Author Archives: AgentInsure

Premium Gas vs Regular: Understanding the Difference and Its Value to Your Car

When it comes to saving money on car expenses, many people overlook the advantage of using premium gas. Unfortunately, a large number of these people drive vehicles that give the manufacturer recommendation to use higher premium fuel, which can lead to costly repairs. Here’s a quick look at three tips you can follow to help ensure you’re doing the right thing at the pump.

Does your car recommend the use of premium gas?

Have a car that doesn’t recommend premium gas? If so, you can go ahead and use regular gas. Even if you use premium, it’s not going to do your car any favors. In fact, all it’s going to do is put a dent in your fuel funds. However, for those cars that do recommend premium gas, it is essential that you follow this suggestion. If you don’t, the car’s engine won’t run at its optimal capability of performance.

Did you invest in a premium engine?

If your car has an engine with a turbo charger and/or other high performance products added to it, you will need to fill it with premium fuel. These products don’t necessarily need premium fuel to function properly, but they do need it to function at their highest level of performance.

How old is the car?

Have an older car that is experiencing engine knock? If so, fill it up with premium for about a week or two and see if it helps. This is an excellent way to clear up engine knocking without investing in unnecessary repairs.

To learn more about premium gas vs. regular, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. today.

Don’t Be a Victim! How to Avoid Fender Bender Fraud

Getting into an auto accident can be frightening. However, there are many people out there who make it their business to target certain drivers and coerce them into being involved in a fender bender. They are highly financially motivated and often target certain vehicles, the young, or seniors. Here are a few things to know to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Don’t Immediately Claim Responsibility

In the heat of the moment after an accident, it can be very easy to blurt out that you may have been responsible. Be very careful not to do this. Some individuals may see this as a payday, claiming overinflated damages simply because you’ve immediately taken the blame. Sometimes, what seems like an accident that you caused may not even fully be your fault. Watch what you say and let the insurance company determine who is at fault.

Write Down Account of Your Side Immediately After It Happened

Another method to help avoid getting wrapped up in fender bender fraud is to write down a statement of what happened in the crash as soon as you can after it is over. The truth never changes, and by having a firm written account of what took place, you can easily prove your innocence if a fraudulent or over-inflated claim arises. Also, if the police are willing to come out to take a report, be sure to get a physical copy for your records.

Remember to Exchange Information and Take Photos

One of the easiest ways to become a victim of a fraudster is by either forgetting to exchange information or just downright failing to do so. People often believe that because there is no damage or the incident was small, there’s no need to find out about the other driver. This is false!

It some cases, failure to do so can lead to a bigger incident down the road if the other party got your tag number, files a large claim, and then tries to blame the damage on you. Thus, it is important to be extra cautious and get as much information about everyone in the other vehicle anytime a collision occurs—including to take any photos of their vehicle to prove there was no damage.

For more information about auto insurance or to receive a no-obligation quote, please contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. today.

Quick Tips to Boosting Fuel Economy

Boosting your vehicle’s fuel economy doesn’t need to be a long, drawn-out process. There are body modifications you can make, but this takes time and money. At Colling Insurance Services Inc. we believe some of the best service should occur quickly. So, whether shopping for auto insurance in Lakewood, CO or you want to boost your fuel economy before a big road trip, we are here to help. 

Tire Pressure

Quickly boosting your fuel economy often starts with your tires. Over time, your tires will lose air pressure, especially as the temperatures start to fluctuate. Check your tire pressure every few weeks and before a long road trip, then fill the tires back up accordingly. This will help boost your fuel efficiency while keeping you safe as well. 

Don’t Fill All The Way Up

When you stop for gas, chances are you fill the tank all the way up. Did you know this actually reduces your fuel economy? The heavier your vehicle, the lower the fuel economy. Most vehicles have a larger tank, so if you have a 20-gallon tank, filling it up to 10 gallons will save you 60 pounds in weight. This will stretch your price per gallon further. It also gives you a nice chance to stretch and stop if you are on a road trip. 

AC vs. Window

This is a debate many people look at when it comes to fuel economy. Which is better and how can it boost your fuel dollar. In general, rolling your window down in the city is the best course of action. Depending on the kind of vehicle you have, rolling the window down causes some drag, which burns up more fuel. Due to this, use windows in the city and switch to AC while on the highway.

Giving Makes Your Community a Better Place

At times everyone needs a little help. Problems beset even those who seem to have so much. Colorado residents with no financial resources, family members or friends, face even more difficulties when bad times strike. Yet, there is always hope.

One reason people in this great state rarely quit is the knowledge that there are others willing to give of their time to help. Society, as a whole, benefits when volunteers give back to their communities.

Following are some ways to make the Lakewood, CO, area a better place through charitable work.

Give to a Food Bank

There are many in Colorado who go to sleep each night without having had a decent meal. A way to help this problem is to gather non-perishable foodstuffs and take them to a food bank. Families and individuals in need will then have enough to sustain them.

Donate Old Clothes

Clothes that may prove too small or a bit worn might be what another needs to wear during a cold winter or hot summer. Take these items to a clothes recycling facility, non-profit thrift store or shelter.

Give Blood

Accident victims and others in need of blood transfusions count on there being an adequate supply on hand. Give blood to ensure that there is always enough available to help those in need.

Adopt a Pet

Buying a pet from a store is a legitimate personal choice; however, there are animals that, for a variety of reasons, have no homes. Help provide them with a loving living environment by adopting from a local animal shelter.

Consider Giving a Form of Insurance and Talk with an Agent

Those who give of their time always feel better about life. They know that just as they help others, someone out there will do the same for them. This sense of security is also possible by purchasing adequate insurance to cover home, family and business.

Speak with the compassionate agents at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving Lakewood, CO, or visit the website to find a useful insurance quote feature.

 

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.

 

Which Insurance Is Right for You and Why Independent Agents Matter

You can be well read and still not know everything, so you go to the specialists. Even in a particular industry like the law, you go to someone who specializes in a particular area such as criminal versus family law. Insurance has its specialists, too, and even licenses follow lines like health versus casualty and fire. Another area of difference in insurance is a captive agent versus an independent. 

Insurance has a broad spectrum of coverage including automotive, life, homeowners, renters, commercial, small business, and long-term care.  Just as daunting can be the question of what kind of an agent do you want — independent or captive.  The definitions of each word tell you everything you need to know as one is not requiring or relying on others, and the alternate means to be held under the control of another but having the appearance of independence.

A captive agent represents only one carrier. Whatever the parent entity offers, including pricing, structure, products are what the captive agent has to offer you. So your costs are whatever the company makes available whereas an independent agent has a vast field of carriers to find the coverage you need at the rate you can live with.

Captive is about branding because that’s what you will buy, that and the relationship with the agent. The independent agency has to have a deeper well of knowledge to go to, and be quick and clever in finding the best coverage and pricing for their client. The independent agent can evaluate and develop a risk profile designed to protect the client.

When you deal with a captive agent, your costs are set by the company, and only go up or down based on the procedures and profiles from the corporation.  An independent isn’t tied to one carrier, so they represent different companies and offer more choices.

If you want the freedom to choose from your best options, then come to Colling Insurance Services, Inc. and talk to one of our independent insurance agents serving Denver. 

 

5 Things to Know When Buying a Car as a Present

Buying someone a car as a gift can be one of the most generous things that you can do for the holidays. It can also create a whole lot of problems for the recipient. Here are five tips to make sure that that doesn’t happen.

Be Picky. You need to make sure that the car you’re buying is right for the recipient. You’re going to have to be picky. For instance, if you’re buying a used car, make sure that it’s in good condition, or that you’ll be able to fix whatever might be wrong with it.

Let the Dealer Know it’s a Surprise. By letting the dealer know that the car is supposed to be a surprise, you can avoid the embarrassment of them calling the house and spilling the beans that the paperwork has gone through or something.

Get the Insurance Ready. An insurer might not be ready to sign a policy over until the driver is there to put their own name on the dotted line. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have the paperwork for a basic insurance policy all ready to go and the first month already paid for, however. Talk to an independent insurance agent from Colling Insurance Services Inc. and get those ducks in a row.

Take a Test Drive. The main reason to take a test drive: So that you can let the recipient know anything they need to know before they get behind the wheel. Does it have a light touch on the gas? Does it make wide turns? Find out.

Coordinate Your Gifts. Chances are nobody else you know is buying them a car, but with such an expensive gift, you’re better safe than sorry.

Make sure calling Colling Insurance Services is on your list if you’re adding a new vehicle to your fleet for the Holidays. 

4 Things You Need to Know About Auto Insurance After Your Wedding

Once you get married in Lakewood, there are four things you need to know about your auto insurance policy. Things change as soon as you say “I do”, and this is because there is now another person to take into account with everything – and this includes your insurance policy.

Married Couples Are Safer Drivers – Statistically

Married couples are generally considered safe drivers. They are less likely to get into a car accident and there are various theories about this. It may be that Mary drivers are on the road less, or that they live less risky lives. Regardless of the reason, statistics show that there are fewer accidents amongst married people and therefore discounts are given.

Take Advantage Of Multi-Car Discounts

Two cars on one policy is typically more affordable as well. This is because many insurance companies throughout Colorado provide a multi-car discount. By placing both cars on the same policy, you have the ability to save a significant amount of money on your premium every month.

Share Everything But Not Your Poor Driving History

If you or your spouse are not considered the safest driver, such as one of you have gotten into an accident or have gotten a speeding ticket, it may cause your insurance to go up. This means that in some instances, it can be better for you to both keep your separate policies.

Compare Which Insurance Company Offers The Best Deals For Couples

One of the best things that you can do is talk to an independent insurance agent once you have gotten married to discuss your auto insurance policy. You can learn about what is going to be best in terms of combining policies or keeping them separate.

Contact us at Colling Insurance Services Inc. today. We look forward to helping you find an affordable auto insurance policy whether it is for just you or for you and your spouse. We will answer questions and help you to find the right policy.

 

 

3 Risks Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Do you own a small business? While operating your own company can be immensely fulfilling, it does come with a few extra risks. Here are three risks every small business owner needs to know and ways insurance can help.

Risk #1: Property Damage

Just like with your home and personal auto, property damage can happen at any time. Protect your business against fire, theft, vandalism, and other unfortunate incidents by having appropriate insurance coverage. Most business policies include a layer of coverage for your office or storefront location, while a commercial vehicle policy can help insure company cars against damage.

Risk #2: Injuries to Workers and Customers

Another important risk for small businesses to consider is injury to either worker or customers.  Sometimes accidents happen where a visitor to your location slips, falls, or is otherwise involved in an accident. In certain cases, your employee may even be the one who is hurt.

These injury scenarios actually fall into two categories: worker’s compensation insurance and liability coverage. A worker’s compensation policy is often required by law and takes care of your staff’s medical bills and other associated costs if they are injured while on the job. Liability insurance covers claims where your customer is injured. Both are two key policies to have if you own a small business.

Risk #3: Other Liability Issues

Another risk to look out for when you own a small business is other liability issues. While a liability policy does cover customer injury, it also encompasses many other types of incidents. For some companies, this can be a simple accident where a client’s home is damaged while your crew is working nearby or a situation where someone claims a product you made caused them harm.

The exact extent of liability risk greatly depends on the industry you are in and the tasks your firm is engaged in. Thus, there are a wide range of different liability policies available to help you find the one that meets your needs the best.

So, how do you know which commercial insurance policies cover the risks of your small business? Speak with one of our dedicated team members as Colling Insurance Services, Inc. We will sit down and review the details with you to determine your exact needs.