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Do Schools Need Commercial Insurance?

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Just like a car, house, or business property, schools, and educational facilities need insurance. Since no two schools are exactly the same, choosing the right insurance requires identifying a school’s unique needs. Here at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., we care about community school programs in Richmond, VA. This is why we’ve put together a quick Q&A guide on choosing the right policy for your school.

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing Insurance

Q. What risks is your school exposed to?

A. School risks impact the best coverage to buy. Some of the most common risks that all schools face include those relating to:

  • Breaches of duty
  • Misconduct
  • Failure to educate
  • Errors or omissions
  • Litigation
  • Bullying
  • Compliance
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sports injuries

The right insurance policy will provide coverage for all the above-mentioned risks.

Q. What are your school’s insurance requirements?

A. Almost all schools will require, at a minimum, the following types of coverage in an insurance policy:

General liability provides protection for all aspects of the school relating to coaches and athletic trainers, booster clubs, school nursing, volunteering, and PTAs. Commercial auto coverage.

Commercial property provides coverage for the school’s physical building and certain types of equipment. You’ll need this type of coverage regardless if you own or rent the school building and any of the covered equipment.

Auto-commercial coverage protects various types of transportation expenses as well as the employees driving school-owned or school-rented vehicles. Some policies also cover employees driving their own vehicles for school-related purposes.

Q. Does the school need injury insurance?

A. Yes, almost all schools need this type of coverage. With the right type of general liability coverage, there are a variety of school-related injuries commonly covered:

  • Food poisoning
  • Toxin exposure
  • Playground injuries
  • School bus accidents
  • Slip and fall incidents
  • Emergency situations

As you can see, there are many types of insurance that schools should consider. From commercial insurance to general liability coverage, having the right policy in place at the right time can be the difference between staying open and having to close a school’s doors. Contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. to learn more about school insurance options in Richmond, VA.

My landlord already has insurance. Why do I need renters insurance?

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Having renters insurance from Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. is an important part of protecting your belongings and ensuring that you are covered if something happens to your apartment or rental home. Though your landlord may have their own insurance policy, it may not cover any of your personal property should it become damaged or destroyed in a fire, flood, theft, or other disasters here in the Richmond, VA area.

Benefits of Renters Insurance

Renters insurance can provide coverage for these scenarios, as well as providing liability coverage should someone get injured while on the property.

Renters insurance also covers additional living expenses if you need to temporarily move out of your home due to a covered loss such as a fire or natural disaster. This coverage can help with hotel bills and other costs associated with finding a temporary place to live until you can return to your rental home.

Finally, renters insurance also provides protection against personal legal claims. If someone is injured on the premises and files a lawsuit against you, the policy will step in to help pay legal fees, and settlement costs up to the policy limit.

Reach Out To Us

When it comes down to it, having renters insurance is essential for anyone living in a rental property. Not only does it provide financial protection in case of an emergency, but it also offers peace of mind knowing that you are covered from any potential risks that may occur on the property.

If you have any additional questions, give us at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. a call today. We proudly serve the Richmond, VA area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.

Do I Need Full Year Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia?

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Motorcycle insurance is an essential part of owning a bike. In Virginia, riders must have liability insurance at the very least. But do you need to purchase full-year motorcycle insurance? Let’s break it down and find out how Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. can help.

What Is Full-Year Motorcycle Insurance? 

When you purchase insurance, it’s for 12-month coverage. When you live in an area that has poor weather for a few months, it can be frustrating. If you can’t ride all year, you may wonder if it’s worth purchasing full-year motorcycle coverage.

The answer is complex. In Richmond, VA, you can pay DMV not to have insurance. However, if you have a bike loan, the lender most likely requires you to carry insurance for the entire term. You may qualify for lay-up insurance, a reduced rate when you don’t ride. But what about the two or three months you’re off the road?

Why Should I Consider a Year-Round Motorcycle Policy?

When you purchase full-year motorcycle coverage, it offers more protection than just the minimum liability. Most insurers offer optional coverage such as collision, comprehensive, and even roadside assistance. This coverage can be invaluable if you plan on taking long trips or riding in inclement weather. You also can add riders to your policy, which is beneficial if you share your bike with family and friends.

Give Us A Call

Reach out and start building your custom motorcycle insurance policy today! If you’re a motorcyclist in Richmond, VA, looking for reliable coverage all year round, contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. today! Our team of experienced professionals will help you find the perfect policy for your budget and lifestyle needs so you can ride with peace of mind.

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance?

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Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., serving the greater Richmond, VA community, is happy to assist with all your auto insurance needs. There are two main types of auto insurance coverage: collision and comprehensive. Collision insurance covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car caused by things like fire, theft, or vandalism. 

Here’s a look at the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance, when you would need each type of coverage, and how to choose the right type of insurance for your needs.

Collision Insurance vs Comprehensive Insurance

The main difference between collision and comprehensive insurance is the type of damage that each cover. Collision insurance is primarily concerned with the damage your car incurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a guardrail, telephone pole, or another car. Comprehensive coverage generally covers anything that isn’t related to an accident, including damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other non-collision events.

Typically, you would need both types of insurance if you own a car. For example, let’s say that your car is involved in an accident and suffers significant damage. Without collision insurance coverage to help pay for repairs or replacement costs, you may be left responsible for covering these costs out of your own pocket. Similarly, if your car is damaged or stolen in a random act of vandalism, comprehensive insurance would help cover the costs of repairing or replacing your car.

Contact Us Today

Choosing between collision and comprehensive insurance can be a difficult decision, as there are many factors to consider when making this choice.  If you have any questions about your car’s insurance, give Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. a call today. We proudly serve the Richmond, VA area.

The Importance of Small Business Commercial Insurance

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Starting a small business can be a complicated yet worthwhile goal to achieve. The majority of the larger and most successful corporations in the world started out as small businesses.

However, many of these businesses would not have been nearly as profitable if they had not maintained adequate commercial insurance. The state of Virginia is highly regarded as a fantastic location for small business owners to realize their dreams. Nevertheless, the importance of the correct commercial policy can ultimately be the difference between success and failure.

Why Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance for small businesses is not only a viable and safe option but a necessary tool that you will eventually rely on if anything were to happen.

This includes basically anything that may occur to your product, the building that houses your small business, etc. For example, in the event of a natural disaster or a burst pipe destroying goods, your products would be replaced. Under a commercial liability insurance policy, your building would be repaired as well.

Theft is also another common issue amongst businesses big and small. But with your insurance coverage, you won’t have to worry about losing your livelihood for good.

Contact Us Today

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA is here to support you and add some much-needed simplicity to this important transition in your life. Starting a small business is stressful, and there is so much to remember. But if you allow Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. to assist you, it will alleviate a portion of that stress.

If you are in or near Richmond, VA, drop by our office. You can also give us a call and get started on making your dreams come true.

How often should I review my home insurance policy?

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Homeowners insurance from Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. protects you from the financial burden of damage caused by perils like fires, severe weather, burglary, and more. As a responsible homeowner in Richmond, VA, part of maintaining your home includes keeping your homeowners’ insurance policy up-to-date.

How often should you review your policy? 

Personal Life Changes

Review your homeowners’ insurance policy whenever there is a change in your personal life. For example, getting married or divorced or having a child can impact your home insurance coverage.

If anyone in your household has a medical condition that requires regular treatment or medication, you’ll want to make sure that your home and belongings are sufficiently covered. You may also need to add extra coverage for high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles.

Updates to Your Home

You should also review your homeowners’ insurance policy whenever you make updates or improvements to your home. For example, if you renovate your kitchen or add a new deck, you’ll want to ensure that these updates are properly reflected in your coverage. 

Additionally, if you’ve purchased any new expensive appliances or electronics recently, you’ll want to insure them for their full value in case they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. Many standard homeowners insurance policies have limits on how much they will pay out for certain items like jewelry, art, electronics, and more, so it’s important to check that you have the coverage you need.

Contact Us Today

As a homeowner in Richmond, VA, it’s important to keep your insurance policy up-to-date so that you’re fully protected in case of an unexpected event. Contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. at least once a year and anytime there is a change in your personal life or home. 

Why Renters Insurance Is So Important

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If you are a renter, there are certain aspects of your home that you don’t have to insure. The dwelling will be insured by the owner, so you don’t have to worry about that. However, you do need to have renters’ insurance. It doesn’t cover the dwelling itself and instead gives you types of coverage that you need to have in place. You run a lot of risks as a renter, and this insurance can protect you from many of them.

For expert insurance guidance, give us a call at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA.

The Benefits of Renters Insurance

Your Belongings Need Protection

Though you don’t have to cover the home itself, you do need to cover what’s inside it. If a serious event happened to the home and your things were destroyed, you would have to pay for everything to be replaced if you didn’t have a renters insurance policy. These policies protect everything so that the policy can pay to have them replaced if something should happen to them. This coverage is very valuable, and yet renters insurance is quite inexpensive. 

Your Liability Needs Protection

Sure, you don’t own the property, but you are still responsible for anything that happens there. If a third party came into your home and somehow became injured there, such as in an accident, you are likely to be liable for the injuries. This means that you would have to pay for their expenses like their lost wages and any medical bills. No one should be open to that kind of risk and renters’ insurance makes sure that you aren’t, paying those bills. 

Get Renters Insurance Today

If you don’t have a renters insurance policy, you are likely required to have one by your landlord. To get started, call us at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA.

Will motorcycle insurance cover a non-moving accident?

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Motorcycle insurance is similar to auto insurance in that you are required to carry liability insurance in most states. However, the similarities don’t stop there. You can also purchase full coverage insurance on your motorcycle as well.

We at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA know that not all motorcycle owners understand the benefits of different insurance policies. However, we’re committed to making sure that we answer questions that help our customers get the coverage they need. 

Motorcycle Insurance for Non-moving Accidents?

Of course, liability coverage will not pay for the repair of your motorcycle. Liability insurance covers situations where you’re at fault. However, like auto insurance, you can purchase comprehensive insurance to pay for the repair of your motorcycle, if damaged in a non-moving accident.

Motorcycle owners who carry comprehensive insurance receive coverage for the repair/replacement of their bike if it’s damaged in a non-collision accident. Compensation for damage from fallen objects like trees and hail is also covered by comprehensive insurance. Theft, fire damage, and vandalism are also covered by comprehensive motorcycle insurance. Overall, comprehensive coverage covers damage from accidents and situations that don’t involve collisions. 

Other Considerations

Although comprehensive insurance isn’t required, motorcycle owners may be required to carry full coverage motorcycle insurance if they are financing their motorcycle. Motorcycle owners also have the option of purchasing add-on personal accident coverage. This insurance coverage would award motorcycle owners or their families a cash payment in case of a serious accident.

Give Us A Call

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA is here to help motorcycle owners explore the best motorcycle insurance for their unique situations. If you have questions about motorcycle insurance, call us. We’re standing by.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Umbrella Insurance?

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What happens if I don’t have umbrella insurance? This is a question that many people ask, but few know the answer to. Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of protection for your personal assets in the event that something goes wrong.

Without it, you could be at risk of losing everything if you’re sued. Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA is here to provide you this guide on why it is so important to have this type of coverage. 

Here is what happens if you don’t have umbrella insurance:

You Could Be Sued for Damages That Exceed Your Insurance Policy Limits

If you’re found liable for an accident or incident, the damages that you’re required to pay could easily exceed the limits of your regular insurance policy. Without umbrella insurance, you would be responsible for paying these damages out of pocket. This could lead to financial ruin if the amount owed is large enough. Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of protection against this type of scenario.

Your Assets Could Be At Risk

If you’re sued and found liable for an accident or incident, your personal assets could be at risk of being seized to pay for the damages you owe. This includes your home, savings account, investments, and more. Without umbrella insurance from a reputable company such as Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc, you could lose everything you have built up over the years.

You Could Be Sued for Libel Or Slander

You could be sued for damages if you’re accused of libel or slander in Richmond VA. This type of lawsuit can be very expensive to defend, and the outcome is often uncertain. Without umbrella insurance, you could be on the hook for paying these costs out of pocket.

Give Us A Call

If you don’t have umbrella insurance and something happens that is not covered by your home or auto insurance, you could be responsible for paying out of pocket for any damages. This could end up costing you thousands of dollars, so it’s important to make sure you are properly protected.

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA can help you find the right umbrella insurance policy to fit your needs. Give us a call today to learn more.

Things you should always carry in your vehicle

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Many people use their vehicles every day. It is more than just driving to work, it’s taking kids to school, running errands, shopping, and doctor’s visits. An amazing amount of time is spent in your vehicle. Sometimes that vehicle may be stuck in traffic or it can break down. Being prepared can stop these things from becoming a tragedy. At Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA, we make sure that your auto insurance gives you all the protection you need. 

Tips For Your Vehicle

Glove box

Your glove box should have all your necessary documents. Your insurance card and your vehicle registration. A tool for cutting your seatbelt and breaking windows can save your life if you end up in a vehicle submerged in water. Having an EZ pass can make traveling faster and easier. You may want to attach this to your windshield so you don’t have to take it in and out. Keep an owners’ manual in the event you need to look up some info about your vehicle. 

Trunk

You should have an emergency kit in your trunk. It should include things like flares, jumper cables, a can of Fix a Flat, and a flashlight. Having a charger like a Halo allows you to jump-start your own vehicle and also some newer models also have tire inflators. Make sure that you have a spare tire and a jack so you can replace your flat tire. It is also a good idea to have a jug of water in your trunk and a windshield washer fluid. In cold weather, having a blanket in the trunk can make you more comfortable. Snacks and bottled water are a welcome addition if you have to wait a while for roadside assistance. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA when you need to review your auto insurance or change your carrier.