Bacon Insurance Group

Accident Prevention Increases Workplace Safety

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If you’re a Virginia business owner, one of your responsibilities will be to purchase commercial insurance. Many business owners benefit from working with an experienced insurance agent. If your company is located near Richmond, VA, our team at Bacon Insurance Group can work with you to create an excellent insurance portfolio. We’ve been working with Virginia companies like yours for years.

Accident Prevention Increases Workplace Safety

One important type of commercial insurance is your workers’ compensation policy. If an employee is injured at work, their medical expenses and lost wages are covered by workers’ compensation. To help your employees prevent workplace accidents, your company should be aware of some important accident prevention tips. According to Indeed, your Accident Prevention Plan should begin with a written Safety and Wellness Plan.

Once your company has written its Safety and Wellness Plan, a copy should be placed in a prominent location in every major work area. Your plan should include pre-employment physicals and annual training for safe handling of all equipment your employees use in the course of their work duties. The same website reminds you that employees should also review safe lifting techniques, the use of personal protective equipment, fire safety protocol, and the company’s hazardous materials policy. A trained electrician should inspect your building regularly to ensure each work location at your facility has adequate lighting.

Call Us Today for Your Appointment

Every company is unique, so you deserve individual attention and assistance when shopping for commercial insurance. Our team at Bacon Insurance Group understands those needs and will take the time to help you choose the right policies. Companies in the Richmond, VA area have been benefiting from our insurance advice for many years. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s talk about insurance.

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Insurance Protection for Automated Equipment

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Does your commercial business rely upon the use of automated equipment? If so, it is wise to review the equipment you are responsible for. You may benefit by adding additional commercial insurance coverage to your existing business insurance plan. Learn more from the professionals at Bacon Insurance Group, serving Richmond, VA.

An Inspection of Automated Equipment

The inspection you perform should be used to determine the overall value and condition of the automated equipment. Any pieces of equipment that are vital to business operations should be adequately protected by your commercial insurance policy.

Record information about your inspection. The details you collect can be useful when it is time to compare different types of commercial insurance coverage that will protect your assets.

Commercial Insurance Considerations

Review your business plan. Your business plan will provide you with a clear picture of how automated equipment is used within your place of business. Reviewing the plan will remind you of the placement of each piece of equipment. Use these details to help you choose insurance protection types and amounts that are suited to your preferences.

Insurance Options

Your commercial insurance policy can provide protection in the event that your automated equipment is stolen, vandalized, or damaged in any other way.

If intentional damage is discovered, your commercial insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the automated equipment. Your commercial insurance may also cover additional services, such as equipment inspections.

Advice from an Agent

Your automated equipment plays a key role in keeping your business afloat. If you cannot easily replace damaged or stolen equipment, it is time to consider acquiring more commercial insurance for your assets.

Set up a time to speak to one of our agents at the Bacon Insurance Group. A qualified agent who serves Richmond VA will assist you with your commercial insurance needs.

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Can Home Insurance Cover Preventive Maintenance?

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It makes sense that home insurance in Richmond, VA would cover preventative maintenance, especially if it can prevent an insurance claim. For example, a leaning tree can fall on the house, causing damage. However, it’s not that simple. 

Standard Coverage and Preventive Maintenance

Policies do not cover preventative maintenance, such as removing a leaning tree. This is considered the homeowner’s responsibility. In fact, you can run into trouble if you don’t remove the leaning tree. An agency may consider this high risk and raise your monthly premium. They may specifically exclude incidents of falling trees from insurance coverage. 

You may face a denied claim if the tree falls, even if it’s from a covered peril. For example, if the wind knocks down a leaning tree, this would be considered wind damage, which may be covered under the policy. However, a company can still deny your claim because you failed to do preventative maintenance. It’s important to contact us at the Bacon Insurance Group to see if a leaning tree can impact your policy or future claims. 

What About Normal Wear and Tear?

Every home has normal wear and tear as the years pass. Wind will blow a few shingles loose. The home may end up with water damage from a leaking roof or require additional maintenance. However, this is also considered the homeowner’s responsibility. Policies won’t cover normal wear and tear, or damage caused by your lack of maintenance. 

For example, if there is water damage from a leaking roof because you failed to do maintenance, the company can deny your claim. 

We understand how frustrating this can be. Professionals at the Bacon Insurance Group will work with you to learn about your situation and help you in any way we can. Contact us today to get started with an insurance company that cares. We’re currently serving the Richmond, VA area. 

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What Does a Non-Relative Need To Do To Purchase Life Insurance for a Friend in Virginia?

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There are many reasons why a non-relative would want to purchase a life insurance policy for a friend. Whether the purchaser is a business partner, a dependent, or a long-time friend, in Richmond, VA, it is allowed. If you’re considering purchasing life insurance for a non-relative, our agents at Bacon Insurance Group can answer your questions and help you find the right policy.

Requirements for Purchasing Life Insurance

There are a few things that may need to be completed or verified before a life insurance application can be approved. These include insurable interest, consent, a medical examination, and policy owner and premium payments.

Insurable Interest

As a non-relative seeking a life insurance policy, you must prove how the death of the person being insured would create a financial burden on you. For example, say you are a dependent who relies on financial support from a non-relative.

Consent

The person who is receiving the life insurance policy must agree to the policy before any private information, such as information from the primary doctor attesting to the person’s medical status and/or condition, can be released.

Medical Examination

Insurers don’t always require a medical exam, but some do, depending on the type of policy you are seeking. We will discuss the details with you.

Premium Ownership and Payments

The non-relative will receive the statements regarding premium payments and will be solely responsible for making the payments. This is not the responsibility of the person being insured. 

Contact Us

At Bacon Insurance Group, we’re here to assist the Richmond, VA, community with insurance coverage. If you are considering purchasing a life insurance policy for a non-relative, call us. We’ll get started on the paperwork and help put your mind at ease.

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Auto Insurance: How Much Bodily Injury Coverage Do You Need?

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Auto insurance in Richmond, VA, requires bodily injury coverage to help cover the cost of medical bills if another person is injured in an accident. This coverage ensures you won’t be held financially responsible for all expenses.

State Minimum

Virginia mandates minimum bodily injury coverage requirements to ensure adequate protection for medical bills. Insurance policies must include $50,000 for injuries or death involving one person and $100,000 for injuries or death involving more than one person. These minimums are standard for policies offered by companies like Bacon Insurance Group.

Additional Coverage

While the state minimum may seem sufficient, many people opt for additional bodily injury coverage to avoid being responsible for medical bills that exceed their policy limits. Serious auto accidents can result in costly medical expenses that quickly surpass the minimum coverage.

For example, a care flight to a nearby hospital can cost around $50,000 if publicly funded MedPolice air support is unavailable. Once those limits are exceeded, additional expenses such as imaging tests, surgeries, and long-term therapies can add up. Even relatively inexpensive procedures, like X-rays, can cost up to $170, while whiplash treatments requiring extended care can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Since the financial impact of an accident is unpredictable, upgrading your bodily injury coverage before an emergency occurs is a wise decision.

At Bacon Insurance Group, we understand the importance of having comprehensive coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. Our team will review various policy options with you to find a solution that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Richmond, VA, area.

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How is the Amount of Your Property Loss Determined?

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If you are a business owner, protecting your company’s assets with commercial insurance is essential. If your business is located near Richmond, VA, our team at the Bacon Insurance Group can help you select the best insurance policies for your business. Since 1997, we’ve been working with companies like yours to provide reliable coverage and peace of mind.

How Is the Amount of Your Property Loss Determined?

If a weather event or other type of disaster damages your business property, you’ll want to resume operations as quickly as possible. One common question is how the amount of compensation for a property claim is determined. According to the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the type of commercial property insurance you purchase plays a key role in how your property loss claim is calculated.

There are two main types of property insurance: “replacement value” and “actual cash value.” A replacement value policy provides compensation based on the cost to repair or replace your property without factoring in depreciation. On the other hand, an actual cash value policy pays the cost to repair or replace the property after deducting depreciation. To determine which option is best for your business, speak with one of our knowledgeable agents.

Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment

Our agents are committed to helping you explore your insurance options and find the coverage that best suits your business needs. At the Bacon Insurance Group, we offer a wide range of affordable insurance solutions tailored to businesses in the Richmond, VA, area. For over 25 years, companies have trusted us to protect their assets and provide exceptional service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference our team can make.

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What to do if Your Insurance Agency Cancels Your Coverage

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If you’re a Richmond, VA homeowner who has received notice that your home insurance policy is being canceled, it’s important to take immediate action. Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and losing coverage could result in significant financial loss in the event of an unfortunate incident. Additionally, if you’re still making mortgage payments, your lender may secure coverage on your behalf or even initiate foreclosure proceedings if the home cannot be insured.

Cancellation or Failure to Renew

Review your notification carefully to determine whether your insurer is canceling your policy outright or informing you that it won’t be renewed. If your policy is being canceled, determine the reason and explore the steps you can take to address the issue. Cancellations often occur due to actions or inactions on your part, such as missed premium payments or failure to make necessary repairs. Paying overdue premiums or completing required repairs could help you reinstate your insurance. If repairs are needed, ensure you obtain the necessary permits and hire certified professionals to complete the work.

If your insurer has notified you that your policy won’t be renewed, the issue may be beyond your control. Sometimes, insurance companies decide to stop serving a particular area. Alternatively, coverage may be withdrawn due to a high frequency of natural disasters in your region. Insurers may also decline to renew policies if you’ve filed too many claims.

Need Insurance? Contact Bacon Insurance Group

Bacon Insurance Group serves homeowners in and around Richmond, VA. We offer a variety of policies and policy bundles from multiple carriers to help you secure the coverage your home needs at a price you can afford. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to request price quotes.

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Bacon Bit: Understanding Hail

Posted on by Nicole Coleman

Hailstorms can strike quickly and leave behind thousands of dollars in property damage — but do you know how hail actually develops, and what you should watch out for when it comes to protecting your home?

🌩️ How Does Hail Form?

Hailstones form high in the atmosphere during strong thunderstorms. Rising air currents, called updrafts, lift water droplets high into the storm cloud where temperatures are below freezing. As these droplets freeze, the updraft can push them back up multiple times, adding layer upon layer of ice before the stones become too heavy and fall to the ground.

The size of the hailstones depends largely on the barometric pressure and the strength of the updraft. The longer a hailstone gets pushed around in the storm, the larger it grows.

📏 How Hail Affects Your Property

When a hailstorm hits, it often leaves a clear, defined swath that can be miles long but very localized — meaning one part of a house can be damaged while another side remains untouched. This is because hailstorms have well-defined perimeters and hail can fall unevenly.

Insurance policies typically provide coverage for accidental direct physical damage, which includes damage from hail. Commonly affected areas include:

  • Roofs
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Windows and siding
  • Mailboxes, fences, decks, and AC units

🏠 Roofing Materials and Hail Damage

Not all roofing materials hold up the same way under a hailstorm. Asphalt shingles, for example, are especially prone to granule loss, cracking, and puncturing from hail impact. Even more robust, impact-resistant roofs (sometimes called 40–50 year shingles) are thicker but can still sustain damage — and they generally come at a higher cost to install or replace.

Beyond visible dents or cracks, hail can also weaken the structural integrity of roofing materials and other exterior elements, leaving your home more vulnerable to future weather damage.

📝 How Insurance Adjusters Handle Hail Claims

From an insurance adjuster’s perspective, hail is actually one of the easiest perils to assess. That’s because all homes within the storm’s radius usually experience the same type of damage. This consistency helps streamline the process of evaluating and pricing claims, making it easier for homeowners to get repairs underway quickly.

🛑 Beware of Door-to-Door Contractors

It’s very common for contractors to knock on homeowners’ doors after a hailstorm, offering a free inspection for roof damage. While it’s smart to check your roof’s condition if you suspect hail damage, it’s even more important to do it safely and wisely.

Always choose a local, reputable roofer or contractor — one who is properly insured and well-reviewed. This helps protect you from poor workmanship or fraudulent repairs.

✅ The Bottom Line

Hailstorms can cause unexpected damage to your home, but understanding how hail forms and how it impacts your property can help you prepare.

If you think your home may have hail damage, inspect it promptly and work with trusted local professionals — and always keep your homeowners insurance up to date to ensure you’re protected from this common weather risk.

Have questions about how hail damage is covered under your policy? Contact our office today — we’re here to help you safeguard your home and belongings from whatever Mother Nature sends your way.

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Bacon Bit: The Importance of Keeping Your Jewelry Appraisals Up to Date

Posted on by Nicole Coleman
When was the last time you had your valuable jewelry appraised? Whether it’s an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a fine watch, staying on top of your jewelry appraisals is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment and your peace of mind.

Why an Updated Appraisal Matters
Jewelry values don’t stay the same forever. The price of gold, diamonds, and gemstones can fluctuate significantly over time. If your appraisal is over 5, 10, or even 15 years old, you could be underinsured — which means you may not receive the true replacement value if you ever need to file a claim. An updated appraisal ensures your insurance accurately reflects the current market value of your pieces. This means you’ll get the right amount to repair or replace your jewelry in case of loss, theft, or covered damage.

Could an Updated Appraisal Save You Money?
Here’s something many people don’t realize: if the value of your jewelry has decreased, an updated appraisal could actually reduce your insurance premiums. Since your coverage amount is based on the appraised value, a lower value means it may cost less to insure — putting money back in your pocket while keeping you properly protected.

Are You Relying on Your Homeowners Insurance?
Many homeowners assume their jewelry is fully covered under their standard homeowners insurance policy, but that’s not always the case. Most home policies cover personal property up to a certain limit, but they typically have a sub-limit for jewelry, which can be as low as $1,000.
This means if your $10,000 ring is stolen, you might only receive $1,000 — and that’s before your deductible applies.
Additionally, if your jewelry isn’t specifically scheduled (listed) on your policy, losses like mysterious disappearance — when a piece simply goes missing — often aren’t covered at all.

Schedule Your Jewelry for Better Protection
To ensure you have the right coverage, talk to your insurance agent about scheduling your valuable jewelry on your homeowners or renters policy. This often provides broader protection, including coverage for mysterious disappearance, and eliminates your deductible for jewelry claims.

Protect What Matters Most
Your jewelry holds not only financial value but also sentimental meaning. Don’t leave its protection to chance — make updated appraisals a regular part of your insurance plan.
Need help reviewing your current jewelry coverage or finding a trusted appraiser? Contact our office today. We’re here to help you make sure you’re properly covered, no matter how much your treasures are worth.
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When is the Right Time to Update Your Life Insurance Policy?

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Life insurance policyholders face numerous decisions throughout the year, but one of the most important is knowing when to update their policy. At Bacon Insurance Group in Richmond, VA, we can help make the process smoother by offering guidance on when and how to make changes to your coverage.

When to Update Your Life Insurance Policy

Major Life-Changing Events

It’s recommended to review and update your life insurance policy at least once a year. However, if that’s not feasible, consider making updates after significant life events have occurred. These events might include getting married, filing for divorce, the birth of a child, buying a home, or receiving a substantial salary increase. These milestones not only mark essential changes in your life but also serve as reminders to reassess your insurance needs.

For example, after your honeymoon, you may want to adjust your life insurance coverage by adding your spouse as a beneficiary. Divorce provides an opportunity to reflect on your new family dynamic and make necessary changes to your policy. Having children introduces new financial responsibilities, which often require increased coverage. Buying a home adds debt that may impact the amount of coverage you need. Similarly, a salary increase opens new opportunities and may influence your insurance requirements.

Changing the Beneficiary of Your Life Insurance Policy

Life changes constantly, and so do the circumstances surrounding your insurance needs. Choosing a beneficiary for your life insurance policy can be challenging, especially with evolving family dynamics. For instance, after getting married, you may want to designate your spouse as the primary beneficiary. Conversely, a divorce offers a chance to reevaluate your choice and make adjustments as needed.

Make Updating Your Policy Simple

Life insurance is essential for everyone, but updating your policy doesn’t have to be complicated. At Bacon Insurance Group in Richmond, VA, our team is here to assist you in making changes as simply and stress-free as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your policy reflects your current needs.

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