Planning Your Extended Boat Vacation: What Should You Pack?

Are you planning a summer boating adventure that lasts more than a week? Long trips give you time to truly relax and enjoy the solitude of open waters. But they also present unique challenges when deciding what to pack. Space is often limited, so cargo must be planned out thoroughly. Colling Insurance Services Inc. in the Lakewood, CO area wants you to get all the pleasure you can from your marine vacation. Use this guide to help choose what you bring out on the water.

  • Don’t overdo it on clothing. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time at ports, you won’t need much more than several sets of comfy swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. Bring one or two formal outfits for nights out on the mainland.
  • Snorkels, fishing poles, and other sports gear should be packed last. That way you won’t have to waste time searching for them under a mound of supplies when it’s time to play.
  • Make sure your first aid kit is up-to-date. Include extra supplies of current medications and over-the-counter remedies you may need.
  • Keep a copy of your current boat insurance policy on board for emergency reference. Place it in a safe, waterproof container with your satellite radio, flashlight, flares, and other emergency equipment.
  • Limit grooming products to the absolute necessities. Multiple people can share products to save space and limit clutter.
  • Plan your food stores. If you won’t be making any restocking stops, make sure you have enough to keep everyone happy by writing out your daily meals.

Colling Insurance Services Inc. provides boat insurance policies for residents around the Lakewood, CO area. Contact us to learn how boat insurance can make your summer adventure safe and carefree.

Why You Need Umbrella Insurance for Your Small Business

Any business needs to be protected appropriately. As a small business owner, you should know that your business requires the right insurance coverage to safeguard it against financial losses that may happen. Therefore, having an umbrella insurance policy is a necessity for every small business. Umbrella Insurance policy not only covers your assets and business from personal liability but also works as an alternative to an individual’s coverage such as auto insurance.

 It offers the much-needed extra protection to your business in case your standard liability policy limit is exceeded. Colling Insurance Services Inc. provides comprehensive umbrella insurance policy for small businesses in Lakewood, CO. Here are three reasons why you should have comprehensive umbrella insurance for your small business.

Pays for Losses In case of a Lawsuit

When your small business is facing a lawsuit, then an Umbrella insurance policy can help to protect your small business whenever the losses exceed your protection limit under your standard business liability policy. It also covers the bodily injuries caused to any individual on your business premises or as a result of your business operations and processes.

Protects Your Assets

Without umbrella insurance policy, you will be responsible when your normal liability insurance limit is exceeded. You may end up selling your business assets and personal belongings to cover for liability if your business lacks a commercial umbrella policy. As a business owner, that is something you cannot afford to do. Therefore, the only way of safeguarding your business assets is by purchasing a comprehensive commercial umbrella policy that will come into play when your liability limit on the standard business insurance is exceeded.

Covers Your Business Vehicle with Additional Liability

Typically, commercial umbrella insurance will provide financial protection where your general business liability insurance cant. For instance, your standard commercial insurance policy may feature limitations on who can drive your business vehicle and where the car can be driven. If your business vehicle is operated outside the limitations of the policy and is involved in an accident, your provider won’t cover the expenses. This is where your commercial umbrella policy comes in to help you.

Are you a business owner in Lakewood, CO? Contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. for a commercial umbrella policy.

Will Adding My Teenager Increase My Auto Insurance

When it comes to keeping your teenager safe on the road, you want to make sure they are driving in a safe vehicle. One way to make sure the care they are driving in is safe is by having the tires rotated on a regular basis. Also important is to check the tread depth on the tires and replace them as needed. A tire blowout can lead to accidents and you want to avoid this at any cost. Furthermore, to keep your teenager safe on the road, you should invest in an auto policy. You may be asking yourself if adding your teenager to your policy is going to increase your rate. Let’s take a closer look at the answer to this question. 

Yes, Your Rate Is Going to Increase

Generally, your insurance rate will increase when you add your teenager to your auto policy. Why? Because teenage drivers are at the highest risk of being involved in an accident. Also, your teenage driver hasn’t had an insurance policy before, meaning it will cost more to insure him or her. 

You Have to Start Somewhere

One of the biggest factors insurance companies consider when determining the rate for a driver is whether or not they have had insurance before. Once you add your teenager to your policy as a driver, this will start building up his or her driving history; this will help secure lower rates on insurance as he or she gets older. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance for your teenager, as well as other types of insurance, such as health, please contact Colling Insurance Services serving the Lakewood, CO area. 

Pros And Cons Of Healthcare Savings Accounts

Colling Insurance Services, Inc. Lakewood, CO is dedicated to providing practical solutions to its client’s insurance needs.  The Affordable Care Act  (Obamacare) is going through dramatic changes by the new tax law that repealed the ACA mandate. Health tax-free savings accounts are promoted to offer a healthcare plan for individuals to put aside savings to help pay their medical costs. 

The following  federal guidelines must be met to be qualified to set up an HSA:

*    Not eligible for Medicare while you can still use an HSA if the HSA exists before being enrolled in Medicare. But you cannot continue  contributing to your HSA
*    A  High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) must be in place when setting up an HSA 
*    HSA can only pay for qualified medical expenses 
*    Not a dependent according to an IRS determination of another’s return

The healthcare savings accounts have been both praised and criticized.

PRO

*  Pay for healthcare expenses
*  While individually owned anyone can contribute to your HSA including your employers 
*  Pre-tax contributions which reduce Federal taxable gross income including most states taxable income 
*  Interest accrued or any assets in HSA’s are tax-free
*  HSA funds roll over annually
*  HSA funds are available regardless of changes in health care insurance plans, changes in employer and upon retirement.
*   Debit cards are available to distribute HSA funds and access funds at ATMs

Con

* The requirement for an HDHP
*  Unexpected health care costs when no HSA funds available 
*  Difficult to save money for HSA
*  Non-qualified expenses are taxable with a penalty before reaching retirement age of 65 
*  Must keep good records and receipts
*  Monthly bank maintenance fees

Colling Insurance Services, Inc. Lakewood, CO will keep you advised of the changes in healthcare.  Please call! 

What to Consider When Getting Dental Insurance in Lakewood CO

The best and easiest way to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life is by getting dental insurance coverage. However, unlike a visit to the dentist, deciding on what dental policy to take can be challenging. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. ensures that Lakewood, CO residents get sufficient dental coverage by listening to their needs and providing useful information. Before settling for dental insurance coverage, here is what you need to consider:

What is catered for?

Before getting dental coverage, it is advisable to read the fine print and understand what is provided and what is not. Dental policies, unlike other insurance policies, have a wait time before they can cater for major dental services such as crowns and root canals. As you decide on particular coverage, understand how much time it will take.  Most policies provide basic services such as cleaning, X-rays and preventive exams, but it is wise to know whether the policy goes beyond to cater for cosmetic dental services. With such information, you are in a position to make a sound decision based on your dental requirements.

Deductible and co-pay amount

Since no dental coverage caters for all dental service, you will be required to dig in your pocket when you visit a dentist for certain services such as tooth extraction and fillings. As such, it is advisable to understand the limits of each and settle for one that is reasonable given your dental service requirements and that of your family.

Preferred dentist

If you already have a preferred dentist, determine whether they accept coverage you are about to get. Also, determine if the policy allows you to choose your dentist.  This will save the time of searching for a new dentist, and if you have not settled for one, get the one who falls under your insurance network in Lakewood, CO.

If you need more information on dental insurance, contact or visit Colling Insurance Services, Inc. in Lakewood, CO. we have qualified and experienced insurance experts who will answer any of your questions. Visit our site and get started with dental insurance suitable for your needs.

Get Worker’s Compensation Insurance from a Reliable Provider

It is Colorado state law that all employers that have one or more employees must provide worker’s compensation insurance. There are a few exceptions to this rule, which may include a sole proprietor with no employees, a general working partner, a corporate officer, and a member of a limited liability company. Check with your insurance agent if you have questions in this regard.

The quality of this coverage and the agency that provides it may differ substantially. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving Lakewood, CO and the surrounding area offers worker’s compensation insurance coverage for businesses of all sizes.

If an employee suffers an accident and is injured while on the job, then worker’s compensation insurance coverage will help with the medical bills and wage replacement for the time off needed for recovery. If an employee is killed while on the job then a death benefit is payable to their family. Coverage limits, procedures, and rules are set by state law; however, you do want to work with an insurance agency that understands the filing process and is very familiar with processing worker’s compensation insurance claims.

The Colorado Division of Worker’s Compensation is organized under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The division advises business owners to read worker’s compensation policies and disclosures carefully, identify the services provided by the insurance company, consider a deductible, and maintain a good loss history by having a safe working environment.

The Colorado Division of Worker’s Compensation enforces the worker’s compensation laws and resolves disputes between an employer and an employee over worker’s compensation claims. The division also has an appeals board that handles disputes between an employer and an insurance company that provides worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

Contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. serving the Lakewood, CO area, for all your worker’s compensation insurance needs.

Tips for Novices Regarding the Changing Your Motorcycle’s Oil

People in the vicinity of Lakewood, CO view the task of changing a motorcycle’s oil from all angles. Some enjoy connecting with their ride and getting dirty. While others  panic at the thought of holding a wrench and becoming a greasy, oily mess.

The anxiety generated by those dreading this necessary maintenance task directly conflicts with a fundamental reason for Riding a Cycle: It Relieves Stress.  And if you love driving the terrain of the communities surrounding Lakewood, CO, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. to meet all of your insurance needs.

Familiarize yourself with your motorcycle by:

Reading and Researching

Have you ever heard the old adage that ‘If one can read, one can cook? This exact sentiment holds true for a variety of issues we encounter throughout our daily lives, and, as such, this includes the art of changing a motorcycle’s oil.

The owner’s manual describes this information using broad strokes, but it is a great starting point. Here is where you find the basic specifications regarding your motorcycle. To find a more in-depth analysis, check out the Workshop Manual issued by the bike’s manufacturer. If you prefer to talk to an insurance expert, contact the professionals at Colling Insurance Services Inc.

Be organized

Start your own maintenance log. Be smart and record the bike’s specs you found from the workshop manual, so they are easily accessible. Also include:

  • The Date
  • The Type and Quantity of Oil
  • Notes you want to remember for the next oil change  

Use the right tools

Be flexible

As with anything new, it make take some time to acclimate yourself to the nuances of your bike. Be patient and ask for help.

Allot for Time Appropriately

Give yourself ample time any unforeseen snafus or interruptions.

 

 

 

 

 

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

Your RV (recreational vehicle) provides you with safe travels and fun times as you explore both new and familiar places. Make sure you protect your investment by adequately insuring your RV. You do that with your RV insurance policy, which applies to vehicles like motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels. Here’s what you need to know about this essential type of coverage that is like a mix of automobile insurance and home insurance all rolled into one.

What RV Insurance Covers

As is true for any insurance, RV insurance has specific things it covers. They include:

– Your personal belongings inside the RV, such as if they are stolen
– Any special equipment such as generators and appliances
– Roadside assistance services, such as towing
– Replacement cost of the vehicle if necessary, depending on various issues like the age of the RV
– Liability at a campsite
– Collision and comprehensive for problems like theft, flood and fire
– Protection for accessories that are permanently attached to the RV 
– Accidents such as if a guest slips and falls in the RV

Additional Covered Items

Although that list of what’s covered under RV insurance is long, there are still more items that are popular to add to RV insurance coverage. They include:

– Repair of awnings on sides of the RV
– Coverage of injuries and property damage, which can be included under trip insurance coverage
– Injuries to pet in the RV
– Damage to trailers or golf carts being towed behind the RV

Now that you know about RV insurance and what it covers, it’s time to make sure you have the proper RV insurance coverage. If you need insurance for your RV, we at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving Lakewood, CO can certainly help. Give us a call today so we can explain the options.

Learn More about Boat Insurance

There is nothing as exciting as boating. Imagine the buzz of an outbound fishing line, wind in your hair and feeling the snap of the mainsail. This way, it is no wonder if you wish to have a recreational boating. Where there are boaters, insurers follow.

Purchasing boat insurance has never been easy. This is because boats are somehow an odd duck in the insurance world. You have to put some aspects into in-depth consideration while purchasing boat insurance in Lakewood, CO. Fortunately Colling Insurance Services Inc. is there to provide you with the coverage you need and help you learn more about the insurance requirement of the state. Some of the essential things you need to know about boat insurance include; 

Your homeowner coverage does not include your boat

The only types of watercrafts that are protected under your personal property policy are small boats and canoes. As long as your boat has a motor, it will require a separate coverage. Boat insurance almost resembles auto insurance requirements.

Boat insurance keeps you safe from a variety of disasters

There are numerous catastrophes that you are likely to encounter while riding or relaxing on your boat and boat coverage protects you in cases such as storms, theft, sinking, explosion, capsizing, and collision.

It is vital to have physical damage coverage

Both are an expensive investment due to their expensive equipment. This policy protects you from losses regarding trailer, equipment, motor or any other boat-related parts.

Taking your time to review your specific insurance needs will help you shop for the best policy. Learn more about the coverage before rushing to buying one since every policy is designed to suit a specific need. To learn more about boat insurance in Lakewood, CO, contact Colling insurance services Inc. and let us answer any questions you may have concerning boat insurance and assist you to make the right purchase.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance

While most people have some form of insurance coverage on either home or car, it may not always provide them with enough insurance coverage. For Lakewood, CO residents that need additional insurance coverage, one great option would be to get umbrella insurance that provides you with additional personal liability coverage. There are several situations in which you could need insurance coverage.

You Have Significant Personal Assets

One incident in which you could use additional umbrella insurance coverage is if you have significant personal assets. Liability insurance on your home or auto policy will have a limitation that could be well below your personal net worth. This means that if you are found liable and are sued, you could risk losing some of your personal assets as well. To help cover yourself, having an umbrella policy that goes beyond your home and auto policy would be beneficial. 

More Potential for Liability

Another situation in which you should have an umbrella policy is if you have more potential for personal liability.  If you run a business, own real estate, or have another operation that poses more personal liability than the norm, having additional coverage could be very beneficial. An umbrella liability insurance policy should be able to provide you with coverage for all potential risks. 

In conclusion, if you feel that you are in need of more personal liability insurance coverage, a great option would be to get an umbrella insurance policy. When you are looking for a new umbrella insurance policy, a great option would be to reach out to Colling Insurance Services, Inc. Colling Insurance Services, Inc. is a leading insurance company serving Lakewood, CO and other areas that can provide you with a range of services. They will help you determine what level of umbrella insurance you need and provide you with a quote for a policy that provides adequate coverage.