Options For Insuring A Home-Based Business

Understanding Insurance Needs for Home-Based Businesses

In recent years, the line between work and home has blurred for many people as they increasingly work full—or part-time from home or run various home-based businesses. These changes necessitate recognizing that the typical home insurance policy offers limited coverage for business assets, so many home-based businesses need commercial insurance coverage. If you live in the West Bloomfield, MI, area, consider allowing the Agency Advantage Insurance team to create your home and business insurance plan.

Home Insurance and Working from Home

Most home-based businesses rely on office electronics, furniture, tools, and supplies. Others carry inventories or other assets. As the value of your business grows, the protection provided by commercial insurance becomes increasingly important.

Home insurance policies protect personal assets; most offer only $2,500 in business asset coverage. Without some form of commercial insurance, business assets exceeding the $2,500 limit are effectively uninsured.

Small home businesses with few assets can supplement their home policy with a business property endorsement, which commonly doubles the coverage to $5,000. Businesses with more assets should acquire a separate commercial policy and may also need professional or business liability insurance.

In-home business insurance meets the needs of many companies with less than $250,000 in revenue. Policies can include property, liability, and other commercial insurance elements businesses need.

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) applies to businesses with $250,000 or more in revenue. It combines the core elements of sophisticated commercial insurance policies and can include Workers’ Compensation and liability coverage.

Working with Agency Advantage Insurance

The Agency Advantage Insurance team serves homeowners and businesses in the West Bloomfield, MI, area. Let us create an insurance plan for you by calling (248) 855-9090 to schedule an appointment or stopping by the office today.

Protecting Your Classic Car Investment

Classic cars can make for great investments, and they’re especially popular in Michigan, the home of America’s automobile manufacturing industry. If you have a classic ride, ensuring your vehicle is well-protected is important. Otherwise, it could end up damaged, reducing its value and perhaps causing personal anguish. The right classic car insurance plan will protect your investment, and you can take many other steps. If you’d like to explore car insurance policies in West Bloomfield, MI, get in touch with Agency Advantage Insurance.

Ensuring Your Investment is Safe

Firstly, you want to limit exposure to the weather, especially in Michigan, where the ware rather harsh. A garage is the best choice, but not everyone has access to one. If not, even a heavy tarp can provide some protection. UV radiation from the sun alone can cause a lot of damage, so keep your vehicle wrapped up as much as possible.

Some folks like to put a fair number of miles on their classic car. Enjoying your ride can enrich your life, but check the weather before heading out for a drive. You’ll want to avoid driving in the rain. Driving your classic car in the winter is also a bad idea. Not only could the roads be slick, but salt can do a lot of damage, especially to classic cars.

Many classic cars lack modern security systems. Steering wheel locks and other measures can help discourage criminals, however. Make sure you’re not lax about using such measures. Motion sensor lights in your driveway and around your property can also discourage criminals. Otherwise, criminals will be more likely to target your vehicle.

Of course, no matter the measures you take, you should ensure you’re adequately insured. Agency Advantage Insurance is here for you if you’re looking for classic car insurance providers serving West Bloomfield, MI.

How Different Riding Styles Affect Your Insurance Coverage: Touring vs Sport vs Cruiser

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, understanding how your riding style influences your coverage is crucial. At Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, we’re here to guide you through the nuances of insuring different types of bikes—whether you’re touring the countryside, speeding on a sports bike, or cruising down the boulevard.

Touring Bikes: The Long-Haul Companion

Touring motorcycles are built for comfort and long-distance travel. They’re often equipped with advanced safety features and larger frames, which can lead to lower insurance premiums due to their stability and the typically cautious nature of their riders. However, the increased value of these bikes might require higher coverage limits to protect your investment fully.

Sport Bikes: Speed and Agility

Sport bikes are designed for speed and performance. While they offer thrilling rides, they also come with higher insurance premiums due to their increased risk of accidents and theft. Riders tend to be younger and more adventurous, which can also affect rates. Considering comprehensive coverage to protect against potential damages or losses is essential.

Cruisers: Style and Relaxation

Cruisers, known for their classic designs and relaxed riding style, often fall between touring and sport bikes regarding insurance costs. These bikes are generally cheaper to insure than sport bikes but might have higher premiums than touring models. The leisurely pace and mature rider demographic usually translate to fewer claims, benefiting your insurance rates.

Call Us For a Motorcycle Insurance Estimate Today

Choosing the right motorcycle and understanding its impact on your insurance is vital. At Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, we specialize in tailoring policies to fit your unique riding style. Contact us today to ensure you’re fully covered.

What is covered by an Umbrella policy?

An Umbrella insurance policy will cover you if you are liable for considerable damage beyond what most insurance policies will cover. For instance, if someone is injured on your property, you could be liable for medical bills and other costs that could reach millions of dollars. A slip and fall could wipe out your retirement savings. Contact Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI to get a complete rundown of what an umbrella policy would cover.

Understanding Umbrella Insurance

A slip and fall is perhaps the most common reason people get sued, but there could be many other situations where you could be sued and be held liable for millions of dollars. An Umbrella policy will cover basically anything that causes significant harm to different people.

There are policies for businesses and individuals. General and professional liability are covered. Worker’s Comp, business interruptions, and cyberattacks are just a few things a business policy would cover. Landlord liability is another business-related situation where an umbrella policy could be needed.

Legal fees can also be covered under such a policy if you are taken to court. Slander and Libel cases could also result in big damages and an umbrella policy would protect you there. Automobile accidents are another big area where you could suffer significant losses if you are held liable for a serious accident.

An umbrella policy covers you if you are held liable for just about anything and is beyond regular insurance’s limits. The policies are not very expensive because they are rarely needed. If you have significant assets, it is an excellent idea to protect them with an umbrella insurance policy.

Visit or call the Agency Advantage Insurance agency today in West Bloomfield, MI, to get all your questions answered about liability coverage and a possible umbrella policy to ensure you have the protection you need.

Seat Belt and Child Seat Laws in Michigan

Understanding Auto Insurance and Safety Requirements

As a car owner, you hold legal responsibility for obtaining auto insurance to protect your financial assets in the event of an accident. This can be critical for your financial future. If you’re located near West Bloomfield, MI, our agents at Agency Advantage Insurance are available to address all your queries on auto insurance.

Child Seats and Seatbelts

Adhere to all road regulations to prevent car accidents that could potentially necessitate an insurance payout. One of the most crucial categories of driving safety pertains to seat belts and child seats. By Michigan state law, every driver and front-seat passenger must wear a seat belt, regardless of age. Every passenger under the age of 16 must also wear a seat belt, regardless of where they sit in the car.

Choosing an appropriate child seat or booster seat for your child can be dependent on your child’s age and size. Children younger than four years old might need to be accommodated in a rear-facing seat, depending on their age and size. According to Driver Z, children under fifty pounds should be placed in a rear-facing seat. To ensure you select the right seat, consult your insurance agent or an official at the Michigan DMV.

Call Us Today for an Appointment

Our agents at Agency Advantage Insurance have been successfully assisting clients in your area since 2006. Offering a comprehensive range of insurance products for all your insurance needs, clients in the West Bloomfield, MI, area are encouraged to discuss all their insurance options with us. Call us for an appointment today and let’s talk about insurance.

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Home Siding?

As a homeowner, checking in on your home siding and determining if you need to upgrade is a good idea. With the new types of siding available, you can change the entire look of your home and make it more secure. Below are a few signs that let you know it’s time to upgrade the siding. 

1. Cracks and Chips

One of the first signs you need to upgrade your siding is having many cracks or chips throughout the home. These cracks will let in water and debris, causing water damage to the property. They also allow pest infestations to get into the next layer of your home, which can be expensive to repair. Small cracks can be repaired, but if you’ve already patched the siding once and that’s now cracking, it’s time to do a full repair.

2. Energy Costs Rising

Many new types of siding are meant to help regulate your home’s temperature. If you notice that your electric bill is rising and you’ve replaced energy units in your home, your energy will likely get out by the siding. You’ll want to look into more energy-efficient options to help keep the heat in during the winter and cool during the summer months.

3. Mold and Mildew

One of the biggest signs that your siding needs to be replaced is when you find mold and mildew in different areas throughout the house. When it’s connected to the siding, it lets you know that it is beyond repair and it’s time to remove it, clean the mold, and add new siding. If you have wood siding on your home, you’ll want to check that regularly to make sure you aren’t infested with mold spores. 

If you’re a homeowner in the West Bloomfield, MI, area, contact our agents at Agency Advantage Insurance for a personal home insurance quote today.  

How is Classic Car Insurance Different than Traditional Insurance? Agency Advantage Insurance

Many enthusiasts hold a special place in their hearts for classic cars, which serve as timeless symbols of automotive history and craftsmanship. However, owning and insuring a classic car comes with its own set of unique considerations that set it apart from traditional auto insurance. At Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield MI, we provide auto insurance for classic cars. Continue reading to learn more.

How Does Classic Car Insurance Differ from Traditional Auto Insurance?

Classic car insurance differs from traditional auto insurance in several key ways. Unlike traditional policies that consider a vehicle’s current market value, classic car insurance takes into account the collectible or sentimental value of the vintage vehicle. This specialized coverage is designed to protect against risks unique to classic cars, such as appreciation in value over time and the higher costs associated with repairs and restoration.

Additionally, classic car insurance often comes with agreed or guaranteed value coverage options, which means that in the event of a total loss, you receive an agreed-upon sum without depreciation. Traditional auto insurance typically follows actual cash value (ACV) guidelines, which could result in lower payouts for older vehicles. Finally, classic car policies may have mileage restrictions or require owners to store their vehicles in secure garages when not in use to qualify for coverage, reflecting how these special cars are preserved and protected by enthusiasts.

Contact Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield MI for Classic Car Insurance

Contact the professionals at Agency Advantage Insurance to have peace of mind knowing your classic car is protected. We specialize in creating affordable and quality insurance policies for classic cars. Contact us today to speak with an agent and learn more about coverage and options for your classic car. 

What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance from Agency Advantage Insurance

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration like no other mode of transportation. However, with this thrilling experience comes the responsibility of ensuring your safety and financial protection on the road. At Agency Advantage in West Bloomfield, MI, we can equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of coverage options, limitations, and legal requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or contemplating your first ride, understanding what lies beneath the surface of motorcycle insurance is essential for safeguarding yourself and your prized machine on every journey.

Important Things to Know About Motorcycle Insurance

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, riders should be aware of the various coverage options available beyond just liability. Comprehensive and collision coverage can protect your bike against damage from theft, natural disasters, or accidents. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is crucial in case you’re involved in an accident with someone with insufficient insurance or none.

Understanding how your driving record and the type of bike you own can affect your insurance premiums is vital for budgeting effectively. Factors such as mileage driven annually and where you store your motorcycle can also significantly impact rates. Riders should always review their policy regularly and make adjustments based on any changes in circumstances to ensure they have adequate coverage when hitting the road.

Contact Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI for Motorcycle Insurance

If you need motorcycle insurance in the West Bloomfield area, contact us to talk with an insurance agent. We can help you navigate through the complexities of motorcycle insurance. Contact us today to get started. 

Can I Just Buy an Umbrella Policy?

Umbrella policies offer a huge amount of liability coverage for a small monthly premium. When a person or business needs liability coverage as a top priority, they might want to buy only umbrella insurance from Agency Advantage Insurance. It doesn’t work that way, though. Umbrella coverage, a type of secondary insurance, requires ownership of a primary policy first. 

What Qualifies as a Primary Policy?

A policyholder must own an insurance policy that includes a liability component, such as an auto policy or homeowners insurance for their West Bloomfield, MI, home. These insurance policies qualify as primary policies. Other examples of primary policies include:

  • Boat and other watercraft insurance
  • Classic car insurance
  • Business liability insurance.

Once you’ve purchased a primary policy, an agent at Agency Advantage Insurance can help you add a secondary umbrella insurance policy. 

How Does Umbrella Coverage Work?

When an event triggers your primary policy’s liability coverage, our agency pays valid claims using it first. If the claims deplete your primary policy’s liability maximum, the umbrella policy assumes the remainder of the payments up to its policy maximum. Buying an umbrella policy usually provides enough liability protection for most individuals. West Bloomfield, MI, businesses may need larger policy maximums, but the typical umbrella policy offers 1 million dollars of coverage for just a few dollars per month in premiums.

Contact Us Today

Protect your financial security with umbrella coverage. No, we can’t sell you only an umbrella policy. We can help you properly insure your personal or business finances. Call Agency Advantage Insurance today to create your insurance package.

Five Easy Ways to Prioritize Your Family’s Health in West Bloomfield, MI

As a resident of the close-knit West Bloomfield, MI community, you have access to excellent healthcare options, but securing your family’s health requires more than that. With help from Agency Advantage Insurance experts, you can learn how to prioritize preventative healthcare and substantial health insurance for your family.

Annual Wellness Checkups and Preventative Care

Scheduling regular health checkups and preventative services enables you to take control of your family’s health. These proactive measures aid in early detection and preventative efforts against potential health issues.

Healthy Lifestyle Adoption

Adopt healthier lifestyle habits like proper hydration, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and daily exercise to ensure optimal health.

Utilize Preventive Care Services

Most local health insurance plans now offer preventative care coverage. These provisions allow residents to take advantage of age-specific wellness checkups, annual health screenings, immunizations, and health programs without any extra costs.

Acquire Mental Health Support

Mental and physical health are equally important. Seek comprehensive health insurance that reimburses mental health services, such as professional counseling and therapy.

Understand Your Emergency Options

Learn the immediate steps for emergency health care in urgent and non-urgent situations. Always keep a list of emergency room locations and their contact information close by.

Contact Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, and discover the best coverage for your family’s needs! Get your quote today.