How To Pack a First Aid Kit for Your Boat

If you are a boat owner, you must always stay aware of your safety responsibilities towards any guests on your boat, as well as for your own safety. Any good boat owner will have a properly packed first aid kit on hand for emergencies. At Compass Insurance, serving Centennial, CO, and the surrounding areas, we hope you never experience an emergency on your boat. Still, a properly put together first aid kit will be crucial if you do. Keep reading to learn about the items you need. 

What Type of Kit Do You Need?

You should understand that different types of boats and excursions require various emergency supplies. Boats that will only go out for day excursions with a small group of people may not need extensive first-aid supplies. However, if you are taking groups on extensive excursions, you will need more supplies. If you want to be prepared for any emergency, you will need a fully stocked first aid kit. 

 First Aid Kit Essentials

Basic first aid kits often come with what you need for minimal injuries. When you are out on a boat, especially if you are fishing as well, injuries could get a little more involved. Here are some first-aid essentials that are good to have on your boat.

  • Variety of bandages– Different types of injuries will need different types of bandages for proper coverage.
  • Gauze– Gauze will be needed to hold smaller bandages tightly in place for injuries that are a bit more serious.
  • Scissors– Scissors are needed to cut bandages, tape, or even clothing from a wound.
  • Tweezers– Tweezers are needed to remove splinters and metal shards of metal.
  • Syringe– Syringes are helpful to flush dirt from wounds or flush eyes.
  • Saline solution– Thisforsflushing to flush wounds.
  • Tape
  • Cold packs– This is needed to help swelling.
  • Foil blankets– This can be a valuable tool if someone falls into cold water. This item can help to prevent shock or hypothermia.
  • Gloves– These are necessary to reduce the chances of spreading germs or diseases when treating an injury.
  • Burn cream– A boat has several hot surfaces that could result in burns on board.
  • OTC medications– You should have a supply of OTC meds such as aspirin, Advil, allergy, motion sickness, and more.
  • Alcohol wipes– These are needed for disinfecting.
  • Antiseptic ointment or spray– This will be needed to clean wounds.
  • Eyewash

If you want to learn about boat insurance, please get in touch with us at Compass Insurance serving Centennial, CO, and the surrounding areas. 

Driving to Canada and Mexico – Is Your Car Covered?

The long road trip is the quintessential American vacation, but what do you do when you have seen everything you want to see in the continental United States? That’s the time to see the sights of Canada and Mexico with the auto insurance you need from Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO.

Does Your Auto Insurance Cover You in Mexico?

Never drive across the border into Mexico, even for a day trip, without coverage for your car. If you are involved in a wreck in Mexico and don’t have insurance, you can be held in jail until a judge is satisfied that you will pay for any damage you are later found to have caused. You need to carry your policy with you when you are driving in Mexico!

Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO works with several companies that can provide coverage in Mexico. We can also write Mexico-specific coverage for motorcycles and RVs. You will only need this coverage while you are in Mexico.

Does Your Auto Insurance Cover You in Canada?

Driving into Canada is less complicated than driving into Mexico. Most of the time, the policy you get through Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO will automatically give you coverage in Canada. Remember to carry your insurance identification card when driving your car.

When traveling to Mexico or Canada, remember to go low-tech. It is always best to have hard copies of your proof of insurance rather than relying on an insurance app on your phone. 

Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO has been in operation since 2002. Because we are an independent agency, we can find the insurance you need for the lowest possible premiums. Call us today at 303-996-9000!

What is the 80/20 Rule in Home Insurance

In insurance, there is a rule of thumb called the 80/20 Rule. It is a way that insurers guide people on how much home insurance they need. If you haven’t heard of it, or if it confuses you, we at Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO are here to help. Give our office a call at 303-996-9000 today.

The 80/20 Rule

Most insurance companies want you to have at least 80% of your home’s replacement value insured. This is the 80/20 rule, and it is a standard belief that anything under this amount is under-insuring your home.

It works because if your home is insured for less than 80% of the replacement cost, your insurance will only cover up to that percentage and not the complete 80%. If you have 80%, the insurance company will fully cover the cost of the damage. However, inflation and capital improvements can alter the property’s value and affect the 80/20 rule.

Capital Improvements and Inflation

If you make improvements to your home, such as an addition that increases the home’s value, you will need to adjust the home insurance amount as well. Inflation is another way that the value of your home can creep up without you realizing it.

To offset any potential rise in home value that puts you at risk of being underinsured, have a home insurance representative review your coverage every so often. This can make a big difference and keep you adequately covered for potential loss.

If you need insurance help in Centennial, CO, our Compass Insurance office staff is here. We are insurance experts and can help you get what you need. Call 303-996-9000 today.

Protecting Your Most Valuable Toys with Insurance

Toy insurance is an important investment for Centennial, CO residents who own recreational vehicles and other expensive toys. But the question remains—will one policy cover all your toys? Read on to learn more about toy insurance from Compass Insurance.

How Many Policies Do I Need? 

The first step in determining whether you need separate policies for each of your toys is to assess the value of each one. If you own a single vehicle or toy that is valued at $20,000 or less, then it’s likely that a single policy can cover it. However, if you have several vehicles or toys worth more than $20,000 combined, you will likely need separate policies for each item. 

This is because most policies will cap coverage at around $20,000 per item; anything over that amount would require additional coverage. Additionally, many policies limit the number of things they will cover—so if you have more than the maximum number of items listed on your policy (usually 3-5), multiple policies may be required to ensure complete coverage. 

What Does Toy Insurance Cover? 

Toy insurance covers many items, such as boats, RVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs. It also typically covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disasters such as floods and fires.

Whether you own just one toy or several high-value items, protecting them with proper insurance is essential for any Centennial, CO resident who wants peace of mind when enjoying their recreational activities. Contact Compass Insurance today for more details and to get the coverage you need to protect all your toys!

Is motorcycle insurance in Colorado a good idea?

Owning a motorcycle can be a lot of fun if you are in the Centennial, CO area. When you have a motorcycle, you can cruise around the community and even take it to the local mountain ranges for a nice ride when the weather is clear. If you have this type of vehicle, it is imperative that you also get an insurance plan for it. There are various reasons why having a motorcycle plan is a good idea for owners in this area.

Financial Protection

A reason that many people in this area of Colorado will want to have a motorcycle plan is so they can receive financial protection. Various financial risks come with operating a motorcycle, including causing damage in an accident or having your motorcycle stolen or damaged. These risks can be mitigated if you have a proper motorcycle policy that will provide liability support and protect the asset.

Comply with Requirements

Having a motorcycle plan to ensure you can comply with your requirements is also a good idea. When you are looking to get a motorcycle, various insurance obligations need to be met. This includes meeting minimum standards set by the state and getting coverage that meets requirements set by a lender. With a proper motorcycle plan, you will comply with these obligations and remain in good standing.

If you are going to purchase a motorcycle in Centennial, CO, it is important that you get the right insurance for it. The team with Compass Insurance can help with this. Compass Insurance will provide you with direct guidance that can be used to properly assess your situation and choose a plan that meets your needs.

Your Livelihood Needs Protection – Get Commercial Insurance

Are you a business owner in Centennial, CO? Have you got your livelihood insured? If not, Compass Insurance can provide the protection you need.

But what is commercial insurance? Its coverage for corporations and businesses is designed to protect the business, its employees, and its ownership. This type of insurance comes in different configurations because of the many different needs of individual businesses.

There are many different types of commercial insurance. The most common are:

  • Business interruption insurance
    • You probably will lose revenue if your business operation is interrupted by a natural disaster, theft, or property damage. Business interruption protection covers events that may disrupt your earning ability. This coverage is ideal for all businesses as it is designed to return the business to its financial position before the loss.
  • Commercial general liability insurance
    • This coverage provides liability insurance for general business risks and should be the first type of coverage you should consider. It covers common threats such as property damage, medical payments, and bodily injury. You will be covered if your business is found to be responsible for a third-party injury or property damage.
  • Cyber liability insurance
    • You could face a lawsuit or lose revenue if you or a client is harmed by online activity. This coverage protects you from the four main types of risks depending on your scope of coverage: errors and omissions liability, media liability, network security liability, and privacy liability.
  • Property insurance
    • This provides coverage for your property and all the equipment. Tools, computers, desks, and other standard furnishings will be covered. It will also cover inventory.

Commercial insurance is necessary for all businesses, regardless of size. Let the insurance professionals at Compass Insurance answer any questions you may have or provide you with a quote. Contact our team today.

How much boat insurance do I need?

When it comes to boat insurance, there are a lot of factors to consider. How much coverage do you need? What type of policy is best for you? And how much will it cost?

These are all critical questions to answer before purchasing any boat insurance policy. And while the answers may vary from person to person, some general guidelines can help you get started.

What factors go into determining how much coverage you need?

Regarding boat insurance, several factors can influence how much coverage your policy should include. For example, the boat’s value is significant – but not the only consideration.

You may also want to consider the value of any additional items on your boat, such as equipment and gear. And you should also consider whether or not you have any additional liability coverage, such as personal watercraft insurance if you ride a jet ski or other type of PWC.

Similarly, the type of boat you own is another factor to consider when choosing how much coverage to purchase. For example, if you have a sailboat or power boat, the value of both will be important to consider when choosing your coverage limits.

And finally, your personal situation can also impact how much coverage you need. Are you? Do you have children? How old are they? Your answers to these questions may also influence how much coverage you need.

If you have questions about insuring your boat, give Compass Insurance a call today. We proudly serve the Centennial, CO area.

Motorcycle Insurance: What About When My Bike’s in Storage?

Your motorcycle is a significant investment, and you want to protect it. But you may wonder why you pay for coverage when your bike’s off the road and safe in storage. However, it’s not that simple. Your motorcycle insurance policy should cover your bike in Centennial, CO year-round, even when your bike’s in storage.

Protection From Damages

Is your motorcycle safe from the elements in storage? Most likely, no. Your garage or storage unit is not a fortress, and accidents happen. Your insurance policy should cover the repairs if your motorcycle is damaged while in storage. Your Compass Insurance agent can help you determine the best coverage for your needs and provide a quote.

Theft Protection

Yearly insurance premiums for your motorcycle are based on several factors, including the likelihood of theft. If you live in an area with a high rate of motorcycle theft, you’re more likely to pay more for coverage. However, you’re still covered if your bike is stolen from storage. Even if you don’t live in a high-crime area, it’s essential to have coverage if your motorcycle is stolen. You put a lot of money and care into your bike and want to be compensated if it’s stolen.

Security

With motorcycle insurance, you can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that you’re covered in case of an accident, theft, or damage to your bike. Plus, your lender will require you to have insurance if you have a loan. So, it’s important to make sure you’re covered year-round.

Your Compass Insurance agent can help you determine the most reliable coverage for your motorcycle in Centennial, CO, whether on the road or in storage. Call us today for a quote.

Does toy insurance offer actual or replacement cost value coverage?

When you come to Compass Insurance about toy insurance for your jet skis, Seadoos, RV, and ATVs, we want you to know your options. You can choose between two levels of cost coverage – replacement cost or actual value.

Actual Value Coverage

If you want to save money on your premiums for toy insurance, choose actual value coverage. If you wreck your ATV or RV, it will pay you the vehicle’s depreciated value. That means the Kelley Blue Book value of the car. While that won’t get you a brand-new one, it will save you money on the insurance policy.

Replacement Cost Coverage

For those who don’t mind slightly higher premiums, choose a toy policy that uses request replacement cost coverage. If your snowmobile gets damaged while zipping around Centennial, CO, the toy policy will cover the cost of a new one of the same brand and model.

What parts of toy insurance cover your toys?

A toy insurance policy consists of five parts. Three of them cover damage to your vehicles or toys. While the property damage liability and bodily injury liability protect you from financial loss from a settlement if you cause an accident, the following three parts protect your own toys against property damage:

  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

For both collision and comprehensive coverage, you choose whether you want actual value or the replacement value. You also set your deductible, just as you do in full-coverage policies for autos.

Contact Compass Insurance

Toy insurance offers you many options to determine your premiums. You lower your premiums by choosing a higher deductible and actual value coverage. If you would rather have replacement value coverage but still save on premiums, stick with a higher deductible. You can also save by visiting Compass Insurance serving Centennial, CO for reliable coverage at reasonable premiums.

Do I Need Boat Insurance All Year Through?

If you only use your boat for a few months, you may ask whether you should maintain boat insurance all year through. If my boat spends most of the time parked, is it not sensible to cancel my insurance to save money? While canceling your boat insurance halfway may seem like a cost-saving strategy, it can be expensive in the long run. Compass Insurance in Centennial, CO has the answers as to why you should maintain boat insurance all year long.

Most risks don’t have an off-season.

You may be off the hook with collision risks, but your boat isn’t safe from perils like fire, theft, falling objects, and vandalism even though it’s parked. That said, please invest in boat insurance all year through to protect your boat in and out of the water.

It may be required

If a loan finances your boat, your lender will likely require you to invest in boat insurance all year through. Always read through your loan agreement to see your obligations regarding boat insurance.

For peace of mind

If you don’t have boat insurance, you will likely worry about perils that may damage your boat. And even if you have home insurance, coverage is only up to $1,000. I am sure your boat costs more than this. If you don’t want to spend sleepless nights thinking about your boat, please invest in boat insurance.

It’s cost-effective

Most insurance companies entice policyholders with reduced deductibles for every claim-free year. If you cancel your boat insurance halfway through, you will end up paying the full amount of deductible. Also, think about the cost of repairing or replacing your uninsured boat. Will your savings for not paying for your boat insurance be sufficient to cover the financial loss?

You don’t need all the boat insurance policies when your boat is parked. You can maintain comprehensive coverage but strike out liability and emergency coverage policies. If you are still unsure how to manage your boat insurance policy in Centennial, CO, please get in touch with Compass Insurance.