Who’s Insured When They Drive Your Car?

A question we often get at Premier Insurance Agency in Detroit, MI, where we serve customers from all over the state, is, "Am I covered when someone borrows my car and has an accident?"

In Michigan, someone who drives your car is covered by your insurance when they have your permission, they have a valid Michigan driver’s license, and they meet two other requirements:

  • They own a vehicle that is registered and insured in Michigan and
  • They aren’t excluded from your policy.

They are also covered if they have their own coverage for driving any car.

Exceptions to the Rule

Unfortunately, there are some situations where your insurance may not cover the accident, including:

  • The driver borrowed your car without permission.
  • Another driver caused the accident (because Michigan is a no-fault state).
  • The guest driver lives in a state other than Michigan and does not own a car that is registered in Michigan.

If the person driving your car has insurance, they must file a claim with their own insurance. If they don’t have no-fault insurance, they can submit a claim with a relative’s auto insurance company.

What’s the Bottom Line?

All Michigan drivers need no-fault auto coverage. It is always best to lend your car only to people who drive in Michigan or another no-fault state, or at least live in Michigan with another insured driver, or better yet, to friends who have auto insurance. This also applies to lending your Michigan car outside the state. Rental vehicles will be insured when you check them out of the rental agency.

Insurance can be complicated. At Premier Insurance Agency in Detroit, MI, we have the answers to all of your questions about Michigan auto insurance. Call us today!

Three things to know about auto insurance in Michigan

Michigan motorists need to understand the auto insurance requirements that they need to meet. Premier Insurance Agency is an auto insurance provider that can insure vehicle owners in Detroit, MI. 

The following are three things that motorists need to know when it comes to auto insurance in Michigan. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is required in Michigan.

Personal injury protection coverage is an essential type of auto insurance coverage that most Michigan auto insurance policies must include. This type of coverage covers the policyholder and their passengers for medical care costs resulting from injuries sustained in an accident. 

Opting out of paying for PIP coverage for motorists who meet certain health insurance coverage requirements is only possible. 

Property damage and bodily injury coverage are required in Michigan.

In Michigan, motorists must carry some liability coverage on their auto insurance policies. 

Michigan auto insurance policies must include at least $50,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury costs per person in an accident. Policies must include at least $10,000 in property damage coverage per accident. 

Michigan motorists can face severe consequences for driving without insurance.

There are numerous consequences that motorists could potentially face if they are pulled over while driving without insurance. Michigan motorists may have their license suspended if they fail to carry adequate coverage while driving. They could also face heavy fines for driving without insurance. 

At Premier Insurance Agency, we can answer any questions you have about auto insurance in Detroit, MI. Get in touch with us to learn about your auto insurance options. We can provide you with a quote on an auto insurance policy that will meet Michigan’s insurance coverage requirements. 

It’s Against the Law to Drive without Car Insurance

Do you live in or near the Detroit, MI area? Are you a licensed driver? The Premier Insurance Agency can provide the car insurance you need.

Vehicle insurance, also called auto insurance, car insurance, or motor insurance, protects road vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and trucks. It offers financial protection against bodily injury or physical damage that results from traffic accidents and against the liability that could result.

Some types of car insurance offer protection against car theft, damage to the car resulting from events, not traffic accidents, like keying, natural, or weather disasters, or damage sustained by collisions with stationary objects. The specific terms of a car insurance policy will vary with regulations in each area of the country.

State laws set the minimum amount of coverage and the type of coverage needed for auto insurance. But minimums are not always the right amount of coverage for you.

Generally, most states will require drivers to have enough coverage to pay for injuries or damages to others and their property if they are at fault. The coverage most states require are:

  • Bodily injury coverage
  • Property damage coverage
  • Uninsured motorist coverage

Although the following types of coverage may not be required, they provide an extra layer of protection.

  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Emergency roadside assistance
  • Mechanical breakdown insurance
  • Medical coverage
  • Rental reimbursement

Car insurance is a legal requirement in 48 out of 50 states. You could face a hefty fine if caught driving without it or lose your driving privileges. It is not worth the risk.

If you live in the Detroit, MI area, let the professionals at Premier Insurance Agency provide you with a quote or answer any questions you may have. Contact our team today. You will be glad you did.

Should I get auto insurance in Detroit?

For most people that live in the Detroit, MI area, owning your own vehicle is practically a necessity. If you are going to invest in a vehicle, you will have a very important asset that needs to be properly protected and covered by insurance. There continue to be a variety of reasons that drivers need to have proper auto insurance in Michigan.

Insurance Will Keep in Legal Compliance

One of the reasons to get insurance for your vehicle is that you can stay in legal compliance. When you are going to drive a car in Michigan, you are going to be required by law to carry auto insurance at all times. State law mandates that you have liability insurance, which ensures you will be able to pay for accident damages you may cause. If you do not carry this, you could face penalization. 

Insurance Protects Vehicle

You will also want to get auto insurance because it can protect your vehicle. Anyone that buys a car here is going to be making a big investment that they will want to cover and protect as well as possible. With a full auto insurance policy, you will get the coverage needed to protect your car. 

As you are looking for auto insurance in the Detroit, MI area, you may find that there are a lot of options and choices that need to be made. When you are looking for a new policy here, you can get the guidance that is needed to understand your needs and options. A great option would be to reach out to the team at Premier Insurance Agency. If you do call the Premier Insurance Agency, you can get the support that is needed to know your needs and pick a policy that gives the right coverage. 

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

With the colder weather upon us not only is it time to trade in your summer wardrobe for something a little warmer but also it’s time to give your vehicle a winter refresh to ensure it is safe and reliable for the coming months. Not only does winter-proofing your vehicle save you money by preventing costly repairs from popping up down the road, but also it ensures that you remain safe when the roads turn snowy and icy. 

Start by checking your vehicle’s batteries which tend to die sooner in the winter months because of the additional strain that the colder weather places on the various components by having to work harder. Your battery can be checked at home if you have the proper tools, but it may not be a bad idea to find a local dealership specializing in your car’s manufacturer because many will offer a complimentary multi-point inspection with every service appointment that helps pinpoint other potential issues. Next, check your tire pressure every week because they usually deflate with chilly weather and could leave you more susceptible to flats or spin-outs. Also, depending on where you live, it may be a prudent decision to explore purchasing a set of winter tires that can easily be removed once the snow melts. Other ke6 areas to check to include topping off all the fluids in the vehicle particularly your windshield washer fluid and swapping out your windshield wiper blades with a new set. 

Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure your auto insurance is current and that you have the appropriate coverage for your needs. At Premier Insurance Agency in Detroit, MI we can review your current policy or establish a new one all while looking to maximize your coverage at an affordable price. 

3 Things You Can Do to Help Your Car Hold Its Value

When you insure your car, you need to consider how you can make sure it retains its value for as long as possible. The agents at Premier Insurance Agency can help their clients who live in the Detroit, MI area protect their car and prevent its value from dropping. Understanding what factors are considered is a great place to start.

Keep Your Car Covered or in a Garage

Keeping your car in a covered area such as a garage or carport will protect its exterior from various types of damage caused by the elements. This includes hail damage and fading of the paint caused by direct sunlight over a long period. If you don’t have a garage, you can always purchase a car cover.

Stick to the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule

Every auto manufacturer offers a maintenance schedule with each vehicle. This includes regular oil and filter changes, tire rotation and pressure check, transmission check, brake system checks, and an HVAC check. Documenting each service appointment and what tests were completed is one of the best ways to help your car hold its value.

Keep It Clean Inside and Out

Wash your car regularly, especially when your vehicle is exposed to salt and grime during the winter. Sweep it out and wipe off all of the surfaces to give it a like-new look once a week or so.

If you live in Detroit, MI, or any of the surrounding communities, contact the agents of Premier Insurance Agency today. We can provide you with several tips to ensure that your car holds its value for as long as possible. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!

Tips to drive safely in winter conditions

As residents in the Detroit, MI area know all too well, the roads during the winter months can be treacherous to drive on. We at Premier Insurance Agency want you to be safe on the road this winter. Here are some winter driving tips that will help keep you safe and reduce the likelihood that you will need to make a claim under your auto insurance policy. 

Slow down

Slowing down might seem like an obvious tip, but so many drivers underestimate the time needed to stop in slick conditions. Driving slowly and staying far behind other cars will significantly reduce the chance of you being involved in a crash. In snowy conditions, it is best to be at least 8-10 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. 

Consider snow tires 

As residents of Detroit, MI know, there is enough snowfall each year to consider investing in a set of winter tires. Winter tires have a deeper tread that gives you a better grip on the roads. Snow tires, however, are not miracle solutions, it is still important to slow down. 

Do not slam on the brakes 

A drivers’ natural inclination when they feel themselves losing control of the car is to slam on the brakes. However, slamming on the brakes will only make the situation worse. If you feel yourself losing control of the vehicle, it is best to let up on the gas until you slow down and then try to brake. 

Headlights on 

When it is snowing out, it is essential to drive with your lights on at all times. The headlights will increase your ability to see and will allow people to see you far in advance. 

If you are interested in learning more about safe driving and auto insurance, please reach out to an agent at Premier Insurance Agency today. 

Timing the Coverage When Assuming a New Used Car

If you buy a new car in Detroit, MI, the dealership goes through a lot of paperwork to establish your title and ownership of the vehicle before it drives off the lot. One of these requirements is making sure you have insurance in place before leaving and driving away. They will even fill out the paperwork for you as a minor benefit for buying a new car from them. However, with used cars, there is no such support. You are as accurate and well-informed as your effort to cover the bases and take care of your responsibilities.

The typical title change process starts with your state DMV. There are specific forms you have to fill out when taking on a new, used car, and they have to be filed with the DMV within a few days of doing so. Second, your existing insurance provider needs to be aware of the new vehicle as soon as you get the keys and take physical ownership. If not, the car won’t be added to your policy automatically. Because of these two requirements, it’s best to 1) check what’s needed and what you want to buy with your insurance provider before buying, and 2) get the paperwork from your DMV ahead of time to fill out. Due to the need to have contact and followup, it’s probably best to handle a used car purchase during the weekday versus at night or on the weekend.

The above said, don’t get worried. People buy used cars all the time from other private parties. Premier Insurance Agency can help sort out the process and can provide an expert resource for planning before making the purchase. We can also work on updating your policy or finding a new one that works better. Give Premier Insurance Agency in Detroit, MI a call or email today to find out more!

Types of Automobile Insurance Fraud to Avoid

Residents of Flint and Detroit, MI are required to carry auto insurance by law, and this includes liability coverage that also protects against personal injury in an accident. Property damage coverage is also a requirement as is personal injury protection because Michigan is a no-fault state. Property protection insurance is also required, and Flint and Detroit, MI residents must pay an annual MCCA (Michigan’s catastrophic claims association) fee that provides medical coverage to insured drivers. When purchasing and maintaining a policy, it is vital to take steps to avoid fraud, and we will discuss this within the scope of this article.

Ways to Avoid Auto Insurance Fraud

It is vital that drivers fill out their insurance application correctly when getting a quote, and it is necessary that a driver obtain his or her coverage before an accident should occur. In the event of an accident, it is crucial only to file one claim for a single injury, and a driver must be sure to only file claims regarding injuries related to the accident in question. If asked to represent lost wages, these must be reported accurately, and it is crucial that only the lost income caused by the injury be accounted for. 

It can be constituted as insurance fraud if you claim higher repair costs than what was paid to the mechanic, and it is illegal to stage an accident. Only file claims including people involved in the accident, and never submit a claim for medical treatment that was not received. Always obtain insurance in the state in which you live, and never file a false report for a stolen vehicle. 

Premier Insurance Agency Can Help

Premier Insurance Agency has served the people of Flint and Detroit, MI and can help you with your auto insurance needs. Feel free to stop by the office or call to discuss all your automobile insurance requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable representatives.