Making an interstate move to Michigan can be an exciting adventure. It can also be stressful, with plenty of choices you’ll have to make as you adjust to this new change. At North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI, many clients want a new insurance agency like ours after relocation. While you may or may not need to change insurance companies or policies for car insurance when you move to this state, it’s a good idea to double-check with local and state regulations and your previous provider. Even if you aren’t obligated to change your insurance when you move, switching car insurance providers has several benefits.

Do You Need to Change Car Insurance Providers If You Move to Michigan?

Our team of insurance professionals hears a common question from new clients: "Do I have to change auto insurance when I move to Michigan?” Although we might not know your situation, we can’t speak directly. We can generally say that it may be helpful to switch insurance providers when you relocate to this area. After all, it can be a hassle to have an insurance provider several states away. This is especially true when you run into an issue that’s best solved with an in-person discussion or a phone call to an office in the same time zone.

Beyond convenience, you might legally have to change car insurance when you move here. You’ll have to have a policy that meets the state minimum requirements. Additionally, switching providers can mean better terms for your policy and a fresh start.

For more information, call our North Coast Insurance Services office in Lexington, MI.

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.

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.

Here at North Coast Insurance Services, providing auto insurance throughout the greater Lexington, MI area, we are often asked what advice we would give to help individuals avoid automobile accidents. While you cannot avoid every type of accident, properly caring for and maintaining your car’s tires can play a key role in minimizing the automobile accidents individuals are involved in.

Here is why it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the tires on your car:

What Should You Look For When Inspecting and Maintaining Your Tires? 

As you inspect and maintain your tires, you should check the tread of your tires, look for any damage, such as bulges or nails, and ensure your tires are properly inflated per your car’s manufacturer. If the tread is low or you see the damage, it may be time to repair or replace your tires. 

Why is Inspecting and Maintaining Your Tires So Important? 

If your tires are damaged, you increase the chances of a blowout occurring, which can cause an accident. If your tire tread is low or your tires are not properly inflated, your car may not grip the road as well as it should, which can cause your car to slide, skid, or fishtail. Your tires play a key role in your safety on the road, and as such, they should be inspected and maintained at least once a month. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

Properly inspecting and maintaining your tires is one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of you being involved in an automobile accident. However, you cannot prevent all car accidents from happening. If a car accident happens, you want to ensure you have auto insurance that fully covers you should that happen. Here at North Coast Insurance Services, serving the greater Lexington, MI area, we would love the opportunity to work with you to help you find the best auto insurance policy for your needs. Reach out to us today to start the process. 

Having auto insurance isn’t a luxury. It’s the law.

Michigan, like most states, has specific auto insurance mandates. However, minimum coverage limits are more strict when compared to other areas. And these regulations are ever-changing. Luckily, North Coast Insurance Services stays up to date. Serving Lexington, MI, the agency is skilled at navigating these requirements to keep you safe, secure, and legal.

Using this experience, North Coast Insurance Services shares four items that any auto insurance policy in the state must include.

Bodily Injury Liability

Liability coverage is mandated for all motorists. Bodily injury is the first part of this protection. This reimburses expenses if a collision causes serious injury to another driver. By law, Michigan drivers need $50,000 for any single person. A combined amount of $100,000 is required for all people per incident.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage covers destruction to another person’s property, like vehicles, buildings, or other structures. Although drivers must carry at least $10,000. However, Michigan became a no-fault state in 2019. Because of this distinction, property damage liability is more important for incidents that occur outside Michigan.

Personal Injury Protection

Called "PIP" for short, this protection is designed specifically to produce benefits in no-fault states. Unlike liability, this coverage is for you personally. It can reimburse lost wages, medical bills, and other costs incurred by an incident.

Property Protection Insurance

This extends to "tangible property" and is similar to property damage liability. But, like PIP, this is for Michigan-based claims only. Drivers in the state must have $1 million in coverage.

Consult an agent serving Lexington, MI

North Coast Insurance Services understands how important auto insurance can be. It’s more than just the law. An auto insurance policy protects you, your family, and other drivers on the roadway. Schedule an appointment today.

Using the same insurance provider for all the different types of coverage you have from auto to homeowners is called bundling. There are some good reasons to bundle your auto insurance if it is right for your needs. Many people want the big savings and discounts that can come from bundling, as well as the simplicity of handling several policies through one company. Another way to know if bundling is right for you is if you have a lot of claims for auto and home for instance. Your insurer may work with you more if they handle all of your different types of insurance.

The dedicated team at North Coast Insurance Services of Lexington MI will help you to customize your insurance policies including auto, home, life, or other coverage. We can tailor a package that fits your needs.

Some Benefits of Bundling Your Coverage

There are benefits to bundling your auto insurance with your homeowners and other policies. A qualified agent can help you get the most of these benefits that include:

• Cost savings – Companies will offer discounts when you bundle your auto insurance with your other policies. This can save you money. 
• Single company – One reason people like to bundle their insurance is dealing with only one company. This can simplify managing your insurance policies.
• Simplified payments – Paying your premiums is easier because you have the same insurer for several types of insurance.

Professional Insurance in Lexington

Contact us at North Coast Insurance Services of Lexington, MI if you need quality auto insurance bundled with your other policies. We have years of experience helping individuals get the best quality coverage for auto, homeowners, and more. Our professional agents look forward to helping you keep your assets protected and secure.

Do you have plans to purchase your first vehicle, or have you recently done so? Before you drive it, you’ll need to have an adequate auto insurance policy in place. It would be helpful to visit an independent agent such as those at North Coast Insurance Services of the Lexington, MI area for assistance with this to know what you’re getting and what you can expect from your first policy.

Michigan State Minimum Requirements for Auto Insurance

In the state of Michigan, it’s necessary that you have minimum liability coverage in your auto insurance. In addition, some automobile lenders do ask that you have other types of coverage such as collision and comprehensive. It’s a good idea to know what is and isn’t covered by your provider for each of these categories so that there are no surprises. A qualified insurance agent will be able to explain this to you in detail.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

Two common types of coverage are for bodily injury and property damage. With a bodily injury, your insurance will at least partially cover medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees in the instance that someone else is injured in an automobile accident that you are responsible for causing. As the name implies, property damage includes other individuals’ property such as a fence, their mailbox, or a part of their home, such as their garage door. Both of these help tremendously since it means you can likely avoid having to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

North Coast Insurance Services of Lexington, MI and beyond strives to secure the best possible solutions for each customer’s insurance needs. Contact us with your questions, and we won’t steer you wrong.