What is a BOP – and Does Your Company Need One?

Posted on December 16, 2024December 13, 2024 by agentinsure

If you own a business in West Virginia, you understand that one of your responsibilities is to secure commercial insurance. If you’re based in the Parkersburg, WV area and have questions about your company’s commercial insurance needs, our agents at Curtis Miller Insurance are ready to meet with you to discuss our available insurance options. We’ve been serving commercial clients in your area since 1962.

What is a BOP – Does My Company Need One?

Many commercial insurance clients today find purchasing a BOP (Business Owners’ Policy) advantageous instead of buying separate commercial policies for liability, property, and business interruption insurance. Since these are the most frequently purchased commercial policies, they are combined into one unified policy. According to Investopedia, most BOP policies require businesses to meet specific criteria to qualify for their purchase.

The property portions of a BOP provide coverage specifically for events named in the policy guidelines (such as fire, explosion, or wind damage). This property portion may also cover items owned by a third party but kept in the custody of your company (for example, rented or leased computer or office equipment). The liability portion of these policies will cover your company’s liability for damage you may have allegedly inflicted on clients or collaborating companies.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

Whether you feel that a BOP is the right option for you or you might benefit from separate commercial policies, our agents can help you explore all your available options. Our team at Curtis Miller Insurance is an independent insurance company with a wide range of insurance options to offer you. Commercial clients in Parkersburg, WV, can trust our agency to meet their insurance needs. Call us for an appointment today to discuss our full range of commercial insurance options.

Benefits of Classic Car Insurance Over Standard Auto Insurance

Posted on November 15, 2024November 13, 2024 by agentinsure

If you own a classic car, you may be considering switching to classic car coverage from your standard auto insurance. There are several benefits to making this switch, so keep them in mind when you’re shopping around.

Restoration Coverage

One of the claims you can make on your classic car insurance is coverage for restoration projects. This is vital if you need to have specific body or engine work done, as it can get pricey for some cars since parts are hard to find.

Coverage for Spare Parts and Repair Shops

Regarding parts, classic car insurance allows you to get financial coverage for extra parts. Finding them can be difficult, so if you need something like classic tires, mirrors, or even mechanical parts, it’s a good idea to use this claim and get what you need. This coverage can also help you cover repair services done at specialty shops that are hard to find and more costly than a standard shop. You can choose to include both of these in your policy to have that financial assistance when needed.

Agreed Value Coverage

When you get classic car insurance, your insurance agent will meet with you to help you decide the value of your classic car. This can include the amount of money you’ve spent on the classic car and its value if you were to sell it to a collector. The agreed-upon value goes into effect so that you are adequately compensated in the event of an accident or damage done to the car that can’t be replaced.

If you own one or more classic cars and want to see what a policy covers, contact our team at Curtis Miller Insurance today to schedule a consultation and quote. We serve customers in and around the Parkersburg, WV, community.

Do You Need Flood Insurance on High Ground?

Posted on October 21, 2024October 11, 2024 by agentinsure

If your home is situated on high ground, such as on a hill or higher than the surrounding areas of your neighborhood, you might not consider flood insurance as a priority. However, it’s still worth considering this crucial type of policy. In the Parkersburg, WV area, you can contact us at Curtis Miller Insurance for assistance in finding and selecting the best coverage for your specific needs.

Flood Insurance: A Necessity Regardless of Location

Remember, flooding can occur anywhere it rains. While it’s less likely to happen if you’re on higher ground, it’s not impossible. Homes located in a flood plain generally require this type of insurance, and homes outside of that plain can opt for the coverage. Given the risk, albeit smaller, many homeowners choose to have flood coverage to provide additional protection for their homes.

Working with us allows you to get quotes from multiple insurers, and we’ll help you compare them to find the right one for your home. Whether you’re considering a policy for the first time or you already have one and are unsure about potential updates, having the right information is extremely important. Not only does the right insurance provide peace of mind, but having the appropriate protection for your home is crucial for its safety.

If you’re in the Parkersburg, WV area and seeking flood insurance, contact us today at Curtis Miller Insurance. We’re here to simplify the process of protecting your home and family by offering you policy options you can choose from and rely on. Then, you can get back to enjoying life in your home.

Three Types of Commercial Insurance You May Need for Your Business

Posted on September 23, 2024September 16, 2024 by agentinsure

As a business owner, you have to take a lot of steps to keep your business protected. One way to do this is to get the appropriate types of commercial insurance. You will need specific types of commercial policies that will depend on how your specific business is structured and what it sells. There are many different types of commercial insurance, so it’s good to know what you may need for your own business. To learn more about what you may need for protection, call us at Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV.

Cyber Insurance

Do you use a computer system at work? If so, you’re like most businesses today. And, like most businesses, you’re vulnerable to a data leak. When data leaks from a business, it can be very expensive to take care of. You may owe all of the people whose information was leaked, and you may have to take care of the computer system itself to fix the problem. Cyber insurance helps with this and can pay the expenses generated by the leak.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Does your business own a vehicle? If it does, it must be covered with a commercial auto insurance policy. You may be able to get a personal policy for it, but such a policy wouldn’t pay out for an accident that happens with a business-owned vehicle. Avoid this problem by getting the right policy.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

If your business has any number of employees, even if it’s just one, you need to have this type of insurance. It pays for the costs associated with work-related accidents or illnesses that an employee has. It’s never a good idea to go without this coverage, no matter your business type.

Get Commercial Insurance in Parkersburg, WV

Call us at Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV to ensure your business is covered.

Can Home Insurance Claims Really Be Denied If You Don’t Maintain Your Home?

Posted on August 30, 2024August 15, 2024 by agentinsure

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that claims can indeed be denied if proper maintenance isn’t upheld. At Curtis Miller Insurance, which provides insurance products in and around Parkersburg, WV, we want to help you understand why maintaining your home is crucial for ensuring your claims are honored.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Home insurance is designed to cover unexpected events, not issues caused by neglect. Regular maintenance helps prevent problems like leaks, mold, or structural damage. If an insurer finds that a lack of upkeep directly contributed to the damage, they might deny the claim. Keeping up with routine tasks like cleaning gutters, checking the roof, and servicing heating systems can save you from headaches.

Understanding Policy Terms

It’s vital to know the specifics of your policy. Most policies have clauses that require homeowners to maintain the property. Ignoring these terms can lead to denied claims. Understanding what’s expected can help you stay compliant and fully protected.

Protecting Your Investment

Your home is likely one of your most significant investments. Regular maintenance ensures your insurance remains valid and helps preserve property value. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving you money and stress.

Peace of Mind

Maintaining your home gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re doing your part to protect your property and investment. It ensures that your insurance works for you when you need it most.

For more guidance on maintaining your home and understanding your policy, contact Curtis Miller Insurance, serving the greater Parkersburg, WV, area. We’re here to help you navigate your coverage and keep your home safe.

Three Ways to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage

Posted on July 30, 2024July 16, 2024 by agentinsure

With temperatures rising and the sun shining longer throughout the day, you need to protect your car from sun damage. This means protecting your vehicle’s inside and outside, as sun damage can also extend inside the car. Use the tips below.

1. Park Inside or In The Shade

The first thing you should always do is park your vehicle inside if you have a garage or carport. If you can’t park your car inside a structure, you should opt for a shady structure beneath a tree or next to a building to keep the sun directly off your car. This keeps it from damaging the paint and the interior.

2. Use a Sun Shade

Even if parking in the shade or parking directly in the sun, you must have a sunshade on your car to protect the interior. Sun shades in the windshield will deflect the UV rays and reduce the heat inside your vehicle. This can keep interiors like leather from cracking and the color of fabric interiors from fading. You want to ensure you get a shade large enough for your windshield and will not fall throughout the day.

3. Keep Your Car Washed and Waxed

One of the best ways to protect your car is to keep it washed and dried when it is hot. The dirt and debris on your vehicle make it easy to crack from the sun. Once it’s clean, you should wax it or wax it yourself to add a layer of protection over the paint. This keeps the paint from bubbling or chipping from the sun when you park outside directly in the sunlight.

If you’re looking for an auto insurance policy in the Parkersburg, WV area, contact Curtis Miller Insurance today for more information.

Commercial insurance and unexpected losses

Posted on June 28, 2024June 13, 2024 by agentinsure

Businesses in Parkersburg, WV, and other cities expect to operate while making profits. However, sudden and unforeseen losses are also a reality in the business world. Contacting us at Curtis Miller Insurance is the best way to protect against these kinds of sudden losses. Here is a brief overview of a few ways commercial insurance helps when a business is suddenly in danger.

Unexpected property damage

Businesses may have physical buildings for workspaces or retail locations that can become damaged by severe weather or accidents. Inventory or products may also be damaged or contaminated and need to be discarded. Commercial insurance policies help cover the costs of replacements for these kinds of accidents.

Lawsuits and Liability

Businesses can be sued suddenly for several reasons, but they are often caught off guard by legal action. The risk of lawsuits can range from product liability cases to accidents caused by drivers to people being injured on business property. Lawsuits can also be very costly without commercial insurance coverage. Relevant commercial insurance coverage will help the company pay out damages to parties who have sued.

Business interruptions

Sudden emergencies and disasters can generally prevent a business from operating for days, weeks, or longer. These are commonly referred to as business interruptions. Commercial insurance can help cover costs such as rent and revenue losses if a business’s everyday operations are interrupted.

Commercial insurance is available in Parkersburg, WV

Our agents who represent Curtis Miller Insurance are available to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to set up a policy or ask questions about how insurance can help your business.

The Umbrella Insurance Claims Process: What You Need to Know

Posted on May 27, 2024May 15, 2024 by agentinsure

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but an umbrella insurance policy is an excellent preventative measure to protect you and your loved ones in unforeseen circumstances. This kind of policy is a lifesaver. It comes in handy when someone sues you for damages your standard policy, whether auto or homeowner insurance, doesn’t cover. Plus, tapping into it isn’t as complicated as you think. The claims process is as follows:

Contact your insurance company: It’s important you inform your insurance company as soon as an incident happens that might lead you to a claim.
Fill out a claim form: Your next step is to complete the form your insurance company provides and fill it in with your necessary personal information about the accident.
Gather and document evidence: Do your due diligence and find all the relevant information and evidence you need for your claim.
Talk to an insurance adjuster: After you file your paperwork, an insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss the claim details.
Claim approval and payment: After your claim is approved, umbrella insurance will cover the incurred costs, including legal fees.

It’s important to note that, typically, someone will file an umbrella insurance claim against you once the liability limits on your policies are exhausted. That’s why it’s important, more than ever, for you to read your umbrella insurance policy front to back. This will help you better understand your policy coverage, deductibles, and liability limits. If you live in Parkersburg, WV, and have more questions, contact our friendly and knowledgeable agents at Curtis Miller Insurance. We’re more than happy to provide guidance about your umbrella insurance or any other policies you have.

Motorcycle Insurance: Because You Can Never Be Too Safe on Two Wheels

Posted on April 26, 2024April 17, 2024 by agentinsure

For motorcycle enthusiasts, there are few sensations that match the thrill and freedom of the open road. Yet, that sense of liberation comes with a compromise – the physical vulnerability of riding. That’s why, here at Curtis Miller Insurance, we pride ourselves in ensuring bikers in the Parkersburg, WV area are adequately protected for their two-wheeled escapades.

Safety on Two Wheels: The Role of Insurance

The sheer joy of motorcycling stems from the rider’s unfiltered connection with their surroundings; it’s just you, your machine, and the expanses of the open road. However, that ultimate sense of freedom contrasts starkly with the potential consequences of accidents. The good news? With the appropriate insurance solutions, you can savor the thrill while cushioning the inherent risks.

Why the Right Insurance Matters

Even the most experienced of riders understand that the open road is unpredictable, and accidents, though unfortunate, are a part of the motorcycling landscape. The trick is not to allow the fear of what might happen to rob you of the pleasure of the ride. The right insurance coverage arms you with the protection you need and brings peace of mind – it’s your silent partner riding with you every mile.

Curtis Miller Insurance for Motorcycle Insurance Needs

If you reside in or around Parkersburg, WV, our dedicated team at Curtis Miller Insurance is ready to help ensure your protection on two wheels. Don’t remain exposed to risk; contact us today to discover the range of motorcycle insurance solutions we offer. Let’s keep you protected as you enjoy the ride!

Life insurance FAQs

Posted on March 15, 2024March 13, 2024 by agentinsure

At Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV, we help our customers find the right type and amount of life insurance to provide for their families. Our agency was founded in 1962, and we have the experience you need and require.

What is the difference between whole life and term life?

Both of these types of life insurance have a death benefit, but that is about all they have in common. Whole life insurance is just that—life insurance for your whole life. It earns dividends, and you can borrow from it if the need arises. Term life insurance has a term, usually 20 years when it is in effect. Ultimately, it goes away, and there is no cash value.

Can I have more than one beneficiary?

The choice of beneficiary is completely up to you. You can choose anyone you want, and more than one person is OK. You will be asked to assign each beneficiary a percentage of the benefit.

Can I buy life insurance without a physical?

Yes, you can buy life insurance without a physical, but probably not a large amount, and it will be more expensive than if you get a physical.

How much life insurance do I need?

There is no one answer to this question. Each person or family has different needs and requirements. You have to consider your personal financial situation when determining what amount of life insurance you need: your income, your number of family members, the age of your dependents, and how much of their support you want to provide. If you have a mortgage, that needs to be taken into account.

Contact our Parkersburg, WV office to discuss your life insurance coverage. Our agents at Curtis Miller Insurance will be there for you.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Curtis Miller Insurance Agency