How Does Disability Insurance Work?

Posted on January 31, 2022January 30, 2022 by agentinsure

If you have disability insurance, whether through work or on your own, you may be unsure about what it does. The basics are that it will help with your finances if you are unable to work due to a disability.

That being said, there are some things that you need to understand about how disability insurance works.

You are going to have to pay a premium every month. If you get insurance through your employer, your company may pay this premium without you even realizing it. Your premium may vary depending on your age, health, and the types of coverage that you want.

If you ever need your disability benefits, you will receive a portion of your regular salary. This is usually between sixty and eighty percent of your normal salary. Depending on your plan (and who you get it through), it may be taxed, or it may not. Generally, it isn’t taxed, unless it is through your employer.

You also need to understand the benefit period. This is the length of time that you can receive your benefits. Generally, short-term disability will cover up to a year. Long-term may take effect until retirement.

There may be a waiting period before you are able to collect your benefits. Short-term benefits are often paid quicker than those that are going to be long-term.

You also need to know what is considered a disability for your plan. Since every plan is different, you need to read the fine print. If you are able to work a desk job, instead of your normal job, you may not qualify.

If you want to make sure that you are protected, in case you are ever injured or disabled, don’t hesitate to contact Phil Klein Insurance Group in West Bloomfield, MI.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in MI?

Posted on December 13, 2021December 2, 2021 by agentinsure

Owning a business is often the result of years of hard work which makes it incredibly important to protect that investment and dedication through a commercial insurance policy. Specific to Michigan, commercial businesses are required to carry two types of insurance. The first, workers’ compensation insurance, is required for any business that employs one or more full-time employees. Workers’ compensation insurance covers the medical bills for employees that suffer a workplace injury or illness. The second, commercial auto insurance, is required for any vehicle owned by the business with minimum liability coverages for property damage and bodily injury needed. Keep in mind that if you require employees to drive their personal vehicles for work purposes their auto insurance policy is unlikely to include business use as a standard component. Consequently, personal vehicles driven for work purposes need to be protected by hired and non-owned auto insurance.

In addition to the required workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance policies, although it is not legally mandated, businesses in West Bloomfield, MI and the surrounding areas may want to consider additional coverage depending on the type of enterprise being run. For example, any business that stores confidential information such as credit card data, social security numbers, or other PII should strongly consider cyber liability insurance which helps businesses recover after cyber attacks. Other common types of commercial insurance include professional and general liability.

At Phil Klein Insurance Group in West Bloomfield, MI we understand that your business is your livelihood and that’s why our talented team of insurance professionals works tirelessly to ensure that your best interests are represented. When you call the Phil Klein Insurance Group for your commercial insurance needs, we’ll take the time to learn about you as a customer and a person so that we can customize an insurance policy that exceeds your expectations.

Home Insurance Coverage Options

Posted on November 22, 2021December 2, 2021 by agentinsure

You have recently purchased a house, and it is one of the largest investments that you will probably ever make in your lifetime which means you will want to protect it in any way you can. The home insurance agents at the Phil Klein Insurance Group in West Bloomfield, MI are touting the importance of home insurance and the different coverage options that are available for you to choose from to adequately insure your home.

Coverage Options for Home Insurance

When it comes to a homeowners insurance policy, there are many coverage options, but the basic policy will cover the structure of your home as well as any outbuildings which would include your deck or a garage. A home insurance policy will also cover your personal belongings, furnishings, appliances, and other items that you own inside your home.

A home insurance policy we’ll help repair or replace your home if it is damaged or demolished by an act of vandalism, and natural disaster, or a fire. It will also help you replace items that are stolen due to a theft or robbery incident.

Normally your home insurance policy will not cover your home or other items due to neglect to the home, flooding, or an earthquake. You can talk to your home insurance agent about adding on these additional types of policies that will cover floods and earthquakes.

If you have a mortgage on your home and borrowed the money from a bank or other lender to pay for your home, the lender will more than likely require that you have home insurance, but it is very important to have a policy in place even if you paid cash for your home, or it was given to you in some other way, such as through inheritance.

To obtain a quote for home insurance and to get your policy started, contact the trusted and experienced home insurance agents at the Phil Klein Insurance Group in West Bloomfield, MI today!

PKIG Places at 21 on Crain’s Cool Places to Work

Posted on October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 by Owen Rosen

The team at West Bloomfield Independent Insurance Agency, PKIG were recently treated to a BIG surprise…we placed in the top quartile of the Crain’s Cool Places to Work.

Earlier in 2021 the leadership group made a decision to apply for Cool Places to Work. We knew it would be good for morale, hiring and our overall brand.

We knew we had a cool place and decided to run through the process.

One of the steps was getting your staff to answer a survey.

We were excited to find out we had 100% participation on this.

Knowing the team was going to take the time to fill out the survey, it was likely they would say good things.

And they sure must have…

In June we found out that we had placed in the top 100 out of close to 900 applicants.

Late August there was a special online viewing party to see how each of the companies ended up.

The leadership team thought it would be a great day to bring lunch in for the team and tell them there was a special webinar we needed to watch.

That ruse didn’t last long.

Lunch was great.

Watching our teammates see how we progressed toward the top of the list was even better.

You can see the excitement for yourself as we pass the top 75, 50 and 25.

The place was rocking when we landed at # 21.

Not a bad placement for our very first time being on the list.

We hope you enjoy the video.

Oh, and if you know anyone who is licensed in P&C insurance and is looking for a job, they can check out our job openings here.

Enjoy!

My car is paid for. Do I need full coverage?

Posted on October 11, 2021October 1, 2021 by agentinsure

You may question the benefits of carrying full coverage auto insurance if you don’t have a car loan. However, before you drop your insurance, there are certain things you should look into. Our West Bloomfield, MI team at Phil Klein Insurance Group is dedicated to helping you make the best insurance decisions when it comes to your vehicle. There are many things that motorists can consider when it comes to dropping full insurance coverage.

When Should You Drop Full Coverage?
If you’re insured for an amount that exceeds your car’s replacement value, you should consider dropping full coverage insurance. Plain talk, if your car was totaled and the payout would be significantly less than your insurance coverage, you probably don’t need full coverage auto insurance. You could also consider lowering your coverage amounts because you’re paying for more coverage than you actually need. However, there are a few key things that you can consider in making your decision.

You’re insured for more than your vehicle’s replacement cost.
High Mileage Car
You own your own vehicle.
Policy cost exceeds your budget

However, consulting with a Phil Klein Insurance Group team member can also help you make a final decision.

Another consideration is high-mileage cars. High mileage cars are usually cheaper to insure because the average life expectancy of a car is 200K. Purchasing full coverage insurance on a car with high miles is not wise because, often, the value of the car is far less than a full coverage policy. In this case, you’d be over-insured. Again, you can consider lower-cost options if you drive a high-mileage vehicle.

The Cost
If you don’t have a car loan, and the cost of full coverage insurance is expensive, you should drop the coverage or seek more affordable options. Our West Bloomfield, MI team at Phil Klein Insurance Group is standing by to answer any and all questions you may have about full coverage insurance. Give us a call. Regardless of your situation, we can help you determine your best auto insurance options.

4 Reasons You Need Life Insurance

Posted on September 30, 2021October 1, 2021 by agentinsure

It’s not about fear of death. It’s about living your life to its fullest potential. That means having a will, setting up trusts, and having life insurance. Why? Because it provides financial protection for you and your loved ones in the event something happens to you. Here are four reasons why Michigan residents should have life insurance.

1. Life Insurance Offers Financial Stability After a Loss

If you have dependents, then life insurance is one way to help provide for their financial needs if anything should happen to you. Simply put, life insurance provides your beneficiaries with an income stream that will be there even when you can’t be around anymore.

2. Life Insurance Can Help Pay Off Debt

Life insurance can help pay off any debts you have accumulated during your lifetime. Your creditors will not be able to get their money from you, but instead, they will receive it from your beneficiary in the form of a life insurance payment.

3. Life Insurance Can Also Be Used as an Investment

Life insurance can also serve as an investment on top of other functions. The money that you put into the policy accumulates over time in the form of cash. When you reach retirement age, you can use this money to provide for your own financial needs.

4. Life Insurance Provides Peace of Mind

Life insurance provides a financial safety net that allows you and your loved ones to concentrate on living instead of worrying about finances.

Get the Right Life Insurance in West Bloomfield, MI

Life insurance is an all-around financial tool. It provides a way to pay off your debts while still providing an income stream for your loved ones. That’s why it pays to talk to Phil Klein Insurance Group to help customize a life insurance policy for you.

3 Common Commercial Insurance Risks To Avoid

Posted on August 16, 2021July 29, 2021 by agentinsure

Phil Klein Insurance Group serves the West Bloomfield, MI community. We are an independent insurance agency. We strive to make sure that our client’s needs are met regardless of their situation. We offer our clients flexible policies that evolve over time as their needs change. We work with multiple carriers throughout the Midwest.

Commercial Insurance Risks To Avoid

Commercial insurance gives you a safety net as you handle the daily rights and responsibilities of operating your West Bloomfield, MI business. The policy covers all of your physical property and inventory if it is stolen or damaged. Liability coverage protects your business if one of your customers is injured while visiting your business or using your products. Worker’s compensation protects your business if one of your employees is injured in the workplace. While you analyze which policy is the right fit for your business, avoid these common commercial insurance risks.

Data Breaches

Online transactions happen regularly in today’s marketplace. While technological advancements are an asset, they also come with a lot of risks. You may have your customer’s information stored on your database. This includes sensitive numbers such as credit card numbers and addresses. Hackers attempt to steal this information. Cyber liability coverage can protect your business if you suffer a data breach.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as tornadoes and snowstorms can cause significant damage to your business. Business interruption coverage protects you if your business has to shut down for a few weeks in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Auto Accidents

If you use vehicles to help operate your business, you need commercial auto insurance. Commercial coverage is the only way to protect your business if you are involved in an auto accident while you are on the job.

Phil Klein Insurance Group Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.

Protecting your Home Against Natural Disasters

Posted on July 29, 2021July 29, 2021 by agentinsure

In our beautiful state of Michigan, we could be prone to unfortunate natural disasters such as tornados, floods, and winter storms. Severe weather is a common occurrence in this state. Because of this, you must protect your home against these occurrences with adequate home insurance. We at Phil Klein Insurance Group serving the West Bloomfield, MI area are here for you to find the right insurance for your home.

Prepare Before the Disaster

To prepare for a natural disaster, you must review your policy every year with your agent. If you have a question or a concern about a specific thing your policy doesn’t cover, don’t hesitate to follow up with your agent. Some other useful ways to protect your home before a disaster include:

Take photos of items in each room in your house.
Create a detailed inventory list of valuables not in your photos.
Keep a copy of all insurance cards and declaration pages.
Make a list of important telephone numbers to call.

What About After a Disaster?

There are also a few things you must do after a disaster occurs. One of the first things you must do is to contact your insurance agent or your insurance company’s toll-free number as soon as possible. Be sure to take lots of pictures of the damage and to make a list of personal property damaged. Some of the other vital things you must do after experiencing damage to your home include:

While you are obligated to make temporary repairs, you must not make any permanent ones until your insurance company has inspected the damage.
Ask your insurance agent if your policy covers temporary lodging until repairs are made to your home.

Contact Us for Home Insurance Coverage

You must take serious measures to protect your home against natural disasters. If you live in the West Bloomfield, MI area, contact our office to set an appointment with one of our agents to find the right home insurance coverage for you.

Reasons to Review Your Life Insurance

Posted on June 14, 2021June 5, 2021 by agentinsure

Life insurance is designed to cover policyholders through various stages of their journey, whether it is taking care of dependents or helping you get the right plan for your retirement. But life constantly changes, bringing along different realities that need tending. If a few years have passed or you have recently experienced a milestone in your life, now is the time to review your policy. Phil Klein Insurance Group tackles the various reasons that residents within West Bloomfield, MI should revisit their life cover.

Your Premiums Have Changed

Premiums are subject to changes every now and then, with factors such as economic changes and legal requirements being some leading causes of this. Your insurance provider may, for instance, offer reduced premiums after some time lapses, making you eligible for reduced annual payments. With this, you could enjoy significant savings, helping you take care of other essential needs. Other instances call for an increase in interest rates, resulting in increased premiums, which will require you to change your payments.

Your Beneficiaries Have Changed

Various life covers protect dependants for specific periods, after which your loved ones may not be eligible to collect the benefits. This is often the case when your policy covers tuition fees and health benefits for specific events, calling for a review on your cover after these requirements are met. Based on your current state of life, identity if your dependants still need a cover for their daily routine. With this, you can then determine whether or not to update your beneficiaries and how to structure their future needs.

The Emergence of New Products

Life insurance may also offer new products with features that could benefit you or your family. If you have the option to get more riders or get new features underwritten for your life cover, it may be an ideal solution to have your current policy reviewed.

Your life insurance should reflect your family’s current and future goals to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs. If you reside within West Bloomfield MI and need help reviewing your cover, consider reaching out to Phil Klein Insurance Group today.

PKIG Receives President’s Club Award from Citizens Insurance

Posted on May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 by Owen Rosen

Hanover Insurance Group President’s Club Insignia

PKIG Receives Award for Exceptional Customer Commitment and Service

Agency selected for The Hanover’s President’s Club

PKIG, formerly known as Phil Klein Insurance Group, recently was selected as a participant of The Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club, an elite group of independent insurance agencies from across the country.

The Hanover’s President’s Club agencies are recognized for delivering outstanding value to their customers through their insurance expertise and responsive service.

The Hanover partners with a select group of 2,100 independent agents nationwide and only 5% are recognized with this distinction. PKIG was one of the select few independent agencies. This is the 2nd consecutive year PKIG has been selected as a participant of The Hanover’s President Club.

“We are proud to partner with the talented team at PKIG.” said Richard W. Lavey, president, Hanover Agency Markets. “Their deep insurance expertise makes them valued and trusted advisers to their clients, delivering a superior customer service experience.”

The agency will be formally recognized for its selection as a participant of the company’s President’s Club during a national business conference later this year.

“We love our customers and our carriers. Being recognized like this from a top company lie Citizens Hanover is truly an honor” said Phil Klein, CEOat PKIG.