Name: Great Lakes State Agency
Address: 4787 Okemos Rd, Okemos, MI, 48864
Telephone: 517-394-4800

Is It Time to Resurface Your Parking Lot and Walkways?

Posted on October 28, 2024October 22, 2024 by admin

Maintaining your business premises, including your parking lot, is crucial as a business owner. Regular resurfacing of your parking area and walkways enhances the property’s appearance and ensures safety. Resurfacing provides a fresh layer of asphalt and paint, reducing the need for excessive maintenance. Here are a few signs that it’s time to resurface your parking lot.

Potholes and Cracks

If your parking lot has developed potholes, it’s time to consider resurfacing. Potholes can pose a tripping hazard for pedestrians, potentially leading to expensive liability claims. Additionally, potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles. Cracks in walkways can also cause accidents, especially if heels get stuck in them. Areas with potholes and cracks tend to hold water, which can exacerbate the damage and degrade the quality of your parking lot. Addressing these issues promptly can save you from potential liability cases and costly repairs.

Faded Lines

Another sign that it’s time to resurface your parking lot is if the lines have faded to the point where parking spots are indistinguishable. This could lead to someone parking too close to another vehicle, causing damage and potentially making you liable for property damage. If you have designated parking areas for staff, loading zones, and customers, these must be clearly marked so that anyone entering the property knows exactly where to park.

If you’re in the Okemos, MI community or surrounding areas, get your commercial insurance quote today. Our Great Lakes State Agency team can assist you with the required coverage and other highly recommended options for your business.

Temporary Expenses That Your Home Insurance Policy May Cover

Posted on September 30, 2024September 27, 2024 by admin

Temporary residential expenses may occur. The following text offers a review of relevant coverage details. Feel free to glance through your home insurance policy to understand it better.

If your home becomes unlivable, you might need to seek temporary housing and support for food and repairs. Your home insurance policy might provide coverage for these expenses.

Temporary Housing

Your home insurance policy might offer financing for temporary living accommodations. If the inhabitation of your home becomes impossible, you can opt for alternate dwellings like hotels, rental homes, or other temporary residences.

Your insurance policy might reimburse the expenses you pay for temporary housing. This type of coverage ensures a comfortable living situation when your primary residence becomes unlivable.

Food Costs

Being displaced from your home might mean temporary alternative dining arrangements. Additionally, being temporarily based in an alternate location could mount up food costs.

Your insurance policy might cover the extra out-of-pocket expenses you incur. Maintaining receipts for your purchases will assist in tracking your total expenditure while living in an alternate setting.

Repair Expenses

If your home is undergoing repairs while you are living elsewhere, you might face unusual repair expenses that you would generally not be accountable for.

At the commencement of home restoration, you should receive details about your financial responsibilities. Keep hold of any paperwork that pertains to these expenses.

Insurance Policy Review

If you have any questions about your home insurance policy, please contact one of our Great Lakes State Agency representatives. An Okemos, MI area agent is ready to assist you.

How Aging Affects Your Auto Insurance

Posted on August 30, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

Your driving record isn’t the only thing that can affect your car insurance rates. Age and even gender can also play a significant role. Here at Great Lakes State Agency, serving Okemos, MI, and the surrounding areas, we want to help you understand how all of these details impact your insurance. Keep reading to learn more.

Young Drivers

The youngest drivers, those who have just gotten their licenses as teenagers, are considered the most risky drivers on the road. As these drivers age, car insurance premiums will start to come down if they maintain good driving records. Many people aren’t aware that when your rates begin to come down as you get older, they don’t keep coming down forever.

Aging Drivers

The best insurance rates are for those in their 30s and 40s with great driving records. Unfortunately, after 60, rates start going back up again. This is due in large part to the scientific fact that as we age, our reflexes slow. People also start experiencing things like hearing loss, vision loss, and memory problems. All of these factors can work together to make driving far more difficult, and when driving is difficult, it’s more risky.

What Aging Drivers Can Do

If you are entering the age where rates are about to increase, the best thing you can do is keep an excellent driving record. Don’t engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding. The better your record, the better your rates.

If you’d like to learn more about auto insurance, please contact us at Great Lakes State Agency. We serve Okemos, MI, and the surrounding areas. We are happy to help you with your insurance needs today.

Insurance Considerations for Home-Based Businesses

Posted on July 30, 2024July 28, 2024 by admin

Approximately 10 miles east of the state capital, Lansing, is the bustling community of Okemos, MI. It is home to many diverse businesses, including home-based ones. Home-based businesses present unique insurance needs to protect against theft, fire, and other unforeseen events that could disrupt their operations and livelihood. At the Great Lakes State Agency, we recognize the importance of commercial insurance in preventing severe financial losses.

Protecting Your Home-Based Business

Insuring a home-based business appropriately helps mitigate common risks unaddressed by standard homeowners’ policies. When choosing commercial insurance, please consider the following aspects:

Business Property: Commercial property coverage can guard your business’s essential assets against damage or loss resulting from numerous events, such as vandalism or natural disasters.
Liability Coverage: With commercial liability coverage, home-based businesses can cover damages or bodily injuries resulting from business activities.
Professional Liability: Claims of errors or negligence stemming from business operations can be financially devastating. Professional liability coverage protects service-based businesses from such scenarios.
Vehicle Use: Businesses using vehicles for business tasks like product transporting or delivery need commercial auto coverage.
Business Interruption: If your home-based business experiences operational disruptions due to a covered peril, business interruption coverage can compensate for the income lost.

Secure Coverage for Your Home-Based Business

Home-based businesses face many risks similar to their brick-and-mortar counterparts. The right commercial insurance policies can protect business owners from varied incidences, thus ensuring smooth operations. For guidance on choosing the most suitable commercial insurance for your home-based business, trust the Great Lakes State Agency professionals. Contact our Okemos, MI office today at 517-394-4800 to discuss your coverage requirements.

Three Ways That Home Insurance Protects You

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 by admin

Owning a home is a big investment, and every homeowner needs to protect their investment. You should never go without home insurance to protect yourself and your home. If you’re buying a home or looking to switch home insurance, call us at Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI, to get started.

Damage Repair

If your home is damaged by a damaging event, the house can have extremely expensive damage. Home repairs after a covered event can be incredibly high. It could be too costly for uninsured homeowners to pay for. However, the policy can pay for repairing these damages with home insurance. This protects you against great financial harm if something causes destruction to your home.

Protection for Your Possessions

It’s essential to have your possessions protected as well as your dwelling. Losing your possessions could be extremely expensive. If you had to replace it all, it would probably be impossible for you to do so. The cost of replacing everything could be so high that your quality of life would go way down. To ensure your items can be replaced, ensure you have home insurance at all times while you own your home.

Liability Coverage

When someone comes to your home and has an accident, you’re liable for all the expenses. It’s important to keep home insurance so the policy can pay these expenses, including medical bills. This can save you from huge expenses for medical and legal bills as well as lost wages.

Get Home Insurance Now

You need this vital coverage, so don’t wait. Call Great Lakes State Agency in Lansing, MI.

Great Lakes State Agency’s Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Insurance in Lansing

Posted on May 31, 2024June 3, 2024 by admin

Buying auto insurance is a necessity when you live in Lansing, MI. As long as you have a vehicle, it would be best if you had a policy. While you will need to get at least the bare minimum that the state of Michigan requires, there are many things to explore. At Great Lakes State Agency, we have a few tips to help you along the way.

Consider All Coverage Options

In the state of Michigan, you’re required to have liability coverage in the areas of bodily injury and property damage. However, that’s not the only form of coverage you can have on your policy.

You can expand your coverage to include:

Collision
Comprehensive
Uninsured/under-insured motorist
Roadside assistance
Rental car

This way, if there’s any damage to your vehicle, whether driving or not, you can file a claim and know that you have the coverage in place.

Explore Increasing Your Coverage Level

The coverage level isn’t set in stone. While you have to meet the bare minimums the state sets, you can increase your coverage, too. This allows you to choose a level that meets your needs.

By increasing the coverage level, you’re covered in the event of a more serious accident. It will also reduce your costs if the accident exceeds certain limits.

Examine Deductibles

You pay the deductible out of your pocket when you file a claim. The deductible amount can vary based on the type of claim you’re making.

You can have a low deductible with a slightly higher premium cost or vice versa. That’s why you have to consider the likelihood of filing a claim against what you can afford.

Get Help from a Knowledgeable Insurance Agent

Finding an auto insurance policy right for you in Lansing, MI, is a breeze when you work with an experienced insurance agent. At Great Lakes State Agency, we’re here to help. Give us a call today to start getting some guidance.

Four steps you need to go through when you buy commercial insurance

Posted on April 26, 2024April 30, 2024 by admin

Protect your business in Lansing, MI, with insurance coverage from the Great Lakes State Agency. When buying commercial insurance coverage, it’s important to follow all the necessary steps.

The following are four steps you must go through when buying commercial insurance.

Focus on legal requirements.

Remember that you may be required by law to carry certain types of commercial insurance.

Workers’ compensation is the most important legally required type of commercial insurance to consider. In Michigan, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage.

Customize your coverage to the needs of your company

Every company is unique. You need to conduct a risk assessment and consider the unique insurance needs of your company to choose a policy that offers all the coverage you need and saves you from paying for coverage that your company really doesn’t require.

Get quotes from multiple insurers.

Shop around so that you familiarize yourself with the market for commercial insurance. You can easily get quotes from different insurance providers.

Compare the quotes you get. You should choose the commercial insurance policy that offers you a competitive rate while also providing your company with the coverage it needs for financial protection.

Review coverage details periodically as time goes on

Your company is going to change through the years. As your company grows and develops, you might find that you need additional types of coverage. This makes it essential for business owners to review their commercial insurance policy once in a while and make any necessary changes.

Call us now at Great Lakes State Agency for a quote on an insurance policy for your business in Lansing, MI.

Lansing Homeowners: How to Choose the Right Home Insurance Policy

Posted on March 29, 2024March 27, 2024 by admin

At Great Lakes State Agency, our mission is to streamline life for Lansing, MI homeowners. Peace of mind is invaluable, and having the right home insurance policy is crucial in achieving it. We’re here to assist you in making the most suitable choice. Here are some vital steps to help you navigate the process.

Understanding Your Specific Needs

The first step for homeowners is to consider their specific needs when selecting a policy. If a policy falls short of its current requirements, it could lead to significant problems in the future. As a starting point, homeowners should estimate the costs related to rebuilding their homes and replacing all valuable possessions.

Considering Natural Disasters

Every region in Michigan has unique concerns about natural disasters. Do you live in a flood-prone area? Are you susceptible to damages associated with fierce snowstorms? It’s crucial to discuss the specific challenges posed by the elements in your area with your insurance provider. This way, you choose a policy that caters to these needs.

Close Examination of the Policy

Go through the policy meticulously with a seasoned insurance agent. This approach allows you to address any concerns at the earliest and ensures all the significant details are finalised, leaving no room for confusion later on.

For any further queries about a potential home insurance policy, feel free to contact the dedicated team at Great Lakes State Agency. Our team of professionals is always on hand and ready to assist Lansing, MI homeowners with any concerns they may have.

How an Accident Can Affect Your Auto Insurance

Posted on February 28, 2024February 22, 2024 by admin

Understanding Auto Insurance Rates After An Accident

Have you been involved in an auto accident in or near Lansing, MI? Then you’re probably worried about whether this incident will inflate your auto insurance rates. The short response would be – it might. However, consider consulting with our knowledgeable staff at the Great Lakes State Agency for a comprehensive answer. They can guide you through how this experience might influence your existing policy.

How Does Fault Influence Insurance Premiums?

Your part in the accident significantly affects a potential premium increase. If you were at fault, this could drive up your insurance rates as the insurance company perceives you as a higher-risk candidate. Hence, they attempt to compensate for potential costs via increased premiums. However, if you were not at fault, this might lessen the likelihood of a premium increase unless you file a repair claim. An accident typically stays on your record for three to five years, impacting your insurance premiums.

What Is The Role Of Accident Forgiveness?

Certain American insurance providers feature accident forgiveness clauses in their policies. This guarantees your rates won’t increase if you are a safe driver involved in a one-off accident. It would be prudent to check if your policy includes such a provision and under what terms.

Even high-risk drivers can find alternative policies and solutions if they’ve had accidents, regardless of being at fault. Great Lakes State Agency, serving Lansing, MI, is ready to offer all drivers comprehensive insurance solutions to ensure round-the-clock coverage when driving. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

The Best-Kept Secrets About Commercial insurance

Posted on January 22, 2024January 29, 2024 by admin

Great Lakes State Agency understands that Lansing, MI commercial insurance policies can seem very confusing on their surface. However, they’re nowhere near as complex as you might think. In fact, there are many secrets that business owners may not realize can impact the quality of their policies.

Policies are Adaptable

Don’t think that your policy is a concrete and unchangeable thing. In fact, you can add many riders to it and adjust it in any way necessary to improve your coverage. This step ensures that you get the full protection you need. Just talk with your agent about what riders make sense.

AAA Ratings are Critical

Insurance companies can earn a variety of different ratings, and you need to find one that has a AAA designation. That’s because this rating indicates a business with a high level of professionalism and trustworthiness. They’re the kind of firms you can call to handle a myriad of issues.

Umbrella Policies Can Help You

Liability protection is essential for all businesses, and getting caught without a strong policy can severely affect your facility safety. Umbrella policies increase your liability protection to ensure that, if you get sued, you won’t have to pay for a majority (if not any) of the damages incurred.

Physical Loss Warranties are Useful

A physical loss warranty can help protect you if there is physical damage to your facility that makes it impossible to use it. For instance, if severe damage to your equipment makes operations impossible or impractical, a physical loss warranty can keep you running smoothly.

Take Your Business’ Needs Seriously

Please don’t hesitate to call us at Great Lakes State Agency to learn more about Lansing, MI commercial policies that can help you. Our team fully understands the complexities of Michigan’s strange insurance laws and will help you insure yourself properly and safely.

Great Lakes State Agency

Get a Quote Instantly

Compare your unique insurance quotes online via our comparative quoting form.

Insurance Blog