Category: Home Insurance

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Bachmann Insurance Agency specializes in home insurance and has assisted the great Flushing, MI community with their insurance needs over the years. Our clients often reach out to us asking for general tips or related queries, especially before or during adverse weather conditions. When a storm is headed your way, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your home.

Here are five tips to help you get ready for a storm:

1. Insulation

Make sure your home is well-insulated to keep the cold out. This will help prevent drafts and leaks, which can allow rain and snow into your home during a storm.

2. Storm windows and doors

Install storm windows and doors to further protect your home from strong winds and heavy rains. These will help keep the elements out while letting fresh air in, helping to regulate the temperature inside your house during a storm.

3. Trim back the trees

Trim trees and shrubs around your house, so they don’t fall on it during a storm. Falling branches or even entire trees can cause serious damage to your property, so it’s important to take this step well before any storms are expected in your area.

4. Buy a generator

Get a generator in case you lose power during a storm. This will allow you to continue using important appliances like the refrigerator and lights, so you can stay comfortable and safe even if the electricity goes out during a big storm.

5. Fill your pantry

Stock up on food, water, and other supplies that you may need in case of an emergency. This will help ensure that you’re prepared for any unforeseen events that might occur as a result of the storm.

Get Insurance Coverage For Your Home

If you have any questions about how to protect your home, give us at Bachmann Insurance Agency a call today. We can help you get or update your home insurance so you can better protect your home. We proudly serve the Flushing, MI area. 

Home insurance is one of those things that you hope you never have to use, but it’s there for peace of mind in case the worst happens. Whether it’s vandalism, burglary, or an accidental kitchen fire, home insurance can help you rebuild your life. But when was the last time you reviewed your policy? Home insurance companies are constantly updating their policies and introducing new coverage, so it’s important to review your policy regularly to ensure you’re still getting the best coverage. Not sure where to start? Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI offers this guide in navigating this important coverage.

Here are five tips to help you review your home insurance policy:

1. Know Your Coverage Limits

The first step in reviewing your home insurance policy is to know your coverage limits. The maximum amount that your insurance coverage will pay out if you have a claim is known as your coverage limit. Most home insurance policies have two coverage limits: one for the dwelling itself and one for your personal belongings. Make sure you know your coverage limits and that they’re adequate to cover the replacement cost of your home and belongings.

2. Know What Changes You’ve Made to Your Home

The next step is to take inventory of any changes you’ve made to your home since you last reviewed your policy. Have you renovated your kitchen or added a new bathroom? These types of changes can affect your dwelling coverage limit. If you’ve made any major changes to your home, let your insurance company know so that they can adjust your coverage limits accordingly.

3. Know What’s Covered and What’s Not

Now that you know your coverage limits, it’s time to take a closer look at what exactly is covered by your policy. Most home insurance policies cover damage from fire, wind, hail, and lightning, but there are some exclusions, so it’s important to read your policy carefully. For example, many policies exclude damage from flooding, earthquakes, and sinkholes. If you live in an area that’s prone to these natural disasters, you may need to purchase additional coverage.

4. Know When Your Needs Change

Your needs will change over time, and your home insurance policy should reflect those changes. For example, if you get married or have a baby, you’ll need to ensure your coverage limits are adequate to protect your growing family.

5. Read the Terms and Conditions

Last but not least, carefully read the terms and conditions of your policy. Home insurance policies are long and complex, so it’s important to understand all the details before making a claim. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company for clarification.

Give Us A Call

By following these five tips, you can ensure that you’re getting the best coverage for your needs. Reviewing your home insurance policy regularly is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for anything. If you have questions about your policy or need help finding the right coverage, Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI can help. Give us a call today to get started.

Whether you owe money to a bank or mortgage company for the purchase of your home or do not owe anything at all on it, the state of Michigan does not require you to have home insurance in place, but it is a good idea to have a home insurance policy in place anyway.

Home Insurance Coverage

A home insurance policy can help to repair or rebuild your home if it is destroyed or damaged by a fire, a natural disaster, or an act of vandalism.

A home insurance policy will cover the structure of your house as well as outbuildings, including decks and sheds. The policy can also cover your personal belongings, such as your appliances, clothing, household items, and furniture. If your home is robbed, your home insurance policy will help cover the cost of things that are lost. If someone is injured due to a fall or other incident while visiting your property, your home insurance policy can help cover the costs of any medical bills that are incurred.

Your insurance agent at Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI can explain to you some of the other home insurance-related policies that you can choose from in addition to your main home insurance policy, including flood insurance and earthquake insurance. If your property is located in an area that is prone to earthquakes or flooding, it is important to have these types of coverage options in place along with your main home insurance policy.

The agents at the Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI are ready to assist you with all of your home insurance needs. Call for a quote or to make an appointment today and get your home insurance policy started.

Everyone has their own version of how their home should run. The same applies to buying home insurance in Flushing, MI.  While it may not be all fun as choosing the furniture and paint colors, your home depends on your home insurance for protection. It is a financial safety net that offers you the peace of mind you need in the event of a disaster. That’s why you need to know everything about your policy before buying it. Bachmann Insurance Agency recommends asking critical questions regarding your coverages, limits and other insurance regulations. Here are a few examples.

How much would it cost to rebuild my home in the event of a total loss?

Like the house value, the cost to rebuild varies from one house to another, and it changes with time. Your home insurance should cover the cost to rebuild in the event of a total loss. Your insurance provider should assess your neighborhood to know the cost of labor and construction materials.

What happens if someone gets injured in my home?

Many people don’t understand how the liability coverages in their home insurance policies work. They end up spending money on medical bills for guests or friends who get injured in their homes. Your home insurance covers every visitor who visits your home. In case of a slip and fall, you can call your insurance company for reimbursement.

What happens when I file an insurance claim?

When you file a home insurance claim, a series of events will follow depending on the details surrounding your loss. You can expect to receive some forms that you should fill as soon as you receive them and welcome an insurance adjuster to assess the damage.

Not sure where to buy home insurance in Flushing, MI?  Bachmann Insurance Agency has you covered. We provide you with all the details you need to make informed decisions when buying home insurance. Feel free to reach out.

When you signed on to your mortgage many years ago, the end seemed like it would last forever. Now that you have made your last payment, you are free from the burden of paying it every month. You needed to maintain home insurance when you didn’t own your home outright, but now you don’t have a mortgage, you no longer are required to insure it. It is tempting to save the money you would pay for home insurance. At Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI, we are independent agents who work tirelessly to help our clients find the right insurance for their needs and wallet. 

Home insurance offers many benefits to homeowners. Even if it isn’t legally necessary to have it, practically, it is an excellent idea. Your home is one of your largest assets. It is where your family memories reside and you as well. Beyond a sentimental attachment, financially losing your home and everything in it would be a devastating loss. If you could easily repair any damage your home might sustain and replace the contents, then you don’t need home insurance. If it would be a hardship to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe it is a good idea to maintain home insurance. 

Beyond just the replacement value of your home and contents, home insurance provides liability coverage. This protects you if someone in your household causes bodily damage or damage to the property of another. Your insurance will cover a costly lawsuit and the legal costs associated with it. Home insurance also provides loss of use protection and makes sure you have someplace to stay while your home is damaged and uninhabitable. Home insurance may not be required, but it is too valuable not to have. 

Contact Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI and let us help you with all your insurance needs.