Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Insurance in West Virginia

Commercial insurance is an essential part of protecting your business from unexpected financial losses. Whether you’re a small business owner or the CEO of a large corporation, having the right insurance coverage is critical for your peace of mind and your bottom line. Mutual Insurance Partners, a trusted provider of insurance in Follansbee, WV, can help businesses understand their commercial insurance needs and find policies that provide comprehensive coverage.

Why Commercial Insurance?

One of the most important types of commercial insurance is liability insurance. Liability insurance can protect businesses from legal claims arising from injuries or damages that occur on their property or as a result of their operations. In West Virginia, liability insurance is mandatory for most businesses, and failure to carry adequate coverage can result in fines and other penalties. Mutual Insurance Partners can work with businesses in Follansbee, WV to determine their liability insurance needs and find policies that provide the right level of coverage.

Another important type of commercial insurance is property insurance. Property insurance can protect businesses from losses resulting from damage or destruction of their physical assets, such as buildings, equipment, and inventory. In West Virginia, businesses are at risk of natural disasters such as floods and wildfires, which can cause significant damage to property. We can help businesses find property insurance policies that provide comprehensive coverage for their specific needs.

Finally, businesses in West Virginia should also consider cyber liability insurance. With the increasing amount of sensitive data that businesses store online, cyber threats such as hacking and data breaches have become more common. Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage for the costs associated with a data breach, including legal fees, notification costs, and credit monitoring services for affected customers. Our experienced professionals understand their cyber liability insurance needs and find policies that provide the right level of coverage.

Reach Out To Us

Commercial insurance is an essential part of protecting your business from financial losses in West Virginia. Mutual Insurance Partners can help businesses in Follansbee, WV understand their insurance needs and find policies that provide comprehensive coverage. By working with a trusted insurance provider, businesses can ensure that they are prepared for whatever challenges come their way.

What’s Not Covered by Home Insurance Policies?

As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand what your home insurance policy covers and what it does not. While home insurance policies from Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV, provide coverage for various perils, there are some exclusions to be aware of.

Home Insurance Exclusions

Natural Disasters

Standard home insurance policies usually do not cover natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Therefore, if you live in an area prone to these natural disasters, you may need to purchase separate coverage for them.

Maintenance and Wear and Tear

Home insurance policies do not cover maintenance or general wear and tear damages. Therefore, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain and repair their property to prevent any damages from occurring.

Intentional Damages

Your policy does not cover any damages caused intentionally by the homeowner or any other person in the home. This exclusion includes damages resulting from criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, or arson.

Business Activities

Home insurance policies are meant to cover damages that occur at residential properties. Therefore, any losses that result from business activities, such as injuries sustained by customers or damages to business equipment, are not covered.

Floods

As mentioned earlier, floods are not covered under standard home insurance policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, purchasing separate flood insurance coverage is advisable. If you’re unsure whether or not you should worry about flooding, we can review the likelihood with you so you can feel comfortable deciding whether or not to purchase it.

Call Our Professional Team!

Understanding what’s not covered by home insurance policies is crucial to ensure that you have adequate protection. At Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV, we believe that homeowners should comprehensively understand their insurance coverage. Therefore, we encourage you to review your policy and ask your insurance agent any questions you may have. Then, contact us today to learn more about our home insurance policies and coverage options.

Why do you need auto insurance in West Virginia?

If you are in the Follansbee, WV area, you will find that owning a car is a good idea. When you are a vehicle owner here, you will have a much easier time navigating the area and getting to your destinations. As you are looking to buy a car here, it is also important that you select the right insurance plan.

You will need to have an auto insurance plan in this area for various reasons:

Financial Support

A reason that you should get auto coverage in this part of the state is so you can receive financial support. If you intend to buy a car, you will be making a large investment. It will be a good idea to ensure this investment is supported and protected, which can be done with a comprehensive insurance plan. Further, you will receive liability coverage, which will offer support if you are responsible for damages caused by an accident. 

Meet Obligations

It will also be a good idea to get an auto plan so you can meet your obligations. If you have taken out a loan or want to drive a car on a public road, you will have some auto insurance requirements. By getting a quality policy, you can remain in good standing with all such obligations. 

Mutual Insurance Partners Is Here To Help

If you are going to buy or lease any type of vehicle in the Follansbee, WV area, it will be very important that you get the right insurance for it. There are a lot of big choices to make when looking for this coverage and our team with Mutual Insurance Partners can help you build an ideal policy. We understand the importance of this coverage and our professionals can offer support that will ensure you build an ideal plan. 

Required Commercial Insurance in West Virginia

If you run a business in West Virginia, there may be a couple of insurance policies that you are required to have, depending on your specific company. There are two types that are mandated under certain circumstances, so it’s best to know what they are and whether they pertain to your business. If you need commercial insurance, give us a call today at Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV.

Two Types of Required Commercial Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Accidents happen in the workplace, and when they do, they can be highly expensive. Employees who have an accident and are injured may have a lot of bills afterward, including their medical bills and legal costs. They may also require disability payments. All of these are covered by a workers’ compensation insurance policy. It will pay for all of these things so that the money won’t have to come from your business.

In West Virginia, this is required if you have one employee or more, and they can be either part or full-time. If you hire an independent contractor, this insurance is not required. If this insurance is required for you, be sure to get a policy right away for your own protection. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your West Virginia business owns a vehicle, you are required to have a commercial auto insurance policy. This insurance pays for any damages that are caused to others in an accident that is the fault of your vehicle’s driver. When this happens, and there are injuries and property damage, this insurance pays for those bills up to its payout limit. Both bodily injury and property damage liability have to be in these policies, but you can add others to your policy as well if you choose.

We Are Here To Help!

To keep your business compliant with the law, you may need one or more commercial policies. Call us at Mutual Insurance Partners in the greater Follansbee, WV region.

 

 

Will homeowners’ insurance cover my she-shed?

Homeowners insurance has many benefits for homeowners. It covers many things that would be difficult for homeowners to pay for out of pocket. Homeowners insurance even provides liability coverage. Our Follansbee, WV team at Mutual Insurance Partners is committed to helping homeowners understand and explore the benefits of homeowners insurance. 

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides financial coverage for the repair or replacement of your home, personal belongings, as well as any structure on your property. Homeowners insurance also provides liability/legal protection if you’re found responsible for harm or damage to someone else or someone else’s property. In short, homeowners insurance provides financial protection for damage and unexpected situations that occur involving your home.

Your insurance covers every structure on your property, your personal belongings, and damage to your property or home caused by approved natural disasters. Your policy clearly outlines what’s covered and what’s not. If your home is damaged and you must move out for the repairs, your insurance will cover your hotel stay and living expenses.

Will homeowners’ insurance cover my she-shed?

Yes/ Your shep-shed is a structure on your property. As a result, homeowners insurance will cover any damage to your she-shed, fire, burglary, vandalism, or damage related to natural disasters, in addition to the personal belongings inside of your shed. Your homeowner’s insurance also covers personal liability including medical payments for others, loss of use, and more.

However, your homeowner’s policy outlines which natural disasters or perils would be covered by a homeowner’s policy and coverage limits.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about homeowners insurance and what’s covered, call us at Mutual Insurance Partners in Follansbee, WV. We can help you explore your policy and answer your questions.

Auto Insurance – Don’t Drive Without It

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

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

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?

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?

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.