Category: Home Insurance

Here at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc., we want our clients to get full benefit from the coverage they purchase for their family and property in Negaunee, MI. Documenting through photos, video, appraisal, inspection reports, and similar methods can help if the need for a claim arises. You’ll be able to present the documentation for comparison with the current state of the item or property, showing changes in its condition. We can help you determine what kinds of documentation are appropriate for use with your insurance company and assist in presenting it to them in case of a claim.

Coverage Considerations from Documentation

When you have parts of your property inspected as part of insurance documentation, you may find that it’s better to adjust your insurance coverage because of the cost of repair or replacement in case of claims. The professional providing an inspection or appraisal may note that the value has also increased, and your coverage should be adjusted appropriately. With the dynamic nature of insurance coverage, this also reminds our U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. customers in Negaunee, MI that documentation shouldn’t just be decade-old papers in a file cabinet somewhere. They should be updated regularly and possibly reviewed with your insurance professional.

What If You Don’t Have Documentation?

If you don’t keep documentation for property involved in a claim, get creative. You may find snapshots that contain pictures of the item that are helpful in the claims process. Professional photographers offer services for photo and video documentation of your valuables, your home, vehicles, and other coverage items or properties. Don’t forget to ask our insurance professionals about special coverage for particularly valuable items like heirlooms. We can help you make the most of your important insurance coverage!

If you live in an area prone to storms like Negaunee, MI, it is important that you take steps to protect your home.

Below are some tips from the team at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. on how to prepare your home for a storm.

Prepare your home for a storm

1. Make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly. This will help keep water from getting into your house, as well as help prevent debris from entering during high winds.

2. Clear away any loose items from around the outside of the house such as garbage cans, potted plants, and furniture. These items can be picked up by strong winds and can cause damage to your property or even injure someone if left unattended.

3. Check your roof for any missing or damaged shingles and make repairs if necessary. This will help protect your home from potential water damage.

4. Trim any trees or bushes near your house that could be at risk of falling in strong winds.

5. Have an emergency kit prepared with essential items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and drinking water. You should also make sure you have extra food on hand and that your phone is fully charged in the event of a power outage.

6. Make sure all family members know what to do in the case of an emergency, including where to go for shelter, who to contact for help, and what supplies to take with them if evacuating.

7. Prepare important documents such as birth certificates, passports, wills, and insurance policies in the event that they get damaged or lost. These should be stored in a waterproof container or bag.

Get Home Insurance Today

For more tips, give us at U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. a call today. We proudly serve the Negaunee, MI area. 

Home insurance in Negaunee, MI is not mandatory, but a mortgage lender may require you to invest in home insurance. However, whether home insurance is compulsory, every homeowner should invest in this coverage to protect your home from unexpected calamities. Most homeowners do not have money at hand to repair or replace their homes after damages. For this reason, a solidified home insurance policy from U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. is paramount to protect your investment. While home insurance isn’t mandatory, here is why every homeowner should have this coverage:  

• Provides liability protection: Home insurance safeguards the policyholder and the loved ones from exorbitant lawsuits emanating from third parties, accusing them of bodily injury or property damage. This policy also kicks in and caters to medical expenses incurred by third parties who sustain injuries in your residence.
• Asset protection: Your house is one of the most prominent investments you will ever acquire. As such, it requires solidified protection with home insurance. Home insurance compensates you when your house is damaged or needs replacement.
• Instills peace of mind: Your dream house is one of the things dear to your heart. You have also invested in furniture and other home appliances to make your home beautiful and comfortable. With this in mind, financial stress resulting from loss or damage to your home can be detrimental. Home insurance protects the insured from such fears.
• Provides additional living expenses: If a covered peril renders your home unlivable, home insurance can step in by covering additional living expenses until your home is repaired.  

Are you looking for tailor-made home insurance coverage in Negaunee, MI? You can always count on  U.P. Insurance Agency Inc. for all your home insurance needs. Get in touch with us today, and we will help you choose a suitable home insurance policy that suits your budget and other needs.

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.

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!