Author Archives: AgentInsure

I was in a car accident, what are my options for getting the damage appraised?

After an auto accident, you may discover that your insurance coverage in Colorado can make the claims process a little complicated. Before your insurer will pay for the damages, the cost of repairs must be evaluated. The appraisal process may vary between insurers, but it usually involves a claims adjuster.

Appraisal by an Adjuster

A claims adjuster is a professional from the insurance company that looks at the damage to your vehicle and then determines the amount that is appropriate for the repairs. Depending on the extent of the damages and the situation, the adjuster may or may not offer an appraisal.

Some adjusters are trained to handle appraisals, which can speed up the process of getting your car repaired. On the other hand, the company may not offer funds in a complicated situation until you have multiple opinions.

Auto Repair Shops

In the case of major damage to the body or even the engine, the appraiser may require several estimates from a variety of repair and auto body shops. The estimated cost of repairs can help an appraiser determine a fair amount to pay for the damages.

Estimates can vary widely based on the shop and the location, so the actual appraisal may be an average of the different estimates. In some cases, the appraiser may determine that the car is a total loss based on the estimated cost of repairs so you will be given funds to replace your vehicle with a similar car of the same year.

The appraisal process is a necessary step of getting the funds that you need to repair your vehicle. Your insurer will determine the appropriate method to appraise the damages. Contact us to learn more about your options and speak to an agent.

My home was damaged during a burglary. Will this damage be covered?

Most people know that their homeowners insurance will cover items that are stolen from their home, up to a point, but, what’s a little more uncertain is whether other problems related to the robbery are covered. Burglaries are often violent affairs, with doors or windows being broken in, valuables being smashed and furniture being tossed around in a search for more valuables. It’s natural to wonder if all of this damage will be covered by your homeowners insurance.

The good news is that your homeowners coverage will cover most losses related to a burglary in your home, including items damaged in it. As long as your policy is current, paid for and you have an accurate record of what was in your home, you can probably expect reimbursement, less the deductible, of course. The only thing that would be likely to negate your claim would be if the insurance company somehow found you to be negligent in some way that related to the damage. For example, if you had a makeshift burglar trap that involved a tripwire that dropped your $2,000 television set on the unsuspecting burglar, damages to that television may not be covered.

Every situation is different when it comes to homeowners coverage, so if you have questions, it would be wise to discuss them with an expert. As an independent agent we can answer all of your questions about how to best protect yourself from losses from a burglary or other threats to your home. We can also help you to find the best coverage for your needs and even get you multiple quotes so that you can be sure you’re getting the best price, so call us today!

Do I need to have rental car coverage while I’m on vacation?

Planning a vacation is always exciting, but it does require some consideration for the possible situations that you may face. If you are planning to use a rental vehicle during your trip, it may be important to review your insurance policy to identify the amount of coverage that you already have available before determining if you need additional protection.

Applying Your Policy to the Rental Car

A rental car company may allow you to apply your current auto insurance policy to the vehicle that you are renting, but the details of the situation may vary. Some insurers may only allow you to cover a portion of the rental vehicle under your policy.

Review your plan to identify if you are able to apply the policy to the vehicle or if you must purchase a new plan. Insurers have different options available based on your goals.

Buying Additional Coverage

If you discover that your insurer will not allow you to apply the plan to the vehicle that you are renting, then you may need to purchase a policy that is designed for rental vehicles.

Many companies that offer rental vehicles will have a policy that you can purchase on a per-day basis. Otherwise, you may have options available through your insurer or through policies that are designed to address the needs of men and women who are going on a vacation. The best plan will depend on where you are visiting and the type of vehicle you intend to drive.

Renting a car during your vacation will require some coverage to protect the vehicle and other drivers. Depending on your current policy, it may or may not be possible to apply the plan to the rental vehicle. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details.

Why are auto insurance rates higher for younger drivers?

Colorado drivers who are under 25 may find that they will have to pay a higher premium on their auto policies than older drivers. It may not seem very fair that you are penalized in the form of higher insurance rates because you are a young driver. If you are 22 and have never been in an accident or had a speeding ticket, why should you pay more than a driver who is 35 or 45?

This is not a case of discrimination. Age plays a factor in many of the things we buy. Parents pay full price while their young children are charged less to go into the movies. Kids eat for less in many restaurants. If you are a senior citizen, you get discounts just for reaching a certain age. Young drivers may be charged more for car insurance because they fall into a higher risk group because of their age.

Age is just one factor that helps determine the amount of your premium. It makes sense that someone who has five accidents on their record, no matter their age, may be classified as a high-risk driver. It does not seem so obvious that you should automatically pay more just because you happen to be young.

Age is a factor because it is an indicator of maturity. It has been shown in numerous studies that younger people, as a group, drive more aggressively and engage in riskier driving habits than older, more mature, drivers. Only time can give you the experience you need to be a better driver. Distracted driving and using poor judgment are probably the two issues that cause most accidents.

As a young driver, you probably do not have too much experience behind the wheel. If you drive safely, avoid accidents, and don’t get any tickets, you will build a good driving record. While you may have to pay a higher premium for a year or two, that will change when you move into the next age group.

What do I need to do with my home insurance policy if the house is sold?

When you sell your home in Colorado, it is important to inform your home insurance provider so that you can cancel your policy. Depending on your plan and the details that are described in your policy, the process of canceling the plan may vary.

Contact Your Insurer Before Selling

Before you sell your property, contact your home insurance provider and inform them that you are planning to sell the house. The insurer can take steps to make the cancellation process a little easier so that you can move forward as soon as the property sells.

If you have already sold the property, then contact your insurer and tell them that the property is sold. It takes a little time for the final paperwork on a property to go through, but you do not need to maintain coverage on a house that you no longer own.

Cancel the Plan

You may be asked to provide a copy of any documentation regarding the sale of your property. That is proof that you are no longer the owner so that your insurer can then take steps to cancel the plan.

When you cancel an insurance policy, you may be able to get a refund on some of the premiums that you have paid. For example, if you paid for several months or a year in advance, then the extra premium that you paid may be returned after subtracting any administration fees.

The appropriate solution after you sell a house is canceling your coverage. Even if you intend to buy a new property, you will need a new insurance plan that is appropriate for the new house. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details about your options.

In what cases is necessary to get a police report in an home insurance claim?

Making claims on your home insurance policy in Colorado does not always mean that you can avoid making a police report. In some cases, a formal police report is a necessary part of the claims process because the insurer will not always be able to start the claim unless you have told the police about the situation.

Burglary and Theft

In the case of a break-in and theft, you must report the crime to the police and ask for a copy of the report before you turn to your insurance provider for assistance. The claim will not start until you have made a formal report because the insurer cannot guarantee that a crime took place unless you have talked to the police. The report is made after you have made your statement, any other statements are provided and the physical evidence is evaluated if there is any damage to the property.

Vandalism

Vandalism is similar to a burglary because the claim will not start until after you have contacted the police and made a report. Even though your personal belongings may not be stolen, the property can be damaged and may require repairs. The police will make a note of the damages in the report and you can send a copy to your insurer.

Arson

Even though a fire does not necessarily need a report from the police since you may have a report from the fire department, if you suspect arson then you may need to file a report.

Damages that are caused by a third party and are not related to an accident will usually require a police report or other formal documentation from authorities before you can make a claim. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about your options.

Will the outboard trolling motor be covered if it’s stolen from the boat in Lakewood, CO?

When you first buy a boat there are a lot of things that go through your mind of ways that you can use the craft. In addition to ways they can use it they are also thinking about what they need to do in order to protect the craft from damage and theft. To help with your insurance here are some things that you should know about your boat insurance policy in Lakewood, Colorado.

What Your Boat Policy will cover in the Event of a Loss?

· A boat policy can help protect you against liability claims. Liability claims are charges made against you because of negligence. If you are sued in a court and found liable, then your policy will cover the charges.

· If you have theft of equipment on your policy and have your outboard trolling motor stolen, then you will find that your insurance policy will cover the loss.

· If your watercraft is damaged by a collision on the water, then you can rest knowing that it will be fixed as long as you have physical damage benefits on the policy.

· Theft or loss of fishing equipment can also be covered if you have the peril endorsed on your policy.

When you first buy a watercraft you will listen to your dealer as to what you need to complete in order to take possession of the boat. With so much on the line you will want the services of your independent agent to protect your new boat. As your agent, we can help get a policy together that will protect your boat from damages and theft from other people. Call us today, and let us go to work for you to protect your investment.

After my Office Building was Damaged by a Fire in Lakewood, CO, a Local Ordinance Required an Upgrade to Meet Code Requirements. Why Doesn’t my Insurance Cover This?

Commercial insurance is designed to address a variety of concerns in Lakewood, Colorado, but it does not always offer the coverage that you expect. When your office building is damaged in a fire, you may be covered for the cost of basic repairs or rebuilding in your policy. Unfortunately, changes to the building code requirements by a local ordinance may not be covered under your policy because they did not exist at the time that you obtained your current plan.

Your Responsibility

A key reason that you may be required to upgrade the standards of your building beyond your policy is your personal responsibility as the business owner. You are required to put in the work to keep your building up to code and the legal standards.

Since the upgrade is a normal part of maintaining your property, it may not be covered by your policy.

Details of your Policy

Although a damaged building may be covered by your commercial policy, you may not be covered for every aspect of the repairs. Read your policy to determine how much coverage is available and what is covered. In some cases, you may have some protection in case legal changes occur that require an upgrade to the building. In other situations, your insurer may exclude any upgrades that are required by new laws when a fire occurs.

A variety of factors can contribute to your ability to make a claim on your policy. Depending on the coverage that you purchase, you may or may not be covered for upgrades to your office building. Contact us to speak to an independent agent to learn more about commercial insurance policies.

Can I insure my boat or watercraft for use year-round in Lakewood, CO?

You can insure your boat or watercraft for use year-round in Lakewood, Colorado. Although many people only use their boats for a few months out of the year, those people who enjoy boating all year will need to make sure their coverage will take care of their needs. An independent agent will explain if you need additional insurance coverage with your homeowner’s policy.

Your boat or watercraft insurance coverage should include physical damage, medical payments, total loss replacement, personal property and possibly towing and assistance, trailer coverage, and if you own an expensive boat – you may need high liability limits. Replacement cost for your boat and trailer is also important in Colorado. If your watercraft is damaged or stolen, you will want to replace it as soon as possible. If you do not have replacement coverage, you may only be able to claim a lesser amount than what it will cost to actually replace the unit. If you are planning to insure your boat or watercraft year-round, you will probably also want to save some money.

Speak with our independent agent about how to save money on your insurance plan. Often you can purchase a policy with a multiple property discount. If you have special safety features installed on your boat you may also be able to save some money. If you are willing to have the premium drafted from your bank account, this may also save you some money. We can compare several insurance providers in Colorado and find rates and quotes that will fit your budget. Keeping insurance on your watercraft year-round does not have to break the budget. You can enjoy your boat every month of the year with a little prior planning and a great insurance plan. Call us today.

In Lakewood, CO How Much RV Insurance Coverage Should I Carry?

Finding the right RV insurance policy in Lakewood, Colorado can seem challenging if it is your first Rover if you are not sure about the options that are available. Depending on your situation and your concerns, the appropriate amount of coverage may vary.

Cost of Replacing the Vehicle

A good rule of thumb if you are worried about the loss of property, damage from a storm or any other situation that may result in damage to your RV is to insure it with enough protection to replace the vehicle. By using the cost of replacing the vehicle as a good rule of thumb, you can avoid complicated calculations and feel confident that damages to your vehicle are covered.

Protecting Personal Belongings

Another reason that it is a good idea to purchase enough insurance to replace the entire RV if an accident occurs is related to the personal belongings. Even if you do not need to replace the vehicle, you may need to purchase personal belongings that are damaged or stolen.

The coverage will help protect against theft, damages or the loss of personal belongings if you have an appropriate amount. Depending on the items in your RV, you may or may not need protection for your belongings. If you do not have expensive belongings, then you may not need as much coverage for your vehicle.

The details of any insurance policy will depend on your goals, how you plan to use the vehicle and your personal concerns. Depending on your concerns, you may need full coverage or you may only want basic liability and personal injury protection. Contact us to talk to an independent agent to learn more about your coverage options and to find an appropriate policy based on your goals.