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Keep Those Valuables Covered

2/11/2016

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February is here and LOVE is in the air! (Perhaps in part due to the Broncos big Super Bowl WIN this past weekend. GO TEAM!) Getting your Valentine something special this year? When purchasing a high value item, it’s important to remember that your homeowners insurance may cover only part of what you would pay to replace it. With that in mind, here are 5 things you should know about coverage for jewelry and other valuables:

1.   Standard homeowners/renters insurance policies include some coverage for jewelry and other valuable items.


2.   There are special limits of liability for certain items. This means that the insurer will not pay more than the amount specified in the policy. Take jewelry theft for example – because jewelry can be easily stolen, standard policies generally have a low limit for theft coverage (around $1,500) in order to keep coverage affordable.

3.   There are two ways you can increase coverage:
  • Raise the limit of liability
  • Schedule your individual pieces through the purchase of “floater” policies

4.   Raising the limit of liability is the less expensive option in terms of insurance premium cost. BUT, there is usually a limit on the amount you can claim for the loss of an individual piece, perhaps only $2,000 even though your overall limit is $5,000.

5.   Scheduling each individual item may cost more in insurance premiums, but it offers more extensive protection. The floater covers any type of loss, even accidental losses, that standard policies do not cover. Dropped your diamond ring down the sink? No problem! Your floater has you covered. Before you can purchase a floater policy, the items covered must be professionally appraised.
 
Have questions? Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today to ensure you have the coverage you need to protect those valuables. We’re your link to security!


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



Happy Valentine’s Day!

Source: Insurance Information Institute 
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Night Driving Dangers

12/14/2015

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A little extra caution can go a long way while driving at night

Summer has long since ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures — including cozying up by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa, and enjoying holidays galore — longer nights mean increased danger on the roads.
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You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23% of vehicle miles traveled, more than 50% of fatalities for vehicle occupants 16 and older occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).

Because we’re big advocates for safety at ALINK Insurance Services, we thought it would be helpful to take a look at why night driving is more dangerous, and what you can do to decrease that danger.


What’s dangerous about night driving?


  1. Decreased vision. We won’t go into all the biological details, but different parts of the eye (such as iris, pupil and retina) work differently at night. Your peripheral vision is actually slightly improved, but it’s more difficult to focus on objects ahead of you. And traveling between well-lit areas and darker roads creates issues as well.
  2. Driving too fast for your headlights. Depending on vehicle speed and headlight setting, many people “over-drive” their headlights. That means, by the time they see something on the road, it’s too late to stop in time to avoid it.
  3. Impaired judgment. Whether due to drowsiness or the use of alcohol or drugs, it appears that drivers at night often don’t use good judgment. According to the NSC, 66% of fatalities at night involve vehicle occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts. 


So what do you do?

Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night. So here are some tips to help you make a safe trip — whether you’re just running to the store, or you’re headed a few states over to visit dear Aunt Sally for the holidays.
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  1. Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but turn signals, taillights, etc.
  2. Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
  3. Be more aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t be using your phone, messing around with the radio or trying to find something on the floor while you’re on the road anyway — and distractions are even more deadly at night. You could maybe even invest in a nice pair of these...​
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Anti-glare night driving glasses! I may or may not have known these existed until today. Don't knock it til you try it! 

Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving at night, the best thing is to avoid it altogether if possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a ride from a trusted safe driver or waiting for the sun to come out!

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Contact Us!

At ALINK Insurance Services we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call!

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

We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected! 
We’re your link to security!
Photo by Kurayba / CC BY
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Veterans Day

11/10/2015

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Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day

Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor American’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead.

In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service.  And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service.

The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude.

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Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to show your gratitude towards veterans today.

  1. Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
  2. Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
  3. Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
  4. Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together.
  5. Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
  6. Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
  7. Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
  8. Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
  9. Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life.
  10. Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans.


To learn more ways to honor a veteran on November 11, visit http://www.wallawalla.va.gov/Misc/Honor_Veteran.asp.


To all our American heroes, we at ALINK Insurance Services thank you for your service to our country!

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Contact Us!

At ALINK Insurance Services, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. 

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



HAPPY VETERANS DAY!
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Halloween Safety

10/30/2015

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5 Questions to Ask to Keep Your Haunting Brood Safe on Halloween
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Despite the fact that Halloween involves walking around at night amongst ghouls and witches, it really only takes a little common sense to make the night safe for everyone.
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With my two oldest many Halloween's ago (even though it really doesn't seem like THAT long ago). Now how about that beard?

​Here are five questions to ask so your entire family, even pets, can enjoy a safe and fun evening of trick-or-treating or handing out candy to others:


1. Are we visible?

Add reflective tape to costumes, clothing and candy bags to make it easier for drivers to see you and your group. That also goes for pets who are tagging along. Put reflective tape or flashing lights on their leashes or collars. Carrying flashlights and glow sticks is a good idea as well — they make you more visible and help you see better, too.

2. How safe are our costumes?

Costumes, including masks and shoes, should fit well to prevent blocked vision, trips and falls. Baggy clothing can also increase the risk of contact with candles. If you purchase costumes, make sure they are marked as flame-resistant. And accessories such as swords and knives should be soft and flexible.

3. Where are we going?

It’s best to have a plan before taking your kids trick-or-treating. You should only go to known neighborhoods and houses that have outside lights on, and children should never enter someone’s home unless an adult is with them. If you have older children going out on their own, have them tell you their plan.

4. What are the kids eating?

It’s always a good idea to examine the items your kids have collected before they dig in. And it’s not just about tampering, either. Be aware of choking hazards, too, particularly for young children. And remember, when it comes to eating treats, moderation is key.

5. How are Fido and Fluffy doing?
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Even if your dogs and cats are just hanging out at home while you hand out candy, don’t forget about them. They shouldn’t eat candy at all, but especially chocolate, which can be toxic. Make sure candles are placed in areas where they won’t be knocked down. And remember that, depending on your pet’s personality, having people constantly coming to your door can be stressful. You might want to create a comfortable spot for them away from your home’s entrance.


With the right plan, you can make Halloween fun — and safe — for your little ghosts and goblins, knights and princesses. And don't forget to snag a little leftover candy for yourself, too.

ALINK Insurance Services wishes you a safe and a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


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

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Keep Your Home Safe From Break-Ins

10/28/2014

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October is National Crime Prevention month.  Burglary is one of the easiest crimes to prevent, yet is one of the most common.  Let's not keep it that way!  With the holiday season upon us, and with holiday travel plans being made, now is a great time to consider improving your home's security.

Consider the following anti-burglary tips offered by WebMD to boost home security and keep your home and family safe.




1.  Don't Advertise You're Away

  • Use automatic light timers throughout the house.  It's beneficial to use timers that have more than one on-off cycle to create the illusion of movement from room to room.  These timers can also be used to turn TV's/radios on and off.
  • Turn the volume of your phone's ringer down so someone outside can't hear them ring.  If you can, have your calls forwarded while you're away.
  • Arrange to have your lawn cut or snow removed if you will be gone for a long period of time.
  • Have a neighbor pick up your mail and deliveries and hold them for you.
  • Always park your car in the garage with the garage door closed when you are home to avoid someone watching for patterns.
  • Never leave notes on the door.


2.  Make It Hard to Break In

  • Never leave doors or windows unlocked.
  • Never hide a key to your house where it can be easily found.
  • Use solid core or metal doors that are secured with good quality deadbolt locks.
  • Treat a door between an attached garage and the house as an outside door.
  • Any window or glass panel in the door that is closer than 42 inches to the lock should be reinforced with an invisible security film so a burglar can't break the glass and reach through to unlock the door.
  • Use a metal or wooden rod in the track on sliding glass patio doors to prevent them from sliding open.
  • Never leave a ladder that can be used to access the roof or a second story window outside or in an unlocked shed.
  • Cut back tree limbs that hang over the roof, and remove any lower branches from trees next to the home.


3.  Don't Make It Easy to Hide

  • Trim back or remove any shrubbery next to doors or windows. If you are going to use plants next to the house, you should use thorny plants.
  • Use outside security lighting to illuminate every access door.
  • Use exterior lighting with motion detectors for the yard, driveway and other outside regions.
  • Remember the back and side of your home offer some concealment for a burglar who is trying to break in. So pay close attention to securing all entrances, and if possible avoid installing a tall privacy fence since that offers even greater concealment.


4.  Install a Home Security Alarm System

  • Be sure to use the yard sign and window decals that say your house is protected by a home security system.  Regularly check to make sure the sign is visible and has not been covered up by shrubs or pulled out of the ground by pets or neighborhoods children.
  • Choose a home security system that uses motion detectors as well as arms all windows and doors that could provide access.
  • Also consider using glass-break sensors that set off the alarm at the sound of a window or glass door panel being broken. Some sensors also detect sudden shock waves and will set the alarm off if someone is trying to kick open the door.
  • Never post your pass code next to or on the home security alarm key pad.


5.  Get to Know Your Neighbors

  • Make it a point to meet your neighbors so that you can ask them to keep an eye on things while you're away.
  • Consider organizing a neighborhood watch program if your neighborhood doesn't already have one.  Most local law enforcement agencies can help you plan and organize a watch program.



At ALINK Insurance Services, we care about the safety of your home and family.  Contact us at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance needs.  And from us to you, have a fun and SAFE Halloween this weekend!
Check back HERE for a Halloween safety reminder.

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


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