How to prepare your home for a storm

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. 

Health Insurance Provides Affordable Care – Don’t Be Without It!

We all know that accidents or illnesses can befall anyone, at any time, at any age. Make sure you have the health insurance protection you need to help with the expenses of such an event. The professionals at Bachmann Insurance Agency, serving the Flushing, MI area, can provide you with a quote for this important protection.

Here is a list of the services that are typically covered by a health insurance policy:

  • Behavioral health treatment
  • Chronic disease management
  • Emergency services
  • Inpatient hospitalization
  • Laboratory services
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health and substance abuse disorders
  • Outpatient ambulatory services
  • Pediatric services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Preventive and wellness services
  • Rehabilitative services

Health insurance protects you from unexpected medical costs that can arise at any time. Did you know that a broken leg can cost as much as $20,000 to treat? If you have a policy with a $1,000 deductible, you will pay that amount and the insurance plan will pay the other $19,000.

The cost of cancer treatments or other serious diseases can destroy your finances. Why allow that to happen? Health insurance can protect you from financial devastation.

Get Coverage For Your Health Today

Think of health insurance the same way you think of automobile or homeowners insurance. It offers financial protection in the event that some catastrophic event happens. While you will have a deductible to pay, health insurance makes it easier to pay for the portion of the bill you are responsible for, while enabling you to get the care you need.

Experts agree that health insurance is one of the most important coverages you can purchase. Don’t let mounting medical expenses ruin your financial future. Purchase health insurance today. Let the professionals at Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI answer any questions you may have to get you started. Contact us today. We will be glad to help. 

What is the benefit of having an auto insurance plan in Michigan?

If you are in the Flushing, MI area, it will be very important that you own a car. When you are looking for a new or used vehicle here, you also need to get the right insurance for it. A quality auto insurance policy will provide you with various benefits that will make it well worth the investment. 

Why Auto Insurance?

Comply with Law

One of the reasons that you will want to have an auto plan when in this state is so you can comply with state law. Anyone that wants to drive a car in Michigan will be required to carry auto insurance. At a minimum, you need to have liability coverage, which ensures you will be able to pay for damages if you cause an accident. Without this insurance, you could face penalties.

Protect Your Vehicle

it is also important to have an auto insurance plan to ensure you are able to protect your vehicle. If you are going to purchase a car, you will want to know that it is covered. With auto insurance, you will have support if your car is damaged in an accident or stolen. A full comprehensive plan with this coverage tends to also be required if you have taken out an auto loan. 

Give Us A Call

As you are looking for ways to protect yourself and your vehicle in the Flushing, MI area, getting a quality auto policy is a good idea. There are many choices to make when looking for coverage, so speaking with someone experienced is important. The professionals with the Bachmann Insurance Agency can help you build your next auto plan. Bachmann Insurance Agency is able to do this by carefully assessing your situation to help you build a plan that meets your needs. 

Understanding managed health care

One of the most stressful times of the year is when you have to choose your health insurance for the year. There are many reasons why last year’s choice isn’t going to be automatically renewed and all of them can cause tension. At Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI we try to help our customers to make this important decision by providing them with the information that they need to make the correct choice. 

What is managed care?

Managed care is a way that healthcare is provided for individuals that are designed to manage cost and quality of care. An MCO (managed care organization) is in charge of negotiating with providers to determine the fee schedule for medical care procedures. Patients have varying degrees of flexibility when it comes to their own care.  

HMO

An HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization and is usually the most economical type of managed care, but is also the most restrictive. You must see providers on the network except in the event of an emergency if you want the care to be paid for. You need to have a PCP (Primary Care Physician) who is in charge of your care. Not only that, you need to get a referral from your PCP before seeing a specialist or getting tests done. 

PPO

A PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization that is the least restrictive of the managed health care plans. You don’t need a PCP and you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. You will pay more to visit a provider outside the network and your premium will be higher. 

POS

A POS is a Point of Service and is a combination of an HMO and a PPO. You have the flexibility of the PPO and the necessity of a PCP like an HMO. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI when it is time to look for health insurance. 

Auto Insurance FAQs

Auto insurance is a requirement if you have a car loan or are leasing and, in the state of Michigan, you must at least carry liability insurance. At Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI, we make sure that all of our customers are in compliance with the state laws and also that they have the right insurance for their vehicle and their situation. 

Auto Insurance FAQs

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive insurance is called non-collision coverage. It covers a lot of different types of things that could damage your vehicle, including theft and vandalism. Weather issues such as strong winds, floods, hail, and lightning are covered by comprehensive coverage. It also covers for damage from a fire or a large animal like a deer hitting your vehicle. 

What are the Michigan auto insurance requirements?

Basic auto insurance in Michigan is 20/40/10. It is liability coverage. It translates to $20,000 for the first person hurt in an accident with a total of $40,000 for two or more people injured. That leaves $10,000 for damage to property. 

Does my auto insurance cover me or my vehicle? 

Auto insurance covers the vehicle. So, if you allow someone to drive your vehicle, they are covered by your insurance. If you drive someone else’s vehicle, their insurance covers you. 

Can adult children remain on the family policy?

If your adult child still lives at home, it is not a problem for them to stay on the family policy. If you have an adult child who is away at college and they have not changed their permanent address or is driving a family vehicle, it is fine to remain on the policy. Always check with your insurance agent to make sure. Some insurance companies have different rules about who can be on your policy. 

Give Us A Call

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

5 Questions to Ask Your Broker Before Buying Commercial Insurance

As a business owner, having the right insurance coverage in place is important as it’s the only way you can protect your company from potential risks. But with so many different policy options available, it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s where a broker comes in. A broker is an insurance professional who can help you assess your needs and find the right policy for your business. But not all brokers are created equal.

To ensure you’re getting the best possible service, it’s important to ask your broker a few key questions before buying commercial insurance. Bachmann Insurance Agency provides this guide on navigating this important coverage.

Here are five to help you get started

1. What Experience Do You Have with Businesses Like Mine?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask your broker. You want to make sure they have a good understanding of the unique risks faced by businesses in your industry. Otherwise, they might not be able to find the right policy for your needs.

2. What Coverages Do You Recommend for My Business?

Once your broker has a good understanding of your business, they should be able to recommend the coverage that will best protect it. They should also be able to explain why each coverage is important and how it would work in the event of a claim. Remember, commercial insurance is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The coverage you need will depend on the specific risks faced by your business.

3. Can You Provide a Written Quote?

Your broker should be able to provide you with a written quote for the insurance policy they recommend. This quote should include all of the coverage, deductibles, and limits you’ve agreed to. It’s also a good idea to ask for a few different quotes from different brokers so you can compare your options.

4. What Happens if I Need to Make a Claim?

No one likes to think about making a claim, but it’s important to know what the process would be in the event that you need to use your insurance. Your broker should be able to walk you through the steps you would need to take to file a claim and get the coverage you’re entitled to.

5. Do You Have Any Other Recommendations for Protecting My Business?

Insurance is just one way to protect your business from risks. Your broker may also have other recommendations, such as implementing safety protocols or investing in risk management software. Whatever their suggestions may be, it’s important to consider them carefully. After all, your business is your livelihood. It’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s properly protected.

Need Commercial Insurance in Flushing, MI?

Regardless of what type of business you operate in Flushing MI, Bachmann Insurance Agency can help you find the right commercial insurance policy to protect your company. We have years of experience working with businesses of all types and sizes, so we know how to tailor a policy to meet your specific needs. To learn more about our commercial insurance offerings or to get a free quote, contact us today. We’re always happy to help.

5 Tips for Reviewing Your Home insurance Policy

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.

Do I Need To Visit A Doctor To Get Health Insurance?

You might need to visit your doctor if you want to get health insurance, but you do not necessarily have to have a diagnosis to qualify for health insurance. Many health plans, especially those offered through private vendors or exchanges, are "not-for-profit," which means that they are not required to make a profit for their investors. 

If you do not have any current health issues that would prevent you from obtaining health insurance and you plan to buy a plan from a non-profit organization, then you do not necessarily need to see a doctor. No, you can purchase health insurance from a private company as an individual. 

To purchase insurance from a public program, such as Medicaid, you will likely need to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. Some public programs do not require a visit to a doctor, but you will likely need to visit a doctor’s office to confirm that you meet the program’s requirements. For assistance, consult Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI. 

How To Get Health Insurance

You may qualify for a reduced premium or no copayment or deductibles if you have a pre-existing condition. If your job provides you with health insurance, you can still buy stand-alone or "individual" insurance outside of open enrollment. 

Getting insurance as soon as possible if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition will help you get the best coverage and avoid any waiting periods. Some people may also need to shop around to find a plan that will cover their medication. You can also get a plan that will cover your medication if you have a specific plan that doesn’t cover it. 

Give Us A Call

You may need to see a doctor if searching for private health insurance. However, if you are looking for public health insurance, you may be able to get coverage without seeing a doctor. Health insurance comes in various shapes and sizes, each designed to suit the needs of a specific type of consumer. 

If having a pre-existing condition and seeking to buy health insurance, you will likely need to visit a doctor to get a letter proving that condition and/or get a "go-private" quote to help you purchase a policy.  Contact us at Bachmann Insurance Agency in Flushing, MI for health and other insurance-related advice. 

What are the benefits of health insurance?

Many of us would be unprepared to cover a health emergency if we had to pay for it. Emergency room visits can be extremely expensive, just as routine doctor visits can be. Health insurance helps cover some of the cost of healthcare. This is a benefit that is helpful to both the young and the old. However, there are additional benefits as well. 

What is Health Insurance?

Health insurance or medical insurance, like any other insurance, is designed to offset or alleviate some of the financial strain of medical costs. This type of insurance is designed to cover or pay for a partial amount of medical costs. In other words, health insurance helps you manage or control the cost of healthcare emergencies and routine doctor visits. Health insurance usually partially covers preventative healthcare, screenings, vaccines, and check-ups. Most health plans have a network of doctors you can choose from. You pay a deductible/partial fee to see an in-network doctor. However, if you opt to see a doctor who isn’t in your network, you may pay more or your care may not be covered by your insurance. This means that you may be required to pay the full cost of your doctor’s visit. 

What are the Benefits of Health Insurance? 

The first obvious benefit of health insurance is financial. Health insurance makes healthcare much more affordable. Bachmann Insurance Agency is committed to helping Flushing, MI residents understand health insurance. In addition to the financial benefits, health insurance makes it easier to practice preventative health and get the help you need in the event of financial emergencies. Routine doctor visits with a personal doctor make it easier to manage your health and any unexpected health issues that may arise. Often, potential issues can be caught before they become serious. If you have questions about health insurance, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

Underrated Auto Insurance Facts

Bachmann Insurance Agency proudly serves Flushing, MI residents. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the coverage to manage risks. We strive to provide service using trust and integrity. We will sit down with you and formalize a strategy. This allows us to offer you custom policies that align with your situation.

Underrated Auto Insurance Facts

Traveling around Michigan in your car may seem a regular occurrence. However, it’s essential to stay alert while on the road. That’s why auto insurance is an asset. Auto insurance covers you during emergencies. The policy covers any damage to your vehicle due to a collision with another car or object. In the unfortunate event that you are held responsible for the damages, liability coverage steps in to protect your assets. Liability coverage covers the necessary repairs for any property damage you’ve caused and any medical treatment if your vehicle hurt someone. Comprehensive coverage protects your car if it is stolen or damaged due to inclement weather. While looking over your policy, here are some underrated auto insurance facts.

Animal Collisions

If you are traveling through the Upper Peninsula, you may encounter some deer and other animals on the road. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle suffers damage from a collision with an animal.

Modified Coverage

Perhaps you plan to modify your engine in the future or have other accessories installed. You can add modified coverage to your auto insurance policy. This ensures that you will be fully covered if your car is damaged after the upgrades are installed. Having your vehicle appraised is also recommended.

Bachmann Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact our office in Flushing, MI to learn more information about auto insurance.