Monthly Archives: January 2016

What To Do When You Witness A Car Accident

Witnessing a car accident can be extremely difficult. You don’t want to be one of those drivers that simply drives-by, assuming that everything is okay. The people within the cars may not have been able to call for help, and everyone is assuming that someone else is going to call. Follow a few steps, and you can help everyone involved.

Step 1: Call 911

Even before you pull over, call 911 if you have a hands free element in your car. This ensures that help is on the way. Otherwise, place the call once you have secured your own car.

Step 2: Pull Over

Regardless of where the accident is, including in the middle of the road, pull off on the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and be sure you are at least 100 feet away from the accident.

Step 3: Check on Victims

Check on the victims in all of the cars. Some may be unable to get out because of the metal doors being bent. Some may simply be unable to move. Talk to them and try to calm them down.

Step 4: Stabilize the Cars

If you can, stabilize the cars. This can include everything from putting the car in park, turning off the ignition, and even moving the car out of harm’s way. Do what you can until the police and emergency responders arrive.

Step 5: Leave a Statement

The 911 operator is likely going to ask you to stay on the scene until the police arrive. This is generally to leave a statement as well as to keep the victims comforted. You will be asked about what you witnessed. Others may follow up with you throughout the investigation, so your contact information will be taken down.

Don’t go without a good auto insurance policy in Lakewood. Call and speak to us at Colling Insurance Services Inc. today where we can answer questions, get quotes for you from premier insurance companies in Colorado, and much more.

 

 

 

3 Tips Every Colorado House Sitter Needs to Know

Staying at someone’s house while they are on vacation—either for free or payment—is a great way to step out of your routine and help a friend. But are you doing everything you can to make sure the process is smooth? Read on to find out three tips that every Colorado house sitter needs to know.

#1: Get Details Ahead of Time

Getting details of what your house sitting stay will include is essential to having a positive experience. Talk to the homeowner and determine what their expectations are of you for while they are gone. Are you supposed to pick up mail, water the plants, feed the dog, or even put the trash cans out on pickup day? Where are extra items kept in the house, such as clean linens and paper products? Are you allowed to have guests or would they prefer that you don’t? What’s the WiFi password? These are all important things to clear ahead of time.

#2: Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency

It is also important that you know what to do in case of an emergency. Ask your host for all pertinent information, such as where the breaker box and utility shutoff valves are located. If you are taking care of pets during your stay, get the number of the owner’s preferred veterinarian. You may also ask for the contact information of a neighbor in case there’s an unexpected incident.

#3: Treat the Place Like You Live There

Another tip for house sitters is to treat the place like you live there. Simply put, if you wouldn’t do it in your own home or wouldn’t want someone else doing it while you were gone, refrain.

Are you the one going out of town? Having proper homeowner’s insurance coverage is important—especially while you are on vacation. Protect your property against unexpected events by getting a no-obligation policy review. Contact our team at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. for more information.