Author Archives: AgentInsure

Does My Toy Insurance Cover Liability?

Colling Insurance Services Inc. offers toy insurance to the residents who live in Lakewood, CO and many of the surrounding communities. The goal is to fully protect toy owners from various types of liability if someone is injured or property is damaged while you are out playing on your jetskis, snowmobiles, ATV’s or other recreational vehicles. Toy insurance is designed to protect you from different types of financial loss that can be devastating if you are not fully prepared.

Liability for Property

Property liability is essential if you plan on riding your recreational vehicles on public or private lands. If an accident does occur, any property damage becomes your responsibility. Having an effective toy insurance policy in place helps protect you from having to pay large sums of money to repair or replace damaged property.

Liability for Others

If you or another person is injured while riding on your recreational vehicle, you will need to have some type of liability insurance attached to your toy to cover it. While riding without this type of insurance is possible, it puts you at extreme risk of having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket if an accident does occur. 

Toy insurance can cover many types of recreational vehicles. If you live in the Lakewood, CO area and own recreational vehicles, call the reputable agents at Colling Insurance Services Inc. Talking to an agent will provide you with the information you need so you can purchase the right type of policy for your recreational vehicles. Don’t risk your financial security! Call one of the local agents and request a consultation so you can be fully protected.

3 Safety Tips for Seniors Traveling by RV

One of the best things about retiring is the ability to travel outside of Lakewood, CO whenever you want. RVing is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for seniors to travel. If your vacations include the freedom to see the world from the open road, then RVing is going to be a great experience. There are a wide variety of RV clubs for seniors so you can mingle with fellow travelers with a like-minded lifestyle. If you are new to RVing, it’s important to enjoy your travels, but it’s also important to travel safe, so here are 3 safety tips for seniors traveling by RV.

Let Someone Know Your Information

Before hitting the road it is important to let a family member or friend know your travel plans. This should include the route you intend to take as well as where you are planning to park along the way. Once you reach your destination, be sure to let someone know you have arrived and how long you will be staying. Always keep your phone and laptop charged and be sure to get a booster that will allow you to find a signal when you are parked in a remote area.

Stay in Safe Campgrounds

Although some RV communities cater to seniors, you don’t have to limit your traveling to seniors-only campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer special discounts for seniors, so be sure to ask about pricing and the amenities when making reservations. It is important to only stay in a reputable, safe campground. Unless absolutely necessary, you should avoid parking in out-of-the-way locations, so try to map out your traveling in a manner that allows you plenty of time to reach a safe campground and always use campsites that are designated for RVs.

Routinely Maintain the RV

Just like your automobile requires routine maintenance, the RV does as well. Providing routine maintenance, such as checking the fluids, making sure there is appropriate air in the tires and that all motor components are in good working order will help to ensure you don’t break down when you least expect it.  One of the most important parts of RV maintenance is your insurance, so make sure your insurance covers all aspects of the RV trip. Consider getting a roadside service that specializes in RVs.  Be sure to talk with Colling Insurance Services, Inc. before starting on your journey to gather all information about your RV and insurance coverage.

Residents of Lakewood, CO interested in learning more information about RV insurance policies should contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc.

Boat Safety Tips to Avoid an Insurance Claim

There’s nothing like being out on one of Colorado’s beautiful rivers and lakes on a warm spring or summer afternoon. The cool breeze in your hair, sun glistening on the water and scenic beauty can bring a sense of peace and well-being. You can get that same feeling from knowing that your vessel is fully insured in case of a boating accident. If you have specific questions on what type of boat insurance would be suitable for your boat and desired coverage, call Colling Insurance Services in Lakewood, CO to get the answers you desire. In the meantime, here are some tips on what to do in case you get into one of the following accident situations.

Hitting a Submerged Object

Whether you hit a rock or other object, it can scratch or leave a hole. Experienced boaters stay clear of shallow, murky water, and this can lower the chances of running into underwater objects.

Grounding

Grounding occurs when you run aground on an unseen sandbar or object and cannot get free. It can wreak havoc with the haul of your boat. To avoid grounding followed marked channels, consult charts and invest in a depth sounder.

Weather Damage

 A boat operator always needs to be aware of current and expected weather before getting on the water. If you are already on the water when a storm hits, get to shore as safely and quickly as possible and tie your boat to secure moorings. 

Theft While Anchored

Theft while anchored is an increasing claim type, especially during the summer. Remove navigation equipment and belongings from sight when you are away from your vessel. 

Injury

Insurance claims for injuries are filed via your boat insurance medical payments coverage, which covers you and your passengers, or bodily injury liability, which covers injuries you caused to someone else. The latter typically involves inexperienced boaters.

Collision with Other Boats

A collision between two boats can cause major damage and generally occurs in an area densely crowded with boats. In these situations, stay alert and navigate slowly. Collisions usually occur when you are going too fast to react or not paying attention.

Fire

Fire is not a common claim on boats, but it’s nice to know you’re covered. Just in case, keep a fire extinguisher on board for emergencies. 

If you need help determining whether your current boat insurance policy covers you in these or other situations, contact an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO. Feel free to schedule an appointment to discuss all your insurance needs and to receive a quote.

 

 

Myths about Umbrella Insurance

An umbrella insurance policy in Lakewood, CO can be a useful tool in avoiding financial ruin if you are sued. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding these policies and that confusion leads to a lot of people not purchasing them, even though there are a lot of benefits. These commonly believed myths aren’t true and there are reasons why.

Myth 1: Umbrella insurance is your first line of coverage.

Your umbrella insurance is actually your second line of coverage and won’t kick in until your other primary insurance policies are exhausted. You aren’t even able to purchase umbrella insurance unless you already have a primary policy.

Myth 2: Umbrella insurance is just for rich people.

With the increase in the number of lawsuits filed, everyone can benefit from umbrella insurance. In fact, the wealthy may have more resources to ride out a lawsuit, whereas someone who is struggling wouldn’t, making umbrella insurance even more important for the average person.

Myth 3: Umbrella policies are too expensive.

It could depend on your risk and other circumstances, such as how likely you are to get sued, but many times umbrella insurance policies will be cheaper to get that if you want to raise the limits on your primary policies, such as home and auto.

Myth 4: It’s too hard to get an umbrella policy.

If you are getting policies from different insurers, there could be some confusion and it can be harder to get an umbrella policy. However, if you choose one insurance company, such as Colling Insurance Services Inc. then it’s easier to get a policy and you could save money by bundling policies.

Myth 5: There are too many exclusions.

Every policy has its own exclusions, but an umbrella policy can actually provide some additional coverage that you can’t get with a normal homeowners policy, such as protection against libel and slander.

Contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO, to get a quote on umbrella insurance. 

 

I’m Healthy and Active — Why Should I Consider Long-Term Care Insurance?

As we get older, the chances become greater that at some point we may need care services – approximately 70 percent of seniors over the age of 65 will eventually need some kind of long-term care service during their lifetime, and over 40 percent will require nursing home care for some period of time.  

Long-term care provides a variety of care services designed to help meet your health or personal care needs for either a brief or extended period of time. This care helps you live as independently and safely as possible when you determine you aren’t able to perform many of your daily activities on own. While you might be healthy and active now, you have no guarantee that will continue. Protecting yourself from the financial burden of paying for that care with a long-term care insurance policy through Colling Insurance Services, Inc., can give you peace of mind in the event you do eventually need care. 

What Does Long-Term Care Include? 

Long-term care services can include: 

Home-based services – You can remain in your Lakewood CO home and receive in-home health care, housekeeping/homemaking services, visitor/companion services, and an emergency response system 

Facility-based care – Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult foster care, board and care homes, and continuing care retirement communities 

Community-based services – Senior centers, adult day service programs, transportation services, meals program, and respite care 

I’m Active and Healthy — Why Should I consider Long-Term Care Insurance? 

You may never need long-term care. However, at any time, an unexpected slip or fall, injury, or illness can suddenly change your needs. The best time to think about how you’ll pay for long-term care is before you need it – allowing you to make important decisions while you are still able. 

Doesn’t Medicare Cover Long-term Care Costs? 

Medicare may cover part of your first 100 days in a nursing home, but contrary to what many people think, it doesn’t cover the majority of long-term care costs. For example, if you are bound to your Lakewood, CO home, it will pay for some part-time services and short-term skilled nursing care, but not personal care such as help with bathing. For more information about how long-term care insurance can help you plan your long-term care goals, call the insurance experts at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. today.

Life Insurance Laws in Colorado

Life insurance is an important part of planning for the inevitable, but it is important to make sure that your policy is fully compliant with local laws. For Colorado residents, the good news is that most laws are designed to make things more efficient and beneficial for policyholders and their loved ones. So whether you’re looking to get a life insurance policy or simply want to learn more about the one you already have (and perhaps how it could be improved), here’s what you should know about Colorado life insurance laws:

The Basics

All Colorado life insurance laws are regulated under state statutes Title 10. At Colling Insurance Services Inc. (serving the Lakewood, CO area and beyond), for example, our policy underwriters ensure that all of these laws are strictly followed. Insurers who do not comply with these laws may be subject to strict fines and/or further litigation. 

The Details

Now let’s get to specifics. First, all life insurance claims must also be settled in a timely manner, meaning most in this state will be settled within two months. Additionally, Colorado law states that should a payment be missed, the life insurance policy must stay in place for at least a month after the payment was due. This mandatory grace period ensures that the policy will still be paid out should the policyholder die shortly after the payment is late. It also just helps buy people more time if they run into financial difficulty. 

Moving Forward

It’s worth noting at this time that the Colorado Life and Health Insurance Protection Association works to protect policyholders by guaranteeing life insurance funds against potential insurer bankruptcy of up to $300,000 (essentially, if you’re insurer goes broke, your policy will still be paid out). If you still need to set up a life insurance policy, however, and are based in Lakewood, CO or surrounding areas, Colling Insurance Services Inc. is here to help. Our insurance experts are happy to sit down with you to discuss your specific needs (and those of your family). With the right policy, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of should anything happen to you. 

The basic provisions of a health insurance cover.

It is a requirement to have basic health insurance in most states in addition to being a very important investment one can ever make. Medical setbacks can be very costly. Purchasing and maintaining health coverage is the only best way to cushion you from emergency medical costs out of pocket.

Before obtaining a proper health insurance cover, it is important to understand the basic provisions of a health insurance cover. Having knowledge of the fundamental concepts that govern health insurance will be of great help in ensuring you find an affordable health insurance that best suits your needs.

The basic provisions of a health insurance cover include:

  • Short-term or temporary health insurance

In general, short-term plans are not obligatory to offer you the same vital coverage advantages and rights as a long-term compliant plan. These types of plans can only be of help when you are transitioning an example being moving between jobs.

  • Supplemental insurance

Usually, this is considered as a minimum essential cover since it pays directly to you in the event that you fall sick or injured in order to fill the financial gap which you might be vulnerable to by your current health insurance coverage. The money you receive from a supplemental insurance plan can be used for payment of deductibles, out of pocket medical expenses among other eligible expenses that you choose.

The most common eligible expenses include services of a physician, optometrist, physiotherapist and ambulance services.

A basic health insurance cover protects you and your family the routine costs and other out of pocket costs of unexpected medical expenses. We at Lakewood, CO, based Colling Insurance Services, Inc. have a collective negotiation between our clients and insurance agents by offering specialized advice and services in order to make your insurance shopping easy.

Visit us today or give us a call for more information regarding the basic provisions of health insurance coverage.

Deciding What Dental Insurance Coverage to Get

Dental insurance can help to keep your smile healthy and attractive by helping you pay for the dental services you need, but it can be a bit daunting to know which dental insurance coverage to get. Here are some key tips on that, courtesy of Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area.

Co-payments

Various dental insurance plans differ as far as what copayment the patient must pay for various dental services. Often, when you pay more per month for your premiums, the co-pays will be lower. So that’s a tradeoff.

Deductibles

Dental insurance plans also differ when it comes to deductibles, and typically the high-deductible plans require the patient to pay more out of pocket when dental services are obtained at a dentist.

Premiums

This is yet another area where there are differences from one insurance policy to another. High-premium dental insurance plans typically provide more and better coverage for services, as well as lower co-payments and deductibles.

When considering which dental insurance coverage to get, evaluate what types of services you foresee needing and how often. Of course, it is impossible to predict this with absolute certainty. But take a look at what coverage each plan offers and for what price, and look at what your budget allows when it comes to paying for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

When you are looking into dental insurance, it can help to have an expert who can sift through and sort out all the information. That’s where it helps to work with a company that provides insurance services. If you need help sorting out your dental insurance options, please feel free to contact us at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area.

Legal Issues About Worker´s Comp Insurance

Not everyone understands that workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect both the worker and the employer. The protection for the employee comes from the fact that employers in the state of Colorado are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The employer must pay for this insurance and cannot deduct the expense from employees.

By having workers’ compensation insurance, employers are protected from lawsuits by employees due to on-the-job injuries. Employers who need help with workers’ compensation insurance should contact an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO.

Legal Responsibilities of Employees

If an employee suffers an on-the-job injury, the worker must promptly report the injury, file a claim with the help of the employer, and follow the rules. When an employee does this properly, the employee is entitled to compensation for medical expenses and may be entitled to lost wages for the time the employee is unable to work. If an employee dies due to an on-the-job accident, the employee’s surviving family members or beneficiaries receive a death benefit.

Legal Responsibilities of Employers

Employers in Colorado must have workers’ compensation insurance if they have a single worker or more.

Additional requirements for employers are:

  • The business must put up a poster called “Notice to Employer of Injury” in a prominent place where all employees are able to see it.
  • The employer must maintain records of all the on-the-job injuries and occupational diseases that happen and the work-time lost because of these.
  • Employers must report injuries that cause lost work-time within ten days of injury’s occurrence by using the “Employer’s First Report of Injury” form. This form is sent to the insurer and then the insurer forwards a copy to the Colorado State Division of Workers’ Compensation.
  • Upon an injured employee’s return to work, employers submit a “Supplemental Report of Accident” form to the insurer and then the insurer forwards a copy to the Colorado State Division of Workers’ Compensation.

The Extra Benefit of Maintaining a Safe Working Environment

Employers with a worker safety program in effect for one year and those that can document their safety record may qualify for a certificate that gives them a 10% reduction on the payments for workers’ compensation insurance.

Get a quote from your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO for any workers’ compensation needs.

How to Insure a Second Location as Your Business Expands

Having a successful small business is terrific. Many business owners who find success with a particular business style do well by expanding it. They take a successful style and copy it by establishing a second branch in another location. Work with your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO and the nearby areas, to replicate your business success with a commercial insurance review that incorporates the needs of the original and the new location(s).

If the new location is within the state of Colorado, it is possible to combine coverage in ways that are beneficial to the business owner. If the new location is not within the state of Colorado, your agent can help with recommendations of how to get commercial insurance coverage in another state.

Commercial Insurance Review

In general, having a yearly review of commercial insurance is a good idea. A review is critical before establishing a new location(s). Commercial insurance needs to be put in place prior to starting the business operations to make sure there is no gap in coverage. Even during the period when a business sends staff to get a new location(s) ready for operations, there needs to be commercial insurance already in place.

It is important when considering the impact on the business by a new location to think about business interruption insurance. If a business has two locations or more and there is a business interruption, it can take substantial resources to keep the business from failing. This type of commercial insurance helps the business survive if there is no cash flow coming in to the business.

Compare Increasing Policy Limits with New Policies

Increasing policy limits may be an alternative that may be possible and advantageous when compared to getting a brand new policy for the new location(s). Other considerations include thinking about the use of any commercial vehicles that may be driven by employees from more than one business location.

It is an exciting time when a business wants to open a new location. Contact your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO to make sure you have adequate commercial insurance in place for your business expansion.