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Top 5 Ways Small Businesses Accidentally Invite Hackers In

You might think hackers are only after the big guys — giant corporations with millions in revenue and high-profile data. But here’s the truth: small businesses are some of the easiest and most common targets for cyberattacks. Why? Because they often don’t realize they’re vulnerable.

It’s not always some dramatic movie-style breach with a hacker in a hoodie typing furiously in a dark basement. Sometimes, cyberattacks happen because of simple, everyday mistakes — things many small business owners don’t even realize are risky.

Let’s talk about the top 5 ways small businesses accidentally roll out the welcome mat for hackers.

1). Weak (or Reused) Passwords

We know it’s tempting to use “CompanyName123!” for everything, but hackers love predictable passwords. If your team is using simple or repeated passwords across multiple logins, you’re asking for trouble. One compromised password can open the door to everything — from client data to payroll systems.

Tip: Use a password manager and require strong, unique passwords for every platform.

2). Skipping Software Updates

You know those “Update Now” pop-ups you keep snoozing? Yeah… those updates often contain important security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Ignoring them leaves the door wide open for hackers who are actively looking for systems running outdated software.

Tip: Set software and system updates to run automatically whenever possible.

3). Falling for Phishing Emails

Phishing emails have come a long way since the old “Nigerian prince” scams. Today, they’re clever, realistic, and often look like they came from someone you know. All it takes is one team member clicking on a bad link — and suddenly, your entire network could be at risk.

Tip: Train your team regularly on how to spot suspicious emails and verify before clicking.

4). No Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Relying on just a password is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step (like a code sent to your phone).

Tip: Enable 2FA on all important accounts — especially email, financial platforms, and file-sharing apps.

5). Assuming “It Won’t Happen to Us”

When you’re running a small business, cyber insurance might not feel urgent. But here’s the thing: small businesses often suffer the most after a cyberattack. The recovery costs (lost data, legal fees, reputational damage) can be devastating.

Tip: Take cyber threats seriously before something happens. Prevention and protection go hand in hand.

Avalue Insurance Has Your Back

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your business — you just need the right team behind you. At Avalue Insurance, we help small businesses get the cyber liability coverage they need to bounce back when things go sideways.

Contact us today to learn how cyber insurance can protect your business, your clients, and your peace of mind! Give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a quote right here online!

Oops! 4 Wild Scenarios That Umbrella Insurance Could Actually Cover

Let’s face it: insurance talk isn’t usually the most exciting topic at the dinner table. But umbrella insurance? Oh, it’s got stories. It’s the kind of coverage that sits quietly in the background… until something big (and often bizarre) happens.

Umbrella insurance is all about extra protection. When your regular policies (like home or auto insurance) reach their limit, umbrella coverage steps in to cover the rest. Think of it as the “just in case life gets weird” insurance. And trust me: it sure does.

Here are Four Wild (But Real) Scenarios that Umbrella Insurance Could Help Cover:

1). Your Dog Has a “Bad Day”

We all love our furry friends, but even the gentlest pup can have an off moment. If your dog bites a neighbor, a delivery person, or anyone, you could be held liable for medical bills and even legal fees. Most homeowners insurance policies offer some liability coverage — but if the claim is big? That’s where umbrella insurance steps in to cover the damages.

2). You’re Sued Over a Social Media Post

Yep, it’s 2025 and we’re still learning that the internet is forever. If you or your teenager posts something online that someone considers defamatory, offensive, or damaging to their reputation, they might sue. And lawsuits, even frivolous ones, get expensive fast. Umbrella insurance can help cover legal fees, settlements, or judgments if your standard policies don’t.

3). A Guest Trips at Your Backyard BBQ

You invite the neighbors over for some burgers, hot dogs, and cornhole. Sounds innocent, right? Until someone trips over your garden hose, breaks an ankle, and decides to sue you for medical expenses and lost wages. Your homeowners insurance may cover some of it, but if they’re asking for more than your policy limit, umbrella insurance can keep you from paying out of pocket.

4). Your Teen Driver Causes a Major Wreck

Teen drivers are wonderful… and also statistically risky. If your kid is at fault in a serious accident that causes major injuries or property damage, your auto policy might not be enough. If the medical bills, legal costs, or repair estimates exceed your auto coverage, umbrella insurance helps cover the rest.  Statistically, 80% of umbrella insurance pays out for at fault accidents. 

Coverage for When Life Gets Crazy

No one plans for these things — but they do happen. Umbrella insurance is one of the most affordable ways to add a layer of financial protection to your life, especially when the unexpected takes a turn for the chaotic.

At Avalue Insurance, we make it easy to figure out if umbrella coverage is right for you. We’ll walk you through the details, explain your options, and help you get the right protection for your lifestyle.

Give in touch with us today to get started! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a quote right here online!

Borrowed Vehicles, Borrowed Trouble: Are You Covered?

So, your employee borrows a vehicle to run a quick work errand. Maybe it’s your company’s van, or maybe it’s their own pickup truck with your logo magnets slapped on the sides. Either way, everything’s fine until — bam! — they get into a fender bender. Suddenly, you’re not just worrying about the damage, but also wondering: Are we even covered for this?

If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone. Commercial auto insurance is one of those things business owners don’t always think about until something goes wrong. And when it comes to borrowed vehicles, things can get a little tricky.

Let’s break it down.

What Counts as a “Borrowed Vehicle”?

A borrowed vehicle can be:

  • A personal vehicle used for business purposes
  • A rented truck or van for a one-day job
  • A friend’s or employee’s vehicle being used temporarily for business

Now here’s the catch: your commercial auto insurance may not automatically cover these situations. In many cases, you’ll need special endorsements or separate coverage, depending on the vehicle’s ownership and how it’s being used.

Wait… Doesn’t My Employee’s Insurance Kick In?

Sort of. If your employee uses their own car for a work-related task (like delivering products or picking up supplies), their personal insurance is typically primary in the event of an accident. But most personal policies exclude business use — which means their claim could be denied.

What If We Rent Vehicles for Work?

If you’re renting a vehicle for short-term business use, you might assume the rental company’s insurance has you covered. But that coverage is often limited (and expensive). Many business owners skip that extra protection because they think their regular auto insurance will fill the gap.

Spoiler alert: not always.

Without the right commercial auto coverage, you could be stuck paying out of pocket for damage, injuries, or legal costs. Yikes.

How to Avoid Borrowed Vehicle Headaches

The best way to avoid these awkward insurance gaps? Get clear on how your team uses vehicles and talk to your agent about the right protection. Whether your business owns a fleet or occasionally borrows or rents vehicles, having the proper coverage in place can save you from a world of stress later on.

Get Covered with Confidence

Don’t let a borrowed vehicle turn into a costly mistake. At Avalue Insurance, we help business owners like you make sense of the fine print so you’re never caught off guard. Whether you need commercial auto insurance or a complete policy review, our team is here to help you feel confident and protected, both on and off the road.

Contact Avalue Insurance today, and ask us about our commercial auto insurance options! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a quote right here online!

The Role of Commercial Insurance in Employee Safety and Compensation

As a business owner in Centennial, CO, ensuring the safety of your employees is a top priority. But despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. This is where commercial insurance comes in. At Avalue Insurance, we’re here to help you understand the role of commercial insurance in employee safety and compensation.

Workers’ Compensation: A Key Component of Commercial Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance, a key component of commercial insurance, provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This can include coverage for medical care, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee is unable to work.

Protecting Your Employees and Your Business

Having adequate workers’ compensation insurance not only protects your employees, but it also protects your business. If an employee is injured on the job and you have proper coverage, workers’ compensation insurance can help protect your business from a potential lawsuit.

Creating a Safer Workplace

While workers’ compensation insurance provides protection after an accident, commercial insurance can also play a role in preventing accidents in the first place. Many insurers offer risk management resources to help businesses create safer workplaces.

Securing Your Business in Centennial, CO

Commercial insurance is a crucial part of protecting your business and your employees. If you’re a business owner in Centennial, CO, contact Avalue Insurance today. We can help you understand your commercial insurance options and choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Top 5 Things Colorado Homeowners Forget to Insure

Let’s be honest. Home insurance can be a little… boring. And it’s not something we think about every day — until something goes wrong and we wish we’d paid a little more attention. The truth is, most homeowners have coverage for the big stuff (your house, your roof, maybe even your favorite couch), but there are a few sneaky items and situations that often slip through the cracks.

Here are five things that Colorado homeowners commonly forget to insure — and how to make sure you’re not caught off guard when life throws a curveball.

1). Your Favorite Jewelry

Most home insurance policies cover personal belongings, but high-value items like jewelry, watches, and collectibles often have coverage limits. So, if you’ve got a sparkling engagement ring, grandma’s antique necklace, or a custom piece from a Colorado artisan, you’ll want to ask about adding extra coverage for those high-value items. We recommend insuring them on a separate personal articles policy rather than adding them to your homeowners insurance.

2). Your Home Office Setup

Since the work-from-home world exploded, we’ve seen an uptick in people with expensive tech setups — dual monitors, ergonomic chairs, high-end laptops. If you’re running a business from your basement or just have a killer setup for Zoom calls, don’t assume all that gear is automatically covered. Business property in the home often needs special attention in your policy.

3). Detached Structures

Detached garages, sheds, and workshops are common in many Colorado homes — especially in places with more land, like Falcon or Black Forest. But guess what? That gorgeous shed you spent your summer building might not be fully covered unless your policy specifically lists it. Same goes for fences, gazebos, and even tiny greenhouses.

4). Sewer Backup and Flooding

In Colorado, we might not get hurricanes, but heavy rain, flash floods, and even snowmelt can cause some major headaches. Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage or sewer backups — and trust us, nobody wants to deal with a basement full of water (or worse).

Groundwater entering your basement is typically excluded from coverage.

That means if water seeps in through the foundation, walls, or floor due to heavy rain, melting snow, or rising groundwater, your homeowners policy likely won’t pay for the damage.

This type of water intrusion is usually considered a maintenance issue, not a sudden and accidental event, which is why it’s not covered under standard policies. Adding flood or sewer backup coverage is usually affordable and totally worth it. 

5). Your Liability for What Happens on Your Property

If your friend slips on your icy driveway in the winter or your dog decides to play linebacker when the mail carrier shows up, you could be held liable. Liability coverage is included in most policies, but the default limits might not be enough if things get serious. It’s worth reviewing, especially in Colorado where weather and wildlife keep us on our toes year-round.

Don’t Let a Gap in Coverage Catch You Off Guard

Home insurance isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about protecting the life you’ve worked hard to build. At Avalue Insurance, we help Colorado homeowners take the guesswork out of coverage. Whether you’re in Denver, Colorado Springs, or anywhere in between, we’ll help you review your policy, identify potential gaps, and make sure you’re fully protected — without paying for things you don’t need.

Get in touch with us today, and let us help you get fully covered! Give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a quote right here online!

Partner Carriers

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