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Colorado Insurance Blog

Three Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter Weather

As winter weather approaches quickly, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of sooner rather than later. Preparing your home for winter will reduce maintenance and protect it from dropping temperatures, snow, and ice.

1. Cover Your Pipes

Covering your pipes keeps them warm and protected against cold weather in the winter. Too many homeowners forget this step or do it later in the winter after the pipes have started freezing. Frozen pipes will not only prevent you from getting water through but can also crack, causing leaks and the need for replacement pipes. Save yourself a lot of stress and money by doing this task first.

2. Clean Your Roof and Gutters

Before the winter months get here, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters, ensuring no debris is causing a backup and that water can get through the system properly. Once you have that system clean, clean off any debris lingering on your roof so that it doesn’t freeze under the snow and cause your roof to get heavy. If too much weight gets on the roof, it will cause it to collapse, and you need extensive repairs. Nailing down any loose shingles on your roof is also good to keep them intact.

3. Insulate the Attic

If you haven’t already, checking the attic insulation and updating it before it gets cold is a good idea. You want to keep the heat inside your home so you don’t overwork your HVAC system. Too much pressure when the weather gets cold could cause it to malfunction. It will also easily raise your utility expenses. With new insulation, you can keep the warm air inside the home and moisture from the winter weather out.

If you’re looking for home insurance in Denver, CO, and surrounding communities, our team at AFI Insurance is ready to provide you with a personal quote today.

Benefits of Additional Living Expense Coverage on a Homeowner Policy

At AFI Insurance in Denver, CO, we take pride in helping our homeowner clients understand the excellent coverages we offer. Additional living expense coverage comes standard when you purchase a homeowners insurance policy. It is beneficial because it pays for the extra cost (beyond your everyday living expenses) that impacts your family if you are unable to live in your home after a covered loss.

For instance, when a fire or tornado causes damage to your home and makes it uninhabitable, you incur increased expenses due to having to relocate while your home is repaired. So, the additional living expense (ALE) coverage is available to help with costs for extra expenses beyond your typical expenses while you are not able to live in your home. That cost could be for restaurant meals or hotel stays.

Additional Living Expense Covers, What?

Additional living expenses apply when your home is damaged and uninhabitable due to a covered peril listed on your homeowner’s policy.

Some of the most common perils (reasons for your loss) covered on homeowner’s policies include losses due to:

  • Smoke and fire
  • Tornado and other windstorms
  • Falling objects
  • Vandalism
  • Explosions
  • Water damage due to busted pipes
  • The weight of ice, snow, or sleet

Common expenses reimbursed to you under the additional living expense coverage can include, but are not limited to:

  • Temporary rentals or hotel fees
  • Restaurant expenses
  • The cost associated with boarding a pet

What is the coverage limit for ALE?

Your homeowner’s policy comes with a specific amount of coverage, which is the limit your policy will pay for your extra living expenses. Usually, it is a percentage of the coverage value of the policy you purchased and is only available for a set amount of time.

Get in touch with us today!

You may be a client who has questions about your homeowner policy, or you may be someone who is shopping around and looking for an excellent insurance solution for your home and to protect your family. Either way, we are here to help. Contact us today at AFI Insurance in Denver, CO, or schedule an appointment at (303)433-8888.

We look forward to earning your business.

When Should You Update Your Home Insurance Policy?

At AFI Insurance, we’re committed to helping residents of the Denver, CO, area protect their homes with care for the long term. One way we do that is by reviewing and updating home insurance policies to ensure our clients are properly covered. If you’re in the local area and looking to update your policy, we can help. That will add to your peace of mind and help you enjoy your home more fully, both now and in the future.

Generally, it’s a good idea to update the insurance policy on your home at least once per year or any time you have a significant event in your life that could affect your home. For example, if you add to the space or remodel it, you may want to make updates to your insurance coverage. The goal is to ensure you’re well-protected, and our agents are dedicated to finding ways to help make that easier and more convenient for you.

There’s no reason to settle for less when you have us on your side. Whether you haven’t updated your insurance coverage in a long time or have questions, getting in touch with us is the right choice. We’ll be happy to answer any questions about your current policy and provide quotes from other insurers if you’re thinking about making a change. With us, you have the options and support you need most.

Contact us at AFI Insurance today if you’re in the Denver, CO, area and looking for someone to help update your home insurance policy. Our commitment to you will make the update process smooth and efficient so that you can adequately protect your house and personal belongings. Then, you can enjoy your home.

Home Security Trends That May Affect Your Insurance Policy

Choosing to have security devices installed on your property will prevent theft and vandalism. Consider the following security trends. Then, contact an AFI Insurance agent from Denver, CO.

Smart Devices

Smart devices use technology to operate. These devices require little effort to operate. A property owner can program a smart device from the comfort of their home.

Once the devices are installed, a property owner can monitor the operational status of each device. Smart devices can track movement or record footage of what occurs on the property. Security devices like these will protect a home while it is occupied or unoccupied.

Surveillance Equipment

Surveillance equipment will detect movement on the property. Surveillance equipment can also be used to detect what occurs indoors. This type of equipment alerts an end user when movement has been detected. The alert could prevent a crime from occurring.

Automatic Gates

Automatic gates prevent intruders from trespassing. Automatic gates protect valuables from being stolen. They also increase the safety of children and pets. Automatic gates can be installed along level and unlevel parts of outdoor property.

Upgraded Lighting

Solar lighting or LED lighting can increase visibility in areas that are currently hard to see. The increased visibility may ward off intruders. The new lights will also prevent accidents from occurring. Lights should be installed along driveways, walkways, and other areas that will be driven or walked upon.

Reach out to AFI Insurance

Contact an AFI Insurance agent about the security upgrades that you do. An agent serving Denver, CO, will adjust your insurance policy. The adjustments will reflect the upgrades that have been made.

Stay Protected With Home Insurance

If you own a home, you likely already know that home insurance is highly recommended for you. No matter which type of house you have and where in Colorado it’s located, it needs to be covered by an insurance policy. Without this insurance for even a day, there is a risk that could leave you with severe financial damage. Many things can happen to a home and what’s inside it, and you need to be covered just in case. Call us at AFI Insurance in Denver, CO to get your home insurance policy.

Home Protection

One of the main functions of home insurance is to protect the actual house. These policies cover homes against a broad range of specific risks that can occur and damage a home. If certain accidents, disasters, etc., should happen to a covered house, the policy can pay for the needed repairs. The policy can even pay for rebuilding a home if it gets destroyed in a covered incident. Don’t be without this coverage. 

Possession Protection

The policy also covers the items inside the covered home. When something damages the house, it may also damage your possessions. This can be highly expensive to take care of. When you have a home insurance policy, it can pay for the damages and get things replaced. Replacing everything would be prohibitively expensive for many homeowners. 

Liability Protection

You’re liable for any accidents that happen on your property. If someone gets injured on your property, your home insurance policy will cover the costs of the accident. This is another important type of coverage that you shouldn’t be without. 

Get Home Insurance 

If you need a home insurance policy, we can help. Call us now at AFI Insurance in Denver, CO.

Unexpected Things Home Insurance Covers

You probably know your homeowner’s policy covers your home and its contents. However, there are other things that you may not be aware are covered. At AFI Insurance in Denver, CO, we offer homeowner’s policies to meet your needs. 

1. Other Structures Coverage

Other structures coverage provides protection for structures on your property other than your home. If you have a shed, barn, or other type of building, this is covered in your homeowner’s policy. If it’s damaged or destroyed, your policy will cover the repair or replacement costs. 

2. Animal Bites and Injuries

If your pet bites someone on your property, this is covered under your personal liability coverage. It’s important to note that your policy may exclude some dog breeds, so check your policy. This part of your policy also covers other injuries, like slips and falls. 

If someone who doesn’t live with you gets injured, your policy will cover their medical expenses. 

3. Liability Lawsuits 

Your liability protection also covers lawsuits. If someone is injured at your home and sues you for damages, your homeowner’s policy will cover the settlement costs. 

If their personal property is damaged, this is also covered. 

4. Hotel Expenses

If your home is damaged and you need to live somewhere else temporarily, your policy will cover your living expenses until you can get back into your home. This typically includes hotel expenses or rent, as well as food costs. 

5. Meteorites 

Your homeowner’s policy should cover falling objects, including meteorites. While it’s unlikely that a space rock will damage your home, you have peace of mind that you are protected if it does. 

Homeowner’s Insurance with AFI Insurance

If you need homeowner’s insurance in Denver, CO, contact us at AFI Insurance. Our knowledgeable agents are here to help you choose the best policy for your needs. 

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

As the summer storm season approaches here in the Denver, CO area, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your home is prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Here are five tips from us at AFI Insurance that can help you get ready to face a storm:

  • Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: Make sure your roof is in good condition, and check the gutters for any blockages or debris that could cause problems during the storm.
  • Trim Trees and Remove Debris: Before the storm arrives, trim any trees near your home that could become uprooted and remove any debris around your property that could become dangerous in high winds. 
  • Take Inventory of Valuables: Make a list of all valuable items in your home so you know what needs to be covered or moved into sheltered areas before the storm hits. 
  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Create an emergency kit filled with water, food, medical supplies, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and other essentials so you’re prepared if the power goes out or access to stores becomes limited after the storm passes through. 
  • Secure Outdoor Furniture: Make sure all outdoor furniture is securely fastened down and bring anything inside that has the potential to become airborne during strong winds or heavy rains. 

By taking these precautionary steps now, you can help protect yourself and your home this summer storm season!

For more tips or to explore a homeowners policy, call us at AFI Insurance today. We proudly serve the Denver, CO area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.

Does home insurance cover my work-from-home office?

Many companies now encourage their employees to work remotely from home. But what about your home office space and all your work equipment? Is it covered by your Denver, CO home insurance policy? AFI Insurance discusses what you need to know when protecting your work-from-home office. 

What is Covered? 

In most cases, your home insurance policy will cover the property in your home office, such as computers, furniture, and supplies. However, there are some limitations on what is and isn’t covered. For example, suppose you have expensive electronics like a professional camera or high-end audio equipment that you only use for business purposes. In that case, your regular policy may not cover these items. In this case, you may need to purchase additional coverage to ensure they are protected. 

Business liability insurance coverage is critical if you are interacting with customers regularly. It can provide protection if someone slips and falls in your home office or if something happens to damage another person’s property while you are working from home. 

Will My Rates Increase? 

The cost of covering the contents of your work-from-home office may cause a slight increase in your premium rates depending on how much coverage you need. However, it’s important to remember that having the right level of protection can save you money in the long run if something unexpected happens while you’re working from home.

If you work from home in Denver, CO, it’s essential to ensure that you and all your belongings are adequately protected. Do you still have questions? Contact AFI Insurance today – we’re here to help.

Are You a Homeowner? Protect it with Insurance

Do you live in or around the Denver, CO area? If so, are you a homeowner or thinking about becoming one? The professionals at AFI Insurance can get you started on the road to homeowner protection.

Homeowners insurance is an essential expense when owning a home, even though it may be unnecessary. There are extra costs added to the purchase price of a home. When you have a loan, the interest could be significant; there may be private mortgage insurance and property taxes. These things add up, and if you want to save money, you may wonder if homeowner’s insurance is necessary.

This coverage is not a legal requirement in any state. You will not be fined if you decide to do without it. However, you will find that homeowners insurance is required when carrying a mortgage on the property. You will not find a lender who will approve a mortgage without it. Insurance not only protects your home, but it protects the lender’s interest in the home. They require that you carry insurance that covers the full replacement cost of the house or the unpaid principal balance on the mortgage.

There are other protections your lender could require. Certain specifics include lightning, fire, the weight of snow on the roof, frozen pipes, etc. They require that you have met their requirements before loan processing.

Another added benefit of homeowners insurance is that it protects you from lawsuits. The personal liability portion of the policy will help cover you if a visitor falls and gets hurt on your property or if your dog decides to bite a guest. This protection is needed even if your home is paid for.

Don’t risk your financial security. In case of a lawsuit, you could lose your home needlessly. Homeowners’ insurance will prevent that.

For a no-obligation quote, contact AFI Insurance today. You will be glad you did.

Three decisions you need to make when you purchase home insurance

As a homeowner, you need to carry home insurance coverage to protect the financial investments that you make in your home. There are numerous decisions that you’ll have to make when you select a home insurance policy. 

At AFI Insurance, we can come to your assistance when you’re on the market for a home insurance policy in Denver, CO. The following are three decisions we can assist you with when choosing a home insurance policy. 

The company you’ll buy home insurance from

You need to evaluate the insurance coverage offerings of your area’s different home insurance providers. You can get quotes from numerous insurance providers to choose a home insurance policy that offers good value and customer service. Be sure to research a home insurance provider that you’ll be happy with over the long term. 

The deductible on your home insurance policy

The deductible amount is one of the most essential details of your policy. A higher deductible amount typically means lower premiums. However, a higher deductible amount may also be more difficult to afford if you have to file a claim.

You need to choose a deductible amount that is low enough to be affordable but won’t result in excessively high monthly premium costs. 

The amount of coverage you’ll carry

Another critical detail of your policy is the coverage maximums. You should carry enough coverage to protect both your assets when it comes to liability coverage and your property value when it comes to property damage coverage. 

Do you have questions about meeting your home insurance needs in Denver, CO? Get in touch with us at AFI Insurance to explore your options and find the right coverage for your unique situation.  

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