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Curtis Miller Insurance Agency

1800 Blizzard Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26101

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What Are the Benefits of Having a Video Inventory?

Video inventories are becoming powerful tools that can help homeowners keep an accurate record of their valuables. This is an excellent way to recover your items if they are ever stolen or replace them if they are lost in a fire. The agents at Curtis Miller Insurance can show Parkersburg, WV residents how to accurately document their items with a video inventory.

Proof of Ownership

Having a video inventory that is time-stamped can be used to prove that you owned the item in question during a specific time period. While you may not have the receipt or the box that item came in, a video inventory that shows it among your other possessions is often all the proof that is needed.

Verification of Condition

When taking a video inventory, you can get close-up footage of existing damage or general wear and tear. You can also prove that an item has no damage whatsoever, depending on the situation. 

Record Important information

Another valuable benefit of having a video inventory is that you can capture images of each item’s serial numbers and other important information that is located on the device. You can also narrate the video and include any comments about the items being recorded. 

A copy of your video inventory should be given to your insurance agent. You should also keep a copy for yourself and store it in a safe place. The agents of Curtis Miller Insurance offer recommendations on how to perform a video inventory to their clients who live in or near Parkersburg, WV. Contact an agent today and set up a meeting to discuss your insurance needs and if a video inventory will be helpful.

3 Hidden Benefits of Auto Insurance

One of the most commonly used forms of insurance, auto insurance is mandatory for everyone who operates a vehicle on the open roads. If you are a resident of Parkersburg WV, the following is an overview of 3 hidden benefits of auto insurance.

Towing Charges

In a perfect world, none of us would ever have to call a tow truck. Unfortunately, in the real world, cars are unpredictable and you never know when you might need emergency roadside assistance. Luckily, many auto policies allow for an emergency towing option. Additionally, many policies offer to reimburse for towing charges (up to a certain amount). Be sure to find out what your options for towing are when you are signing up for your policy.

Engine Coverage

Although the engine is the literal lifeblood of the vehicle, many policies do not cover engines at all. However, there is an option to include coverage for your engine. This is great news for those who live in areas that experience frequent flooding and other things that can be detrimental to your engine as well as other parts of your vehicle.

Key Replacement

Not only is losing a car key frustrating, but it can also be costly. However, did you know that many companies will cover the cast of a key replacement? Simply call your auto insurance provider to find out if this applies to you.

Overall, for residents of Parkersburg, WV, learning about auto insurance does not have to be difficult. Simply contact your friends at Curtis Miller Insurance to get a quote and explore your policy options. Don’t be left driving in the dark, contact Curtis Miller Insurance today!

Insurance for Professional Service Providers: 5 Essential Policies to Protect Your Business

Insurance coverage is an essential part of protecting your Parkersburg, WV business. These policies from Curtis Miller Insurance keep your assets safe from a range of potential threats.

  • Commercial property. Even if you run your business from home, a commercial property policy is necessary. These contracts help you pay for damages to your property that could compromise your ability to earn a living.
  • Commercial liability. When a customer suffers an injury or loss related to your business, this coverage takes care of your legal fees and court-ordered costs. Professionals like doctors, massage therapists, and those who manufacture products need this coverage most. However, anyone who regularly deals with the public should consider liability protection.
  • Commercial auto. Whether you run a one-truck operation or command a fleet of delivery vehicles, commercial auto insurance provides protection against theft, accidents, and other vehicle-related problems.
  • Errors and omissions. Small paperwork mistakes can cost you big profits. An errors and omission policy helps you navigate problems that occur when your contracts, advertisements, and other written material are inadvertently inaccurate.
  • Worker’s compensation. In West Virginia, most employers are required to carry worker’s compensation coverage. These policies help pay for treatment and living expenses when employees are hurt on the job.

Depending on your business’ industry, size, and purpose, you may need additional coverage. Other common policies include:

  • Boiler and machinery.
  • Inland marine.
  • Ordinance or law.
  • Crime.
  • Builder’s risk.
  • Debris removal.

Talk to the experts at Curtis Miller Insurance for personalized guidance on your business insurance policies in the Parkersburg, WV area. We can help you understand which contracts best fit your goals, resources, and circumstances.

Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Legal Fees?

Umbrella insurance is an interesting animal. A lot of people are under the misconception that it’s “rich people” insurance. In reality, it’s the bridge between policies that can make sure you’re covered in areas that might escape your attention. The agents at Curtis Miller Insurance have noticed that too many people in Parkersburg, WV, are missing crucial coverage. They want to help clarify umbrella insurance so you can make informed decisions on your policies. Let’s start with that first question: does it cover legal fees?

Typically

Whenever we discuss insurance, we have to include this disclaimer: every insurance policy is unique and subject to its own specific contract rules. That said, many umbrella policies include coverage for legal fees. This can even be in addition to the liability limits named in the policy. Legal fees are one of the primary appeals of having an umbrella plan. So, always double check that your policy is worded this way, but it is not at all uncommon to find an umbrella policy that covers legal fees.

Broader Coverage

Perhaps the best part of umbrella insurance is that it’s designed to be broad. It isn’t necessarily limited to specific liabilities and legal fees. It can be extended to work internationally. It can cover all members of your household. Most importantly, it can cover instances that escape the limits of any other insurance. When you choose the right policy, your umbrella plan is the ultimate stopgap. Just remember that these are the details that will determine the final price of your policy.

Curtis Miller Insurance agents know the ins and outs of umbrella policies. If you want to explore possibilities and make sure you have exactly the right plan, let them help. They’ve been doing the same for residents of Parkersburg, WV, for a while. There’s no reason they shouldn’t help you too.

Top things you did not know about motorcycle insurance

When people purchase motorcycle insurance they are typically concerned with coverage for liability and collision coverage. However, motorcycle policies can be versatile and can offer many additional protections. If you live in the Parkersburg, WV area and would like to learn about the many coverages a motorcycle policy can offer, please reach out to an agent at  Curtis Miller Insurance.

One of the many tricks people do not know about motorcycle insurance is that can cover a wide range of vehicles including ATV’s, snowmobiles and scooters. Many insurance companies consider these leisure vehicles and will insure them under a motorcycle policy. Many car and homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude leisure vehicles so it is crucial to make sure you have coverage to protect you in the event of an accident.

As most riders know, the gear that you need to keep you safe and comfortable on a ride such as helmets, boots and riding leathers can be expensive. In the event, something happens to your equipment, your motorcycle insurance policy can help you replace the equipment.

If an accident causes you to have to stay a certain distance from home, your motorcycle policy may help with the cost of lodging, food, and transportation. This is typically an “extra coverage” that you will need to ask your insurance agent at Curtis Miller Insurance to include in your policy.

If you store your bike through the winter months your policy can provide “lay up” coverage. Lay up coverage will protect you against events that are more likely to happen while your motorcycle is in storage such as theft.

If you would like to learn more about motorcycle insurance and live in the Parkersburg, WV area, please feel free to reach out to us today!

Does Life Insurance Protect Home Belongings?

Residents of Parkersburg, WV may be interested in using their life insurance policies to protect their property or other elements of their home. We at Curtis Miller Insurance can help you understand whether this is possible and what you can do to protect your family with these policies.

Life Insurance Covers Loss of Income, Not Belongings

A life insurance policy is put into place to protect a family after the death of the policyholder. These policies do not come into play until after the person passes away, though, so an individual cannot use a life insurance policy to pay for damages to a home or their property.

However, they could create a payout plan designed to protect certain elements of their property, though these won’t be available until after their death. These payouts will be given to the beneficiary and provide them with cash to help protect their property.

How Payouts Can Protect Property

While life insurance can’t be used to cover liability or property damage, per se, the payout of a life insurance policy can be used in any way that the beneficiary sees fit. This technicality is important to understand because, in essence, an individual cannot use a life insurance policy, while alive, to pay for these damages.

However, if a person passes away and their policy pays out, the beneficiary can use this money to replace damaged goods or to pay a mortgage on a piece of property. The exact usage will all vary depending on what the individual who earned the policy wants to do with the money.

Understand Your Rights

The confusion between various types of life insurance and home property insurance may require a little help to better understand. So if you live in Parkersburg, WV and plan on buying life insurance, please contact us at Curtis Miller Insurance. We can help you better understand your policies and buy one that suits the needs of you and your family.

Is Flood Insurance a Necessity for Me?

When you own a home in the Parkersburg, WV area, you will be making a very big investment that needs to be properly protected. One of the best ways to do this today is through the use of a quality home insurance policy. However, there are some situations in which a base home insurance policy is not enough. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you might need to invest in an additional flood insurance policy. There are several situations in which getting a flood insurance policy is right for you.

Required by Loan

One situation in which you will need to get a flood insurance policy is if it is required under your loan agreement. If you live in an area that has been designated as a higher risk for flood zone, you undoubtedly will be required to carry flood insurance at all times. In many situations, the lender will also escrow the payments on a monthly basis to ensure your policy stays in place.

Not Included in Base Policy 

Even if you have not been required to carry flood insurance, it still is a good idea to have it if you have a higher level of risk. If you live near a body of water, you should speak with your insurance company to see if you have adequate flood insurance. If you do not, getting the additional flood insurance policy should be a necessity for you.

If you are in the Parkersburg, WV area and think that you might need to have flood insurance, you should reach out to the team at Curtis Miller Insurance. When you reach out to the professionals at Curtis Miller Insurance, you can receive more guidance and insight into whether or not you should be getting an additional flood insurance policy. 

Is Our Delivery Fleet Covered by Our Commercial Insurance Policy?

If you own a commercial endeavor that relies on your vehicles to get the job done, you will want to make sure that your fleet is protected. A typical commercial insurance policy will cover your property, inventory, and equipment, but it may not offer sufficient coverage for your vehicles. If you are in the greater Parkersburg, WV area and rely on your commercial vehicles for deliveries or other tasks that are vital to your success, it’s time to make sure that you’re needs are covered! The team at Curtis Miller Insurance can help you to secure the right policy for all of your commercial needs, including your fleet of business vehicles. 

Does Motor Fleet Insurance Make Sense for Your Company?

If you run a business that relies on vehicles to get your work done, you will likely need additional fleet coverage. Taxi and delivery services are just two examples of enterprises that need dependable and reliable vehicles to meet the needs of their customers and stay in business. If you have a number of different vehicles it may be more effective to take out a fleet policy rather than insuring each vehicle with a single policy. When it comes to comprehensive insurance that will keep you in business even in the event of an accident or another event, it is a smart idea to work with a professional insurance agent. Fleet insurance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are protecting your commercial assets, but this coverage may make more sense than you think.

Don’t delay in making sure that you have the commercial vehicle coverage that you need! If you are in the greater Parkersburg, WV area, call or stop by Curtis Miller Insurance today for a consultation.

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. 

  • Dairyland
  • Encova
  • Encova
  • Farmers & Mechanics
  • Hagerty
  • Motorists Mutual
  • Municipal Mutual
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • West Virginia National Auto Insurance