Diminished Value in Auto Accident Claims

car being towed for repairs that will result in diminished value

When it comes to car accident claims, one concept that is often overlooked is "diminished value." This refers to the reduction in a vehicle's worth after it has been involved in an accident or sustained significant damage. While most of us know that we can file a claim for the cost of repairs and personal injuries sustained in an accident, you may not be aware that you can also file a claim for diminished value to your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at what diminished value means and how it factors into auto accident claims. What is Diminished Value? Diminished value...

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Podcast: What if I get hurt while skiing?

Your rights and Colorado's Ski Safety Act The holidays are upon us, and ski season is here.  Colorado's mountains call to tourists and locals alike.  Every year people are hurt or even killed on Colorado's slopes.  If you are hurt skiing at a resort what are your rights? By purchasing a lift ticket are you accepting the inherent  risks associated with skiing? We discuss liability, insurance and the Colorado Ski Safety Act. We have a great article up about ski and snowboard accidents, and what to do if you are injured here! ...

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Does Auto Insurance Cover Car Theft?

thief attempting to break into vehicle at night

The state of Colorado has seen an alarming increase in the number of car thefts in recent years. In fact, as of 2022, it is the top state in the nation for auto theft, with over 24,000 cars already stolen in the first half of this year. If you or someone you know has been a victim of car theft, you may be wondering what to do next and if your vehicle’s insurance will reimburse you.  Why Is Car Theft on the Rise? The most likely reason that car theft is increasing is because it is more lucrative. Inflation and supply chain...

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Single Car Accident Insurance Claims

woman on phone after single car accident

The majority of car accidents involve at least two vehicles. However, there are times when only one car may be involved. These accidents, also called “single-car” accidents, occur for a variety of reasons and can be very difficult to prove on an insurance claim. You will need to take careful steps to document your single-car accident in order to receive compensation for damage to your car or for bodily injury.  What Causes Single Car Accidents? Single-car accidents can be caused by any number of reasons, but one of the leading causes is driver negligence. This can be in the form of distracted...

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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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Understanding Personal Liability Insurance

man with cane has fallen on steps

Most individuals understand that their homeowners insurance covers damages related to the home, personal property, and certain surrounding structures. They may be less aware that they are also covered, to an extent, in cases of personal liability.  What is Personal Liability Insurance? Personal liability insurance protects an individual in the event that someone is injured on his or her property. It also provides coverage when someone living within the home damages another person’s property. Generally speaking, most personal liability claims happen as a result of negligence. If someone slipped on your sidewalk as a result of an un-shoveled snow, for example, you may...

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What To Do if You Have Fire Damage to Your Car

car on fire in parking lot in front of brick house

Does Car Insurance Cover Fire Damage? There are many scenarios in which your vehicle might catch fire, resulting in significant damage to your car.. You may be wondering if any of these is covered by your auto insurance. Whether or not your vehicle is covered will depend predominantly on the type of insurance you have: comprehensive, collision, or liability insurance. What is Covered by Comprehensive Auto Insurance? If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, fire damage is generally covered. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-accident related repairs, including engine fires, wildfires, arson, or fires in the garage. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage does...

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What Should You Do If Your Fire Claim Was Denied?

insurance form with red stamped letters saying "rejected"

The insurance claims process can be complicated and frustrating. Fire claims are especially daunting, since you are dealing with a significant emotional toll while trying to objectively document physical losses. When dealing with such a situation, the last thing you need is to have your claim denied. While there are certain instances when a fire claim can be legitimately denied, there are plenty of times when a claim was mishandled or unfairly rejected. If you feel your claim denial was unjustified, there are several steps you can take.  Read the Denial Letter The first thing you will want to do is review the formal...

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Filing a Fire Damage Insurance Claim

fire line do not cross yellow tape

If you have been the victim of a home fire, such as the devastation that occurred recently after the Marshall Fire in Boulder county, filing an insurance claim may be the last thing on your mind. However, once you and your loved ones have reached a safe location, it is imperative that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can receive much-needed settlement money and begin the recovery process.  Contacting Your Insurance Company For starters, you will want to contact your homeowners insurance carrier. This is the particular type of insurance under...

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