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The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC

217 West Main Street,
Louisa, VA 23093

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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.

How to Practice Boating Safety: 3 Essential Tips

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For many, boating is a time to relax and enjoy the open water. However, it’s important to practice safety while out on the boat. Here are three essential tips from The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC to help you stay safe while boating around Louisa, VA this summer.

How to Practice Boating Safety:

Knowing Your Boat and Its Capabilities

If you have a deep understanding of your boat and its capabilities, you will be able to make it perform as you wish. Understanding the limits of your boat can also prevent accidents and damage to it. In addition to troubleshooting problems more efficiently, you will also be able to enjoy your time on the water more if you know how your boat works and what it is capable of.

Checking the Weather Forecast Before You Go Boating

If you plan to go boating, you should always check the weather conditions for the day before you go boating. This will allow you to be prepared for what to expect and plan accordingly, as well as prevent dangerous conditions that may endanger your boat and yourself.

Being Sober When You Boat

To operate a boat, you must be sober for many reasons. First, it is illegal to use a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Second, sobriety will help you become more aware of your surroundings and make better decisions. Third, sobriety will help you remain calm during an emergency, and last but not least, it will make your time more enjoyable on the water.

Get Boat Insurance Today

The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA offers boat insurance to protect your investment on the water. We understand the unique coverage needs of boats and other watercraft, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the protection you need at a price you can afford.

Who is responsible for damage caused by trees on adjoining properties?

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The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC can help homeowners in the greater Louisa, VA area with all of their insurance needs. If you have questions about home insurance and potential liability for damages, give us a call today. We are here to help you!

Damage caused by trees – who is responsible?

During storms with high winds, trees can blow around quite a bit, and in some circumstances, branches can blow free and cause damage. After a storm with high winds, it can be difficult to determine exactly which tree caused what damage. But if you have trees on adjoining property with your neighbors, it’s important for you both to practice good tree maintenance.

While every situation is different, it is possible for neighbors to be held responsible for the damage that their trees cause. This can quickly turn into a contentious situation that causes problems between neighbors. This is why it is so important to keep your trees well-trimmed and maintained, especially before a storm. If you notice that your neighbors are not practicing good tree maintenance, it’s a good idea to take some pictures in order to have a record of the situation. 

If your home is damaged by your neighbor’s trees, be sure to discuss the situation with your claims adjuster. In many situations, it will be them who are responsible for the damage to your home. 

Call us today!

Homeowners in Louisa, VA and the surrounding area turn to the team at The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC for all of their insurance needs. If you want to make sure that your current homeowner’s policy provides the coverage you need, get in touch with us. We are here to help our community. Call or stop by today! 

Why a home business needs commercial insurance

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Home businesses are becoming increasingly popular and they make up the largest percentage of all new small businesses. It’s easy to see the attraction, you don’t need to spend money on a storefront, but it is risky to not treat your business as a separate entity from your home. At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA we understand commercial insurance and why your business needs it. 

Property insurance

Home property insurance is very different from commercial property insurance. Commercial property includes not only the building, it covers the things you need to run your business. Your home property insurance will not pay for your business inventory or raw materials. In order to protect your business, you need commercial property insurance. 

Liability insurance

Your home has liability insurance and if anyone who is visiting you is injured, you have coverage. But your home insurance will not cover someone who is visiting your home for business purposes. You would be leaving yourself open to legal action and you would have to pay for it yourself if you don’t have commercial liability coverage. It is not worth the risk.

Auto insurance

If you are using your personal auto for business reasons and have an accident, you will not be covered. You need to have commercial insurance on a vehicle that you are using for business.  

Workers compensation 

In Virginia, if your business has two or more employees, whether they are part-time, seasonal, or full-time, you need to provide workers’ compensation insurance. 

Business interruption insurance

Most small businesses can benefit from this insurance, which will help you to pay your bills if you are forced to stop doing business because of a covered peril. It can be a lifesaver. 

Give Us A Call

Contact The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA to discuss what commercial insurance is best for your business. 

What Are The Different Types Of Auto Insurance Coverage?

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As a car owner, it’s vital that you know the different types of auto insurance coverage you can get if you have a goal of purchasing adequate coverage. Here are the top types of auto insurance coverage that Louisa, VA car owners purchase.  

The Different Types Of Auto Insurance

1. Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection coverage pays for the driver’s medical expenses after an accident. It also provides compensation for other expenses incurred from the injuries besides medical bills, such as lost wages and child care expenses. 

2. Medical Payments Coverage

Unlike personal injury protection coverage, medical payments coverage covers explicitly medical bills. Its coverage extends to you, other family members who might drive the insured car, and the passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident. 

3. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage covers the damage to your vehicle after an accident. This coverage pay for the cost of repairing the car to its initial state or replacing the vehicle if it’s totalled. Keep in mind that if the car is totalled, you will only be compensated up to its actual cash value less your deductible. At The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC, we recommend that you get collision coverage if you want to avoid having to deal with expensive repairs or the cost of purchasing another car after an accident. 

4. Comprehensive Coverage

This auto coverage protects your vehicle from damage due to vandalism, fire, theft, and natural disasters. If a peril listed under this coverage damages your car, the insurer will pay to fix it or replace it. The compensation you receive to replace your vehicle will reflect its actual cash value less your deductible.

5. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is divided into bodily injury and property damage liability. The former covers injuries your car causes to other persons, and the latter covers the damage it causes to third-part property. 

Are you looking for auto insurance in Louisa, VA? Call The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC today.

5 Myths About Watercraft Insurance

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If you own a boat, it’s important to have the right insurance in place in case of an accident. However, there are a lot of myths surrounding watercraft insurance that can make it difficult to understand what coverage you need. The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA can help dispel some of the most common myths and get you the coverage to protect your investment. 

5 Myths About Watercraft Insurance

Myth 1: Watercraft Insurance Is Expensive

One of the most common myths about watercraft insurance is that it’s expensive. While the cost of coverage will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of boat you have and the amount of coverage you need, the cost of not being insured can be much higher. If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have insurance, you could be responsible for paying for the damages out of pocket.

Myth 2: Watercraft Insurance Is Only for Accidents

Another common myth about watercraft insurance is that it’s only for accidents. While it’s true that insurance can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident, it can also provide coverage for other types of incidents, such as theft, fire, or weather damage.

Myth 3: All Watercraft Insurance Policies Are the Same

There are various types of watercraft insurance policies available, and each one offers different coverage options. It’s important to compare policies and find one that meets your specific needs.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need Watercraft Insurance If You’re Not Financing Your Boat

Regardless of whether or not you’re financing your boat, it’s important to have insurance. If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have insurance, you could be responsible for paying for the damages out of pocket.

Myth 5: Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Will Cover Your Boat

While some homeowner’s insurance policies provide watercraft coverage, it’s typically limited to a certain dollar amount. If you have a boat, it’s important to have a separate watercraft insurance policy to ensure you’re fully protected.

Now that you know the truth about watercraft insurance, it’s time to get the coverage you need to protect your investment. The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC in Louisa, VA can help you find the right coverage for your needs. Call us today for a free quote.

How many perils should your Virginia home insurance cover?

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When you purchase a home in Louisa, VA with a mortgage loan, your bank requires you to purchase homeowners insurance. What the bank doesn’t do is stipulate which homeowners insurance you need to buy.

The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC wants you to understand your choices, so you buy the coverage you need. 

How many perils should your Virginia home insurance cover?

You have a choice between policies that cover 10, 16, or all perils.

That means the insurance policy covers you for ten to all naturally occurring or man-made events beyond your feasible control. That means that the policy covers your home against loss when a tornado hits it, or fire occurs. If a hail storm damages the siding or the weight of winter storm ice and snow rips the gutters off, the insurance covers your repairs. The same is true if a burglar breaks in and steals from you. Home insurance covers your loss.

You must decide when you purchase your policy, which level of coverage you want. A 10 peril policy covers only the minimum number of perils. It costs the least, but you remain unprotected. Sometimes referred to as a dwelling policy, landlords often purchase it for rental homes. A 16 peril policy covers most hazards. Most homeowners opt for this coverage. You’ll pay the most for all perils coverage, but you can afford to pay for any repairs needed.

If a covered peril wipes out your home completely, you can replace it using your insurance payment. How much you’ll get depends on the coverage level there, too. You can choose replacement value or actual value. The difference is that, with actual value, you’ll receive a check for the value of your home when the peril destroyed it, even if it has dropped in value since you purchased it, but with replacement value, you get the cost of rebuilding your home as it was constructed, with any renovations you made paid for, too.

Protect your Louisa, VA with home insurance. Contact The Pivotal Insurance Agency LLC to obtain the coverage you need to protect your home in Virginia.