Real ID Act and What You Need To Know

by GDI Insurance | Personal, Safety Tips

Real ID Act and What You Need To Know

If you are a frequent flyer, you will want to be sure to update your ID to a Real ID before October 2020. Don’t miss an important meeting or family gathering, and don’t be that person who makes everyone else wait in line. Get prepared for the Real ID Act before it takes effect!

Real IDs are set to become a new requirement in the security process for flying in the United States, and if you don’t take the necessary steps to prepare for the changes, you won’t be going anywhere.

Starting Oct. 1, 2020, all travelers 18 years of age and older will be required to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly in the United States. Minors do not need Real ID-compliant identification as long as they are accompanied by a compliant adult.

The Real ID Act was originally passed by Congress in 2005 following a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission that the federal government increase standards and security for identification. The legislation established new regulations for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and instructs federal agencies not to accept identification that does not meet those standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints.

Get Your Real ID

How do you know if your current driver’s license or identification card is Real ID-compliant? Generally, compliant IDs have a star in the upper-right hand corner of the card. If you’re still not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency.

If you don’t have a Real ID, you still have time to get one before the Oct. 1, 2020 deadline, but you’ve got some work to do. Real IDs cannot be obtained online or through the mail, so you’ll have to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. When you do, bring the following:

A passport, birth certificate or other original, certified document that provides evidence of your identity
Two documents that provide proof of residence, such as a mortgage statement, rental agreement or utility bill
A document that shows your Social Security number
Payment to cover the fee for the new driver’s license or identification card

Additional documents may be required if you have changed your legal name. Contact your local DMV before you make the trip to verify that you have everything you need.

Which Documents do I Need to apply for a California REAL ID?

To apply for a REAL ID driver license or identification card, you must visit a DMV field office and provide:

Proof of identity (one document)
Example: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card or unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form. No photocopies will be accepted.
Proof of Social Security number (one document)
Example: a Social Security card, W-2 or paystub with full SSN. Original or certified copies are required. No photocopies will be accepted.
Proof of California residency – street address. (Two different documents)
Example: Utility or cell phone bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement or medical document. Photocopies accepted.

NOTE: If your identity document shows a different name, you will need to provide a certified name change document such as a marriage license, divorce decree or court document. Multiple name change documents will be needed if your legal name has changed multiple times. The name on your Social Security document also must match your name change document. Original or certified copies are required. No photocopies will be accepted.

Starting Oct. 1, 2020, all travelers 18 years of age and older will have to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly in the United States.

Other Options for Travel

In addition to Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, the following documents are also acceptable for flying within the United States:

U.S. passport or passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Note: Weapon permits and temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of ID.

Avoid Turbulence With a Real ID

Oct. 1, 2020 might seem like it is quite far in the future, but don’t procrastinate in getting your Real ID. In the months leading up to the deadline, DMV offices may be busier than usual as others scramble to get their new driver’s licenses and identification cards, so you may not be able to get an appointment for several weeks.

As of July 30, 2019, all but four states (Oregon, Oklahoma, New Jersey and Maine) and their state-issued identification forms are compliant with the Real ID Act. Travelers living in a compliant state can continue to use identification that is not Real ID-compliant until the Oct. 1 deadline. However, if you are in a non-compliant state that has been granted an extension to reach compliance, you can only use that type of ID until the expiration date of that extension. Between the extension expiring and the Oct. 1 deadline, you may need additional or alternate forms.

Click here for more information on the Real ID Act.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quotes!

What You Need To Know Before Riding an E-Scooter

by GDI Insurance | GDI Insurance, Personal, Risk Management, Safety Tips

What You Need To Know Before Riding an E-Scooter

By now, you’ve probably seen a few people cruise by on an electric scooter. They may have been a few teenagers on their way to a friend’s house, somebody using the vehicle as a new way to commute to work, or maybe it was even yourself doing the riding. E-scooters have become common in many cities across the United States, with industry leaders Bird and Lime reporting millions of rides so far.

What Are E-scooters?

But, while e-scooters might be revving up in terms of popularity, new technology brings new complications and new concerns.

E-scooters are not to be confused with mopeds or Vespa-like scooters, which allow users to sit, and travel at relatively high speeds. Rather, e-scooters are operated while standing up and often cannot go faster than 15 to 20 mph. Users get started by downloading an app that will help them find a nearby e-scooter. They can then unlock the vehicle for an initial starting fee with total payment being calculated according to either distance traveled or how long the user rides the scooter.

E-scooters are usually dockless and operate like dockless bike-sharing programs with users able to find and park the vehicles in a wide variety of locations. E-scooters often do not require the operator to have a driver’s license.

Know the Risks and Rules

While operating an e-scooter, users are required to obey state and local traffic laws, but these can vary greatly depending on where you live or where you’re riding. Some jurisdictions have implemented laws pertaining specifically to e-scooters that limit where they can be ridden and how fast they can travel, so make sure you are familiar with the local rules before you take a ride.

Even if you are certain that you’re not breaking any laws, operating any type of motor vehicle, even an e-scooter, brings a certain amount of risk. E-scooters might not travel as fast as cars, but even at speeds as low as 15 mph, an accident involving a rider, pedestrians or other motor vehicles can lead to serious injuries including broken bones, head injuries and soft-tissue injuries.

E-Scooter Safety

If you plan to use an e-scooter, consider these safety tips before hopping on:

Wear a helmet: Helmet use is encouraged by e-scooter companies. Wearing a helmet could mean the difference between life and death if you get into an accident.
Take a test ride: Just because you may have ridden a non-motorized scooter in the past doesn’t mean that you’ll be a master at operating an e-scooter. It’s a good idea to practice turning, starting, stopping and maneuvering around obstacles in an open space or empty parking lot before you ride in an area with behicle or foot traffic.
Avoid headphones: While operating an e-scooter, it’s important to be able to hear potential hazards. Make sure that you’re aware of what’s going on nearby and can hear other vehicles and pedestrians around you.
Take your time: Especially when going downhill, e-scooters can pick up speed very quickly. Don’t hesitate to use your brakes.
Don’t drink and scoot: Using an e-scooter may seem like an attractive option for getting home from the bar, but operating any vehicle while under the influence is dangerous. Operating an e-scooter while intoxicated puts you and others at serious risk.

Where Does the Finger Point?

With e-scooters still being a relatively new form of transportation, many insurance companies are still inconclusive on how coverage and liability applies to accidents and injuries caused or suffered by riders.

You may be riding at your own risk when you step onto a scooter, so it’s important to know whether you’re covered under your own insurance policies. Your homeowners and auto insurance policies may have been created before the rise of e-scooters, so there may be no mention of the devices.

What Does Your Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowner policy does not cover motor vehicles, and standard personal auto insurance policies exclude liability coverage for vehicles with less than four wheels—e-scooters generally have two. Motorcycle insurance also might not cover e-scooters. Personal liability umbrella insurance policies provide coverage for incidents excluded from underlying insurance policies, and thus may provide coverage for e-scooters. It is important to know the specific details of your homeowners and auto policies before you can count on coverage for an injury or accident involving an e-scooter. Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today for more information

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

Does Your College Student Need Renters Insurance?

by GDI Insurance | GDI Insurance, Home Owners, Personal, Renters Insurance

Does Your College Student Need Renters Insurance?

With young adults heading off to college, we often get the question “Does my college student need renters insurance?” We put together this blog to cover what you need to know about insurance and your college student. Sending a child off to college is a significant milestone that represents the culmination of years of planning and hard work. As you prepare for the start of the semester, you should consider how your insurance needs may change with your son or daughter away at school.

Protecting Your Student’s Belongings

Many homeowners policies consider a dorm room as an extension of your home, so items your child keeps there may be covered to some extent. However, if your child has expensive electronic equipment or furniture, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.

If your child lives off campus, his or her possessions may not be covered by your homeowners policy. In that case, you may want to consider renter’s insurance, which costs as little as $15 per month. Renter’s insurance will cover possessions in your child’s off-campus apartment or house as well as provide liability coverage if anyone is injured in the residence.

Calculating Your College Student Renters Insurance Needs

Unexpected events like theft, vandalism or fires can wreak havoc on your personal belongings and cost you a fortune. Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect your belongings from losses—losses that can be far more costly than you may expect.

Let’s examine what renters insurance covers and how to calculate your policy needs.

What Renters Insurance Covers

While policies can vary, most offer coverage for the following:

Personal property coverage: This helps cover the costs to repair or replace belongings that are damaged or stolen due to a loss covered under your policy. Furniture, electronics and clothing can all be covered under personal property coverage. Although landlords typically have a form of property insurance, their policy does not usually cover any personal property within your living space.
Additional living expenses: If the apartment or home you’re renting becomes uninhabitable, your renters insurance policy can pay for your relocation costs as well as anything considered an extra expense under the policy—such as laundry, meal or storage-related costs.
Personal liability coverage: If someone is injured or their personal items are damaged on your rented property due to negligence, personal liability coverage can help pay any medical bills or damages, up to your policy limit.

How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need?

In order to determine the amount of coverage you need for your renters policy, there are a few things you can do:

Create a home inventory checklist—Simply making this list can help you take note of what your possessions are worth and decide how much renters insurance you would like to purchase. This checklist may also become useful in the event that you have to file an insurance claim—all your possessions and their values are already laid out for you.
Deciding on any additional coverage—Once you’ve determined how much your items are worth, you can now decide if you need additional coverage. It may be useful to increase your policy limits to cover your more valuable items or get a separate policy for certain items such as jewelry or artwork.
Pick the best deductible for you—A deductible is how much you pay before your insurer starts paying for a covered incident. A higher deductible plan means your payments will be cheaper, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Changing Auto Insurance Coverage

If your child moves more than 100 miles away from your home to attend school and doesn’t keep a vehicle there, your auto insurance premiums could decrease by as much as 30 percent. Call us today at 209-634-2929, and see if you can save money while still maintaining coverage for your child when he or she is at home.

Insurance Questions to Ask

Here are some important questions to ask when your child goes to college:

Will my child’s belongings be covered if he or she lives in off-campus housing?
Do I have to change my auto policy if my child brings the car to school?
If my child is an athlete, will he or she be covered under my family health plan if he or she is injured during a practice or game?

Count on GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

If you are sending a child off the college and haven’t looked at adjusting your coverage, contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today at 209-634-2929 to learn more. You could save money on your policies and protect your child from expensive incidents while away from home.

What Factors Affect Your Car Insurance Premium?

by GDI Insurance | Auto Insurance, GDI Insurance, Insurance, Personal

What Factors Affect Your Car Insurance Premium?

If you’ve ever wondered why your car insurance premium differs from what your family and friends pay, it’s because auto insurance policies are not one-size-fits-all. Factors like your personal driving history, how often you drive and where you live can all affect the cost of your auto policy. Below are some of the main factors that can have an impact on your auto insurance premium.

Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today for your comprehensive auto insurance quote! 209-634-2929

Your Personal Information and Driving History

Personal information such as your age, gender, marital status and whether or not you own a home can all play a part in your car insurance premium:

Driving record and credit history—Your driving record and credit history are two of the biggest factors insurers consider when determining your car insurance premium. Safe drivers with good credit tend to pay less on their auto insurance premiums. While any accidents or infractions in your driving history will cause an increase to your premium, the effects of past incidents will gradually decrease over time.
Age—Individuals who are under the age of 25 have a higher risk for accidents and driving infractions than older drivers, which can lead to higher insurance rates.
Gender—Your gender can also be a contributing factor to the cost of your car insurance premium. Statistically, single men under the age of 25 have a greater risk of being involved in accidents and driving infractions than their female counterparts.
Marital status—Being married or owning a home shows a sense of responsibility and stability. This can lead insurers to believe you are more likely to be a cautious driver and not skip any payments, resulting in lower rates on your auto insurance premium.

Your Vehicle and Your Car Insurance Premium

There are a few factors about your vehicle that may affect your car insurance premium costs:

Safety ratings—Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests and rates new vehicle models on safety performance and crash test safety results. If your vehicle has a below average safety rating, you will most likely have to pay more for your premium.
Cost for maintenance and repairs—Vehicles that are seen as unreliable, or expensive to repair and maintain tend to have higher premium rates.
Make and model—Vehicles that are described as dangerous or luxurious often have higher auto insurance premiums, as they are more susceptible to theft, damage and occupant injury. If your vehicle is at higher risk of vandalism and theft, installing an anti-theft device or tracker can lower your premium. Although it’s an initial expense, it could save you more money in the long run.

Your Location

Whether you live in an urban or rural area can make a huge difference in your auto insurance costs. Typically, living in more urban areas will cause your premium to increase since locations that are more densely populated tend to have greater instances of theft, vandalism and car crashes.

Where you park or store your vehicle can also affect your premium. Vehicles that are parked in garages are at a lower risk of damage and theft compared to those parked on the street.

Your Car Insurance Policy

The way you and your broker craft your insurance policy determines your premium costs. The following are policy items that have the greatest impact on the amount you pay:

Limit: Your policy limit is the max amount that your insurance will pay in the event of a covered incident.
Deductible: Your deductible is the amount you pay in order for your insurance coverage to kick in to help cover a loss, damage or medical expense.
Additional coverage: You may decide to add additional coverage to your auto policy that may not be required by your state. With this increase in coverage, there will be a higher premium cost.

Ways to Save on Your Car Insurance

Being a good student or safe driver, bundling your auto policy with other forms of insurance or simply just having a clean driving record are all ways that you may be able to receive discounts to lower your auto insurance premium. Although every insurance company’s discounts vary, most offer those incentives for their customers.

If you have any questions or want a detailed break down of your auto insurance premium, contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc..

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive car insurance quote!

Let’s Go Camping and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

by GDI Insurance | Personal, Safety Tips

Let’s Go Camping and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Being outdoors in nature has many different benefits, from stress relief to enjoyable exercise and it even boosts your energy. One of the best ways to truly enjoy the outdoors is to go camping. Although it is a lot of work to get ready for camping, it sure is worth it when you can enjoy the surroundings. Camping is even more enjoyable when you go with a group of friends and sit around a campfire sharing stories, laughs and making memories.

Each year in the US, 40 million people go camping. That means almost 15% of the US goes camping each year. So, if you aren’t a regular camper, odds are a friend of yours is. All you need is a little preparation and a free weekend to enjoy a camping adventure. We’ve got tips to help make your camping trip preparation less stressful.

Let’s Get Ready To Go Camping!

Of course there are the basics of when, where, with whom, and for how long. Once this is sorted, here are a few tips.

When: Consider the weather and holidays (which are usually busier for campgrounds). If you are going during a holiday weekend, be prepared for more people and full campgrounds.

Where: California is near limitless when it comes to campground choices. With 61 state parks, 24 Nation Park Systems and 18 National Forest to explore, some right on the Pacific coastline, you have so many possibilities. You can reserve your site online at http://www.reservecalifornia.com/.

With Whom: If you are camping with people you don’t like, the adventure will probably turn into disaster. For most people though, camping is sheer joy. Getting together with a group take some extra planning, but is certainly worth it. Camping with kids is great, especially if you have friends that have kids, it keeps them happy and active.

How Long: Most camping trips are 2.7 days long. We always found that if possible, spending Sunday night at the campground was much more relaxing. The campgrounds tend to start clearing out on Sunday afternoon, which means you can enjoy the quietness of nature a bit more.

What To Pack For Your Camping Trip?

One of the most important things you want to pack is a first aid kit. You can find out what to pack in your first aid kit here. Of course you’re going to want to pack your campsite gear, unless you are lucky enough to be camping in an RV:

Tent, poles, stakes
Tent footprint (ground cover for under your tent)
Extra tarp or canopy
Sleeping bag for each camper
Sleeping pad for each camper
Repair kit for pads, mattress, tent, tarp
Pillows
Flashlights, headlamps and extra batteries
Lantern
Extra Blankets
Camp chairs

What About Meals?

Write down what you plan to eat for each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner.) Then take the time to prepare what you can at home—marinate the meats, cut the vegetables, wrap the potatoes in foil. You’ll be thankful once you get to camp. You can even pre-make your hamburger patties then freeze them, so they stay cooler until ready to cook.

When you pack the cooler, set out the foods meal by meal, thinking about how you’ll serve each meal so you don’t forget condiments and necessary utensils, can opener, etc.

Fresh off the Grid has 52 camping food ideas you might want to consider.

Other items to consider for your camp kitchen:

Camp stove and fuel
Matches or lighter
Firewood
Frying Pa
Pot
Coffee Maker: French Press or Melita work great
Corkscrew/Bottle Opener
Tablecloth
Roasting sticks for marshmallows (what’s camping without S’mores) and hot dogs
Food-storage containers or bags
Cooler
Lots of ice
Water bottles
Plates, bowls, forks, spoons and knives
Cups and mugs
Knife, spatula and cooking spoon
Cutting board
Foil
Soap
Sponge, dishcloth and dishtowels
Extra bin for washing dishes

Dressing For Camping

Its common to have big temperature swings when you are in the outdoors. It may be warm and beautiful during the day but by nightfall temperatures can fall quite a bit. Make sure you check the weather before you leave so you pack appropriately.

Here are a few items you want to make sure you have:

Clothes for daytime
Sleepwear
Swimsuits
Rainwear
Shoes: hiking/walking, flip flops or easy on shoes, water shoes
Extra layers for warmth
Gloves
Hats
Extra Sweatshirts and Socks (they are a staple for our family)

A Few Other Items to Pack for Your Camping Trip

Sunscreen
Bug spray
Prescription Meds
Toothbrush and toiletries
Soap and hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Camera
Maps and area information
Bikes and Toys
Cards and Games
Pet supplies if you are bringing you pet
A bucket to fill with water, so you can put your campfire out.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors!

Whether you are going camping to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, or going to get some great family or friend time, be sure to take the time to enjoy. Keep the great outdoors beautiful, but picking up after yourself, remember “Don’t leave a trace.” Also, don’t forget the stories you can tell around the campfire, either to frighten or entertain.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!

Boat Safety Tips

by GDI Insurance | Personal, Safety Tips

Boat Safety Tips

Head out to sea without injury. Water sports, relaxing in the sun and splashing in the water are great ways to make memories with family and friends. Sea lovers must be careful near the marina and dock, though, to assure that their getaways are safe ones. If you are hitting the open waters this season, don’t forget these boat safety tips!

What You Need To Know Before You Take Your Boat Out!

Docking Tips:

Use forward and reverse at an idle speed when docking and moving your boat near the marina.
Have bumpers, mooring lines and boat hooks ready before docking.
Keep all body parts in the boat until you have come to a complete stop.
Tie the line that holds the boat against the wind first when docking.

General Boating Precautions:

Dock at a marina that has standpipes, fire extinguishers, good lighting, surveillance cameras and security measures in place.
Always wear personal flotation devices when on the water, especially those that cannot swim and children.
Do not swim near a marina since boaters cannot see you when they are trying to dock.
Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and dock.
Keep your boat in good condition with all equipment meeting safety standards established in your area.
Assure that the marina has the proper power voltage for your boat.
Add fuel to portable tanks on the dock only; never on the deck of your boat.

Boat Safety First

To avoid a potential fire onboard, inspect fuel hoses and containers on a regular basis to prevent the escaping vapors from going into bilges. Also, check the wiring and all appliances on deck for damage frequently.

As a boat safety precaution, keep fire extinguishers on deck and fit smoke detectors to the cabin.

What You Need To Know About Boat Insurance

A small boat, such as a canoe or other un-motorized boat, is typically covered under the personal property portion of your homeowners insurance policy. If you own a larger, faster boat, you’ll need a separate boatowners insurance policy. A typical boatowners insurance policy is designed to protect your boat, motor, equipment and passengers. It affords similar coverages to those you typically have for your car including:

Physical Damage: Physical damage coverage insures your boat, motor, boat trailer, boat equipment (anchors, oars, fuel tanks, life jackets, dinghies, tools, etc.) and other personal property against theft, accidental loss or damages.
Liability: Two principal liability coverages are included:
- Personal Liability – A boatowners insurance policy provides protection for legal liability and pays, up to the limit of your policy, the legal obligations imposed upon you due to an accident resulting from the ownership, maintenance, or use of your watercraft, including bodily injury, property damage and legal defense.
- Medical Payments– This pays medical expenses, up to the limits in the policy, including the insured’s boating-related medical expenses from an accident arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of the boat.

Additional Boat Insurance Options

For added protection, consider the following additional coverage options:

Reasonable Repairs: Covers repairs incurred to protect covered property from further damage.
Emergency Service: Pays for reasonable costs that you incur resulting from specified emergency service to your boat, motor or boat trailer.
Wreck Removal: Pays the reasonable expenses you incur for any attempted or actual raising, removal or destruction of the wreck of your watercraft when damage is caused by an insured loss and removal or destruction is required by law.
Umbrella Liability: Provides additional boat insurance coverage across the board for home, auto and watercraft.

Top Ways to Save on Boat Insurance

Running your boat on diesel fuel instead of gas reduces both your risk and insurance premium
Complete an approved safety course through the Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squadrons, Red Cross or other state administered course
Ask about our multi-policy discount

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

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