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Five Things Michigan Motorcycle Owners Need to Know

If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, or anywhere in Michigan and own a motorcycle, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, insurance is a must, and if you’re currently in the market for motorcycle insurance, consider reaching out to us at Dalessandro Agency Inc. Now, let’s take a look at five things every Michigan motorcycle owner should know:

Mandatory Helmet Law

Michigan has a mandatory helmet law for all riders, regardless of age or experience. Riders must wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Motorcycle Endorsement

Michigan also requires motorcycle riders to have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. To obtain this endorsement, riders must complete a motorcycle safety course or pass a written and on-road skills test.

Registration

Motorcycle owners must register their vehicles with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office and display a license plate on the motorcycle’s rear.

Liability Insurance

Michigan law requires all motorcycle riders to have liability insurance. The minimum required coverage is $20,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $40,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage.

No-Fault System

Michigan has a "no-fault" insurance system, which means that in an accident, each driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying their medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This also applies to motorcycle riders, so it’s essential to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

And remember, if you’re in need of motorcycle insurance in Grand Rapids, MI, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Dalessandro Agency Inc. today. 

Plan on Smoother Sailing with Boat Insurance

Boat ownership is an exciting choice. When you decide to own a boat, the adventure starts with making the most suitable selection. You have numerous factors to consider, including the type and size of the boat that best fits your lifestyle and the local culture.

Why Buy Boat Insurance?

When you discover that state law requires you to title and register your boat, you may wonder if you should insure it, too. Even though you navigate it through water, it is a vehicle, and life can be unpredictable. Besides, you drive a car or any other vehicle only if it’s insured.

What Are the Facts?

That’s where our knowledgeable staff at Dalessandro Agency Inc., serving Grand Rapids, MI, step in. We can explain your coverage options and provide essential details.

For example, while Michigan law does not require boat insurance, government officials strongly recommend it. Plus, some marina areas and banks that finance boats mandate it. 

What Do You Do Now?

What happens if you have an accident despite taking various precautions and complying with boating traffic laws? It’s always disturbing when an accident occurs, but it seems worse when it’s considered your fault. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re a new boat owner on a first trip or a boating veteran.

Relax; You’ve Got This

  • Accidents happen. That’s why you buy insurance.
  • Separate boat insurance makes sense because homeowners’ policies may not cover a boat your size.
  • Report an accident to the local authorities immediately.
  • Next, inform your insurance company. We’re here for you.

We Are Here To Help!

At Dalessandro Agency Inc., we are always willing to assist people in Grand Rapids, MI, with our expertise, understanding, and customer service. Reach out to us to get your questions, and concerns answered.

Who should get umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of additional protection for individuals who have assets and incomes that exceed their existing home and auto policy limits. It provides an extra layer of coverage to safeguard against catastrophic losses due to liability claims from accidents or other unforeseen events. At Dalessandro Agency Inc., we specialize in umbrella insurance for people and families in the Grand Rapids, MI area.

Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

This type of insurance is particularly beneficial for those with high-value homes, multiple properties, investments, or businesses as it can help protect these assets from potential litigation due to large awards or settlements.

It’s important to note that everyone should consider getting umbrella insurance regardless of the value of their assets. Even if you are not currently worth a lot, it would be wise to purchase this coverage in case your financial situation changes over time. Additionally, those who are at higher risk for potential lawsuits (such as business owners or those with dangerous hobbies) should also look into this option as it could save them from substantial legal fees down the road. 

Overall, umbrella insurance can be an incredibly valuable asset for anyone looking to protect themselves from financial ruin due to unexpected liability claims. Whether you’re worth a lot now or anticipate being worth more in the future, investing in this supplemental type of coverage could be a wise decision.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about whether or not you should get an umbrella policy, or lares ooking for more information on any type of insurance, give us a call at Dalessandro Agency Inc. today. We proudly serve the Grand Rapids, MI area, and we’ll be happy to help you find a policy that suits your needs.

Is Whole Term Life Insurance Right for Me?

Life insurance is an important decision that can help provide financial security and peace of mind to you and your loved ones. Whole life insurance is one of the most popular options for comprehensive coverage in Grand Rapids, MI.

But is it the right option for you? Dalessandro Agency Inc. is here to assist. 

What Is Whole Term Life Insurance? 

Whole term life insurance—also known as permanent life insurance—is a type of policy that provides coverage over an extended period, often your entire life. This policy pays out a death benefit if you pass away during the term of the procedure and also accumulates cash value. A Dalessandro Agency Inc. life insurance broker can help you understand the different types of whole life policies available and explain their associated benefits.

Benefits Of Whole Term Life Insurance 

The benefits of whole life insurance include: 

  • Coverage For Your Entire Lifetime: Since this type of policy covers you for as long as you live, it offers more security than other policies with limited terms. It also provides protection in case something unexpected happens later in life when you are older or in poor health.  
  • Cash Value Accumulation: With whole life insurance, your premiums are invested into the cash value portion of the policy, which accrues interest over time, allowing your money to grow tax-deferred. This accumulated cash value can then be used to pay future premiums or taken out as a loan against the policy itself.  
  • Tax Advantages: Any loans taken from your policy will not be taxable as long as they do not exceed the cash surrender value within a given year. This makes this an attractive option for those looking to minimize their taxes while still building up their finances.  
  • Additional Benefits: Some whole policies offer additional benefits such as accelerated death benefits which allow you to access part or all of your death benefits if needed due to terminal illness or injury before passing away.

Give Us A Call

If you think this is the right option, contact Dalessandro Agency Inc today to learn more about our life insurance plans in Grand Rapids, MI.

Do You Actually Need Recreational Insurance?

Recreational vehicles are a wonderful way to make family vacations in and around Grand Rapids, MI more personal, fun, and spontaneous. However, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure your trips go smoothly, and taking out the right insurance is part of that.

But do you really need recreational insurance, in particular? Here’s what you need to know before contacting your Dalessandro Agency Inc. agent and setting up your next policy.

What Counts as a Recreational Vehicle?

According to Michigan state regulations, a recreational vehicle is any new or used vehicle meant to provide travelers with a place to stay while traveling, camping, or enjoying any similar activity. Of course, RVs and mobile homes are included, but so are towable pop-up campers, trailers, and similar options.

What Are the Benefits of Having Recreational Insurance?

Recreational insurance offers the same basic protections you’d expect from standard auto insurance and similar types of coverage. But it also comes attached with additional benefits that would be especially useful for people who travel with recreational vehicles.

These include various levels of coverage for your belongings, liability coverage that addresses more different possibilities travelers could face, and more.

Do You Really Need Recreational Insurance?

In Grand Rapids, MI, you are required by law to insure vehicles like RVs and mobile homes. But anyone who owns a recreational vehicle of any kind should consider recreational insurance a necessity regardless.

Not only does it protect your investment in your vehicle and in the vacations you plan for your family, but it gives you true peace of mind. That peace of mind comes from knowing you, your family, and your irreplaceable belongings are protected in the event something unforeseen happens while you’re away.

Contact Us Today

You never know what could happen while you’re camping, traveling, or otherwise miles from home, but recreational insurance can help keep you safe, come what may. Talk to a Dalessandro Agency Inc. agent about your options today!

Common Motorcycle Insurance Exclusions

For most people, two-wheelers are a relatively common method for commuting and running errands. For other people, bikes are a source of fun. In whatever way you use your motorcycle, don’t forget about motorcycle insurance. Bike insurance covers you and your assets when accidents happen.

While motorcycle insurance is a great investment, it’s worth noting that it has exclusions, like most insurance policies. Your standard motorcycle insurance from Dalessandro Agency Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI won’t cover the areas below.

Common Motorcycle Insurance Exclusions

Mechanical or electrical failures

If your two-wheeler breaks down because of a mechanical or electrical failure, your insurance won’t help. In such cases, you will have to finance the repairs from your pocket. Motorcycle insurance covers your bike when damaged by a peril included in your policy. However, it won’t cover anything maintenance-related.

Stunt or racing events

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you may be tempted to participate in racing or stunt events. Unfortunately, your standard motorcycle insurance doesn’t cover damage or injuries from such events. However, you can purchase special coverage to cover mishaps that occur in racing and stunt events.

Unauthorized riders

When purchasing your motorcycle insurance, you may indicate the possible riders that might use your bike. Any damage or injury arising from an unauthorized rider will likely be ignored by your insurer.

Criminal or intentional acts

Your insurer is likely to void claims arising from damage or injuries sustained when involved in criminal or intentional acts. For instance, if you intentionally crash your two-wheeler because it has had numerous mechanical failures recently, it may result in insurance fraud. You will not only miss out on compensation but you can be charged for fraud.

Get The Right Coverage Today

Need to learn more about motorcycle insurance in Grand Rapids, MI? Please get in touch with Dalessandro Agency Inc. We will answer all your queries about motorcycle insurance as well as recommend coverage that suits your needs.

Four types of boat insurance coverage to have

There are a few different types of coverage that you might want to include on your boat insurance policy. If you’re a boat owner in the greater Grand Rapids, MI area, you can rely on us at Dalessandro Agency Inc. to insure your watercraft.

The following are four types of boat insurance coverage to have:

Liability coverage

Boat accidents can result in a lot of damage and might involve injury. You could be held liable for the expenses that result from a boating accident in which you are involved. That’s why it’s very important for you to carry liability coverage on your boat insurance policy. 

Collision coverage

Your boat is a valuable possession. With collision coverage, you protect the value of your boat. Your collision coverage will pay for boat repairs after a boating collision. Collision coverage can also provide you with funds to replace your boat if it is totally destroyed in an accident. 

Comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage will not cover damages that result from your boat being vandalized, stolen, damaged by fire, or damaged by a natural disaster. For these types of damage, you need comprehensive coverage. 

Fuel spill and wreckage removal coverage

Fuel spill and wreckage removal coverage are two other types of coverage that you’ll want your boat insurance policy to include.

Fuel spill coverage pays cleanup costs if your watercraft experiences a fuel leak. Wreckage removal covers the cost of removing your destroyed boat from a body of water. 

Get Boat Insurance Today

You need to insure your boat in Grand Rapids, MI to enjoy peace of mind when you’re out on the water. We can answer your questions about boating insurance at Dalessandro Agency Inc. Call us for a quote today!

Why Should You Consider Getting Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an additional type of insurance that provides extra protection beyond the existing standard coverages, such as home insurance, auto insurance, boat insurance, and others. Umbrella insurance provides coverage for property damage, personal liability situations, certain lawsuits, and injuries.

Consult with  Dalessandro Agency Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI for expert insurance advice. If you consider getting this type of insurance, there are certain things you should keep in mind:

What Should You Consider Getting Umbrella Insurance?

Before purchasing an umbrella insurance policy, you should know the following: 

  • Umbrella insurance is more affordable than many people think. You may mistakenly believe that umbrella insurance is expensive, but it is the opposite – it is one of the most affordable types of insurance. The average cost of umbrella insurance is between $150 and $300 a year. 
  • It applies to a broader range of situations than standard types of insurance. For example, it covers such things as libel and slander, malicious prosecution, legal defense costs for covered losses, false arrest, liabilities while traveling overseas, and others. 
  • Umbrella insurance has certain limitations and does not cover everything. It does not cover intentional property damage and injuries, your own property damage and injuries, and property damage and injuries caused while performing professional or business activities. 
  • It is especially recommended to certain categories of people. These categories include homeowners with swimming pools, dog owners, homeowners with a trampoline or tree house, and families with teenage drivers. 

Get Umbrella Insurance Today

If you are thinking of purchasing umbrella insurance and you need help in finding a good policy addressing your needs, you should reach out to Dalessandro Agency Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI. Our knowledgeable and experienced insurance agents will assist you in finding the perfect umbrella insurance policy. We also specialize in other types of insurance as well. Feel free to visit our website or call us to find out more. 

How Does Life Insurance Work?

When it comes to our lives, we all want to feel like we are prepared for anything that comes our way. That’s where life insurance comes in. This important type of insurance can provide peace of mind in knowing that you and your loved ones are taken care of financially if something happens to you.

The question is, how does life insurance work? Here are the basics of life insurance and how it can help protect you and your family.

How Does Life Insurance Work?

At its most basic, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay premiums, and the insurer agrees to pay a benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. The money can be used for anything your beneficiaries want, including covering final expenses or paying off debts. Dalessandro Agency Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI is here to help you understand how life insurance works.

Types of Life Insurance

There are two main types of life insurance: term life insurance and whole life insurance. Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life, as long as you continue to pay premiums. Term life insurance, on the other hand, only covers you for a specific period of time, such as 20 or 30 years. Once that term is up, you can either renew your policy or let it lapse.

The most important thing to understand about life insurance is that it’s not an investment. It’s designed to provide financial protection for your loved ones, not to make you money. That’s why it’s important to work with an independent insurance agent who can help you compare different policies and find the one that’s right for you.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about how life insurance works, Dalessandro Agency Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI is here to help. Give us a call today to speak with one of our agents. We’re always happy to help.

3 Gorgeous Drives for a Scenic Road Trip Through Michigan

Michigan is known for its incredible scenery, especially when you go on a road trip. There are so many beautiful sights to see off the beaten path from the Grand Rapids, MI area, and they’re all waiting to be explored. If you need ideas, Dalessandro Agency Inc. has put together 3 of our favorites for you to enjoy! But first, make sure to get auto insurance for your car so that you can enjoy a stress-free trip. 

Scenic Road Trips Through Michigan

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a relatively short road trip that takes you through the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This road is excellent for all types of vehicles and offers a unique adventure for everyone. The drive is named after an early conservationist who helped to preserve this area, and it provides gorgeous views of the forest year-round. It spans about 7.8 miles in a loop.

Red Arrow Highway

The Red Arrow Highway is an iconic stretch between New Buffalo and Kalamazoo. It’s a fascinating gem known for the distinct red arrow signs marking the trail., so it’ll provide you with a refreshingly new experience. Named for this region’s WWII National Guard infantry division, it’s a fun road, especially during the fall.

Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

The Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway runs along the shore of Lake Superior. It’s the ideal drive for an educational experience, with many historical sites, including the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, which serves as a visitor center museum. Come during the summer for some fun and informative events!

Don’t Head Out Without Auto Insurance

There are many reasons to explore the state outside the Grand Rapids, MI area, with its breathtaking landscapes and friendly people. Before you hit the road, make sure you have the appropriate car insurance with Dalessandro Agency Inc.