Perhaps you need to replace an aging family vehicle that frequently needs expensive repairs. On the other hand, maybe you’ve recently started a family and need a larger car. These tips can help you find a dependable yet affordable used auto in Colorado:

1. Make a list of important considerations and take notes about individual vehicles. Remember to test lights, inspect tires and check for signs of odometer fraud, such as misaligned digits.

2. Think about buying a certified pre-owned car from a dealership. These vehicles include long-term warranties and undergo extra inspections. They cost somewhat more than typical used autos, but your family will appreciate their reliability.

3. If you’re interested in a certain car, write down its VIN and check for any safety recalls that have yet to be addressed. You may do this by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or visiting their website.

4. Kids benefit from child-specific safety features. Check used autos for anti-pinch windows, automatic door locks and air bags that you can switch off. Children up to 12 years old shouldn’t sit in the front passenger seat if it has an active air bag.

5. Pay a trusted mechanic to thoroughly examine a family vehicle before you buy it. Don’t purchase an automobile from a seller who refuses to let you do this.

6. Take the time to find out how much it costs to maintain and operate a specific vehicle. Look up the model’s average fuel, tire, repair and insurance expenses.

After you buy a family car, Colorado law requires you to obtain auto insurance. Drivers in the Centennial State can benefit from comparing their options with CO Insurance Specialist. To review your current policy or sign up for new coverage with an agent at our Wheat Ridge office.
 

Everyone knows that you should not drive drunk. However, people are human and we all make mistakes. If you find yourself charged with a DUI, there are many costs and fines you may incur. But what you may not know is that you may experience changes in your car insurance. Here is what you should expect to happen to your auto insurance policy after getting a DUI.

Possible Cancelation

Many insurance companies will cancel your auto insurance policy outright if you are charged with and/or convicted of a driving under the influence charge. This is because they don’t want to be responsible for your possibly doing it again. If your policy is canceled, it is important to find a new policy quickly, so that you aren’t driving around uninsured or have a lapse in coverage.

Drastic Price Increase

If your insurance policy is not canceled, or you are shopping around for a new one, you will notice a drastic price increase in your insurance. This is because you are now a huge liability. And unfortunately, it can stay on your driving record for seven years in Colorado. This means that your premiums will be high for many years to come. Taking the time to compare prices will help you get the best possible rate out there, even with a DUI.

Were you charged with a DUI? Are you looking for a new auto insurance policy in the greater Wheatridge, CO area? If so, give CO Insurance Specialist a buzz today. We can help you get insurance or price out new insurance policies to ensure you are still paying a fair and reasonable price.

Auto Insurance is something that most people need.  It is even required in many states. However, many people have a hard time deciding on the right auto insurance policy and even more make the mistake of choosing the right company for their insurance needs. It can cause a lot of issues if care is not taken during this initial process. Before signing up for a Wheat Ridge, CO auto insurance policy, use these tips to make sure you get exactly what you need.

• Do not just purchase the lowest priced policy. When it comes to auto policies, cheaper is not usually better. You pay for it in the long run because you will likely have gaps in coverage or you will have to deal with terrible customer service, which is not fun when you have an accident to pay for.
• Take a look at the online reviews for the company. The company reviews are just as important as the policy coverage. You should look at recent reviews from recent or current customers to see how they help their customers and if they are easy to work with. There is no better way to ensure you are going with a great carrier.
• Make sure you take a look at the fine print. Examine the policy to ensure the coverage you want is included with what you were quoted. The last thing you want to find is a gap in coverage that you did not know was there. Taking the time to review this before purchasing is very important.

For more information about auto policies or to have us take a look at your current policy, contact us at CO Insurance Specialist today. We will even be happy to generate a new auto insurance quote for you.

With all the preparation that parents put into readying their teens for driving, perhaps the most important are the conversations had at home before any solo driving takes place. Simple conversations about what to expect, laws to obey, safety, and any questions or concerns they may have can make the difference between an accident and a driver ready for the open road.

Talk about what Colorado law states about teen driving. Make sure you and your child have an understanding of all the specific rules. By figuring it all out together, you are building a strong foundation of trust to ensure they will come to you with any uncertainty. Also make sure that your teen knows what their allowances for night driving are as well. Driving at night can be the most dangerous time for new drivers and they should slowly get used to this. Most communities have an under 18 curfew too, so you should both be aware of when they need to be in for the night.

While you want to assume that your newly legal driver will work hard to obey the laws and rules that you set out, it is highly likely that they will have a slip up or two. Work hard to build the kind of relationship with them that encourages them to turn to you in those moments. Let them know that you have their safety in mind and if the rules are violated too badly they will be without privileges until they can prove their responsibility.

By having these sometimes hard conversations with you teen driver, you are preparing them to have the best possible driving experience with a large emphasis on learning the ways of the road. It is just the very first step in a long process to adult driving. Another step you need to consider before sending them off down the road is that they are insured well under your policy. Call one of our knowledgeable agents at CO Insurance Specialist today to double check that your teens coverage is everything you need it to be.

Rules For Cyclists

State law in Colorado allows for cyclists to ride single-file in the rightmost part of the road. If there is a designated bike path, then you can spread to two abreast. Never weave between vehicles, even the parked cars on the side of the road. All cyclists should review the prescribed methods of signaling their intent to turn and how to move along with traffic.

You should also check with your local county or municipality for information on additional regulations concerning the use of bicycles. For example, cyclists in Colorado can typically ride on the right-hand side of the road, but residents of more densely populated areas like Boulder will need to stick to sidewalks and designated paths.

For Drivers

Automobile operators should be familiar with the turning signals used by cyclists to accurately predict their movements. Generally speaking, drivers should treat bicycles like pedestrians who can move slightly faster and have a right to portions of the road. Even in urban areas with tighter restrictions on where bicycles can be ridden, it is a driver’s moral obligation to do everything they can to avoid an accident that will cause minor damage to their car while being potentially fatal for the cyclist. Returning to Boulder, it is a driver’s legal obligation to yield to cyclists even though bikes are also subject to tighter restrictions.

For both drivers in their cars and cyclists pedaling down the road, a CO Insurance Specialist will help protect against the financial damages that can accompany an unfortunate accident. They can also help better explain the traffic laws of your local area in a way that will give you the information necessary to make the right decision on the road for avoiding accidents.