insurance

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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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: 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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Running a Side Hustle? When Do You Need to Change From a Traditional Auto Insurance Policy to a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy?

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Side hustles are more popular than ever, whether you’re delivering groceries, driving for a rideshare service, or running your own small business. At Bacon Insurance Group in Richmond, VA, we’ve seen many entrepreneurs start out thinking their personal auto insurance is enough to cover their vehicle use. However, there’s a point where your side hustle might require you to switch to a commercial auto insurance policy.

Understanding the Difference Between Personal and Commercial Auto Insurance

Traditional auto insurance is designed for personal use—commuting, errands, and the occasional road trip. But when your vehicle becomes a tool for business, the risks change. Whether you’re delivering packages, transporting clients, or using your car to advertise your services, your personal auto policy may no longer provide the coverage you need.

Commercial auto insurance is specifically designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. It offers broader coverage for accidents, liability, and damage that can occur while you’re working. Without the right policy, you could face denied claims or even policy cancellation if your insurer finds out you’re using your car for business.

Knowing When to Make the Switch

If your vehicle is essential to your side hustle—whether you’re driving daily or just a few times a week—it’s time to talk to your insurance provider. Even part-time business use can exceed the limits of a personal policy. Commercial auto insurance can provide peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle and business are protected.

Protect Your Growing Business

At Bacon Insurance Group in Richmond, VA, we’re here to help side hustlers and small business owners find the right coverage. Contact us today to discuss whether a commercial auto insurance policy best fits your business needs!

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