North Coast Insurance Services

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!

Why Michigan Employers Need to Consider Workers’ Compensation Insurance

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Michigan businesses need to take care of their employees, but they also need to be protected against accidents and unexpected costs. If your business is located near Lexington, MI, you should strongly consider workers’ comp insurance with a provider like North Coast Insurance Services. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of workers’ compensation insurance for businesses in the state of Michigan:

Why Workers’ Comp Insurance?

Michigan employers should consider workers’ compensation insurance because it provides benefits for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Moreover, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance under Michigan law. 

The benefits of workers’ compensation insurance include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. It also provides benefits to the family of an employee who died due to a work-related accident. Plus, workers’ compensation insurance helps protect employers from being sued by employees for work-related injuries, which can be very costly and time-consuming.

In addition to protecting employees and employers, workers’ compensation insurance can also improve workplace safety by encouraging employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Employers who prioritize safety can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, which can lead to lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

In short, workers’ compensation insurance is essential for Michigan employers to consider as it helps protect both employees and employers, promotes workplace safety, and, perhaps most importantly, it is required by law.

Reach Out To Us

Does your business operate in Lexington, MI? Are you looking for workers’ comp insurance? If so, be sure to reach out to us at North Coast Insurance Services today for more information!

Tips For Owning and Buying A Classic Car

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In Michigan, a classic car or vehicle is one that is over 26 years old and purchased as a collector’s item. When your vehicle meets the requirements, it can be registered as a historic vehicle, and you will receive a historic plate. The vehicle should only be driven for pleasure and in historical events, but you will find Michigan to be a lenient state for driving classic vehicles.

 In the month of August, classic car owners can drive their cars every day and back and forth to work. To help our customers buy a classic vehicle, North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI offers the following guidelines.  

Tips For Owning and Buying A Classic Car

Decide Where You Want to Purchase Your Classic Car

There are three places you can purchase classic cars: an auction, a private owner, or a car dealer. An auction offers a large variety of cars for sale, but prices may be high, and it is hard for you to get an inspection before purchasing. 

When you buy from a private owner, it takes more time to find the car you want. Be sure to have it inspected before purchasing so that you will know the condition and what needs to be repaired. Often, you can get a good price on a classic car from a private owner.

Dealers sell classic cars, and you can look at many models, and they will let you test drive the cars. They often have mechanics that inspect and repair the cars before they are sold. Getting a third-party inspection before buying is another option.

Inspect The Interior and Exterior

Look at the exterior for rust, chipping, or lack of paint, damage to parts, dents, and repairs that have been made. When you check the interior, look at the upholstery, and rugs, and check to see if all the lights, seats, heat, air, and other equipment work. Check to see whether you can replace parts if you plan on remodeling or updating the car. 

Classic Car Insurance 

At North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI we offer classic car insurance that offers collision, accident, and property damage, and  coverage for injury to yourself and others. Call us to learn what coverage is best for your classic vehicle. 

Safe riding tips for motorcyclists

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Riding a motorcycle in the Lexington, MI area is an exhilarating experience that has kept many people on the open road for years. However, it also carries a certain amount of risk and danger if you are not careful. To help ensure a safe ride for all motorcyclists, here are some tips from us at North Coast Insurance Services to consider. 

Safe riding tips for motorcyclists

1. Wear protective gear

Wearing the right protective clothing is essential when riding a motorcycle. This includes a full-face helmet, jacket, and pants made of abrasion-resistant material, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.

2. Improve visibility

Make sure your bike stands out by using reflective tape or paint on your helmet and other equipment so that other drivers can see you from far away. Also, make sure that your headlight is functioning properly at night or in poor visibility conditions. 

3. Stay alert

Be aware of what’s going on around you as you ride and pay attention to traffic signals and signs along the way. Keep your speed reasonable and be prepared to react quickly if needed. 

4. Check your brakes

Before each ride, take the time to check that your brakes are functioning correctly and do regular maintenance checks throughout the year such as checking brake pads, brake fluid levels, and tire pressure. 

5. Avoid distractions

Distracted driving is dangerous no matter what type of vehicle you’re in, but it’s especially risky when driving a motorcycle due to its size and weight compared to other vehicles on the road. Minimize distractions like loud music or conversations with passengers while riding and focus on the task at hand – getting safely from point A to point B! 

Give Us A Call

For more tips on how to stay safe while on your motorcycle, call us at  North Coast Insurance Services today. We proudly serve the Lexington, MI area. 

Life Insurance Terminology 101: Be Prepared

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When you begin your research for life insurance in Lexington, MI, start with the basics. Our skilled agents at North Coast Insurance Services have put together the following glossary of key terms. Use these terms to help you choose the best coverage for your family.

What Is Term Insurance vs Permanent (Whole) Insurance?

Term Insurance pacer beneficiary death benefit if you die within a fixed term of coverage. Beyond this date, the policy has no value.

Permanent (whole) insurance remains in effect throughout your life. Upon your death, your beneficiaries receive a death benefit and any savings, if applicable. These policies build cash value over time.

Additional Life Insurance Terms You Need to Know

Here are a few key terms to remember when it comes to evaluating life insurance:

Agent: Licensed representative who sells you life insurance.

Claim: When a covered event happens, you file a claim to notify the company for reimbursement.

Covered event (peril): Events covered under the life insurance policy.

Policy: Legal document that includes the policy coverage and requirements.

Premium: Amount you pay for life insurance, typically on a monthly or yearly basis.

Underwriter: A professional who reviews your insurance application and determines the amount of risk it holds.

If you have any questions on these or other terminology you see in your paperwork, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Finding the Right Life Insurance

Perhaps you already have life insurance. Do you need more information on how to obtain it? Before you decide on the final details of your policy, make a list of all the terms you aren’t sure of. Our team would be happy to help you understand how life insurance works and whether it would work for you.

Contact the agents at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI today for peace of mind and to ensure that you have the right coverage to protect your loved ones.

The Importance of Regularly Inspecting and Maintaining Your Tires

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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. 

Who Should Consider Obtaining Commercial Insurance?

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Business owners and contractors in Lexington, MI are not legally mandated to obtain general commercial liability insurance, though employers with one or more employees working 35-plus hours a week must have worker’s compensation indemnification by law. This also applies to situations where three or more staff members are employed concurrently, regardless of hours worked each week. 

Consider Obtaining Commercial Insurance

One reason you may need to consider purchasing a commercial policy is that businesses and potential clients can require you to be covered, citing this stipulation in their contracts. This protection helps provide security for all parties in your day-to-day operations and enables you to engage in business with a greater pool of clientele. 

Commercial insurance serves to shield you from financial loss in the event of unforeseen occurrences. Depending on your industry, the risks you face can include damage to your property from severe weather or fire, causing your building to undergo extensive repairs. Theft and vandalism may also be potential threats. Your physical assets, such as heavy equipment, can be liable for breakage through accidents or other employee actions.

Your knowledgeable North Coast Insurance Services agent can discuss your needs in more detail and will be happy to tailor a policy specifically to your needs. If you welcome customers, subcontractors, and visitors onto your premises, you may wish to consider the potential liability in the event of slips and falls and the resulting costs, such as medical bills and lawsuits. In addition, you may be responsible for any monetary issues that arise due to faulty products, advertising mistakes, or services rendered. 

Contact Us Today

North Coast Insurance Services is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the types of commercial coverage we offer, and we invite you to reach out to us today. We take pride in serving the Lexington, MI region, and we look forward to working with you. 

Why Home Insurance Is So Important

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If you own a home, it’s a great way to build up equity and wealth and make your housing payments work for you. When you own a home, it’s important to have a home insurance policy to protect both it and yourself. Going without this important coverage opens you up to everything from lawsuits to financial ruin after a damaging event. If you don’t yet have a home policy for your home, give us a call now at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI.

It’s Usually a Requirement

In many cases, you are required to have home insurance to protect your investment. This is true when you have a mortgage or a second mortgage. The lender will require you to have the home covered by insurance so that their investment in it is protected. You will likely have to show proof that you have this insurance when you go to sign the papers at your home closing. Many homes today are in areas that have a homeowner’s association, or HOA. When you live in one of these areas, it’s generally required by the HOA that you keep home insurance on your property. That makes it unlikely that a home will be damaged and stay that way because the owner can’t afford to fix it.

Different Types of Coverage

There are many ways that a home insurance policy protects a homeowner. It will pay for repairs after the home is damaged by a covered incident. It will cover all of the items inside your home in the same circumstances so that they can be replaced. It even covers your liability in case of an injury on your property. 

Get Home Insurance Today

Every home should always have this coverage. To get started, call us at North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI.

The Dangers of Not Having Workers’ Comp Insurance

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When it comes to running a business, there are a lot of important things to keep in mind. From stocking the shelves to keeping the books in order, it can be easy to forget about some of the less exciting aspects of running a company.

However, one thing that should always be at the top of your list is ensuring that your employees are properly protected. One way to do this is by carrying workers’ comp insurance. North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI can provide you with expert insurance advice.

Failing to get workers’ comp insurance so can lead to several problems, including:

1. You Could Be Held Liable for Your Employees’ Injuries

If one of your employees is injured on the job and you don’t have workers’ comp insurance, you could be held liable for their medical bills and other expenses. This is because, in most states, employers are required to provide workers’ comp coverage for their employees. If you don’t have this coverage and an employee is injured, you could be facing a lawsuit.

2. You Could Be Fined

In addition to being held liable for your employees’ injuries, you could also be fined by the state if you’re caught operating without workers’ comp insurance. The amount of the fine will vary from state to state, but it could end up costing you a lot of money.

3. Your Business Could Suffer

If one of your employees is injured and you don’t have workers’ comp insurance, it could have a negative effect on your business. This is because your employees may not want to work for a company that doesn’t have this coverage. As a result, you could have trouble finding and keeping good employees.

4. You Could Go Out of Business

Never underestimate the power of a lawsuit. If you’re sued by an employee who was injured on the job, and you don’t have workers’ comp insurance, you could be forced to close your business. This is because the costs of defending yourself in court and paying any damages that are awarded can quickly add up.

Give Us A Call

As you can see, many risks are associated with not having workers’ comp insurance. If you’re running a business, North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI can help you get the coverage you need to protect your employees. Contact us today to learn more about our workers’ comp insurance policies. We’re here to help you keep your business running smoothly.