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The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC

217 West Main Street,
Louisa, VA 23093

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How Much Commercial Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

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If you’re the owner of a business in Louisa, VA, whether your company is new or already established, then you’re required to have commercial insurance. There are different types of commercial insurance available, and the type or types of this commercial insurance that you should opt for will depend on many different factors. There is general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers’ compensation, among others.

Trying to determine which type to get for your business as well as the amount of coverage can be daunting, especially for new business owners.

Here is a guide that can help you decide:

Determine the Value of Your Property

Having the physical building where your business is housed appraised by a professional is an easy way to determine the value of your property. However, when it comes to determining the value of everything inside the building, that can be challenging. Some appraisers can make that determination for you as well. Only after you’ve come up with a total figure can you determine how much commercial insurance you need. 

Some Other Things to Consider

When determining how much commercial insurance coverage you need, you must consider the following:

  • The occupancy of your building
  • Whether your business has vehicles that are specifically for business
  • How much do you expect to earn in the future?
  • The type of business that you conduct.

If necessary, you might need to consult with a broker or agent with expertise in making such determinations for a more accurate amount. 

It can be difficult to determine how much commercial insurance coverage you need, as you don’t want to purchase too little, nor do you want to waste money and obtain too much. Hopefully, this guide was helpful for you, and if you’re seeking a new insurance provider, we are here to help.

The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC Is Here To Help!

We at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC provide coverage for the Louisa, VA area. We can meet all your needs regardless of the type of insurance you need. We have been providing a variety of insurance for years, and we’re ready to extend the same great service and coverage to you. 

Four reasons why auto insurance is so important

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Drivers in Louisa, VA should realize how important it is to purchase insurance coverage for their vehicle. The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC is an insurance company offering auto coverage.

The following are four reasons why auto insurance is so important:

Auto insurance is required by law.

The most important reason why you need to have auto insurance is because the law requires it in Virginia. You could be cited for driving without insurance if you do not carry coverage that meets the state minimum liability coverage requirements. 

Auto insurance protects the investment you’ve made in your vehicle.

You can add collision and comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. This will make it so that you are compensated for damages to your own vehicle after you are involved in an accident. 

Without auto insurance that includes collision and comprehensive coverage, you can lose the investment you make in your vehicle if your vehicle is totaled in an accident. 

Auto insurance protects your assets.

If you are held liable for auto accident damages, it’s not only your vehicle that you might lose. You can also lose other assets if you are sued for accident damages. 

Auto insurance includes liability coverage that protects your assets when you are held responsible for accident damages. 

Auto insurance allows you to get your vehicle purchase financed.

You won’t be able to borrow money to buy a vehicle if you don’t have auto insurance. Auto loan lenders require auto insurance to protect them against the risks involved with loaning money for vehicle purchases. 

Reach Out To Us

Are you a consumer in Louisa, VA who is on the market for an auto insurance policy? We can give you a quote on an auto insurance policy. Call us at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC!

Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather: The Importance of Insurance

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At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, we understand the importance of protecting your home against severe weather events that can affect Louisa, VA. It is important to not only prepare your home but also to understand the significance of having the right home insurance coverage to shield against potential damages.

Weatherproofing Your Home

  1. Reinforce your roof: Regularly inspect your roof for damages and repair it promptly. Installing a roof designed to withstand strong winds can also help protect your home.

  2. Secure windows and doors: Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect against flying debris. Reinforce doors with strong deadbolts and ensure they are properly sealed.

  3. Clear gutters and drains: Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water from accumulating and causing damage during heavy rains.

  4. Trim trees and branches: Regularly trim trees and branches around your property to minimize the risk of damage from falling limbs during a storm.

  5. Create an emergency plan: Develop an emergency plan with your family, including evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and a designated safe room.

Adequate Home Insurance Coverage

Having the right home insurance coverage is essential to safeguard your property and finances in the event of severe weather damage. At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, we offer tailored insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of Louisa, VA residents. Our policies can cover:

  1. Structural damages: Repair or replacement costs for damages to your home’s structure caused by severe weather events.

  2. Personal property: Coverage for personal belongings that may be damaged or destroyed during a weather-related incident.

  3. Additional living expenses: Reimbursement for temporary housing and other necessary expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to weather damage.

  4. Liability protection: Protection against potential legal and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property during a severe weather event.

The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC Is Here To Help!

Preparing your home for severe weather is crucial for minimizing potential damages and ensuring your family’s safety. Equally important is having the right home insurance coverage to protect your property and financial well-being. Contact us today to discuss your home insurance needs.

Tips to prepare your boat for a storm

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In the face of an approaching storm here in the Louisa, VA area, your boat needs to be prepared in order to protect it from potential damage. Whether you have a sailboat or a powerboat, here are some tips from us at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC to help you prepare your boat for the storm.

Tips to prepare your boat for a storm

1. Secure all loose items on board.

Loose items can become projectiles during a storm and cause damage to both your boat and other boats around it. Secure all lines, sails, and items on deck with extra-strength rope or bungee cords. 

2. Disconnect onboard electronics from shore power.

During a lightning strike, electricity can surge through power cords connected to the dock and ruin onboard electronics. Make sure all electrical cords are disconnected prior to the storm arriving at its location. 

3. Remove radar equipment if possible.

Radar arrays can be easily damaged by high winds and rain during a storm, so it’s best to remove them before the worst of the weather hits. 

4. Service your engine prior to the storm’s arrival.

This is in case of an emergency situation where you need to motor away from danger quickly or evacuate an area altogether. In addition, make sure that there is enough fuel stored onboard for several hours of motoring in case you need it during an emergency situation or evacuation scenario as well as checking that oil levels are appropriate for running the engine in rough weather conditions if needed. 

Keep Your Boat Insurance Updated

By following these tips, you can help protect your boat against potential damages caused by storms while ensuring that you and any passengers onboard remain safe throughout the duration of inclement weather events! For more tips about safe boating in the Louisa, VA area, call us at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC today.

Will Home Insurance Cover Any Accident on the Covered Property?

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It’s very important to understand all aspects of any type of Louisa VA insurance policy. If you don’t understand the fine print, there’s a good chance you’ll end up surprised once you go to file a claim. Understanding the details of your coverage is also of the utmost value because it informs you of the many policy benefits you can take advantage of.

A lot of people have insurance but don’t ever take full advantage of what their policies have to offer. Contact The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC if you’re wondering whether your home insurance in Louisa, VA will cover any accidents on the property.

What Does Home Insurance Commonly Cover?

You never know what type of accident could occur on your property. From guests stealing your personal belongings to someone falling down your front steps, accidents come in many forms. Even for people who have their homes paid for, home insurance proves valuable. Imagine someone slipping down your front steps and then suing you for an accidental injury. If you don’t have insurance or money to cover their medical bills, you may end up losing your home. Home insurance aims to relieve and cover your liability in such situations. 

Examples of Specific At-Home Injuries Insurance Commonly Covers

Please keep in mind that insurance policies vary greatly from one to the next. You should always read the fine print to discover which types of injuries your insurance covers. Some of the most common injuries for which people file home insurance claims include those caused by:

  • Toxic chemical exposure
  • Falling down stairs
  • Driveway accidents
  • Electrical accidents
  • Fire
  • Tripping over objects in walkways
  • Animal bites
  • Falling due to broken railings or stairs
  • Assaults and batteries caused by negligence

Reach Out To Us

If you own a home in Louisa, VA, contact The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC today to learn about your home insurance options. We can explain the ins and outs of policies to ensure you pick one that best meets your needs. 

How much workers’ compensation insurance do you need?

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As a business owner in the Louisa, VA area or anywhere else in the country, it is important to understand the importance of workers’ compensation insurance. In many states, you may be required to carry this insurance to protect your employees in case of injury or illness while working. Depending on the type of business you own, the amount of workers’ compensation coverage you will need can vary greatly. At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, we can help.

For example, a company that has employees operating heavy machinery or engaging in potentially dangerous activities may need more coverage than an office job. Additionally, if you are hiring independent contractors and not full-time employees, different regulations may apply as far as what kind of insurance needs to be carried. 

When it comes to choosing the right amount of coverage for your business, there are a few factors to consider. First off, make sure you check with your state’s laws and regulations regarding workers’ compensation insurance requirements. Secondly, speak with your insurer or broker about what kind of risk they think is associated with your particular business and how much coverage they recommend. Finally, consider how much financial risk you can handle as a business if an employee were to get injured on the job and not be covered by insurance – this could have serious implications for your operations and bottom line. 

Reach Out To Us

Overall, assessing your workers’ comp needs can seem like a daunting task at first, but careful research and consideration will help ensure that both you and your employees are protected from any potential harm associated with their jobs. For more information, call us at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC today. We proudly serve the Louisa, VA area.

Additional auto coverage you may want beyond basic

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At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA, we are an independent insurance agency. We work for our customers, not for the insurance carriers. Providing our customers with personalized service, as well as more choices, is what we are known for.  We will do the work to find the best coverage for you at the best price. 

To maximize coverage for your car, here are some add-ons you may want beyond the basic:

Collision

Collision coverage protects your vehicle from you and an accident that you may be responsible for. It also covers your vehicle if you have an accident where no other vehicle is involved or a hit-and-run. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance coverage covers a variety of different types of potential threats to your vehicle, including theft and vandalism. High winds, hail, ice and snow, and floods are all included in this coverage. It also covers a large animal that may decide to run into your vehicle. 

Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage

If you have an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, no matter who is at fault, you can be left holding the bag. You should have your own coverage to help keep you safe. This coverage will pay for injuries to you and your passengers and for damage to your vehicle. 

Gap coverage

Gap coverage covers the gap between your auto loan and the value the insurance company assigns to your vehicle. This is important coverage for new vehicles in particular. Without it, you could be left owing money on your loan for a vehicle that you no longer have. 

Roadside assistance

Roadside assistance provides the same coverage as the well-known auto club provides. You won’t have to worry about a breakdown when you are out and about or after an accident. 

Give us a call today

Contact The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA to discuss your very important auto insurance coverage. 

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Decorating Their Home For the Holidays

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The holiday season is here, and this may mean that you are looking to decorate your home. Decorations help to make your home look and feel festive, but unfortunately, many people make mistakes that prove to be damaging as they hang decorations. Here are a few of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when decorating for the holidays and how you can avoid these mistakes, brought to you by The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Louisa, VA community. 

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make That Can Cause Major Home Damage

Using Nails to Hang Holiday Lights

One mistake homeowners make when they are decorating their homes for the holidays is to use nails to hang holiday lights. Nails can damage your gutter system, roof, or siding. Always use light clips instead of using nails, which can cause permanent damage. 

Placing Inflatables Against Their Home

Another common mistake homeowners make when decorating their homes is placing inflatables against them. Inflatables can trap moisture against the home’s siding, leading to mold or mildew growth, or rot. Always ensure there is space between your inflatables and your home, so water and moisture can slide down and away from the home. 

Overloading Their Electrical Systems

The final common mistake homeowners make as they decorate their homes for the holidays is overloading their electrical systems. If you plan on using a ton of lights and inflatables, have an electrician to ensure your home can handle the electrical demands you are going to be placing on your home. 

Not Having The Right Insurance

Insurance can help protect the investment you made in your home in case something unexpected happens. At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Louisa, VA area, we can help you find the best home insurance policy with the coverage limits you need. Give us a call now to obtain an estimate. 

Why Does the Book I Read Say I Need a Business Owner’s Policy?

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Many books on starting a business suggest starting with a business owner’s policy (BOP) since it provides the four most needed policies in one bundle for a smaller premium. The business owner can then add other coverage to customize the policy.

Does Your Business Qualify for a BOP?

The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC serving Louisa, VA, and the surrounding area, offers BOPs for qualifying customers. Only certain-sized businesses, typically small businesses with 100 or fewer employees, qualify for a BOP. The insurance industry also imposes a maximum on the amount of revenue a business can earn annually.

Risk Mitigation

Most books on starting a business include a chapter on risk and its mitigation. Insurance offers one of the key prongs to protecting your business from unnecessary risk.

A BOP includes liability coverage, business/personal property coverage, perils coverage – coverage that protects your office building’s structure, and business interruption insurance. If it incurs damage covered by the insurance, the policy pays for your claim.

Liability Coverage

A business incurs risk every time a customer enters its storefront or office. A slip and fall accident could occur or a robbery. Although quite different in nature, your business incurs liability for any patron injured during the event. That means that paying their medical bills becomes your responsibility, as does paying any court settlement that arises from the incident and the legal fees.

Perils Coverage

Perils coverage in a BOP refers to the same type of perils coverage you carry for your home. If a tornado hits your shop, the insurance covers the claim you file. If a fire breaks out and your inventory goes up in flames, your perils coverage ensures that you receive a payment to cover replacing what the business lost.

Business and Personal Property Coverage

The property coverage protects you from losses involving business equipment and employees’ personal property that they brought with them to work. So, if the fire in the above example broke out during the day and destroyed your business’s computers plus your employees’ purses and backpacks that held their precious personal items and cash, then the BOP covers that under the business/personal property section.

Contact Us Today

Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC serves Louisa, VA, with the BOPs it needs to protect its businesses from loss. Contact us today to get started on your application for a BOP.

I want to start pet sitting in my home for extra money – Does my home insurance cover dogs that aren’t mine?

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If you’re thinking about starting a pet-sitting business in Louisa, VA, you might be wondering if your homeowners insurance will cover any damage that might occur. The answer depends on your policy from the Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Pet sitting generally falls into two categories regarding homeowners insurance: property damage and liability. Property damage is defined as physical damage to your home or belongings. This could include things like a pet chewing up your furniture or having an accident on your carpet. Liability, on the other hand, is when someone is injured on your property and sues you as a result.

Coverage for property damage from pets usually depends on whether or not the animal is considered "vicious." Vicious animals are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Otherwise, most property damage caused by pet sitting should be covered under a standard homeowners policy.

Liability coverage for pet sitting can also be tricky. Most policies have what’s called a "dog bite clause" which covers injuries caused by bites from dogs listed on your policy. However, this only applies to dogs that YOU own. So if you’re pet sitting for a friend’s dog and that dog bites someone, you probably won’t be covered. To be protected in this situation, you need additional insurance.

Contact Us Today

Before you start pet-sitting in Louisa, VA, contact the Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC. We can tell you whether or not your policy provides coverage for property damage and liability relating to pet sitting. And if it doesn’t, we’ll help you find the right coverage to protect yourself (and your wallet) in the event of an accident.