Name: Avalue Insurance
Address: 7700 E Arapahoe Rd., Ste. 330, Centennial, CO, 80112
Telephone: 303-773-3332

Is Your Insurance Ready for Summer?

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by Emilie Hagopian

You’ve booked the flights, packed the bags, and even remembered to water the plants before leaving town (go you!). Whether you’re off for a two-week beach vacation or heading south for the season, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good old fashioned summer vacation.

But here’s a friendly reminder: taking a break doesn’t mean you’re immune to risks, and life can still happen even while you’re on vacation.

While you’re away relaxing, life keeps moving back home — and unfortunately, so do potential risks. From frozen pipes to break-ins or even liability issues, things can go sideways when no one’s around to notice. So, before you hop on that plane or head off in your RV, here are a few insurance tips to keep your peace of mind packed right next to your flip-flops.

1). Check Your Home Insurance Before You Leave

If your house is going to be empty for a while, especially for long-term travelers or snowbirds, make sure your homeowners insurance covers extended absences. Some policies have time limits, and certain coverages may be limited if the home is unoccupied.

Quick tip: Let your agent know how long you’ll be gone and ask if you need an endorsement for a vacant or unoccupied home.

2). Update Your Auto Insurance (Even if You’re Not Driving)

If your car will be parked in the garage while you’re away, you might be tempted to cancel or reduce your auto insurance. But hold up! If your vehicle is still registered or financed, dropping coverage could cause headaches (or even penalties).

Instead: Talk to your agent about switching to a “comprehensive-only” policy while it’s in storage. It can still protect your car from theft, fire, or weather damage without paying for unnecessary liability coverage.

3). Snowbirds: Don’t Assume One Policy Covers Two Homes

Owning homes in different states? That’s awesome! But you’ll want to make sure both properties are properly insured, especially if one sits vacant for part of the year. Insurance requirements (and risks) can vary depending on location, climate, and time of year.

Pro tip: Work with an independent agent who can help coordinate your coverage across multiple properties and states.

4). Consider Umbrella Insurance for Extra Protection

Because what summer vacation is complete without a good umbrella?

When you’re away, accidents can still happen. And if something goes wrong, your standard liability coverage might not be enough. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. It provides additional protection beyond your home and auto policies, covering things like major accidents or lawsuits.

Why it matters: If someone slips on your icy sidewalk while you’re out of town, or you’re held liable for damages that exceed your policy limits, umbrella insurance helps pick up where your other policies leave off.

5). Let Someone You Trust Check In

This one’s not exactly an insurance policy, but it might as well be: have a neighbor or friend check on your home while you’re away. Not only can they catch any small issues before they turn into big ones, but some insurance policies even require regular check-ins to maintain full coverage!

Let Us Help You Enjoy Your Summer

Vacations are for relaxing — not worrying about what could go wrong back home. With the right insurance coverage and a little planning, you can fully enjoy your time away knowing you’re protected.

Ready to talk insurance? Get in touch with us today before you hit the road or runway! We’ll make sure you’re fully covered so you can enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest. You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!

Teen Driver in the House? You May Need an Umbrella

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by Emilie Hagopian

Because teaching them to drive isn’t stressful enough already…

Let’s be honest. Having a teen driver in the house can be equal parts exciting and terrifying. Sure, they’re gaining independence and maybe even helping out with errands (finally!), but behind the wheel of a car, they’re also carrying a hefty dose of risk. In fact, teenagers are among the most accident-prone drivers on the road, simply due to their lack of experience and tendency to multitask (hello, phones).

So, while you’re teaching your teen how to merge onto the freeway and parallel park without panic, there’s another kind of lesson to consider: how to protect your household if something goes wrong.

That’s where umbrella insurance comes in.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is extra liability coverage that kicks in when the limits on your auto or homeowners insurance are maxed out. Think of it like a financial safety net. It doesn’t replace your current insurance; it simply extends your protection after your standard policy reaches its limit.

So, if your teen rear-ends a Lexus, your auto policy might only cover a portion of the damages. If the total cost exceeds your policy limits (which is more common than you’d think), the rest comes out of your pocket… unless you’ve got umbrella insurance!

Why Teen Drivers Raise the Risk

Even the most responsible teens are still new to driving, which makes them statistically more likely to cause accidents. And unfortunately, accidents involving teen drivers can get expensive fast — especially if someone gets injured or if multiple vehicles are involved.

Let’s say your teen causes a serious accident and the other party sues for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your auto insurance only covers $250,000 in liability, but the lawsuit settles for $750,000, you’re on the hook for the remaining half a million dollars. That could mean dipping into your savings, college funds, retirement… not exactly ideal.

But with an umbrella policy in place, you could be covered for that extra amount — and then some.

How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in coverage (and go up from there), and the good news is… they’re surprisingly affordable. For many families, it costs less than $300 a year. That’s less than the cost of your teen’s Spotify subscription and weekend Starbucks runs combined.

So, Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you have a teen driver in the house, umbrella insurance is a smart move. It’s a low-cost way to protect your high-stakes assets, and it makes sure one accident doesn’t turn into a financial catastrophe.

Want to learn more about adding umbrella coverage to your policy?

The team at Avalue Insurance is here to help you make smart, stress-free decisions for your family’s protection. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about keeping you — and your newly licensed teen — safe and covered. Give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!

Borrowed Vehicles, Borrowed Trouble: Are You Covered?

Posted on April 30, 2025April 30, 2025 by Emilie Hagopian

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!

What Parents Need to Know About Adding a Teen Driver to Their Auto Insurance

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Emilie Hagopian

So, your teenager just got their driver’s license — congratulations! And also… good luck. While they’re thrilled about their newfound freedom, you’re likely running through a mental checklist of everything you need to do to keep them safe on the road. One major item on that list? Adding them to your auto insurance policy.

It’s not the most exciting part of their driving journey (for either of you). But it’s a crucial step to ensure they’re covered in case of an accident. Here’s what you need to know as a parent before making the call to your insurance provider.

1. Do I Have to Add My Teen to My Auto Insurance?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: In most cases, your auto insurance provider will require you to add any licensed driver living in your household to your policy. Even if your teen doesn’t have their own car and only borrows yours occasionally, they still need to be covered. Failing to do so could lead to big problems if they’re involved in an accident.

2. How Much Will It Cost?

Brace yourself — adding a teen driver to your policy can be expensive. Statistically, teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, which makes them a higher risk for insurance companies. On average, adding a teen can increase your premium by 50% to 100%. Yikes.

But before you panic, there are ways to save money, which leads me to…

3. How Can I Lower My Insurance Costs?

Insurance companies recognize that not all teens are reckless drivers, so they offer discounts to help soften the blow. Here are a few ways to cut costs:

Good Student Discount – Many insurers offer discounts for teens who maintain a B average or higher. If your teen is hitting the books, they might help you save money too!
Driver’s Education Discount – Completing a state-approved driver’s ed course can lower insurance rates. Some companies even offer their own safe-driving programs with discounts attached.
Safe Driving Apps – Some insurers offer apps that monitor driving behavior. If your teen proves they’re a cautious driver, you could score some savings.
Bundling Policies – If you have multiple insurance policies (home, auto, life), bundling them with the same provider could get you a discount.

4. Should My Teen Have Their Own Policy?

It’s usually cheaper to add them to your existing policy rather than getting them their own. However, if your teen has their own car and you don’t want their risk affecting your insurance rates, a separate policy might be worth considering. Keep in mind that individual policies for teens tend to be pricey.

5. What If My Teen Goes to College Without a Car?

If your teen is heading to college more than 100 miles away and won’t be taking a car, let your insurer know! Some companies offer a “student away at school” discount, which can significantly lower your premium while keeping them covered for occasional driving when they’re home on break.

Ready to Add Your Teen? We Can Help!

Adding a teen driver to your policy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Avalue Insurance, we’ll walk you through your options, help you find discounts, and make sure your family is protected without breaking the bank. Give us a call today and let’s get your teen covered — so you can stress a little less while they hit the road!

Give us a call at 303-773-3332, info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a quote right here online!

Fictional Characters and the Insurance They Would Need

Posted on August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

Have you ever wondered what kind of insurance coverage your favorite fictional characters would need? After all, fictional characters tend to lead some pretty exciting lives! So what would it take to cover the damages of characters like Tony Stark, Marty McFly, and (dare I say) Michael Scott? Let’s talk about it!

Restaurant Insurance for Monica Geller

Monica Geller from Friends would need top-notch restaurant insurance for her dream bistro. This policy would cover everything from property damage to liability in case a customer has a not-so-friendly encounter with one of her experimental dishes. Avalue Insurance could also provide business interruption insurance, ensuring Monica’s restaurant stays afloat if she ever needs to close temporarily. Plus, she’d get peace of mind knowing her prized kitchen equipment is protected.

Cyber Insurance for Tony Stark

Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is a tech genius with countless inventions and a massive tech company. With great technology comes great responsibility – and risk. Tony would definitely need cyber insurance to protect against data breaches, hacking attempts, and other cyber threats that could jeopardize Stark Industries. This coverage would help him protect his intellectual property and keep his advanced tech safe from cyber villains.

Business Insurance for Leslie Knope

Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation is the ultimate government employee, but let’s imagine she starts her own nonprofit organization. Leslie would need business insurance to cover liability issues, property damage, and any potential lawsuits. This way, she can focus on making Pawnee a better place without worrying about unexpected setbacks.

Auto Insurance for Marty McFly

Marty McFly’s DeLorean is no ordinary car, so standard auto insurance just wouldn’t cut it. With time travel capabilities, he’d need a custom auto insurance policy covering everything from high-speed chases to potential damage from 1955 lightning strikes. Flux capacitor coverage? Absolutely!

General Liability Insurance for Michael Scott

Michael Scott from The Office is always up to some kind of shenanigan that could easily result in a lawsuit. General liability insurance would be perfect for Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch, covering any potential legal issues arising from Michael’s well-meaning but often misguided actions. This would help protect the company from financial losses and keep the office running smoothly.

Need Insurance Help? Call Us!

Just like these fictional characters, real life can be unpredictable. But having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference. At Avalue Insurance, we’re here to help you find the perfect policies to fit your needs. Whether it’s home, auto, business, or any other type of insurance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect you and your loved ones from life’s unexpected twists and turns!

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