Johnson, Kriste & Daily Insurance Blog

How to Choose Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:24:37 GMT

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, so you should ensure that your house is equipped with them. You should have detectors in the main living areas on each floor, including in every bedroom and the kitchen. This way, you'll be able to identify problems in the most important areas as quickly as possible. However, not all detectors are the same. Here's what you need to know to pick appropriate ones for your home.

Types of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

First, you'll need to choose between individual and combination devices. With individual devices, you'll have separate detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. As you might have guessed, combination devices can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide from a single device. While combo options can be a bit more costly, they'll take up less space on your ceiling, keeping the overall look clean and uncluttered.

You'll also have to choose between wired and battery-powered options. In general, battery-powered detectors are cheaper and easier to install, though you'll need to replace the batteries periodically. It is also a smart idea to test them frequently to ensure they are working properly. If you opt for wired detectors, consider choosing the kind with backup batteries to ensure they continue working in the event of a power failure.

Finally, modern smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also come in smart versions. These devices connect to your home's internet connection, enabling you to monitor them from your smartphone or other mobile device. This way, you can check on your home while you are at work or out of town to ensure everything is safe. These devices tend to be the most expensive, but they'll also give you the greatest peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently.

Adding Sprinkler Systems

If you live in an area that is prone to fires, you may wish to add overhead sprinklers to your home as well. In fact, some jurisdictions actually require them, so be sure to check the laws in your area. Modern sprinkler systems can sync with your smoke detectors, activating the sprinklers in case of fire.

Upgrade Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Even if your home already has detectors in place, you may wish to upgrade them to more modern versions. This will give you the greatest amount of protection for both your home and your loved ones. You may even be able to save a bit of money on your home insurance. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Keep your Home Safe While You're Away with These 5 Tips

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:24:37 GMT

Are you planning your next big family vacation? Maybe you’re traveling for business, or need to be away from home for a few days. Although we don't like to think about the possibility of our home being damaged or burglarized while we're away, it's something to consider to ensure that it stays safe - and in one piece for your return.

Check out our five tips for ensuring that your home is safe while you're away.

Be sure to check all outlets before you leave. This may sound like a no-brainer, but checking all of the electrical outlets before you leave your home is a must. If you leave something that creates heat plugged in, like a curling iron or coffee pot, it could result in a fire. Taking a few minutes to do a once-over before you leave to ensure that all appliances are unplugged before you leave will give you peace of mind.
Lock all doors and all windows, even the ones that you don't think are easily accessible. One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is not checking all of their doors and windows before they leave. You want to be sure to check even the doors that you don't think are accessible from the outside - like the doors to your home from your attached garage, and other internal entrance points, like from your basement to your main level. This will ensure that you have various levels of protection in the event of a break in.
If you normally leave the blinds open, do so. You want to leave things looking as normal as possible, and not leave any reason for passersby to think that you're gone. Keep your home safe by leaving some blinds open to give people the impression that someone is still in the home.
Stop the mail for the time period that you're gone. Like we mentioned in the previous tip, you want to give the impression that you're still home. If passersby see that your mailbox is bursting at the seams, they might get the idea that you're gone, which is exactly what you want to avoid. Stop your mail delivery for the time period that you're gone, so that you don't have to worry about people becoming suspicious.
Insure your home properly. With proper home insurance, you can travel in peace. Be sure to talk with Johnson, Kriste & Daily Insurance about the right coverage for your home.

Now go enjoy a much-needed vacation!

4 Valuable Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pets

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:24:37 GMT

For many people, pets are just as much a part of the family as humans! Since our pets are valued family members, it's important to consider their safety while traveling. Whether they're traveling with you to the in-laws for the next holiday, or just traveling to the vet, we have a few important tips to help you travel safely with your pets. After all, they are precious cargo!

Keep your pets safe and secure during the drive. Although their pitiful stares are enough to make you want to let them out of their crate, the risk isn't worth the reward. When traveling, you should always be sure to keep your pet safe in their crate to ensure that disaster doesn't strike if you were to be in an accident. If your pet is small enough for a crate, you should choose one with plenty of ventilation and an open spot for them to keep eye contact with you. This will help to keep them calm during their ride!
Never leave your animal alone in the car - no matter how long you plan on being gone. Just a few minutes in a hot parked car is enough to make your pet sick, or worse, kill them. Hot cars are no place for your animal, and if you park and exit your vehicle at any time, your pet should come with you. You can never know exactly how long you'll be gone, and it's not worth the risk to leave them alone.
Prep your vehicle with everything it needs. You should be sure to keep your vehicle fully stocked with your pet's important supplies any time you go on a road trip. Items to consider include a food dish, a water dish, extra food, a bottle or two of water, a waste scoop, bags for cleanup, and first aid. These items will help you stay calm and provide for your pet if you were to have an unexpected detour or have to make a food or waste stop along the way. You should also be sure that your vehicle is insured properly in case of an accident.
Prepare your pet for the car. Before your road trip, try preparing your pet by taking them on a few shorter trips. This will get them used to the sound of your vehicle, the sound of the road, and the feeling of movement.

With these four tips, you're sure to keep your pet safe on your next road trip! When you know they're safe, you can relax, which makes the drive more enjoyable for everyone involved. Now get out there and travel with your four-legged best friend!

The Smart Way to Secure Your Home

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:24:37 GMT

Smart technology has brought us many benefits, including new ways of securing our homes. Regardless of the type of home where you live, be it an apartment or a house or anything in between, you’re sure to find helpful options below that you can manage from anywhere with just your smartphone.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are a boon to both apartment dwellers and other homeowners. Many apartment management companies allow these or install them themselves because it saves their staff from dealing with lockouts and having to screen visitors.

Smart locks come in different varieties and can be configured in multiple ways, depending on your needs. For example, you can give a door passcode to your nanny or housekeeper to come and go without a key. If you change home workers, you simply have to change the code, with no worries about a stray key still in someone’s pocket.

You can also control some smart locks remotely with your smartphone. This is good for when a worker or delivery person is at the door and you want them to set a package inside, but you don’t want to give them the passcode to your home.

Door Cameras

Smart locks often go hand in hand with door cameras, also known as doorbell cameras. These record the comings and goings at your front entrance, and you can view it all on your mobile device.

Door cameras are ideal for:

Seeing who’s outside when an unexpected visitor rings the bell
Knowing when your kids come home from school when you’re not home
Monitoring your front door while you’re on vacation
Checking for a package delivery
Seeing if someone is stealing your packages or mail
Deterring would-be intruders on the front porch

Automatic Garage Door Features

Garage door technology has come a long way lately. Basic up/down features let you open and close the door from the comfort of your home’s interior or inside your vehicle.

Even better, new security elements let you control the door from afar with your smartphone or tablet. If you realize you left it open, you don’t have to wait until you go home again to close it.

Some garage door security options go one step further. You can get an alert if someone tries to raise or tilt the door, so you can stop an intruder by calling the police.

Lighting to Deter Intruders

Lighting has always been one of the best defenses against intruders. In addition to motion sensor lights and dawn/dusk features, you can now find lighting controlled by your cell phone.

Say you’re at work and your teen calls to say they're coming home early from sports practice. You can turn on the lights for them to make their entry safer. Likewise, you can turn lights on and off when you’re traveling to make it look like someone is home.

Alarms and Security Cameras

Alarms and security cameras are growing in both technology and popularity. There are DIY models and those that you must integrate with a security monitoring company for a fee. In the latter case, they usually provide the equipment and maintain it for you.

These systems let you watch who is in or on your property from a distance via your phone, whether you’re upstairs or halfway around the globe. Alarms will sound and you’ll get a mobile alert if someone opens a door, raises a window, or breaks glass. If you have a DIY system, you can call the police. If your system is part of a professional service, they will respond or alert local law enforcement.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

No home would be complete without smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Previously, these security elements were only helpful if you were present in the home. Now, however, you can get alarms on your mobile device with more sophisticated models that work with Wi-Fi to alert you to danger at home.

One more important thing to note about smart home security: be sure to let your insurance agent know about any features you add to your house or apartment. You may be entitled to savings on your homeowner's insurance or renter’s insurance, which is a nice bonus to the peace of mind you get with these security elements.

Forbes Recognizes Mercury Insurance as One of the Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best in our industry by Forbes,” said Gabe Tirador, Mercury Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer. “Whether it is renters, homeowners, auto, or business insurance, we remain committed to providing innovative products to our policyholders and delivering the highest quality customer service in the industry.”

Mercury_Forbes_Recognizes_Mercury-2022_1_.pdf

Get a quote for auto insurance right now by clicking here. The calculator will make it easy to select your drivers and cars by sourcing California DMV data. Quick and easy!

Mercury’s New Group Discounts on Auto Insurance Available October 10th in California!

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) Members, Costco Members, Sam's Club Members Bank of American Employees, and FAA certified Pilots can now qualify for Mercury's new auto insurance group discounts of up to 8%.

The member must be a driver named on the policy to qualify, but the discount applies to all of the drivers and cars on the policy*

Mercury is even more competitive on auto insurance. Get an Instant Online Quote Today by clicking here. It is quick and easy. The calculator even lets you select your drivers and cars from your address on file with the CA DMV.

*subject to rules as filed with the California Department of Insurance.

Insurance Companies Helping Customers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Insurance companies are doing everything they can to help customers out including premium give-backs and payment flexibility.

Click on the name to see how Mercury, Travelers, Liberty and Safeco are each working hard to respond to customer needs.

Getting Your Boat Out of Storage and Into the Water

Fri, 01 May 2015 07:00:00 GMT

Spring is here, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready?

Even if you’ve kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do before hitting the local lakes and rivers.

While much of your focus will be on the boat itself, don’t forget other important things, such as your trailer, your vessel registration and, of course, your insurance coverage. We can help you with that. As far as the boat and trailer, check out these tips from Discover Boating, which provides boating information and public outreach on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Engine and Electric

Your boat’s been sitting for a few months, so it’s not ready to zip across the water just yet. Here are a few things to check before firing up the ignition:

Make sure fuel hoses are not soft, brittle or cracked and check the system for leaks or damage. Also verify that fittings and clamps are secure.
Check all other belts, hoses and cables as well. Replace if needed.
Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and verify your battery is holding a charge.
Check all fluid levels and change or top off as needed.
Test for proper ventilation.

Propellers and Hulls

Damage to your propeller or hull can make for an unpleasant day on the water. Here are some things to look for:

Propellers that have dings or distortion. This can lead to not only an unpleasant ride due to vibration but can also damage your drive train. While securing your propeller, check that the bearings are not worn out.
Hulls with blisters or cracks. Cleaning the hull (use an environmentally safe solution) gives you a good opportunity to check for damage. While you’re at in, clean above deck, too.

Trailer

You should treat your trailer with as much care as your boat. After all, you can’t go boating if you can’t get your boat to the water.

Inspect the grease fittings on the hubs and reapply grease as needed.
Test the lights on your trailer each time before you get out on the road.
Rinse thoroughly after exposure to salt water.
Ensure your car jack will work to lift the trailer and that you will be able to loosen and tighten the lug nuts. You don’t want to be surprised when you’re on the side of the road.
Look over the trailer bunks once your boat is in the water to ensure the padding isn’t worn.

Safety Equipment

No matter how well your boat runs, you should never run it without the proper safety equipment. So take inventory of what’s on board to be sure you have:

Enough life jackets for all potential passengers. Make sure they’re in good condition, too.
Fire extinguisher. Be sure it’s the correct classification for your boat and is in working order.
Emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) so you can be found if you get lost.
Carbon-monoxide detector if there’s an enclosed area on your boat.
Working navigation lights.

Proper preparation can mean the difference between a great day on the boat and a disastrous one. So take a little time to make this boating season a happy and safe one. Hope to see you out on the water!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Spring Into Home Maintenance Mode in California

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 07:00:00 GMT

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in La Canada Flintridge, California, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for reorganizing and refreshing their homes, while others eagerly get to work in the yard and garden.

While it's easy to get caught up in spring cleaning and planting, this is also one of the most important times of the year for home maintenance. The beginning of Daylight Saving Time is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, so if you haven't done that yet, here's your reminder. It's a good idea to do a basic checkup in some other key areas, too. After all, winter can be rough on your home.

These tips, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and others, can help. Call it "spring training" for homeowners.

Yard and Exterior

Check for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc.
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Trim tree branches and shrubs that are hanging too close to your home or to utility wires, and remove dead trees.
Examine your deck and/or balconies for loose boards or railings, as well as any rot.
Ensure that mulch and soil isn't in contact with your home’s siding.

Roof, Siding, Windows

Check for damage to your shingles, including mildew and algae; have a professional inspect and repair your roof, if necessary.
Go into the attic to check for signs of roof leakage, such as visible moisture or discoloration.
Look for peeling paint. Remember, paint is about more than appearance. A good paint job also protects against the effects of weather.
Check for leaks around window and door sills. Properly sealed windows and doors can help prevent damage and lower your energy costs.

Interior and Appliances

Examine your basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping. Take action immediately, if needed, to avoid mold.
Clean your dryer exhaust hose and vent. Lint build-up in this area is a common cause of fires, so do a thorough job by moving the dryer and disconnecting both ends of the hose.
Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.
Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils to help your unit run efficiently.

These tasks will help keep you and your family safe, and they also can save you from costly repairs or homeowners insurance claims. So remember, when spring rolls around, there’s a lot more to do than cleaning and changing your clocks.

Contact Us!

Call us at 818-957-9300 or send us a note at personal [at] jkdins [dot] com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Protect Your Most Cherished Possessions

Fri, 30 May 2014 07:00:00 GMT

If you're like most people, there are certain items you own that you can't imagine ever losing - possessions you deeply cherish or those that would be impossible to replace due to the cost of re-purchasing them or simply because they're irreplaceable.

While your homeowners insurance is invaluable for covering the loss or destruction of many of your belongings (as well as damage to your home's structure), your policy might provide only partial coverage for your most cherished items.

The good news is that you can still protect the things that matter to you most, even if they're not fully covered under your homeowners insurance, with a scheduled personal property endorsement (also called Valuable Articles coverage) that is tailored to meet your specific needs. The word "scheduled" means "specifically listed on the policy with a specific value to which it is insured." If the item is lost due to a covered cause, the company pays that specific value without a deductible.

Not an easy name, but it can help you sleep better at night

A scheduled personal property endorsement is not something that everyone talks about, but here at Johnson, Kriste & Daily Insurance, we can help you determine if it would be a good fit for you. The first step begins with you. Look around your home and make a list of your cherished possessions. Be sure to consider the following:

Jewelry
Wine Collections
Camera Equipment
Golf and other sporting equipment
Antiques
Art
Collections
Musical instruments
Silverware/China
Autographed items
Rare or one-of-a-kind items

Once you have taken an inventory, make the time to talk with us at 818-957-9300. Or, start the conversation by emailing us at personal [at] jkdins [dot] com. We are here to help you determine whether your prized possessions need more coverage than your current policy provides.

Keep in mind that it is wise to complete an inventory every year or so, because it's easy to acquire new items over time that should be added to a scheduled personal property endorsement. It could be tragic to find yourself in a situation rendering you unable to replace what matters most to you.

Contact Us!

At Johnson, Kriste & Daily Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Call us at 818-957-9300 or send us a note at personal [at] jkdins [dot] com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

This article provided courtesy of Safeco Insurance