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Colorado Insurance Blog

When is a Damaged Roof Covered By Home Insurance?

The roof on your house helps to keep outside elements out of your home. However, when it is damaged or in poor condition, water may seep into your home, causing substantial amounts of damage. Unfortunately, roof repairs or re-roofing your home can be costly. Fortunately, sometimes these repairs may be covered by your home insurance. Here is some information on what types of damage may be covered and what types may not be covered by your home insurance policy.

When Roof Damage is Covered

Generally speaking, if something caused damage to your roof other than regular wear and tear, your home insurance will pick up the damage. For example, if a hail storm damaged your roof, home insurance will pick it up. Or if strong wind gusts suddenly blew a large number of shingles off your roof, your home insurance will likely pay for the repairs or for a new roof, if warranted.

When Roof Damage is Not Covered

Home insurance will generally not pay to repair or replace roofs that need work due to normal wear and tear. Most roofs only last about 20 to 30 years when properly cared for. During this time period, regular exposure to rain and sunlight may wear shingles or tiles down or cause a couple here or there to be damaged. When this occurs or when your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, home insurance typically won’t make the repairs or pay for the new roof.

When you are shopping around for home insurance, it is important that you understand what is and is not included in the policy. This helps ensure your policy best fits your needs. Here at AFI Insurance, serving the greater Denver, CO area, we sit down with our customers and go over their policy, helping to ensure they have a full understanding of it. If you are in the market for a new policy, let us help you. Contact us today to set up an appointment to get started.

Tips for Preparing for Winter Weather

When you hear about Denver, CO, one might think of snowfall; the arid conditions actually bring only 8 to 15 inches of annual precipitation, which it gives residents over 300 days of sunshine a year. The average temperature is 45 degree Fahrenheit and the mountains remain snowcapped throughout winter. Because it is sunny so much in Denver the snow spells rarely last more than two day, which can create water damage from the melting snow.

Winter in Denver, CO can be a fun time for skiing and snowboarding, but it can be hard on one’s home. That’s why there are special precautions that should be taken to prepare one’s home for winter weather. The first thing that can be done is to make sure your heating system is working properly and if it is in need of a tune up. Another easy tip is to switch your ceiling fan in reverse. That may seem silly, but it can help when you turn on your heat because it will produce an updraft and push down the heat. Next, check your roof for missing or broken shingles because the melting snow can get heavy and may leak during a winter storm. This is why having homeowners insurance that covers roof leaks in the Denver, CO area is so important. You can also caulk in the window frames and door frames and gaps between the sidings. Silicon’s caulk is best for harsh exteriors because it won’t shrink and is impervious to the winter elements. Cleaning your gutters that are full of detritus can back up water which can then damage the roofing, siding, and even wood trim. That can even cause leaks and ice dams. These are just a few tips to deal with the winter weather in Denver, CO.

You can also caulk in the window frames and door frames and gaps between the sidings. Silicon’s caulk is best for harsh exteriors because it won’t shrink and is impervious to the winter elements. Cleaning your gutters that are full of detritus can back up water which can then damage the roofing, siding, and even wood trim. That can even cause leaks and ice dams. These are just a few tips to deal with the winter weather in Denver, CO.

Driving Safety Tips

The holiday season is a busy one. The weather is changing, people are driving more and it gets dark earlier. Also, people are stressed, tired, and unfortunately, sometimes driving while under the influence. This is a time to ensure that you and your family stay safe on the road. Here are some tips to help you out:

Be Extra Vigilant

Now is the time to practice an extra dose of defensive driving. People may not be paying attention or they may be driving erratically. This happens when the weather changes and people fail to adjust their driving to the new conditions. Always be sure to leave plenty of room and keep your eyes open for problems.

Don’t Be A Part Of The Problem

Rush hour traffic, holiday shopping, bad weather and general holiday stress can have you hurrying and even agitated. Don’t give in to the urge to speed or engage in road rage. Remember that the most important thing is that you and your family arrive safely at your destination.

Report Drunk Drivers

If you see someone driving erratically, it’s important to report it. Of course, you will pull over before making any phone calls, or have a passenger make the calls for you.

Use Devices With Caution

MP3 players, GPS devices and smartphones are all great to have on the road, but they present a huge hazard when you are driving. Always set your GPS before you leave. Don’t give in to the temptation to mess with your playlist or fidget with your GPS device while driving. Pull over if need be. It only takes a split second!

Finally, be sure your car is in good working condition and properly maintained. Also, be sure that your vehicle coverage is up to date and still providing you with the proper amount of protection. If you aren’t sure, contact your Denver, CO insurance representative today.

How Can Home Insurance Protect Your Assets?

Protecting your personal assets and home equity are important priorities for you and your family, which is why an effective home insurance policy is so critical. These policies help you rebuild your home in the event of major damage, or they can help you replace personal property lost attributable to events out of your control. These two benefits are just a small example of how insurance can protect your assets.

If you’re subject to a lawsuit and are found liable for damages or medical payments, home insurance can help absorb some of those costs, allowing you to keep your home. This type of protection is critical for the peace and security of your family. Also, if your personal property is damaged due to theft or some other type of uncontrollable event, you can likely recover the worth of your assets.

If your home is damaged by a natural disaster, you may need special coverage options such as flood and fire insurance, to cover the cost of the damage. This makes it critical to understand the area that you live in, so that you can optimize your home insurance coverage. While Denver, CO is a beautiful place to live, it’s not without risks and threats to your home equity. The right insurance can make these risks less daunting.

You’ve worked long and hard all your life to accumulate your home equity and personal possessions, which means you need adequate home insurance to mitigate risks. Whether you’re looking for AFI insurance or specific coverage limits in Denver, CO, talking to a qualified and experienced insurance rep is key for effective policy selection.

Winterizing Your Home for a Safe Holiday Season

Before you know it, the winter holidays will be here.  While you’re busy making lists for sprucing up the interior of your home, it might be time to give some thought for the exterior such that you and your guests can enjoy a trouble free time of joy. Those little repair jobs that you push to the side can easily turn into nightmares with the advent of a blizzard, ice storm or simply a wild windy night in Denver, CO.

Fixing up the Driveway

It won’t do to have your in-laws twist their ankles on that pothole that has been getting bigger over the past few years.  At the same time a few more passes of the snowblower or plow can turn the six-inch crumbling mass into a safety hazard to your car as well as friends and relatives.  You may not need a full repave, but simply a bag of quik-crete.

Making Your Stairs Safe

You know to step more firmly on the fourth tread from the top of your deck stairway.  The tread has been wobbling of late.  With a freeze or two, it could work itself loose.  Wouldn’t it be better to nail it down now rather than have the Thanksgiving dinner turned into a visit to the ER?

Checking Siding and Roof for Loose Parts

Perhaps the most daunting maintenance tasks are the roof and siding.  However, with one major storm in Denver, CO that piece of siding that looks a little loose could turn into major damage to your home.  You have a choice: spend a little time and money now or suffer through a claim with AFI Insurance.

Is your home insurance up to date and ready to cover you in case of storm damage?  Give the folks at AFI Insurance a call today.

Fall Home Checklist: How to Stay Safe

Denver, CO can see some cold, snowy winters. That’s why homeowners begin preparation for the colder seasons starting in the Fall.  While the weather is still nice, this is the time to get outside and do some preventative maintenance around the house that will guarantee and safe and cozy home until it’s time for next year’s spring cleaning.  

Check for Escaping Heat

Look for cracks along windows and door frames and caulk any areas where heat could be escaping.  Do the same for any cracks you find along walls.  The roof is another area where heat likes to find an escape.  Every Fall it’s a good idea to give your roof a thorough inspection. This will keep your property’s carbon footprint smaller along with a smaller energy bill. 

Look for Peeling Paint

Inspect the exterior walls of your property and any outbuildings for peeling paint, which is a sign that the paint needs to be replaced to keep what is underneath protected.  Old paint can no longer support siding and over time the siding will deteriorate leading to expensive repairs.  

Install Storm Windows and Doors

Before the first snowfall, it is a good idea to secure the more vulnerable parts of the property, namely the doors and windows.  Winter storms bring strong winds that rattle windows and doors, trying to make its way in.  By securing your windows and doors with quality storm replacements, you’ll keep the storm where it belongs – outside.  

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

Having insurance to weather any storm that comes your way, will keep your home safe and protected for all the days you will there.  At AFI Insurance, we will assist you in getting the right insurance for your home or rental property.  Don’t let anything stand to chance in Dever, CO.  Protect yourself and your loved ones with AFI Insurance guiding the way.  Contact us today for more information.  

 

 

How to Prepare Your Car For Winter in Denver, CO

Winter is nearly upon us once again. For most Denver, CO residents, the winter is their favorite time of the year due to the colder temperatures and the bevy of winter activities available in the area. Without a properly working vehicle, you will struggle with things like getting to work on time. The colder temperatures of winter can cause a car to perform sluggishly if it has not been maintained properly. When trying to get your vehicle ready for the coming winter weather, here are some of the things you need to do.

Checking the Condition Of Your Tires

The only part of your vehicle that actually touches the ground are the tires. As time goes by, the rubber that your tires are made of will begin to deteriorate. Before the roads begin to ice over due to colder winter temperatures in the Denver, CO area, you will need to get your tires checked out by a professional. If the tires are worn, it will be very hard for them to grip the road tightly when ice is present. This can lead to accidents and a lot of damage being done to your vehicle. Getting a new set of tires will help you stay safe regardless of the road conditions.

Ensuring the Car’s Heater is Working Properly

In order to combat the ice cold temperatures that winter can bring, your car’s heater will have to be working properly. If things like the heater core begin to leak, you will need to get it replaced before winter arrives. Taking the vehicle to a mechanic who is familiar with automotive heating systems is the only way to ensure there are no repair issues to address. If components of the heating system are broken, the mechanic will be able to replace them quickly.

Making sure that you have adequate car insurance coverage is easy when working with AFI Insurance. The team at AFI Insurance have the experience needed to get you the best possible coverage for the best price.

How to Prepare Your Car For Winter in Denver, CO

Winter is nearly upon us once again. For most Denver, CO residents, the winter is their favorite time of the year due to the colder temperatures and the bevy of winter activities available in the area. Without a properly working vehicle, you will struggle with things like getting to work on time. The colder temperatures of winter can cause a car to perform sluggishly if it has not been maintained properly. When trying to get your vehicle ready for the coming winter weather, here are some of the things you need to do.

Checking the Condition Of Your Tires

The only part of your vehicle that actually touches the ground are the tires. As time goes by, the rubber that your tires are made of will begin to deteriorate. Before the roads begin to ice over due to colder winter temperatures in the Denver, CO area, you will need to get your tires checked out by a professional. If the tires are worn, it will be very hard for them to grip the road tightly when ice is present. This can lead to accidents and a lot of damage being done to your vehicle. Getting a new set of tires will help you stay safe regardless of the road conditions.

Ensuring the Car’s Heater is Working Properly

In order to combat the ice cold temperatures that winter can bring, your car’s heater will have to be working properly. If things like the heater core begin to leak, you will need to get it replaced before winter arrives. Taking the vehicle to a mechanic who is familiar with automotive heating systems is the only way to ensure there are no repair issues to address. If components of the heating system are broken, the mechanic will be able to replace them quickly.

Making sure that you have adequate car insurance coverage is easy when working with AFI Insurance. The team at AFI Insurance have the experience needed to get you the best possible coverage for the best price.

Why Flood Insurance Isn’t Part of Homeowner’s Insurance

New homeowners are regularly educated on what they’re required to take care of when financing a home purchase, and that includes a home insurance policy to protect the asset from harm. However, if read closely, one is going to find that while the policy protects against general hazards like theft, fire, structural damage and similar, one particular risk is left out: flood damage.

Flood protection has for many years been an issue addressed by the federal government. The National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP to the industry, is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to both provide homeowners insurance coverage against flood risk as well as to push for proactive flood planning in communities at high risk for flooding. However, NFIP benefits are not directly accessible to private homeowners. Instead, NFIP underwrites and supports policies provided by traditional home insurance providers. The program works very similarly to how mortgages from home lenders are backed and supported by the federal government. Should there be a flood and claims are triggered, the provider acts as the go-between with the homeowner and NFIP. Up to a predetermined limit, claims are processed and funded, and the provider is then taken care of by the NFIP program.

However, NFIP eligiblity for flood insurance doesn’t happen automatically. Homeowners need to secure a policy first. Some regions are determined as high risk and flood insurance is required by mortgage lenders on financed homes. However, other regions and non-financed homes have no such requirement. If flooded and no policy is in place, NFIP cannot help such properties if a flood does occur.

For those in the Denver, CO greater area, flooding doesn’t need to just be near a river or lake. It can happen with flash floods from rain watersheds, particularly at the base of mountains. To find out more about how NFIP can help, folks can contact AFI Insurance for details and how to start a flood policy.

 

 

What is Advertising Injury and How Does Commercial Insurance Protect My Business Against It?

When you go to buy commercial insurance, one of the add-ons is advertising injury coverage. This may leave you wondering what this is and how it can protect your business. Here is some information you should know if you are curious about this topic.

What is Advertising Injury?

It is becoming more and more common for consumers to file lawsuits against businesses claiming that their products don’t do what their advertising campaigns claim it does. The product may not make their skin softer, improve their feet or whiten their teeth. The consumer files a lawsuit against the business and asks for advertising injury and unfortunately, these generally turn into class action lawsuits.

How Can Advertising Injury Coverage Protect My Business?

Regardless of whether these lawsuits have any merit or not, they can be costly to a business to defend. Having advertising injury coverage protects your business against these lawsuits. Your insurance policy will cover your legal expenses and pay for anything the courts may award, up to the value listed on your policy documents, helping to ensure your business does not go bankrupt if you are facing one of these lawsuits. This can be the difference between your business staying afloat or going under.

Do you need commercial insurance in the greater Denver, CO area? Or are you trying to improve upon your current policy? Let AFI Insurance give you a hand. They can look over your current policy or help you craft one to fully protect your commercial business. Give them a call today to find out more!

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