Boat Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to File Them

Boat insurance is vital when mishaps occur on the water. However, chances are, you have never had to file a boat claim before. Here at Compass Insurance, providing boat insurance to residents in the greater Centennial, CO area, we want to help you understand what you should expect when filing a boat insurance claim for the first time.

Here are the steps to take after a boat accident.

  1. Safety First: In any boating incident, prioritize safety and contact emergency services if needed.

  2. Document the Incident: Collect information about the incident, take photos, gather witness statements and document injuries.

  3. Notify Your Insurer: Contact your boat insurance provider promptly with incident details, adhering to reporting timeframes.

  4. Work with an Adjuster: Your insurer will assign an adjuster to assess and estimate repair costs and provide them with documentation.

  5. Review Your Policy: Understand what your boat insurance policy covers to manage expectations.

  6. File a Police Report: For theft, vandalism, or accidents with others, file a police report and keep a copy.

  7. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of communications with your insurer.

  8. Choose a Repair Shop: Select a reputable repair shop if your policy allows; get repair estimates.

  9. Review the Settlement: After assessment, review the settlement offer. If agreeable, your insurer will process the claim.

  10. Dispute Resolution: Engage in dispute resolution with your insurer if you disagree with the settlement.

Navigating boat insurance claims may seem complex, but being informed and prepared can ease the process. Safety is paramount, followed by prompt reporting. Boat insurance ensures peace of mind during your water adventures, providing protection when needed. If you’re looking for a new boat insurance policy in the greater Centennial, CO region, contact Compass Insurance to get started.

Keeping your car running smoothly in hot weather

Keeping your car running smoothly in hot weather requires additional attention because higher temps can potentially put added stress on various vehicle components. To keep your car running smoothly in and around Centennial, CO, the insurance specialists at Compass Insurance offer these tips to maintain your car’s performance when the temperatures rise –

Regular Maintenance

Following your car’s recommended schedule for oil, fluid, and filter checks/replacements is essential, but it is extremely vital when the heat rises and challenges the engine.

Ensure the Cooling System is Working

Inspect the radiator, its grill, and the coolant level. If the temp gauge on the dashboard rises, pull to the side safely and let the engine cool before opening the radiator.

Tire Inflation

Heat has the potential to cause the air inside a tire to expand. Proper pressure offers safer traveling and enhances fuel efficiency.  

Fluid Levels

The important fluids – engine oil, brake fluid, power steering, and transmission fluids, must be maintained at suggested levels to prevent engine issues and overheating.

Air Conditioning

While most people test the AC system before the summer begins, if it is not working effectively before high heat, have it professionally serviced.

Check the Battery

Heat can decrease battery life by accelerating the battery fluid.

Additionally, keeping your car clean to protect the paint from harmful UV rays and parking it in the shade when possible helps to prevent a heat buildup that may damage interior components. And avoid aggressive driving to reduce strain on the engine.

Contact a Leading Auto Insurer

Remember that extreme heat is challenging for you and your vehicle. For information on how a Compass Insurance auto policy can help protect you, contact the professionals at 303-996-9000 or online.

The Benefits of Creating a Home Inventory

If you live in and around Centennial, CO, the insurance specialists at Compass Insurance offer the following guidance regarding the importance of creating a comprehensive home inventory. Conceptually, this advice provides a simple yet effective way to protect your investments should an unfortunate event (i.e., fire, theft, fire, hurricane, etc.) occur that causes damage.

The Value of Creating a Home Inventory

A home inventory can be created simply by a written list, a photo catalog, or even a digital app designed for this purpose. It is not a complicated process as all it requires is that you systematically evaluate your personal belongings and note important details that include:

  • Item description
  • Purchase price
  • Model number/serial number
  • Receipts

Store the inventory safely, preferably with a trusted friend, a family member, or a cloud-based storage service. Be sure to update the list routinely because it is only as useful as it is accurate. In addition to smoothing out the claims process, creating a home inventory offers these benefits:

It Offers Firm Proof of Ownership

Without a proper inventory, collecting a claim without proof can be challenging.

It Offers an Accurate Valuation

With an accurate estimate of value, you will know how much insurance coverage you need.

It Helps Maximize Compensation

With a detailed and up-to-date inventory, you will be less likely to overlook or forget to include an asset in a claim after you sustain a loss by a covered event.

It Reduces Stress After an Unexpected, Stressful Event

A home inventory prepares you for complex or challenging life moments.  

Contact a Leading Insurance Company

For additional information about home insurance by Compass Insurance, contact our licensed professionals at 303-996-9000 or online

Who needs to have toy insurance in Colorado?

Investing in a recreational toy can be an excellent idea for those in the Centennial, CO area. When you own one of these assets, you can enjoy all that the local area offers for outdoor enthusiasts. There are various situations when a recreational toy owner will want to get insurance for this asset. 

Those Looking for Protection

A situation when you want a toy insurance plan will come when you are looking to protect yourself and your recreational toy. When you purchase one of these toys, you are going to be making a significant investment that you will want to secure with insurance. If you get a proper toy insurance plan, it will offer coverage to ensure you have support if it is damaged or stolen. The toy insurance plan will also offer liability coverage, providing financial protection if you are at fault in an accident that results in damage. 

When Required

There are also situations when having insurance is required. If you have taken out a loan when buying the recreational toy, the lender will require you to carry toy insurance until the loan is paid off in full. The insurance plan will also be required if you want to use the toy on public roadways or specific trails, which may require you to carry liability coverage. 

Those looking to purchase a recreational toy in the Centennial, CO area will want to know that they are correctly securing and insuring their asset. When you are looking for coverage here, calling our team with Compass Insurance would be a great option. Our Compass Insurance professionals know this coverage’s value and can help you select an ideal plan. 

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Insurance: What Are the Coverage Options?

What can be more adventurous than riding a motorcycle along the road? This is a great and exciting feeling. However, as a responsible motorcycle owner, you should understand the importance of carrying proper motorcycle insurance. If you are searching for motorcycle insurance right now, here are the coverage options you may want to consider. 

What Are the Motorcycle Coverage Options? 

Here is a list of coverage options that insurance agencies usually offer to motorcycle owners:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage. It covers lost wages and medical expenses resulting from injuries or death of another person if you have caused an accident. It is crucial to note that it won’t cover your own medical bills. 
  • Property damage liability coverage. It pays for damage to another person’s property due to an accident. For example, it may pay for repairs of vehicles, storefronts, or other structures. It will not cover repairs to your bike, though. 
  • Medical payments coverage. The purpose of this coverage is to cover your medical expenses and passengers’ expenses in case of an accident and injuries.
  • Personal injury protection. If you are injured in an accident, this coverage will pay for your medical bills, lost income, child care, funeral costs, and other expenses. 
  • Collision coverage. It will cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another object. 
  • Comprehensive coverage. This coverage was created to cover any damages to your motorcycle if you are involved in a road accident with another vehicle. 

There are other coverage types; an insurance agent will gladly provide information about them. 

Compass Insurance – a Trustworthy and Experienced Insurance Agency in Centennial, CO

Are you looking for motorcycle insurance? Not sure what coverage you should get? Contact Compass Insurance serving clients in Centennial, CO, and other nearby towns in Colorado. Our insurance agents will gladly help you find the ideal coverage and answer all your questions. Please visit our website or give us a call today. 

Your Essential Boating Checklist

Preparing for a safe and smooth adventure on the water requires several essential considerations. If you are a boat lover/owner in and around the greater Centennial, CO area, the insurance professionals at Compass Insurance offer this basic boating checklist.

Check The Weather Forecast & Leave Written Notice of Your Float Plan

Know the weather conditions before heading out and avoid bad weather. Leave your float plan with someone for emergencies.

Inform Passengers About Safety Procedures & Ensure You Have Appropriate Safety Equipment

Before leaving, talk to all onboard about the use of life jackets, emergency protocols, and the location of the safety equipment. Onboard safety equipment that should be checked includes:

  • A throwable flotation device.
  • A whistle/horn.
  • A pump or bailer.
  • An anchor with sufficient line.
  • A fire extinguisher.

Review Safety Regulations & Requirements

Familiarize yourself with boating laws, safety requirements, and boating etiquette. The boat must be properly registered and equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and navigation lights – and you have kept up with recommended maintenance. Keep basic tools and spare parts on board for minor repairs.

Navigation Tools & Working Communication Devices

Have up-to-date navigation tools (i.e., GPS), compasses, or charts for proper navigation. Familiarize yourself with waterways and potential hazards. Carry a fully charged cell phone or marine radio for emergencies.

Personal Essentials & First Aid Kit

Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate clothing/rain gear, medications, and footwear. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit for minor injuries and emergencies.

Contact a Compass Insurance Today

For additional information on boating insurance, contact Compass Insurance online or at 303-996-9000.

How Commercial Insurance Could Save Your Small Business

Commercial insurance is one of the things that you could buy for your business that would prove to be a business saver. Commercial insurance is paramount whether you run a business in Centennial, CO, or a different part of the United States. Without it, you may be exposed to potential loss you cannot withstand. The team at Compass Insurance is in a position to help you understand these risks and more.

Liability and Property Loss

Two more extensive focus areas with commercial insurance include liability and property loss coverage. Say you have an accident at your business and are liable for the damage. What if you do not have the funds to pay that loss? Liability insurance can help to cover that cost. The same can be said for property loss, as it will help protect your inventory, building, equipment, and more.

Other Commercial Coverages

Many other commercial coverages include commercial auto, cyber insurance, business interruption, and more. These types of commercial insurance play uniquely to keep your business’s lights on when it is in its most troublesome state. Whether recovering from an auto accident, helping your business stay funded when it is closed won, or helping with losing customer data, commercial insurance is there.

Now that you see the different ways commercial insurance could save your business, what are you waiting for? You need to act to be sure you have the insurance coverage you need. The team at Compass Insurance is here to help all Centennial, CO business owners get the coverage needed.

How Commercial Insurance Could Save Your Small Business

Commercial insurance is one of the things that you could buy for your business that would prove to be a business saver. Commercial insurance is paramount whether you run a business in Centennial, CO, or a different part of the United States. Without it, you may be exposed to potential loss you cannot withstand. The team at Compass Insurance is in a position to help you understand these risks and more.

Liability and Property Loss

Two more extensive focus areas with commercial insurance include liability and property loss coverage. Say you have an accident at your business and are liable for the damage. What if you do not have the funds to pay that loss? Liability insurance can help to cover that cost. The same can be said for property loss, as it will help protect your inventory, building, equipment, and more.

Other Commercial Coverages

Many other commercial coverages include commercial auto, cyber insurance, business interruption, and more. These types of commercial insurance play uniquely to keep your business’s lights on when it is in its most troublesome state. Whether recovering from an auto accident, helping your business stay funded when it is closed won, or helping with losing customer data, commercial insurance is there.

Now that you see the different ways commercial insurance could save your business, what are you waiting for? You need to act to be sure you have the insurance coverage you need. The team at Compass Insurance is here to help all Centennial, CO business owners get the coverage needed.

What to Know About Car Insurance Before Your Next Road Trip

With summer fast approaching, you’ve likely begun planning your next getaway. It’s no secret that the US is full of potential road trips, especially for those living in the Centennial, CO area. In all of the excitement, the issue of car insurance is often overlooked.

Understanding how your insurance policy functions before heading out on the open road can ensure that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. At Compass Insurance, we want to ensure you have the information you need to make the right choices before your next road trip.

Things to Keep in Mind

There are two main things that you need to know when taking a road trip in your own car: who/what is covered and what happens if you have a crash in another state. Generally speaking, your policy allows other people to drive your car unless specifically excluded from your policy or if other circumstances are at play.

Your policy follows your car, so it’s valid while driving in other states. Though most states have different laws regarding the amount of coverage you should have, it’s unlikely that you will be penalized for being in an accident in a form requiring more insurance coverage than you have.

You should also be aware of the specifics of your policy when it comes to things like roadside assistance, towing, and rental car coverage. This will ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises during an emergency.

Get the Right Coverage for You With Help From Compass Insurance

If you’re looking for a car insurance policy that gives you the protection you need without breaking the bank, contact Compass Insurance today! We help Centennial, CO residents compare policies from all of the major carriers to find the coverage that’s right for them.

What to Know About Homeowner’s Insurance and Vacation Properties

If you own a vacation property, you may need a home insurance policy specifically designed to protect your property and its contents. Renting out your vacation property throughout the year can get a bit more complicated. Thankfully, the team here at Compass Insurance is here to help Centennial, CO residents determine exactly what coverage type they need for their second home.

Do you need a second policy for a vacation home?

Similar to when you purchased your primary home, the mortgage lender will require a certain level of insurance coverage on your vacation home to protect their investment. Once the property is paid off, you’ll want to continue insurance coverage as you would on your primary residence. This ensures you aren’t stuck paying for repairs out of pocket should a significant event affect your property.

Insurance for Renting Out Your Vacation Home

If you plan to rent out your second home to part-time or full-time vacationers, you’ll want to invest in an additional policy, such as a landlord or business insurance policy. This will help cover any damage to the property while the home is being rented for an extended period by the same party or by multiple people as a side income. By having the correct insurance coverage in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is protected whether you’re there or not.

Keep Your Vacation Property Safe With Help From Compass Insurance

When you need insurance coverage for your Centennial, CO property, contact the team at Compass Insurance! Since 2002, we’ve been helping homeowners find the right policy for their needs by comparing the best plans at the best rates from the top carriers in the country. Don’t wait to protect your investment. Give us a call today!