Author Archives: AgentInsure

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

At Colling Insurance Services, Inc we encourage our clients to consider umbrella insurance. This is because we have seen clients make claims that are larger than their auto insurance, homeowner, or watercraft insurance policies.

In Lakewood, CO, umbrella insurance is a life-saver. It serves as a backup for your other insurance policies. You still look confused with the brief explanation. Let’s shed more light on the term with a simple illustration. One day, you found yourself almost late for a meeting with a potential high net worth client that could give your company million-dollar deals repeatedly.

You became impatient in your Ferrari. You tried to beat the red light and ran into a bus with several passengers. You damaged the bus, spoiled your Ferrari, and also caused bodily injuries to all the occupants of the vehicles.

You will be liable for the cost of fixing the bus, the cost of fixing your car, and the medical bills of the people who got injured. In addition, one of the passengers could figure out that you must be rich to be cruising a Ferrari, so she may decide to sue you. To make matters worse, your auto insurance policy can only pay a fraction of the total amount. So, you’ll need to raise the remaining part fast.

This is where your umbrella insurance comes in. The policy will provide the remaining coverage and prevent you from debt, bankruptcy, and the emotional trauma that comes with insolvency. We used the auto accident as an illustration, but it could happen with your homeowner or watercraft liability insurance too.

It goes further. In Lakewood, CO, umbrella insurance also covers legal liability claims like wrongful arrest, wrongful detention, false imprisonment, slander, and libel. Many other policies do not cover these. If you need more information on umbrella insurance, we’ll be too glad to oblige you. Just contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc, visit our office today or anytime.

Benefits of a Lakewood CO boat insurance policy

For a lot of people, living in the Lakewood, CO area often means dealing with cold winters. However, this area of Colorado also offers some amazing weather during the summer. To ensure that you are able to enjoy your summer months as much as possible, you should consider getting a boat. If you do get a boat, there are several benefits it will come if you invest in a quality boat insurance policy.

Asset Protection

One of the main advantages of getting a boat insurance policy is that you can receive protection for your asset. A boat is a very big purchase and investment that should be properly covered at all times. If you get a full boat insurance policy you will receive coverage for virtually any situation that could result in a loss. This form of insurance is also required if you took out a loan to buy the boat.

Liability Coverage 

Another benefit of having boat insurance is that it can provide you with valuable liability coverage. If you were to cause an accident when you were using your boat, there is a chance that you will have to pay a significant amount of money to cover damages. However, if you continue to carry a boat insurance policy you will have coverage for these situations. This coverage could help to save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind.

If you do purchase a boat in the Lakewood, CO area, it is always a good idea to get a boat insurance policy. As you are shopping for a new boat insurance policy, you should call Colling Insurance Services Inc. The team at Colling Insurance Services Inc. can help you pick a new insurance policy that will properly protect your boat.

Does The Pandemic Effect Life Insurance?

Many people are speculating about the changes to the world that may be brought about by the recent spread of the Covid 19 virus. At this point, much of it is only speculation. Many forecast a future consisting of greater precautions during flu season, a possible Covid 19 season each year, more people working from home, and the increased ability to handle pandemics. Colling Insurance Services Inc. serves people in the community of Lakewood, CO with quality life insurance services, and we want to reassure you that although this pandemic seems to be bringing about changes across the globe, many things will remain the same and reliable such as human kindness, mathematical probability, and of course, insurance services. 

Possible Effects On Life Insurance By The Pandemic

  • The current pandemic will not affect your current policy in the least. Your benefits will remain the same as they were when you purchased the policy. 
  • When it comes time to renew, you may have new questions concerning travel and exposure, and you may find that pandemic coverage will be a special section or even add on depending on the underwriter and how the next few months proceed globally. 
  • If you need to renew or purchase life insurance at the moment, more companies are allowing noncontact insurance purchasing options to keep everyone safe. This will likely continue after the pandemic as most businesses have online options to begin with. 

No matter what the future brings, or the little and bigs ways the world may be different after all this is over, at Colling Insurance Services Inc. We are here for our clients, as we have always been. Contact us to purchase your life insurance policy so your family will be protected in a worst-case scenario. We serve Lakewood, CO and the surrounding counties. 

When is the right time to buy longterm care insurance

Like most places in the United States, Lakewood, CO has an aging population. Slightly over 5% of Americans over the age of 65 are in longterm care facilities, by age 95 it is almost 50%. Beyond that, 50% of those 65 years old today will need some longterm care. Most will need care for under two years but more than 10% will need more than 5 years.  Given these statistics and the cost of longterm care in Colorado being in excess of $100,000 per year, longterm is something that should be on most people’s minds. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. is here to help you with this important financial decision. 

Long-term care insurance covers many of the expenses that are not covered by health insurance or medicare. It can provide help when you have a chronic health condition, are disabled or have diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s. It can help with ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, dressing and taking medication. This help can be provided in your home, in assisted living or in a nursing home. It can even help with adult daycare. 

Unlike life insurance which should be purchased as young as possible, longterm care insurance is normally purchased between the mid-50s and the mid-60s. What you don’t want to do is to wait too long. Once you have developed a serious condition it is too late,  you will not be eligible to purchase it. 

When purchasing longterm care insurance can be a tricky decision, you have to buy it when you are still healthy and often serious illness gives a little warning. At Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO our team is here to offer you the advice you need to make an informed decision. Stop by the office or give us a call to make an appointment. 

Offering Health Insurance Benefits for Employees

No law in the state of Colorado requires an employer to provide health insurance for the employees of the business; however, most employers do provide this insurance coverage.

However, under Colorado law, most people, with some exceptions, are required to have health insurance if they live in the state of Colorado as a resident. This means if they do not have health insurance from their employer, they must get their own coverage unless they are exempt.

The exemptions in Colorado are:

  • Short-Term Visitors: Anyone in the state for less than three months is not required to have health insurance.
  • Low Income: People below the limit required for filing federal taxes and those who would have to pay more than 8% of their income for health insurance do not have to buy it. They get Medicaid coverage for free instead.
  • Other Exemptions: People who are not legally in the United States, those who are incarcerated, members of federally-recognized tribes, certain religious members, and those with hardships who apply for an exemption.

Health Insurance Consultation

For business owners who desire to provide health insurance for their employees and for those who are looking on their own for health insurance coverage for themselves and their families, consult with an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO, and the surrounding area.

Your agent will help you explore the options and bring some clarity to the variety of health insurance program choices for you to consider. The agents keep up with all the constant, ongoing changes, so you do not have to be concerned that you are making a bad decision when you work with an expert in health insurance.

To get help with all of your health insurance needs, contact your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO for a health insurance review and to get a quote.

Can I purchase dental insurance by itself in Lakewood, CO or does it have to go with a health insurance policy?

If you or a family member isn’t getting dental insurance through an employer you have to go to the marketplace to find a policy. If you already have a health insurance policy, will that interfere with your purchase of dental insurance? Do you have to purchase dental with regular health insurance, or can you purchase a dental plan by itself?

If you live in Lakewood, CO and need dental insurance, you actually have a choice as to how you decide to purchase it. At Colling Insurance Services Inc., we can help you find a plan that works with what you already have, or we can help you find a whole new plan. 

If your health plan includes dental, you will pay one premium to get all the services offered by your comprehensive plan. If you choose a stand-alone policy, you will have two different premiums. You can even choose dental coverage at a completely different company than the one one that services your health insurance.

Dental insurance is an essential benefit for children, but not adults, so health insurance plans must offer coverage to minors either as part of a comprehensive plan or as a stand-alone plan. Sadly, dental insurance isn’t considered essential for adults.

When choosing your plan, you will probably have to choose a higher premium with lower copayments and deductibles or a lower premium with higher copayments and deductibles. Think about whether you want to pay less every month and then pay more for services.

If you live in Lakewood, CO, you have choices when it comes to dental insurance. Call Colling Insurance Services Inc. today so we can help you explore your options.

Why Your Business Needs Workers’ Comp Coverage

Owning a business comes with many responsibilities. One of these is making sure your workers are protected if they fall ill or are injured while on the job. The best way to protect your employees in Lakewood, CO is by purchasing workers’ compensation insurance from Colling Insurance Services Inc. However, if you are like some business owners, you may not think this is a necessary expense. Keep reading to learn why this is so important.

It’s the Law

Colorado law makes it illegal to not carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have one or more full- or part-time employees. What this means is that if you are the only person working for your company, this insurance coverage isn’t needed; however, once you hire your first employee if you don’t buy it, you are breaking the law. This comes with significant penalties and fines, so make sure to get sufficient coverage to protect your workers.

It Creates a Safer and More Productive Workplace

When you purchase workers’ compensation insurance, you are creating a safer and much more productive workplace. This is because your workers are going to know you care about their well-being and that you are taking steps to ensure they are protected if an accident were to occur.

Protection from Lawsuits

Workers’ compensation insurance isn’t just beneficial for the employees. If you provide your workers with this protection and they begin to receive benefits after being injured at work, it means they no longer have the legal right to sue your business. For many employers, this is a huge relief.

If you are ready to invest in workers’ compensation coverage for your business in Lakewood, CO, make sure to find a company that can help you. Our team at Colling Insurance Services Inc. is ready to help you get the coverage you need for a price you can afford.

Why You Should Consider Commercial Insurance For Your Business

Lakewood, CO business owners need to make sure that they are providing themselves with the proper level of protection. Accidents, mistakes, mishaps, all of these incidents can take place at any time. That’s what makes commercial insurance such an important aspect of any business. 

Fulfilling Legal Requirements

Businesses do not always stop to consider the legal requirements that they need to fulfill. Colorado requires business owners of all sizes to purchase the necessary insurance. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. agents are on hand to explain these legal requirements so that a business owner can avoid costly lawsuits, fire damages and data breaches. 

Protecting Employees

Colorado requires businesses to obtain workers’ compensation insurance, as a means of protecting their employees. When employees suffer illnesses and injuries as the result of work related issues, the employer is on the hook for these expenses. Without commercial insurance, medical care, missed wages and even funeral benefits become the responsibility of the employer. 

Protecting Customers

In addition to protecting employees, a Lakewood, CO business owner will also need to make sure that their clientele remains protected. Property damage, product liability, personal injury and bodily injury are all crucial areas of consideration when it comes time to find the best commercial insurance policy for a business in the state of Colorado. 

Increased Credibility 

A business that does not take the time to consider commercial insurance is a business that is permanently damaging their own level of credibility. The average consumer is not going to want anything to do with a company that does not care about the welfare of their customers or their employees. Risk management is something that must be taken with the utmost level of seriousness if the business is going to thrive over the short term and the long haul.

If you would like to learn more about the ins and outs of commercial insurance, experienced Colling Insurance Services, Inc. agents are standing by. Be sure to stop by as soon as possible, so that you can receive a free quote with zero obligation. 

Do You Need Toy Insurance?

If you own “grownup” toys like snowmobiles, ATVs, watercraft vehicles and others, you’d do well to consider toy insurance to protect your valuable investment. Toy insurance from Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO can protect your pricey toy from theft, accidental damage or total loss in a serious accident or disaster. What kind of protection can you obtain for your recreational toy?

Liability: If you cause an accident that hurts other drivers or damages other people’s vehicles while riding your recreational toy, liability insurance can help pay for damages. Liability will also protect you if the injured party sues for damages.

Collision: Collision coverage covers repairs to your toy if you crash into the side of a mountain, hit a tree or collide with another vehicle during your joy rides. With toys, there’s always the risk of accidents. Better to be safe with adequate coverage than being found lacking and have to pay for costly repairs out-of-pocket.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance compensates you if your toy is stolen, vandalized or damaged by fire or inclement weather. It also covers damage to your ATV if you accidentally strike an animal.  

Uninsured/underinsured Motorist: If a situation arises where your ATV is hit by another driver who has insufficient or no insurance coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will help for your damages.

Although ATV insurance isn’t mandatory in Colorado, consider what you stand to lose without it. Recreational toys like ATVs pose a high risk of accidents. Lack of coverage puts you at risk of financial loss whether you’re responsible for or the victim of a serious accident. Protecting your toys with toy insurance keeps you and your toys safe from the worst of circumstances.

For customized toy insurance coverage at affordable costs, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO today.

Why do you need RV insurance?

Your hard work is evidenced through the possessions you have managed to accumulate over the years. One big investment that proves beneficial for you and the family is your RV. What would happen, though, if the motor home that you worked hard to acquire in Lakewood, CO was involved in an auto accident or completely destroyed by other means? These possibilities and more are why you need an RV indemnity plan offered by Colling Insurance Services Inc. 

What is RV insurance?

RV insurance is similar to traditional car insurance. The central difference between the two indemnity policies, however, is the type of assets they protect. Traditional car insurance is designed to protect owners who drive motor vehicles on the highways and in the city. RV insurance, on the other hand, is meant to protect motor homeowners who may cross state lines during family road trips.

Is RV insurance required?

Contrary to what some may believe, RV insurance is required if you drive your vessel in Lakewood, CO. The state of Colorado requires all drivers to show proof of liability insurance that includes at least $25,000 worth of coverage for bodily injury per person, or $50,000 per accident, along with $15,000 for property damage. You may consider purchasing more than the minimum if you operate an RV. 

How much RV insurance do you need?

The amount of RV insurance you need heavily depends on your lifestyle. Those who do not drive their vessels often may find less coverage more ideal. Meanwhile, families who travel several times throughout the year may need more RV coverage. 

It is best to contact an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. if you have questions about RV insurance. Call today to get started with a quote!