Monthly Archives: February 2013

What does Personal Injury Protection generally cover on my policy in Colorado?

In Lakewood, Colorado, personal injury protection will cover expenses caused by an accident which is the insurance holder’s fault. You should have this type of protection on both your homeowners and your automobile insurance plan. If you are ever involved in an accident, personal injury protection will help take care of medical and other expenses incurred.

Your homeowners insurance plan will help pay for personal injury expenses if someone is hurt while visiting your property. This could be a result of a cranky dog biting the neighbor, or someone attending a party who falls off the deck. Either way, as the homeowner, you could be responsible for bills from the hospital or doctor and loss of wages for the injured person. You homeowners insurance should carry enough personal injury protection to take care of all of the expenses.

An automobile insurance plan will also include personal injury protection. When an auto accident occurs this portion of your policy will take care of medical expenses incurred by the injured parties. Adequate protection is important so you don’t end up paying money out of pocket. If the accident is severe, more than one person could be injured. Your insurance should protect you even if you are sued for a large amount.

Talking with an independent agent will help you understand the personal injury portion of your insurance policy. A professional will be able to determine if you have enough coverage or if you should consider upgrading your policy. Using us as your independent agent, we can compare the rates of several companies and give you several quotes to choose from in Lakewood, Colorado. Knowing you have enough insurance to take care of expenses if you are involved in an accident will give you and your family peace of mind.

Does my Colorado homeowners insurance policy replace wood burning stoves?

It’s not just nostalgia that’s driving the increase in wood burning stove installations. Thanks to rising fuel costs, many homeowners in Lakewood and other areas throughout Colorado are turning to wood burning stoves as a cheaper source of heat during the winter months. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of households using wood-fueled heating sources rose by 34 percent between 2000 and 2010, more than other types of heating fuel.

Nevertheless, many insurance agencies are reluctant to cover wood burning stoves within their policies. This is usually due to the elevated fire risk that comes with a stove installation. You’ll want to find out if you’re covered before installing your own unit, as well as whether you can have a damaged unit replaced at minimum cost.

Is Replacement in the Cards?

A good homeowner’s insurance policy lets you supplement your current form of heating with a traditional wood burning unit. Nevertheless, there are plenty of companies that prefer their customers refrain from using these devices, usually for safety and liability concerns.

Seeing if your Colorado homeowner’s insurance policy covers wood burning stoves is as simple as reading your policy’s fine print or better still, talking to your independent agent. In many cases, your homeowner’s insurance policy will not only cover fire damage stemming from wood burning stoves, but also replace the actual damaged units, as well. Always keep in mind that replacement policies can vary between insurers

Your insurance company may want proof of certification from a professional installer that your new stove was installed properly. In addition, you’ll also want to ask your independent agent how your premiums might be altered by installing a wood stove. Fires are commonly started by flying embers landing on carpets and upholstery, so it pays to have your stove surrounded by as much tile and ceramic as possible.

Steps on Reporting Hail damage to my car and home in Colorado

People in Lakewood, Colorado often cringe when there are reports of thunderstorms and possible hail in their local area. If the storm is severe and the hail is large, it can cause extensive damage to both your car and your home. No one wants to look out the window and see dents all over their beloved vehicle or notice leaks from a damaged roof. Before a disaster like this happens, make sure you have talked with an independent agent about your home and auto insurance to make sure you are covered for hail damage.

There are some simple steps you should take if you are a victim of hail damage to your home and car. First, you should report the damage as soon as you notice it. Often there is a time limit for reporting hail damage so the insurance company can check other reports in your area. Second, you may want to take photographs of the damage. Although you still may be able to drive your vehicle, take pictures of the dents so you can show the insurance agent. If there is damage to your home, you will want to take pictures of this also. Often hail will damage the roofing material of your home. Check for leaks and make sure all of your belongings are safe from water damage.

As a local independent agent, we can help you find an affordable insurance plan that will cover hail damage to your home or vehicle. We are able to compare quotes from several different companies and find rates to fit any budget. If you experience damage from hail, you need to get the repairs made quickly. You should never be without reliable insurance coverage in Lakewood, Colorado. Take the time to call us today.

Roof Maintenance tips for your home in Lakewood, Colorado

Maintaining your roof in Lakewood, Colorado can save you from expensive repairs in the future. Homeowners often overlook this part of their home until there is a problem. Once the roof is damaged, you will have to spend more time and money to fix it than if you keep up with regular maintenance. You also need to make sure your homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by storms or other hazards. As an independent agent, we can compare your policy and find new quotes and rates to make sure you have the best coverage.

One easy way to maintain your roof is to check your gutters often. This is a location where leaves and debris can build up and cause water to sit in the gutter and cause mold and rot. Whether you hire someone or clean the gutters yourself, this easy maintenance could save you a lot of money.

Another maintenance tip is to check your roof for loose shingles or tree limbs hanging over your roof. Trees can cause damage by puncturing your roofing material and causing a leak. Do not wait for a big storm to break off limbs and possibly cause extensive damage.

Homeowners insurance is important to take care of your home in the event of a storm or other hazard. Speak with an independent agent, we will help you understand what is covered and what is not covered on your plan. You will need to make sure your roof and other structures of your home have adequate protection in the event of a storm. Even if you keep up with the maintenance on your roof, a big wind or a heavy rainstorm can cause unexpected damage. With a great insurance plan, you can get your roof fixed quickly without a lot of stress and hassles.