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CO Insurance Specialist

6990 W. 38th Ave. #200
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

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Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

You paid a great sum to buy that precious car of yours. Maybe you even built it from the ground up with care. Here in Wheat Ridge, CO especially, you’ll want to check below for some ways to improve your car’s performance and safety this winter. Here are the top 5 tips from CO Insurance Specialist.

1. Make Sure You Have Emergency Supplies

If you happen to have an emergency in the winter, you will want to have a few key items in your possession. Be prepared by keeping jumper cables, a cell phone, a flashlight, snacks, warm blankets, water, reflective triangles, a tow strap, and a first-aid kit in your car at all times.

2. Check Up On Your 4WD

A properly-working 4WD is a winter essential here in Wheat Ridge, CO. You’ll want to have it examined by a mechanic well before the snow falls to ensure that it’s working properly. Also, if you need to brush up on exactly how to use your 4WD, now is the time to do it.

3. Check Your Battery

Cold weather takes a toll on car batteries. Ensure that your car will start on cold winter mornings by taking it to get checked by a mechanic.

4. Think About Snow Tires

To reduce slippage on an icy road, snow tires will do the trick. Trade your all-seasons for these winter wheels which are specially-designed to grip snow and ice.

5. Take A Look At Your Belts and Hoses

In cold weather, belts and hoses can become weak. Get them checked out to ensure that your engine will run smoothly during winter storms.

If you have any questions about insurance this winter, contact our friendly agents at CO Insurance Specialist today.

Understanding Business Interruption Coverage

Many business owners purchase a property or business liability policy and assume they are adequately covered. However, failing to buy a business interruption policy, a business may not be able to survive a severe loss.

When a business suffers a loss such as damage from a fire or a storm, the business may not be able to operate at full capacity if at all. In addition, the company may incur additional expenses such as moving to a temporary location within the Wheat Ridge, CO area. While your property coverage will cover the cost to replace the damaged property, a business interruption policy will help your business cover expenses and any additional costs you occur as a result of the loss.

If your business can be back up and running at 100% capacity quickly then you should speak to your insurance agent st CO Insurance Specialist about gross earnings or limited coverage. Gross earning coverage pays for expenses up until the day you start operating again and does not take into consideration pre-loss income levels.

If your business does not have a financial cushion or it would take a long time to get back up to pre-loss income you should consider extended coverage. Extended coverage will cover you until you are back up to your pre-loss revenue levels. Of course, there is a time limit, and coverage will end after a certain period.

There are also add on coverages such as payroll, accounting fees and contingency coverage options available.

No matter what type of business you operate,  you should make sure you are covered for expenses in the event of a loss. A specialist at CO Insurance Specialist can meet with you to review your business operations and help you decide what type of business interruption policy will work for your business. We proudly serve the Wheat Ridge, CO area.

 

 

 

5 Tips to Buying Commercial Insurance

Buying commercial insurance for your startup business in Wheat Ridge, CO can be a challenge. At CO Insurance Specialist, we recognize the importance of getting accurate insurance coverage to protect your assets in Colorado. Here are a few tips to help guide you through the insurance process.

Assess Your Risks

Before you decide on insurance coverage, you need to assess your risks as a business. This will help you determine the type and amount of coverage you need. By consulting with a CO Insurance Specialist agent, you can get a better picture of how specific policies can work on your behalf as well as how you can save money on your premium without compromising your coverage.

Educate Yourself about Insurance Types and Coverage

As a new business owner, it’s imperative you become familiar with commercial insurance options and costs. A commercial insurance package may include coverage for liability, property damage, business interruption, workman’s compensation, and more. By understanding your options, you can obtain personalized coverage geared to your specific needs.

Shop Around

Commercial insurance coverage and costs vary from one company to the next. Shopping around gives you a better picture of what different insurers have to offer. Keep in mind that insurers that specialize in your type of business may offer better coverage at competitive costs.

Don’t Compromise Coverage for Costs

Be leery of compromising insurance coverage for a low price. By doing your homework, you can find an insurance package to adequately protect your business at a cost you can afford.

Work with a Reputable Broker

Working with an experienced broker can alleviate the confusion and stress of finding commercial insurance for your small business. At CO Insurance Specialist, we’re committed to helping small business owners in Wheat Ridge, CO obtain the comprehensive insurance coverage they need at affordable costs. Reach out to our agents to learn how to get started.

Why Your Vintage Vehicle Changes Need an Appraisal Update for Coverage

Classic cars and vehicles continue to have lots of popularity and fans generation after generation in Wheat Ridge, CO. However, if they are going to be operated on public roads, they still have to be insured. With normal cars this is not a problem; most auto insurance companies have predetermined lists for the likely value of most common vehicles dating 20 years back. However, when the vehicle is 30 years or older, it starts to go into what is known as vintage or classic status. As a result, a number of factors then come into play such as collectibility, rarity, condition and more. Insurers generally don’t have such expertise or reference guides for each and every older vehicle, so they rely on licensed appraisals to estimate coverage value.

When a vehicle owner makes changes or adds additional components to a classic car, it changes the value of the vehicle. And that matters because if the car is damaged then there is a discrepancy between the value to repair it and the amount of coverage that will be provided by a vehicle insurer. And as any vintage car owner in Wheat Ridge, CO knows, finding repair services and parts for classic cars can get expensive. So it’s critical to get a second appraisal when there are major changes on a vehicle and it needs to be protected.

The CO Insurance Specialist staff can help in explaining the vehicle appraisal process and related requirements. They are well-versed in how insurance providers estimate value and what is needed to both develop and update a vintage car policy. That helps avoid mistakes as well as clarify when a car owner needs to update coverage information.

 

 

Hotels Need High-Quality Commercial Insurance

We at CO Insurance Specialist have seen too many promising hotels close due to poor insurance coverage. Many new Wheat Ridge, CO hotel owners don’t understand the importance of proper hotel insurance and how it can benefit their business in a major way.

Liability Insurance Is Crucial

When you run a hotel, you are constantly under the threat of something happening to one of your guests. For example, they may fall and crack their head near your pool. General liability insurance helps protect you in these serious cases and provides you with the comfort you need to know your business won’t close down due to a silly accident.

Medical Insurance

Your employees deserve high-quality insurance for their healthcare needs. There are many commercial insurance policies that you can purchase to protect them. These group policies may even be tweaked for specific hotel needs. As a result, you need to talk to your insurance specialist right away to learn more.

Disability And Unemployment Policies

These types of insurance policies are necessary for hotel owners because they protect them when their employees are unable to work. For example, unemployment insurance helps pay partial wages when workers are laid off during the slow times of the year.

Cyber Insurance

Does your hotel have wireless internet for your customers? Or maybe you have an online booking portal that you rarely think about running? If so, you need to get cyber insurance right away. These policies ensure that the dangers of hacking are minimized for you and your guests.

Keeping Your Hotel Safe

If your Wheat Ridge, CO needs the kind of protection we mentioned above, then contact us at CO Insurance Specialist. Our specialists will find policies that work for your needs and help you find one that won’t cost you too much money.

Buying a New Home? Here are Three Reasons to Get Home Insurance

Lying just five miles outside Denver, it’s hard to imagine Wheat Ridge, CO use to be a popular area for Gold Rush travelers to stop and rest. Today, it is primarily a residential city where families love to spend lots of time outdoors. If you live in Wheat Ridge, CO and are about to buy a new home, here are three reasons to get home insurance, even if you don’t have a bank loan.

1.  You Have To

If you have a mortgage, you have to have home insurance. The bank wants to protect the asset it is making money from and will require you to purchase home insurance prior to closing on your new house. But don’t worry, home insurance isn’t as expensive as you might think.  

2.  It Protects Your Home

If something were to happen to your home, such as a devastating fire, an out-of-nowhere tornado, or some other disaster that befalls your property and you didn’t have insurance, the truth is you could find yourself homeless and/or financially devastated.  Considering that home insurance is a yearly fee that you can afford, isn’t it worth protecting the roof over your head and having peace of mind?

3.  Provides Temporary Housing – Just in Case

If your home is destroyed, temporarily unlivable due to a disaster, or every single piece of furniture is stolen while you’re away on vacation, home insurance will typically set you up with a temporary place to live and hook you up with living expenses during this trying time. Staying in a hotel, helping with food, laundry expenses, storage expenses, and internet expenses are something most insurance companies will help cover.  

To learn more about the benefits of having home owner’s insurance, contact CO Insurance Specialist. We have all the answers to your questions and we understand that many new home owners have lots of questions. To speak with a friendly agent at CO Insurance Specialist call us today at 720-638-0850.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Your Home Ready for Fall

You have to prepare your home for every season. During the fall season, you have to conduct a thorough inspection. The leaves that fall and the fact that winter is just around the corner, means you have plenty to do to your home during fall to keep it safe. 

1. Gutters

Your gutters are bound to fill up with leaves. This prevents them from draining water like they’re supposed to, which could lead to roof or foundation damage. Additionally, if the gutters become too heavy, you could find them falling, potentially becoming hazardous to anyone standing under them. And if you’re gutter should happen to fall, it could do extensive damage to your home. 

2. Roof

Get on top of your roof and inspect it for missing or damaged shingles. Check for corroded flashing or leaky vents. Damage to your roof could cause water to leak into your home and cause an extensive amount of damage. 

3. Furnace 

Inspect your furnace. Make sure you change the filter on the furnace before you start using it again. You’ll prevent it from catching flame, and it’ll make it more energy efficient. You should have a professional come and inspect your furnace before you start using it again for the winter.

4. Steps and Driveway

You never want to have steps or a driveway that is dangerous, especially considering you’re held accountable if someone should happen to get hurt on your property. That’s why CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, advises homeowners to always keep their steps and driveway maintained. However, it’s especially important during winter. Any problems will worsen when snow and ice pile up.

To get a quote for homeowner’s insurance or to learn more ways to get ready for fall, contact CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, by calling 720-638-0850.

Summer Car Buying Guide

If you want to buy a car this summer, you should put some thought into it. Rushing into a purchase could lead to wasted money and a ruined summer. With this buying guide provide by CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, you can purchase a car that’s worth it and will enhance your summertime fun. 

1. Do Your Homework 

Purchasing a car requires you to do some research to determine which makes and models have what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for safety, research cars that have the highest safety ratings. If you’ve always wanted a luxury car, create a budget and decide if new or used is best for you. Try reading reviews on sites and see how much other consumers like the cars you’re interested in.  

2. Test Drive 

Make sure you test drive whatever car you want to buy before you make a purchase. Get a feel for the car, so you know if you like it or not, even if it’s a new car.   

3. Buy Something For All-Year 

Make sure when you purchase a car, you don’t just think about the summer months. When the warm weather is over, you don’t want to be stuck with an impractical car. An SUV might be great because of all the space for luggage, but keep in mind, it comes with the high price of gas all of the year.  

4. Don’t Think You Can’t Afford a New Car This Summer 

With so many finance options, you might be able to afford a new car, even if you don’t have the best credit. Shop around at different dealerships and take into consideration loan options from your bank or credit union.  

5. Insurance Cost 

Make sure you take into consideration the cost of insurance when you determine your budget, especially if you plan on purchasing several months at a time.  

At CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, we want to help you purchase a car this summer. Contact us today at 720-638-0850 to get a quote. 

3 Ways Commercial Insurance Protects Your Business

If you own a small business, commercial insurance is a must to protect your assets. Commercial insurance coverage from CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO, can protect you against unforeseen catastrophes such as fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters that can hinder you from building a successful enterprise. Here are three ways commercial insurance can protect your small business.

Commercial Liability

Commercial general liability coverage protects you against accidents that may cause property damage or injuries to others while on your business property. This same coverage provides protection against lawsuits that may arise as a result of an accident, so you don’t suffer financial loss.

Business Property Insurance

You can’t keep disasters from happening to your business but you can be prepared to handle the fallout with business property insurance. This coverage protects your building, inventory, and equipment against the risk of theft, damage or loss due to fire, storms and other natural disasters. If you have a large inventory or own your place of business, business property coverage is a good way to protect your assets. This coverage enables you to get back on your feet quickly after disaster strikes so you don’t lose momentum in growing your enterprise.

Business Interruption

Business interruption coverage can be a lifesaver if you have to close your business temporarily due to an unforeseen event that causes extensive damage or loss. Business interruption helps cover the loss of income, employee wages, rent payments (if you rent your building) and even the cost of relocating your business temporarily while you are recovering from a disaster. Business interruption provides much-needed funds to keep your business alive during the interim period of repairs.    

For more information on commercial insurance and how it can benefit your small business, contact us at CO Insurance Specialist, Wheat Ridge, CO.

The Top 4 Most Important Figures to Know When Choosing Home Insurance

As a Wheat Ridge, CO homeowner, you probably have multiple questions and concerns when it comes to finding the perfect home insurance plan. Well, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are frustrated by a lack of home insurance understanding.

Fortunately, it’s not as complicated as you may think. To get you oriented, here are 4 important figures that you should always know when choosing a home insurance plan.

Your homeowners premium

After discounts are applied, your homeowners premium is the complete total that you’ll be expected to pay each month for your home insurance plan.

Home insurance deductible

Your home insurance deductible is the cost that you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for help from your insurance plan will become active.

The value of your personal items

If an unexpected accident or natural disaster occurs, you’ll need to have a record of the costs of your personal items in order to get reimbursed and buy replacement items. The individual values of your belongings should be recorded by you and kept somewhere safe.

Supplemental policy costs

In some cases, homeowners opt to purchase supplemental insurance plans to protect addition items and aspects of their home life.

CO Insurance Specialist Can Help

If you are interested in home insurance for your dwelling in Colorado, look no further than CO Insurance Specialist. We serve the residents of Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding areas, and we’d be glad to help you find an insurance plan that will work for you.

To start a dialogue with one of our experienced and knowledgeable insurance agents, contact us at your earliest convenience. You can get in touch with us by phone, visit our website, or visit our nearest location in Colorado. We look forward to working with you and finding you a great coverage plan for your home. 

Insurance Partners
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  • Auto Owners
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