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7700 E Arapahoe Rd., Ste. 330
Centennial, CO 80112

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Featured Insurance Blog

From California Dreamer to Colorado Career-Woman

Introducing: Sharon Kalmes

Sharon Kalmes is our commercial account manager here at Avalue Insurance. She’s a seasoned insurance pro and our resident expert for commercial and personal lines. With over 40 years in the insurance game, Sharon brings four decades of experience and a prestigious CIC designation to our team.  

Originally hailing from California, Sharon lovingly refers to herself as a “semi-native”. She made the move to Colorado in February of 1985 after a job promotion, and she would soon meet her husband (a “true” Colorado native) and settle down in the Centennial state.

Being the policy guru that she is, Sharon stayed committed to the insurance industry. It was only a matter of time before she met Sarah Lampard, owner of Avalue Insurance. Sharon had initially interviewed with another agency, and the owner of that agency decided to get in touch with Sarah. Impressed by Sharon’s qualifications and experience, Sarah wasted no time and promptly called her in for an interview. The two instantly connected, and Sharon was hired on the spot.

As a beloved member of the Avalue family, Sharon is a dependable teammate — the kind of teammate who can hold down the fort for you while you’re on vacation! “When I first hired her, I left on my first vacation 10 days later,” says Sarah Lampard. “She told me not to bring my laptop with me on vacation, and that she could handle it. I will never forget that. She rocks!”

Sharon has been with us for 10 happy years. When asked what she loves most about Avalue Insurance, she happily proclaimed, “the working environment!” Sharon is a strong team member, and she values comradery above all else. Because of this, she feels right at home at Avalue Insurance — where teamwork is paramount and success is happily shared.  

Outside of Avalue, Sharon is an outdoor enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a pickleball aficionado. And when she’s not enjoying the great outdoors, you can find her cooking up a storm, always ready to master new recipes.

In Sharon Kalmes, we have not only found a top-notch commercial account manager, but also an amazing individual with a wealth of experiences and a zest for life. Her commitment to excellence is inspiring, and her adventurous spirit is infectious. Here’s to another 10 lovely years, Sharon!

How to Get Car Insurance at a Great Rate: A First-Timer’s Handbook

Have You Been Wondering How to Get Car Insurance at a Decent Rate?

Then you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a brand-new driver or are just looking to understand auto insurance a bit better, this quick and easy guide is for you. Here’s how to get car insurance at a great rate (even if you’re not a car insurance guru)!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to get car insurance at a great rate every single time:
    • Determine Your Coverage Needs
      • Understand the basic types of coverage, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
    • Understand the Factors Affecting Your Premium
      • Factors like driving record, age, location, vehicle type, and coverage levels impact your premium.
      • Finding the right balance between coverage and cost is essential.
    • Ask About Discounts
      • Many insurers offer discounts, such as multi-policy, good driver, good student, safety features, and low mileage discounts.
    • Consider Bundling Your Car Insurance with Other Policies
      • Bundling combines auto insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance.
      • Bundling often results in valuable discounts and lower premiums.

Here’s How to Get Car Insurance at a Great Rate Every Time:

1). Determine Your Coverage Needs

Before you start shopping for policies, you’ll need to understand the different types of auto coverage and which ones you’ll need. Here are some of the essentials:

Liability Coverage: This is the foundation of car insurance. It covers bodily injury and property damage in the event you’re at fault in an accident. It’s often required by law.

Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision with another car or object.

Comprehensive Coverage: This takes care of non-collision-related incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Did you know that in Colordo alone, you have a 1 in 8 chance of getting struck by an uninsured/underinsured driver? Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.

2). Understand the Factors Affecting Your Premium

Several factors impact the cost of your car insurance premium (or your “monthly payments”). These include:

Driving Record: A clean record usually results in lower premiums, while accidents and violations can lead to higher rates.

Age and Gender: Young and inexperienced drivers often pay more for insurance. Gender can also play a role in some states.

Location: Where you live can affect your rates. Urban areas may have higher premiums due to increased traffic and theft rates.

Vehicle Type: The make and model of your car, as well as its age and safety features, can influence your premium. The safer your vehicle, the lower your premium!

Coverage Levels: The more extensive your coverage, the higher your premium. Finding the right balance between coverage and cost is crucial.

3). Ask About Discounts

If you’ve been wondering how to get car insurance at discounted rates, then you’re in luck! Many insurance companies offer discounts that can help you save on your premium. Common discounts include:

Multi-Policy: Save by bundling your auto insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance.

Good Driver: Enjoy lower rates if you have a clean driving record. You can also qualify for good driver discounts through telematic apps offered by certain carriers. Telematic apps track and recognize your safe driving habits, and they could help you qualify for discounts ranging anywhere between 5 and 30 percent!

Good Student: Students with excellent grades can often score a discount.

Safety Features: Cars equipped with safety features like anti-theft devices and airbags may qualify for reduced rates.

Low Mileage: If you don’t drive much, you could be eligible for a low mileage discount.

4). Consider Bundling Your Auto Insurance with Other Policies

Bundling your auto insurance with other insurance policies, like home or renters insurance, is a smart move that can save you some serious cash. Not only does it simplify your life by having all your policies in one place, but it can also earn you valuable discounts. Insurance providers often reward customers with lower premiums when they bundle, making it a win-win for your coverage and your wallet. Plus, it’s just plain convenient – one less thing to worry about!

Want to Know How to Get Car Insurance Quickly and Easily?

Simple: let us handle it for you! At Avalue Insurance, we’re here to help you in finding the right policy at the right price. As independent agents, we have the freedom to let you compare multiple policies and multiple prices. Contact us today, and let our experts simplify your car insurance search!  

Texan Charm, Colorado Spirit

Everyone, Meet Diane!

Meet Diane Engles, a Texan by birth, a Coloradan by choice, and a valued member of the Avalue Insurance family. Diane’s journey is one filled with passion, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in both her professional and personal life.

Originally hailing from the bustling city of Houston, Texas, Diane’s roots run deep in the Lone Star State. Born and raised amidst the Texan hospitality and warm Southern charm, she carried these values with her when she embarked on a new chapter in Colorado in 1999.

Diane’s venture into the insurance world began in 2015, marking a career shift that would lead her to her current role as an account manager for personal insurance at Avalue Insurance. Her journey, however, is not just about numbers and policies; it’s about the people she serves and the impact she makes.

Before her insurance career, Diane wore many hats, including owning businesses a Sylvan Learning Center in Houston, Texas. Her administrative prowess shone through, but it was her desire for change that ultimately set her on her current path. That’s when she met Sarah Lampard, CEO and Founder of Avalue Insurance.

While searching online for a new insurance agency to collaborate with, it was Sarah’s website that caught her eye. It wasn’t just the services offered; it was the values that Sarah and Avalue Insurance embodied. Diane left a message, scheduled a phone call, and showed up to meet Sarah. The connection was immediate, and Sarah hired her on the spot. Today, Diane works as a personal insurance account manager.

Since she first started at Avalue Insurance in 2017, Diane has been an active part of the Avalue community, an exemplary worker, and an impressive green-thumb around the office. But Diane’s impact extends far beyond the insurance world. One of her most significant life accomplishments was embarking on a life-changing journey to Costa Rica in 2006. There, she lived for four years, immersing herself in the vibrant culture and giving back to the community through volunteer work. Her time in Costa Rica reflects her servant spirit, and her position at Avalue Insurance shows her ongoing commitment to people.

So, the next time you think about insurance, remember that it’s not just about policies and premiums—it’s about the people behind the scenes, like Diane Engles, who make it their mission to protect, serve, and empower. And if you’re ever in need of insurance guidance or a friendly face at Avalue Insurance, Diane will be there, ready to assist you with her Texan charm and Colorado spirit.

Partner Carriers

  • Allstate
  • Assurant Flood
  • Auto Owners
  • Bristol West
  • Builders Risk/US Assure
  • Chubb
  • Markel
  • CNA
  • Foremost
  • Hull & Company
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Nationwide
  • Philadelphia
  • Pinnacol
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers