Do I need Medical Coverage?

As of January 2009, in the state of Colorado, insurers are required to offer you medical coverage of at least $5,000. This is an extra coverage on an auto policy that pays for the drivers and passengers medical bills no matter who is at fault. Depending on your carrier, coverage can vary between $5,000 to $50,000 and payments are not subject to your deductible. It is relatively cheap and covers you for long term care, hospitalization, dental treatment, ambulance bills and even your funeral. It protects you or your family if you are riding in another vehicle or even just walking down the side of the road.

This coverage is an addition to your health insurance so if you have adequate health insurance you may want to opt out by signing a rejection form. However, for a low premium this coverage is highly recommended. Medical coverage is primary when involved in an automobile accident so it can even help pay off your health insurance deductible if you have not already matched it. Before rejecting this coverage it is important to look over your own health insurance policy and of course discuss the options with your personal auto insurance agent.

At CO Insurance Specialist we are always willing to review your policy, explain coverage’s and give multiple quotes for different options.   

Call us today! 1-888-265-6467

June Events & Holidays!

 June Events & Holidays
Be sure you don't miss out on a holiday or special event this June. Read up on some of the most popular holiday histories and what events you can participate in!

Sunday June 5- World Environment Day- This day was established to stimulate awareness of the environment around the world. This day promotes ways to improve the earths environment and enhances political attention and action. So do your part and plant a tree or join a clean-up campaign.

Tuesday June 14-Flag Day- An American holiday celebrating and showing respect to our flag and the people who designed and created it. The American flag represents independence and unity as a nation. President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day on June 14th, 1916 even though many cities and states had been celebrating it for years before.

Sunday June 19-Father's Day- CIS wants to honor all of the dedicated and hard working fathers this month. A special Happy Fathers Day to our own Dan Weber and Charles Federico. Dan is a father of 3 children and a grandfather of 2. Charles is a father of 3 children and a grandfather of 11!

Tuesday June 21-First Day of Summer- The first day of summer season for America and the northern hemisphere is the day the sun is farthest north of the year. Also known as the summer solstice it is the longest day and shortest night of the year.

Always feel free to leave a comment and visit us @ http://www.cisforyou.com/ for a FREE Insurance Quote!

Wild Fire Season

Colorado has already experienced multiple wildfires this year that have already destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for a fire. You can also do many different things to prepare your house and landscape to prevent a fire or reduce damage if a fire approaches.

How to prepare your home

·         Thin trees and shrubs that are within 75 feet from your home. Even further if it is on a slope.

·         Clear all vegetation within the first 15 feet of home. Beyond that trees and shrubs should be thinned to allow 10-12 feet between branches

·         Grass and weeds should be less than 6 inches high

·         Trim branches that extend over roofs and completely remove branches that hang over chimneys

·         Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from home

·         If possible use brick, rock or stucco for exterior of home and fencing

·         Roof is most vulnerable in times of fire. Use class A or B roofing materials such as shingles, slate, clay tiles or metal.

·         Cover exterior vents with metal mesh to prevent sparks from entering home

When a fire approaches

Try to remain calm and remember your evacuation plan and materials.

·         Grab your evacuation box (which was explained in previous blog)

·         Notify insurance company immediately to let them know where you are headed and how to reach you

·         Park vehicles in closed garage with keys in ignition and unlocked (this is so crews can move your vehicles if fire becomes threatening)

·         Attach garden hoes to spigots and fill up trash cans and buckets of water so fire fighters can find them

·         Close all doors inside the home and shut off petroleum gas/natural gas valves

·         Move furniture away from windows and remove curtain blinds

If home is damaged

·         Contact insurance company immediately. You will meet with a claims adjuster and someone will inspect the damage. The first check you will receive will most likely not be your final payment but some money for temporary repairs. Most insurance companies include an “additional living expense” clause which covers your expenses if you are ordered to evacuate or relocate for a period of time.

·         In most cases you will receive two separate checks, one for structural damage and one for personal belongings. This is why it is very important to complete a home inventory

·         Take photos of damages and losses, make temporary repairs and save receipts because you will most likely be reimbursed.

Now you know how to prepare your personal belongings, important documents, home and landscape for a fire or evacuation. Be sure to look over your insurance policy and if you have any questions about your coverage’s don’t be afraid to call your agent. At CO Insurance Specialist we have over 30 years of experience and are happy to answer questions or concerns at any time.

http://www.cisofryou.com/  

 Work Cited

Goertzen, J., Moreno, J., & Steffen, J. (2011, May 01). Advance planning critical. The Denver Post, p. 13A.

Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead for a Wildfire

Colorado has already experience multiple wildfires this year that have destroyed numerous structures and land. The dry and warm Colorado climate is a dangerous recipe for wildfires.  Whether you live in the mountains, on the plains or even in the city it is important to make sure you and your possessions are prepared for an evacuation.

Insurance Checkup

The first thing you should do is look over your insurance policy and make sure the replacement cost of your structure (Coverage A) is accurate and would cover 100 percent of your structure. Another coverage you need to check is your personal property (Coverage C) to be sure it is enough and is covered at replacement cost.

Home Inventory

It never hurts to have all of your most valuable and expensive possessions documented. You may want to take pictures or videos of each room and store them on a portable computer or USB port. Make a complete list of major possessions or appliances including where you bought them, make, model, serial number and copy of receipts or appraisals.

Know where documents are at

If you have made an inventory list but do not know where it is off the top of your head then it is not helpful! Try keeping a file box or folders that are easily assessable for you but also in a safe location. You should have a copy or actual document of the following:

House inventory

Insurance policy/contract/agent contact information

Social Security cards

Driver’s license

Credit cards

Vehicle Titles

Passports

Health insurance cards

Birth certificates

Vaccinations and registration records for pets

A disaster kit

It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra pair of clothes, shoes, blankets, towels, medications, car keys and gloves. In most cases there is a red cross at relief sites that would provide you with the essentials but it is always nice to have your own clothes on your back when going through a disaster.

Plan for your pets

Make arrangements in advance for where your furry friends would go in the event of an evacuation.  Also be sure to keep your pets registrations accurate including contact information. Supplies and information for your pet should also be kept in your evacuation kit. For larger animals include the essentials such as food, bandages, supplements, wire cutters, etc that would last up to 14 days.

Follow the steps

Now that you have these few easy steps to prepare for a wildfire take the necessary actions to be ready. When a fire is approaching your home and you have only minutes to evacuate you most likely will panic. Being prepared will lesson your chances of forgetting something and will help you get out of your house faster. Be sure to visit our blog next week to learn about how to prepare your home to lessen the chances of damage and fire-smart landscaping.

http://www.cisforyou.com/

Should I have Uninsured Motorist coverage??

Is Uninsured Motorist coverage mandatory in the state of Colorado? No. Should you have it? Absolutely!

Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you against bodily injury, medical expenses, rehabilitation and loss wages that you may occur when involved in an accident caused by another driver that has lower liability limits or no liability insurance at all. Insurance providers must offer this coverage with any new business or at renewal. Typically this coverage “automatically” comes with your auto policy but you do have the option to reject the coverage. This coverage usually matches your liability limits and can only be purchased as an addition to a primary insurance policy. When purchasing UM you are covering the policy holder, all drivers listed on the policy and in some circumstances passengers.

“According to a data released by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), the probability of being caught in a vehicular accident with an uninsured driver in Colorado is as high as 15%” (Hopper, 2010). Colorado was even ranked 16^th in having the most uninsured drivers on the streets. With these staggering facts it is very important to make sure your auto policy has this coverage and to discuss your limits with your agent. At CIS we make sure our clients are always covered and automatically quote each policy with UM because we know how important it can be.

 Work Cited

Hopper, Jenny. (2010, January 29). Many motorist still uninsured in spite of law [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.autoquotenow.com/auto-insurance-news/state/many-motorists-still-uninsured-in-colorado-in-spite-of-law-1892.php

What is uninsured motorist coverage? [Web log message]. (2008, August 14). Retrieved from http://www.thetruthaboutinsurance.com/what-is-uninsured-motorist-coverage/

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Loss Assessment

Loss Assessment

When being an owner of a condo unit you also become a part owner of the “common area” of the condominiums association. For example, if there are 200 condos in your association you are 1/200^th owner of the common area. Your personal insurance covers everything from the sheet rock in while your HOA covers everything from the sheet rock out. Since you are an individual owner of a unit and a “part” owner of the common area it is very important that your individual property insurance includes loss assessment.

Loss assessment means if your HOA experiences a large loss involving liability claims or property damage (hail, wind, lawsuit etc) they will come after all the residents to reach the HOA’s insurance deductible. When you purchase loss assessment for your individual insurance policy you are protecting yourself in case of a large claim with your HOA. Loss assessment pays up to the limit on your policy without you being subject to your deductible. Many insurance carriers automatically include $1,000 of loss assessment, however it is important to talk to your insurance agent to see what it would cost to increase your limit. Some companies max is $10,000 while others can be up to $100,000.

You do not want to be the neighbor who is paying $2,000 or $10,000 to the HOA because you did not add or increase your loss assessment limits to your policy. It is a relatively cheap endorsement that could come in vital after your neighborhood has experienced a large loss.

Get a free quote today or review your coverage with one of our insurance specialist at CIS.

www.cisforyou.com

1-888-265-6467

Boat Owners Wanted

BOAT OWNERS WANTED

Hey boat owners, now that your boat is de-winterized and summers right around the corner it is important to make sure your boat and loved ones are covered while out on the lake this summer.

UNDERSTANDING WATERCRAFT INSURANCE

Insuring a boat is very different from insuring a car or home. Even though many homeowners’ policies allow you to add a boat the policy, it may not be the best decision for you and your watercraft. When having a specialized boat policy many coverage’s automatically come with the policy that would not be covered under a home owner’s policy. For example, the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear, emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup.

SPECIALIZED PROGRESSIVE COVERAGES

*Total Loss Replacement-replaces boat with brand new one

*Disappearing Deductibles- deductibles reduce by 25% at each renewal if claim free

*Wreckage Removal Coverage

*Medical Payments- includes coverage for water-skiers

*Pet Injury coverage- policy includes this coverage for free. Pays up to $1,000 toward veterinary bills and if pet dies as a result of accident Progressive provides a $1,000 death benefit.

DISCOUNTS

You may be eligible numerous discounts when having a separate boat policy.

*Homeowner discount

*Multi-policy discount

*Original owner discount

*Safety course discount

*Paid in-full discount

*Responsible driver discount

CLAIMS

Another vital reason to have a specialized boat policy is in the event of a claim. Companies that provide separate watercraft policies they also provide specialized claims representatives which can be crucial after an accident.

WHY GO INDEPENDENT

Unlike “captive” agents who only represent one company, independent agents represent several. When discussing what you want/need for your watercraft this summer an independent agent can offer a variety of coverage’s and suggest new coverage’s that will meet your changing needs. At CIS we can provide a combination of price, coverage and service that’s right for you.

Call us today @ 1-888-265-6467 for a free watercraft quote!