Michigan Archives - Complete Insurance Services, Inc.

Understanding Ice Damns, Do You Have the Right Coverage?

December 15, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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!

Homeowners Policy Debris Removal Coverage’s

August 27, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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Somewhere in your Homeowners Policy is an important coverage called Debris Removal. The coverage I am speaking of is for removal of trees which have fallen onto the premise without hitting the home.

On all Homeowners policies there is a special sub limit of coverage that you need to be aware of.

In reviewing some of my insurance carriers, I have found that most will provide coverage up to a least $500.00. One carrier will increase this limit to $1,000 with the Homeowners Plus endorsement. Again, we are talking about a tree that just falls in the yard from windstorm or from an ice storm.

Some of my carriers, if you choose for example their Premier Homeowners policy will provide $5,000 per tree or $10,000 for more than one tree to remove from your yard. I have another company which will write up to $2,500 for debris removal, but the home must have a value of at least $750,000 on the dwelling.

After the last tornado that hit White Lake Michigan on July 24th, 2021, I have found that these limits may not be adequate. Again, we are talking about trees that did not hit the home but are strewn around the yard and must be removed. And of course, the tree trimmers are going to base the rate on demand and supply.

My recommendation is to ask about your debris removal coverage for trees, especially if you do have some large trees on your residence. Also, do make sure you know a good local tree trimmer, and be sure you have that number handy in the event of a storm like the one we had on July 24th, 2021.

If you have questions about your homeowners 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 and speak to an agent for a Free No Obligation Quote!

Car Rental Coverage – Here’s What You Need to Know

June 12, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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We frequently gets calls from customers wondering if their rental vehicle is covered by their auto insurance policy while on vacation. If you have an Auto-Owners personal auto policy, it has specific coverage provisions that address whether an accident in a rental vehicle is covered.

Let’s look at a common example: You take a vacation to Las Vegas and rent a car.

How does coverage extend from your car to a rented car while on vacation?

Under an Auto-Owners personal auto policy, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage, it carries over to a rental vehicle. Liability coverage (coverage for another person’s medical bills or damage to another person’s property) extends only to the insured(s), a spouse, relatives who live with the insured, and anyone the insured gives permission to use the rental vehicle.

Physical damage coverage (coverage for the rental car if it is damaged or stolen) applies only to the insured(s), spouse and relatives who live with the insured. The broadest or best coverage from any vehicle on your policy extends to the rented vehicle. In other words, as long as one of the vehicles on your policy has both liability and physical damage coverage, the car rented on vacation will have those same coverages.

If coverage can be extended to the rental vehicle it is not necessary to purchase the damage waiver from the rental car company.

The Auto-Owners policy is broader than the industry when it comes to rented vehicles regarding what is covered. If you have questions on this coverage, please contact us. Keep in mind that it will be important to understand why the vehicle is being rented and who will be driving it, as these facts are important in determining if coverage will apply for a potential claim. And please make sure the leased vehicle is rented for your personal use, and not for business.

Complete Insurance Services is located in Keego Harbor Michigan. If you are looking to learn more about car rental coverage contact us today for a Free Quote!

Five Tips for Buying Insurance for Contractors Equipment

May 10, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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Theft of Contractors Equipment is getting bigger and more organized. Five suspects from Metro Detroit Area, were arrested for more than 50 thefts in Michigan, as well as Indian and Ohio.

Here are my Five Tips for covering your equipment:

1) Schedule the larger equipment: This gives you a lower rate. The Blanket rate is 3X as much as the scheduled equipment rate. It also will cover the exact piece of equipment, with description and the value, which makes it easier to process a claim.

2) Rental Equipment: Always add coverage for rental equipment. This will cover you up to a specific limit should you have to replace rented equipment or other losses that you are responsible for should you be held responsible for damage or to theft of rental equipment.

3) Rental Reimbursement and Extra Expense for your own equipment: What do you do when someone has vandalized your own equipment and you have to rent to finish the job? This coverage pays for the cost of the rental equipment and pays extra expense you incur to minimize your suspension of your business.

4) Replacement cost coverage: Did you know that on a new piece of equipment, you may be able to have replacement cost? Normally we insure equipment for Actual Cash Value which is subject to a lower value due to depreciation. If you have newer equipment, ask for replacement cost coverage.

5) Package your equipment with your other coverages: Insurance companies offer a 10% discount if you put both your equipment with your liability insurance coverages.

Questions on insuring your equipment? Complete Insurance understands businesses in the community and will find the best value for your coverage. Our agents are knowledgeable and experienced and take pride in reviewing your options with multiple insurance companies, comparing protection and prices to find the best value for your business.

Whether you need homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, medical insurance, or business insurance coverage we have a plan for everyone. Call our Keego Harbor insurance office for a Free Quote today!

John Linemeyer CCU
Complete Insurance Services, Inc.

Five Quick Maintenance Tips for Your Car | Complete Insurance Services MI

March 25, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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Every once in a while, you need to do a pulse check on your car. We do inspections once a year or so, depending on your state, but between inspections there are checks you need to make on your car to ensure it’s running smoothly and being well kept. Cars are made of so many parts, any one of them can malfunction at any time. You can be prepared with routine checks.

You don’t need a full inspection of your car every time you go into the shop, but there are certain aspects that need to be checked on more often than others. You’d be surprised how much wear a car can endure before a light comes on or you notice a problem in performance. Don’t let it get to that point.

Below are five checks you should be doing routinely to make sure your car continues to run smoothly.

Oil Check

This one is obvious, and your car will likely alert you when the time comes. But your auto shop should also give you a mileage to get your oil checked at, whether your light comes on or not. The motor oil lubricates the moving parts in your car, protects it against debris, keeps the engine from overheating, reduces damage, and a lot more. That’s why it needs to be monitored and replenished as soon as it’s time.

Tire Pressure and Tread

Your tire pressure gauges may not always be accurate and fluctuations in weather can cause tire pressure to drop without much warning. Check your tire pressure often to ensure you don’t have a slow leak. You should also make sure your tread is in good shape so it does not become a hazard during inclement weather. It’s also a good idea to periodically rotate your tires.

Air Filters

The air filters in your car run through the engine and provide clean air to your car. It’s a no brainer they need to be properly maintained and cleaned. If your air filter is malfunctioning, it can be a fuel usage problem.

Lights and Signals

You don’t want to go to turn your car on one night and find your headlights out. You also don’t want to be in a traffic stop for a taillight being out. Check them regularly and change the bulbs based on their performance the expectancy you get from your auto shop. This is incredibly important for brake and turn signals.

Wax

This may sound like a luxury but waxing your car after a cleaning can help protect your paint job and make it more resistant to damage from debris. Even small irritants like dust, road salt, and sand can wear down the paint and before you know it the paint is wearing off. My favorite Wash and Wax product is Mothers California Gold. Cleans, shines, & protects your car. Just use one once per gallon of water when you wash your vehicle.

New Car Paint Protection: A shield of spray on clear coat adds protection to the paint job before you take your new vehicle home. It protects your new car from bird droppings, chips, and tree sap. The polymer paint sealants go right on over the paint. It is not recommended you do this yourself, due to the strong chemicals that are applied. If you have a lot of trees in your yard, or you have a long daily commute it’s a good idea to add the extra protection.

How often should I check my transmission?

Transmission is more of a long-term checkup. Once it’s been looked at and checked off, it’s usually good for a while.

How often should I change my windshield wipers?

This is a good thing to do seasonally since different seasons will wear on your wipers more than others. It’s good to get it done after winter and at the end of summer.

Batteries: Here in Michigan, we know that the Battery will die when its cold and your starting the motor early in the morning. Make sure the battery is tested in the fall.

Spare Tire: Make sure you have a spare for your vehicle and any trailer or recreational vehicles. How many times do you see a trailer on the highway sitting there without a car, and missing a tire? You do not want to have to deal with not having a spare. And do make sure to have your trailer axel’s ball bearings greased. They can heat up and cause considerable damage from neglect.

Keeping your car in check will bring you peace of mind knowing its safe and dependable as well as keeping costly repairs at bay. Summer travel is around the corner, so the Spring season is a smart time to be car aware. It is also a great time to review your car insurance options to ensure your coverage meets your needs.

Want to find out more about Auto Insurance in Michigan? Complete Insurance Services located in Keego Harbor can help. Build your own policy with the help of our experienced agents and get the best combination of coverage, value, and price. Call for a Free Quote today!

5 Reasons to Have Business Insurance | Keego Harbor

February 25, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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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

The Importance of Renter’s Insurance | Keego Harbor MI

February 15, 2021 By Editorial Staff

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When you live in a place you rent, you may not realize you need to get additional coverage to protect your property. While your landlord is responsible for the property itself, its maintenance, and paying to fix things as long as they were not broken in an unreasonable way, you still need to cover your own property and belongings. This is what renter’s insurance is for.

Renter’s insurance may be something you thought about but never acted on because it seemed like a hassle, but renter’s insurance is actually incredibly easy to sign up for and wholly affordable. It’s pennies compared to most other insurance costs and covers a whole lot more than you may imagine.

Below is some information on the importance of renter’s insurance.

It’s Incredibly Affordable

Compared to many other forms of insurance, renters is among the most affordable insurance out there. Generally, it costs $100 a year which amounts to less than $10 in monthly insurance payments. While there will be differences depending on your age, the condition of your property, and the location, by and large renter’s insurance is extremely affordable for even the tightest budgets which makes it a no-brainer, especially considering how much it could cost you not to have it.

It Covers What Your Landlord Won’t

Your landlord is responsible for fixing broken appliances, leaks, or other damaged items in your apartment, but they’re not responsible for what a fire may do to your property, or vandalism, theft, weather, or what is generally known in insurance as an act of God. If a fire in your building eats your record collection or you have water damage to your electronics from a rainstorm or, most common, someone breaks in and burglarizes your home, renter’s insurance will cover the losses. For certain items you may need more than the standard policy (such as protection from earthquake damage or floods) but most common forms of damage are included on the standard policy.

You May Be Required by Law

Most landlords are now requiring renters to buy renter’s insurance as part of the agreement on the lease. While landlords do buy their own insurance, that is for the property you live in, not for the items you bring with you and own. Many times, the landlord’s insurance company is actually the one requiring the renter’s insurance on property as a way to get some of the potential burden off landlords in the event of an emergency.

Related Questions

What is covered on the standard renter’s insurance plan?

For standard coverage you will see: vandalism/theft, snow collapse, fire or lightning, damage from vehicles or aircraft, explosions, civil unrest, damage to the water line, and windstorm, among a few others, But it will also depend on where you live.

Does renter’s cover other costs?

If you are forced out of your home or apartment due to a covered loss, (damage, danger, etc.) then renter’s insurance may cover the cost of living while your home is repaired and made livable once again.

Renters Coverage Options

We offer to cover schedule jewelry.
You can add coverage for incidental business liability exposures such as an office at home.
Renters Plus form can add water back up of sewers, and refrigerated products lost due to a power failure.
Replacement Cost Coverage for your belongings is available.
Equipment Breakdown
Identity Theft Expense coverage
Special Personal Property coverage
Coverage for Laptops or Tablets

Complete Insurance Services Keego Harbor will help you find coverage options that protect you, your family, and your personal property. We are committed to providing the best insurance protection at the most reasonable price. Our insurance needs include Renters, Homeowners, Auto, Business, Medical, Life and more.

Talk to one of our insurance experts about how you can get an affordable renter’s insurance for your home or apartment today! Free Quotes

Four Questions to Ask Tree Service Companies | Homeowner’s Insurance Keego Harbor

November 23, 2020 By Editorial Staff

1) Are you insured? If they do damage to your home your insurance company can get reimbursed for the claim.
2) Will you haul away the limbs and wood? Sometimes the lowest price may not always include removal of the debris.
3) Are you familiar with my tree? Good to know what is going on and maybe you’re going to have more problems due to a certain type of disease or bugs.
4) What type of equipment do you have? Harnesses, bucket truck, hard hats, and newer equipment that can carry the debris without damage to your lawn.

We are also asked about whether or not a neighbor’s tree that falls on your property is the neighbor’s responsibility. The answer is based on “Negligence”. If a tree that is healthy falls due to an act of God such as a windstorm, your neighbor is not responsible for the damages. But if the tree is dead, and you have given your neighbor written notification that he should remove the tree before it hits your home, the neighbor can be responsible for your damages.

Do keep your tree branches away from your roof. If the branches touch the shingles, it can do damage to the roof. Be careful with the do it yourself approach. Many people get injured or die from being hit by the dropping of trees or the tree limbs. Windy conditions are to be avoided when you are dropping a tree. If you do it yourself, make sure you have leather boots, proper gloves, eye protection, and some ear plugs.

Also, do shop around. The last tree I had taken down, the first quote was around $1,400, and then it was $1,000 with a lot of pressure to do it now as the tree removal company was in the neighborhood. I told him I was in the insurance business and was in no hurry. He hung up on me. I ended with a better price of $800 including the removal of all debris. I paid by check when the job was finished.

John Linemeyer, CPCU

Complete Insurance Services, Inc. specializes in providing personalized insurance coverage that meets the needs of families and business. If you have questions about your homeowner’s insurance coverage, we can help!

We are an independent agency representing numerous insurance companies, so you get the best insurance coverage and protection at the most reasonable price. Whether you need homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, medical insurance, or business insurance coverage, Complete Insurance Services has a plan for everyone.

Call today for a Free no obligation quote!

Homeowners Coverage’s That You Should Know About

October 23, 2020 By Editorial Staff

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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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