Importance of Flood Insurance

One thing we know living in the Centennial State, Mother Nature can sometimes prove a temperamental parental unit, and you do not need to live in Colorado to understand the extensive damage that can be caused by flooding.  While flooding is not necessarily a regular factor for residents of Greeley CO, flooding does occur and many people, in the aftermath of such an occurrence, are shocked to find that their normal homeowner’s coverage does not cover flood damage.  If you are worried about the possible implications and costs of being uncovered for flood damage, we are standing by at Maanen Insurance Group to discuss your options.

Importance of Flood Insurance in Greeley, CO

When it comes to needing flood insurance, not everyone will necessarily find themselves in the same situation.  Specifically, flood insurance coverage is offered via a federal program known as the National Flood Insurance Program. 

The aim of this 50-year government program is, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) website, “to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to homeowners, renters, and businesses.”  Additionally, the program works to encourage communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.

As a Greeley, CO area resident we’re standing by with information and flood insurance policies tailored to your specific circumstances and needs.  You never want to start thinking about insurance after a disaster, so contact our knowledgeable staff for the information you need to make an informed decision today.

Maanen Insurance Group for Your Flood Insurance Needs

We welcome you to contact our friendly staff to start discussing your flood insurance needs in Greeley, CO.  As mentioned, everyone’s situation is different when it comes to getting flood insurance, so come on in and we can tailor the flood insurance policy designed to meet your exacting requirements.

Protecting Your Business From Crimes With Commercial Insurance

There is so much that goes into running a business. When you are starting up a business, or just trying to keep the lights on after many years, it is important to keep any risk exposures at bay. One of the big risk exposures that you face as a business is in the crime space. All it takes is one criminal act and you can be wiped out of your data, your inventory, or something else entirely. When you are a business, the way to protect yourself in this space is not just with a security system, but also with crime insurance.

Crime insurance is something that not every business carries but should be a part of your overall commercial insurance coverage package you are purchasing. Crime insurance is going to help to protect your business in the event you are hit with criminal activity.

So what exactly can crime insurance help you with from a coverage perspective? When you re talking about crime insurance, one of the things that can help you is to protect you in the event you are robbed of actual cash, funds.  

Crime insurance goes beyond just money though, protecting you from the loss or theft of securities as well as assets. This can include theft that is carried out by an employee of your company, or theft through fraud by third parties such s forgery.  

You work so hard to get your business up and running, stable. You build up a brand that is reputable to customers. The last thing you want is for a criminal act to take everything down. With your Greeley, CO business, take all risk exposures seriously. Work with the team at the Maanen Insurance Group to explore crime insurance options in more detail today.

Am I Liable if my Dog Gets Out and Causes an Accident?

Maanen Insurance Group offers residents of Greeley, CO the highest quality of service when it comes to homeowners’ insurance and other types of coverage. Customers who have pets often have questions about any liability they may experience if their pet causes an accident or bites someone who comes onto the property. The agents have the answers and can assist clients with finding the right coverage for their needs.

Secure Your Property 

If your dog gets out of your home or yard and causes an accident, you will be liable for any damage or injuries that were caused. If you have a fence around your party, it’s important to make sure your property is secure. This involves making sure there are no holes or weaknesses in the fence that surrounds your property. You should also post a "Beware of Dog" sign on your property to let guests know a dog lives there.

Maintain Control of Your Pet

It is also extremely important that you maintain control of your pet at all times. This means that when your dog is outside of the confines of your fence, it is secured on a leash. Many states now have leash laws that make it mandatory for your dog to be on a leash at all times when it is away from your property.

If you live in Greeley, CO and have questions about how to protect your self from various forms of liability, especially that which is associated with your pets, call and talk to the agents of Maanen Insurance Group. Speaking with your agent will ensure that you have the right type of coverage for your home. 

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Inventory?

Having a business means that certain precautions need to be taken to prevent loss as a result of certain hazards. One major concern that many retail businesses have is protecting valuable inventory. Without protection for inventory on hand, it can spell disaster in some instances. 

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Inventory?

In most cases, good commercial insurance will cover non-perishable inventory on the premises where there is coverage in place. However, there are cases where perishable inventory needs to be covered by a special type of insurance, or by an add on to the original policy. If there are certain circumstances where there is a risk of loss to perishable inventory, it should be addressed when shopping for a commercial policy. Always use a professional when searching for a policy that fits the business’s particular needs to avoid mishaps and issues later on. 

Finding The Right Policy

There are many types of commercial insurance policies on the market, but not all of them are alike. Consult with an insurance professional and explain what items need to be covered and what type of inventory is on hand. You can choose from various options to ensure inventory is adequately insured. Anyone who is currently looking for a commercial insurance policy should consult with Maanen Insurance Group in Greeley, CO. We will work one on one with clients to help build a solid layer of protection against large and small threats. 

Don’t take chances shopping for insurance without the assistance of insurance professionals. Call or stop by Maanen Insurance Group if you have a business near Greeley, CO and let our agents assist you with getting high-quality comprehensive coverage. 

Potential Forms of Flood Damage

Floodwaters can create far more than just water damage to belongings and wallboard. It can cause mold, mildew, and require air and HVAC treatment of the ductwork. This blog from Maanen Insurance Group of Greeley, CO explains the types of damage flooding can cause and the appropriate professional to call for cleanup.

Water Damage

Water damage can happen in several ways. Pipes might burst, or plumbing or appliances can back up. Rains and winds can cause damage from severe storms. An accident can cause a hole in the ceiling that allows water infiltration. There is a variety of ways that water can cause issues.

The damage is not merely the water stains on furniture, walls, drapes, etc. You can also sustain the following:

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Debris and spores in the HVAC

That probably sounds gross, but a typical standard home policy, also known as an HO-3, covers your damage and repairs whether it was caused by snowmelt, water overflow discharge, or your water heater giving out. You usually also have coverage if your damage came from frozen pipes. If you chose an HO-1 or HO-8, the coverage is more limited. You still need to conduct the cleanup, even if you have to pay out-of-pocket because of the health dangers to you and your family.

Cleaning It Up

Cleaning up after the flood requires hiring a professional. These individuals use special equipment like industrial fans to dry the area. They will also use high-powered vacuums to clean out the HVAC system in your home, ensuring no flood debris or mold spores remain in your ductwork.

They also dry and sanitize all the salvageable items. You separate the damaged items from the rest of your belongings. The professional cleaners dry the piece thoroughly, then use an industrial-grade sanitizing liquid to remove all traces of mold and mildew.

You may lose a few keepsakes if the water damage is too egregious. Some items cannot be saved.

If the water damaged the home’s walls, the cleanup crew might have to demolish the existing walls and rebuild them. Particleboard molds and mildews easily. Water can seep through it and cause mold and mildew inside the wall. This creates a serious health risk. The cleanup team tests the interior of the walls for mold and mildew. If present, they conduct drying and sanitizing before replacing your particleboard.

Check with Maanen Insurance Group of Greeley, CO before you phone a cleanup crew. We can help you speed the process by advising you on which cleanup services accept our insurance and by beginning your insurance claim immediately. Call Maanen today to learn more about how home insurance protects you from a flooded water heater or the snow that broke through your ceiling.

Important tips to keep in mind when buying flood insurance

There are several factors to consider when buying a flood insurance policy

Does the community I live in participate in the National Flood Insurance Policy?

NFIP only offers the flood policy to participating communities through the federal government. At our agency in Greeley, CO, we do not experience much flooding. However, flood damage can still happen anywhere in Colorado. Flooding can result from storms or snow melting, resulting in significant damage that would cost a lot of money for renovations and replacement. It is prudent to keep an inventory of the items in the house to be prepared when disaster strikes.

What is covered by the flood insurance policy?

The flood insurance policy covers the house and personal property, including furniture and electronic equipment, among others. When buying a flood insurance policy, you will have the options of coverage for the building only, coverage of the contents of building only, or both building and its contents.

What are the flood policy limits?

It is vital to take note of the limits available on a standard policy. This ensures that you pick a policy that will be suitable for you. Where you need extra coverage, we will offer you an excess flood policy. Maanen Insurance group agents in Greeley, CO can help advise you on what best suits your needs.

What is the flood policy waiting period?

There is a 30-day waiting period for a flood policy or before changes to an existing policy are made. It is advisable to take the policy before severe weather is experienced in your area.

What is the cost of a flood insurance policy?

This will dramatically depend on the location of your home. High-risk properties may cost you higher as the likely risk of flooding is greater. While a flood policy may be expensive, it will be a lifesaver once your property is damaged.

Visit us at Maanen Insurance group in Greeley, CO, where our professional agents will advise you further on our products. A review of your existing policy can also be done based on the changes you would prefer.

 

Clean Up Tips for After a Flood

Clean-Up Tips for After a Flood

Maanen Insurance Group knows your Greeley, CO home means a lot to you. When a rising water event floods your home, you need to take action immediately to save yourself, your family, and your property. While your flood insurance will reimburse you for the damages, some items just aren’t replaceable, such as antiques your parents passed down to you.

You need a way to save them from the aftermath of the floodwaters – the mold and the mildew. This blog teaches you the steps to take after a flood for cleanup and debris removal as well as mold and mildew treatment.

The quicker you can begin to save your home and its items, the better your outcome. You cannot return until authorities have said it is okay to re-enter the area. Once you can go home though, follow these steps to attempt to prevent mold growth. 

  1. Hire a professional mold remediator or a flood clean up expert. These specialists have the equipment, sanitizers, and bacterial treatments that can rid your home of mold, mildew, and prevent it from developing.
  2. Before the specialists arrive, prevent the spread of mold and mildew by moving items that didn’t get wet outside. Keep them in the sunlight as long as possible, so long as the forecast holds no rain. Also, remove the flooded items you want to salvage, but place them in other areas of the yard, so they can begin to dry.
  3. Remove as much flood water as possible using buckets and mops. You can use a sump pump if you have one. Sweep out as much dirt, mud, and debris as possible.
  4. Use any dehumidifiers, fans or heaters you have to start the drying process. Ventilate your home by opening the windows if it is not humid outside.
  5. Remove wet carpet and its padding because once it gets saturated, it cannot be saved. It will develop mold if you leave it in place, so just rip it out. This prepares your home for the flood and a mold remediation expert to visit.
  6.  The remediation experts will test your drywall to determine if it needs replacement. If inundated during the flood, they will cut away the drywall from one foot above the flood line down. Mold cannot be cleaned and removed from porous materials. They’ll dispose of the cutaway drywall and replace it with new. They’ll do the same with wall paneling damaged in the flood.
  7. The remediation crew will also remove damaged insulation. 
  8. The remediation crew completely dries and sanitizes your home. 
  9. Have new materials installed.
  10. Show the flooded items you’d like to try to save to the remediation team. They’ll show you what they can do to remove mold and mildew but know in advance that some items cannot be saved.

Maanen Insurance Group wants you ready for any hazard that could hit your Greeley, CO home. Floods happen everywhere. While flood insurance reimburses you for your loss and helps pay for remediation, you’ll need to help the remediators get started. Contact us as soon as the flood occurs, so we can help you.

3 Tips for Buying Commercial Insurance in Greeley, CO

When it comes to protecting your business in Greeley, CO, you need the right commercial insurance policy. Every business is different with different needs and an experienced insurance agent from Maanen Insurance Group can help you find the best policy for your needs while helping you save money in the process. Read on to learn about three tips for buying commercial insurance in Greeley, CO.

1. Compare Several Quotes

Because your business is unique, it’s important to compare many insurance quotes before deciding on the right one. Go over the coverage and cost in detail and be sure to write down any questions or concerns you have. The agent you work with will help you get all your questions answered and help you secure the right policy for the right price.

2. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

Insurance companies are known for rewarding loyal customers with discounts on their policy premiums. To get this discount, all you have to do is bundle your insurance policies under one insurance carrier. Bundle your auto, homeowners, life, umbrella, commercial, and any other insurance policies you have and watch your savings grow. You can do this with your current insurance carrier or switch to a new one that offers more savings and better coverage.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

To find the best commercial insurance policy at the best price, you should work with a trusted insurance agent. The agents at Maanen Insurance Group are standing by to serve you and your insurance needs. We will help you compare quotes, bundle your policies, and get your business protected – all while saving you money. Contact us today at 970-350-2644 to reach a reputable insurance agent. 

Protect Your Business from Slip and Fall Claims

Our commercial clients understand that just one accident can have a significant negative impact on their bottom line, even if they have years of accident-free history. One slip and fall claim can cause more than a headache, and it’s important to protect your business’s bottom line from nuisance claims. If you own a business and are unsure if you have adequate coverage to protect your Greeley, CO area interests from a slip and fall claim, contact Maanen Insurance Group today. We can review your current policy and make sure that you have the protection you need should a claim be brought against you.

Slip and Fall Claim Coverage is a Necessity

With a comprehensive policy, you can protect your commercial interests from slip and fall and other claims. There is no reason for an accident to have a detrimental effect on your business and erase years of your hard work. Don’t be vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits that start out as just a headache and turn into serious issues. There are a lot of dishonest people who won’t think twice about taking advantage of a situation when given the opportunity.

Protect your assets with a policy that can minimize your company’s liability in the event of a mishap or accident. There are commercial insurance policies available that go beyond simply protecting your building and property and also help to protect your bottom line. If your current policy has gaps in coverage and doesn’t provide adequate protection for your needs, we can help you find one that does. With the many options available there’s no reason to go without full coverage.

Don’t put off protecting your Greeley, CO area business from slip and fall and other nuisance claims. Contact Maanen Insurance Group today and schedule a policy review consultation.

The History Of Flood Insurance

Maanen Insurance Group in Greeley, CO, offers flood insurance policies, to Colorado residents. 

THE HISTORY OF FLOOD INSURANCE

Congress enacted laws, The Swamp Lands Act, which gave the title of swamp lands to the states to maintain productive agriculture use and the Flood Control Act was enacted to control irrigation and address the management of water. The killing of 415 people as a result of the Ohio River Flood is but one example which required flood management control, and catastrophic floods nationwide required a more sophisticated approach.

Flood insurance naturally developed based on the mechanics of federal flood control.   The Federal Emergency Management Act (aka FEMA) is under the Department of Homeland Security.  FEMA’s purpose is to organize the state and local resources in response to disasters after the governor declares a state of emergency. Individuals who face flooding disasters seek aid through FEMA flood insurance which controls The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),  which provides economical insurance homeowners, businesses and renters. The NFIP works with communities to manage and enforce floodplain management regulations, and it can not exceed $250,000 for your home’s structure and $100,000 for your personal property. If your damages are above these limits private flood insurance, underwritten by lending institutions, is permitted.

 COLORADO FLOODING

On September 9, 2013, of the 64 counties in Colorado, 14 counties were affected by catastrophic flooding over a 200-mile area, which started.  Before the storm, Colorado experienced a drought.  The flooding caused eight deaths, with over one billion in damages. In 1976, the Big Thompson Flood, in the first three hours, there were twelve inches of rain, with flash flooding killing 144 people with thirty-five million dollars of damages.

The agents of Maanen Insurance Group in Greeley, CO, their clients encourages their clients to purchase life-sustaining flood insurance.  Please call!