Plus - How CIG is Giving Back This Holiday Season. The days following Thanksgiving are known for frenzied shopping sprees and full-on preparation for the December gift-giving season. You’re probably familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but what about Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday, also known as the National Day of Giving, is observed on [...]

Thinking of Becoming a Landlord? 10 Things to Know Before You Hand Over the Rental Keys   Becoming a landlord is a big commitment — for you and your tenants. Some see it as a great investment, and it’s not hard to understand why. In the U.S., the number of renters is rising: between 2009 [...]

This season is a festive time with harvest events, pumpkin carving, costume parties, and the beloved activity for children – trick-or-treating. To help keep your little ghosts and goblins safe this Halloween, consider the following tips: 1. Have a game plan. If you want to hit the streets, look up a specific route. Consider community […]

This week, PG&E announced they will be shutting down power to prevent wildfires caused by electrical lines — a move that will impact nearly 800,000 people. Since the shut-off may last several days, it’s important that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Below are several precautions residents should heed to stay safe: Back-up power [...]

You can’t stop the intensity or the path of these major natural disasters, but you can prepare for them. Below, we cover several ways to be aware and prepare.   Mudslides and landslides are notorious for occurring after a particularly bad wildfire or snowmelt season. Depending on where you live, you could be at risk [...]

Prepare you and your household for emergencies ahead of time with these essential tips. September is National Preparedness Month, and there’s no time like the present to be prepared. Not only will some early preparation save you crucial time if a disaster does hit, but it also allows you more peace of mind knowing that [...]

9 Tips for Camping Safety Enjoying the great outdoors is a national pastime — especially near the end of summer when families can take advantage of an extra-long weekend during Labor Day. But before you hit the trail or find the perfect campsite, review these camping safety tips for a stress-free outdoor adventure. Location, Location, [...]

Understanding the risks of subletting can help you decide if this is the best option for you. Subletting is a great way to maintain your apartment, condo, or house while you’re going to be away for an extended time period. Many members of the military end up subletting during their deployment, and it may also […]

We’ve all seen the funny pictures of pets caught in the act – rummaging through the garbage, eating the stuffing out of throw pillows, and going to the bathroom in places where they shouldn’t. As an outsider, it’s funny to see these photos, but what if it’s your home that this happened to? Or worse […]

It’s that time of year again, and everyone is hitting the beach to soak up the summer sun. Before you start jumping the waves, it’s a good idea to brush up on these beach safety tips for the most enjoyable summer getaway. Understanding the risks involved with water safety can help prepare you and your […]

A strong password is your first line of defense against cybercriminals. In fact, login credentials are some of the most sought-after data in phishing and hacking attempts. Why? Because once a criminal has your credentials, they can easily log into your online accounts, placing your finances, privacy, and reputation at risk. You don’t have to […]

Let’s face it. Renting your property can be a bigger headache than you might have imagined (or maybe you already knew and expected the headache), so it’s worth it to make sure you — as well as your tenants — are covered and protected. Some property owners even make renters insurance a mandatory agreement in [...]

With animal-vehicle collision claims on the rise, stay safe and follow these best practices Throughout the year, thousands of animal-vehicle collisions happen across the United States. Encountering wildlife while driving can be dangerous and scary. Often animals will suddenly jump onto a roadway or find themselves in busy, urban areas and in harm’s way. According [...]

Selling a car to a private party can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to schedule times to show your car to potential buyers, but you also must organize the paperwork. Find out why selling your car privately doesn’t have to be difficult. Get your vehicle history report ready If you’ve heard [...]

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2019 It’s a familiar routine. You round up the kids each morning, scramble into the family car, and make sure everyone is buckled in before hitting the road. Knowing the latest in child passenger safety and car seat regulations can help ensure a safer drive for everyone. Did [...]

We all lead busy lives and at times use our cars as a method of storage for our “on-the-go” routines. From a beach bag, to lip balm or favorite sunglasses, it’s easy to forget these items in our car or leave them in there for convenience and easy access. While outside temperatures may still be tolerable, [...]

Planning a trip this summer that involves renting a car? Keep these things in mind before you hit the road.   Rental car insurance is one of those topics in life that never truly seems to have a definitive answer. Most people skip out on purchasing the extra coverage, but at what cost? Capital Insurance […]

November 5-11, 2017 marks National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. While most people are aware of the dangers of drinking or texting and driving, many do not realize the dangers of drowsiness. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37% admit to falling asleep behind the [...]

Baby, it’s cold outside! Temperatures are dropping as we welcome the winter months. Depending on where you live, your idea of a “winter wardrobe” could mean swapping out flip flops and shorts for booties and a sweater (we’re looking at you, Southern California!). On the other hand, your winter preparation may mean breaking out puffy [...]

  For any car-owner, having an auto insurance policy is pretty standard. Your insurance policy will come in handy should you ever get into a car accident or experience something like a flat tire and need help. It’s generally well-known that insurance companies charge younger drivers higher rates. Even when an adult with an existing […]

From floods and windstorms, to power outages and snowstorms, winter can be a cruel season for weather. Winter is notorious for strong, sudden storms that can strike at any time. Here are six easy hacks to help you get through the season: Monitor local news and weather reports. Winter weather can strike at any time. [...]

Monterey community offers free car seat inspections on September 30th.   “As a leading insurer serving the Western United States for over a century, we take great pride in protecting the communities where we live and serve. While it’s imperative to have car insurance to protect your family, passenger safety requires daily vigilance,” said Arne […]

June 28 marks National Insurance Awareness Day! Whether you own a small business or rent an apartment, it’s important to be aware of the insurance you have, check your policies regularly and make sure you’re not missing any opportunities. When it comes to insurance, here are four common gaps to be aware of: HO3 vs. […]

Find yourself working remotely? Working from home has its challenges, but there are many steps you can take to ensure a healthy, productive, and satisfying work-from-home experience. Take a look. Establish Your Workspace Setting up a dedicated space where you can do your best work is the first step in creating a successful work-from-home experience. […]

Theft is a pervasive concern for retailers. A thief not only poses a safety threat to the employees and customers, but crime can negatively impact a business's bottom line. Unfortunately, retail theft happens all too often. This problem is particularly common during the holiday season. According to the 2016 Retail Holiday Season Global Forecast, a [...]

The global cost of cyber crime has skyrocketed, estimated at $400 billion annually, with 70% of breaches attributable to malware or hacking. Today, the risk of sensitive data getting into the wrong hands is a much bigger and more dangerous risk than ever before. As consumers or business owners, we supply and store so much [...]

Depending on where you live, earthquakes are a reality for many. They can’t be prevented and are extremely hard to prepare for. And although building codes have come a long way with the latest in innovative construction, many people — and specifically — many business owners, don’t realize they still need earthquake insurance, independent of […]

Building Safety Month is an international awareness campaign created to help educate the public on building safety. In this blog post, we’ll cover some common building safety tips and misconceptions about building safety — what you should know and what you might not be aware of.   Knowing your building safety is about more than […]

Owning a small business comes with more responsibilities, but having the right insurance doesn’t have to be a headache  If you’ve ever considered becoming a business owner, or you already own a small business, having the right insurance can make a big difference for your bottom line. Protect and insure your company’s livelihood by knowing […]

A strong password is your first line of defense against cybercriminals. In fact, login credentials are some of the most sought-after data in phishing and hacking attempts. Why? Because once a criminal has your credentials, they can easily log into your online accounts, placing your finances, privacy, and reputation at risk. You don’t have to […]

Going green at work is painless and takes only a second to remind yourself to reduce, reuse, and recycle daily. Find out how you can kick-start your eco-friendly journey and celebrate Mother Earth this month!   Reduce - For most people, there is almost zero need to keep papers laying around or stacks of files [...]

Follow this safety checklist before your next restaurant inspection If you own or operate a restaurant, health inspections can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Health inspections are held routinely to ensure business practices and food operations are performed safely, to protect customers and the greater public. Inspections follow state and local regulations, outlined by [...]

Tax season is here, which means it's time for small-business owners to learn which expenses qualify for small-business tax deductions. Businesses can deduct expenses that are both ordinary (meaning it's commonly accepted in your trade) and necessary (meaning it's helpful and appropriate, but not necessarily a must-have), according to the IRS. Items that are personal [...]

An important step in keeping your business financially stable is investing in the right insurance policy. For entrepreneurs in California, there's a lot to consider when it comes to insurance. Here's how to shop for the right small-business policy: Small-business insurance required by law According to the Small Business Administration, by law, every small business with [...]

Farmers typically take numerous steps to protect their land, crops and other assets. One form of protection farmers can invest in is agricultural insurance. There are many different types of policies and coverages, but they all offer financial protection to the farmer should anything disrupt his or her crop, product, assets or anything else impacting [...]

Find yourself working remotely? Working from home has its challenges, but there are many steps you can take to ensure a healthy, productive, and satisfying work-from-home experience. Take a look. Establish Your Workspace Setting up a dedicated space where you can do your best work is the first step in creating a successful work-from-home experience. […]

Plus - How CIG is Giving Back This Holiday Season. The days following Thanksgiving are known for frenzied shopping sprees and full-on preparation for the December gift-giving season. You’re probably familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but what about Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday, also known as the National Day of Giving, is observed on [...]

With animal-vehicle collision claims on the rise, stay safe and follow these best practices Throughout the year, thousands of animal-vehicle collisions happen across the United States. Encountering wildlife while driving can be dangerous and scary. Often animals will suddenly jump onto a roadway or find themselves in busy, urban areas and in harm’s way. According [...]

Theft is a pervasive concern for retailers. A thief not only poses a safety threat to the employees and customers, but crime can negatively impact a business's bottom line. Unfortunately, retail theft happens all too often. This problem is particularly common during the holiday season. According to the 2016 Retail Holiday Season Global Forecast, a [...]

Thinking of Becoming a Landlord? 10 Things to Know Before You Hand Over the Rental Keys   Becoming a landlord is a big commitment — for you and your tenants. Some see it as a great investment, and it’s not hard to understand why. In the U.S., the number of renters is rising: between 2009 [...]

This season is a festive time with harvest events, pumpkin carving, costume parties, and the beloved activity for children – trick-or-treating. To help keep your little ghosts and goblins safe this Halloween, consider the following tips: 1. Have a game plan. If you want to hit the streets, look up a specific route. Consider community […]

This week, PG&E announced they will be shutting down power to prevent wildfires caused by electrical lines — a move that will impact nearly 800,000 people. Since the shut-off may last several days, it’s important that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Below are several precautions residents should heed to stay safe: Back-up power [...]

You can’t stop the intensity or the path of these major natural disasters, but you can prepare for them. Below, we cover several ways to be aware and prepare.   Mudslides and landslides are notorious for occurring after a particularly bad wildfire or snowmelt season. Depending on where you live, you could be at risk [...]

Prepare you and your household for emergencies ahead of time with these essential tips. September is National Preparedness Month, and there’s no time like the present to be prepared. Not only will some early preparation save you crucial time if a disaster does hit, but it also allows you more peace of mind knowing that [...]

Selling a car to a private party can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to schedule times to show your car to potential buyers, but you also must organize the paperwork. Find out why selling your car privately doesn’t have to be difficult. Get your vehicle history report ready If you’ve heard [...]

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2019 It’s a familiar routine. You round up the kids each morning, scramble into the family car, and make sure everyone is buckled in before hitting the road. Knowing the latest in child passenger safety and car seat regulations can help ensure a safer drive for everyone. Did [...]

9 Tips for Camping Safety Enjoying the great outdoors is a national pastime — especially near the end of summer when families can take advantage of an extra-long weekend during Labor Day. But before you hit the trail or find the perfect campsite, review these camping safety tips for a stress-free outdoor adventure. Location, Location, [...]

The global cost of cyber crime has skyrocketed, estimated at $400 billion annually, with 70% of breaches attributable to malware or hacking. Today, the risk of sensitive data getting into the wrong hands is a much bigger and more dangerous risk than ever before. As consumers or business owners, we supply and store so much [...]

Understanding the risks of subletting can help you decide if this is the best option for you. Subletting is a great way to maintain your apartment, condo, or house while you’re going to be away for an extended time period. Many members of the military end up subletting during their deployment, and it may also […]

We’ve all seen the funny pictures of pets caught in the act – rummaging through the garbage, eating the stuffing out of throw pillows, and going to the bathroom in places where they shouldn’t. As an outsider, it’s funny to see these photos, but what if it’s your home that this happened to? Or worse […]

We all lead busy lives and at times use our cars as a method of storage for our “on-the-go” routines. From a beach bag, to lip balm or favorite sunglasses, it’s easy to forget these items in our car or leave them in there for convenience and easy access. While outside temperatures may still be tolerable, [...]

It’s that time of year again, and everyone is hitting the beach to soak up the summer sun. Before you start jumping the waves, it’s a good idea to brush up on these beach safety tips for the most enjoyable summer getaway. Understanding the risks involved with water safety can help prepare you and your […]

Depending on where you live, earthquakes are a reality for many. They can’t be prevented and are extremely hard to prepare for. And although building codes have come a long way with the latest in innovative construction, many people — and specifically — many business owners, don’t realize they still need earthquake insurance, independent of […]

Planning a trip this summer that involves renting a car? Keep these things in mind before you hit the road.   Rental car insurance is one of those topics in life that never truly seems to have a definitive answer. Most people skip out on purchasing the extra coverage, but at what cost? Capital Insurance […]

Building Safety Month is an international awareness campaign created to help educate the public on building safety. In this blog post, we’ll cover some common building safety tips and misconceptions about building safety — what you should know and what you might not be aware of.   Knowing your building safety is about more than […]

Owning a small business comes with more responsibilities, but having the right insurance doesn’t have to be a headache  If you’ve ever considered becoming a business owner, or you already own a small business, having the right insurance can make a big difference for your bottom line. Protect and insure your company’s livelihood by knowing […]

A strong password is your first line of defense against cybercriminals. In fact, login credentials are some of the most sought-after data in phishing and hacking attempts. Why? Because once a criminal has your credentials, they can easily log into your online accounts, placing your finances, privacy, and reputation at risk. You don’t have to […]

Let’s face it. Renting your property can be a bigger headache than you might have imagined (or maybe you already knew and expected the headache), so it’s worth it to make sure you — as well as your tenants — are covered and protected. Some property owners even make renters insurance a mandatory agreement in [...]

Going green at work is painless and takes only a second to remind yourself to reduce, reuse, and recycle daily. Find out how you can kick-start your eco-friendly journey and celebrate Mother Earth this month!   Reduce - For most people, there is almost zero need to keep papers laying around or stacks of files [...]

How a rent-back agreement could help you avoid moving twice The paperwork involved in selling and then buying a new home is stressful enough – much less the logistics of it all. This type of double transaction is very common, but nonetheless still nerve-wracking because everything needs to line up just right in order to [...]

If you’re like most individuals, you’ve heard of personal umbrella coverage but think this wouldn’t be beneficial to you. What most people don’t know is that umbrella coverage is not just for the wealthy. Our experts have gone into detail about who needs umbrella coverage and what is protected if you chose to purchase this [...]

Whether you welcome winter and its accompanying snow and ice or could live without it, seasonal cold-weather challenges are unavoidable in certain regions. If a recent winter storm has resulted in property damage, or if you’re wondering how to prepare for the next one, here are some guidelines. How should I prepare? Talk to your [...]

Window treatments are often unsung heroes in homes and apartments. They are more than just the pretty and practical faces of the interior design world. They are multifunctional workhorses. They add style, comfort, and help pull together the design scheme of a room. They also provide a number of important benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal, [...]

When it comes time to sell your home, decluttering is a must. Experts agree that homes sell quicker and for a higher sales price when the style and flow of the rooms are minimalistic. An easy way to go about this is to apply the latest craze to decluttering your home – the KonMari method. [...]

November 5-11, 2017 marks National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. While most people are aware of the dangers of drinking or texting and driving, many do not realize the dangers of drowsiness. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37% admit to falling asleep behind the [...]

Avoid expensive home repairs by taking these preventative measures to maintain your home. After a long day, the last thing you want to come home to is a broken furnace or a leaky roof. CIG’s expert tips can help you save thousands of dollars on home repairs by just undertaking a few simple maintenance projects. [...]

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, with picturesque landscapes, holiday gatherings and the ringing in of the new year to look forward to. But bad winter weather conditions also bring inconvenience or even danger. And we're not just talking about blizzards. Depending on where you live, winter weather might look vastly different. It's [...]

Baby, it’s cold outside! Temperatures are dropping as we welcome the winter months. Depending on where you live, your idea of a “winter wardrobe” could mean swapping out flip flops and shorts for booties and a sweater (we’re looking at you, Southern California!). On the other hand, your winter preparation may mean breaking out puffy [...]

Every New Year is the time for a reset. People seek out resolutions and goals, with the desire to start off with a clean slate. The majority resolve to improve their health and finances, this we know. But there’s another area that shouldn’t be overlooked – and that’s your insurance coverage. Give yourself an insurance [...]

Find out why and how to add your new gift to your insurance policy. Did you get engaged or receive jewelry as a gift during the holidays this year? According to Reader’s Digest, the most popular month to get engaged is December. Make sure you have insurance coverage for these delicate, high-priced items before you [...]

Follow this safety checklist before your next restaurant inspection If you own or operate a restaurant, health inspections can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Health inspections are held routinely to ensure business practices and food operations are performed safely, to protect customers and the greater public. Inspections follow state and local regulations, outlined by [...]

How to Find and Hire the Best Contractor for Your Home or Business and Avoid Vendor Fraud If you’re in the unwelcome position of facing a catastrophic loss to your home or business, odds are you’ll be in uncharted territory.  Figuring out how to get your property and business restored while avoiding vendor fraud can be [...]

Here in the United States insurance fraud is a very serious crime. From staging car accidents to exaggerating losses, fraudsters can get creative with their attempts to trick the system and collect insurance money. But insurance companies aren’t the only victim. According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, an estimated $80 billion are stolen every [...]

As a homeowner, there is a lot to consider with the on-going maintenance and upkeep of your property. And while a basic homeowner’s insurance policy protects your home, you may not realize that usually excludes your service lines underground. These lines include the piping and wiring that transport vital resources to your home such as [...]

How to protect yourself before, during and after an earthquake For most of us, our knowledge of earthquake preparedness simply includes “drop, cover and hold on.” The reality is earthquakes can strike anywhere at any time, and for that reason preparedness cannot be overlooked. An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused [...]

If you suddenly lost your home in a fire, would you remember everything you lost? If your apartment was burglarized, could you recall the value of your electronics? For most people, we don’t think disasters can happen to us. And unfortunately, disasters can strike at any time. Properly insuring yourself, your property and your loved [...]

Follow this grilling safety checklist before your next cookout.   Summer is the season for outdoor activities, gatherings, and celebrations. More often than not, those gatherings include backyard grilling. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues every year. Unfortunately, almost […]

  For any car-owner, having an auto insurance policy is pretty standard. Your insurance policy will come in handy should you ever get into a car accident or experience something like a flat tire and need help. It’s generally well-known that insurance companies charge younger drivers higher rates. Even when an adult with an existing […]

Tax season is here, which means it's time for small-business owners to learn which expenses qualify for small-business tax deductions. Businesses can deduct expenses that are both ordinary (meaning it's commonly accepted in your trade) and necessary (meaning it's helpful and appropriate, but not necessarily a must-have), according to the IRS. Items that are personal [...]

Buying your first home is a big investment, and it's important to do what you can to keep it safe. First-time homebuyers may install security systems and outfit their houses and apartments with the correct number of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to reduce risk in their newly purchased home. However, there's more to protecting [...]

An important step in keeping your business financially stable is investing in the right insurance policy. For entrepreneurs in California, there's a lot to consider when it comes to insurance. Here's how to shop for the right small-business policy: Small-business insurance required by law According to the Small Business Administration, by law, every small business with [...]

More adults are renting than ever before. That's according to a Pew Research Center report, which found that 65 percent of households headed by young adults were renters in 2016. One decade prior, this number was just 57 percent. If you're one of the many young renters in the U.S., you may ask yourself, "why [...]

Farmers typically take numerous steps to protect their land, crops and other assets. One form of protection farmers can invest in is agricultural insurance. There are many different types of policies and coverages, but they all offer financial protection to the farmer should anything disrupt his or her crop, product, assets or anything else impacting [...]

From floods and windstorms, to power outages and snowstorms, winter can be a cruel season for weather. Winter is notorious for strong, sudden storms that can strike at any time. Here are six easy hacks to help you get through the season: Monitor local news and weather reports. Winter weather can strike at any time. [...]

For many people, the New Year came with new goals: Eat healthy, exercise more, spend less. At home, you can begin working toward your resolution to spend less by participating in National Cut Your Energy Costs Day on January 10. The average American spends several hundred dollars on energy costs every month. Homeowners on the [...]

Your business may represent your passion, your livelihood, or your hobby, but above all, it represents your hard work. As a small-business owner, it's important to ensure your company is protected from unexpected circumstances. Any number of unpredictable occurrences can reduce your profitability, integrity, or ability to operate. A fire can be just as damaging as [...]

Monterey community offers free car seat inspections on September 30th.   “As a leading insurer serving the Western United States for over a century, we take great pride in protecting the communities where we live and serve. While it’s imperative to have car insurance to protect your family, passenger safety requires daily vigilance,” said Arne […]

The summer months bring sunshine, longer days, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, on the west coast, summer can mean dry conditions and low precipitation, creating prime conditions for wildfires. Wildfire season is right around the corner, but there are steps you can take now to ensure your family (and home) are prepared. […]

June 28 marks National Insurance Awareness Day! Whether you own a small business or rent an apartment, it’s important to be aware of the insurance you have, check your policies regularly and make sure you’re not missing any opportunities. When it comes to insurance, here are four common gaps to be aware of: HO3 vs. […]

May is National #BikeMonth! Whether bicycling is part of your everyday commute, a competitive sport or a fun leisure activity on the weekends, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your assets. Do you know what to do if your bike gets stolen? Do you know if your bike is covered [...]

Electricity, while vital to our everyday lives, can pose great danger. In fact, it’s estimated 25,900 residential electrical fires are reported to fire departments each year. From overloaded extension cords to overworked appliances, these household items can pose danger no matter the time of year. Landlords, tenants and homeowners alike should be aware of the […]