Complete Insurance Services, Inc.

Auto, Homeowners, Business, Medical & Life Insurance

Auto, Homeowners, Business
Medical & Life Insurance

Call: 248-682-1510

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Understanding Ice Damns, Do You Have the Right Coverage?

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Understanding the Ice Damn

Making sure your home and property are protected is a safety net for your home when nature takes it toll. And if you live in Michigan, you know what to expect however, being prepared for the unexpected is the key.

Ice dams form when the snow melts on an upper, warmer part of a roof. The melted water then runs down toward the colder eave overhang, where it freezes. As the ice accumulates, it forms a blockage that prevents the snow to melt and flow off the roof.

The ice begins to back up under the roof shingles, where it melts again, soaking the roof sheathing. There, it soaks the insulation (rendering it much less effective) and can leak through the ceiling drywall below and into living space. In addition, large ice dams can be very heavy and can damage gutters and even present a safety hazard to people below.

There are measures you can take to help prevent ice damns from damaging your home and property.

However, in the case that damage does occur your homeowner’s policy should help protect you from costly repairs.

Do you have the coverage you need for your home and personal property? Complete Insurance Services in Keego Harbor can help. Our Personal Lines Department writes a full range of coverages for Michigan residents. We represent many excellent insurance companies that offer a variety of products to meet your individual requirements.

Michigan winters can be rough on a home, make sure you are protected with the right Homeowners Insurance. Whether you need homeowners’ insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, medical insurance, or business insurance coverage, there is a plan for everyone. Call and speak with an agent today for a Free No Obligation Quote for!

Do I Need Boat Insurance? | Keego Harbor MI

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Insurance is probably not what you think of when you think about owning a boat. But in two states boat insurance is legally required to own and operate a boat, in many of the others it’s strongly encouraged to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your investment in your boat. So, while you may not necessarily need it from a legal standpoint in your state, it may be something you’re very interested in looking into if you plan on using your boat.

Boat insurance is pretty similar to automobile insurance coverage, breaking down into similar categories. However, most states do not require it by law, though that means you’re shelling out the cost yourself. And, like automobile insurance, certain safety precautions and certifications can get your cost lowered.

Below is some information on boat insurance and why you need it.

Is boat insurance required?

Only two states require boat insurance statewide, but you may find places you’re trying to use your boat require you to carry insurance in order to use their waters. So, it might be best to assume it’s required. Suggested policies include coverage of environmental cleanup, physical damage, collisions, and protection of the physical bodies of passengers in order to help cover medical bills.

Reason to get boat insurance

Boat insurance protects a lot. While it’s not something you may think about, you hopefully do think about safety. And that’s what boat insurance I all about, providing safety and protection for your boat and those who use it. Benefits and protections for insurance include:

  • Protecting yourself while using your boat
  • Protect any passengers you have on your boat
  • Protect your investment in your vehicle

Ultimately, mother nature does not have an off switch and even the most experienced boaters can find themselves in danger. It can be something as big as hurricane season or something as simple as running over debris in the water. It can get dangerous, and expensive, fast and you’ll find yourself wishing you had insurance when you’re shelling out money for repairs or even medical bills for those who become injured.

Related Questions

How can I get the best deal on boat insurance?

Boat insurance is all about safety. So, any steps you take to make your boat a safer vehicle will help your insurance situation. Just like with car insurance, getting certifications in boating courses and safety courses can lower the cost as can making specific safety adjustments to your boat.

Reaching out to an experienced insurance agency for quote is a good starting point.

Can I have my boat covered under my homeowner policy?

There is a possibility your boat can actually be covered under a homeowner’s policy, so make sure to check with your agent. Certain policies allow for physical damages to watercraft. But you shouldn’t rely on your homeowners to give adequate protections to your boat. Buying insurance for your boat, watercraft or recreational vehicle you own is wise.

Optional Boat Coverages:

  • Boating equipment and Accessories
  • Personal Property
  • Emergency Towing
  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Guranteed Replacement Cost
  • Agreed Value
  • Actual Cash Value
  • Recovery costs
  • Trailers
  • Liability
  • Unisured Watercraft
  • Medical Payments

Credits:

  • Multipolicy
  • Navigation Class
  • Payment in Full
  • Boating Experience
  • Higher Deductible

Talk to an insurance professional today about your needs and get your boat insured just in time for a summer of fun!

Complete Insurance Services in Keego Harbor MI is here to help. Our Personal Lines Department writes a full range of coverages for Michigan residents. Representing many excellent insurance companies that offer a variety of products to meet your individual requirement ensures a personalized insurance package at the most reasonable price. Call us for a Free no obligation quote and receive a Free boat inflatable key ring!

5 Reasons to Have Business Insurance | Keego Harbor

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You need business insurance. Plain and simple. It may seem like a headache or stressful, but a company cannot function without business insurance, in many cases legally. Business insurance is a requirement by law and by function of your professionalism and is one of the first things you should do when you start your own business.

There are a lot of reasons out there to have business insurance.

But if you were to go through the top five, that includes legality, credibility, safety for you, safety for employees, and your protection during potential lawsuits you may face as your business grows and evolves.

Below are 5 reasons to have business insurance for your company.

It’s a Legal Requirement

The short of it is that most states require businesses to hold some form of business insurance in order to stay in business. Depending on where you are and what you do, you may require specific types of insurance for the work you do which may be more hazardous than others. Make sure to check your local legal requirements.

Workers Compensation is a no-fault policy. Your employee collects benefits and gives up the right to sue your business.

It Protects Employees

Having business insurance can increase your talent retention. People want to know they will be taken care of if something happens. Business insurance can cover employees who suffer work related injuries and help provide long term benefits if necessary.

It Builds Credibility

Customers and employees both like to see that a business is insured. This is especially important if your company takes on contract work of any kind. If your employees are working in peoples’ homes or at other business, you need to be insured in case something goes wrong. Seeing that you have the ability to pay for any potential damages during a job or project will make customers and clients more likely to trust you and make your employees feel more secure.

It Protects You

Ultimately, insurance is about protecting the business, but it does that in more ways than you think. It protects management from liability. But it’s not just there to protect you in the legal sense. It protects your physical structures from flooding, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters or “acts of god”.

It Helps You During Lawsuits

The longer you’re in business, the more likely you’re going to be handed a lawsuit at some point. It’s just part of owning a business. But no matter what the lawsuit is, insurance can be a huge benefit when a lawsuit comes around. Insurance can help cover legal costs and if someone is hurt on your property, insurance can pay the bills, so you don’t have to.

Related Questions

Does business insurance expire?

Yes. Like any insurance, coverage can lapse which results in gaps of coverage or complete loss of coverage. So, you need to make sure you’re keeping on top of your insurance coverage schedule.

What does insurance cost?

This will depend on a lot. It will depend on your state, the type of work you do, and the level of experience you have. General liability may start at $50/month with additions like payroll and sales.

Questions? Talk to your insurance provider about potential business insurance for your company. If you live in Michigan, Complete Insurance Services is happy to help.

Complete Insurance Services Keego Harbor provides the best insurance protection at the most reasonable price. We understand businesses in the community and offer insurance packages for all sizes of businesses with tailored programs to fit their needs.

Our Business Insurance Products include general liability, commercial property insurance, commercial umbrella insurance, business auto insurance and more. Call and speak to an insurance expert about your options today! Free Quotes

Tips for Buying Car Insurance | Keego Harbor Michigan

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There are so many options to choose from when it comes to purchasing car insurance. You can choose from larger, national car insurance providers or choose from a local, smaller car insurance provider. Most people buy car insurance because it’s required in the state that they live in before they can drive. They usually choose a car insurance company that they saw on television or go with their parents’ car insurance provider. Very few people take the time to research which car insurance would be the best to have given their circumstances. If they do, they base their decision on cost only. Lower insurance costs may seem like a great idea when you are paying a premium and haven’t had an accident.

However, comparing rates shouldn’t be the only thing you learn about when shopping for car insurance.

Here are five other things to consider when deciding what car insurance policy to buy.

Can you get a great deal on car insurance because of your occupation or because you attend college?

Suppose cost matters most to you. Comparing rates between various insurance companies may not be your only option for getting a discount. Did you know that your occupation or where you attend college could also help you save on car insurance? Before you log onto the internet and start comparing rates, take time to research what kind of discounts are available based on your occupation or your status as a student.

Do certain car insurance companies offer cheaper rates than others for your occupation? Is this coverage cheaper than the options that you researched online? These are some of the things to keep in mind as you shop for great deals on car insurance coverage.

How much risk can you take with your deductible?

If you are still in the market for bargains, keep in mind that sometimes car insurance costs can rise or fall based on how much risk you are willing to take on your deductible. Are you generally a safe driver and have hardly been in accidents in the past 5-10 years? Also, can you afford a higher deductible if you should have an accident in the near future?

Generally, the lower your deductible, the higher your car insurance premium. Suppose you can risk taking a chance that you won’t be in a severe accident in the next few years. In that case, accepting a higher deductible can get you more savings on your car insurance. The choice you make is all based on your aversion to risk. Do not go with a high Comprehensive deductible, there little savings. On the Collision deductible go with Regular, not Broad form there a 10% reduction. You can still go after the other at fault driver up to $3,000 for damages to your vehicle.

If you have an accident, does your car insurance cover rental vehicles while your car is repaired?

As a result of an accident, you may be without your car for days or weeks as it gets repaired. How good is your car insurance company at covering your rental car coverages as you await your car repairs? Some car insurance companies don’t provide this service at all. Those that do may have limitations on the costs and the number of days the insurance will cover the rental car. Being clear on this is critical because you may not have access to alternative transportation to get back and forth while your vehicle is repaired.

Does your insurance cover all damages associated with natural disasters?

One of the biggest mistakes people make with car insurance is assuming that all losses are covered. For instance, water damage to your car from a storm may or may not be covered. It depends on how the damage occurred and if you have the proper insurance to cover it. You may also assume that hail damage is covered in your car insurance policy, but it may not be in some cases. If it is, there may be stipulations. You may even think that your insurance covers damages associated with a storm. A tree that falls on your car may not be covered depending on the type of insurance coverage you have.

The key takeaway is that there is much more to purchasing car insurance coverage than merely deciding who has the best rates. Sometimes a fair rate upfront can lead to a massive headache when you have to use the car insurance. These are some things to consider before deciding on a policy, but your research shouldn’t stop with this list. Reviewing your car insurance coverage annually to ensure it is still adequate is more critical than all of these considerations.

More tips and considerations

Towing: Add towing and go higher than $100 per tow. During the flooded out freeways in Michigan the State Police were charging as high as $500 to get your car out. Towing is not expensive, includes any road services.

GAP Insurance: Gap cover’s the difference the insurance company pays on a total loss and the amount you owe on a loan or the value of the leased vehicle. If it is higher than what the insurance company will pay, you’re covered for the difference.

OEM Parts: Not everyone wants aftermarket parts that mainly come from China. With this option the parts are the Original Equipment Manufactured parts, not the aftermarket parts, reconditioned parts, and recycled parts for repairs from a covered loss.

Diminishing Deductibles: Starts with an automatic $100 credit towards your first At Fault Accident, and increases each year another $100 should you be accident free, up to $500 total deductible credit. Resets back to $100 credit should you use it.

Special Tort Liability: Make sure you have this coverage. In an at fault accident, you can be responsible up to $3,000 in damages to the other persons car that you hit. That is if they have a deductible or they do not carry collision coverage.

Pet Medical: Covers injury or death to your pet. Up to $750 per pet, or $1,500 for more than one pet in an auto accident.

Waiver of Deductible Glass Damage: Waives the glass deductible, for glass replacement. Not including sunroof, and mirrors.

Complete Insurance Services, Keego Harbor specializes in providing personalized insurance coverage that meets the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. You can build your own auto insurance policy and get the best combination of coverage, value and price. Do you need a basic policy or fully loaded coverage? Our local agents are here to answer questions and ready to help you determine the best coverage for your needs.

Want to find out more about auto insurance in Michigan? Call us for a Free no obligation quote and we’ll have you out on the road in no time!

Homeowners Coverage’s That You Should Know About

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Most clients know that jewelry insurance can be added to the Homeowners policy. Did you know that there is an optional coverage you can add called Agreed Amount? The purpose is to have the insurance company agree with the appraised value.

In the event the ring is lost, the insurance company cannot offer you less for your ring.

Sewer Back Up and Sump Pump Failure

This is one of our most common losses. The important question is how much coverage do you need? A finished basement needs to have a higher limit. This coverage applies both to the damage to the home and contents. Make sure you check the limit for these coverages.

Why is the dwelling limit so high?

The dwelling limit is high due to the cost to rebuild a home after a loss. We are not insuring your home for the Market Value. We insure a home for the cost to rebuild it new. Our values are going to be high. You should ask to see the valuation in order to see if the value is accurate. Most carriers will pay more than the dwelling limit if you add some type of guaranteed replacement cost endorsement. This is important as our values are an estimate. We try to determine the cost to rebuild your home, but are we correct?

Hail and Wind Damage to your roof, do we replace the entire roof, or just the part that is damaged?

Insurance companies are only obligated to put you back to where you were before the loss. They will limit your payment to the damaged portion of your roof. Will you get a new roof if only a portion of your roof sustains a loss? Probably not. You may be able to add coverage for undamaged siding or roofing to your Homeowners policy. This form limits coverage to replacing the undamaged sections only when siding or shingles are no longer available. Coverage does not include mismatching due to fading or weathering.

Ordinance and Law Coverage

An example of this is you have a home on the lake. You have a covered loss to the home which is destroyed and has to be rebuilt. If the local ordinances have changed since the home was built, now requiring the home to be rebuilt in a different spot. This ordinance ends up costing more to rebuild the home. Without Ordinance and Law Coverage, you will be paying for this increased cost yourself.

Power Surges

Yes, a direct hit by lightning is coverage on your Homeowners policy. But what about power surges that was not caused by a direct hit from lightening? Or what about brownouts where the current is reduced? You need to have Equipment Breakdown added to your home or your condo. This will include mechanical breakdown but does not include normal wear and tear of your equipment. Make sure you add this coverage.

Earthquake and Flood claims excluded but can be added

Flood or Surface Water losses excluded but a separate flood policy can be purchased. Especially if you have a man-made dam in your area. A new endorsement available is called Inland Flood. This form adds coverage to cover your home that is not subject to flooding, but you sustain an unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source including rainfall and ice melt. A walkout basement is a reason to consider adding this coverage.

Service Line Endorsement

This adds coverage for piping or wiring that provides services to your home. Must be underground. It can cover a leak, break, tear, rupture, collapse, or arcing from underground service lines. If you have an older home, you should consider this.

This is just a sample of some of the options you should know about. Talk to your agent to find out more.

John Linemeyer CPCU

If you have questions about your homeowner’s insurance coverage, Complete Insurance Services can help! We are an independent agency representing numerous insurance companies and specialize in providing personalized insurance coverage that meets the unique needs of families and businesses. Call us for a Free Quote and to learn more!

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Contact Information

Contact Information

Complete Insurance Services, Inc.
1717 Cass Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI 48320

Phone: (248) 682-1510
Fax: (248) 682-1703
Email: admin@completeins.com