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Curtis Miller Insurance Agency

1800 Blizzard Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26101

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Maintaining the Beauty of Your Classic Car

Automobiles are considered to be classic when they are over 20 years old and “younger” than 40 years old. There is something about owning and driving a classic car in Parkersburg, WV that can bring a smile to even the most disgruntled “car person”. Owning a classic car is somewhat of an important responsibility, not only will you need to contact Curtis Miller Insurance about insuring your “baby”, but you will be responsible for maintaining its beauty and keeping it running like it did when it rolled off the assembly line. Here are three tips to help you maintain the beauty of your classic car.

Use Only Quality Parts

Whether you are in the process of restoring a classic car or simply have to make routine repairs, it is important to use only quality parts. In some situations, using a sub-quality or incorrect part can affect the value as well as how the car runs. There are several options when it comes to buying classic car parts. For instance, searching your local junkyard may be the ideal place to find difficult to locate original parts. It’s also helpful to join a classic car club, which can yield you tons of advice from experienced classic car owners.

Washing and Waxing

Whether you have the original paint on your classic car or it has been repainted, it is important to maintain the exterior. It is important to use products that are safe for the paint and that will not scratch or damage the exterior. When washing and waxing your classic car, do not use products that contain bleach or harsh chemicals and only use a soft, clean cloth to dry and wax the car.

Maintain Fluids and Tires

One of the best ways to maintain the engine is by driving the car. This will help to keep all of the moving parts lubricated. Be sure to routinely check all fluids and keep them topped off, especially the oil. Tires should also be routinely checked to ensure they have the correct pressure and that there are no damages to the tires and/or the rims.

As soon as you take possession of a classic car, it is beneficial to research its history, which will give you an idea of how it was previously maintained. Also, don’t forget to contact your insurance provider about adding your classic car to your policy-even if it is only driven on occasion.

Residents of Parkersburg, WV interested in reviewing the current policy or upgrading their classic car insurance should contact Curtis Miller Insurance.

 

Top Reasons for Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim in WV

Having homeowners insurance from Curtis Miller Insurance can be a real life saver when the time calls for filing a claim for damage to your property or if a liability arises and you need coverage. If you live in Parkersburg, WV then you should get in touch with an agent regarding home insurance. Find out what the top reasons people are for filing a claim in West Virginia. 

Storm or Severe Weather Damages

Violent storms, challenging weather, and high winds are among the top reasons for filing a claim with a homeowners insurance company to repairs done at West Virginia homes that were covered. Some homeowners get flood protection, but that is a different type of policy. If you have questions about the difference, you can contact an agent at Curtis Miller Insurance to learn more. Be sure to assess damage from rain, snow, hail, wind, dust/debris, down trees or other damages from storms. 

Water Damage

Aside from floods, water can damage your home in more ways. Pipes can burst within the home and cause a lot of damage to your property, in which case a claim should be filed with your home insurance provider. Getting a sump pump installed can relieve problems with water associated with bad weather, drainage problems, backups or leaks at the home. 

Fire Damage

Fire damage remains among the top reasons for filing a homeowners insurance claim. Fire can have a disastrous impact on personal property and can destroy an entire home and its contents inside. The smoke can also do a lot of damage. Claims should be filed right away after a fire at your home. Do not wait. Get in touch with an agent to find out what type of coverage options are available for you in Parkersburg, WV. 

How To Protect Your Boat From Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes are huge cyclonic wind storms, which generate and rotate over the water and near shore. The very nature of a hurricane puts all things coastal in danger. Luckily, hurricane season is a fairly predictable time of year. Hurricanes tend to rear their head in the fall along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These two handy facts can help those who live or boat along the coast to prepare ahead of time for storm damage. 

Expect the Worst

Most people find themselves in a bad place with a hurricane because they have underestimated how bad the storm might be. People will refuse to evacuate or protect their belonging appropriately because they simply think the storm will veer away from them. If you are in the path of a hurricane or are under an evacuation notice, then you should most certainly take the notice seriously and follow all precautions you have been given. 

Get Your Boat to Safety

The best thing you can do to protect your boat during a hurricane is to evacuate the boat right along with yourself. If you are evacuating an area, then you should take the boat with you to a safer location. This is the best, tried and true way to avoid hurricane damage to your boat. If you cannot, or are not willing to do that, then you should consider boat storage. There are usually facilities available, especially in areas prone to hurricanes, that will accommodate your boat in a safe location for a rental fee. Although the fee may seem high, you must consider that it is cheaper than losing your boat. 

If you choose to leave your boat in the water during a hurricane, you can expect damage. Be sure that your boat is sufficiently covered by boat insurance to cover any damages. If you would like to learn more about boat insurance, contact Curtis Miller Insurance Parkersburg, WV. Remember, the best place for boats and people during a hurricane is safely evacuated. 

 

Does It Matter How You Park Your Car On the Street?

At Curtis Miller Insurance, agents are always ready to answer questions their clients may have about traffic laws in Parkersburg, WV. Certain traffic laws can be confusing, that’s why it is important to always ask questions. Many people don’t realize that in West Virginia, it is against the law to park a car on the opposite side of the street, facing the flow of traffic.

Go With the Flow

Whenever you park your car on the street, the right side of the vehicle should always be lined up with the right side of the curb. Never park facing into traffic. Parking so your car is facing traffic can lead to confusion on behalf of other drivers, increasing your risk of your vehicle being involved in an accident. This also holds true for one-way streets as well, at least in some areas.

Obey the Signs

Before you attempt to park on the street, always make sure to look for any signs that designate where you should park. There are certain areas that are designated as "loading zones" where people or goods can be picked up or dropped off. Certain areas have designated parking during specific times. Observing these rules will keep your vehicle safe and prevent you from collecting traffic tickets.

In Parkersburg, WV, residents can contact the agents of Curtis Miller Insurance if they have questions about their insurance policy or are looking to purchase new insurance. Call and schedule an appointment today. The agent will answer your questions and also help you figure out certain traffic laws that you may be unfamiliar with. It’s better to be well-informed than run the risk of getting a parking ticket. 

How Umbrella Insurance Can Protect Your Family

There are many unforeseen mishaps that can happen when hosting a party at your home. Your dog could end up biting the neighbor’s kid, a piece of your housing could fall and injure someone, or someone could injure themselves on your stairwell. What’s worse is that all parties who have been affected on your property could end up suing. Not only would you have to provide medical coverage for the affected parties, you would also have to cover legal fees. This could be incredibly costly and wipe out your finances just to ensure you don’t lose a court battle. This could detrimentally affect your family in many ways, including their financial future. Fortunately, there are preventive solutions available to help you avoid such a mishap.

Umbrella Insurance

You will need the right kind of insurance coverage to protect you from unforeseen incidents. Umbrella insurance covers your home and automobiles by providing an additional amount of coverage for any potential legal fees that may occur in the event of an accident. You can purchase umbrella insurance in increments depending on your net worth. This will ensure the proper amount of coverage depending on how much you own. This will mitigate costs in the event any legal action is taken against you on your property.

Protect Your Family with The Right Coverage

Your family could be at risk if your finances go down the drain due to a court battle. Whether it was your fault or not, these types of incidents can happen at any time. Curtis Miller Insurance is here to help you find the right umbrella insurance policy for your family. We service the Parkersburg, WV area and are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs. Don’t put your family at risk, make sure you have the right coverage today. Your finances are important for securing their future. 

Flood Insurance in Parkersburg, WV

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

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

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?

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

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. 

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