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

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What to Expect With Your Auto Insurance After a DUI

Everyone knows that you should not drive drunk. However, people are human and we all make mistakes. If you find yourself charged with a DUI, there are many costs and fines you may incur. But what you may not know is that you may experience changes in your car insurance. Here is what you should expect to happen to your auto insurance policy after getting a DUI.

Possible Cancelation

Many insurance companies will cancel your auto insurance policy outright if you are charged with and/or convicted of a driving under the influence charge. This is because they don’t want to be responsible for your possibly doing it again. If your policy is canceled, it is important to find a new policy quickly, so that you aren’t driving around uninsured or have a lapse in coverage.

Drastic Price Increase

If your insurance policy is not canceled, or you are shopping around for a new one, you will notice a drastic price increase in your insurance. This is because you are now a huge liability. And unfortunately, it can stay on your driving record for seven years in Colorado. This means that your premiums will be high for many years to come. Taking the time to compare prices will help you get the best possible rate out there, even with a DUI.

Were you charged with a DUI? Are you looking for a new auto insurance policy in the greater Wheatridge, CO area? If so, give CO Insurance Specialist a buzz today. We can help you get insurance or price out new insurance policies to ensure you are still paying a fair and reasonable price.

Get Your Wheat Ridge, CO Home Ready for Fall!

Getting your home ready for fall includes several tasks, many of which you can handle yourself.  This time of preparation not only gets your home ready for the fall season but also prepares it for the coming winter weather.  These steps not only protect your most valuable asset but also your family.

·Home Heating System:  Have your home’s heating system checked annually by a professional to ensure that it is ready for the fall and winter seasons.  They will be able to detect and perform any needed maintenance.

·Seal Any Gaps:  Inspect your home for any gaps or leaks, particularly about doors, windows and incoming pipes.  Seal them with caulk, weather stripping or insulation to keep your home warm and operating efficiently during the colder months of the year.  Sealing gaps in your home can also reduce your energy costs.

·Wrap Exterior Pipes:  Ensure that exterior pipes are protected from freezing during the fall and winter season.  This step can prevent the pipes from freezing and flooding basement areas.   Also ensure that you understand how to shut off your water valve.

·Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Monitors:  Check the batteries to ensure that these systems are operating properly. 

·Gutters:  Take the time to inspect and clear your gutters and down spouts.  These are designed to protect the home’s exterior and foundation by channeling water away from the house.  Consider installing mesh guards to prevent debris from building up in the future.

Perhaps the most overlooked part of preparing the home for the fall season is an annual review of your home insurance policy.  You can compare coverage options online at CO Insurance Specialist serving Wheat Ridge, CO. Then give the CO Insurance Specialist professionals a call or visit today!

Steps to Find the Wheat Ridge, CO Auto Insurance for Your Needs

Auto Insurance is something that most people need.  It is even required in many states. However, many people have a hard time deciding on the right auto insurance policy and even more make the mistake of choosing the right company for their insurance needs. It can cause a lot of issues if care is not taken during this initial process. Before signing up for a Wheat Ridge, CO auto insurance policy, use these tips to make sure you get exactly what you need.

  • Do not just purchase the lowest priced policy. When it comes to auto policies, cheaper is not usually better. You pay for it in the long run because you will likely have gaps in coverage or you will have to deal with terrible customer service, which is not fun when you have an accident to pay for.
  • Take a look at the online reviews for the company. The company reviews are just as important as the policy coverage. You should look at recent reviews from recent or current customers to see how they help their customers and if they are easy to work with. There is no better way to ensure you are going with a great carrier.
  • Make sure you take a look at the fine print. Examine the policy to ensure the coverage you want is included with what you were quoted. The last thing you want to find is a gap in coverage that you did not know was there. Taking the time to review this before purchasing is very important.

For more information about auto policies or to have us take a look at your current policy, contact us at CO Insurance Specialist today. We will even be happy to generate a new auto insurance quote for you.

What Your Teen Driver Needs to Know Before Hitting the Road

With all the preparation that parents put into readying their teens for driving, perhaps the most important are the conversations had at home before any solo driving takes place. Simple conversations about what to expect, laws to obey, safety, and any questions or concerns they may have can make the difference between an accident and a driver ready for the open road.

Talk about what Colorado law states about teen driving. Make sure you and your child have an understanding of all the specific rules. By figuring it all out together, you are building a strong foundation of trust to ensure they will come to you with any uncertainty. Also make sure that your teen knows what their allowances for night driving are as well. Driving at night can be the most dangerous time for new drivers and they should slowly get used to this. Most communities have an under 18 curfew too, so you should both be aware of when they need to be in for the night.

While you want to assume that your newly legal driver will work hard to obey the laws and rules that you set out, it is highly likely that they will have a slip up or two. Work hard to build the kind of relationship with them that encourages them to turn to you in those moments. Let them know that you have their safety in mind and if the rules are violated too badly they will be without privileges until they can prove their responsibility.

By having these sometimes hard conversations with you teen driver, you are preparing them to have the best possible driving experience with a large emphasis on learning the ways of the road. It is just the very first step in a long process to adult driving. Another step you need to consider before sending them off down the road is that they are insured well under your policy. Call one of our knowledgeable agents at CO Insurance Specialist today to double check that your teens coverage is everything you need it to be.

 

Hacks To Get More Out Of Your Closet

Whether you have a big closet or a small closet, you probably feel as though you do not have enough room or that everything in there is a mess. You can easily fix this problem by adding a few space saving tricks into the mix. Organization is not that difficult if you have the right tools. Use our tips to get more out of your closet and start enjoying a more organized space. Contact us at CO Insurance Specialist for all of your insurance needs. 

  • Use an over the door shoe rack. One of the biggest issues in any closet is the fact that shoes take up so much room. They may be laying on the floor of your closet in a mess and taking up valuable space. You can fix this issue by using an over the door shoe rack for all of your shoes instead. It will move your shoes from the floor to the back of the door and you will have so much more space as a result.
  • Use tiered hangers. Hangers that will only house one item of clothing is a waste of space. You can only put so many hangers in your closet and if you feel as though you do not have enough room for them, consider using tiered hangers. These hangers will allow you to put a few items of clothing on them and free up a lot of space.
  • Create shelves if you do not have any. Shelves provide room for storage as well as spaces for items such as purses. If you do not already have some, take some time to get some put in so you can start using more of that valuable closet space. The space is there anyway, you just need to use it. 

Easy Ways To Jumpstart Your Spring Cleaning

Spring is the best season to start getting rid of all of the clutter you gathered in the winter months. You want to make sure to clean through the inside and outside of your home – and even perform some home maintenance.

Start a Checklist

One of the easiest things to do to jumpstart your spring cleaning chores is to start a checklist. This will make it easier to figure out what you should be doing. It can also help to save you some time by being able to delegate to various others within your household, and even by contacting various companies.

Look Outside

The outside of your home needs some TLC. You may want to look at painting the exterior of your home, raking up leaves, and even doing some gardening. Consider having someone clean out your gutters, too, especially now that the snow is gone for the year.

Look Inside

Some of these spring cleaning you want to deal on the inside may include closets. It may be best to bring everything out of the closet and then create piles – a pile for the things you want, a pile for the things you don’t want, and the file for the things you wish to donate. This will make it that much easier to get your closets in order and not put anything back inside of them that you have no use for.

As for home maintenance, you may want to call professionals in to look at:

–           HVAC system

–           Plumbing

–           Carpet cleaning

There are plenty of things that you can do during the spring, but remember, you don’t have to do them all on your own.

Contact your CO insurance specialist today to learn about home insurance in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and start exploring the various policies and rates.

 

Rules of the Road for Cyclists and Those Around Them

Rules For Cyclists

State law in Colorado allows for cyclists to ride single-file in the rightmost part of the road. If there is a designated bike path, then you can spread to two abreast. Never weave between vehicles, even the parked cars on the side of the road. All cyclists should review the prescribed methods of signaling their intent to turn and how to move along with traffic.

You should also check with your local county or municipality for information on additional regulations concerning the use of bicycles. For example, cyclists in Colorado can typically ride on the right-hand side of the road, but residents of more densely populated areas like Boulder will need to stick to sidewalks and designated paths.

For Drivers

Automobile operators should be familiar with the turning signals used by cyclists to accurately predict their movements. Generally speaking, drivers should treat bicycles like pedestrians who can move slightly faster and have a right to portions of the road. Even in urban areas with tighter restrictions on where bicycles can be ridden, it is a driver’s moral obligation to do everything they can to avoid an accident that will cause minor damage to their car while being potentially fatal for the cyclist. Returning to Boulder, it is a driver’s legal obligation to yield to cyclists even though bikes are also subject to tighter restrictions.

For both drivers in their cars and cyclists pedaling down the road, a CO Insurance Specialist will help protect against the financial damages that can accompany an unfortunate accident. They can also help better explain the traffic laws of your local area in a way that will give you the information necessary to make the right decision on the road for avoiding accidents.

5 Factors to Consider Before Deciding on Home Insurance

The vast majority of people are underinsured on their home, and it’s easy to see why when you consider of the many clauses, limitations and the sheer amount of information. However, staying on top of it all is your first step before you decide which insurance policy will work for you. Here are 5 factors to consider before you make a move. 

1. If You Have Expensive Taste 

Some people want expensive furniture, electronics, jewelry and art in your home, and you need to be aware of the cap on most insurance policies. You’ll likely need to buy additional coverage if you have five figures worth of objects in your home. 

2. If You Don’t Need Fancy Things 

Many homeowners may think they don’t need to protect their belongings, until they start thinking about their TV or computer. Insurance policies will only cover the property, as opposed to what’s inside the property, but most people would benefit from having coverage on their things. 

3. Floods and Earthquake Coverage 

These are events that fall outside the normal limits, but floods especially can be common and come without warning in Colorado. Water that seeps into your property can mean thousands of dollars in repairs for the homeowner. 

4. Updating Your Coverage 

If there are any major purchases or make major changes when you live in your home, you need an insurance company who will work to change your policy without hassle. 

5. Finding a Company 

Choosing an insurance company who has the experience to help you is your most important task, and CO Insurance Specialist is here to set you straight. We serve Wheat Ridge, CO, so call us if you need a quote for your home. 

 

Disaster Preparedness For Your Home

What is the last time you really prepare your home for a disaster? If some kind of disaster strikes, whether it is a fire, emergency evacuation, or something else, are you prepared? There are a few ways for you to take control and make sure that you have the necessary supplies.

One of the first things you need to consider is the ability to light your home. If the power goes out, you need to make sure that you are able to see everything. Forget about candles and oil lamps because they can often create a fire. It’s better to have batteries around that can be placed into flashlights and battery-operated lanterns.

Another thing you want to have is fire extinguishers. They should be placed in the kitchen as well as in the garage. If you have multiple levels to your home, you want to have an extinguisher on each level, such as one in a finished basement and one on the second floor.

If you are ever stranded inside your home and cannot leave because of bad weather, you want to make sure to have anywhere between three and five days of food inside. This includes bottled water as well as food that does not need to be heated or refrigerated. Proteins such as nuts, peanut butter, and energy bars can be helpful to keep on hand.

You should also have a first aid kit in the kitchen as well as a larger kit somewhere else in the home. This can help to take care of burns, cuts, and other issues as they happen.

Call and talk to us at CO Insurance Specialist today so we can find a homeowner’s insurance policy that will protect you against disasters and more. We can find a policy that is affordable and delivers peace of mind to you and your family in Wheat Ridge all year long.

 

What Kind of Commercial Insurance Do You Need?

Commercial insurance is not something that you can get without taking some time to consider all of your options. Just like there are many different kinds of businesses, there are also many different kinds of commercial insurance policies out there to meet the needs of these businesses. That is why you cannot find a policy that will meet your needs perfectly in a one-size fits all manner. To help you through this daunting process, we have included some tips to help you determine the kind of commercial insurance that you need. 

  • Take a long look at your business. There are many different components of your business that you should consider for insurance purposes. For example, if you have employees, you may want to consider a workers compensation policy. If your employees drive company vehicles, you may want to consider a commercial auto policy. When you take the time to look at your business and the way it operates, then you can really get a good idea of what you need in a commercial insurance policy.
  • Try to find a policy that will bundle all of your insurance needs. This is a great way to get a cheaper rate for your insurance and you would be surprised by how many companies would do this. 
  • Talk with a professional. Even if you look your business from an insurance standpoint, it can be difficult to see everything you need since you are not trained in insurance. Be sure to talk to a professional to see what you may have missed and for further ideas to protect your company.

If you would like some further assistance with your search, contact us today at CO Insurance Specialist. We can help you figure out what you need and then find you a policy that meets those needs perfectly. 

Insurance Partners
  • Allied
  • Auto Owners
  • Bristol West
  • CNA
  • Hagerty
  • Hartford
  • Infinity
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Secura
  • State Auto
  • Travelers