A Nice Homeowners Insurance Inventory Check List- Courtesy Colorado DORA Division Of Insurance

It is always good to take time and produce an inventory of your homes valuables and property. Here is a link to the Colorado Division of Insurance, courtesy inventory checklist. Please keep in mind that it is always a good idea, to store these documents externally. I would recommend Google Documents.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We can write insurance in 45 states. Or Leave A Comment.

Thrift Retail Store Insurance | Get A Free Business Insurance Quote

 Today with the economy being what it is, more and more people are turning to thrift stores to buy clothing and goods for their families.  Thrift stores are finding themselves to be very busy with walk-ins daily averaging much more than two years ago.  That is why having an excellent insurance policy is a must.

At our National Independent Insurance Agency, we will take the time, to work with a business to accommodate its needs. Our agents are fully licensed and knowledgeable to create a comprehensive policy that is best for the client.

Our Business Owners Policy

Our policies are superior in industry standard. We believe cutting corners on an insurance policy, could potentially hurt a business owner if a claim were to occur. We provide superior coverage, all at a competitive rate. Here is a basic break down of coverages we offer.

  • General Liability
  • Building
  • Business Property and Inventory
  • Crime Coverage
  • Employee Dishonesty
  • Loss Of Business Income
  • Excess/Umbrella Liability
  • Workman’s Compensation
  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Equipment Break Down
  • Outdoor Signs
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Newly Acquired Building
  • and more!

For more details on our Business Owners Policies, Please Click Here.

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 Business Insurance Quote

Please contact us during normal business hours at 1-888-270-0995. Or use our quick form and we will contact you right away. You will work with a licensed experienced agent, who will work with you, to get a free competitive quote.

Will my home insurance policy pay to fix a broken sewer line?

(old broken sewer line, considered to be a maintenance issue)

It s always a devastating experience to have a sewer break take place with your home.  It is not only inconvenient, troublesome, but expensive.  As an insurance agent I get a lot of questions, this is one of the most common questions I get.  Not only is this true of homeowners, it is true with commercial lines as well.  “Will my insurance policy pay for a broken sewer line?”  To give a short answer to this questions, no and yes.

Sewer backup coverage only covers the damage due to a sewer backing up.  For example, the pipe clogs towards the middle or towards the street on your sewer line, causing sewage and water to back up in your house and small flooding, the insurance will pay for the damage caused from the sewer backup.

What decides if a insurance company will pay for a broken sewer line, all depends on the condition of the pipe and how old it is.  If the sewer line breaks due to it being old, and it needs to be replaced, then the insurance company is not going to pay out anything.  Insurance companies don’t pay for maintenance, they only pay for accidental and sudden losses.

The industry rarely pays out on this type of incident. The only time they were to possibly consider, is if its not due to a warranty issue, and the line must be up to date and new. Even then, there is more than likely no coverage. For Example: an insurance company will not pay out on a 50 year old clay line, that broke due to natural wear and tear and its at the end of its life use.

Please contact us with any questions, we can write insurance in 45 states.  Feel free to leave comments.

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

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.

 

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

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.

As A Landlord, Should I Require Tenant’s To Carry Renter’s Insurance?

Having an investment property can be a great return on investment. But on the contrary, you do have the management aspect. This can include maintenance, leases, insurance and etc. One of them being your insurance policy. In this blog were going to cover why your tenants should have renter’s insurance, or better known as a homeowners policy number 4.  If you want to know more about landlord insurance, please visit this link.

What Is Renters Or Tenants Insurance or Known As A Ho-4?

A HO-4 policy, also known as renter’s insurance, covers only the tenants interest. This includes the following coverage,

  • Personal Property
  • Medical Payments
  • Loss Of Use
  • Personal Liability
  • Other Coverages are available

So Why Should I As Landlord, Require  My Tenants to have Tenants Insurance?

To avoid any legal problems or losses from your tenant.  A Renters Policy has a personal liability built in.  If your renter were to encounter any legal problems or losses, she/he is covered.  Here are some examples of what could happen.

-A renter invites a guest over and they slip and fall on the premises.

-They could accidentally start a fire in the premises.

With renters insurance, any type of law suits, or premises losses are going to fall on their policy. If your renter does not have insurance, you as a landlord are going to have to use your own policy.  Requiring your renter to have insurance can avoid huge headaches in the event of a loss or legal problems. The last thing you need to deal with as a landlord is getting sued for one of your tenant’s actions. In additon if a loss does occur on your policy, chances are your premium is going to increase on next renewal.

How much personal liability coverage should your renter have?

All you should be worry about on your tenant’s policy is their personal liability.  I would recommend a $300,000 liability requirement and it costs the tenant $15.00 – $30.00 per year extra.  This for the most part will cover most law suits that a tenant could encounter.  This for the most part covers the average cost of a dwelling or condo if were to completely burn to the ground.  If you feel that this will not be sufficient, your renter could go with a $500,000 personal liability or higher.

How much does Renters Insurance cost my tenant? 

Depending on how much coverage the tenant decides to go with besides your liability requirements, it can run as low as $80 per year all the way up to $300.  A lot of this depends upon the renters credit, previous losses, and how much other coverage they decide to buy and etc.

How do I get Proof Insurance As A Landlord?

You should get a Certificate of Insurance or Coverage Confirmation from the company or agent writing the insurance policy. I would also recommend getting listed as an additional insured on the policy if possible. That way you are always getting notified on any major policy changes, but mostly if the policy is being cancelled for any reason. Just like the insured, you get a policy packet  in the mail with detailed coverages, and notifications just like the tenant would.

Please contact us with any questions or for any quote requests for both Landlords and Tenants.

What Type Of Insurance Policy Do I Need For A Rental Property?

Rental property’s can provide great residual incomes, and right now with the rental market in demand, a lot of people are putting their house’s up for rent or buying investment properties. Before you do this, your insurance policy must be written correctly, or else you could have some major gaps in coverage.

First of all lest highlight some of the most common types of properties.

  • Apartment Building
  • Condo
  • Dwelling

Apartment Building Insurance

This policy is designed for a building that houses multiple units, usually more than 3.  The policy includes building coverage, a general liability, business personal property coverage, loss of use, crime coverage and more.  This policy is strictly designed for apartments.

We usually write these policies through Travelers, Philadelphia or Middle Oak.

Landlord Condo Insurance

This policy is built for someone who owns a condominium and rents it out. It includes interior dwelling coverage, loss of rent, medical payments, and landlord liability. You can add things such as extended liability coverage, and loss assessment. This policy is usually written under Dwelling Fire Policy Form 8.

Landlord Dwelling Insurance

Investment houses are either written under a DP-1 or a DP-3. Or known as a dwelling fire policy. Most policies are written under a dp-3, because it gives you replacement cost coverage on the dwelling, which is better than the dp-1 actual cash value coverage on a dwelling. Always make sure you have the following coverages on your dwelling rental property.

  • replacement cost on dwelling(dp-3)
  • extended dwelling coverage, at least 120 percent
  • landlord business property(stove top, dishwasher, fridge, washer dryer, etc)
  • other structure coverage
  • loss of use, for at least 12 months
  • landlord liability
  • sewer back up
  • Ordinance & Code Coverage

If you have any questions or want a quote contact us.

Colorado Law Auto Insurance Requirements

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.

Camp Operators Insurance | Get A Free Business Insurance Quote

Camp Operators Insurance Program

Camp operations is one of the most fun and experiential things that children, family and friends can experience. They learn skills and learn to build social skills. On the other side there are many risks involved with camps. That is why create a uniquely designed insurance policy to fulfill a wide range of special needs for the Camp Operators or Owners. We help protect camps from the “unknowns”.

Our Business Owners Policies Go Above And Beyond The Industry Standard

We pride ourselves with our company’s insurance products. We know our policies have comprehensive coverage which most insurance policies do not have.  Take a look a break down of coverages we offer.

  • General Liability
  • Building
  • Business Property
  • Inventory Coverage
  • Special Equipment Coverage
  • Loss Of Business Income
  • Excess/Umbrella Liability
  • Workman’s Compensation
  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Employee Dishonesty
  • Accounts Receivable
  • and more!

For more details on our Business Owners Policies, Please Click Here.

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 Business Insurance Quote

Please contact us during normal business hours at 1-888-270-0995. Or use our quick form and we will contact you right away. You will work with a licensed experienced agent, who will work with you, to get a free competitive quote.

Hotel & Motel Insurance Through Philadelphia Insurance

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.