The simple answer is yes.  Just like your auto, the state of West Virginia requires that you carry at least the minimum liability coverage on your bike.  The agents at Curtis Miller Insurance can help you get the coverage that you need.  Serving the Parkersburg, WV area, they can make recommendations on the types of coverage that you may need, beyond liability insurance, based on your travel habits and motorcycle usage.  For instance, weekend warriors need insurance on their bikes but the type and amount of coverage may differ from someone who uses their bike every day as their primary mode of transportation.  That’s where the advice from the agents at Curtis Miller Insurance is invaluable.

The state of West Virginia has two definitions for two-wheeled vehicles.  A ‘motorcycle’ is defined as a two-wheeled vehicle with a motor that is more than 55 cc.  These must be registered and covered by minimum liability insurance.  If the bike’s motor is 55 cc or less, the state generally considers these to be scooters or mopeds.  Generally, these bikes do not need to be registered or meet liability insurance standards.  If you have a moped or scooter, it is prudent to talk with your agent and local DMV to ensure that your bike is exempt from the state insurance requirements.

The agents at Curtis Miller Insurance are your partners.  They have worked with many residents in the Parkersburg, WV area and are ready to serve your insurance needs.  They may recommend coverage beyond the state-mandated liability insurance.  It is important to consider their advice and ask questions until you fully understand what is available to you.  Their team works to ensure that you are protected when you hit the open road.

Curtis Miller Insurance Parkersburg, WV is a full-service insurance agency.  While West Virginia (WV) law does not require boat insurance,  WV does require registration of the boat with the WV Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles.  After you pay the expenses for ann uninsured boating accident, you would wish you had insurance.

Home Owners Insurance

Homeowner’s Insurance is not a satisfactory replacement for boat insurance because the amount covered is typically less than the coverage of a boat insurance policy. There is no standard homeowners coverage plan for a boat.   Further, if there is homeowners insurance coverage, the boat must be damaged on the home owner’s property.

Boat Insurance

Boat insurance typically covers:

1.  Collision damage: Either boat repair or replacement. May need optional coverage for removing any boat wreckage.

2.  Bodily injury liability: Covers an individual with permission to use your boat, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and dock. Further, other structures or property and coverage if your boat caused damage to someone else’s boat.

3.  Comprehensive:  This involves any other type of injury to the boat including if the boat is damaged, stolen,  damaged other than a collision or vandalized.

4.  Any additional coverages: oil spills, accidents caused by those who are uninsured or underinsured and any personal property such as fishing gear.  The compensation is limited by the deductibles, policy limit,  replacement value based on agreement or actual cash value.

5.  The amount of insurance needed:  Factors in considering insured value is the age of the boat, its motor size,  type of boats such as a speedboat, a cruiser for pleasure or a houseboat.  Price of liability insurance based on all factors including personal injuries and related costs.

Curtis Miller Insurance Parkersburg, WV looks forward to interviewing you concerning all your insurance needs. Please call us!

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.