Click to Call
WestCo Insurance LLC

9235 N Union Blvd., Ste. 150 #385
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

WestCo Insurance LLC Blog

Insurance Blog

Find Out What Risks Small Restaurants Face

Small food service businesses have to face many risks to stay afloat. Many of these risks are unique to the food industry and can be difficult to anticipate or prepare for. Westco Insurance LLC wants to tell you about some of the most common risks that small restaurants face in Colorado Springs, CO, and how you can protect yourself from them.

Foodborne Illness: A Top Risk for Restaurants

Restaurants must be very careful to avoid foodborne illnesses, which can majorly impact their business and reputation. If a restaurant does not properly cook or handle food, it can quickly become contaminated and make people sick. This is a primary concern for customers, as they do not want to risk getting sick from eating at a restaurant.

The Risk of Fire in a Restaurant

There are many potential fire hazards in a restaurant kitchen, including deep fryers, stoves, ovens, and grills. In addition, flammable liquids such as cooking oil and grease are often used in the kitchen. If these liquids are not properly stored or handled, they can easily catch fire. Furthermore, electrical appliances such as microwaves and toasters can also be fire hazards if they are not used properly.

The Risk of Customer Injury at a Restaurant

Customers may become injured in a restaurant due to several potential hazards. Restaurants have many troubles, including hot surfaces, sharp objects, and slippery floors. If customers are not careful, they may burn themselves, cut themselves, or fall and hurt themselves. Furthermore, there are typically many people moving around in close quarters at restaurants, which increases the risk of customers being bumped or knocked over.

Westco Insurance LLC in Colorado Springs, CO is a commercial insurance company that offers a wide range of insurance products and services to businesses in the area. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the coverage you need at the most competitive rates. For these reasons and more, your small restaurant business needs insurance protection.

Does Our Home Insurance Cover Renovations?

A home renovation can be expensive, so many homeowners opt to find helpful resources such as a home insurance agency. At Westco Insurance LLC, we are interested in providing home insurance to property owners living in Colorado Springs, CO. Our insurance plans cover many scenarios, including major home renovations for catastrophic events.

What is a Renovation Insurance Policy?

Homeowner’s insurance is meant to pay for damages to your home, particularly in a dangerous event. This could be a fire, a flood, or a burglary. These situations often result in a loss of belongings or weakening of the house’s structural integrity. When structural damage does occur, it becomes necessary for the homeowner to repair or replace the areas that have been damaged. This could be anything from a ruined carpet to a leaky roof. Because this process is usually expensive, homeowners often turn to insurance agencies to pay for the repair costs.  

This is where renovation insurance steps. This type of homeowner’s insurance policy covers the cost of a home renovation project. However, a renovation insurance plan may not cover situations outside of a hazardous event, so you’ll need to check with your insurance agent about what situations will be covered.

How to Find Renovation Insurance in Colorado Springs, CO

Westco Insurance LLC provides quality renovation insurance to the homeowners of Colorado. If your home has experienced structural damage due to peril, feel free to contact us for more information. Contact Westco Insurance LLC at 719-726-0318 to book an appointment.

Can You Purchase Life Insurance if You Already Have a Pre-Existing Health Condition?

At Westco Insurance LLC, serving the greater Colorado Springs, CO area, one of the questions that we are frequently asked about in relation to life insurance is whether you can purchase a life insurance policy if you have a pre-existing health condition. Many people do not start thinking about their death until they are faced with a health condition, so this is a question that is often asked. Here is some information you need to know if you are considering buying life insurance with a pre-existing health condition. 

Can You Purchase Life Insurance If You Have a Pre-Existing Health Condition? 

Most life insurance companies ask you if you have any pre-existing health conditions on the insurance application. While some companies deny you for having pre-existing health conditions, many will issue you a policy. However, the amount you pay will likely be much higher than someone else with no health conditions. 

Should You Disclose a Pre-Existing Health Condition? 

If you have a pre-existing health condition, you may think about omitting the information to get approved for a life insurance policy. This is something that should never be done. If the insurance company finds out you lied, and they can subpoena your insurance records, they can cancel your policy and refuse to pay out on the policy if you pass away. You must always be truthful and disclose pre-existing health conditions if a life insurance company asks. 

While it may be more challenging and costly to purchase a life insurance policy if you have a pre-existing health condition, many insurers will allow you to buy one as long as you disclose the condition. If you are in this position, Westco Insurance LLC, serving the greater Colorado Springs, CO area, can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call or email us to learn more. 

How To Keep Your Teen Driver Safe Over the Summer

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.

Commercial insurance most businesses can benefit from

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Get a Quote

Why work with us?

  • Locally owned and operated.
  • Policies that meet & exceed expectations.
  • Get an Annual Policy review.
  • We shop top carriers to find the best rate.
  • Solutions for complex situations (in the trees, too far from fire department, T-lock shingles, manufactured homes, etc.)
  • Dropped by your current carrier? We’ll find you a new one.
  • Lower hail deductibles
  • No “cosmetic hail exclusions”
  • Standard and non-standard auto rates/ SR22
  • A percentage of all profit goes back to Charitable causes

Servicing these States

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Our Trusted Partners

  • AFLAC
  • AIG
  • Allstate
  • American Modern
  • Amtrust
  • Bristol-West
  • Chubb
  • CNA
  • Dairyland
  • EMC
  • Encompass
  • Foremost
  • Guard
  • Hagerty
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Markel Insurance
  • Nationwide
  • Pinnacol
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Secura
  • St Johns
  • State Auto
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • universal-property-casualty
  • US-Assure
  • USLI