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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.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Is An Important Part of Your Business’s Financial Protection

If your business utilizes vehicles for delivery or other purposes, you may be at risk for expensive losses from damage to a person or property. Commercial vehicle insurance is designed to cover these risks, so you can keep your company on steady financial footing.  At Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI, we provide commercial vehicle policies to help protect Michigan businesses against expensive losses.

Business Vehicle Accidents Are Common

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of injuries on the job. In addition, millions of dollars in damage result from vehicles engaged in work-related tasks occur each year. Without commercial vehicle coverage, businesses would be liable to cover the costs of damage to persons and property caused by their vehicles.

What You Should Know About Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicle coverage protects your business against expensive costs for medical care and liability settlements if an employee driving one of your vehicles injures someone. It provides protection from lawsuits that could devastate your company financially. It also covers damage to property that might result from a vehicle accident.

Commercial vehicle policies also include uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive coverage against theft, flooding, fire, and other perils.

Choose Great Lakes State Agency for Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Our agents can help you find the coverage that’s right for your unique business needs. We offer a variety of policies for homes, businesses, autos, motorcycles, boats, and RVs. Contact Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI for a no-obligation quote on commercial vehicle insurance that can help your business maintain financial stability. 

Four special features your home insurance policy should include

It’s important that you’re aware of all the home insurance features that are available. If you have questions about home insurance features that are available in the Lansing, MI metroplex, we can answer them at Great Lakes State Agency.

The following are four special features your home insurance policy should include:

Additional living expense coverage

Home insurance policies can offer additional living expense coverage that pays for a hotel or another temporary rental if the insured property becomes uninhabitable due to damage. 

This type of coverage minimizes the stress and expense of experiencing a severe accident in your home that makes it so that you’re temporarily unable to live there. 

Coverage for additional structures

If you have outbuildings on your property, you should look into coverage for additional structures. This will cover damage to detached garages, barns, sheds, and more. 

Personal property coverage

Home insurance doesn’t just protect your home’s structure. It also protects the personal belongings that you keep in your home. However, home insurance only insures personal property up to a certain amount.

It’s always a good idea to evaluate your personal belongings and make sure that your home insurance offers enough personal property coverage to insure the full value of your belongings. 

Added liability coverage

When you buy home insurance, you’ll have the option of choosing from among a variety of liability coverage options.

You should probably invest in added liability coverage and not just purchase the lowest amount of liability coverage. Lawsuits can get expensive, so it can really pay off to invest in additional liability coverage that will protect your assets. 

We Are Here To Help

We will help you find the right home insurance policy for your needs. Homeowners in Lansing, MI can get in touch with us at Great Lakes State Agency to get a policy quote 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.

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.

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