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Great Lakes State Agency

4800 S Cedar St
Lansing, MI 48910

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Auto Insurance Coverage and Rental Cars

When it comes to rental cars and auto insurance, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Understanding the intricacies of coverage is essential to ensure you’re fully protected on the road. At Great Lakes State Agency, serving the Lansing, MI metroplex, we offer valuable information to help you make informed decisions about auto insurance and rental cars.

Rental Car Coverage: What’s Included?

Before renting a car, knowing what your existing auto insurance policy covers is crucial. Many policies provide coverage for rental vehicles, including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. However, it’s always best to review your policy or speak with our insurance agent to determine the extent of your coverage.

Additional Coverage Options

While your existing auto insurance may cover rental cars, you might want to consider additional coverage options for added peace of mind. Rental car agencies typically offer supplementary protection such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). These extra coverages can help fill gaps in your current policy and safeguard against potential financial losses.

Credit Card Benefits

Many credit card companies provide rental car insurance benefits as part of their cardholder agreements. The benefits may include collision and theft protection. Check with your credit card issuer to understand the specific coverage offered and any applicable limitations or exclusions.

Understanding the Fine Print

Read and understand the rental agreement carefully to avoid unexpected expenses and complications. In addition, keep an eye out for terms and conditions related to insurance coverage, such as deductibles, limitations, and exclusions. This knowledge will help you decide better about your insurance needs when renting a car.

Take Charge of Your Auto Insurance Needs

Don’t let confusion or uncertainty about rental car coverage slow you down. Instead, equip yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and enjoy peace of mind on the road. Reach out to us today at Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI to discuss your auto insurance and rental car needs, and let’s work together to find the perfect solution for you.

How much commercial insurance do I need?

As a business owner in Lansing, MI, it’s essential to have general liability insurance as it safeguards you from claims arising from bodily injury or property damage on your premises. Great Lakes State Agency is here to assist you in determining the necessary coverage amount and additional coverage opportunities, called endorsements, to enhance your business protection.

80/20 Rule for Commercial Insurance

The 80/20 rule is a salient reference for business insurance coverage. This means you need the right coverage for 80% of the risks you’re exposed to, but you don’t necessarily need full coverage for every risk. For instance, if you run a restaurant, you likely need coverage for slips, trips, and falls, but you may not need coverage for equipment breakdowns. This rule can determine your business’s right general liability coverage.

Understanding your coverage needs requires identifying the risk associated with your business. Consider the size of your business, the number of employees, and the overall amount of foot traffic to determine the level of risk. This risk evaluation lets you determine which coverage to include in your insurance package.

Endorsements for Added Protection

You can add endorsements to your general policy to protect specific risks relevant to your business, such as fire damage, liquor liability, employment practices, cyber-attacks, or identity theft.

Great Lakes State Agency can help you define the right amount of coverage for your commercial needs in the Lansing, MI area. By analyzing your business, they can suggest the right types of coverage and any endorsements that could benefit you. Customizing your insurance coverage ensures that you’re fully protected, giving you peace of mind knowing that your business is secure.

Three Things You Might Not Know About Home Insurance

The more you understand about home insurance, the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI is here to help. 

Here are three facts about the subject that you may not be aware of:

Your Insurer Needs to Have a Good Reason to Drop Your Coverage. 

We hear about insurers abruptly terminating coverage, but the truth is that they are required by law to provide a reason. An insurer who is careless about dropping a customer may face heavy fines and lawsuits as a result of their efforts.

You Can Reopen Old Claims

You may be able to reopen a claim even after you’ve been reimbursed in some cases. Often, you won’t know the full extent of the damage until repairs begin, in which case you may be able to get supplemental payment from your insurer.

Your Insurer May Limit Your Deductible

Different insurers have different limits. Typically, most insurers will not allow you to set your deductible higher than $1,200. Lower premiums result from higher deductibles and vice versa. But, of course, there has to be a limit somewhere — both for the sake of your insurer and for your own. You don’t want to file a claim only to discover that your deductible is several times the amount of your damages.

You don’t have to be an expert, but it’s always a good idea to do some research before spending money on something. This is especially true for home insurance.

Reach Out To Us

To learn more about home insurance or to get a free quote, contact Great Lakes State Agency today. Our agents are proudly serving the Lansing, MI region and can help answer any and all of your insurance-related questions. Call us today to find a policy that best fits your needs!

Safety Tips for New Drivers (and Why You Need Auto Insurance)

For many teenagers, driving is a right of passage and an expression of freedom. The same is true for folks who start driving later in life. A vehicle offers mobility and can open up many avenues. That said, it’s important to exercise safe driving habits and also to carry car insurance. If you’d like to discuss auto insurance, get in touch with Great Lakes State Agency, serving Lansing, MI.

Safety Driving Tips Everyone Should Know

The most obvious driving safety tip is to follow the laws. This includes posted speed limits, traffic lights, passing rules, and more. By following the law, new drivers can avoid mishaps. If a driver breaks the law and is ticketed, it might cause many problems, including rising auto insurance premiums.

Wearing a seat belt may seem overly cautious to some. However, seat belts have saved hundreds of thousands of lives so far. If you do get into a car accident, you’ll be thankful that you were wearing a seat belt.

It’s smart to practice driving in different road conditions, such as during rainstorms or on snowy streets. When you’re learning, you’ll want to take it slow so that you can get used to how the vehicle handles in such conditions.

Further, drivers should be defensive, meaning they should watch out for other drivers and risk factors. They should also maintain a considerable amount of distance between their vehicle and the car in front of them.

Auto Insurance Increases Safety Too

Car insurance provides protection. If you get in a car accident, your insurance plan may cover some of the costs, such as medical and repair costs. The insurance company might also cover legal costs if someone tries to sue a driver. That said, make sure you examine each individual plan to see what is covered. Contact Great Lakes State Agency, serving Lansing, MI, to discuss auto insurance options.

The various types of commercial insurance

Commercial insurance is essential for any business, regardless of size or industry. It provides financial protection in the event that a company experiences a loss or incurs liabilities due to unforeseen circumstances. There are many different types of commercial insurance available from Great Lakes State Agency, and it’s important to understand which type best suits your Lansing, MI area business needs. 

The various types of commercial insurance

The most common type of commercial insurance is property insurance, which covers physical assets such as buildings and equipment from loss or damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, etc. Businesses can also purchase liability insurance, which provides protection against claims of bodily injury or property damage resulting from the company’s operations.

Additionally, there are several types of product liability coverage available to protect businesses from liability claims due to defective products they produce or sell.

Finally, some businesses may require specialized types of commercial insurance depending on their operations or industry. For example, restaurants and bars may need liquor liability coverage while construction firms might benefit from builders’ risk coverage.

Some other specialized policies include cyber liability coverage for companies dealing with customer data online, employment practices liability for employers facing allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination, and environmental impairment liability for businesses active in hazardous industries like oil & gas production.

Contact Us Today

Choosing the right type of commercial insurance can be complex but taking the time to research all available options will ensure your business is adequately protected in case of an unforeseen event. With so many different policies on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start – but speaking with one of our qualified independent agents at Great Lakes State Agency will help you find the ideal policy for your needs without breaking the bank! We serve the Lansing, MI area.

Do you need to have home insurance in Michigan?

As you are shopping for a place to call home in the Lansing, MI area, there are a lot of important choices to make. One important choice will come when you are shopping for insurance for the property. A home insurance plan provides different types of coverage that can help protect you and your dwelling.

There are various reasons why you need to have this coverage here:

Insurance is often an obligation

One reason that you should have this coverage is that it is often an obligation. If you are going to take out a home loan when buying the property, or if you live in a home association, it is important that you properly insure your home as it will likely be a requirement under certain agreements you sign. Carrying coverage will ensure you are in good standing with such agreements. 

Insurance offers valued protection

You will also need to have this coverage as it can provide you with valued protection. Anyone that is going to buy a home will want to know that it is covered and supported. If you have a home insurance policy, it will give coverage to protect the dwelling and also offer liability support. This can be quite helpful if there is an accident or damage to your home. 

Contact Us Today

Those that live in the Lansing, MI area should always ensure that they are properly insured with home insurance. If you are going to purchase a home here and need this insurance, calling the team with the Great Lakes State Agency is a great idea. The team with Great Lakes State Agency can offer you any support that you need to build your next plan including giving guidance and support, so you understand all your needs and options. 

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Me to Drive Out of the Country?

You’re planning the trip of a lifetime to Europe, and you’ve got your heart set on driving through the picturesque countryside.  Depending on your auto insurance policy in Lansing. MI, you may or may not be covered to drive outside of the country. Our team of insurance experts at Great Lakes State Agency about what you need to do to ensure you’re properly insured when driving abroad.

Do You Need Additional Insurance Coverage?

If you’re planning on driving in Europe, purchasing additional insurance coverage through your automobile club, credit card, or a rental car agency is a good idea. While your regular auto insurance policy may provide some coverage while you’re driving in another country, it’s typically not enough to cover all potential damages. That’s why it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase additional insurance.

What exactly does my insurance cover?

Your regular auto insurance policy will likely cover damage to the rental car itself and any personal belongings inside the car during an accident or theft. However, it probably won’t cover damage to other vehicles or property or injuries sustained by yourself or other people involved in the accident. 

Do I need this coverage if I’m only going to be driving in Canada or Mexico?

No, if you’re only going to be driving in either Canada or Mexico, then you likely won’t need additional insurance coverage, since most U.S.-based auto insurance policies already provide some level of coverage for these countries. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

It’s important to ensure you have the right auto insurance coverage before leaving Lansing, MI. Contact Great Lakes State Agency before you leave, and we can help you get the right coverage to enjoy your trip fully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Insurance

Great Lakes State Agency serves Lansing, MI with insurance services for all your business, vehicle, and home needs. Here are the most common questions we get about commercial insurance.

FAQs About Commercial Insurance

Is commercial insurance a legal requirement?

Worker’s compensation and commercial vehicle insurance are the two legal business insurance requirements in Michigan. You must have worker’s comp insurance if you have even a single employee and you need commercial vehicle insurance if your company has any vehicles for company use or used by employees. 

How much coverage does my company need?

There is no broad answer to this because every single business is different and has variables that may not be considered. Start with the legal basics and then build up your specific needs to keep your company protected. 

At what stage in my business planning should I purchase commercial insurance?

Legally, once you hire an employee or purchase a vehicle for company use. Logically it is wise to purchase a policy to protect your business assets as soon as you invest in them, even before your company is officially up and operating. 

My current business is expanding, should I upgrade my insurance?

Yes, but it is not as simple as just adding the new location to your current policy. You want to take the unique considerations in your new location into consideration for maximum protection and coverage. For example, one location may have flood risk and another location may have a higher crime rate. These variables can be written into umbrella or additional commercial policies. 

Get The Right Coverage For Your Business

If you live in the Lansing, MI area contact us at Great Lakes State Agency for all of your insurance needs. 

What You Need To Know About Home Insurance

Home insurance is an important way you can invest in your home and family. Although many people think of home insurance as just another expense each month, it is truly much more than that. Great Lakes State Agency is here to help folks in Lansing, MI and the surrounding areas, better understand their home insurance options and the importance of this type of coverage. 

Is Home Insurance Really An Investment?

Yes, each month when you pay your home insurance premium, you are investing into safety and security for your family. Should your home be damaged or lost, a home insurance policy is there to make sure you have the funds you need to make repairs or replace your home. This provides a deep sense of safety and security for you and your family. You will always have a place to call home. 

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement of a home should it be damaged or lost. Home insurance will also cover the cost of any lost possessions inside the home. 

In addition to this, home insurance also provides liability coverage. This type of coverage can help pay for expenses resulting from an injury on your property or in your home. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

Each family is different and each home is different. This is why you should sit down with an insurance representative to determine exactly how much insurance coverage you need. 

Get Home Insurance Today

If you would like to learn more about home insurance, or any of our other services, please contact us at Great Lakes State Agency, serving Lansing, MI and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you today. 

Important safety tips for drivers

Great Lakes State Agency is here for the residents of Lansing, MI and the surrounding area. If you are looking for safe driving trips, you have come to the right place! In fact, we are here to meet all of your safety and insurance needs. Give our office a call today and learn how we can help you protect your vehicle.  

If you want to stay safe while driving, we have a few tips!

  • Drive the speed limit.
  • Adjust your speed during inclement weather.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your trunk.
  • Have a current roadside assistance plan.
  • Keep your vehicle well-maintained.
  • Do not drive distracted!

When you follow these tips, you are sure to enjoy safe driving! And, the best part of maintaining a safe driving record is the potential discounts that many insurance carriers award their safest drivers. Practicing safe driving may feel like it costs you some time, but in the long run, practicing safe driving habits could save you time and money.

Paying attention to the road and putting down devices when behind the wheel is a necessary part of being a responsible driver. Maintaining a good distance between your car and the one ahead of you is another tip that many people overlook. Safe driving not only helps you get where you want to go safely, but it also helps to keep the road safe for others. Find out more about safe driving today.

Stop by today!

Drivers in the greater Lansing, MI area can rely on Great Lakes State Agency for all of their insurance needs. We can help you protect your vehicle and yourself and direct you to any available discounts for safe drivers. Call our office, or stop by today!

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