How To Properly Insure Your Used Vehicle for the Winter

If you live in Negaunee, MI, you understand just how cold and snowy it gets in the winter. The hard winter conditions in Michigan can have a disastrous effect on your vehicle if it isn’t properly maintained. At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., we help residents of Negaunee, MI properly cover their used vehicles each winter. We understand how important it is to have a working car to get to work in the harsh conditions associated with a Michigan winter.

The following are three ways to make sure your used vehicle is properly covered this winter:

1. Comprehensive

Don’t just get liability insurance if you drive a lot in the snow. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle as well as the other party if you get into an accident on the slick roads. Comprehensive coverage also covers your classic vehicle if you choose to place it in storage until summer comes back around. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you should at least have comprehensive insurance. 

2. Storage Insurance

You may want to add supplemental storage insurance to your current coverage plan if you have comprehensive coverage. This is especially true if you have a valuable or classic car. This will ensure that your vehicle is properly covered if it is severely damaged while in storage. 

3. Full Coverage

The best way to have peace of mind is with full coverage. Full coverage includes comprehensive and liability coverage. You can also add any other supplemental coverage to this plan. It is the only way to ensure you are fully covered if anything happens to your vehicle or the passengers. 

Call Today To Discuss Your Options

If you have a used vehicle in Negaunee, MI, make sure it is properly covered during the winter. Contact us at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. One of our representatives will be able to help you get the perfect insurance policy for your vehicle. 

From Roofs and Sewers to Jewelry and Cameras, Documentation Helps with Claims

Here at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., we want our clients to get full benefit from the coverage they purchase for their family and property in Negaunee, MI. Documenting through photos, video, appraisal, inspection reports, and similar methods can help if the need for a claim arises. You’ll be able to present the documentation for comparison with the current state of the item or property, showing changes in its condition. We can help you determine what kinds of documentation are appropriate for use with your insurance company and assist in presenting it to them in case of a claim.

Coverage Considerations from Documentation

When you have parts of your property inspected as part of insurance documentation, you may find that it’s better to adjust your insurance coverage because of the cost of repair or replacement in case of claims. The professional providing an inspection or appraisal may note that the value has also increased, and your coverage should be adjusted appropriately. With the dynamic nature of insurance coverage, this also reminds our U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. customers in Negaunee, MI that documentation shouldn’t just be decade-old papers in a file cabinet somewhere. They should be updated regularly and possibly reviewed with your insurance professional.

What If You Don’t Have Documentation?

If you don’t keep documentation for property involved in a claim, get creative. You may find snapshots that contain pictures of the item that are helpful in the claims process. Professional photographers offer services for photo and video documentation of your valuables, your home, vehicles, and other coverage items or properties. Don’t forget to ask our insurance professionals about special coverage for particularly valuable items like heirlooms. We can help you make the most of your important insurance coverage!

Can I get boat insurance for protection during water sports, like skiing?

Negaunee, MI is a beautiful, safe place with many opportunities to enjoy nature at its finest. With access to a dozen lakes, it makes sense to take advantage of every opportunity to go boating. You can enjoy water activities even more if you have the security of knowing that you are protected in case anything happens. At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., we can help explain your options so you can decide what’s best for you and your family.

Water Sports Coverage

Water sports coverage will help to pay medical bills and damages if you or your family members have an accident while water skiing, swimming, tubing, fishing, and other kinds of sports. This kind of coverage will help make sure you get prompt treatment without worrying about paying. Typically, water sports coverage is added to a more general boat policy.

Other Kinds Of Boat Insurance

The most common kind of boat insurance is for liability. If your activities cause another party to be injured or for someone else’s property to be damaged, your liability policy will pay. 

When it comes to boat insurance, make sure you understand your policy limits and deductibles. Some boat injuries are very serious and may require a large amount of treatment. You may be responsible for paying anything not covered under insurance out of your own pocket.

We Are Here To Help

You should enjoy the beautiful lakes in Negaunee, MI every chance you get. Water sports are a healthy way to spend quality time in nature with your friends and family. But make sure you have the protection you need. If you would like to discuss a policy for yourself, or if you just have questions, please feel free to call U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. today.

Will umbrella insurance cover me if I am sued?

Accidents happen, and challenges arise despite our best intentions, so we acquire insurance to protect us and our families against those unforeseen events. Among the most valuable forms of insurance are umbrella policies that supplement your primary insurance. If you want to see how you might benefit from an umbrella policy, contact the U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. team that serves Negaunee, MI.

How Umbrella Insurance Protects You When Sued

Your home, renters, auto, and similar policies cover damages to your property and the liabilities when you are found at fault for injuries suffered by others at your residence or related to your vehicle. Since each policy limits the dollar amount covered, umbrella insurance covers the amount exceeding a primary policy’s limits. Your primary policies also protect you in certain types of lawsuits, and umbrella insurance extends their coverage as well.

More broadly, umbrella insurance typically covers defense costs, judgments, and court costs if you or a household member is sued for the following:

-Personal injury and bodily injury to others

-Property damage

-Slander, defamation, and libel

-Invasion of privacy

-Wrongful eviction and entry

-Malicious prosecution and false imprisonment

Personal umbrella insurance does not extend to situations tied to business and professional activities or liabilities assumed under a contract. Neither does it cover harm caused that is criminal in nature or intentional.

As with all policies, discussing the coverage specifics with your insurance agent is best.

Working With U.P. Insurance Agency Inc

There is comfort in knowing you and your family have protection in a world where anything can happen. If you live in or near Negaunee, MI, and want to discuss umbrella or other insurance, call or stop in to see our team at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc.

What Questions Should You Ask an Insurance Agent When Shopping for Auto Insurance?

U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Negaunee, MI community, understands the need to evaluate the insurance company and the agent you will be working with. You will need someone to encourage you during the process if you need to submit an insurance claim and your stress level is high.

The following are some questions to ask:

What Type Of Coverage Do I Need?

The state of Michigan requires all drivers to have the minimum state coverage. That means that every car owner must have insurance to drive. However, there are other extra types of coverage that you want to consider for extra protection. Make sure to ask an insurance agent about them. 

Is There Enough Coverage?

There is no such thing as "full coverage" because every state has a distinct minimum policy limit. Therefore, having "enough" insurance can mean different things to different people. Due to the ease with which one sizable claim might easily wipe out your policy limitations, consult with your agent about extra coverages and features and obtain quotes on additional policy limits. You might be surprised by how little your premium goes up for such a significant increase in coverage limits.

What Will I Have to Pay Out-of-Pocket in Case of An Accident?

The amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket depends on numerous factors. These factors include the type of accident, its location, and others. The at-fault driver’s insurance company and any ensuing damages or injuries will often be your obligation to cover if you were not the cause of the collision. However, if the at-fault motorist has insufficient or no insurance, you can find yourself paying the bill. To ensure that your policy will protect you in this situation, ask your insurance provider what you can do. 

Schedule A Consultation Today!

If you are currently shopping for auto insurance in Negaunee, MI or any other nearby town, but you do not know where to start, U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. is ready to assist you. We will answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need. 

What Your Business Insurance Covers (and What it Doesn’t)

You know it’s important to have business insurance. However, you might wonder what your commercial policy covers as well as what it does not. The best way to find the right policy is to make an appointment with the agents at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. Meanwhile, here is some critical information about business insurance in Negaunee, MI.

What Is Business Insurance For, Anyway?

You can use it to cover various risks associated with doing business. Many policies include property damage and legal liability. Depending on the nature of your enterprise, you may or may not need general liability, product liability, and other coverage.

General liability insurance shields your business from losses due to bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, settlements, and more. Meanwhile, product liability insurance reimburses financial loss due to defective products that harm customers.

Professional liability insurance safeguards accountants, lawyers, and other professionals vulnerable to lawsuits for malpractice, errors and omissions, or negligence. Commercial property insurance covers your business property or assets in case of fire, smoke, weather events, and vandalism.

To determine the type of policy that best addresses your business’ needs, meet with a knowledgeable agent at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc.

What Your Business Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Although each policy may vary, there are certain events most commercial insurance excludes. For example, flooding is covered under separate insurance policies, and deliberate acts resulting in damages are not usually written into commercial insurance policies.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with events not covered under your policy. For example, you’ll need workers’ compensation insurance to handle illnesses and injuries employees experience on the job. Additionally, you need homeowners or renters insurance to cover losses to your personal items not related to your business. Let our team evaluate your current policy to make sure there are no substantial gaps in your coverage.

Contact our team today to discuss your business insurance needs in Negaunee, MI.

How workers compensation insurance can protect both your business and your employees

Workers’ compensation insurance from U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. is an essential form of coverage for businesses and their employees here in the Negaunee, MI area. It’s designed to protect both employers and employees in the event of an accident, illness, or injury that occurs while on the job. Employers are responsible for providing workers’ compensation insurance to their employees, which can help protect them from financial loss due to medical and wage loss benefits as a result of a workplace injury or illness.

For businesses, workers’ compensation insurance provides a form of financial protection in the event of an employee injury or illness resulting from negligence on the part of the employer. If an employee is injured on the job, employers may be held liable for medical expenses related to treatment, rehabilitation services, lost wages, and even death benefits for dependents in certain cases. Workers’ compensation insurance helps take some of this financial burden off employers by covering some or all of the costs associated with work-related injuries and illnesses.

For employees, workers’ compensation insurance helps cover any medical expenses related to their injury or illness as well as lost wages due to time away from work during recovery. In addition, it may provide death benefits to surviving dependents in certain cases where an employee dies as a result of a work-related incident or illness. This type of coverage can provide peace of mind knowing that they will have access to necessary medical care and income should they face such a difficult situation due to their job duties. 

We Are Here To Help

For more information, give us at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. a call today. We are proud to serve the Negaunee, MI area and would be happy to help you.

Classic Car Insurance Requirements and Options in Michigan

If you have recently purchased or restored a classic car, you may be wondering what type of insurance policy is required to protect your investment of hard work, money, and time. While classic car insurance requirements and options in Michigan are similar to those in other states, there are some unique aspects to consider, according to the classic car insurance agents at the U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. serving the Negaunee, MI area.

Classic Car Insurance in Michigan

First of all, in the state of Michigan, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old and used only for pleasure or expedition purposes, such as car shows or parades, to be considered a classic car. You must always have a regular used vehicle on hand for everyday driving because most classic car insurance policies will limit the number of miles you can drive per year.

Classic Car Insurance Options

When it comes to your classic car insurance, it will be based on the agreed value policy. This is because this type of policy guarantees that if your car is a total loss due to a weather event, accident, or some other tragic situation, you will receive the full amount of the value of the car that was agreed upon when you started your policy, rather than a depreciated amount that a regular car insurance policy would pay out. This helps to protect the investment you made in your classic car.

You can also obtain auto liability coverage for your classic car, which is required under Michigan law when you’re driving your vehicle on a public roadway. This will help cover any damage you cause to someone else’s property or any injuries that are sustained in an accident that is deemed to be your fault.

Contact Us Today

To get your classic car insurance policy started right away and protect your investment, contact the insurance agents at the U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. serving the Negaunee, MI area today!

The Basics of Michigan Recreational Insurance

Are you seeking coverage for your outdoor activities and adventures in the Great Lake State? As a responsible Michigander, it’s essential to protect yourself and your investments by acquiring recreational insurance. U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. serving Negaunee, MI, offers tailored insurance policies to safeguard you while you explore Michigan’s breathtaking landscapes.

Recreational Insurance: The Basics

Recreational insurance, designed to cover various leisure activities, is often overlooked by residents and vacationers alike. Whether it’s boating, snowmobiling, or riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), having the right insurance in place will ensure you have peace of mind and financial protection in case of accidents, damages, or injuries.

In Negaunee, MI, U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. specializes in providing customized recreational insurance solutions for residents and visitors. With expert knowledge of the unique challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan, the agency is well-equipped to guide you in choosing the right coverage for your needs. Here, we will discuss some basics of Michigan recreational insurance to help you make informed decisions.

Boating Insurance:

Michigan is home to numerous lakes and waterways, making it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Boating insurance is essential in protecting your vessel, passengers, and yourself from potential financial loss due to accidents, theft, or damage.

Snowmobile Insurance:

With its long, snowy winters, Michigan is an ideal playground for snowmobile enthusiasts. Snowmobile insurance covers physical damage to the vehicle, liability for property damage, and bodily injury to others involved in accidents.

ATV Insurance:

ATVs are popular for traversing Michigan’s rugged terrain. ATV insurance policies cover damages and injuries sustained while operating these vehicles, ensuring that you’re financially protected in the event of an accident.

RV Insurance:

Whether you own a motorhome or a travel trailer, RV insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your home-on-wheels. It safeguards against damages, theft, and liability claims.

Reach Out To Us

Navigating the world of recreational insurance can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. to discuss your specific needs and secure the best coverage for your outdoor adventures. For more information, contact our friendly team today.

Why every renter should carry renters insurance

Renters insurance provides valuable protection, and yet many people don’t have it. We are not quite sure why not, but we feel that it is our responsibility to make sure that any of our customers who are renters understand the danger of not having this coverage. At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. in Negaunee, MI, our team is experienced in all types of insurance, and we share that knowledge with our customers. 

Why Renters Insurance?

When you are renting, much of what you own in the world may be in your rental. What will happen if your rental is destroyed? You will have to replace all of your possessions at one time. Is that something you are financially able to do? If not, it is worth considering how you can make yourself safer with renters insurance. 

Many renters don’t bother with rental insurance because they believe that their landlord or management company has insurance that will protect them from whatever bad might happen. There is little doubt that they do have insurance to protect their property, but what they have does not include what you own. You are on your own. 

Renters insurance also provides liability insurance so that if someone is injured while visiting your rental, they will be covered by your insurance. This coverage also extends to a member of your family away from home causing damage to someone else’s property. 

What would you do if your rental was damaged so badly that you couldn’t live there while it is being repaired? If you have renters insurance, you will be able to stay in a hotel or get a temporary rental until you can move back in. 

Reach Out To Us

At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. we are independent insurance agents who serve the Negaunee, MI area. Give our office a call to discuss your insurance needs.