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Flood Insurance - Spring Thaw Preparation

3/14/2014

Colorado experienced devastating floods in September of 2013. Spring is just around the corner, bringing additional flooding potential. Frozen land prevents melting snow or rainfall from seeping into the ground. Each cubic foot of compacted snow contains gallons of water, which, once the snow melts, can result in the overflow of streams, rivers and lakes. Spring storms can also add to the possibility of serious flooding. Being prepared is your best defense!

Purchase flood insurance for your home (and business) and its contents. Normal homeowners and business policies exclude damages resulting from flooding. Contact us at ALINK Insurance Services to determine your flood risk.
Safeguard your possessions. The best way to do this is by creating and maintaining a home/business inventory, and keeping it in a secure place. A current inventory of your personal possessions can ensure you have adequate coverage and speed up the claims process if you have a loss. If you don’t have a home inventory, there is no better time to start than now. The I.I.I. offers free web-based Know Your Stuff® Home Inventory software and apps, so creating one is easy. ALINK Insurance Services is also able to archive your digital records in your customer file. Call your agent today for details on how to do this.
Prepare your house. Make sure your sump pump is working properly, and install a battery-operated backup in case of power failure. Water alarms are also available to alert you of water accumulating in your basement. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.
Develop a family emergency plan. Have an easy-to-carry and accessible 72-hour kit containing drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, flashlights, and other needs suited to your family (items for babies or small children). Plan a flood evacuation route with your family - know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact. Have a plan to protect your pets and other animals.

If you happen to be caught in a flood, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
If water rises in your home before you can evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
Listen to a battery-powered radio for the latest storm information.
Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water to avoid sickness.

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If you have any questions regarding flood or any other type of insurance, contact us at ALINK Insurance Services - we can help!

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The Rental Car Counter - What You Need To Know

3/6/2014

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Once you know your current coverage, here is the rundown on the four basic options usually available through the rental car company:

1. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), or Collision Damage Waiver

This coverage waives financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. In most cases it also covers "loss of use" for the time a damaged rental vehicle is in the shop getting repairs, and could also included towing and administrative fees. Be aware, however, that these coverages can become void if the accident is caused by the renter speeding, driving while intoxicated, or driving on unpaved roads. If you carry collision or comprehensive insurance on your own car, check with your insurance agent to make sure you will not be duplicating coverage. A Loss Damage Waiver usually costs between $9 - $19 per day.

2. Liability protection

This provides financial protection from lawsuits if you get in an accident while driving the rental car. By law, rental companies must provide the state-required minimum amount of liability insurance. This amount is generally very low, and does not usually provide adequate protection. If you have good liability coverage on your own car, you most likely will not need additional coverage on the rental car. Liability protection will cost approximately $7 - $14 per day.

3. Personal Accident Insurance

This provides medical and emergency (ambulance) coverage for you and your passengers in the event of a car crash. If you have health insurance or personal injury protection through your own vehicle policy, you may not need this coverage. Personal Accident Insurance typically costs from $1 - $5 per day.

4. Personal Effects Coverage

Personal Effects Coverage provides insurance protection for the theft of personal items from the rental car. If you have a homeowners or renters policy with off-premises theft coverage, you are usually covered (minus your deductible). It generally costs from $1 to $4 per day.

If you are traveling out of the country and plan to rent a car, contact your insurance agent and travel agent to ensure you are adequately protected.

IF you do not currently have an auto insurance policy, you'll need to at least purchase liability protection from the rental car company. If your current policy doesn't include comprehensive and collision coverage, or you don't want to risk paying a high deductible, the purchasing insurance through the rental car company is definitely worth considering.
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Any time you have insurance questions, please give us a call at ALINK Insurance Services.

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

We Can Help!

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Flood Insurance - Spring Thaw Preparation

The Rental Car Counter - What You Need To Know

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