Can Auto Insurance Cover Upgrades?

There are many reasons why someone may consider getting auto insurance with our team of insurance professionals at Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI. Some of the catalysts behind getting auto insurance may be for practical purposes like protecting yourself against liability in the event of an automobile accident where you are found at fault or covering expenses related to the theft of the vehicle. Other factors may be more cosmetic or frivolous desires that lead you to look into auto insurance.

Although every insurance policy has terms and conditions that vary, car coverage tends to have some standards that make it easier to predict what may or may not be covered by a policy. For more specialized information, you should always speak with an insurance agent at our agency about your policy. If your policy doesn’t provide what you want or need, you can discuss how other policies may be a better fit for you with our qualified professionals.

Can Auto Insurance Cover Upgrades?

If you’ve recently experienced a car accident, it can be a headache to sort through everything that you need to accomplish and consider. After your car has been through the wringer, you might wonder if you can use your insurance to cover not only repairs but also fashionable upgrades that would enhance the performance or appeal of your vehicle. Although some insurance policies may offer coverage for upgrading your vehicle, many policies will only cover necessary repairs related to qualifying events like an accident. Even if your car has seen better days aesthetically, a car insurance policy is unlikely to cover purely cosmetic changes unless you have specialized custom coverage.

To discover how our policies can protect your car, call our office at Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI today!

Options you can add to a basic auto policy

Basic auto insurance is determined by what state you live in. It is mandated coverage that every driver must have. At Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI, we are here to ensure you understand the complicated new laws governing no fault in Michigan. We are independent insurance agents and can offer you more choices and better rates. 

Liability coverage

Liability coverage is insurance that protects other drivers from the results of an accident that you cause. It provides medical care if other drivers or passengers are injured and money to repair their vehicle. 

Collision

Collision coverage protects your vehicle from an accident that you cause. It also gives you coverage for hit-and-run damage to your car. It will help to pay to repair or replace your vehicle once the deductible is paid. 

Underinsured and uninsured drivers

You should carry underinsured or uninsured coverage to protect your car from irresponsible drivers.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage covers many of the other things that can damage your vehicle. It covers weather events like high winds, hail, or floods. It covers theft, vandalism, and a collision with a large animal like a deer. 

Gap coverage

If you have a new vehicle, gap coverage is a must if you have a car loan. You don’t want to end up owing money on your vehicle after the insurance company pays you the value of your car. 

Rental car 

It would be best if you had something to drive when your vehicle is damaged and getting repaired. If you have this coverage, it allows you to get a rental car so that you won’t be stranded. 

Roadside assistance

No one wants to be stuck in a broken-down vehicle, and this insurance will allow you to call for help and be covered. 

Contact our team at Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI if you need information about auto insurance. 

Things you should always have in your vehicle

Driving opens up a whole world of adventure. Driving to work can be an adventure, depending on where you live. Every vehicle should have some things to ensure that you have a good adventure, not a bad one. At Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI, we ensure that you have the right insurance for your vehicle. With more than 20 years in business, our team of independent agents can answer all of your auto questions. 

Documents to have in your vehicle

You should carry your vehicle registration in your glove box or a holder on your sun visor. If you get stopped by the police, you will be asked to produce your registration. They will also want to see your insurance card. Always carry your driver’s license with you when you are driving.

Emergency kit

An emergency kit is a must in your vehicle. It should have jumper cables, flashers, and a can of "fix a flat." Having a portable car charger like a Halo is a good idea. Some of the Halo units also have an inflator for tires. 

Spare tire

Your vehicle should have a spare tire. It is vital that you know where it is stored and how to get it out. Most likely, it is a donut, and you also need a tire jack. 

Other important things to have

Depending on where you live, and the time of year, it is good to have a blanket in your vehicle to keep warm if you break down in the winter. Having a couple of water bottles will come in very handy, and a flashlight. Including some snacks, which you replenish frequently, is a good idea. 

Contact Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI for all your auto insurance needs. 

What types of auto policies are there?

Luft Insurance Agency serving Escanaba, MI wants you to understand auto insurance’s versatility and customizable nature. You can choose to purchase just that state minimum liability and property damage levels, but that provides only protection for the other drivers on the road.

  • Your liability policy pays for the medical bills of the other individuals harmed in the accident if you caused it.
  • Your property damage policy pays for the damage you cause to another individual’s vehicle or other property, such as their home or fence, etc.
  • You can add comprehensive coverage to pay for damage to your own vehicle caused by anything that is not a collision. That includes hail damage, falling branches, fire, wind damage, etc.
  • You can also add collision coverage to pay for damage to your own vehicle caused by any collision. Whether you hit another car or a deer runs out in front of you, this policy covers the repairs to your vehicle.
  • Add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to provide medical coverage for yourself and your passengers when you cause an accident when involved in a single-vehicle accident, or the driver who is at fault does not have insurance.
  • You can also add roadside assistance to auto insurance that pays for your tow truck or tire change, regardless of your location.

Contact Luft Insurance Agency serving Escanaba, MI today to learn about the many types of auto insurance policies you can purchase. You can include any or all of the policy types in your state minimum insurance. We can help you customize a policy to meet your exact needs and help you amend it when your needs change.

When should I review my auto policy

Your auto policy renews either every six months or yearly. About a month before your insurance is due to renew, you will get a letter from your insurance company. It has a declaration page as well as your new insurance cards. You will be told what your new rates will be. Many policies automatically renew, which may mean that you won’t pay attention to the declaration you get. This is convenient, but it may not be in your best financial interest. With almost 20 years of experience, Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI has lots of information to share with its customers. 

Review your policy when you add or subtract a vehicle

Adding or subtracting a vehicle to your auto policy will cause a change in your premium. You will get a new declaration page, and it is important you look at the figures and makes sure they make sense. Some carriers give a multi-vehicle discount. You also need to check the coverage included for each vehicle. 

Review when you add or remove a driver

It is always good to review your policy when you add or subtract a driver. Some drivers are at higher risk than others, and you need to discuss this with your agent. You may need to consider other carriers to get the best rate. 

When your income goes up

Part of your auto insurance is liability coverage. This is the coverage required by most states, and if you’ve had your policy for a while and you purchased what you were required to have, it may be time to update your coverage to more appropriate limits. 

Reviewing your auto insurance is an important thing to do. At Luft Insurance Agency in Escanaba, MI, we recommend a yearly review. Please stop in or give us a call so we can review your auto insurance policy with you.

Three Tips for Putting My Car in Storage

If you are going to put your vehicle in storage, there are a few things you should remember. In Escanaba, MI, the agents of Luft Insurance Agency can assist you by giving you some helpful tips that will keep your care secure and in good condition. Even though your car won’t be out on the road, you will still need to take steps to protect it.

Check Your Engine

Change your oil and check your engine. Make sure all of the fluids are topped off and that everything is in good working order. This will ensure that when you pull it out of storage, it will be road-ready and set for travel.

Keep It Clean

Take your car through the car wash and wipe down the interior. Remove any trash or debris and make sure that all of the compartments are empty. For an added touch, put a new air freshener in it so that it smells clean and fresh when you take it out of storage.

Maintain Your Insurance

Even though you may not be driving your car for a few months, it’s important to keep your vehicle insured. This will cover any damage that may occur while it is in storage.

Agents at Luft Insurance Agency understand how important your vehicle is to you. Winters in Escanaba, MI can be harsh, so putting your vehicle in storage is just one way you can protect it from the elements. Call and speak to one of the agents today and find out what type of policies are available if you plan on putting one or more of your vehicles in storage. They have the answers to all of your questions!

Getting married? It’s time to update your auto policy

Getting married is an exciting event, and your wedding day will become one of your most treasured memories! But what happens after the honeymoon? There will be logistical changes to make as you combine two households into one. Many people overlook the need to review all of their and their spouse’s insurance policies to make sure that they make sense post-marriage. At the Luft Insurance Agency, we are here to answer all of your questions and help you update any policies as necessary as you begin your life in the Escanaba, MI area.

Your auto policy may need updating now that you’re married

Will you and your spouse keep both of your cars after you’re married, or will you consolidate to one? Other questions will need to be answered when it comes to your auto insurance policy. Now that you are a part of a two or more car household, your insurance needs will change. There are a lot of benefits to updating your insurance policy now that your possessions are combined. You and your spouse will need to make decisions about the agency and company that writes your insurance. You will also want to have a comprehensive review of your policies and determine the advantages of combing your policies into one.  

Creating a life together includes joining your insurance policies. It is important that you make time to sit down and review all of your insurance needs to ensure that you have the coverage that makes sense for your new life.

Is it time for you to take a closer look at your insurance portfolio now that you are married? Call or stop by the Escanaba, MI office of Luft Insurance Agency today and find out more about your current policy options!