August 2022

The Roth Group > 2022 (Page 3)

How to Get Your Pipes Ready for Winter

frozen pipe downspout

Freezing pipes account for a significant percentage of homeowners insurance claims during the colder months. Preparing pipes for winter ahead of time can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of repairs.  Are Frozen Pipes Covered by Homeowners Insurance? In many cases, yes, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage (minus your deductible) resulting from burst pipes. This scenario falls under “accidental water damage,” which is generally covered under the dwelling protection component of your policy.  That being said, there are a couple exceptions when your claim may be denied: Damage occurred due to lack of routine maintenance Just as with other areas of the...

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Open Door Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado

car with door open

Most of us don’t give much thought to opening our car doors when parked along a road. We might absent-mindedly glance into the side view mirror to check for any oncoming vehicles, then fling open the door and go about our business. But this simple act can have significant consequences for an unseen motorcyclist, who risks injury or even death as a result of the sudden obstacle.  When a motorcyclist crashes into the passenger or driver’s side door of a motor vehicle, it is called an “open door crash.” Open door crashes may also occur when a motorcyclist suddenly swerves to...

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Phantom Vehicle Insurance Claims

woman on phone looking at car damage

Automobiles that are responsible for causing accidents without making physical contact are known as “phantom” vehicles, and they pose a serious threat. Most drivers will, at some point, find themselves in a situation on the road where they are compelled to make a risky maneuver due to the recklessness of another driver. They may have to suddenly swerve to miss hitting another vehicle, slam on the brakes, or veer quickly to the shoulder in an attempt to avoid an accident.  Sometimes these maneuvers pay off and a serious accident is averted. Other times, the worst happens: a collision still occurs, and...

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7 Unusual Colorado Driving Laws You May Not Know

traffic light on green against blue sky

Certain traffic laws go without saying: stopping at a red light, yielding to pedestrians, wearing your seatbelt. Other laws may not be as well-known, however, and are frequently violated by drivers as a result. As strange as some of these rules may sound, they are still law in the state of Colorado. You can be held liable and even face jail time if you are found disobeying any of these laws, especially if an accident occurs as a result. Here are the top unusual Colorado driving laws that you may not know.  Lesser Known Traffic Rules in Colorado 1. You Cannot Buy...

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Unfair Claims Practices in Colorado

insurance claim form on a clipboard

The Unfair Claims Practices Act is an important part of Colorado legislation that protects policyholders against deceptive behavior by their insurance company. The act outlines specific tactics that are illegal for insurers to utilize when processing a claim. An insurance denial that occurred while any such action was taking place can indicate a bad faith claim, which is grounds for legal action.  What Insurance Processing Tactics Are Illegal? Unfair insurance practices include any deliberate attempt to delay or deny a claim by means of deception, misrepresentation, or poor communication. The following scenarios are red flags and should be reported.  Frequent “Clerical Errors” Everyone makes...

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5 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Work

damaged asphalt shingles

Storm season is in full swing in Colorado. One of the top reasons insurance companies deny roofing claims is due to lack of routine maintenance, or “wear and tear.” Knowing how to spot when your roof needs repairs or replacing will help you avoid an unexpected denial on your hail damage claim. This is our list of 5 warning signs that your roof needs some work. Top Signs a Roof Is In Need of Repairs 1. The Roof is Old If your roof has exceeded its natural lifespan, it is time to replace it. If you do not know the exact age of...

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Laws for Motorcyclists in Colorado

two harley davidson motorcycles parked in lot

Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating: speeding along a scenic roadway, the wind in your hair, enjoying the sites and sounds of nature. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle is also dangerous. Like bicycles, the exposed nature of the vehicle makes motorcyclists much more vulnerable when an accident occurs, no matter how minor. You can reduce your chances of being involved in a deadly crash by knowing motorcyclist laws in Colorado, as well as a few tips to keep yourself safe.  Do Motorcyclists in Colorado Have to Wear a Helmet? Although helmets have been shown to drastically reduce the risk of injury and death,...

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Most Common Insurance Claims for Summertime

motorized boat on a lake

Most of us look forward to summer with its warmer days, trips to the pool, and endless barbecues. Like any season, however, summer comes with inherent hazards that can lead to property damage or injury if you don’t take precautions. Certain insurance claims are much more common in the hotter months. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid having to file one of these common summertime insurance claims and possibly deal with costly damage.  Top 5 Insurance Claims for Summer 1. Fires Outside the Home Summer is the time for grilling. Unfortunately, grills are also a huge fire hazard resulting...

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Who Is Responsible For a Bad Drug Reaction?

a person pouring pills into hand from prescription bottle

Medications often come with a laundry list of potential side effects, ranging from mild to severe. You have likely experienced a reaction to a drug at least once in your lifetime. Over 4 million Americans visit the emergency room every year with complaints related to a new medication.  While side effects are often a necessary evil when taking a new drug, there are certain steps that both the pharmaceutical company and prescribing healthcare professional must take to ensure no one is unexpectedly harmed by a medication.  When is a Pharmaceutical Company Liable for Side Effects? It is the duty of the drug manufacturer...

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Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado

yellow pedestrian crossing sign

Pedestrian accidents account for about 70,000 injuries nationally and 5,000 deaths. 92 of these deaths occured in Colorado in 2021. Sadly, the majority of such accidents affect our most vulnerable population: senior citizens and children. Laws in Colorado exist to protect pedestrians from moving vehicles. Knowing these laws can help you and your loved ones stay safe when crossing the street.  When Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur? There may be no justifiable reason for hitting someone when they are crossing the street, but there are a few scenarios when it is more likely to happen: Turning right on a red light Many pedestrians are struck...

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