Monthly Archives: June 2013

Colorado Drivers: How Car Insurance Claims Can Affect an Auto Insurance Policy

Good drivers pay less for their insurance coverage than drivers who have tickets and accidents on their record. That just makes sense, because it rewards people who are less risk to the insurance company. That doesn’t mean that people who have claims can’t get insurance in Colorado, though, or that they’re going to be asked to be pay exorbitant fees for minor infractions. Their auto policy will depend on more than if they’re made a claim. What kind of car they drive, how much, their age, and other factors will all play a role.

As an independent agent, we can help you find the coverage you need, even if you’ve had a claim. Come on into our Lakewood office and talk to us about your needs and your concerns. Even good drivers make mistakes, and a claim is not the end of the world. Depending on what the claim was for and how long ago it took place, the amount you’ll have to pay for that based on higher premiums may be minimal. Overall, there are plenty of things that can make your car insurance rates go up or down, and claims are only a part of that.

Of course, multiple claims (especially serious ones) in a short amount of time can get your insurance canceled, and that can mean you’ll have a hard time getting coverage with another company. Consider that carefully if you have reckless behavior behind the wheel. Driving without insurance is illegal, and the damage it can do to you and others is absolutely not worth the risk. Even if you’re really concerned about past claims and how much insurance is going to cost you, don’t despair. Come in and talk to us and make sure you know all your options. We can help you make a good decision about the right insurance for you.

What you need to know about Property Damage Insurance Claims in Colorado

Filing an insurance claim in Lakewood, Colorado can be a complicated and time-consuming logistical process, but it’s the first step to making sure you get the compensation you deserve. To take the most hassle-free approach to this process, simple follow these three steps.

1. Assess the Damage

Make sure to fully examine the damage done to your property right after it occurs. Make records of the damage by taking pictures, recording videos and jotting down relevant notes. If the damage is especially serious, consider hiring a professional to attest that it was in fact caused by a natural disaster, falling branch or other qualifying incident.

2. Review Your Policy

You’ll want to make sure that your insurance policy explicitly offers coverage for the damage to your Lakewood home. Carefully read through your policy and call your insurance provider to determine whether or not you’re covered. You want to be as sure as possible before filing a claim, since rejected claims can negatively impact your record.

3. Have a Plan B

Your insurance company can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to fully resolve your claim depending on your loss and a number of additional factors. These factors might include: limits in your policy, the procedure of your insurance provider, the amount of damage, type of damage, the time it takes to gather all necessary documents, and so on. Basically, this means that you’ll want to have a Plan B in case your Colorado insurance provider doesn’t respond to your claims as quickly as you’d like.

When dealing with the demands of filing an insurance claim, remember that the bright side of this situation is that you have insurance coverage at all. Many Lakewood homeowners are left to foot the bill for unexpected damages, so having the ability to file claims for property damage makes your situation as ideal as possible. To discuss your options for insurance coverage, be sure to contact one of our independent agents for day for expert, personalized advice.

New Colorado Home Buyers: Things You Should to Know About Homeowners Insurance

So, you’re just getting ready to settle into your new Lakewood, Colorado home. The next step is to start looking at insurance coverage options to protect your investment. Your previous home insurance plan might not be the best fit for this new residence, so be sure to keep the following in mind when choosing the right coverage policy for your needs.

1. The Requirements of Your Loan Provider

Although Colorado law doesn’t technically require homeowners to purchase home insurance, mortgage companies likely will require you to purchase some sort of insurance to protect their investment. Talk to your loan provider before looking through coverage plans to make sure you meet at least the minimum of their requirements.

2. The Weather

Lakewood, Colorado frequently experiences snow storms, but this area isn’t really at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms. Make sure to carefully read the property damage policy of your insurance provider to be sure it covers damage caused by natural disasters that are relevant to your new location. Remember that many homeowner policies will not insure you in the event of a flood, so talk to your insurance provider about flood insurance if this is a concern.

3. Coverage for Others

Do you plan on frequently entertaining guests in your home or inviting clients over to conduct business? If so, you might want to look into liability coverage as well. Liability insurance would protect you from a lawsuit or any kind of financial responsibility in the event that someone is injured on your property.

Our independent insurance agents are dedicated to finding a plan for Lakewood residents that fits their needs and exceeds their expectations. To talk to one of our trusted and knowledgeable representatives, contact us today.

What is the Minimum Auto Coverage Requirements in Lakewood, Colorado?

Our Lakewood, Colorado insurance agents understand how difficult it can be to shop around for insurance plans that fit your needs and the state requirements. To make your research a little easier, the following list compiles the minimum auto coverage requirements for a safe and secure drive through the Rocky Mountain State:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $15,000 per accident for property damage
  • $5,000 medical payments coverage (effective January 1, 2009)

Although these Lakewood auto insurance policies include the minimum coverage areas, that doesn’t mean they are the only area where drivers are at risk. Collision coverage is one such coverage option that isn’t mandatory, but highly recommended. This type of coverage would keep you financially protected in case your car needed repairs after an accident with another vehicle, wall or another object.

Colorado comprehensive coverage is another option that would keep your car protected under a variety of potential accidents, including theft, hail damage, fire, natural disasters, falling objects and so on. If you have an auto loan on your vehicle, your loan providers may require this coverage and others above the minimum for Lakewood, Colorado. Make sure to discuss this with your loan provider before committing with an insurance policy.

Thinking about short-changing the minimum? Think again! Failure to obtain the minimum insurance requirements can result in:

  • First offense- minimum fine of $500, four points added to your driving record and even suspension of your license.
  • Second offense- minimum fine of $1,000 and suspension of at least four-months.
  • Third offense- minimum fine of $1,000, community service requirement and an eight-month suspension.

Contact us to speak with an independent agent about your unique questions and concerns. We’ll work with you as long as necessary to make sure you get the coverage you need at an affordable cost.