Why should I get recreational insurance in Colorado?

Posted on April 11, 2023April 30, 2023 by admin

The state of Colorado can be a fun place to live as the local mountains provide a lot of recreational activities. If you are looking to have fun here, investing in a recreational toy or asset is a good idea. When you get one of these, having insurance is also important. There are many reasons why you should obtain this coverage here.

Ensure Asset is Covered

An important reason to have a recreational insurance plan when in this state is so you can ensure the recreational asset is covered. While these toys and assets are to be used for fun and recreation, they still take a big purchase, and you will want to know the investment is protected. The best way this can be done is by getting insurance as it will offset financial risks associated with a variety of issues that could result in a loss.

Reduce Liability Risks

It is also helpful to have this insurance to reduce your liability risks. If you use a recreation toy or asset, you will be running the risk that you cause an accident that results in damage. Fortunately, if you have insurance, you will have the support you need to cover these damages. This can prove to be a very helpful form of support moving forward.

Reach Out To Us

If you are looking for a new recreational insurance plan and are in the state of Colorado, it would be helpful to start your search by calling our team with Integrity First Insurance. There are a lot of big choices to make when looking for coverage, and our team with Integrity First Insurance will offer the guidance you need to build a new plan. This can help ensure you remain appropriately covered and that your asset is insured the right way.

Fire-wise landscaping tips

Posted on March 29, 2023December 22, 2022 by Alexa Steffes

Making a Case for a Fire-Wise Landscape

You’ve heard all about the record dry weather across the country, and you’ve probably heard about the increased threat of wildfires, too. But, have you considered the fire risk of your own landscaping?

While there’s no such thing as a “fire-proof” plant, you can make your property safer while still maintaining its appeal. Here’s how:

Within 30 feet of your home, less is more.
In the event of a fire, firefighters need room to work, so space plants widely, and choose low-growing ones. Keep your grass mowed low, and don’t use mulches that burn easily, such as pine bark.
Be choosey about your plants.
According to the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection, plants that contain a lot of moisture and aren’t resinous are good choices for a fire-wise landscape. As a bonus, many of these will also be drought-resistant. Although the options in your area may vary, here are some general recommendations:
- Plants: Rockrose, aloe and iceplant
- Shrubs: Sumac, cotoneaster, currant, hedging roses and bush honeysuckles
- Trees: Hardwoods, such as maple, poplar and cherry
Not everything has to be natural.
Gravel and rock features, such as stone pathways, can help slow fires. And, colorful garden art and containers can help you add visual appeal.
Plant at the right time.
This varies depending on your region, but typically you want to avoid extreme temperatures on either end of the thermometer. Your local county extension service or nursery can help with options that work well in your area.

Remember, how and where you plant is more important than what you plant. So, try to imagine a fire on your property (we know it’s a rather unpleasant thought). Is there natural fuel that would make it worse? Could it easily spread from the ground to your trees to your roof?

If you’re unsure or if the answers indicate your property has a high fire risk, consider making some changes. Of course, we’re here to keep your homeowners insurance up to date in case anything were to happen. Please call us any time to check on your coverage. We’re here for you.

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What does renters insurance cover?

Posted on March 27, 2023April 4, 2023 by admin

Renters insurance from Integrity First Insurance is coverage designed to protect renters from potential financial losses and liabilities that may be incurred during the rental process. This type of insurance policy can cover a variety of events in Colorado, including damage caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and more.

What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance typically covers the cost of replacing personal belongings in the event of theft or damage from an insured peril. This includes items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and other valuables in your home. Depending on the policy limits, it may also cover additional living expenses if your rental unit is uninhabitable due to a covered event.

Other types of coverage offered through renters insurance include liability protection, medical payments to others, guest medical protection, and additional living expenses.

Liability protection can help pay for legal defense costs if you are sued due to an accident on your property or a lawsuit alleging property damage or bodily injury caused by you or someone in your family.

Medical payments to others can cover medical treatment that you or a member of your family causes another person while guest medical protection will cover medical payments for visitors injured in your rental property.

Additional living expenses can help pay for lodging and food if you are displaced due to a covered event.

Reach Out To Us

Renters insurance offers peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in the case of unexpected events occurring at your rental property. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent from Integrity First Insurance about what type of coverage best suits your needs so you have complete coverage against potential losses. We are proud to serve Colorado residents and would be glad to help you find a policy that suits your needs and budget.

Taking a spring break? Keep your home safe while you’re away

Posted on March 8, 2023December 22, 2022 by Alexa Steffes

For many, the winter months are a welcome time to escape the short days and chilly temperatures by heading on a vacation. And is there a better way to celebrate the end of winter than to take a spring break?

Whether you’re going to bask on a sunny, white-sand beach in the Caribbean or hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, you have to take precautions to ensure your home stays safe while you’re away. After all, what could be worse than returning from a relaxing break or an active adventure to find a disaster has occurred, such as a break-in, or water or fire damage?

To ensure your vacation doesn’t end in tragedy, follow these tips before you go.

Check for any leaks and fix them. For example, ensure your refrigerator ice maker is not leaking!
Set your heater at approximately 50 degrees to ensure pipes and appliances don’t freeze. But if you have pets and they are going to be in the house, set it closer to 72 degrees.
If you have pets, make arrangements for their comfort and safety: either board them or have a friend come over daily to care for them.
Turn furnace and hot water heaters down.
Unplug all appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters and exercise equipment.
Leave a light or two on so the house doesn’t appear deserted at night.
Lower blinds and close curtains so that passers-by can’t view your valuables.
Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so they can enter the home in case of emergency.
Have a friend or neighbor bring in newspapers and mail or cancel delivery for both during the time when you’ll be away.

If you have the opportunity to get away for spring break, we wish you happy trails, and hope you come home to a safe and welcoming home!

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Avoid Deadly Distractions Behind the Wheel

Posted on February 22, 2023December 29, 2022 by Alexa Steffes

Many people have a limited definition of “distracted driving”: They think it only means texting behind the wheel.

There’s good reason for that, because texting requires visual, manual and cognitive attention – the same attention required for safe driving. But although texting is perhaps the most dangerous distraction, there are many others that can impact how you drive, whether you realize it or not. And they can be just as deadly.

How deadly? According to the CDC, in 2019 more than 420,000 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers – with more than 3,100 killed.

There are three main categories of distraction when it comes to driving:

Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
Cognitive: taking your mind off driving

Here are just a few of the things that can distract drivers on the road:

Talking on the phone, even with a hands-free device.
Eating or drinking.
Talking to passengers.
Grooming (yes, there really are people who apply makeup or shave on their way to work).
Reading, including maps.
Adjusting the stereo.

Younger drivers are the most distracted of all – according to the government’s distraction.gov website, people in their 20s make up 38% of drivers who were using cell phones before a fatal crash, and 10% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted, too.

With distractions more prevalent than ever – more than 150 billion text messages are sent in the U.S. every month, for example – how can you, and those you love, be safer behind the wheel? Here are a few tips:

Don’t use the phone: This includes texting as well as talking, unless it’s an emergency. Even hands-free conversations can take your attention off the road.
Eat before you leave, or after you get there: Scarfing down that burger with one hand on the wheel means your focus is divided – and you probably don’t have as much control over your car as you should. Bonus benefit: Keeping your meals and your driving separate means you’re much less likely to get ketchup on your pants.
Know where you’re going: Nobody likes to be lost. But messing around with your car’s GPS (or the maps app on your smartphone) while you’re moving can lead to something you’ll hate even more – an accident.
Talk to your family about safe driving: Having a conversation with your spouse as they’re driving home? That’s a perfect opportunity to say, “I’ll let you focus on the road; we can talk when you get here.” And if you have young drivers in the household, be sure to have a conversation about their phones and other potential issues, such as their passengers – a key distraction for teens.
Watch for other distracted drivers: Just because you aren’t distracted doesn’t mean that other drivers are focused on safe driving. Stay in control and be vigilant – you’ll be ready to react when someone else makes the wrong move.

Distracted driving isn’t just “one of those things” that happens, like a tire blowout or mechanical failure that isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s 100% preventable – and by committing to avoiding distractions while you drive, you’ll help make the road safer for everyone.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Government of Alberta used under Public domain. Image cropped and modified from original.

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Does motorcycle insurance cover my helmet and safety equipment if it is damaged in an accident?

Posted on February 21, 2023February 28, 2023 by admin

As a motorcycle rider, knowing what your insurance policy covers is important if you are involved in an accident. In Colorado, motorcycle riders must carry liability insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by the state. But what about your helmet and other safety equipment like helmets, jackets, boots, and gloves? Integrity First Insurance explains how motorcycle insurance coverage works.

Comprehensive Coverage for Your Gear

If you want protection for yourself and your gear in the event of an accident, then you should consider purchasing comprehensive coverage as part of your motorcycle insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages related to theft, vandalism, fire, floods, hail storms, or other weather-related events and accidents, such as falling objects or animals running into the road.

It may also cover any safety gear you have purchased, such as helmets and riding suits damaged or destroyed during an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Another type of coverage that may be beneficial is uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of coverage helps protect you financially if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have adequate insurance or any to cover the repairs and medical bills resulting from the accident. UIM provides additional protection above and beyond basic liability coverage, so it’s worth considering if you don’t already have it included in your policy.

Reach Out To Us

Protect yourself and your gear on the roads of Colorado with comprehensive coverage for your motorcycle. At Integrity First Insurance, we can help tailor a policy to suit your needs – so contact us now! Our customized policies give you peace of mind during any ride, allowing you to hit the open road worry-free.

Insurance Tips for Millennials

Posted on February 8, 2023December 22, 2022 by Alexa Steffes

You keep your car filled up with gas so you don’t get stranded on the side of the road. And, your phone charged so your loved ones can reach you. But, what kind of safety measures do you have in place for more extreme scenarios?

What if you lost everything you owned in a fire at your house or your apartment? What if your car were stolen? These situations are scary, but your insurance can help you through them, and much more, so long as you have the right coverage in place.

So, what’s right for you? Whether you’re starting out on your own or starting a family, these tips can help you begin to understand the level of insurance you may need.

Consider What You Own – And What It’s All Worth
Could you imagine having to replace all of your personal belongings at once? What about having to do so from memory and on your own dime? It would be both a difficult and a costly task. So, make an inventory of your belongings and their value to minimize the former – the free Safeco Home Inventory app can help. And, be sure you have enough insurance coverage, whether you rent or own a home, to minimize the latter. It’s known as “personal property coverage,” and you want enough of it to replace all of your belongings if it were to come to that.

Learn more about personal property coverage in our blog Do You Have Enough Coverage For Your Belongings?

Take Your Lifestyle Into Account
Drive an expensive car? Repairs are likely costly, so be sure to carry comprehensive and collision coverage. Consider any customizations in the car and whether you want original manufactured parts in repairs are needed or if you’re okay with aftermarket. We’re happy to go over your auto coverage options to ensure you have the kind of protection you expect.

Own a home with a lot of custom features? Be sure your homeowners policy takes them into account. The amount of insurance you have on your home should directly reflect the unique features of your home. Your agent should complete a detailed Replacement Cost Estimator to determine the insurance limits needed.

Read more about how your insurance limits are calculated: If Your Home Burned Down, Would You Have Enough Coverage?

The way you live can help you save, too. For example, if you take public transportation to and from work even though you own a car, you may pay less for your insurance.

Talk to Your Independent Agent for Ease, Choice and Advice
As an independent agency, Integrity First Insurance offers a choice of carriers and options, plus personalized advice to help make sense of it all. And, we make it easy by doing the research and the work for you.

5 Reasons You Should Work with Integrity First

Remember, we’re here to help. Contact us today with your insurance questions and needs.

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Why is the Estimated Replacement Cost of my Home Different Than the Home’s Value?

Posted on February 1, 2023January 30, 2023 by Alexa Steffes

The cost to rebuild a home is often very different than the market value of the home. A home’s value is based on what someone is willing to spend to buy that home, and largely depends on the area the home is located. A home in a desirable neighborhood may cost the same amount to build as an identical house in a less desirable neighborhood, even though it would sell for more.

Insurance doesn’t cover the the price you paid for your home, the taxable value, or even the potential sale price. The purpose of homeowners insurance is to indemnify you in the event of a loss. In other words, insurance is designed to make you whole again. When it comes to your home, that means insurance will pay to rebuild your home with like-quality materials.

Over the course of your homeownership, both the replacement cost and the market value of your home can fluctuate. At some point, they might be similar values, and other times the replacement cost could be higher or lower than the market value. It all depends on what is happening with the economy and housing market.

Here’s a breakdown of some important factors that can impact the replacement cost and/or market value of your home:

Impactful Factors	Replacement Cost	Market Value
Age of Home	X	X
Size of Home	X	X
Home Features and Finishes	X	X
Labor Costs	X
Cost of Materials	X
Houses on the Market		X
Land Value		X
Desirability of Area (Schools, Safety, Etc.)		X

As you can see, things like cost of labor and materials impacts the replacement cost of your home, but not the market value. That’s because when someone is looking for a house to buy, the amount it would cost to build the home isn’t a huge factor since the house is already constructed. Once you own the house, the cost of building materials and labor matters more because you have to insure the house for what it would cost to rebuild it if you suffered a total loss.

While the quality of the schools, parks, and safety of your neighborhood certainly impact the price you could sell your house for, it doesn’t effect the cost to repair or rebuild your home if you had a loss. The same goes for the number of houses on the market and the land value. Whether there are 100 or 1000 houses for sale in your area, it would cost the same amount to rebuild it. Insurance doesn’t cover the value of the land since the land would still exist even if the house was destroyed, so the land value doesn’t factor into the estimated rebuilding costs.

There are some factors that impact both the reconstruction cost and the market value of a home. Specifically, the age, size and features of the home. A home that is 1000 square feet would cost less to build and sell for less than a comparable home with 2000 square feet. Similarly, if you update your kitchen to have custom finishes, that increases the cost to rebuild as well as the resale value of the home. That’s why it’s important to talk to your agent and make sure your home has adequate insurance anytime you make improvements or additions.

If you have questions about how the replacement cost of your home was determined, give us a call. We’re happy to help you decide if the coverage you have is appropriate for your home.

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Why should someone get boat insurance in Colorado?

Posted on January 27, 2023February 1, 2023 by admin

Those that live in the state of Colorado will find that it can be a great place to live in the summer. While the state is best known for its mountains, it also has plenty of great lakes throughout the state, and owning a boat can be a lot of fun. If you are a boat owner, having insurance is important.

Why Boat Insurance?

Financial Protection

The primary reason that boat owners in this state will want to have a boat insurance plan is so they can receive financial protection. Anyone that would like to operate a boat here takes on the risk that they could be involved in an accident. If you are at fault, you will need to cover all damages. Further, there is a chance your boat could be stolen or damaged, which can make it expensive to repair or replace. With boat insurance, you will have the coverage necessary to mitigate these risks.

Comply with Obligations

Most boat owners will also want to have boat insurance so they can comply with any insurance obligations. While it may not be required by law to have coverage, many local marinas and lakes will require that owners carry this coverage. Further, if you have financed the boat purchase with a loan, your lender will want to confirm you have a proper boat insurance plan.

Give Us A Call

As you are looking to build your next boat insurance policy in the state of Colorado, it is important to speak with someone that is experienced with this type of coverage. Our team at Integrity First Insurance has the experience necessary to properly evaluate your needs and options and help you build your next plan. Integrity First Insurance can be a great resource and will help ensure you are properly covered.

Home Security Technology

Posted on January 25, 2023December 28, 2022 by Alexa Steffes

Home Security is Easier — and Better — Than Ever

Think home security is still about bulky camera equipment and wires running all throughout your home? Think again.

Today, things have changed quite a bit, and the playing field has been leveled. Advanced tools and security systems are more accessible and affordable than ever. (And installing them might get you a discount on your homeowners insurance, too.)

Full-service systems are still a popular option with many people. Companies offer central monitoring, video surveillance, smoke/carbon monoxide detection and more. Some even include home automation tools so you can control appliances from anywhere, and many will send text-message alerts in response to specific occurrences, such as when the kids enter the house after school.

Do-it-yourselfers who don’t want an all-in-one system have many choices as well. Here are three of the newest and most popular security tools:

1. Smart (and small) cameras

Cameras today can be tucked anywhere and don’t require wires. With a good battery and wi-fi connection, you can see what’s happening outside — or inside — with a glance at your phone or computer.

2. Key-free doors

Say you have a friend stopping by to check on your dog while you’re gone for the day. You don’t have to risk leaving a key outside. With a code-based entry system, you can simply provide your friend with temporary access that turns on and off when you want. Most key-free doors can also be programmed to automatically lock after a certain period of time, like 30 or 60 seconds. That can eliminate the worry about whether or not you locked the door behind you.

3. Home automation products

It’s easier than you think to give yourself remote access to the lights and appliances in your home. At least one available product can be used with your existing power outlets; simply plug it in and control the power to that outlet from an app on your smartphone. Don’t ever worry about forgetting to leave a light on again.

Of course, even “old-school” tools, such as motion-activated outdoor lights, can still have a big impact on security. So whether you choose high-tech tools or stick to the basics, you’ll be making your home a less attractive target for burglars. Many insurance companies also offer a discount for having a security system in your home. If you have a burglar or fire alarm system, be sure to talk to your agent about available discounts.

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Why should I get recreational insurance in Colorado?

Ensure Asset is Covered

Reduce Liability Risks

Reach Out To Us

Fire-wise landscaping tips

Making a Case for a Fire-Wise Landscape

What does renters insurance cover?

What does renters insurance cover?

Reach Out To Us

Taking a spring break? Keep your home safe while you’re away

Avoid Deadly Distractions Behind the Wheel

Does motorcycle insurance cover my helmet and safety equipment if it is damaged in an accident?

Comprehensive Coverage for Your Gear

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Reach Out To Us

Insurance Tips for Millennials

Why is the Estimated Replacement Cost of my Home Different Than the Home’s Value?

Here’s a breakdown of some important factors that can impact the replacement cost and/or market value of your home:

Why should someone get boat insurance in Colorado?

Why Boat Insurance?

Financial Protection

Comply with Obligations

Give Us A Call

Home Security Technology

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