Blog Posts

Keep Those Valuables Covered

2/11/2016

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

Watch out for that ICE

1/27/2016

We've all been there.

Controlling Slip and Fall Liability Risk

Here in the beautiful state of Colorado (or really anywhere that experiences the joys of winter weather and freezing temps), we are all too familiar with snow and ice covering our porches, driveways, sidewalks, roads, parking lots, you name it. And, I’m sure we can all recall a time or two where those slippery paths have landed us on the ground with a few colorful bruises to show for it.

That snow and ice, whether it be on your personal or your business property, is a LIABILITY RISK.
With thousands of people injured every year, Slip and Fall Accidents are one of the most common liability risks. That being the case, it’s important to always be on the lookout for slip and fall hazards in and around your home or business and eliminate them as soon as possible. From a business standpoint, it’s also extremely important to train your employees on what to do if someone on your premises should suffer a fall.

The Insurance Information Institute suggests routinely checking that the following things are taken care of:

Lighting: All areas should be adequately lit, including hallways and stairs.
Stairs: Handrails, steps and landings should be in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Walkways: Walkways should be kept in good condition, clear of snow/ice.
Doormats: Doormats should be flat, slip resistant, cleaned and checked regularly in bad weather.
Ice and Snow: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that snow and ice are removed.
Exits: Exits should be well marked, well lit and clear of obstacles.
Parking Lot: Potholes, cracks, or uneven areas should be repaired.
Floors: Any changes in floor level should be clearly marked.
Housekeeping: General housekeeping should be maintained and storage areas kept neat.
Carpeting: Carpeting should be tight and smooth.
Spills: Have an effective procedure in place to assure that all spills are immediately cleaned up.

If there are treacherous areas on your property, such as an icy spot that hasn’t been cleared, an uneven area of the sidewalk, a ripped carpet, etc. – they also suggest that you consider marking them by using warning signs or putting up barriers around them. If you can provide evidence that you took your responsibility seriously and made reasonable efforts to prevent harm to others, you are much less likely to be found liable.

From us at ALINK Insurance Services to you, stay safe out there this winter and watch out for all that ice! Give us a call today at any of our offices listed below to discuss any of your insurance questions or needs.

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!

Teen Driving Safety

1/20/2016

Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month. Having had many teen drivers myself (my last currently with a driving permit in hand), I can't stress enough the importance of consistently having these conversations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, when teens begin to drive, the sobering statistics start to pile up:

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 14 through 18.
A teen’s crash risk is three times that of more experienced drivers.
Being in a car with three or more teen passengers quadruples a teen driver’s crash risk.
More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

You can help your young driver make better decisions behind the wheel, however. Start by setting a good example yourself. And set time aside to have a serious discussion about the following issues, all of which have a large impact on the safety of teen drivers:

Speed: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding continues to grow as a factor in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. While a lot of emphasis is rightfully placed on the risks of driving under the influence or while distracted, the danger of speeding is just as important.
Alcohol: If drivers are under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. It’s as simple as that. And not only does the risk of a serious crash increase once alcohol is involved, jail time is a possibility as well.
Seat belts: Teens don’t use their seat belts as frequently as adults, so it’s important to set a good example and always have yours on. Seat belts are the simplest way to protect themselves in a crash, so let teens know that buckling up is mandatory.
Phones: You are 23 times more likely to crash while texting. STOP! Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for an inexperienced teen. That means no calls or texting when behind the wheel — no exceptions. Again, it pays to set a good example when you’re driving with your teen in the car.
Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash goes up as the number of passengers in a teen driver’s car increases, according to the NHTSA. Depending on your state’s licensing laws for young drivers, limiting your teen to one passenger is a good guideline. (And some states don’t allow teens to have any passengers for a time.)

Of course, any driver needs to have a good grasp on the laws and rules of the road, and, because teens don’t have much experience, it’s important to have regular conversations about safe driving. How teens drive doesn’t just depend on them. It depends on you, too!

ALINK Insurance Services wants you and your teen(s) to stay safe on the roads! Give us a call today to discuss the effects of having a teen on your auto insurance and to make sure you have the coverage you need. 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

Night Driving Dangers

12/14/2015

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.

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?

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.
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.
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.

Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but turn signals, taillights, etc.
Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
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...

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!

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

Veterans Day

11/10/2015

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.

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

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

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!

Preparing for Winter Weather

11/6/2015

Getting ready for winter weather

Fall has arrived, but lucky for us there’s still time to get ready for winter weather, including storms. (I don’t know about you but I greatly appreciate that I have yet to shovel my driveway this year.)

This was taken on October 4th last year. Hello FALL! This year we clocked in at a nice 65 degrees, we're holding out a little longer this time around.

We know all too well that extreme cold is always a possibility here in Colorado so we at ALINK Insurance Services have compiled some tips to help you stay safe and limit damage.

Preparing your home

Perform basic winter maintenance — insulate your walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate water lines that run along outer walls. When temperatures drop, keep water taps slightly open so they drip continuously, and keep the cabinets under sinks open to allow warmer air in.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney or flue inspected each year. Make sure your house has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them monthly.
Check your emergency supplies and ensure that you have adequate food and water, along with a battery-powered radio, in the event of an extended power outage. You’ll want a week’s worth of supplies, or more if you live in a remote area.
Never use gas-powered generators or barbecue grills indoors. These can allow deadly carbon monoxide to build up.

Preparing your car

Have your vehicle serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. Check the antifreeze level.
Keep the gas tank near full, which helps avoid ice in the fuel lines and the gas tank itself.
Replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
Make sure your tires are in good shape and have the proper air pressure.
Check to confirm your battery has a good charge, your heater and defroster are working well, and that your emergency lights are functional.

Preparing yourself

Always wear temperature-appropriate clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Remove any wet clothing immediately. And keep spare clothing in your car trunk throughout winter in case you are stranded or stuck.
Stay hydrated. You might think this is more important when it’s warm outside, but it’s just as vital in winter.
Be mindful of physical exertion and the amount of time you’re spending outdoors. Shoveling snow is hard work, so don’t overdo it!

Winter is a lot of fun (despite the snow shoveling), and we’re looking forward to all the sledding and skiing and snowboarding and trips to Beaver Creek/Aspen/Breckenridge/Copper/Vail or wherever your adventures take you! So get your house, car and body ready, and have a great season!

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 at any of our offices today!

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!

Halloween Safety

10/30/2015

5 Questions to Ask to Keep Your Haunting Brood Safe on Halloween

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.

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?

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

Keep Your Kids Safe on Social Media

10/23/2015

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Think about how many times you have gone online in the past week, in the past day even. What did you do while online? Check your email? Share pictures? Update your status? Track your finances? Download videos? The list goes on…

The Internet today has become an invaluable resource in both our personal and professional lives. We have access to more information than ever. With this added accessibility comes a great deal of risk and added responsibility.

Cyber threats are real. They don’t just happen to someone else, they can happen to you. The Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign — Stop.Think.Connect,™ has provided a vast resource guide to help keep ourselves and our kids safe online under all circumstances.

Now let’s talk about a big one: SOCIAL MEDIA. As parents, it’s our responsibility to teach our kids about online safety. Check out these statistics from the Pew Research Center:

DID YOU KNOW?

95 percent of teens use the Internet.
77 percent of teens use Facebook.
53 percent of teens use Instagram.
24 percent of teens use Twitter10 percent of teens use Tumblr.
The average teen has approximately 300 friends on Facebook and 79 followers on Twitter.
Among Twitter users aged 12 to 17, 64 percent made their tweets public.
19 percent of teen users have posted things they regret, including photos, videos, status updates, tweets, or comments.
Only 18 percent of young adults claim they are comfortable with what their friends post about them online, and 32 percent say that the information about them online is what they choose for the public to see.

BE AWARE OF WHAT YOUR KIDS POST ONLINE

Understand the cyber risks kids face when using social media. Talk to your kids about the following risks:

What they are posting: Talk to your kids about the information they post online. Many of them don’t understand the damage they could do to their reputation or future prospects with unkind or angry posts, and compromising photos or videos. Ensure your kids are not sharing or posting:
1. Sensitive information: Sensitive information includes anything that can help a person steal your child’s identity or find them, such as their/your full name, Social Security number, address, birth date, phone number, or place of birth.
2. Compromising content: This includes photos or status updates that may damage your child’s reputation or future prospects.
3. Unkind or angry content: This includes anything malicious directed at themselves or another person, as well as opinions that are probably better left unshared.
Who they are connecting with: Social media allows kids to connect with their friends, but there is also a risk of connecting with someone they do not know or who is only pretending to be a kid.
What level of privacy they are using: Many social media platforms have privacy settings that allow users to limit who sees their content. There are also settings for location tracking and geo-tagging of photos or statuses.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR PARENTS

Talk to your children. Help your children understand the importance of owning their digital lives and only sharing things that will not put them in danger, negatively affect their future, or harm others.
Emphasize the concept of credibility to teens: not everything they see on the Internet is true and people on the Internet may not be who they appear to be.
Watch for changes in behavior. If your child suddenly avoids the computer, it may be a sign they are being bullied or stalked online.
Review security settings and privacy policies for the social media sites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.

ALINK Insurance Services cares about the safety of you and your family. Our children are growing up in an online world and it’s important they understand the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with that. Help us keep them safe and we’ll keep you covered along the way! Give us a call today for your home, auto, and life insurance needs.

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!

Content provided by Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign — Stop.Think.Connect™ “Social Media Guide”.

What Fall Means for Your Boat

10/2/2015

Protect your boat with insurance and winterization

Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out of Chatfield Lake and putting it away until next year.

As you begin to prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection. After all, we here at ALINK Insurance Services want to make sure you’re ready for the next boating season! (And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also be ready to invite your favorite insurance agent out for a day on the lake. Just a thought.)

First things first: Insurance

If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your Colorado homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!

But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. And there always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out on one of Colorado’s 2000 beautiful lakes and reservoirs for a day or two! There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call:

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

And while you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.

And remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies with one company.

Now: A different kind of protection

After you’ve squared away protecting your boat with the right insurance options, it’s time to think about protecting your boat in a more literal sense – by properly preparing it for winter. Below are some general tips to follow, but, of course, you should check your owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations.

Your engine. Follow manufacturer instructions when winterizing your engine, but you’ll want to flush the engine with fresh water and make sure to drain fuel from the carburetor to prevent a build-up of deposits. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate cylinder walls and pistons.

Stern drive. Do a thorough inspection and remove plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and clean the lower unit with soap and water.

Fuel tanks. Fill your fuel tanks to avoid a buildup of condensation and add fuel stabilizer, following the product instructions.

Fresh water system. Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, and pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system. Then, turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out.

Interior. Remove all valuables from the boat. Clean drawers thoroughly, and turn cushions on their edges to allow air to circulate. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.

Cover it up! A cover will keep your boat clean and protect it from water and UV rays, which can break down hoses and fade upholstery.

Now, with your boat safely stowed, you can focus on your other toys this winter. Snowmobiles, anyone?

Are You Being Held Captive?

9/17/2015

The 411: Independent Insurance Agents vs. Captive Agents

There are two primary types of insurance agents: captive agents and independent agents. What's the difference? A "captive" agent represents one insurance company and can only write policies for that company. This means they are limited exclusively to their company's coverage plans. Sounds like a pretty captive situation if you ask me.

An independent agent on the other hand represents several different insurance companies; they are able to source from a variety of reputable national and local providers. They have the flexibility to offer a broader range of options at highly competitive prices, so you get a personally tailored plan to suit your needs and budget. Best of all, they are able to offer unparalleled and unbiased advocacy to their customers, from quote through claims. Now that's more like it!

Everyone has a unique situation. At ALINK Insurance Services, our Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance Agents are here for YOU. As your needs and your life changes, you can switch coverage, and companies if necessary, without finding a new agent.

Shopping for insurance is our job. Let our independent insurance agents handle the leg work for you. Request a quote 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!