In Michigan, liability insurance, or basic auto insurance, is required by law for all drivers. If you’re interested in securing the best possible protection for whenever you’re on the road, understanding how to choose between comprehensive and collision auto insurance is essential. For those living in Rochester Hills, MI, Guy Hurley McNeil is here to help you better understand the distinctions between collision and comprehensive auto insurance plans in Michigan.

Collision Insurance in Michigan

In Michigan, collision insurance provides the following protections and coverage:

• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Damage from a single-vehicle accident is covered.
• Vehicle Collisions: In Michigan, collision coverage covers collisions with other vehicles and objects (such as trees or guardrails).

Advantages of collision insurance in Michigan include:

• High-Value Vehicle Protection: This is ideal for newer vehicles that may be more expensive to repair or find suitable replacement parts for existing damage.
• Focused Protection: Specific protection for collisions can help you maintain peace of mind whenever you’re involved.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance in Michigan

Comprehensive auto insurance in Michigan offers coverage for the following:

• Weather-Related Damage: Damage from storms, windstorms, floods, and lightning is covered.
• Theft: Theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief are covered.
• Animal Collisions: Collisions with an animal may be covered with a more comprehensive plan.
• Glass Damage: Windshield damage or glass cracks may be covered.

Advantages of comprehensive auto coverage in Michigan:

• Broader Protection: Comprehensive insurance expands traditional auto insurance protection to defend against a range of risks that may not even be related to driving.

If you’re living in Michigan and need a new auto insurance plan or policy, Guy Hurley McNeil can help. To learn more about the differences between comprehensive and collision auto insurance in Rochester Hills, MI, contact Guy Hurley McNeil today.

Many of us in the Rochester Hills, MI, area have experienced that unsettling sound of a stone hitting our windshield as we travel down the highway. It can take a minute or two to process the event, and then we usually go on an immediate search to see if there was any damage.

At Guy Hurley McNeil, we frequently get calls asking who is responsible if a windshield gets damaged while traveling. The answer is that it will likely fall on you. Here’s why.

Proving fault is difficult.

When a stone or pebble gets kicked up on a freeway, it can be hard to determine what caused it. Even if you see a potentially liable vehicle, it can be challenging to prove blame.

You will likely need to pay your deductible.

While some states have a zero deductible for windshield repair or replacement, Michigan is not one of them. If you incur windshield damage, you will, at the minimum, be responsible for your deductible. In many cases, that deductible will cover the cost of repair or replacement. A claim would not likely result in a monetary reimbursement under normal circumstances.

Would a glass damage claim impact insurance rates?

It is not likely any glass damage claims would increase your auto insurance rates in Michigan. Many glass damage claims remain unreported.

The bottom line.

If you have windshield damage that will cost $700 to repair and you have a $1000 deductible, you will ultimately pay for the full cost of replacement. This is one of the downsides of increasing the deductible to save on monthly car insurance premiums.

Get a quote today.

If you live in the Rochester Hills, MI, area and have questions about car insurance, your specific coverage, or how you may be able to improve your protection, we invite you to contact us at Guy Hurley McNeil. We want you to feel comfortable about your coverage and what you pay. Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation auto insurance review and price quote today.

Car insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection should you be involved in a vehicular accident. Here are some guidelines to help you calculate the amount of coverage you need.

Reflect on Past Incidents

Reviewing past incidents that required out-of-pocket expenditure is an excellent place to begin. If you currently only have liability coverage, for example, you might have been liable for the costs associated with vehicle repairs. Upscaling the type of coverage may cover expenses arising from an accident that is your fault.

Consider Car Value

Take into account the value of your car. Naturally, if your vehicle is expensive, increasing the amount of coverage would be advisable. Make sure to reassess your coverage needs each time you replace or upgrade your vehicle.

Your Net Worth

Calculate your net worth. This is a critical factor to consider when determining the coverage amount. Your policy should not only provide adequate coverage but also comfortably fit within your budget.

Special Circumstances

Consider specific circumstances that may warrant extra insurance coverage. Add-on insurance products offer an additional layer of protection. For instance, an add-on insurance product might be beneficial if you frequently tow other vehicles.

A wide choice of add-on products is available. These insurance features are optional, allowing you to pick what best suits your needs based on your driving patterns.

Consult with Guy Hurley McNeil Insurance

Schedule an appointment with one of our proficient Guy Hurley McNeil insurance agents. An agent serving Rochester Hills, MI, will provide you with a customized automotive insurance policy tailored to your specific needs.

When you own a vehicle, you are required to have an auto insurance policy for it. It’s never a good idea to try to go without this insurance. This will put you in danger of fines and fees and make you vulnerable to the high cost of accidents. Different kinds of coverage can be included in auto insurance policies. Here are three of the types that policies should have to keep you protected. When you need auto insurance, call us at Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI, to get started. 

Liability Coverage 

Every auto policy needs to have two types of liability coverage. Both are required in Michigan. Your auto policy should have both property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. Each of these protects against different costs you may be responsible for. When you have property damage liability, this pays for the cost of repairs to the other vehicle involved in the accident. The bodily injury coverage pays for the other party’s medical bills when they are injured in an accident with your vehicle. 

Collision Coverage

When you have collision coverage, it protects you against damage to your own property. When you’re in an accident, this coverage can pay for the repairs you need for your vehicle when you’re at fault for the accident. This is important to have with the high cost of repairs today. 

Comprehensive Coverage

This protects you against the many dangers of your vehicle when it isn’t being driven. Many things can happen to a car; you can protect against them with this type of coverage. 

Get Auto Insurance in Rochester Hills, MI

If you don’t have the needed coverage, now’s the time to get it. Call us at Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI.

Auto insurance companies use various information sources to determine the risk they take when insuring an individual or family. Some information is the applicant’s demographic characteristics, previous driving and accident history, vehicles, and other factors. The information is used in formulas to determine the premium required to insure the applicant or others like them profitably. Guy Hurley McNeil, serving the Rochester Hills, MI area, is here to help you understand and acquire the insurance coverage that will best protect you and your family.

Auto Insurance Risk Factors

Auto insurance companies have decades of information on driver profiles, accident histories, claim volumes, and the money paid in claims. That information helps them understand how accidents and claims vary by age, gender, marital status, and similar applicant characteristics. While the insurance company cannot know how safe a specific 16-year-old driver will be, history tells them that new drivers experience more accidents than experienced drivers, so all else equal, younger drivers have higher premiums.

Besides demographic characteristics, previous accidents, traffic tickets, and other driver record elements influence the risk calculation. Likewise, the vehicle’s value, safety equipment, and performance characteristics affect the likelihood of accidents and the cost of repairs if one occurs. Of course, the coverage limits and deductibles an applicant chooses also affect the expected risk.

An emerging trend for assessing and incorporating risk is usage-based insurance (UBI). UBI uses vehicle telematics to track driving habits, such as speeding, hard braking, and miles driven, with premiums adjusted based on the risks posed by such driving.

Working With Guy Hurley McNeil

Our team at Guy Hurley McNeil serves the Rochester Hills, MI area and will happily answer your insurance questions and prepare a policy to meet your needs best. Call or stop in to see us today.

Our agents at the Guy Hurley McNeil Insurance Agency, serving the Rochester Hills, MI area, want you to know that auto insurance is required in Michigan.

Auto Liability Insurance

All drivers in the state of Michigan must have at least an auto liability insurance policy. If you drive a vehicle, you better have auto liability insurance if you are pulled over or involved in an accident. The reason for this is to protect you and the other driver if you cause an accident and the other driver or their passengers suffer injuries or property damage. While auto liability insurance coverage is required, there are several different auto insurance options you can choose from to add to your policy.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive insurance is a wonderful policy to have in place. This is because it will help you financially if your vehicle is destroyed or damaged by a tornado or some other natural disaster. It will also help you cover expenses if your car catches on fire or someone vandalizes it. If you walk outside to get in your vehicle and it’s gone because somebody stole it, your comprehensive insurance policy will help you replace it.

Collision Insurance Coverage

Collision insurance is also important. This is because at any time, while you’re driving on the road, you could collide with another vehicle or some sort of object, such as a pole or sign. If this happens, this part of your policy will help you repair your vehicle.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

You never know when you will become involved in an accident, and the other driver may not have enough insurance to cover your injuries or property damage. This is the reason it’s a good idea to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to make up for the lack of insurance on the other person’s part.

Contact Guy Hurley McNeil Insurance Agency

There are other types of auto insurance coverage that our agents at the Guy Hurley McNeil Insurance Agency, serving the Rochester Hills, MI area, can help you choose from, along with the main ones listed above. Call today for an appointment and get your policy started!

Defensive driving is one of the best ways to avoid accidents. By cultivating safe driving habits, you protect yourself and other drivers on the road. The following safe driving habits compiled by Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI can make driving a safer, more pleasant experience for everyone.

Focus on Driving

When you’re on the road, focus on driving. Don’t let your mind wander or get distracted by phone calls, music on your stereo, or conversations in the car. Keep your eyes on the road and your mind on getting to your destination safely.

Respect Speed Limits

Respecting speed limits enhances safety for you and those around you. Adjust your speed accordingly during rush hour or adverse weather to avoid accidents. Also, use extreme caution in school zones or residential areas.

Stay Calm

Stay calm when you’re late for work and caught in a traffic jam. When the driver in front of you cuts you off, stay calm. Getting angry only provokes other drivers and increases your risk of accidents.

Check Blind Spots

Before changing lanes or passing other vehicles, check your blind spots. Looking in your rearview mirror isn’t enough – also look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before shifting over.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Have your car maintained regularly to ensure it’s roadworthy. Remember that faulty brakes, worn tires, and defective windshield wipers can cause serious accidents.

Pull Over When You’re Tired  

If you’re feeling drowsy, find a safe place to stop and take a break from driving. Driving when you’re tired is a recipe for disaster.

Keep Your Auto Insurance Current

Ensure your auto coverage is current, relevant, and meets the legal requirements for Michigan drivers. For help obtaining quality auto insurance coverage, contact Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI.

Staying safe out on the road involves more than having an excellent insurance policy. The insurance professionals with Guy Hurley McNeil want to help you stay safe on the streets in Rochester Hills, MI, and the surrounding areas. Keep reading to learn more about how brake maintenance affects your vehicle safety. 

Is It Time For Brake Maintenance?

Several signs will alert you that your brakes need servicing. One of the most obvious signs is that the brakes will start squeaking and making noise when you try to brake. This is caused by the material on the brake pads breaking down. When this happens, the metal is scraping against the metal. This creates an unsafe braking situation. 

Another sign is that you will have prolonged braking times. If you need to brake further back, it could mean your brakes need repair. 

What Are The Risks?

The most dangerous risk to avoiding brake maintenance is that you will not be able to stop in time when you need to. This can put you in a lot of danger. It would be best to have plenty of reaction time when braking on the roads. If you come upon a person, animal, or object in the roadway, you will need this quick braking. The worse your brakes are, the slower the reaction time will be in this type of situation. 

Who Should Work On Brakes?

Having a professional mechanic work on your brakes is always a good idea. This will ensure the job is done right and safely. 

If you would like to learn about auto insurance, don’t hesitate to contact Guy Hurley McNeil serving Rochester Hills, MI, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you today.