Category: Auto Insurance

If you have a growing family and are considering upgrading shortly, there are a few things you need to remember when comparing SUVs and minivans. They usually carry about the same number of people, but then they start to shift. 

Sliding Doors

SUVs will all have the standard opening door that opens out and requires your passengers to climb in on either the left or right side. These are the only door options, even if they have a third row in the SUV. With minivans, most models have large sliding doors on one or both sides that open up and make it easy for your passengers to get to the middle of the third row. 

Height Difference

A minivan is usually lower to the ground than a car or sedan. This is considered to be easier than most SUVs, which sit several inches higher. If you have tall family members, a low-riding minivan could pose a problem, or a family full of shorter individuals may not find a tall SUV ideal. 

Fuel Efficiency

If you’re considering your gas bill when you purchase your next vehicle, you might want to opt for a minivan. They get better fuel efficiency because they are equipped with smaller motors than some of the larger SUVs. This can give you the space you need and help you with the expenses required to care for your family. 

Cargo Space

If you have to haul as much sporting equipment, groceries, and other items as you do kids, you may want to compare the cargo spaces between minivans and SUVs. SUVs with a third row have to sacrifice cargo space, whereas minivans have three rows and room to carry around precious cargo.

If you’re in the Colorado Springs, CO, area and considering getting a new auto insurance policy, contact our team at Westco Insurance LLC today for your quote. 

If you’re a Colorado Springs, CO resident and you’re in the market for a new car or truck, you’ve probably got something specific in mind. If you’re trying to keep your insurance rates as low as possible, you may want to avoid certain vehicles that are known for having higher auto insurance rates. Many people fail to understand why the type of car you drive dictates your auto insurance rate. Here is an overview that provides an answer. 

How Much is Your Car Worth?

The more expensive a car or truck is, the higher your insurance rates will be for that particular vehicle. Why? A car or truck with a higher worth will obviously cost more to replace or repair if damaged or destroyed. This is why insurance companies charge more to cover more valuable vehicles, because if your car were to sustain damage, the payout would likely be much higher.

Additional Reasons for a Higher Rate

The worth of your car isn’t the only thing that determines your auto insurance rate. Some other aspects that insurance agencies take into consideration are whether your vehicle model is frequently stolen and what your vehicle’s level of performance is, such as top speed, level of acceleration, and more. 

As you can see, there isn’t a single reason why the type of car you drive dictates your auto insurance rate. If you’re seeking a new auto insurance provider in the Colorado Springs, CO, area, Westco Insurance LLC is accepting new customers. We pride ourselves on providing the best coverage possible for our customers, and we try to keep our rates affordable. Contact us today for a quote, and we’ll gladly welcome you to the Westco Insurance LLC family. 

Colorado law does not require you to report every accident to the authorities. If there is no injury or property damage, there is no legal requirement to report. However, it may be better to have an official anyway. At Westco Insurance LLC, we understand how stressful it can be to be in an accident. We want to help our Colorado Springs, CO clients so they know what to do to protect themselves.

You May Not Realize You’re Injured

Being involved in a crash can cause you to get an adrenaline rush. You may not even realize you are feeling pain until long after you leave the scene of the accident. Stay at the scene and get a report so you have the other driver’s information. Then, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible to make sure.

Sometimes, People Are Dishonest About What Happened

Even if you believed that there were no injuries or damages, the other party involved may decide to blame you for injuries or damages that already existed. By calling out an officer to make a report, you can keep the story from changing.

When the officer makes a report, it will include information about the drivers, the vehicles, the weather conditions, how the crash happened, and anything else that is relevant. Don’t depend entirely on the officer, either. Take pictures and collect the names and numbers of the other drivers and witnesses.

Even people with the best intentions may get their stories wrong if they don’t document an accident immediately. Time passes, and it’s easy to forget things. If you have questions or want to discuss your auto insurance policy, please call Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO today.

We all love that new car feeling when you finally drive home the vehicle you had your eyes on. You can’t imagine ever not loving it just that much. After a while, the new fades away, and you start thinking of something different. At Westco Insurance LLC, serving Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas, we want to help vehicle owners make the most of ownership, and sometimes that means knowing when it’s time to trade in. Keep reading to learn about the three signs. It’s time to trade. 

Fuel Costs Rising 

Even if your vehicle was a good idea for fuel costs when you bought it, the fuel costs change. And when fuel costs change dramatically and permanently, you might discover that you are no longer content with the mileage you’re getting for the cost. If your mileage is not a great deal anymore compared to fuel costs, you might want to consider trading in for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. 

Safety Declining 

Another factor you might encounter after being with your vehicle for a while is safety issues. Safety can become a problem as a car ages or if the vehicle does not have certain types of new technology highly recommended for safety, such as Bluetooth. If this is the case with your car, trading in could be a good option. 

Repair Costs Rising 

One of the main reasons people opt for upgrading to a newer vehicle is when repair costs keep rising with their current vehicle. This can become a financial and mental drain as you constantly worry about the car needs more work. 

To learn about vehicle insurance, contact us at Westco Insurance LLC, serving Colorado Springs, CO, and the surrounding areas. 

At Westco Insurance LLC, we know teenagers spend more time driving in the summer than almost any other time of the year. It’s a rite of passage for many teenage boys and girls, a chance to get behind the wheel and feel the freedom of being alone on the road. But while driving is often viewed as a rite of passage for teenagers in Colorado Springs, CO, it can be a dangerous activity for those still learning how to drive.

The 100 Deadliest Days of The Year

The months between May and September see a 26% increase in fatal crashes involving teens compared to the rest of the year. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, with the highest rate of crashes.

Over half of all teenager-involved crashes involve distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from the road, such as texting or talking on the phone. However, the number one distraction for teens is other passengers.

How to Keep Your Teen Safe

According to the CDC, there are proven ways to keep your teen safe behind the wheel:

1. Wear a seatbelt. At least 48% of teens who died in car crashes were not wearing seatbelts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says seatbelts could cut that number in half.
2. Avoid drinking and driving. Teens drinking and driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash.
3. Avoid driving at night. Most fatal teen accidents occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.; this increases significantly on the weekends.
4. Put down your phone. No call or text is worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk. Additionally, ask your passengers to remain quiet while you’re driving.

No matter how prepared you are, driving is still a risky activity. Protect your teen and your vehicle with appropriate car insurance. Contact Westco Insurance LLC of Colorado Springs, CO today for more information.

As the rate of road accidents and related fatalities increases in Colorado Springs, CO, it is becoming increasingly important for drivers to practice road safety precautions.  Drivers need to learn to obey simple road safety rules such as wearing their safety gear, maintaining the appropriate speed, and avoiding distractions. At Westco Insurance LLC, we recommend buying enough auto insurance to protect yourself from financial losses. Here are a few safety tips to help you stay safe on public roads.

Plan your trip

Whether you’re going to work or taking a long trip out of Colorado Springs, it’s always prudent to plan your trip ahead.  Check the weather, research the roads you will be using and learn some of the potential roadblocks on your way. Prepare your supplies and emergency kit in case your car breaks down in the middle of the road.

Wear safety gear

Before you start driving, always think about your safety. The most crucial driving gear is your seat belt, as it protects you from crashing into the windshield.  If you have children in the car, make sure they are securely strapped to their seats in the back seats.

Minimize distractions as you drive

Drivers are often advised to keep their phones away when driving. When you use your phone while driving, the distraction increases your crash risk. Apart from phones, you can also get distracted mentally based on your mental and physical health.  That’s why we advise you not to drive when you feel tired, sick, intoxicated, stressed, or sleepy.

Keep distance

Defensive driving is all about knowing your surroundings and preparing to act in case of an accident. Always maintain a specific distance to protect yourself and other cars behind from getting injured from applying sudden brakes.

Don’t forget to buy auto insurance. Our insurance experts at Westco Insurance LLC are always ready to help you get the most out of your policy. Call us or visit us at our Colorado Springs, CO offices today.

Driving a car is considered one of the most dangerous everyday activities. No matter how you are experienced in driving and how well you obey traffic rules, there is still a chance that you will be involved in a car accident. For this reason, the best and most efficient way to protect yourself is to get auto insurance. If you decide to skip car insurance and drive without it, there are certain risks that you may face: 

Risks of Not Carrying Auto Insurance

Here is a list of things you should keep in mind if you drive without auto insurance:

• Risk of receiving a ticket and being arrested. You should know that driving in the state of Colorado without auto insurance is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by a fine or imprisonment. 
• Risks of your license suspension. Your driving license can be suspended if you are caught driving without car insurance. In most cases, this punishment will be coupled with a hefty fine. 
• Risk of facing high costs of repairs in case of car accident. If you cause a road accident, and you do not have car insurance, you will have to cover all the repairs by yourself. Moreover, passengers and other drivers may also sue you for their physical injuries and damages. 

Westco Insurance LLC serving in Colorado Springs, CO – Your Safety Is Our Priority

Do you live in Colorado Springs, CO or any other nearby town and are you looking for auto insurance? Westco Insurance LLC will be glad to help you find a policy you need. Our team will do their best to find a policy that will meet your needs and expectations. If you are ready to get started with an insurance search, feel free to visit our website or give us a call. 

Understanding the basics of comprehensive and collision insurance policies is rewarding if you own a car in Colorado Springs, CO. You are in safe hands when you decide to seek insurance advice from Westco Insurance LLC, your trusted service provider. The two policies rank among the crucial requirements for car owners. 

While most states do not consider the two as mandatory, they come in handy when you find yourself in various hard-hitting situations. Insurance institutions sell the policy under one package, covering your car damages. In some instances, your agency goes to the extent of replacing your car if the situation demands that. However, the policies do not compensate for your injuries.

What Makes the Difference?

Collision insurance will compensate the cost of repair if it gets damaged on the motion. On the other hand, comprehensive policy covers aspects such as theft, vandalism, and natural calamities. You have the liberty to purchase the two insurances separately or drop one, keeping the other.

Is It Necessary to Buy Both Insurance Policies?

Most drivers pay for collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. However, to some, it feels unnecessary to have both at ago. If you are servicing a car loan, you will do better with both, as most lenders will request the two until you settle the last coin. The approach serves as security for the lenders if anything happens to the car before clearing the loan.

Is It Advisable to Drop the Policies?

After paying the loan or lease fee, you have the liberty to choose between comprehensive insurance and collision insurance. In addition, you can continue working with both options if you deem it necessary. The current value of your car is enough to let you decide what you want. If the level of depreciation is too high, dropping one policy is a wise idea.

Forfeiting additional policies when you notice that they are less relevant saves you money. However, seek professional advice before making such decisions. Contact Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO, to find all the answers you need about your policy today.

Having liability insurance coverage is required to stay legal on the road here in Colorado Springs, CO. However, not many people understand what this means. Thankfully, our team at Westco Insurance LLC is here to help.

Liability is a third-party coverage on your auto insurance that pays for someone else’s medical bills and/or property damage if you’re involved in an accident that you caused. It doesn’t pay to fix your vehicle or handle any medical bills for you or your passengers.

There are two parts to liability: bodily injury and property damage. Here’s what you need to know regarding what they cover.

Understanding Bodily Injury Coverage

Bodily injury coverage is the portion of your car insurance that pays for other people’s medical bills. This can be a passenger in another car, a pedestrian, or someone else physically injured due to your negligence.

When looking at your auto insurance, you probably see bodily injury written out as two numbers with a slash in between. The first number is the most the policy will pay per person in the accident. The second number is the maximum amount for the claim, whether two people with injuries or two hundred. In the event of a serious claim, all injured third-parties must share this aggregate amount.

What is Property Damage Coverage?

Property damage coverage is the part of your auto insurance policy that pays for things other people own. This can be the back bumper of the car you hit in the grocery store parking lot, your neighbor’s mailbox, or a power pole owned by the city. If you’re in an at-fault accident, this number is the maximum amount your policy will pay to fix or replace those items.

Are you ready to ensure you have enough auto insurance coverage? Our team at Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO is here to help. Please contact us today for a quote.