What Michigan residents need to know about home insurance reform

If you live in the greater Rochester Hills, MI area, you may be wondering about home insurance reform. The team here at Guy Hurley McNeil is here to answer your questions and address the concerns that you may have. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more about our area’s home insurance options.

Home insurance reform

After the state passed auto insurance reform measures, many Michigan residents wondered if there would soon be changes coming to home insurance. As of the writing of this article, there have been no such measures taken. This is an area that many people are paying attention to, and there is no doubt that if it does become an issue, there will be plenty of press coverage. 

While we await home insurance reform, it is a great opportunity for residents to take a closer look at their current policies. Many home prices in our area have increased significantly in recent years, and it’s vital that your homeowner’s policy also keeps pace with those increases.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a review of your insurance portfolio, now is a perfect time. Our insurance needs can change, and we often don’t address those changes immediately. If we wait too long to make adjustments, we may end up with gaps in our insurance protection. Why not take the time now to ensure that all of your ducks are in a row?

We are here for you!

The community of Rochester Hills, MI can count on Guy Hurley McNeil as its insurance resource. We are here for you, whatever you need! When it comes to insurance, you can count on us. Call or stop by our office today.

What Michigan residents need to know about home insurance reform

Rochester Hills, MI area residents may be familiar with all of the recent changes due to auto insurance reform. These policies were enacted in 2020 after being introduced in 2019. These reforms have gotten a lot of people wondering if other insurance reforms may occur in the future. The team at Guy Hurley McNeil is staying on top of the situation to keep our clients informed.

Home insurance reform

Presently, there are no home insurance reform measures in place. Of course, we all know that this can change in the future, but there is nothing active at this article’s publication.

If you are concerned about insurance reform and how it could impact you and your current policies, we are here to tell you not to worry. When it comes to governmental change, these things take time. You will surely hear about any attempts at reform long before they become enacted into law.

There is always a time for discussion after reform is introduced, and those talks usually receive a lot of attention. If you are worried, there’s no need to be, as any change that does occur will take time. And, even after reform is introduced, discussed, and becomes law, the changes will not be immediate. 

Any change voted into law will not be enacted until a future period, and the public will be given plenty of notice. 

Give us a call today!

Guy Hurley McNeil is here to provide the greater Rochester Hills, MI area with the insurance guidance it needs. If you have any questions or concerns about insurance, give us a call or stop by our office today. We are here to help you!

This is How Michigan Auto Insurance Reform Affects Motorists

If you are a motorist in Michigan or any other state, you need to stay in touch with the state requirements to ensure you don’t fall on the wrong side of the law. In Michigan, for instance, there was an update of car insurance laws in 2020 that you need to know about. At Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI, we take a deep dive to help you understand how the reforms affect you.

Michigan auto insurance reform

Until 2020, the Michigan law required motorists to purchase unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage gave the injured optimal protection by covering medical expenses, partial wages lost, and final costs.

While this coverage favored the victims, it had its downside. The insurance companies faced expensive claims, fraud, and legal suits from medical providers. Insurance companies raised car insurance rates to ensure that their costs were covered, making Michigan one of the most expensive states to insure vehicles.

After long debates between drivers and lawmakers on reducing car insurance rates, change finally came on July 2, 2020. Here are some of the reforms introduced:

  • There were new PIP insurance coverage options — motorists could either keep the unlimited PIP coverages or opt for lower coverages with greater discounts.
  • Increased liability coverage — previously, drivers needed to maintain a minimum of $20,000 for one person killed and twice the amount for multiple persons killed in a road accident. Today, motorists must carry $250,000 for one person killed and twice the amount for multiple persons. However, drivers can apply to reduce the amounts to $50,000 and $100,000, respectively.

If you need to learn more about Michigan car insurance in Rochester Hills, MI, don’t hesitate to contact Guy Hurley McNeil for more information. Our work is not to sell you coverages only. We educate you about the policy you are interested in so that you can have sufficient information to make an informed decision.

 

Is homeowner’s insurance reform relevant to MI residents?

Residents in the greater Rochester Hills, MI area may have heard some recent rumblings about home insurance reform. While this is not happening now, you can rely on Guy Hurley McNeil to pass on any pertinent information if these changes do occur.

Is home insurance reform happening in MI?

Some states are beginning to pass home insurance reforms. These changes are similar in nature to the auto insurance changes that went into effect in 2020. At this time, there is no homeowner insurance reform happening in Michigan. We advise all of our clients to keep in touch throughout the year. If you are speaking to your agent on a regular basis, likely at renewal time, you will stay informed of any relevant changes or reforms that may occur.

Our team prides itself on staying up-to-date on all of the insurance reforms and changes that affect our clients. If there is any reform that occurs in MI, it will likely take some time to pass the legislation. And, once the measures cross this hurdle, it would take some time for the measures to be enacted.

The short answer is that there are no reforms to home insurance happening right now in the state. This does not mean that these changes can’t happen in the future. Maintaining communication with your insurance agent can help you stay on top of the information that you need to know. Count on us for all of your insurance needs.

We are here to answer all of your insurance questions!

If you are a resident of Rochester Hills, MI or the surrounding area, you can count on Guy Hurley McNeil for all of your insurance needs. We are here to answer any questions that you may have. Give us a call today!

Why You Need an Updated Home Inventory

If you haven’t taken a look at your home inventory recently, here’s your reminder to update it today. A good home inventory is a complete account of all your possessions, with a visual record, description, receipts or appraisals of worth, and necessary details like serial numbers, make, model, and other relevant information.  This task is easy to overlook but a vital one for a few reasons.

Protect Your Assets

You can’t protect what you aren’t aware you have. An updated home inventory allows you to make a knowledgeable assessment of how much your property is worth. You can make adjustments to your insurance and talk to your agent about additional coverage for items of particular worth if you have a solid understanding of the value of your property. The only way you can do that is to keep an up-to-date list of your possessions. 

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If you need to make a claim, not having an updated home inventory could cost you money. You don’t want to rely on your memory after a loss to determine what you had. Nor is that the time you want to be scrambling to find proof of what you owned and what it was worth. An updated inventory makes the claims process easier, faster, and ensures you’ll get all the money you deserve. 

Sufficient Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

It’s easier to do now than it’s ever been before. Cell phones make documenting your items a breeze with a built-in high-quality camera and free and simple apps designed to help you create, maintain, and easily update a home inventory. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your inventory is secure and stored remotely. If you are in Rochester Hills, MI and ready to go over your newly updated list, call or stop by Guy Hurley McNeil today and we can help ensure your homeowner’s policy meets your needs.

Michigan Auto Insurance: What No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Means

Michigan no-fault auto insurance reform is confusing a lot of Michigan drivers. These are changes to auto insurance laws that every driver should be aware of so that you can get the best coverage for your needs.

At Guy Hurley McNeil, we can help Rochester Hills, MI drivers to decode Michigan no-fault auto insurance reform so that you can keep your coverage up to date. 

Follow this guide for some tips on what Michigan no-fault auto insurance reform means.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP coverage is the coverage you get for damages after an accident that goes beyond medical and includes lost wages and pain and suffering. Unlimited PIP insurance is no longer available. 

There are coverage selections for drivers on Medicaid, and not on Medicaid. If you have Medicare, you can now choose to opt out of PIP protection.

Attendant Care

Auto insurance companies will no longer offer attendant care for more than 56 hours weekly. If you are in an accident and require home care afterwards, you will not get coverage for family-provided care for more than 56 hours a week. 

If the care is provided by a nurse or practitioner, this does not apply.

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA)

Reform here indicates that the MCCA will continue paying for the health care costs of accident victims in a catastrophic accident, but only if you selected unlimited no-fault PIP medical coverage.

Bodily Injury Liability

This reform has increased the limits on bodily injury liability.  You will be permitted to purchase lower limits of bodily injury liability for third party car insurance.

Get Help Understanding Changes

These are just a few of the changes that have come to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance reform. We can help you understand them all. At Guy Hurley McNeil, we want Rochester Hills, MI drivers to have the coverage they need, without paying too much. Call us for a quote today.

Michigan Homeowner’s Guide to Insurance Reform

With recent changes to auto insurance for Rochester Hills, MI residents and our neighbors around the state, you might be wondering if any potential changes are on the horizon for other important policies like your homeowners’ insurance policy.

When to Worry about Insurance Reform

At Guy Hurley McNeil, we think it’s always a great time to learn more about insurance, but there is a limit to how much information will impact the average person’s experience with insurance. As long as you know your current policy – especially its renewal date – you should be fine. The amount of time between renewals will be different between providers and policies, but it’s usually 12 months. A little before your renewal is the best time to check in with your insurance provider. The provider may contact you about changes that would affect your plan or reminders about your renewal before then, and you can contact them if you have additional questions or just forgot something.

That said, the most impactful policies will likely be in the news while they’re still in the formulating process, and the actual implementation may take a year or more. For example, the auto insurance reform was signed in May of 2019 and took effect in June of 2020. If someone had no other outside contact except to check on their insurance around its renewal dates, they would have found out about the upcoming changes.

The best way to alleviate your worries is by having a quality provider for your insurance. The people of Rochester Hills, MI and the surrounding Metro-Detroit area can count on Guy Hurley McNeil to help you find one.

How Are Consumers Protected Under the Auto Insurance Reformed Plans in Rochester Hills, MI?

Governor Whitmer changed the way auto insurance is practiced in the state of Michigan in an unprecedented way. Anyone purchasing an auto insurance policy after July 2020 will benefit from maintaining the best coverage options at a lower cost and enjoy unparalleled consumer protections. Guy Hurley McNeil has analyzed the changes and presents the following summary of the benefits.

1. The what that insurance companies set their rates has changed.

Insurance companies can no longer count applicants’ sex, marital status, and what zip code they reside in to set the insurance rates. Other non-driving factors that no longer apply are the applicant’s education, occupation, and credit score.

2. A new Fraud Investigation Unit was established to reduce insurance fraud.

Fraudulent insurance claims drive up the premiums for everyone. The Fraud Investigation Unit will work with law enforcement to deter anyone from submitting fraudulent claims, thereby reducing fraudulent claims burden on the system.

3. Consumer’s who lapsed their policies will not be penalized.

The new law prohibits insurers from charging reinstatement fees or increase premiums because the driver did not pay their insurance premium for a period of time. This amnesty needs to be redeemed by applying for insurance coverage before January 1, 2022.

4. Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) needs to approve insurer’s rates.

Before an insurance company sets new rates and policies that will be charged to the consumers, they need to obtain approval from DIFS.

5. Increased Fines and Penalties.

The reformed plan sets much higher fines for insurance companies and their agents if they violate the law in any way.

If you are about to purchase a new auto insurance policy, chat the Guy Hurley McNeil in Rochester Hills, MI, and let him help you choose the policy that regards all the above benefits and provides the most value to your unique circumstances.

3 Reasons Why You Should Prioritize Home Insurance in 2021

Most people brush off the importance of having a homeowner’s insurance policy, but if you want to protect your home against damages, be wise and get it. Homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for hazards and perils, including vandalism, fire, theft, riots, windstorm, and hail’s property damage. If you are in Rochester Hills MI, Guy Hurley McNeil Agency provides a range of coverage options for homeowner’s insurance.

Reasons Why You Should Get Home Insurance in 2021

Insuring your home from damages is essential to protect you from financial strain and the emotional impact of damages that need expensive repairs and to add value to your home. The following are reasons why you need to prioritize home insurance in 2021.

Emergencies Are Hard To Plan For

Home insurance protects your home from damages caused by natural disasters like cyclones, tornados, fires, or hurricanes. If any of this happens, or you get robbed, you need insurance to help with reimbursement for damages. Emergencies are unforeseen, so it’s best to be prepared and invest in protecting your home and hard-earned assets.

Repairs are Costly

In the event of a fire to your home, the repairs needed could be very costly. Home insurance helps cover personal liabilities, property damage, medical expenses, and additional living expenses. If your home is inhabitable due to damages from a covered loss, you get reimbursement for additional living costs.

For Peace of Mind

Home insurance is a crucial expense that offers you peace of mind knowing that you are ready for whatever disaster might strike your home. It is a proactive way to protect your home from unforeseen calamities and uncertainties that cause financial strains.

Some things are beyond your control as a homeowner, so give your home the protection it needs with homeowner’s insurance. If you are looking for a home insurance policy in Rochester Hills, MI, contact Guy Hurley McNeil Agency Inc. for affordable quotes or call for consultation on the different types of policies.

What was included with the auto insurance reform in Michigan?

Those that are in the Rochester Hills, MI area are going to want to own a car to get around the area. This typically also requires that you have auto insurance. When looking for a new auto insurance plan here, it is important to consider the recent Michigan auto insurance reform. This reform included notable changes to law and coverage options in the state.

Prior Personal Injury Protection Requirements

Similar to other states, those that want to drive a car in Michigan need to have liability insurance. This state also included a requirement to have Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, the coverage that ultimately provides unlimited insurance coverage if someone is injured in an accident. While this provides great coverage, it can also be expensive to have as there is ultimately not a cap on what coverage can be provided in a bad accident. This has made auto coverage expensive for many drivers.

Reformed Personal Injury Protection

A big change with the Michigan insurance law is that there are now insurance policy caps when it comes to PIP. When a car owner has selected a new policy, there will have several PIP insurance caps to choose from and the legal requirement for coverage has been lowered considerably. Those that are going to build a new plan will be able to choose a PIP that provides them with comfort and allows for premiums that fit within their budget.

If you would like to get an auto insurance plan in the Rochester Hills, MI area, it would be a good idea for you to work with Guy Hurley McNeil. The team with Guy Hurley McNeil understands the laws around auto insurance in Michigan and can help to explain to you how insurance reform impacts your requirements and help you build an ideal plan.