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Auto Insurance – Don’t Drive Without It

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Did you know that auto insurance is required in 48 out of 50 states? Are you adequately protected? Make sure. Let our team of experts at Mutual Insurance Partners, serving the greater Follansbee, WV area, help you with your auto insurance needs.

Auto Insurance: Why You Need It

The main reason auto insurance is necessary is due to liability, or responsibility for any damage you are responsible for. You may carry collision and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, but what about any damage you are at fault for to someone else’s vehicle? Liability coverage, or bodily injury and property damage are required by most states.

The limits for liability coverage are state-specific. They provide financial relief for those people who are injured or suffer damages you are liable for. You need to carry enough insurance to cover the expenses of those damages.

Some states require more insurance coverage than others, such as no-fault states. These states require that every driver file a bodily injury claim with their insurance company after an accident, which in turn raises premium costs. No-fault states require you to also carry PIP or personal injury protection coverage as well. PIP covers the cost of medical bills incurred by you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The level of PIP coverage also varies from state to state.

Make sure if your vehicle is driven on public roads, that you have your state’s minimum liability coverage. Don’t risk driving without it. Regardless of the age of your vehicle, liability coverage is a must for every licensed driver. It could be very costly for you to get into an accident without this coverage. Don’t risk it – it is not worth it.

Give Us A Call

Contact Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV today for a no-obligation quote. You will be glad you did.

Damage Protection Tips for Commercial Buildings

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Like any other property, commercial buildings need proper protection from damage. This is especially true for businesses that rely heavily on their buildings, such as retail stores, restaurants, and office complexes. Our team at Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV offers comprehensive damage protection plans for commercial buildings. Our plans are designed to cover a wide range of risks, including fire, water damage, theft, and more.

The following are some tips to help you protect your commercial building from damage:

1. Make Sure Your Insurance Policy is up to Date

Insurance policies have a tendency to lapse, which can leave your business vulnerable in the event of an emergency. If your policy has lapsed, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to get it reinstated. Mutual Insurance Partners informs clients of their insurance policy’s expiration date, so you’ll never have to worry about lapsing coverage.

2. Conduct Regular Maintenance And Inspections

Buildings which are properly maintained are less likely to sustain significant damage. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems before they become serious. Having professionals inspect once a year is typically sufficient, but more frequent maintenance checks may be necessary for older buildings.

3. Be Prepared for Weather-Related Emergencies

Flash floods, severe thunderstorms, and other weather-related emergencies can cause serious damage to commercial buildings. Your business should have a plan including evacuation routes, emergency services contact information, and a list of essential supplies. This helps ensure that your employees and customers are safe and that your business can quickly recover from any damage.

4. Install Security Systems and Alarms

Security systems and alarms help deter crime and alert you to potential dangers. They can also help emergency services respond quickly during an incident.

Protect Your Business From Damage With Reliable Insurance

Your commercial building is a valuable asset, so it’s important to protect it. Mutual Insurance Partners serving the Follansbee, WV area is verified by the Financial Conditions Division of West Virginia. We offer comprehensive damage protection plans for commercial buildings. Our plans cover many risks, including fire, water damage, theft, and more. Contact us today to get started on protecting your business.

How to Get Your Roof Ready for the Winter Months

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At Mutual Insurance Partners, serving the greater Follansbee, WV area, we see a lot of homeowners encounter problems with their roofs in the winter months. While home insurance may cover some types of roof damage, it does not cover roof damage due to neglect or poor roof maintenance. As such, you should always ensure that your roof is properly maintained and cared for.

Here are a few of the ways that you can get your roof ready for the winter months:

Have Your Roof Inspected

One of the best ways to get your roof ready for the winter months is to have it inspected. A roofer can inspect your roof, looking for signs of damage. They can then make the needed repairs before winter storms roll through. 

Remove Debris From Your Roof and Gutters

Another way to prepare your roof for the winter months is to ensure you remove debris from your roofs and gutters. Debris in your gutters can prevent water from flowing off of your roof. Debris on the roof can do the same. This can increase the chances of ice dams forming on your roof. 

Ask About Roof De-Icing Products

Lastly, be sure to ask your preferred roofing company about roof de-icing products. These products can also prevent ice from forming on your roof, which can greatly reduce roof problems during the winter months. 

Get Home Insurance Today

Preparing your roof for the winter months is just one of the ways that you can work to minimize damage to your home. Another thing that you can do to protect your home is to ensure that you have the right home insurance policy for your needs. If you are in the market for a new home insurance policy or you want to review your policy to ensure it still meets your needs, Mutual Insurance Partners, serving the greater, Follansbee WV region, can help. Reach out to us today to get started. 

What auto insurance is required for you?

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We at Mutual Insurance Partners know that auto insurance isn’t optional.

Whether you’re in Follansbee, WV or throughout the state, West Virginia has specific auto insurance requirements. Lacking even the most basic coverage is a risk. It could lead to fines, suspension, or loss of driving privileges entirely.

Fortunately, Mutual Insurance Partners can help. Our experienced agents want to ensure you’re protected on the roadways.

Here are three essential must-haves for any auto insurance policy:

Bodily injury liability

Like most other states, liability is a key component of auto insurance in West Virginia. In the event of an accident, bodily injury liability kicks in. This covers expenses that may result from physical harm or injuries you may have caused to other motorists. All drivers must carry at least $25,000 in protection for a single person. By law, a combined $50,000 is required for all individuals in a single accident.

Property damage liability

Property damage coverage is another form of liability, but it applies to a person’s property instead. Although vehicular damage is included, these plans also shield against the destruction of fences, mailboxes, and other structures. Residents in the Mountain State must carry at least $25,000 per accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage ensures you are better covered in any accident, regardless of fault. This extends additional coverage if you’re involved in an incident with another motorist who doesn’t have adequate liability protection. Equal to liability, the state mandates minimums of "25/50/25" as well.

Contact Us Today

While these items will keep you street legal, Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV knows that minimum coverage is rarely enough. Their team of seasoned agents can find a policy that best protects you and your family. Schedule an appointment with a "pro" today.

Is auto liability insurance enough coverage to lease a car?

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All drivers are required to carry auto liability insurance. Liability insurance protects other drivers when you’re at fault for an accident. This insurance provides coverage for property damage and injuries. However, it provides no coverage for your injuries and damage to your car. Mutual Insurance Partners can help the drivers in the greater Follansbee, WV community determine which coverage options make the most sense for them.     

Auto Liability Insurance: What You Need To Know

This is a question that someone interested in leasing a car may ask an insurance agent. Of course, all drivers must carry liability insurance at the least. However, it may not be enough coverage for someone interested in leasing a car. Liability insurance only covers damage and injuries for the other driver.

Although you’re legally only required to carry liability insurance, every company has its own rules and requirements. State law is only one determining factor when it comes to how much auto insurance you need. If you take out a car loan or lease a car, the loan company/lessor will likely require you to carry full coverage as well. 

Any company that leases cars knows that liability coverage provides no protection for the lessee or the lessor. The other driver is the only beneficiary. This is the primary reason why the lessor usually requires the lessee to carry full coverage auto insurance.

Full coverage insurance meets the legal guidelines for auto insurance, but also provides coverage for the car, the driver, and the lessor. Leasing companies typically require the lessee to carry full coverage and 100/300/50 liability limits.

Get In Touch With Mutual Insurance Partners

If you’re considering leasing a car in Follansbee, WV and want to explore your insurance options, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions.

Who needs to have home insurance in West Virginia?

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Owning real estate in the Follansbee, WV area has continued to be a great way to establish your personal financial equity and have a stable place to live. If you do purchase a home here, you need to ensure that you carefully assess your insurance needs. There are various situations when someone in West Virginia will need to have a proper home insurance plan. 

Home Insurance: Who Needs The Coverage

When Taking Out a Mortgage

A situation when someone will need to have a home insurance plan will come when they want to take out a mortgage. With housing prices at record highs, financing a home purchase with a loan is often an ideal option. If you do decide to take out a mortgage, you will need to meet the lender’s insurance requirements. Typically, this includes requiring you to have a full insurance plan and even establishing escrows for payments each month. 

When Trying to Cover Assets

You also will need to have coverage when you want to protect your assets. Your home is likely the most valuable asset that you will ever own. Because of this, you will want to know that you are doing all that you can to cover your valuable asset. If you get a proper home insurance plan, it will give you coverage for your home as well as your personal belongings. 

Contact Us Today

Property owners in the Follansbee, WV area will always want to know that they are choosing the right insurance plan. Once you are ready to start looking for a new policy in this area, it would be wise for you to call the Mutual Insurance Partners. The team with the Mutual Insurance Partners can offer the right support you need to build your next insurance plan. 

Why it makes sense to carry more auto insurance liability coverage than required

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Drivers in the greater Follansbee, WV area can turn to the team at Pro Insurance Group for all of their auto insurance needs. If you have questions about the appropriate amount of insurance for your needs, give us a call today! We are here to help.

Benefits of carrying more than the required amount of liability protection

When it comes to liability protection, it can be difficult to know what level of coverage is most appropriate for your needs. Yes, there are stipulations in place for minimum coverage amounts in our state, but how do you know if that’s enough protection?

It is not uncommon to have an auto policy that provides more protection than what is required by West Virginia. This is especially true when it comes to liability protection. Weighing your liability protection options is a smart move, no matter what you end up deciding. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  • Lower likelihood of personal responsibility. If your liability protection is exhausted due to a catastrophic accident, you can become personally liable for any overages. Increased coverage can help you avoid this unwanted situation.
  • Increased coverage does not cost that much more. Premiums do not increase by a significant amount when liability protection is increased.
  • Peace of mind comes with knowing you have the protection you need. Knowing that you won’t face personal financial responsibility for a major accident can help you sleep much better at night.

Give us a call today

Pro Insurance Group is here for the wider Follansbee, WV community. If you have any questions about your auto policy or any other type of insurance, call or stop by our office today! Our team looks forward to working with you.

How Many Home Insurance Claims is too Many?

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Although there is no limit on the number of claims that a homeowner can file, you’ll want to be judicious in choosing when and when not to contact your homeowner’s insurance company for a claim. Pro Insurance Group in Follansbee, WV has some suggestions for you to make a decision.

Home Insurance Claims – How to Decide?

If you have a history of filing claims, the insurance company may increase your rates because you are deemed a risky customer. When deciding whether or not to file a home insurance claim, start by comparing the anticipated cost of the repair versus your deductible. If the cost is less than your deductible, it is generally better to pay out of pocket than to file a claim.

An exception to this rule is if you are filing a liability claim – with a liability claim you should always file if there is a chance that you might be sued as the fees associated with a lawsuit can quickly escalate. If you are concerned that your homeowner’s insurance premium may increase, one way to reduce it is to increase your deductible. However, if you increase your deductible you’ll want to choose a number that you can easily afford to pay if a claim needs to be filed as your insurance company will only pick up the tab if the cost exceeds your chosen deductible. 

For more information on when to file an insurance claim or to purchase a homeowners insurance policy, let the team at Pro Insurance Group in Follansbee, WV help. We’ll take the time to answer each of your questions and walk you through the insurance process so that you will feel comfortable in any decision that you make.

Give us a call today to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable insurance professionals.

Commercial Insurance Options for Online-based Businesses

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When someone wants to invest in e-commerce in Follansbee, WV, one of the questions they ask is whether they need commercial insurance. The short answer is YES. Like any other business, online-based businesses face risks that can be mitigated with commercial insurance. Suppose you are unsure about the insurance options you need for your e-business. In that case, Pro Insurance Group is here to provide you with a breakdown of coverages applicable for your e-business.

General liability business

As long as you are in business, you can’t stay away from liability claims. Unfortunately, one significant claim is enough to melt away your business. So, if you run a business online, analyze your business risk profile, and purchase a sufficient amount of liability coverage to protect you when accused of property damage, advertising, and bodily injury.

Property insurance

This insurance protects the inventories, computers, and other business assets in your possession. The coverage compensates you when your assets are damaged or lost by a risk covered in your policy.

Workers’ compensation insurance

Beyond compliance, invest in worker’s comp insurance to protect your employees against illnesses and work-related injuries. Also, this insurance covers partial wages for employees who can’t resume work due to injuries sustained.

Cyber liability insurance

An online business handles a large amount of customer data. Suppose there was a breach? Your business would suffer significant financial losses, primarily through lawsuits and data recovery. Cyber insurance helps you cope with the financial consequences of a cyberattack.

Professional liability insurance

Do you provide professional advice online? You should invest in professional liability insurance. This coverage protects you when accused of negligence or missed deadlines, which caused the stakeholders that rely on your professional advice to suffer financial losses.

Need commercial insurance for your e-business? Please get in touch with Pro Insurance Group for a competitive quote.

What auto insurance is required in West Virginia?

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When you are looking for auto insurance in West Virginia, it is important to find an independent insurance agent that can provide the choices you deserve. At Pro Insurance Group in Follansbee, WV, we share our 60 plus years of experience with our customers. We personalize your coverage to your particular needs. 

Almost every state has insurance requirements for those who drive in their state. West Virginia is no exception. You are required to have both liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured coverage. The amount is 25/50/25 for both types. Liability coverage protects other people from you and uninsured coverage protects you from others who don’t carry enough or have no insurance. It translated to $25,000 for injury to the first person and $50,000 for the entire accident with $25,000 for damage to property.

This is what is mandated by the state but if you have a loan on your vehicle, this will not be the only insurance required. The lender will require you have collision and comprehensive coverage to protect the vehicle they still partially own. Deciding if the minimum amount of liability coverage is enough is important. It is there to protect your assets. You may want to consider going with a higher limit. 

For most people, a vehicle is a necessity, something they just can’t do without on an everyday basis. If you are responsible for the damage to your vehicle you need to have collision and comprehensive coverage so that it can be repaired. That will protect you from theft, vandalism, damage from an accident, hit and run or damage from things like hail, flooding, or wind. 

Contact Pro Insurance Group in Follansbee, WV for all your auto insurance needs. We welcome you to stop in at our office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote. 

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