Flood Insurance in Parkersburg, WV

Name: Curtis Miller Insurance Agency
Address: 1800 Blizzard Drive, Parkersburg, WV, 26101
Telephone: 304-485-6431

Posted on September 14, 2017October 9, 2017 by agentinsure

For those that own property, making sure that it is properly protected is very important. For those that are in the Parkersburg, WV area, having adequate flood insurance coverage would be a great option. There are several reasons why you should get flood insurance on your property.

Provides Property Damage Coverage

The primary reason that you should get flood insurance on your property is that it will provide you with property damage coverage. A flood that impacts your home can have a devastating impact on your property. This could require you to complete major repairs and renovations to make it livable again. While a base insurance policy may not cover these repairs, a full flood insurance policy will ensure you have the proper financial protection.

Covers Personal Belongings

Those that get a flood insurance policy will also receive reimbursement if their personal belongings are damaged in the flood. Most homeowners have thousands of dollars of furniture, electronics, and appliances. The flood insurance policy will provide you with coverage to replace any of these items damaged by the flood.

Loan Compliance

The third reason to get flood insurance is that it will keep you in compliance with your mortgage lender. Depending on where the property is located in town, it could be in a flood zone. If it is in a flood zone, your loan documents will likely require you to have it. If you do not have proper flood insurance coverage, it could lead to a loan violation and you could be charged a fee.

If you are in need of flood insurance, Curtis Miller Insurance would be a great place to start. Curtis Miller Insurance, which serves Parkersburg, WV, can help you to determine what type of flood insurance coverage you need to ensure that you are properly protected and covered.

Before Taking a Summer Road Trip, Update Your Auto Insurance

Posted on August 28, 2017August 25, 2017 by agentinsure

Summer’s a wonderful time time to hit the road with your family and explore the wonders of West Virginia and beyond. Before taking off on a summer road trip, however, take time to review your auto insurance to make sure you have adequate protection for your journey.

Updating your auto insurance with Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV gives you the opportunity to add new coverage, adjust existing coverage or eliminate coverage that’s no longer needed. Here are a few aspects to consider when reviewing your current policy.

Changes in Lifestyle or Household

Changes in your lifestyle or household could affect your auto insurance. If you’re driving longer distances for work or planning to take more road trips with the family, you may want to raise your liability or property damage limits to protect yourself against accidents on the road. The more you use your vehicle, the greater your risks of being in an accident. Having adequate insurance coverage will protect you against financial loss in the event of a serious accident.

Status of Vehicle

If you’re taking your new vehicle on the road, make sure you have adequate protection against any eventuality. If you’re involved in a major accident far from home, rental car coverage will provide you with transportation while your car is being repaired. In the event your new car is totaled, new car replacement coverage helps you replace your vehicle with a similar make and model so you’re not stranded without a car. If you’re driving an older vehicle, roadside assist coverage could come in handy in case of unexpected car troubles.

By discussing insurance updates with an agent from Curtis Miller Insurance, Parkersburg, WV, you can obtain the right auto insurance coverage to meet your family’s needs.

Is My Jewelry Covered? What Should I have Appraised and Why

Posted on July 19, 2017August 25, 2017 by agentinsure

Homeowners insurance is a good thing to keep updating as your life changes throughout the years. Insurance agencies like Curtis Miller Insurance serving Parkersburg, WV is a perfect colleague to contact to review and update your coverage. One of the many things you should ask your insurance agency is, "Is my jewelry covered? The truth is it is, but just as other valuables in your home, there is a limit to the amount the insurance will cover. Standard homeowner policies include some coverage for jewelry and other valuables, but in some cases it is much less than the items actual value.

To protect yourself and your valuables there are two ways you can increase your insurance coverage:

1. Add a Floater Policy: Itemize or schedule each piece of jewelry you own on a Floater Policy. You may have to have the items appraised by a professional in order to prove the item’s value. Having each piece itemized will probably raise your insurance premium, but will give you the peace of mind that if something happens to your valuables, you are protected. This includes losing the item, theft of the item and other unexpected incidents.

2. Raise the Liability Limit: Explain to your insurance agency that you have valuable items and you would like to raise your homeowners entire liability amount. Your premium will increase some, but not as much as scheduling each piece individually on a floater policy. One downside of raising the liability is that there still may be a limit of the coverage in individual items. For example if a ring is appraised at $5,000, the amount of coverage may only be $2,500.

For specifics and how to find an appraiser, contact Curtis Miller Insurance serving Parkersburg, WV.

Do I need commercial insurance yet?

Posted on June 6, 2017May 23, 2017 by agentinsure

Just starting a new business? Here’s what you need to consider before calling Curtis Miller Insurance:

Do you have investors?

If you’re starting a small business in a home office in Parkersburg, WV, you might not need commercial insurance just yet. But, if you’re going into a new venture with some insurers who have helped you to build your storefront or rent some office space, then commercial insurance is a must to ensure that you’re covered and not left paying your investors out of pocket should something go wrong.

Can you pay for damages out of pocket?

Some businesses have very low overhead. If your whole business is a camera and a laptop and you get to work in your personal car, commercial insurance might not be a requirement until you upgrade to a studio and a company car. If you’re primarily selling your abilities as a freelancer, then the real goods are the years you spent training and learning your craft.

Do you have a physical location?

If the answer to this is yes, and the physical location is not covered by your home insurance, then it’s time to look into commercial coverage. Commercial insurance is intended to cover all the physical assets involved in your work, so if you have some valuable physical assets, and they’re not covered by any insurance policy you’re already holding, then it’s time to give Curtis Miller Insurance a call.

The good news is that commercial insurance in Parkersburg, WV isn’t as pricey as you might expect. Get a quote and see for yourself. Not everyone who runs a business needs a commercial policy, but if you do, you don’t want to go a day without it.

The Takata Airbag Recall Notice and What It Means to You

Posted on May 23, 2017May 23, 2017 by agentinsure

Whether you reside on the east coast of the United States or the west coast or in Parkersburg, WV you are right in the mix of the Takata Airbag recall. If it hasn’t affected you directly, you know someone who has been affected. Whether your car is domestic or an import, you may find it on the recall list.

What Does the Recall Mean to You?

This recall has been called the largest and most complex recall in American history by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In short, the recall involves the driver side and passenger side airbags of cars who house Takata airbags. The car manufacturers involved include:

Ford
Toyota
Mazda
BMW
Chrysler
Ferrari
GM
Honda
Jaguar
Land Rover
Mercedes-Benz
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Volkswagen
Subaru

It is imperative that you look up the specific vehicles that are affected by this recall. Due to the chemical components of used in the inflator device of the airbag, shards of metal explode from the airbag upon deployment. These shards have gone into the bodies of passengers and drivers of the defective vehicles causing injury and death.

Taking care of the recall as soon as you are notified is the safest way to go. Retain a copy of the repair for your records. It will come in handy when you are ready to sell the vehicle. The most recent fatality recorded as a result of the defective Takata airbag did not have the airbag repaired. It means everything to be on top of this airbag issue for yourself and loved ones.

Give the agents at Curtis Miller Insurance a call today at 304-485-6431 to find out more about making your car insurance relationship run smoothly with the rest of your life.

Trampolines, Swimming Pools, and Play Sets — Oh, My!

Posted on April 19, 2017April 15, 2017 by agentinsure

Many childhood dreams include jumping on trampolines, swimming on hot summer days, and climbing play sets with friends. As adults, it’s great to have an area to send the kids to burn off energy in the privacy of your own yard. Residents of Parkersburg, WV can rely on Curtis Miller Insurance to help them navigate proper insurance coverage for their play areas.

Does my home insurance policy cover my play area?

The only way to find out is to ask. Insurance companies have different requirements for covering trampolines and swimming pools. Some companies have no exclusions, meaning your regular homeowner’s insurance has adequate liability coverage to handle injuries if you are found legally liable for the medical bills. The next step up is coverage with specific safety precautions. Things like fences with child-proof/locked gates surrounding either the whole yard or the specific equipment may be required. Trampolines may have to have a net enclosure. There are a few agencies that will not provide coverage at all if a trampoline is brought onto the property and it can result in non-renewal of your policy. The best thing you can do is talk to your agent at Curtis Miller Insurance to determine whether your current policy is sufficient before installing new play equipment.

Is it necessary to notify my agent if I get new play equipment?

The best thing you can do is talk to your agent at Curtis Miller Insurance to determine whether your current policy is sufficient before installing new play equipment in Parkersburg, WV. You may want to review current liability limits even if your policy does cover trampolines, pools, and play sets. A great time to do this is before installation in your yard. It’s amazing how quickly an injury can occur.

Will my regular home insurance be enough?

If you are unsure whether your policy limits will be enough, check into the possibility of an umbrella policy to provide coverage beyond the homeowner’s policy liability cap. Our agents can guide you on how to best protect your family, friends, and home from the legal ramifications of injury.

How Do My Pets Affect My Homeowner’s Insurance?

Posted on March 15, 2017April 15, 2017 by agentinsure

Love for your pets is natural since they are members of your family. The remaining objective when it comes to your pets can be difficult. It is the job of your insurance agent to inject some objectivity into the situation when discussing home insurance needs. Curtis Miller Insurance can answer questions about pets and liability for the residents of Parkersburg, WV.

Dogs

Dogs are the pets that most often affect home insurance. Be aware that breed and prior actions of the animal may impact cost and coverage requirements.

Keep your dog’s license current. If your dog is over three months old, you must obtain a license by January 1st every year. The annual fee is discounted for animals that are spayed and neutered.

Take responsibility and action if your dog has a history of aggressive behavior. If your dog is labeled a dangerous dog by the courts, it means they have attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation and caused injury or death. You are required to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance coverage in the Commonwealth. Any dangerous dog must be safely contained and is required to be muzzled if it is taken out into the public.

Police dogs, guide dogs for the blind, deaf, and handicapped, and farm dogs (depending on circumstances) are exempt. If a person is attacked while trespassing or after provoking the dog, you should be protected. Check with your agent to be sure.

Exotic and Non-Traditional Pets

Any damage caused by pot-bellied pigs and farm pets is usually covered under your liability policy, but you will want to double check with your agent. Exotic animals could be different. The type of animal can potentially affect the level and type of insurance you need.

Your agent at Curtis Miller Insurance can help you determine if your regular home insurance policy in Parkersburg, WV will be enough or if you will need additional coverage.

Do You Need Special Coverage if You Use Your Car For Work?

Posted on February 15, 2017April 15, 2017 by agentinsure

Your car is often the only way that you have to get to and from work and in some cases, you may need to use your car for business. In these cases, you need to approach your insurance a bit differently that you would with a personal auto policy. For those that are in the Parkersburg, WV area, the agents with Curtis Miller Insurance can help you find the policy that fits your needs.

In most cases, if you are using your car for business you are going to be covered on your own policy with no problems. The real issue lies in how much you use your car for work. If you used your car one day last year for a work related venture, you do not need special insurance. If you used your car multiple times for work however, it may be beneficial to look into a commercial or business auto insurance policy.

Some companies do offer an option on your normal policy where you can cover your car for work related use but this varies from insurance company to insurance company. You should take the time to read the fine print of your policy carefully so that you can determine just what your policy covers.

In many cases, you are not going to have to use your car for work but in some cases, if you are using it for work you may be covered on your employer’s policy. In this type of instance, it is best to talk to an insurance professional that can help walk you through each and every step to make sure you are fully covered no matter what.

If you are in or around the Parkersburg, WV area, the agents with Curtis Miller Insurance can better explain just what you policy covers.

Do You Need Less Home Insurance?

Posted on January 31, 2017February 6, 2017 by agentinsure

Home insurance is something that should be tailored to each home and each policy holder and as such you might end up needing less coverage than you think you need. The best way to be sure you have the right coverage is to work with an agent to make sure your policy and your coverage is right for you. The agents with Curtis Miller Insurance can help those in the Parkersburg, WV area find the right coverage each and every time.

The main reason that someone might end up needing less home insurance than they currently have is depreciation of the home. Say for instance you took your home insurance policy out ten years ago. Since then your home has had a few repairs, has become out of date in regards to things like the kitchen and bathrooms, and your home is generally in not as great of a state as it was when the policy was taken out. Usually, this is not a huge issue and many homeowners choose to continue paying higher premiums to keep the same amount of coverage. For some, however, reporting depreciation can help you to have a lower monthly premium.

You might also have less contents also that would help to lower your monthly premium in regards to the amount of coverage you would need for home contents. You might also experience the need for less coverage if your home is not worth what it once was worth. It is important to have the correct amount of coverage for your home and having more coverage is better than not having enough. For those in the Parkersburg, WV area, the agents with Curtis Miller Insurance can help you find the proper coverage for your home and particular needs and coverages.

Top Tip to Prepare your Home for Winter

Posted on December 18, 2016February 18, 2017 by agentinsure

Winterizing your home is an important step you need to take as a homeowner. Winters in Parkersburg WV can be harsh and prepare your home is a necessary step you need to take to avoid damage to your home and potential claims against your home insurance policy.

Here are the top tips you should take to prepare your home for winter.

Clean Your Gutters

If your gutters are not cleaned before winter, you risk the blocked water freezing and seeping into your home causing water damage.

Examine Your Furnace

It is prudent to have your furnace serviced before winter. This will ensure it is working effectively. Also, you should change the air filter every month throughout winter which reduces the chance of a fire.

Wrap Pipes

A string of cold nights can increase the likelihood of a burst pipe. You can avoid costly homeowners claim by wrapping your pipes with insulation. Your insurance agent at Curtis Miller Insurance also recommends you turn off the water supply to your outside hose bibs. In addition to reducing the likelihood of a burst pipe, insulating pipes can save you between 4%-9% off your monthly energy bill.

Clean Your Chimney

Have a professional chimney company come and inspect and clean your chimney. Not only will this help improve its efficiency through the winter but it will make sure there are no buildups that can cause a fire in the house. Chimney companies get filled up quickly as the winter approaches so make a point to get an appointment on the books early in the season.

If you are interested in learning more about tips to keep your home free from damage, please feel free to reach out to us at Curtis Miller Insurance. We proudly service the Parkersburg, WV area.

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Author: agentinsure