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

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!

The Best Coverage for Road Tips

Posted on August 12, 2024August 12, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

Ensuring a Safe and Insured Adventure

Ah, the open road! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with hitting the highway for a summer road trip. Before the autumn leaves start falling, it’s time to pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and, most importantly, make sure your insurance is ready to roll with you. Let’s dive into the types of auto insurance coverage you’ll need to enjoy a great summer road trip without turning it into a comedy of errors.

General Liability Coverage: A Road Trip Essential

First things first, let’s talk about general liability coverage. This is the backbone of your auto insurance policy, covering you if you’re responsible for causing injury to others or damaging someone else’s property. Think of it as your safety net for those “Oops, I didn’t see that stop sign” moments. It keeps your wallet intact while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Collision Coverage: When Bumps in the Road Aren’t Metaphorical

Next up is collision coverage. Picture this: you decide to make a pit stop when suddenly, a rogue shopping cart comes out of nowhere. Boom! Collision coverage helps pay for the damages to your car, whether you hit another vehicle (or that shopping cart had a mind of its own).

Theft Coverage: Keeping Your Ride Secure

As you travel through different states and towns, you’ll want to ensure your car is protected from any native thieves. Theft coverage will cover the costs if your vehicle is stolen. So, lock your doors, hide your valuables, and sleep soundly knowing that your theft coverage will you’re your back.

Coverage for Animal Damage: When Wildlife Gets a Little Too Friendly

Speaking of unexpected encounters, what if Bambi decides to introduce himself to your front bumper? Animal damage coverage has you covered for any wildlife encounters that go beyond a friendly wave. From deer to raccoons, this coverage ensures you’re not left footing the bill after an unplanned wildlife meet-and-greet.

Roadside Assistance: Your Road Trip Savior

Flat tire? Dead battery? Run out of gas in the middle of nowhere? Roadside assistance can help. With a simple call, help is on the way, ensuring you’re back on the road faster than you can say “roadside rescue.”

Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Insurance: Protection Against the Unprepared

You’d be surprised how many motorists are underinsured, or even completely uninsured! Trust us: the last thing you want to deal with on a road trip is an unexpected hit-and-run and out-of-pocket expenses. Underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance protects you when someone without enough coverage (or any at all) crashes into you. You’ll be fully covered, even if the other driver was not.

Rental Reimbursement Policies: Keep the Adventure Rolling

If your car needs repairs due to a covered loss, rental reimbursement ensures you’re not stuck on the side of the road watching the fun drive by. This coverage helps pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop, so you can keep the adventure rolling without missing a beat.

Ready, Set, Road Trip!

Before you embark on your summer adventure, make sure your insurance is ready for every twist and turn. From protecting against wildlife and rogue shopping carts to roadside assistance for those unexpected circumstances, these coverage options will keep your road trip smooth and stress-free.

At Avalue Insurance, we’re here to help you find the perfect coverage for your summer adventures. We’ll make sure your road trips are fun, full of memories, and mostly importantly, fully insured. Contact us today to get started! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, email us at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a call-back right here online!

Avalue Insurance

Get a Quote

Tag: car insurance