Category: Home Insurance

Avoid a Home Insurance Disaster: Know When To Replace Your Water Heater

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All of us here at Vernon Agency know that water heaters are important in any home, but especially in Flushing, MI. We all want hot showers, clean and sanitized dishes, and steamy baths. However, water heaters do not last forever. Expect conventional tank water heaters to last between 8 and 12 years, and tankless units to last around 20 years. You can take steps to make your water heater last longer, but knowing when to replace it will help ensure you have consistent hot water, lower utility bills, clean water, no leaks, and no insurance claims. 

Signs Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced

Cold water is coming from your water heater

Before concluding that your unit needs to be replaced, check that the thermostat is set correctly and the power is on. You may also need to replace the heat source. This can be an easy repair if it is the problem. 

Rusty water is coming from your faucet

No one wants to drink cloudy or rusty water. If the water coming out of your hot water tap is rusty, but not your cold water, the tank of your water heater may be rusty. If the water coming out of both sides is rusty, it’s probably the water line.

The water heater is making strange sounds

If your water heater begins rumbling and gurgling, it may mean there are mineral deposits or sediment in the tank. 

You notice condensation or pools of water on or around the tank

This could mean there is a leak. The leak could be from the tank, the drain valve, the pressure relief valve, or the plumbing connections. If it’s a connection, it can be easily fixed. If the tank is leaking, it’s time for a new one.

Protect Your Home With the Right Insurance

Replacing your tank at the right time will keep your home safe. Another essential way of protecting your home is having the right homeowners insurance. Contact us at Vernon Agency, serving Flushing, MI, for a quote.

Avoid a Home Insurance Disaster: Know When To Replace Your Hot Water Heater

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All of us here at the Vernon Agency know that water heaters are important in any home in or near Flushing, MI. We all want hot showers, clean and sanitized dishes, and steamy baths. However, water heaters do not last forever. Expect conventional tank water heaters to last between 8 and 12 years and tankless units to last around 20 years. There are things you can do to make your water heaters last longer, but knowing when to replace them will help ensure you have consistent hot water, lower utility bills, clean water, no leaks, and no insurance claims. 

Signs Your Water Heater Needs To Be Replaced

Cold water is coming from your water heater: Before jumping to the conclusion that your unit needs to be replaced, first check that the thermostat is set correctly and the power is on. You may also need to replace the heat source. This can be an easy repair if it is the problem. 

Rusty water is coming from your faucet: No one wants to drink cloudy or rusty water. If the water coming out of your hot water tap is rusty, but not your cold water, the tank of your water heater may be rusty. If the water coming out of both sides is rusty, it’s probably the water line.

The water heater is making strange sounds: If your water heater begins rumbling and gurgling, it may mean that there are mineral deposits or sediment in the tank. 

You notice condensation or pools of water on or around the tank: This could mean there is a leak. The leak could be from the tank, the drain valve, the pressure relief valve, or the plumbing connections. If it’s a connection, it can be easily fixed. If the tank is leaking, it’s time for a new one.

Replacing your tank at the right time will keep your home safe. Another essential way of protecting your home is by having the right homeowners insurance. Contact us at Vernon Agency, serving the Flushing, MI area, for a quote today.

Understanding How Home Insurance Addresses Mold and Water Damage

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When you own a home, unexpected issues like water damage or mold growth can quickly turn into a costly headache. At Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, we know how confusing insurance policies can be when it comes to what’s covered and what’s not. That’s why it’s important to understand how your home insurance policy handles these common problems before they arise.

What Causes Water Damage?

Water damage can stem from a variety of sources, including burst pipes, overflowing appliances, or heavy rain that seeps into your basement. Most standard home insurance policies will cover sudden and accidental water damage. For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts and soaks your hardwood floors, you’re likely covered. However, gradual leaks or maintenance issues are typically excluded, which means it’s essential to keep up with routine home care.

Is Mold Covered by Home Insurance?

Mold is a bit trickier. If mold results directly from a covered water damage incident, such as a burst pipe, your policy may cover the cleanup. However, if mold is due to long-term moisture problems or poor ventilation, it’s usually not included. Some policies offer endorsements or riders that provide additional mold protection, so it’s worth asking your insurance agent about your options.

Prevention Is Key

While insurance can help with sudden mishaps, prevention is always your best defense. Regularly inspecting your home for leaks, using dehumidifiers, and addressing moisture issues early can save you from major headaches down the road.

If you’re unsure about what your current policy covers, or if you’re looking for more comprehensive protection, the team at Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, is here to help. Reach out today to review your coverage and make sure your home is protected from the unexpected.

What Documents Do I Need to File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim?

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While you may have insurance for your home in Flushing, MI, you hope you’ll never need to use it. However, the reality is that most homeowners will need to file a claim at some point. The process of filing a claim can be straightforward, but overlooking a detail could potentially jeopardize your chances of receiving reimbursement. The agents at Vernon Agency are here to guide you through this process.

Guidelines for Filing Your Claim

When filing a claim, you will need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, contact details, and policy number. Additionally, you’ll need to provide the date and a description of the loss. Having a home inventory can be extremely helpful when filing a claim. If an injury occurs during the covered risk, you will also need to provide medical records. Although you typically have one year from the event date to file a claim, it’s best to do so as soon as possible.

If the damage to your home poses a threat to your safety, take steps to mitigate the damage immediately. Your insurance company may require you to complete specific forms that detail the loss. After you’ve done this, you can meet with an adjuster to review the incident and determine the cost of settling your claim. Before deciding on the claim, obtain several quotes from contractors to repair the damage.

What to Avoid When Filing a Homeowner’s Claim

When filing a claim, avoid speculating on the cause of the damage, admitting liability, or making unsupported statements about what caused damage to your property. Also, refrain from making threats or discussing litigation at this stage. When working with your insurance adjuster, please focus on the current claim and avoid discussing other claims; their job is to assess the damage.

If you need to file an insurance claim and are unsure of the process, Vernon Agency, serving Flushing, MI, is here to help. Contact our office today to discuss your homeowner’s policy.

The Role of Home Insurance in Protecting Your Backyard and Outdoor Spaces

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When most people think about home insurance, they picture their house—the roof, walls, and everything inside. But what about your backyard? Outdoor spaces like patios, fences, pools, and garden sheds are just as much a part of your home as your living room. At Vernon Agency in Flushing, MI, we want homeowners to know that a comprehensive home insurance policy often extends protection to these outdoor features, giving you peace of mind for your entire property.

Home Insurance: Coverage for Structures Beyond Your Home

Your backyard isn’t just a space for relaxation; it’s also an investment. Features like decks, patios, and fences can be costly to repair or replace if damaged by storms, falling trees, or other covered events. Fortunately, many home insurance policies include coverage for these structures under the "other structures" portion of your policy. This means that should disaster strike, you won’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone.

Protecting Your Pool and Sheds with Home Insurance

Pools and garden sheds are two backyard staples that can also be protected under your home insurance policy. If your pool is damaged by a covered peril or your shed is broken into and valuable tools are stolen, your policy may help cover those losses. However, reviewing your policy limits is important to ensure these features are adequately insured.

Secure Your Home Insurance with Vernon Agency

Your backyard is an extension of your home and deserves the same level of protection. By having the right home insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing your outdoor spaces are covered. If you live in Flushing, MI, Vernon Agency can help you find a home insurance policy tailored to protect your entire property—inside and out. Contact us today to learn more and get started.

Should I Update My Home Insurance Due To Remodeling?

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Remodeling or renovating a home takes hard work and money, so it makes sense to protect yourself financially against damage or loss. Your home is subject to certain risks during the remodeling process, and since most remodeling projects increase a home’s value, you should discuss the planned changes with your insurance agent. It is best to have a conversation before the work begins. If you live in or near Flushing, MI, consider working with our Bachmann Insurance Agency team for all your insurance needs.

Remodeling and Renovating Increases Your Insurance Risk

Home insurance protects our property against damage and injuries that can occur to or on it, and homeowners must recognize that their risks increase during the home improvement process. Workers may be on site, materials and tools are stored on the property, and projects often involve changes to electrical, plumbing, and other systems that can cause damage if not completed correctly. The increased risks during the remodeling process are why many insurance policies require homeowners to notify their agents before a remodeling project.

Completed renovations commonly increase the home’s value by adding square footage, new cabinets or appliances, and many other upgrades. On the other hand, electrical and heating system upgrades can reduce the likelihood of certain damage, leading to reduced risk and lower insurance premiums. So, whatever your plans, speak with your agent before starting a project.

Protecting Your Home with the Bachmann Insurance Agency

Remodeling a home involves financial and emotional investment, so protecting your assets is critical. If you live in or near Flushing, MI, consider working with our Bachmann Insurance Agency team to obtain the needed home and other insurance protection. Please stop by the office or call us today at (810) 230-1375.

Overlooked Home Insurance Coverage Features

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Understanding Home Insurance in Michigan

While Michigan law doesn’t mandate homeowners to carry home insurance, it is favored by lenders and can significantly enhance your odds of securing financing. Your lender is likely to request evidence of home insurance.

To satisfy this requirement, Bachmann Insurance Agency can guide you beyond the basics and help you assess essential coverage you might otherwise miss. Here’s why home insurance is integral in Michigan:

1. Reflecting on Flood Protection

With a vast floodplain, Michigan homeowners need to be prepared. To assess your flood risk, visit the state’s flood map. Particularly, Flushing, MI bears a higher risk, marking the importance of flood coverage in the home insurance spectrum.

2. Boosting Disaster Protection

While home insurance covers some natural disasters, not all are included. Michigan often battles tornadoes and windstorms more frequently than other states, making it necessary to tailor your policy for such situations.

3. Addressing Sewer Damage

Your standard policy might not specify coverage for damages due to a sump pump or main water line malfunction. Certain situations might necessitate supplementary protection, especially when caused by natural disasters.

4. Safeguarding Personal Assets and Valuables

While your homeowner’s policy might cover the structure and some fixtures, valuable personal property like jewelry, collector’s coins, or precious art might require an added layer of insurance.

5. Considering Other Essential Coverage

Areas like a home office might be considered a commercial space, necessitating a commercial policy for the equipment housed there. Additionally, your home’s liability insurance could cover injuries sustained by someone on your property.

Get in Touch

Get in touch with Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI. We are ready to aid you in unraveling the complexities of home insurance.

How the Replacement Value of a Home Can Affect Home Insurance

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Many things affect the value of your home in Flushing, MI. The replacement value of your home represents one such thing. At the Bachmann Insurance Agency, we understand it helps you to make better financial decisions when you’re informed. Here’s what you need to know about how the replacement value of your home can affect your homeowner’s insurance.

What Replacement Value Means

The replacement value of your home indicates the estimated cost required to rebuild it after a total loss. Think of the entirety of the house as a single item, and the replacement value is simply the dollar amount necessary to replace that item with an equivalent one.

Understanding Why Replacement Value Matters in Home Insurance

The replacement value ensures your home insurance coverage adequately covers the total loss of your home in a worst-case scenario. Having coverage for your home that can cover everything up to and including a total loss makes sense. If your home insurance falls short on the replacement cost, you’ll have to fill the gap out-of-pocket, which can cost a considerable amount of money.

Determining Your Home’s Replacement Value

Replacement value can vary a great deal because it depends on several factors:

  • Size and age of the house
  • Style and features of the house
  • Your home’s location or unique regional design considerations
  • Inflation or changing costs of materials and labor

Your home’s replacement value can change over time, and you must keep that in mind.

Many online calculators and other tools can give you a rough idea to start with, but those tools aren’t the same as a professional assessment. Use them for general understanding, but always look for a reliable appraisal service.

Consult With Us

Insurance companies can also help you with a replacement cost estimate. If you want to know more about how a home insurance provider determines home replacement value in Flushing, MI, contact us at Bachmann Insurance Agency to learn more.

Tips for Mitigating Fire Risks at Home

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A fire can be a devastating event. The damage can be immense and often life-disrupting as it impacts both one’s personal belongings and their home. To reduce the risk of fire in your home, the insurance professionals at Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI offer these valuable tips:

Fire Mitigation Strategies for Homeowners

With just a bit of effort, you can reduce the risk of fire in your home by:

  • Install smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide detectors).
  • Fire extinguishers should be strategically located and easily accessible.
  • Don’t overload electrical outlets.
  • Clear leaves, debris, and other dry vegetation from around the home.
  • Employ safe cooking practices.
  • Proper maintenance of appliances, heating/air conditioning systems, fireplaces, etc.

What is the Role of Home Insurance in Fire Protection?

Homeowners insurance plays an essential role in fire protection as it offers financial coverage should a fire-related incident occur –

  • Home insurance typically includes coverage for property (personal, dwelling, etc.) damage caused by a fire event – including the cost of repairs or replacing items.
  • If a home is uninhabitable because of a fire, homeowners insurance can help pay for temporary living arrangements until your property has been repaired or rebuilt.
  • If a fire injures someone, liability coverage created by a home insurance policy can help reimburse you for medical bills, legal expenses, and other costs that occur with a liability case.

Note that certain companies may offer premium discounts/incentives for those who proactively choose to reduce the chance of a fire and resulting damage.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Home insurance can provide vital financial protection against fire and other potential catastrophes. For those living in and around Flushing, MI, contact the licensed professionals at Bachmann Insurance Agency – we are happy to help!

Do I Need Home Insurance If I Don’t Have A Mortgage?

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If you take out a mortgage to purchase a home in Flushing, MI, your lender will almost certainly require you to purchase homeowners insurance. But what happens when you’ve paid off the loan? Do you have to maintain your coverage? 

Homeowners insurance is not intended to be a means for a mortgage lender to charge you additional money. It’s an essential piece of insurance that will cover your home, valuables, and overall financial security from a plethora of damage hazards and other obligations. That is why you must keep coverage even after you have paid off your mortgage.

Here at Bachmann Insurance Agency, we’re more than happy to help answer your question. Here are a few reasons why a home without a mortgage still needs to be insured. 

Mortgage-Free Homes Are Still Valuable 

Just because you don’t have a mortgage doesn’t mean your property isn’t still a valuable investment. After all, you’ve spent years paying off the mortgage, maintaining it, and improving it, and you want to be ready to repair or rebuild your house in the event of a catastrophe. You may not have the resources to do so if you do not have homeowners insurance. 

Damage can still be costly. 

Home insurance can assist any owner in receiving financial support for the costs of a variety of devastating occurrences like fires, bad weather, or vandalism. As a result, if a major windstorm damages your roof and siding, your home insurance can pay for the necessary damage rather than leaving you to deal with it all on your own. 

Home Insurance Is About More Than Just Damage 

Finally, home insurance is more than just coverage for the value of your property. It can protect against a range of additional cost issues by providing various other benefits: 

Possession coverage insures your possessions in your house in the event of loss or damage.

Living expenses coverage will assist you with paying for food, hotel, or other bills that may emerge as a result of an injury that compels you to temporarily relocate from your home.

Liability insurance protects you and your family if you cause property damage or injury to someone who does not reside with you. As an example, if you hit a baseball through a neighbor’s window and into their china cabinet, this coverage may assist you in recouping your damages. 

Reach Out To Us!

If you have any questions about home insurance in the greater Flushing, MI region, contact us at Bachmann Insurance Agency today to figure out a home insurance policy that meets your needs as a homeowner. We’re here to help however possible and are ready to create your quote today!