Why Virginia Business Owners Should Add Cyber Insurance Coverage

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Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. serves the Richmond, VA community. For over 25 years, we have helped residents protect their assets. We offer our clients flexible policies designed to meet their evolving needs. We want to simplify the process of searching for insurance.

Why Cyber Insurance Coverage Is An Asset For Virginia Businesses

A strong commercial insurance policy can help your business stand out in the Richmond VA marketplace. Commercial insurance protects your business as you navigate some challenges associated with operating a business. The policy covers your inventory and equipment if it is stolen or vandalized. You are also covered if your property is damaged due to a fire or natural disaster. Liability insurance protects your business if you are held liable for injuring someone or damaging property. Liability coverage protects your business if you are held liable for injuring someone or damaging property. Liability coverage will take care of the necessary repairs or medical bills. Workers compensation protects your business if there is an injury in the workplace. You are also covered if your business has to shut down for a few months while undergoing repairs.

An overlooked type of coverage that you should consider adding to your commercial insurance is cyber liability coverage. The recent technological advancements mean that more people are relying on online transactions to shop. Once sensitive information enters the system, hackers will look for ways to infiltrate it and cause problems. Cyber liability coverage protects your business if your customers or employees’ information is compromised in a data breach. The coverage helps prevent legal action against you and covers your business while you rebuild the systems.

Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.

Pets and Home Insurance: Your Guide

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At Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., we help Richmond, VA residents better understand their home insurance options. For example, we can give you the insight that you need to grasp better whether your pets are covered and what kind of high-quality protection you may receive.

Pet Damage: Are You Covered? 

When your pet damages your home due to inappropriate behaviors (such as cats scratching the walls or dogs tearing up carpets), your homeowner’s insurance policy usually will not cover the repairs. This type of damage is considered an assumed risk of owning a pet and does not get covered. 

That said, if your dog does damage somebody else’s property when they are visiting you (such as a dog breaking someone’s expensive items when jumping on them as a greeting), your liability coverage may help out. That will depend on your exact policy, though, so make sure that you check this fact. 

Pet Bites: Will You Be Protected?

Liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy should protect you if your dog or cat bites someone and seriously injures them. Your policy will pay up to its limit, which will vary based on your policy. And if you have an umbrella insurance option, that will kick in to pay the extra amount of the lawsuit. 

Not every pet owner will need an additional liability policy, though, as bites are usually quite rare. That said, if you own multiple dogs and know that they have bitten people in the past, it might be worth seriously considering this additional policy to ensure that you don’t end up experiencing complications. 

Learn More About This Coverage 

If you need high-quality home insurance in Richmond, VA, please contact us at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. to learn more. We’ll help you understand your pet policy choices and give you the insight that you need to manage this concern smoothly and efficiently.

What to Consider When Buying Renters Insurance

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When renting an apartment in Richmond, VA, your landlord’s insurance policy does not cover your belongings. It only covers the structure of the apartment. To ensure your personal belongings are adequately protected, you should get renters insurance. And as Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. explains, here are some factors to consider when purchasing renters’ insurance.

The Amount of Coverage

The purpose of renters insurance is to protect your personal belongings in case of theft, property damage, or a natural disaster. When choosing the right coverage amount, it is best first to take inventory of your belongings. Note down the value of each item, as that will help guide you on the amount of coverage to buy. Apart from personal belongings, there is also the liability protection that you need to be covered under renters insurance. This assessment will make things easier for you when you approach an insurance company.

Understanding What Is Not Covered

Just like any other type of insurance policy, there are things covered under renters insurance while some are not. For instance, when you live in an area prone to floods, you may have to get a separate policy for floods. This is because floods are not covered under renters insurance. Discuss this with an insurance agent to avoid surprises when exposed to some types of risks.

Bundling

You may feel like renters insurance is costly if you are paying for other policies like car insurance and health insurance. In such cases, consider bundling your policies. It can save you some cash while still giving you adequate coverage. Therefore, check whether your auto insurer also offers renters insurance and what the benefits of bundling are. This might save you some cash instead of buying two different policies.

Renters insurance is essential. Picture the financial loss you may have to incur if your apartment is robbed or catches fire. With renters insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing your insurer will help cover or replace those items. Here at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. of Richmond, VA we can help ensure your apartment is protected from these risks. Contact us today for assistance in purchasing renters insurance.

What Are The Benefits of Motorcycle Insurance?

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If you are in Richmond, VA, owning a motorcycle is one of the best ways to enjoy the city. But as you have fun with your motorcycle, don’t forget about motorcycle insurance. Since one wrong move in your bike can turn catastrophic, it’s more critical to purchase motorcycle insurance from Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. In the process, you will accrue the below benefits. 

Liability protection

Sometimes, accidents do happen. Probably, you lost a bit of concentration and crashed on someone. When this happens, you need to have motorcycle insurance to take care of bodily injuries and property damages you might have caused to third parties. 

Protects your bike

Whether you use your bike for fun, running errands, or commuting, it is valuable to you. That said, it’s wise to protect your asset from perils like theft, accidents, fire, and so on. With motorcycle insurance, you avoid out-of-pocket expenses when you need to replace or repair your bike following an accident. 

Pays for medical expenses

A bike accident — even a minor one — can lead to severe injuries. In light of this, PIP or MedPay coverage is critical as it covers your medical expenses when involved in an accident. Besides, medical payments insurance pays for partial loss of income if you cannot resume your job.

It’s customizable

The beauty about motorcycle insurance is that it’s not cast in stone. If your circumstances change, you can increase or reduce coverages to suit your current needs. For instance, if you add new accessories to your bike, you can adjust your coverage to ensure you are covered. 

Buy motorcycle insurance today!

If you treasure your bike, you can’t afford to ride it without motorcycle insurance. If you are in Richmond, VA and its environs, please talk to Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. for a competitive quote. 

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

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In most cases, when there is an accident in Richmond, VA, the claimant ends up settling with the insurance company. However, if the person at fault has a lot of personal wealth, there is a risk that the claimant will continue with a lawsuit to seek additional damages. Therefore, those with a substantial amount of assets may want to consider purchasing an umbrella insurance policy. 

For help determining if umbrella insurance is needed, reach out to our agents at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. We can help you understand what umbrella insurance is and how much coverage you need. 

Who Should Buy Umbrella Insurance? 

Some of the most significant factors in determining if you need umbrella insurance are where you live, what you do for a living, and how many assets you have. Those who live extravagant lifestyles, have high-paying jobs, or a lot of assets are the ones who should consider purchasing umbrella insurance. Additionally, those who live in areas prone to lawsuits or those who take many risks should also consider buying umbrella insurance. 

How Much Insurance Do I Need? 

Only you can decide how much coverage to purchase when selecting an umbrella policy. Typically, it is best to get coverage limits equal to your net worth, plus your current income stream value. You want to ensure you have enough coverage so in the event of a lawsuit, you do not have to liquidate any of your assets or investments to pay the claim. 

Umbrella insurance is not for everyone. Those who do not fit in any of the categories mentioned above may not need to purchase an umbrella policy in Richmond, VA. Those seeking to buy an umbrella policy must first have primary insurance and should contact our agents at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. for any questions about umbrella coverage.

How Does Condo Insurance Protect Someone?

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When looking to purchase a condo unit, most mortgage lenders will insist that you begin by obtaining condo insurance coverage if you must convince them to approve your purchase. As a newbie, you might wonder what condo insurance refers to and how it can be of use. Assuming this is your case, our post today is dedicated to you.

Condo insurance typically resembles a homeowner’s insurance but with a few distinctions. It protects you, your condo, your property, and other people in case of mischances. According to Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA, condo owners who insure their unit have peace of mind because:

It covers liability costs

You could be the type of buddy who likes welcoming guests, but did you know they can encounter accidents while at your unit? Yes, a slip can cause your guest to fall and break his hand. You’d have to cover his/her medical bills. However, with condo liability coverage, you incur no costs.

It protects your valuables

Besides protecting other people visiting your home, condo insurance guarantees the safety of your valuables such as furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and other assets.

If anything unforeseen causes you to lose any or all your valuable, your condo insurance takes responsibility and compensates you accordingly.

It covers loss of use

At one point or the other, perils can occur, necessitating you to renovate your unit. When such a thing happens, you will want to look for a temporary place to stay until you are done with the renovations. Your condo insurance comes in to help you relocate to a new location by covering additional living expenses. 

It protects the interior of your condo unit

Your condo insurance also protects the interior structures of your units. If anything happens to interior structures such as walls, ceilings, flooring, and so forth, your insurer takes care of it.

Buy condo insurance today

As you can see from this post, the importance of obtaining condo insurance can’t be stressed enough. You are risking your wealth if you haven’t yet obtained coverage from Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA. Contact us today for a quote. 

Do I need to get additional insurance when I rent a car?

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Virginia may be for lovers, but it is also for drivers, with almost 6 million drivers traveling more than 55,000 miles of state roads. If you are a driver in this great state, you need to have the mandated insurance, and perhaps you need more. At Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc in Richmond, VA, we have been providing service to Virginia residents since 1983.

As summer vacation time approaches, the question of car rentals and insurance coverage comes up frequently. When you are renting a car, you will be asked to fill out many forms and sign a lot of papers. Some of them have to do with the insurance coverage that the auto rental companies offer. If you read the papers carefully, you will notice the great price you got for your rental car has more than doubled when all the different types of insurance are added. The wording can be confusing, and you may not know exactly what you are accepting or rejecting. 

In the simplest terms, if you have a newish vehicle with full coverage, you probably have enough coverage to protect you unless you are renting an exotic or costly vehicle. If you have a fundamental policy with low liability levels and no collision and comprehensive, you need to take the offered insurance. Read your policy carefully before you rent a car to make sure you are not duplicating your coverage. Additionally, if you are using a credit card, your card may have rental car coverage you can also tap into. The reality is you are better to be over-covered than under-covered, so talk to your insurance agent before you make your decision. 

If you are in the market for auto insurance, Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc in Richmond, VA is here to help. 

Is home insurance required in Virginia?

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Your home in Richmond, VA is beautiful and a sign of your financial success. It would be best if you had a home insurance policy that protects your prized asset in more ways than one. The agents at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. can help you understand indemnity coverage for your home so that you purchase the best policy for your lifestyle. 

What does home insurance cover?

A standard home insurance policy pays for damage to the structure as well as possessions inside the home. The best indemnity coverage also pays for medical bills if a guest is injured while visiting your home. 

Most standard home insurance policies do not pay for natural disasters such as flooding and fires caused by heavy winds. Homeowners need additional coverage to pay for these events. 

Is home insurance required in Virginia?

There is no state law requiring all homeowners to obtain home insurance in Richmond, VA. Owners with mortgages funded by the federal government are, however, required to have home insurance. 

How much indemnity coverage do you need?

The amount of home insurance you need depends on your lifestyle preferences as well as the market value. It is best to choose a policy worth at least 80 percent of your property’s value to avoid coverage restrictions in the instance of total disaster. 

It would be best to consider an indemnity policy that protects treasured possessions such as antiques and keepsakes that have more sentimental value than market worth. A standard home insurance plan may not provide enough financial compensation if such items are destroyed. 

The agents at Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. can help you put together a home insurance plan that protects your assets. Call them today to request a quote for coverage!

Dangers of Compromising Commercial Insurance

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Running a business in Richmond, VA comes with its own risks. While you are burning the midnight oil to ensure that your business dream becomes a reality, risks like theft, fire, and other perils can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. Even though mishaps can’t be avoided entirely, they can be mitigated with proper planning and the right insurance coverage. 

With this in mind, business owners in Virginia run the below risks when they fail to carry business insurance from Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc.

Get into trouble with the law.

Virginia businesses are required to carry the below insurance policies by the law.

  • Commercial auto insurance: To cover for liabilities and medical expenses arising from vehicular accidents. 
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Pays for medical expenses for injuries sustained in the workplace.

Failure to obtain the above insurance, you are likely to face penalties and fines from the authorities.

Exposure to liabilities

When running a business, there are several liabilities you can face that can lead you into a financial mess. Some include:

  • Injuries occurring in your premises
  • Lawsuits from alleged negligence
  • Third-party property damage
  • Libel or slander lawsuits

Depending on the severity, damages from these liabilities can translate into thousands of dollars. In reality, not many small businesses can survive such a financial blow. But you can avoid going this dangerous road by obtaining business insurance.

Property loss

Your business assets, such as the building, vehicles, equipment, and inventory, face many risks that could lead to substantial loss or damage. For instance, theft, vandalism, and fire can cause unspeakable damages to your property, crippling your business. But with commercial insurance, your insurance can repair or replace properties up to your policy limit, lessening your financial burden.

Whether renewing or shopping for new commercial insurance, you can count on Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc., located in Richmond, VA, for all your business insurance needs. Contact us today, and we shall handle the rest.

Types pf coverage renters insurance provides

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The number of renters is on the rise as the number of homeowners is falling. While 95% of homeowners have home insurance, only 37% of renters have renters insurance. As a renter, you may believe your landlord has insurance that will protect you and your possessions. You would be wrong. He only has insurance to protect his building. Your possessions are not his concern. At Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA, we are an independent agency with more than 35 years of experience. We believe every customer has different insurance needs, and their policy should reflect that. 

As a renter, most of what you own in the world may be located in your apartment or rental home. If suddenly it was all gone, how would you cope? Would you be able to replace everything with the money you have in savings?  If not, then apartment insurance is worth considering. Apartment insurance includes several types of coverage, and all of them are beneficial. 

Content

One of the primary reasons for getting renters insurance is to provide for the replacement of your possessions. This includes items you may have with you when you travel away from your home. You have a choice of actual value or replacement cost. 

Loss of use

When a covered peril damages your rental, you may need a place to stay for a day or two or even a few months. If you have this type of coverage as part of your renters’ insurance, you will get money to help pay for a roof over your head. 

Liability

If you think as a renter, you are safe from being sued, think again. If someone is injured while visiting you or by a member of your family, you could be facing a lawsuit. Liability coverage is a protection everyone can use. 

Contact Cary-Wheeler & Associates Inc. in Richmond, VA to find out more about renters insurance.