Summer Insurance Risks in Colorado: What You Need to Know
First of all, if you know me personally, you know that I am not the most risk adverse person. I have played more than a few hands of poker, eaten my fair share of very questionable foods, and maybe picked a fight or two that I clearly would not win. I have yet to determine if this has changed since I have become an agent or not however I do know that part of my job is to educate others on risk mitigation. Especially, since I have had first hand experience with many of these events and because summer brings the highest rates of property and liability claims for Coloradans.
🏠 Home Hazards in the Centennial State
Colorado summers are notorious for unpredictable and often intense weather patterns. Homeowners should be prepared for:
Hailstorms: My dad is also an insurance agent and in his office use to hang a picture of a hailstone the size of a baseball with the caption, “the million dollar stone” and this was back in the 80’s! Colorado consistently ranks among the top states for hail damage, especially along the Front Range which is locally nicknamed the “hail belt”. Insurance check -Replacement vs ACV or Payment Schedule and Deductible. Comprehensive for your auto.
High Winds and Tornadoes: While not as frequent as in Tornado Alley, Colorado still experiences its fair share of powerful windstorms and tornadoes, especially on the eastern plains. A few weekends ago we were super disappointed when my daughter’s soccer tournament was canceled because of a visible tornado east of Denver! And we will never forget the tornado that ripped through Windsor in 2013. There was so much structural damage, fallen trees, and flying debris.
Lightning Strikes: Colorado is home to 58 14ners which Coloradan’s know as mountains that are over 14,000 feet. I have climbed a couple myself…see, not so risk adverse! The high elevation does increase the risk of lightning damage. Power surges can destroy electronics, and direct strikes may spark house fires or wipe out electrical, security systems, refrigerators, and computers.
Flooding: Flash floods are a serious risk in areas near canyons, creeks, and burn scars from previous wildfires which we have no shortage of. Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover flooding—consider supplemental flood insurance if you’re in a high risk flood area.
Wildfires and Smoke: Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Pine Gutch were the 3 largest fires to date in Colorado and all of them were in 2020. This topic is near and dear to my heart because my husband helped fight the Cameron Peak fire. It was tough to see all the people who lost homes and businesses. Even if flames don’t reach your home, smoke damage and air quality issues can still affect your property and health.
Accidental Fires from BBQs and Fire Pits: Dry conditions lead to the dreaded but necessary fire bans. Be sure to follow local fire restrictions, make sure to never leave an open flame unattended, and always have a fire extinguisher on hand at backyard BBQ’s.
Burglaries During Vacation Season: Summertime travel leaves homes vacant for extended periods. Install security systems, use smart lighting, and alert neighbors before heading out of town. Insurance check - scheduled personal property (jewelry, furs, art, coin collections, high value cameras and computers, etc.).
⚠️ Backyard Liability: Trampolines & Pools
Liability is often called litigation insurance and is what you pay the “other person”. 2 things cause some of the most liability claims on home policies.
Trampolines: My kids have asked a hundred times and I have still yet to say yes…this summer activity happens to be one of the leading causes of backyard injuries, especially for kids. Many insurers require safety nets or fencing, and some may exclude trampoline-related injuries entirely.
Pools: Owners are legally responsible for maintaining proper safety measures, such as fences and pool covers. Drowning and slip-and-fall injuries can result in large liability claims.
*If you have either of these I highly recommend an umbrella policy.
🛻 Summer Toys
Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle often includes motorcycles, boats, and RVs—all of which come with unique summer risks:
Motorcycles: With scenic roads like the Million Dollar Highway and Trail Ridge Road drawing riders from across the country, motorcycle accidents tend to rise in the summer. Consider investing in safety gear such as helmets and armored jackets. Insurance check -medical, property damage, and uninsured motorist.
Boats/Watercraft: Popular spots like Horsetooth Reservoir and Dillon Lake see a spike in boating traffic. Accidents involving watercraft can result in injury, property damage, or liability claims—specialized boat insurance is recommended.
RVs: Whether you’re heading to Great Sand Dunes or camping in Estes Park, RVs are susceptible to collisions, theft, and weather damage. A dedicated RV policy will offer broader protection than standard auto insurance. If you’re taking extended trips in your RV, consider increasing your personal property limits.
Many of my clients call to add their summer toys or check on their roof coverage during the summer months. Please, reach out if you have any questions regarding your policy. I am always happy to have a conversation about insurance!
