Insights

Michigan PIP Coverage: A Practical Decision Guide for Drivers

Michigan PIP coverage requires drivers to choose a level of Personal Injury Protection medical coverage when purchasing or renewing an auto policy. The choice affects how much the auto insurer may pay per person, per accident, for covered medical care after a crash....

Frequently Asked Questions

About Decker Insurance Group

What is the difference between an insurance agency and an insurance company?

An insurance company creates and underwrites the policies and pays out claims. Your contract, or policy, is actually with the insurance company. An insurance agency acts as a middleman of sorts and as the sales department.

The agency can advise you, accept payments, submit policy applications and policy changes for you, and help support you through the claims process. The policy is with the company. The agency is your primary point of contact.

Why work with an independent insurance agency?

Independent agents are not tied to a single insurance company. Independent agents work for you, not the insurance company. They have the freedom to compare policies from many companies to find the best fit for your unique needs.

An independent agent is going to provide you with dedicated advocacy during the claims process and throughout the underwriting process. With an independent agent, you are not getting a sales pitch from a single company. You are getting an agent that works with several companies to find the best coverage for you.

Where Does Decker Insurance Group serve customers?

We have office locations in Hudson and Morenci, Michigan. We serve clients from several states including: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and Tennessee.

While we are here 8:30-4:30 weekdays, it is not always necessary to come into one of our office locations. We have several ways to serve without the office visit being necessary. Contact us any time to find out what we can do for you.

Can Decker Insurance Group review insurance that I already have?

Of course. We do this for many people. Many times we are the best fit for your insurance needs, sometimes we are not. We will review your current coverage and see what we can do for you. We will not be dishonest with you in an effort to gain your business. We are proud to be the agency that people trust for their insurance needs. We take that trust very seriously.

Auto Insurance

What factors affect the cost of my auto insurance?

Many factors affect the price you pay for your auto insurance. The main factors are: the coverage needed, your driving history, your claims history, your age, your credit-based insurance score, the vehicle make and model, your annual mileage, and even your ZIP code.

No two situations are the same. You and your neighbor can have the same vehicle and be paying drastically different prices to insure it. To get an accurate quote, contact us so you can be sure you are receiving accurate quotes.

Can I save money if I put my home and auto insurance with the same company?

Absolutely, you can! Sometimes, up to 25%. You might also be surprised to know that a life insurance policy or an umbrella with the same company can also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance.

Do I need to do anything different if I use my car for my business?

Yes! Always discuss the use of your vehicle with your agent, but especially if you’re using it for work. Do not assume that commercial use is automatically covered on your personal auto policy. It most likely is not covered. It’s better to find out now than to find out after you’ve had an accident.

Home Insurance

What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?

Actual cash value subtracts depreciation for age and wear, while replacement cost value covers the full cost to repair or rebuild with new materials of like kind and quality. It’s important that you understand what coverage you are paying for. There can be a very large difference in how much is owed to you if you suffer a loss.

Does home insurance cover a flood?

No, a standard home insurance policy typically does not cover a flood. It typically does not cover surface water coming into the home from outside. You need a separate flood insurance policy.

Can I save money if I put my home and auto insurance with the same company?

Absolutely you can! Sometimes up to 25%. You might also be surprised to know that a life insurance policy, or an umbrella with the same company can also qualify you for a discount on your home insurance.

What factors affect the cost of my home insurance?

The age of the home, the size of the home, the location of the home, your claims history, your credit-based insurance score, your supporting policies, and the year of the most recent roof replacement are some of the biggest factors.

Much like with auto insurance, you and your neighbor may have very different costs of home insurance, depending on each situation.

Does my home insurance cover my home business?

Standard home insurance usually provides little to no coverage for a home-based business. In fact, you should discuss any business done at your home with your insurance agent. Commercial risks are not typically covered on a standard home policy. If you are running a business from your residence and suffer a loss, you may end up with a claim that is completely denied.

Life Insurance

How much life insurance do I need?

Every situation is different. Research says that you should look for 10 to 12 times your annual income. We understand that this number can be price prohibitive for many. Life insurance does not have to be overly expensive. You absolutely can help take care of your family. We have many options for you and would love to talk about it.

Life insurance with some insurance companies does provide discounts on your home and auto insurance, if you have those with the same company.

Do I need life insurance if I already have coverage through work?

Absolutely, you do! For several reasons, but most of all, if you no longer have that job, you no longer have that coverage. You do not want to wait until that coverage is gone to start looking for life insurance. You want to try to find coverage at as young an age as possible because that’s typically when the policy is more affordable.

Business Insurance

Does my business need insurance if I work from home?

Yes, typically your home insurance does not cover any commercial use. In fact, you might be putting your home insurance coverage in jeopardy if they do not know about your business use. It’s important that you talk to an agent you can trust to be sure you are properly protected. Better to find out now than after you have a loss.

How does Decker Insurance Group determine what coverage may be appropriate for my business?

Each situation is different. We speak with our clients to gain as much detail about their business as possible. We use the information provided by the client, and our 30 years’ experience in the industry to determine the coverage needed. From there we begin the quoting process. Once the quotes are complete we typically meet with the client again to go over the coverages and the prices. The client will have significant input in helping us determine the right coverage for them.

Important Disclaimer: These FAQs are for general educational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific insurance, legal, or financial advice. Insurance coverage varies based on individual circumstances, policies, limits, exclusions, and carrier guidelines. The information provided here does not modify or determine coverage under any insurance policy.

For questions about your specific situation, please contact Decker Insurance Group. Our team can help you understand your options and determine what coverage may be appropriate for your needs.