PKIG Winter Driving Tips

Posted on January 28, 2020January 28, 2020 by Owen Rosen

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drivers should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. PKIG urges drivers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.

PKIG & AAA recommends the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions:

Cold Weather Driving Tips
•Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more. Stop in to our office for a scraper or car emergency tool.
•Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
•Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
•Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
•Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
Tips for Driving in the Snow
•Stay home if you can and only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
•Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
•Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
•Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
•Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
•Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
•Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
•Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips
•Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road.
•Check the Weather: Check the weather along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected.
•Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
If you get stuck in the snow:
•Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
•Don’t over exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
•Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
•Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.
•Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
•Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.

Who Can I Name as a Beneficiary on My West Bloomfield, MI Life Insurance Policy

Posted on December 30, 2019December 30, 2019 by agentinsure

The beneficiary of your Phil Klein Insurance Group life insurance policy is the person who will receive the policy’s payout in the event of your death. That payout is often partly used to cover any financial needs associated with your death (i.e. final medical expenses and funeral arrangements) and may partly be used to help the beneficiary move forward. While many have an idea of who will be beneficiary on their life insurance policies, understandably many more have questions about it.

The Basics of Naming a Beneficiary On Your West Bloomfield, MI Life Insurance Policy

When establishing your West Bloomfield MI life insurance policy, you’ll be asked to name two or more people as beneficiaries and then to outline what percentage of each policy payout would each named beneficiary receives. If you only have one person in mind to be a beneficiary, such as an only child, then you may be asked to add what’s called a contingent beneficiary who will only receive the policy’s payout if your sole beneficiary is unable to.

Who you choose to name as your beneficiary or beneficiaries will largely depend upon your own unique life circumstances. In general, however, we recommend choosing someone who would be most impacted by you leaving and no longer able to support them. In many cases, this will be a partner who will need financial assistance to help pay things like the mortgage or a child who has not yet established themselves financially.

However, while spouses and children are frequently the beneficiaries of life insurance policies, this isn’t always true. Some established adults with and without children will choose instead to name a charity they love, sibling, or close friend as their beneficiary.

Contact Phil Klein Insurance Group for more information or for help in establishing who to name as your beneficiary.

Michigan Auto Insurance Reform Update

Posted on December 16, 2019December 16, 2019 by Owen Rosen

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

Posted on November 29, 2019December 1, 2019 by agentinsure

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

Posted on October 30, 2019October 30, 2019 by Owen Rosen

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.

Things home insurance doesn’t cover

Posted on October 16, 2019October 16, 2019 by agentinsure

When you own a home it comes with a lot of risks. Things happen and some of them are not good. Home insurance gives you peace of mind that if bad things happen you will be able to repair or replace what was lost. But, and this is a big but, not all things are covered by home insurance. In West Bloomfield, MI, the Phil Klein Insurance Group is there to help give you the information you need.

Wear and tear

Things wear out, your home insurance does not cover or replace things like your appliances, furnace or air conditioner when they wear out. It also doesn’t cover your 25-year-old roof that needs to be replaced.

Moving earth

Earthquakes and mudslides caused by earthquakes are not covered. Sinkholes are also not covered. You can buy a separate policy or an endorsement on your basic home policy to cover these.

Floods

Name: Phil Klein Insurance Group
Address: 7125 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 302, West Bloomfield, MI, 48322
Telephone: 248-682-7445

According to FEMA, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. They can be caused by so many different things, including hurricanes, tornados, Nor’easters, spring thaw, and storms. 26% of homeowners will experience some sort of flooding during a 30 year mortgage period compared to only 4% with fire damage. Home insurance does not cover flooding. You need to purchase National Flood Insurance.

Expensive jewelry and electronics

Homeowner’s insurance has set limits on the amount it will pay for jewelry and electronics. If you have items above the coverage limit the insurance will not give you the value of your items. You need to add a special rider.

If you think your coverage may be inadequate or you are a new homeowner, Phil Klein Insurance Group in West Bloomfield, MI is happy to talk to you about your coverage and what you may need to add to it. Give them a call or stop by their office for a no-obligation quote.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Damage to Your Car that Is Not Associated with an Accident?

Posted on September 30, 2019October 1, 2019 by agentinsure

Your auto policy covers a great deal in terms of damages to your car, including those damages that are not associated with an accident. There are some damages, such as damage from storms that is covered on your policy that does not relate to the car being in an accident. For those in the West Bloomfield, MI area, the agents with Phil Klein Insurance Group can help you go get your perfect policy.

Your auto policy is not limited to covering only collision in most cases unless you have collision only coverage. A typical auto policy might cover damage from storms, vandalism, break-ins and more when it comes to repairs. Your car is a very important part of your life and making sure it is fully covered is a must. Another thing to consider is that most cars are also going to have coverage for contents and that you can tailor your coverage to fit the car you have and what you would like your insurance policy to do.

With your auto coverage, your car is going to be covered for those events that are not accident related if you choose the right policy. a Full coverage policy for instance also includes replacing windshields in some states, it may cover damage from things falling on your car, it may cover hair damage, water damage in some cases, and more. It is always helpful to speak with an agent if you are unsure about what your policy covers and about what type of coverage you might benefit from most in your particular case.

For those in the West Bloomfield, MI area, the agents with Phil Klein Insurance Group can help you to find the perfect policy for you and for your car.

Don’t Make These Mistakes

Posted on September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 by Owen Rosen

You bought a term life insurance policy, checked it off your to-do list and tucked it into a drawer. You’re good now, right?

Not so fast. Click here for the most common mistakes.

Michigan Auto Insurance Reform (PIP) Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Owen Rosen

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

Can More Than One Person Be Named As A Beneficiary On A Life Insurance Policy?

Posted on August 12, 2019July 25, 2019 by agentinsure

One of the best ways to protect your loved ones is to purchase a life insurance policy. Life insurance can give them the funds they need to pay bills and provide for their needs in the event of your passing. However, you may have questions about the policy and how many beneficiaries can be named if there are multiple individuals you would like to provide for in the future.

Can You Name Multiple Beneficiaries?

If you want to name more than one beneficiary on a life insurance policy, you will be pleased to know that it is indeed possible. There can actually be several and in some cases, a policy can be structured to give specific named beneficiaries a pre-determined amount. You can create a net of financial security that can protect all the individuals you wish to include. Keep in mind, however, that there are usually a set number of beneficiaries that you can name, so be sure to consult with your insurance agent prior to your policy purchase.

Getting The Policy You Need

In order to make sure that you get the type of policy you need to provide coverage for all those you care about, you should enlist the help of a licensed life insurance agent who can guide you through the process. They can also advise you about the number of individuals who can be named on your policy and the guidelines regarding splitting the claim money. If you are a resident in or around the West Bloomfield MI area, you should consult with the professionals at Phil Klein Insurance Group to get started with your life insurance purchase.

Protect those you love with a high-quality life insurance policy from Phil Klein Insurance Group. They are proud to serve those who live in the West Bloomfield, MI area. Call or stop by today to get more information or to schedule and appointment for a consultation.