Why workers compensation is a good idea in Michigan

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As an employer, retaining employees is vital to the overall health of your business. Employees who feel appreciated and cared for are more likely to remain with an employer than those who feel underappreciated. Workers’ compensation insurance is a way to protect your employees from workplace injuries and illnesses. At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. in Negaunee, MI, we have more than 30 years of experience and pride ourselves on providing personalized service and affordable coverage to our many customers. 

Michigan has laws requiring employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. In 1912, Michigan passed the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act. The state has an agency that makes sure that this legislation is followed by all the employers who are mandated to. Most employers in the state fall under this act. It requires employers to provide benefits for those employees who are injured on the job. 

For most companies, the easiest way to remain in compliance is with workers; compensation insurance. Employers do have other options, they may opt to self insure or join a group fund. But, no matter which option businesses choose, the workers need to be covered, compliance is monitored. 

Employers who must have workers compensation insurance include: 

  • Private employers who have at least one employee who worked full time (35 hrs) for at least 13 weeks in the last year.
  • Any private employer who had three or more full or part-time employees. 
  • Agricultural employers who have 3 or more employees who worked full time (35 hours) for at least 13 weeks in the last year. 
  • Householders who employ domestic help at least 35 hours per week for at least 13 weeks in the past year.  
  •  All public employers

Workers compensation insurance is a good idea in Michigan because for most employers it keeps you in compliance with the law. Contact U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. in Negaunee, MI to discuss your coverage. 

What benefits do businesses receive when they get commercial insurance in Michigan?

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Those in the Negaunee, MI area and who want to start a business will find that it can be a great area to begin. In this area, you will benefit from the strong local economy and can continue to enjoy local support for small businesses. As you look to build your company, getting the right insurance is very important. You will benefit in several ways by having commercial insurance here. 

Protection from Liability Risk

One advantage of having commercial coverage for your Michigan business is that you will receive protection against liability risk. A business owner will consistently take on liability risk whenever they complete a product or service sale. As you could be held liable for injuries or damages caused accidentally, mitigating the concern is important. With commercial insurance, you will obtain the commercial insurance coverage that you need in this situation.

Protection for Business Assets

A commercial insurance plan is also going to protect your business assets. If you choose to invest in equipment, inventory, and other commercial assets, you will undoubtedly want to ensure the fully covered assets. If you have a commercial insurance plan in place, it will provide the value and coverage needed to protect these assets in the future. This will include offering support if the assets are stolen or damaged in a number of ways. 

When you are looking to get commercial insurance, and you are in the Negaunee, MI area, it will be important that you get proper insurance coverage. The team with U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. can offer the support needed to choose a proper plan. U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. will answer your questions, address concerns, and provide all support that is needed to build and choose a new plan. 

Getting The Right Auto Insurance for You

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Whether you’re on your first car or your fifth, one thing that stays the same is the fact that you need insurance for it. Good insurance, too, that won’t have you nervous every time you sit behind the wheel or take your car somewhere. U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. is on hand for residents of Negaunee, MI to guide you on what to do and provide great covers for you.

How to Get the Right Auto Insurance

It’s not a simple matter of going to an insurers’ office and walking out with a cover; you need to do due diligence because what works great for your neighbor may not work well for you.

Here are a few questions to ask to get a cover that will serve you well:

  • What factors affect your insurance premium? Knowing exactly what they are will help you know what covers to get, which affects how much you will pay in premiums.
  • What are your liability coverage limits? If you want to keep assets like your home safe in case of an accident that needs to be paid for, you ought to raise your liability coverage limits at least to reflect the value of your combined assets.
  • What do third-party ratings say? Despite the allure of simply picking the cheapest cover, pay attention to ratings by third parties and ensure that the carrier you choose offers quick, efficient service.
  • Have you requested discounts available to you? Sometimes, you may be eligible for a discount, but unless you ask for it, you won’t get it. Always check that any discounts you’ve been given reflect in your bill as well.

Stay Safe and Secure with Quality Auto Insurance

If you’re in the Negaunee, MI area and need to get a quote, check out our site, and you will be sure to find something that can work for you. U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. is ready to answer any questions you may have, so talk to us today. You’ll go away informed and in a better position to decide on the auto insurance that’s right for you. 

Common Myths About Home Insurance

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Buying a home is a massive breakthrough for many. With such an investment, the first thing you should do is secure your home with an insurance policy. If you don’t get the insurance policy right, all the efforts you’ve made to secure your home could go down in a flash. 

There are many misconceptions and myths circulating regarding home insurance, and they can be very misleading and costly. Fortunately, with reliable partners like U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc., located in Negaunee, MI, you have an agent that sets the record straight with matters regarding your home insurance.

Here are some home insurance myths to keep your eyes peeled for.

Home insurance is a waste of money.

Truth be told, your home is probably the largest asset you have. Why then should you not have a safety net to safe guide this investment? Getting insurance for your home, therefore, is never a waste of money.

Standard home insurance covers flooding.

Typical home insurance covers natural disasters like blizzards, tornadoes, and hail, but unfortunately, flooding is not in the policy. You may be required to purchase separate insurance to secure your home in case of flooding.

Home insurance covers all your belongings.

Yes, standard home insurance covers belongings, such as clothing, electronics, sports equipment, and furniture, but certain high-value items are not. Some pieces of jewelry, for instance, are not covered, and you may have to consider a scheduled personal property endorsement add-on in your home insurance.

Termites, mold, and other infestations are covered

We all know how severe pest infestations can be. Unfortunately, your home insurance does not cover termites and mold infestations. Instead, you are responsible for extermination and repairs from pest damage.

Folks, there you have it. Now that you are armed to the teeth in matters of home insurance, it’s about time you get things right ASAP. Thankfully, at U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc., situated in Negaunee, MI, we got you covered. Contact us today for all your home insurance needs.

Three key considerations when you purchase restaurant insurance

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One of the most important decisions you need to make as a restaurant owner is which restaurant insurance policy to purchase. At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., we offer restaurant insurance policies in Negaunee, MI.

The following are three key considerations you should take into account when you purchase restaurant insurance.

The insurance provider you buy from

There are a lot of insurance providers out there to choose from. It’s best for you to choose a provider specializing in providing restaurant insurance.

While any commercial insurance provider will insure a restaurant, those who specialize in restaurant insurance are best able to anticipate and accommodate your needs. 

The cost of the policy

Of course, the cost is an important consideration. Restaurant insurance premiums will be an added business expense you’ll have to keep up with to keep your policy current.

While you shouldn’t simply choose the least expensive policy, you should shop around to find the provider that will provide you with quality coverage at a reasonable price. The best way to compare your options is to get policy quotes from a few different providers and evaluate them carefully. 

The results of a risk assessment of your business

A risk assessment is an important step to go through to identify your restaurant insurance needs in detail.

During a risk assessment, you’ll analyze your restaurant’s risks of experiencing lawsuits, property damage, and other potential expenses. This assessment helps you determine what types of coverage your restaurant needs and how much coverage is appropriate. 

Do you have questions about meeting your restaurant insurance needs in Negaunee, MI? Contact us at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., and we’ll be happy to help you learn more about insuring your restaurant business. 

How much umbrella insurance do I need

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Umbrella insurance is an unknown policy to most people. What it does and what it is are shrouded in mystery. However, if you ever need to have it, it is the most important insurance to have in your portfolio. It protects your assets and your financial future. At U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc. in Negaunee, MI, we have been in business since 1987. 

The Right Amount of Liability Coverage

How much umbrella insurance you need is directly related to how many assets you have to protect. Excess liability is insurance that supplements the liability coverage you already have. You don’t buy an umbrella policy unless you already have a policy with liability coverage. This applies to individuals and also to businesses. In a world where everyone is at risk of being sued, it is important to know all the assets you have worked so hard to collected are protected from legal judgment. 

Policies that include liability coverage are home, auto, renters, condo, boater, motorcycle, and commercial insurance. The basic liability you receive with a typical policy may be just that, pretty basic. In the event of an automobile accident with injury or an injury at your home, you could find yourself in litigation. Think about the cost of hospitalization and lost time from work, not to mention property damage, and you start to get the picture. Add to that pain and suffering, and you could find yourself in a tough financial position. 

Umbrella insurance starts at one million dollars and goes up by millions from there. Your personal worth dictates how high you need to go. It would be best if you had enough to be able to rest assured you are safe. Leaving yourself vulnerable is not an option. 

To learn more about umbrella insurance, contact U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc. in Negaunee, MI, and talk to our expert team. 

5 Things To Keep In Your Car’s Emergency Kit

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No matter how new or old your car may be, being prepared for winter weather or unexpected car trouble is critical. Unfortunately, too many drivers find themselves stranded for hours at a time, waiting for repair or roadside assistance in uncomfortable temperatures. Below are a few things that all emergency kits should have handy and stored in an emergency. 

1. Flashlights

Nothing is worse than being stranded beside a dark highway and not being able to see. Having a flashlight with extra batteries in your emergency kit is essential so that you can scan the area and be able to look under the hood of your car for trouble. 

2. Blankets and Gloves

To stay warm when your car does not turn on, you need to keep blankets and gives in your emergency kit. Keep enough for you and the passengers that you usually carry, if any at all. Being able to stay warm without a heater is important during an emergency.

3. Non-perishable Snacks

In case you are going to be stranded for a while, you need some non-perishable snacks that will help curb your thirst or hunger while you wait for help to come to you. Pack things like granola bars, bottled water, and jerky as food options. 

4. Jumper Cables

It is a good practice to keep a set of high-quality battery jumper cables in your car should your battery die. This will help you get enough battery juice from a good samaritan to help you get your engine started and get home to safety. 

5. Portable Air Compressor

If you start to get a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere, a portable air compressor allows you to temporarily put air in your tire, holding you over until you can get to safety to have it patched or replaced. 

If you require auto insurance in the Negaunee, MI area, give our agents at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. a call today.

Why Commercial Insurance Is An Asset For Small Businesses In The Winter

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U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc. assists the Negaunee, MI community by offering residents multiple insurance coverage types. We strive to help our clients find the policies that will prepare them for any situation. We use our status as an independent insurance agency to help our clients find custom policies.

Why Commercial Insurance Is An Asset During The Winter

As a small business owner in Negaunee, MI, you face many challenges daily. The threat of a potential liability issue is always on the horizon. That’s why it is important that you have protection. Commercial insurance will protect your business in the event of a potential liability issue. You will also be covered if your business is vandalized. As the weather starts to get colder, here are a few ways that commercial insurance is an asset to your business.

Higher Chance Of A Liability Issue

During the winter, the conditions normally include inclement weather. Due to both solid and melting snow, there is a chance that someone may slip and fall on your property. The policy will cover you if someone gets injured while visiting your business. Make sure that you shovel snow regularly and always put down salt. It would help if you also placed a wet floor sign at the front of your business.

Protects Your Equipment

Severe weather during the Winter has the ability to cause major damage. The policy will cover you if your equipment is damaged due to severe weather. You can amend your commercial insurance policy to include business interruption coverage if a power outage leaves you unable to operate your business. If you suffer a temporary power outage, make sure that you have a backup generator.

U.P. Insurance Agency, Inc. Will Help You Secure Your Business

For more information on commercial insurance, visit our website today!

Do I Still Need Home Insurance if I Don’t Have a Mortgage?

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Most homeowners have home insurance primarily to protect their investment and all the hard work they’ve put into purchasing and maintaining their house. However, it is also true that most mortgage lenders require homeowners to carry home insurance coverage as part of the lending contract. So, if you don’t have a mortgage, do you actually NEED home insurance?

At U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. in Negaunee, MI, we see this question a lot. The short answer is, it depends.

If you’ve paid for your home in full and do not have a mortgage you’re paying off, there is generally no legal requirement in the state of Michigan for you to carry home insurance. That said, if you live in a gated community or another kind of private neighborhood, you may be required to have insurance as per your HOA or community association to keep your individual property protected. Likewise, if you own a condo, your condo association may ask that you carry insurance (though it should be noted that condo insurance is a separate kind of coverage from homeowners’ insurance). 

If none of that applies and you’re still not sure if you need home insurance, it’s worth considering what you’ll do in the event of an unexpected damaging event. If you end up losing a lot in a disaster, theft, or accident, are you able to pay for the damages out of your own pocket? The truth is that it can be practically impossible to predict just how much a damaging event could cost you. Having a good home insurance policy ensures that you won’t be held responsible for paying everything out of your own personal finances. 

Have questions about home insurance and whether it’s the right choice for you? Our experienced agents at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. in Negaunee, MI are local homeowners too and are ready to help. Please shoot us a message or give us a call today to get in touch!

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