What Happens if I Exceed the Insurance Coverage on My Home?

Home insurance protects your home and possessions against damage or loss caused by events such as fire or theft. Home insurance policies come in different forms and cover various possessions and risks. For people living in Glen Allen, VA, Everett Insurance is here to help you understand the limits of your coverage and what you can do to expand your protection.

How is your insurance coverage calculated?

The amount of insurance coverage you have and the type of home insurance policy you have depend on several factors, including the value of your home and where it is located. Home insurance policy limits are the maximum amount of coverage your home insurance policy will provide for each of the risks covered by your policy.

What happens when your damages reach your policy limits?

Personal liability claims can quickly exceed the coverage you have in your policy. When this happens, you may be required to pay the portion of the settlement that is left over. In an oversized suit, this can be thousands of dollars.

It’s important to note that your home insurance policy may not cover certain losses. For example, your policy may not cover losses due to libel, slander, or malicious prosecution charges.

How do you expand your coverage?

Many insurance companies offer additional coverage options for homeowners. The most common choice is to add an umbrella insurance policy. An umbrella policy provides additional coverage for losses that exceed the limits of your home insurance policy. It also includes coverage for losses not covered by your standard policy.

How much umbrella coverage you need depends on the risks you face. Every person has different needs.

Everett Insurance is dedicated to providing Glen Allen, VA, with the right coverage at the right price. Contact us today to learn more.

 

Is Worker’s Compensation Insurance a Worthy Investment?

Most states in America require every employer to invest in workers’ compensation insurance. You may think you have put some measures to prevent injuries, but accidents like falls or slips can still happen. The aftermath can result in costly illnesses and injuries that could cost your business an arm and a leg.

For your information, employers are liable for any form of work-related accident. Why then wait for such unfortunate occurrences to purchase worker’s compensation insurance? Workers’ compensation insurance is a worthwhile investment for every business owner like any other insurance policy. According to Everett Insurance, here are the reasons why this coverage is worth every penny.

Legal requirement

Most states, including Virginia, require every business to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Failure to have the policy may lead to legal implications like paying fines, losing your business license, etc.

Protect your employees

Your employees are the most valued assets in a business. Therefore, there is a need to protect them with a workers’ compensation policy. This policy pays for medical expenses if an employee gets injured or ill. The plan also pays for lost wages as the employee recovers.

Protect your business

Picture your business being sued for negligence related to work illnesses or injuries. This could cost your business thousands of dollars. Workers’ compensation pays for court cases, judgments, and attorney fees.

Peace of mind

Every business owner should focus on the success and growth of the company instead of worrying about potential lawsuits or costly claims. Workers’ compensation insurance gives you that focus, and you don’t have to think about cases and claims.

 Worker’s compensation insurance in Glen Allen, VA

Regardless of your industry, workers’ compensation insurance is a must-have policy for every business owner. Contact Everett Insurance today for an affordable quote if you are in Glen Allen, VA, and its surroundings looking for coverage to suit your business.

Protect your classic car investment

Owning a classic car can bring a lot of joy to your life! The team at Everett Insurance here in Glen Allen, VA is ready to help you protect your investment. We know that a classic car is more than just a hobby. Let us help you find the vehicle policy that is right for your classic car insurance needs.

Protecting your classic car with the right insurance policy

Owning a classic car comes with a significant financial investment. Because of this, you will need specialized classic car insurance. If you want to keep your kit, hobby, or antique car safe from harm, be sure to obtain an appropriate policy for your needs.

Several different factors go into insuring this type of vehicle. Your insurance agent will want to know how many miles you typically drive it, where it is stored, and if you participate in car shows, rallies, or other similar events. 

Working with an insurance agent that understands these unique needs can help you find the right policy at the right coverage level. Don’t wait to find out that you don’t have the coverage you need!

Whether you are looking to purchase or build a specialty car or you want to upgrade your current policy, sitting down to review your options is a great first step. Now is a perfect time to secure the right policy to keep your classic car fully protected!

Come and meet with us today!

If you live in the greater Glen Allen, VA area and want to protect your classic car, it’s time to meet the team at Everett Insurance. We can help you find the policy that will best meet your needs. Give us a call or stop by today!

Is renters insurance required in Virginia?

Renters insurance is a line of insurance that helps renters to mitigate the risk they face of a peril damaging or destroying their rental unit. In the US, only about 40% of renters carry renters insurance. At  Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA, we want to make our customers and all renters aware of the significant risk they are taking without any protection. 

In Virginia, no law requires renters to purchase renters insurance. But, that does not mean your landlord or management company won’t require you to have it. Read your lease carefully to ensure that you get insurance if required. Even if you are not required to have renters insurance, it is something you should consider having. It offers several different types of protection. 

Content coverage

As a renter, much of what you own is likely in your rental. Would you be able to replace everything if it was lost to fire? If the answer is no, that would be a challenge. It would be best if you had another way to replace them. The most obvious is to have renters insurance. It is affordable and, depending on the kind of content coverage you choose, can provide the funds you need to replace your property. 

Liability coverage

Liability insurance protects you and your assets from something that may have gone wrong. Someone could be injured at your home, have medical bills, and decide to sue. That could result in a judgment against you. 

Loss of use

If your rental is damaged so severely that you can no longer live there, you need the money to stay at a hotel and, if necessary, get a short-term rental. This coverage can be a lifesaver. 

Contact  Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA to learn more about renters insurance.

What umbrella insurance buyers need to know about liability coverage

If you think you need umbrella insurance, you’re probably right. Umbrella insurance is a low-cost way to obtain a massive amount of liability coverage. While your home, boat, and auto insurance are designed to cover losses, they are not always adequate to cover expensive claims like a lawsuit. 

Accidents in Glen Allen, VA can be pretty expensive, especially if they involve multiple cars. That’s why Everett Insurance recommends buying umbrella insurance to take over when your auto or home insurance policy reaches its liability limits. Here are a few things you should know about this policy.

You can protect your business

Also known as “excess liability,” umbrella insurance can be used as personal and business coverage. To protect your business or commercial property, you can purchase commercial umbrella insurance to cover lawsuits that result from operating your companies.

You need extra liability coverage

Whether you’re a motorist, business person, homeowner, or a parent in Glen Allen VA, you will always face a certain amount of risk in life that could present a liability claim or lawsuit. If the worst happens, umbrella insurance can take care of your financial needs as you focus on what matters to you the most.

Not all lawsuits are covered

While umbrella insurance is designed to cover all lawsuits, there are specific exceptions, such as criminal activities or intentional acts. Deliberate acts of harm such as sexual harassment, discrimination, assault, and other property and bodily harm are considered acts of malice and may not be covered.

You could lose everything without umbrella insurance

It’s easy to ignore umbrella insurance if you have standard policies like home insurance and auto insurance. However, if you cause an accident involving multiple cars, the damages and injuries can quickly add up, and the compensation cost can go as high as several million. Unless your auto insurance liability limits exceed several million, you should probably buy umbrella insurance.

To get yourself the most reliable umbrella insurance, talk to experts at Everett Insurance. We’re always looking forward to helping you stay covered and protected. Call us today!

Do All Homeowners Need Flood Insurance?

It doesn’t take a Hurricane Katrina (the one of 2005) to understand the danger of floods in America. Floods are ever-present throughout the year, and those without flood insurance usually find themselves in a tight spot because typical home insurance doesn’t cover floods. Only those with mortgages are likely to come out on top because most mortgage providers insist on flood insurance, especially if you live in a high-risk flood zone.

That’s enough introduction for now. Let’s go straight to the question: Do all homeowners need flood insurance? The short answer is yes. As you will find from Everett Insurance of Glen Allen, VA, flood insurance is must-have insurance for all homeowners — and it’s not because of any law. Let’s look at the reasons why every homeowner should invest in flood insurance.

Floods can strike anywhere… and anytime

You don’t have to live along the coastline to be at risk of floods. Where it rains, it can flood. Flash floods are common in America, meaning you only have a false sense of security if you aren’t near any water body.

It may be required

As mentioned, you don’t have an option if you live in a high-risk flood zone, and you have secured a mortgage from a federal-regulated lender. If you are in such a situation, you must carry flood insurance throughout the year until your loan is fully paid.

Home insurance won’t help you

You don’t have to wait for the ugly heads of floods to rear on you so that you can invest in flood insurance. Get it from us now — home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You must get flood insurance from NFIP or private carriers to get optimal coverage from floods.

Flood insurance in Glen Allen, VA

Need to protect your home from floods? The best way is by purchasing flood insurance. Contact Everett Insurance today for affordable coverage.

Winter driving tips for VA residents

Even though our area of Glen Allen, VA may not get a lot of snow, it still makes sense to prepare for winter driving conditions. Everett Insurance is here to help you get through the upcoming winter season safe and sound!

Tips for safe winter driving

If you have to drive in foul weather, make sure that you set yourself up for a safe trip. These tips can help you prepare for driving in all types of weather. 

  • Check your fluids – make sure that fluids such as antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid are full and ready to go. We recommend keeping an extra container of windshield wiper fluid in your vehicle during the winter months.
  • Make sure your tires are ready to go – safe driving on slick surfaces requires tires that are in good condition. Have yours checked and replace those that are worn out, have dry rot, or are unsafe.
  • Confirm your roadside assistance coverage – there’s nothing worse than being stuck during inclement weather. Now’s the time to make sure that your roadside assistance protection is in place.
  • Avoid driving in foul weather – no one wants to drive when it is stormy out, but if you must venture out, be sure to allow yourself enough time to get to your destination safely.

Count on us for your auto insurance needs!

If you have any questions about your current auto policy or are in the process of buying a vehicle, turn to Everett Insurance for all of your auto policy needs. We are proud to serve our friends and neighbors in the greater Glen Allen, VA area. Call or stop by today!

What Is Business Interruption Insurance and Can It Help You?

Essentially, business interruption insurance helps businesses pay bills during a disaster or when they are closed for repairs. It can be added to a standard business insurance policy to increase overall protection. If you are displaced from a disaster and need to pay for expenses while your building is repaired, business Interruption insurance can cover you. This kind of insurance is useful for loan payments, keeping your employees paid, and paying for extra expenses like rent during temporary displacement. Without this type of insurance, you may find it hard to keep operations functioning while paying growing out-of-pocket expenses.

The agents at Everett Insurance of Glen Allen, VA can help you understand business Interruption insurance and whether it is right for you. With this coverage, you can keep your business operations going during a disaster or other events that cause your business to close for a period of time.

Can Business Interruption Insurance Help You?

Many business owners use this type of insurance to cover expenses during difficult times. It can be extremely useful in keeping your business functioning, even if you are not open. Unforeseen events like fires, flooding, vandalism, Damage from riots and other unique interruptions may also be included depending on your policy. Some aspects of business interruption insurance that can help you include:

  • Lease payments, rent, or mortgages
  • Day to day bills
  • Temporary relocation expenses
  • Employee payrolls

Quality Insurance Options in Glen Allen, VA

Give us a call or use our online portal to get in touch with us at Everett Insurance located in Glen Allen, VA. Our representatives are here to help you get quality insurance coverage to protect yourself, as well as your business operations and assets.

Does Home Insurance Protect Your Garage?

Your garage may house some of your most prized possessions. From a classic sports car to your childhood mementos, the items you keep in your garage may be extremely valuable. While homeowners insurance may cover treasured items in your home, what about your garage and the items inside it?

Everett Insurance, which serves Glen Allen, VA, understands that you want the most protection for your home, including your garage. Here’s what you need to know about garage protection.

The Physical Dwelling May Be Covered

In most homeowners insurance policies, all aspects of the home are covered. This includes all structures attached to the home. Even a detached garage or shed could be covered so long as the building is used for personal and not commercial use. If you use your garage for commercial purposes, you should speak with an insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage.

Property Inside the Garage Is Often Covered

When you buy a homeowners insurance policy, the items inside the garage are also often covered. It is important to know the limits of your insurance policy, as each policy has a different threshold regarding the value it can cover. For example, you likely need to check your policy to see if your classic car or jewelry will be completely covered. If not, you may want to increase your insurance policy for the most protection.

Check Out Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Are you unsure what your homeowner’s policy covers? Now is a good time to read your policy and get to know your coverage. If you live in Glen Allen, VA, check out Everett Insurance today to see what kind of policy is right for your home.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: FAQs

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect business owners and employees alike. This business coverage pays for medical expenses when an employee suffers an illness or injury at work. Here at Everett Insurance, we know many Glen Allen, VA residents may not be too familiar with the ins and outs of this coverage, so we wanted to share some frequently asked questions about workers’ comp insurance.

What Does Worker’s Comp Insurance Generally Cover?

In order to recover these benefits, workers must suffer an injury or illness while performing duties within the course description of their job. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical treatment for work-related illness or injury. It may also pay for lost wages that result from being unable to perform usual work duties.

How Can Business Owners Benefit from Workers’ Comp Insurance?

In order for employees to take advantage of the benefits that workers’ compensation insurance has to offer, they must first agree to avoid seeking additional compensation in court. Therefore, this type of insurance coverage helps to reduce the risk of lawsuits, liability amounts, and legal fees for business owners. In addition, it helps to cover workplace injuries that owners may suffer.

Does an Injury Have to Occur on Business Premises in Order to Be Covered?

As long as the illness or injury occurs while the employee is performing job-related responsibilities/duties, it does not matter where the illness or injury occurs. For instance, if an employee suffers an injury while running a workplace errand, the incident should be covered. If an employee suffers an illness while attending a mandatory work-related dinner, the incident should be covered. There are many instances when an illness or injury can occur off business premises and still be covered under workers’ compensation insurance.

If you are interested in designing a workers’ compensation insurance policy for your Glen Allen, VA business, contact us at Everett Insurance. We have helped many business owners protect their businesses and would love the opportunity to help you protect yours with the right insurance coverage.