I run a small online consulting business. Would I benefit from commercial insurance?

Posted on by admin

Commercial insurance carries many benefits for business owners, regardless of the type of business. This insurance is designed to be adapted to the unique needs of any given business. Our team at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. knows that understanding commercial insurance can be difficult. We’re here to help eliminate the confusion and help Richmond, VA business owners get the coverage they need. 

What is Commercial Insurance?

In short, commercial insurance is simply business insurance. Commercial insurance is designed to provide coverage and protection for many different things. If you have employees, commercial insurance can include worker compensation. If you drive vehicles for your business, commercial insurance can include commercial auto insurance. Commercial insurance is versatile enough to be structured to fit the unique needs of your business, regardless of the type of business you run. 

I run a small online consulting business. Would I benefit from commercial insurance?

Yes. Commercial insurance is designed to meet the unique needs of many different types of businesses, both online and offline. Your online business benefits from insurance protection just like an offline business. However, it’s clear that your needs will differ in some ways from the needs of an offline business. For example, as an online business owner, you need cybersecurity protection. Commercial insurance can provide protection from cyber-attacks.

You may also need commercial insurance to protect the offline areas of your business. If you sell products online, you may need protection for the safe delivery of your products. If someone gets hurt or sick from the use of your products, liability protection is helpful. General and product liability or common forms of commercial insurance for people with online businesses.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you have questions about commercial insurance, call us at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. 

I Rent, Someone Got Hurt, Who Gets Sued?

Posted on by admin

It’s an annoying thing that renters have to deal with. The landlord wants their rent and Heaven help you if the property isn’t as pristine as it was when you moved in. When something happens to the property that’s not your fault, they’ll try to twist it into a "you" problem that they don’t have to handle.

Renter’s insurance alleviates this situation. So, what happens if someone gets hurt at a property you’ve rented? This could be a delivery person slipping on a sidewalk or stairs. Or a meter reader hit by a shingle or branch. Or your visiting brother-in-law said, "Hold my beer and watch this!"

What To Do

Firstly, get medical attention taken care of immediately. Not only will this get physical damage on the road to recovery, but the scope of the injury will be documented. Follow your doctor’s orders. Collect as much documentation as you can along the way. This includes bills, pay stubs, and receipts. Photos and videos will also be helpful for when you file your claim. Once you’ve handled that, time to lob the ball into your landlord’s court. They should contact their insurance provider promptly. Otherwise, you can bring forth a lawsuit. Most of these claims end in a settlement rather than a trial. 

Is Your Landlord at Fault?

Let’s look at the examples from earlier. Slippage from walks and stairs in bad repair can be the landlord’s fault. If falling objects are due to the landlord’s neglect, they’ll have to pay. The result of your brother-in-law’s antics may be his own fault, though. 

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. Serving Richmond, VA 

If you are in the Richmond, VA area and need renter’s insurance, we at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. are here to help. We are dedicated to providing you with fair treatment and a good deal. 

Protect Your Bike With a Comprehensive Motorcycle Policy

Posted on by admin

Richmond, VA area residents turn to the team at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. for all of their insurance needs. If you’re wondering if your current motorcycle policy meets your requirements, or if you’re thinking about getting a bike, rely on us for your all your motorcycle insurance needs. 

Benefits of a Comprehensive Bike Policy

There are many basic motorcycle policies available, but you might be wondering if they provide enough protection. When you’ve been riding for a while and know how often you plan on getting out on the road, you might consider upgrading to a comprehensive policy. There are a number of different benefits that come with comprehensive motorcycle policies.

The most important one is an increased coverage level of liability insurance. This increase helps to protect you from financial distress due to damages that are awarded to a passenger or other injured party following an accident. You’ll also enjoy having protection in the event of the theft or vandalism of your bike. 

Comprehensive policies are always a good idea for anyone who has financed their bike with a loan. This will help to reduce the risk of having to pay off a loan for a bike that’s been totaled. Now’s an ideal time to sit down with your local insurance agent to thoroughly review your needs. This will allow you to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting your bike policy.

Choosing a comprehensive bike policy is an effective way to protect your motorcycle and your future.

Call or stop by our office today!

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. is here to serve the insurance needs of residents in Richmond, VA and the surrounding area. Contact us with all of your insurance questions and issues, we’re here to help!

Reasons to Take a Defensive Driving Course

Posted on by admin

There are many benefits to participating in a defensive driving course. Regardless of whether you are required to take one or decide to take one on your own, you can learn a lot through these courses. Read on to learn why we at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., an auto insurance provider in the greater Richmond, VA area, recommend everyone participate in one of these courses.

Why Take A Defensive Driving Course

Improved Driving Skills

Defensive driving courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to help individuals become safer and more responsible drivers. Participants learn defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness, and how to anticipate and respond to potential dangers on the road. These skills can enhance overall driving abilities and reduce the risk of accidents.

Potential Insurance Discounts

Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course. By completing the course, you can demonstrate that you’re committed to safe driving practices, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums.

Ticket Dismissal or Point Reduction

In some jurisdictions, taking a defensive driving course may enable drivers to have traffic tickets dismissed or reduce points on their driving records. This can help prevent license suspension, maintain a clean driving record, and avoid increased insurance rates.

Court-Mandated Requirement

In certain situations, individuals may be required by a court to complete a defensive driving course as part of a traffic violation or to fulfill legal obligations. Taking the course can fulfill these requirements and demonstrate a proactive effort to improve driving habits.

Keep Your Insurance Updated

Defensive driving courses can help minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. However, you cannot prevent all accidents, which is why it’s important to have great insurance. If you need auto insurance in the greater Richmond, VA area, reach out to the team at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc.

Reasons to Take a Defensive Driving Course

Posted on by admin

There are many benefits to participating in a defensive driving course. Regardless of whether you are required to take one or decide to take one on your own, you can learn a lot through these courses. Read on to learn why we at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., an auto insurance provider in the greater Richmond, VA area, recommend everyone participate in one of these courses.

Why Take A Defensive Driving Course

Improved Driving Skills

Defensive driving courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to help individuals become safer and more responsible drivers. Participants learn defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness, and how to anticipate and respond to potential dangers on the road. These skills can enhance overall driving abilities and reduce the risk of accidents.

Potential Insurance Discounts

Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course. By completing the course, you can demonstrate that you’re committed to safe driving practices, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums.

Ticket Dismissal or Point Reduction

In some jurisdictions, taking a defensive driving course may enable drivers to have traffic tickets dismissed or reduce points on their driving records. This can help prevent license suspension, maintain a clean driving record, and avoid increased insurance rates.

Court-Mandated Requirement

In certain situations, individuals may be required by a court to complete a defensive driving course as part of a traffic violation or to fulfill legal obligations. Taking the course can fulfill these requirements and demonstrate a proactive effort to improve driving habits.

Keep Your Insurance Updated

Defensive driving courses can help minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. However, you cannot prevent all accidents, which is why it’s important to have great insurance. If you need auto insurance in the greater Richmond, VA area, reach out to the team at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc.

Don’t Believe These Myths About Umbrella Insurance

Posted on by admin

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding umbrella insurance in Richmond, VA. The team at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. dispels some of these misconceptions.

Umbrella Insurance Myths

Myth #1: "I don’t need umbrella insurance because I don’t have any assets."

One of the most common umbrella insurance myths is that it’s only necessary for people who have significant assets. However, this is not true. Even if you don’t have many assets, a lawsuit can still financially ruin you.

Myth #2: "I don’t need umbrella insurance because I’m a careful person who’s unlikely to be sued."

Even if you’re a careful person who takes precautions to avoid accidents and lawsuits, you can still be sued for unexpected events that are beyond your control. For example, if someone slips and falls on your property, you could be held liable even if you did everything you could to prevent the accident.

Myth #3: "Umbrella insurance only covers me if I’m sued for something related to my home or car."

While umbrella insurance does provide additional coverage for your home and auto liability, it also offers protection against slander, libel, and defamation.

Myth #4: "I don’t need umbrella insurance because I have a high liability limit on my home and auto insurance policies."

While having high liability limits on your home and auto insurance can provide some protection, it may not be enough in certain situations. If you’re sued for an amount that exceeds your liability limits, you may have to pay the remaining costs out of your own pocket.

Reach Out To Us

Umbrella insurance is an important type of insurance policy that can provide valuable protection in Richmond, VA against unforeseen liabilities and lawsuits. If you have questions, Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. is here to help.

Condo Insurance 101: What You Need to Know About Coverage

Posted on by admin

Navigating the world of condominium ownership can be exciting, but it also comes with unique insurance considerations. To help you make informed decisions, at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA, we have created this Condo Insurance 101 guide. With essential information on coverage types and expert advice from our insurance professionals, you’ll be better prepared to protect your investment. 

Condo Insurance Explained

Owning a condominium comes with unique insurance needs. Condo insurance, also known as HO-6 insurance, provides coverage for your personal property, liability, and the interior structure of your unit. It complements what’s provided by your condo association’s master policy, which typically covers the building’s exterior and common areas.

Personal Property Protection

Condo insurance safeguards your belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. Having adequate coverage for your possessions is vital, as replacing them can be expensive. Create an inventory of your belongings and their value to determine the appropriate amount of personal property coverage.

Interior Structural Coverage

This aspect of condo insurance covers damage to your unit’s interior walls, floors, and ceilings. It’s crucial to understand the extent of your condo association’s master policy, as it will help you decide how much interior structural coverage you need. For example, some master policies cover the original built-in fixtures and finishes, while others may only cover the bare walls.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection is another component. It covers you if someone is injured within your unit or if you accidentally cause damage to another resident’s property. Liability coverage also provides financial protection for legal expenses if you are sued for an injury or damage.

Loss Assessment Coverage

Sometimes, your condo association may levy a special assessment on unit owners to handle expenses not covered by the master policy. Loss assessment coverage helps pay your share of those costs, protecting you from unexpected financial burdens.

Take the Next Step and Contact Our Agents

Condo insurance is important in preserving your property, possessions, and financial well-being. Contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., serving the Richmond, VA metroplex, to discuss your condo insurance options and secure the protection you need today.

3 Reasons You Need To Buy A Home Insurance Policy

Posted on by admin

Owning a home is an excellent reason to learn how to preserve it. After all, isn’t your home your castle? The first step in keeping it safe and secure is to analyze the reasons for purchasing a home insurance coverage. Here at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., we have helped many homeowners just like you in Richmond, VA with all of their house insurance needs.

Here’s a quick rundown of three compelling reasons to purchase home insurance:

You Never Know What Could Happen

Even if you merely get the most basic home insurance policy, your property will be protected against a variety of potential threats. Most basic home insurance policies cover vandalism, tornadoes, hail or wind damage, fire, and other perils. Regardless of how hard you try to keep your home safe from disaster, Mother Nature may be cruel at times. However, having home insurance in place can provide you with peace of mind.

Protects Your Liability

What happens if someone enters your property and is injured? Who will pay for your medical expenses and any property damage? Even if someone has trespassed, you could be held liable if they are wounded on your property. Your liability is safeguarded by home insurance.

Some Lenders Require

If you have a mortgage on your house, the lender you used to secure the loan will almost certainly require you to get home insurance until the loan is paid off.

Reach Out To Us

Want to learn more about important reasons to protect your home in Richmond, VA or do you need help finding a home insurance policy for you? Here at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., we have ample experience helping insure and protect homeowners in Richmond, VA and are happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs today! Give us a call so we can create your quote.

Do Schools Need Commercial Insurance?

Posted on by admin

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?

Posted on by admin

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.