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CO Insurance Specialist

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

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Disaster Preparedness For Your Home

What is the last time you really prepare your home for a disaster? If some kind of disaster strikes, whether it is a fire, emergency evacuation, or something else, are you prepared? There are a few ways for you to take control and make sure that you have the necessary supplies.

One of the first things you need to consider is the ability to light your home. If the power goes out, you need to make sure that you are able to see everything. Forget about candles and oil lamps because they can often create a fire. It’s better to have batteries around that can be placed into flashlights and battery-operated lanterns.

Another thing you want to have is fire extinguishers. They should be placed in the kitchen as well as in the garage. If you have multiple levels to your home, you want to have an extinguisher on each level, such as one in a finished basement and one on the second floor.

If you are ever stranded inside your home and cannot leave because of bad weather, you want to make sure to have anywhere between three and five days of food inside. This includes bottled water as well as food that does not need to be heated or refrigerated. Proteins such as nuts, peanut butter, and energy bars can be helpful to keep on hand.

You should also have a first aid kit in the kitchen as well as a larger kit somewhere else in the home. This can help to take care of burns, cuts, and other issues as they happen.

Call and talk to us at CO Insurance Specialist today so we can find a homeowner’s insurance policy that will protect you against disasters and more. We can find a policy that is affordable and delivers peace of mind to you and your family in Wheat Ridge all year long.

 

What Kind of Commercial Insurance Do You Need?

Commercial insurance is not something that you can get without taking some time to consider all of your options. Just like there are many different kinds of businesses, there are also many different kinds of commercial insurance policies out there to meet the needs of these businesses. That is why you cannot find a policy that will meet your needs perfectly in a one-size fits all manner. To help you through this daunting process, we have included some tips to help you determine the kind of commercial insurance that you need. 

  • Take a long look at your business. There are many different components of your business that you should consider for insurance purposes. For example, if you have employees, you may want to consider a workers compensation policy. If your employees drive company vehicles, you may want to consider a commercial auto policy. When you take the time to look at your business and the way it operates, then you can really get a good idea of what you need in a commercial insurance policy.
  • Try to find a policy that will bundle all of your insurance needs. This is a great way to get a cheaper rate for your insurance and you would be surprised by how many companies would do this. 
  • Talk with a professional. Even if you look your business from an insurance standpoint, it can be difficult to see everything you need since you are not trained in insurance. Be sure to talk to a professional to see what you may have missed and for further ideas to protect your company.

If you would like some further assistance with your search, contact us today at CO Insurance Specialist. We can help you figure out what you need and then find you a policy that meets those needs perfectly. 

Don’t Let Your Motorcycle Get Stolen

Your motorcycle is important to you. Almost a part of the family. So, it’s essential that you know how to protect it when you can’t be near. Here are some tips on how to do just that. Did you know that most motorcycle theft occurs when the ignition shuts off, but is not locked? Lock your ignition. It gives the criminal another step in his process and might make the difference.

Whenever you can, lock your bike to a stationary object that cannot be taken apart. A light pole is a great example. This will deter the thief who is looking for the easy score. Give the criminal as many reasons as you can to not steal the bike. Do you travel with other motorcycle enthusiasts? If so, think about locking your bikes together. This involves forward thinking and thieves do not want any part of that. Criminals do not like people who can think for themselves.

Can you find a security camera when you’ve stopped for the night at a hotel? Start doing this. Usually those areas are well lit and if your bike is tampered with you will have video evidence to help catch the criminal.

Where is the bike’s title kept? Do not keep it in the compartment used for storage on the bike, or any other place that a criminal can get to if you are not there. Keep it off the bike.

Place an exclusive mark on the bike and take photos. The police will have a much easier time of identifying your bike because of this.

When attending a public event, check your bike every once in a while, especially after you have just gotten off. Thieves know that this is prime time for a crime because the rider rarely comes back to check.

Your CO Insurance Specialist has motorcycle coverage especially for you. Give them a call to see what plan is best.

Renter’s Guide To Renovations

As a renter, you want your home to look its best. There may be some renovations you have in mind. Since you are renting the property, it’s not quite as easy as going to the store and picking out what you want and getting started on the DIY repairs.

First things first. You have to talk to your landlord to find out what you can do. They may not be ready to hand over their property without knowing everything that you are going to do. They may want to see colors, sample swatches, and everything else to make sure that whatever you do is going to add value to the property.

Any time that the landlord allows you to make major renovations, get it in writing. This will help to protect you in the event that they forget about the conversation the two of you had.

Check some of the local laws to see what a landlord’s responsibility is. If your floors or walls are not in good condition, they may be required to make some of the repairs.

If you are looking to make permanent renovations, you may want to get a little creative with artwork and the way you decorate. They make peel and stick tiles that can be removed at any time, which can be used to redo your floor as well as create a cool backsplash. You can upgrade lighting, and a fresh coat of paint to the walls, and possibly even cabinets.

Hang art on the walls, use area rugs throughout the house, and generally look at fun ways to beautify your home in Wheat Ridge.

Are you renting property? Let CO Insurance Specialist talk to you about renter’s insurance and the many benefits that exist when you have the right coverage.

 

 

Choosing a Wheat Ridge, CO Independent Insurance Agent

Whether you’ve lived in Wheat Ridge, CO for a long time or you’re new to the area, you’re going to need insurance. Homeowners, renters, auto, life, and more can all be covered, but you want to make sure you’re paying a fair amount for your coverage and getting it from a company and an agent you feel comfortable with. One of the best ways to do that is to work with an independent insurance agent. They can help you get the coverage you need for a price you’re happy with and give you peace of mind in knowing you have the best insurance for your needs.

Independent insurance agents work with several different companies, so they can check the rates from all of those companies quickly and give you the information you can use to select the right policy for you. Your insurance agent can also give you advice about the policies and the companies offered, so you can decide based on more than just the cost of the coverage. While cost does matter when it comes to choosing insurance policies, it’s not the only consideration you want to address.

The reputation of the insurance company, how well they pay claims, and what kind of coverage options they have for you are all important, and all things you want to take a look at when you’re deciding on insurance coverage. With CO Insurance Specialist, you can get the Wheat Ridge coverage you need and feel confident in your choices. It’s always nice to have an independent insurance agent on your side, and one that you can talk to about your coverage and options as your needs change. New cars, a change of homes, a new baby, and all kinds of other things can mean making changes to insurance, and that can be easier through an independent agent.

Motorcycle Deer Season Tips for Wheat Ridge Riders

Motorcycles riders in Wheat Ridge, Colorado are used to the large amounts of wildlife in their area and have learned to be wary on the road, as this can result in an accident that causes damage and minor injury at the very least, if not worse. However, deer season is an especially dangerous time, where herds of deer are prone to mindlessly cross roads directly in front of motorcyclists. If you hit one, it could mean serious injury or death, so here are some tips for motorcyclists when riding during deer season in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Spread Out When Riding in a Group

Motorcyclists often enjoy riding close together on the road. Don’t do this during deer season, as one of you may hit a deer or stop short to avoid hitting a deer, which will cause all of you to crash together and cause a painful, costly and dangerous accident.

Have Proper Insurance 

While it’s not inevitable, there is a higher likelihood you will hit a deer during this time of year. So make sure you have good insurance for yourself and your bike. CO Insurance Specialist can help find you a policy that works for your needs, as they serve the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area.

Wear a Helmet

Even though it is Colorado law to at least wear a partial helmet, many motorcycle riders break the rules, because that’s part of riding a motorcycle. Yet if you hit a deer without a helmet, you’re most likely going to be badly injured if not killed.

One Deer Often Means Many More 

Where there is one there are often others following, so keep this in mind when you see a deer a ways up in front of you.

Also, not speeding allows you to stop more quickly and have better control of your motorcycle. Just be mindful of this during deer season because you may have to stop at any time.

Contact one of our independent insurance agents at CO Insurance Specialists and let us help you find the right coverage for you.

Do You Have These 5 Things If The Power Goes Out?

As soon as the power goes out in your Wheat Ridge home, you want to have the satisfaction of knowing that you are prepared. You don’t know how long the powers going to off, so it is best to have quite a few things on hand.

These five things are going to help you dramatically.

Grill
A grill can be used to heat water for sanitation and for purification as well as to cook foods so that you can keep everyone sustained four hours or even days.

Flashlights
Flashlights should be kept on hand so that you can see in the dark – and you want to make sure to have plenty of backup batteries as well.

Frozen water Bottles
Frozen water bottles can be created ahead of time. These can then be placed into the freezer as a way of keeping all of the food colder for longer. You may be able to get several hours extra out of all of the food so that it doesn’t get discarded once the power goes out.

Blankets
You should have plenty of blankets, and this is to help keep you warm. Especially when the power goes out in the wintertime, you won’t have central heat and therefore you need to think about ways to stay warm. You can also use blankets around all of the doors and windows in order to reduce the draft.

Board Games
It’s a good idea to have board games so that everyone can stay entertained until the power comes back on. Whether you have kids or not, people can grow restless when there is no TV to turn on, no tablets to play on, or anything else.

Call CO Insurance Specialist today to learn more about homeowners insurance and how you can protect yourself throughout the year, even when the power goes out.

 

 

Wheat Ridge Home Insurance For A Business

Having a home-based business in Wheat Ridge means knowing all about the kind of insurance that you need. Your standard homeowner’s insurance policy is not going to cut it. Various forms of coverage can be added to protect the various aspects of your business that is based inside your home.

It’s important to have home insurance that is going to protect all of the details. You don’t want to be sued by a client because they injured themselves on your property and you don’t want to be sued by an employee because of wrongful termination. Coverage can be added to provide financial protection against all of these – and much more.

Consider what goes on within your business.

  • Do you have clients visit you?
  • Have you hired employees?
  • Do you carry a significant amount of inventory stored within your home?
  • Do you keep important data on your computer?

Knowing the answers to all of these will make it easier for an insurance agent to guide you through the various options available to you as a homeowner and business owner.

Business property coverage is perhaps the most common form of business insurance and can protect against loss for merchandise, computers, and other business related property.

General liability coverage can protect if there is a lawsuit filed against your business, such as through a claim of negligence or someone becoming injured on your property.

You may need additional coverage as well, ranging from their compromise coverage to employment practices liability coverage. Everything is very dependent upon the type of business you have and what takes place in your home.

Call us at CO Insurance Specialist today. We are here to help you find homeowners insurance it also works for your business. Our agents are here to help you every step of the way.

 

 

Getting Your Car Ready For Fall

Fall car care is critical. As the months get colder, your car needs to be well-maintained. There are some things you can do in Colorado in order to get ready. This will provide peace of mind as you drive.

Your tires need to be checked. This includes the tread depth as well as the tire pressure. It is a good idea to keep a gauge in your glove box so that you can check the PSI from time to time. You may also want to consider winter tires so you are better prepared to handle driving on icy roads.

You should take the time to schedule an appointment with a local mechanic. This gives you the chance to have your brakes checked, your battery checked, as well as your HVAC system checked. You want to make sure that you are comfortable driving and therefore your heating system needs to be checked. While they are doing this, be sure that the defroster is working properly. It may also be a good time to have the air cabin filter replaced as well.

You will want your battery checked for corrosion and connections while at the mechanic, too. If it has been a while since it has been replaced, you may want to go ahead and do this. Winter months can be especially rough on batteries. While you are replacing things, your wiper blades should also be replaced.

Speak with your mechanic to find out about any other suggestions so that your car is prepared for the cold months ahead.

Agents at CO Insurance Specialist are prepared to help you find a policy in Wheat Ridge that makes sense for your budget and your car. Call now and let us begin searching for quotes and answering any questions you may have about a policy.

 

3 Ways to Save Money When Going on a Road Trip from Wheat Ridge, CO

At this time of year, we at CO Insurance Specialist see many drivers take off from Wheat Ridge, CO on road trips. The fall season, while the trees are turning and before snow starts falling, is a wonderful time to drive through Colorado’s mountains. If you’re planning such an adventure, we’ve compiled a few tips for saving money. Perhaps you can use them to keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

Saving on a Road Trip

Reducing your fuel expenses is one of the best ways of lowering a road trip’s cost. You won’t be able to completely eliminate the need for gasoline, but you can greatly reduce how much you pay at the pump by:

  • not driving faster than the speed limit

  • taking the most fuel-efficient vehicle you own

  • emptying your vehicle of any unnecessary items that add weight

The amount that these tips save you will depend on current fuel prices and how far you plan to drive. Even if you’re only going for a day’s jaunt into the mountains, though, these suggestions will save you at least some money.

Saving on Auto Insurance

Another way to reduce your auto expenses is to purchase insurance through an independent agent. Shopping around for the most affordable insurance available to you won’t directly reduce the cost of a road trip, but it will lower your monthly auto-related costs.

If you don’t have an independent insurance agent who can compare policies for you contact us. You can reach us through our website. We have multiple auto insurance agents who would be happy to help you see whether you can reduce your auto insurance premiums by changing carriers.

 

Insurance Partners
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  • Auto Owners
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  • CNA
  • Hagerty
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  • Infinity
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Secura
  • State Auto
  • Travelers