Month: December 2016

3 Signs Your Car Needs New Brake Pads

Posted on by AgentInsure

One of the most important aspects of your vehicle is the brakes. There are few things that can be as disastrous as failing brakes. It is critical that your brakes function as they should, because not only does your life depend on it, but the lives of others on the road around you in Centennial, CO depend on it as well. Compass Insurance recommends you be aware of the following 3 signs that will alert you when it’s time to replace the brake pads.

Pulling to One Side

One of the first signs that your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced is if your vehicle starts pulling to the right or left while you are driving. Although there are other reasons that may cause the car to veer or pull, but worn down brake pads is one of the most common reasons. To determine if it is due to the brake pads, apply the brakes without turning the steering wheel and if the vehicle pulls to the right or left, it means the brake pads may be wearing unevenly and should be replaced.

Spongy Brake Pedal

The brake pedal can be temperamental, especially when the brake pads are wearing out. There are two things to be aware of when it comes to the brake pedal; either a sticky brake pedal that fully grabs the brakes or if it feels spongy and must be pushed to the floor before grabbing the brakes. Neither one of these is good; in fact it can be dangerous, especially if you have to push the brake pedal to the floor just to slow down. Either scenario means you should have the brakes inspected by a reliable mechanic.

A Loud Grinding Noise

If you hear a loud grinding sound when you apply the brakes, it typically means your brake pads need to be replaced. The grinding sound is caused when the metal caliper and the metal disc rub together, which means there is nothing between them, so the pads are completely worn down. The longer you drive your vehicle with the caliper and disc grinding together, the more damage you are causing to the entire braking system. In most situations, if there is grinding, you will also need to replace the rotors.

The safest and least expensive solution is to have your vehicle routinely maintained and inspected to ensure the brake system is in top condition.

Residents of Centennial, CO interested in learning more about driving safety, reviewing or upgrading their current automobile insurance policy should contact Compass Insurance.

 

What type of homeowners insurance is best for mountain regions?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Homeowners in Centennial, CO know that the rocky terrain, risk of wildfires, and the quickly changing, sometimes extreme weather conditions that bring snow, hail and floods can create unique challenges for maintaining their homes. Do you know if your insurance covers the repairs for part of your roof collapsing because of the weight of snow? Or if you have coverage for flood or wildfire damage? These are important questions to consider when you choose your homeowners insurance. 

According to a recent topic paper from the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute, these types of disasters are not usually covered in a basic homeowners policy:

  • damage from the weight of ice, snow or sleet – snow on a roof can build up quickly in the Front Range and cause roofs to collapse and other structural damage
  • damage from pipes freezing – and also other things that may freeze and be damaged by it, like appliances and heating and cooling systems
  • floods – if you live in a flood area, you’ll need a separate policy to cover flood damage
  • rock slides and avalanches
  • inability of sump pumps to handle runoff water from snow melt or flood waters
  • damage from letting problems go and not maintaining your home – it’s easy to let little problems go because of a tight budget, but your insurance company won’t cover any damage that could have been prevented

To fully understand the insurance coverage that you have, and to discuss possible insurance coverage extras that you may need, speak with an independent insurance agent at Compass Insurance who can go through your policy with you. They can create a policy to fit your unique needs, and make sure that you have the protection that you need for your home.