What is a Home Inventory Sheet?

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A home inventory sheet is an important tool to help you in the event that you need to make a claim that extends to your possessions. This entails creating a document detailing all the items that are in your home, as oftentimes, you won’t be able to accurately recall the entirety of the contents of your home after a disaster takes place. 

Typically, you will also include a written description with as much information as possible to accompany every entry, especially your valuables. It’s important to also record the things that are in your storage rooms or closets, and that may be located in the hallways. 

You may compile this data with pen and paper, and there also exist templates for you to use online. Your CG Insurance Agency representative can give you more specific information on this process. Additionally, it isn’t the law in Williamston, MI that you purchase homeowners insurance, but your lender will typically require it for the duration in which you carry a balance. 

Your home inventory sheet should include photos of your items, and if possible, take these from various angles. Be sure to collect receipts and to photograph these as well, as paper and ink tend to degrade over time. Gather serial numbers and other identifying codes, such as make and model classification. 

Be sure to provide your insurance agent with a copy of your completed home inventory sheet and to keep one in a separate location, such as uploading it into the cloud or another online storage unit. 

CG Insurance Agency Can Help You 

We serve the Williamston, MI area, and we look forward to working with you. Please feel free to reach out to us by phone, online, or in-person to discuss the particulars of your situation. 

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice

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When it comes to auto insurance, you have lots of choices. What you choose for your coverage begins with the amount of coverage you need and what is required.

At CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI, we help our customers to make the choice that is best for them. 

What is basic auto insurance?

In Michigan, the amount of basic auto insurance that you as a driver are required to have is 20/40/10. This means that you must have coverage of $20,000 for injuries sustained by a single person in an accident where you are the responsible party. $40,000 for the total amount of personal injury in any accident. An additional $10,000 is allowed for property damage. 

Is basic insurance enough?

It isn’t enough if you have a car loan or are leasing a vehicle. The bank or leasing company requires that you have more than basic insurance. They want you to protect the vehicle in which they have a stake. If you use your car every day to go about your daily activities, having your car is important. You may want to consider more than basic insurance. 

Additional coverage options

Collision is exactly what it sounds like, protection for your vehicle if you are involved in an accident and are at fault. It will pay to repair or replace your vehicle after you pay the deductible. 

Comprehensive coverage covers non-collision damage to your vehicle or theft. It protects you from weather events, vandalism, and large animals. 

Gap coverage is very valuable if you have a new car and don’t want to lose money if you have an accident that totals your new car. 

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

Contact CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI, if you have questions about the right auto insurance for you. We are glad to help!

When you should get an umbrella insurance policy

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An umbrella insurance policy is an important type of coverage to have in place if you’re at risk of being sued. This type of policy protects your assets beyond the limits of your regular auto or homeowners insurance since these policies vary widely and will only pay up to a specified maximum amount.

While it’s not always necessary to have this type of protection, there are several situations where having an umbrella policy makes good sense. CG Insurance Agency, serving the greater Williamston, MI community, is here to assist. 

When you should get an umbrella insurance policy

If you own substantial assets that could be damaged by a lawsuit or other claim against you.

For example, if someone falls on your property and suffers serious injuries, they may pursue legal action for damages related to their injury. An umbrella insurance policy can help protect your personal wealth from damage claims so that you don’t have to sell your home or other major assets to pay for the claims.

If you regularly drive expensive cars, own a boat, or are otherwise at risk of being sued due to owning and operating certain types of property.

For example, if you’re in an accident with another car that is driven by someone who isn’t carrying enough insurance coverage on their vehicle, your umbrella policy can help protect you from having to pay for damages out-of-pocket after your auto insurance has paid out its limits.

Contact Us Today

Umbrella insurance is important for anyone who owns significant assets and wants the peace of mind that comes with knowing those assets are protected. If you’re concerned about protecting yourself in the event of a lawsuit, it may be worth looking into purchasing an umbrella policy today. Give the CG Insurance Agency a call today. We proudly serve the Williamston, MI area.

Your Home Needs Protection with Home Insurance

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Do you own a home? Have you got it adequately insured? If you are in doubt, let CG Insurance Agency, which covers the Williamston, MI area, review your current coverage.

Home Insurance: What You Need To Know

When purchasing home insurance, it is important to note that you must have enough coverage for replacement. If you live in an area that is prone to certain types of weather, this could be a concern. Also, if you carry a mortgage on your home, your lender will require that you have enough insurance to cover the amount that you owe. They want to make sure their interests are protected.

Homeowners insurance also protects the equity you have built in your home. Equity is the value of your property less the amount you owe. As you make improvements to the property, the equity in your home goes up. Don’t risk losing it.

Another good reason to have a homeowners insurance policy is for liability purposes. In the event that you have a guest who falls on the ice and gets injured, or your dog decides to bite a pizza delivery person, you could be faced with a costly lawsuit. Without the protection, a homeowners insurance policy provides, the cost will be borne by you.

Here is a list of things most homeowners insurance policies will not cover:

  • Flooding
  • Landslides, earthquakes, or other ground movements
  • Rats, termites, and other infestations
  • Mold
  • Dangerous or aggressive dogs
  • Poor maintenance or neglect
  • Power surges or outages
  • Home-based businesses
  • Local building ordinance that requires you to bring your home up to code
  • Intentional damage caused by anyone in the home
  • A nuclear hazard
  • War
  • Acts of government

Contact Us Today

Make sure your most valuable asset is protected. Contact the CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI today for a no-obligation quote or answers to any questions you may have. You will be glad you did.

Take the time to fully review your auto policy before renewing

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Residents in the greater Williamston, MI area can turn to the team at CG Insurance Agency for all of their insurance needs. We find that our clients benefit from a regular review of all of their insurance, including auto insurance policies. Call or stop by today to learn more. 

It’s a smart idea to review your auto policy at least once a year

If you are like many people in our area, you simply renew your auto insurance policy year after year without giving it a careful review. While this is understandable due to the hectic environments in which we live and work, it’s a bad habit to fall into.

Most auto insurance policies renew after six months. This means that it’s necessary to review your policy at least once during the year. Of course, always reviewing every policy prior to renewal is the best practice to adopt, but it isn’t always possible to take the time to do so.

By carefully reviewing your auto policy at least once a year, you are more likely to notice any gaps in coverage. Our insurance needs can change year after year, so it is important that our insurance policies meet our current needs. If you are unsure what to look for during your review, your local insurance agent can be a helpful resource. Don’t let too much time go by before you take a close look at your current auto policy.  

We are here to help!

CG Insurance Agency is proud to help residents in the greater Williamston, MI community with all of their insurance needs. If you have questions about auto insurance, we are here to help. Give us a call or come by our office today to learn more. 

What Are the Benefits of Having Umbrella Insurance?

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At CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI, we get a lot of questions about umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is an important type of insurance to have, but it’s not required by law like auto or health insurance. So, why do you need it?

Here are four reasons to consider umbrella insurance:

Protects You From Lawsuits

If you’re ever sued for damages that exceed the coverage of your auto or home insurance policy, umbrella insurance will help pay for the costs of the lawsuit, including attorney’s fees, court costs, and any damages that you’re liable for. Without umbrella insurance, you could be left to pay these costs out of your own pocket. 

Offers Extra Protection for High-risk Activities

If you participate in activities that carry a higher risk of bodily injury or property damage, such as swimming, skiing, or skateboarding, umbrella insurance can offer additional protection in the event that you’re sued for damages. 

Cover Expenses Not Covered by Your Home or Auto Insurance Policy

Umbrella insurance can also cover certain expenses that aren’t included in your home or auto insurance policy, such as slander, libel, and false arrest. If you’re ever faced with one of these expenses, umbrella insurance can help you pay for them. 

Helps You Save on Home and Auto Insurance

Umbrella insurance can also help you save money on your home and auto insurance premiums. insurers often offer discounts to policyholders who carry umbrella insurance. 

Get Umbrella Insurance Now

At CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI, we always recommend umbrella insurance to our clients because it offers so many valuable benefits. If you have any questions about umbrella insurance or any other type of insurance policy, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d be more than happy to help you find the right policy for your needs.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing Home Insurance

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One of the most important investments you will make is purchasing a home. Not only is it a large financial investment, but your home is also likely where you and your family will live for many years. Because of this, it is important to protect your home with insurance. However, buying home insurance can be confusing. But by considering the following key things, you can be sure to find the right policy for your needs.

Consult with CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI for expert home insurance advice and more.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing Home Insurance

1. The Value of Your Home

This is the most important factor in determining how much insurance you need. Your home’s value is the basis for figuring out the limits of your coverage and the amount you will pay in premiums.

2. Your Budget

Of course, you also need to consider your budget when purchasing home insurance. The amount you pay for premiums will be based on the value of your home, but there are ways to save money. For example, you can raise your deductible or purchase a policy with less coverage. However, never sacrifice coverage to save money.

3. The Coverages You Need

There are many different home insurance policies, each offering different coverages. For example, some policies will cover the replacement value of your home, while others will only cover the actual cash value. Make sure you understand the coverages offered by each policy before making a decision.

4. The Exclusions in the Policy

It is also important to be aware of the exclusions in a home insurance policy. Every policy has them, which can vary significantly from one policy to another. For example, some policies exclude damage from flooding or earthquakes, while others may exclude items such as jewelry or art. Be sure to ask about exclusions before purchasing a policy.

5. Limits on Claims

Another important factor to consider is the limit on claims. Most policies have a limit on how much they will pay out for any one claim. Ensure that the limit is high enough to cover the cost of repairs or replacement if necessary.

Finding the right home insurance doesn’t have to be difficult. Just make sure you keep the factors listed above in mind. CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI can help you find the perfect policy for your needs. Give us a call today to get started.

Tips for Preventing Car Accidents

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Every year, millions of people are involved in car accidents. While some of these accidents are minor fender-benders, others can be much more serious, resulting in injuries, property damage, and even death. Fortunately, there are steps that everyone can take to help prevent car accidents from happening in the first place. CG Insurance Agency in Williamston, MI offers auto insurance coverage for your protection. Also, by following the tips below, you can help make the roads safer for everyone.

Tips for Preventing Car Accidents

1. Obey the Speed Limit

One of the most common causes of car accidents is speeding. When you’re driving too fast, you have less time to react to potential hazards on the road, and you’re more likely to lose control of your vehicle. Even if you’re an experienced driver, it’s important to obey the posted speed limit and to slow down even further if the road conditions are less than ideal.

2. Don’t Drive Distracted

Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, changing the radio station. All of these activities take your attention away from the task of driving. And when you’re not paying attention to the road, you’re more likely to be involved in an accident. If you need to do any of these things while you’re driving, pull over to a safe location first.

3. Don’t Drive Impaired

Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs – prescription or otherwise. Impairment dulls your reflexes and makes it more difficult to make split-second decisions on the road. If you’re going to be drinking, designate a sober driver ahead of time, or take a cab or public transportation home.

4. Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on the road. Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces your risk of injuries in the event of an accident. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle up before you start driving.

5. Drive defensively

Defensive driving is a technique that can help you avoid accidents by anticipating dangerous situations and taking action to avoid them. When you’re driving defensively, you always keep your eyes on the road and look for potential hazards. If you see a driver behaving erratically, for example, you may choose to change lanes or slow down to give yourself more time to react.

Invest In Insurance

Even if you follow all the tips above, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to have adequate auto insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance will help pay for repairs to your vehicle and any medical bills you may incur. Make sure you know what your policy covers, and talk to your agent about increasing your coverage if necessary.

Are you looking for a reputable and affordable auto insurance provider? CG Insurance Agency serving Williamston, MI offers a variety of options to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free quote.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make With Umbrella Insurance?

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Purchasing umbrella insurance is an excellent move if you have significant savings, assets, and income that you want to protect. However, it’s critical that you be careful when purchasing umbrella insurance not to make mistakes that can hurt you financially. Here are some typical mistakes people make with umbrella insurance that every resident of the greater Williamston, MI community, looking to purchase this policy should know. 

Common Mistakes People Make With Umbrella Insurance

1. Purchasing Way Too Much Coverage

What you don’t have can’t be taken from you. This means that even if it’s determined that you are liable for $3 million in damages, you don’t have to worry about losing much if your savings, assets, and income are way below that value. Many people usually make the mistake of purchasing millions of dollars worth of umbrella insurance, yet their net worth is below a million—this way too much coverage. At CG Insurance Agency, we advise that if your net worth is below a million dollars, only take a million dollars in umbrella coverage.

2. Purchasing Way Too Little Coverage

On the other hand, some people purchase way too little umbrella coverage. Let’s say you have $10 million in savings, assets, and income, and you only take a million dollars in umbrella coverage. This is way too little coverage, and it could lead to your investments, savings, and income being used to settle your liability. If you are a homeowner, you cant take the same amount of umbrella coverage as a renter since you have a valuable asset – your home – which can be seized to settle your liability. You need more umbrella coverage than a renter.

3. Overlooking Recreational Assets

When most people purchase umbrella insurance, they want to protect their homes, savings, investments, and other mainstream assets. However, they overlook recreational assets like their boats, motorbikes, and RV. This usually leads them to take way too less umbrella coverage, leaving their recreational assets at risk of being seized.

Contact CG Insurance Agency for umbrella insurance deals in Williamston, MI.

How to protect all the buildings on your property

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CG Insurance Agency is here to meet the insurance needs of the Williamston, MI area. If you have questions, our team is here to help. Finding the right insurance policy to protect your property is worth the time and effort! 

Make sure that all buildings on your property are protected

Homeowner’s insurance comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to determine which policy best suits your needs. This is especially true if you have a unique situation such as a work shed or heavy-duty shop on your property.

There are many situations where a primary policy is sufficient for all of your structures and buildings. However, this is not always the case. If you have a shop or shed on your home’s property that contains equipment, tools, or other valuable items, you may want to consider additional protection.

Because every situation is different, it’s impossible to take a "one size fits all" approach to any unique or exceptional circumstances. Protecting your property includes any unattached buildings that are located on your property. When it comes down to making sure that you are covered, it is worth the time to make sure that your policy includes the coverage you want and need.

Questions such as these are most easily answered by sitting down with your local agent to review your needs. Once your insurance needs are established, finding the right policy is much easier.

Call or stop by today!

The greater Williamston, MI area relies on the CG Insurance Agency for answers to their insurance questions. If you’re unsure which homeowner’s policy is the right fit for your unique needs, we are here to help. Get in touch with our office and schedule an appointment today!