For motorists who reside within the state of Colorado, obtaining quality auto insurance coverage should be a top priority. Regardless of skill level or even the value of your vehicle, every motorist should always maintain auto insurance coverage. For those who are of the belief that auto insurance isn’t a vital component of operating a functional vehicle, keep reading. 

Colorado State Law 

First and foremost, obtaining sufficient auto insurance coverage is literally the law. In order to operate a vehicle within the state of Colorado, you must have coverage that complies with state regulations. No matter if you select the bare minimum or opt for full coverage, you must have some sort of coverage to legally operate your vehicle. 

Protection against Natural Disasters 

Moreover, a state routinely stricken by tornadoes, flooding, and more, acquiring quality auto insurance can help protect your car in the event that sustains sizable damages due to unforeseen/ uncontrollable weather events. Rather than leaving it to chance, by acquiring quality auto coverage, you will ensure that your car is protected against even the most horrific of circumstances.

Avoid Lawsuits

Lastly, without sufficient auto insurance, you could end up on the receiving end of a costly lawsuit. By acquiring quality coverage, you are protecting your vehicle against costs incurred due to accidents. Without sufficient coverage, individuals or businesses will be able to come after you and your assets directly. 

Overall, for those seeking quality auto coverage in Wheat Ridge, CO Insurance Specialist is the way to go. Offering friendly service, quick quotes, and discounted prices, contact us today to find out how you can begin your auto policy today! 

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.

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.

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.

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.