Home Insurance for First-Time Buyers
Buying a home is an exciting process, but it is also complicated. There are a lot of steps involved, as well as a lot of costs to consider. When it comes to buying a home, you are not only paying for a mortgage but also home insurance. You will want…
Continue ReadingWhy Did My Home Insurance Premium Increase?
Did you open your home insurance bill last year and about have a heart attack from the shock of the sky high premium? If so, you are not alone. Premiums rose dramatically last year in Michigan due to the high cost of building materials and labor plus the increased frequency…
Continue ReadingWhat if I Do Not Purchase Life Insurance and I Pass Away?
Many people do not like spending money on insurance because they never seem to get their money’s worth. The same goes for life insurance. We will all die at a certain point, but you are basically gambling on the fact that you will die over a certain term (maybe 10…
Continue ReadingHow Your Driving Record Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates
Auto insurance is a necessary cost if you own a vehicle in Michigan, but it can be expensive. In Michigan, the average cost is $879 per year for minimum coverage and $3,161 for full coverage. Insurers often offer discounts to help lower the costs. Having a good driving record can…
Continue ReadingDoes Life Insurance Cover Funeral Costs?
As you get older, you may think more and more about your future and possibly even death. There’s no knowing when exactly we’ll die, so it’s a good idea to start planning ahead, regardless of your age. Death is not cheap. When you die, there will be final expenses, such…
Continue ReadingWhen Should I Consider Getting Life Insurance?
As you get older, you may worry more about providing for your family. If you are the breadwinner, you may be concerned that something will happen to you and leave your family without money to pay the bills. While the average life expectancy in the United States is 77.5 years,…
Continue ReadingProgressive Insurance Company Presents “Life Lanes: Navigate a Better Life”
Life does not come with an instruction manual. There is a lot to handle. It can be complicated, stressful, and downright scary at times. How do you drive safely? How do you maintain your home? How do you deal with creating a budget, getting married, and other major life events?…
Continue ReadingDoes Homeowners Insurance Cover Snow/Hail Damage?
Michigan gets a lot of cold weather. Residents are no strangers to ice, hail, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. Now that it is winter, you may wonder: Does my homeowners insurance cover weather damage, particularly snow and hail? Snow and hail can come down in buckets, and they…
Continue ReadingWhat Does Auto Insurance Cover?
Drive a car? Auto insurance is a requirement in Michigan. The minimum requirements are: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. $10,000 per accident in property damage liability. $1 million in property protection insurance (PPI) coverage. While these are the absolute minimum coverages, there are other…
Continue ReadingHow Much Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cost?
Insurance can be costly, but it is often a cost you do not want to go without. This is especially true for homeowners’ insurance, which provides coverage for various dangers your home may face, such as floods, fires, wind, hail, theft, and falling items. Construction is pricey, and having to…
Continue ReadingIs Business Insurance Tax Deductible?
Once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many people start thinking about their taxes. Yes, taxes are due April 15, but it helps to be prepared, especially if you are a business. Whether you are a sole proprietor, a medium-sized business, or a large corporation, you likely have…
Continue ReadingInsuring Snowplows and Other Snow Removal Services
Michigan is a cold, snowy state. In fact, the state gets 200 inches or more of snow per year in some areas. That is more than 18 feet! Compare that to the United States average of 28 inches. Because of the abundance of snow, many Michigan residents own snow removal…
Continue ReadingWhat are the Types of Business Insurance?
We have insurance for our homes, cars, and even our lives. These insurance policies offer protection in the event of an accident. If you own your own company, you should purchase business insurance to protect it as well. Running a business comes with significant risks. A natural disaster could wipe…
Continue ReadingIssues to Consider When Merging or Purchasing a Business
While many people start their own business, some decide to purchase an existing business or merge their business with another. These types of transactions are not easy to deal with. A merger or purchase can be successful, but these transactions take a lot of effort. Plus, they can be risky….
Continue ReadingJill Durnen Celebrates 30 Years With Hartman Insurance
In the dynamic world of insurance, where change is constant and the landscape continuously evolves, we are celebrating a dedicated employee by the name of Jill Durnen. We are thrilled to celebrate Jill’s incredible 30-year journey with Hartman Insurance, a testament to her unwavering commitment and the profound impact she…
Continue ReadingWhat is Liability Insurance?
When you purchase insurance for your car, home, or business, there are many options to consider. The various types of insurance can protect you in the event of an accident or lawsuit. One type of insurance to consider is liability insurance. Liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects…
Continue ReadingWhat if Your Trees Damage Your Neighbor’s Property?
A massive storm ravaged your property, causing one of your trees to fall over and hit the neighbor’s house. Your neighbor is understandably upset, and being the good neighbor you are, you might be angry about the situation as well. You may also be stressed out about the situation because…
Continue ReadingWhy is Life Insurance So Important?
When people die, they sometimes create financial burdens for their families. Yes, their loved ones are grieving their loss, but at the same time, they have concerns about money. How will they pay for funeral and burial expenses? How will their spouse survive with the loss of income and other…
Continue ReadingHow Often Do Snowmobile Accidents Occur?
Those in cold climates, such as in Michigan, tend to own snowmobiles or perhaps rent them from time to time. Riding a snowmobile can be a fun recreational activity. Not many people think about the dangers of snowmobiles, but they can be involved in crashes just like cars and trucks….
Continue ReadingShould I Get Insurance With My Rental Car?
Our Milan insurance agents explain how to ensure you are protected when renting a car. People in Milan rent cars for various reasons. Perhaps theirs is in the shop, they need temporary transportation, or are relying on a rental as part of their vacation or for business reasons. Aside from…
Continue ReadingWhat is the Best Insurance for My Small Business?
Our Milan business insurance agents explain the different types of coverage that help protect small business owners. Owning a small business is a lifetime dream for many people. Unfortunately, unexpected accidents can happen that turn your dream into a nightmare. Injuries that occur on your property, product defects or design…
Continue ReadingDoes Homeowners’ Insurance Go Up if There is Damage From a Storm?
We have homeowners insurance to protect our most cherished asset in the event of damage caused by fire, wind, hail, snow, hurricanes, or tornadoes. However, even if an event happens and we are fully insured, we may hesitate to file a claim. That’s because we all know what happens after…
Continue ReadingHow Do I File a Claim?
Life does not always go as planned. A truck rear-ends you. The power goes out, and your refrigerator defrosts, flooding your kitchen. A wildfire burns down your home. These are all frustrating situations that can impact your life for a long time. They can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially….
Continue ReadingWhat Happens if Someone Hits Me and They Do Not Have Car Insurance?
No-fault auto insurance helps to protect you against uninsured drivers in Michigan. Car accidents in Michigan can cause major property damages and potentially life-threatening personal injuries. They often happen due to the reckless actions of other motorists involved. You have the right to hold them liable for your losses, but…
Continue ReadingWhy are Insurance Rates Going Up?
Adverse weather, higher repair costs, and greater liability risks are behind the increase in homeowner’s insurance rates. Insurance prices have risen dramatically in recent years, particularly regarding homeowners’ policies. If you suffer sticker shock while shopping for coverage or paying your latest bill, you are likely wondering what is driving…
Continue ReadingShould I Have Collision Insurance?
Car accidents are unfortunately common in Michigan, and even a relatively minor crash could result in extensive financial damage. Auto insurance policies protect you against having to pay out-of-pocket for losses that occur as a result. While the state requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of coverage, this…
Continue ReadingIs it Illegal to Not Have Insurance?
Insurance prevents you from suffering financial losses when unexpected events happen. There are policies designed to protect your home, health, business, future needs, and your family in the event of your passing. While having adequate coverage is a smart idea, it is generally not legally required. The exception is automobile…
Continue ReadingWhy are Car Insurance Rates Increasing?
Auto insurance rates have increased 17% to 19% just over the last year due to several factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, auto insurance rates have increased more than 17% to 19% over the past year. As a result, all drivers across the country,…
Continue ReadingDoes Renters Insurance Increase Annually?
The cost of renters insurance and whether it increases depends upon several factors. Most people who have rented an apartment or a home, or rented out their property to others, have a clause in their rental contract mentioning renters insurance. While it may seem like renters insurance is only necessary…
Continue ReadingWhat Is an Insurance Premium?
If you have an insurance policy, you’ve likely heard the terms premiums, policy limits, and deductibles used frequently enough, but you may also be confused about which is which. And if you are, you should know that you’re not alone. Better understanding the terms related to your insurance helps to…
Continue ReadingHow Long Has it Been Since You Reviewed Your Insurance Coverage?
You purchase and pay for insurance coverage because it helps to protect your assets and yourself in the event of losses. It is not unusual, however, to purchase a plan, make the automatic payments, and pretty much forget about it. Insurance is designed to provide you with peace of mind,…
Continue ReadingWhat is Umbrella Liability Insurance and Why is it Important?
Umbrella liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your existing home, auto, or other primary insurance policies. It acts as a safety net, offering an extra layer of financial security in the event of a major claim or lawsuit that…
Continue ReadingAre You Moving this Summer?
If you’re moving to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Milan, Clinton, Chelsea, or anywhere in Washtenaw County, Michigan, finding the best insurance coverage for your new home and vehicle is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring peace of mind. You want coverage that meets your needs for the best possible…
Continue ReadingShould I Get Renter’s Insurance?
Some landlords require you to have renters insurance, but others do not. If it is not mandatory for your rental home, should you consider purchasing a policy anyway? Absolutely, getting renters insurance is a smart move and offers numerous benefits and protection for tenants. Many people wish they had renter’s…
Continue ReadingWhat is Gap Insurance?
The law requires you to have a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage, though the minimum level is often inadequate to cover you following a serious accident or event. There are other types of insurance coverages that can help ensure you have comprehensive coverage in the event of an incident….
Continue ReadingWhy Do I Keep Getting PIP Forms From My Auto Insurance Carrier Each Year?
Gone are the days when drivers in Michigan were required to purchase unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for their auto insurance. As of 2020, you have many other coverage levels to choose from, and select drivers can even opt out of PIP coverage altogether. This means you can choose…
Continue ReadingDoes My Home Insurance Cover Floods?
While you might not have too many concerns about floods in Michigan, our state has seen its fair share of flash flooding and severe floods. Any type of flood can quickly damage or destroy property - including your home. This damage can be devastating and costly, as well as dangerous…
Continue ReadingNo-Fault Reform and PIP Medical Options
In 2019, Michigan’s governor signed a new law that reformed the state’s no-fault auto insurance system, making significant changes to personal injury protection (PIP) medical coverage options for drivers. These changes took effect on July 1, 2020, and have since impacted how Michigan drivers can purchase and use PIP medical…
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