Subrogation: What Happens When Your Home Floods From the Outside — Due to Someone Else’s Negligence?

Flood insurance covers damage to your home from external flooding. This typically includes flooding due to a broken hydrant if the flooding covers a certain amount of terrain and/or affects other neighbors; the exact details depend on your specific policy. But what happens if the flooding is due to someone else’s negligence, such as a driver hitting a hydrant? Everett Insurance, serving Glen Allen, VA, provides some insight into a process called subrogation.

Contacting Your Insurance Company First

If a covered flooding event occurs after a driver hits a hydrant (or someone else causes the flooding), you might think you have to deal directly with the other person’s insurance company. While technically, the other person’s insurance policy should cover the damage, and you should obtain their information if possible, your first call should be to your own insurance carrier.

Instead of waiting for the other person’s insurance company to send you money for repairs, your flood insurance carrier will handle that task. Your company will then contact the other company to recover costs from the other policy. This process is known as subrogation.

Avoid negotiating with the other person’s insurance. Your carrier and agent likely have more knowledge about the regulations than you do, and they’ll be able to navigate the tactics other insurance companies might use when trying to reduce payouts.

Everett Insurance: Serving Glen Allen, VA

Everett Insurance serves the Glen Allen, VA region. Contact us to discuss flood insurance and to verify exactly what you should do in the event of a flood.

Safe Winter Driving Tips Everyone Should Know

Winter can be a lot of fun with activities like sledding, skiing, and snowball fights. However, for drivers, winter presents a variety of additional dangers. The good news is that you can mitigate many of these dangers with the right approach to driving and the appropriate auto insurance plans. If you’re looking for an auto insurance agent serving Glen Allen, VA, Everett Insurance is here for you. For now, let’s cover some basic winter driving safety tips.

Staying Safe on the Road During Winter

First, always check the weather report before you hit the road. This is crucial during the coldest months, as snow, ice, and rain can make driving more dangerous due to slick roads. Being stranded outside in cold weather can be especially dangerous in case of an accident or breakdown. Also, ensure your phone is charged and that you have a charger in your car in case of emergencies.

It’s also wise to keep an eye on your vehicle. If the tires are worn out, the reduced traction in winter can be particularly dangerous. The same is true for your brakes. Worn-out brakes won’t slow your vehicle as safely as brakes in good condition. Speaking of brakes, make sure you practice braking in the snow or on ice, as it’s easy to lose control.

Reduce your speed in winter, especially during inclement weather like snowstorms. Avoiding steep hills, when possible, is often smart. Of course, you should also have the right auto insurance coverage if an accident or other incident occurs. Even if you’re a perfect driver, someone else can cause an accident. You can work with the insurance agents at Everett Insurance, serving Glen Allen, VA, and other communities, to select the right auto insurance.

Is the Company Car Insured Under Commercial Insurance or Auto Insurance?

A company car is a valuable incentive, particularly for employees who spend a lot of time on the road. However, being on the road carries risks. Accidents can occur, and if someone harbors ill will towards your employee or your company, they may express it through vandalism. The question arises: would the cost of such damages be covered by auto insurance or commercial insurance?

Commercial Insurance is the Best Option in This Case

As the name suggests, personal auto insurance is designed for personal vehicles used for personal purposes such as running errands and commuting. A commercial insurance policy would be the best choice to protect a car that your employee uses for work-related duties. Many personal car insurance policies do not provide coverage for incidents resulting from the business usage of a vehicle. Additionally, the number of miles driven daily is a factor to consider. A personal auto insurance policy may not provide all the coverage you need, especially when a vehicle is owned by a company but driven by an employee. It’s important to note that the policy is only in effect if an employee with a valid driver’s license is behind the wheel.

Contact Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA

If you need commercial insurance and live in the Glen Allen, VA, area, please contact Everett Insurance. Our courteous and knowledgeable agents are ready to help you find the policy that best suits your needs and your business.

Things home insurance doesn’t cover in Virginia

Understanding Home Insurance Exclusions

Home insurance provides a great deal of peace of mind. It covers many things, which can tend to lull you into a false sense of security. However, home insurance does have some exclusions, and by knowing them, you can add that coverage if you need it. At Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA, we place the needs of our customers first and offer competitive rates and great service.

Floods

With all the once-in-a-hundred-year floods that have been happening around the world, it is time to think about your vulnerability. When a small creek can rise 30 feet, it is bound to cause damage. While your home insurance won’t cover the damage, flood insurance will. The NFIP provides flood insurance in two parts: structure and content. You buy them separately, and they have pretty strict limits.

Mudslides/ landslides

When areas get heavy rain, it can lead to other damage beyond flooding. Mud or landslides are one of them. These are becoming more frequent and can cause catastrophic damage. If you are in an area with potential for this type of damage, an additional policy can be added to your current coverage.

Sinkholes

Many areas have shown an increased occurrence of sinkholes; if you live in one of these areas, adding this coverage makes sense.

Earthquakes

Everyone knows the areas where this is a common occurrence, but with fault lines running under other areas, earthquakes can happen almost anywhere.

Owner neglect

This is a much broader category and can mean many different things. Did you neglect to replace your old roof and then suffer interior damage to your home? The repair is something you will have to take care of yourself. Termites and rodents are considered owner neglect.

Contact Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA, to learn more about home insurance. We can help ensure that you are covered for every accident and event.

How Workers’ Comp Insurance Protects Your Business

Understanding the Importance of Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, it’s crucial to have appropriate commercial insurance to provide adequate protection. Workers’ compensation insurance is quite significant when you have employees. This insurance safeguards both the business and its employees. For more information about this vital type of commercial insurance, contact us at Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA.

Covering Liability

Having employees entails a risk of potential workplace injuries regardless of the business type. Even in an office environment, a worker might stumble and get injured. Without workers’ compensation insurance, your company could be liable for an employee’s injury expenses. These expenses not only cover medical bills but also disability payments, legal costs, and lost wages. Having workers’ compensation insurance ensures that the policy takes care of these expenses, keeping your business unburdened.

Employee Protection

This type of insurance coverage also shields your employees. In the event of a severe accident, a small business without this coverage may struggle to cover all the ensuing bills. However, with workers’ compensation coverage, financial help will be readily available in case of an accident. It’s not advisable to leave a business or its employees vulnerable by not having this insurance policy as a safety net.

Get Workers’ Compensation Insurance Now

If your business is operating without this insurance, do not delay securing a policy. Contact us today at Everett Insurance in Glen Allen, VA.

Not Just Any Policy: What to Look for in Classic Car Insurance

Owning a classic car is a unique pleasure that comes with a set of insurance requirements that require special attention. At Everett Insurance, we proudly provide classic car insurance to residents in the greater Glen Allen, VA, region. We understand your passion and aim to guide you in choosing the ideal coverage. Here’s what you should consider when looking at classic car insurance.

Establishing the Value of Your Classic Car

Unlike regular vehicles, the value of classic cars is often appreciated over time. Opting for insurance that offers "agreed value" protection is essential. This ensures that you and your insurer have agreed on the car’s worth beforehand, assuring you will receive the full value if anything happens.

Customized Coverage Options

Classic cars have unique needs. Look for insurance policies that include specialized coverage, such as protection for spare parts. This can help cover the cost of unusual components. Additionally, consider roadside assistance that’s tailored for classic cars to ensure they’re treated with care and expertise during a tow.

Driving Flexibility

Many classic car policies impose limits on annual mileage. It’s important to find a policy that matches your usage, whether it’s for weekend joyrides or attending car shows. Flexible mileage options let you enjoy your car without unnecessary restrictions or worries.

Storage and Security

Proper storage is fundamental for classic cars. Insurance providers often require secure storage solutions, which could lead to discounts. Ensure that your policy aligns with your storage arrangements to reduce risks and possibly lower premiums. Doing so also aids in maintaining the car’s condition.

Reach Out To Us Today

Your classic car merits the best possible protection. Contact Everett Insurance, serving the larger Glen Allen, VA region, today. We can help you explore tailored insurance options that will keep your treasured vehicle secure. Let us assist you in achieving peace of mind with the appropriate coverage.

Five Customizations You Can Make to Your Renters Insurance

Living in Glen Allen, VA, is delightful, but renters should ensure they are adequately covered. At Everett Insurance, we strive to offer our clients the right coverage tailored to their needs. In the following discourse, we outline a few unique amendments a renter can make to their renters’ insurance policy to optimize coverage. Rest assured, our role at Everett Insurance is to provide you with the option to select the best insurance in Glen Allen, VA.

Identity Theft Protection

One underutilized policy enhancement homeowners can incorporate into renters’ insurance is identity theft protection. This clause helps protect your assets in the event of identity theft. It’s important to understand that these policies have their own limits, but they are successful in delivering a layer of defense.

Endorsements/Riders

Endorsements refer to additional coverage inclusions policyholders can append to their plans. Riders are specifically purposed to cover damages to items such as electronics, jewelry, and more. Often, these items surpass the standard policy limit and wouldn’t typically be covered. Therefore, supplementing your policy with rider insurance can safeguard your high-value items.

Pet Liability Insurance

While standard renters’ insurance may cover injuries caused by your pet to you or others, it does not cover damages to the home. Additional insurance coverage may be beneficial if you own a young, aggressive, or anxious pet. This could cover pet-related damage instances and legal fees warranted by possible damage to your or your neighbor’s property.

Loss of Use Coverage

Are you aware that not all plans will cover you if your rental property becomes uninhabitable? In most cases, your landlord would be responsible for accommodation. However, there are instances where they might be unable to finance these expenses immediately. Loss-of-use coverage provides a safety net for renters to be reimbursed if their home is rendered uninhabitable due to factors like fires or water damage.

Ordinance/Law Coverage

Rental units may also require adjustments or repairs to comply with HOAs or ordinance laws. Although it’s not guaranteed that all renters’ insurance will cover extra costs acquired when renters adhere to these standards, acquiring this kind of coverage can help reduce potential expenses incurred to meet standards.

Umbrella Insurance for Your Home: What is and Isn’t Covered

Do you own a valuable home? Are worries about loss of personal assets due to a lawsuit gnawing at you? If such is your case, you might want to consider purchasing umbrella insurance. However, it is crucial for Glen Allen, VA residents who plan to buy this policy to understand what it does and doesn’t cover.

What does Umbrella Insurance cover for your home?

Umbrella insurance safeguards your home when a legal suit looms over you due to an accident that occurred on your premises, and your home insurance policy doesn’t provide sufficient coverage for the third party’s medical bills. Additionally, the cost of settlement or judgment against you on counts of libel or slander is coverable under this policy. It also funds your legal bills.

It is, nevertheless, essential to remember that umbrella insurance comes into play only once the limits of another policy have been reached. Furthermore, it does not cover your medical bills or damage to your personal property. Thus, this coverage shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for other insurance forms but as a layer of extra protection to your current policies.

Receive Expert Insurance Advice from Everett Insurance

Opting for the right insurance policies could be daunting, especially if you possess valuable assets or are employed in an industry prone to lawsuits. This is where Everett Insurance steps in – with personalized advice and assistance to enlighten Glen Allen, VA homeowners about their policy options and help them choose one that best caters to their present and future needs. Contact us today to learn more or receive a quote for your choice of policies.

What’s Covered Under a Virginia Worker’s Comp Insurance Policy?

Nearly all Virginia business owners will need a worker’s comp insurance policy. Moreover, even the few businesses that aren’t required to have this form of insurance will find purchasing a policy a brilliant idea. A worker’s compensation policy not only benefits your employees but also enables you to save potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

What’s Covered Under a Worker’s Comp Policy?

Worker’s compensation insurance in Virginia offers no-fault coverage. This means an injured employee will receive payment for medical bills and lost wages, even if the accident was partly or wholly his or her fault. What’s more, employers who provide this coverage to employees can’t be sued due to an employee’s mishap. This holds true even if the employer was to blame for the unfortunate incident.

Who’s Required to Purchase Worker’s Comp Insurance?

Any Glen Allen, VA business with two or more employees will need worker’s comp insurance. Furthermore, Virginia law has a comprehensive definition of what constitutes a worker. Part-time employees are included in the number, as are seasonal workers and subcontractors. If you hire a subcontractor who has at least one other employee, you should count these individuals as full-time workers when assessing your worker’s comp insurance needs.

Commercial Insurance from Everett Insurance

Everett Insurance has been in business since 1930. We specialize in helping business owners in and around Glen Allen, VA, find the insurance policies that best meet their needs. Our team offers plenty of policy options, expert advice, and stellar customer service to ensure you get good value for your hard-earned cash. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial insurance options or get a policy quote.

Three Questions to Ask When Getting Classic Car Insurance

Regular cars are covered by standard car insurance because they’re driven daily and are not always specially maintained to retain their value. Classic cars require different insurance because they’ve been lovingly restored, are not driven daily, and are given special care by their owners. Special vehicles like this require special insurance that will protect their owners from the financial risk that could come from a loss. 

At Everett Insurance, servicing Glen Allen, VA, we help our customers find classic car insurance. Below are some smart questions to ask if you’re shopping for classic car insurance. 

1. What’s covered under this policy?

A typical classic car insurance policy acts like a comprehensive policy, paying to repair your vehicle and damages to the other vehicle when an accident occurs. Classic car insurance also offers roadside assistance and will pay for injuries to the other party. 

If you need other coverages, talk to your insurance agent to get the coverage you need from your insurance policy. 

2. Can I get original parts insurance?

Many collectors of classic cars want to find original parts for their vehicles whenever possible. Original parts insurance will pay to repair your vehicle with original parts when damage happens. 

3. What are the storage requirements? 

Many classic car insurance policies require storage, such as a private garage, to ensure the vehicle’s protection. Know the storage requirements to ensure that you’re meeting the expectations set by your insurance policy. 

Do you have questions about classic car insurance? Call Everett Insurance, servicing Glen Allen, VA, to learn more today.