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

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What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim for a Home Burglary

If you walk into your home and realize your home has been burglarized, your heart will likely sink in your chest and you will feel upset and violated. However, once these feelings begin to subside, you will need to contact your homeowner’s insurance company. They can cover the value of the items that were stolen so you can move on with your life. Here is some information you should know as you prepare to file a homeowner’s insurance claim for a home burglary.

You Will Have to Cover Your Deductible

When you file a claim for burglary, you will likely have to cover the deductible before your policy kicks in. If the value of your items stolen was $2,000 and your deductible is $500, you will only receive $1,500 as your claim is adjusted to compensate for the deductible.

You Receive the Value of the Items, Not What You Paid for Them

Another important factor to keep in mind is that you will only receive the value of the items, not what you paid for them. For example, you may have paid $1000 for a laptop two years ago. But that is not what the laptop is worth today. It may only be worth half of that, or less. You will receive the amount it will cost to purchase a two year old used laptop, or the fair market value of the item, not the amount you paid for the item when it was new.

There Are Limits to What You Can Claim

Lastly, you need to keep in mind that there are limits to how much you can claim. Your policy typically will say that items over a certain amount, such as jewelry or art, need to be carried under a separate policy or be appraised before they can be insured. Your policy will also have a limit to the value of the items you can claim, such as $50,000 or $100,000. Always read over your policy carefully to find out about the limits and restrictions of your policy.

When you are getting a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is important that your coverage is set to a value that is high enough to cover your belongings in the event of a home burglary. If you are not sure if you have the right coverage, or are looking for a new policy and need to know how much coverage you need, contact CO Insurance Specialist, serving the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area. We would love to help you determine what your coverage needs are and then draw up a policy that best fulfills your needs.

3 Reasons to Review Your Home Insurance Annually

Your home insurance annual review isn’t a ploy to get you to increase your policy. It’s an important component to ensuring that you have enough home insurance at any given moment. The following are on a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t avoid an annual insurance review in Wheat Ridge, CO.

You’ve Gotten Married

Getting married is a big milestone in life. Not only are you showing the world your undying love for another person, you are also living together. Living together is a big deal when it comes to home insurance in Wheat Ridge, CO. By combining your personal belongings, your home insurance policy may not be enough to cover both of your items. If you’ve gotten married, then you should have an annual review to ensure you have enough home insurance coverage.

You’ve Bought More Creature Comforts

Throughout the year, we purchase a lot of things. From new computers to boats to fancy jewelry, we want our lives to reflect our lifestyles. If you are like many people who accumulate a lot of creature comforts throughout the year, then it’s imperative that you get your home insurance policy reviewed. A review can uncover that you need additional specialty insurance as well as more home insurance.

You’ve Renovated

When you renovate, you do so to improve the comfort level in your home. You want to make sure that you can get the most benefit of your home. However, many renovations increase the value of your home. As such, you must make sure that your home’s insurance policy reflects the increase; otherwise, you may have to cover damages to the addition without the help of your insurance company.

Your life changes on a regular basis. To accommodate those changes, it is of the utmost importance that you get your home insurance policy reviewed each year. Contact an agent a CO Insurance Specialist today for a free homeowners quote.

 

 

 

Why It’s Important To Add-On To Home Insurance

Living in Wheat Ridge can be absolutely beautiful. However, you want to take the time to explore add-ons to your home insurance. This will allow you to have more coverage and greater peace of mind throughout the year.

Have More Coverage

Insurance company generally provide minimal coverage on a standard policy. This includes coverage for the dwelling, the belongings, liability, as well as loss of use. However, various add-ons can help to include additional coverage for various scenarios that could occur as well as to provide you with more financial coverage against your belongings and your home.

Avoid Claim Denials

One of the best reasons to spend more money and add onto your homeowner’s insurance policy is to avoid claim denials. The insurance company will only pay for a claim if you have the necessary coverage. Without the coverage, your claim would be denied, and you may have to spend thousands of dollars to make a repair or replacement.

It’s Not a Lot of Additional Money

Many people avoid adding on to their home insurance policy because they assume it’s going to be a lot of extra money. The reality is that it may only be a few extra dollars a month. This can make it a very sensible option to ensure that you are covered against anything that may take place in your home. After all, is going to be more affordable to spend a few dollars a month for additional coverage than to have to spend a significant amount of money out-of-pocket in the event that something does happen and the claim is denied.

Many people add onto a policy, though it’s important to know where you want to add.

To learn more about the various add-ons and to shop for home insurance policies, contact a CO Insurance Specialist today.

 

Should You Hire a Company to do a Home Inventory?

When homeowners in Wheat Ridge, CO review their home insurance coverage, they are often unsure of they have properly accounted to the full value of the items within their home. We all accumulate things over the course of the years, and many items of value are sold, given away or otherwise removed from the home, as well. Having a comprehensive record of the personal possessions within a home can make it easier to file a claim if there is damage or loss. The team at CO Insurance Specialist field numerous questions concerning the best way to create a home inventory.

There are two basic approaches: homeowners can do the inventory themselves, or hire a professional to complete the process on their behalf. Taking the DIY approach requires that homeowners have the time and equipment needed to create the inventory. Many people choose to use a video camera or digital camera to record images of specific items of value, such as artwork, jewelry or major appliances and electronics. It is also important to scan any receipts or other documents. A list of model and serial numbers, manufacturer names and the initial purchase costs are also great details to include.

In terms of using a professional company to create a home inventory, the primary benefits lie in the time saved, as well as the peace of mind that comes with handing the task off to trained professionals. Once the process is complete, the homeowner is given a digital file, disk or other storage option that contains the full inventory. This convenience may come at a cost, but the expense could be well worth it in the event that a sizable claim must be made.

Please feel free to contact an agent with CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge with any additional questions about the value of a home inventory.

Get Your Wheat Ridge, CO Home Ready for Fall!

Getting your home ready for fall includes several tasks, many of which you can handle yourself.  This time of preparation not only gets your home ready for the fall season but also prepares it for the coming winter weather.  These steps not only protect your most valuable asset but also your family.

·Home Heating System:  Have your home’s heating system checked annually by a professional to ensure that it is ready for the fall and winter seasons.  They will be able to detect and perform any needed maintenance.

·Seal Any Gaps:  Inspect your home for any gaps or leaks, particularly about doors, windows and incoming pipes.  Seal them with caulk, weather stripping or insulation to keep your home warm and operating efficiently during the colder months of the year.  Sealing gaps in your home can also reduce your energy costs.

·Wrap Exterior Pipes:  Ensure that exterior pipes are protected from freezing during the fall and winter season.  This step can prevent the pipes from freezing and flooding basement areas.   Also ensure that you understand how to shut off your water valve.

·Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Monitors:  Check the batteries to ensure that these systems are operating properly. 

·Gutters:  Take the time to inspect and clear your gutters and down spouts.  These are designed to protect the home’s exterior and foundation by channeling water away from the house.  Consider installing mesh guards to prevent debris from building up in the future.

Perhaps the most overlooked part of preparing the home for the fall season is an annual review of your home insurance policy.  You can compare coverage options online at CO Insurance Specialist serving Wheat Ridge, CO. Then give the CO Insurance Specialist professionals a call or visit today!

Hacks To Get More Out Of Your Closet

Whether you have a big closet or a small closet, you probably feel as though you do not have enough room or that everything in there is a mess. You can easily fix this problem by adding a few space saving tricks into the mix. Organization is not that difficult if you have the right tools. Use our tips to get more out of your closet and start enjoying a more organized space. Contact us at CO Insurance Specialist for all of your insurance needs. 

  • Use an over the door shoe rack. One of the biggest issues in any closet is the fact that shoes take up so much room. They may be laying on the floor of your closet in a mess and taking up valuable space. You can fix this issue by using an over the door shoe rack for all of your shoes instead. It will move your shoes from the floor to the back of the door and you will have so much more space as a result.
  • Use tiered hangers. Hangers that will only house one item of clothing is a waste of space. You can only put so many hangers in your closet and if you feel as though you do not have enough room for them, consider using tiered hangers. These hangers will allow you to put a few items of clothing on them and free up a lot of space.
  • Create shelves if you do not have any. Shelves provide room for storage as well as spaces for items such as purses. If you do not already have some, take some time to get some put in so you can start using more of that valuable closet space. The space is there anyway, you just need to use it. 

Easy Ways To Jumpstart Your Spring Cleaning

Spring is the best season to start getting rid of all of the clutter you gathered in the winter months. You want to make sure to clean through the inside and outside of your home – and even perform some home maintenance.

Start a Checklist

One of the easiest things to do to jumpstart your spring cleaning chores is to start a checklist. This will make it easier to figure out what you should be doing. It can also help to save you some time by being able to delegate to various others within your household, and even by contacting various companies.

Look Outside

The outside of your home needs some TLC. You may want to look at painting the exterior of your home, raking up leaves, and even doing some gardening. Consider having someone clean out your gutters, too, especially now that the snow is gone for the year.

Look Inside

Some of these spring cleaning you want to deal on the inside may include closets. It may be best to bring everything out of the closet and then create piles – a pile for the things you want, a pile for the things you don’t want, and the file for the things you wish to donate. This will make it that much easier to get your closets in order and not put anything back inside of them that you have no use for.

As for home maintenance, you may want to call professionals in to look at:

–           HVAC system

–           Plumbing

–           Carpet cleaning

There are plenty of things that you can do during the spring, but remember, you don’t have to do them all on your own.

Contact your CO insurance specialist today to learn about home insurance in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and start exploring the various policies and rates.

 

5 Factors to Consider Before Deciding on Home Insurance

The vast majority of people are underinsured on their home, and it’s easy to see why when you consider of the many clauses, limitations and the sheer amount of information. However, staying on top of it all is your first step before you decide which insurance policy will work for you. Here are 5 factors to consider before you make a move. 

1. If You Have Expensive Taste 

Some people want expensive furniture, electronics, jewelry and art in your home, and you need to be aware of the cap on most insurance policies. You’ll likely need to buy additional coverage if you have five figures worth of objects in your home. 

2. If You Don’t Need Fancy Things 

Many homeowners may think they don’t need to protect their belongings, until they start thinking about their TV or computer. Insurance policies will only cover the property, as opposed to what’s inside the property, but most people would benefit from having coverage on their things. 

3. Floods and Earthquake Coverage 

These are events that fall outside the normal limits, but floods especially can be common and come without warning in Colorado. Water that seeps into your property can mean thousands of dollars in repairs for the homeowner. 

4. Updating Your Coverage 

If there are any major purchases or make major changes when you live in your home, you need an insurance company who will work to change your policy without hassle. 

5. Finding a Company 

Choosing an insurance company who has the experience to help you is your most important task, and CO Insurance Specialist is here to set you straight. We serve Wheat Ridge, CO, so call us if you need a quote for your home. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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