Denver Insurance Agent - An Interview with Martha Ricci
Q. Tell us about yourself and your firm?
A. My name is Martha Ricci I am a mother of 2 teenagers my daughter Aleigha is 15 and my son Connor is 13. I am a Denver native and went to school here as well. I have 7 siblings who all reside here in Colorado. I am employed by Van Gilder Insurance Corporation and have been for 15 years in Personal Lines. Van Gilder started their business in Denver in 1905 and they are the largest independent brokerage firm in Colorado. Our firm represents numerous companies to be able to assist in most circumstances. We have recently moved our office to Lodo so we are very central to the entire Denver Metro area.
Q. What are the various types of insurance your offer?
A. Personal Insurance (home auto recreational vehicles watercraft valuable articles personal umbrella etc.) Aviation Oil & Gas Directors & Officers Architects & Engineers Employee Benefits Construction Technology Bonds Small Commercial etc. Each person at Van Gilder specializes in the type of business they handle it is imperative to keep up with all of the changes in each individual line of business.
Q. How long do you take to process a claim?
A. It is impossible to answer this question adequately. Every claim is different just like the type of insurance. For instance a windshield claim should be settled within 24 hours of submission of the invoice to the insurance company. However a helicopter crash could involve so many type of claims it could take months to settle each type of claim.
Q. A Teenager has been driving under his parent&rsquo s policy for a few years now he wants to get insurance in his own name would you be able to help him with insurance?
A. Absolutely we can help. Again we represent a large number of carriers to assist.
Q. How does car insurance work for a teen with a learner&rsquo s permit?
A. Car insurance for a teen with a lerner s permit varies by individual carriers. Some require that they be added as an operator upon receipt of their permit while others do not add the teen until they have their drivers license.
Q. What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
A. Comprehensive provides coverage for fire theft wind vandalism glass breakage hail earthquake collision with a bird or animal falling objects. Collision provides coverage for damage when colliding with an object other than a bird or animal. IE car pole fence house building sidewalk etc.
Q. In case a person operates a small business from home does he/she have to notify the insurance agent?
A. It is of critical importance to notify your insurance agent when you run a business from your home. Most if not all homeowner s policies specifically exclude or strictly limit coverage for the business and anything used in or for the business including inventory of any kind.
Q. If a person wants to have home insurance coverage what personal belongings should be insured?
A. Personal belongings are a tough call each individual or family purchasing homeowner s insurance will generally have a percentage of the home value for their contents. Generally speaking most companies use 50% 70% or 75% of the home value for personal property. EXAMPLE Home value of $250 000 would give you $125 000 in contents at 50% $175 000 at 70% and $187 500 at 75%. However there are specific limits of coverage for certain classes of personal property jewelry and furs money and coins securities stamps silverware firearms trailers and watercraft. Most companies do not provide coverage for misplacing or loss of these classes of property. Careful consideration should be given to these items if not specifically insured and depending on the value a financial loss could be experienced.
Q. How can a person tell if the amount of insurance carried on his/her house is adequate?
A. When obtaining coverage for your home the broker or agent should complete a construction cost estimate based on the specific details of your home. The type of construction and finishes in your home can make a very large difference in the replacement cost. Never assume that the coverage from your current or prior policy is sufficient.
