How Does a Whole Life Insurance Policy Work?

When you need life insurance coverage, there are many choices to make. There is term life, whole life, and many different coverage amounts available. If you need life insurance, or you want more of it, contact us at Commonwealth Insurance Center in Williamsburg, VA to speak with an agent about your insurance needs.

Lifelong Insurance

One reason that these policies are called whole life is that they are in place for your entire life. Once the policy begins, the insurance company can’t cancel your policy as long as you keep up with the premium payments. This is a preferable way to have insurance for many people because it isn’t only good for a term that expires as term life does. As long as the premiums stay up to date, the death benefit will eventually be paid. Many of those who need life insurance find this a much simpler arrangement than trying to get a new term after one term has ended with term life. 

Building a Cash Value

Another attractive feature of these policies is that as the policy is paid, it begins to build a cash value. This value is there for you as the insured to borrow against at any time. When it is borrowed, it must be paid back to the policy. If it isn’t paid back before your death, the death benefit will be the amount listed in the contract minus the amount that was borrowed. 

Get Your Life Insurance

If you need life insurance, there’s no reason to wait. Getting your policy in place will bring you and your family peace of mind. Call us at Commonwealth Insurance Center in Williamsburg, VA to make your appointment with an agent. 

5 Ways to Protect Your Classic Cars in Williamsburg

Owning a classic car in Williamsburg, VA is like owning a little slice of the best in American nostalgia. These cars are not only big and bold, but they’re also a throwback to a time when soda fountains were still all the rage. If you’re looking for ways to protect yours, Commonwealth Insurance Center has a few tips. 

Keep It In the Garage 

While the urge might be to store your classic car under a tarp, it’s just too much risk to keep them out in the open. These vehicles might become a magnet for vandalism or potential theft, so they’re best kept out of sight, out of mind. 

Guard Your Documents 

The value of a classic car comes from both its origins and upkeep. From the registration to the repair work, make sure you’re holding onto all of the associated paperwork to preserve its value. 

Do the Research 

Classic car information can’t always be found on the internet, and you never know what you might unearth in a vintage magazine or parts catalog. The more you know about your vehicle, the more likely you are to properly care for it. 

Take Pictures 

Cars change over time, but not everyone notices those small changes from year to year. When you take detailed photos, you can better compare and contrast what restoration work needs to be prioritized. 

Find the Right Insurance  

Classic car insurance policies need to be written in such a way that accounts for what the vehicle means to you. Whether it’s a hobby or a car in your regular rotation, Commonwealth Insurance Center can help you find the right coverage for you. If you’re in Williamsburg, VA, give us a call today so you can rest easy about your classic car insurance. 

What are the benefits of renters insurance?

Moving to the Williamsburg, VA area can be a very exciting time and situation. When you are looking to move into this area of the state, you may choose to rent your home. When you are going to rent your property, you should get a full renters insurance policy as it could provide you with a variety of different benefits. 

Ensures Protection for Liability

One of the benefits of a renters insurance policy is you will receive protection for liability risk. Anyone that rents their home and has a guest over will be taking on liability risk. If your guest is injured while in your home, you could be held liable. When you have renters insurance, you will receive the coverage that you need to offset this risk. Due to this benefit, most landlords require that renters get insurance prior to the start of the lease term.

Protects Personal Assets

Another advantage of having a renters insurance policy is you will receive protection for your personal assets. When you rent your home, you will have a lot of personal items stored within the confines of the property. If you suffer from fire damage, theft, or vandalism, you could lose a considerable amount of these assets. Fortunately, when you get a renters insurance policy, you will receive the coverage and protection that you need to repair or replace these items. 

Anyone that is going to rent their home in the Williamsburg, VA area should get a renters insurance policy. When you are going to move into a new home, you should call the team at the Commonwealth Insurance Center. When you call the Commonwealth Insurance Center, you are going to receive more personalized care and attention to ensure you get into a great policy that offers the right protection. 

A Guide To Help Virginia Motorcycle Riders Find Motorcycle Insurance

The Commonwealth Insurance Center is an independent insurance agency that serves the Williamsburg, VA community, as well as the surrounding areas. We have established meaningful partnerships with several different companies in order to help our clients find the insurance policies that they need.

Motorcycle Insurance

If you enjoy riding motorcycles, inquiring about motorcycle insurance should be a top priority. Motorcycle insurance allows you to stay safe while you are riding. There are multiple insurance coverage options for you to consider. Collision insurance will cover your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers your motorcycle if it is stolen or damaged due to a natural disaster. Liability coverage is also important. The policy covers you if you are involved in a motorcycle accident that caused others harm. Personal injury protection can also be an asset during those situations.

Custom Coverage

If you have custom parts and accessories on your motorcycle, you may have to inquire about an additional policy to secure those items. Also, consider inquiring about trip interruption coverage. The policy will cover any lodging and other expenses while your motorcycle is in the shop being repaired.

Storage

During seasons when it is too cold to ride, inquire about lay-up insurance. Under the policy, your motorcycle will be covered in the event that it is stolen or damaged. However, be advised that you should not use your motorcycle during this period.

Commonwealth Insurance Center Can Help You

If you are a motorcycle rider in the Williamsburg, VA area, we can help you protect your asset. We will sit down with you and discuss all of the different motorcycle policies so that you can find the policy that suits your needs. Contact us today!

How Boat Insurance Can Help if You are Caught in a Hurricane

Spending time on the water with family and friends is a wonderful way to build memories.  Before heading out on the water, your boat needs to be covered with boat insurance.  The liability coverage also protects those who join you on the boat.  At Commonwealth Insurance Center, our agents work with boat owners in the Williamsburg, VA area.  We will take the time to understand your needs then present you with coverage options. 

Many boaters in the area are concerned about their protection during hurricane season.  This is understandable because named storms can create significant damage.  There are steps that you can take to protect your boat.  The first is getting the right boat insurance.  Documenting the condition of the boat is very important.  Documentation before and after a storm can show condition and help with quickly repairing any storm damage.  Your agent may have recommendations on the information that you need to collect. 

Recovering from severe weather events is not all that your boat insurance will cover.  The mechanical equipment is protected.  Liability protection covers any medical expenses if someone is injured on the boat.  Theft and vandalism damage is also included in the policy.  This is important because, following a storm, your boat may be more vulnerable to this.  Also, look for underinsured/uninsured boater coverage. 

In the Williamsburg, VA area, boaters every year prepare for the coming hurricane season.  Part of the preparations should include updating your boat’s documentation.  We at Commonwealth Insurance Center want you to enjoy your boat safely.  Check out information on our website regarding boat insurance.  Then give us a call.  We’ll help you prepare your boat for hurricane season and take care of you if you experience storm damage. Don’t wait until there’s a storm.  Call today!

Why it’s important to have an umbrella policy for your Williamsburg, VA area business

Business owners in the greater Williamsburg, VA area have relied on Commonwealth Insurance Center to help them protect their local companies. We are proud to serve the insurance needs of our local community, and today we’re here to talk more about umbrella policies for your area business.

Benefits of an umbrella policy for your Williamsburg, VA area business

There are a number of benefits that come with a commercial umbrella policy. Two of the main ones are the ability for such a policy to fill any gaps in needed coverage after your primary policy limits have been reached, and the increase in liability protection that these policies provide. Many business owners, especially those who operate in highly litigious industries, are shocked to learn how harmful an unwarranted and unfair lawsuit can be to their company. An umbrella policy is a perfect way to protect all of your hard work from frivolous lawsuits. 

Umbrella insurance plays an important part in protecting your business and helping you to avoid unfair attempts to take your personal assets. If you are a business owner who is looking to increase the insurance protection on your company, it’s worth taking a close look at an umbrella insurance policy. Put simply, this policy will step in to place if and when your primary policy limits are exceeded. Without this policy, you could face personal liability, and your assets could be compromised. Don’t let years of hard work disappear due to a lack of commercial coverage. 

Come meet with the agents at Commonwealth Insurance Center to learn more about the benefits of a commercial umbrella policy for your  Williamsburg, VA business. Our team is here to help, and we look forward to serving you soon; call or stop by today!

Will Flood Insurance Cover Damage From Sewer Leak?

A backed up or leaking sewer line is no fun. When something like this happens, you need to know what your options are. In Williamsburg, VA, the agents of Commonwealth Insurance Center can help you figure things out. They can look at your homeowners’ and flood insurance policies and determine if the damages are covered.

Homeowner’s Insurance

In most cases, your homeowners’ insurance won’t cover a backed-up sewer pipe or a gradual leak. It will, however, cover a burst pipe and any damages that it may have caused. You will have to. Notify your insurance agent and have them assess the damage to your property.

Flood Insurance

In some cases, a backed-up sewer me be caused by excessive flooding in your area. If the flooding results in your property being damaged by water and sewage, your flood insurance may cover the majority of the damage. Your agent will be able to assess the damage and help you file your claim.

Who’s Responsible?

If the utility company that maintains your sewer lines is at fault, they may be required to cover the cost of your repairs. This may be contingent on whether or not you have purchased their insurance to cover any damage t your property. You may want to contact them to find out if they offer such a policy.

At Commonwealth Insurance Center, every agent is able to assist clients in the Williamsburg, VA area with these types of claims. If you are dealing with a backed-up sewer line, call and speak to an agent today. They can find the answers to all of your questions and help you make the most of a bad situation.

What Items Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Purchasing and insuring a condo can pose a challenge, especially if you are new to condo life and purchasing the right type of insurance for the new residence. A condo will have a master policy in place which protects the overall building, so those who purchase a unit need to have their own condo policy in place to protect their belongings and cover any liability. 

Condo Insurance Coverage

The HOA fees cover the master policy, but not all master policies are the same. Be sure to take a copy of your purchase paperwork and HOA information to a qualified insurance agent and have them review everything before making an insurance policy selection. They can offer quality condo insurance products that can protect your belongings as well as offer liability protection that the master policy won’t. 

Working With an Insurance Agency to Get Maximum Protection

Insurance is the best way to avoid losses and prevent gaps in coverage. Before making a condo purchase, be sure to consult Commonwealth Insurance Center serving Williamsburg, VA. They have experience and insight that can help make the process of purchasing condo insurance fast and convenient. Bring your information and sit down with a friendly agent to discuss what the situation calls for and then find out more about the available insurance policies. 

Condo insurance can provide a complete blanket of protection for those who want to enjoy the benefits of condo life. Call or stop by the office at Commonwealth Insurance Center if you live near the Williamsburg, VA area, and find out how they can help you make the right choice for your current residence. 

 

3 Ways Life Insurance Is For Your Children

When you consider purchasing a life insurance policy, you are thinking about how much you need and what you need to use that money for in the event of your death. At Commonwealth Insurance Center, it is vital for our customers in the Williamsburg, VA area to understand that life insurance is ultimately for your children and other loved ones you may leave behind. 

College Tuition

While you plan to be around to see them off to college and write those tuition checks yourself, accidents sometimes happen and you may not be around physically. However, with a life insurance policy, you are still able to ensure that your children have enough money to attend college and earn their degrees. 

Financial Cushion in Hard Times

Should your children fall on hard times after your death and need emergency funds to get them through medical expenses or other hardships after your passing, they can rely on an insurance policy that was left to them by their parents. This money can be utilized as a security net to help them through the duration of their childhood or as young adults. 

Allows them to be Children and Mourn Properly

In the event of your passing, your children should be able to properly mourn your death without having to seek out funds to cover the final costs. With life insurance, they can have security about the funds and minimize their worry during this traumatic time in their life.

It’s Time to Get Your Policy

If you are a resident living in or around Richmond or Williamsburg, VA, it is time to call Commonwealth Insurance Center today for information about our life insurance policies. Feel relieved knowing your children are protected in the event of a tragedy.

Five Reasons to Sign up For Life Insurance as Soon as Possible

If you don’t yet have life insurance, you’re not the only one. Many people think of it as a list item they put off, not realizing how important it could be to have it as soon as possible.

Below are five reasons you should consider the importance of having life insurance from Commonwealth Insurance Center in Williamsburg, VA.

1. To shield your dependents from outstanding debt

Many people mistakenly think that funeral costs are the only expenses people dependent upon them have to pay after they die. However, student loans, utility bills, or other balances may still be owed. Having a life insurance policy could reduce or eliminate undue stress.

2. To have as an emergency fund

Of course, you hope emergencies never happen. However, if they do, it’s always nice to know if you can cover the expense of it without having to rely on loans or family members. Having life insurance could help with this.

3. Money for retirement

One of the primary purposes of a life insurance policy is to help pay for your funeral. Still, it helps to know that you have some amount of financial cushion in case you need it after you permanently or temporarily stop working.

4. To lock in opportunities while still healthy

Nowadays, you can find a life insurance policy no matter your age or health condition. Nevertheless, you have benefits that may manifest if you live a healthy lifestyle and are actively monitoring it.

5. For the possible tax benefits

Virginia law indicates all the regulations concerning life insurance. You may have the chance to lower the taxes you need to pay, depending on the kind of life insurance policy you have.

Contact Commonwealth Insurance Center in Williamsburg, VA for specifics on life insurance policy inclusions. A Virginia agent is happy to assist you with any policy coverage questions.