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

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What New Owners of Classic Cars Need to Know About Insurance

Classic Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

As the proud new owner of a classic car in Wheat Ridge, CO, it’s important to understand the state’s requirements for your vehicle to be classified as a classic, as well as the type of insurance coverage you’ll need. At CO Insurance Specialist, our agents are here to guide you through the process and help you explore your insurance options.

Colorado Classic Car Requirements

Before insuring your classic car, you’ll need to register it, which requires proof of insurance. The Colorado DMV website or your local vehicle registration office is an excellent resource for up-to-date information on the state’s requirements. These include:

  • Completing an initial emissions test (if applicable).
  • Ensuring the vehicle’s age qualifies it for a classic license plate.
  • Providing proof (DR 2839 form) that the car will not exceed the state’s yearly mileage limit of 4,500 miles.

Specialized Insurance for Classic Cars

Classic cars require specialized insurance coverage rather than a standard auto policy. A classic car policy offers unique benefits, such as:

  • Paying the agreed value of the vehicle instead of the current market rate.
  • Roadside assistance coverage.
  • Coverage for spare parts needed for repairs.
  • Lower premiums for vehicles with limited mileage.

Contact Us for Expert Assistance

If you’re planning to participate in events in and around Wheat Ridge, CO, let CO Insurance Specialist ensure you have the right coverage for your classic car. Contact us today via email or phone, and we’ll help you get your classic car ready for new and exciting adventures.

What to Know About Insuring a Home in a Historic District in Colorado

If you’ve invested in a home located in a historic district in Wheat Ridge, CO, it’s important to understand how to insure it properly. With help from our team at CO Insurance Specialist, we’ll ensure your new home is covered and compliant with any state requirements.

Historic Districts and Homes

In Colorado, privately owned homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic Properties are not required to have specific insurance coverage. However, homeowners may want to consider specialized policies to protect their investment.

Questions to Ask About Insurance Coverage

Determining the right insurance coverage for your historic home in Wheat Ridge, CO can feel overwhelming, but our agents are here to make the process stress-free.

Some types of coverage we may discuss include:

  • Guaranteed Replacement Cost: This coverage ensures you will receive the full cost to rebuild or replace your home in the event of a total loss.
  • HO-8 Policy: Also known as modified coverage insurance, this policy is available when HO-5 or HO-3 policies are not applicable due to factors like the home’s location (e.g., areas prone to floods or wildfires), its condition, or its age.
  • Specialized Insurance: Customized coverage explicitly designed for historic homes. This may include protection for unique materials, historic features, restoration costs, repair expenses, and risks associated with outdated plumbing or electrical systems.

Contact CO Insurance Specialists

With so many factors to consider when insuring your historic home, you can rely on our professional team at CO Insurance Specialist to help you navigate the options and find coverage that meets your needs. Contact us today to ensure your home is adequately protected and your investment is secure.

Classic Car Insurance vs. Regular Auto Insurance

Wheat Ridge, CO motorists who own classic or antique vehicles can choose between two kinds of insurance policies: regular auto insurance or specialized classic car insurance. Before selecting one type of coverage, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option carefully.

Why Choose Classic Car Insurance?

A classic vehicle policy provides some unique advantages. It often covers things like original part replacement and repairs performed by specialists. This type of insurance can also cover the value of a car that’s now worth more than its original value. On the other hand, a standard auto policy will insure your vintage vehicle the same way it would cover any used car.

Why Choose Regular Car Insurance?

Nonetheless, there are some advantages to signing up for standard insurance. It has far fewer restrictions. This type of coverage usually doesn’t have mileage limits or require parking the vehicle in a garage. You can commute to work in the car if desired. Also, drivers and vehicles are more likely to qualify for regular auto insurance.

They’re Not Entirely Different

These two options provide some of the same benefits. They both satisfy Colorado’s legal requirement to carry auto insurance. Both types of insurance cover some of the same things, such as liability. With the right policy, you can add coverage of accident damage, theft, and/or natural disasters. Roadside assistance may be included or offered as an optional service.

If you’re ready to insure your vintage vehicle, talk to the experts at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO. Our local independent agency benefits from more than three decades of experience. We offer both classic and regular auto coverage. If you have questions or would like to request a quote, please get in touch with CO Insurance Specialist today by calling 720-638-0850.

Do Small Businesses Need Commercial and Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Small business owners often have a lot on their plates. Besides running the core business and dealing with employees, customers, and suppliers, they also have to handle a range of paperwork and legal issues. As a result, they sometimes take shortcuts. One such shortcut is sometimes relying on their personal auto insurance coverage for business vehicle use. To avoid such a costly mistake, talk to the CO Insurance Specialist team of Wheat Ridge, CO, regarding your commercial and commercial vehicle insurance needs.

Commercial and Commercial Vehicle Insurance

The insurance needs of small businesses can differ due to legal structure, industry, and the types of vehicles used in the business. While most owners acquire the necessary insurance to protect them and their assets, many misunderstand which activities constitute business usage. Not only is commercial vehicle insurance needed for vans that deliver goods, transport people, or haul tools and equipment, but passenger vehicles used for business purposes also require commercial vehicle insurance.

A personal policy will not cover vehicles owned or leased by the business and should not be relied on when the owner or an employee uses vehicles for business purposes. These situations include driving clients or employees to lunch or a business meeting. Delivering products or reports to clients or work locations may also constitute business vehicle usage that a commercial vehicle policy should cover. Insurance companies are especially likely to investigate high-value claims and may reject a business claim against a personal policy when the insurance coverage is most needed.

Working with the CO Insurance Specialist

The CO Insurance Specialist serves the Wheat Ridge, CO, small business community. Let our team’s commercial insurance experience guide your business planning by scheduling an appointment at (720) 638-0850.

At what point should I reevaluate my auto insurance policy and adjust my coverage?

At CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO, we believe our clients must reevaluate their auto policies annually. Unfortunately, many auto consumers rarely review their policies with a licensed agent, and when an incident occurs, they are unaware of their auto policy benefits.

There are several key circumstances in which you should reevaluate your auto insurance policy and make adjustments as needed:

  • Your driving habits change, such as driving significantly more than you used to.
  • After a major life event such as moving to a new state, moving further from your job, changing employment, getting married, buying a new car, or having a child.
  • You have an older car that has depreciated in value.
  • You have less income due to a job loss, retirement, or other circumstances.
  • You got into an accident, received a traffic ticket, or other changes occurred to your driving record.
  • New laws in your state were passed that affect the coverage you need for your vehicle.

You may be wondering how to reevaluate your policy. Contact us. We will help you reassess your auto insurance policy by:

  • Reviewing your current coverage with you and ensuring that your policy limits are sufficient for your needs.
  • Helping you reconsider deductibles for your auto insurance. Raising your deductible can result in lower insurance premiums.
  • Providing quotes from other carriers under our umbrella to help you find the best rates for the same coverage.
  • Helping you identify if you qualify for any available discounts that could lower your premiums.

We’re Here to Help Wheat Ridge Residents

At CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your auto insurance policy and ensure you have peace of mind while you or your family are on the roads. If you have any questions about your auto policy and want to discuss your options, call us at (720) 638-0850.

Home Insurance Tips: Consider How You Plan on Using Your Home

Selecting the right home insurance for your needs may not be rocket science, but it does require some understanding of how home insurance works and what it covers. That’s why homeowners in and around Wheat Ridge, CO, rely on the team at CO Insurance Specialist for all their home insurance queries and concerns.

Home Insurance Tips: Consider Your Home Usage Plans

Typically, homeowners, especially first-time homeowners, consider three primary types of home insurance options: basic, broad, and special or comprehensive form coverage options, commonly referred to as HO-1, HO-2, and HO-3 or HO-5 plans, respectively.

While many factors will help you determine the right plan for you and your home, don’t forget to consider how you plan on using your home. Are you starting a family and settling down? Is this your retirement or dream home? Do you plan on extending your home or building on your property (e.g., garage, cottage home, shed, etc.)? Perhaps this is a temporary home, or your next stop until another three-to-five-year consulting assignment requires you to move.

Home Insurance Solutions for Wheat Ridge Homeowners

These are good reasons to work with an experienced and professional agent who can help you figure it all out. If you live in or around Wheat Ridge, CO, and have questions or need home insurance, we can help. Contact us today and let our team at CO Insurance Specialist provide you with the home insurance solutions you need and deserve.

In What Ways Can Home Insurance Protect You Against Lawsuits?

Homeownership comes with significant responsibilities. While many view home insurance as a safeguard against property damage, it also serves as a shield against potential lawsuits. At CO Insurance Specialist, we proudly provide home insurance to residents in and around the greater Wheat Ridge, CO area. We understand the importance of having the right coverage to protect your home and your financial future.

Liability Coverage

One of the key ways home insurance can protect you from lawsuits is through liability coverage. If someone gets injured on your property—be it a delivery person slipping on icy steps or a guest tripping over a loose rug—your home insurance can cover medical expenses and legal fees if you’re sued. Without this coverage, you would be responsible for these costs, which can quickly accumulate.

Damage to Others’ Property

Accidents can happen, and sometimes, they extend beyond your property boundaries. If a tree on your property falls and damages your neighbor’s house or car, your liability coverage can help pay for the repairs. This can prevent minor disputes from escalating into costly lawsuits.

Legal Defense Costs

Home insurance often includes coverage for legal defense costs in addition to paying settlements or judgments. This means your policy may cover attorney fees and court expenses if you’re sued for something your policy covers. Having this support can save you thousands of dollars and a significant amount of stress.

At CO Insurance Specialist, serving the Wheat Ridge, CO region, we’re here to ensure you have the protection you need. Contact us today to learn more about how the right home insurance policy can safeguard you from unexpected legal issues.

What are the Requirements to Insure a Classic Car?

Understanding Classic Car Insurance

Classic car owners in Wheat Ridge, CO may not be fully aware of the requirements for adequately insuring their vintage vehicles. If you have questions about these requirements or the necessary insurance coverage to comply with state regulations, contact us at CO Insurance Specialist. We can provide the answers and guide you through the process of insuring your classic car.

Eligibility and Insurance Requirements for Classic Cars

In Colorado, classic car insurance is mandatory. A vehicle must meet several qualifications before it can be registered with collector status.

Specialized Insurance Coverage

Classic car owners might consider purchasing an insurance policy known as agreed value coverage. With this policy, the vehicle’s value is predetermined. If a covered loss occurs, the owner will receive the maximum amount previously agreed upon in the policy.

Vehicle Age and Insurance Coverage

The vehicle must be at least 32 years old. In Colorado, the minimum insurance coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

Manufacturing Date

A classic vehicle must have been manufactured before 1975 to be considered a classic. Vehicles manufactured after 1976 that were registered before September 1, 2009, are also classified as classics.

Mileage

Classic vehicles also have mileage restrictions. The vehicle cannot exceed 4,500 miles of driving per year. When applying for a classic license plate, the owner must sign an affidavit verifying the vehicle will not exceed the 4,500-mile limit per year.

Emissions Testing

The classic vehicle must have passed an emissions test within the previous 12 months to be eligible for registration as a collector/classic vehicle. This requirement applies to vehicles manufactured after 1976.

Get in Touch

Navigating classic car requirements can be confusing. With the assistance of our experienced staff at CO Insurance Specialist, we can help you choose the right path to insure your collector’s item.

I Need to File a Condo Insurance Claim. What Should I Do?

If you have condo insurance, you may need to file a claim when a covered event occurs. Condo insurance typically covers events like burglary, smoke, lightning strikes, fire, and other disasters. It’s important to understand what your condo insurance covers so you can decide when to file a claim.

If you need to file a claim, the professionals at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO, can help. We can answer your questions about how to file a condo insurance claim. Here’s what you need to know.

Address the Situation First

Some events that may lead to a claim involve urgent situations like fire or theft. If you need to contact emergency services, do so first. Your initial steps should always be to address the emergency.

Contact Your Insurance Agency

One of the first things you should do if you need to file an insurance claim is to contact your insurance agency. Your agent can provide advice about proceeding with a claim. You may need to fill out specific forms to start the claim process, and your insurance agent can help you access these forms.

Once you’ve started the claim process, you’ll receive instructions for recovery. Your insurance company can guide you through the process of hiring a professional to repair your home.

Document the Damage

Your insurance company may want to see pictures of your condo before the damage clean-up begins. Please take photos of your condo and save them for your insurance company.

Collect Documentation

Your insurance company may reimburse receipts as you collect them. Gather all the documentation the insurance company requests to make the reimbursement process as seamless as possible. If you need to file a condo claim, contact your agent at CO Insurance Specialist in Wheat Ridge, CO. We can help.

There is No Such Thing as Having “Too Much” Insurance When You Get Into an Accident

It’s common to worry about being "underinsured." After all, no one wants to discover they lack the necessary coverage after an incident. However, the term "overinsured" is often more of a marketing term than an insurance reality. The truth is, there’s no such thing as having too much insurance. Just ask anyone who has been involved in an auto accident. Getting the proper protection for you and your vehicle is crucial, which is why drivers in the Wheat Ridge, CO area rely on the professional team at CO Insurance Specialist for their auto insurance needs.

The Reality of "Over insurance."

Auto accidents are unpredictable, and the damages, expenses, and related bills often exceed our expectations. This unpredictability challenges the concept of being "overinsured." When it comes to safety, protection, and having the coverage we need in the event of an accident, there’s no such thing as too much insurance. That’s why people in and around Wheat Ridge work with professional and experienced agents to get the coverage they need to handle any road trouble.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Wheat Ridge, CO Drivers

If you live in or around the greater Wheat Ridge area and have questions or want to learn more about auto insurance for your vehicle, we can help. Contact us at CO Insurance Specialist to find out more and schedule an appointment for the coverage and protection you need every time you drive.

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