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CO Insurance Specialist

6990 W. 38th Ave. #200
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

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The Basics of Classic Car Insurance

Do you own a precious vintage auto? If so, then classic car insurance is the best policy for you rather than the typical auto insurance coverage. Classic car insurance providers such as CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO offer protection to these highly-priced autos than any other standard coverage. Since classic autos are normally used on rare occasions, they are limited to car damages hence fewer insurance claims than the regular autos. This post will outline some of the qualifications and benefits of classic car insurance.

Qualifications for classic car insurance

While shopping for your classic car insurance, make sure that you and your vehicle qualify for the coverage. Below are common restrictions and factors that determine if your auto qualifies for this insurance:

  • You are the registered car owner
  • You must be 25 years and above
  • You have at least 10 years of driving experience
  • The auto is only used for relaxation purposes
  • You hold a great driving record
  • The auto’s use is not more than 5,000km/year
  • The car will remain in Wheat Ridge, CO
  • You’ll only use the car to travel to shows – not for family trips/vacations
  • You have another passenger auto for daily use insured to a separate policy
  • You keep the car in a safe location like a private barn, residential garage, or rental storage unit
  • You will never take it on an off-road expedition or race.

These qualifications may seem strict but they are put in place to protect your vintage car from damage. Here are the benefits or classic car insurance:

  • Customized coverage precisely for you and your auto’s needs, like frequency of use and type of vehicle –for autos that are in garage or museum year around.
  • Emergency coverage services
  • Special events coverage for modified or stock/ special interest.
  • Fewer premiums for less mileage- you only use it in shows and weekends
  • Lower premiums
  • Spare parts coverage

If you reside in Wheat Ridge, CO, and its environs, feel free to contact CO Insurance Specialist for more information about classic car insurance or for a quote.

How to Determine the Right Amount of Auto Coverage

If you own a vehicle in Wheat Ridge, CO, you should already know that you need to have auto insurance before you drive it anywhere. Having this coverage is something that is required by law in the state. However, there are some people who want to have more than the minimum state coverage so they can be better protected. If this is the case for you, use this guide from CO Insurance Specialist to find the right amount of coverage for you. 

  • Make sure you at least have the state minimum requirements. If you do not have the minimum coverage, you could end up in some legal trouble as a result. Verify you at least have this coverage at a minimum. 
  • Consider getting coverage to match the value of your vehicle. If you have a newer vehicle or one that has a higher value associated with it, you may want to consider getting enough coverage to match the value of it in case anything were to happen. 
  • Explore different deductible limits. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums and you can get more coverage if you can handle a bigger deductible. Do not opt for a higher deductible if you cannot afford to pay for it, however, or you could find yourself in some financial trouble.

If you are still not sure just how much coverage you should have or if you would like to take a look at your current policy, be sure to reach out to us today here at CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO. We will take a look at your policy to make sure there are no gaps in coverage and can even help you find a new policy that meets your needs and your budget. 

Is The State Minimum Required For Auto Insurance Enough?

Driving in Wheat Ridge, CO is a privilege, not a right. In order to be allowed to operate an automobile on the streets and highways of the state, you must prove you are responsible This means you:

  • Maintain a safe vehicle
  • Have a current and legal drivers license
  • Insure the automobile to at least the state minimum coverage

Check with your insurance agent. You will be shocked at how low the coverage amount really is.

Does This Mean You Are Covered?

The answer is (almost always), partially. CO Insurance Specialist serving Wheat Ridge, CO explains. If your car was damaged the minimal coverage will usually pay enough to cover the damages. However, if the car is totaled, it probably will not pay enough to replace the car. Even if your car was very carefully cared for and in perfect condition you will be paid the blue book value of your car, which is rarely enough to replace it.

If you sustain minor injuries, there is enough coverage for treatment. However, if you are hurt seriously, your hospital stay, surgeries, therapy, and medical needs can easily go into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. In short, you can find yourself in financial and physical trouble very quickly.

So, What Can You Do?

Colorado Insurance Specialist. They can show you how to add uninsured or underinsured coverage to your policy at a very reasonable price. This is your safety net. This is how you make sure you have protection and peace of mind for your family.

What You Need To Know

All insurance companies are not created equally. Some will try to twist things around to save their company money. CO Insurance Specialist has been in business since 1988. They will gladly answer your questions. You can visit them online or give them a call. They can show you what you are missing and help you find the right coverage.

 

Is Vandalism Covered By Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Vandalism is a common problem for people who live in larger cities, but not so much in smaller towns and communities. Although it can happen anywhere, many people don’t fully protect their vehicles from this type of damage. The agents of CO Insurance Specialist serve the residents of Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding communities. When you contact their office to inquire about auto insurance, they can help you find the best policy for your individual needs.

What Type of Damage Is Considered to Be Vandalism?

Vandalism can include a wide variety of damages, including:

  • Scratches from keys or other metal objects
  • Broken windows
  • Spray paint 
  • Broken mirrors
  • Damaged bumpers
  • Stolen tires or other car parts

While there are other types of vandalism, these are the most commonly reported. Many of these are covered by comprehensive auto insurance policies, but not under collision or policies that provide minimum coverage.

How Do I Know If I’m Covered?

It’s important to know what type of policy you have before you experience any type of vandalism. If you aren’t sure what is covered under your policy, you need to talk to your insurance agent. They will go over your policy with you so that you understand what is and is not covered. In most cases, having a comprehensive policy will cover most types of damage whether they were caused by an accident or not.

If you’re concerned about vandalism and want to learn more about comprehensive auto insurance coverage, call CO Insurance Specialist today and speak to a reputable agent. They provide service to many residents living in or near the Wheat Ridge, CO area. Don’t risk having the coverage you need. Call their office today for an insurance evaluation.

Comprehensive Coverage for Your Classic Car While it is In Storage

The agents at your local CO Insurance Specialist are here to help you keep your classic car protected, whether you have it at home, on the road, or in a storage facility. We are dedicated to meeting all of the insurance needs of our clients in the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area, whether they require coverage for their home, boat, recreational vehicle or classic car. Owning a classic car can take a lot of commitment and investment, especially if you opt to restore a car to its original condition. In many ways, classic cars are a lot more than just a hobby, but also an investment of both time and money. 

Having your classic car stored at a facility rather than at your home might change some of the coverage that you may otherwise have in place with your homeowner’s policy. It is important that the proper coverage is in place, ideally before you relocate that automobile to the offsite storage facility. Classic cars generally require additional insurance coverage, even when kept at the owner’s primary residence, and it is important that your classic car has the adequate level of insurance coverage in place.

Classic cars are often irreplaceable due to the scarcity of older cars, and their value often exceeds the limit of single-item coverage levels that are associated with primary homeowners’ policies. Do not let an incident at your storage facility destroy your classic car and all of its value!

If you are considering adding a classic car to your collection or would like to review the coverage of your current fleet to ensure that is adequate, the agents at CO Insurance Specialist are available to meet the needs of classic car collectors in the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area.

Does it Cost More to Insure a New Car?

When it comes to putting insurance on your car, there are many things to think about. First and foremost, you need to take into consideration the level of coverage that you need based on local laws and regulations. For example, some states require by law for you to have a certain level of coverage. On the other hand, some states don’t have this requirement in place. And while you might think that it will cost more to insure a new car, there are actually several other factors that will influence that amount of money that you pay for coverage. 

Do you have traffic violations?

The more traffic violations you have on your record, the more you are going to pay for insurance coverage, and this especially applies if you have violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Having speeding tickets on your driving record will also negatively impact the amount you pay for insurance. This is why it is so important for you to be careful and cautious while driving and do your best to avoid getting any traffic violations. 

Do you have a lien on your new car?

Another factor that will impact the level of coverage you need on your new car is whether or not the car is financed. If it is financed through a lender, then the lender will likely mandate that you keep full coverage insurance on the car. If it is not financed, then you may be able to get away with only a minimal amount of coverage. Still yet, a new car deserves to be properly protected with full coverage. 

To learn more about putting insurance on a new car, please don’t hesitate to reach out to CO Insurance Specialist serving the Wheat Ridge, CO area. 

Tips for Purchasing a Used Car

If you’re deciding to buy a new used car, you have a lot to consider. A representative from CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO, and the surrounding area, will discuss with you what you should consider with your insurance policy. We also have advice regarding the selection process.

1. Get an Accident History

The vehicle might have been in a major accident but never received an "R" title because the damage wasn’t that extensive. Do you want a vehicle that has been in an accident? Those repairs may not have been done by a reliable restoration company, and you could experience problems with the car for years to come. Check the car’s history, which you can do online through a few reliable sites. 

2. Be Suspicious 

If the vehicle is making a noise, don’t let the dealership or previous owner tell you it’s a minor repair. Unless you know for sure what the issue could be, remain leery of anyone who is selling a car and tells you it’s not a big deal. At this point, you should have a mechanic look over the vehicle before you take the risk, as long as the previous owner approves. If the owner doesn’t approve, walk away from the deal because it’s a sign they’re hiding something. 

3. Test Drive

Don’t think because a vehicle is newer or looks nice and sounds nice when it starts that it doesn’t have any problems. Looks and startup noises can be deceiving. Take the vehicle for a test drive and make sure you listen for weird noises and take into consideration how the vehicle handles and feels when you’re driving. 

Once you decide on the vehicle for you, get insurance on it immediately and keep that insurance policy. CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO, and the surrounding area, offers you options for car insurance for your used vehicle. Contact us at 720-638-0850 for a quote. 

Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

You paid a great sum to buy that precious car of yours. Maybe you even built it from the ground up with care. Here in Wheat Ridge, CO especially, you’ll want to check below for some ways to improve your car’s performance and safety this winter. Here are the top 5 tips from CO Insurance Specialist.

1. Make Sure You Have Emergency Supplies

If you happen to have an emergency in the winter, you will want to have a few key items in your possession. Be prepared by keeping jumper cables, a cell phone, a flashlight, snacks, warm blankets, water, reflective triangles, a tow strap, and a first-aid kit in your car at all times.

2. Check Up On Your 4WD

A properly-working 4WD is a winter essential here in Wheat Ridge, CO. You’ll want to have it examined by a mechanic well before the snow falls to ensure that it’s working properly. Also, if you need to brush up on exactly how to use your 4WD, now is the time to do it.

3. Check Your Battery

Cold weather takes a toll on car batteries. Ensure that your car will start on cold winter mornings by taking it to get checked by a mechanic.

4. Think About Snow Tires

To reduce slippage on an icy road, snow tires will do the trick. Trade your all-seasons for these winter wheels which are specially-designed to grip snow and ice.

5. Take A Look At Your Belts and Hoses

In cold weather, belts and hoses can become weak. Get them checked out to ensure that your engine will run smoothly during winter storms.

If you have any questions about insurance this winter, contact our friendly agents at CO Insurance Specialist today.

Why Your Vintage Vehicle Changes Need an Appraisal Update for Coverage

Classic cars and vehicles continue to have lots of popularity and fans generation after generation in Wheat Ridge, CO. However, if they are going to be operated on public roads, they still have to be insured. With normal cars this is not a problem; most auto insurance companies have predetermined lists for the likely value of most common vehicles dating 20 years back. However, when the vehicle is 30 years or older, it starts to go into what is known as vintage or classic status. As a result, a number of factors then come into play such as collectibility, rarity, condition and more. Insurers generally don’t have such expertise or reference guides for each and every older vehicle, so they rely on licensed appraisals to estimate coverage value.

When a vehicle owner makes changes or adds additional components to a classic car, it changes the value of the vehicle. And that matters because if the car is damaged then there is a discrepancy between the value to repair it and the amount of coverage that will be provided by a vehicle insurer. And as any vintage car owner in Wheat Ridge, CO knows, finding repair services and parts for classic cars can get expensive. So it’s critical to get a second appraisal when there are major changes on a vehicle and it needs to be protected.

The CO Insurance Specialist staff can help in explaining the vehicle appraisal process and related requirements. They are well-versed in how insurance providers estimate value and what is needed to both develop and update a vintage car policy. That helps avoid mistakes as well as clarify when a car owner needs to update coverage information.

 

 

Summer Car Buying Guide

If you want to buy a car this summer, you should put some thought into it. Rushing into a purchase could lead to wasted money and a ruined summer. With this buying guide provide by CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, you can purchase a car that’s worth it and will enhance your summertime fun. 

1. Do Your Homework 

Purchasing a car requires you to do some research to determine which makes and models have what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for safety, research cars that have the highest safety ratings. If you’ve always wanted a luxury car, create a budget and decide if new or used is best for you. Try reading reviews on sites and see how much other consumers like the cars you’re interested in.  

2. Test Drive 

Make sure you test drive whatever car you want to buy before you make a purchase. Get a feel for the car, so you know if you like it or not, even if it’s a new car.   

3. Buy Something For All-Year 

Make sure when you purchase a car, you don’t just think about the summer months. When the warm weather is over, you don’t want to be stuck with an impractical car. An SUV might be great because of all the space for luggage, but keep in mind, it comes with the high price of gas all of the year.  

4. Don’t Think You Can’t Afford a New Car This Summer 

With so many finance options, you might be able to afford a new car, even if you don’t have the best credit. Shop around at different dealerships and take into consideration loan options from your bank or credit union.  

5. Insurance Cost 

Make sure you take into consideration the cost of insurance when you determine your budget, especially if you plan on purchasing several months at a time.  

At CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO and the surrounding area, we want to help you purchase a car this summer. Contact us today at 720-638-0850 to get a quote. 

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