Protecting Your Investment with Home Insurance

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Your home is a significant financial investment. Protecting it with the right insurance is a safeguard should anything happen. If there is a fire or severe weather, your policy helps you to recover more quickly. It provides more benefits than that, though. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, our team works with homeowners throughout the Kingwood, WV area to protect their homes. 

Your homeowner’s insurance provides an array of benefits to protect your greatest asset, your home. The policy covers all of your possessions inside of the house, including artwork, furniture, and electronics. It even protects items that are damaged or stolen while away from home. For example, if your laptop is stolen while you are at the library or café, it is still covered. The liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property due to your negligence. For instance, if someone trips and is injured, the policy will cover their medical expenses. If they sue, it will also take care of their legal costs. 

Your home insurance policy protects more than your house. It also covers all structures on your property. This includes outbuildings, fences, and gazebos. While this is a high level of protection for homeowners, there is one thing that a home policy will not cover. Home policies never cover water damage from a flood event. It will, however, cover water damage from a faulty water heater or broken pipe. If your home is located in an area at moderate or high risk for flooding, it’s important to talk with your agent about adding flood insurance to your policy. Even in areas with a lower risk for flooding, some homeowners opt for additional coverage. This is because 20% of flood claims come from low-risk areas. 

Our agents at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia can help you understand your home insurance options. In the Kingwood, WV area, we are known for our quality service. Contact our office for information and have your questions answered! Our knowledgeable agents are ready to help you protect your investment in your home.

When is renters insurance a good idea for someone in West Virginia?

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Anyone that is in the Morgantown or Kingwood, WV area needs to make sure that they are adequately covered by insurance. When you are looking to move into a new rental property, one form of insurance coverage to get is renters insurance. There are several reasons why getting renters insurance is so important. 

When Looking to Protect Personal Assets

One situation when you should get a renters insurance policy is when you want to protect your personal assets. When you get this insurance coverage, it will provide you with coverage to replace your clothing, furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings if they were to get damaged during a fire or other form of damage. This could prove to be very beneficial in a variety of situations where you incur a loss.

Required by Lease

Another situation when you should get this form of insurance coverage is when your lease requires it. In many situations, a landlord in West Virginia will want to make sure that you have renters insurance. If you are required to have this per the terms of your lease, it is vital to stay adequately covered. If you do not have coverage, it could put you into violation and even default the agreement. 

Many advantages come when you acquire renters’ insurance. Since some complexities come with obtaining this form of insurance, contacting Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is a good idea for anyone in the Kingwood, WV area. When you contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, you will learn a lot more about how it can protect you. Based on this assessment, the team can also help you to pick a policy that provides you with the right coverage. 

3 Reasons to Add an Umbrella Insurance Policy

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If you live in or around the Kingwood, WV area, and you want to add to your level of protection and peace of mind, it may be time to consider an umbrella policy. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, we can help you find the policy that’s going to work for your needs and situation. You don’t have to settle for a policy that doesn’t give you enough coverage, or that leaves you worried about your level of protection. Instead, you can work with our trusted agents on a policy that’s right for you. Then you won’t need to worry about coverage limits any longer. Here are three of the main reasons you might want to add umbrella insurance to your coverage.

  1. You want to make sure you have adequate coverage that goes above and beyond your current policy limits.
  2. You have special circumstances, such as a celebrity or public figure status, that could put you at risk for unusual situations.
  3. You have a high level of assets that need more protection than average policies allow for. 

When you know you need more coverage, or you simply want to be better protected, an umbrella insurance policy can be the right choice. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, we can help with that. Our knowledgeable agents will give you plenty of great information, so you can get the help and support you’re looking for. Being an informed consumer is very important, especially when it comes to insurance policies. We want all of our clients in and around the Kingwood, WV area to have the kind of coverage they want, need, and feel good about. Reach out to us today, and let us help you find the umbrella policy you’re looking for.

Is flood insurance required in West Virginia?

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The Kingwood, WV area can be a great place to live and own property. If you do own real estate in this area, it is vital that you get the insurance that you need for it. One form of coverage that you may need to get could be flood insurance. There are several situations when having flood insurance will be a requirement for you. 

When In a Flood Zone

The first situation when you could be required to carry flood insurance is if you are in a flood zone. People all over the state of West Virginia could live in an area that FEMA considers to be at risk for flood damage. If you are in one of these zones, your mortgage lender will often be required to force you to carry flood insurance. 

Association Requirements

Another situation when you could be required to carry flood insurance is if you are in an area that has a home association. Community associations across the country want to make sure that property owners can rebuild their homes if they are damaged. When you get flood insurance, it will reduce the risk that your home will be damaged without any ability to restore it. Due to this, many associations located in flood zones do require that their property owners carry flood insurance at all times.

For those that are in the Kingwood, WV area, and need to get flood insurance to meet their requirements, contacting the team at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is a necessity. When you speak with the team at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, you will receive the guidance and support you need to choose a quality flood insurance policy. This will ensure that your home is adequately covered against this risk. Contact our office for more information.

3 Ways to Protect Your Company From Financial Loss

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The agents at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia provide commercial insurance coverage for business owners throughout the Morgantown and Kingwood, WV area. Each agent has valuable experience that allows them to evaluate your company’s needs and create a policy tailored just for you. They can also offer you advice on how to protect your business from financial loss.

Reduce Your Overall Liability

It’s essential that you reduce your overall liability. You can do this by keeping your floors dry and passageways clear of boxes and other debris. If something breaks, fix it promptly so that your risk of injury is kept to an absolute minimum.

Minimize Your Risk of Theft

Minimize your risk of theft by installing surveillance cameras. Teach employees what to watch for in terms of shoplifting. Keep your most expensive items in a locked case to reduce accessibility by the customers. It’s also important to maintain an accurate and ongoing inventory. 

Maintain Proper Insurance 

When you own a business, the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss is to have an adequate insurance policy in place. The right policy will protect you against liability claims, theft, and other situations that you may find yourself in as a business owner. 

Business owners in Kingwood, WV can always discuss their insurance needs with the agents of Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia. If you already have a commercial policy, it may be in your best interest to have it reviewed. Changes to your business that involve an increase in staff, the expansion of your facility, or significant downsizing will have a direct impact on your insurance needs. Call today to discuss your options.

Do You Need Comprehensive Coverage If You Have Collision Insurance?

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Many auto insurance companies have options when it comes to collision and comprehensive coverage. However, these options may not work for certain individuals. If you are financing a vehicle, you have to have both types of coverage in place, but if you own a vehicle, do you need both types?

Collision vs Comprehensive

Collision insurance protects the vehicle owner from expenses related to collisions. Comprehensive insurance covers all other types of damage and incidents such as theft, storm damage, and vandalism. It is recommended that you carry both types of insurance if you have a vehicle newer than 10 years of age, or have an older classic vehicle having substantial worth. In order to make the right choice, you should get assistance from one of the professional agents at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia. We proudly serve the drivers of Kingwood, WV and throughout the state, and can answer your questions and more. 

Getting The Right Coverage

Finding and obtaining the right level of insurance protection is tricky without the help of an insurance agent. You should reach out for assistance to ensure you get the right level of auto insurance protection to avoid gaps and other unfortunate issues related to inadequate coverage. Your insurance agent is a great tool to help you have peace of mind, no matter where you travel or where you park your vehicle. 

If you are looking for quality auto insurance, check out Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia and allow them to assist you with the selection process. We look forward to helping the residents of Kingwood, WV find solutions that offer protection.

How Homeowner’s Insurance Helps Protect You Against Liability Claims

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You work hard to protect your family, physically, and financially. However, do you know what your policy covers in terms of a liability claim? Our team at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia has put together a quick guide for you to review. Here’s how homeowner’s insurance coverage helps protect you against liability claims.

Protection Against Most Civil Liability Cases

First, it is essential to know that your policy has some protection against most civil liability cases. A civil liability case is where another person is suing you for damages that arise from your negligence or actions. This includes situations both in your home and outside your home and could cover a pretty wide variety of topics. Think things like contract disputes or defamation. If you find yourself facing a lawsuit and you have homeowner’s insurance, contact your agent.

Injuries to Others

One of the most commonly known aspects of homeowner’s insurance is that it pays for the medical bills of guests who are injured while visiting your home. For example, if your dog bites a visiting friend or the mailman trips over a cord on your porch and breaks their arm.

Property Damage to Someone Else’s House

Another coverage most people are surprised to see included in their homeowner’s policy coverage is damage to someone else’s house. As an example, your child accidentally throws a baseball through the neighbor’s window. The cost to repair the window would be paid for by your policy, subject to your deductible.

Learn more about how your homeowner’s insurance policy protects you from liability claims. Please get in touch with our Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia team in Kingwood, WV today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve the Morgantown and Kingwood, WV area.

Do You Need Renter’s Insurance?

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Do you need renter’s insurance? At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, in Kingwood, WV, we are happy to answer all your questions about renter’s insurance.

What is Renter’s Insurance

When you rent, your landlord is responsible for the home itself. Their insurance policy will generally cover structural damage. However, it will not cover your possessions. It won’t cover damages related to negligence either.

For example, you leave your door open, and your dog runs outside. Your dog bites the neighbor. This results in medical bills and them suing you for personal damages. Renter’s policies can cover your personal belongings as well as expenses that result from negligence. 

Renter’s Insurance Coverage

Renter’s insurance typically covers your personal belongings. However, most policies have a limit to how much they will cover for things like electronics and jewelry. If you have anything that is particularly valuable, you may need to add a personal article policy.

Liability coverage will cover any expenses resulting from negligence. However, it will not cover intentional damages. If you get angry with your neighbor and throw a rock through their window, your renter’s insurance will not cover that. If you are mowing your grass and a rock hits the window from the mower, it will cover that.

Many policies also cover loss of use. If your home is damaged and you have to live somewhere else temporarily, your renter’s policy will cover these expenses. 

Is It Necessary?

Renter’s Insurance is a good idea if:

  • You don’t have the cash to replace all your belongings
  • It would be a financial strain if you had to live somewhere else temporarily
  • You have resources or assets that you could lose in a negligence suit

If you would like to learn more about renter’s insurance in Kingwood, WV, contact us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia. We can help you choose renter’s insurance that fits your budget and offers the protection you need.

3 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

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Umbrella insurance can be a lifesaver for a business. Because of how it works, it can ensure that a catastrophic event won’t disable a business or cause it to experience a devastating financial loss. In Morgantown and Kingwood, WV, residents can turn to Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia if they need answers concerning umbrella insurance and what it covers.

Less Risk of Financial Loss

Having an umbrella insurance policy in place reduces the risk of financial loss a business may face if the unthinkable happens. When a company experiences a devastating event, it could result in the business not being able to recover. Umbrella insurance reduces that risk and protects your financial security.

Picks Up Where Traditional Coverage Leaves Off

If your liability insurance has a cap amount and you are ordered to pay compensation over and above that amount, your umbrella insurance policy will pick up where your other policy falls short. While this may not often happen, having that additional coverage may mean the difference between losing your investment and staying in business.

Added Sense of Security

Having an umbrella policy also gives you, as the business owner, an added sense of security. The protection it affords you can be a blessing, even though you may not have to use it very often.

Contact the agents of Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia today to find out how an umbrella insurance policy can protect your business from financial loss. If you live in Morgantown or Kingwood, WV, don’t delay! Call and set up an appointment to go over your existing commercial coverage and learn what adding an umbrella policy can do for you!

 

3 Tips for Buying Flood Insurance

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If you haven’t thought about flood insurance, now is the time. Flooding does happen in West Virginia due to inclement weather, but that’s not the only cause of flooding. Faulty pipes or an old roof can also cause property flooding. To protect yourself and your assets, it’s a good idea to purchase flood insurance to protect your home in Kingwood, Morgantown, or anywhere in the state. Read on to learn about tips for finding the right policy within your budget.

1. Bundle Your Policies

When you bundle all of your insurance policies under one company, you save money on your premiums. Combine your new flood insurance policy with your auto, life, home, umbrella, or other policies under one insurance provider. An agent from Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV can help you with this.

2. Compare Quotes

It’s recommended to compare several flood insurance quotes before making a decision. Go over the details carefully and have an insurance agent help you, so you don’t miss anything important. 

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

An experienced, reputable agent will help you find the right coverage at a cost you can afford. When it comes to protecting you, your family, and your assets, you need the proper coverage. Don’t try to do it on your own when agents are standing by to help.

To learn more about purchasing flood insurance for your property in West Virginia, contact the team at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV. We will answer all your questions and get you started on a quote for flood insurance.