Category Archives: Auto Insurance

Filing a Claim With Your Commercial Auto Insurer

A commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming if you’re unprepared. Proper documentation and quick action are essential for a smooth insurance claim. If you’re managing delivery vans or an entire fleet, knowing what to do immediately after an accident is key. At Colling Insurance Services, Inc., serving Lakewood, CO, we help clients through the claims process. 

Prioritize Safety

Immediately after an accident, prioritize the safety of all parties involved and call 911. Filing a police report is often required, regardless of who is at fault.

Document

Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved in the accident. Retrieve the names of those who were in the crash, along with their contact information and insurance details. If possible, collect witness statements and the police report number. 

Notify Your Insurer

Once you have documented the scene and taken photo evidence, report your accident to your commercial auto insurance provider. This will include information such as the date, time, and location of the accident. Provide a description of what occurred, as well as your photo and video evidence. Include driver information and details about the damage to your vehicle. 

Working together with the right agency can make all the difference when dealing with the aftermath of a commercial accident. If you’re in or near Lakewood, CO, Colling Insurance Services, Inc. will help you find the right coverage for your commercial vehicles. And if you’re ever in an accident, we’ll be here to walk you through the claims process. 

What Parents Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Lakewood, CO

If you have a teen driver in the home in Lakewood, CO, understanding the minimum amount of coverage required for them while driving is vital. Knowing the auto insurance requirements for teenagers in Lakewood can prevent unnecessary financial stress and losses. At Colling Insurance Services Inc., we’re here to help you determine which policy solutions are right for you and your household.

Minimum Requirements

Anytime you have a teenage driver at your home in Colorado, you’ll need to meet the minimum insurance requirements, including:

  • Bodily Injury: Bodily injury coverage in Colorado includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Property Damage: The minimum property damage requirements in the state are $15,000 per accident.
  • Medical Coverage: Coverage for medical payments includes at least $5,000 in coverage.

Properly Insuring Your Teen Driver

Insuring your teen driver is best achieved by adding them to an existing family policy. This is the most cost-effective option and will lock in coverage. In most cases, this will also reduce the rates for teen drivers. Keep in mind that Colorado requires teens with driving permits to be added to a policy that already exists in the home.

Reducing potential rates is possible by encouraging good grades (which can result in student discounts) and enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course. Telematics apps can also reward safe driving habits.

If you’re ready to add your teen to an existing insurance policy or want to learn more about insurance options in Lakewood, Colorado, we’re here to help. At Colling Insurance Services Inc., we’re ready to help you protect the teen drivers in your home with a quality and affordable insurance policy. To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly to schedule your initial consultation and receive a quote today.

Everything You Need to Know About Car Fires

Car fires are more prevalent than you might think, with over 100,000 incidents reported yearly. These fires can cause significant damage and pose serious safety risks. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand their causes, prevention methods, and what to do if one occurs. At Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO, we’re here to help you stay informed and protected.

What Causes a Car Fire?

Car fires can originate from several sources, but mechanical and electrical issues are among the most common. Faulty wiring, overheating engines, and fluid leaks are all potential fire hazards. Fuel system leaks are particularly dangerous, as gasoline is highly flammable. Collisions can also lead to fires, especially if the impact damages the fuel tank or electrical system. Even something as simple as improperly stored flammable materials in your car can ignite a fire under the right conditions.

Preventing Car Fires

Regular vehicle maintenance is the key to prevention. Promptly address warning signs like unusual smells, smoke, or fluid pooling under your car. Always respond to dashboard warning lights immediately, as they may indicate a problem. Avoid overloading electrical systems with aftermarket installations unless a professional does them. Keeping your car clean and free of unnecessary flammable items can also reduce risks.

What to Do if a Fire Breaks Out

If your car catches fire, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and evacuate everyone immediately. Move far away from the vehicle and call emergency services. Never attempt to extinguish the fire yourself—your safety is paramount.

At Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO, we’re committed to helping you stay protected. Contact us today to review your auto insurance policy and ensure you’re covered for unexpected events like car fires.

Why Deductibles Matter in Auto Insurance

Deductibles directly influence the cost of coverage and the amount you pay in the event of an accident claim. A deductible is the upfront cost to cover the repairs before the insurance agency pays anything. Understanding how deductibles work can help you make informed decisions about your auto insurance around Lakewood, CO, and manage potential expenses more effectively. It delivers a better budget plan.

How Deductibles Affect Premiums

One of the key reasons why deductibles matter is the impact they have on your auto insurance premiums. Generally, choosing a high-rate deductible lowers your monthly or annual premium. In the underwriting process, the policyholder signs an agreement to pay the upfront cost should something happen, reducing the insurer’s financial exposure. A low deductible rate means your premium is more and the insurance company will pay more should an accident occur.

Balancing the cost of premiums and deductibles is essential for finding the right policy. A high deductible may seem appealing due to the lower premiums, but it can leave you with significant expenses if you need to file a claim.

Deductibles and Claims

When you file a claim for damage to your vehicle, your deductible determines how much you will need to pay before the insurance covers the remainder. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and your repair costs are $2,000, you pay $1,000, and the insurer covers the balance of $1,000.

Choosing the right deductible depends on your financial situation. A higher deductible might be the right choice if you can afford higher out-of-pocket costs.

Colling Insurance Services Inc. For Better Understanding of Insurance

Colling Insurance Services Inc. offers all of the information you need to get insurance. Our agency serves the locations in and near Lakewood, CO. Contact us today.

Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer

If you are like many people in and around the beautiful Lakewood, CO area, the majority of your travels in a vehicle typically occur during the warmer months. During these seasons, many people and families take spring break trips, go on summer vacation adventures, and spend more time traveling to outdoor events. That also means more miles, more driving, and an even greater need for auto insurance to keep you safe during the time of year when it seems everyone is on the road. If you live in or around Lakewood, CO, and have questions about auto insurance, then the professional and friendly team at Colling Insurance Services Inc. can help.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer

When the colder weather settles in and winter looms, we typically winterize our vehicles. In the same way, with the extra travel, more time running the AC, and the hotter weather, it is also a good idea to "summerize" your vehicle before heading out when the weather breaks. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your vehicle is summer-ready and ready to go.

  • Tune-Ups: After the colder conditions, salt, snow, and slush on the roads, it is a good idea to get a tune-up and have your vehicle inspected.
  • Tire Pressure: Warmer weather can also deflate tires. So, before putting all those extra miles on your vehicle, ensure your tires are well-treaded, aired up, and ready to roll.
  • Insurance: 500 miles from home on vacation is no time to realize your insurance lapsed or you didn’t update your policy. Make sure you have the right coverage plans and that your policy is up-to-date before embarking on your next road trip.

If you live in the Lakewood, CO, area and want to learn more about auto insurance solutions or need coverage, we can help. Contact us today and let our Colling Insurance Services Inc. team help with the protection you and your vehicle need this summer.

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage

Understanding auto insurance coverage isn’t always easy. But if you’re in the Lakewood, CO area and looking at updating your policy or getting a new one, Colling Insurance Services, Inc. can help you find the proper protection for your vehicle. You want to make an informed decision about protecting your car, truck, or SUV, and that’s much easier to do when you have an agent to answer your questions.

Liability insurance is a requirement, so that’s the first coverage you want to look at. There are minimum amounts you’ll need to have, and many people choose to get coverage amounts that are higher than the minimums required. While you don’t have to do that, you may feel more secure and have additional peace of mind if you do.

Another type of coverage is comprehensive, which covers things like fire and theft. If your vehicle is financed, your lienholder will probably require that you have this. If you own your vehicle, you aren’t legally required to have comprehensive insurance coverage. Many people choose to include it because it adds valuable protection to their vehicle.

Additionally, you may want to consider collision insurance. Financed vehicles generally require it, but it’s also an excellent way to protect other vehicles. If you’re involved in a single-car accident or one where the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage, having a collision policy as part of your policy can help you get your vehicle repaired or replaced.

If you’re in the Lakewood, CO area, Colling Insurance Services, Inc. can answer your questions about the different kinds of auto insurance coverage, so you can find the right policy that meets your needs and protects your vehicle. Contact us today, and let our trusted agents help you with your insurance questions.

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Getting the right amount of auto insurance coverage protects you from financial losses in case of a car accident. It helps you to pay for liability claims and the costs of repairing or replacing your car after an accident. Protect your vehicle in Lakewood, CO by getting the help of Colling Insurance Services, Inc. The trained and experienced agents will help you to find the right type and amount of auto insurance based on your needs. The following are some of the coverage options and how much you need.

Liability Coverage

Colorado drivers must have a minimum of $25, 000 per person for bodily injury liability, $15,000 for property damage liability, and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. You should, however, try to carry liability coverage that is above the state’s minimum requirement. The amount of liability coverage you take depends on your assets and how much you have to lose in case of an accident. If you do not have enough liability coverage, you may have to sell your assets to settle payments when you are held liable for an accident

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage compensates you for the cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident. Consider the amount of money it takes to repair or replace your vehicle and get the appropriate amount of insurance coverage. If you have a new or expensive, you should get as much collision coverage as possible. The same applies to comprehensive coverage.

Extended Coverage

Some people need more than the basic auto insurance coverage options. Extended coverage options such as umbrella insurance offer supplemental protection.

Speak to your insurance agent to find out how much auto insurance is enough for your needs.

Contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. for your auto insurance needs in Lakewood, CO.

Finding Adequate Insurance When You Have a Bad Driving Record

Are you a driver with a bad driving record in the Lakewood, CO area? Past mistakes should not prevent you from securing the adequate car insurance that you need to protect yourself and your family. The team at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. are here to help you secure appropriate insurance and move forward with your life!

A Less than Perfect Driving Record Should Not Hold You Back from a Bright Future

One of the most helpful actions that you can take to improve the quality of auto insurance options that are available to you is to enroll in a Safe Driving Course. Whenever possible, take the necessary steps to reduce the "points" associated with your driving record as they can have a negative impact on you during your quest to obtain insurance. In the worst case scenario, you may be placed into a high-risk pool that will provide coverage but is less than ideal position to be in. If this happens to you, we recommend that you meet with one of our qualified agents to learn more about the steps that you can take to improve your driving record and secure appropriate auto insurance outside of the high-risk pool.

We all make mistakes, and while there must be accountability, there is no reason for a bad driving record to hold you back from a bright future. Our team is knowledgeable about the options available to clients with a less than a stellar driving record, and they can also help you to improve your overall profile. A proactive approach that includes a plan for the future is highly recommended.

Don’t let a bad driving record hold you back, contact Colling Insurance Services, Inc. today to learn more about your insurance options in the greater Lakewood, CO area.

Will Adding My Teenager Increase My Auto Insurance

When it comes to keeping your teenager safe on the road, you want to make sure they are driving in a safe vehicle. One way to make sure the care they are driving in is safe is by having the tires rotated on a regular basis. Also important is to check the tread depth on the tires and replace them as needed. A tire blowout can lead to accidents and you want to avoid this at any cost. Furthermore, to keep your teenager safe on the road, you should invest in an auto policy. You may be asking yourself if adding your teenager to your policy is going to increase your rate. Let’s take a closer look at the answer to this question. 

Yes, Your Rate Is Going to Increase

Generally, your insurance rate will increase when you add your teenager to your auto policy. Why? Because teenage drivers are at the highest risk of being involved in an accident. Also, your teenage driver hasn’t had an insurance policy before, meaning it will cost more to insure him or her. 

You Have to Start Somewhere

One of the biggest factors insurance companies consider when determining the rate for a driver is whether or not they have had insurance before. Once you add your teenager to your policy as a driver, this will start building up his or her driving history; this will help secure lower rates on insurance as he or she gets older. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance for your teenager, as well as other types of insurance, such as health, please contact Colling Insurance Services serving the Lakewood, CO area. 

Can I Deduct My Auto Insurance from My Taxes?

This common question is one that most people in Lakewood, CO forget to ask until tax time rolls around. In honor of being prepared though, Colling Insurance Services Inc. wants you to get everything together before April 15. The more you know about how auto insurance is seen by the government, the more you may end up getting back in a refund. 

How It Usually Works

Your auto insurance, just like your actual auto and its various expenses, is usually not eligible as a deduction from your taxes. Technically, these are expenses that the owner has willingly chosen for themselves, and thus don’t need to be accounted for when the government is trying to decide who gets what. 

The Exception to the Rule 

The exception to this rule is if you use a vehicle for work. Normally if you use a vehicle provided by your company, your boss or the powers that be are the ones who take care of the paperwork when it comes to that vehicle. You just drive it and expense the gas or maintenance costs that have to be done. However, if you’re self-employed then you may be able to deduct your auto insurance from your taxes.

Find Out More

It can get a little complicated if you use your automobile for both work and personal use though. In the case where you use the car for both in Lakewood, CO, you’ll need to calculate just how much you use your car for work. If it’s about half the time, then you can deduct half of the total cost of your insurance. If it’s only a few times a year, it may not be worth claiming at all. For more details, call Colling Insurance Services Inc. to find out more!