Category: Insurance

Colorado requires riders to obtain an M or a "3" endorsement on a valid Colorado driver’s license. The M allows riders to take their 2-wheel or 3-wheel motorcycle on roadways, while a "3" only permits riding on three wheels. Therefore, if you carry state minimum liability on your Colorado car, it already covers your motorcycle unless your policy explicitly excludes riding one. However, motorcycle riding inherently has a greater possibility of severe injury or death, leading to higher insurance costs.

Issues Affecting Your Colorado Motorcycle Insurance Needs

Consult our licensed Advantage Service Insurance agents in Erie, CO before you decide how much insurance to carry as a motorcycle rider.

Colorado Is a Tort State

Colorado had no-fault insurance from 1974 until 2003. Now, instead of being able to recover damages right away, someone must decide who caused the accident and what percentage of the fault each driver or rider caused. Consequently, if you were lane-splitting and a driver did not see you, you would share at least some blame for the accident.

You Can Only Collect Damages for the Other Party’s Percentage of Fault

You can only receive compensation in Colorado if you bore less than 50 percent of the responsibility for the accident. Therefore, if you were 40 percent at fault, you could only collect 60 percent of your total damages. You get nothing when you and the other party share fault equally.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics

In 2016, nearly 61 motorcyclists died for every 100,000 vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, that rate could run higher: Colorado had already reached 62 deaths by April 2022. Consequently, wisdom dictates carrying uninsured and underinsured motorists, comprehensive insurance, and collision for your motorcycle.

Contact Us Today

Call our Advantage Service Insurance agents in Erie CO or email us for assistance with your motorcycle insurance needs.

You made the right move to take boat insurance to protect your vessel. Now that an incident covered under the policy has occurred, you have a claim. It’s vital that you present your claim correctly to avoid it getting rejected by the insurer. As a boat owner in Erie, CO, there are steps you can take.

Here is what you should do:

1. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately 

Whether the claim is about theft or an accident, you should immediately call your insurance company to inform them. You can also report the claim incident online if your insurer allows for that. Make your you explain in detail what happened.

2. Call the Authorities if Necessary

Some incidents covered under your boat insurance policy, like theft and accidents, require the intervention of authorities like the policy. After calling your watercraft insurance provider, call the police if necessary. You might need to provide a police report of the incident as evidence for your claim to have it approved by the insurance.

3.  Photograph the Scene and Damage

If it’s an accident, take pictures of the scene and the damage to your vessel and other property. If the incident is theft and your vessel is missing, we at Advantage Service Insurance suggest that you take photos of where the boat was. Make sure that you take pictures from broad angles and also close-ups. Once you have the pictures, provide them to your insurance as part of your insurance claim.

4. Wait for Feedback Before Doing Any Repairs

After filing your claim, it’s critical that you wait for feedback from your insurer before doing any repairs. Your vessel insurer might need to physically the damage further before settling on the compensation amount. If the repair is time-sensitive, let the insurer know and request they let you do the repair.

If you need more info on boat/watercraft insurance in Erie, CO, contact Advantage Service Insurance today.

Umbrella insurance is one of those things that you may not think you need – until you really need it. This type of policy provides an extra layer of protection for your assets if you are sued for damages exceeding your regular insurance coverage. While umbrella insurance can be a great safeguard, there are some common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a policy. Advantage Service Insurance in Erie, CO offers a few tips to avoid these.  

Common Pitfalls When Purchasing Umbrella Insurance

1. Don’t Assume Your Regular Insurance Will Cover Everything

Your regular homeowner’s or auto insurance policy likely has some liability coverage, but it may not be enough to protect all of your assets if you are sued. An umbrella policy can provide the extra coverage you need. In addition, certain types of incidents, such as defamation or false arrest, are not typically covered by regular insurance policies. An umbrella policy can protect you in these situations.

2. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late to Purchase Coverage

It will likely be too late if you wait until after an accident or incident to purchase an umbrella policy. No insurance company will provide coverage for claims that arise from events that took place before the policy was purchased. So, if you think you might need umbrella insurance, it’s best to purchase a policy before you actually need it.

3. Don’t Forget to Review Your Policy Periodically

Your needs may change over time, so it’s important to periodically review your umbrella insurance policy to make sure it still meets your needs. If you’ve acquired more assets or you’ve moved to a different state with different laws, you may need to adjust your coverage

If you think you might need umbrella insurance, Advantage Service Insurance in Erie, CO can help. Give us a call today to learn more about our policies and how we can help protect your assets.

 

It’s easy to get sunk by the misinformation around flood insurance. Fortunately, Advantage Service Insurance can throw you a lifeline. Serving the Erie, CO area, our experienced agents can create a policy that keeps you, your home, or your business afloat. Here we answer five common questions about flood insurance.

5 FAQs about flood insurance

What does flood insurance cover?

As its name implies, flood insurance protects against any damage caused by rising water. This applies to the building or any belongings inside.

How much does flood insurance cost?

Pricing will vary. Location, the type of coverage needed, and the property’s flood risk are all considered. If you live in a lower-risk area, you may qualify for a preferred policy.

Where can I buy flood insurance?

The government supports the National Flood Insurance Program. These policies are issued and sold through local, privately-operated, and federally-supported companies.

Am I already covered by an existing policy?

Many incorrectly assume they’re already covered. However, most standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. This is also true if you are renting. While the leasing company has its own insurance, it typically only applies to the structure of the building. Any personal possessions inside would not be covered.

Is flood insurance required?

Flood insurance is only required for high-risk areas or for anyone who currently has a government-backed mortgage. But it’s always recommended. FEMA reports that individuals who live in low-to-moderate risk areas are especially susceptible to flooding. According to their data, these residents are still five times more likely to face a flood than a house fire.

Set up an appointment today

Advantage Service Insurance in Erie, CO provides more than just answers. We know that floods are unpredictable. Only a dedicated flood insurance policy can grant you protection and peace of mind.

The team here at Advantage Service Insurance is proud to serve all of the insurance needs of our friends and neighbors in the greater Erie, CO area. If you consider purchasing a condo in our area, be sure to review all of your insurance options!

Why the right condo insurance policy is so important

When it comes to condo insurance, it makes sense to take the time necessary to find the policy that’s right for you. Condo insurance needs can vary from building to building, but you will always need your policy.

Yes, the condo board or association will carry a robust insurance policy to protect the building structure and any common areas. This policy, however, will not provide any coverage when it comes to damage or loss within your unit. Because of this, you will want to review the available policy options and choose one that is right for your specific needs.

Condo ownership can be different from homeownership, but that doesn’t mean that condo dwellers don’t also need proper insurance protection. If you are looking to buy a condo, you are likely attracted to the low-maintenance lifestyle that such a dwelling can provide. When you have the right condo policy in place, you can enjoy the easy living that comes with knowing you have the protection you need!

Find out more about condo insurance today!

Advantage Service Insurance is here for the Erie, CO community. If you would like to learn more about the condo insurance policy options available in our area, give us a call today! Our team is here to answer all of your questions and help you find the policy that is right for your needs.

Business owners in the Erie, CO area should be prepared for anything. The team at Advantage Service Insurance is here to help business owners ensure that they are running their business compliantly, while also covering all the bases to properly protect themselves and their employees. 

While many scenarios may never play out, commercial insurance is essential to protecting the welfare of your business and for your own financial protection, too. There are so many instances where having commercial insurance will save you money, headaches, and tons of wasted time. 

When Does Commercial Insurance Come in Handy?

1. If your property is vandalized or items are stolen 

2. If your property or building is damaged in a bad weather incident and requires repairs or inventory replacement

3. If you have a lawsuit filed against you by a disgruntled customer 

While these are three of the most impactful ways commercial insurance can help your business, there are plenty more. 

The peace of mind you’ll gain by investing in a quality commercial insurance policy is invaluable. Just knowing that you are covered financially, in any event, is a great relief for many business owners. 

If you are just starting out and building a business from the ground up, make sure commercial insurance is high on your shopping list. The team at Advantage Service Insurance has plenty of agents who are well versed in commercial insurance and can help provide you with the best policy for your personal and professional needs. 

We’re serving the Erie, CO area and are happy to help you in any way we can. Our agents have years of experience working with businesses of all sizes and can get you the policy you’re looking for. 

Protecting your business requires finding a business insurance plan that provides you with the high level of coverage that you need. At Advantage Service Insurance, we can provide Erie, CO companies with policies that take care of many different elements of your needs. 

General Liability 

Your business needs liability protection from various types of dangerous situations, such as individuals getting hurt on your premises or by your products and services. 

Professional Liability 

Extends your liability beyond the basic guidelines and extends it to your customers, ensuring that they are fully protected when they work directly with you. 

Property Protection 

If your facility gets damaged by anything (such as fires or floods), your property protection coverage should ensure that you get the financial help that you need. 

Business Owner Help 

Do you own your business or work for yourself out of your home? This protection should help to minimize your financial loss if anything impacts your operation. 

Major Catastrophe Coverage 

When your business closes down due to a catastrophe, you may need financial help to stay solvent. For example, you can use your insurance to pay your employees and avoid a walkout from your employees.

Business Interruption Help 

Have you ever had to close your business due to repairs or disasters and lost a lot of cash? This type of coverage will keep you solvent by paying your bills and keeping you operational.

Help is Available for Your Company

If you are concerned about your business operation and aren’t sure what kind of policy will work the best, please contact us at Advantage Service Insurance right away to learn more. We service Erie, CO and can provide the kind of insurance that you need to stay open and safe from problems.

Owning a classic car brings a sense of pride, joy, and memories. But whether you are purchasing your first classic car or you are a seasoned classic collector, you must invest in classic car insurance to protect your investment. 

But are you among those people that think classic car insurance is a waste of money? If yes, consider these reasons and invest in classic car insurance from Advantage Service Insurance in Erie, CO.

To protect the value of your car

If your standard car is totaled today, your insurer will compensate you with the actual cash value of your vehicle, which is usually the replacement cost minus the depreciation. However, when you purchase classic car insurance, you pre-agree with the insurer the value they will compensate you if your car is totaled or stolen. 

To protect you against liabilities

If you are at fault for an auto accident, liability claims can be costly. You could face bodily injury and property damage claims that can be expensive. Worse yet, if you are sued, the claims are likely to put your assets at stake. 

Luckily, you don’t have to worry too much about third-party liabilities if you have classic car insurance.

To bail you out in emergencies

If your collector’s car stalls miles away from home, classic car insurance provides flatbed towing and services like gas delivery, puncture repair, and battery jump-start — all these to ensure you aren’t stranded when your ride misbehaves.

It’s affordable

If you think investing in classic car insurance is a costly affair, you’re mistaken. Since you don’t drive your car every day, the risks are minimal compared to your standard vehicle. As such, classic car insurance is significantly lower than typical car insurance, helping you protect your prized investment at a considerable cost.

Are you looking for classic car insurance in Erie, CO? Don’t look beyond Advantage Service Insurance. Our personalized coverage lets you live in the past as we protect your vehicle for the future. 

A motorhome offers freedom to explore the open road. A personalized insurance plan keeps you rolling along.

Motorhome and RV insurance can vary greatly. You’ll want a policy that best meets your needs.

Advantage Service Insurance can help. Serving Erie, CO, their trained professionals encourage you to consider three factors before buying a policy.

Damage protection

Accidents happen. If it does, collision insurance has you covered. Most policies include this, no matter who’s at fault. But, consider comprehensive coverage also. This safeguards against any damage that’s not the result of a collision, including national disasters and falling objects. Liability coverage alone isn’t typically enough. Ask your agent for a list of what’s protected. 

Personal protection

Motorhome insurance isn’t just about guarding your ride. It also extends protection to the people inside. Liability shields against any bodily injuries suffered by you or others during an accident in which you are determined to be at fault. Medical policies go even further, paying for healthcare expenses if someone is hurt. Both of these types may be required by law, so choose a policy that has the appropriate coverage. For additional assurance, select a personal property plan. This protects your belongings if they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed while in your motorhome.

Roadside assistance

Unfortunately, more time on the road means an increased chance of a breakdown. Not only is getting stranded stressful but towing can be costly too. Roadside assistance is a helpful option, especially on long road trips. Most coverage plans will also provide locksmith services or even help fix a flat.

Contact an agent serving Erie, CO

Although this covers the basics, there will be other factors you’ll want to consider. Advantage Service Insurance will assess your needs, give advice, and create a plan to keep you and your family on the road.

When you get an RV in Colorado, you do so with the thrill of adventure and exciting journeys on your mind. You also probably worry about the many potential problems along the way. Of course Colorado RV insurance will help alleviate some of those worries. That may not always help you when you have a breakdown on the road.

At Advantage Service Insurance, we want Erie, CO to be ready for every potential concern. Before you hit the road, make sure you take the steps to avoid a breakdown and potential collision.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are one of the first things you should check when you are heading out for a long journey. RV tires especially are more susceptible to problems such as rotting or cracks. This is because they sit unused for long months at a time.

Get your tires checked by a professional RV mechanic before you go on the road and take care of that potential danger early.

Check Your Batteries

Batteries are an important thing to check when you are going anywhere for an extended journey. When your RV has been unused and resting for months, have the battery tested before it’s too late. Unused batteries can easily get sulfated and not get you any further than the parking lot down the street. 

Get your batteries charged and tested before you go for your trip.

Have Your Cooling System Checked

Your cooling system is going to do a little extra work when you are traveling in the summer months. The last thing you want is a breakdown in the mountains or the desert, and you wind up with a problem that lasts for weeks. RVing is fun until that happens. 

Get your cooling system checked, and you won’t have this worry on your mind.

Get Roadside Assistance

Before you go on your trip, consider adding Roadside Assistance and special towing add-ons and riders to your RV insurance policy in Colorado. At Advantage Service Insurance, we want Erie, CO residents to be prepared for every potential problem. Call us for a quote to update your policy today.