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Completing a Home Inventory

1/30/2015

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Why a Home Inventory Is Important

Let’s try a little exercise: Can you list everything you own from memory?

Didn’t think so.

The fact is most people own more things than they realize. It’s easy to remember the cars, the computer, the TV. But what about that holiday china in the garage?  Or every pair of shoes?  Or every book on the shelf?
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All of it is regarded as personal property for insurance purposes. And if your home is destroyed by fire or some other disaster, having a list of your possessions makes filing a claim easier — and helps you put your life back together.  And what better time is there than a fresh new year to make sure your home inventory is up to date?

Why should I complete a home inventory? What’s the best way?

Comparing the value of your belongings to the “contents” limit listed in your policy helps you make sure you have enough insurance to replace them if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss. The easiest way to take an inventory is to use a video camera, recording and describing items as you walk through your house. Or, you can use a regular camera and create a home inventory checklist.

Here are a few tips for completing and storing your inventory:

  • Add brand names and descriptions where you can, especially on large-ticket items. Serial numbers are helpful to note.
  • Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier.
  • Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.
  • Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables.


Though the task may seem daunting, it’s important to try. An incomplete inventory is better than nothing at all.


How much insurance do I need?

At ALINK Insurance Services, we can assist you in analyzing your insurance needs and help you decide how to most effectively protect your personal property. You should consider full-value coverage, which will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings. A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial. (For example, a 5-year-old TV is usually worth much less than what it would cost to purchase a new one.)

Finally, remember your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, furs, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts. If the cost of replacing them exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

The Insurance Information Institute has a FREE online tool that can help you create your inventory. Just visit www.knowyourstuff.org for more details.

We hope you’ll never need the home inventory, but preparing for the worst can prevent a lot of hassle later!  Give us a call today!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States:
877-643-6148

We're your link to security!

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Snowmobile Season

1/23/2015

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Tips to stay safe during snowmobile season

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow falls, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.

For others, though, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.


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President of ALINK Insurance Services, Bill Syddall and his family enjoying the snow {and snowmobiles} up at the family barn in Wyoming.
Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at ALINK Insurance Services, we want you to make it home safely after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!  


Give us a a call today with any of your insurance needs or questions.  We are here for YOU! 

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States:
877-643-6148
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Your Identity Belongs to You

1/16/2015

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Identity theft has been on the rise for years.  Close to half of identity theft cases are the result of a lost or stolen wallet, credit card, checkbook or other physical document.  But as online shopping continues to grow in popularity (especially during these post-holiday sales that are always too good to pass up), it too poses a considerable identity risk.

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The smartest way to protect yourself from identity theft is to prevent it from happening to you.  The Insurance Information Institute provides these tips for avoiding identity theft:

  • Keep the amount of personal information in your purse or wallet to the bare minimum.
  • Avoid carrying additional credit cards, your social security card or passport unless absolutely necessary.
  • Guard your credit card when making purchases.
  • Shield your hand when using ATM machines. Don’t fall prey to “shoulder surfers” who may be nearby.
  • Don’t throw credit card or ATM receipts into public trash containers, leave them on the counter or put them in your shopping bag where they can easily fall out or get stolen.
  • Do not give out personal information unless you have initiated the contact or are sure you know who you are dealing with and that they have a secure line.
  • Proceed with caution when shopping online. Use only authenticated websites to conduct business online. Before submitting personal or financial information through a website, check for the locked padlock image on your browser’s status bar or look for "https://" (rather than http://) in your browser window.
  • Be aware of phishing and pharming scams. In these scams, criminals use fake emails and websites to impersonate legitimate organizations.
  • Exercise caution when opening emails and instant messages from unknown sources and never give out personal, financial or password related information via email.
  • Make sure you have firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus programs installed on your computer. These programs should always be up to date.
  • Monitor your accounts. Don’t rely on your credit card company or bank to alert you of suspicious activity. If you suspect a problem, contact your credit card company or bank immediately.
  • Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.  A new law that took effect December 1, 2004, entitles you to one free credit report per year.  Make sure it's accurate and includes only those activities you've authorized.
  • Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.  Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, any part of your Social Security number or phone number, or any series of consecutive numbers.  If you suspect a problem with your credit card, change your password.
  • Shred any documents containing personal information such as credit card numbers, bank statements, charge receipts or credit card applications, before disposing of them.


Fortunately, identity theft protection is also available as an endorsement on most homeowners’ policies at a small cost.  The coverage reimburses certain expenses associated with identity recovery. Customers can also get additional guidance on how to protect themselves from identity theft before it happens and may receive assistance with identity restoration.

If you’re interested in learning more, call ALINK Insurance Services today!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

We’re your link to security!
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How to Survive Winter in Your Car

1/9/2015

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The holidays have come to an end and it’s time to take on 2015 with a bang!  I enjoyed a beautiful, snow-covered, fun and food-filled Christmas and New Year with my family here in Colorado.
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The traditional Christmas Eve pajamas. Can you say...GO BRONCOS!
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Braving the cold for a family picture. Happy New Year from my family to yours!
Unfortunately, the holiday’s end does not mean the end of snow.

As mentioned previously in this post, a Winter Survival Kit is an important thing to keep in your car.  In an emergency, it could potentially mean the difference between life and death.  What should a Winter Survival Kit consist of?  This list, offered by the Wisconsin Emergency Management team, provides the essentials.


  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Battery powered radio
  • Water
  • Snack food including energy bars, trail mix, etc.
  • Matches and small candles
  • Extra hats, socks and mittens
  • First aid kit
  • Pocket knife
  • Necessary medications
  • Blankets and/or sleeping bag
  • Tow Chain or rope
  • Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares and reflectors
  • Fluorescent distress flag and whistle
  • Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter


On top of a Winter Survival Kit, Roadside Assistance is an affordable, additional auto insurance coverage that can provide that extra peace of mind when unexpected circumstances arise.  Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today for more information.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States:
877-643-6148

Make 2015 a great and safe year everyone!
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