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CO Insurance Specialist

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

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Rules of the Road for Cyclists and Those Around Them

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Car

There are many ways for you to extend the life of your car when you live in Wheat Ridge. Don’t assume that your car is going to last forever. However, with the right kind of care, it can last longer – and won’t cost you as much in repairs.

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car is to not run of the air-conditioning as often. It is important to know that the air conditioner is powered by the engine and therefore you don’t want to use it too frequently. If you can call your car down when it is parked, it will prevent you from having to use the air-conditioning nonstop when you are driving.

You should also clear out the junk in your trunk periodically. Too much weight in the trunk of your car can result in alignment issues and add unnecessary weight in the back, which can also cause issue with tires and brakes.

Another way to extend the life of your car as you drive in Wheat Ridge is to be conscious about the way you brake and accelerate. Erratic driving is going to cost you more money in fuel. This means it’s a good idea to focus on driving in a smoother way so that you can cut down on wind resistance as well.

Keep your car tuned, follow the maintenance schedule that is in the owner’s manual, and do what it takes to take care of your car. This will ensure it is around for many years to come and not sitting in the mechanic’s garage.

CO Insurance Specialist LLC is here to help you with all aspects of being a car owner. Call us today to learn more about auto insurance. Our agents can get quotes from multiple carriers to benefit you.

 

Tips To Stay Awake On The Roads

When you live in Wheat Ridge, there is a lot of traffic. In some instances, you may be driving in the snow, the rain, and various other weather elements. You need to make sure that your reaction time is as fast as possible, and you cannot do this if you all asleep at the wheel.

You may think it’s impossible to fall asleep while driving, but approximately 37% of drivers have done it. 60% have driven while they are drowsy, and these are very high percentages.

Some tips to help you stay awake while driving include:

  • Getting a good night’s sleep
  • Taking breaks when driving long distances
  • Split driving duties with someone else
  • Pull off and take a nap at a rest area

Any time that you are driving long-distance, it can be easy to fall asleep. This is because you are pushing yourself to drive more miles, and the long spans of road can lull you to sleep. Try to have someone in the car who can talk to you and keep you alert. Better yet, have a licensed driver in the car so that the two of you can trade driving responsibilities from time to time.

If you simply cannot stay awake on the road, the best tip is to not drive at all. Avoid getting behind the wheel because you never know when you could potentially fall asleep. Falling asleep is not an option. You could kill yourself or others, and it can all be avoided. Ask someone to drive you home or call a taxi – and it will lead to a safer time on the roads.

Call us at CIS today to learn about auto insurance and ensure you are well protected with an affordable policy in Wheat Ridge.

 

 

Classic Car Insurance in Wheat Ridge Colorado

In and around Wheat Ridge, CO you’ll see some beauties hidden under tarps in garages, sheds and barns. They’re the classic collectible cars and trucks that have been owned and maintained from father to son or daughter. You don’t want minimum liability insurance on that classic Corvette. Its a collector car, and it needs to be insured all the way around. Minimum liability coverage isn’t going to cover you if you hit a deer, or a jealous kid keys the paint. Don’t forget about uninsured or underinsured drivers either. Anything can happen once you’re out of your driveway.

We’re independent insurance agents, and we live and work in or around Wheat Ridge. We’re respected and trusted members of our communities. We’re tied in with multiple insurance companies that insure antique and classic vehicles. They can insure you by the year, by miles per year or months our of the year. We’ll even help you establish a firm value that an insurer will pay you if your classic vehicle is destroyed. Those are choices we can offer you that other agents just can’t give you. They’re not permitted to do that.

As opposed to agents from the "big three," the classic car insurance information that you get from us is objective, unbiased and free from influence from any one insurer. We want to give you choices and have you make the selections that you’re happy with so that you and that timeless classic are covered all the way around. We’ll work with you on customizing that coverage package.

Whether you’re looking at buying that 1966 GTO or already have a 1968 396 Chevelle SS, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to talk with you and put together a coverage package with you.

Hail Damage: What Can Really Happen

Wheat Ridge is on the western corner of Denver, Colorado. Winters can be very cold and accompanied by a lot of snow. Summers are mild. Everywhere you look, there is a lot of recreation to be had. The city has a population of around 30,000 and is growing on an annual basis.

It’s important to look at hail damage in terms of car insurance because you want to have the necessary protection. The state of Colorado mandates that all drivers have liability insurance. This covers property damage and personal injuries, but nothing having to do with the damage that stems from hail. This would require comprehensive insurance – and it’s a coverage option that can easily be added to your policy.

Hail can range in size from the size of grains of rice to the size of golf balls and larger. As these fall from the sky and land on your vehicle, it can cause a significant amount of damage including:

– Dings in car body

– Cracked windshields

– Damage to clear coat

The damage to the clear coat can have the greatest impact because it may not be seen right away. However, it is this coat that seals in the paint and prevents it from chipping away. If the paint starts to chip, the body of the car can rust, causing problems to the overall construction as well as the aesthetics.

Insurance agents can talk to you about the number of hail damage claims in Wheat Ridge over recent years. This will help you to understand the sheer extent of damage that can occur so you can get the needed protection.

Policies can be affordable, even with this coverage. Call and talk to one of our agents today and we will talk to you about hail and how to get the best policy.

Insurance Partners
  • Allied
  • Auto Owners
  • Bristol West
  • CNA
  • Hagerty
  • Hartford
  • Infinity
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Secura
  • State Auto
  • Travelers