As we get older, the chances become greater that at some point we may need care services – approximately 70 percent of seniors over the age of 65 will eventually need some kind of long-term care service during their lifetime, and over 40 percent will require nursing home care for some period of time.  

Long-term care provides a variety of care services designed to help meet your health or personal care needs for either a brief or extended period of time. This care helps you live as independently and safely as possible when you determine you aren’t able to perform many of your daily activities on own. While you might be healthy and active now, you have no guarantee that will continue. Protecting yourself from the financial burden of paying for that care with a long-term care insurance policy through Colling Insurance Services, Inc., can give you peace of mind in the event you do eventually need care. 

What Does Long-Term Care Include? 

Long-term care services can include: 

Home-based services – You can remain in your Lakewood CO home and receive in-home health care, housekeeping/homemaking services, visitor/companion services, and an emergency response system 

Facility-based care – Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult foster care, board and care homes, and continuing care retirement communities 

Community-based services – Senior centers, adult day service programs, transportation services, meals program, and respite care 

I’m Active and Healthy — Why Should I consider Long-Term Care Insurance? 

You may never need long-term care. However, at any time, an unexpected slip or fall, injury, or illness can suddenly change your needs. The best time to think about how you’ll pay for long-term care is before you need it – allowing you to make important decisions while you are still able. 

Doesn’t Medicare Cover Long-term Care Costs? 

Medicare may cover part of your first 100 days in a nursing home, but contrary to what many people think, it doesn’t cover the majority of long-term care costs. For example, if you are bound to your Lakewood, CO home, it will pay for some part-time services and short-term skilled nursing care, but not personal care such as help with bathing. For more information about how long-term care insurance can help you plan your long-term care goals, call the insurance experts at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. today.

Life insurance is an important part of planning for the inevitable, but it is important to make sure that your policy is fully compliant with local laws. For Colorado residents, the good news is that most laws are designed to make things more efficient and beneficial for policyholders and their loved ones. So whether you’re looking to get a life insurance policy or simply want to learn more about the one you already have (and perhaps how it could be improved), here’s what you should know about Colorado life insurance laws:

The Basics

All Colorado life insurance laws are regulated under state statutes Title 10. At Colling Insurance Services Inc. (serving the Lakewood, CO area and beyond), for example, our policy underwriters ensure that all of these laws are strictly followed. Insurers who do not comply with these laws may be subject to strict fines and/or further litigation. 

The Details

Now let’s get to specifics. First, all life insurance claims must also be settled in a timely manner, meaning most in this state will be settled within two months. Additionally, Colorado law states that should a payment be missed, the life insurance policy must stay in place for at least a month after the payment was due. This mandatory grace period ensures that the policy will still be paid out should the policyholder die shortly after the payment is late. It also just helps buy people more time if they run into financial difficulty. 

Moving Forward

It’s worth noting at this time that the Colorado Life and Health Insurance Protection Association works to protect policyholders by guaranteeing life insurance funds against potential insurer bankruptcy of up to $300,000 (essentially, if you’re insurer goes broke, your policy will still be paid out). If you still need to set up a life insurance policy, however, and are based in Lakewood, CO or surrounding areas, Colling Insurance Services Inc. is here to help. Our insurance experts are happy to sit down with you to discuss your specific needs (and those of your family). With the right policy, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of should anything happen to you. 

It is a requirement to have basic health insurance in most states in addition to being a very important investment one can ever make. Medical setbacks can be very costly. Purchasing and maintaining health coverage is the only best way to cushion you from emergency medical costs out of pocket.

Before obtaining a proper health insurance cover, it is important to understand the basic provisions of a health insurance cover. Having knowledge of the fundamental concepts that govern health insurance will be of great help in ensuring you find an affordable health insurance that best suits your needs.

The basic provisions of a health insurance cover include:

• Short-term or temporary health insurance

In general, short-term plans are not obligatory to offer you the same vital coverage advantages and rights as a long-term compliant plan. These types of plans can only be of help when you are transitioning an example being moving between jobs.

• Supplemental insurance

Usually, this is considered as a minimum essential cover since it pays directly to you in the event that you fall sick or injured in order to fill the financial gap which you might be vulnerable to by your current health insurance coverage. The money you receive from a supplemental insurance plan can be used for payment of deductibles, out of pocket medical expenses among other eligible expenses that you choose.

The most common eligible expenses include services of a physician, optometrist, physiotherapist and ambulance services.

A basic health insurance cover protects you and your family the routine costs and other out of pocket costs of unexpected medical expenses. We at Lakewood, CO, based Colling Insurance Services, Inc. have a collective negotiation between our clients and insurance agents by offering specialized advice and services in order to make your insurance shopping easy.

Visit us today or give us a call for more information regarding the basic provisions of health insurance coverage.

Dental insurance can help to keep your smile healthy and attractive by helping you pay for the dental services you need, but it can be a bit daunting to know which dental insurance coverage to get. Here are some key tips on that, courtesy of Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area.

Co-payments

Various dental insurance plans differ as far as what copayment the patient must pay for various dental services. Often, when you pay more per month for your premiums, the co-pays will be lower. So that’s a tradeoff.

Deductibles

Dental insurance plans also differ when it comes to deductibles, and typically the high-deductible plans require the patient to pay more out of pocket when dental services are obtained at a dentist.

Premiums

This is yet another area where there are differences from one insurance policy to another. High-premium dental insurance plans typically provide more and better coverage for services, as well as lower co-payments and deductibles.

When considering which dental insurance coverage to get, evaluate what types of services you foresee needing and how often. Of course, it is impossible to predict this with absolute certainty. But take a look at what coverage each plan offers and for what price, and look at what your budget allows when it comes to paying for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

When you are looking into dental insurance, it can help to have an expert who can sift through and sort out all the information. That’s where it helps to work with a company that provides insurance services. If you need help sorting out your dental insurance options, please feel free to contact us at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area.

If you are shopping for life insurance in Lakewood, CO, you may be overwhelmed. It seems like a complex process but it does not have to be. Your decision to invest in life insurance is a great one because it protects your family. You must, therefore, choose the right type of insurance from the right insurance provider. Contact a reputable insurance agency such as Colling Insurance Services, Inc. The agents will explain to you the different types of insurance and their extent of coverage. Understand how each insurance policy works before making a decision.

Important Questions When Buying Life Insurance

How much life insurance do I need?

Different people need different amounts of life insurance. Before buying life insurance, consider your financial responsibilities including mortgage payments and debt. If your family may have many needs in the future such as the costs of education, you need more life insurance. People who do not have a lot of debt or future family responsibilities may not need to buy much of it. What works well for one person may be insufficient for another.

Who are my beneficiaries?

Your life insurance policy goes to your beneficiaries after you die. You need to be careful when making that decision. Take time to think about it. Your beneficiaries could include your spouse, parents, kids, or siblings. However, you do not need to choose a person. You could choose an organization or a charity.

What policy is appropriate for my needs?

The basic life insurance policies are term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance is for a specified length of time while permanent life insurance is a lifelong insurance. The type of insurance you choose depends on your needs.

Contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. today for your life insurance needs in Lakewood, CO.

Why do I Need Motorcycle Insurance in Lakewood, CO?

Motorcycle insurance is a necessary protection for the motorist and anyone that they may hurt, as well vehicles that they may potentially damage on the road. A motorcycle insurance policy will back you financially in case of an accident, damage, or loss or theft of your motorcycle. Coverage is applicable to choppers, street bikes, mopeds, and Segways. Colling Insurance Services Inc. understands the ins and outs of motorcycle insurance and can guide you toward purchasing the right policy for your bike.

What Will a General Motorcycle Insurance Policy Cover?

A general motorcycle insurance policy will cover some costs incurred with damages and compensation if you cause damage or harm to another person and/or their property. Motorcycle insurance will also cover legal fees, including at-fault liability claims and judgments. Claims are covered only up to the limit of your policy amount.

Motorcycle insurance policies are customizable and can be done so to include medical payments, full replacement of your motorcycle, comprehensive coverage- which covers damage or loss outside of accidents, as well as theft, uninsured riders and more. Insurance coverage should be picked according to your bike type and usage- the riskier the vehicle and the more frequently it is used, the more insurance you will require.

What is Not Covered by a General Motorcycle Insurance Policy?

Because motorcycle insurance policies can be tailored, there is a lot that can potentially be covered by your policy. However, there are instances where your insurance will not cover you whatsoever. That is in the case of using your motorcycle to race or perform stunts, causing intentional bodily harm or damage to someone’s property, using your vehicle to perform deliveries or act as a taxi service, or committing crimes.  

Colling Insurance Services Inc. caters to the Lakewood, CO community and can help you figure out the best policy for your motorcycle. Contact one of our experienced agents today to get started. 

Dental work can be expensive in Lakewood, CO, so dental insurance can make sense for you as long as you understand what is being covered. This allows you to still see the dentist you prefer.

Many people don’t think insurance is worth it because you don’t come out ahead, and dental insurance is not a type of insurance that you are required to have, but there are a number of benefits.

Dental insurance emphasizes prevention, so typically two exams a year, x-rays cleanings and fluoride treatments are covered. This helps increase the chances that those with insurance will actually visit the dentist. Preventative care saves a lot of money in the long run. For those that need treatments, such as fillings, root canals and crowns, you won’t have to dig into your savings account and you’ll pay a lot less for any treatment that is needed. As adults get older, they may need more work on their teeth, which makes dental insurance worth the cost.

There are different types of dental insurance plans, and the best way to find one that works for your situation is by speaking with an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. An agent can help you decide if a PPO or HMO plan is better for you. HMO plans usually restrict coverage to dentists within a limited network. PPO plans allow patients to see dentists that are outside the network, but are charged much lower rates if they see a dentist that is within the preferred network. There are some waiting periods with dental insurance, so it’s important to get insurance before you need a cavity filled or some other dental work. You aren’t able to sign up for insurance just when you have an emergency.

Contact an agent at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO to discuss dental insurance options.

With so many varied types of recreational vehicles, sometimes a single policy may not handle the different types of RVs (fifth wheels, motorhomes, travel trailers and pop-up campers). Usually, RV insurance may be required depending on the kind of RV you own. Read on to know more basics about this kind of insurance provided by insurers like Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area.

RV insurance coverage comes handy for campers and motorhomes. What’s more, RVs come in different sizes and shapes. All vehicles driven on the road must be insured, including motorhomes. Note that there is a minimum liability your state requires for you to drive your RV legally.

Is it required?

Camper and RV liability insurance is needed in every state, including Colorado. The state also requires underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage for the following conditions: 

• When you buy a camper, travel trailer or RV             
• If you are living in the RV full-time
• When you use a rented RV for a vacation
• When you use the RV part-time

Are you wondering if your auto insurance or homeowners insurance offers enough coverage for your RV? The answer is no. Your camper, travel trailer, or RV requires a separate insurance plan.

What is covered?

RV insurance usually includes the following:

• Collision –the plan covers losses if you collide with other vehicles (no matter who is at fault) or a stationary object.
• Liability –this will cover expenses of property damage, bodily injury, and legal cost in case you are at fault.
• Comprehensive –this policy covers the cost of fire and smoke, collision, lightning hail, flood, animals, theft, windstorm, vandalism as well as overhangs or low branches.

Underinsured and uninsured and motorists –this will cover you, and the passengers should be a person who lacks enough or doesn’t have insurance cause an accident.

Some insurance companies can also provide additional coverages like:

• Vacation or campsite liability
• Total loss replacement
• Attached accessories
• Towing and roadside
• Emergency expenses
• Personal effects

Consult with your Lakewood, CO insurance companies such as Colling Insurance Services, Inc. to get more details regarding your RV coverage options.