North Coast Insurance Services

Protecting Your Lexington Home: Essential Tips for Lakefront Properties

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Living in the idyllic lakefront town of Lexington, MI, along the shores of Lake Huron, offers a small-town feel, a host of outdoor recreational opportunities, and local amenities that make residents proud to call this peaceful townhome. Despite its natural beauty, lakefront residents should take proactive precautions to protect their lakefront homes from storm damage, flood damage, or theft.

Essential Tips for Protecting Your Lakefront Properties in Lexington, MI

The guide below, provided by North Coast Insurance Services, offers a few tips for shielding your waterfront properties from extensive damages and financial losses.

Conduct Regular Inspections and Home Maintenance Checks

Waterfront residents can shield their homes from water damage and high repair costs by conducting regular home maintenance and inspection checks. This helps to ensure no water leaks into the home’s foundation or mold and rot, which can lead to expensive structural damage if left untreated.

Implement Flood Mitigation Measures

Implementing the proper flood mitigation measures can save homeowners thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Lakefront homeowners should add flood mitigation measures like sump pumps and elevated utilities in homes with basements that can flood when local rivers and lakes overflow.

Get Comprehensive Home Insurance with Flood Coverage

There’s nothing worse than getting caught without adequate home insurance coverage in the event of a flood-causing natural disaster, heavy rainstorms, or when theft or vandalism occurs.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Lexington, MI, home from water damage and other financially devastating events. A licensed home insurance agent can guide you through home insurance policy selections for your family’s peace of mind.

Contact a knowledgeable and friendly North Coast Insurance Services agent today for a comprehensive home insurance quote and total lakefront home protection!

The True Cost of Skipping Workers’ Comp

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At North Coast Insurance Services, we understand workers’ compensation insurance’s significant role in safeguarding businesses and their employees. Opting out of this crucial coverage is risky because it could lead to substantial unforeseen costs.

Workers’ compensation insurance is a protective barrier for employers and employees. It ensures that in the event of a work-related injury or illness, employees’ medical needs are addressed, and employers are shielded from costly lawsuits. Without this insurance, Lexington, MI businesses could face severe financial and legal consequences.

For many businesses, particularly small enterprises, the temptation to skip workers’ comp in an attempt to cut costs can be appealing. However, the reality is that the absence of this insurance can lead to much steeper expenses down the line. Legal fees, medical bills, and compensation for lost wages can quickly accumulate, far exceeding the premiums for adequate coverage.

Moreover, maintaining workers’ compensation insurance fosters a safe and supportive work environment. It reassures employees that their welfare is a priority, which can enhance morale and productivity. Employees are more likely to feel valued and secure at a fully insured workplace, knowing that they are covered in case of any mishaps.

At North Coast Insurance Services, we’re dedicated to helping businesses understand the importance of workers’ compensation insurance. Ensuring you have the right coverage is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting your business’s future and the well-being of those who contribute to its success.

We invite businesses and individuals in and around Lexington, MI, to contact us. At North Coast Insurance Services, we are equipped to guide you through the intricacies of workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring you choose the best possible protection for your business and your team.

Rev Up Your Knowledge Lexington’s Guide to Classic Car Insurance

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When you have a classic car, it is about more than just getting from place to place; your car becomes a treasure and an investment piece you can enjoy for many years.

What Type of Protection Does a Classic Car Need In Michigan

There are no special needs for a classic car in Michigan, and a classic car must follow the same standards as any other car. In Michigan, because it is a no-fault state, each person has to have enough insurance to cover themselves and any other parties that may have damages in an accident. This usually correlates to $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability, also known as a 20/40/10 policy. You also need personal injury protection if you get injured because of an accident. Failure to have appropriate insurance can lead to fines, jail time, or both.

What Makes Classic Car Insurance Unique

While insurance is needed for any car in Lexington, Michigan, there are some special considerations you’ll have to consider when buying insurance for your classic car. While most cars can be swapped out when they are damaged, classic cars are not just about practicality. They are a collector’s item and often have a lot of sentimental value. At North Coast Insurance Services, we understand that getting a policy customized for your classic car can help you give your classic car a long life and sure up your investment. Car collectors put a lot of time and effort into their classic cars, and their insurance policies should reflect that.

Protecting Your Classic Car

If you’re like most classic car owners, your classic car is precious to you. By opting to get insurance through North Coast Insurance Services, anyone in Lexington, MI, and the nearby areas can get the right coverage for their specific circumstances and have peace of mind when it comes to one of their most prized possessions.

Motorcycle Anti-Theft Devices and Their Influence on Your Insurance Policy

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Supplementing your motorcycle with security devices remarkably reduces the theft risk, ultimately impacting your insurance coverage requirements. This article examines various anti-theft devices and how they influence your insurance policy.

The Power of GPS Systems

A Global Positioning System (GPS) significantly deters theft by offering real-time tracking of your motorcycle’s location. This handy device can be concealed under your motorcycle’s dashboard. Once installed, you can remotely monitor your bike, thereby improving its security.

Robust and Modern Locking Systems

In addition to GPS Systems, modern locking systems also impede potential thieves by disabling the bike from being moved from its current location. With many locking systems available on the market, finding one that provides adequate protection for your motorcycle becomes possible and straightforward.

If your motorcycle is frequently parked outdoors in an unsheltered area, enhancing it with a robust locking system drastically minimizes the likeliness of theft.

Policy Changes After Security Additions

Installing anti-theft devices often necessitates modification of your insurance policy. Your updated insurance coverage should specify the advanced systems installed. Post-installation, an assessment will be conducted to determine the resulting risk value. This assessment impacts the amount of coverage your policy requires.

If you acquire additional anti-theft systems, remember that your motorcycle insurance policy will again warrant tweaks.

How To Proceed

Regardless of your security and safety concerns, our North Coast Insurance Services representatives in Lexington, MI, are eager to advise you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require information on motorcycle coverage or the variety of anti-theft devices compatible with your bike. Ensuring your peace of mind is our priority.

Seven Ways to Plan for a More Secure Future with Life Insurance in Lexington, MI

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Short-Term Insurance Policy: What You Need To Know

Are you looking for a time-bound insurance policy that’s valid for a specific duration? You’re at the right place! North Coast Insurance Services is your dependable guide to navigate and understand life insurance coverage options. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Understand Your Coverage Needs

Initiating the journey towards a more secure future with life insurance starts with evaluating your coverage requirements. This assessment forms the basis of your saving strategy and long-term retirement goals.

Research and Compare Options

Now that you know your needs, it’s time to explore the potential options. Our experienced insurance agents can walk you through the unique features of term life, whole life, universal life, and supplemental life insurance policies.

Obtain a Life Insurance Policy Quote

Once you’ve shortlisted the policies that align with your requirements, the next step is to receive a life insurance quote. These quotes reveal crucial policy details such as premiums, deductibles, and policy limits.

Look for Bundle Discounts

You can save big when you bundle your new life insurance policy with an existing home or automobile insurance policy. Ask about these pooling options when discussing your choices with your insurer.

Maintain a High Credit Score

A good credit rating can help you lower your life insurance premiums. Avoid late payments and manage your debts effectively to maintain a promising credit score.

Review Your Policy Regularly

Life encounters such as a job change, relocation, marriage, or even a death in the family can significantly alter your coverage needs. Regular reviews of your life insurance policy can ensure you have the optimal coverage.

Consult a Local Trusted Agent

Deciphering the complexities of life insurance policies is easier when you engage the professional counsel of a trusted local insurance agent. Connect with the friendly and knowledgeable agents at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI to explore your best options for coverage and receive a customized quote.

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.