Author Archives: AgentInsure

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.

What to Consider When Looking into Purchasing Business Insurance in Lakewood, CO?

Finding the right commercial insurance policy in Lakewood, Colorado is an important part of protecting your company. Before you purchase any policy, it is important to look for a few key items. Additional protection may also be necessary if you have other concerns related to the industry or company.

Liability

Always look at the liability options that are available before you make a purchase. Liability protection will address concerns associated with injuries to your clients, passersby or other individuals who may visit your office for any reason.

Liability will also protect your company if a customer purchases a defective product and is injured or if you are forced to recall products due to defects. It is a method of reducing your losses when your company is responsible for any injuries to the public or a specific individual.

Protection for Assets

If your company owns property, then you want an insurance policy that protects your assets from financial losses. The losses that may impact your company assets include theft, vandalism or property damage from storms, fires or other accidents.

A commercial policy can protect your business from financial losses associated with property damage or theft. It gives you the funds to repair or replace the property, depending on the situation and the amount of coverage that you purchase. In general, you will want enough protection for your property to replace the item or rebuild the entire property if it is severely damaged.

Every business owner needs to consider the possibility of losing property or facing a court case after an individual is injured on company property. Depending on the situation, the exact details of a policy may vary. Contact us to talk to an independent agent to determine the options that may be appropriate for your goals and needs.

Can a credit be obtained for GSM home Alarm System in my House in Lakewood, CO?

Your homeowners insurance on your home in Lakewood, Colorado, qualifies you for a credit and discount for installing a GSM alarm system. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) systems are becoming ever more popular for multiple reasons.

· Ease of installation. Since they use the same technology as your cell phone, these systems are wireless. This saves you considerable installation expense, since your home does not need to be wired for your alarm system.

· Insurance companies reward homeowners making efforts to reduce risk of loss. Offering credits and discounts are common for most insurance carriers for all risk-lowering devices and actions you take to protect your home.

· A GSM alarm system is cost-effective to use. Most cell phone network providers offer reasonably-priced monthly fees for remotely activating your protection features.

· Remote 24/7 monitoring is also affordable. Having your GSM alarm system monitored by a security center round-the-clock reduces the extent of most losses, even when they cannot prevent damage, as with fire or windstorm.

When thinking about installing a GSM alarm system, contact us, your Lakewood, Colorado independent agent. Our experience and ability to give you multiple homeowner’s insurance quotes help you maximize your credit level, while keeping your home well-protected.

Since we work for you, not a single insurance company, we will answer all of your questions and concerns with you in mind. Looking out for your best interests means we’ll give you the best advice for your situation. Insurance carriers may offer different amounts of credits for your alarm system. We’ll give you the right advice for the coverage you need at affordable costs.

You will enjoy greater piece of mind knowing your GSM alarm system will reduce your risk of major losses. The credit or discount you receive also reduces the budgetary impact of adding this protection to your property.

Will I be Reimbursed for Additional Living Expenses in Lakewood, Colorado, if I Cannot Live in my Home Due to a Covered Loss?

Nothing is more worrisome than finding out that you cannot live in your home and that you will need to pay additional expenses until appropriate repairs are made. When the cause of your displacement is a covered loss in Lakewood, Colorado, it is possible that you may be reimbursed by your homeowners insurance for the unexpected costs.

Review Your Coverage

Although some insurers may pay for the additional expenses associated with a covered loss until your home is repaired, every policy is different. You may or may not be covered based on the details of your policy and the specific type of coverage that you purchased. Review your policy and read through the details of your coverage before making any decisions. In some cases, a clause or exception may also prevent a reimbursement.

Make a Claim

If you discover that you are covered for those unexpected costs, then make a claim after you have moved back into your home. After the repairs are made and you can move back into your house, the total cost of additional expenses will be available.

Make a claim for the amount that you spent or to the limit, depending on how your policy is designed. Your insurer will want proof of the expense, so keep your receipts and any documents that prove that you paid those additional costs.

Damages to your home may or may not be covered under your insurance policy. When you are not able to live in your house due to damages that are covered, you may be able to make a claim for reimbursement to reduce the financial burden. Contact us to talk to an independent agent to learn more about your coverage.

Since my homeowners insurance is part of my monthly mortgage payment in Lakewood, CO. I am confused over who decides what insurance to get. Is it my responsibility or is the decision left up to my mortgage lender?

It is quite common for your homeowners insurance to be paid by your mortgage payment. Most people who have a mortgage on their home in Lakewood, Colorado handle their insurance and tax payments by setting up an escrow account with their lender.

A mortgage payment consists of two parts. Part of your monthly payment is applied toward reducing the principal amount of your loan and the remainder is used to pay interest on the loan. In the early years of a mortgage, more of the mortgage payment is applied to interest rather than toward principal reduction.

Most people think about their monthly mortgage payment in terms of the total amount of the check they have to write. If your homeowners insurance (property taxes) is part of that monthly payment, your Colorado lender puts that aside (into escrow) so the money will be there when it comes time to pay your insurance bill. Usually, the lender makes one annual payment to your insurance company.

Your lender does not tell you when you should file a claim or if you should buy a policy that provides extra coverage for your personal property. They are concerned with your dwelling and the other structures that, if damaged and not repaired, could result in a reduction of the value of the home that they hold the title to until the mortgage is satisfied.

Your lender may specify in your mortgage agreement the amount of coverage that you need, but they can not tell you which home insurance company you have to use. You can usually get lower rates by shopping for a homeowner’s insurance policy on your own.

As your independent agent, we can help you get the lowest rate on the home insurance you need. Give us a call and an independent agent will be happy to get you the best quotes on homeowners insurance.