Do I need commercial insurance yet?

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

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.

What to Do When a Winter Storm is Heading Your Way

Posted on November 18, 2016January 23, 2017 by agentinsure

Winter storms are a part of life during this season. Whether you like it or not, they will come our way and you should do everything you can to prepare for them. There are some easy tricks to preparing for a winter storm in Parkersburg, WV. Use these tips the next time one is heading your way.

Get Food and Water

This may seem like it is an obvious thing to do but you would be surprised by how many people forget to do this. Make sure there is plenty of food and water for each person in the home for a few days. Also, when buying food, be sure to choose some options that do not have to be cooked just in case you lose power.

Get Salt

With winter storms come ice. The best way to naturally get rid of ice after a storm is by putting salt, sand, or cat litter on the pavement. You need to have this before the storm hits or you will be stranded without a way to get out until the ice melts on its own. Get enough for your driveway and any walkways around your home. You can put some out before the storm as well as after to help speed up the process.

Even with properly preparing for a winter storm, there is nothing better than having a good home insurance policy. You never know what can happen during a storm and you should protect your investment. Whether you already have one and want to be sure you are properly covered or you are looking to purchase a policy for the first time, we can help you with the process. Be sure to contact Curtis Miller Insurance serving Parkersburg, WV, for some quotes so you can be better protected.

How to Safeguard your Home before Traveling

Posted on October 13, 2016January 3, 2017 by agentinsure

Before traveling for the holidays, take time to safeguard your property. By taking precautions, you can avert problems with theft or damage to your property during your absence. Here are a few tips on how to keep your home safe while on holiday.

Mail/Lawn

Have a neighbor pick up your mail daily or request that your post office hold it during your absence to avoid having an overflow of letters in your mailbox. If you have a newspaper subscription, put it on hold during your travels.

For extended holidays, have someone mow the lawn or shovel snow from your driveway, depending on the season, to give the impression that someone is home.

Timers

Invest in timers to turn on lights, radio or TV during the evening so no one will suspect that you’re not home. Thieves are less likely to target a home that looks like it’s occupied. Unplug all appliances not on timers to minimize the risk of power surges causing an electrical fire.

Holiday Plans

Don’t advertise your travels to the public as you never know who’s listening. Share holiday plans with family, close friends or a trusted neighbor in private who can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone. Leave spare keys with someone you trust in case they need to get in the house due to an emergency during your absence.

Valuables

Lock up costly jewelry, important documents and other valuables in a safety deposit box or safe as an extra precaution against theft.

Home Insurance

Make sure you have adequate home insurance coverage to protect your property. Contact Curtis Miller Insurance, Parkersburg, WV, before traveling to discuss home insurance options. With the right insurance policy from Curtis Miller Insurance, you can travel in peace knowing your home in Parkersburg, WV, is well protected against any eventuality.

All You Must Do Before The First Leaf Falls!

Posted on September 22, 2016October 25, 2016 by agentinsure

Wait a Minute – It’s Too Late

Residents of Parkersberg, West Virginia already know it is way too late to start anything on your Autumn to-do list before the first leaf falls. The leaves, though many are still green have already begun to fall. Before they really get rolling, here is a check list of reminders of what we need to do to ready our homes for Fall. First and foremost on the list is protecting your loved ones by protection your home with appropriate insurance. The agents at the Curtis Miller Insurance Agency can take that item right off of your list so you can concetrate on other things.

Clear out Sprinkler Systems
Prepare Lawns For the Season. Stay committed to having a beautiful lawn all year by steady and responsible leaf removal. By raking and bagging your leaves you conserve environmental resources by saving natural gas energy. Your local home department store has all of the lawn treatment aids you will need to fortify your lawn for the fall and winter ahead so that your lawn will be back in business next spring.
Prepare Your Garage and/or Shed For the Season
As you put away your lawn furniture this fall, get all of your items on the ready for Winter. By organizing your shed in seasonal order you will have all of the items you need at hand for the seasons to come. It is no fun to be in a position where you are looking for your salt to spread and it sis tucked under your inflatable pool dinosaur.

The professional service you will receive from the dedicated staff at the Curtis Miller Insurance agency will render a comprehensive insurance portfolio for all of your insurance needs. If you are in the Parkersberg, West Virginia area or any of the surrounding areas that we servie please stop in our office to meet with us today.

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Curtis Miller Insurance Agency

Author: agentinsure