When your friend asks to borrow your car, you better think twice before lending him or her keys. If your friend gets into an accident as a third party driver, he or she may be covered under your auto insurance, but, you may suffer some serious and expensive consequences.

In Lakewood, Colorado, comprehensive and third party coverage is not considered an add-on to an auto insurance policy. Well, in one sense, you might consider it an add-on if you are not required to carry anything more than the Colorado mandated liability coverage for your car.

When you purchase full coverage, you normally get collision and comprehensive coverage. You can enhance that basic coverage with add-on coverage like road hazard insurance or car rental reimbursement, but third party and comprehensive do not fit neatly under the category of being an add-on.

If you look at your Colorado car insurance policy, you will see a page listing exactly what is covered and in one amount. Everything is broken down so you know how much you are paying for bodily injury and property damage liability. You can see how much it costs you for protection against theft, vandalism and damage to your vehicle by finding the listing for comprehensive coverage. Everything, from the $12 or so you might pay for rental coverage, to the $400 you might pay for collision coverage is itemized separately.

Most policies cover third party drivers like your friend. However, you are ultimately responsible for any claims that exceed the limits of your policy. Furthermore, if your friend gets into an accident, that will reflect negatively on your driver’s record and could lead to higher premiums when you need to renew your auto insurance.

As your independent agent, we advise you to be very careful about lending your car to a third party. While it is great to be a friend and a nice guy, when something happens, you will probably wind up standing alone and bearing the brunt of the financial responsibility.

When you are talking about auto insurance in Lakewood, Colorado, you could think of the term "third party" in two different ways. Most commonly when you ask if your auto insurance will cover damages to a third party, you are referring to a situation where the third party is someone that you agreed to loan your car to and that person was driving and got into an accident.

In the case where you mean that you were driving and got into an accident with another car, causing damages to someone or some other property that was not in either vehicle, your auto insurance liability coverage will cover damages to that third party, provided the accident was found to be your fault.

That all sounds very confusing and it is a little confusing because of the ambiguity of the term "third party." An example might help to clear up the confusion. Suppose you are driving down the street in Lakewood and you slam into another car. The accident was obviously your fault and you would have liability for damages and any injuries to the car and individual driving the car that you hit.

Well what happens if the skis on top of your car fly off and go sailing through the window of a small shop that just happened to be next to the spot where the accident occurred? The shop owner is an innocent third party and your auto insurance would pay to have the shopkeeper’s window replaced and for any other damage directly related to the accident you were responsible for causing.

As your independent agent, here in Lakewood Colorado, we see this type of thing happen on occasion. It is not unexpected, but it is unusual. If you would like to know more about third party drivers or innocent third party bystanders and how your auto insurance carrier deals with claims involving them, give us a call and an independent agent will give you a complete explanation.

One question that has many customers searching for answers is: “Is it mandatory in Lakewood, Colorado, to get an auto insurance as soon as you purchase a car?” As an independent agent with an agency, this is something heard on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this is not a question that has a hard, fast answer.

Colorado law states that every person who registers a car must purchase and maintain insurance coverage on that car. The key word in this statement is registers. That means if you purchase an older car with the intent to work on it and maybe fix it up over a few years’ time, you may not need to purchase insurance right away.

However, it is important to remember that if you need to take that car on the road for any reason, you will need to insure it. Therefore, even if you have a classic car that you only drive to car shows, you will need to look into the insurance requirements for that as well.

Luckily, there are many affordable insurance options out there. Working with an independent agent can save you money. Our agency, for instance, will go the extra mile to research and compare rates so that you never pay more than you need to for the coverage you need. Whether you purchase basic liability insurance of full coverage, we have exactly what you need.

Remember, every insurance situation is a little bit different. If you are in or around Lakewood, Colorado, give us a call or contact us and let one of our agents work with you to determine your insurance needs.

If you’re driving an insured car and a passenger is injured, that passenger will generally be covered under your auto insurance policy. That person can also make a claim on his or her vehicle insurance policy, instead of yours. If you’re all co-passengers, you’ll need to focus on whether you’re covered under your own policy or under the policy of the driver. A co-passenger generally won’t be covered under another passenger’s policy, unless they have the same policy (such as a husband and wife or a parent and child).

Working with an independent agent like us, you can make sure you cover your car properly, and that you take into account the safety of anyone who will be riding in it. Lakewood, Colorado is a great place to live and a pretty safe place to drive, but there are always risks involved when you’re driving a car or riding in one. You want to know what your rights and liabilities are as the driver, but that’s also important when you’re a passenger. You should understand your own coverage and know when it applies, so you have knowledge of whether you’re protected as a co-passenger in another vehicle.

If you don’t work with an independent agent like us, you may not get proper protection for you and your family. It’s easy and convenient to buy insurance online without talking to anyone, but it’s hard to be sure what you’re actually getting when you do that. Come in and sit down with us, so we can provide you with some coverage options you can choose from. Then you’ll take peace of mind with you wherever you travel.

When you are looking for a new vehicle in Lakewood, Colorado, it is likely that you will consider the cost of an auto insurance policy before you make any decision about the best choice for your needs. Among the myths that you might hear or assume is that a red car is more expensive to insure than any other color.

Idea Behind the Myth

The idea behind the myth is that a red vehicle is an insight into the driver’s personality. The color is often associated with riskier drivers because the individual selected a bold color.

Although the bold color can have some impact on psychological evaluation, it is not a sure sign that an individual is a reckless driver. In many cases, the color of the vehicle is primarily related to the individual’s preference for colors and does not have any impact on driving skills.

The Reality

Although the myth assumes that the color means you are reckless, the facts do not back up that idea. The color of your car does not impact the price of your car insurance policy. The key factors that impact the cost of your auto insurance relate to your driving history, your credit history, your current age and the actual vehicle you are driving.

The model of the vehicle is more important because some cars have expensive replacement parts or repair costs. Those factors are more important than the color of the car.

Finding the right autoinsurance policy means that you must compare different options to find the best deal for your needs. Although rumors suggest that color plays a role in the cost, it is not actually a factor in the price of your coverage. If you want to learn more about what impacts your coverage costs, contact us today to talk to an independent agent.

If you have ever been in a car accident and ended up totaling the vehicle, then you know how frightening it can be. In order to understand the process of how your auto policy works when vehicle is totaled, you must first have a basic understanding of your policy. Here are some things to know about how your auto insurance policy works when your vehicle is totaled in Lakewood, Colorado.

Your Auto Policy and Your Totaled Vehicle

• Make sure you know what your auto policy states in regards to a totaled vehicle.
• Check to see if you have gap insurance on your vehicle. If you have a loan and the value of the car is lower than the amount of the loan, you will be responsible for the difference in the payout unless you have gap coverage.
• The auto insurance company may need pictures of the car. So be sure to take a few once the police are done reviewing the accident.
• The insurance company will pay out money in the value of what the car is worth. If you have added any special items to the car, make sure to document the changes and inform your car insurance company before the accident happens.
• Once the auto insurance company has paid for the damages the car will belong to them. Make sure to notify where the car has been towed so the company can locate the vehicle when it is time to dispose of the car.

If you have any questions about your auto insurance policy in the Lakewood, Colorado area, then contact us to speak with an independent agent today. It’s important that you give us a call so that we can give you specific details for your circumstances so we can help get the coverage that you need to get back on the road. We are here to help you with all of your insurance needs.

When you are involved in an auto accident in Lakewood, Colorado, you may be concerned about the cost of repairs or medical expenses. Even if you did not cause the accident, it is easy to worry about the possibility of paying for the deductible on repairs and medical costs. Although your auto insurance policy will give you the best details about your specific insurance coverage, the situation will ultimately determine whether you need to pay the deductible.

Usual Payment

If you did not cause the accident, then usually you are not responsible for paying the deductible or your repair costs. The other driver who caused the accident is the responsible party and that individual’s liability coverage should pay for those expenses.

Inaccurate Claims

In some situations, the other driver may claim that he or she did not cause the accident. If there are no witnesses to the accident, then you may find that the accident is ruled undetermined and you might be required to pay for the deductible and repairs personally.

Uninsured Drivers

The other situation that may cause you additional heartache is when another driver does not have car insurance. Even though that individual is responsible for the accident, he or she may not be able to pay the full cost and you might be required to pay for some of the expense. In this situation, your uninsured driver coverage should provide most of the funds and your deductible amount is usually a reasonable cost.

Although the situation will dictate whether you need to pay for repairs or not, most cases will result in the other driver paying for the cost of repairs and your medical expenses. If you want to know more about your specific situation, contact us to talk to an independent agent.

Finding the right auto insurance policy requires some research, but it also requires an understanding of the common myths that are regularly stated. Among the myths that Colorado drivers might assume is true is the myth that older drivers pay more for coverage than younger drivers.

Idea Behind the Myth

The idea behind the myth that older drivers in Lakewood actually pay more for car insurance is related to challenges older men and women might have with health and wellness.

It is a common belief that older men and women are more likely to have health conditions, problems seeing or similar issues that might cloud their ability to drive. The reality of the situation is that as long as they are legally allowed to drive and do not have major issues that present driving risks, an older man or woman is not likely to pay a significant premium for coverage.

Reality of Coverage Costs

The cost of insuring a vehicle is not solely related to the age of the driver. Although young drivers are considered a higher risk due to the lack of experience, that is not the case for older men and women. The reality is that older men and women are actually able to get better rates due to discounts that apply to their account, improved experience and a long history that provides details into driving habits.

Protecting a motor vehicle from damage in the event of a crash or accident requires some consideration for the factors that impact the cost. Although many factors are involved in increasing the expense, getting older does not mean that the price will increase. To learn more about the myths associated with driving in Lakewood, Colorado, contact us today to speak to an independent agent.

Good drivers pay less for their insurance coverage than drivers who have tickets and accidents on their record. That just makes sense, because it rewards people who are less risk to the insurance company. That doesn’t mean that people who have claims can’t get insurance in Colorado, though, or that they’re going to be asked to be pay exorbitant fees for minor infractions. Their auto policy will depend on more than if they’re made a claim. What kind of car they drive, how much, their age, and other factors will all play a role.

As an independent agent, we can help you find the coverage you need, even if you’ve had a claim. Come on into our Lakewood office and talk to us about your needs and your concerns. Even good drivers make mistakes, and a claim is not the end of the world. Depending on what the claim was for and how long ago it took place, the amount you’ll have to pay for that based on higher premiums may be minimal. Overall, there are plenty of things that can make your car insurance rates go up or down, and claims are only a part of that.

Of course, multiple claims (especially serious ones) in a short amount of time can get your insurance canceled, and that can mean you’ll have a hard time getting coverage with another company. Consider that carefully if you have reckless behavior behind the wheel. Driving without insurance is illegal, and the damage it can do to you and others is absolutely not worth the risk. Even if you’re really concerned about past claims and how much insurance is going to cost you, don’t despair. Come in and talk to us and make sure you know all your options. We can help you make a good decision about the right insurance for you.

Our Lakewood, Colorado insurance agents understand how difficult it can be to shop around for insurance plans that fit your needs and the state requirements. To make your research a little easier, the following list compiles the minimum auto coverage requirements for a safe and secure drive through the Rocky Mountain State:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $15,000 per accident for property damage
• $5,000 medical payments coverage (effective January 1, 2009)

Although these Lakewood auto insurance policies include the minimum coverage areas, that doesn’t mean they are the only area where drivers are at risk. Collision coverage is one such coverage option that isn’t mandatory, but highly recommended. This type of coverage would keep you financially protected in case your car needed repairs after an accident with another vehicle, wall or another object.

Colorado comprehensive coverage is another option that would keep your car protected under a variety of potential accidents, including theft, hail damage, fire, natural disasters, falling objects and so on. If you have an auto loan on your vehicle, your loan providers may require this coverage and others above the minimum for Lakewood, Colorado. Make sure to discuss this with your loan provider before committing with an insurance policy.

Thinking about short-changing the minimum? Think again! Failure to obtain the minimum insurance requirements can result in:

• First offense- minimum fine of $500, four points added to your driving record and even suspension of your license.
• Second offense- minimum fine of $1,000 and suspension of at least four-months.
• Third offense- minimum fine of $1,000, community service requirement and an eight-month suspension.

Contact us to speak with an independent agent about your unique questions and concerns. We’ll work with you as long as necessary to make sure you get the coverage you need at an affordable cost.