North Coast Insurance Services

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.

Do I Need An Appraisal To Insure My Classic Car?

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If you have an older car, you likely don’t need an appraisal to do the careful process of Tune-Up. If your car is new, you may want to consider an estimate from an appraisal firm. It helps you get the best interest rates on your classic car. 

Many car dealers will have a website where you can download an online car appraisal form and complete it with the car’s previous owner. This will give you a more up-to-date report and analysis of the car’s history. You can also get this form signed by the car’s previous and current owner. This will give you further proof that the car was properly cared for and has a good history. For inquiries, give us a call at North Coast insurance Services in Lexington, MI.

Appraisal and Classic Car 

If you are like most people, then you probably have several classic cars on the market. An appraisal will help you determine if the car you are looking at is worth the money spent on it. 

If you’re buying a classic car, you need to research and know the current market value of the car. An appraisal is an analysis of the car’s value based on factors like depreciation, history, and the condition of the car when it was purchased. The best time to do an appraisal is during the buying process. 

If you’re buying a car that has been sitting for a long time, an appraisal might reveal some valuable information. However, you’re not legally obligated to do an appraisal. This is because the classic car market value is the buyer’s responsibility. The car’s current market value is an independent indicator of its value. 

Give Us A Call

If you have a classic car, an appraisal might be the best way to get the most out of it. It will examine the car’s condition, cost of ownership, and history, looking for signs of recent damage. An appraisal will also look for signs of past ownership that could impact its value. it may not cost any more than a regular visit to the car shop and will usually yield more information than an online search. 

An appraisal is not required but recommended. For expert insurance advice in the greater Lexington, MI community, let North Coast insurance Services serve you.

5 Tips for Getting the Best Motorcycle Insurance for Your Needs

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When it comes to motorcycle insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of coverage you need will depend on various factors, including the type of bike you ride, your riding habits, and where you live. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. North Coast Insurance Services in Lexington, MI provides this guide on getting the best motorcycle insurance for your needs.

5 Tips for Getting the Best Motorcycle Insurance for Your Needs

1. Know Your Coverage Needs

Before you start shopping for motorcycle insurance, you must know what type of coverage you need. There are four basic types of motorcycle insurance: liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist.

2. Compare Different Policies

Once you know what coverage you need, it’s time to start comparing different policies. When you’re comparing policies, be sure to look at the coverages and limits that are offered. You should also consider the deductibles, premium costs, and any discounts that may be available.

3. Do Not Go for the Cheapest Policy

The cheapest motorcycle insurance policy is not always the best. In fact, it’s often the worst. Cheap policies usually have low limits and few coverages, so you’ll end up paying more out of pocket if you have an accident. Again, while most states have minimum insurance requirements, these are often too low to protect you financially if you’re in an accident.

4. Read the Policy Carefully

Once you’ve found an insurance company and policy you’re happy with; it’s important to read it carefully. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, ask your insurance agent for clarification.

5. Review Your Coverage Regularly

Your needs will change over time, so it’s important to regularly review your motorcycle insurance policy. As your bike ages, you may want to drop some coverage, such as collision or comprehensive. If you move to a new city or state, your coverage needs may also change.

Contact Us Today

There’s a lot to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance, but following these tips will help you get the best coverage for your needs. If you’re looking for motorcycle insurance in the greater Lexington, MI area, North Coast Insurance Services can help. We offer a variety of motorcycle insurance policies to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free quote.

Why you should have renters insurance in Lexington, MI

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The United States has about 43 million renters, which is more than 30% of all households. More than 40% of those renters don’t have renters insurance. That is pretty risky. At North Coast insurance Services in Lexington, MI, we would like the opportunity to tell you about the many benefits of renters insurance and why you should have it. We are an independent insurance agency and our team of agents works for you, our customers, not the insurance carriers. 

Why Renters Insurance

It covers your possessions

You may think that your landlord has insurance and it covers your stuff. You are wrong, his insurance covers his stuff. You are on your own. If you have renters insurance it will replace the things that you have now. You decide at what rate, you can choose the current value with depreciation or what it cost to replace it. If you have lots of stuff. Making an inventory will help you to remember what needs replacing. 

It provides liability protection

No one likes to think about being sued but in the world today it is always a possibility. Someone could visit your rental and get injured and you could be required to pay for their medical bills. If they get a lawyer, legal action against you. If you own a dog, having liability insurance is a good idea and if you have children and they have a trampoline, it is a big risk. 

You will have a place to stay

If something happens to your rental and it is so damaged that you have to move out temporarily, your renters insurance will provide the money you need to stay someplace else and even for some meals. It will be a huge help in a difficult time. 

Contact North Coast insurance Services in Lexington, MI to learn more about why you should have renters insurance.

Benefits of Umbrella Insurance in Lexington, MI

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Do you have enough protection from liability? If you’re like many people, the answer is probably no. That’s why you should consider umbrella insurance coverage in Lexington, MI.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance can provide an extra layer of protection for you and your family if someone sues you for damages for injuries they sustained or for property damage. The coverage kicks in when the damages exceed your standard liability insurance limits. A North Coast insurance Services agent can help you determine if umbrella insurance is right for you.

Why You Need Umbrella Insurance

Even if you have a good homeowner’s policy, it may not provide enough coverage if someone is injured on your property or if you are sued for damages. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. It can provide the extra coverage you need to protect your assets.

For example, homes with children, dogs, playground equipment, and swimming pools can be more susceptible to liability claims.

Umbrella insurance can also provide coverage for things like libel and slander and accidents that occur away from your home, such as on vacation.

Umbrella Coverage and Auto Insurance

If you have automobile insurance, your Lexington, MI umbrella policy may provide additional coverage for driving accidents. For example, if you are in an accident and sued for damages exceeding your auto insurance policy limits, your umbrella policy may cover the additional amount. Parents with teenage drivers may want to consider umbrella insurance to help protect their assets in case of an accident.

If you’re interested in learning more about umbrella insurance coverage, contact North Coast insurance Services. We can help you determine if this type of coverage is right for you.

What every boat owner in MI needs to know about insurance

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North Coast Insurance Services is here to serve all of the insurance needs of the greater Lexington, MI area. Our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you protect your boat.

Protect your boat with the right insurance policy

When you own a boat, you understand all of the responsibilities that come with all of the fun. Having the right insurance policy in place can help you enjoy your boat while protecting yourself, your passengers, and the other vessels that are out on the water.

A comprehensive policy can protect you in the event of a catastrophic event, and also with less serious issues. While knowing that you have the protection you need in case you or a passenger are injured is a great benefit, so too are the features that are useful in less serious instances.

For example, having engine issues while out on the water is not typically a life-threatening situation. But, having towing coverage is one way that comprehensive coverage can help make your day go a little more smoothly. Boaters with comprehensive insurance coverage love knowing that they have the protection they need for both catastrophic and less serious situations.

If you want to enjoy your boat with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected, take a look at a comprehensive policy today.

You can count on us for all of your insurance needs!

If you are a boat owner in the greater Lexington, MI area, count on North Coast Insurance Services for all of your insurance needs. Our team is here to help! Call or stop by today to learn more about the boat insurance options that are available in our area.

Preparing for the Unexpected with Life Insurance

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While not all unexpected events turn out to be negative, most of the time, the ones that affect your finances tend to be negative surprises. While you can’t control what happens in the future, a bit of planning can help manage the outcome. That said, with life insurance from North Coast insurance Services of Lexington, MI, you are better-placed to handle what life throws at you (even when you are long gone).

Planning about the future? There are not many better ways to plan your life 10, 20, or 30 years from now than investing in life insurance. Here is how life insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected.

How life insurance helps you plan for the unexpected

The primary goal of investing in life insurance is to protect your financial interests when you pass on. Here is how life insurance helps you protect the things that matter most in life:

  • Protects your dependents when you die: If you have children, aging parents, or siblings that depend on your income, you can protect them by investing in life insurance when you die unexpectedly.
  • Pays your debts even when you pass on: If you have a mortgage, car, or student loan, you don’t have to burden your loved ones when you die. Invest in life insurance, and the proceeds can be used to settle your outstanding debts when you die.
  • Supplements retirement income: You always think that life insurance comes into life when you die. This notion isn’t entirely true — if you invest in whole life insurance, it accumulates a cash value that you can borrow against it.

While you can’t plan for everything in life, there are specific steps you can take to cushion yourself when things become awry. If you want to protect the precious things in life, investing in life insurance is an excellent choice. To get coverage in Lexington, MI, please contact North Coast insurance Services.

What’s required in my Lexington, MI auto insurance policy?

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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.

How You Can Use Your Life Insurance Benefits

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When it comes to mapping out your life financially, life insurance should definitely be part of the plan. This is because the right life insurance policy will help secure a financial future for your family once you pass away. Life insurance won’t just help cover your final expenses, but it can provide a financial safety net for your family by acting as an inheritance or helping to replace your income. Read on to learn some of the ways Lexington, MI residents can use life insurance benefits, and when you’re ready, North Coast Insurance Services can help you find the right policy for you.

Paying Final Expenses

The most popular way for people to use life insurance benefits is to pay final expenses, such as cremation or burial costs, estate settlement expenses, medical bills, and any other obligations that were left unpaid.

Replacing Income and/or Paying Off Debt

When you pass away, you are leaving your family behind without your income. Life insurance benefits can replace that income, allowing your family to still pay the mortgage payment or pay for college tuition. In addition, the benefits can be used to pay outstanding loans and debt.

Inheritance

Some individuals simply purchase a life insurance policy with the sole intention of leaving an inheritance for their loved ones. If this is what you would like to do, make sure that the beneficiary on your insurance policy is the individual you would like to receive the money as an inheritance. This ensures the life insurance benefits go directly to the person who you intended on receiving it.

Charitable Contributions

If you have always been a giver, you may wish to use your life insurance benefits to give to a favorite charity. Like an inheritance, you will want to name the charity as the beneficiary to ensure your charitable goals are met upon your passing.

Life insurance is not something that many Lexington, MI residents want to speak about due to the fact it is such a sensitive topic; however, it is important to secure your family’s financial future. North Coast Insurance Services can help you understand the life insurance options available to you and what may be best suited for the needs of you and your family.

How to Know if You Should Bundle Your Car Insurance with Other Policies

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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.