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Colorado Insurance Blog

Why should someone get boat insurance in Colorado?

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

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.

Five Ways to Get your Car Stolen

Five sure-fire ways to get your car stolen

Most people would say their car is one of the most valuable assets they own — if not the most valuable. Despite that, however, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy.

At Integrity First Insurance, we don’t want you walking out your door to an empty driveway or leaving a store only to find some broken glass left behind in your parking space. So take care to avoid these five mistakes.

  1. Leave your car running … and unattended. We know it can be chilly in the mornings, and who wants to wait in a cold car while it warms up? Well, a thief certainly won’t mind the chill — as he’s driving away in your car while you’re finishing that cup of coffee in your kitchen. If your car is running, you should be in it. Period. Even if you’re just running over to the ATM to get some cash or dropping off some mail.
  2. Keep a spare set of keys inside the car. Law enforcement agencies say this is a great way to turn a car prowler into a car thief. They’re already breaking into your car to get a phone, or a laptop, etc. What do you think they’re going to do when they find a set of keys? They’re not going to drop them off on your porch with a nice note, that’s for sure.
  3. Put valuables in plain sight. Seems simple, but we’ve all made this mistake. You’ll just be in the store for a second, after all, so who cares if you leave your smartphone on the front seat? Or items from your other errands in the back seat? Be smart — if you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk, or at least hide them as best you can. And do it before you get to your next destination.
  4. Leave your car unsecured. The best thieves can work wonders with a window that’s left open even just a crack. And even the worst thieves can steal a car that’s been left unlocked, with no alarm set.
  5. Assume nobody would want to steal your car. Think your car is too old or too undesirable for a thief to bother? Scrap metal is worth money, so never assume that your car is safe — even if you think it’s just a “junker.”

Keeping thieves away helps to keep everyone’s insurance costs down, so avoiding these mistakes not only will save you hassle, it will save you money as well. So stay safe, not only on the roads, but in the parking lots as well!

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Talking to your Teen About Safe Driving

When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:

  • Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 14 through 18.
  • A teen’s crash risk is three times that of more experienced drivers.
  • Being in a car with three or more teen passengers quadruples a teen driver’s crash risk.
  • More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

You can help your young driver make better decisions behind the wheel, however. Start by setting a good example yourself. And set time aside to have a serious discussion about the following issues, all of which have a large impact on the safety of teen drivers:

  • Speed: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding continues to grow as a factor in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Thirty-three percent of such accidents in 2011 involved excessive speed. While a lot of emphasis is rightfully placed on the risks of driving under the influence or while distracted, the danger of speeding is just as important.

  • Alcohol: If drivers are under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. It’s as simple as that. And not only does the risk of a serious crash increase once alcohol is involved, jail time is a possibility as well.

  • Seat belts: Teens don’t use their seat belts as frequently as adults, so it’s important to set a good example and always have yours on. Seat belts are the simplest way to protect themselves in a crash, so let teens know that buckling up is mandatory.

  • Phones: Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for an inexperienced teen. That means no calls or texting when behind the wheel — no exceptions. Again, it pays to set a good example when you’re driving with your teen in the car.

  • Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash goes up as the number of passengers in a teen driver’s car increases, according to the NHTSA. Depending on your state’s licensing laws for young drivers, limiting your teen to one passenger is a good guideline. (And some states don’t allow teens to have any passengers for a time.)

Of course, any driver needs to have a good grasp on the laws and rules of the road, and, because teens don’t have much experience, it’s important to have regular conversations about safe driving. How teens drive doesn’t just depend on them. It depends on you, too!

Don’t Let the Cold Get to Your Pipes This Winter

It’s hard to think of a worse start to a winter day than turning on the faucet and … nothing. Maybe there’s a trickle of water, but it’s clear you have a frozen pipe. So, what now? Here are some smart tips to help you prevent or address what could easily become a very messy and expensive situation:

  • See to your outdoor water lines: Before cold weather arrives, drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines, and remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. If possible, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, pick up some foam faucet covers.

  • Keep your home warm: Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room. Your policy may not cover freezing of plumbing or heating systems or any appliances if the heat hasn’t been maintained in the home.

  • Tend to those pipes: Leave the cabinet doors open in the kitchen and bathroom so your pipes aren’t shut off from the warm air. You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves, heat tape or heat cable. Insulation is especially important in unheated areas, such as your attic, basement, garage or crawl space, and for pipes running along exterior walls. During severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle.

  • Call in a professional: Frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water unthaws. So, act quickly to shut off your main water supply, and call in a licensed plumber to see to the situation. When selecting a plumber or contractor, it’s important to find a company or individual that is local, licensed and insured. If possible, try to avoid signing a contract prior to filing a claim and speaking with your adjuster.

If you do have to call in a professional or spend any money on mitigating water damage, be sure to keep all receipts and notify your agent as soon as possible. Don’t agree to have any repairs started, other than cleaning up the sitting water, without talking to your agent.

Claims adjusters often need to inspect the damage before moving forward with a claim, so they need to be informed before the repairs begin. If there is an urgent need to begin repairs, try to take adequate photos or videos of the damage before any cleanup so you can provide evidence of the damage.

Finally, be sure to touch base with us at Integrity First Insurance to check whether you’re covered for the damage a frozen pipe may cause. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this winter, and beyond.

How to Stay Safe After a Winter Car Accident

The days are short. The air is cold. And, roads are often slick with rain, snow or ice.

It’s winter driving season in Colorado. And, while most people know what to do to try to avoid an accident, many don’t know what to do after one. It’s vital knowledge to have, because the aftermath of a crash can be just as dangerous as the crash itself — especially when it’s cold and snowy.

Here are five things to do (or not do) if you’re in an accident this winter to help keep yourself and others safe:

  1. Make sure everyone’s OK — then get off the road if you can. The safety of everyone involved in a crash is the first concern, of course. So, check on the occupants of each vehicle and call for emergency assistance if it’s needed. Then, if the vehicles are drivable, get them off the road as soon – and as carefully – as possible.

  2. Stay in your car if you can’t safely move away. If you can’t get your car off the road, but you can get off the road, wait until there’s no traffic around and then move well out of the way. Otherwise, stay in the car so you’re protected from other vehicles.

  3. Stay visible — and warm. Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares so other vehicles know something is wrong. And, grab your vehicle emergency kit (you have one, right?) for blankets and extra clothing. If you’ve run off the road and you’re still in your car, make sure nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. Otherwise carbon monoxide may build up.

  4. If you’re stranded, stay put. Running off the road in a remote area is scary, but resist the urge to try to walk for help. You risk getting lost, especially during a storm, if you set off on foot.

  5. See a crash? Don’t always stop to help. Being a Good Samaritan could cause more problems than it solves. So, if those involved aren’t in immediate danger, call 911 and let the professionals help with medical aid and traffic control.

It’s not always easy, but keeping a cool head after an accident will do more than help everyone get through a stressful situation — it will help keep everyone safer, too.

And, remember, if something does happen on the road this winter, Integrity First is here to help with your auto accident claim. If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying the right coverage, call now before it’s too late!

Protect Your Home from Water and Ice Damage

Water and ice damage affects homeowners everywhere, but you can protect your home with the following tips.

Icicles hanging from gutter along roofline

Water damage can cause serious problems, ranging from mold and mildew to structural weakness. Between 2015 and 2019, 1 in 50 insured homes filed a water damage claim with their insurance. While it’s important to have homeowners insurance to protect your property from water damage, you can avoid these problems by taking care of your property.

Clean and Protect Your Gutters

Your home’s gutters protect your house from water damage by directing water away from your roof and foundation. Clogged gutters overflow during rainstorms and allow water to pool around the eaves and foundation, which can cause problems like soil heaving, foundation cracking, ice dams, and roof leaks.

Clean your gutters at least once annually to prevent your gutters from clogging. You may need to clean your gutters multiple times per year if your property has a lot of trees.

If your gutters need more than twice the annual cleaning, gutter guards can protect your gutters and prevent them from clogging. Trim nearby trees to remove overhanging branches that will drop leaves, sticks, and needles into the gutters.

Insulate

In 2021, many residents of Texas experienced a winter storm that froze pipes and caused ice dams. This storm was a perfect example of what happens when power outages and extremely cold temperatures co-occur. A survey of affected Texans showed that approximately 15% of impacted homeowners had frozen pipes, and countless others saw ice dams form on their roofs.

What’s an ice dam? An ice dam happens when “hot spots” on the roof cause snow to melt. The melting snow rolls down the roof to the colder eaves, where it refreezes. Eventually, the ice backs up under the shingles and into the attic itself.

How can you protect yourself? Insulation can protect your home’s pipes from cold temperatures in winter. Attic insulation also promotes even heating of the roof, which can prevent an ice dam (and thus a roof leak) from forming.

Insulate the pipes in your home with pipe insulation. Pipe insulation wraps around the pipes and protects them from below-freezing temperatures. You can find pipe insulation at hardware stores and home improvement centers. Simply cut down the insulation to the length of the pipe, remove the adhesive backing, then attach the insulation.

Insulate your attic if it’s needed. You’ll know your attic needs more insulation if you can see the floor joists. As a general rule, insulation should cover the joists so they can no longer be seen. For best results, hire a professional to install attic insulation.

Regulate Your Home’s Temperature

Never turn off your thermostat in winter, even if you’re leaving town. If you’re planning to be out of the house for a few days, turn down your home’s furnace to 55 degrees. This allows you to save money on heating costs while preventing your pipes from freezing.

Some additional tips:

  • Program your home’s thermostat to maintain a temperature at or above 55 degrees
  • Service your home’s heating system in the fall or early winter to avoid a furnace breakdown
  • Leave a trickle of water running when temperatures outside are expected to drop below freezing

Seal Cracks

Tiny cracks in your home’s siding or foundation can become a hiding place for water, which can freeze during times of severe weather, causing cracks to widen and make way for water leaks. Seal all cracks in your home’s exterior before winter comes.

Update Your Homeowner’s Policy

Water and ice damage can lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs. Is your house protected? Contact your insurance agent to evaluate your coverage.

Content and photo provided by Safeco Insurance

Why should a business in Colorado have a commercial insurance plan?

The state of Colorado has been one of the fastest-growing in the country over the past few years. Those that live in this state will find that it has a good economy, a strong demand from visitors, and a growing population. This can make it an ideal place to be a business owner as well. If you are looking to start any type of business here, getting the right insurance is a necessity.

There are various reasons why business owners here need to have this coverage:

Ensure Business is Supported

A primary reason for any business owner to obtain this coverage for their company is to ensure the business is supported. There are always risks that come with running a company and having the right insurance can help to offset and mitigate some of these risks. A proper commercial plan offers coverage for all business assets and can mitigate commercial liability risks. 

Stay Compliant with Requirements

You also will want to consider getting a commercial insurance plan to ensure you can stay compliant with any requirements. There are always going to be requirements that come with running a business. Many agreements you sign, such as investor contracts, loan agreements, or vendor and client contracts, will obligate you to protect your business with insurance. Having this coverage will keep you in good standing with these requirements.

Contact Us Today

It continues to be very important that a business in Colorado obtain the right insurance to help protect the organization. If you are assessing your needs for coverage here, beginning a search with Integrity First Insurance is ideal. The team with Integrity First Insurance understands the value of this coverage and can help you identify your needs and build a plan. This will give you comfort that you remain appropriately insured and protected. 

Driving this Thanksgiving: Safety Tips That Save Lives

Safe driving saves lives. If you’re traveling this holiday season, follow these tips to protect yourself and others on the road with you.

Traveling during the holidays brings us closer to family and loved ones, but sometimes, traveling also puts us in harm’s way. According to the National Safety Council, 406 people died in traffic accidents during the Thanksgiving weekend in 2019. This number is not atypical for the holiday season: NSC consistently estimates that between 400 and 500 people will die over the 4-day period we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. The following tips can help you avoid accidents that can lead to injuries and even fatalities.

Wear a Seat Belt

Seat belts save lives. According to the United States Department of Transportation, seat belts saved nearly 15,000 people who survived car accidents in 2017. Whether you’re going to see a relative in your town or traveling hundreds of miles from home, wear a seat belt. Be sure the other people in your vehicle buckle up as well.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Thanksgiving weather can vary, from snowy to icy to beautiful and sunny. Pay attention to the weather at your point of departure, your destination, and the route in between. Watch for low temperatures, chances of precipitation, and more.

Know Your Route

How will you be arriving at your destination? If you’re using a GPS device or GPS on your smartphone, plug in the route before you start driving.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving caused over 600 traffic deaths in 2020. Driving drowsy can reduce your reaction time and cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel. To avoid drowsy driving:

  • Drive with a partner and take turns driving
  • Get out to walk around periodically
  • Avoid driving at times when you would usually be sleeping
  • Drink coffee or another caffeinated beverage
  • If you’re feeling tired, roll down your window to increase your alertness
  • Listen to music or talk to people in the car with you to increase your alertness
  • Divide long journeys into segments and know when to stop for the night

Put Children in Appropriate Seat Restraints

Children are required to ride in seat restraints. The youngest children must ride in rear-facing car seats until they graduate to front-facing car seats and, finally, booster seats. Pay attention to the weight requirements for each type of car seat, and know the seat restraint laws in your state.

Watch Your Speed

Of course, you should follow the posted speed limits along your route, but sometimes driving the speed limit is too fast for your journey. The speed limit may be dangerously fast if the road is icy, wet, snowy, or in poor condition. Use common sense when selecting your speed. Don’t prioritize a quick journey over the safety of you and your passengers.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Over 3,000 people die in distracted driving-related accidents every year. Pull over if you must take a call, send, or read a text message while driving. If someone is in the car, let them take the call, change the radio station, read the text message aloud, and adjust your GPS device. Never read or send a text message while driving.

Drive Sober

In 2019, nearly 1/3 of traffic fatalities involved alcohol. Alcohol-related traffic deaths are entirely preventable.
It’s common for people to have a drink or two when at a relative’s house for a holiday celebration. Before arriving at your destination, designate a sober driver – or plan to stay the night.

Update Your Auto Insurance Policy

Take steps to protect yourself this holiday season. Call your insurance agent to check (and update) your auto insurance policy.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Does Colorado require specialized insurance for classic cars?

Colorado classic car owners can count on the team at Integrity First Insurance for all of their insurance needs. If you have questions about the right way to protect your classic car, we are here to help. Give us a call today!

Yes, specialized insurance is required for classic cars in Colorado

Owning a classic car is much more than just a hobby, it’s also an investment. Colorado requires that owners of certain types of cars carry specialized insurance. These include antique and classic cars, custom cars, and certain sports cars. If you own a specialty car, you will need to secure a specialized policy.

There are a number of different options that are available in our state, and we can help provide information to make your selection process more streamlined. Factors to consider when selecting your specialized classic car policy are the value of the car, how often and how far you drive it, and where and how it is stored. 

A classic car does not typically function like a vehicle that is primarily used for transportation. This means that typical metrics such as the length of your daily commute won’t be a factor when you are selecting your specialized policy. There are a number of other factors that your insurance carrier will ask about in determining the risk associated with insuring your classic car. Be sure to work with an agent who understands these vehicles and their unique insurance policy needs. 

Find out more today!

Integrity First Insurance is the team to call for all of your insurance needs in the state of Colorado. We are here to help all of our clients, no matter how specialized their insurance needs might be. Contact our office today to find out more. 

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