Name: Johnson Insurance Agency
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For many Englewood families, winter means weekends on I-70 heading to the mountains. Ski season brings its own insurance questions, from stolen gear to collisions on the slopes. Here’s a quick checklist before your first trip.

Your Gear

Skis, snowboards, boots, and bikes are personal property, so they’re generally covered by your homeowners or renters policy anywhere in the world, including theft from a ski rack, a lodge, or your car. Coverage is subject to your deductible, which may be $1,000 or more. If your family’s gear is worth more than your deductible, keep receipts and photos, and consider scheduling expensive equipment so it’s covered without a deductible.

Rental equipment is a different story. Damage to rented skis or snowboards is usually your responsibility under the rental agreement, so read the terms and consider the shop’s damage waiver.

On the Mountain

Colorado’s Ski Safety Act places duties on both resorts and skiers, and skiers can be held responsible for collisions they cause. If you or your child runs into another skier and injures them, the personal liability coverage in your homeowners or renters policy generally responds. A serious injury claim can exceed standard liability limits, which is one reason active families often add an umbrella policy.

For your own injuries, your health insurance is the main coverage. Check your deductible and whether mountain urgent care clinics are in network, and know that helicopter transport can be very expensive.

Getting There

When the Traction Law is active on I-70, you need snow tires, M+S tires, or four-wheel or all-wheel drive, plus at least 3/16-inch of tread.
Collision covers sliding into a guardrail or another car. Comprehensive covers hitting an elk or deer.
Roadside assistance helps with tows and jump-starts in mountain parking lots.
A roof box or ski rack that damages your car when it fails is usually a Collision or Comprehensive claim.

Renting a Mountain Condo or Cabin

If you rent a place in Summit County or Winter Park, your own liability coverage generally follows you. If you own a mountain property and rent it to others, you need a policy written for short-term rentals; standard homeowners policies often exclude rental activity.

Quick Checklist

Gear photographed, receipts saved
Expensive equipment scheduled
Liability limits reviewed, umbrella considered
Tires ready for the Traction Law
Roadside assistance on your auto policy

Sources

Have questions about your coverage? Call Johnson Insurance Agency at 303-768-8130 or stop by our office at 14 Inverness Dr. E, Suite G236, in Englewood. We compare coverage from multiple carriers for families and businesses across the Denver metro area and Colorado.