How To Keep Your Teen Driver Safe Over the Summer

Posted on June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 by agentinsure

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:

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.
Avoid drinking and driving. Teens drinking and driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Avoid driving at night. Most fatal teen accidents occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.; this increases significantly on the weekends.
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.

Commercial insurance most businesses can benefit from

Posted on May 25, 2022May 25, 2022 by agentinsure

Most states have some requirements that businesses have commercial insurance, but not too many. In most cases, it is focused on protecting people from your company, not protecting your business. If you own a business, you understand that many risks are involved. At Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO, we have an experienced team that understands these risks and can help you make sure you have the coverage you need to protect you from those that apply to your business.

Commercial liability insurance

Owning a business is risky. One of the significant risks that every business faces is getting sued. It is a real threat. One in three businesses gets sued in any given year. A judgment against you could shut down your business if you don’t have the commercial insurance you need to protect yourself. Even just the legal expenses could damage your business irreparably.

Workers compensation

In Colorado, every employer who has one or more employees is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Whether they are full or part-time, seasonal, or even family members, it doesn’t matter. If they work for you, they are employees.

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance can make a difference if a covered hazard ever hits your business. It will cover the building if you own it, but it has great value even if you are a renter. It covers all the things you need to do business. Depending on the type of business you have, it can be tools, machinery, display cabinets, or almost limitless other items. But whatever you need, this insurance will help you repair or replace it so your business can survive.

Contact Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO with all your commercial insurance concerns and needs.

Protect your Colorado Springs home with a comprehensive policy

Posted on April 29, 2022May 3, 2022 by agentinsure

Are you a resident and homeowner in the greater Colorado Springs, CO area? Westco Insurance LLC is aware of the significant amount of growth that has been happening in our area, and how this growth is affecting home prices. If you want to ensure that your house is protected, call us today.

Benefits of comprehensive policies for Colorado Springs area homes

When it comes to protecting your home, how much is enough? With a comprehensive policy, you can ensure that you have the level of protection needed to protect your home.

As home prices rise, so too do your insurance needs. Many homeowners renew the same policy year after year without reviewing it. This can lead to unanticipated problems down the road. Being underinsured is avoidable, and we can help you have the right coverage in place.

Protect your home, belongings, and any additional buildings on your property with comprehensive coverage. If you would like to ensure that you have the protection you need, now is a perfect time for a complete review of your current policy. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to find out that you don’t have the coverage you need.

A family home is a refuge, and it is also one of the largest financial investments that we make in our lifetimes. Be sure that you have the right policy at the right level. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.

Let us help you protect your home!

Westco Insurance LLC is here to answer all of your home insurance questions. We want you to have peace of mind knowing that your Colorado Springs, CO is protected. Give us a call today.

The Basics of Life Insurance

Posted on March 31, 2022April 4, 2022 by agentinsure

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that death is never too far away. It can happen at any moment, to anyone, and it doesn’t care if you have a family or not. Sudden death can leave a family without its primary breadwinner, and the secondary losses can be devastating. This is why it’s important to have a life insurance policy.

A life insurance policy is a contract between an insurance company and the owner of that policy. It states that in exchange for receiving a certain amount of money known as the premium, the insurance company will pay out a death benefit to your family upon your death.

However, it’s not always that simple. There are many different kinds of life insurance policies, and learning the basics can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a policy that is right for your family.

There are two main kinds of life insurance policies, term and whole life.

Term Life Insurance

A term life insurance policy covers you for a period known as the "term." This means that if you die within the term of your policy, your family will receive the death benefit. But if you live past the term, your family won’t receive any benefits.

Term life insurance is the cheapest life insurance, but it does not build any cash value. Therefore, term life insurance premiums are usually considerably more inexpensive than whole life policies.

Whole Life Insurance

As the name implies, a whole life insurance policy covers you for your entire lifetime. The premiums are higher than a term life insurance policy, but a significant difference is that these policies accumulate a cash value over time. You can borrow against this cash value or withdraw a part of it. However, you should be careful because the death benefit will become smaller and smaller if you withdraw too much cash from a whole life policy. It will make it more difficult for your beneficiaries to collect on your life insurance when the time comes.

Life Insurance in Colorado Springs, CO

Life insurance is an important financial tool that can be used to protect your family in the event of your death. However, every person’s situation is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Contact Westco Insurance LLC for more information about life insurance and how it can work with your unique situation.

Road safety tips every driver should know when driving on public roads

Posted on February 7, 2022February 1, 2022 by agentinsure

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.

Why Commercial Insurance is an Asset for your Business

Posted on January 31, 2022February 1, 2022 by agentinsure

Owning a business does not come easy. And in that case, you need to cushion it from all risks that come with owning a business. One unfortunate event could wipe out your much-invested business. Imagine the devastation! Where do you even begin? But that does not need to be the case. Investing in commercial insurance protects you from such mishaps regardless of the industry.

Are you in Colorado Springs, CO, and still viewing commercial insurance as an expense? Here are the reasons why you should invest in coverage from Westco Insurance LLC.

Liability protection

Every business comes with its unique risks. Imagine if you sell products, and one of your products causes harm to your clients? Think about the financial consequences of legal suits to medical expenses, which could cost you thousands of dollars. Fortunately, commercial insurance investment protects you from damages caused to a third party.

Assets protection

Imagine a fire ravaging your business assets? Think about the financial losses you would incur due to business interruption and property damage. Thankfully, investing in commercial insurance cushions your business assets from theft, vandalism, fire, and other risks stated in your policy.

Employee protection

Employees are invaluable assets that make a difference between the success and failure of your business. That said, employees being your most significant asset requires utmost protection — there is no better way to safeguard your employees than investing in workers’ comp insurance.

Increases your business reputation

Suppliers and customers want to associate with a business that is well protected if anything goes wrong. Business insurance sets you apart from your competitors by increasing your credibility.

Commercial insurance in Colorado Springs, CO

If you considered commercial insurance as a waste of money, think again. With all the benefits associated with this coverage, you can’t afford to secure one for your business. Ready to get started with commercial insurance? Look no further than Westco Insurance LLC. Contact us today for an affordable quote

What to look for when choosing your homeowner’s policy

Posted on December 13, 2021December 8, 2021 by agentinsure

Selecting a homeowner’s policy can take a lot of consideration to ensure that the coverage is correct and adequate for your needs. The team at Westco Insurance LLC is proud to serve the insurance needs of residents in the greater Colorado Springs, CO area.

Look for these policy options when selecting your homeowner’s insurance

If it’s time to renew your homeowner’s policy, or you are looking to buy a home, it’s important to get the right coverage. When selecting your policy, you may want to consider the following:

Does this policy protect all of the structures on my property?
Is the deductible in-line with my budget?
Do I have protection from theft and vandalism?
What happens if my house becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event?
Will I need additional coverage for personal articles?
Is any work equipment that I have at home (such as a laptop computer) covered?
Do I have liability protection in case someone is injured on my property?

These are just some of the questions that you should ask yourself when selecting your homeowner’s policy. The two main factors are the type of insurance policy and the level of coverage. There are many different benefits and features that you can select in order to tailor your homeowner’s policy for your own unique needs.

Finding the right policy to protect your home: we can help

When it comes to choosing your homeowner’s policy, you can rely on the team at Westco Insurance LLC. We are proud to serve Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding communities. Give us a call for all of your insurance needs. We are here to help!

Everything you need to know about life insurance beneficiaries

Posted on November 22, 2021December 8, 2021 by agentinsure

Life insurance is often a complicated topic for many people in Colorado Springs, CO. Of course, no one wants to talk about death, fights among beneficiaries, or the emotional and financial trauma associated with losing a breadwinner. However, it’s always prudent to be prepared financially in case of these unfortunate events. At Westco Insurance LLC, we recommend learning about life insurance, including beneficiaries, to get the most out of your policy. Here is what you need to know about a life insurance beneficiary.

What is a beneficiary?

A life insurance beneficiary is any person or entity you choose to receive money from your insurance company as a death benefit when you pass away. You can name one person or several people (up to 10). It can be your spouse, parent, stranger, charity, trustee, a business in Colorado Springs CO, or anyone you want to benefit from your money.

Types of beneficiaries

Life insurance beneficiaries come in two types or “levels”—primary and contingent beneficiaries. The primary beneficiary gets the death benefit if they are available after your death. The contingent beneficiary can only receive the death benefit if the primary beneficiary cannot be found. You should provide clear information to avoid disputes after your death. For instance, if you have named your child the primary beneficiary, indicate whether they are the firstborn and include their exact name, age, and other relevant information.

Revocable and irrevocable life insurance beneficiary

If you choose a revocable beneficiary, it means you don’t need any consent from the current beneficiary to change their name. On the other hand, if you choose an irrevocable beneficiary, you’ll need to seek their permission before changing their name as the beneficiary.

Don’t forget to let your chosen beneficiary have all the information they’ll need to file a claim after your death. If you have any questions or need to learn more about life insurance beneficiaries, feel free to contact Westco Insurance LLC anytime.

Risks Of Not Having Auto Insurance

Posted on October 15, 2021October 5, 2021 by agentinsure

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.

How commercial insurance can save a small business

Posted on September 30, 2021October 5, 2021 by agentinsure

Small businesses account for 99.9% of all businesses in the country. It is tough being a small business owner. Many small businesses fail every year. Since a small business is any business with under 500 employees, you are probably not aware that most small businesses have fewer than 10 employees. These are the most vulnerable and the most likely to fail. Commercial insurance can add a safety net. At Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO, we help small businesses find the commercial insurance they need to protect their business.

If something happens to your machinery, inventory, office equipment, or raw materials, your small business could be in danger of going under. Would you have the money you need to replace all these things and get your business back up and running? Would you be able to survive? If the answer is no, to either or both of these questions, then commercial property insurance is what you need to save your small business.

If you were sued by someone who was injured while visiting your business or by a product or service you supply, would you have the money needed to settle the judgment and to pay your legal expenses? If the answer is no, you need to have commercial liability insurance which can pay medical expenses as well as judgment and legal expenses.

If a covered hazard closed down your business for weeks or months, would you be able to stay afloat in the interim? Could you pay your bills and pay your employees and yourself? If you have business interruption insurance, you will get the money that you need to meet your routine expenses even though your business is closed.

Contact Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO, when you are ready to discuss your commercial insurance needs.

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