Is It Time to Update My Home Insurance Policy?

After working so hard to own your home, buying home insurance is the next best decision you can make. Since you’ve probably spent your entire savings building that home, it makes sense to invest in home insurance to secure your home. However, after buying a home insurance policy, it doesn’t mean you forget about your coverage. With house improvements that happen from time to time, your policy can become inadequate and leave you vulnerable to losses. 

To that end, it’s paramount to keep updating your home insurance from time to time. Wondering when to update your insurance? Maanen Insurance Group got you. Here are the reasons why you should review your home insurance.

You’ve remodeled your home

When you upgrade your roof, kitchen, or add a bathroom, you must let your insurance agent know. Home improvements have a significant impact on the value of your home, and your coverage needs adjustment to cover the upgrade adequately. While your premium may rise by a few dollars, it’s essential to have the right coverage in the event of a claim.

You’ve sold or bought an expensive item

In addition to covering your structure, your home insurance covers your belongings to a specific limit. As you purchase new items and sell out others, you must update your insurance to cover these changes.

You’ve purchased a new pet

Home insurance provides liability coverage in case of a dog bite. If you welcome a new pet in your home, you should update your insurance to include your pet in your liability claim.

Home insurance in Greeley, CO

Folks, there you have it. There are tons of reasons why you need to upgrade your home insurance. If you’ve made any change in your home, and you are unsure whether you need an upgrade, talk to your insurance agent for clarification.

Ready to upgrade your insurance? Please contact Maanen Insurance Group to initiate the conversation.

What does flood insurance cover?

Whether you live in a flood-prone area or not, flood insurance provides additional protection to your house and your belongings. Usually, flood insurance is not obligatory, but sometimes it may be required by your mortgage lender. If you are thinking of getting this type of insurance, and you want to know more about it, Maanen Insurance Group serving clients in Greeley, CO and other nearby towns prepared information on what exactly flood insurance covers:

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Standard flood insurance covers the following: 

  • The structure of the building itself. This includes foundation walls, staircases, and anchorage systems. 
  • Essential systems in your home. This includes plumbing and electric systems, HVAC system, heat pumps, furnaces, water heaters, and sump pumps. It also covers water tanks, fuel tanks and fuel in them, and solar energy equipment. 
  • Carpeting and window treatments. If you have carpets installed over your wooden floor or any other types of permanent carpeting, they will be covered by a standard flood insurance policy. Most policies also cover window blinds and curtains. 
  • Appliances. Flood insurance covers refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, freezers, portable window air conditioners, and dishwashers. 
  • Permanently installed cabinets, bookshelves, paneling, and wallboard. If your cabinets, for example, were damaged or ruined by flood, your insurance will pay for their replacement. 
  • A detached garage. Up to 10% of your total building coverage can be used for covering your detached garage. 
  • Personal belongings. Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal stuff will be covered by flood insurance unless they are not stored in the basement.

Maanen Insurance Group – We Help You Keep Your Home Safe

If you live in Greeley, CO or any other nearby town, and you are thinking of getting flood insurance, our insurance agency is ready to help you. We are a team of professional and experienced insurance agents, who will provide you with all the necessary information and help you choose the right policy based on your budget and needs. Feel free to visit our website or give us a call if you have any questions. 

Types of Commercial Insurance

Owning a business in Greeley, CO is exciting and rewarding as individuals get to see the fruits of their investment as the business grows. And to protect this investment, a business owner must make certain decisions in the business’s best interest. One of those decisions is insuring your vehicle. Here at Maanen Insurance Group, we are invested in helping clients understand the different types of commercial insurance. As discussed below, here is what you need to know.

General Liability Insurance

This type of commercial insurance provides cover for your business against damage like bodily injury and property damage. For instance, if a customer gets injured at your workplace or their property gets damaged, this type of insurance will cover things like medical expenses and the cost of repairing the damage caused.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance covers the building and any equipment inside from perils like vandalism, theft, and fire. If your business is exposed to any of these risks, this policy helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

You may want to consider workers’ compensation insurance if you have hired employees to assist you in running the business. It helps cover medical expenses if an employee suffers a work-related injury, including things like ongoing care and medication. It can also cover funeral expenses if an employee passes on due to an injury or illness related to work. Should an employee decide to sue you for damages, this policy helps cover the legal fees you will incur.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use vehicles while running business operations, you should consider getting this type of commercial insurance. It provides cover for medical expenses if your driver gets injured in an accident and covers repair or replacement costs for the vehicle after an accident.

Every day, business owners in Greeley, CO, continue to be exposed to various risks, and the only way you can minimize the impact of a loss is through insurance. Here at Maanen Insurance Group, we can help you choose the right type of commercial insurance depending on your business needs. Contact us today for assistance.

Home Security Technology Options

Home security systems have come a long way from the days of the night watchmen who would walk neighborhoods ensuring homes were locked. With new technology and lower prices, Greeley, CO homeowners have many home security options available to them. Here is a list of some different home security technology options available for homeowners. 

Once you select a home security system, give us a call at Maanen Insurance Group for additional information about protecting your home.

Full-Service Systems

Several companies offer full-service systems, which include central monitoring. Many of these systems have remote access, video surveillance, smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and medical emergency alerts. Some even offer home-automation tools for controlling heating, cooling, and appliances while you are away from home. 

DIY Systems

If you are tech-savvy, there are starter packs you can purchase and set up in your home yourself. Using DIY security products allows you to create a personalized security system using different products and monitor yourself. 

Smart Cameras

There are many styles of smart cameras available, including those attached to flood flights and doorbells. These cameras can be set to record continuously or set to active when they sense motion. In addition, recordings from these cameras can be accessed through specific apps. 

Home Automation

Setting up your home to be controlled by your phone when you are not home can be used as a deterrent. For example, switching lights on and off, turning on televisions and radios can deter burglars by making it look like someone is home. 

Keyless Entry Systems

Doors can be set to unlock using a code or with a smartphone. Keyless locks allow you to grant access to someone without the need to leave a key outside for burglars to find. 

Homeowners in Greeley, CO, have many options available to use to protect their home. For additional information about homeowners policies and safeguard your home, call Maanen Insurance Group. 

Demystifying Commercial Insurance Myths

At Maanen Insurance Group in Greeley, CO, it pains us to witness people falling victims to misinformation regarding commercial insurance. Several business insurance myths exist, and it’s easy to believe them, especially if you are a newbie. Luckily, we are here to debunk some of these common myths. 

Here are the common commercial insurance myths that you should be aware of when shopping for coverage. 

Myth#1: Your venture doesn’t need insurance — it’s too small

Some small business owners assume they don’t need insurance as they believe commercial insurance is meant for large businesses. If you are one of them, you are very wrong. Regardless of the size of your business, it would help if you had commercial insurance to protect you against unforeseen events that may unfold when you least expect them.

Myth#2: Insuring your home-based business isn’t necessary if you have home insurance 

If you think so, you are wrong. A home insurance policy doesn’t cover business-related risks. For instance, if a customer slips and breaks their leg while attending a business meeting, your home insurance won’t cover the emanating liability claims. Given the limited protection of your home insurance, you need commercial insurance to protect your home-based business optimally.

Myth#3: Your landlord insurance policy protects your business

Your business and its building are two different entities. Your landlord’s insurance policy protects the building and not your business. In case of theft, it’s you who will suffer and not the landlord. To that end, you should purchase commercial insurance to protect your business against various risks. 

Your business isn’t something to take for granted. It’s the reason you are financially stable as it works hard to serve you. To return the favor, it’s your mandate to ensure it’s always insured. 

Buy commercial insurance today!

At Maanen Insurance Group in Greeley, CO, we understand the importance of commercial insurance. That’s why it’s our passion to help you distinguish between myths and reality regarding your commercial insurance policy. If you need more clarity, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

How can Greeley property owners benefit from flood insurance?

Those that live in the Greeley, CO area will continue to benefit by owning a home. Along with purchasing a home, you need to ensure that you choose a proper insurance plan. One form of coverage that should always be considered is flood insurance. Having this protection can be beneficial for a few reasons. 

Protection for Property

A key reason that people in this area of Colorado will benefit from having flood insurance is that they can receive protection for their property. If you are a property owner, you will want to protect it as well as you can. If there is a concern about flood damage in your area, your base insurance plans may not offer much coverage for flood damage. With a full flood insurance plan, you are going to receive the flood risk protection that you need. 

Loan Compliance

You will also benefit from having flood insurance by staying in compliance with your loan agreements. Those that are going to buy a home in this part of Colorado will likely take out a mortgage to finance the purchase. If you have financed your home with a loan, the lender will likely run a flood search. If it determines that your home is in a flood zone, the lender will require that you have flood insurance at all times. 

Getting a proper flood insurance plan should be considered a necessity for anyone in the Greeley, CO area that has concerns about flood risk. As you are looking for an insurance plan here, calling Maanen Insurance Group can be a great option. If you do speak with the team at Maanen Insurance Group, you can learn a lot more about your insurance options and choose a flood insurance policy that is right for your situation. 

Why do I need commercial insurance in Greeley?

The Greeley, CO area can be a great place for someone that would like to start a business and be their own boss. When you are going to start a business in this area of Colorado, you will quickly find that there is a lot of opportunity for professional success. To ensure that your business is covered and protected as well as possible, you need to obtain a quality commercial insurance plan. You need to have this coverage for a few reasons.

Coverage is Required for Most Businesses

A reason that you will need to get a commercial insurance plan when you are in this area of Colorado is that it is required for most businesses. Those that are going to start a business will likely need to take out a loan to grow the company, lease office space, or even raise outside capital. In almost all of these scenarios, you will have contractual insurance obligations that need to be met.

Insurance Will Protect Company

You should always have commercial coverage for your business even if it is not required for you to have it. When you get a commercial coverage plan, it will give you coverage to protect your business assets and will offer great liability protection. In either of these situations, you will get the coverage you need to keep your business solvent during difficult times.

You should always look for ways to protect your Greeley, CO business. If you would like to do this with a commercial policy, it would be helpful for you to call Maanen Insurance Group. The team with the Maanen Insurance Group understands the value that comes with this coverage. They can give the help you need to build a policy ideal for your situation. 

Most Common Home Insurance Claims Filed in Colorado

The most frequently filed home policy claims provide a guide for how you can reinforce your home to be heartier, so Maanen Insurance Group serving Greeley, CO wants you to know what causes individuals to need to file claims here in Colorado. Your home does not have to incur damage although named perils still occur.

In Colorado, five named perils likely cause damage to your home:

  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Water

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other strong winds cause damage to your home. Hail also causes damage, stemming from thunderstorms. These storms cause average damage of $11,200. Roof damage tops the type of damage caused by these storms. The wind blows shingles off of the roof; hail knocks the shingles off or knocks dings and holes into the roof. You can have your roof reinforced after a roofing inspection. This adds a layer of protection to your home that makes it tougher for wind or hail to damage it.

Lightning also causes similar damage to roofs but also spawns fires. While this ranks as the second most common type of damage, it costs more. Fire damage claims cost nearly $80,000 on average. Fire damages the exterior and interior of the home as well as destroying property inside. You can add fire retardant protections to the inside and outside your home, including fire-resistant wallboard and paint.

The last most common damage type is water damage.  This occurs from snowmelt, rain, plumbing leaks, and burst pipes. The tears in your roof allow snowmelt or rain to enter the attic area or top floor if you have no attic. This causes damage to the home itself and the items inside. Conducting appropriate maintenance on your plumbing can help alleviate pipe bursts and related issues. The aforementioned roof reinforcement helps to prevent water damage from snowmelt and rain.

Learn more about how you can hazard proof your home by contacting Maanen Insurance Group serving Greeley CO and the surrounding area. Let us help you protect your home with homeowner’s insurance.

Do Colorado businesses need commercial insurance?

The Greeley, CO area continues to be a great place for someone to start a small business. This area of the state has a great economy and tends to support small businesses. If you are going to start a company when you are here, getting insurance for it is important. There are many reasons why the typical business in this area of the state will need to have a commercial insurance plan. 

Stakeholders Require Coverage

A reason that many businesses in Colorado will have to get a commercial insurance plan is that it could be required by their stakeholders. If you would like to start a business, taking out a loan or raising capital from the outside is a great way to fuel growth. When you do this, your investors and lenders will want to ensure your company is properly protected. They normally will have commercial insurance requirements that need to be met at all times.

Coverage Can Help Protect Solvency

Another reason that you should get a commercial insurance plan is that it can help to protect the solvency of your organization. If you have started a company, you will want to protect its solvency the best that you can. With a commercial insurance plan, you can receive the coverage you need to repair or replace company assets or to mitigate insurance risk. 

Anyone that would like to start a business in the Greeley, CO area will need to get a commercial insurance plan. Those that would like to get this coverage when they are in Colorado should call the Maanen Insurance Group. The insurance team with the Maanen Insurance Group understands the value of this coverage. They can help you build a plan that will properly protect your company in the future. 

Three mistakes to avoid when you purchase flood insurance in Colorado

Homeowners in Greeley, CO need to purchase flood insurance to protect the financial investments they make in their properties. We can provide flood insurance to you at Maanen Insurance Group.

The following are three mistakes to avoid when you purchase flood insurance in Colorado.

Being unaware of your property’s flood risk

One of the most important things you need to do when you’re shopping for flood insurance is look up the flood zone and flood risk of your property. The flood risk in your area should give you an idea of what you should expect to pay for your flood insurance premiums.

The more at risk you are to experience flooding at your property, the higher your flood insurance premiums will be. 

Failing to explore FEMA subsidized options

If you’re in a high-risk flood zone, you might find that flood insurance coverage options are unaffordable. In certain high-risk areas, you might not even be able to get standard flood insurance. However, you may be able to get FEMA subsidized coverage if you are in a high-risk area. 

Do your research and find out about FEMA sponsored resources when you’re looking for coverage. 

Buying an inadequate amount of coverage

If you don’t invest in enough coverage, you could be financially devasted by a flood. Calculate the coverage amount you need carefully. Ideally, you want to have enough coverage to fully insure both your property and your possessions. 

Contact us today if you’re interested in exploring your flood insurance options in Greeley, CO. We’re here to offer you information about flood insurance in Colorado at Maanen Insurance Group.