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CO Insurance Specialist

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

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The different aspects of car insurance

There are a number of important forms of protection that auto insurance provides to drivers. Anyone who wants to learn more, or is thinking about switching can get in touch with a CO Insurance specialist. 

Payouts after a collision

Many policies have collision protection that will provide payments for a driver to make repairs if their vehicle is damaged during an accident. Collision coverage is required if the car is financed or subject to a loan or lien. Each collision policy will have a different deductible, which is the amount the owner must pay out of pocket before the collision policy will cover the remaining costs of repairs. 

Liability coverage

If you are involved in an accident, another person who is hurt or has their car damaged may try to sue you. Liability coverage will provide protection against monetary judgments from these lawsuits. This is important because it protects drivers from suddenly being put in a very difficult financial situation if they are found to be at fault for a crash. Because liability can be a complex concept depending on how many vehicles are involved in an accident and the state’s negligence laws, it is best to speak to a  Wheat Ridge, CO insurance agent to learn more. 

Theft and vandalism

Crime is an unfortunate part of life no matter where your car is parked every day. Many policies will include coverage in the event that a car is stolen, broken into, or if personal belongings are taken from the inside. This is especially important for valuable cars or for people who keep expensive equipment inside of their vehicles. 

Learn more about coverage

An agent who services the Wheat Ridge, CO area can design a policy that has all of the coverage you need. Speak to a CO Insurance Specialist today to learn more. 

Does your Vehicle Qualify for Classic Car Insurance?

If you own a vintage or antique vehicle in Wheat Ridge, CO, you’ll undoubtedly want to preserve your investment for years to come. Classic car insurance can help protect your collectible against mishaps that can cause damage or loss. At CO Insurance Specialist, we can help you determine if your older vehicle qualifies for classic car insurance and help you select the coverage you need.

Qualifications for Classic Car Insurance

Although there’s some variance in how insurers classify classic vehicles, there are general guidelines to determine if an older vehicle falls into this category. These guidelines include:

  • Age: Vehicles must be older than 15 years (in some cases, older than 25 years)
  • Condition: Vehicles must be maintained in good physical and working condition
  • Vehicles must have historical value

Hot rods, muscle cars, rare sports vehicles, vintage military cars, and antiques are some types of older vehicles that may fall into the classic category.

In order to insure your vehicle with classic car insurance, you’ll need to meet your insurer’s restrictions for storing, caring for, and driving your classic vehicle.

Benefits of Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance offers greater protection for your collectible than traditional auto insurance. Instead of covering your classic for its market value, classic car insurance protects it for its “agreed upon” value. After having your vehicle professionally appraised, you and your insurer will agree upon its value. This is the amount your vehicle will be insured for in the event of damage or loss.

Classic policies in Wheat Ridge, CO also offer conventional auto coverage to include liability, uninsured motorists and roadside assist to protect your classic when it’s taken out on the road, giving you the best of both worlds in protecting your investment.

To protect your prized collectible with classic car insurance, contact your CO Insurance Specialist today.

When Does A “Side Hustle” Become A Business?

The modern workplace in Wheat Ridge, CO is different from the one our parents grew up in. With the proliferation of smartphones, we now have the "gig economy." Freelancers have always existed in some form or other, but now it seems like everyone pulls in a little freelance work on the side here and there. An occasional delivery, an Airbnb, or some odd jobs here and there on the internet.

The question of when these side jobs become a business is different depending on who you ask. For many side-hustlers, the cut-off is when you quit your day job. For the IRS, if you make $600 a year, you need to file self-employment taxes. And for an insurance company like CO Insurance Specialist, it comes down to what you want to protect.

Can You Cover It?

The big question when deciding whether it’s time to invest in commercial insurance: Can you cover it if something goes wrong?

Maybe your business is just a home office and a laptop, but it’s not just your business property you need to worry about, it’s employees, clients, products, and most importantly, liability. You might be able to cover everything else, but can you handle an expensive lawsuit?

If your Wheat Ridge, CO side-hustle is now facing liability concerns, if you’re sending products out into the world and you want to be able to cover the damages should something go wrong, then it’s time to give CO Insurance Specialist and see what they can do for you. Maybe you can replace your laptop or phone out of pocket, but once commercial liability comes into play, there’s no business too small to get covered by commercial insurance.

The Disadvantages of Getting Auto Insurance Through an Auto Dealer

Buying insurance for a new vehicle through an auto dealer is a huge financial blunder. In the excitement of getting a new car, many fall victim to getting pricey auto insurance. This does very little to protect them. It only covers the lender and puts commissions in the pocket of the auto salesperson.

You will likely get a lousy deal if you buy auto insurance through the auto dealer. They cannot let the car go off the lot without it having insurance, but you will get an inferior insurance solution.

How to Get Auto Insurance for a New Vehicle

There is a much easier and better way to do this. First, before you go to the dealership to look at the new cars, contact your agent at CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area. They will open a file for you, collect all the information needed and leave a blank space for the vehicle information with everything ready to go. You do not have to know what vehicle you will buy. Just go looking.

When you decide, place a call to your insurance agent. The agent will need to know the total purchase price, the year, model, and make, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). The insurance quote is calculated and the agent will fax or email a copy of the certificate of insurance to the dealer. Then, you can drive the vehicle off the lot with that certificate proving coverage.

This process is super easy if you simply take a moment to set it up in advance. For those who procrastinate, all the process, from start to finish, can be done over the phone if you are already at the dealership. Take a time out. Call your agent to get the coverage that not only protects the vehicle but also its driver and occupants.

Insurance Review

If you already have auto insurance and are thinking about getting another vehicle or making a trade-in, your agent can review all your existing insurance policies. It is a good idea to see if there should be some adjustments made to them. To get an insurance review and a quote, contact your agent at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO.

What your classic car usage means for your insurance coverage

Classic car enthusiasts in the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area can rely on the team at CO Insurance Specialist for all of their classic car insurance needs. Of course, insuring a classic car is a different situation than obtaining a policy for a typical vehicle, and it’s important to know about the available options. Don’t miss out on finding the right policy for your needs, call us today!

How do you use your classic car? It can make a difference in choosing the right insurance policy

There are certain situations when it comes to classic cars that can affect your insurance coverage. For instance, if you keep your car stored in a temperature-controlled storage unit and only drive it to car shows, your insurance needs might be different from those of someone who keeps their classic car at home and drives it on a fairly regular basis. These are just two examples of the many considerations that go into protecting your classic car with the right policy. Owning a classic car is more than owning a vehicle. These cars are often major investments and therefore require a different type of insurance. Don’t wait to find out that your current policy is inadequate or that you are underinsured. Take the time now to prevent a future catastrophe! Working with an agency that understands the nuances of classic car insurance will help you find the policy that best meets your needs. 

If you want to learn more about the many insurance policies available to classic car owners in the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area we’re here for you. Call or stop by CO Insurance Specialist today and learn more about how we can help you find the right classic car insurance policy for your needs. 

Do I need more than just liability coverage?

As a driver in Colorado, you have a lot to enjoy. The gorgeous scenery can be very distracting as well as enchanting. Colorado does have laws about the amount of auto insurance that you are required to carry.  At CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO we are proud to be able to offer not only information but an extensive choice of coverage from the best carriers in the business.

In Colorado, drivers must carry liability insurance to guarantee that if they have an accident where they are at fault, the other person will be covered. The minimum required is $25,000 for injury or death to a single person and $50,000 if more than one person is involved. The coverage of the vehicle or property must be $15,000. This certainly protects the other driver and their interests in the event of an accident but what about you and your vehicle? 

For vehicles that have a loan or are leased, collision and comprehensive insurance will be required. But even if you don’t have a lease or a loan, comprehensive and collision offer valuable protection. Most people need their vehicle to go about the everyday business of life, driving to work, errands, school, grocery shopping and so much more. In the event of an accident where you are at fault or an event that damages your vehicle, these two coverages will make sure that your vehicle is repaired or replaced so that life can go on as usual.

If you are looking to purchase your first auto insurance or if you would like to have us take a look at the coverage you do have, at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO we would be happy to take the time to recommend a policy to fit your needs. Stop by our office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote.

 

3 Things to Know About Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance in Wheat Ridge, CO is a chance for you to get the coverage you need for something you cherish. These cars aren’t just a mode of transportation for their owners, they’re a link to history and heritage. If you’re looking for the best possible protection, CO Insurance Specialist wants you to know how classic can insurance can work for you. 

It’s Made for You 

Classic car insurance may offer policies that take into account much more than the value of the car. This means that if you’ve spent a lot of time and effort restoring the vehicle, you can negotiate the value of the car prior to taking out the policy. If it’s destroyed, you’ll be paid for the previously agreed-upon value rather than the actual cash value. 

It’s Reasonable

Classic car insurance is made for people who typically keep their cars in the garage. Because they’re so rarely driven, the policy is typically less than that of a standard car. Those with classic cars typically do everything they can to protect them, and the insurance company professionals know it. 

It Helps to Be Prepared 

Taking out classic car insurance in Wheat Ridge, CO is a great way to keep it safe from water damage, accidents, fires: the list goes on and on. If you have questions about the type of policy that’s right for you, CO Insurance Specialist is here to help. Policies may differ based on the age, type, and condition of the car. Whether it’s undergoing restoration or always kept in an enclosed building, we can help you find the right coverage for you. Give us a call today if you’re looking for insurance that will keep your class car in perfect condition. 

Hitting the Road for the Holidays? Update Your Auto Insurance

Like thousands of people across the country, you may be hitting the road to visit family or friends for the holidays. Before you go, make sure you have the protection you need by updating your auto insurance. You don’t want to be caught unprepared in the event of an accident. The following coverage from CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO can protect you, your vehicle and others in the event of an accident. 

Liability

Liability insurance protects the interests of others in accidents you cause. Like most states, Colorado has minimum liability insurance requirements. Minimum coverage, however, won’t be enough to protect you against serious accidents on the road. Holliday traveling increases your risk of an accident due to adverse winter weather and a greater amount of traffic on the road. Ideally, your liability coverage should be sufficient to protect your assets if you were sued for damages due to causing an accident.

Collision 

Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle if you crash into another car or object. Many drivers choose not to purchase this optional coverage as it raises premium costs. If you don’t have this coverage, you may want to add it to your policy to protect you against collisions on icy roads during your long-distance holiday travels.  

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance is also optional. It protects your vehicle against theft, vandalism, and damage caused by adverse weather. If your vehicle is damaged by winter weather during your trip or stolen at a rest stop, you’ll be glad you had this extra protection to get you through the holidays. Uninsured/underinsured motorist and roadside assist can also come in handy when traveling far from home for the holidays. 

To learn more about car insurance coverage and costs, call or visit CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO.

The Differences Between Condo Insurance and Home Insurance

Homeowners who are buying their first condo may wonder if the insurance requirements are different when compared to insuring a home. The answer is that they are. Condominiums are different from homes because they may share walls, ceilings, and floors with other condos. They also share the common areas. The insurance risks are shared too.

Master Insurance Policy

When considering condo insurance consult with an agent at CO Insurance Specialist serving Wheat Ridge, CO, and the surrounding area. Be sure to request a copy of any master insurance policy that covers the condominium building and property, so you can share this policy with your insurance agent.

The building owner should be able to provide a copy of this master insurance policy or if there is a management company or a condominium owners’ association (COA), ask them for a copy.

Individual Condo Policy

For adequate coverage, your individual condo insurance policy picks up where the master insurance policy stops. Many types of damage may be covered in part by the master policy, perhaps in part by another condo owner, and perhaps in part by your condo insurance.

A slip and fall accident illustrates one difference between home insurance and condo insurance. For a homeowner, if someone falls anywhere on their property there may be a claim made be made against their home insurance. 

For a condominium owner, if someone falls in the common areas of the condominium property the master insurance policy for the condominium building is the one that may see the claim. If someone falls inside the condo then the individual condo policy may be responsible for the claim.

Summary

To make sure you have adequate condo insurance get an insurance review with the help of your agent at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO. Talk about the details and have your agent look for gaps where coverage may be missing.  Be sure to discuss the benefits of having replacement cost coverage and sufficient protection for personal property in your condominium.

Tips for Storing Your Classic Car during Winter

If you are storing a classic car in Wheat Ridge, CO, there are some things to keep in mind so your car is ready to go come springtime. Even while your classic car is in the storage for the winter, you want to make sure it’s protected with a policy from CO Insurance Specialist.

Detail the Car: It’s important that the vehicle be clean and dry before being stored. You don’t want to forget the underside to protect the chrome as well. Don’t forget about the inside and the rubber areas so they don’t crack in the cold.

Replace Engine Oil: A car should be stored with fresh, clean oil, even if you recently changed it. The vehicle should be warmed up before you change the oil so contaminants are flushed away.

Lubricate Everything: Oil the trunk, hood, and door hinges to help keep pivot points in check.

Stabilize the Fuel: You will need to add a fuel stabilizer before you store the vehicle. It’s impossible to fully drain the engine so the remaining tiny droplets can be exposed to air and lead to engine problems when springtime comes.

Check the Coolant: Verify the radiator is filled with the right mix of water or coolant or you could have ice in the system.

Prepare the Battery: Run a trickle charger but be sure to always exercise safety when dealing with a battery. Store the battery in an unfrozen place off the ground and not on concrete.

Pay Attention to the Tires: Avoid flat-spotting the tires by having the tires be lifted off the ground, overinflating for storage, or allowing enough room to start the car and move it once a month.

Be Mindful of Rodents: There are plenty of home remedies you can use to make sure rodents won’t disturb the car.

Store in a Safe Location: Be sure your classic car in Wheat Ridge, CO is in a secured facility that is dry and doesn’t have a lot of light. Check windows and doors for watertight seals and security. Visit your car regularly and keep an eye on things.

Contact CO Insurance Specialist to get a quote on classic car insurance. 

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