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4800 S Cedar St
Lansing, MI 48910

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How an Accident Can Affect Your Auto Insurance

Understanding Auto Insurance Rates After An Accident

Have you been involved in an auto accident in or near Lansing, MI? Then you’re probably worried about whether this incident will inflate your auto insurance rates. The short response would be – it might. However, consider consulting with our knowledgeable staff at the Great Lakes State Agency for a comprehensive answer. They can guide you through how this experience might influence your existing policy.

How Does Fault Influence Insurance Premiums?

Your part in the accident significantly affects a potential premium increase. If you were at fault, this could drive up your insurance rates as the insurance company perceives you as a higher-risk candidate. Hence, they attempt to compensate for potential costs via increased premiums. However, if you were not at fault, this might lessen the likelihood of a premium increase unless you file a repair claim. An accident typically stays on your record for three to five years, impacting your insurance premiums.

What Is The Role Of Accident Forgiveness?

Certain American insurance providers feature accident forgiveness clauses in their policies. This guarantees your rates won’t increase if you are a safe driver involved in a one-off accident. It would be prudent to check if your policy includes such a provision and under what terms.

Even high-risk drivers can find alternative policies and solutions if they’ve had accidents, regardless of being at fault. Great Lakes State Agency, serving Lansing, MI, is ready to offer all drivers comprehensive insurance solutions to ensure round-the-clock coverage when driving. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

I just paid off my car. Should I drop full coverage auto insurance?

Auto insurance is a requirement in every state. All drivers are required to carry auto liability insurance coverage. However, there are situations where drivers are required to carry more than auto liability insurance. Our team at Great Lakes State Agency is committed to helping Lansing, MI drivers understand auto insurance and get the coverage they need. 

What is full coverage auto insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance includes both collision and comprehensive insurance in addition to the state minimum required auto liability coverage. Auto liability covers damage and injuries to others when you’re found at fault for an accident. However, auto liability insurance will not cover your injuries or any damage to your car. Both collision and comprehensive auto insurance cover damage sustained by your car, your injuries, non-moving accidents or damages, and theft and vandalism. All of these components comprise full auto insurance coverage. If you have a car loan, it’s likely that your lender requires you to carry full coverage auto insurance. Even if you decide not to carry full coverage auto insurance, auto liability insurance is still required in the state of Michigan. 

I just paid off my car. Should I drop full coverage auto insurance?

It depends. If you paid off your late-model car, it is probably wise to continue to invest in full coverage insurance. It’s likely that any damage your car might sustain in a wreck wouldn’t exceed the value of the car. This means that your insurance would likely pay for the repair or replacement of your car. Conversely, if your car is substantially older or old, the value has diminished substantially. As a result, your insurance premiums should guide whether you continue to invest in full coverage insurance. If your premiums exceed the value of your car, it’s likely your car will be totaled, deemed a total loss if you were in a significant accident. This means that your insurance company would be unwilling to pay for the repair or replacement of your car. Investing in full coverage insurance in this scenario wouldn’t be wise.

If you have questions about full coverage auto insurance, call us at Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI. We’d be happy to help you explore your options. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Why It’s Essential

In the fast-paced world of today, owning a vehicle is a necessity for many. But along with the convenience comes responsibility, especially when it comes to insurance. Unforeseen accidents can happen, and that’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage steps in as a crucial shield.

Protecting Yourself and Your Wallet

Accidents can strike at any moment, and not every driver on the road is adequately insured. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures that if you’re hit by a driver without insurance, your medical bills and property damage can still be covered. Similarly, underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short of covering your expenses. Let Great Lakes State Agency, serving the greater Lansing, MI area, tell you why it’s essential.

The Hidden Dangers

Many assume that all drivers are insured, but the reality is different. According to recent data, a significant number of drivers either carry insufficient insurance or none at all. Without uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you could find yourself in a tough spot, footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.

Peace of Mind on the Road

Imagine driving with the reassurance that you’re protected from the unexpected. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage not only shields you financially but also provides peace of mind. Knowing that you won’t be left hanging in a difficult situation can alleviate stress.

Consult With Us

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage might not be a legal requirement, but it’s a safety net that every responsible driver should consider. It safeguards your finances, shields you from potential pitfalls, and offers the peace of mind you deserve. If you’re ready to learn more about obtaining an auto insurance policy with this type of coverage in Lansing, MI, reach out to Great Lakes State Agency today.

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.

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.

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.

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!

How Can I Save Money On My Auto Insurance Premium?

It is important to shop around and compare quotes from different companies when shopping for car insurance. If you have a car worth more than what you owe, you may consider increasing your collision coverage or purchasing gap insurance. Suppose you have an older car and are paying more than 5% of its value in monthly car insurance payments. When financing, consider dropping collision and comprehensive. It is wise to shop for car insurance during November and December when rates are typically the highest. Our team of experts at Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI can offer professional advice. 

Keeping Clean Record & Shopping Around 

Depending on your provider, keeping a clean driving record could save you up to 15 percent on your premium. You can also try increasing your deductible from the standard amount if you are risk-averse. Increasing such can save you up to 15 percent on your premium. Shop around and compare different providers. Different agents offer different rates based on your risk level with a clean record. 

Many insurers offer a rate guarantee, so check if the company you’re considering offers one and the terms. Some insurers offer a rate guarantee if the company’s rates go up during your policy period. Next, ensure you’re getting all the discounts you’re qualified for. You can get a senior discount if you’re over a certain age. Some insurers offer a discount if you maintain a certain credit score. 

Give Us A Call

Many insurers offer a discounted rate if you agree to install a device in your car that tracks your driving habits and determines your risk level. An effortless way to save on your auto insurance is by shopping around for a new policy every year. Many insurers offer substantial discounts if you sign up for a new policy. Additionally, shop around for the best rates. For professional help, contact Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI.

Comprehensive vs Collision Auto Insurance Breakdown

 Great Lakes State Agency serves the Lansing, MI community. We offer our clients multiple types of coverage so that they are prepared for whatever life throws their way. We work closely with multiple carriers across the state to help find solutions. We have developed a reputation for embracing ethical practices and treating people with integrity.

Collision vs Comprehensive Auto Insurance Breakdown

Auto insurance protects you as you travel around Lansing, MI and the surrounding areas. You are covered if anything happens while you’re on the road. An accident can occur at any moment. Liability coverage protects you if you accidentally hurt someone or damage property. If someone is riding along with you, liability coverage will take care of their medical treatment. Along with liability coverage, you also have to decide your collision and comprehensive limits.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage protects your vehicle if it suffers damage in a crash. You are covered if your vehicle crashes into a pole, or you make an impact with another driver. You are also covered if your vehicle flips over and hits a pothole. Collision coverage handles the necessary repairs to get you back on the road quickly.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle in unique situations, such as potential theft. Maybe a snowstorm moves through Lansing, MI and a large chunk of ice damages the hood of your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects you in these instances. You can also amend your policy to provide extra coverage such as emergency towing service.  If you reside in an urban part of the city, comprehensive insurance is recommended. Look over your policy carefully.

Great Lakes State Agency Will Help You Cover Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

Auto Insurance Facts

Auto insurance is incredibly important if you own a car, whether you drive your car all the time or only so often. If you get into trouble on the road, having comprehensive auto insurance is really important and should never be an afterthought. We will explain to you further what type of auto insurance you need, and what coverage you should consider.  

Call Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI when you feel ready to discuss auto insurance, and we can talk to you about what you want, but also what you need. We service people in the state of Michigan.

Minimum coverage

All drivers in the state of Michigan need to have a minimum type of auto insurance. This insurance should cover physical harm done to other people as well as cover for damage to other people’s property. This insurance covers you in the case of an accident that involves other people and cars, but more comprehensive insurance will cover you for more than just one type of situation.

Comprehensive coverage options

If you want to consider more comprehensive coverage within your auto insurance, some of these options include:

  • You should be insured for accidents with non-insured drivers. This is great to include, as this will cover your medical and repair costs in case you hit another driver who is not insured to cover you in case of an accident. While the costs should usually come from the other driver’s insurance, the costs could be out of their reach without insurance.
  • Towing, so that you and your car can get picked up, and you are never left stranded.

If you want to discuss add-ons or new auto insurance options, call Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI or request a quote on our website. 

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