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Colorado Insurance Blog

What is Cyber Protection and Do You Need It?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Many businesses carry insurance to protect them from cyber risks, but most people don’t know that you can also get Personal Cyber Protection. Several insurance companies now offer a Cyber Endorsement on their homeowners policies. If your home policy doesn’t offer that coverage, there are separate policies you can purchase to cover your cyber risks.

How Common are Cyber Attacks?

In 2021 alone, there were 847,376 complaints of cyber attacks reported to the International Crime Complaint Center. With those complaints, the potential losses exceeded $6.9 Billion.

According to Forbes, there are more than 4,000 ransomware attacks every day in the United States. That’s a 300% increase in ransomware attacks since 2015.

Sobering Cyber Stats from Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Who Needs Cyber Protection?

With the number of smart devices in most homes, nearly everyone has some amount of cyber risk and could benefit from coverage for cyber losses. If you fall into any of the categories below, cyber insurance might be useful for you and your family.

Anyone with:

  • Home security cameras
  • Smart appliances
  • Amazon Alexa or other smart devices
  • Smart phones
  • Gaming systems

People who use:

  • Online banking
  • Venmo or PayPayl
  • Social Media (or children with social media)
  • Online shopping
  • Apps that link with bank account or credit card information

The more smart devices you have, the greater the chance you have of getting targeted by a cyber criminal. You could lose privacy, money, a sense of security, your reputation and more. Cyber coverage can’t prevent a cyber crime from happening, but it can help make you whole again if you’ve been targeted.

What Does Cyber Insurance Cover?

Each insurance company may offer different variations of coverage for cyber risks, though most will offer some combination of the following.

Identity Recovery

If your identity is stolen, Identity Recovery coverage help to cover the costs associated, including legal fees, notary fees, credit bureau reports, and possibly a case manager to help guide you through the recovery process.

Cyber Extortion

Cyber Extortion is the demand for money or something else based on a credible threat to damage, disable or deny access to a device, system or data. One example is a hacker locking someone out of their computer and only returning access if they pay a ransom.

With coverage for Cyber Extortion, you’ll be provided professional assistance from an expert in the matter who will help you respond to a threat. In certain cases, your policy may also pay the ransom for the extortion threat.

Cyber Attack

A Cyber Attack is a malware attack against or unauthorized use of a computer or other connected home device.

Cyber Attack coverage can help pay for the cost of a professional firm to replace lost or corrupted data and restore the device to its original state.

Data Breach

If there is a breach where personally identifying or sensitive information is lost, stolen or released, Data Breach coverage can help resolve the situation. Coverage includes a forensic IT review to determine the extent of the breach, legal counsel to develop a response, and can help pay the cost to notify affected individuals.

Fraud

Fraud includes unauthorized use of a card, card number, account number or forgery of a check. Fraud coverage helps reimburse the insured for the resulting financial loss.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person by sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content.

There are a select few companies that include coverage for Cyberbullying in their Cyber protection. If Cyberbullying coverage is provided, it can cover mental health counseling, temporary relocation expenses, private tutoring and enrollment expenses if a student needs to relocate to an alternative school.

If you’d like to discuss your cyber insurance options, give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through the coverage and help you find the right fit for your family.

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Sources:

2021 Internet Crime Report. Internet Crime Complaint Center. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2022, from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf


Metz, J. (2022, June 7). Do you need personal cyber insurance for cyberattacks? Forbes. Retrieved September 7, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/personal-cyber-insurance/

What Happens If You Get a Speeding or Parking Ticket in Another State

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

For many drivers who travel for work or go on vacation frequently, out-of-state travel can involve dealing with different laws and speed limits, inconvenient or unusual parking scenarios and the threat of receiving a speeding or parking ticket.

If You Get a Speeding or Parking Ticket in Another State, What Happens?

For many drivers who travel for work or go on vacation frequently, out-of-state travel can involve dealing with different laws and speed limits, inconvenient or unusual parking scenarios and the threat of receiving a speeding or parking ticket.

Should you have to deal with a speeding or parking ticket in a different state, you may have a number of questions, including what to do about it, where to go in order to deal with it and whether or not you have to pay for it. Read below to find answers to the most common questions related to this scenario.

Parking Tickets

It’s not uncommon to receive a parking ticket in a strange town, especially if you are out after dark and the signage is difficult to read. It’s normal to be frustrated after receiving a parking ticket, especially considering that parking ticket offenses can cost anywhere from $60 to $240, depending on where you receive the ticket and why. What are your options? You have several to choose from:

Parking Ticket Option 1: Pay for the Ticket

It makes good financial sense to promptly pay the fine associated with the parking ticket, mainly because the fine generally increases the longer you wait to pay it. Although it might be frustrating, paying the fine as soon as possible might cost you less in the long run.

Parking Ticket Option 2: Ignore the Ticket

In certain municipalities, a gradual increase in the amount of fine you pay is only the first step in the process. If parking tickets remain unpaid, county authorities may also place a vehicle-immobilizing device, or “boot,” on your car. If you rarely visit the state where you received the ticket, getting a boot might not seem too scary, because you can pay the ticket and have the boot removed. The next step, when the municipality sends your parking ticket to a collection agency, might be a bit more concerning. Depending on the state where you live or where you received the ticket, you could end up with a negative impact on your credit, in addition to being unable to renew your license or registration. The threat of these negative repercussions may influence your decision, and you may determine that ignoring a parking ticket is not worth the additional hassle!

Parking Ticket Option 3: Fight the Ticket

If you feel as though you were wrongly ticketed, you can fight the ticket in court, even if you don’t have an attorney. You have several additional options:

  • Send a written affidavit to contest the ticket.
  • Directly contact the local prosecutor.
  • Pay for an attorney to defend you.

You may want to carefully considering the additional cost of time and travel expenses involved, as this option might not be worth it financially.

Speeding Tickets

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is one of the most common traffic violations in America, and even the best drivers may overlook the speed limit and end up with a ticket at some point. If you’ve already received a speeding ticket in another state, there are a few facts you should know.

Computers are always monitoring speeding drivers. The computers we’re referring to are used to help enforce the “Driver’s License Compact” (DLC) and the “Non-Resident Violator Compact” (NRVC). These compacts and the data they gather are part of an agreement between states to share information on drivers who have moving violations. This agreement is called the Driver License Agreement, and only two states (Wisconsin and Michigan) do not participate.

You may wonder how this agreement affects you. As an example, if you receive a speeding ticket in another state and choose not to pay it, the information is forwarded to your home state. When your home state receives the information, they may pursue payment on the fine.

Speeding Ticket Option 1: Pay for the Ticket

Although no one enjoys getting a speeding ticket, the fastest way to deal with it is to just pay the fine. Regardless of whether you receive one in your home state or another state, it’s a lot less hassle to pay for the ticket.

Speeding Ticket Option 2: Ignore the Ticket

Failing to pay for a speeding ticket that you received in another state can affect your license or insurance in a number of negative ways, including the following:

  • Your license may be temporarily suspended.
  • Your car insurance premium may increase.
  • Your car insurance company may drop your coverage.
  • You may receive significant fines.
  • You could even face imprisonment.

With serious consequences like these, not paying a speeding ticket is not a safe bet for any driver!

Speeding Ticket Option 3: Fight the Ticket

As we discussed above, fighting a parking ticket is usually not worth the additional effort. Because a speeding ticket is more severe and is usually expensive, fighting it is more common, regardless of the state. People commonly fight tickets for the following reasons:

  • They want to avoid adding more points to their license, which could put them at risk of having their license suspended and impact their ability to travel to and from work.
  • Their job requires that they have a license with no moving violations.
  • They want to avoid potential increases in insurance premiums.

You can hire a traffic attorney to help defend you, which is especially helpful if you hire someone in the jurisdiction where you received the ticket. These attorneys are familiar with local laws, which can help with your defense. There is always a chance that hiring an attorney may not pay off, as you still run the risk of losing in court. Potentially, you may end up having to pay your fine and associated attorney fees, which could cost you more in the long run.

Receiving a ticket while driving in another state can impact your driving history, your credit score and your insurance rates. Every driver makes mistakes, and if you have questions about how your out-of-state ticket may impact your car insurance rates or coverage, give us a call. We’re available to answer your questions and help you get the coverage you need to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Blog courtesy of National General Insurance

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Car Thefts Are On The Rise In Colorado

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

According to data provided by the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT), car thefts in Colorado have increased by 173% in the past 3 years. That makes Colorado the No. 1 state in the nation for car thefts per capita, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

What is causing the number of car thefts to soar in Colorado?

One contributing factor is the growing homeless population in Denver. Many car thieves that are repeat offenders are part of the homeless population and use the stolen cars as shelters. Though most stolen cars are eventually recovered, the thief is often long gone and never found.

The relatively lax laws against car theft also play a significant part in the increasing rate of car theft. Even when thieves are caught, they tend to get out within days and see little to no punishment. The lack of real repercussions for car thieves makes it a low risk/high reward crime, leading to many repeat offenders.

Which vehicles are most at-risk of being stolen?

The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) released a list of the 10 most-stolen vehicles in the Denver metro area from January-March 2022:

https://kdvr.com/news/local/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles-denver-metro/

What can you do to prevent your car from being stolen?

  • No “Puffing.” Don’t leave your car running when you’re not in it.
  • Lock your car and roll up your windows. Leaving it unlocked, the windows down (even just a crack), or leaving a spare key in or on the car makes a thief’s job much easier.
  • Park in a garage if you can. Significantly fewer cars are stolen from garages than from driveway, streets, or parking lots.
  • Park in well-lit areas. Both in public and at home. If you park in your driveway or on the street at your house, consider adding a bright light to reduce shadows where a thief could hide.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car. Many cars are targeted because the thief sees money, a computer, a camera, a purse, or some other valuables inside.
  • Install an outdoor camera that covers the area where you park your car. Just the presence of a camera can deter a would-be thief, and if your car is stolen it can help identify the culprit.

Read more tips for car theft prevention from Lockdown: https://lockdownyourcar.org/prevention/

Catalytic Converter Thefts are Soaring

What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that helps turn toxic pollutants into cleaner emissions.

Why are they being targeted?

They are made of precious metals, commonly platinum, palladium and rhodium, all of which can be sold for high prices. A single catalytic converter can be sold for as high as $1,500.

Since they are easy to steal, many can be stolen in a short period of time. Since they are easy to steal and worth a pretty penny, they are a prime target for thieves to make money quickly.

Where are vehicles most at-risk?

Cars that are parked in public spaces are the most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen. Places where cars are likely to be parked for a longer period of time, like a Park-N-Ride or airport parking lot, are the most commonly targeted.

Which vehicles are targeted the most?

According to Denver7, Hondas and Toyotas are the most targeted vehicles in the Denver area.

What can you do to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen?

The police don’t recommend confronting someone if you see them trying to steal your catalytic converter. There’s a pattern of thieves pulling weapons when confronted. It’s safer to call the police and report the theft in-progress while keeping a safe distance.

Some steps you can take to prevent theft:

  • Park in a garage or well lit area
  • Have the bolts holding the catalytic converter welded in place
  • Put a cage around it
  • Get your VIN engraved on the catalytic converter, which may deter theft or increase the chances of finding your missing part
Contact Us

Sources:

Contreras, Ó., & Miller, B. (2022, April 4). Catalytic converter thefts: What cars are being targeted, where it’s happening, & how to protect yourself. Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH). Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/360/catalytic-converter-thefts-what-cars-are-being-targeted-where-its-happening-how-to-protect-yourself


Auto theft prevention tips- CATPA – all about puffer cars. CATPA. (2022, July 6). Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://lockdownyourcar.org/prevention/


Fields, M. (2022, July 18). Fields: Aurora offering a model solution to Colorado car theft tsunami. Sentinel Colorado. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://sentinelcolorado.com/opinion/fields-aurora-offering-a-model-solution-to-colorado-car-theft-tsunami/


Friday. (2022, July 1). Year-to-date Colorado car thefts outpacing 2021. Colorado State Patrol. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://csp.colorado.gov/press-release/year-to-date-colorado-car-thefts-outpacing-2021


Kovaleski, J. (2022, June 21). Here are the areas where your car is most likely to get stolen in the Denver Metro Area. Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH). Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/investigations/here-are-the-areas-where-your-car-is-most-likely-to-get-stolen-in-the-denver-metro-area


Nieto, G. (2022, April 14). Top 10 most-stolen vehicles in the Denver Metro. FOX31 Denver. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://kdvr.com/news/local/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles-denver-metro/


Pender, C. (2022, August 9). Why do people steal catalytic converters? KRON4. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.kron4.com/news/why-do-people-steal-catalytic-converters/#:~:text=The%20three%20precious%20metals%20that,%2C%20according%20to%20cars.com.

How Renters Insurance Works

Posted on by admin

Renting your home comes with certain responsibilities, and getting and keeping renter’ insurance is one of them. It’s important to have renters insurance for as long as you live in your home in order to keep yourself protected. These policies include a number of different types of coverage that can all protect you against certain events. If you need renters insurance, give us a call now at Integrity First Insurance in Colorado.

It Protects Your Possessions

One of the most important functions of renters insurance is to cover the possessions that are inside your home. When you have this coverage, a damaging event that happens to your home and ruins your possessions will be covered as long as the type of event is covered. This may be a certain disaster, a calamity, an accident, etc. It’s important to have this coverage because it will pay for your items to be replaced. This will keep you from having to begin with nothing at all after a damaging event.

It Covers Your Liability

When you are renting your home, you are still liable for what happens inside that home. If a third party were to have an injury due to an accident there, you could be judged liable and have to pay for their medical bills. Medical bills can be extremely high, and renters insurance can pay them for you. It’s a good idea to have this coverage in case of an accident so that you won’t have to come up with all of the money for the medical bills on your own. This can save you thousands in necessary medical bills that won’t have to come from your own pocket.

Get Covered With Renters Insurance

If you rent, you can’t be without this important coverage. Call us today at Integrity First Insurance in Colorado.

What Is The Difference Between Full Coverage And Liability-Only Motorcycle Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Motorcycle insurance is a must for all riders. However, do you know the difference between full coverage and liability-only policies? Here, we’ll break it down for you so that you can make an informed decision about what type of policy is best for you.

What Is Full Coverage Insurance?

Full coverage motorcycle insurance is just what it sounds like – it covers you, your bike, and any damage you may cause up to the limits of your policy. This type of policy typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as bodily injury and property damage liability.

What Is Liability-Only Insurance?

Liability-only insurance, on the other hand, only covers damage you may cause to another person or their property. It does not cover any damage to your own bike or body. This type of policy is typically much less expensive than full coverage but offers far less protection.

So, Which Type of Policy Is Right for You?

That depends on several factors, including the value of your bike, your riding habits, and your budget. If you own a high-value bike or ride often, full coverage may be the best option. However, if you have an older bike or you only ride occasionally, liability-only insurance may be sufficient.

The thing is, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each type of policy before making a decision. If you’re still unsure which type of policy is right for you in Colorado, Integrity First Insurance can help you make an informed decision.

Give Us A Call

There you have it – a brief overview of the difference between full coverage and liability-only motorcycle insurance. As always, be sure to do your research and consult with an insurance agent before making any decisions about your policy. Integrity First Insurance in Colorado is here to help you find the right policy for you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof and Why is it Important?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Don’t overlook your roof! This important structure affects more than curb appeal. It’s responsible for protecting many structures and systems.

View of home from the street

The parts of a home that get the most attention tend to be visual, and more or less at eye level: paint color, landscaping, porches, and decks. The roof is the one part of the home that doesn’t tend to get a lot of notice unless the gutters overflow or an enthusiastically tossed toy goes a little too high.

This important structure affects a lot more than your house’s curb appeal – it’s responsible for protecting interior structures from water, ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently, safeguarding your loved ones in dangerous weather, and, in some cases, making your attic safe storage space.

Roof Age and Replacement Tips

How long does a roof last? Sales pitches for roofing companies can come fast and furious, inviting doubt to creep in over the integrity of the shingles overhead.

Here’s a short intro guide on the various types of roof materials, and when you may want to consider repair, replacement, or maintenance:

Asphalt Shingles

Typically black with a gravel-like surface texture, asphalt shingles are the most common type of domestic home roof material in America. With proper care and upkeep, this type of roof will offer between 15 to 30 years of viable service before you’ll need to replace them entirely. Because of the nature of its overlapping construction, it’s also relatively easy to swap out or replace broken or damaged shingles.

Composition Shingles

Made from a wider variety of materials in a multilayer design that can include fiberglass, composition shingles have a slightly shorter lifespan, between 12 and 20 years before replacement is necessary. Like asphalt shingles, they may become damaged or lost periodically due to weather and exposure but can be replaced as needed.

Wooden Shingles

This type of roofing – as the name suggests – is made out of wood, often cedar for passive pest control, but also woods like cypress, pine, or redwood. This natural material is hardy and offers between 20 and 25 years of use before you will need to replace your wooden roof. While rot and pest-resistant woods and coatings are used, this type of roof material can be vulnerable to problems like moisture, mosses, mildew, and insects.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are durable and industrial, offering between 50 and 75 years of dedicated protection, on average. Because of their overlapping design and potential corrosion, these types of roof coverings are susceptible to leaks, so care must be taken to maintain and assess them regularly, usually bi-annually unless specific issues crop up. If they become dented or warped (think storm-fallen limbs), they can be expensive to repair or replace.

Rubber Roofs

A rarity in domestic neighborhoods and typically the domain of industrial buildings, rubber roofs last between 30 and 50 years before a full replacement is called for. Over time, particularly in hot, sunny, or damp climates, this roofing material may shrink and pull back at its seams, causing issues with peeling and leaks from moisture buildup and pooling.

Do I Need to Replace My Roof?

If you know when your roof was installed and the material falls within the normal lifespan, likely not unless you’re experiencing specific issues. That being said, if you are nearing the end of that lifespan or an in-place warranty is due to expire, it’s a smart move to schedule a full roof assessment.

In addition to regular visual inspections as you walk around your house or in your attic, it’s best to have a roofing company inspect, repair, and maintain your roof at least every other year. If your home is in an area with extreme weather or a great deal of direct sunlight and high temperatures, an annual checkup is an even better idea.

Blog content courtesy of Safeco Insurance

Boat/Watercraft Insurance Offers Summer Peace of Mind

Posted on by admin

If you’re getting ready to take your boat or watercraft out onto Colorado waterways, it’s important to make sure you have the right coverage. Integrity First Insurance is here to help with that, along with providing peace of mind. Before you get out into the rivers and lakes, take the time to work with a trusted agent on the boat/watercraft insurance policy that’s right for your needs. Understanding what the state requires, and what additional coverage options you might want, can help you feel secure.

Boat/Watercraft Insurance: What You Need To Know

Your boat or other watercraft needs protection against various types of harm, including natural and manmade risks. The right type and level of coverage will give you that, so you can spend time enjoying the weather, instead of worrying about insurance. You also want to make sure you’re covered for any kind of damage you might accidentally cause with your boat or watercraft. It’s much easier to have fun out on the water when you don’t have worries about other boaters and watercraft users in your area.

By reaching out to Integrity First Insurance, you can get the Colorado boat/watercraft insurance you need. When you couple that with a good tune-up on your boat or watercraft, you’ll have covered important areas before you get out on the water. Whether you’re going out by yourself, or taking friends and family along with you, the feeling of confidence that comes from security can be an important part of enjoying the summer months.

Give Us A Call

Contact Integrity First Insurance today, and get the information you need from knowledgeable agents you can rely on. The more you know about coverage for your boat or watercraft, the more easily you can make good decisions about insurance policy options. Then the only ohter thing you’ll need to do is head out to the water and enjoy.

Do You Need to Insure an E-bike?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

What is an E-bike?

According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, an E-bike has 2 or 3 wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that doesn’t exceed 750 watts of power.

There are 3 classes of E-bikes:

Important Colorado E-bike laws:

  • Electronic bicycles are not required to be registered
  • There are no license requirements for E-bikes
  • Generally speaking, Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed to operate on the same paths as conventional bikes, thought local jurisdictions can prohibit operation on specific paths
  • Class 3 E-bikes are only allowed on streets and bike lanes, unless specifically permitted by local jurisdictions
  • There are different rules pertaining to State Park or Wildlife Areas
  • E-bikes must ride in the right-hand lane when traveling a less than the normal speed of traffic on a roadway
  • Riders must signal intent to turn or stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians
  • One hand must be kept on the handlebars at all times
  • Class 3 E-bikes have the following age and helmet restrictions:
    • Operators must be 16 or older (passengers can be under 16)
    • Operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet

Does an E-bike have to be insured?

The short answer is no. There aren’t any legal requirements to insure an E-bike. That being said, if you have a loan on an E-bike, your lender will likely require you to carry insurance on it.

Even though you’re not required to have insurance on an E-bike, it’s important to at least have liability coverage. You can go faster on an E-bike than you might otherwise travel on a conventional bike, which makes the risk of crashing a little higher. If you hit a person, fence, house, mailbox, or something else, you could be responsible for the damages. Liability insurance will help you pay for those damages if a situation like that arises.

If you’ve paid a pretty penny for your E-bike, it probably makes sense to get adequate insurance for it. That way if it gets stolen, damaged in a fire, you’re in an accident, or something else happens, you’re not left empty handed.

How to insure an E-bike:

Many homeowners policies will afford some amount of coverage for an E-bike. Some policies may only extend liability, whereas others have a special limit of physical damage coverage included and some may not extend any coverage at all. Each insurance carrier has their own guidelines, so be sure to check what coverage you have on your policy.

Keep in mind that most home policies have a deductible of $1,000 or higher, so if you’re counting on your home policy to cover any damages to your bike you’ll need to cover your deductible before your policy pays out. Depending on the value of your E-bike and your home insurance deductible, it might not make sense to insure it on your home policy.

Many E-bikes cost several thousand dollars, so a total loss might exceed your deductible. But if a $1,200 E-bike was stolen, that’s not a claim I’d recommend filing on a home policy. You’d only get $200 from that claim example, which isn’t worth having a claim against your home insurance since it would likely cause your premium to increase for up to 5 years.

If you don’t have a home policy or if your policy doesn’t provide the coverage you’re looking for, you can generally insure and E-bike on a motorcycle policy. One benefit of that is that you can choose a lower deductible, like $500 or even lower.

Another plus is that you can file a claim without it impacting your home insurance. A claim for a stolen E-bike wouldn’t cause your motorcycle premium to increase like it would if you filed a claim on your home policy.

Insuring an E-bike on a motorcycle policy would also give you the option of Medical Payments and Uninsured Motorist coverage, both of which can be extremely valuable. Medical Payments coverage can help pay for your injuries, regardless of whether you’re at fault for a loss. The limit is usually $5,000 per person, but limits can vary.

Uninsured Motorist coverage will help cover your costs if you’re not at-fault for in an accident and the other person doesn’t have enough coverage. You can get Uninsured Motorist coverage up to the bodily injury liability limits on your motorcycle policy.

Read more about Uninsured Motorist coverage: What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Contact Us

Sources:

Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/E-Bike-Rules.aspx


Electric Bicycles. Electric Bicycles | Colorado General Assembly. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://leg.colorado.gov/content/electric-bicycles

10 Life Changes You Should Tell Your Insurance Agent About

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Most people buy insurance for their home and auto and don’t think about it much unless the rates go up or they need to add a new car. The policy you bought 3 years ago might not be the right coverage for you now if you’ve had any life changes.

Here are some examples of changes you should tell your insurance agent about to make sure your coverage reflects your current situation.

1. You’re having a baby or adopting a child

Congrats on the new addition!

Health insurance is probably the only kind of insurance you think about after having a new baby, but it’s important to tailor your insurance portfolio to your current stage of life. That might mean updating your life insurance or increasing your MedPay limits on your auto policy.

2. One of your children is going to college or moving out

Insurance covers members of the household. Anytime the household members change, it’s important to talk to your agent about your policy. If your child moved out, you might need to take them off your auto policy and have them get their own. When a kid is away at college, they can often still be covered by your policy.

Talking to a licensed agent can help you decide the right way to cover your entire family.

3. You got married or moved in with a significant other

When moving in with a significant other, it’s important to adjust your insurance accordingly. You’ll need to list your partner as a driver on your auto insurance, and it often makes sense to combine your insurance for additional savings.

Your marital status can also impact insurance rates, so you might get a slight discount after you get married.

4. You’re moving

It can help alleviate stress if you call ahead of time to get your ducks in a row. You can get a quote for a your new address and have everything set for when your moving day is here. Even if you only have auto insurance, you should still call to update your address.

5. You’re buying a new car, boat, motorcycle, or other recreational vehicle

Whenever you buy a new vehicle, you’ll need to update your auto policy. If you’re buying your first motorcycle, boat or other recreational vehicle, you might need to get a new policy to cover it. It helps to call before you’re ready to purchase your new car or toy so you can have an idea of what the insurance will cost before you sign anything.

6. You’re buying a second home or investment property

Most insurance carriers require each home to be on its own policy. Talk to your agent if you’re considering purchasing a new property so you can get a policy set up.

7. You’re updating or adding onto your home

Whenever you make improvements to your home, your homeowners insurance should be updated. You may need to adjust your dwelling coverage limit to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild if there was a loss.

8. You’re working from home or starting a business out of your home

Many home policies have limited or no coverage for home businesses. That means any liability risk you have and your business property (like computer or merchandise) may not be covered if there’s a loss. Talk to your agent to go over what your risk is and if there’s any coverage you can add to your policy.

9. You completed more education or changed careers

Higher education usually means bigger discounts on auto insurance, and your career can impact your rates as well.

10. The lender for your car or home changed

Make sure your policies are updated when your loan changes so the correct lender gets important correspondence. Your mortgage company might be responsible for paying your home insurance, so it’s especially important for your policy to have the right mortgage company listed.

4 Facts You Must Know About Umbrella Insurance

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If you want to invest in umbrella insurance, you need to get your facts right to make an informed decision. Given that umbrella insurance is one of the most misaligned insurance policies, bumping into myths and misconceptions isn’t uncommon.

Here are the facts you need to know about umbrella insurance, courtesy of Integrity First Insurance, serving many locations in Colorado.

4 Facts You Must Know About Umbrella Insurance

Fact #1: Almost everyone needs umbrella insurance

You will hear some people say that umbrella insurance is for the super-wealthy only. The fact is that umbrella insurance is suitable for anyone earning a livelihood. Since everyone is at risk of lawsuits in America, umbrella insurance is a worthwhile investment to protect your assets.

Fact #2: Umbrella insurance is affordable

You are likely to hear that umbrella insurance is expensive coverage. People usually assume umbrella insurance is a costly affair, perhaps because of the high coverage it gives. The reality is that umbrella insurance is a super-affordable policy because it takes over after the underlying policy has been exhausted. If you still don’t believe it, please get in touch with us for a quote.

Fact #3: Umbrella insurance is liability coverage

Because of the name umbrella, most people assume that umbrella insurance covers all risks. That’s not entirely true. Umbrella insurance is liability coverage — it covers you when accused of bodily injury and property damage by other people. Umbrella insurance won’t cover damage to your property or injuries to yourself.

Fact #4: Umbrella insurance has no geographical limitation

Unlike insurance policies like car or home insurance limited within American borders, umbrella insurance has no geographical limitation. This policy can cover you anywhere and anytime, as long as your policy is updated.

Want more information about umbrella insurance? Of course, there is a lot more you can learn about umbrella insurance. Call us today for more insights on umbrella insurance.

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