When you are riding a motorcycle in Colorado, the weather conditions may not always be appropriate for your bike. Using your motorcycle for part of the year may mean that it does not always make sense to maintain full coverage for your insurance policy.

Minimum Standards

Even though it may not make sense to maintain full coverage, the state does have a minimum standard that you are required to maintain. The state requires some coverage for liability and injuries, so you need to make sure that your insurance complies with state laws, even if you decide that you do not want to carry coverage for additional concerns.

The minimum standards are only the foundation, so you can build on that policy to address specific concerns and problems as well.

Maintaining Full Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is not necessary for every individual, but it can be useful if you have a high-cost motorcycle or if you want to address very specific concerns. Many insurers will provide protection against theft, damage from storms and unexpected damage from situations that are not related to your driving.

Polices that provide full coverage address more than just the driving, so it may be useful if you want to protect your bike from unexpected situations like theft. Otherwise, you can opt to maintain the minimum coverage and purchase additional protection for specific concerns if you do not want to cover every situation that is addressed in a comprehensive plan.

The coverage that you must maintain is not always a comprehensive plan. In some cases, you can reduce your coverage so that it addresses your specific concerns. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details about your coverage options.

When you are considering an umbrella insurance policy for your car, it is important to understand the limits and options that may be available. Your auto insurance and the vehicle that you own may play a role in the coverage that you need.

Limits on Your Auto Policy

Umbrella coverage may be useful, but the amount that you need can depend on your current auto insurance. For example, if you have taken your policy to the maximum limit that your insurer will allow, then you may not need a large umbrella policy. On the other hand, if you have limited coverage and worry that you may be sued if an accident occurs, then you may want to consider an umbrella policy that covers the amount that you may expect to pay in a lawsuit.

Expected Payments

You can get an umbrella policy for a variety of different amounts. For example, if you have an expensive car, then you may need a large policy to address potential legal issues if an accident occurs. An expensive car increases the risk that other drivers will assume that you can pay a larger amount. In that case, you may need more than $500,000 to $1,000,000 in protection because of potential lawsuits.

The situations that you can expect may vary, so the amount that you need depends on your assets and liabilities. The greater number of assets that you own, the more protection you need on your insurance policy.

Auto insurance is not always enough to address liability, especially if you have significant assets or own an expensive vehicle. Umbrella policies are designed to address those situations and the limits may vary based on your situation. Contact us to talk to an agent for more details.

After an auto accident, you may discover that your insurance coverage in Colorado can make the claims process a little complicated. Before your insurer will pay for the damages, the cost of repairs must be evaluated. The appraisal process may vary between insurers, but it usually involves a claims adjuster.

Appraisal by an Adjuster

A claims adjuster is a professional from the insurance company that looks at the damage to your vehicle and then determines the amount that is appropriate for the repairs. Depending on the extent of the damages and the situation, the adjuster may or may not offer an appraisal.

Some adjusters are trained to handle appraisals, which can speed up the process of getting your car repaired. On the other hand, the company may not offer funds in a complicated situation until you have multiple opinions.

Auto Repair Shops

In the case of major damage to the body or even the engine, the appraiser may require several estimates from a variety of repair and auto body shops. The estimated cost of repairs can help an appraiser determine a fair amount to pay for the damages.

Estimates can vary widely based on the shop and the location, so the actual appraisal may be an average of the different estimates. In some cases, the appraiser may determine that the car is a total loss based on the estimated cost of repairs so you will be given funds to replace your vehicle with a similar car of the same year.

The appraisal process is a necessary step of getting the funds that you need to repair your vehicle. Your insurer will determine the appropriate method to appraise the damages. Contact us to learn more about your options and speak to an agent.

Planning a vacation is always exciting, but it does require some consideration for the possible situations that you may face. If you are planning to use a rental vehicle during your trip, it may be important to review your insurance policy to identify the amount of coverage that you already have available before determining if you need additional protection.

Applying Your Policy to the Rental Car

A rental car company may allow you to apply your current auto insurance policy to the vehicle that you are renting, but the details of the situation may vary. Some insurers may only allow you to cover a portion of the rental vehicle under your policy.

Review your plan to identify if you are able to apply the policy to the vehicle or if you must purchase a new plan. Insurers have different options available based on your goals.

Buying Additional Coverage

If you discover that your insurer will not allow you to apply the plan to the vehicle that you are renting, then you may need to purchase a policy that is designed for rental vehicles.

Many companies that offer rental vehicles will have a policy that you can purchase on a per-day basis. Otherwise, you may have options available through your insurer or through policies that are designed to address the needs of men and women who are going on a vacation. The best plan will depend on where you are visiting and the type of vehicle you intend to drive.

Renting a car during your vacation will require some coverage to protect the vehicle and other drivers. Depending on your current policy, it may or may not be possible to apply the plan to the rental vehicle. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details.

There is nothing more confusing than the issue of insurability in Lakewood, CO. When a young person first gets their own vehicle in their own name they will want to know how they are going to insure it. They may wonder if their parents can insure it or if they need to have their own policy. To help you understand all the factors that go into insurability here are some things that you will need to know about the process.

Major Points of Insurability that You Will Want to Know

· In order for you to be on your parent’s policy you will need to have their name on the title of your car. The owner of an insurance policy can not have any car or home on the policy unless their name is on the owner documents.

· If you are a minor and are in need of insurance, then you will need to have your parent or guardian on the title of the car. Most insurance companies will not issue a policy until a person reaches the age of 18.

· Insurability laws are in place to keep people form insuring and collecting claim payouts for property that they do not really own. This also keeps your neighbor from taking a policy out on your home or auto.

When look for auto insurance in Lakewood Colorado you will want the services of your independent agent. Your agent can take the time to answer any questions that you may have and evaluate your current policy to ensure that there is nothing that needs to be changed. Call your agent today and let them go to work for you finding the right insurance coverage for you.

The process of buying a car is very detailed. You have to give certain pieces of information to the sales agent in order for them to get what they need to sell you the car. You will have to be approved for a car loan, get the documents signed and an insurance policy on the car. If you are thinking that you will be able to drive off the lot without an insurance policy, then here are some things that you will need to know before buying the car.

Why You Will Need an Insurance Policy before Driving the Car off the Lot

· Car insurance in Lakewood, Colorado protects you from having to pay for damages related to an auto accident. The cost of an accident can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without a policy you will have to pay for it out of your pocket.

· The dealership will not allow you to drive the car off the lot without a policy because they have to look out for the interests of the lender. If you owe money on the car, then the car really belongs to the lender that gave you the money to buy the car.

· The dealership also has to look out for their own interests. If they allow you to leave the dealership without insurance, then they could be held responsible for the damages to your car if there is an accident.

Your independent agent can help you with your insurance needs. To put them to work for you give your agent a call today. They can help get the policy that you need in order to be able to drive the car off the lot and into your driveway.

It is legal for your independent child to be covered under your auto insurance policy in Lakewood, Colorado under certain circumstances. Often children, who are working full-time and are considered independent, still live at home. Some children also continue to drive the family vehicles once they are considered independent. Under these circumstances, your children would be covered by your auto policy.

An independent agent can help explain all of the factors you need to consider when looking at your coverage with your auto insurance. Any vehicles that are registered in your name can legally be covered by your insurance plan. Also, people who live in your residence should be covered by your auto insurance policy in Colorado. The main factors when continuing insurance coverage for your children include cost. Younger people tend to pay more for coverage. If your child is still a teenager your policy will cost more. If your children have had accidents or tickets you will also pay more.

It is best to speak with our independent agent to help you determine if you have enough coverage and if you are paying too much for your insurance. We can quickly compare quotes and rates to find Colorado auto insurance plan that will fit the needs of you and your children. When your child is finally ready for his own policy, it will be helpful if he has been continuously covered by automobile insurance.

Saving money on your auto insurance is important. No matter what your circumstances or your unique situation, we can find an auto policy that will cover you and your independent children for an affordable rate. Call us today for your automobile insurance needs

Buying comprehensive motorcycle insurance in Lakewood, Colorado might seem like enough to protect against personal injuries or the injuries of a pillion rider, but every insurance plan is different and many plans will not cover injuries to the rider or passengers.

Variation between Insurance Options

Coverage for a motorcycle primarily relates to liability protection and the repairs of the motorcycle. Although many basics are covered, injuries may or may not be automatically included in the plan. In many plans, pillion riders are not protected if an accident occurs because of the potentially high medical expenses that may occur.

Even though a basic plan may not offer protection against injuries, it may be possible to add the protection to a plan with the right insurer. Some insurers will offer additional protection against accidents and medical expenses, but the premium will usually increase when compared to a basic liability plan.

Comparing the Options

In general, it is best to compare coverage options and plans before selecting any motorcycle insurance. By comparing the amount of coverage, the types of accidents that are protected and the price of different plans, it is possible to find an appropriate insurer for individual needs, concerns and a strict budget.

Adding medical protection for the rider and any passengers may have a high expense when compared to plans that have limited medical coverage. Depending on the situation and the number of times a passenger is on the motorcycle, the necessity of additional protection may vary.

Finding the right coverage for a motorcycle is essential for your peace of mind. Working with an independent agent can make it easier to find the right protection plan for your needs. Call today to learn more about protecting yourself and your passengers when you ride a motorcycle.

When your friend asks to borrow your car, you better think twice before lending him or her keys. If your friend gets into an accident as a third party driver, he or she may be covered under your auto insurance, but, you may suffer some serious and expensive consequences.

In Lakewood, Colorado, comprehensive and third party coverage is not considered an add-on to an auto insurance policy. Well, in one sense, you might consider it an add-on if you are not required to carry anything more than the Colorado mandated liability coverage for your car.

When you purchase full coverage, you normally get collision and comprehensive coverage. You can enhance that basic coverage with add-on coverage like road hazard insurance or car rental reimbursement, but third party and comprehensive do not fit neatly under the category of being an add-on.

If you look at your Colorado car insurance policy, you will see a page listing exactly what is covered and in one amount. Everything is broken down so you know how much you are paying for bodily injury and property damage liability. You can see how much it costs you for protection against theft, vandalism and damage to your vehicle by finding the listing for comprehensive coverage. Everything, from the $12 or so you might pay for rental coverage, to the $400 you might pay for collision coverage is itemized separately.

Most policies cover third party drivers like your friend. However, you are ultimately responsible for any claims that exceed the limits of your policy. Furthermore, if your friend gets into an accident, that will reflect negatively on your driver’s record and could lead to higher premiums when you need to renew your auto insurance.

As your independent agent, we advise you to be very careful about lending your car to a third party. While it is great to be a friend and a nice guy, when something happens, you will probably wind up standing alone and bearing the brunt of the financial responsibility.

When you are talking about auto insurance in Lakewood, Colorado, you could think of the term "third party" in two different ways. Most commonly when you ask if your auto insurance will cover damages to a third party, you are referring to a situation where the third party is someone that you agreed to loan your car to and that person was driving and got into an accident.

In the case where you mean that you were driving and got into an accident with another car, causing damages to someone or some other property that was not in either vehicle, your auto insurance liability coverage will cover damages to that third party, provided the accident was found to be your fault.

That all sounds very confusing and it is a little confusing because of the ambiguity of the term "third party." An example might help to clear up the confusion. Suppose you are driving down the street in Lakewood and you slam into another car. The accident was obviously your fault and you would have liability for damages and any injuries to the car and individual driving the car that you hit.

Well what happens if the skis on top of your car fly off and go sailing through the window of a small shop that just happened to be next to the spot where the accident occurred? The shop owner is an innocent third party and your auto insurance would pay to have the shopkeeper’s window replaced and for any other damage directly related to the accident you were responsible for causing.

As your independent agent, here in Lakewood Colorado, we see this type of thing happen on occasion. It is not unexpected, but it is unusual. If you would like to know more about third party drivers or innocent third party bystanders and how your auto insurance carrier deals with claims involving them, give us a call and an independent agent will give you a complete explanation.