Computer and Laptop Insurance

Beyond the Warranty

Michigan insurance for your laptop or computer provides protection for your property beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, which tends to only cover defective parts that cause problems from regular usage.

A typical policy covers the following exposures:

• Theft
• Fire
• Power surges
• Lightning
• Damage from spilling liquids on the keyboard
• Damage from accidentally dropping the laptop or computer
• Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, etc.)

If your computer or laptop is custom-built, you will typically need to provide proof of ownership of each of the individual parts within the machine itself to file a Michigan insurance claim. Also, if the manufacturer no longer makes your exact model at the time of a claim, the insurance company will replace your computer or laptop with the closest model available on the market.

Considerations for Coverage:

Before making a coverage purchase, consider your needs and the following:

• Is the policy for replacement value or cash value? Replacement cost coverage is typically more expensive, but ensures that you get more back if you have a claim.
• Does the policy include data recovery?
• Does the policy cover upgrades made to the computer?
• What is the deductible?

If you use your computer or laptop for business use, you may need additional coverage, typically under a Michigan business insurance policy, to ensure that all of your replacement costs are covered. One more thing to remember: keep all of your receipts for the machine and for any additional parts installed on it. You will need this information to show the insurance company.

All Brands are Covered:

Protection for your computer or laptop is seamless and easy, as computer or laptop insurance is available for any manufacturer at a minimal price tag.

Computers are Delicate!

With a simple jerking motion, your laptop may experience damage. Or, you may look away at the coffee shop to talk to a friend and your PC may get swiped. Thwarting these problems may be tricky but having insurance can salvage your losses.

Count on Expertise

By working with your Michigan insurance agent, you will obtain assistance selecting personal insurance coverage that complements your life and provides the security that you need.

Detecting a Propane Leak

Propane gas leaks are highly flammable and can be easily ignited by a spark or flame. They can result in explosions with devastating consequences. If you use propane appliances at home, it is important that you know how to recognize a leak and fix the problem before it becomes catastrophic and you need to file a Michigan home insurance claim.

Propane Safety Tips

The smell of propane is strong and foul, similar to a dead animal, rotting eggs or a skunk’s spray. The odor is deliberately added to propane so you are able to detect a leak. It is important for you and your family to become familiar with the smell. If you detect a leak in your home:

• Immediately extinguish flames or smoking materials, and do not create any sparks.
• Do not turn on lights or appliances, and do not use your land line or cell phone, as these actions could produce sparks.
• Inform others in the premises and evacuate.
• If you are able, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane gas tank.
• Contact the fire department or dial 911.
• Do not return to the premises until instructed to do so by emergency response personnel.
• Have a propane service technician perform a comprehensive check on your entire system before turning on any appliances.

For the sake of your family and your Michigan insurance, take these proactive steps to prevent leaks:

• Clean furnaces regularly. Check with your propane retailer for cleaning instructions.
• If you suspect your propane appliance has been damaged by water, call a trained technician to check your system.
• When performing renovations or landscaping, refer to the layout of your gas service lines.
• When using gas grills, follow the owner’s manual.

Propane leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, loss of muscular control, vomiting or watering of the eyes, have your propane system checked immediately.

Being prepared for a propane gas leak is just one of the many ways to protect your home and its contents. To make sure you are covered in a variety of situations, contact your Michigan home insurance agent today.

Disaster Assistance Through FEMA

Whether natural or man-made, the damage a disaster causes can turn your whole life upside down. What’s more unfortunate is finding out that the damage is not covered or will exceed your Michigan insurance policy limits. For those who find themselves in such a position, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers assistance in the form of loans and grants that can be used to cover costs incurred as a direct result of a disaster.

Do I Qualify?

In order to qualify for FEMA assistance:

• Your losses must have occurred within a declared disaster area.
• You must file a claim with your insurance provider before applying for assistance.

Having insurance does not automatically exclude you from disaster assistance. You may still qualify if: your settlement has been delayed longer than 30days from when your Michigan insurance claim was filed; your insurance coverage is insufficient to meet costs incurred as a result of the disaster; or you have exhausted the additional living expenses awarded by your insurance provider.

What Can Funds Be Used For?

Funds available for housing needs can be used for:

• Temporary Housing: Helps with cost of rent while primary residence is uninhabitable.
• Repair: Helps cover repair costs for damages to your primary residence not covered by insurance.
• Replacement: Help with replacement costs not covered by Michigan home insurance if your home was totally destroyed by the disaster.

Funds are also available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes:

• Disaster-related medical and dental costs
• Disaster-related funeral and burial cost
• Clothing, essential household items, tools required for your job and necessary educational materials
• Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas)
• Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier)
• Disaster-damaged vehicle
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home)

Eligibility and restrictions vary so it is best to review aid options based on your own specific needs. For more information about FEMA assistance check out www.fema.gov/assistance or call 800 -621-FEMA.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent for more information.

Cool! You’re a New Driver!

Congratulations, you got your driver’s license! In addition to the being excited about the keys you’ve just been handed, you’re probably a bit apprehensive at the new responsibility you’ve just been given, too. To make sure that you keep your good driver standing and stay safe while on the road, remember these helpful safety tips. Remember, safety first is crucial for the sake of keeping your driver’s license and keeping your Michigan auto insurance payments low.

Roadway Tips for Teens

• Always wear your safety belt, even if you are just going for a short drive down the block.
• Always abide by the speed limit.
• Never drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Also realize that some over-the-counter medications can affect your reaction time and should not be taken if you plan to drive within a few hours of taking the medication.
• Avoid driving at night until you have more experience behind the wheel.
• If possible, wait for bad weather to pass before driving.
• Avoid busy roads during peak travel times.
• Abide by the two-second rule when following another vehicle – when the car in front of you passes a traffic sign, count to see how long it takes you to reach that same sign. If it takes you less than two second, you are traveling too close.
• Never reach for something inside of your car, look for vehicle controls, talk on a cell phone, text message or have an involved conversation with a passenger. These distractions only increase the chance that you will get into an accident.
• Create a code word with mom and dad in the event that you get into a sticky situation and need some assistance. This way, you won’t have to explain the situation to your friends and your parents can come and help you out.

Attention Parents…Teen drivers tend to get distracted easily, especially when first getting their license. During their first year of driving, do not allow teens to drive with more than one other person in the car to minimize the chance that they could become distracted by rowdy passengers. Teens are considered a risk on your Michigan insurance policy, just like motorcyclists. Education and preparation are key to keeping your family, and your pocketbook, safe and sound.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent for more information.

The Safest Vehicles on the Road

Whether you’re in the market for a new family minivan or a go-anywhere sport-utility vehicle, we know safety ranks high on your list.  Based on crash test information compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a nonprofit public service organization, the following list highlights the institute’s top safety picks for 2012 and for Michigan auto insurance.

Large cars

• Buick LaCrosse  
• Cadillac CTS Sedan       
• Toyota Avalon
• Volvo S80        
• Ford Taurus     
• Dodge Charger

Midsize cars

• Audi A3                       
• Chevrolet Malibu                      
• Ford Fusion
• Subaru Legacy             
• Kia Optima

Midsize convertibles

• Saab 9-3          
• Volvo C70

Small car

• Chevrolet Volt      
• Mini Cooper Countryman  
• Nissan Leaf

Minivans

• Honda Odyssey     
• Toyota Sienna        
• Dodge Grand Caravan

Large pickups

• Honda Ridgeline           
• Ford F-150

Midsize SUVs

• Cadillac SRX
• Chevrolet Equinox
• GMC Terrain
• Cadillac SRX
• Ford Edge
• Ford Explorer
• Lincoln MKT
• Dodge Journey
• Mercedes GLK
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Kia Sorento
• Subaru Tribeca

Small SUVs

• Jeep Patriot
• Honda CR-V
• Subaru Forester
• Volkswagen Tiguan

The Highway Loss Data Institute evaluates the safety of vehicles based on frontal crashworthiness, side-impact and rear crash protection. For full testing details, visit www.iihs.org. For the full list of 2012’s safest vehicles visit www.iihs.org/ratings

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, make sure you have collision and comprehensive auto coverage, and gap insurance at the best rate possible.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent today to learn about auto policy coverage and ways to reduce your roadside risks.

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Don’t Let A Power Surge Cost You

There’s a good chance that you have a variety of electronic devises running in your house at any given time. Unfortunately, these devices could fall victim to a power surge if left unprotected. Power surges occur when the voltage running through your home’s electrical system unexpectedly spikes to a level beyond what your electronic appliances are designed to handle. Depending on the strength of the surge, this could mean minor damage or complete destruction of your electronics. Your Michigan home insurance can only help replace your possessions but not entirely protect them. So it’s best to know what to expect and prevent the situation.

What Causes A Surge?

There are three primary causes of power surges:

1. While it is not a frequent occurrence, lightning’s incredibly high voltage levels can cause an extremely destructive surge if it strikes lines leading to your home.

2. Downed power lines, grid switches and equipment breakdowns are just a few of the possible causes of surges that can originate from the operations of your utility provider.

3. When large appliances, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, turn on, their increased need for electricity can draw a surge of energy through your home’s electrical system. While this type of surge is relatively small, it is also quite common and can wear down electrical equipment overtime.  

Protection Against Surges

For the most part, power surges are unavoidable. There is no way to stop a utility provider from causing a spike in your power or to prevent lightning from striking. However, there are steps you can take, that are highly recommended by Michigan insurance companies, to make sure that your are prepared for a power surge if and when one occurs.

Surge Protectors

When it comes to high price tag appliances like computers, refrigerators and home entertainment equipment, point of use surge protectors can save you from costly losses in the event of a voltage spike. When shopping for a surge protector, keep the following tips in mind.

• Power lines are not the only route surges have around your home. They can also travel through your cable or satellite hookups and through your phone lines. Quality surge protectors will include these types of jacks in addition to standard AC outlets.
• Energy is measured in joules, so when comparing surge protectors, take into consideration how many joules a particular model can absorb. Two hundred to 400 joules will provide basic protection, but 600+ is best in most situations.
• Check the device’s clamping voltage. This is the level at which it will begin to block the surge, meaning lower is better. Stay away from models with clamping points above 330 volts.
• Look for the UL logo representing Underwriters Laboratories. This verifies that the product has been tested for performance and safety.

A service entrance surge protection device can provide protection for your incoming electrical, cable TV and telephone lines. The device is installed in your main electrical panel or near your electric meter to help stop outside surges from entering your home. While these systems do not eliminate the need for point-of-use surge protectors, they can successfully knock larger surges down to more easily manageable levels.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent for more information.

Dodging Staged Auto Accident Fraud

Consider this scenario: You’re stuck in heavy traffic on a busy highway. Another car cuts off the driver in front of you, forcing him to slam on the brakes. You try to stop, but there’s no time… and you rear-end the person in front of you. Sounds like an everyday accident, right? Not this time. Turns out you’ve been had by a well-organized criminal ring that staged the entire thing.  This doesn’t look good on your Michigan auto insurance.

How it Works

This particular scam is called the “swoop and squat.”The first car “swoops” in while the second car “squats” in front of you. After the “accident,” everyone in the car you rear-ended – usually crammed full of passengers – will file bogus injury claims with your Michigan insurance company. Each will complain of whiplash or other soft-tissue injuries – things difficult for doctors to confirm. They may even go to unethical physical therapists, chiropractors, lawyers, or auto repair technicians to further exaggerate their claims.

How to Protect Yourself

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, staged accidents cost the insurance industry about $20 billion a year. Those losses get passed on to all of us in the form of higher insurance rates – at an average of $100 to $300 extra per car, per year.

• If you’re in an accident, call the police immediately.
• Report accident claims to your Michigan insurance company immediately. Don’t settle on-site with cash.
• Be careful with your personal information – be mindful of identity theft.
• If you can, photograph the car and passengers and write down names, addresses, and phone numbers.
• Use medical, car repair and legal professionals you know and trust.
• Drive defensively… don’t tailgate!

 Here are some similar scams to look out for:

The Drive Down: You’re attempting to merge when another driver waves you forward. Instead of letting you in, he slams into your car. When the police arrive, he denies ever motioning to you.

The Sideswipe: As you round a corner at a busy intersection with multiple turn lanes, you drift slightly into the lane next to you. The car in that lane steps on the gas and sideswipes you.

The T-Bone: You’re crossing an intersection when a car coming from a side street accelerates and hits your car. When the police arrive, the driver and several planted “witnesses” claim that you ran a red light or stop sign.

Call your Michigan insurance agent for more information.

Stay Safe While You Tow a Big Load

Towing a large load with your vehicle such as a travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer or cargo trailer is a great way to carry additional items without making lots of trips. Trailers are also convenient to use when your personal vehicle is not large enough to carry the items you want to transport. Motorists must be careful when towing, though, to prevent accidents and remain safe on the roadways. There are guidelines that need to be met for the sake of your Michigan auto insurance.

Safe Towing Techniques

• Before making your trip, conduct a safety inspection of the following:
  • Make sure that the pin securing the ball mount to the receiver are intact and in place.
  • Look to see that the hitch coupler is secure.
  • The spring bar hinges should be tight with the safety clips in place.
  • The safety chains should be attached properly.
  • The electrical plug should be properly installed.

Per many Michigan insurance companies, additional considerations when towing a trailer with your vehicle include the following:

• Your vehicle must match the trailer properly. If the trailer is properly equipped, it should perform safely under many driving conditions. Your vehicle should also have enough performance power to climb mountain grades without losing speed excessively.
• Do not allow passengers to ride in a trailer while it is being towed.
• Trailers must be weighed to make sure that the loads are distributed properly both from the front to back and left to right. In addition, the hitching system that connects the trailer to your vehicle also has weight constraints. To weigh you vehicle and trailer, look in the phone book under “weighers – public”.
• Before making your trip, evaluate the weight distribution in the trailer. Hitch weights for travel trailers should typically be at least 10 percent of the gross weight of the trailer to avoid complications. If weight in your trailer is not properly distributed, your trailer can fishtail across the lane.
• All trailers should be equipped with reflectors, tail lights, brake lights and license plate lights. Signal lights are also required if your vehicle’s signals are hidden by the trailer.
• When backing up with a trailer, turn your vehicle’s wheels to the right to make the trailer go to the left (or vice versa). Then put your hand on the base of the steering wheel so the trailer goes in the same direction as your hand.

If the weight and hitch adjustments are correct on your trailer, it should handle well. However, if you detect any swaying, stop and check to see if the load has shifted and if the trailer hitch is secure. Also look for suspension problems and make sure that the tires are secure and inflated properly.

Call your Michigan insurance agent to verify that your trailer is safe.

Condominium Insurance

Condominium Owners have Unique Coverage Needs

If you own a condominium or co-op, you have both common and personal insurance needs. Typically, your condo association has a master policy that insures all of the property and common areas that are collectively owned by the unit owners. Yet, how do you cover the cost of damage caused by a kitchen fire or theft of your personal items?

A Michigan Condominium Insurance policy is designed specifically to meet your unique homeowner needs, including coverage for your personal possessions, structural improvements made to your living space and additional living expenses incurred due to an accident.

Property Protection

After you’ve determined what’s covered by the association’s master policy, a personal Condominium policy will help to safe guard you from losses to your personal property and the interior of your unit. As such, you will need to estimate:

–       The cost to repair or replace the inside of your home if it were damaged, including fixtures, kitchen cabinets, plumbing, wiring, built-in appliances, etc. (if not covered by the association’s master policy)

–       The cost to replace the contents of your home

To assist you, your Michigan insurance company will provide a form for you to conduct a thorough inventory of your home. This will help you to determine your personal property policy limits, which will ensure you have the right amount of coverage in the event of a covered loss.

It is recommended insuring your personal property for its Replacement Cost Value rather than Actual Cash Value. The longer you own your belongings, the less value they hold. Replacement Cost Value insures you can replace yesterday’s purchases at today’s price tags.

Liability Protection

In addition to your belongings, the Liability to Others portion of your policy covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or a family member—and some cases, pets—cause to other people. It pays for both the cost of litigation and any court awards, up to the limit of your policy, and covers you at home or away.

 Liability limits typically start at $100,000. For more coverage, consider a Michigan Umbrella or Excess Liability policy, which provides broader coverage when liability limits are exhausted in underlying policies. In the event a visitor is injured in your home, Medical Payments coverage allows the person to submit medical bills directly to your insurance company. The benefit is that expenses are paid to the injured person, up to the policy limit, without a liability claim being filed against you.

Additional coverages to consider-

Unit assessment coverage: Unit Assessment coverage reimburses you for the expense passed on to you by the association due to a special assessment, as long as the cause of loss was covered by the association’s policy.

Sewer back-up: Additional water back-up coverage insures your property for damage by the back-up of sewers and drains (does not include flood protection). It is not always included in a Michigan Condo Insurance policy.

Flood or earthquake: These can strike anywhere, so it’s important to understand your risks and check into coverage options. We’d be happy to provide more detailed information to you about covering losses due to a flood or earthquake.

Top Ways to Save on Your Premium:

• Consider raising your deductible
• Invest in a home security system
• Update exterior locks to dead bolts
• Install smoke alarms
• Select an automatic payment method
• Monitor your credit rating
• Ask about multi-policy discounts with your Michigan insurance carrier

 Check Your Condo Association Coverage First

When selecting condo  coverage, it’s important to determine what is covered by your association’s master policy and what items are your responsibilities.  Typically, your condo association carries an insurance policy for common areas, such as the lobby, walkways, boiler, basement, etc. In most cases, the association’s coverage stops at the exterior walls. However, it may also cover other parts of the interior, too. It is critical to determine what the association’s master policy covers and what items are your responsibility.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent for more information.