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Michigan Auto Insurance Reform Update

Some Michigan auto insurance reform changes have already gone into effect.  Others start in July 2020.  With so many drivers unaware of the impact of the new law on their current car insurance policy, now is the time to review coverage.  To help identify potential coverage gaps, please consider these questions:

• Are there drivers listed on your policy that do not reside with the named insured?
• Are there residents in the home that are not family members?
• Are there resident family members of driving age that are not listed on your policy?
• Is any vehicle on the policy owned by someone other than the named insured(s), spouse or resident family member?
• Does any driver not listed on the policy have regular use of one of the vehicles?
• Are any vehicles used for business purposes such as Uber or Lyft?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” your existing policy may have a gap in coverage and needs to be reviewed immediately.  Please call us at 248-682-7445 to begin your policy review today.

Why Commercial Insurance Is Necessary For Your Business

When a West Bloomfield, MI business is looking to become established, they will need to meet with Phil Klein Insurance Group to learn more about the necessity of commercial insurance. There are few investments that are more important when a new company is being started.

That’s why the top businesses in the region will always take the time to obtain commercial insurance. For starters, the establishment must ensure that they are protected from all of the usual losses that take place in these instances.

Whether the business experiences theft, employee injury or property damage, the commercial insurance policy offers the proper coverage. When a business has already obtained the correct insurance policy, they are able to receive the compensation that they need to move on from the losses that they sustain.

Without commercial insurance coverage, the company is taking a major risk. When theft, employee injury or property damage takes place, the company is placing themselves in serious jeopardy. In many instances, the business will no longer be operational. All it takes is one lawsuit to put a business out of commission for good.

When it comes to commercial insurance, there are three types for a client to consider: workers’ compensation, property insurance and liability coverage. All three forms of coverage are needed if the company is going to survive over the long haul. There are also additional forms of coverage that are more specialized in nature and an experienced agent will be glad to explain each of them to a West Bloomfield, MI client.

That’s what makes the assistance of skilled insurance agents so important. A client that is looking to learn more about the options that they have available to them from a commercial insurance standpoint will definitely want to take the time to visit the Phil Klein Insurance Group website as soon as possible. 

Michigan’s Overhauled No-Fault Insurance Laws Take Effect July 1, 2020

On May 30, 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill that will bring sweeping changes to the state’s no-fault auto insurance laws. The primary goal of the new legislation is to reduce auto insurance premiums, as Michigan has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.

Though the new legislation provides numerous changes to the auto insurance industry in Michigan, the following are the key takeaways:

•Drivers will no longer be required to purchase unlimited no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which guarantee lifetime medical benefits for catastrophic crash injuries. After July 1, 2020, and through July 1, 2028, drivers may select their own no-fault PIP coverage. Under the new law, drivers may choose between $50,000 coverage (if enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare), $250,000 coverage, $500,000 coverage or unlimited PIP coverage.

•Once the new legislation takes effect, drivers could enjoy an auto insurance premium cost reduction depending on which PIP coverage they select. Note that all savings are limited only to the no-fault portion of a driver’s auto insurance bill (typically around 40% of the total premium), not the entire bill. Furthermore, the legislation does not address what the insurance providers may charge on other portions of insurance bills.

•A no-fault fee schedule was established to regulate the rates charged by medical care providers (e.g., doctors and hospitals) regarding medical care associated with auto accidents. Note that the fee schedule will not apply for the entirety of the first year the law is in effect.

•Drivers who choose any PIP coverage lower than unlimited will pay reduced fees to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA), an entity that bears responsibility to pay catastrophic injury benefits.

•Insurance providers will be prohibited from considering “non-driving factors” when determining insurance rates. Those factors typically include sex, marital status, educational level and occupation. However, providers can still set rates based on “territories” of the state. For example, providers could set higher rates for those who live in a region in which there are heightened instances of accidents or car thefts.

We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

Please contact us at (248) 682-7445 or info@philkleininsurance.com for more information.

Michigan Auto Insurance Reform (PIP) Part 1

You’ve probably heard that the Michigan legislature recently passed significant changes to our no-fault auto insurance laws. You may have questions as to what the changes mean for you and your family’s insurance plan.  We have answers and will continue to publish updates over time.

Most of the changes do not take effect until July of 2020 but the first change is effective now.  The reforms revolve around the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) portion of the no-fault policy.  In Michigan, PIP basically means medical payments required as a result of car accidents.  The coverage is expansive though and can cover things such as renovations to a primary residence to make them accessible to the disabled, physical therapy, transportation to medical appointments, etc.

The first amendment clarifies the definition of the insured for PIP coverage to:
•the named insured(s)
•the named insured(s) spouse
•resident relatives (must be both a blood/legal relative and a permanent resident at the primary address)

Common situations that this will directly impact would be a boyfriend/girlfriend, fiance, children that no longer reside in the household of the insured parents, etc.  Those individuals, if uninsured, would be limited to $250,000 medical coverage through an entity called the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.  Regular coverage has no dollar limit.

If you think you might be affected by these changes (whether you are insured by PKIG or not) please give us a call and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.  If you have any other questions, please call for clarification.  Stay tuned to this space and our social media for further updates and crucial information.

(248) 682-7445

info@philkleininsurance.com

3 Reasons To Update Your Commercial Insurance.

Phil Klein Insurance Group serves people in and around West Bloomfield, MI with the best in insurance services. We want our local businesses to be protected no matter what may come. One way to protect your business is by having the best commercial policy possible. Here are three tips for making sure you have the best policy for your situation. 

Three Reasons to Update Your Commercial Insurance Policy Today:

  1. A commercial policy is not like an auto insurance policy, it is very personalized to your business. if your business has gone through any changes over the past year it is important to update your policy by reporting these changes and protecting your assets. 
  2. You may have a new risk and need umbrella coverage. It is easy to just assume that you are covered enough, but if your business has just reached the public eye in a big way you have a risk of litigation that was not so high before. If your business has grown to new areas you are susceptible risks unique to that area, there are many reasons to discuss further coverage occasionally. 
  3. If you have changes in your personal life, it may affect your commercial policy. You want to update all policies when any big changes occur. Whether you are married and want to add your spouse to business documents, you adopted another dependent, or even move homes, report changes to your agent to see if it affects your policy. 

Contact us a Phil Klein Insurance Group for all of your insurance needs in Bloomfield, MI. Do not let the asset that supports your lifestyle be at risk for a single moment this year. 

What is Recreational Insurance?

If you love the outdoors of West Bloomfield MI, chances are you have one or more recreational toys that needs to be insured – or you’re thinking about getting some. At Phil Klein Insurance Group we help customers find the right policy at the right price, tailored to your specific recreational needs. So what exactly is recreational insurance and what does it cover? Read on to find out.

Recreational Vehicles

From motor homes to travel trailers and everything in between (teardrop trailers, pop up trailers, etc…) protect your vacation asset with the right insurance policy. Recreational insurance also covers all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. With the right policy, your toy will be covered from theft and damage. Also, if you cause an accident with your recreational vehicle, your insurance will kick to protect your liability. 

Watercraft

Do you love going fishing or out on the lake for the day with family and friends? Having a boat is often a dream come true for many people. Protect this asset with recreational insurance that fits your watercraft, whether that be a fishing boat, sailboat, speed boat, seedoos, and more. An insurance policy will protect your watercraft from theft, fire, damage, and liability. In the long run, it gives you peace of mind and helps you save money if anything were to happen.

Antique Cars

Are antique cars your passion? If so, they need their own insurance policy. Oftentimes, these classic cars qualify for amazing rates so there’s no reason not to insure it, and if you plan to drive it on the road, insurance is required by law.

To learn more about purchasing recreational insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, contact the Phil Klein Insurance Group who serves this area. Our trained, knowledgeable, and friendly staff will answer all of your questions and concerns and help you compare quotes to find the right policy for your recreational vehicle, boat, or classic car. You can contact us today at 248-682-7445. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Protect Your Family and Property on the Water

Boating safety is sometimes buried under excitement when people first buy their first watercraft. It’s much easier to picture summer outings and late-night rides than it is to picture conducting emergency drills over and over again until you’re sure everyone knows what to do. But boating accidents and emergencies may not be as uncommon as you think. Phil Klein Insurance Group wants the people of West Bloomfield, MI to be prepared for anything no. 

Seasonal Maintenance 

Ensuring your boat is water-worthy will always be your first priority. From cosmetic concerns to inner mechanics, maintenance can help your boat stay safe on the water. Make sure to wash your boat regularly, change its oil, and check the propeller. If you come across anything questionable, hiring an outside inspector is the best way to catch any potential safety hazards before you take it on the water. 

Drills, Drills, and More Drills 

When emergencies arise, it’s easy for panic to set in. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you or your family, having regular safety drills can make it easier to navigate an already treacherous landscape. These drills should be put into motion so that emergency responses become second nature. This way, no one even has a chance to contemplate their fear (because they’re already too busy springing into action). 

Get the Right Insurance 

Boats are a substantial investment for most people and there’s a lot that can happen when you’re at the mercy of the water. If you want to learn more about how to get the best policy for you, give Phil Klein Insurance Group a call today. We’re here to help the people of West Bloomfield, MI get the coverage they need to safeguard themselves, their property, and their family.

Should you convert your term life policy?

Should you convert your term policy?

Term life insurance makes sense for many of us. Specifically, this coverage option provides low-cost protection to the loved ones who would be affected by the loss of your income and other household contributions.

But what happens if you’re approaching the end of the pre-decided term with less financial security than you thought you’d have by now?

Find out more about a step you can take to help keep your family safe:

When does converting your policy make sense?

Medical bills, a job loss and other circumstances sometimes limit wealth accumulation. Thankfully, an easy solution — converting your term policy to whole life — might be within reach if your timing is right.

How does a conversion work?

Most term policies provide a window to convert before your term expires or before you reach a certain age. You typically won’t have to qualify medically, which may get you a lower rate on whole life.

What are some of the long-term benefits of converting your term policy?

A whole life policy lasts for your entire life (as long as you pay the premiums), allowing you to leave money to heirs or charity. Whole life can also support a lifelong dependent, such as a sick or disabled child or spouse. It can also be a tool for mitigating estate taxes.

You may also borrow against the accumulated cash value of a whole life policy for any reason. Just note that policy loans accrue interest, and loans outstanding at death reduce the policy’s death benefit.

What else should you know?

Whole life tends to be more expensive than term because of the additional policy benefits and guaranteed payout. Partial conversion can be a more affordable option.

Have questions? Please reach out to discuss your options if you’re concerned your term policy may be too short.

Can Life Insurance Help Expand Your Business?

Whether you’re a newly-minted entrepreneur or you’ve been running your Bloomfield Hills, MI business for years now, you might be interested in life insurance. But what does life insurance have to do with business, you might ask. Primarily, it’s a benefit on a personal level for most people.

For entrepreneurs like you, however, life insurance from Phil Klein Insurance Group can help expand your business.

1. Life Insurance As An Investment. Even though life insurance is meant primarily as a form of financial protection to cover your responsibilities after death, you can use it as a form of investment, too.

You can invest with either term life insurance or permanent insurance. If using permanent insurance, you can invest with the cash value component of your policy. If you buy a term policy instead, you can simply invest the difference.

Either way, you can leverage your business by using your borrowed money to expand it. whether you want to hire more employees, invest in a larger office space, or upgrade your company software, any such investment can be a great business asset.

2. Life Insurance As Collateral. If you don’t want to bother with using your life insurance as a direct investment, you can offer your policy up as collateral for a business loan.

If you use your term coverage as business collateral, this keeps all your tangible assets safe while allowing you to explore your business’s full potential. You no longer have to toy with putting up your home or other property as collateral for a business loan.

Once you pay off your loan, you can then choose to invest your life insurance in a different way. You can also choose to sell the policy and use the money toward your business.

3. Life Insurance As Protection. In its simplest form, life insurance can be a great asset to your business. You can protect your assets by giving your company a financial cushion to fall back on in case of your passing.

In this case, you might like to invest in key person life insurance. This way, your policy is tied to your company, and the company directly profits from the payout.

Are You Interested In Improving Your Business With Life Insurance?

If you’re ready to invest in your business through a life insurance policy in West Bloomfield, MI, call the Phil Klein Insurance Group today. A friendly agent is ready to be at your disposal anytime.

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