Do I need to be a business owner to purchase umbrella insurance?

Our team at Front Range Insurance Services is committed to helping our Littleton, CO customers understand how various types of insurance work. This includes umbrella insurance. Many customers may not fully understand this type of insurance. Fortunately, umbrella insurance is available to non-business owners and business owners and can provide an extra layer of coverage. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is backup or extra insurance that provides coverage beyond your primary insurance. In short, it covers incidents that go beyond the scope of your primary insurance and incidents that aren’t covered by your primary insurance. This type of insurance also provides coverage for property damage, injuries, personal liability situations, and lawsuits. Coverage for umbrella insurance typically starts at one million dollars.

What’s Required to Obtain Umbrella Insurance?

You don’t have to be a business owner to qualify for umbrella insurance. However, you do have to carry liability insurance in general, employer, or commercial auto insurance. These types of coverage are required to qualify for umbrella insurance. In short, you must carry a minimum amount of auto/property liability insurance before you’re eligible for umbrella insurance. Carrying homeowners insurance can also qualify you for umbrella insurance. 

However, keep in mind that having all the qualifying coverage from your primary insurance policy or policies doesn’t automatically give you access to umbrella insurance. If an insurance company considers you a risk, they can deny you umbrella insurance. If you have questions about umbrella insurance, give us a call. Our Front Range Insurance Services team would be happy to answer all of your questions. We’re standing by.

When are you legally required to buy flood insurance?

When you buy a home in Littleton, CO that lies within a flood zone marked A or V, you legally must purchase flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps flood risk throughout the US and identifies properties as falling within one of 18 flood zones.

You don’t have to study a map to determine which zone your property lies within. Your home purchase documents identify the property as a flood risk if it sits in zone A or V.

Your bank will typically require you to purchase a flood insurance policy before moving into your new home. Although legally, once you pay off your mortgage, you could drop your flood coverage, Front Range Insurance Services encourages you not to do so.

Floods happen every day throughout the US. The average flood cost per homeowner is $43,000. That’s what it costs to repair the water damage, rebuild and replace furniture, clothes, and other home contents. If you don’t want to spend $43,000 to replace nearly everything you own, keeping the flood insurance after paying off your mortgage makes good sense.

As long as your bank or other lending institution holds Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) coverage, you must carry a flood insurance policy if your property falls within a high-risk flood zone, just as it will require homeowners’ insurance.

Contact Front Range Insurance Services in Littleton, CO, about getting flood insurance for your home or business. Ask us about contents only or structure only coverage if you rent your domicile or offer your home for rent. Let us help you get the coverage you need to meet the law’s requirements and protect your financial investment.

Types of recreational insurance in Littleton, CO

Recreational vehicles are not "one size fits all." Your insurance shouldn’t be either.

Front Range Insurance Services knows that recreational insurance should be as personalized as your ride itself. Serving Littleton, CO, the agency can create a policy that best meets your needs and keeps you protected.

Below, Front Range Insurance Services and their experts explain three different types of motorhomes in order to find the right coverage for you.

Fifth Wheels & Trailers

"Pull behind" recreational vehicles don’t have motors. For this reason, towable campers, trailers, and RVs are usually less expensive to insure. But this means that protection is limited too. Even if you choose full coverage, most accidents and other on-the-road incidents are excluded. These would be included under the towing vehicle’s insurance policy instead.

Motorhomes

Not all recreational vehicles are created equal. Motorhomes are usually placed into one of three categories, depending on size, cost, and amenities. Yet it doesn’t matter whether your RV is Class A, B, or C, motorhomes require the same coverage as any other vehicle on the road. In Colorado, this includes liability and property damage insurance at a minimum.

Full-timers

Anyone that lives in a recreational vehicle is considered a "full-timer." This classification calls for a specific type of insurance. These insurance plans are more comparable to renters’ or homeowners’ policies. If your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen, these protections kick in. Loss of use is equally important. If you are forced to temporarily relocate, this may reimburse some of the added expenses you incur.

Consult an agent serving Littleton, CO

Front Range Insurance Services know that you need the right coverage before you hit the open road. Luckily, their professional agents can find a policy to ensure you’re protected. Schedule an appointment today.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Though you may not be required to have boat insurance, the truth is that anything can happen. It might be a good idea to protect yourself (and your boat) in case you are involved in an accident. 

So, what does boat insurance cover? 

Boat insurance property coverage will help you pay for any damages (or replace your boat) if you are involved in an accident. It will also help if your boat is stolen. In fact, boat property insurance coverage will cover your boat, whether in or out of water. 

When buying boat insurance, you can choose two options. You may want to get paid for the actual cash value. This will take depreciation into account. You may also want an agreed amount of coverage, which is when you and the insurance company can agree on a value for your boat. 

Liability coverage covers liability. This will cover any damage that you may cause to someone’s boat or their property. 

Medical payment coverage will cover any injuries that may occur on your boat. It will pay the medical bills of anyone who was injured while they were on your boat. 

Uninsured watercraft coverage will help you if you are in an accident with someone who didn’t have insurance on their boat. This will help you pay your medical bills, along with the cost of repairing your boat. 

Though you may want to save some money by not getting insurance, the truth is that you could end up spending thousands of dollars if you are in an accident on your boat. 

If you are considering insurance for your boat, you should contact us at Front Range Insurance Services in Littleton, CO. 

Motorcycle Insurance: How Does It Work?

If you own a motorcycle, it is imperative to have motorcycle insurance. Most states require this kind of insurance coverage, so you’re protected while riding and in case your bike is ever stolen. Here is what you need to know about how motorcycle insurance works from Front Range Insurance Services, serving Littleton, CO.

What Is Covered by Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance includes a few different types of coverage, including liability, comprehensive, and personal injury. This coverage will protect you against damage and injury while riding, medical expenses if you’re involved in an accident, and against theft. 

It is not uncommon for some bikers to also purchase uninsured motorist and collision coverage. This will cover any costs associated with damage or injuries caused by another driver without sufficient protection or a collision.

How to Make Sure You Have Appropriate Coverage

As a general rule, if your state requires motorcycle insurance, it means you are required to have liability coverage. Coverage outside of this is usually optional, yet recommended. Due to the fact that you are more likely to suffer a serious injury on a motorcycle, personal injury protection should at least be considered.

Collision and comprehensive insurance is something else to consider, especially if you ride your bike on a regular basis. This simply ensures you are sufficiently protected in the event of an accident. As you select your deductible, keep in mind your potential out-of-pocket expenses to ensure you don’t find yourself in a financial bind if an accident occurs. 

If you need help determining the most appropriate motorcycle insurance policy for you and your bike, reach out to the team at Front Range Insurance Services, serving Littleton, CO.

Optional add-ons to a Littleton, CO recreational insurance policy

Your RV is special to you. Your recreational insurance should be just as personalized.

Most recreational insurance policies include similar features. Collision, liability, and personal property protection are all typically standard. However, you can customize these plans to suit your needs.

Front Range Insurance Services wants to help keep you on the road by finding you an individualized, personal plan. Serving Littleton, CO, the agency wheels out five common optional coverage types you can add on to any recreational insurance.

Roadside assistance

If a breakdown does occur, towing an RV is much more difficult than a traditional car. For this reason, roadside assistance can be invaluable. This coverage can also help with smaller issues, like fixing flat tires and locksmith services.

Emergency expenses

Similarly, you may incur some increased costs if you get stranded. Emergency expense policies will reimburse you for these. This could include meals, hotels, and additional travel.

Personal attachment protection

Personal property coverage is typical in most recreational insurance policies, protecting belongings inside the vehicle. By contrast, personal attachment addresses personal items outside the RV, such as awnings and satellite dishes.

Storage coverage

Make sure you’re covered even when your RV isn’t in use. This isn’t often necessary for full-timers. The policies mostly affect owners who use their RV for vacations only.

Residential liability

Accidents can occur when you’re stopped too. This version of liability specifically accounts for any incidents that may happen while you’re stationary or stopped at a destination. Available in recreational or full-time coverage, this kicks in if you are determined to be at fault.

Contact Front Range Insurance Services

Finding the right recreational insurance should be personal. Located in Littleton, CO, Front Range Insurance Services understands the importance of a plan that’s unique to you. Schedule an appointment today.

What Type of Coverage to Get for Your Watercraft

Do you need to get insurance for your watercraft? You’d do well to learn about the different types of insurance policies that are available for boats and other watercraft. An expert from Front Range Insurance Services of the Littleton CO area will help you figure out what you need and make some decisions. 

Choosing the Right Coverage for Your Needs 

There are several boat/watercraft insurance types from which you can choose. You may want to go beyond the basics for something that’s a bit more extensive in terms of what it covers. 

  • Watercraft liability coverage – This provides you with protection when it comes to medical costs, replacement or repair costs, a loss of income, and expenses towards a funeral if there’s a serious accident. 
  • Property coverage – If your boat is docked and becomes damaged after someone hits it, or you are involved in an accident with a boat or something else on the water, this covers the cost of damages. 
  • Emergency services coverage – This repays up to $100 in the event you need towing, delivery (of a battery, oil, or fuel), or any mechanical labor services. 
  • Uninsured watercraft coverage – This allows you to pay for any insurance that you or someone else on your boat receive after you’re in an accident with a boater who doesn’t have insurance. 
  • Watercraft medical payments coverage – When you have this coverage, it pays a portion of medical costs and funeral expenses if someone has an accident and is injured on your boat. 

There are other categories of boat/watercraft insurance that you can get. Reach out to Front Range Insurance Services of the greater Littleton, CO area so you can learn more today. 

The Ins and Outs of Motorcycle Insurance in Colorado

Open-air motorcycle rides can both be the beauty of owning a motorcycle as well as its downfall. While most motorcyclists ride motorcycles to feel free instead of being stuck inside a car, it can also put you and others in danger in certain situations. That is why you should always consider motorcycle insurance, so any type of accident can cover you and the drivers and pedestrians you encounter.

Front Range Insurance Services in Littleton, CO is proud to offer motorcycle insurance to residents in the following states:

  • Colorado
  • Minnesota
  • Washington

We work with several providers, which means you will receive an individualized quote that suits your needs, your driving style, and the area(s) you live and ride in. 

Your Needs

Buying insurance for your motorcycle can be difficult to process, as you might not always know what coverage you need. What type of motorcycle you ride, the type of driver you identify as, and what area you ride in influence how comprehensive your insurance needs to be. If you ride through the Colorado desert a lot, you might want to consider different coverage than when you ride through busy streets in Washington. 

Your Safety First

When it comes to your and other people’s safety, you should be prepared for any situation. No matter what, if you ensure to get insurance for both others and yourself being at fault, you will always be covered against damage to yourself or your own motorcycle, others, or their vehicle.

If you want to find out more about motorcycle insurance or receive a quote, call Front Range Insurance Services in Littleton, CO today. You can also request a quote via our website.

Should Your Life Insurance Policy Change After Marriage?

Marriage can change your outlook on life insurance. If you have no dependents in your home, it is normal not to have a life insurance policy. If you only have your children on your policy, you might want to add a new spouse. There are many reasons to change a policy after marriage.

Young couples often do not think about life insurance until it is time to make a life change. Front Range Insurance Services serving Littleton, CO can help you determine how to change your life insurance policy after marriage.

Does Your New Spouse Rely on Your Income?

Life insurance can protect a new and growing family. When you wed, you may split expenses. Your spouse may rely on your income to pay the bills, and you might rely on theirs. If your spouse passes away, you may suddenly be unable to keep up with life’s expenses. Life insurance can help you through this difficult emotional and financial transition.

Do You Have Plans for the Future?

Whether you plan to have children with your new spouse or you intend to buy a home in the near future, you want your family to have access to finances that will help them in the future. Life insurance can provide financial security.

Do You Have Many Insurance Options?

Younger people have many more insurance options, which is why so many people consider a life insurance policy early in life. Newlyweds should take some time to review the options, including term life insurance, permanent life insurance, and joint-life insurance policies. You should also consider whether you would have more coverage with separate policies.

Are you ready to check out your life insurance options in Littleton, CO? Front Range Insurance Services can help you find a life insurance policy.

Liability for Commercial Insurance: Why It’s Critical

Are you struggling to understand your liability coverage and why it is essential for your commercial insurance in Littleton, CO? If so, you aren’t alone. We at Front Range Insurance Services have helped many businesses like yours learn what they need to know about this type of insurance policy and how it can help you stay solvent.

How Liability Helps Businesses Avoid Problems 

Over the years, liability has become an essential part of most commercial insurance policies. This coverage option helps minimize various legal troubles and financial concerns by creating a comprehensive level of coverage for multiple issues. Just a few of the most common ways that liability insurance protects businesses like yours includes policy coverage options for: 

  • Bodily injuries suffered in your facility and caused by some neglect in your company 
  • Injury or financial loss caused by the failure of a service or one of your products 
  • Potential slander or libel claims by someone affected by one of your advertisements 
  • Damages caused by one of your drivers or delivery people during a standard delivery 

Each liability option will have a natural limit that you need to set with your insurance company to provide yourself with the highest level of possible protection. Talk with your agent about the extent of your business, how much you need to pay to protect yourself from this problem, and the various options available for you and your business’s operation. 

Find a Policy That Works 

Do you need high-quality liability help for your Littleton, CO business? If so, please contact us at Front Range Insurance Services to learn more. Our team will set you up with a policy that makes sense for your needs and will work hard to ensure that you are satisfied with what we have to offer you.