Category: Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance for Ride-Sharing

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Ride-sharing is increasingly popular. There are different needs for auto insurance depending on how you ride-share your vehicle.

Commercial Ride-Sharing Use

Billions of rides are booked through systems like Uber and others. If you use your personal vehicle for a ride-sharing business, you need to get commercial auto insurance. Those requirements depend on the service you plan to join and your agent at Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, can help with auto insurance needs.

Car Pools

If you join or create a car pool to share your commute with other workers, you need to ask your agent to do an auto insurance review. Some policies allow this if the use is casual (trading rides for rides) and not a commercial business. Other insurance carriers may require you to get a commercial auto insurance policy to cover your vehicle for use as a car pool.

Extended Road Trip

If you plan to use your vehicle for a road trip across multiple states and perhaps share the driving with another person(s), ask your agent before you start the trip. Your agent will check to make sure you meet the insurance requirements of any state that you plan to pass through and may want you to add the other driver as a designated driver on your policy to keep you protected.

Loaning Your Car to Others

Most auto policies allow occasional use of your vehicle by others you grant permission. Nevertheless, you should exercise caution before lending your car to another person. You should not let a person under the age of 25 drive your car because this demographic group is much more likely to get into an accident. It is wiser to avoid lending your vehicle.

Consult with your agent at Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, about all your auto insurance needs.

 

Driving Through the Seasons in Flushing, MI, and Staying Insurance-Aware

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Driving in Michigan requires adapting to the changing seasons. In Flushing, MI, winter ice, spring rain, summer roadwork, and early fall sunsets all influence how and when people get behind the wheel. While some days are routine, others demand extra attention.

As driving conditions shift, it’s a good idea to revisit your auto insurance policy to ensure it still aligns with your current habits. A policy that worked for you a year ago may no longer match how often you drive or how your household uses its vehicles today.

Over time, routines change, and when they do, it’s worth checking whether your policy still fits your driving needs. Even small changes can add up, and they are easy to overlook until you take the time to review them. It’s common to assume everything is fine, especially when daily routines feel familiar. However, taking a few minutes to review your policy can provide peace of mind.

At The Vernon Agency in Vernon, MI, our team regularly speaks with drivers about Michigan’s auto insurance requirements and how those requirements apply to real-life situations. Since coverage isn’t something most people think about every day, periodic reviews can be helpful. A quick conversation with our insurance professionals can clarify your coverage and ensure your policy remains aligned with your lifestyle and needs.

Keeping Your Coverage Current

Auto insurance works best when it reflects your actual driving habits. Reviewing your policy after a move, a change in your household, or a vehicle upgrade can help you stay prepared. The process doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s as simple as asking a few questions and confirming that everything still makes sense.

If you have questions about your auto insurance, contact The Vernon Agency in Vernon, MI. Our team is here to provide guidance so you can move forward with confidence, no matter the season.

What Are SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance?

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SR-22 insurance and FR-44 insurance refer to different documents that serve as proof of coverage. These are not actual insurance policies, but rather legal forms filed by your insurance company to prove you have the required liability coverage. If you’re a high-risk driver or have major violations, you may be told by the state that you need one. At Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, we help drivers navigate these requirements with ease.

SR-22: The Most Common Filing

SR-22 is the more widely used of the two. It’s typically required after serious driving violations such as a DUI, multiple traffic offenses, or driving without insurance. 
The SR-22 form verifies that you have at least the state’s minimum auto insurance liability coverage. While the form doesn’t actually result in higher premiums, you can expect to pay more because you’re considered a high-risk driver.

FR-44: Stricter Requirements in Certain States

FR-44 is only required in a few states, most notably Virginia and Florida. It serves a similar purpose but with one major difference: the required liability coverage limits are significantly higher. FR-44 is often mandated by Virginia and Florida after some of the most severe violations, like reckless driving or worse. 

Because of the increased liability limits, FR-44 policies tend to be more expensive than those that just meet state minimum requirements. You won’t be asked for an FR-44 form if you’re in Flushing, MI, as Michigan only uses the SR-22.

Get Help With an SR-22

If you’ve been told you have to file an SR-22, we at Vernon Agency can help request and file this document. We’ll contact your insurance company and ask them to file it with the Michigan Department of State and confirm it’s been filed. Contact us for help.

Is Auto Insurance Required to Drive My New Car Off the Lot?

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Auto insurance is an essential part of driving. If you own a car, having car insurance is a legal requirement to drive the vehicle off the lot. If you’re in the process of buying a new car, it’s important to understand when to get car insurance and how to obtain it.

The professionals at Vernon Agency, servicing Flushing, MI, are here to assist you. We provide valuable information to our customers about car insurance, home insurance, and other related products. Here’s what you need to know.

Is Auto Insurance Required?

Yes, auto insurance is required to drive vehicles in the state of Michigan. If you’re planning to buy a new car, you will likely need to show proof of auto insurance before driving it off the lot. Additionally, if you are financing your vehicle with a loan, you may be required to purchase full coverage auto insurance.

Most lenders will not approve the purchase of a vehicle without proof of this type of insurance. Be sure to consult with your car dealer and lender to confirm whether insurance is required before finalizing the sale.

I’m Buying a New Car – When Should I Get Auto Insurance?

Contact your insurance company before purchasing the vehicle. While you may not be able to finalize an insurance policy without a vehicle, your insurance agent can help set up the policy or provide an estimated cost for coverage. This allows you to be prepared when you’re ready to complete the purchase.

How Can I Get Started With an Auto Insurance Policy?

To get started with an auto insurance policy, contact Vernon Agency, servicing Flushing, MI. We’re here to help you find the coverage you need.

What Flushing Drivers Should Know About Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance

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Driving in Flushing, MI means taking on all the legal responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle on local roads. Learn how Michigan’s no-fault insurance system affects Flushing drivers from the professionals at the Vernon Agency.

According to recent changes in state laws, Michigan drivers must carry a minimum level of insurance called “no-fault insurance.” This state-mandated insurance coverage consists of three key components that ensure all drivers are financially protected in an auto accident – regardless of who is at fault.

No-Fault Insurance Basics

The no-fault insurance system in Michigan is designed to protect all drivers on the road when accidents happen – regardless of who is at fault for an auto accident.

Component #1. Personal Injury Protection – PIP

The first component of Michigan’s no-fault insurance provides a financial layer of protection for drivers who have been injured in an accident. PIP insurance can help cover the costs of medical expenses, lost income, and even household services required due to an accident.

Component #2. – Property Protection (PPI)

Property protection insurance helps offset the cost to other people’s property in an auto accident. This protection is designed to shield drivers from the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property like fences and buildings. It does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles.

Component #3. – Residual Liability, Bodily Injury, and Property Damage

The third level of no-fault insurance in Michigan is designed to protect insured drivers from the high out-of-pocket costs that can arise from a head-on collision, side swipe, or other auto accident.

Learn how to get the right auto insurance coverage when you contact the Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, today!

Additional coverage you may want beyond basic auto insurance

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The basic auto insurance coverage required by the state of Michigan is known as 50/100/10. This refers to $50,000 for injury to a single person in an accident, $100,000 for all injuries in the accident, and $10,000 for property damage. At Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI, we strive to ensure all our customers have the proper auto coverage for their needs.

Collision

Collision coverage helps pay for the damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident where you are at fault after a deductible has been paid. If you have a leased vehicle or a car loan, you are required to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage to protect the vehicle.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage pertains to damage to your vehicle that is beyond your control. It covers incidents such as flooding, hail, high winds, vandalism, and theft, with a deductible attached.

Gap coverage

If you have a new car with a car loan and the car is totaled, your coverage may not pay as much as you still owe on the loan. Gap coverage fills the difference between what you owe and what you receive.

Rental car

Rental car coverage provides a rental vehicle if your car is damaged or totaled. It only applies to instances when your vehicle is out of service due to damage and does not extend to vacation rentals. It facilitates the availability of a car for a limited number of days.

Full glass

Your comprehensive insurance includes glass coverage but requires you to pay a deductible. However, if you choose full glass coverage, you get a replacement windshield without a deductible. The service can even come to you for a replacement.

If you would like to discuss your insurance needs, call Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI, or visit our office.

Flushing’s Future Drivers: Auto Insurance for the Next Generation

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When Flushing, MI residents are in need of valuable tips and pointers, they contact Bachmann Insurance Agency. Our team of experienced insurance agents is able to take all of the guesswork out of finding the best auto insurance policy. This is especially crucial for parents who are looking to ensure their teenage drivers. Thanks to this guide, you are able to find the best policy for your future driver far more easily than ever before.

Consider Bundling Policies

By choosing the same carrier for all of your policies, you are able to avoid many of the usual difficulties and obtain the best possible policy for your young driver. The average teenager is not going to be able to get a policy on their own, and that’s where parental research comes into play. A Flushing, MI homeowner may even be able to bundle their residential policy with their auto insurance policy to make life even easier for themselves.

Change Coverage As They Age

Let’s say that a parent has decided to obtain coverage for their teenagers while they are in high school. This is a great place to start, and coverage should be changed as the child grows older. This is a crucial step to take for parents whose children will not be driving regularly while they are at college. If the child is only driving on school breaks, the policy should be tweaked accordingly.

Carefully Consider The Vehicle Choice

This should go without saying, but the car that you choose for your young driver should be reflective of their level of experience. Clunkers are always going to be easier to insure than the more flashy options that are available.

Flushing, MI, parents who are looking to find out more about auto insurance policies for their future motorists are more than welcome to contact Bachmann Insurance Agency. We have the experience and know-how that you need in your corner.

Preparing for winter: Things you should always have in your vehicle

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Winters can be rough in Michigan, and snow is usually not in short supply. Being prepared when you are out on the road is essential when the weather can be unpredictable. At Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI, we are independent insurance agents, and we will make sure that you are prepared for winter with the right auto insurance to protect you. 

What to have in your vehicle for winter

A shovel

Having a folding shovel can come in very handy if your vehicle gets buried in the snow.  Throwing it in your trunk or the back of your vehicle can save you from being stuck. 

A blanket

If you do get stuck in your vehicle for a few minutes or even a few hours, it is nice to have a warm blanket to cuddle up with to keep the cold Michigan winter out. 

The correct documents

No matter what the weather, you need to have the correct documents in your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration, your current insurance coverage card, and your driver’s license. 

Sand/salt

If you are out, and it snows while you are at work or in the store, having sand or salt or a combination can help you get the traction you need to be able to get going. Especially if it is icy, the salt can melt the ice. 

A Halo

A Halo can give you a charge if your battery is objecting to the cold; it also can inflate your tire if the cold has caused it to lose pressure.  

Water and snacks

Having water and snacks in your vehicle can be a lifesaver if you are stuck in a traffic jam due to the ugly winter weather.  Make sure you choose snacks that have some shelf life, not fresh fruits or cookies. 

Get Insurance Coverage For Your Needs

Contact Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI for all your auto insurance needs. 

Must Have Auto Insurance Coverage for New Drivers

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As a new driver, you’ll appreciate the independence that driving offers in getting you where you want to go. Before taking off in your new car, however, you’ll need to make important decisions concerning auto insurance. Auto insurance is mandatory in Michigan, and the right policy will ensure you have adequate protection on the road. If you live in Flushing, MI or nearby communities, you can turn to Bachmann Insurance Agency for help in obtaining the coverage you need.

Importance of Insurance Coverage

Auto insurance isn’t one-size fits as different drivers have different protection needs. Oftentimes, new drivers are more prone to accidents due to their lack of experience on the road. Poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, lack of driving skills, and even nervousness can lead to an accident, resulting in injury or property damage. The right auto insurance coverage will ensure you’re protected against any eventuality, so you don’t have to pay for damages out of pocket.

Must-Have Auto Coverage for New Drivers

As a new driver, you want to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect you against accidents you may cause.

By law, Michigan requires that all drivers carry the following coverage:

  • minimum liability coverage to cover injuries to others in accidents you cause
  • personal injury protection (PIP) to cover your medical expenses in the event of an accident
  • property protection insurance (PPI) to cover damage to the property of others in accidents you cause

In addition to this coverage, you may want extra protection in the form of collision or comprehensive insurance to protect your vehicle or vehicle assistance in case of breakdowns on the road. We’ll review your coverage options with you and customize your insurance package to suit your unique protection needs.

We Are Here To Help

For quality auto insurance coverage you can trust, contact your Bachmann Insurance Agency agent in Flushing, MI today.  

How to prepare your car for winter

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As winter approaches here in the Flushing, MI area, it’s important to make sure your car is in top shape, so you’re prepared for the colder weather. Bachmann Insurance Agency is happy to assist.

Here are a few tips from us on how to get your car ready for winter:

1. Check the battery:

Cold weather can affect the performance of your car battery, so make sure to test it ahead of time. If you find that it’s low on power or needs to be replaced, do so as soon as possible. 

2. Replace windshield wipers:

Replace old and worn-out windshield wipers with winter-grade ones; they will work better under cold temperatures and remain flexible enough to perform their job properly. 

3. Change oil:

Have your oil changed before winter comes around; this will help keep the engine running smoothly during the cold months ahead and reduce wear and tear on the engine. 

4. Check tire pressure:

Make sure that all your tires are inflated correctly according to their manufacturer’s recommendations – lower pressures in cold weather can cause you to lose traction while driving on icy roads. 

5. Winterize other fluids:

Also check other fluids such as brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, etc., and replace them if necessary.  

Get Auto Insurance Today

All these steps will help prepare your car for winter and ensure that you stay safe when driving during this season! For more tips, or if you have any questions about your auto insurance policy, give us at Bachmann Insurance Agency a call today. We proudly serve the Flushing, MI area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.