General Liability Basics in Commercial Insurance

Name: Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers
Address: 11001 West 120th Ave, Suite 400, Broomfield, CO, 80021
Telephone: 720-600-7470

If you own a business, General Liability insurance (GL), is a type of insurance that can protect you when accidents and incidents occur during business operations. Some incidents that may be covered with General Liability insurance include bodily injury, personal injury, and damages to premises that are rented to you. Without proper coverage, your business may be negatively impacted financially which can put a huge burden on your cash reserves and assets.

General Liability For Contractors

Running a small business or operating as a contractor means you will need some form of liability insurance to protect yourself from lawsuits that can arise from accidents. Even one accident can leave your business susceptible to financial hardship it may not survive. BOP or Business Owners Policy is a type of property insurance that may include General Liability. However, it is possible to purchase GL separately depending on how your business operates. Many businesses that do not own commercial property will forgo a BOP and just have General Liability insurance.

Is General Liability Required By Law?

While GL insurance is not required by law, many businesses simply can’t afford to operate if they are dealing with a liability claim. It can be a huge burden especially for smaller businesses that do not have large cash reserves. Even larger businesses will have some form of liability insurance as it is fairly common they will experience a claim at some point in their lifetime.

If you operate a business, large or small, or are a contractor, it can be a smart move to make sure you are adequately covered in the event of a liability claim. Call Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers of Broomfield, CO to speak to a representative and schedule an appointment. We can guide you through your particular insurance needs and find a policy that works for you.

Registering Your Boat in Broomfield, CO

If you have bought a boat in Broomfield, CO, our Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers are happy to provide good coverage at a great price and guide you through registering your boat. Before you get your insurance, Aspen Gold would like to guide you through the process of getting your boat prepared to have insurance.

Buying Your Boat in Colorado

If you just bought a boat for sale, trade, or title transfer, you will need to notify Colorado Parks and Wildlife within 50 days of the purchase. The same 15 days applies to if you have surrendered ownership of your boat or changed addresses.

Registering your Boat through Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife and fill out the registration form. The fees will vary according to the type and size of your boat. You can turn it into any CPW office and complete the registration. Make sure that you bring one of the following documents:

Bill of Sale
Certificate of Ownership
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
Court document proving ownership
Previous property assessment
Certificate of inspection form performed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Your boat must be registered every year.

Additional Information about Colorado Boat Registration:

If you own any types of non-motorized rafts, kayaks, or canoes, you are not required to register these. You do need to clearly mark your name and current address on the vessel. If your registration decals are lost, destroyed or stolen, you must report it within 15 days and get new ones. Some boats are considered too large for CPW to register and must be registered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers are Ready to Help Now

We have several helpful guidelines in this blog post. If you still have questions, please contact us immediately, and we will help walk you through it and come up with a quality insurance plan that will protect you and your passengers. Give us a call at 720.600.7470.

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.

What Does My Auto Insurance Policy Say About Loaning A Vehicle To Others?

If My Auto Insurance Could Talk What Would It Say About Loaning A Vehicle?

We wouldn’t hazard to guess what an auto insurance policy would say if it could talk at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers. It probably would say “watch out!“. Especially when it comes to loaning a vehicle to others. Generally speaking, most insurance policies do not stipulate who the driver is when it comes to coverage. Due to the nature of people, we are always lending our vehicles to others. However, you have to be extremely careful that you lend your motor vehicle to people who are insured and are legally able to drive the motor vehicle.

It gets sticky when: you are “lending” your motor vehicle for a fee if the person is underage if the person has motor vehicle infractions. It’s also something you should discuss with your agent if you lend your motor vehicle on a regular basis. It’s also something to think about if the person is leaving the state where the auto insurance laws may differ from your home state.

Envision the slopes of Aspen, not a care in the world enjoying the clear, crisp ride of life. At Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers in Broomfield, CO we want you to realize that your fantasy can be a reality. You can enjoy the ride of life while we assist you in taking care of your insurance responsibilities. In addition to auto insurance we underwrite policies for boat and watercraft, commercial, health, life, motorcycle, as well as umbrella Insurance. Located at 11001 W. One 20 Ave., Suite 400 in Broomfield, CO 80021 we serve the following states and our great country; Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Montana, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee. No matter how you decide to contact us, contact us today so that we can help you continue to enjoy the ride.

How to Cover a Business for a Cyber Attack

Cyber attacks continue to be a major problem for American businesses. Statistics show, in 2018, the average cost to a business for the damages from a Cyber attack was $2.4 million. That is a huge amount of money. The scary thing is that this kind of attack can happen at any time without any warning whatsoever.

Insurance for A Cyber Attack

Cybersecurity insurance is a type of special insurance coverage that can be found under the category called umbrella insurance. It can be a rider on an umbrella insurance policy that also covers other risks.

Umbrella insurance does two basic things. It extends the policy limits of other insurance coverage that is also in place and it covers things that other policies do not cover. Work with your agent at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers, serving Broomfield, CO and the nearby communities, to make sure you have adequate insurance for this risk.

Umbrella Insurance for Cyber Attack

Umbrella insurance is an effective way to cover the big risks that can destroy a business and wipe out the net worth of the business owners. It is more cost-effective to have umbrella insurance to cover claims that are in excess of the policy limits of other coverage than it is to raise the policy limit of each separate insurance policy.

Special Cyber Security Risks

Businesses that conduct online payment-processing transactions, such as accepting credit cards for sales are the kind of companies that are likely to have a cyber attack. Another type of vulnerable business is any health care organization that manages the medical records of individuals. They must follow HIPAA rules for security that are very strict. Fines and penalties for violating HIPAA rules can be multiple millions of dollars.

Ransomware

A new form of malware called ransomware is being deployed more frequently. Ransomware works by a hacker inserting a virus or malware into a system and then locking the data content by encryption. A demand is made for the company under attack to pay a ransom to get access to their own data files.

Cyber attacks are not going to go away. In fact, they are getting more frequent. Call 720-600-7470 to talk to your agent at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers in Broomfield, CO to get a quote for umbrella insurance that covers the risk of cyber attacks.

Motorcycle Insurance Questions You Should be Asking

What motorcycle insurance questions should you be asking an insurance company when looking for the best motorcycle insurance policy for your needs? It is easier as you know the questions you might ask and information to discuss as you contact the company. Insurance can help the riders feel more comfortable as they load belongings into the cargo compartments. Another question you might ask the insurance company, What is the coverage for the belongings I take with me on motorcycle trips? Also, knowing how accessories are covered with insurance is nicer for those customizing their motorcycles. Some spend significant amounts of money improving their motorcycles and it is helpful to know what is included with insurance. How does insurance work for the new chrome parts for my motorcycle? Deterring theft is a consideration for some people and the freedom of riding a motorcycle can be enjoyed more with discussions about insurance. Is there an insurance discount for any anti theft devices for my motorcycle and what are other ways to deter theft?

Contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers to ask your motorcycle insurance questions and get information about insurance, accessories, and preventative measures for protecting belongings carried on the motorcycle. The trained staff is there to answer your questions and is knowledgeable about insurance for Broomfield, CO.

Feel more confident riding your motorcycle and know what is covered. Those customizing their motorcycle might know how expensive it is to purchase the parts with labor. Many experienced motorcycle riders enjoy planning trips and showing others their motorcycles. Another smart plan is to discuss the details of insurance with a knowledgeable team. Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers is available to discuss your needs. You can contact the agency for more information about insurance. Serving Broomfield, CO, and surrounding Colorado neighborhoods, the experienced staff at the insurance agency can discuss the benefits of motorcycle insurance. Learn more about Motorcycle Insurance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Getting a life insurance policy from Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers in Broomfield, CO, is the first step toward providing loved ones with financial security after you’re gone. Naming one or more life insurance beneficiaries is equally as important as these are the individuals who will benefit from the proceeds of your policy. What factors should you consider when choosing a life insurance beneficiary?

Your Financial Obligations

When choosing a life insurance beneficiary, consider your financial obligations. Do you have a student loan co-signed by your parents that needs to be repaid, even after you’re gone? If so, your parents may need help in fulfilling this obligation. Did you buy a house with a significant other? He or she may need help in paying the mortgage. Did you commit to helping a younger sibling through college? Life benefits can help you fulfill this commitment. By dividing life proceeds between multiple beneficiaries, you can help those who need it most after you’re gone.

Financial Help for Your Immediate Family

You should also consider how your sudden demise will affect your immediate family, i.e. spouse and children. Do you have savings that can help them carry on? Can your spouse’s income cover for the loss of income from your part? Would your spouse be held responsible for outstanding debts? Will your kids have money for college? If your demise would leave your family in financial difficulties, they may take priority in your choice as beneficiaries.

Minor Children

If you’re considering naming minor children as beneficiaries, set up a trust that gives a trustworthy adult authority to manage these finances on behalf of your children until they become adults. This way your children will have their needs met as they grow and funds could be set aside for college.

To learn more about choosing a beneficiary or for information on life insurance options and costs, contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers in Broomfield, CO.

Do Employers Have to Provide Employer Health Insurance?

It’s no secret that employer health insurance in this country is a difficult subject. Not only are citizens required under law to have health insurance or face paying hefty fines come tax season, but healthcare itself is so expensive that the vast majority of people can’t afford care without at least some kind of insurance policy backing them up. Fortunately, there are a lot of employers out there in the Broomfield, CO region who offer health insurance to their employees, but are the ones that don’t comply with the law? The insurance experts at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers have the answers you need.

Does My Place of Work Have to Legally Offer Me Employer Health Insurance

The truth is that, no, employers are not required to provide their staff with health insurance under federal law, nor in the state of Colorado. This is understandably a bit dismaying, especially for full-time employees who already invest a lot of their time in their work. However, it is important to once again note that personal health insurance is still a requirement under federal law, and those who do not have it may be subject to paying expensive fines for the months they go without coverage (you must have coverage for at least one day of every month of the year). So, it’s important to have at least a minimum coverage policy to avoid this.

My Employer Doesn’t Offer Health Insurance. Now What?

If you’re one of many workers out there in the Broomfield CO area whose employer does not provide health insurance, the experts at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers are here to help. We work with a wide range of health insurance providers and will work with you to find the best options for your personal needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more.

Should You Have Commercial Property Insurance?

Commercial property insurance in Colorado doesn’t just cover the building the business operates in, it also covers assets in the building, such as tools, equipment, inventory, or machinery. This insurance will cover losses due to fire, vandalism, theft, or natural disasters. Commercial property insurance may be required in a few instances. If you own the building you are operating out of, you may be required to have insurance based on your loan. If you are renting, your landlord may also require you to have this.

Commercial property insurance can cover a lot of different things, so if your business can benefit from having these items covered, it’s worth speaking with an agent at Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers to add this to your existing business insurance or to get a new policy. The policy will cover the building, any equipment loss, any damage to the building due to fire, theft, wind or hail, any accidental property damage, and lost business income due to these losses. It also protects electronic data, valuable papers, and records, and guards against interruption of computer operations, forgery or alteration, and accounts receivable. There are some items this policy won’t cover, such as commercial vehicles, data breaches, errors or omissions, and whether other than wind and hail, but it’s still an important type of policy for many business owners to consider. If a company were to lose its inventory due to a fire, it could be put out of business.

Many businesses have commercial general liability coverage, but this type of policy will only cover any third-party claims for injury or property damage. Business owners need to protect their own property with commercial property insurance.

Contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers, serving Broomfield, CO, to get a quote on commercial property insurance and other insurance for your business.

Even If Your Boat’s Paid Off, You Should Keep Your Boat Insurance Coverage

Your boat may be paid off. If so, you don’t have to worry about carrying boat insurance coverage in order to qualify for the conditions of a loan. However, most marinas have guidelines for boat insurance coverage as a condition of docking there. Besides, do you really want to worry every time a stern line slips and your craft knocks against the fender? Ask your Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers about the types of coverage you need to protect your vessel in Broomfield, CO. In the meantime, here’s some basic information to get you started.

Boat Coverage for Your Craft

In most circumstances, a boat policy is an “All Risk” policy that covers an array of misfortunes that could happen to your vessel. This includes vandalism, theft, fire, lightning, grounding or sinking, and it may even include stolen or lost belongings. Consider options that cover personal items, such as watersports equipment or fishing equipment. In the case of a breakdown, tow coverage is a real lifesaver.

You can get coverage for physical damage to another boat in the case of a collision or other event where you are held liable for personal injury or property damage while operating your boat. Maybe you want to protect yourself against underinsured or uninsured boaters. Whatever coverage you want or need is probably available, and it’s just a matter of prioritizing what fits into your budget.

Cover the Value of Your Boat

The more valuable your boat, the more you need boat insurance to protect you against financial loss. An umbrella policy takes over when you’ve reached the limit of your boat’s liability insurance. Contact Aspen Gold Insurance Brokers for your boat insurance coverage needs in Broomfield, CO.

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