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Preparing for Winter Weather

11/6/2015

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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.)
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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!

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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 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!
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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 Kids Safe on Social Media

10/23/2015

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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…
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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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Watch for changes in behavior. If your child suddenly avoids the computer, it may be a sign they are being bullied or stalked online.
  4. Review security settings and privacy policies for the social media sites kids frequent. These settings are frequently updated so check back regularly.
 
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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”.
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What Fall Means for Your Boat

10/2/2015

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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?

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Are You Being Held Captive?

9/17/2015

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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.
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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
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We're your link to security!

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Life Insurance. Don't Wait.

9/1/2015

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September is Life Insurance Awareness month. Too many Americans do not have adequate life insurance protection. According to the industry research group LIMRA, 95 million adult Americans have no life insurance whatsoever.

Ask yourself this: What if you were suddenly gone and your family had to manage on their own? When was the last time you did the math to make sure your loved ones would be financially sound? Have you checked with your employer to find out what kind of life insurance benefit you have through work and whether you have the option to increase your coverage? When was the last time you had your life insurance needs reviewed by an insurance professional?

Here's the bottom line: A majority of families either have no life insurance or not enough, leaving them one accident or terminal illness away from a financial catastrophe for their loved ones.
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Life insurance can do some pretty amazing things for people. It can buy loved ones time to grieve. It can pay off debts and loans, providing surviving family members with the chance to move on with a clean slate. It can keep families in their homes and pre-fund a child’s college education. It can keep a family business in the family. It can provide a stream of income for a family to live on for a period of time. First things first, though: you need to own life insurance.

ALINK Insurance Services wants to make sure Americans are reminded of the need to include life insurance in their financial plans. We are joined in this educational initiative by more than 100 of the nation’s leading insurance companies and industry groups, this is important, people! Don't wait until it's too late. Give us a call today to discuss your life insurance options, 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
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Safe Driving

8/11/2015

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At ALINK Insurance Services, our desire is your security and ongoing safety.  Take 10 minutes to talk to your own or any other teen you know about the “FEAR OF MISSING OUT” (FOMO) and driving in today’s “ALWAYS ON” and “ALWAYS CONNECTED” lifestyle.  Bill Syddall, President of ALINK Insurance Services, will personally discuss and review this important topic with anyone who would like to give him a call or send him an email.

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148
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Insurance 101 for the College-bound

8/10/2015

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Preparing to send your child off to college can be exciting, but also stressful and a tad overwhelming.  Just navigating through applications, admissions, acceptances, course registration, and financial aid and scholarships is enough to send any well-meaning parental adviser to the edge.

Depending on how independent (or not) your student is, you may also find yourself assisting and advising with other important decisions such as course of study, accommodations (on campus or off), the all-important decor, and necessary supplies (anything from laptops and printers to pots and pans).  By the time you’re ready to send them out the door, you’ve invested a small fortune, not to mention the ENORMOUS amount of time and energy spent just getting them to this point.

The last thing on your mind might be insurance, but it’s an important time to evaluate and update your changing needs to ensure your student is fully protected.

According to an Associated Press article, these are some areas to consider:

AUTO – If your student is attending college more than 100 miles away from home and ISN’T taking a car with them, your insurance premiums will most likely go down.  If taking the car is determined a necessity, most insurance companies may offer a Good Student Discount.  Either way, it’s important to contact your agent or provider to determine your needs, and to obtain the best rates possible.

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PROPERTY – It’s not unusual for students to have thousands of dollars of electronic gadgets and other belonging in their dorm rooms.  Such items are typically covered by the parents’ homeowners or renters insurance if stolen.  However, coverage varies. Photographing each expensive possession can help ensure receipt of its proper replacement value.  If your student lives off-campus, he may need to get a separate renters insurance policy to cover personal belongings, as will each of his roommates.
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HEALTH – Many colleges and universities require health insurance, and most parents can meet that by keeping their student on their plan.  If the college is in another state, it’s important to check if your plan’s network of preferred doctors and hospitals extends there. School-sponsored health plans usually cost hundreds of dollars per semester, and often require that care be provided through the student medical center.  An alternative would be an individual health insurance plan.
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LIFE – Buying life insurance for a college student can make sense for parents who co-sign for tens of thousands in private student loans.  Some lenders will forgive loans for co-signers if the student dies or is permanently disabled, so it’s a good idea to clarify your lender’s policy when you sign for a loan.

Call us at ALINK Insurance Services to discuss your changing insurance needs.

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

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Back to School Safety

7/31/2015

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As kids head back to school, let’s keep them safe
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Three of my daughters and their friends back in the elementary school days. Can't believe all these girls are in college/have graduated college! Who knows when that happened.

The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football here in Colorado!

But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around bikes and buses as we drive around town in Colorado Springs. Here are some familiar, but important tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.


Use caution on the roads

  • There are going to be a lot more kids on the sidewalks and streets when school starts, so take it slow and always be aware of your surroundings. That’s good advice for all situations, of course, but be extra cautious around the times when school starts and ends for the day.
  • Watch out for school zones! They’re usually easy to spot, as many have flashing signs indicating a slower speed limit.
  • Remember to follow school-bus rules. You aren’t allowed to pass the bus on either side of the road when the red lights are flashing. Even when the lights stop, make sure the coast is clear before moving on. Kids can move quickly and erratically.
  • Leave yourself extra time to make it to your destination. Whether you’re headed to work or dropping your child off at school, rushing is a recipe for disaster.
  • Be especially careful in school or child-care parking lots and loading zones!



Teach kids to be safe while walking

Just a few minutes spent explaining some basic safety rules to your child can help keep them safe when they’re walking to or from school. Young children should never cross streets alone, but if your child is old enough to walk with others, remind them to do the following:

  • Always use marked crosswalks when crossing streets and look both ways twice.
  • Do not assume that drivers can see you. Try to make eye contact with them, if possible, when crossing the street.
  • Watch for driveways when walking on the sidewalk.
  • Be aware of cars that are turning or backing up.
  • Never move into the street from behind a car or other obstacle. Don’t chase a ball, pet or anything else into the street.
  • Always use sidewalks and paths. If there is no sidewalk or path, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.



Help them stay safe on their bikes

Just as it’s important to help your children learn safety tips for walking to and from school, it’s important to teach bike safety, especially by setting good examples yourself.

  • Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time he or she rides a bike.
  • Before the bicycle is ridden, do a quick inspection to ensure it is working properly and reflectors are in place.
  • Show your kids how to ride on the right side of the road with traffic and to stay as far to the right as possible.
  • Encourage your child to walk his or her bike across busy intersections. Or better yet, choose a route without any busy crossroads.
  • Explain to your child why no one should ride on the handlebars.
  • Demonstrate the rules of the road by using proper hand signals and obeying traffic signs when you ride bikes together with your child.
  • Set curfews so your child is not riding a bicycle at dusk or in the dark.
  • Most importantly, supervise your children every time they ride until you are certain they have good judgment.


From us here at ALINK Insurance Services, take it slow, and let’s have a happy and safe school year! And bring on those first day of school pictures! I'm sure your kids love them as much as mine. 
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Check for Storm Damage

7/16/2015

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How to Check Your Property for Damage After a Storm

When a big storm hits and the tornado warnings sound in Colorado Springs, Colorado, you hunker down inside, relying on your home to protect you and your family. Once that storm passes, though, it’s time to repay the favor — identifying damage and protecting your home from further issues.

The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips for homeowners. Here are four major things the agency – and we here at ALINK Insurance Services – recommends you check after a storm:


1.   Your roof: If you see holes, split seams or missing shingles on your roof or if you notice leaking inside or out, it’s a good idea to have a qualified inspector come assess the situation.
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2.   Your exterior: Siding, brick and stucco are all vulnerable to storm damage. You’ll want to look for cracking, chipping or dings and dents in siding, and for holes in stucco. Look closely and at different times of the day. Some homeowners don’t notice damage until it’s too late to file a claim, and different lighting can reveal damage you didn’t see before.
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3.   Driveways and walkways: Cracking and splitting can create safety hazards, as well as reduce the lifespan of the concrete.
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4.   Trees: According to the National Storm Damage Center, fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage annually. Check roofs, vehicles, fences and machinery for fallen limbs that may have caused damage or could pose a risk. Clean up what you safely can and rely on a reputable tree removal service to handle the rest. Depending on the circumstances, your homeowners insurance policy may help with tree removal and damage repair costs – if you experience a covered loss, that is.
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A few more helpful tips:

  • Keep trees well maintained and trimmed. Also notify neighbors if you see any overhanging branches on any of theirs.
  • Know your insurance. Take a look at your policy so you know what’s covered, what your limits and deductibles are, etc. This will prevent any surprises during the claims process.
  • Take pictures. Photographs can help you show the cause and extent of any storm damage that occurs.



Of course, if you’ve suffered through a major storm, don’t hesitate to call us at ALINK Insurance Services for help with an insurance claim or with finding a professional property inspector.

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!


Photo 1; Photo 2 by Kiel Ortega / CC BY; Photo 3; Photo 4 by Kiel Ortega / CC BY
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