What Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover?

A homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage for a broad range of risks or perils that can potentially impact your home and its occupants. If you live in the greater Lakewood, CO, the insurance professionals at Colling Insurance Services Inc. are available to help you understand what a homeowner’s policy may cover and what it excludes.

Common Scenarios Typically Not Covered By Standard Homeowners Insurance

These events are typically excluded from a standard homeowners policy:

Flood damage

Most home policies exclude flooding – defined as excess water on land that is typically dry. According to the insurance industry, flooding is not the same as water-related damage (i.e., damage from a leaky roof). To protect against flood damage, homeowners can buy a separate flood insurance policy.

Maintenance-Related Issues

Homeowners insurance is not designed to provide coverage for your home’s routine maintenance or normal wear and tear. Damage from a lack of maintenance/pre-existing conditions will typically be excluded.

Sewer Backups

Damage caused by a sump pump failure/sewer backup may not be covered; however, a rider or endorsement is typically available. 

Intentional Acts

An intentional or illegal act that causes damage is typically not covered.

Earthquakes

A standard policy for homeowners doesn’t typically cover earthquake damage. A separate policy or endorsement may be available for those in an area prone to earthquakes.

Home-Based Business Liability

A home business may need an additional policy (a Business Owners Policy) to protect business-related liabilities.

Acts of War/Nuclear Hazards

Damage resulting from nuclear hazards, acts of war, or will typically be excluded.

Contact a Leading Insurance Company Today

To speak with an insurance professional at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO about available homeowners insurance coverage options, contact a staff member at 303-987-3331 or reach out online.

Boat Safety Tips and Insurance Implications for Lakewood, CO Boaters

If you’re a boater in Lakewood, CO, it’s essential to prioritize safety while out on the water. Not only can safe boating practices help prevent accidents, but they can also have an impact on your boat insurance rates. Colling Insurance Services Inc. can help you find the right insurance coverage to protect you and your boat while potentially saving you money. Here are some boat safety tips to keep in mind:

Boat Safety Tips

  • Always wear a life jacket, and make sure your passengers do as well.
  • Follow all boating laws and regulations, including speed limits and no-wake zones.
  • Be mindful of weather conditions and keep an eye on the forecast.
  • Keep a close watch on children and inexperienced boaters.
  • Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Insurance Implications of Boat Safety

In addition to the obvious benefits of safe boating, practicing good boating habits can also help you save money on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider several factors when determining your rates, including your boating history, the age and condition of your boat, and your claims history. Demonstrating a commitment to safety can reduce your risk of accidents and claims, which may result in lower insurance premiums.

Working with Colling Insurance Services Inc.

We’re committed to helping Lakewood, CO boaters stay safe and protected on the water. Our knowledgeable agents can guide insurance options and help you find the right coverage to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our boat insurance options and how we can help you save on premiums.

Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Property Damage?

At Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO, we ensure that our umbrella insurance policies cover what homeowners care about most. That being said, every policy is different, just like every homeowner’s needs are different. Generally, you might wonder what umbrella insurance policies cover regarding property damage. As you keep reading the article below, you will find that we have an answer to that question.

What does umbrella insurance cover?

An umbrella insurance policy may cover a combination of liability, property damage, and other considerations for those with a home insurance policy. If you reach the limit of your existing policy, an umbrella insurance policy might be able to help pick up the rest of the bill for repairs or related costs if they happen under certain qualifying conditions.

The point of umbrella insurance is to serve as an “umbrella” that gives you an extra layer of protection for metaphorical rainy days. When difficult events like certain qualifying natural disasters hit your home, your umbrella insurance policy may be able to assist you with rebuilding by covering some of the property damage. Of course, this all depends on the policy’s terms and the limits set on both your home and umbrella insurance policies.

In the best-case scenario, your standard home insurance policy will cover the damage, and you will not need to rely on your umbrella insurance to cover some or all of the costs. In the worst-case scenario, most of our clients are thankful to have the foresight to purchase umbrella insurance before this kind of emergency strikes so close to home.

For specific details on our umbrella insurance policies, call our office at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO today!

Three misconceptions out there about long-term care insurance

Long-term care insurance is crucial if you want your finances and have confidence that you’ll get the healthcare you need down the road. At Colling Insurance Services Inc., we provide long-term care insurance in Lakewood, CO. 

Being accurately informed about long-term care insurance is important. Unfortunately, misconceptions about this type of coverage are common.

Consumers only very rarely end up needing long-term care insurance

Assuming that you’ll never need long-term care is a bad idea. Even if you are very healthy, you could experience an accident or an unexpected illness that leaves you in need of costly long-term care. 

My Medicare plan will cover long-term care.

Your Medicare plan may cover long-term care in certain situations. However, you cannot always rely on Medicare to cover long-term care costs. How much Medicare coverage you receive for long-term care costs depends on what type of injury/illness you experienced and what Medicare plan and supplements you have. 

Purchasing a separate long-term care insurance policy gives you more confidence that any long-term care costs you face will be covered. 

Only the elderly need long-term care insurance.

Long-term care is associated with the elderly. However, even young, healthy individuals can benefit from having long-term care insurance. Individuals at any age could experience a severe injury that leaves them handicapped and needing long-term care. 

If you want to learn more about long-term care insurance, we’re here for you. Consumers in Lakewood, CO can get a long-term care insurance policy quote from us at Colling Insurance Services Inc.

Understanding Life Insurance Payouts: Taxes, Timing, and Tips

Navigating life insurance payouts can be complex, but understanding the process is crucial. As a trusted insurance provider in Lakewood, CO, Colling Insurance Services, Inc. is here to clarify a few key aspects of life insurance payouts, including taxes, timing, and valuable tips.

It’s essential to consider the tax implications of life insurance payouts. Generally, death benefits paid to beneficiaries are tax-free. However, certain situations may involve taxes, such as when the payout is part of the policyholder’s estate. To understand the tax implications specific to your policy, consult with a tax professional or one of our knowledgeable agents at Colling Insurance Services, Inc.

The timing of life insurance payouts can vary based on factors like policy type and claim processing time. Beneficiaries often receive payouts within weeks or months after the insurance company gets the claim and necessary documentation. To ensure prompt payouts, policyholders should inform beneficiaries about policy details and provide clear instructions for filing a claim.

Navigating life insurance payouts becomes easier by keeping essential tips in mind. Periodically review your policy to ensure it aligns with your current needs and those of your beneficiaries. Update your beneficiary information as life circumstances change, and store policy documents in a safe, accessible place. Let your beneficiaries know where they can find these documents. If you have questions about your policy, consult with a trusted insurance agent like those at Colling Insurance Services, Inc.

Our team at Colling Insurance Services, Inc., serving Lakewood, CO, is committed to helping you understand life insurance payouts. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or assistance with your life insurance needs.

Why do I need dental insurance if my teeth are fine?

Residents living in Lakewood, CO might wonder, "Why do I need dental insurance if my teeth are fine?" The answer is simple: dental insurance can help you save money in the long run and provide preventative care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Colling Insurance Services Inc. explains why dental insurance can benefit everyone – even when their teeth are in fine shape. 

Preventative Care for Your Teeth and Gums 

Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health. Dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more. Preventative care is essential for catching potential issues before they become more severe and expensive! 

Affordable Dental Treatment 

Dental procedures can be costly without insurance coverage. With dental insurance coverage, you’ll have coverage for some of the most common dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures, and others. You may not need any of these now, but you might in the future. It is tempting to put off dental problems without dental insurance because of the expense. Access to these affordable treatments can help keep your mouth healthy and help you save money in the long run. 

Dental care is integral to overall health but often gets overlooked until an issue needs addressing. Investing in dental insurance from Colling Insurance Services Inc. makes getting regular check-ups and preventive care easier so that your teeth stay healthy for years. Plus, it also gives you coverage for dental treatments should any issues arise. So don’t wait— if you are near Lakewood, CO, contact us to enroll in dental insurance today!

Can I still get health insurance if I smoke?

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health and can cause several serious diseases. But what about getting health insurance? Can you still get coverage in Lakewood, CO if you smoke? The answer is yes, but the premiums may be higher due to the increased risk associated with smoking. Colling Insurance Services Inc. breaks down what options are available. 

Health Insurance Providers and Smoking Habits 

Most health insurance providers consider an applicant’s smoking habits when calculating premiums. This means that, depending on the provider, smokers may pay anywhere from 10% to 50% more than nonsmokers in monthly premiums. Most providers also impose age restrictions on smokers—for example, some plans will not cover those over 50 who smoke.  

That being said, many options are still available to smokers looking for coverage. Depending on where you live and the type of plan you choose, you may be able to find a plan that does not increase your premium due to your smoking habits. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also prohibits discrimination based on pre-existing conditions like smoking or other lifestyle choices such as alcohol or drug use, so it’s important to remember this when shopping for coverage. 

In addition to lower premiums, quitting smoking has many other benefits, such as improved breathing, cardiovascular function, and overall health. Quitting can also help reduce stress levels, improving mental clarity and focus. If you have been considering quitting smoking but haven’t taken the plunge yet, now is a great time! Most insurance companies will allow smokers who quit within the last year to apply for lower rates without any additional paperwork or proof of quitting required.                       

If you live in Lakewood, CO, and need help finding an affordable healthcare plan that meets your needs, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc today for more information about your options!

Why is Commercial Property Insurance Important?

Commercial property insurance is not a legal requirement in the Lakewood CO area, but many people will purchase it to protect their interests. In addition, your lender will usually require you to indemnify your building in the event that you carry a balance. 

Commercial property insurance is a type of coverage that you can get even if you do not own your building, as businesses who lease or work from home can also purchase a policy. 

Your insurance will usually cover the various buildings that exist on your property. This can include sheds or workshops or storage facilities. A great deal of investment goes into the resources you use to manufacture your goods, and these can be susceptible to damage that occurs from heavy winds that affect your buildings and cause water damage from rain. 

You may also encounter a fire due to electrical surges or other causes that can raze your building and all your inventory to the ground. When your income is affected in this way, your insurance can actually help to cover a temporary loss of revenue. Speak to your knowledgeable Colling Insurance Services Inc. representative for more details about this benefit .

Additionally, your structure is indemnified against common perils that could occur, and these will often include repairs that are needed due to storms or fire. Your equipment and tools can also be included in this coverage, and your furniture and fixtures should be a part of this as well. 

We Can Help You

Colling Insurance Services Inc. helps entrepreneurs and business owners obtain the insurance products and services they need. Reach out to us by phone, online, or in person to discuss your situation further, and we serve those doing business in and around the Lakewood CO area. 

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If you’re a business owner looking into your company’s various protections, you may wonder what workers’ compensation covers. We at Colling Insurance Services Inc. serve the Lakewood, CO area and are experts in this type of insurance. Call our office today with any of your questions or concerns at 303-987-3331.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is employers’ insurance if their employees get hurt on the job. It can also provide workplace sickness benefits. Each state has different rules governing workers’ compensation coverage, and talking with a professional insurance agent can save you time and frustration in finding the right coverage for your business.

What does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If there is a workplace-related illness or injury, your benefits for workers’ compensation insurance can help cover the following:

  • Lost Wages for the Employee
  • Funeral Costs
  • Ongoing Healthcare Costs
  • Medical Expenses
  • Repetitive Injuries
  • Illness or Sickness
  • Permanent or Temporary Disability

These benefits are only for things that happen on the company’s property and don’t cover the employee if they get injured or sick outside the workspace. Coverage may also not be extended should the worker be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of injury. Another way the coverage may not be extended is if the employee injured themselves intentionally. Talk with a representative about everything that is and isn’t covered and how it will affect your business.

If you’re ready to look into your workers’ compensation options or other forms of insurance to protect your business, call our office, Colling Insurance Services Inc., today at 303-987-3331. We serve the Lakewood, CO area and are here for you.

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

If you’ve been thinking about taking your RV to explore a national park, either close to Lakewood, CO or on the other side of the country, there are a few essential tips from us at Colling Insurance Services Inc. you need to know before you get started. First and foremost, it’s essential to plan. Research the park in advance to figure out if there are any restrictions or special requirements for RVs. Some parks may have specific sizes limits, checkpoints at the gates, or fees for RV camping.

Once you’ve figured out the regulations for your chosen park, it’s time to pack for the trip. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies like food and cooking equipment, extra fuel, and plenty of water. If possible, bring some extra blankets and warm clothing in case temperatures drop during your stay in the park. It’s also wise to bring along basic repair tools in case anything goes wrong while on the road.

Finally, don’t forget to check over your RV before setting out on your journey! Inspect everything from the brakes and lights to tires and suspension – this will help ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Also, remember to check all your connections before plugging into any electrical outlets at campgrounds or other sites to avoid potential power issues.
 
Taking an RV on a national park adventure can be an unforgettable experience. With some advanced planning and preparation, you can rest assured that your trip will run smoothly and safely – so get ready for outdoor fun! For more tips, call us at Colling Insurance Services Inc. today. We are proud to serve the Lakewood, CO area.