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Do You Need Flood Insurance If You Live Inland?

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If you’ve never experienced flooding in your home, it may be hard to imagine the kinds of damage it can cause. Your personal items may have severe damage, but your home’s construction materials may also be affected. Flood insurance was designed to help defray the costs of repair and restoration of your home after a flooding event. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we help our clients acquire flood insurance coverage that prevents expensive financial losses from inland flooding problems.

Some Inland Areas Are Prone To Local Flooding

The geographical features of the land can increase the risk for flooding of homes and businesses in inland areas. Low-lying communities may have flooding during periods of heavy spring and summer rains when the ground becomes saturated. The building of new communities in an area can change the topography of the ground, leading to increased flooding. Fast snowmelts can cause unexpected flooding. Nearby rivers or lakes may overflow their banks causing flooding in communities. Flooding can also occur when nearby dams or levees experience failure or overflow.

Your Flood Insurance Covers Many Items

Flood insurance will cover such building construction items as electrical and plumbing systems, furnaces, water heaters, carpeting, drywall, appliances and built-in features. In the home interior, your policy covers clothing, furniture, washers, dryers, electronic equipment, curtains and portable air conditioners. Without flood insurance, replacing and repairing these items would entail considerable expense.

Contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for Your Flood Insurance Needs

If you are unsure whether your property is vulnerable to flooding, our agents can answer your questions and provide detailed information about coverage. We offer many types of insurance products including auto, motorcycle, RV, home and commercial policies. Contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV for a no obligation on flood insurance that can help protect you from expensive losses caused by local flooding events.

Commercial insurance most businesses can benefit from

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When you own a business, many risks come along with it. Every business has particular risks, and getting a risk assessment can help identify your risks. Some risks are common to most businesses. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we will get to know you and your business and offer you the needed options. As an independent insurance agency, we provide more options.

Commercial Liability Insurance

One thing you can be pretty sure of as a business owner is that, at some point, you will be sued. It may be a customer, a vendor, or even an employee, but you will be hit with legal action. The legal expenses alone can sink a business, let alone a judgment against you. That makes having commercial liability insurance especially important for the financial health of your business. This is one area where you should not skimp and may even want to consider a business umbrella policy.

Commercial Property Insurance

This insurance protects the physical building where you do business and all the things you use to do business. It is vital even for those who rent their buildings. It will cover your inventory, office equipment, machines, raw materials, display units, tools, and anything else you use for business.

Commercial Auto Insurance

You should have commercial auto insurance if you own commercial vehicles or use your personal vehicle for business. Your personal auto insurance does not cover business use.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In West Virginia, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

For all your commercial insurance needs, contact the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia team in Kingwood, WV.

I Had A Car Accident. What Do I Need To Do?

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If you own or lease a car in Kingwood, WV, it’s crucial to protect yourself with appropriate auto insurance. Not only is it a legal requirement, but if you’re at fault in an accident, you’ll be responsible for damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles or property involved. West Virginia law mandates that drivers carry liability insurance coverage. If you have a car loan or are leasing a vehicle, your lender will require you to carry comprehensive coverage. Always keep a copy of your up-to-date insurance coverage information in your car. In the event of an accident or a traffic stop, you’ll be asked to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and state registration. Now that you’re prepared with the proper documentation, the team at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia recommends the following steps if you’re involved in an accident:

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

  • Stay calm and check if you or anyone else is injured.
  • Call 911 or law enforcement and report the accident immediately.
  • Cooperate with the police and answer any questions.
  • Request a police report and keep a copy for your insurance claim.
  • Take photos of the scene, damage to the vehicles, property, license plates, and any injuries.
  • Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, and phone number.
  • Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident.
  • Do not admit fault or blame the other driver.
  • Consider consulting with a lawyer for advice on next steps.

Contact Smith Insurance Agency Today

Being prepared is important in Kingwood, WV. Contact the experienced and friendly team at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia to secure the proper auto insurance coverage today.

The Importance of Reevaluating Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy in Kingwood, WV

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As a homeowner in Kingwood, WV, your investment with the proper homeowner’s insurance policy is essential. However, even after obtaining a traditional homeowner’s insurance, reviews are necessary to keep your coverage and ensure coverage of any repair or replacement needs and your home’s value. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, we can provide routine reevaluations of your insurance policies to ensure you’re adequately covered and not overpaying for your needs year-round.

The Importance of Reevaluations

Reevaluating your home’s insurance policy protects your investment in the unexpected event of a loss. It can also prevent you from overpaying for coverage you don’t need or no longer require. External factors, home improvement needs, and even life changes can cause your homeowner’s policy to become outdated, which is why routine evaluations are necessary.

Home Upgrades and Improvements

If you’re planning to renovate your basement, deck, or patio or even upgrade the HVAC system in your home, you may want to reevaluate your insurance policy. Without updating your policy, you risk having insufficient coverage if you require replacements or repair work in the future.

Weather Risks

Living in Kingwood, WV comes with weather-related risks. As these risks evolve, you’ll want to ensure your policy adequately covers damage that snowstorms, floods, or other natural disasters may cause.

Whether you’re a new homeowner in Kingwood, WV, or have lived in your home for many years, regularly reassessing and reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy is key to preventing financial losses. If you’re looking to protect your peace of mind and your investment in your home, we can help. To learn more about reviewing and safeguarding your homeowner’s insurance policy in Kingwood, WV, contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia today.

Coverage provided by renters insurance and do I need other coverage for my rental

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If you live in a rental, it is just as important that you have insurance to protect your possessions as if you are a homeowner. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we are an independent insurance agency, and we offer our customers the most choices and the best rates available. You may think you have complete rental insurance coverage, but you would be wrong.

Rental insurance provides some basic coverage: content coverage, liability coverage, and loss of use coverage. All of these are very important and do provide good coverage, but perhaps not complete coverage.

Flood Insurance

Renters insurance, like home insurance, does not cover damage due to flooding. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you need to purchase additional flood coverage to be protected. You can buy flood insurance for content only.

Excess Amounts of Electronics or Jewelry

The basic renter’s policy has a minimal amount of content coverage for jewelry and electronics. If you have some valuable pieces of either, you need to add a rider to your policy to protect the jewelry and electronics. You should get an appraisal of your jewelry so there will be no questions if you need to make a claim on your policy. Also, having sales slips for electronics helps.

Umbrella Coverage

Umbrella coverage is excess liability that takes over when you reach the limit of your original policy. It will cover both your rental and auto policy; if you are sued, it will help pay the judgment and the legal fees as well. It is an extra layer of protection that most people can benefit from.

Contact our Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia office in Kingwood, WV to discuss your insurance needs.

How wealthy do you have to be to need umbrella coverage?

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Why You Need an Umbrella Insurance Policy

Rich can be a relative term, especially regarding insurance coverage. Generally speaking, you definitely need an umbrella policy if your net worth exceeds $500,000. The policy covers you for large amounts beyond what you may already have on your home or auto policies. It is possible to be ordered to pay millions of dollars if you lose a major liability lawsuit. The more you have to lose, the more you need an umbrella insurance policy. Visit the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV to get all your insurance questions answered.

Protecting Your Future Wealth

For instance, if you have a large inheritance coming, you might consider umbrella protection. If you were ordered to pay, you would have to pay when you received the inheritance, no matter how much later it is. You could also want to protect the lottery or other gambling winnings you might win in the future. It not only protects what you have now, but it also protects what you may have in the future.

What Does an Umbrella Policy Cover?

The umbrella policy can also cover you for damage done by your dependent children. It can also protect you from losses due to slander, libel, defamation of character, and other things that you could possibly face a lawsuit over.

Cost and Risk Factors

Umbrella policies are not very expensive, and how likely you are to face such a lawsuit may also determine your risk. Regardless of your net worth, there are still risks. If you drive a lot, own a swimming pool, or have a dog, these are just a few things that increase your risk or exposure to large settlements if you were to be sued.

Is an Umbrella Policy Right for You?

To find out if an umbrella policy is right for you, regardless of your net worth, contact the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV to get the coverage you need.

Why You Need Both Home and Flood Insurance Policies

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Most home buyers understand that protecting their new home with home insurance is crucial. Lenders and others with a vested interest in your home will require it. However, many homeowners overlook the necessity of flood insurance, leaving their homes under-protected. To learn more about this essential insurance policy, contact us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV.

Home and Flood Insurance in West Virginia

Many opt out of a flood insurance policy, assuming their home insurance will cover all possible disasters, including floods. Unfortunately, that’s incorrect. Home insurance does not cover damage caused by floods and explicitly excludes it from its coverage. Therefore, it’s essential to have both a home and flood insurance policy to ensure maximum protection and peace of mind against potential disasters.

Flood Coverage and Flood Zones

Some homeowners forgo flood insurance because their homes aren’t in a designated flood zone. However, floods don’t exclusively occur within these zones. Living in a flood zone only means a higher probability of floods over a specific timeline. Flooding can happen anywhere; interestingly, approximately 20% of all flood claims come from homes not situated within flood zones.

Advantage of Flood Insurance in West Virginia

You may have home insurance, but without flood insurance, you remain vulnerable. To get started with this essential coverage, contact us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV.

Is Your Commercial Insurance Keeping Up With Your Business?

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The first few years of a new business can be frustrating and rewarding. We’ve all heard about the challenges of keeping a new business afloat for the first five years.

If you own a business in the Kingwood, WV, area or elsewhere in the state, Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia salutes you. You have battled your way to business establishment and have achieved some success.

At some point, your attention should turn to ensuring your insurance company keeps pace with your business.

Have you purchased additional equipment or inventory?

You may be at greater risk today than when you started your business. You may have more equipment, electronics, furniture, and inventory. Make sure you have sufficient coverage.

Are you covered adequately for injury-related liability claims?

An oversight, slip and fall, or employee mistake can lead to an expensive liability claim. Liability insurance will not only cover any financial judgment or settlement but also help with the associated legal expenses.

Have you added company vehicles?

If you have even added a single company vehicle, it can impact your business insurance coverage. Even when using personal cars for business purposes, it can place you at risk.

Did you purchase real property?

Many businesses start by renting their space and eventually purchase real estate as they mature. If this includes your business, make sure your commercial policy keeps pace.

Contact us for a review and price quote.

If you have yet to acquire business insurance or are looking to ensure it is kept up, contact us. Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia serves businesses in the Kingwood, WV, area. We will be happy to provide a no-obligation review and a price quote. Contact us to ensure your business insurance is kept up today.

Why You Should Check Auto Insurance Rates Annually

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One frequent question at the Smith Insurance Agency of Kingwood, WV, is how often drivers should check on auto insurance rates. How frequently is too often, and when is it not enough?

Many will seek out auto insurance quotes if they have recently had a bad experience with a provider or experienced a rate increase. Each of these situations is understandable. However, even if you are relatively satisfied, getting a car insurance quote every year or so can be beneficial. Here is why.

Rates Change

Insurance companies routinely alter rates. You may be able to find a more attractive rate this year.

Driving Records Change

You may have violations, citations, or even points expiring from your driving record. Comparing your rates can positively impact your rate.

Companies May Temporarily Lower Rates

Some car insurance rates may be temporarily lowered to attract new policyholders. You may fall into a desired group for a provider and be eligible for a lower rate.

You May Qualify For Discounts

You could now be eligible for discounts that weren’t previously available. You might qualify for a safe-driving discount, a good student discount, a discount for bundling, or more. Checking occasionally may end up benefiting you through lower premiums.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Simply put, you won’t know if lower rates are available unless you check each year.

Checking Rates is Easy

Comparing car insurance rates is easier than you might think. Not only is it simple to check rates, but changing providers is also straightforward. We can help you get a quote from Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia.

Stay on Top of Car Insurance Rates with Smith Insurance Agency

If you live in the Kingwood, WV area, we invite you to contact us at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for your no-cost, no-obligation auto insurance quote today. We may even be able to assist you in upgrading your coverage. Reach out to us, answer a few questions, and get started today.

Home Insurance for Homeowners Who Have Tenants and Roommates

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At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we know many homeowners opt to share their homes with roommates to lower their living expenses or help out folks who may prefer to live in a house rather than an apartment. No matter what brings roommates into your home, you may wonder if it will affect your home insurance or if your home insurance will cover your roommate’s belongings and liability expenses. To answer these questions, we’ll talk about what you can expect as a homeowner with roommates from your home insurance policy below. Since every home insurance policy differs, speaking to our insurance agents for more detailed information on this topic is important.

Does Home Insurance Cover a Roommate or Tenant’s Belongings?

If your home experiences a theft and your roommate’s belongings are stolen, you might wonder if you can submit a claim to your homeowner’s insurance for their stolen valuables. Unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies will probably not cover the roommate’s belongings. As a result, we recommend the roommate or tenant purchase renter’s insurance to cover those items and protect against liability.

What If You Don’t Live in the Home?

If you no longer use the house where the roommates or tenants live as a primary dwelling, homeowner’s insurance isn’t the appropriate policy for your situation. If you have another primary dwelling, you should get landlord’s insurance to protect yourself and the property. If you share a vacation home with roommates or tenants, second home insurance could be your best option. One of our insurance professionals can help you decide which insurance policy is right for your circumstances.

To protect your home, call our Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia team in Kingwood, WV.