Auto, Home & Insurance FAQs

When shopping for auto insurance, understanding the discounts available can help you save significantly on your premium. Auto insurance companies offer a variety of discounts, though the specific options may vary depending on the insurer. Some discounts are...

Is homeowners insurance required? Homeowners insurance is a topic that often raises questions, particularly regarding its necessity. Whether or not it’s required can depend on your specific situation. If you own your home outright, without any liens or mortgages, you...

Accident forgiveness is a feature offered by some auto insurance companies that may sound like a safety net for frequent accidents, but it comes with limitations. Generally, accident forgiveness applies to one accident every three to five years, not multiple claims in...

When choosing liability coverage for your homeowner’s insurance, it’s important to consider what amount is reasonable for your specific needs. Liability coverage helps protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you are legally responsible for damages....

When it comes to homeowners insurance, "Actual Cash Value" (ACV) is a key term that helps determine how much you would receive in the event of a claim. ACV refers to the value of your home or personal property at the time of the loss, accounting for depreciation due...

When it comes to homeowner's insurance, many people wonder whether dog bites are covered under their policy. Generally, homeowner's insurance does provide coverage for dog bites, unless specifically excluded by the policy. However, insurance companies often have...

Understanding service line coverage in homeowners insurance is essential for protecting yourself from potentially significant expenses. Service lines are the underground pipes and wiring that connect your home to the public utility services, such as water, sewer, and...

When it comes to insurance, understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost is crucial for making informed decisions about your coverage. Market value, also known as actual cash value, is essentially what your property is worth on the open...

Understanding when you can opt out of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto insurance is essential for managing your insurance costs effectively. In Michigan, the option to opt out of PIP coverage is available if you have a qualified health coverage...

Understanding when you can opt-out of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is crucial for managing your auto insurance effectively in Michigan. PIP is designed to cover medical expenses and other costs related to injuries from auto accidents, but there are...

When purchasing auto insurance, it's essential to understand the different components that make up your premium. One critical aspect is the medical portion, specifically covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP is a key feature of auto insurance policies...

Navigating the world of insurance can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the roles and limitations of different types of insurance agents. One common term you might encounter is "exclusive insurance agent," sometimes referred to as a captive agent....

Welcome to our video blog providing an update on the latest developments regarding car insurance rates in Michigan as of April 2024. Contrary to expectations, rates have not seen a decrease this year; rather, they have continued to climb. In fact, many carriers are...

Welcome to our video blog where we dissect the complexities of insurance claims. Today's focus: the categorical breakdown of these claims. Whether you've experienced a minor scrape or a major collision, grasping these categories is vital for maneuvering through the...

Welcome to our latest video, where we explain the evolving landscape of insurance installment options. Traditionally, insurance policies were often paid on an annual or six-month basis, allowing policyholders to pay the full premium upfront. While those options still...

Introducing our latest video, about changes to homeowners insurance regarding Roofs. In today's fast-paced world, staying informed about shifts in insurance policies is crucial for homeowners. One significant alteration in the landscape of homeowners insurance...

Welcome to our straightforward video blog, "What's the Difference Between Renters and Homeowners Insurance?" In this informational session, we dissect the fundamental disparities between these two property insurance policies with a Spartan approach. Renters insurance,...

In this concise exploration, we provide a pragmatic guide for individuals wondering "how to switch car insurance" in a simple and cost-effective way. Understanding the need for a change is the first crucial step—whether it's due to high costs, inadequate coverage,...

Welcome to our video titled "Do Points Affect My Car Insurance?" In this insightful discussion, we delve into the relationship between traffic violation points and your auto insurance premiums. The speaker recounts a personal experience of going to court for a traffic...

Have you ever wondered how changes in payment structures could affect your insurance premiums? Well, you're not alone! In this video blog, we're diving into the evolving landscape of insurance payment options, shedding light on how the traditional yearly or six-month...

Ever wonder what "full coverage" really means when it comes to car insurance? Well, it's like this: there are two important parts to it—collision and comprehensive. Collision is when you're driving, and something happens like you hit another car or something hits you....

Welcome to our upcoming video, "What Are the Benefits of Different Billing Types?" In this insightful discussion, we uncover a money-saving opportunity that often goes unnoticed: your insurance billing type. We'll walk you through how making a simple change can lead...

In the world of insurance, it's important to know how your insurance works. Sometimes, people hear about "canceling" and "nonrenewal" when dealing with their insurance, and it can be confusing. This video is here to help you understand the difference between these two...

In this eye-opening video, we dive deep into a real-life insurance scenario that highlights the importance of understanding your policy coverages. Our experienced insurance professionals share a striking case study involving two clients who meticulously shopped for...

Before you jump into online insurance quoting, it's smart to be cautious. While the idea of going digital might seem super convenient, insurance is a bit like a maze – it's tricky and full of details you might miss without some know-how. So, before you start punching...

Decoding Insurance Payment Options! Curious about the best way to pay for your insurance? In our latest video, we're unraveling the mystery behind insurance payment methods. From EFT to credit card payments and direct billing, each option comes with its own perks....

The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) is a non-governmental organization that was established in 1978 in accordance with Michigan state laws. Its main objective is to offer reimbursement to automobile insurance companies for specific medical expenses...

Check out our latest video where we tackle the burning question: "Does Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?" Whether you're planning a vacation or need a temporary set of wheels, understanding your car insurance coverage is crucial when renting a vehicle. We'll guide you...

Welcome to our video FAQ titled "What Is PLPD?" PLPD stands for "Personal Liability and Property Damage" insurance. Understanding PLPD is crucial for drivers and vehicle owners, as it represents a specific type of auto insurance coverage. We'll explore the fundamental...

Are you wondering what liability insurance covers? Let's cover the topic surrounding liability insurance and its crucial role in safeguarding you from potential financial pitfalls. Liability insurance is a fundamental aspect of personal and business protection,...

Has an incident or accident happened - what's the first thing you should do? In the video below, we address a fundamental question that arises during unexpected situations. Wondering what immediate actions should be taken in the aftermath of an incident or accident?...

Welcome to our insightful video titled "Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Vandalism?" First, we tackle a question that concerns many homeowners – whether their insurance policy provides protection against acts of vandalism. Vandalism can be a distressing and costly...

So what does personal property insurance cover? In this informative video, we cover the essential aspects of personal property insurance. Also, we shed light on what it covers and how it safeguards your valuable possessions. Whether you're a homeowner or a renter,...

When we mention hazard insurance, we are essentially referring to homeowners insurance. It encompasses the standard coverages that are included in a typical homeowners policy, such as dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, liability protection, and coverage...

If you have a young driver in your household who is currently attending high school or college and meets the driving age criteria, we have some good news for you. Many of the carriers we work with offer a "good student" discount, which can help alleviate the financial...

Today's topic is one that often confuses many policyholders: "How often should I update my coverage?". Life is constantly changing, and so should your insurance coverage. For example, whether you're experiencing a significant life event, purchasing a new vehicle, or...

GAP insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance) is a type of car insurance that covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan and the actual cash value of your car in the event of a total loss. This type of insurance is designed to protect...

Now is the time to shop for insurance! It's often best to shop for insurance at the beginning of the year because insurance companies typically make changes to their policies and rates around this time. These changes can impact your insurance coverage and the cost of...

Today, we'll be discussing how insurance agents are competing for your business. As a consumer, you have many options when it comes to purchasing insurance. With so many companies and policies available it can be overwhelming to make a decision. This is where...

We'll be discussing insurance agencies and where your expectations should be when working with them. Insurance is an essential part of our lives, providing us with financial protection in case of unexpected events such as accidents, illnesses, and natural disasters....

So how can you really know your policy? Do you understand all of your coverages? You have the right to ask your agent for your detailed policy. Ask any questions you may have to gain a full understanding of your policy. It's good practice to go over your policy like...

Have you been shopping for insurance lately? Are you noticing all of your quotes are completely different? It's important that you are quoted with all of the different coverages for your needs. If you are quoted on all of the same coverages from each company then you...

You should have expectations for your insurance agent. Clients should not be neglected. You and your policy matter. That being said, you deserve the best service. Pay attention to your interactions with your agent. Every agent can show you how much they care through...

Are you searching for a new policy? Shopping insurance? The main reason we hear people shopping is because of price. However, this isn't the end all be all. Your policy matters. It's your safeguard against tragedy or disaster. Therefore, your policy must be...

Disaster can happen without asking the right questions. It's important to be thoroughly involved with the quoting process. Be sure to give your agent as much information as possible. This way they are able to find you the right coverage. But, when you are shopping for...

It is very important that your policy is made right for you and your situation. Your coverage and cost should match your needs. Unfortunately, if your policy isn't crafted properly, some negative things can happen. Beware when getting quoted, especially by exclusive...

LPQ is a term coined by one of the bigger exclusive carriers. It's not very accurate as it is used as a sales tactic to draw you in. Your end result will typically always be higher than the initial cost that was appealing. Remember, cost isn't the only important...

Homeowners insurance is a must if you own a home. It's important to have the right information ready in order to get the best policy built for your situation. You don't want to be undercovered, or overcovered and overpaying. We can avoid many of these issues by having...

Are you calling around looking for quotes? When you are on the phone with an agent, you shouldn't be having a short call. An agent who cares will spend a good amount of time having the right conversation with you. Our owner, Pat Brenned, explains why a longer...

Do you want to know if you qualify to opt out of PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy? What determines if you qualify? Personal Injury Protection (PIP) used to be mandatory. This proved time and time again to be quite expensive for Michiganders. Let’s go over...

You have different deductible options for your insurance policy, but what is the most sensible option? You can have either a higher deductible or a lower one. A higher deductible may offset monthly costs but not in the long run. For example, if a tragedy happens then...

It is a huge benefit for you to speak to an agent. Why? Insurance companies do not want you to make a purchasing decision without understanding how your insurance policy is built and how it benefits you. Companies like us are client focused. We will educate you on...

Should you talk to your agent more frequently? The housing market is impacting homeowners insurance policies everywhere. Unfortunately, many homeowners are undercovered on their homes right now. This could result in more out-of-pocket costs and less insurance payment...

Is it possible for the housing market to affect my policy as a first-time home buyer? The answer is yes. There are many factors that come into play. Your premium has a lot to do with your home's market value. Home values have exponentially risen in a very short amount...

Is it possible for the housing market to affect my policy? The answer is yes. There are many factors that go into play when determining your premium. A major piece of that is the value of your home. If you bought a home 3 or more years ago, your home value has likely...

Are you wondering what the different types of insurance agents are? Captives have their pitfall which includes not being able to shop more prices for you. Brokers are able to get you the best price and coverage possible by shopping all different insurances for you....

What is homeowners insurance versus condo insurance? What are the similarities? What are the differences? While there are some similarities, there are some things that make each unique. In a condo, you don't insure the entire dwelling. That makes it different from...

Wondering if there is going to be an auto insurance refund in 2022? The answer is yes! We've been receiving a lot of questions about it. Not everyone will be receiving the same amount. It is all dependent upon a person's situation. We gathered as much information as...

Ever wondered if your insurance will cover an accident if someone else is driving your vehicle? Depending on the situation, insurance will have your back and permissive use will come into play. We often get asked a lot about this. Most people think if someone else is...

With many floods and other disasters that fell upon different parts of Michigan in 2021, comes an adjustment of rates this year in 2022. How exactly does this affect you? Depending on what city you live in, your situation could be different. Overall, many disasters...

So you got this month's bill and your premium has gone up. What now? It can be frustrating and exhausting when your premium is constantly fluctuating. You want the best premium possible for your situation. Work with a broker to shop all of your options for the best...

Sure, you could go online and set up your policy without an agent...but what are the risks? Without a trusted agent, there are a lot of details that could be missed. Also, there are potential savings you could be missing out on. At the end of the day, working with an...

Do you ever see those ads promising to save you $700 on your insurance if you switch? People often try it and are confused why there are discrepancies in the amount of savings between them and a friend/family after switching. These ads are often false and come with...

We often get asked if insurance costs more with an agent. The quick answer is…no! It's a common misconception that using an online insurance company, like Geico, would be cheaper but this isn't the case. The truth is, an effective insurance agent can help policy...

There are three pillars Entrust Insurance Agency lives by. The three pillars include coverage, cost, and client experience. You deserve the best in each department, so don't settle for less. If you are working with a company that doesn't show care for these things,...

You deserve a proper insurance experience. No matter what your situation, you have the right to an adequate transaction with the insurance company of your choice. Your agent should be communicative, caring, and honest. This can mean something as simple as remembering...

What's the difference between price and cost? A lot of people consider these to be the same thing, but here is a question that may get you to see the difference: what does your price cost you? When you think about it like that, it is easier to break down the...

A common question lies between floods and water backups in terms of the insurance. What classifies as one or the other? do you need a separate policy for both? We'll go over the differences so you can have a clear idea of how the policies work. Flooding Defined By...

When it comes to any insurance policy, a lot of factors are at play and everyone's situation is different. That being said the "average" cost of insurance doesn't really exist. From homeowners insurance to a simple auto policy, the factors can seem endless. Just...

Commercial truck insurance is a type of insurance that protects trucking businesses or businesses that use trucks for the transportation of goods. This insurance also includes coverage options for independent truck drivers. There are many factors and options to...

What is bobtail coverage for commercial trucking insurance? It is a liability-only policy covering you when and if you are driving a truck without a trailer. Commercial trucking insurance is needed regardless of when a truck is driven. If you allow someone else to...

This reform was enacted on July 1st, 2020. It has been a little over one year since. It was put in place due to the fact that although Michigan offered the highest auto insurance benefits, it also was the highest when it came to cost. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)...

When working with an insurance company or agent, it's important to get a sense of their business model. Simply, an agency can run two ways, profit-focused or client-focused. Can you guess which one you should stay away from? That's right, it's the profit-focused...

Using an independent insurance agent can help save you money. The best part is using an agent is no extra cost to you! An Insurance broker, like us, is your one-stop-shop. For example, if you have homeowners insurance with us and later on open a business and decide...

When shopping around for insurance, it's important to compare cost and coverage. They are not the same thing. You'll want to choose the best balance between the two that are right for you. When you are in the process of receiving quotes, take a look at different types...

Service line coverage is a special type of insurance you can add to your homeowners insurance policy. This insurance is in place to reimburse the policyholder for damage to any utility lines the holder is responsible for. This coverage will increase your monthly...

As you're out shopping for insurance, you are likely getting quotes from multiple insurance agents. The best way to choose between multiple insurance quotes is to look beyond just the policy amount. Yes, the price matters and you should consider it especially if some...

Between auto insurance and homeowners insurance there are roughly 70-100 factors that impact your policy rate. Some factors have more of an impact than others, but the reality is that each insurance company takes a slightly different approach to these policies and...

There are many life changes that you should discuss with your insurance agent in order to make sure you're adequately covered and are taking advantage of discounts or opportunities to save. From getting married and having a baby, to starting a new job or getting a...

First of all, congratulations! It's smart to be asking yourself this question about your insurance now that you're married. You should certainly speak to a insurance agent about this major milestone as you may be eligible for saving on your insurance policy by...

Your homeowners insurance policy dwelling limit is simply the cost it would take to rebuild your entire home at current prices for construction and labor. In the situation that your home is severely damaged or even destroyed by a covered event and you submit a claim,...

Your insurance policy deductible is simply the amount you are responsible to pay in an incident that is covered by your insurance. In most situations that are covered by your insurance provider, you will need to pay the amount of your deductible before your insurance...

Shopping for auto insurance can be a challenge, especially if you’re not really sure what each quote is based on. One study shows that 28% of drivers think they are paying too much for car insurance. Luckily, there are ways you can find out if that is the case. It...

We don't expect to see meaningful savings from Michigan auto insurance reform until July 2021 - July 2022. We've known about the auto insurance no-fault reform in Michigan for awhile now and it has been active since July 2, 2020. But the impact it will have on rates...