Articles

When it comes to feeling safe and secure, you, like many other people, most probably feel safest in your own home. This is usually because of the familiarity of the surroundings, and the security measures you might have in place. But an unfortunate truth is that, as people relax and unwind at home after a long day, they let their guards down. This could make them very vulnerable to a home invasion.

Consider your own house – how often do you take risks with your family’s safety? Forgetting to lock the deadbolt behind you, leaving a window open, answering the door without checking the peephole – these could all lead to your residence being invaded by a group of crooks and your family being placed in a life-threatening situation. Home invasions typically include more than just theft. Criminals who break into occupied homes often have the desire to cause pain and destruction.

It’s much better to lower the risk of a home invasion by making security a priority, but if the worst does happen, insurance might be your best friend. The compensation offered by your provider might mean you can repair any damage and replace lost possession. While a theft claim might cause slight rise in your premium, installing security measures such as an alarm to prevent future breaks-ins might offer savings to balance that out. Is your current insurance adequate? One of our agents can help you to locate any vulnerability in your current policy, and create a new one that truly covers your home.

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Do you have a few DIY repairs planned around your Colorado property? Before you invite your friends over to help, you have better double check that you are properly insured.

A sufficient homeowner’s policy should provide liability coverage for unintentional injuries that occur to visitors at your residence. Just because you have insurance, however, does not mean you should not take certain precautions to prevent accidents.

•A common error individuals make is using ladders improperly. They should be set up on a flat surface and be held in place by a second person.

•Proper safety equipment should also be utilized. From goggles to work boots, the right gear is essential to avoiding injuries.

•Before using tools, make sure you read the owner’s manual and follow all the manufacturer’s guidelines.

While doing minor repairs around the home is a great way to save money, it is important to be able to realize when a job is too much for you and your friends. Attempting to complete a job you lack the necessary knowledge for could easily result in an accident. Before starting any major improvement project, it is best to contact your insurer, as there may be implications not only for the liability part of your policy, but for the rebuilding costs.

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There are many threats facing Colorado business owners. A very serious one is theft. Crooks could cost you a lot of money by forcing your business to replace stolen items and pay higher insurance premiums. To reduce your risk, it is important to take steps to stop thieves that walk in from the street as well as those on your payroll.

Theft by Customers

•Empty the cash register throughout the day to ensure only a minimal amount of money is kept there at one time. Make sure you post signs notifying potential thieves of this procedure.

•Include in the training of your employees information on recognizing counterfeit money and checks.

•When it comes to shoplifting, it is important to have specific procedures in place for your workers to follow, such as how to notify a management or security team member of the thief.

Theft by Employees

•Always keep an accurate record of inventory and office supplies. You should immediately investigate in discrepancies you discover in your logs.

•In addition to keeping records of the serial number of office equipment, you should also engrave an identifying mark on each device you purchase.

Every security measures you put in place makes it that much harder for a thief to get away unseen. It is important, however, to understand that the risk for theft is always present – afterhours burglaries or crooks that work in teams could leave your business vulnerable. With the right insurance, you could prevent these crimes from hurting your business’ finances.

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According to the National Weather Service, lightning is the top weather hazard in Colorado. The state sees about three deaths and 15 injuries related to lightning annually.

These electrical discharges are more than just a danger to people. It could also harm local structures. One of the main concerns after lightning strikes a home is fire. The temperature of a lightning bolt could be anywhere between 15,000 to 60,000 degrees, based on assumptions by the NWS. This could easily start a fire in the attic or walls of your home and result in a major insurance claim.

Another risk is a power surge. Since lightning carries a voltage that far surpasses the 220-volt limit the average electrical system is made to handle, a lighting strike could cause irreversible damage. A single strike could force you to replace all the electrical wiring in your residence as well as your TV, kitchen appliances, and anything else that was plugged in during the incident.

What causes a home to attract lighting? When lightning strikes, it looks for the quickest route to the ground – sometimes it is through a tree, sometimes it is through a house. Remove any tall trees from around your home, and take down weather vanes, or other structures that could act as a lightning rod. Insurance may pay for the damage caused by lightning, but by reviewing your home and backyard, you may be able to reduce the risk of it happening in the first place.

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Some small or medium-sized businesses have been blessed with never experiencing an on-the-job injury or illness during the length of their operation. But even if your employees have not been involved in an accident, or a work-related illness, it is vital to remember that it is always a possibility. Consider these workers’ compensation-related figures compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010.

Non-Fatal

•    Almost 3.1 million workers were involved in an on-the-job injury or illness in the private sector in 2010.

•    More than half of the 3.1 million cases were of a more serious nature, involving days away from work, job transfer, or restriction.

•    The total injury and illness incidence rate was highest among those businesses employing between 50 and 249 workers, and lowest among small enterprises with less than 11 workers.

Fatal

•    4,690 people were killed on the job in 2010.

•    That figure included 1,044 automobile accidents.

•    Falls were the cause of death for 646 employees.

•    518 workers were murdered at the workplace.

The BLS also found that the number of fatal on-the-job accidents in Colorado alone increased in 2010. With these statistics in mind, the importance of taking a proactive approach to preventing injuries at your business premises should be clear.

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Colorado insurance is a vital investment for every Colorado business owner. When purchasing a business policy, it is important to ensure you obtain adequate liability coverage. There are many hazards to be aware of at the average premises.

•    It's a good idea to make sure any shelves are properly secured, and aisles are kept clear. Mop up any liquid spills on the floor immediately.

•    Even if your business premises doesn't have landscaping, you should take the time to prune any trees that may be on your property. You could be held responsible for any injury or property damage that might be caused by a falling limb during a storm.

•    What sort of condition are your pathways and floors in? Failing to repair buckled flooring, or potholes in outside paths, could lead to someone being injured. Make sure any mats or other floor coverings are laid properly and don't present a tripping hazard.

Liability risks should be minimized and in many cases it’s relatively easy to do so. Often times they involve much more than an injury or property damage. The individuals involved could also file a lawsuit, which could cost you a lot of money to settle, especially if you don’t have the right Colorado insurance.

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What better way to enjoy summer in Colorado than by getting out into the breathtaking mountain scenery for a summer hike? To help make your trip safe and enjoyable, there are some tips to bear in mind if you are to give yourself the best chance of avoiding claims on your Colorado insurance, either for lost or broken equipment, or for personal accident and injury.

Weather

Be aware that Colorado weather can be fickle, as the recent wildfires have demonstrated. Afternoon thunderstorms may bring lightning, so it is very wise to check the weather forecast before you leave your home or accommodation. Even when the forecast seems acceptable, plan to get up and out early, and aim to be off any peak and on your way back down after midday.

The US National Weather Service points out that should you be unlucky enough to be struck by lightning and fortunate enough to survive, long-term problems can include memory loss, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness and fatigue.

Altitude

Altitude sickness reportedly affects visitors more than residents, who may already be acclimatized. In any case, watch out for signs of nausea, headaches, and/or difficulty breathing and sleeping. Drinking more (non-alcoholic) fluids and frequent rest breaks can help.

Preparation

The mountains can be dangerous. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Wear the appropriate hiking gear and carry water, food, a light and a safety kit.

Know your limits, prepare properly, and keep an eye on the weather and you may have a good chance of avoiding claims on your Colorado insurance. Wouldn’t you much rather return from a hike with tales of wonderful mountain scenery, rather than tales of woe?

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Are you concerned about the cost of your Colorado workers compensation insurance coverage? Have you heard about the Premium Cost Containment Program (PCCP)?

Introduced by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the PCCP is a voluntary risk management strategy for employers, designed to help them reduce both the incidence and the costs of workers’ compensation claims.

The program sets out a series of compliance measures, leading to certification by the PCC Board. Certification typically qualifies employers for a 5 to 10 per cent reduction on their insurance premiums.

A company must provide documented evidence that a solid risk management program, designed to create a safer workplace, has been in place for at least one year. Evidence typically includes a company safety policy declaration and being able to show that appropriate policies and procedures, such as safety rules, training and appropriate supervision, are in place.

Simply having rules is unlikely to reduce accidents. Ideally, companies should provide evidence that safety policies and procedures are communicated to and understood by workers.

The Board also generally requires evidence that there is a designated safety coordinator or committee, as well as designated medical providers. It may also wish to see evidence that claims have been managed appropriately and promptly, including ongoing communication with the injured employee.

The PCCP is designed to help reduce the rate of Colorado workers compensation claims by improving workplace safety. That is likely to be a win for both employer and employee.

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The right sort of Colorado insurance can play a major role in how quickly a business recovers from a disaster. Should your property be extensively damaged by a fire, the cost of repairs could be exorbitant. The right coverage could help cover these costs, as well as compensate you for other expenses that could arise.

Liability

During renovations, your property could boast an increased amount of hazards. From debris sprawled across the floor to heavy machinery left unsupervised. Even if your business is closed to the public, trespassers who get injured on the premises could cause a lot of financial trouble for you.

Loss of Use

Sometimes repairs are so extensive that your business has to close its doors temporarily. Despite having a break in your income flow, you could still be responsible for certain bills, such as rent, utilities, and employee pay.

Crime

Criminals often target construction sites because of the lack of security. Thieves could steal tools left behind after the day’s work, inventory stored on the premises, and anything else left unguarded on the premises. Vandals could damage or destroy the building, causing delays in completion.

Without these three essential types of coverage, your business could be set to lose even more money as repairs are being done. Do not allow your business to be financially vulnerable. Talk to an agent about Colorado insurance now.

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One of the reasons homeowners purchase Colorado insurance is to help cover the cost of theft. Residential burglaries are reportedly on the rise in many cities, but there are many things you could do to reduce your odds of being targeted. One of the simplest is getting to know your neighbors.

Could this really help prevent theft? Before you scoff at the suggestion, consider a news story posted by the Denver Channel over the 2011 Independence Day weekend. After seeing three strangers in the neighborhood late one Sunday night, a local resident decided to call the authorities. When the individuals were arrested, it was discovered that they might be the same men responsible for a recent burglary spree.

How could the concerned neighbor be sure the men were not homeowners of the area? She must have been familiar with the families in the nearby houses. Could you pick your neighbor out of a lineup? More importantly, would your neighbor know it was not you trying to jimmy open the bathroom window of your house? Make the time to introduce yourself to the residents of the adjacent homes. A fun way to do this could be to invite the entire street over for a BBQ.

Getting to know your neighbors is a free way to help limit your risk of theft. Of course, this cannot completely eliminate your chance of experiencing a burglary. Along with other anti-theft additions around your home, you should also ensure your house is always fully covered by Colorado insurance.

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