Michigan law requires all drivers to carry car insurance, but the importance goes beyond legal requirements. Car insurance protects you from financial loss in case of accidents, theft, or other unexpected events. It can cover medical expenses, property damage, and even legal fees if you’re involved in an accident.

Having the right insurance policy also provides you with peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any situation on the road. At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we offer comprehensive automobile insurance options designed to fit every driver’s unique needs, whether you’re looking for affordable car insurance or premium coverage.

ally, Michigan requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection Insurance (PPI), and Residual Bodily Injury Liability Insurance.

This can make Michigan car insurance rates higher than in other states, but Safeguard Insurance Agency works hard to help you find the most affordable options while still providing full protection.

• Liability Coverage: Protects you if you’re responsible for an accident that causes injury or property damage.
• Collision Coverage: Covers repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision-related damages like theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who is at fault in an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re involved in an accident with someone who has little or no insurance.

1. Bundle your policies: If you combine your car insurance with other policies, such as home or renter’s insurance, you could qualify for a discount.
2. Drive safely: A clean driving record can significantly reduce your insurance rates.
3. Increase your deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, though it means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.
4. Ask about discounts: At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we offer a variety of discounts for safe drivers, students, military members, and more.

With access to multiple insurance companies, we’ll compare rates and options to ensure you get the best deal. Our local knowledge allows us to offer solutions tailored to drivers in Saginaw, Tawas, and the surrounding areas in Michigan.

Car insurance policies come with a variety of terms that may be unfamiliar at first. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most common terms to help you better understand your policy.

At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we are dedicated to helping you understand your options and find the best auto insurance in Saginaw, MI.

Whether you’re looking to switch providers or simply need a review of your current policy, our team is here to provide the guidance you need.

When you bundle policies, insurers often provide a discount on your premiums, helping you save money while simplifying the management of your insurance.

This means you’ll have one point of contact for both policies, one bill, and a unified renewal date, making it much easier to stay on top of your coverage.

• Discounted Premiums: One of the primary reasons people bundle is for the cost savings. By combining your auto, home, and even life insurance policies, you could save up to 25% on your total premium.
• Simplified Billing: Managing multiple insurance policies from different providers can be confusing and time-consuming. When you bundle, you’ll receive a single bill for all your policies, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork.
• Unified Deductibles: In some cases, bundling can also allow you to combine deductibles. For example, if both your home and car are damaged in the same storm, you may only have to pay one deductible to cover both claims.
• Increased Convenience: Having all your policies under one provider makes it easier to manage your insurance. You’ll have a single point of contact for all your needs, whether it’s filing a claim, updating your coverage, or reviewing your policies.

Here are a few examples of how bundling can lower your costs:

• Auto and Home Insurance: By bundling these two essential coverages, you could save up to 25%.
• Auto and Renters Insurance: If you’re renting your home, bundling your auto and renters insurance could save you 10-15%.
• Auto, Home, and Life Insurance: Adding life insurance to your bundle can increase your savings even more, making it a smart financial decision for families looking for comprehensive protection.

• Coverage Limits: Make sure that the bundled policies still offer adequate protection for both your home and auto. Lower premiums shouldn’t come at the cost of reduced coverage.
• Deductibles: Check whether your bundled policies share a deductible or if they remain separate. A combined deductible can be convenient, but in some cases, separate deductibles may offer more flexibility.
• Provider Reputation: Ensure that the insurance provider you’re bundling with has a strong reputation for customer service and claims handling. At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we partner with top-rated insurance carriers to ensure you get the best service and coverage.

If your coverage needs are unique or you prefer different providers for specific policies, bundling may not always be the best option. That’s why it’s important to review your needs with an expert who can help you determine if bundling is right for you.

• Review Your Current Policies: Take a look at your existing coverage for home, auto, and any other insurance policies you may have. This will help you determine where bundling makes sense.
• Get a Bundled Quote: Contact us to get a free quote that includes all the insurance policies you’d like to bundle. We’ll compare rates and find the best deal for your needs.
• Customize Your Coverage: Once you’ve chosen your bundle, we’ll help you tailor your coverage to ensure you’re fully protected without paying for unnecessary extras.
• Enjoy the Savings: After bundling, you’ll start seeing the savings immediately in your premium payments.

• Local Expertise: We understand the unique needs of Michigan residents and can tailor our bundles to meet those needs.
• Multiple Carrier Options: We work with a variety of top-rated insurance carriers, allowing us to compare policies and find the best rates for you.
• Personalized Service: Our agents take the time to understand your needs and create custom bundles that offer the right balance of coverage and savings.
• Proven Savings: Our clients consistently save money by bundling their policies, with discounts ranging from 10% to 25%.

At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you review your coverage and make any necessary adjustments to keep you protected.

Key components of Michigan’s no-fault insurance include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
• Property Protection Insurance (PPI): Covers up to $1 million in damage to other people’s property, such as buildings or parked cars.
• Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance: Covers costs if you’re found liable in an accident where someone is seriously injured or killed, or in the case of out-of-state accidents.

Benefits of the no-fault system include:

• Quick compensation for medical expenses: You don’t have to wait for the other driver’s insurance to cover your bills.
• Protection for all passengers: Regardless of who’s at fault, all passengers in your car are covered under your PIP benefits.
• Limited lawsuits: You can only sue another driver in specific cases involving death, serious injury, or significant property damage.

What Does PIP Cover?

• Medical Expenses: From hospital bills to rehabilitation, all reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the accident are covered.
• Lost Wages: PIP can compensate you for up to 85% of your lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, for up to three years.
• Replacement Services: If you’re unable to perform household tasks, PIP can cover costs for hiring help with chores such as cleaning or childcare.
  Survivor’s Benefits: If a family member is killed in an accident, PIP provides financial support to surviving dependents.

Recent changes to Michigan’s automobile insurance laws allow drivers to choose the level of PIP coverage that fits their needs and budget. While PIP was previously unlimited for all drivers, now you have the option to select lower levels of coverage, which can reduce your premium costs.

PIP coverage options include:

• Unlimited: Covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses for life.
• $500,000 limit: Caps your medical coverage at $500,000 per person per accident.
• $250,000 limit: Caps coverage at $250,000 per person.
• $50,000 limit: Only available if you’re enrolled in Medicaid and meet certain requirements.

Important Consideration:

Opting for lower PIP coverage limits can save money on your monthly premium, but it’s important to consider whether those savings are worth the risk of having higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of a serious accident.

Examples of PPI Coverage:

• Damage to a fence or building: If you lose control of your car and crash into someone’s house or fence, PPI will cover the repair costs.
• Damage to a parked car: PPI will cover the repair or replacement of a parked car you hit.

You may be able to sue for pain and suffering or for excess medical expenses if:

• You are seriously injured in an accident (permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of body function, or death).
• The accident occurs outside of Michigan, and the at-fault driver is from another state.
• Property damage exceeds the coverage provided by PPI (such as vehicle damage in an out-of-state accident).

These lawsuits are typically reserved for cases where significant harm or financial loss has occurred.

Benefits of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

• Protects you from financial losses caused by uninsured drivers.
• Covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

• New PIP coverage options to reduce premiums.
• Fee schedule for medical services, lowering the cost of accident-related medical care.
• Mandatory rate reductions for drivers choosing lower PIP levels.

However, it’s important to understand how these changes impact your coverage and ensure you’re still adequately protected. Safeguard Insurance Agency is here to help you navigate these changes and select the right coverage for your needs.

• Avoid paying for unnecessary coverage: Your driving habits or car value may have changed, meaning you could be paying for coverage you no longer need.
• Identify new discounts: As insurers update their offerings, you may qualify for discounts you weren’t previously eligible for.
• Ensure you’re fully protected: Life changes such as getting married, moving, or adding a new driver could require updates to your policy.

At Safeguard Insurance Agency, we make it easy to assess your coverage, explore new discounts, and ensure your policy is tailored to your needs. Our experienced agents are here to help you every step of the way.

• Local expertise: We understand the specific insurance needs of Michigan drivers.
• Personalized service: Our agents take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend the best coverage for you.
• Competitive rates: We work with multiple insurance companies to find the best rates and discounts for you.
• Comprehensive options: From basic liability to full coverage, we offer a range of options to protect you and your vehicle.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of car insurance in Saginaw and provide the peace of mind you deserve.