If you are sued, and the legal and settlement costs exceed your conventional liability coverage, your savings and assets could be on the line. But if you have umbrella insurance, you don’t have to worry because this coverage takes over after the underlying coverage has been exhausted.

Regrettably, umbrella insurance is one of the most misaligned insurance policies. If you aren’t careful, your judgment may be clouded because of the misinformation about umbrella insurance. At Curtis Miller Insurance, we always want our clients to buy insurance policies when they have the correct information. You need to know four facts before purchasing umbrella insurance in Parkersburg, WV.

Fact#1: Umbrella isn’t as expensive as most people claim

You may have heard this many times — umbrella insurance is super expensive and out of reach for most people. The reality is that umbrella insurance is insanely affordable given the high coverage it gives you. Umbrella insurance is affordable because it picks off where the underlying coverage leaves off.

Fact#2: Umbrella insurance is ideal for anyone earning a livelihood

Most folks say that umbrella insurance is for the super-rich only. The reality is that this coverage is perfect for anyone with a livelihood. Since we are all at risk of lawsuits in America, you had better invest in umbrella insurance to safeguard your assets and savings.

Facts#3: Umbrella insurance isn’t offered as stand-alone insurance

Umbrella insurance doesn’t exist on its own — this coverage rides on other existing coverage policies, such as a boat, home, or business insurance.

Facts#4: Umbrella insurance is liability coverage

Because of its name, most people think that umbrella insurance covers them against all risks. The truth is that umbrella insurance covers you against liability claims. It protects you when third parties accuse you of bodily injury or property damage.

If you need to learn more about umbrella insurance in Parkersburg, WV, please contact Curtis Miller Insurance for more information.

Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence, and their injuries can be severe. This is why it’s important to have motorcycle insurance, which can help you cover the costs of medical expenses and other damages in the event of an accident. However, there are some myths about motorcycle insurance that can lead people to make uninformed decisions about whether or not to buy it. This article will debunk four of the most common myths about motorcycle insurance.

Myth 1: My health insurance will cover my medical expenses if I’m injured in a motorcycle accident

Reality: Health insurance policies vary widely in what they cover, and some do not include coverage for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Even if your health insurance policy does cover motorcycle accidents, you may still have to pay a deductible or co-payment.

Myth 2: I don’t need motorcycle insurance because I have car insurance

Reality: Motorcycle insurance and car insurance are two different types of insurance, and they provide different types of coverage. Your car insurance will not cover you if you’re in a motorcycle accident.

Myth 3: Motorcycle insurance is too expensive

Reality: The cost of motorcycle insurance depends on various factors, such as the type of bike you have, your riding history, and where you live. However, there are a variety of motorcycle insurance policies available, and you may be able to find one that fits your budget.

Myth 4: I don’t need motorcycle insurance because I’m a safe rider

Reality: Even the safest riders can get into accidents, and having motorcycle insurance can help protect you from the financial consequences of an accident, such as medical expenses and repair costs.

Get Motorcycle Insurance in Parkersburg, WV 

If you’re considering whether or not to buy motorcycle insurance, be sure to do your research and consult with an insurance agent from Curtis Miller Insurance to find the right policy for you. And don’t let myths about motorcycle insurance dissuade you from getting the coverage you need. Call us today for a free quote.

When you think about life insurance, maybe the first thing that comes to mind is death. But the truth is, life insurance is about much more than just death. It’s about protecting your family and ensuring their future security, no matter what happens. Here are a few ways life insurance can help you and your loved ones.

1. Provides Financial Security After Death

One of the biggest benefits life insurance provides is peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about what will happen if you die suddenly because your family will receive a payout from your life insurance policy. They can use it to cover financial burdens such as burial costs or ongoing bills. They can also use the money to pursue their dreams.

2. Helps Pay Off Debt in the Event of Death

Another benefit in the event of death is that your loved ones can use the payout to pay any debt, such as credit card or student loan balances. This can help ease their minds and lighten their financial burden after you’ve gone. If someone else took out a loan in your name, life insurance could also help cover the loss.

3. Fund College for Your Kids

Life insurance can provide money to help pay for your children’s college education. The payout amount will vary based on different factors, such as how many years you’ve been paying premiums and what type of policy you have. However, it could be a great way to give your children a head start in life and ensure their future is filled with opportunities.

Life insurance can help your family deal with financial issues that may arise due to death. Curtis Miller Insurance can help you find the right policy in Parkersburg, WV, for your needs and budget. Call us today to learn more.

Those living in the Parkersburg, WV area should consider purchasing and owning a home. While there are various benefits that come with being a property owner, there are risks too. Fortunately, many risks can be mitigated with insurance. An important form of insurance coverage that people here need to get is flood insurance, which can help protect against this risk. 

Insurance is Needed to Cover Home

A primary reason that those in this area will need flood insurance is to protect their home. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home, particularly if it is located in a flood zone. As the damage caused by a flood can be significant, getting flood insurance is a great option. With this support, you will know that you have coverage if your home is damaged in a flood. As many home insurance plans offer limited flood coverage, this makes the plan a necessity for some.

Coverage Required by Lenders

Those that are located within a designated flood zone are also going to need to carry flood insurance by their mortgage lenders. Any mortgage lender will require that their borrowers obtain proper coverage for their homes. If yours is located within a flood zone, this will also mean getting a proper flood insurance plan. Your lender is also likely to escrow your payments each month, which will ensure you do not fall behind on payments.

People that are in the Parkersburg, WV area need to ensure they get a proper flood insurance plan. As you are looking to get this coverage here, calling Curtis Miller Insurance is a great idea. The team with Curtis Miller Insurance can help you carefully evaluate all of your insurance options. This can help ensure you are able to choose a quality plan. 

As your business grows, your needs will change. This includes your insurance. To ensure you have the most comprehensive coverage in terms of commercial insurance, you need to conduct a yearly review. You can work with an agent at Curtis Miller Insurance, serving Parkersburg, WV, to ensure you move forward with the most appropriate protection. Here are a few things to consider as you work on renewing your business insurance.

Have You Moved?

Has your business recently moved to a new location? Maybe you’ve moved across town or out of your backyard shed and into a commercial space. Or maybe you have grown so much in the past year or so and needed to open another location. Whatever the case may be, moving locations warrants a closer look at the renewal time of your commercial insurance. This is true whether you have upsized, downsized, etc. 

Do You Have New Equipment?

Your business insurance premium is based on a number of different factors, which includes the kind of equipment you have. If outdated equipment has been replaced, or if you have added more equipment to your business, it is imperative that you inform your insurance agent. You may also want to consider investing in equipment breakdown coverage to protect you when your equipment fails.

Is There New Staff?

If the number of employees at your company has changed, or if the hours that each employee works has changed, there is a good chance that you need to update coverage for workers’ compensation. As a business owner, you must make sure that all of your employees have sufficient coverage in the event that there is an on-the-job injury. However, at the same time, you don’t want to pay for employees who are no longer with your company.

When it comes time to review your commercial insurance, it can pay off to spend the time to review any changes that have occurred to your business in the last year. For more information, contact the professional insurance agents at Curtis Miller Insurance, serving Parkersburg, WV.

As a business owner, your primary concern is to protect your business assets, which is why you need a commercial insurance policy. Buying commercial insurance protects you from financial losses in the event of an accident or a natural disaster. Commercial insurance is a combination of various coverages. For business owners in Parkersburg, WV, Curtis Miller Insurance ensures you will be protected against the possibility of liability and loss.

Mistakes To Avoid When Purchasing Commercial Insurance

Whether you are a small or large business owner, a commercial insurance policy is crucial and a requirement in most states. Most new business owners make some mistakes when buying commercial insurance policies, and in the long run, these mistakes threaten the financial safety of the business. The following are some of the key mistakes to avoid when buying an insurance policy for your business.

Buying coverage for the building only

It is very important to insure the building your business operates, but it’s equally important to insure the income generated in that building. A commercial insurance policy is meant to compensate you for income losses and physical damage to property if the building becomes unusable.

Choosing low premiums

When buying commercial insurance, most people choose policies with low premiums to save on money. In case of an accident, these low premiums aren’t enough to provide you with sufficient coverages and protect you from financial losses.  Low premium coverages lack important elements of coverage, which won’t be good for your business in the long run.

Not having the right information

When buying a commercial insurance policy, it’s important to do thorough research on the different plans and insurance companies. Be informed about the coverage involved, whether it covers theft, accidents, fraud, and third-party liability, and consult with reputable insurance agents.

When buying commercial insurance for your business, it is vital to assess all the liability risks if you are sued. Your company assets are worth a lot of money, and they should be protected with good liability coverage. The commercial insurance needs of every company vary and change over time, so consult with Curtis Miller Insurance serving Parkersburg, WV to avoid making these common mistakes.

Classic cars tend to carry both a monetary and sentimental value for their owners. Luckily, there is special auto insurance for classic cars. Unlike typical auto insurance, classic car insurance includes some unique stipulations. To ensure you are a bit more familiar with this type of coverage, Curtis Miller Insurance, an insurance company that serves the Parkersburg, WV area, shares a few things you should know ahead of your insurance purchase.

Classic Vehicle Status

Every insurance company has different specifications for what a classic vehicle is, but as a general rule, a vehicle is generally not considered a classic until it is at least a decade old.

Pre-Determined Value

Over time, a regular vehicle will depreciate over time, leaving you with less recompense if your vehicle is totaled in a collision. However, classic vehicles are covered up to a certain amount as long as they are covered under the policy. This limit can be adjusted if the vehicle increases in value. The value will be agreed upon by you and your insurance company and will be based on condition, market value, and the vehicle’s rarity.

Requirements for Storage

A car can suffer serious damage as a result of the elements, which is why most insurance companies will require that classic cars be stored in garages. Luckily, if your classic vehicle is kept in a garage or in another form of a storage facility and not used for a large portion of the year, you may be able to speak to the insurance company about a discount.

Limitations on Driving

Some insurance companies require that you drive your classic car a limited number of miles each year. Some only allow classic cars to be driven to car shows and the like. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with these limitations ahead of time so you can follow the rules. Otherwise, a claim may be denied later on.

Curtis Miller Insurance, serving Parkersburg, WV, can help you insure your classic car. If you have questions or would like to get classic car insurance coverage, contact us today.

People all over the Parkersburg, WV area would benefit by owning their own homes. If you want to be a property owner here, having the right coverage for your home continues to be very important. One type of insurance that all people here need to consider having is flood coverage. You should get a flood insurance plan here for a few reasons.

Coverage Will Protect Home

An important reason for anyone to get a flood insurance plan is that the coverage will protect their home. If you are going to purchase a property, you will want to know that you can offset a variety of risks that could result in property damage. As flood damage can be significant, figuring out a way to mitigate this risk is important. A flood insurance plan will offer specific coverage to offset the risks that can come with flood damage.

Coverage is Often Required

If you live in an area of West Virginia that is in a flood zone, it is likely that you will also be required to carry this insurance. Most mortgage lenders are very aware of the risks that come with flood damage. If your home is considered to be at risk of flood damage, the lender will require that you maintain a flood insurance plan.

When you want to get a flood insurance plan in the Parkersburg, WV area, it is important that you speak with a professional that understands your needs and options. The team with Curtis Miller Insurance continues to be a great resource for anyone that wants this insurance. If you do call Curtis Miller Insurance, you can learn a lot about your various needs and options. This helps to ensure that you choose the best plan possible to protect your property. 

If you own a business, then you know that liability is a big deal. More importantly, enough liability coverage is critical. Curtis Miller Insurance serving the area of Parkersburg, WV can help you navigate your way around the right commercial liability insurance for your business.

Liability is when you are legally responsible for something. When it comes to business, this means that if someone falls over a rug while walking through your shop or factory or is hurt by one of your products, you may be legally liable for the expenses or damages incurred. When you consider liability coverage, think about the 3 Ps. People, places, and products

People

No matter what kind of business you run, on some level there will be other people involved – employees, suppliers, or customers. You need liability insurance for all three. In West Virginia, it is compulsory to have Worker’s Compensation, a type of liability insurance, even if you only have one employee.

Places

Factory, shop, or home office, or even the company vehicle. Are you covered if something unforeseen happens in one of these places and you are legally liable? For company vehicles, specifically, there is additional mandatory liability insurance.

Products

Any business will tell you that they design their products to be as safe as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents just happen. If someone has your product and something goes wrong, are you covered if a lawsuit is brought against you?

Take Action Now!

There is a range of commercial liability insurance options available. These range from general liability, all the way up to additional umbrella insurance. Liability is almost impossible to avoid these days. Do not put your livelihood at risk by remaining uninsured. Speak to Curtis Miller Insurance serving Parkersburg, WV today!

Because auto insurance isn’t free, you might ask why you need auto insurance. After all, you have stayed for years without filing a claim, yet you continue incurring annual premiums. Auto insurance, just like health or commercial insurance, is coverage you wish to have but never use. However, you will thank the insurance gods you had it when a disaster strikes.

If you have been having second thoughts about auto insurance, Curtis Miller Insurance, located in Parkersburg, WV, shares reasons why auto insurance is a must.

It’s mandatory

All motorists in West Virginia are required to carry auto insurance. It’s mandatory to include at least liability coverage in your auto insurance. Failure to have valid auto insurance may lead to license suspension, penalties, and possible jail time. 

It gives you peace of mind

When driving in West Virginia, the experience should be relaxing and stress-free. However, you can’t get this peace of mind without auto insurance. Car insurance keeps you calm, knowing that you, your car, and your family members are protected, regardless of the errors of other motorists.

It protects your asset

Whether your car is old or new, it’s precious to you. And just like any other invaluable asset, you need to protect it. While maintenance is part of the things you do to protect your car, auto insurance should be the other thing you shouldn’t forget when it comes to protecting your vehicle.

It covers medical expenses

Given that car accidents occur daily, it’s not uncommon to sustain auto injuries. Thankfully, auto insurance helps you cover medical expenses following a vehicle accident. While you may have health insurance, MedPay or PIP in your car insurance provides broader coverage. For instance, it covers funeral expenses and partial loss of income that the typical health insurance plan doesn’t cover. 

Buy auto insurance today!

If you would like to enjoy the above auto insurance benefits, it’s time to purchase coverage from Curtis Miller Insurance in Parkersburg, WV. Contact us today for an affordable quote.