Category Archives: Home Insurance

Home Cleaning Hacks for the Savvy Homeowner

Owning a home in Colorado comes with a whole new set of responsibilities to tackle. It’s important to make sure your home looks great and that it’s protected with affordable and comprehensive coverage from your independent insurance agents at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. Keep your home looking its best with the help of these simple and easy home cleaning hacks. 

Top 5 Cleaning Hacks for the Savvy Homeowner

1. Use lemons and Kosher salt to clean your cutting boards and stop leaving potentially harsh chemicals behind. Lay down a layer of Kosher salt, cut a lemon in half, and brush the lemon cut side down along the salt. After a few minutes of vigorous rubbing simply rinse the cutting board with water and leave to air dry. 

2. Old pillow cases are prefect for cleaning ceiling fan blades quickly. Simply hook an old pillow case over one blade at a time and carefully wipe backwards. As you pull it back towards you the fabric will wipe away any dust and safely store it inside the pocket.

3. A squeegee works wonders to remove pet hair from carpets, unlike a regular vacuum. All you need to do is brush it along the carpet with a firm grip and watch the hair pile up neatly.

4. Regular white chalk is great for eliminating grease stains on clothing, walls, and furniture. Cover the greasy area with a bit of chalk and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth and you’ll be amazed at the results.

5. Your average lint roller can do much more than freshen your clothes before you leave the house. Use them to quickly clean hair, dander, and other debris off lamp shades and other smaller items around the house.

Make sure that your home and its content are protected with a Colorado homeowners’ insurance policy. Call us today to find out more information! 

Keys to Saving on Your Applewood, Colorado Home Insurance

Applewood, Colorado is a beautiful place to live. We love our Broncos, Rockies and enjoy where we live. We appreciate the outdoors and our fresh air. Even here though, we don’t want to overpay for our insurance, especially for home insurance. For those in Applewood, we have some suggestions.

There are some ways you can save on your homeowners insurance, but it starts with knowing how much you are actually paying for your home insurance. Many don’t really know because their insurance payments are rolled into their mortgages and they pay them along with their taxes. Our first tip is to find out exactly what you are paying.

You then need to discover exactly how much coverage you do have. How much is your property insured for? What about the contents of your home and outbuildings? How much liability insurance do you have and is it enough? Getting a homeowners insurance review will get you those answers.

We can help walk you through the process. As independent agents in the area, we have the ability to get quotes from many individual companies. Since we are not limited to a single company, our options give you a wider choice of coverage and premiums.

There are also other ways to save on your home insurance. Some companies offer discounts for alarm systems and fire protection. You can also save by increasing your deductibles. In addition others offer discounts by “bundling” policies with one company.

The point is an independent insurance agency can help you discover these discounts and help you take advantage of them. You can see for yourself by getting comparative quotes on homeowners insurance right from our website. You can also compare your auto insurance rates online.

Contact us to get great rates on your homeowners insurance today. We will be glad to help you reduce the premiums you pay on your Applewood home insurance.

The Benefits To Getting Quotes From A Home Insurance Agency

Wheat Ridge has a lot of pioneer history. The city, just outside of Denver, was only incorporated in 1970, but it has grown considerably since then. Various events and festivals take place throughout the city all year long and this brings in a considerable amount of tourism.

Working with a home insurance agency is a great idea when you want to get quotes. This way, you don’t have to do all of the work on your own. It’s simply a matter of working with an agent to tell them what you want and letting them do a majority of the work for you.

One of the primary benefits to working with a home insurance agency in Wheat Ridge is that you have someone to talk to about coverage options. You can learn how to protect your home and all of your belongings against such things as fire, flood, storms, break-ins, sinking foundation, personal injury claims, and more.

Another benefit is that you can be confident that you’re getting the best price on a premium. Our agents will get quotes for you throughout Colorado. We work with multiple insurance companies and this ensures you get a good overview of what companies are offering so you don’t pay more than what’s necessary.

It’s important to have someone who knows what they are doing helping you with insurance. If you don’t want to do all of the work on your own, you can simply rely on a home insurance agency to do the majority of the work. They know what companies have the best deals and know about the top claims being made throughout Colorado. This allows the independent agents to guide you through the process and provide considerable amounts of advice.

Contact us today and learn how we can get you quotes.

Home Insurance Coverage Options in Wheat Ridge, CO

Homebuyers in Wheat Ridge, CO, need homeowners insurance coverage if they expect to qualify for a mortgage loan to help them finance the purchase of a residence. Fortunately, consumers here can work with a home insurance company that can help them find the lowest possible rates on homeowners insurance coverage.

Colling Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency. The agency works with a wide variety of insurance companies covering Colorado. Because of this, the agents here can search for the most affordable coverage for their clients.

Colling Insurance Services also offers its own online rate-comparison tool. This tool makes shopping for homeowners insurance easier than ever. Simply enter information about the home you are buying — its address, age, size — and click “Enter.” In seconds, live online insurance quotes will pop onto your screen.

You can then research these quotes for price and coverage information. Once you find the quote you like, call your local home insurance company, Colling Insurance Services. As an independent insurance agent, Colling can connect you to the home insurance policy that fits best with your coverage needs and budget.

Colling can also help you determine how much coverage you need. You want to be financially protected in case severe storms or fire damage or destroy your home. The right homeowners insurance policy will provide you the financial resources to rebuild your home and replace damaged items.

And if your home should be robbed, the proper amount of home insurance coverage can help you replace stolen computers, TVs, jewelry and clothing.

Now thanks to online rate shopping, finding this perfect insurance policy is no longer an all-day affair. Online insurance shopping has made it easier than ever for homebuyers to find the most affordable home insurance policy that provides the perfect level of financial protection.

So take a few minutes to search Colling’s Web site for the right insurance policy for you. Then give the company a call. One of their agents will guide you to the right policy.

Buy Cheap Homeowners Insurance in Colorado

Choosing a homeowners insurance policy isn’t always easy, and Colorado residents have plenty of dangers to protect their homes against. From harsh winters and unpredictable weather to theft, vandalism, and liability issues, there are plenty of good reasons to choose an insurance policy carefully. With so much at stake, this is one investment that deserves some extra attention.

But that doesn’t mean it has to be a headache, or that you’re stuck paying ridiculously high rates. Homeowners insurance rates in Colorado can be surprisingly low, if you take time to compare quotes and make sure you’re paying for only the coverage you actually need. These tips will help you work with our independent agents to save (without skimping on coverage).

1. Know the value of your home.

By taking the time to get your home appraised, you’ll get a good idea of just how much coverage you need to protect your property. That means you won’t end up paying for more coverage than you need or, worse, finding out too late that you don’t have enough.

2. Ask about discounts.

As your local independent agents, we want to connect you with the best homeowners insurance rates possible, but we need information on your situation. Some companies offer discounts for behaviors or home upgrades that lower your risks (of theft, liability issues, and other dangers). So investing in that home security system, a fence around your pool, or other safety measures could cut down on your yearly insurance costs; just ask.

3. Look at more than the price tag.

Choosing the lowest quote you’re offered isn’t necessarily the best deal. Take the time to compare the details of quotes and ask about coverage options. Like auto insurance, going with the most inexpensive basic coverage offered can leave big gaps that can cost you thousands in the long run.

Unusual Things Covered in Home Insurance Policies

Do you have home insurance? If you do, you’ve protect yourself against all kinds of dangers, even a house fire that could leave you homeless. If a tree falls into your home, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs. If a burglar breaks in, you’ll have a financial safety net to replace what you’ve lost.

Not only does home insurance give homeowners peace of mind about their property and belongings, it ensures devastating damages won’t take a financial toll on individuals and families. Homeowners should understand exactly what their insurance policies covers-both the obvious and unique-to get compensation and keep their home in tip-top shape.

The Obvious

Basic home insurance coverage covers much more than damage to your house. Most policies base coverage off of a certain percentage of the entire coverage amount you pay-discuss coverage with your insurance broker before purchasing insurance. The most basic coverage generally includes:

  • Belongings – If someone burglarizes your home, your policy should replace most belongings.
  • Perils – If your home experiences extensive damage (fire, lightening, explosion, smoke, vandalism, falling objects), your policy should cover it completely.
  • Loss of use – If your home gets damaged and you can’t live in your house, most insurance companies cover living expenses (laundry costs, restaurant meals, hotel bills) for a time.

Depending on your insurance agency, you may have the opportunity to purchase more specialized coverage. In these cases, your home insurance policy might also cover:

  • Debris removal
  • Landscaping replacement
  • Power outages
  • Spoiled food storage
  • Glass structures (doors and windows)

Some home insurance policies require you to add on certain items, including:

  • Antiques
  • Jewelry
  • Electronic equipment

Most home insurance policy basics depend on your particular agency, but you can count on most agencies to provide you with enough coverage to suit your needs. The benefits of home insurance extend far beyond structural damages to your house.

If, for example, you run into a sticky situation with liability or fraud involving your home’s property, your home insurance might just cover those damages as well. Read on to learn about some of the more unique aspects of home insurance coverage.

The Unique

Most homeowners don’t know about these unique coverage benefits. When out-of-the-ordinary events happen, you can trust your policy to cover the emotional and financial costs of the following:

  • Liability and/or medical bills – If an injury takes place on your property, home insurance usually covers medical bills. Whether a dog bites a visitor or a neighbor slips and falls on your driveway, home insurance should cover all medical costs. Insurance companies sometimes pay for legal defense along with medical bills. If a neighbor sues you over a dog bite, call your insurance broker to discuss specifics.
  • Structures – If your fence, garden, or garage gets damaged, home insurance should cover repair and renovation. When a tree falls and destroys your fence or garden, get in contact with your home insurance specialist to discuss compensation and repair.
  • Fraud – If someone uses your personal checks or credit cards without your permission, home insurance might cover it. While this may seem like a random aspect of coverage, insurance agencies aim to keep you and your family secure against all sorts of fraudsters.
  • Grave markers – If someone vandalizes or steals your loved one’s grave marker, your insurance policy might cover most replacement costs.
  • Student property – If your child moves away to college and someone steals his or her belongings, contact an insurance agent to discuss coverage and replacement options. Keep in mind: most student property coverage is limited to 10 percent of the property limit.

Apart from liability, structural damage, and fraud coverage, some insurance agencies take coverage a step further. Whether a dog ate your necklace, or you lost our favorite candlestick, your home insurance might cover reimbursement costs. Read on to learn about certain cases of very unique home insurance coverage.

  • Eaten belongings – One family received insurance money after their dog ate an expensive piece of jewelry.
  • Interior design fees – A number of insurance agencies cover interior design fees for home repair and renovation (resulting from previous damage).
  • Spoiled food and wine – After a sewage pipe overflow, an insurance company reimbursed a family for the spoiled goods in the home’s basement.
  • Security – Because they don’t want further damage and/or vandalism to occur, some insurance companies pay for security at damaged homes during repair.
  • Pair and sets – When one family lost a candlestick in a set, the insurance company replaced the entire set.
  • Bug-repellent services -To ensure a home stays in pristine condition throughout the year, many insurance policies cover bug-repellent services.

Whether someone burglarizes your home, or a storm damages your house, you deserve a fair amount of reimbursement from your insurance company. You never know what’s covered until you ask-make sure to discuss all coverage options with your insurance agency.

Home Insurance Agency in Wheat Ridge, CO

Wheat Ridge, CO is one of the most beautiful Colorado locales to settle down and raise a family. It has everything, from proximity to the Denver metro area to easy access to the mountains (and ski slopes!) during the winter months.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer or just new to the Wheat Ridge area, you'll want to make sure to make a smart decision about your property insurance options. These steps will help simplify the process.

1. Get your home appraised.

If you're just in the process of buying your home, chances are this step has already been covered during the buy-sell process. Regardless, you'll want to have a good idea of your home's value; this enables you to purchase just the right amount of coverage without leaving gaps or paying for more than you need.

2. Talk to an independent agent.

Our Independent agents work with many different insurance companies, so they can get you several quotes in one stop. That's one of the best ways to save time (and money) when you're searching for the insurance agency and policy that fits your needs. Independent agents will also talk to you about each policy's specific coverage limits and your home's situation, so they can suggest the types of coverage most likely to be a smart investment for you.

3. Read potential policies thoroughly.

Once you think you've found just the right combination of coverage to protect your home, you'll want to read the fine print to make sure you know exactly what is and isn't covered. Take the time now to ask your agent about anything that doesn't make sense. Know your deductibles and any exclusions on your policy before you sign, and if those exclusions make you nervous, ask about purchasing extra coverage; flood and earthquake insurance, for example, are not usually included on standard policies.

Does homeowners insurance covers AC repair in CO?

Your home insurance in Colorado is designed to protect your structure and personal property in the event of a covered disaster. A standard policy protects against loss from fire, storms, theft and vandalism. However, homeowner’s insurance is not meant to cover repairs for appliance or system failures. These examples should help you understand your insurance policy.

Fire and storms

If your AC system was damaged due to a home fire, the repairs would likely be covered, subject to your deductible. If a storm damaged the outside portion of your AC unit, you would probably be covered. If storm damage to your roof creates a leak that damages your AC, this would also normally be covered.

You must remember that if damage is caused by flood waters, you need a separate flood insurance policy. If you live in a flood prone area, you should consider adding this protection.

Theft or vandalism

Your home insurance policy should also cover your HVAC system if it is damaged because of theft or vandalism. Copper theft and outside unit theft can be a concern in some areas. However, if your air conditioning simply fails, the repairs are not included in your homeowner’s insurance.

If you purchase a home and buy a home warranty policy, your AC system may be covered under that insurance. Home warranty policies cover different systems and appliances in your home. This coverage is designed to protect you from expensive failures during the warranty period. Policies normally require you to pay a set fee for repair or replacement of covered systems.

Colling Insurance Services is your independent insurance agency, we will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding what your insurance policies cover. Let us help you get the right home insurance to meet your needs. Call us to talk with an independent agent today.

Is there any change in the insurance policy if the property becomes unoccupied?

If you have a property that becomes unoccupied, you should get in touch with the company handling your coverage. While all companies have different sets of rules, unoccupied properties normally require a different type of coverage.

Unoccupied Property Insurance

If you are only going to be away from your home for a few weeks, you should not experience any changes to your policy. Most companies use a 60 to 90 day rule for determining if a residence is unoccupied. However, if you move out and are selling your home, you need to change your plan right away.

Unfortunately, unoccupied properties are more subject to theft, vandalism or unauthorized use. In addition, a water pipe could become broken and the damage not noticed for several days. All of these factors add to an increase in the coverage costs.

If you are selling your residence, you still need the coverage until the home officially changes hands. If your home was damaged, you would lose the equity you have built. You are also responsible if someone is injured on the premises, this makes continuing your protection important.

While the rates for an unoccupied home are normally higher, you may be able to receive discounts on your plan. You can consider raising your deductible. However, you should ask if the cost would be lower if you had a reliable person care for your residence on a weekly basis. Properties with frequent activity are less likely to be damaged by vandalism or unauthorized entry.

As your independent insurance agency, we can help you take care of your coverage needs easily. If you need to make changes, get in touch with us and we will handle the details for you. You can also use our site to get quotes online to compare different policy costs.

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!