Author Archives: AgentInsure

3 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Insurance Rates In Lakewood

Some people just wind up paying more for insurance than others. It’s unfortunate, it’s not always fair, but that’s how it works. Teenagers are seen as a higher risk than a driver in their thirties, and someone with a poor credit score is likely to pay more for coverage than people with solid credit. To a certain extent, an insurance company will evaluate you as an individual however they can, but ultimately they have to rely on broad statistics in order to calculate the risk that they are taking in covering you. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to score yourself a lower rate no matter who you are and what demographics you fall into:

Ask About Discounts

The providers you will find through Colling Insurance Services Inc. will offer different discounts to different people for different things. When buying an insurance policy, it can be worth it to take a little time to call or email a possible provider and see if they have any discounts that sound right up your alley.

Pay Off Some Old Debts

Get your hands on your credit report and find out if there are any outstanding debts that you need to take care of. It might be easier than you think to patch your credit up for a better rate.

Consider Your Car’s Value

As a general rule, you don’t want to buy comprehensive coverage on a car that is worth less than ten times your premium. Check up on your car’s value on Kelley’s Blue Book, or get it valued through an auto dealer.

These tips should help you get the best deal you can get in Lakewood CO.

 

An Electric Transformer Explodes on the Utility Pole Near Your House – What happens next?

When an electric transformer overheats it can explode. This is a terrifying thing when it happens because it sounds like a bomb went off. The power of these explosions can break the windows of the nearby homes and even sometimes the glass of the vehicles parked close by.

This event can also send excessive electrical energy to the nearby homes that may destroy electronic equipment plus any other things plugged into an electrical outlet and cause an electrical fire in the home. Sometimes a fire runs down the wire from the power pole to the house and this causes a fire.

Because of the electrical equipment malfunction, your house is set on fire.
Who is responsible? Sometimes there is shared liability for the damages. Perhaps the transformer exploded due to a manufacturing defect and the manufacturer is responsible. Perhaps the electrical power company is responsible. Liability might be partially shared by both companies.

On the other hand, the severe weather we sometimes have in Lakewood, CO, especially during winter, may be what caused the transformer to explode. Even something as strange as Space Weather can cause this. It is possible for a Coronal Mass Ejection, which is a powerful blast of energy that comes from the Sun, to cause damage to electrical transformers on Earth. While these events are rare there is serious concern about them. 

The specific circumstances of such an accident are always different. This is why, after you call 911 to report the emergency, the next call should be to your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. so that they can give you advice about what to do if this happened.

It is always a good idea, at least once per year, to consult with your agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Had an Accident? How to Counter Your Insurance Premiums Rising

If you were involved in an accident in the Lakewood, CO area, there is a good chance your auto insurance premiums will increase. Unfortunately, this can be cause for alarm if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to counter these increases and hopefully keep your auto insurance affordable. Here are three of those things.

Showing You Weren’t At Fault for the Accident

In some cases, your insurance company won’t increase your rates if you can show you were not at fault for the accident. Obtain a police report or witness statement after the accident to show you were an innocent victim in the car crash.

Reducing Your Coverage or Deductible

If you caused the accident, it will be hard to keep your insurance premiums at the same rate. However, reducing your coverage or increasing your deductible may help to keep your premiums at the same amount. Always ensure you can still afford to pay your deductible though, or this can hurt you more than it will help you.

Pricing Out a New Auto Insurance Policy

If your current insurance company is planning to drastically raise your rates after an accident, it may be time to find a new one. Take the time to price out a new auto insurance policy instead of assuming your current company is still the right one for you.

If you are looking to price out a new auto insurance policy in the greater Lakewood, CO area, contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. We are here to help you with all of your auto insurance needs, including finding you an affordable policy after being involved in a car accident. Contact us today for a free quote.

Why Having Home Insurance Can Save You During the Holidays

The holidays carry a lot amazing moments in Lakewood. CO and residents take the good with the bad. Most of the time, they’re filled with family, friends, and cheer, but sometimes things go awry. Here are some common scenarios to keep in mind, and how home insurance can help. 

Kitchen Fires 

Fried turkey is certainly a crowd pleaser, but it’s not necessarily easy to make. There’s a reason why those who aren’t quite sure of what they’re doing with the fryer are more likely to cause a fire this year than not. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. can help you find a policy that protects against fire due to kitchen mishaps. 

Aggressive Animals

When guests come over to the house, they may end up being more stressed out than we realize. Bites and damage are more common around this time of year as dogs and cats adjust to new smells, people, and routines. Home insurance may be able to provide some type of relief if you are sued or possibly even cover the financial costs.

A Guest Slips

Whether it’s a toy that was left out in the unwrapping frenzy or an icy puddle on the front steps, you’re typically held liable for a guest’s fall. Whether it’s family or friends, it’s worth having coverage to help.

Car Thefts

When you shop, it’s normal to put some gifts in the trunk for safe keeping (and hiding) until you can get them in the house. Should they be stolen, home insurance may be the only way out of having to buy them all over again.

Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serves the people of Lakewood, CO, and can help you stay safe over the holidays. Call us for more information today!

 

Do You Need To Insure A Car You Can’t Drive?

So here’s something worth considering: If you own a car, but you can’t drive it for one reason or another, do you need to insure it? If you’re still doing repair work on it, if your driver’s license isn’t valid, if you need to get new tags before you can get behind the wheel, do you really need insurance?

The short answer is that, legally speaking, you’re only required to carry insurance if you’re going to be out on the road. Nobody’s going to come repo your car if they find out you’re uninsured. You’re not going to go to jail or paying any fines for being an uninsured driver if you’re not even a driver.

But, there are all sorts of risks that come with being uninsured besides getting in trouble with the law over it, and without insurance, those problems are yours and yours alone to worry about.

If a tree gets hit by lightning and falls on your car, if vandals decide to practice their painting skills on your auto, or if someone steals it, you’re left holding the bill for the loss. This is maybe not a big deal if we’re talking about a $500 used car that you’re using for spare parts, but if it’s a car that you are planning on driving again one day, then you need to consider whether or not it’s worth the risk of going with a policy from a provider like Colling Insurance Services Inc.

In any event, insuring a car that you’re not driving can be less expensive than covering a car that you are driving. Ask your provider about a storage protection plan, or just getting "comprehensive only" insurance.

Fall Home Checklist, Getting Ready for Winter

As winter approaches it becomes necessary to get figure out just what your home needs to be prepared. There are tons of different things you can do to protect your home and get it ready for winter. For those in the Lakewood, CO area, Colling Insurance Services Inc. can help you answer all your insurance questions when getting ready for winter.

The first thing that any homeowner should do is to winterize their home. This means sealing off rarely used doors and windows to help reduce energy bills and to keep out the cold. You can also cover plants, garden areas, and even seal driveways and sidewalks to help prevent cracking and breakage due to the expansion of water. 

Though physical preparation of your home is necessary, you may also need to look at your insurance policies and update, change, or entirely replace them. Winter is one of the busiest times when it comes to homeowner’s policy claims because of wintery weather and having the right policy in place can make a huge difference.

If you are unsure about what coverage you already have or what coverage you need, talking with an insurance agent can really help to dispel any fears and answer your questions. A skilled agent can help you determine what amount of coverage you need, what types of policies you may need, and can help you change or get new policies entirely so that you are covered when winter arrives.

Fall is a wonderful time to take a look at your policies and reevaluate the coverage that you have to make sure you are fully covered in the event of winter weather.

For all your insurance needs in the Lakewood, CO area, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. today.  

Tips on Driving Safely With a Pet in the Car

With the holiday season just around the corner, many people are starting to plan road trips. While traveling during the holidays can be a lot of fun, there are a number of stressful situations that can arise. If you are going to be traveling the roadways in and around the Lakewood, CO with your pet, there are some things that you will need to do to make this commute a bit safer. Read below to find out how to avoid being distracted when trying to navigate the highways this holiday season with your furry family member.

Invest in a Quality Crate

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of distraction that comes with traveling with your pet is by investing in a crash tested crate. With all of the different pet crate options out there, you will need to invest some time into finding the right one. Generally, crates that are built from materials like aluminum and plastic are preferred due to the durability they have to offer. Make sure the crate you purchase has a good bit of insulation to help keep your pet comfortable during the commute.

Bring Along the Essentials

When traveling with your pet, you will need to plan on bringing the essential items they need for a smooth trip. Things like a collapsible dog bowl and plenty of toys can help you get through this trip with ease. The last thing any Lakewood, CO pet owner wants is to have their dog or cat unhappy during a trip due to negligence on their part. There are several pet travel products, like ramps that make it easier for your dog or cat to get in and out of the vehicle, which can be purchased from local pet suppliers.

Are you in need of a higher degree of car insurance coverage? Contact Colling Insurance Services to find out about what they can offer. Colling Insurance Services employs some of the most knowledgeable and friendly insurance agents servicing the Lakewood, CO area.
 

3 Reasons You Should Never Be Without Home Insurance

For homeowners from all walks of life, acquiring home insurance should be of the utmost importance. Nevertheless, given the propensity to receive misinformation it is quite possible to be living under the assumption that this type of insurance is unimportant. With that said, the following is an overview of 3 reasons you should never, ever be without home insurance. 

Protect Your Belongings

Given the unpredictability of accidents, you should have a policy in place to protect your belongings at all times. Mother Nature, careless children, and other potentially damaging factors typically do not give advanced notice. Be mindful. 

It Might be required

Depending on how you acquired your home, it may be mandatory to always maintain home insurance. For instance, your bank may have mentioned the necessity of maintaining home insurance within the terms of your agreements. 

Robberies and More 

Lastly, although many never want to think about the possibility of being robbed or burglarized, this is the risk that every homeowner needs to be prepared for. Given that burglars are typically not the tidiest people, many of your belongings will likely be ruined in addition to the ones they may have gotten already with. By purchasing a home insurance policy, you are helping to ensure that your home and belongings are protected from all of these associated damages. 

Overall, if you are a homeowner without home insurance, you might want to reconsider. Moreover, if you reside in Lakewood, CO and are seeking a high-quality home insurance policy, Colling Insurance is the way to go. Simply call, stop by, or email us today and to speak to one of our independent representative to find out how you can start your home insurance policy today and hopefully save some money in the process! 

What is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance is an investment that gives you coverage if anything were to happen to your boat. It usually involves vessels that have motors, such as yachts, fishing boats, or speedboats. Kayaks, catamarans, and other personal watercrafts are not normally covered.

Homeowner’s Policy and Boat Coverage

Homeowner’s policies provide limited coverage for your water vehicle. If you think you are completely covered under your homeowner’s insurance, you are probably underinsured. Having boat insurance will give you security whether you are docked or at shore. In addition, the dock or marina where your boat is kept may require you to carry additional boat insurance.

Items That May Be Covered

There are a few things to consider before purchasing boat insurance. Knowing what kind of coverage you will need may make a difference in the type of policy you choose. Depending on the type of water vessel you own, you may need:

  • Property Damage Liability – is available if you cause damage to another boater’s vessel or other property.
  • Collision – is used if there is damage to your boat. You may receive actual cash value or replacement value of your boat depending on your policy.
  • Comprehensive Coverage – is for those who are at risk of having their property vandalized or stolen.
  • Bodily Injury Liability – can offer relief if another person is injured as a result of your negligence while on your boat.
  • Optional Plans – can cover salvage removal, towing, medical payments, wear and tear, roadside assistance, and damage caused by a boater that is uninsured.

Colling Insurance Services Inc. maintains independent insurance agents in Lakewood, Colorado who understand the importance of having boat insurance. These agents are also available to research options for you if you are thinking about starting a new plan or making changes to your current policy.

Does My Small Business Require Commercial Insurance?

“I have a small business, basically I work from home, make just enough to pay the bills and have a little left over. Do I need a commercial insurance policy?”

“I have a property that I own. I have five employees including myself and a small cargo van we use for deliveries. Do I need to purchase commercial insurance to protect my business and my personal wealth?”

In either of the above scenarios if you were to ask one of the talented insurance agents at Colling Insurance Services Inc. the answer will be a resounding “Yes!”

You can never be too careful in protecting your assets and your financial stability.  As a small business owner you are liable for your employees welfare while on the property and when travelling for the purposes of the benefit of the company. With all that liability you would do well to be covered in the event of an unfortunate incident.

Colling Insurance Services Inc. has expertise in the area of commercial insurance and would be able to serve you and your commercial insurance needs. Commercial insurance encompasses different facets.

  • Business auto insurance which would cover your employees and your business vehicles in the event of an accident adequately.
  • Serving the state of Colorado, Colling Insurance Services Inc. will assess your companies need for Colorado Liability Insurance Plans which covers against damages that occur on your property or if medical bills need to be paid. It is that added extra insurance for the extenuating liability that may occur when you own a business and something goes wrong.
  • Property Insurance may also be conducive for your business protection needs. This insurance covers problematic issues that may arise concerning an employee, consumer or client while on your business property.