Negligent Fire Works On 4th July Fires Up Millions In Property Damage And Bodily Injury Each Year

June 25, 2011 by 1 Comment

Independence Day is one of my most favorite days of the year. We celebrate our great Country. We get together with friends and family, enjoy that out doors and bar-b-que. We enjoy the All Star GAme on TV, and sit back relax and drink beer. But there is one thing we all forget. The fact that millions of dollars of property damage and bodily injury occurs each year due to fire works.

According Rocky Mountain Insurance Information , In 2009, fireworks started an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 400 car fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in one death, 30 injuries and $38 million in property damage (National Fire Protection Association latest data).

On the 4th of July, there are more reported fires then any other day. This makes it difficult for fire and police departments, to respond to emergencies.

Our advice at Denvers Insurance Agency and The Ahbe Group is to leave it up to the professional’s. Keep in mind that the most commonly injured person from fire works, are young children, usually from a sparkler. Sparklers can burn up to 1200 degrees.

Our advice for the fourth of July is to be safe, and leave the fireworks to the pros. Here is a list in Colorado of upcoming fire work displays for 2011, courtesy, The Denver Channel.

 

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Why Buying Insurance Online is A Bad Idea

June 24, 2011 by Leave a comment

It seems like very day, we see tons of TV ads for auto insurance companies. This either can involve a cartoon, a little lizard, or even a perky little brunette. All of them advertise how you can buy a policy online. They advertise how you can get discounts for buying online. They advertise it like gold and glitter. In this blog, I am gonna go past all the excitement about buying a policy online, and actually tell you why its a bad idea.

  • The information they ask can be very hard to understand. Most of the time consumers enter in information incorrectly, which will give you an inaccurate quote.
  • Most companies, shows the lowest price. This usually means the lowest coverages.
  • Most quotes you get off the internet, are the bare minimum liability coverages. This is bad, because if you get in a bad enough accident, you personal assets could be at stake.
  • Most companies don’t include coverages such as uninsured motorists property damage, and also uninsured or under insured motorists coverage. With a lot of drivers uninsured or under insured, this coverage is a must.
  • If you have a newer car and has a lien or lease on it and its needs comp and collision coverage, a computer can’t understand this.
  • An online quoting system might not know if towing and rental car reimbursement is something you should or shouldn’t have on your policy.
  • Most consumers don’t understand what some coverages mean and what it does. When a consumer doesn’t understand a coverage, they don’t buy it. This could be costly, because a consumer might need it.

I could continue on with many points, but in conclusion, a computer can’t think, and counsel you into the right policy. Only a human can. When it comes to insurance, every person is different in needs. Only an experienced  broker like us, can give you advice and steer you in the right direction. A computer can’t give you advice on how much coverage you should buy, if its ideal to carry a 1000 dollar deductible or a 500 dollar deductible. It can”t answer questions such as, what if I drive my friends car, will my policy follow me to that policy?

Please feel free to leave a comment. We can write insurance in 45 states.

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Understanding An Indirect Loss On An Insurance Policy

June 22, 2011 by Leave a comment

When a loss occurs, and a claim is filed, the is more underneath the problem than first understood. That loss could be a pipe breaking in your house, a fire in the kitchen or any other type of occurrence. During this time all that is on the policyholders mind, is the loss at hand. But there is another loss creeping up on them, most of the time realizing it at the last second.  This is known as an indirect loss.

What is an indirect loss?

An indirect loss is a loss that occurs because of another loss.  It is an underlying loss that takes place because of a larger loss.   On a homeowners, loss of use of a home would be an indirect loss.    An example of this is, Johnny’s house catches on fire, because of the smoke, Johnny cannot stay in the house.  Johnny has to rent a hotel room because of the smoke in his home.  This is an indirect loss.

An example on an auto insurance policy is when Judy crashes her car and has to have it repaired.  She rents an auto to use while her car is being repaired because she doesn’t have a car to drive back and forth to work.   The expense of the rental car is an indirect loss.

An example of an indirect loss for a business is lack of business income.  Because of a loss, the business can no longer gain income and therefore profits are hurt.

In conclusion, an indirect loss comes from a bigger loss.

 

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Why State Minimum Limits For Auto Insurance, Is Not A Good Idea…

June 19, 2011 by Leave a comment

In my previous blog, I discussed what is required by law in Colorado, for car insurance limits. In this blog, I am going to explain why the state minimum limits are not a good idea to carry. Not only does this information pertain to Colorado consumers, it applies to all consumers in the United States.

The reason why State Minimum limits are a bad idea, is because the policy seriously lacks coverage. In Colorado those limits are 25/50/15. This means your insurance has to pay out a maximum to a potential 3rd party of, $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 total accident bodily injury, and $15,000 dollar property damage.

To put this short, if you got into a bad enough at fault accident, your limits most likely won’t be enough. Chances are the other person is going to have more than 25,000 dollars in hospital bills, and if there was more than one person in the vehicle, chances are $50,000 isn’t going to be enough. On top of that, most cars cost more than $15,000 dollars. If  this was you in the at fault accident, chances are after you policy limits are exhausted, the 3rd party will personally come after you.

The reason that the state laws makes the limits so low, is to make sure car insurance costs stay low enough, so people can afford it. Having something is always better than nothing, especially is this situation.

How you can protect yourself from an under insured motorists, is by making sure you have sufficient limits on you auto insurance policy under insured motorists coverage.

Please contact us with any questions, we can write in 45 states.

 

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What Is Medical Payments Coverage, On A Car Insurance Policy?

June 19, 2011 by Leave a comment

As we all know vehicle insurance can be very complicated at times. So I am going to go over medical payments coverage. Or also known in other states other than Colorado, personal injury protection. This coverage only applies to states that use an at-fault tort system.

What is Medical Payments?

Medical payments coverage pays for bodily injury, and other expenses for the at-fault party in an accident. Coverage is usually available in the following increments, per person in the at fault vehicle. $5,000,  $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and sometimes as high as 100 thousand.  This will cover such things as medical bills, ambulance ride and most other expenses. There is no deductilbe. Keep in mind this coverage is only for when you are in a at fault accident.

Why It Is Good To Carry Medical Payments?

There are always two scenario’s, when medical payments is good to have on your policy. For one you might have a high deductilbe on your health insurance. Most of the time, medical payments coverage will pick up all out of pocket expenses in your health insurance. So for example if you have a 5,000 health insurance dollar deductible, and have $5000 in med pay. Chances are you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. The other scenario is if you don’t have heath insurance. At this point I would recommend buying a much medical payments coverage as you can. At the very least, $5,000 in coverage.

How Much Does Medical Payments Coverage Cost?

Med pay is usually a very inexpensive coverage on your policy. We have seen at as low as $15 dollars every 6 months. This all really depends on you driving record, past accidents, and credit. Other factors come in to play also. For more information on this coverage feel free to contact us. We can write insurance in 45 states.

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Colorado Law Auto Insurance Requirements

June 11, 2011 by 1 Comment

We all know that by law in Colorado and most states, that we are required to carry auto insurance by law. Or known as financial responsibility, which in other words if you can’t self insure yourself, you must by car insurance. So what exactly is required by law. Since were an at fault state, the insurance required to buy, is to put it shortly, not very much.

Colorado Vehicle Insurance Requirements

All that is required in Colorado is to carry compulsory auto insurance liability of 25/50/15. Liability only covers the 3rd potential party. So for example, you are considered at fault in a car accident. You are the first party, the insurance company is the second party, and the person you were at fault for in the accident with, is the 3rd party.

What Does 25/50/15 mean?

25/50/15 or 25-50-15 means liability policy limits are as the following, in which an insurance company is responsible in costs, judgements, lost wages and pain and suffering in an at fault accident, representing and defending you.

  • 25,000 dollars per person in bodily injury
  • 50,000 dollars per total of accident in bodily injury
  • 15,000 dollars property damage.

Is there anything else required or optional?

Nothing else is required to be carried.  Optional coverages include:

  • Higher Liability Limits of 50/100/25, 100/300/50, 250/500/100 and 500 csl.
  • Medical Payments
  • Uninsured or under insured motorists.
  • Uninsured motorists property damage.
  • Physical damage, which includes comprehensive and collision.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Towing

What We recommend

Everyone is always a case by case scenario. That’s why I never recommend buying a policy through the internet. We always take time with our clients, to find out what is best for them. We first of all would recommend higher liability limits. The limits required by law are very low. You are usually cutting yourself by buying these limits. My saying is cheap rates get you cheap coverage. We also make sure that every policy has uninsured or under insured motorists. If you don’t have health insurance, medical payment coverage is very important. If you have any questions, we can write in 45 states, and most of all, our home State and City, Denver, Colorado.

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Hotel & Motel Insurance Through Philadelphia Insurance

June 10, 2011 by Leave a comment

As you have been seeing, I have been going over a lot of programs, that we write through Philadelphia Insurance. They have a full line of great commercial and business insurance products. One of them being motel and hotel insurance. Philadelphia Insurance Companies specializes in the Hotel Industry. We understand how to provide a flexible and comprehensive insurance program for risks all across the United States. Lets take a look at the product they offer for hospitality. All information was provided through phly’s website.

Benefits of the Program

  • Crime, Boiler, and all property coverages under one policy
  • Coverage is included for guest personal property, foundations, underground pipes, flues, drains, and retaining walls that are not a part of the building, bridges, roadways, walkways, patios, and other paved surfaces
  • Owned automobiles including airport shuttle vehicles
  • Liquor Liability
  • Directors & Officers Coverage Available

10 Reason’s Why to Choose Phly:

1. One of the broadest property enhancement forms in the industry. This coverage includes but
is not limited to: Property Off Premises, Fire Department Service Charge, Food Spoilage,
Valuable Papers, Accounts Receivable, Debris Removal, Sewer and Drain Back-up and
Ordinance or Law, Alternative Key System, Reservation System, and Credit Card Slips
2. One stop shopping for all your insurance needs. Property, Equipment Breakdown, Inland
Marine, Crime, General Liability, Professional Liability, Abuse and Molestation, and
Automobile coverage bundled into one convenient policy
3. Ultimate Cover – broad proprietary property coverage form including Flood and Earthquake
where available
4. Blanket limits with agreed value (no coinsurance) available
5. Garagekeeper’s Liability coverage available
6. Liquor Liability coverage available in most states
7. Automobile coverage available for hotel passenger vans, including airport shuttles
8. Hotel guest inconvenience coverage available
9. Guest personal property coverage included
10. Interest-free installments available for accounts that generate at least $2,000 in premium

Bed and Breakfast Product:

Whether you run a cozy bed & breakfast in Colorado, or a country inn in Wyoming, we can offer you the best insurance coverage to fit your needs.

This insurance program focuses on facilities located in resort and destination locations, such as ski towns and national and state park communities. Target risks provide guest lodging for an average of 2-3 nights, and in addition to providing breakfast might offer restaurant and bar facilities or recreational activities to their patrons. Frame, unprotected property is expected.

Coverage We Offer:

General Liability
• Comprehensive General Liability – Limits to
$1,000,000 each occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate
• Premises Liability
• Personal Injury Liability
• Employee Benefits Liability
• Liquor Liability coverage available
• General Liability Deluxe endorsement for hotels includes
coverage for general aggregate per location, several
types of additional insureds and reservations and
wake-up service liability
Property
• Blanket limits with large in-house capacity
• Ultimate Cover – broad proprietary property coverage
form including Flood and Earthquake where available
• Able to provide Crime, Boiler, and all
Property coverages under one policy
• No separate form needed for computer property, this
coverage is included under the personal property limit
• Coverage is included for foundations, underground pipes,
flues and drains, retaining walls that are not a part of
the building, bridges, roadways, walks, patios and
other paved surfaces
• Automatic coverages, including, but not limited to arson
reward, contract penalty clause, excavation and
landscaping, fire sprinklered or burglar alarm upgrade,
new construction, accounts receivable, and guest
personal property
• Elite Property Enhancement Endorsement includes
coverage for Emergency Vacating Expenses,
Automated External Defibrillators, Alternative Key
System, Hotel Guest Inconvenience Expense,
Credit Card Slips and Guest Personal Property
Automobile
• Owned auto including airport shuttle vehicles
• Non-owned auto
• Hired auto
Crime and Fidelity
• Money and Securities
• Money Orders and Counterfeit Paper Currency
• Employee Dishonesty
Umbrella/Excess Liability
• Large Excess Limits available
Bell Endorsement
• Includes $50,000 limits each for Business Travel
Accident Benefit, Donation Assurance, Emergency Real Estate
Consulting Fee, Identity Theft Expense, Image Restoration
and Counseling, Key Individual Replacement Expenses,
Kidnap Expense, Terrorism Travel Reimbursement, Workplace
Violence Counseling. $25,000 limits for each Conference
Cancellation, Fundraising Event Blackout, Political Unrest
($5,000 per employee), Temporary Meeting Space
Reimbursement and $1,500 Travel Delay Reimbursement
Crisis Management Enhancement Endorsement
• $25,000 limit for crisis management emergency response
expenses incurred because of an incident giving rise to a “crisis”

Please contact us for any questions or a quote.

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What Is A Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance Policy?

June 8, 2011 by Leave a comment

When watching television we see lots of lawsuits taking place which could even involve you.  These lawsuits and advertisements thereof,  pay for a lot of airtime.  You have “Henry the Hammer” telling you how much money you can get for your car accident.  Unfortunately, you have a ton of frivolous lawsuits that are going against the insurance companies at which at the end,  drives up the premium for your vehicle insurance.  Unfortunately, it is the attorneys making the most money from this.  It is not the victim that wins, it is the attorney that wins.  This is why if you have assets, your life savings, money in bank, properties, you have to make sure you are protecting yourself from these attorneys because they will go after these assets.

Let us explain how an umbrella works.  First of all, umbrellas are purchased in increments of one million.  Our agency can sell a ten million dollar umbrella, but the average is one million.  Umbrellas protect you above and beyond your auto and home insurance liability.  Do keep in mind to qualify for an umbrella, you have to maintain certain underlying limits.  The United States average for these requirements is $250,000 per person, $500,00o for the total accident, and $100,000 for property damage for auto insurance liability.  For home insurance liability, it is a $300,000 minimum, this can include your renters, homeowners, landlord, or investment property.

Examples of how an umbrella will work:

1.  An auto insurance example:  you get into an at fault accident and there is one person in the car.  That person sues you managing to get a $500,000 judgement against you including fees.  At this point your limits have been exhausted on your auto insurance policy.  But you have wisely purchased an umbrella, so the one million dollars is more than enough to cover the judgement.  If you had not purchased an umbrella, your personal assets and estate would be jeopardized.

2.  A Homeowners example:  someone comes to your home and visits, slips and falls and sues you for $700,000 including fees.  That person wins and your $300,000 homeowners policy limits are exhausted.  Again, since you have purchased an umbrella, you are protected because you have at least one million to cover the judgement.

DO I NEED AN UMBRELLA?

A simple answer is, if you have money in the bank, own stocks, are a CEO, an athlete, a business owner or make an average income, you need one.  One easy way to figure this out, “how well established in life am I right now?”  You need one, but if you are a college student and don’t have a penny in the bank, you don’t need one.  A college student is usually lucky just to buy an auto policy covering the mandatory legal liability limits.

How much is an Umbrella?

The average price of an umbrella is $260.00 per year at our agency which includes two vehicles and one home.

Our Companies Claims Process Is Excellent

We only write insurance with companies that have an excellent claims process. A claim can be complicated, but our companies will treat you fair and keep the process as simple as possible.

Personalized Service

Our agency is family based and understands insurance. You will work one-one-one with an experienced agent who will find a policy that best fits your business needs. We believe in “good old-fashioned customer service”.

Get A Free Umbrella Insurance Quote!

We offer up to 6 personal lines companies for umbrella insurance. To get a insurance quote, please use our quick form, or contact us during normal business hours at (888)-270-0995. We will counsel you into how to receive the best price, for the most coverage. We will also advise on how to maximize discounts.

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How Much Liability Does Your Auto Insurance Have?

June 1, 2011 by Leave a comment

It seems like every time that we turn on our Tv’s, there is an ad of a personal injury lawyer, telling you how much money he could get for you form a car accident. Unfortunately the reason they can afford the expensive commercials, is because they end up getting big settlements from insurance companies. Usually at least 30 percent. At the end this effects all consumers, because the insurance company now has to charge everyone a higher premium to pay for frivolous law suits and judgements.

It is now spring is this is an excellent time to check you auto insurance liability limits, since we are all now traveling a lot. As we all now when you drive more, there is more of a risk you might get into a car accident. So this is a very good time to pull out your declaration page and to see how much liablity you have. We do recommend that you have at least a 500k combined single limit. If you have any questions please visit out website.

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