How Does Life Insurance Provide Peace of Mind?

Life insurance brings peace of mind in a variety of ways. Here at the Commonwealth Insurance Center serving the Williamsburg, VA area, we’d like to take a moment or two to help you understand just how advantageous life insurance really can be, especially during hard times. Here’s a look at the top two reasons to buy life insurance.

Provide Financial Benefits to the Beneficiary

Do you have someone that depends on you for financial support? If so, what happens when you pass away? Will this person still receive some sort of financial support from you? Unless you have a bunch of money tucked away in your sock drawer or in a savings account at a bank, your loved ones will need steady income as a form of financial support once you pass away. And that’s exactly what a life insurance policy does. It provides peace of mind in knowing your loved ones will receive a payout amount once you’re no longer alive. This means you can spend your time here on earth enjoying moments with your family instead of having to worry about what will happen to them when you pass away.

Pay Off Old Debts

Do you have some debts that you need to ensure are taken care of when you pass away? If so, you can ensure your loved ones receive money through a life coverage policy that will cover these debts. When you pass away, the beneficiary amount can be used to pay off debts and keep your family in good financial health. This is an excellent way to help ensure good financial health for your loved ones once you are gone.

Want to learn more about the benefits of life insurance? Contact the Commonwealth Insurance Center serving the Williamsburg, VA and surrounding areas today.

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. 

Three things to know about auto liability insurance in Virginia

One of your most important auto insurance needs to meet in Virginia is your need for liability coverage. At Commonwealth Insurance Center, we offer liability coverage as well as numerous additional types of insurance coverage in Williamsburg, VA.

The following are three things to know about auto liability insurance in Virginia.

You need to meet bodily injury requirements.

One of the most important requirements to meet with your auto liability coverage is the bodily injury coverage requirement.

You need to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person in an accident. Also, you need to carry $50,000 total in bodily injury coverage for every individual accident you’re involved in. 

You need to meet property damage coverage requirements. 

Another requirement that you need to meet in Virginia is the requirement for property damage coverage. In Virginia, the property damage coverage requirement for auto insurance policies is $20,000. 

If you don’t purchase liability coverage, you have to pay a large fee. 

Unlike many other states, you do have a choice to forego auto insurance coverage in Virginia. However, it’s important to note that this is an expensive choice to make.

If you forego auto insurance coverage in Virginia, you will be required to pay a fee of $500 to the state DMV. Although you have to pay this fee, you don’t enjoy any type of auto insurance coverage for paying it.

It’s definitely a better idea to put your money toward auto insurance coverage than paying a DMV fee that you’ll get nothing back for. 

Are you looking for a solution to your auto insurance needs in Williamsburg, VA? We can help at Commonwealth Insurance Center. Contact us for information on our auto insurance policy offerings. 

How could auto insurance protect me in Virginia?

For those that are in the Williamsburg, VA area, there are plenty of great local amenities including a strong job market and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. If you are going to live here, you will want to make sure that you have a way to get around town. Those that choose to purchase a car should also consider their insurance needs. There are several ways that an auto insurance policy can protect someone here.

Coverage Gives Liability Protection

One advantage of having an auto insurance policy is that it can give you liability protection. Anyone that drives a car in any situation is going to take on some liability risk at all times. If you happen to cause an accident while you are driving, you will be responsible for damages. Fortunately, with an auto insurance policy, you can receive protection that will cover you in these situations.

Coverage Protects Assets

Another reason that you should get an auto insurance policy is that it can protect your asset. A car is a very valuable asset that you will want to ensure is covered at all times. If you get collision and comprehensive coverage, you will get the protection you need to offset a variety of risks including the risk of vehicle theft or damage that occurs in an accident. 

When you are looking for insurance in the Williamsburg, VA area, you will want to get guidance and support from someone that you can trust. The team at the Commonwealth Insurance Center can help you find a policy that is right for your situation. Commonwealth Insurance Center is able to do this by carefully assessing your situation and building a policy that provides you with the right protection. They can also answer any questions that you have. 

What’s Not Covered by Home Owners Insurance?

 Homeowners insurance has the ability to create real peace of mind. It provides protection for your home’s structure, your personal items, and provide legal protection in terms of liability as well. However, not everything is covered by homeowner’s insurance. As a homeowner, it’s just as important to know what’s not covered by this type of insurance. 

Natural Disasters
There are some natural disasters covered under homeowner’s insurance. However, homeowners should make note of the fact that flooding and earthquakes are not covered natural disasters. As a result, if you live in an area prone to earthquakes or flooding, you may want to seek additional coverage for these situations.  Commonwealth Insurance Center of Williamsburg VA understands that fully understanding what’s covered and what’s not can be a little confusing. Other specific questions regarding natural disasters can be addressed by one of our insurance agents. We’re here to offer guidance. 

Other Uncovered Situations
Some homeowners may be surprised to learn that damage and erosion caused by general wear and tear, aging, and rust rot and mold, aren’t covered under a homeowner’s policy. Also, damage caused by termites, rodents, birds, and insects aren’t covered. Smoke and smog damage from industrial or agricultural processes, as well as defective or poorly made materials associated with your home, aren’t covered areas either. One of our licensed insurance agents can walk you through what’s covered as well as what’s not to help you make the best insurance decisions regarding your unique situation. We can also suggest additional insurance or specialized insurance if you need it. Commonwealth Insurance Center of Williamsburg, VA invites you to visit us online or give us a call. We’re here to answer questions and guide you in the right direction. 

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!