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Author: Emilie Hagopian

Why Liquor Liability Can Make or Break Your Restaurant

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

Owning a restaurant is no small feat. From managing daily operations to delighting customers with amazing food, you’ve got a full plate. But, if your establishment serves alcohol, there’s one more crucial piece to the puzzle: liquor liability insurance. This coverage can be a true lifesaver, protecting your restaurant from potential legal and financial fallout if a customer who drank at your place causes an accident or gets into legal trouble. Let’s talk about why liquor liability insurance is crucial and what it can do for your business.

Why Do Restaurants Need Liquor Liability Insurance?

When it comes to serving alcohol, a lot is at stake. Despite your team’s best efforts to serve responsibly, things can go sideways. Liquor liability insurance steps in to cover damages if a patron overindulges and, as a result, causes harm to others or property. In many cases, restaurants can be held liable for what happens after a customer leaves the premises under what’s called “dram shop laws.” These laws allow injured parties to sue businesses that provided alcohol to someone who caused harm, which can lead to costly lawsuits.

Imagine this: A guest enjoys a few too many cocktails at your restaurant, decides to drive home, and gets into an accident. The victim could hold your restaurant partially responsible, even if you had no way of knowing your customer’s full intentions. Liquor liability insurance provides coverage to handle legal fees, settlements, and potential damages, protecting your restaurant’s bottom line and reputation.

What Does Liquor Liability Insurance Cover?

Liquor liability insurance goes beyond just covering damages; it’s designed to provide comprehensive protection in situations involving intoxicated patrons. Here’s what it generally covers:

  1. Third-Party Bodily Injury – This coverage protects you if a patron who consumed
    alcohol at your restaurant injures someone. This can include coverage for medical
    expenses, legal fees, and settlements.
  2. Property Damage – If an intoxicated patron damages someone else’s property, like a
    vehicle or another business, your policy could cover repair or replacement costs.
  3. Legal Fees – Lawsuits are expensive. Liquor liability insurance can take care of legal
    defense costs if your restaurant is taken to court.
  4. Assault and Battery – Some liquor liability policies cover incidents of assault and battery
    if they’re linked to alcohol service. This could include fights that break out on or near
    your premises.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Liquor liability insurance isn’t just another policy; it’s a necessary layer of protection for any restaurant serving alcohol. With the right coverage in place, you can rest a little easier knowing you’re prepared for unexpected situations. At Avalue Insurance, we understand the unique risks restaurants face and are here to help you choose a policy that fits your needs.

Get in touch with Avalue Insurance today to learn more about liquor liability insurance and how we can help protect your restaurant! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!

Is Your Business Exposed?

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

How to Recognize When You Need Professional Liability Insurance

Running a business comes with a checklist of responsibilities: meeting client expectations, handling finances, managing a team — the list goes on. But in all the hustle and bustle, one critical question often gets overlooked: Are you protected against professional mistakes? That’s where professional liability insurance comes in.

You might think, “But I’m careful with my work. Why would I need this?” Unfortunately, even the most detail-oriented pros can experience a slip-up now and then. And in today’s world, clients aren’t shy about taking legal action if they feel the results didn’t meet their expectations. Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is your backup plan when things don’t go as planned. Let’s talk about why you need it and when you might be vulnerable without it.

When is Professional Liability Insurance Essential?

1). High Stakes in Client Work

If you’re in a profession where your advice or service directly affects someone else’s business or finances, you’re in a high-stakes environment. Consultants, accountants, marketing professionals, and other service providers often carry this weight. A minor oversight could lead to significant client losses, putting your business at risk of a costly lawsuit. Professional liability insurance helps cover legal fees and settlements so you can continue doing business.

2). Complex Contracts and Tight Deadlines

Ever had a contract with detailed demands and tight deadlines? The pressure is real, and if a client thinks you didn’t deliver as promised, they might come back with a complaint. Professional liability insurance steps in to handle the legal and financial aftermath if a client claims your service or advice wasn’t up to par.

3). Offering Advice or Recommendations

If your job involves recommending a course of action, like a financial plan, marketing strategy, or medical consultation, you’re shouldering a lot of responsibility. What if a client follows your advice and things go sideways? Having professional liability insurance can be a lifesaver, covering claims that arise from unintentional missteps in your recommendations.

4). You’re a Freelancer or Small Business Owner

Freelancers and small businesses might think they’re off the hook, but guess what? They’re actually at a higher risk since a single lawsuit could wipe out their finances. Even if you work solo or have a small team, professional liability insurance provides a safety net, so you’re not facing costly legal battles alone.

5). Client Contracts Require It

Some clients require you to carry professional liability insurance as part of your contract. They want peace of mind knowing you have the resources to handle things if issues arise. Not only does it make you a more attractive choice, but it also shows you’re serious about delivering quality work.

So, is Your Business at Risk?

Ask yourself: Do I work with clients who expect specific outcomes from my services? Do I give professional advice? If the answer to either question is “yes,” you’re likely a candidate for professional liability insurance. Imagine having the peace of mind that, even if something goes wrong, you won’t be left holding the (very expensive) bag.

In today’s world, even small mistakes can lead to big repercussions. Professional liability insurance doesn’t just protect your business financially; it also protects your reputation. After all, nothing says “I’ve got you covered” like actually being covered!

Ready to Protect Your Business?

If this resonates with you, it might be time to take a closer look at professional liability insurance. At Avalue Insurance, we understand that every business faces unique risks, and we’re here to help you find the perfect policy to safeguard what you’ve built. Contact us today to learn more about our professional liability insurance! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, shoot us an email at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online! 

Pit Stop Problems

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

5 Common Risks for Commercial Garages and How Insurance Handles Them

Owning a commercial garage is no small feat. You’re juggling a lot of moving parts (literally!), and it’s all happening in a risky environment. Customer vehicles, heavy machinery, hands-on employees, hazardous materials — there’s a lot to think about, and a lot that could go wrong in your garage! Accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, commercial garage insurance could be the only thing standing between your business and a total financial breakdown.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. First, let’s talk about commercial garage insurance and why it’s important. Then, we’ll talk about some of the most common risks that commercial garages face (and how insurance can help you handle them).

What is Commercial Garage Insurance?

Garage insurance is designed to protect you from all kinds of potential losses — think property damage, customer injuries, or even a lawsuit. With garage insurance, you get a bundle of coverages like general liability, which shields you from financial liabilities due to accidents, and a business owner’s policy that protects your property and income. You can also include workers’ compensation for your employees and garage-keepers legal liability to cover vehicles under your care. Basically, it’s a type of coverage that’s best suited for the garage-keeping business.

Risks You’ll Face (And the Coverage You’ll Need)

1). Customer Slip-and-Fall

You know how it goes — oil spills, tools on the floor, or maybe even that slick patch of snow right outside the door. A customer slips and suddenly, you’re facing a potential lawsuit. Yikes! General liability insurance has your back here. It helps cover medical costs or legal fees, so one small accident doesn’t turn into a business-ending disaster.

2). Tools Gone Missing

Ever have a situation where a wrench, tire iron, or maybe even a jack goes “mysteriously missing”? The tools and equipment in your garage aren’t cheap, and losing them — or worse, having them stolen — can really set you back. That’s where a business owner’s policy (BOP) steps in. It covers not just liability, but property loss too. So, if your tools take a walk, you’re not left scrambling to replace them out of pocket.

3). Damage to Customer Vehicles

You’re working on a customer’s car and something goes wrong. Maybe another vehicle bumps into it in the lot, or something falls and dings the paint job. Uh-oh. This is where garage-keepers legal liability comes into play. It’s specifically designed to cover any damage to vehicles that are in your care. So, whether the car’s in the shop or sitting outside waiting to be picked up, you’re covered.

4). Employee Injuries

Running a commercial garage isn’t exactly desk work. Your employees are on their feet, lifting heavy objects, and working with dangerous tools. Accidents happen! Workers’ compensation insurance ensures that if one of your employees gets hurt on the job, their medical bills and a portion of lost wages are covered, and your business isn’t hit with unexpected expenses.

5). Business Shutdowns

Imagine a fire breaks out, or a storm damages your garage, and you have to close for repairs. No income, no customers, but the bills still keep coming. That’s where business interruption insurance steps in like your financial safety net. It helps you pay your bills, keep your business afloat, and even cover the cost of temporarily relocating if needed.

Need Garage Insurance? Let Us Help!

At Avalue Insurance, we understand the unique risks that garage-keepers face. Our team is here to help you get all the coverage you’ll need to keep your business running smoothly. Give us a call at 303-773-3332, shoot us an email at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online! 

Real-Life Lawsuits That Could’ve Been Prevented with General Liability Insurance

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

Running a business is rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. One small mishap could turn into a big legal headache, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in a lawsuit. The good news is, with general liability insurance, you can prevent these incidents from draining your bank account. Here are some real-life lawsuits that show just how important having the right coverage can be!

1). Slip-and-Fall Mishaps

Slip-and-fall lawsuits are one of the most common claims for businesses, and one restaurant learned this the hard way. A customer slipped on a wet floor and suffered a back injury, leading to a lawsuit for $100,000. The customer sought compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and additional costs because they couldn’t work due to the injury. Without general liability insurance, the restaurant would have been on the hook for the entire amount, plus legal fees.

2). Property Damage Fiascos

Imagine running a bustling beauty salon and everything is going great — until one of your new beauticians drops a bottle of nail polish that spills all over a customer’s pricey handbag. That’s exactly what happened to a salon that was then sued by the customer to replace the damaged property.

3). Privacy Violations

Ever shared a before-and-after photo of a project online to show off your great work? Most businesses have. But one home decor business faced an unexpected lawsuit when a client discovered that photos of their remodeled wardrobe had been shared online without permission. The client sued for invasion of privacy, leading to a hefty legal process. General liability insurance can help cover these types of claims, making sure you’re not left financially drained over a misunderstanding​.

4). Product-Related Injuries

A lawn care company thought they were doing their clients a favor by selling an organic pesticide. Unfortunately, a customer accidentally inhaled the product’s vapors and suffered a severe allergic reaction. The customer sued for $100,000 in medical expenses and other damages. Product-related injuries can be devastating for small businesses, but general liability insurance would have stepped in to cover the costs and keep the business afloat​.

5). Copyright Infringement Gone Wrong

It’s easy to get inspired by others, but that inspiration can sometimes cross the line. A personal trainer started calling himself “The Rocker” after a celebrity with a similar name and used a photo of that celebrity in his advertisements without permission. This led to a copyright infringement lawsuit. The trainer’s general liability insurance would cover legal fees and potential settlements in a situation like this, making sure a branding mishap doesn’t bankrupt your business​.

Protect Your Business from the Unexpected

These real-life cases show that accidents, misunderstandings, and mistakes can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. Having general liability insurance isn’t just about following regulations — it’s about protecting your business from financial ruin when things don’t go as planned.

Not sure if you’re fully covered? Let us help! At Avalue Insurance, we specialize in helping businesses of all shapes and sizes get the coverage that they’ll need for the road ahead. Give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!

In-Office or Remote? Understanding Your Insurance Needs for Both

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

The debate between remote work and in-office work has been heating up over the past few years. With more businesses shifting to hybrid or fully remote models, many are asking a crucial question: How do insurance needs differ between remote and in-office employees? Many business owners with at-home businesses believe that they don’t need as much coverage as in-office businesses  if any coverage at all! And while that may be partially correct in some cases, the risk of being underinsured is pretty high. So, let’s settle the debate once and for all!

What’s the Difference in Risk?

Remote Work: When employees are working remotely, the types of risks you need to consider are vastly different. For starters, the likelihood of workplace injuries like slips and falls decreases when they’re not navigating office corridors. However, other risks take the spotlight — think cyber security breaches, misuse of company property, or even liability for employees working from a rented space.

If you have a lot of employees working from home, your insurance should address risks like:

Cyber Security Coverage: If an employee’s home Wi-Fi is hacked, sensitive company information could be compromised.

Equipment Coverage: Laptops, tablets, and monitors used at home should be covered in case of damage or theft.

General Liability: What if an employee invites a client to their home office and an accident occurs? It’s rare, but it can happen!

In-Office Work: In contrast, having employees work on-site means you need to focus more on traditional office-related coverage, such as:

Workers’ Compensation: If someone slips on a freshly mopped floor or sustains an injury in the office kitchen, you’ll need coverage to handle those claims.

Property Insurance: This covers office equipment, furniture, and the space itself in case of fire, theft, or other damage.

General Liability Insurance: General liability protects your business from third-party claims like bodily injury or property damage that might occur on your premises. For example, if a client trips in the lobby, your insurance covers their medical costs.

Are Remote Workers Covered Under Standard Business Insurance?

One of the big questions businesses ask is whether traditional business insurance policies extend to remote employees. The answer is: it depends! Standard policies may not cover equipment and activities that take place outside the designated business premises. So, if your team is working remotely, it’s a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance provider and explore add-ons or separate policies tailored to remote work needs.

Hybrid Work: A Happy Medium, or Twice the Headache?

Hybrid work models mean employees split time between home and the office, which can complicate things a bit. You’ll need to ensure that both environments are adequately covered. This might include expanding your existing business policy to protect equipment at multiple locations or adding extra liability coverage for home-based operations.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Whether you’re running a fully remote, in-office, or hybrid team, understanding the unique insurance needs of each environment is crucial. Regularly reviewing and updating your policies will ensure you’re not caught off guard. And remember, just like choosing between office- and home-brewed coffee, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — only the best option for your unique setup!

Need help finding the right coverage? We can help with that! Reach out to Avalue Insurance today, and let us help you find a solution that works best for you and your business!

Home Insurance Horror Stories and How to Avoid Them

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

Home insurance isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s about protection. But sometimes, even with insurance, things can go awry in ways you’d never imagine. And with spooky season right around the corner, we figured now would be the perfect time to tell you these home insurance horror stories. Let’s take a look at a few tales of woe that might make you double-check your policies!

The “Where’s My Coverage?” Conundrum

A homeowner discovers a small leak under the sink. No big deal, right? They toss a towel down and forget about it. A few weeks later, that little leak has turned into a moldy nightmare that’s spread to several rooms. When they filed a claim, they were met with a harsh reality: their policy didn’t cover the mold damage because it’s considered a result of neglect. Without mold insurance or regular maintenance, they were on the hook for thousands in repairs.

Avoid the nightmare: Regularly inspect your home for issues, and if you notice something small, fix it immediately! Consider adding extra coverage for things like mold or water damage to avoid being blindsided later.

The “I Didn’t Think That Would Be a Problem” Panic

Another homeowner had a unique collection of rare instruments — violins, pianos, you name it. A freak storm hit and the room where the instruments were kept flooded. Turns out, the homeowner’s policy only covered up to a certain amount for personal belongings, and these high-value items needed to be individually scheduled on the policy. In the end, the insurance payout didn’t come close to covering the cost of the collection.

Avoid the nightmare: If you have valuable items, such as artwork, collectibles, or heirlooms, talk to your insurance agent about adding a rider to your policy to ensure they’re properly covered.

The “Oops, I Didn’t Read the Fine Print” Frustration

This story involves a couple who went all out renovating their home. They were thrilled with the results until an accidental fire destroyed half the kitchen. When they filed the claim, they learned their coverage amount hadn’t been adjusted to account for the increased value of the renovations. As a result, the payout wasn’t enough to restore the space to its former glory. All their hard work — and a significant amount of their savings — went up in smoke.

Avoid the nightmare: Always update your policy when you make major changes to your home, whether it’s a kitchen remodel or adding a deck. That way, your insurance keeps pace with the value of your property.

Speak with a Local Insurance Professional About Your Policies Today

Don’t let the fine print scare you. Let’s review your policy and make sure you’re fully covered before the unexpected happens! At Avalue Insurance, we make it easy to get all the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today to schedule a policy review or to discuss additional coverage options!

Clearing Up Some Common Insurance Myths

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

Fact or Fiction?

Let’s face it. Insurance can be a little confusing sometimes. With so many different types of policies, coverage options, and terms floating around, it’s easy to see why some common myths have cropped up over the years. But how much of what you hear is actually true? It’s time to clear things up with a fun game of Fact or Fiction!

Ready to test your insurance knowledge?

1). Red cars cost more to insure.

Fiction!


This is one of the oldest myths out there. The color of your car has absolutely nothing to do with your insurance rate. Insurance companies look at factors like the make, model, age, and safety features of your car, not its color. So go ahead — buy that red car without fear of higher premiums!

2). My home insurance covers flooding.

Fiction!


Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover flood damage. For that, you’d need a separate flood insurance policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to consider adding this extra coverage for peace of mind.

3). Life insurance is only for older people.

Fiction!


Life insurance isn’t just for retirees or older individuals. In fact, getting life insurance while you’re young and healthy can save you money in the long run. Premiums are generally lower when you’re younger, so it’s a smart move to lock in a good rate early on.

4). Your home insurance covers everything inside your home.

Fiction!

Many people think their home insurance policy covers every single item under their roof, but it’s not quite that simple. Most standard policies have limits on valuable items like jewelry, art, and electronics. If you’ve got high-ticket items, you might need to add extra coverage (often called a rider) to ensure those valuables are protected.

 

5). The minimum state-required auto insurance is all you need.

Fiction!

Sure, carrying the state minimum insurance will keep you legal, but it might not be enough to protect you in an accident. If you’re at fault in a serious collision, the minimum coverage might not cover all the damage, leaving you responsible for the rest. It’s always a good idea to talk to your agent and find out if you should consider more comprehensive coverage.

6). If someone borrows my car and gets in an accident, their insurance covers it.

Fiction!

In most cases, insurance follows the car, not the driver. If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, your insurance is usually the one that will handle the claim. So, be careful who you lend your car to!

 

7). Your insurance covers a UFO crash.

Fact! (Kind of)

Okay, we know this sounds out there, but technically, if an unidentified flying object (UFO) crashes into your home, your standard homeowners insurance could cover the damages. Most policies cover “falling objects,” which can include anything from a satellite to, well, a UFO. So, if ET decides to land on your roof, you might actually be covered!

Don’t Let Myths Get in the Way of Your Coverage!

Whether you need help understanding what your current policies cover or want to explore new options, Avalue Insurance is here to guide you through it all. Contact us today for all your insurance needs, and we’ll make sure you’re fully covered — no matter what life (or UFOs) throw your way!

Give us a call today at 303-773-3332, or request a call-back right here online!

We Successfully Doubled Our Last Donation

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

We Did It!

Wow, I can’t believe it! Thanks to you, we did it! I’m so excited to share that we have successfully doubled our donation to CrossPurpose! What started as a goal to raise $5,000 has turned into an incredible $10,000 donation, and it’s all because of your support.

If you’ve been following our journey, then you know that all of us here at Avalue Insurance are huge supporters of CrossPurpose, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families break free from poverty. Last time, we celebrated raising $5,000, which was a huge milestone for us. But now our humble goal has turned into a whopping $10,000 donation from Safeco/Liberty Mutual. I’m still wrapping my head around it — what an incredible impact this will have on CrossPurpose and the people they serve!

How We Got Here

Avalue Insurance recently had the opportunity to raise funds for CrossPurpose as part of the Safeco/Liberty Mutual Make More Happen Award. The community votes were key to determining whether or not our $5,000 would be doubled. We put the word out and crossed our fingers, hoping our community would show up and make it happen. And, boy, did you ever!

Thanks to you — our clients, friends, and supporters — we were able to rally well over 500 votes, securing that additional $5,000. Your votes, your time, and your support helped us exceed our goal in such a big way. This is one of those moments that reminds me just how powerful community can be when we come together for a cause that matters!

What This Means for CrossPurpose

CrossPurpose has been making an incredible impact on our community by helping individuals build sustainable, self-sufficient lives. Their work transforms the lives of so many people, offering them tools, resources, and support to break free from poverty. To date, over 1,125 people have graduated from CrossPurpose since the inception with an average wage of $23/hr!  

This $10,000 donation will go directly to CrossPurpose’s career and community development programs. The funds will be used to cover the tuition costs for participants to receive valuable certifications and training, opening doors to new careers and brighter futures. The impact of this donation will be felt for years to come, and I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together!

Thank You for Your Support

I can’t thank you enough for your role in helping us achieve this milestone. Whether you voted, shared the campaign, or encouraged others to get involved, this wouldn’t have been possible without you.

This isn’t just a win for Avalue Insurance; it’s a win for all of us. Your support not only helped double our donation but also inspired us to continue looking for ways we can make a bigger impact. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to support local nonprofits and give back to the people who make our Colorado community so special.

What’s Next?

While we’re celebrating this amazing achievement, we’re already thinking about the future and the next opportunity to give back. CrossPurpose will always be near and dear to our hearts, and we’ll continue to support their mission as much as we can.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we’ve made a lasting difference for CrossPurpose and our community. Here’s to many more opportunities to come together and create positive change!

Supporting Our Community, One Referral at a Time

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

Anyone who knows Avalue and our employees knows that we’re always looking for new ways to give back to the community. And one of our favorite ways to give back is through our referral program. Each quarter, we choose a local nonprofit to support. This quarter, we’ve partnered with Clothes To Kids of Denver.

An Afternoon Well Spent at Clothes To Kids

Recently, our team took the afternoon off to lend a hand at Clothes To Kids. And let me tell you: it was an incredibly rewarding experience. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this fantastic organization, Clothes To Kids provides new and quality used clothing to Denver-area students from low-income or in-crisis families. But they don’t just hand out clothes; they create a boutique shopping experience where kids are treated with dignity and respect.

Walking into their boutique, you’d never guess it’s a nonprofit. The space is warm, welcoming, and beautifully organized. It felt more like a trendy shop than a charity, which is exactly what these kids deserve. The students who come here leave with 23 items of clothing, all ready for school, and you can see the excitement in their faces as they thumb through hangers and pick out their new outfits. Knowing that these kids will walk into their classrooms feeling comfortable, confident, and prepared to thrive is what makes this work so important.

Our team helped with everything from sorting donations to organizing the clothing racks, and we even got to assist some of the students as they shopped. Seeing their smiles and excitement was the highlight of our day.

How You Can Help: Get a Quote, Make a Difference

Now, we’re excited to share how you can be a part of this amazing effort. For every insurance quote you request from Avalue Insurance, we’ll donate $10 to Clothes To Kids. It’s that simple. Whether you’re thinking about updating your current policy or exploring new options, getting a quote from us means you’re helping a local student get the clothes they need to succeed in school. It’s a small action that makes a big difference, and we’d love for you to join us in supporting this cause.

Looking Ahead: A Little Help in the Next Quarter

And speaking of supporting great causes, we’re thrilled to announce that next quarter, we’ll be partnering with A Little Help. This is Nicole’s pick for a non-profit to support. This nonprofit is all about fostering community connections by helping older adults live independently in their homes. They bring volunteers and neighbors together to assist with tasks like yard work, transportation, and friendly visits.

On October 25th, our team will be volunteering at A Little Help, where we’ll be making and delivering “Kindness Kits.” These kits are filled with small, thoughtful items that we think the recipients will enjoy — just a little something to brighten their day!

Join Us in Making a Difference in Denver

I’m so proud of the work we do at Avalue Insurance, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting these amazing nonprofits. Remember, every insurance quote means $10 donated to a local nonprofit. So, whether you’re supporting Clothes To Kids or A Little Help, your contribution is greatly appreciated. Let’s make a difference together! 

Visit Clothes To Kids of Denver to learn more about the incredible work they’re doing. Or for more information on A Little Help, visit their About page!  

Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers 

Posted on by Emilie Hagopian

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

So, you’re buying your first home. Congratulations! This is a huge milestone, and you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and stress. From picking out the perfect paint colors to figuring out where to put the couch, there’s a lot to think about. But before you start decorating, there’s one important thing you need to check off your list: home insurance.

If you’re scratching your head thinking, “Where do I even begin,” then don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many first-time buyers aren’t sure where to begin with home insurance. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you! Here’s everything you need to know about home insurance. 

What Does Home Insurance Actually Cover?

Think of home insurance as your protection against those worst-case-scenarios — like if your roof springs a leak, a fire breaks out, or your belongings are stolen. Here’s a quick rundown of what a typical policy covers:

  • Dwelling Coverage: This protects the actual structure of your home—walls, roof, floors, etc. If a covered disaster like a fire or storm damages your house, your insurance helps pay for repairs.
  • Personal Property: All the stuff inside your house—furniture, electronics, clothing—falls under personal property coverage. If your things are stolen or damaged, your insurance helps replace them.
  • Liability Protection: If someone gets hurt on your property (say your neighbor trips on a loose step), liability coverage can help pay for their medical expenses and protect you if they sue.
  • Additional Living Expenses: If your home is unlivable due to a covered disaster, this coverage helps pay for temporary housing and other costs while repairs are being made.

Why Do You Need Home Insurance?

Besides giving you peace of mind, most mortgage lenders actually require you to have home insurance before they’ll approve your loan. So, it’s not just a good idea; it’s a must. Plus, having the right coverage means you won’t be left footing a hefty bill if something unexpected happens. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck paying for a new roof out of pocket!

Tips for Choosing the Right Home Insurance

Now that you know why home insurance is so important, here are a few tips to help you choose the right policy:

  1. Shop Around: Don’t just settle for the first quote you get. Compare policies from different companies to find the best coverage at the best price.
  2. Know What You Need: Consider the value of your home and belongings, as well as the risks in your area (like flooding or earthquakes), to determine how much coverage you need.
  3. Understand Your Policy: Make sure you know what’s covered—and what’s not. Ask questions if anything isn’t clear, so there are no surprises later.
  4. Bundle Your Insurance: Many companies offer discounts if you bundle your home insurance with other policies, like auto insurance. It’s a great way to save some cash!
  5. Review Your Policy Annually: Your insurance needs can change over time, so it’s a good idea to review your policy every year to make sure you’re still adequately covered.

Ready to Protect Your New Home?

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it’s worth taking the time to protect it with the right insurance. Whether you’re just starting your home search or you’ve already picked up the keys, Avalue Insurance is here to help you find the perfect policy for your new home.

Give us a call today at 303-773-3332, or request a call-back right here online! We’re all about making home insurance easy so you can get back to what really matters: enjoying your new home!

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