5 Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe

Winter driving, for experienced northerners and inexperienced southerners alike, can be a tricky and dangerous task. Driving in snowy/icy conditions should be avoided when possible, or at least postponed until after the snow plows and sand trucks have treated the roads. For those times when driving cannot be avoided, try these safety tips for winter weather driving:

1. Decrease your speed by 50 percent to increase your reaction time. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you, as stopping can take longer in the snow.
2. Use your headlights to increase your visibility to other drivers. Keep you lights and windshield clean.
3. Practice driving in an empty parking lot to learn how your car handles in the snow.
4. Drive cautiously on bridges and overpasses, as they freeze first.
5. Plan your route ahead of time, including current weather and road conditions. 

Get 5 more safety tips for winter driving, then call us at 720-457-1101 to get a Colorado car insurance quote.

Avoid Cheap Home Insurance

Standard insurance policies only pay a percentage of the value of a home's contents. The contents are assessed at a cash value, which takes depreciation into consideration. As such, the policy will only reimburse what the items were worth at the time of the incident that led to a covered loss. If you have some fairly recent furniture, electronics and appliances, it may be in your best interest to purchase additional replacement cost coverage. This coverage offers reimbursement amounts to fully replace items.

How Cash Value Compares to Replacement Costs

A five-year-old television that cost $800 new may be valued at half of its life, or $400, under a typical homeowner's policy. If it is under replacement cost coverage, though, the full $800 will be reimbursed. However, you need to be careful and read all of your policy documents concerning coverage and have a clear understanding of how the process works. Some replacement policies may only cover four times the current cash value of an item. An item valued at $100 may only be covered for $400, even if it would cost more to replace it.

Making Sure That Your Claim Is Fair

After a covered loss, an adjuster will inspect the property and review the documents concerning your damaged or destroyed contents. An assessment will be prepared that details the goods that need replacement, along with replacement cost estimates. It is a common practice for adjusters to use computer programs to calculate these figures. Once the claims supervisor has this report and approves it, a check will be issued to you. Before you accept this check, be sure to look over everything in the report and make note of any disagreements.

Seek a Second Offer

Over the years, you should have been keeping records of your major purchases and saving the receipts as proof of purchase. This information is your arsenal when the claims adjuster seems to think that big box retailer prices are good enough to replace your solid oak bedroom set. If the claims adjuster doesn't give a fair assessment, you can compose a politely written complaint that details:

• Your specific objections
• Your preferred resolution
• When you expect a response

The insurer may ask for additional details, so be ready to provide any requested documentation or statements.

If you have any questions about claims or Colorado home insurance, then feel free to contact us at 877-430-0092.

How does Summer Weather affect my Home Insurance Claim?

When most people think of weather-related home insurance claims, they think of violent hurricanes, tornadoes and flash flooding. However, a prolonged period of hot weather can also wreak havoc on a building.  High temperatures are often welcomed after a long and cold winter, but many homes are put at risk of structural damage unless proper precautions and maintenance routines are followed.  Home insurance is based on risk, and policy-holders who make regular claims will be considered a high risk.  The result -- higher insurance costs, and in some cases, the refusal of coverage altogether.  Although precautions cannot guarantee the avoidance of structural damage, they will reduce the risk significantly.

Wildfire

States such as California are susceptible to the risk of wildfire throughout the year.  Fire damage does not have to be complete for an insurance claim to be necessary, but a few precautions should reduce the likelihood of having to make a claim to a minimum.  The use of fire-resistant roof shingles and concrete tiles can protect a home from the flying embers that often trigger secondary fires.  The fitting of specialized, fire-proof air vents will allow the free flow of air while stopping embers from entering a property.  Any shrubs and plant-life can be a fire hazard when located close to a property; however, surrounding your home with a 'circle' of trees and foliage could act as a buffer.  The fitting of dual-paneled glazing made with tempered glass will delay a fire's progress into a home.     

Click for two more weather-related items that may affect your home insurance claims.

Buying a home is often the single biggest investment a person will make during a lifetime, so protecting that investment is incredibly important. Give us a call today at 877-430-0092 to discuss ways of protecting your home from the cost of prolonged periods of hot weather.  You can also get an online quote for Colorado home insurance on this website.

Paying too much for Colorado Commercial Insurance?

While insurance is a necessity for any large or small business, the amount of coverage needed can vary. When someone owns a business, it is important to take the time to determine if the premiums are as low as possible and that the coverage is not more than is needed. There are a few things that a businessman can do to ensure that he has the perfect amount of coverage to allow his company to be protected without overpaying.

A Business Owner Needs to Talk to a Professional Who Is Certified in the Insurance Industry

A professional consultant will have taken insurance certification education classes and will have learned everything there is to know about business insurance. Such an agent is able to advise the business owner about all options that are available. It is important for a business owner to understand that insurance options change often, and knowing what is available is essential if the business is going to have the right coverage.

A Business Owner Needs to Understand What the Policy Covers

Many business owners simply gloss over the insurance information without taking the time to read what is truly covered in the policy. It is important to take the time to read each and every sentence to ensure that the business has the best possible coverage. It is essential for the owner to know that the business is covered for what is happening currently and for what is going to happen in the near future.

Businesses Need to Trim Insurance Policies from Time to Time

As things change in a business, certain insurance options can be trimmed to help the business save money. If a vehicle is removed from a fleet of vehicles, security systems are installed within the business, or employees are given specific training, there is a chance that the business could get a discounted rate on insurance, or have an option removed altogether. There is no need for a business to pay more than necessary for an insurance policy.

Insurance Premiums Should be Compared between Multiple Insurance Companies

It is important for a business owner to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure that he is paying the lowest rate possible for the coverage that is needed. Even if a company has an insurance policy currently, it is often possible to transfer the policy to a different company. More information on Colorado business insurance coverage is available by calling 877-430-0092.

The Difference between Cheap and Affordable

When you are shopping for auto insurance, you’re bound to run into countless ads for cheap auto insurance coverage. Why get a cheap policy when you can go for a better option, an auto insurance policy that is affordable?

Cheap and affordable may seem like insignificant distinctions, but the gulf between the two could not be wider.

The Problem with some “Cheap” Insurance

Cheap insurance is the kind of policy one gets just to satisfy state regulators. It has minimal coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability, the minimum required for personal injury protection, and deductibles so high that your savings account would weep if it had tear ducts. Often, the limits required are not high enough to actually cover the average dollar amount of claims in your area and since you have no protection for collision or comprehensive, there is no mitigation for damages your car endures during an accident. Between the lack of real, meaningful coverage offered by these policies and the sky-high deductible, the premium is cheap.

The Benefits of Affordable Protection

Affordable policies, on the other hand, offer meaningful benefits at a price that fits easily within the confines of your budget. They protect you against realistic costs for bodily injury and property damage liability, provide enough personal injury protection to shield you from damages, and also give collision and comprehensive benefits that protect you from the financial damages associated with fire, theft, accident and more; something a cheap policy wouldn’t dream of doing. Finally, affordable policies protect policyholders against damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. Sometimes, you can even create an affordable policy with additional protections, such as loss of use.

In addition, affordable policies have deductibles that are reasonable. They help reduce the premiums by shifting some of the risk onto the policyholder, but they are figures that a policyholder can afford. People often forget that deductibles on auto insurance policies are per incident, not per year. A high deductible could spell trouble for a policyholder’s financial goals if they have more than one incident in a year. Low limits don’t actually stop you from being liable for damages you cause, they simply limit the insurance company’s responsibility to pay. You must pay out-of-pocket for anything that exceeds them.

When you work with the agents at Premier Group Insurance for your auto insurance needs, we create a policy that’s affordable. A policy that offers you and your family meaningful protection with premiums that fit your budget. Give us a call for your free Colorado Car Insurance quote today.

Commercial Auto Insurance and Your Future

Knowing whether or not your need commercial auto insurance is a question asked by nearly all business owners.

Not having this policy is usually justified by the fact that only the owner drives the company vehicle, or that the business doesn’t even own a vehicle—while employees using their own vehicle for errands are typically overlooked.

The truth of the matter is this: if you have a vehicle that is used for business or if you have employees that use their own vehicles for company errands, then you need commercial auto insurance.

Insurance serves to protect your finances and your future. Having auto insurance means you care about being insured after an accident. But when you try to stretch this same policy to a company vehicle, you’ll find your claims denied and your policy dropped in the event of an accident. Having your claim denied can hurt your business, hinder your finances, and be devastating in general.

There’s no need to risk the future of your business and your family when there are so many ways to have a commercial auto insurance policy that covers everything you need. With drive-other-car endorsements and non-owned coverage, cover yourself, your family, and your employees.

In this economy, it’s easy, and sometimes necessary, to cut corners and save money for your business. But if cutting those corners exposes you to more risk than it’s worth and more than you can afford, it will only lead to bigger problems. So don’t take unnecessary risks with your Colorado Car insurance. Speak to a trusted agent at Premier Group Insurance to get the kind of coverage that will protect your family, your business, your employees, and your future.

Steer Clear of Expensive Car Insurance Mistakes

As the economy continues on its downward spiral, consumers across the nation are tightening their belts and trying to save money wherever they can. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that they're losing untold amounts of money by overpaying on car insurance.

If you're looking to save on auto insurance, steer clear of these common car insurance blunders:

Blunder #1: Not shopping around for the best car insurance quoteIf you go with the first car insurance company that comes your way, you could be losing hundreds of dollars each year. It's worth your while to shop around and try to find the best deal out there. When it comes time to renew your insurance, it may be easy to stick with the same insurer you've had for years-but you won't save any money that way. Car insurance companies will calculate your rates differently, so you may be able to find a much better deal from someone else.

Blunder #2: Choosing your state's minimum coverage requirements
Although you may be tempted to choose the bare minimum coverage amounts required in your state, this could cost you in the long run. Just because you are in compliance with state laws doesn't mean that you're fully protected. If you're underinsured, a major car accident could wreak havoc on your personal finances. Everyone's situation and budget is different, so talk to your financial advisor to discuss how much coverage you need.

Blunder #3: Opting for the lowest car insurance deductible
In the car insurance world, the deductible is the amount of money you'll have to pay out of pocket on car repairs before your insurance company starts covering costs. Many consumers make the mistake of assuming the lowest deductible will save them money. However, this is not always the case.

Generally, if you go with a lower deductible, you'll have to pay a higher premium. In the long run, you may be able to save more money by choosing a high deductible insurance plan with a lower premium. Do your homework to figure out what makes the most sense for your unique situation.

Blunder #4: Choosing car insurance based only on cost
While you should definitely shop around for a great price on car insurance, this isn't the only factor you should consider. As you compare car insurance, look at the various benefits each insurer has to offer. Choose the coverage that best suits your needs and then compare prices.

Blunder #5: Missing out on major discounts
If you're a safe driver or if you insure your car and home with the same company, you may be eligible for a discount. Take some extra time to look into what discounts are available from various insurers. You could save hundreds of dollars this year.

Make sure you're paying the best price for your Colorado Car Insurance with Premier Group Insurance today.

Commercial Property Insurance Basics

If you own commercial property that you rent out to other business owners or use for your own business, then you need commercial property insurance. Commercial property insurance is used to cover real property, like buildings, factories, etc. It is not to be confused with business personal property which is used to cover the contents of a business like electronics, stock and furniture.

What does commercial property insurance cover?

This coverage covers the exterior and interior walls, roof and ceiling of your property. In addition, it covers additions, outbuildings, outdoor fixtures, and more. In some cases it covers machinery, appliances, and floor covering—generally only if these items are a built-in, permanent part of the property.

Commercial property insurance does not cover the contents of any of your buildings or the vehicles around it. In addition, it does not cover any additions that are currently under construction. These can be covered by builders risk coverage.

Lastly, this insurance does not cover injuries and losses of others on the premises. Commercial property insurance is intended to cover losses that affect the building itself, not liabilities that occur inside or outside of it.

Is commercial property insurance similar to other property insurance coverages?

Yes. Commercial property insurance has deductibles and limits just like any other type of property insurance coverage. In addition, your policy may have certain exclusions that you should pay close attention to. Reading your policy once you receive it will help you better understand what is and isn’t covered.

Are additional coverages obtainable?

Yes. You can also choose to have coverage added to your policy for the following:

Pollutant cleanup and removal: If you have pollutants present in the land or water of your business due to an insurable incident, this coverage may pay for their extraction.

Debris removal: If an insurable incident cause’s debris to be deposited on your commercial property, this additional coverage will pay for its removal, provided it exceeds the deductible.

Outdoor property: This covers outdoor items like fencing, plants, signs and satellite dishes in the event of an insurable incident.

Commercial property insurance is a vital protection for any real business property owner to carry. It helps protect the bulk of your investment from the losses that fires, storms, vandalism and other insurable incidents can create and protects your savings from being accessed to pay for repairs that make your business property usable again.

Make sure you have the best options for your Colorado Business Insurance needs with Premier Group Insurance today!

Possible Liabilities Issues for Business Owners

There are numerous things to do and deliberate when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself. One very crucial item to consider is the capacity to be sued because of your efforts or inactions as a business owner. We have outlined some everyday potential liability exposures business-owners’ encounter:

• Premises Liability - the possibility of visitors being injured or harmed while at a business location.
• Operations Liability - the possibility of injury occurring because of the work accomplished by the business.
• Products Liability - the possibility of products being manufactured by a business to cause harm or injury
• Injury to employees - laws exist that dictate the liability a business owner can have when an employee is injured while employed.
• Professional liability - Professionals, for example doctors and lawyers, can have further legal duties placed on them because of their professional reputation.
• Management Liability - the possibility of directors and officers of a business being accountable because of their duties to those they attend to.

Let our agency help you determine what dangers your business can encounter and the specific insurance coverage you need so you can breathe easy knowing you are properly covered at a cost that meets your financial means.

Learn about options for your own Colorado Business Insurance from Premier Group Insurance today!

How much insurance do I need on my home?

It is estimated that about 60 percent of American homes are underinsured by an average of 22 percent. Your home is probably your largest single investment, so insuring it adequately is an important part of maintaining your financial independence.

You should have an amount of insurance that is sufficient to rebuild your home in the event it is totally destroyed by a fire, tornado, hurricane or other insured catastrophe. The amount of insurance should cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs, not including the value of the land. Don’t think about the price you paid for your home or the appraised value. The cost of rebuilding could be more or less than the price you paid or could sell it for today.

For more about Denver Homeowners Insurance, head over to Premier Group Insurance and read the rest of this article.

Denver Homeowners Insurance

At Premier Group Insurance we specialize in Denver Homeowners Insurance as well as auto & business insurance in Denver, Lakewood, Aurora & surrounding areas.

We are in our third decade of being in business and we have more than 80 locations in Colorado and the West. We have an experienced, professional and courteous staff with over 80 experience combined. Our bilingual staff has provided fast and friendly service at the beginning and at renewals to thousands of happy customers.

Mission Statement

We will provide our clients with quality insurance products at affordable rates based upon a foundation of integrity and value.

We will provide the highest level of customer service and strive for perfection with everything that we do.

We will protect people from the unforeseen risks of everyday life, help recover from it and fulfill their dreams.