Complete Insurance Services, Inc.

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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!

Homeowners Policy Debris Removal Coverage’s

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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!

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!

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

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Frozen pipes can be more than just inconvenient; they can be downright expensive. With the potential to damage multiple areas of your home, frozen pipes are a nuisance to be avoided.

Frozen pipes occur due to three main reasons: sudden drops in temperature, inadequate insulation and thermostats being set too low.

What can I do to prevent my pipes from freezing?

While it’s still warm…

1.Prepare yourself. Be sure to note where your water shutoff point is, and relay that information to others in your household. In the event of an emergency, this will be the first step to stopping further damage.

Determine whom to call in the event of an emergency. While small bursts may be able to get by on a temporary fix – such as using temporary patch kits, which homeowners should also have – larger-scale breaks may require immediate repair.

2. Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes located in your attic and crawl spaces are even more susceptible to freezing. Not only are these pipes more exposed and vulnerable to the cold, these locations also don’t receive a steady heat flow.

Use proper materials to insulate your pipes depending on where they’re located – there are different forms of insulation for interior and exterior use. Forms of insulation products include a pipe sleeve, heat tape or heat cable. You can also install fiberglass or foam board over exposed pipes in the attic, crawlspaces, basement, garage, cabinets and other high-risk, colder areas.

3. The hose goes. Your garden hoses should be disconnected, drained, dried and stored properly before winter. If you’re able to, shut off the water from inside to drain leftover water in the pipes that lead to the outdoor faucets.

4. Seal air leaks. Pipes are already at high risk to freeze when it’s cold outside – the last thing they need is excess cold air making its way inside. Seal all leaks located near pipes that are capable of letting cold air sneak in. Look for leaks near pipes, dryer vents, and electrical wiring, and seal them with caulk or insulation.

When the temperature drops …

5. Set your thermostat. Many homeowners keep the heat off to avoid the bill that comes along with it. But, if your home is not kept warm enough, it can contribute to frozen pipes – which are much more costly than a heating bill.

Don’t turn down the thermostat at night. While you might feel warmer overnight underneath blankets, your home gets colder as the exterior temperature drops through the night.

If you’re going out of town during the colder months, keep your heat on at a minimum of 55°F. You can also shut of your water while you’re away, but be sure the pipes are drained. If there are leaks or breaks while you’re away, and there is still a bit of water left in the pipes, at least the damage will be minimal in comparison to leaving the water on.

6. Use a space heater. Placing a space heater in close proximity to unprotected pipes can help keep them warm. Remember, the goal is merely to keep the pipes above freezing (31 °F); you don’t need to overheat them.

Pipes running along the exterior wall in the kitchen tend to be quite vulnerable. Open kitchen cabinet doors and place the space heater in front to generate heat inside the typically closed-off space. This can also be beneficial for pipes inside bathroom cabinets.

7. Let it drip, let it drip, let it drip. Running the smallest amount of water through your pipes could make all the difference in whether they freeze or not. In times of severely cold weather, let warm water drip from the faucets that are served by exposed or poorly insulated pipes.

Original article posted by Bloomfield Construction.

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

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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

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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