Author: admin

Is Home Insurance the Same as a Home Warranty?

Posted on by admin

Home Insurance and Home Warranty: Understanding the Difference

At Ottawa Insurance Agency serving Zeeland, MI, we prioritize the protection of homeowners’ investments. There’s a common myth circulating that home insurance and home warranties are the same products, but this is not true. Despite both services playing pivotal roles in maintaining home assets, they serve distinct purposes and cover different aspects of home ownership.

Defining Home Insurance

Home insurance, also known as homeowners’ insurance, safeguards the value of your property against loss and damage from various incidents, including fire, storms, theft, and vandalism. Your mortgage lender necessitates home insurance to protect their stake in the property. However, retaining coverage even after settling a mortgage offers an added layer of financial protection.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty operates like a service contract. It’s designed to cover the repair and replacement costs of major home systems and appliances degrading over time due to wear and tear. Warranties can be particularly beneficial for items that frequently break down, such as HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances. It’s noteworthy that a home warranty doesn’t cover the physical structure of a home but rather some of its contents and utility systems.

At Ottawa Insurance Agency serving Zeeland, MI, we recommend homeowners maintain both home insurance and a home warranty. This ensures comprehensive coverage for both the property itself and its major appliances. For more information, get in touch with us today.

Beyond Basic Coverage: 5 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance for Homeowners

Posted on by admin

If you’re a Michigan homeowner looking for effective ways to shield your home and finances from extensive losses, consider investing in an umbrella insurance policy from Ottawa Insurance Agency in Zeeland, MI. 

5 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance for Homeowners

Benefit #1. Extended Liability Coverage

One of the primary benefits of Michigan umbrella insurance is that this add-on insurance extends the limits of existing liability coverage for homeowners with active policies. 

Benefit #2. Protections for Personal Assets 

Umbrella insurance policies can safeguard personal assets, including savings accounts, investment accounts, and other valuable possessions, from devastating losses associated with mishaps and unforeseen circumstances.

Benefit #3. – Coverage for Legal Fees

Local homeowners who find themselves entangled in legal disputes benefit from umbrella insurance, which can add financial protection for legal disputes. 

Benefit #4. Flexible Coverage Options

Adding umbrella insurance to an existing home or auto policy gives policyholders a broad spectrum of protection from incidents related to automobile accidents, guest injuries on their property, and even lawsuits. 

Benefit #5. – Peace of Mind 

Zeeland, MI homeowners who opt for umbrella insurance have peace of mind in knowing that their most prized investments and possessions are shielded from extensive financial losses and can be repaired or replaced if an incident occurs. 

Start an Umbrella Insurance Policy

Starting an umbrella insurance policy is easy when you contact the trusted professionals at Ottawa Insurance Agency. Licensed and experienced agents can guide you through the steps of scheduling a consultation, receiving an umbrella insurance quote, and finalizing your new policy. Don’t wait until it’s too late to shield your home and assets from unexpected financial losses. Reach out to us today. 

Life Insurance FAQs

Posted on by admin

If you are in need of a life insurance agency in Zeeland, MI, you can count on Ottawa Insurance Agency to have the insurance that you need. We are an independent insurance agency, which means we deal with multiple carriers. We provide more choices and the best possible rates. 

Life Insurance FAQs

Do I need life insurance if I don’t have a family?

When exactly life insurance becomes a necessity is one of the most common questions that people have. You need life insurance if anyone depends on your income or if you have debts and obligations that might fall on your loved ones if anything happens to you. Life insurance can also be part of a lifelong financial plan, so talk to your insurance agent about what is right for you. 

Can life insurance be canceled?

Yes, life insurance can be canceled. The most common reason is nonpayment of premiums. If you are in financial difficulties, talk to your insurance carrier and see if there is anything you can do to retain your coverage. Your life insurance can also be canceled if you lie on your application. This could potentially cost your loved ones the support they are counting on. The long and short is, be honest when you apply for life insurance. 

How much life insurance is enough?

Life insurance needs are a very personal thing. You must take into account your yearly salary, the age and number of dependents you have, and how long you will need to supply support. If your partner works, they may be able to provide some of the support, but if the children are young, they may not be able to work. All of these things go into figuring out how much life insurance is enough. 

Consult With Us

Give our office a call at Ottawa Insurance Agency in Zeeland, MI to discuss your life insurance needs and to get a no-obligation quote. 

 

What can happen to me if I am caught driving with no auto insurance?

Posted on by admin

Driving without insurance in Zeeland, MI is serious and can lead to serious consequences. At Ottawa Insurance Agency, we want to make sure you have the insurance you need, not just to comply with the law but to protect your interests.

Criminal Consequences

The most serious consequence you may be facing if you are caught driving without insurance in Michigan is up to a year of jail time.  The offense goes on your criminal record just like any other crime and will show up in a background check.

Fines

The judge can decide how much to fine you. The minimum fine is $200, and the maximum is $500. Even if you pay your fine, you could also face jail time in addition to the fines.

Driver’s License Suspension

If you are found to be driving without insurance, the Michigan Secretary of State can suspend your driving privileges until you have the proper insurance. That means no driving to work, school, or anywhere else.

Non Renewal of License Plates

Any vehicle under your name can not be registered until you provide proof of insurance. This counts for renewals too.

Responsibility For Anything That Happens During an Accident

This can affect you more than any of the other consequences. If you do not have insurance during an accident, you cannot sue the driver who caused the accident, and you will be expected to pay for your own medical expenses.

Consult With Us

Zeeland, MI drivers have a choice about what kind of insurance they want and how much coverage they think they need. Beyond the minimal legal requirements, there are several other options. Call Ottawa Insurance Agency today if you would like to learn more so you can make an informed decision.

Commercial Insurance: What to Know About Worker’s Compensation

Posted on by admin

Commercial Insurance is a big part of our business here at Ottawa Insurance Agency, including worker’s compensation insurance. Worker’s compensation is a mandated type of insurance that all Zeeland, MI businesses need to have. It’s designed to ensure employees who suffer work-related illnesses and injuries get the finances they need to recover, but employers also benefit from this style of commercial insurance.

Commercial Insurance: How Businesses Benefit From Worker’s Compensation

  • Financial protection all around. Worker’s compensation pays out injured or sick employees in exchange for the employer paying a set premium per employee. Yet, by ensuring that workers are paid out when needed, this style of commercial insurance protects employers from carrying the weight of such potentially excessive costs on their own, out-of-pocket.
  • Legal protection. Without worker’s compensation, employees may find themselves needing to file a lawsuit in order to get the financial compensation they need to heal following an accident. Worker’s compensation insurance and worker’s compensation laws significantly limit an employee’s ability to sue for a worksite injury or incident (with the exception of cases related to negligence). This legal protection further protects the finances of a business, ensuring it can continue to operate following an incident.
  • Employee morale and retention. Strong worker’s compensation insurance and policies show employees that a business cares about them and that their needs will be covered in the event of a workplace injury or illness.

Reach Out To Us

Every business is mandated to have worker’s compensation insurance by state and federal law, but there are choices here as with other types of commercial insurance. Contact our team at Ottawa Insurance Agency to learn more and to talk with a friendly representative about getting the best commercial insurance package for your Zeeland, MI business. 

How Home Insurance Protects Against Storm Damage

Posted on by admin

Admittedly, even the best home insurance policy our agents at Ottawa Insurance Agency can put together can’t control the weather and thus can’t prevent storm damage from happening. But what our insurance policies can do is help homeowners get back on their feet fast, ensuring storm damage is promptly taken care of and not sitting and leading to more costly repairs further down the line.

Not sure? Consider the following ways a strong home insurance policy can protect one of your greatest assets, your home:

How Home Insurance Protects Against Storm Damage

When a storm hits your Zeeland, MI home, the first thing is to get safe. Then, after it has passed, you want to do what you can to assess the level of damage. Take pictures and start documenting. Then, call your insurer who will help ensure you get the finances you need to repair or even rebuild your home.

A good home insurance policy will help get you back on your feet by offering the following coverage:

  • Dwelling Coverage that insures the physical structure of your home, including flooring, walls, and roofing.
  • Personal Property Coverage that insures sensitive, valuable, and expensive personal belongings, including electronics and clothing.
  • Additional Living Expenses Coverage that offers reimbursements on money you might need to spend while your home is being repaired or rebuilt, including lodging and partial food costs. 
  • Debris Removal Coverage that offers reimbursements on money you might need to spend to remove storm debris — which does get expensive.

Learn More About Home Insurance Options at Ottawa Insurance Agency

Ready to see all of the options on a home insurance policy covering your Zeeland, MI home? Give one of our friendly insurance agents at Ottawa Insurance Agency a call today and let’s get started!

Archives

Categories