A History of Home Insurance

Many people are surprised to discover the long history of home insurance. Despite the evolution of the insurance industry over time, many basic principles remain the same. Are you seeking home insurance in Denver, CO? Reach out to Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. But first, let’s delve into the fascinating history of home insurance.

The Beginnings of Home Insurance

Insurance in various forms, such as for merchant ships or crops, existed before the conception of home insurance. It is widely believed by scholars that the emergence of the first home insurance policies was a direct reaction to the Great Fire of London in 1666. This catastrophic event obliterated nearly 90% of the city’s residences, leaving numerous individuals homeless and financially strained.

The initial objective of home insurance was to provide protection against fires. Home insurance was introduced to the United States by none other than Benjamin Franklin. In 1752, he started offering fire insurance policies through the Philadelphia Contributionship. While Franklin himself was a firefighter, managing fires was a challenging task during those times due to the lack of modern equipment.

The 18th century saw the introduction of mortgages in America. This played a significant role in paving the way for lenders to insist on home insurance coverage for any properties purchased with a mortgage. From the perspective of the lender, home insurance minimizes risk as the property acts as collateral for the loan.

With the rise in popularity of mortgages in the 20th century, home insurance also saw a significant upsurge. Nowadays, approximately 93% of homeowners hold a home insurance policy.

If you’re in need of home insurance in Denver, CO, don’t hesitate to contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. We’ll assist you in finding the ideal plan for your circumstances.

Do I need to have a home insurance plan in Colorado?

People living in the Denver, CO area will find owning a home is a good idea. When you are going to purchase a home, you will want to ensure your investment pays off in the long run. A great way to do this is by getting a home insurance plan. There are a lot of reasons why you should obtain this type of coverage.

Protect Your Home and Assets

A fundamental reason to have home coverage for your property in Broomfield is to ensure you are able to protect your home and assets. If you buy a home here, you will make a significant investment that you will want to enjoy for a long time. You can protect your assets by getting insurance, as it will give support if you are a victim of theft, vandalism, fire or storm damage, or other covered claims.

Offset Liability Risks

You should also consider having home insurance as it is a great way to offset your liability risks. When you are a property owner, there is always a chance you could be liable for an accident on your property. As you will be responsible for such damages, having coverage is very important as it will ensure you have support in these situations.

Property owners in the Colorado need to get the right insurance for their homes. When looking for this type of coverage, it would be wise to call our team with Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. Our insurance team with Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers can offer the support you need to build a proper plan. This will ensure you remain adequately supported and have ideal coverage for your Colorado home. Contact our experienced insurance agents for a free home insurance quote.

Key Factors When Choosing an Auto and Home Insurance Company

Choosing the right insurance company for your auto and home is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Your choice can greatly impact your financial well-being and peace of mind. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to understand what factors to consider when selecting an insurance provider. In this blog, we will discuss key considerations that can help you make an informed decision when choosing an auto and home insurance company

Reputation and Financial Stability
The reputation and financial stability of an insurance company should be at the top of your list. Research the company’s background, its history, and its financial strength. Look for third-party ratings from reputable sources such as A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s to assess their financial stability. A financially sound company ensures they can honor their policyholders’ claims in case of any unforeseen events.

Coverage Options and Policies
Evaluate the insurance company’s coverage options and policies to ensure they meet your specific needs. Understand the extent of coverage for both your auto and home insurance. Determine if the company offers comprehensive coverage, including liability, collision, personal property, and other additional options that you may require. Read through policy documents carefully, paying attention to any limitations, exclusions, deductibles, and terms and conditions.

Customer Service and Claims Handling
The quality of customer service and claims handling is crucial when choosing an insurance company. Find out how responsive and helpful their customer service representatives are. Look for online reviews and ratings from existing customers to gauge their satisfaction levels. A company with a reputation for excellent customer service and efficient claims processing will ensure a smoother experience during stressful times.

Premiums and Discounts
Compare premiums from different insurance companies and assess their value for money. Remember that the lowest premium might not always provide the best coverage or service. Look for companies that offer competitive rates while still meeting your coverage requirements. Additionally, inquire about available discounts such as bundling policies, safe driving records, home security systems, and more. Discounts can help reduce your premiums and save you money in the long run.

Financial Protection Limits
Evaluate the financial protection limits offered by the insurance company. Ensure that their coverage adequately protects your home and vehicle against potential risks. Assess the maximum limits they provide for property damage, liability, medical expenses, and personal belongings. Make sure these limits align with the value of your assets and potential liabilities.

Online Tools and Technology
In today’s digital age, insurance companies that provide user-friendly online tools and technology can enhance your overall experience. Look for companies that offer convenient features such as online policy management, bill payment options, claim filing, and access to policy documents. These tools can make it easier for you to interact with your insurance company and simplify administrative tasks.

Choosing the right auto and home insurance company involves careful consideration of several factors. Assess the reputation, financial stability, coverage options, and customer service of the company before making a decision. Compare premiums, discounts, and financial protection limits to ensure your needs are met. Lastly, consider the convenience of online tools and technology offered by the company. By evaluating these factors, you can select an insurance provider that offers the coverage, service, and peace of mind you deserve. Contact our experienced insurance agents for a free auto and home insurance quote.

The Benefits of Choosing an Independent Insurance Agency

When it comes to purchasing insurance, making the right choice is crucial for protecting your assets and ensuring peace of mind. While there are various options available, one option stands out when choosing an independent insurance agency like Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. Unlike captive agents who work for a specific insurance company, Aspen Gold’s agents offer numerous advantages that make us a preferred choice for many individuals and businesses. Let’s explore the benefits of choosing an independent insurance agency like Aspen Gold and why we can be the ideal partner in finding the right insurance coverage.

1. Choice and Independence
One of the primary advantages of working independent insurance agency like Aspen Gold is the freedom of choice we provide. Independent agents are not limited to a single insurance company’s offerings. Instead, we work with multiple insurance carriers, giving you access to a wide range of options. This ensures that your unique needs and preferences are met, as we can compare policies, coverage, and prices from multiple insurers. This allows us to focus on finding the best solutions tailored specifically to you.

2. Personalized Service
Independent insurance agents prioritize personal relationships and customer service. Aspen Gold’s agents take the time to understand your needs, assess your risks, and design a comprehensive insurance plan accordingly. Our personalized approach means we can offer advice, answer your questions, and guide you through the insurance selection process. When insuring with Aspen Gold, you have a trusted advisor who advocates for your best interests and provides ongoing support throughout the policy term.

3. Expertise and Industry Knowledge
Insurance can be complex, with various policy options and coverage nuances. Our dedicated agents are experts in the field. We possess in-depth knowledge of insurance products, industry trends, and regulations. This expertise allows us to navigate the intricacies of insurance and provide accurate, up-to-date information. We can explain policy terms, help you understand coverage limits, and identify any gaps or overlaps in your insurance portfolio. By leveraging our experience, our agents can ensure you make informed decisions and secure the right coverage for your specific needs.

4. Time and Convenience
Shopping for insurance can be a time-consuming task. Independent agents can simplify the process by handling the legwork for you. Instead of contacting multiple insurance companies individually, Aspen Gold’s agents consolidate the information, gather quotes, and present you with the best options. This saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on other priorities while still receiving expert guidance.

5. Claims Assistance and Advocacy
In the unfortunate event of a claim, Aspen Gold’s agents are here to support you. We act as your advocate, working closely with the insurance company on your behalf to help navigate the claims process, provide guidance on documentation requirements, and ensure a smooth and fair settlement. Our primary goal is to protect your interests and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Choosing an independent insurance agency like Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers offers a host of benefits that make the insurance-buying experience easier, more personalized, and tailored to your specific needs. With our broad selection of options, personalized service, expertise, and claims support, Aspen Gold’s agents provide a level of flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind that is hard to match. Whether you are an individual seeking personal insurance or a business owner looking for comprehensive coverage, partnering with Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers is a wise decision that can help safeguard your assets and provide you with the best possible insurance solutions.

Do I Need Home Insurance If I Own or Rent My Home?

Every homeowner needs basic insurance to protect their home and its contents from financial loss due to a covered loss. In most cases, you don’t need additional coverage if you own or rent your home.

However, homeowners with significant investments, such as home equity, may want to consider supplemental insurance to protect these assets. For more inquiries in Colorado, visit Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers.

What to Know about Home Insurance

Your home insurance policy can cover your belongings if they are stolen or damaged by unexpected events such as floods or fires. Some even cover you for liability claims if someone is injured in your home, while others provide additional living expenses in case you need to live somewhere else. At the same time, your house is being rebuilt after a disaster.

If you are renting your home, you may want to consider switching to a landlord’s policy or adding a renter’s insurance policy to cover your belongings in case of a disaster. To understand which option is right for you, consult a qualified insurance agent or review your current coverage with a checklist to help you choose the best coverage for your situation.

Certain risks might not be covered depending on your financial situation, such as if your home is at high risk of damage or a major claim is likely to occur. For example, if your home is prone to flooding or is located in a high-risk area such as a wildfire zone, it might not be worth the cost to protect it.

When you buy a home, a few things usually come with the house, such as the roof and appliances. It’s important to understand that some items, such as the house itself, aren’t covered by your home policy.

You can choose from various home insurance options, such as fire, flood, or wind coverage. The policy can also cover the repairs after a fire or other major disaster.

Final Words

Homeowners insurance would cover the value of your home and liability if someone were to sue due to an accident in your house. You may want to talk to your landlord about renter’s insurance if you’re renting.

If you have questions about insurance for renting out your home, get in touch with Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers.

Tips to Keep In Mind When Getting Home Insurance

Numerous first-time homebuyers forget to budget for their home insurance, waiting until the last minute to get coverage. If you are in the process of buying a house within Broomfield, CO, make it a point to prioritize your home insurance to get the proper protection for your property. Below, Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers takes you through various tips to keep in mind when getting your home insurance.

Understand What Your Policy Covers and What Its Exclusions

Home insurance can often seem like it primarily benefits the structure of your home, while in reality, it also offers other protection mechanisms. Some of these include paying for your personal belongings when covered perils arise and providing additional living expenses when your home is no longer habitable due to damages caused. Unfortunately, not every emergency will be covered. Flooding and earthquakes are some exclusions you will encounter, instances that will require extra coverage.

Bundle Your Policies Where Possible

If you need multiple policies to cover your home and vehicles, bundling your policies will be an ideal alternative to purchasing them separately. When bundled, you are likely to receive comprehensive coverage for multiple items on your property, helping you get sufficient compensation to cater to damage costs when disasters occur.

Review Your Insurance Frequently

Your home insurance needs to factor in your life and property adjustments as the years go by to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs. Due to this, make it a point to review your insurance frequently, with various changes likely to affect your policy. Aspects such as home renovations call for an adjusted policy, while others, such as the addition of a family member, mean getting updated coverage to cater to the changing needs of your family.

If you reside within Broomfield, CO, and are looking for customized insurance to protect your investment, call Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers today for home insurance designed with your specific needs in mind.

What are the benefits of home insurance in Colorado?

The Broomfield, CO area can be a great place to live. When you are here, there are plenty of great job opportunities and fun outdoor recreational options. If you do decide to move to this area, owning a property is a great option. If you are going to purchase a home in this area of Colorado, you should consider getting a home insurance policy. There are several benefits that are received when you get home insurance here.

Covers Dwelling

One of the main reasons to get a home insurance policy here is that it can provide you with protection for your home and other important assets. One of the biggest investments that you will ever own is your property. With a home insurance property, you are going to receive coverage if your home is damaged by a fire, weather, or other casualties. You can also receive coverage for your personal belongings and assets.

Gives Liability Coverage

You should also get a home insurance policy because you will receive liability coverage. When you own a property and have a guest over, you are going to be taking on some personal liability risk. When you get a home insurance policy, you are going to receive coverage to mitigate this risk. If you are sued for liability, this insurance will prove to be incredibly valuable.

As you are shopping for home insurance in the Broomfield, CO area, you should contact the team at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. With Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers, you can be assured that all of your questions and concerns that come with buying a home and getting insurance are addressed. This will help you to choose a policy that provides you and your property with the appropriate level of insurance coverage. Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers can also bundle your home and auto insurance, saving you money.

How to Prevent An Electrical Fire At Home

Electrical fires aren’t a pleasant topic to think about. However, if you don’t give this possible tragedy even a little bit of thought, your home in Broomfield, CO can be in danger. Approximately 51 thousand home electrical fires occur each year in the United States. According to Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers and other home safety experts, these fires are largely preventable. Here’s how you can avoid losing your home or your loved ones to an electrical house fire.

1. Practice Outlet And Cable Safety To Prevent an Electrical Fire

Are all of the electrical outlets in your home tight and sealed?

If you have small kids in the home, are the outlets properly capped?

If not, these are essential safety precautions. Not only are unsafe outlets a fire hazard, but they can also cause fatal electrical shocks, especially if covered in water.

When plugging in appliances, remember the following safety tips:

Always ensure that cables are fully plugged into an outlet.
Don’t overload an extension or electrical adapter with too many appliances.
Don’t use extension cords as a permanent electrical solution.
Don’t run electrical cords under rugs or through the floor.

Also, if your cable is frayed or broken, retire that cord immediately.

2. Check Circuit Breakers Regularly To Prevent an Electrical Fire

You should have your circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) checked on a monthly basis. If you don’t have a GFCI installed in each common area of your home (kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else where you have large appliances), have them installed as soon as possible.

If you ever have to change a circuit fuse, make sure it’s being replaced by one that fits the circuit properly. Each type of circuit has a fuse of a certain size. Fuses that are too large or too small are certainly a fire hazard.

3. Replace Lighting And Appliances As Needed

It can be a pain to have to replace light bulbs or light switches; after all, they’re supposed to last a long time. However, malfunctioning light fixtures are one of the main causes of electrical fires.

When you change a light bulb, make sure to replace it with one that has the appropriate wattage. If you install a light bulb that has a higher wattage than recommended for a particular fixture, your bulb can overheat and start a fire.

4. Only Hire Licensed Electricians

This should be a given, but not every homeowner takes the following advice to heart: Always hire licensed electricians to fix or maintain your electricity. If you disregard this advice, not only may your home be in danger, but this can also void your home insurance policy from Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers.

If you need to upgrade your home’s electrical capacity, fix an outlet, or fix a ground circuit, call an electrician that’s licensed to work in Colorado.

Does Your Home’s Electricity Satisfy Your Home Insurance Brokers?

Is your home in Colorado safe from all preventable electrical house fires? If you’re not sure, talk to an Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers agent to verify that all home insurance requirements are met. If you’re looking for a new policy or to upgrade your existing one, visit our site for a quote today.

Typical Reasons for Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim in Colorado

Making sure you have homeowners insurance if you live in Broomfield, CO is very important. A home insurance policy is super important and when it comes time to file a homeowners insurance claim for damages that need repair, you will realize why. Make sure you are covered and if you have any questions about what coverage options you need, contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers to discuss specific details further. Find out what typical reasons for filing claims are in this post.

Storm Damage

Heavy winds, hail, sleet, snow, ice, rain, wildfires, floods, and other hazardous weather events can really do a lot of damage to homes in Colorado. That is why it is ultra important to stay covered with a homeowners policy. These events represent a major reason homeowner’s file a homeowners insurance claim. Be sure to assess damages and contact an agent right away if damages from weather destroy parts of your home (or the entire home).

Water Damage

Many homeowners get flood insurance protection if they live in a vulnerable area prone to flooding but others might find their home has been damaged by water without a flood. This can include things like burst pipes, backups in plumbing or leaks. These events can cause major damage to property. Find out why these typical claims are important by talking with an agent at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers.

Fire Damage

Another major reason for filing a homeowners insurance claim is fire and smoke damages to homes. Homeowners can be devastated by the damage and destruction left behind after a fire has engulfed their home or parts of it. The fire and the smoke can damage any kind of property within or outside the home. Be sure to discuss the fire damage coverage options available on select policies in Broomfield, CO.

3 Tips for Understanding Personal Property Coverage

Our team at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers has put together this easy-to-understand guide regarding personal property coverage and your Colorado homeowner’s insurance policy.

Tip #1: Understand What It Covers

Personal property coverage refers to the items that you own—i.e. your clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics, toothbrush, and even your dog are all considered personal property items. For the most part, these belongings are covered under a blanket figure on your policy. However, certain larger cost items—like guns, jewelry, artwork, computers, and furs—might need special consideration and a discussion with your agent.

Tip #2: Know Your Policy Limits & Details

Another important tip regarding personal property coverage is to understand your limits and the different types of coverage listed. As mentioned above, most homeowner’s policies have a cap limit on how much all of your belongings together would cost to replace. However, the policy also usually dictates how an adjuster would come up with values for each of those individual items.

Actual cash value (ACV) refers to items that will only be reimbursed for what they were worth at the time of the loss. Replacement cost value (RCV) refers to what it would cost to buy the modern version of an item at a store today.

Tip #3: Document Anything Excessive or Out of the Ordinary

Should a claim occur, the onus is on you and not your insurance company to prove the items you claim were actually owned by you. In most cases, household belongings considered reasonable and necessary won’t need definitive proof, but anything excessive or out of the ordinary will likely need photos, receipts, or a combination thereof for reimbursement. Keep a record of these items and store it in a safe place, like a fireproof box or digitally.

Interested in learning more? Contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers today for your no-obligation Colorado homeowner’s insurance quote.

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