the seemingly murky waters of insurance matters. We're a full-service agency with a genuine passion for helping you find the best insurance for your particular circumstances. Insurance is never a "one-size-fits-all" product. What works for you may [Continue Reading]
Black Friday Tips for Shoppers in Woodland, CA
Black Friday will be here in a blink of an eye, so it's best to start preparing now. Here in Woodland, CA two of the hottest stores for shopping on the day after Thanksgiving are Target and Best Buy. While Best Buy will start Black Friday sales on Friday, November 29, Target will run a sale from Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, November 30. Don't forget about Cyber Monday, which occurs on December 2 and involves massive sales via online stores. For any store you are planning to shop at, start by signing up for email alerts. For instance, both Target and Best Buy have grant individuals who sign up with exclusive access to deals. As soon as you receive a sales advertisement for a Black Friday sale, compare your gift shop list to those items on sale. If you see a must-have item that will be available in limited quantities [Continue Reading]
DIY Thanksgiving Decorations and Cranberry Sauce
You have less than a month to plan and prep for one of the most important meals of the year. This Thanksgiving make sure that your home is up to par by taking the time to decorate the space. Start by adding seasonal gourds and pumpkins to your counters and surfaces, such as the mantel, bookshelf, or coffee table. Cut a few twigs trimmed with brightly colored leaves, and place these in a vase for an autumnal arrangement perfect for a centerpiece. Light a few candles, preferably of pumpkin or leaves scents, and your guests will detect the fall in the air. Why choose the gelatinous cranberry sauce in a can for your Thanksgiving Day feast? Give your friends and family a real treat—homemade cranberry sauce. Start with a pound of fresh cranberries, 1 cup apple cider, ¼ cup orange juice, and 1 cup of pure maple syrup. Combine and [Continue Reading]
“Going Green” Can Actually Save You Some Green
Many new car buyers are quickly scared off by the higher sticker price of hybrid vehicles. That's too bad for several reasons. Once you look past the initial purchase price, hybrids can actually save a ton of money over the life of the vehicle. Save on Gas Most people think of the hybrid as a way to save on the cost of fuel. That's true. Hybrids can save a bundle on fuel costs. The whole idea of a hybrid is to use the gasoline-powered engine only when it is most economical to do so. Otherwise, the car uses an electric motor, which uses no gas at all. Of course, there are costs for recharging the batteries, but recharging can even be scheduled for your electricity provider's periods of cheapest rates. Save on Insurance Many insurance providers today offer discounts for hybrid vehicles based on their lower [Continue Reading]
Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Owning a dog may affect your homeowners insurance policy. This is due to the dramatic rise in the value of dog bite claims over the last ten years. According to Insurance Information Institute figures, almost $490 million were paid for dog bite claims in 2012. This figure accounts for over a third of all homeowner insurance liability claims made in that year. In most cases, simply owning a canine will not increase the cost of your homeowners insurance policy. However, if your pet bites someone on your property, your premiums will more than likely rise. Your insurer may even choose to eliminate dog bite injuries from your coverage altogether. You can also be denied insurance coverage if your canine pertains to a "high risk" category, such as a Rottweiler or Pit Bull, even if your pet has never been involved in a dog bite incident. If you own a dog, it’s best to [Continue Reading]
Protect Your Special Valuables
Many of us have possessions in our home or office that we cherish. Perhaps the valuable is an art piece, or perhaps it is a hobby that we have acquired over the years. All of these items we collect have specific market value as well as emotional value. Examples of your Valuable collectibles are: Antique vehicles Musical Instruments Fine Arts such as Paintings, Sculptures, Glass art Jewelry Wine Antiques Silverware Antique Books, such as 1st Additions Crystal Furs You may have other collectibles you have spent years researching and accumulating, or perhaps you have inherited these valuables. Whether your valuables are in your home, office, or elsewhere, our insurance carriers have products that will protect your assets when they are lost, stolen, or damaged. Your standard Homeowners or Office policy may have small limits for these valuables. Wraith, Scarlett & Randolph Insurance professionals are here to help you protect those [Continue Reading]
Fall Care and Maintenance Tips
Have you noticed the familiar chill in the morning, the colorful fall foliage, the return to cozy fires and pumpkins in everything from farm to fork? For many of us, the turning of seasons signifies a time to start preparing for those winter months of cooler weather, wind, and rain. We hear of many property and liability claims that occur during the fall and winter months that could have been prevented with a little extra care and maintenance. We would like to bring your attention to a few that might help with your winter preparations: Impact your energy costs and water damage during wet weather by Weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors Prevent flying objects during windstorms and damage to valuable property by protecting your outdoor living spaces and areas Prevent trip and fall claims by removing leaves and debris on walkways in and around your home and [Continue Reading]
Downtown Main Street Businesses Invite Kids for Halloween Trick or Treat
If you have young children and are concerned about how hyper your kids are likely to get on Halloween after consuming too much sugar, you're probably not looking forward to the prospect of getting them to bed after all that excitement. Thankfully, others in this city understand the situation so well that they came up with an event that will allow you to get an early start on trick or treating so your children won't be out later than you'd like. Grab your family members, call your friends, and head to Downtown Woodland where Main Street businesses, including us, plan to hand out candy to costumed kids who come to trick or treat on October 31 st between 3 PM and 6 PM! Head on over to Heritage Plaza for more fun, and take part in some of the free or low- cost fun activities that are planned for the [Continue Reading]
Being a Trusted Choice Agent Has Value for the Consumer
If you need an insurance policy, you'll want to get one from a company you can trust. You don't want to work with just anyone, because you might not get the value you're expecting. Rather than take a risk on an unknown agent or company, choose a Trusted Choice agent. The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America developed that national brand in order to help educate customers and show them how much value they could get from independent agents. When you select an agent with this designation, you're getting 24/7 access, and your insurance information will be explained to you in a way you'll be able to easily understand. That can help you make better policy decisions, and also help you make changes if you need to. These agents also pledge to conduct their business ethically, and assist customers through the claims process. While it sounds like all agents [Continue Reading]
