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.

Can my adult children stay on the family auto insurance policy

Before you venture on Michigan’s roads, you must have the necessary insurance coverage. Establishing a trustworthy relationship with an independent insurance agent is a key aspect of this safeguarding process. At Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, our dedicated agents are available to answer any insurance-related queries and meet your coverage needs.

With soaring apartment rental prices, more adult children choose to reside at home after college or even if they don’t pursue further studies. Thanks to the affordability of family plans, many prefer to remain on family plans for cell phones, the internet, and car insurance.

Staying Insured While Studying Away

When your children are away at college, they can still benefit from the family policy as long as they continue to use the family home as their mailing address and return home during summer or school breaks. Thus, they remain eligible to stay on your policy as long as their permanent residential status remains unchanged.

Keeping Insured While Living and Working at Home

If your children opt to stay at home and embark on their careers, they can still be included in your family policy. This is the essence of a family policy: It encompasses not just one or two adults with teenagers but also other adults in the household. Besides making it affordable for your children, this might also cut insurance costs for you unless, of course, your children have had accidents. Under such circumstances, a comprehensive umbrella policy is recommended to ensure your assets have maximum protection.

Gear Up for Safe Rides with Insurance from Agency Advantage Insurance

When it comes to getting auto insurance, let our team at Agency Advantage Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI, guide you. Contact us by phone or through our website for a no-obligation quote.

Reach Out to us Today for your Auto Insurance Needs!

Tips To Keep Your Classic Automobile Secure

If you own a classic automobile, take measures to prevent damage and theft. Use the guidelines described below. Then, contact an Agency Advantage Insurance representative who serves West Bloomfield, MI, to update your classic automobile insurance policy.

Vehicle Security

A car alarm or another anti-theft device will prevent anyone from gaining access to your classic vehicle. Review alarm products that are designed to be installed inside your vehicle. Then, purchase one or more products to protect your car when it is not being driven.

Storage

Keeping your classic vehicle out of view will minimize the chance of being stolen or vandalized. Choose a storage option that will keep your car clean and dry. You can store your vehicle inside your garage or rent space at a facility that offers a vehicle storage option.

If you rent space, choose an interior storage spot that is climate-controlled. Ensure that the storage facility offers surveillance and other security features that will keep your classic vehicle well-protected.

Lights

If you have decided to store your vehicle on your property, invest in lights that can be used to illuminate the storage area when it is dark outside. Lights should be installed outside and inside the garage.

You may want to purchase motion-detection lights if you are not at home often. These types of lights will turn on if any motion is detected near the garage.

Updates

Now that you have considered some ways to keep your classic automobile secure contact one of our agents who serve West Bloomfield, MI. Agency Advantage Insurance offers many insurance products that classic vehicle owners can benefit from purchasing.

Is It Time to Upgrade to a Comprehensive Auto Policy?

Regarding auto insurance policies, it can be not easy to know when it’s time to upgrade yours. Fortunately, the folks who live here in the West Bloomfield, MI area can rely on the team at Agency Advantage Insurance. We’re here to provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your auto insurance policy. Find out today if it’s time to update your current policy to one more complete and comprehensive.

Benefits of a Comprehensive Auto Policy

Several different benefits come with a comprehensive auto policy. You’ll enjoy more robust coverage and protection for various events. If you’ve had your current policy for a while, it’s time to consider upgrading to a comprehensive policy. Your local agent can answer any questions you have about these policies and how they can better protect you and your family.

Don’t wait until you’re involved in an auto accident to find out that your policy doesn’t provide the insurance coverage you need. Talk to your local agent today to find out how this type of upgrade can boost your peace of mind and give you the protection you need. Now’s an ideal time to review your current policy to see if it’s adequate or if a comprehensive policy is a better fit for your needs.

Got questions? We have answers for you!

Agency Advantage Insurance is proud to work with the West Bloomfield, MI community with all of its insurance needs. If you have questions about your auto policy, you can count on us to get you the answers you need. Call or stop by today to talk with one of our helpful and knowledgeable agents.

We look forward to hearing you soon!

Should I continue full coverage auto insurance even though I’ve recently paid off my auto loan?

Auto insurance provides financial protection against liability claims and coverage for repairing or replacing your car. Most states require drivers to carry auto liability coverage as a minimum insurance requirement. However, drivers may still be required to purchase more auto insurance based on specific circumstances. Our team at Agency Advantage Insurance is dedicated to educating West Bloomfield, MI residents about the benefits of auto insurance.

What is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance provides protection from liability claims if you’re found at fault for an auto accident. Auto liability insurance will cover the repair or replacement of another driver’s car as well as any personal injuries they suffer as a result of an accident. Auto liability insurance covers the repair of another driver’s car and their personal injuries resulting from an accident. Legal fees and medical coverage are covered by auto liability insurance. However, drivers can purchase more auto insurance to cover the repair or replacement of their own cars as well as their own personal injuries that occur as a result of an accident. Sometimes, drivers are required to purchase more auto insurance due to an auto loan.

Should I continue full coverage auto insurance even after recently paying off my auto loan?

Maybe. If you can’t pay for the repair or replacement of your car if you’re in an auto accident, it may be wise to continue with car insurance. If your car’s value is equal to or less than your insurance premiums, car insurance may not be worthwhile. You may not recoup much money if your vehicle is considered a total loss. In situations like this, bypassing full coverage auto insurance may be an excellent move. If you have questions about auto insurance, call us. We can answer your questions. 
 

Four considerations when you purchase auto insurance

There are quite a few different considerations you’ll need to consider when purchasing auto insurance. At Agency Advantage Insurance, we can help you address this when trying to find a policy to meet your needs as a driver in West Bloomfield, MI. 

The following are four considerations you need to make when you want to purchase auto insurance. 

How much do you want your deductible to be?

Auto insurance providers will typically give you a few deductible options to choose from. If your priority is getting lower premiums, you should choose a higher deductible option. If your priority is minimizing costs when you have to file a claim, you should choose a lower deductible option. 

What types of coverage do you purchase?

The three main types of insurance coverage are liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. While you will be required to have liability insurance in Michigan, you can add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy. 

How high do you want your liability coverage limits to be?

In Michigan, you’ll need to purchase at least $40,000 in injury coverage per accident and $10,000 in property damage coverage for out-of-state accidents. You can go beyond these limits to enjoy more financial protection.  

Do you need to have additional drivers covered?

You will need to notify your auto insurance provider if anyone else, such as your spouse, son, or daughter, is regularly driving a vehicle you’re insuring. 

Call us or explore our website for more information about auto insurance from Agency Advantage Insurance. We’re here for West Bloomfield, MI motorists looking for insurance coverage to protect their finances and give them peace of mind when they’re behind the wheel. 

My car is only 15 years old. Am I eligible for classic car insurance?

Classic car insurance is often a misunderstood or unfamiliar form of car insurance for many people. There may be many misconceptions about what it is and what makes a car eligible for this type of coverage. Simply owning an old car doesn’t necessarily make you eligible for classic car insurance. Our team at  Agency Advantage Insurance understands that many West Bloomfield MI residents may be confused about this form of insurance. As a result, we’re committed to educating West Bloomfield, MI residents about classic car insurance. 

What is Classic Car Insurance?
Many of us have old cars that have long since seen better days…these are usually not the types of cars that are eligible for classic car insurance. Classic cars are typically 20+ years older but not more than 40 years old. These cars are also kept in their original condition or near-perfect or mint condition. Classic cars are owned primarily as collector’s items that aren’t usually aftermarket or replica vehicles. Also, these cars are usually not driven daily. The owner can register a car that fits these descriptions as an antique car which may make it eligible for classic car insurance. 

Other Factors that Define Classic Car Eligibility…

Not all cars are eligible for this status, however. The classic car title isn’t designed to fit your daily use or common type of car. That Toyota or Volkswagen would probably not fall into the classic car category. There’s usually something unique, special, or exotic about the car in addition to its age. Modified/Customized vehicles and modern muscle cars are good examples of cars that would be eligible for classic car insurance.

If you have questions about classic car insurance and want to know if your car would be eligible, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. 

Michigan Collision Auto Insurance: How to Drive in Low Visibility Conditions

Conditions such as fog, heavy weather, and even a bright sun, can cause low visibility driving conditions in Michigan. It’s important to know how to drive safely in these conditions, and you will avoid collisions and expensive car insurance claims.

At Agency Advantage Insurance, we want West Bloomfield, MI residents to be safe in all driving conditions. Follow these simple safety tips when driving in low visibility conditions.

Maintain for Visibility

In Michigan, you are going to have low visibility conditions all year long. Maintain your vehicle regularly so that it can accommodate these conditions. Maintain it before you drive as well.

Be sure that your wipers are good and working. Have your heating and defrost systems checked so that you can defrost front and rear windows effectively when driving. If you have fog lights, have them checked.

Clear your windshield and all windows before you leave the driveway or parking lot. Make sure that the roof of your vehicle is clear of all-weather or debris so that falling snow or ice does not impede your visibility on the roads.

Driving Tips

When you are driving in low visibility, follow your instinct.

•    Drive slowly at all times in low visibility
•    Brake slowly, or avoid braking at all. Braking in ice and snow leads to fishtailing and skids that cause collisions.
•    High beams aren’t as effective as fog lights in low visibility unless you are driving at night.
•    Pay attention and listen to other drivers in the event you can’t see them.
•    Get roadside assistance.

Drive Safely

When you have to drive in low visibility in Michigan, be alert, and make sure your vehicle is safe before you drive. That is half the battle. Take your time to avoid collisions. 

Have peace of mind before you go with add-ons to your insurance such as Roadside Assistance. You’ll be more confident on the roads, and that confidence breeds safety. At Agency Advantage Insurance, we prefer West Bloomfield, MI residents to stay home in poor conditions, but we know life and duty calls. Call us for a quote today.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Before you drive off in your rental car, many car rental companies will ask you if you’d like to purchase insurance for it as well. And, like most drivers, you’re likely to agree by instinct. You know- just in case something happens.

However, if you already have insurance for your car, the policy may extend to your rental cars as well. If this is the case, you’ll be saved from buying extra insurance, which could raise your rental fees as high as twice. Here’s how to find out if your car insurance policy covers rental cars in West Bloomfield, MI. 

What Does the Typical Rental Car Insurance Policy Cover?

Many car rental companies offer a few common coverages. One of these is liability insurance, which covers you against claims should you injure other people or damage any property. Personal effects insurance is another; this policy covers the personal belongings you have in the rental car, making you liable for compensation against loss or any damage done to them in the event of an accident. 

Rental car insurance policies also offer personal accident insurance, which provides compensation for disability, loss of life, and temporary loss of income due to accidents.

What Coverages Do Regular Auto Insurance Policies Offer?

Agency Advantage Insurance and other car insurance companies generally offer property damage insurance, collision damage insurance, personal injury protection, and liability insurance. Before signing off on rental car insurance, it’s important to review your existing policies to make sure you’re not paying for something you already have insurance for. 

A good auto insurance policy will save you a lot of problems in the event you have an accident or lose your vehicle. Getting a comprehensive cover from Agency Advantage Insurance will also ensure you don’t have to buy rental car insurance whenever you’re renting out a car in West Bloomfield, MI. 

Our website lists the different policies and coverages we offer. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable insurance partner, we’ve got you covered.

Auto Insurance Variables To Consider While Researching Policies

Based in West Bloomfield, MI, Agency Advantage Insurance offers the community multiple types of insurance coverage. We are committed to helping our clients find the policies they need to protect their assets. We have positive relationships with multiple carriers throughout Michigan.

Auto Insurance Variables

Auto insurance covers your vehicle as you travel around West Bloomfield, MI. The policy covers your vehicle if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged due to a natural disaster, fire, or other unexpected circumstances. Liability coverage is also an asset as you’ll be protected in the event that you are involved in a collision with another vehicle. You are also protected if your vehicle causes damage to someone else’s property. Here are some other variables to consider while researching policies.

If you have a lot of passengers in your vehicle, the majority of times that you operate it consider the benefits of personal injury protection. Personal injury protection covers you if one of your passengers suffers a serious injury while they are riding in the car with you.

Also, consider the amount of mileage that you put on your vehicle every year. If you drive your car less frequently than other drivers, you may need a different policy compared to traditional coverage. If you plan to completely renovate your car or add some special accessories, you will need to amend your policy in order to cover those parts if they are damaged or stolen.

If you use your vehicle as part of your equipment, you’ll have to explore separate coverage in order to maintain protection while you work. You cannot use your traditional auto policy to cover your business while you are operating your vehicle on the job.

Consult With Agency Advantage Insurance

For more information on Auto Insurance, visit our website.