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After Market Add-ons and How They Can Affect Your Auto Insurance

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Owners love to customize their vehicles. Old or new, many choose to upgrade sound systems, tires and wheels, lighting, bumpers, and more. Pick-up trucks are raised, giant upgraded bumpers are attached, and a variety of other options are added. Cars can resemble those in video games. At North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI, we want you to be aware that if you are making upgrades to your car or truck, it may prompt a call to your auto insurance agent.

Upgrades Impact Value

When you invest a few thousand dollars in new rims and tires, a sound system, or even a specialized paint job, it will likely impact the value of your vehicle. This increased value may not be reflected in a standard "book value." If that vehicle is stolen or vandalized, it may not be covered for its real value. Your auto insurance policy may need an upgrade.

Upgraded Vehicles May Be More at Risk

Face it. Reasons to upgrade a vehicle include making it more appealing. And attention-getting. Unfortunately, this can make it a bigger target for theft or break-ins. Reach out to your auto insurance company to ensure you are sufficiently covered.

Engine and Power Upgrades

Cars may also have upgrades made to improve performance. When this alters horsepower, it could possibly impact auto insurance coverage. We can help.

Contact Us Today

North Coast Insurance Services serves the Lexington, MI area drivers with insurance for a wide range of vehicles. If you are investing in after-market upgrades to your vehicle, make sure you are covered and reach out to us. We will be pleased to provide a complimentary car insurance review and price quote. We look forward to assisting you.

Why your home business needs commercial insurance

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You may think that because your business is located in your home, your home insurance provides all the coverage that you need. That is not the case. Home insurance is not designed to protect a home business, and you can be left unprotected if you decide to save money by not adding commercial insurance. At North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI we are here to offer you the advice that you need. 

Home property insurance

Home property insurance is different from commercial property insurance. Commercial property insurance not only protects the premises, but it also protects all the things that you use to conduct business. Depending on what your business is, this may include tools, inventory, raw materials, and a lot more. You may find that your home insurance won’t cover most of your losses from your business. This could be an expensive omission. 

Home liability insurance

Home liability insurance protects you against legal actions taken against you if someone is injured at your home or by a member of your family at home or away. What it won’t cover is people who come to your home to do business with you. So, if a client or customer comes to visit and falls, you won’t be covered by your home insurance. This makes having commercial liability a necessity. 

If you have any employees as a part of your home business, you may need to have workers’ compensation coverage. If you have three or more employees or one employee who works 35 hours a week for 13 weeks or more, then the state mandates that you have this coverage. It is not something home insurance can cover. 

Consult With Us

Contact North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI to discuss with us the ramifications of not having the right insurance for your home business. 

Two Ways Home Insurance Protects You

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When you own a home, it’s essential that you have a home insurance policy for it. It’s usually required for homeowners to have this insurance. Virtually all mortgage lenders will require buyers to have it. If you have a homeowner’s association, they will also require it. Home insurance comes with different types of protection that each protect different aspects of what you own.

If you’re buying a home and need to get it insured, call us at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI.

Dwelling Coverage

When you have home insurance, it covers the actual house. This is one of the most important types of coverage it offers because home repairs can be so expensive. If a covered event should happen, like certain accidents or disasters, your home insurance will be there to pay for the repairs needed. Repairs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars or even more. Without this coverage, you are at high risk for financial devastation. Always have home insurance to protect yourself financially. 

Possessions Coverage

Your home is valuable, but the things inside it are as well. Another important type of coverage offered in a home policy is coverage for all of your belongings that are on your property. You’ve invested a lot into your things, and it could be extremely expensive to replace everything. Home insurance protects you against a wide range of damaging events that could ruin or destroy your belongings. Few people could afford to replace everything themselves. They need home insurance because this coverage can protect them from that scenario. Think about the value of everything in your home It adds up to quite a lot. 

Get Your Home Insurance Policy

When you need home insurance, we’re here to help. Give us a call today at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI to get started. 

What Claims Are Covered Under Workers Compensation?

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In Michigan, businesses aren’t legally required to carry worker’s compensation insurance. However, worker’s compensation insurance can be obtained through North Coast Insurance Services serving Lexington, MI and surrounding areas. This coverage offers several benefits, many of which help protect the business from legal action, as well as the employee who suffers an injury on the job.

Work-related Injury Coverage

Work-related injuries can happen anytime and anyplace. Even the safest workplaces can benefit from worker’s compensation, which covers work-related injuries like slips and falls and other accidents while an employee is on the clock.

Occupational Illness

Exposure to certain harmful materials can result in occupational illnesses, even after an employee has left a job. Coverage includes things like respiratory illness, chemical exposure-related illnesses, asbestos exposure problems, and more.

Pre-existing Conditions

In certain instances, worker’s compensation may cover pre-existing conditions that were worsened by job-related activities. This varies, case by case, so contact your insurance representative at North Coast Insurance Services serving Lexington MI if you have claim-related questions.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Worker’s compensation often includes repetitive stress injuries, which can develop over time due to the nature of the job. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or back problems resulting from repetitive tasks may be eligible for compensation, depending on individual circumstances.

Death Benefits

In the event of a fatal tragedy involving a job-related incident, worker’s compensation may cover certain costs having to do with the death, which may be payable to the surviving dependents of the employee.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Even though worker’s compensation is not required by law in Michigan, it’s easy to see that it is a valuable insurance coverage for businesses to carry. To learn more or to get your worker’s compensation insurance coverage started, contact North Coast Insurance Services serving Lexington, MI today.

Four of the best advantages of having classic car insurance

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Classic car owners should invest in insurance coverage that’s tailored to their unique needs. At North Coast Insurance Services, we’re here to assist classic car owners in Lexington, MI. 

Classic car insurance policies offer plenty of advantages.

The following are four of the best advantages of having classic car insurance:

Coverage for spare parts

Spare parts for a classic car can be especially costly. Fortunately, classic car insurance can offer enough coverage to pay for expensive and rare spare parts that are used on antique vehicles. 

Vehicle appraisals

Having your classic car appraised is helpful because it lets you know just how much your classic car is worth at any given moment.

Fortunately, a lot of classic car insurance providers will provide routine vehicle appraisals to policyholders to ensure that they compensate policyholders properly if a claim is filed. Having these appraisals done is a great perk of carrying classic car insurance. 

Coverage for an agreed value

Classic car insurance policies can offer an agreed value in the event of a total loss.

With an agreed value policy, the policyholder knows that he or she will receive a certain amount for their vehicle regardless of how much their vehicle’s value has changed recently due to depreciation. 

Flexible classic car usage options

Classic car owners don’t typically use their classic vehicle the way they would use a standard vehicle that’s used for transportation.

Classic car insurance policies can be adjusted to a policyholder’s vehicle usage amount. This ensures that policyholders’ premiums can reflect the fact that policyholders drive their classic cars only very infrequently. 

We Are Here To Help

You’ll love carrying classic car insurance for your vehicle in Lexington, MI. You can get a quote on a classic car insurance policy by calling us at North Coast Insurance Services.  

All You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan

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North Coast Insurance Services is here to serve the Lexington, MI community with all your insurance needs, including coverage for your motorcycle. As a motorcycle owner, it is important to carry motorcycle insurance to protect yourself and your precious vehicle. When it comes to insurance laws and requirements, every state is different. If you are riding in the state of Michigan, there are certain things you need to know and take into consideration.

What Should You Know About Motorcycle Insurance in Michigan?

  • Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in Michigan. Liability insurance is a legal requirement for motorcycle riders in Michigan in order to safeguard them in the event that they are to blame for an accident that results in fatalities or severe injuries. First-party medical insurance is also required of motorcycle riders who do not wear helmets.  
  • There are certain factors affecting the cost of motorcycle insurance. Age, driving history, the type of bike you ride, coverage limits, and other things are among these factors. To locate the best motorbike insurance plan for you, we shop around and evaluate various options. 
  • The claim process is quite simple. Making a motorbike insurance claim in Michigan is not too complicated. The first step is to call your insurer and report the claim. Your insurance will then specify the next step, which may involve submitting a statement or filling out paperwork.

We Are Here To Help

If you are currently shopping for motorcycle insurance in Lexington, MI and you need help choosing a plan, North Coast Insurance Services is here to assist. We are experts in various types of insurance, including motorcycle insurance as well. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. 

Determining Your Life Insurance Needs: How Much Coverage Is Enough?

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Many people in Lexington, MI don’t understand how much life insurance coverage they should have. Understanding how much coverage you need requires careful consideration of your circumstances. North Coast Insurance Services explains how to determine your life insurance needs.

Financial Obligations

First, consider your financial obligations. If you have a spouse, children, or other dependents, you need to think about how much money they would need to continue living comfortably in the event of your death. Consider expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, car payments, credit card bills, and other debts. Add up these expenses and ensure your life insurance policy is enough to cover them. You should also factor in additional expenses such as college expenses for your children, childcare, and other costs that may arise.

Future Financial Obligations

Next, consider your income and the years your dependents will need financial support. If you were to die, how long would it take for your dependents to become financially independent? If you have student or business loans, you need to factor in these future financial obligations when determining your life insurance coverage. Also, consider any future financial goals such as retirement or a down payment on a home. These expenses should also be included in your life insurance policy.

Thinking About Your Lifestyle

If you have health issues or engage in risky activities such as extreme sports, you may need to consider a higher level of coverage. Insurers consider health factors and an individual’s lifestyle when determining premiums and overall risk. 

Determining your life insurance needs requires careful consideration of your circumstances. If you are in Lexington MI, contact North Coast Insurance Services for help calculating the right life insurance coverage for your situation.

Tips for going on a road trip

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Road trips can be a great way to get away from the Lexington, MI area and explore a new place. Here are some tips from us at North Coast Insurance Services for making the most of your next road trip.

Tips for going on a road trip

1. Plan ahead

Before you hit the road, make sure to plan ahead and map out your route. Don’t forget to account for any potential road closures or detours that could slow down your journey. 

2. Allow extra time

Although it’s important to have an approximate timeline for your trip, be sure to allow yourself some extra time in case of unexpected delays or stops that you want to take along the way. The journey is sometimes just as important as the destination! 

3. Pack snacks and drinks

Packing snacks and drinks will help keep you energized during the long drive. It’s also a good idea to pack a cooler with ice so you’ll have cold drinks on hand when needed. 

4. Get comfortable

Sitting in one position for too long can cause stiffness and fatigue, so make sure to take regular breaks every two hours or so. Also, if you’re sharing the driving responsibilities with someone else, switch seats every few hours so both drivers can stay comfortable and focused on the road ahead. 

Reach Out To Us

With these tips in mind, all that’s left to do is have fun! A road trip can be an exciting adventure that’s full of unexpected surprises along the way – enjoy every minute of it! For more tips and insurance-related advice, give us at North Coast Insurance Services a call today. We are proud to serve the Lexington, MI area and would be happy to help you find the right auto policy for you.

How do Michigan businesses benefit from commercial insurance?

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In the Lexington, MI area, small business owners will find they have a lot of opportunities to be successful. There is a strong economy and a growing population that can help any company grow. If you would like to start a business here, you may find that it is a good idea. However, there are risks that come with running a business as well. One way to offset these risks is by getting insurance.

A Michigan business can benefit from commercial coverage in various ways:

Financial Protection

One of the reasons that a business should always have commercial coverage is to receive financial protection. A commercial plan can protect your financial viability in several ways. To start, you will have coverage for all of your business assets. This will be helpful if you are a victim of theft, fire, or other forms of loss. A commercial plan will also give support if you are named liable for an accident that comes with damages as it will include a liability insurance provision. 

Meet Obligations

You can also benefit by having commercial coverage as you will meet all obligations. Most businesses will sign various documents and agreements that require insurance. These include agreements with banks, investors, and certain clients. When you are insured with a commercial plan, you will remain in good standing with such requirements. 

Reach Out To Us

Being a business owner or manager in the Lexington, MI area has continued to be a great option and career path to consider. When you are looking to build a business here, it is very helpful to call our team with North Coast Insurance Services. When you call our professionals with North Coast Insurance Services, you can learn more about commercial insurance, and we can help you build and establish a new commercial plan. 

Can You Get Home Insurance for a Vacation Home?

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A common question that homeowners ask our team at North Coast Insurance Services, serving Lexington, MI, is whether they should get a second policy of home insurance for their second home. If you want to know more about how you could obtain home insurance for a vacation home, we’ve got you covered.

Can You Get Home Insurance for a Vacation Home?

Before deciding whether home insurance is right for your vacation home, you’ll probably want to know if it’s possible to have home insurance for a vacation home. The answer to this can depend on several different factors. Firstly, when you aren’t occupying your vacation home, do you rent it out to other occupants? If so, you will almost certainly need to obtain landlord’s insurance for the home to be properly protected. 

For those who don’t rent out the home to others, you will probably not be able to have it under the same policy as your primary place of residence. This is because each home has unique risk factors. One house is occupied every day and takes on a lot more wear and tear over time. The other home is unoccupied for long stretches of time, which increases the risk of thieves taking advantage of its vacancy. 

Even if no one tries to break into your vacation home, it is still at risk of disaster-related damage and other issues. This is why most home insurance policies will not let you add a second residence. Instead, you may need to take out a second home insurance policy or specialized vacation home policy.

Reach Out To Us

To learn more about your options to protect your vacation home, call our team at North Coast Insurance Services serving Lexington, MI today!