Understanding Guest Drivers and Your Car Insurance

Lending your car to a friend is a favor that can backfire. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about guest drivers at High Favor Insurance from Birmingham, MI, and all over Michigan.

Whose Policy Covers a Friend I Let Drive My Car?

Your policy provides liability protection for your car if:

• Your friend is a licensed driver.
• They have a Michigan license.
• You give them permission to drive your vehicle.
• Your car is registered and licensed in Michigan.
• The guest driver is not specifically excluded from your policy. Your agent can confirm whether they are or not.

Because Michigan is a no-fault state, their policy covers your car when:

• Your guest driver has a Michigan license.
• They maintain or are included in a Michigan auto insurance policy for their own car.
• Your policy does not otherwise apply.

Situations to Avoid

The situations you want to avoid are:

• Lending your Michigan-licensed car to someone who lives in an at-fault state, a state with a different kind of auto liability.
• Lending your car for out-of-state travel.
• Lending your car for business activity, such as an errand for a home office, Uber or Lyft, commercial hauling, or visiting clients. In this case, commercial coverage is necessary. Neither your nor their personal policy would pay.

It is always a good idea to contact your agent at High Favor Insurance before lending your car.

High Favor Insurance is your one-stop source for all of your insurance needs in Birmingham, MI, and the state. Call us today for the coverage you need!

Like most other states, Michigan requires you to have auto insurance if you plan on driving there. But as with many other laws, just because there’s a rule in place doesn’t mean that everyone you encounter will follow it. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and the law can become involved if someone doesn’t have auto insurance. In scenarios like this, asking if my insurance will cover me if the other driver is uninsured is important. If this is something that you’re curious to know if it happens to you, here’s what you need to know about coverage in areas like Birmingham, MI, and why it’s crucial to get the right coverage with the assistance of High Favor Insurance. 

Believe It or Not, You May Not Be Covered If You Collide With an Uninsured Driver

Michigan has auto insurance laws, but this only requires policies to feature personal injury protection, property protection insurance, and residual liability insurance coverage. Beyond this, things like being covered if you’re involved in an accident where the other party is uninsured or an underinsured driver are not covered. These policy features are optional, meaning you won’t be covered by bare-bones auto coverage. As you shop for auto insurance, keep this in mind and ask for this add-on so that you can have some additional financial support should the other driver not be able to cover the costs of your injuries. 

Streamline Auto Insurance Shopping With High Favor Insurance

Car insurance policies can be complex and nuanced, which is why we’re here to help you better understand and navigate the process of securing the right auto insurance policy. If you live in the Birmingham, MI, area or surrounding areas that we also serve, compare quotes with us today and contact us if you have specific concerns, like which type of optional insurance add-ons you might need!

Auto insurance is a necessity for motorists in Birmingham, MI. If you are in need of auto insurance coverage, you can get a quote on a policy by calling us at High Favor Insurance. 

The following are four auto insurance priorities to focus on when you buy a policy. 

Getting coverage for your own vehicle in the event of an accident

You can’t rely on the insurance coverage of other motorists on the road to cover your own vehicle damages if you get in an accident. If you want the accident damages you face to be covered, you should invest in collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Meeting the coverage requirements of your auto loan lender

If you borrowed money to buy your vehicle, you must have collision coverage. Be sure to consult your auto loan lender when you purchase insurance so that you know you’re meeting your lender’s requirements when you purchase insurance. 

Choosing an insurance policy with premiums that fit your budget

Missing an auto insurance premium payment can cause your policy to lapse. That’s why you need to ensure you’ll be able to afford your auto insurance premiums over the long term. 

Buying auto insurance from a company with good customer service

Don’t underestimate the importance of customer service when you buy auto insurance. Buying from a company with good customer service helps ensure that you’ll always be able to get the information you need on your auto insurance coverage. 

If you’re in the market for auto insurance in Birmingham, MI, we can come to your assistance at High Favor Insurance. Learn more about our auto insurance policies by contacting us today!

The winter months can be tough on cars, and proper preparation will help ensure your vehicle stays in the best condition possible. To make sure your car is up to the challenge of winter weather in the Birmingham, MI area, here are some tips from us at High Favor Insurance:

1. Check your tires. Make sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated. Bald or under-inflated tires won’t provide enough traction on icy roads and can easily result in an accident. Consider investing in snow tires if you live in an area where winter precipitation is expected.
2. Change the oil and other fluids. Oil gets thicker in cold weather, so it’s essential to use a weight suitable for colder temperatures to ensure optimal performance from your engine. Also, check the coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels and top them off as needed. 
3. Inspect the battery and connections for corrosion or damage like loose cables or worn terminals. If there is any rust or dirt buildup, clean it off with baking soda or a specialized cleaner, then lubricate the terminal ends with a small amount of petroleum jelly or silicone grease to help protect against corrosion from road salt used during winter storms. 
4. Check your wiper blades for wear and tear. Replace them if necessary, as visibility is critical when driving in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, sleet, etc.
5. Inspect all hoses and belts for cracks, tears, or other damages that could cause problems when it’s cold outside, as they become more brittle when temperatures drop significantly below freezing point (32°F). 

For more tips, call us at High Favor Insurance today! We proudly serve the Birmingham, MI area.

Teenagers living in Birmingham, MI are required by law to carry automobile insurance. Since Michigan is a no-fault state, its policies must be structured to cover their own damages. The minimum coverage mandated is $20,000 per individual, $40,000 per accident for medical expenses, and $10,000 for property repairs or reimbursement. No-limit PIP, or personal injury protection, is also a requirement, as is $1 million in PPI, or property protection insurance, per accident. 

The CDC has stated that 16-year-old drivers have the highest crash rate of any age. This figure drops by half once a teen reaches 18. Your teenage child should always be on a plan with their parents and not obtain coverage alone. Insurance tends to decrease in price as a young driver gains experience with each subsequent birthday. According to statistical data, males are typically considered riskier to insure than females. 

You can get insurance for your teen, as policies are readily available, and it’s vital to meticulously review the list of offered discounts with your High Favor Insurance agent. Some licenses have restrictions that can reduce hazardous driving, such as limiting the evening and night hours when teens can be on the roadways unless driving to work or supervised by a licensed adult over 21. 

Report cards, such as memberships to auto clubs and the purchase of safety kits to store inside the car, can matter. The type of vehicle they choose to drive can be a major factor contributing to both their safety and the ease with which you can insure them. 

High Favor Insurance aims to keep Birmingham, MI residents adequately insured, and we work hard to tailor policies to your needs. We invite you to contact us online or call or stop by the office to get more information. 

When the time comes to hand over a pair of car keys to your teenager, the most important thing is that they are properly insured with an auto insurance policy from an agency like High Favor Insurance. As a parent in Birmingham, MI, you probably have a lot of questions about insuring your new, young driver. Here are a few things you should be familiar with.

Does Your Teen Need Their Own Separate Policy?

It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about adding their teen driver to their current auto insurance policy due to a potential increase in rates. However, more often than not, a separate policy for your teen will be more expensive. This is particularly true if you currently bundle your home and auto insurance and have multiple vehicles on your policy.

However, the answer to this question will vary from one family to the next. Speaking to an insurance agent can clear up what step would be the most cost-efficient and offer the most protection. Ideally, the most important thing is that your teen is insured before getting behind the wheel.

Does Your Teen Require the Same Coverage as Parents?

Like every driver, teen drivers must have state-minimum liability coverage. Depending on your state, this may or may not differ from your own as an adult. Further, if your teen is driving a financed vehicle, then the lender is likely to require full coverage insurance (collision and comprehensive). Our team is happy to help you identify the coverage your teen needs.

Will the Kind of Car Teens Drive Impact Rates?

Yes, but this is true for any driver, regardless of their age. It goes without saying that a luxury or sports car will likely cost more to insure than a family car with enhanced safety features and ratings.

If you’re ready to get a teen auto insurance policy in Birmingham, MI, contact us at High Favor Insurance.

Renting a car is so easy these days, you can do all the work online before you leave home. Whether you are renting locally or going on vacation, you will have to decide if you need to buy additional insurance. It isn’t as simple as it sounds since there are lots of different insurance being offered and you want to make sure you are not duplicating coverage you might have already. When you have questions about auto insurance, High Favor Insurance in Birmingham, MI has the experienced team you are looking for. 

Before you decide if you need to add more auto coverage when renting a vehicle call your insurance agent and ask them if you are adequately covered. A lot will depend on your policy and its coverage and which carrier you have. There isn’t one simple answer to this question. 

If you are confident your liability insurance coverage on your auto insurance is enough then you definitely don’t need to take the liability insurance the rental company will be offering. You may even have an umbrella policy that adds a layer of additional liability. 

If you have a vehicle similar in value to the one you are renting, your comprehensive and collision insurance should be enough to protect you against any damage you sustain in a rental vehicle. If you don’t have collision and comprehensive coverage you should take the Collision Damage Waiver. This will free you from having to pay for any damage to the rental vehicle or theft of the vehicle. Most of these policies do have a deductible. This coverage is the only one you may want to take advantage of. 

Contact High Favor Insurance in Birmingham, MI for all your insurance needs. We provide no-obligation quotes and are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

It is almost impossible to predict whether you will ever lose a lawsuit from a car accident or not. Most residents in Birmingham, MI have auto insurance, which offers most of the coverage. However, did you know that minimum auto insurance doesn’t cover you and your car in an accident where you are at fault?

Well, the liability coverage you pay for only covers other parties that you harmed. So, what happens when you cause an accident where you are also injured, and your car gets damaged? Well, depending on your auto coverage, you may or may not receive any help.

At High Favor Insurance, we care about you and your financial securities. That is why we recommend buying umbrella insurance to add extra coverage to what you already have.

How can umbrella insurance protect me during an accident?

Umbrella is extra liability coverage that protects you against lawsuits, property damage, and bodily injury. For instance, if you accidentally caused property damage like damaging someone else’s car, your auto insurance policy may cover the loss. Still, if inadequate, umbrella insurance can come in and offset the rest.

In most cases, liability is never enough to cover for injury and damages caused to another party, and the policyholder ends up digging into their pockets to pay the rest. That is where personal umbrella insurance comes in. Remember, an umbrella policy can only come in when auto insurance is depleted.

What about lawsuits?

The main reason why you need umbrella insurance is to protect yourself from financial insecurities after an expensive lawsuit. For instance, if you caused an accident and someone got critically injured, they may file a lawsuit against you. Similarly, if the accident you caused was as a result of alcohol consumption, the other party may decide to file a case against you. In this case, you will need the help of an umbrella policy to pay legal fees.

At High Favor Insurance, we would like to help you get an additional coverage. Contact or visit us at our Birmingham, MI offices today!

Having a teenager in the house can cause a lot of changes to your family dynamic, especially once they start driving. This new independence is an exciting new phase of life for them, but it’s vital that your auto insurance policy keeps pace with the changes. Talk to the pros at High Favor Insurance before your teen gets out on the road in the Troy or Birmingham, MI area. We can help you make any necessary changes to your family car insurance policy today and help you put the right protection in place.

Get Ready for Your Teenage Driver!

Unfortunately, teenagers are involved in more driving mishaps than their older counterparts. Much of this is due to inexperience, and their risk decreases as they drive for a more extended period. In the meantime, it’s important to have the right insurance to protect them and your family. There are several options available as you add new drivers to your auto insurance policy. Depending on the total number of drivers and vehicles that you need to protect, a fleet policy could be a good option. There are also situations where it is more cost-effective to have the new driver on their own policy rather than the family policy. Whichever option is the right fit for your needs, it’s important to research and understand your options before they start driving. We are here to support you during this time, and help you understand your options and why one policy may be a better fit for your family than another. 

Before your teen starts driving, give High Favor Insurance a call for a policy review. We are here to serve all of the auto insurance needs of the greater Birmingham, MI community. Give us a call today!

High Favor Insurance in Birmingham, MI is a comprehensive insurance agency that strives to take care of all of your areas of potential liability. In this way, you can go about the business of enjoying and getting the most out of life as opposed to worrying about what may happen. 

Your auto insurance policy does not change season to season and is in force for the entire agreed-upon policy period. That does not mean, however, that there aren’t particular needs to be wary of as the seasons change during the year. We experience the four seasons here in beautiful Michigan, with brutally cold winters.

Snowy Days – In The Elements?

Speak with one of our insurance agents to learn if you should invest in added coverage for the snowy winters. If you are out in the cold more often than normal due to your vocation or lifestyle your automobile is more susceptible to incur liability. This increase is due to the extraordinary use of your car as opposed to most commuters who use their vehicle to get to and from work.  

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Your chosen vocation and lifestyle play a significant role in whether your auto insurance can remain at standard. Using your car for work on rainy spring days or leaf strewn autumn evenings can add to a standard level of risk.   

High Favor Insurance Agency LLC is located in Birmingham MI 48009. Make it a priority to stop in today to allow us to assess your insurance needs. Our agents want to make certain you have the proper coverage for your auto, home, commercial, boat/watercraft. classic car, condo, motorcycle, motor home, recreational renters, and umbrella insurance needs.  We highly favor your business.