The US is a country of business. Many small businesses in the United States are home-based. Whether you have a business that you run from home or not, you should protect it. Commercial insurance is one of the best and most efficient means of protection. However, there is one question: Should you have business insurance as a home-based business owner?

The type of your business dictates what insurance you should get. For example, if you own a spa salon, your insurance will differ from a home-based accountant’s business coverage. 

Depending on your business type, your coverage protects you against fire, vandalism, property loss, and other risky things. It is also essential to have liability protection. It will help when your guest gets injured while visiting your business location. Your home business also provides liability protection, but it is usually insufficient. 

You may also have employees who work for your business. If you hire people to work for your business, you must ensure you have workers’ compensation insurance. Special coverage offers medical benefits and wage replacement if something happens to an employee at the workplace and they cannot work. 

Curtis Miller Insurance – Reliable And Trustworthy Insurance Company in West Virginia

Are you thinking about starting a home-based business? Or are you already running one? At Curtis Miller Insurance, we are ready to provide you with all the necessary information about business insurance for home-based businesses and help you find a perfect plan. We are happy to be able to help people in Parkersburg, WV, and nearby areas. 

For residents of Parkersburg, WV, our team of insurance professionals at Curtis Miller Insurance is happy to help you navigate classic car insurance. Even if you don’t have what you would consider a classic car, you may have a vehicle that qualifies for this type of coverage. Although you’ll have to look at your specific classic car coverage terms to see what kinds of cars they cover, there are some general rules for what sorts of automobiles fall under classic car coverage.

What Is Classic Car Insurance?

Classic car insurance refers to a type of coverage that differs from regular auto insurance policies in some ways while being similar to others. Essentially, if you have a vehicle like an antique car that you don’t drive as your primary vehicle, it’ll probably be possible to get it covered under this kind of policy. Some of the common things this policy covers include liability and covering a certain amount of replacing the car if it’s stolen. 

Does Classic Car Insurance Cover Exotic or Foreign Cars?

While every policy is unique, some may cover exotic and foreign vehicles. You’ll have to speak with one of our professional insurance agents to see if your specific car would qualify for this type of coverage. Still, many exotic cars and luxury vehicles like foreign cars qualify for this coverage as long as they aren’t used as the primary vehicle and meet other conditions.

Contact Curtis Miller Insurance

To be sure of what classic car insurance covers for exotic and foreign cars, it’s best to review your policy. If you don’t already have a policy, we can help! For more information about our classic car policies in Parkersburg, WV, call our team at Curtis Miller Insurance today!

Regarding flood insurance in Parkersburg, WV, Curtis Miller Insurance is your go-to company for all your most crucial needs. The importance of safeguarding your most pivotal investments cannot be overstated. That’s why this guide is here to help you learn more about how to navigate these policies and find the one that is best for your needs.

Isn’t Flood Insurance Included With My Homeowner’s Policy?

Whether you have obtained a homeowner’s insurance policy or you already have renters’ insurance, there is no guarantee that flood insurance will be included. It is not going to be part of the equation in the majority of instances. Everyone’s risk variables are different, and a policy must be chosen to reflect their specific reality.

When Should a Policy Be Purchased?

As soon as possible. In the state of West Virginia, various waiting periods will need to take place. The homeowner must move as quickly as possible to obtain a policy. Be sure to speak with an insurance representative before making any decisions so that you are fully aware of any potential waiting periods.

What Variables Will Affect My Policy?

Before recommending a specific policy, Curtis Miller Insurance agents will walk each client through the necessary variables. The flood map is the first piece of information that factors in the equation, and from there, the specific geographic factors that affect each property are taken into account. Counties with a higher flooding occurrence are discussed in depth so the client is fully prepared to make the correct decision.

Do you have any additional concerns about a potential flood insurance policy in Parkersburg, WV? If so, please schedule a helpful consultant with Curtis Miller Insurance. Our team of professionals is more than happy to help!

Business owners regularly assume risk. However, most control their risk with insurance to meet their legal and contractual obligations and fit their comfort level in accepting exposure. One risk some businesses fail to protect against is commercial vehicle insurance, incorrectly relying on their personal insurance coverage. To avoid this and other commercial insurance mistakes, allow our Curtis Miller Insurance team, serving Parkersburg, WV, to create a commercial vehicle insurance plan to meet your business’s needs.

Commercial Versus Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Small businesses come in many shapes and sizes, and their insurance needs vary based on the business type, the number of employees, and whether motor vehicles are used in the business. Business owners generally recognize that operating a business brings risks, so they acquire Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Commercial Property, and similar coverages.

Many businesses also acquire a form of commercial insurance targeted at vehicles:

• Owned by the company or driven for work purposes
• That transport goods, tools, or people for work

Small business owners and those operating passenger vehicles only sometimes fail to acquire commercial vehicle insurance, believing their personal insurance policies adequately cover their personal vehicles when used for business purposes. However, only commercial vehicle policies provide that coverage.

If you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, you should acquire commercial vehicle insurance to fully protect yourself and your business. Don’t learn after the fact that your personal policy does not provide adequate protection.

Working with Curtis Miller Insurance

Curtis Miller Insurance proudly serves Parkersburg, WV’s personal and business communities. Our experience with commercial insurance ensures your policies will protect your business and livelihood. Drop by or call us today to review your commercial insurance needs and options.

The agents at Curtis Miller Insurance serving the Parkersburg, WV area know that if you are a business owner in West Virginia, you may wonder whether commercial insurance is mandatory for your company or small business. While West Virginia doesn’t have a specific law that requires all businesses to carry commercial insurance, it’s still highly recommended and, in many cases, necessary.

Remember that all drivers in West Virginia must have at least a liability auto insurance policy to drive on public roads legally. This includes any vehicles that are driven for your business or owned by your company.

Workers’ compensation also falls under commercial insurance, so you may want a workers’ compensation policy if you have employees working for you.

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

If your business suffers a fire, an act of vandalism, or a natural disaster and your products are damaged or destroyed; commercial insurance will come in handy. It can help you replace lost items so that you can continue your business and make a living. Commercial insurance can also help protect you if someone files a lawsuit against you if they fall or are injured at your company. Commercial insurance also covers stolen items, which often happens if you own a store or other retail establishment.

Regarding commercial insurance, it is better to be safe than sorry. This means that you should not wait until some catastrophe happens that affects your business and your livelihood to find out you should have had a commercial insurance policy in the first place.

Contact Curtis Miller Insurance

To create the best commercial insurance policy for you and your business, contact the trustworthy and experienced commercial insurance agents at Curtis Miller Insurance serving the Parkersburg, WV area today to get your policy started!

Proper personal insurance plans and coverage in the Parkersburg, WV area is critical. One type of coverage all people here should consider getting is umbrella insurance. This personal liability insurance plan offers coverage for some unique situations and scenarios.

Very Serious Accidents

One type of coverage you will receive with an umbrella insurance plan is for very serious or catastrophic accidents. While you can have coverage for accidents through the home and auto plans, there are policy caps that can be exceeded if the accident is bad enough. If you have umbrella coverage, it will give support on top of your other insurance plans.

Dog Bites

A dog can be a beloved pet in your home. However, they are still animals that can react the wrong way and possibly bite someone. If this occurs, you will be held liable for injuries, medical bills, and other expenses sustained by the other party. An umbrella plan can help to protect someone against this risk.

Slander and Libel

If you say, write, or post something negative and inaccurate about another person or business, you can be liable for reputational damage. Having the right umbrella plan will provide you with slander and libel insurance coverage to mitigate these risks.

An umbrella insurance plan is a smart idea for anyone in the Parkersburg, WV area. If you are looking to purchase a new umbrella insurance plan, our team at Curtis Miller Insurance will provide customized guidance to ensure you remain adequately covered. 

As beautiful as Parkersburg, WV can be, we all know how quickly the weather can change. The bright sunshine can quickly turn into thunderstorms with heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. As a motorcycle rider, you must consider the weather forecast and plan your ride accordingly. Curtis Miller Insurance wants you to stay safe, so here are some friendly tips.

1. Check the Weather Forecast: Obvious advice, but still good.
2. Take Shelter: If you are already on the road and cannot avoid a thunderstorm, try to find a safe place to take shelter until the storm passes. If there is no shelter nearby, park your motorcycle on the side of the road and wait for the storm to pass. Do not continue riding in the storm, which can be very hazardous.
3. Slow Down: If you cannot escape the rain, slow down and reduce your speed. The roads will likely be wet and slippery, making it harder to control your motorcycle.
4. Wear Proper Gear: Wearing the right gear can help protect you from rain and lightning. Make sure you wear a waterproof jacket and pants to keep you dry. Wear a helmet and gloves to protect your head and hands.
5. Be Visible: During a thunderstorm, visibility can be poor, making it harder for other drivers to see you. To stay visible, turn on your headlights and taillights, even during the day. Reflective clothing can also make it easier to see you.

Biking around Parkersburg, WV can be dangerous in bad weather. Pay attention to the weather forecast, find shelter if possible, slow down, wear proper gear, and be visible. At Curtis Miller Insurance, we care about your safety and hope these tips will help you stay safe on the road.

At Curtis Miller Insurance, we proudly provide life insurance policies to individuals residing in the greater Parkersburg, WV region. We are often asked questions about life insurance by those interested in purchasing a policy. A couple of the questions we are asked include whether a minor can be named as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy and what happens if the child is a minor when you pass away. We invite you to read on to find out the answers to these questions. 

Can a Minor Be Named As a Beneficiary On Your Life Insurance Policy? 

Legally, a minor can be named a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. However, the insurance company cannot legally release life insurance funds to a minor. 

What Happens If You Name a Minor As a Beneficiary On Your Life Insurance Policy?

If you name a minor as your beneficiary and pass away before the child becomes an adult, a court-appointed adult will likely be given the money. In most cases, this is the other parent for your child or their legal guardian. Unfortunately, suppose you leave the money to a child as a beneficiary. In that case, you have no say in who the court may name as the court-appointed adult to release the life insurance money. 

Many individuals want to leave their life insurance to their children. However, if your child is a minor, it may be wise to name someone else as a beneficiary to keep the courts out of it. Here at Curtis Miller Insurance, serving the greater Parkersburg, WV region, we are here to answer any questions about life insurance or help you purchase a policy. Contact us if you are interested in obtaining a life insurance policy. 

Natural disasters, like floods, can cause serious damage to your home. If a flood damages your home, you may wonder if your flood insurance covers temporary living expenses. The answer depends on the type of policy you have. Let’s look at what types of coverage are available and why contacting Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV is important for the right policy. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover? 

Flood insurance policies cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home after a flood. This includes the cost of materials and labor needed to restore your home. However, the standard policy does not cover temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired. 

What Is Not Covered? 

A standard flood insurance policy will not cover any damage caused by mold or other pollutants, nor will it cover costs related to temporary housing or relocation expenses. At the same time, repairs are being made to your home. This additional coverage is available, however. If this interests you, it is important to speak with one of our experienced insurance agents, who can explain all of your options and help you find coverage that meets all your needs.       

Contact Us Today

When it comes to protecting yourself against flooding damage, having adequate flood insurance coverage is essential – especially if you want coverage for temporary living expenses while repairs are being made on your home. To ensure you get the right policy for your needs and budget, contact Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV today! Our knowledgeable agents will help you get a customized plan that gives you peace of mind and financial protection should disaster strike.

A business in the Parkersburg, WV area will benefit from the strong local economy and variety of amenities that can help build a business. No matter what business, getting commercial insurance is a good option. There are various reasons you should obtain this coverage. 

Cover Company Assets

A great reason any business gets commercial coverage is to cover company assets. A growing business today will rely heavily on any assets they acquire. These can include inventory, equipment, office items, and computers. If these are lost due to a fire or theft, the impact can be significant. A commercial insurance plan gives the coverage needed to replace these items.

Reduce Risk of Liability

Getting commercial coverage to reduce your liability risk is also a good idea. Businesses today will always take on commercial liability risks. If you are found liable for damages incurred by another party, it can be a significant financial strain. If adequately insured, you will have coverage to offset this risk.

Comply with Requirements

Businesses should also always have commercial coverage to ensure they comply with any requirements. Today’s business will require lenders, investors, vendors, and various other parties to carry insurance. If you maintain this coverage, you will stay in good standing with such obligations. 

When you want to protect your business in the Parkersburg, WV area, it would be smart to get a commercial policy. Curtis Miller Insurance is a great company to call when looking for this insurance. The team with Curtis Miller Insurance offers all the support you need to identify risks and build a plan that mitigates them as well as possible.