Monthly Archives: October 2012

What Is the Best Home Insurance Coverage for New Homeowners in Lakewood, CO?

New Homeowners in the Lakewood, Colorado and surrounding areas will discover they may have to deal with many environmental issues such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods and hurricanes; the homeowner is going to pay more than the average homeowner. They will need an independent agent to help them sort thorough issues covering their unique needs.

Clients who reside in this area will have to do a lot of shopping and comparison of insurance rates in order to find the best rate for them. The internet offers a homeowners insurance network in Lakewood, where the process has been streamlined to help homeowners find the best rates for their unique needs in a homeowner’s policy. The homeowner will need to remember that the best rate is not necessarily the best policy that will fit them.

Homeowners will need to pick an insurance policy that will fit their specific needs. There are many things to decide upon when considering a policy. Be sure to get the best out of your policy for the least amount of money.

A typical homeowners insurance policy will cover damages done through episodic events such as, fire, explosions, smoke damage, lightning, vandals, theft of possessions including check and illegal use, use of stolen credit cards, objects falling on the home and causing damage, weather related issues such as ice, rain, snow, sleet, and wind, riot damage, volcanoes, plumbing mishaps due to frozen pipes, bursting of plumbing and hot water heater causing water damage, heating malfunction and power surges.

Also, possibly covered depending on the policy, is food spoilage, replacement of door locks, removing debris and temporary repairs. A homeowner may or may not have to add these into their policy, find out from your independent agent.

The best homeowner’s coverage for residents in and around Lakewood, Colorado include all of the above plus they will need to speak with their independent agent to make sure their home is covered in the event of a wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane.

Homeowners need to read all of their policy word for word and understand what they are buying, so that when they need specific coverage’s there will be no surprises when they find out they had no coverage on a specific claim.

Ways to Protect your Car without a Garage in Colorado

There is no questions that a garage is the easiest and most effective way of keeping your vehicle safe from the elements and other possible perils, but not everyone is privy to garage storage. Here is Colorado, cars left outside can take a real beating year-round. There is heavy winter snow, falling tree limbs buckling under the weight of ice and multiple other dangers that car owners must be concerned about. So what can you do to protect your car without a garage?

Get a Carport

In comparison to garages, carports are much less expensive and easier to install on your property. Best of all, carports provide significant protection from the elements just like a garage would. Be sure to have your carport professionally installed, and make sure it is in compliance with local ordinances or homeowner’s association requirements. It can withstand high winds, hail, falling tree limbs and heavy snow, protecting your assets.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

If a carport is not within your budget or not possible for your property restrictions, you can protect your vehicle by paying attention to your surroundings and where you park your vehicle. For example, high winds and snow can cause store front awnings to collapse, causing damage to nearby vehicles. Similarly, if you normally park your vehicle under a tree for shade, you may be placing it at risk for damage from falling limbs — or even the tree itself.

When Your Car Suffers Damage

Sometimes, damage to your vehicle is unavoidable. Whether the damage is minor or significant enough to prevent you from driving, the right insurance coverage could help ensure you are not without a vehicle or the money to make the necessary repairs. Here in Lakewood, you can contact our office to speak to an independent agent who will explain your insurance coverage options and the ways that you can protect your finances when the unthinkable occurs. Call us for your no-obligation quotes today.

The Risks of Driving without Insurance in Lakewood, Colorado

Most normal people try to avoid unnecessary risks. Driving without insurance in Lakewood, Colorado is just plain stupid. The consequences of not having an auto insurance policy with at least the state minimum requirement, can be severe. Every responsible car owner should have insurance before the car should be driven. If you do not buy insurance because you cannot afford the price of a policy, you probably should not own a car.

An independent agent can stress the importance of having proper coverage for your automobile, but ultimately, it is up to you to make sure your vehicle is insured. Colorado requires every car owner to have property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Most people choose to also have comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to the minimum state requirements. You can ask your independent agent about the other coverage available and then decide whether or not you want to add them to your basic policy.

Driving without coverage and getting pulled over by the police can make your life pretty miserable. First time uninsured drivers, who are found guilty of such an offense, will be slapped with a mandatory minimum fine of $500. Your license will be suspended until you can show proof that you have proper insurance. Four points will be put on your record and, your cost of buying an insurance policy will likely go up.

If you are found guilty of driving without insurance for a second time, the mandatory minimum fine increases to $1,000. Your license will be suspended for a minimum of four months and you will still get points and see your insurance rates go up.

As a three time loser, you can get a $1,000 minimum fine, a minimum eight month license suspension and be ordered to perform up to 40 hours of community service. After three times, you will probably lose your driving privileges for a long, long time.

All offenders, for the next three years are required to file an SR-22 form showing proof that they have the minimum, state mandated, liability coverage. Don’t be stupid. See your independent agent and get the coverage you need.

Facts about Wood Burning Stoves and Your Colorado Home Insurance

Over the last decade, residents of Lakewood and the rest of the state of Colorado have followed the national trend of installing wood burning stoves in their homes. With the high cost of fuel, wood burning stoves can provide the heat you need on those cold winter days. Before you go out and buy one of these units to heat your home, it is wise to check with your home insurance company or ask an independent agent how such a decision will affect your insurance coverage.

Fire is one of the biggest hazards that insurance companies consider when assessing the risk associated with a home policy. Homes with fireplace or wood burning stoves can elevate that risk. While a properly installed stove is usually very safe, not all stoves are installed properly.

Many insurers will require homeowners to provide proof of certification that their wood burning stove was installed properly. Just like you would hire a professional to install a hot water heater, unless you have the expertise, you should have the company that sells you the appliance also install it. Insurers also want to be kept informed when you add a piece of equipment that could change the chances of suffering a loss.

When you inform your insurance company of your intentions and have your wood burning stove properly installed, you can avoid any unanticipated consequences. Most standard homeowner policies do cover damage from fire, but, an additional charge for the additional risk may be added when you have a fireplace or wood burning stove.

Ask your Lakewood Colorado independent agent how your premiums might be affected. Major damage from this type of heating source is unusual. The facts are that most claims are the result of burning embers catching a carpet or some curtains on fire. To be safe, try to place these stoves on a tiled floor and away from any items that might catch fire.