Why Every Homeowner Needs Home Insurance

Owning a home comes with many important responsibilities, and carrying a home insurance policy is one of those. This insurance type protects you in several ways, all of which are essential protections for you to have. If you need a home policy, give us a call now at Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI.

Protection Against Damage

Protection for the actual home is vital to have, and this protection is included in home insurance. Should your home be damaged or destroyed by an event covered by the policy, your policy will pay for the rebuilding or repairs. This would be prohibitively expensive for most people to pay for on their own, making home insurance a must. This can save you from financial ruin and loss of the value of your home. 

Coverage for Your Belongings

Another coverage type that you get with these policies is possessions protection. It protects everything inside your home so that the policy can pay for them to be replaced. This is essential coverage because of the expense of replacing a whole room, or a whole house, with items from your pocket. Imagine everything being ruined and how much it would cost for you to replace it all. 

Protection Against Liability

When you are a homeowner, you are generally liable for whatever happens on your property. This includes any accidents that people have. If a third party were to come onto your property or in your house and have an accident, those injuries could cost a lot to treat. You would be liable for paying them. With home insurance, those bills are covered so that you won’t have to pay them. 

Get Covered by Home Insurance

If you own a home and haven’t yet gotten a home policy or are about to buy a home, find out more by calling us at Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI.

My car is only 15 years old. Am I eligible for classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is often a misunderstood or unfamiliar form of car insurance for many people. There may be many misconceptions about what it is and what makes a car eligible for this type of coverage. Simply owning an old car doesn’t necessarily make you eligible for classic car insurance. Our team at  Agency Advantage Insurance understands that many West Bloomfield MI residents may be confused about this form of insurance. As a result, we’re committed to educating West Bloomfield, MI residents about classic car insurance. 

What is Classic Car Insurance?
Many of us have old cars that have long since seen better days…these are usually not the types of cars that are eligible for classic car insurance. Classic cars are typically 20+ years older but not more than 40 years old. These cars are also kept in their original condition or near-perfect or mint condition. Classic cars are owned primarily as collector’s items that aren’t usually aftermarket or replica vehicles. Also, these cars are usually not driven daily. The owner can register a car that fits these descriptions as an antique car which may make it eligible for classic car insurance. 

Other Factors that Define Classic Car Eligibility…

Not all cars are eligible for this status, however. The classic car title isn’t designed to fit your daily use or common type of car. That Toyota or Volkswagen would probably not fall into the classic car category. There’s usually something unique, special, or exotic about the car in addition to its age. Modified/Customized vehicles and modern muscle cars are good examples of cars that would be eligible for classic car insurance.

If you have questions about classic car insurance and want to know if your car would be eligible, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. 

Is Basic Motorcycle Insurance Sufficient?

Are you one of the riders that stick to the state minimums when shopping for motorcycle insurance in West Bloomfield, MI? This move might save you some money, but it’s never a good idea, as you will find out from the below post by Agency Advantage Insurance.

Required motorcycle insurance in Michigan

To understand why state-required insurance is never enough, let’s explore the required insurance for bikers in Michigan. Motorcyclists are required to purchase at least $10,000 worth of property damage liability (PDL) in Michigan. On the other hand, riders must buy $50,000 bodily injury liability for an accident involving one person and twice the amount for accidents involving death or injury to more than one person.

While the above coverages might seem adequate, they are barely enough when faced with a significant claim. Unfortunately, when your liability coverages run out, you will have to cover the difference from your pocket! There is no fun when your assets and income are at stake.

State-required insurance doesn’t cover you

Another reason why you should explore beyond the state minimums is that liability coverage required by the state doesn’t protect you and your vehicle — it only covers other people. So, why would you pay for insurance if it doesn’t protect you and your assets? It doesn’t make sense!

At Agency Advantage Insurance, we usually advise our clients to increase the liability coverage limits and look at other options for optimal protection. We are not saying you buy all the motorcycle insurance options out there — just invest in those options that cover your unique needs.

Motorcycle insurance in West Bloomfield, MI

Need more information on motorcycle insurance? Ready to invest in motorcycle insurance? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, please reach out to Agency Advantage Insurance today.

Umbrella Insurance Basics

In July of 2020, Michigan’s auto laws changed. Now, drivers who are deemed responsible for causing a collision that results in injury can be sued for damages over their PIP limits. That means drivers in West Bloomfield, MI are now at increased financial risk every time they get behind the wheel, and that’s where umbrella policies can help. 

What is an Umbrella Policy? 

Simply put, it is a protection against financial liability if a significant accident leaves you responsible for someone else’s medical payments. Medical expenses in serious accidents can add up quickly, and even if you carry PIP, that will cover those expenses only up to your policy limit. Some still have unlimited PIP, but for those who do not, an umbrella policy is a way to cover that risk. 

What Kind of Coverage is Available? 

In Michigan, you can get an affordable umbrella policy with a coverage of one million, five million, or even as much as ten million for a surprisingly low rate. This stacks on top of your existing liability limits to ensure that even a significant accident will not harm your financial well-being. Accidents happen; it shouldn’t ruin you. 

What Assets are Protected?

Since damages from a significant injury can be expensive and ongoing, it’s not just your bank account that’s at risk. An umbrella policy protects you from the loss of your home, cars, investments, financial accounts, and any future income you might make. 

What Kind of Injury Claims am I Liable For?

Not only will you be potentially responsible for the initial medical bills that someone you’ve injured incurs, but you will also be on the hook for wage loss and pain and suffering. An umbrella policy is low-cost protection for you and your family. 

When you are ready to discuss what kind of umbrella policy works best for you, call or stop by Agency Advantage Insurance.  

Michigan Collision Auto Insurance: How to Drive in Low Visibility Conditions

Conditions such as fog, heavy weather, and even a bright sun, can cause low visibility driving conditions in Michigan. It’s important to know how to drive safely in these conditions, and you will avoid collisions and expensive car insurance claims.

At Agency Advantage Insurance, we want West Bloomfield, MI residents to be safe in all driving conditions. Follow these simple safety tips when driving in low visibility conditions.

Maintain for Visibility

In Michigan, you are going to have low visibility conditions all year long. Maintain your vehicle regularly so that it can accommodate these conditions. Maintain it before you drive as well.

Be sure that your wipers are good and working. Have your heating and defrost systems checked so that you can defrost front and rear windows effectively when driving. If you have fog lights, have them checked.

Clear your windshield and all windows before you leave the driveway or parking lot. Make sure that the roof of your vehicle is clear of all-weather or debris so that falling snow or ice does not impede your visibility on the roads.

Driving Tips

When you are driving in low visibility, follow your instinct.

•    Drive slowly at all times in low visibility
•    Brake slowly, or avoid braking at all. Braking in ice and snow leads to fishtailing and skids that cause collisions.
•    High beams aren’t as effective as fog lights in low visibility unless you are driving at night.
•    Pay attention and listen to other drivers in the event you can’t see them.
•    Get roadside assistance.

Drive Safely

When you have to drive in low visibility in Michigan, be alert, and make sure your vehicle is safe before you drive. That is half the battle. Take your time to avoid collisions. 

Have peace of mind before you go with add-ons to your insurance such as Roadside Assistance. You’ll be more confident on the roads, and that confidence breeds safety. At Agency Advantage Insurance, we prefer West Bloomfield, MI residents to stay home in poor conditions, but we know life and duty calls. Call us for a quote today.

6 Reasons you need umbrella insurance right now

Umbrella insurance is an optional supplemental insurance policy that fills the gap not covered by your home and auto liability insurance. Here are six reasons why you need umbrella insurance now:

You have a teenage driver

Young and inexperienced drivers who are new to the road increase the likelihood of being involved in a car accident. Umbrella insurance will pay over and above your policy’s liability limits if your teenage child is involved in a car accident and damages their vehicle or injures another person.

You have a swimming pool

Homeowners can be sued if another person is injured on their property. This risk is greatly increased if there is a swimming pool on the property, which can lead to a fall or a head or neck injury.

You have a long commute

Long commutes and heavy traffic can be dangerous. Car accidents can result in serious injury or even death. Drivers, their passengers, their estates, or their families may sue for lost earnings, past, and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and earning capacity.

You own a dog

If your dog bites another person or causes injury to someone else, whether on your property or off, you are held liable. This is where umbrella coverage can fill the gap between what your homeowners’ liability will cover and what you are being sued for.

Make sure though that there is no clause that states canine liability exclusion. 

You enjoy partying

Being a good host is all good and well until someone is injured on your property. Umbrella coverage can help fill the gap in your homeowners’ liability coverage. 

You own a trampoline

If you have kids and you own a trampoline, then there’s a possibility your children may invite their friends over to join in the fun. You will be held liable if someone is injured on your property and umbrella insurance can help.

Speak to an expert at Agency Advantage Insurance serving West Bloomfield, MI today to see what insurance policy is best suited for you and your family.

Michigan Home Insurance Explained for First Time Homeowners

When you are a first-time homeowner, all the legalese, paperwork, and insurance matters can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

At Agency Advantage Insurance, we want first-time homebuyers in West Bloomfield, MI to be excited about this next chapter. We can help you with some of that, by guiding you through the very simple process of Michigan home insurance.

How Much Michigan Home Insurance Do You Need?

In Michigan, home insurance is not required by federal or state regulations. Your bank or mortgage lender may require it.

You will be required to purchase liability coverage, in the event that something happens on your property. Building and property coverage will also likely be required, but every lender will be different.

In addition, you can add more coverage than the minimums that your lender requires. You might want special valuables coverage, flood insurance, and other protections for your home.

Types of Home Insurance Coverages

You can cover your home for almost anything that is in it or around it.

• Building coverage: This coverage will protect your home if there is damage sustained due to weather or perils specified in your policy.

• Property coverage: Covers the contents of your home and any outbuildings on it. 

• Liabilities coverage: If an accident occurs on your property, or you are sued, your liabilities coverages will cover your legal costs and/or settlements.

These are just a few of the coverages that you can get with Michigan home insurance. Talk to a broker today to find out how much coverage you can get.

Get a Quote

At Agency Advantage Insurance, we know that when you are a homeowner in West Bloomfield, MI the first time, you will need home insurance that protects the dreams you’ve worked so hard for. Call us for a quote today.

Questions to Ask an Agent When Purchasing Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance is the type of insurance that provides coverage options tailored to the needs of classic vehicle owners. Shopping for classic car insurance may be more complicated than buying a standard auto insurance policy for your car. If you are currently looking for a classic car insurance policy but cannot make an informed decision, Agency Advantage Insurance serving clients in West Bloomfield, MI prepared a list of questions you should ask an insurance agent: 

What Should You Ask an Insurance Agent?

The answers to the following questions will help you determine which policy will be perfect for you:

How Many Years of Experience Are Drivers Required to Have

Some classic car insurance policies require drivers to have at least a few years of driving experience. Even if you are an experienced driver, and you have spent years behind the wheel, you still should ask this question. The answer to this question will help you understand who you can let drive your precious classic car. 

Is Appreciation Covered By The Policy?

Usually, standard auto insurance policies do not cover appreciation because cars do not appreciate – they depreciate instead. However, classic cars are different, and most classic car insurance policies will provide at least some coverage for appreciation. 

Will Coverage Be Active While a Classic Car Is Being Restored?

You need to make sure that your policy will provide coverage while your classic vehicle is being restored. You also need to find out whether your policy provides coverage where the restoration process is being done. Thus, you need to confirm that it will be covered regardless of the location of your vehicle. 

Agency Advantage Insurance – We Help You Find a Policy You Need and Deserve

If you are a classic car owner from West Bloomfield, MI or any other nearby area, and you are looking for an insurance agent to purchase an insurance policy for your precious vehicle, Agency Advantage Insurance is exactly what you need. Our mission is to help our clients find their perfect policy based on their preferences and personal situation. You can always check our website for more information or give us a call. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverages

A motorcycle can be a convenient means of transport in West Bloomfield, MI. You can quickly get around, running your errands efficiently while enjoying pleasant weather. However, to secure that investment, you should consider insuring it. And as Agency Advantage Insurance explains, here are a few coverages you can opt for when you decide to insure your motorcycle.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

It helps cover things like lost wages and medical expenses arising from the injury or death of another driver in an accident where you were at fault. However, if you get injured, bodily injury liability does not cover your medical bills, and so you should get a different policy for that.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

You may get into an accident where you are at fault and end up damaging someone else’s property, including a car, home, fence, or any other object. With this type of coverage, the repair costs are covered, and you do not have to go back to your pocket to cover those expenses. Note that this coverage will also not cover repairs to your bike.

Medical Payment Coverage

Medical payment coverage helps cover the necessary medical costs resulting from an accident in your motorcycle. Those medical costs covered can be for both you and your passengers.

Collision Coverage

It provides cover for your bicycle when it gets damaged in a collision, whether with another bike, a car, a tree, or a building.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage comes in handy when your motorcycle gets damaged by any accident that is not a result of a collision. Therefore, damage caused by things like theft, wind, vandalism, and flooding is covered under this policy.

If you are having trouble deciding which coverage is necessary for you, contact us at Agency Advantage Insurance for assistance. Our team of experts in West Bloomfield, MI will see to it that you get the protection you need.

Who will need to have umbrella insurance in Michigan?

The risk of liability is something that all people in the West Bloomfield, MI area need to take seriously. Most people will need to continue to carry some forms of insurance coverage, including home or auto coverage, which will provide liability coverage. However, having the additional coverage provided with umbrella insurance is always helpful. There are multiple examples of why having this form of coverage will be helpful for someone in this area of the state. 

Coverage Provides Additional Coverage

A key benefit of having an umbrella coverage plan is that it will give you additional liability insurance coverage. Most people that are in this area of Michigan are going to have some liability support in their home or auto insurance plans. While this is often more than enough, there are policy limits to consider. If there is an accident that results in excessive damages, you may be responsible for damages that exceed your plan. With an umbrella policy, policyholders will receive coverage on top of those policies.

Coverage for More Risks

You may also want to have an umbrella coverage plan as it will give coverage for far more risks. Any standard home or auto insurance plan will give coverage for some situations, but there are many liability risks that are not protected by the existing plans. If you get an umbrella policy, you will receive more blanket coverage that will protect against other situations not covered in your existing plans. 

There are a lot of advantages that come with having umbrella insurance in the West Bloomfield, MI area. If you are in need of coverage here, speaking with the Agency Advantage Insurance team is a great option. Agency Advantage Insurance knows the importance of umbrella coverage and will help you choose a plan that offers the right protection.