Don’t Make a Mistake: Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value Property Insurance – Which is Right for You?”

Posted on March 11, 2024April 24, 2024 by Shield Insurance Agency

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When it comes to protecting your property, having the right insurance coverage is crucial. One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to have replacement cost or actual cash value property insurance. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the differences and choose the one that best suits your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each type of insurance coverage and help you make an informed decision.

Actual Cash Value: Understanding the Basics of Property Insurance

Actual cash value (ACV) is a type of property insurance coverage that takes into account depreciation when determining the value of your property. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company will pay you the current market value of your property, minus depreciation. This means that if your property is older or has depreciated in value, you may receive less compensation than what it would cost to replace or repair it.

Replacement Cost: The Full Value of Your Property

Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, provides you with the full value of your property at the time of loss, without deducting for depreciation. This means that if your property is damaged or destroyed, the insurance company will pay the cost to replace or repair it, up to the policy limit. Replacement cost coverage typically comes with higher premiums compared to actual cash value coverage, but it offers greater protection and peace of mind.

Property Insurance Comparison: Which Option is Right for You?

When deciding between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage, it’s important to consider your specific needs and circumstances. If you have older property or items that have depreciated significantly in value, actual cash value coverage may be sufficient. However, if you have newer property or items that would be costly to replace, replacement cost coverage is likely the better option.

The Benefits of Replacement Cost Coverage

One of the main benefits of replacement cost coverage is that it provides you with the funds necessary to replace or repair your property without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses. This can be especially important if you have valuable items or if your property is located in an area prone to natural disasters. Additionally, replacement cost coverage can help you maintain the value of your property and ensure that you can rebuild or replace it to its pre-loss condition.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency for a Free Quote

Choosing the right insurance coverage for your property is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to carefully consider your options and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each type of coverage. Shield Insurance Agency represents over 45 insurance companies and can help you navigate the complex world of insurance coverage options. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

In conclusion, whether you choose actual cash value or replacement cost property insurance depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While actual cash value coverage may be more affordable, replacement cost coverage offers greater protection and peace of mind. Consider the value of your property, the potential cost of replacement or repair, and your budget when making this important decision. Remember, Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you find the right insurance coverage for your property.

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What commercial insurance is required in Michigan?

Posted on August 9, 2021January 22, 2025 by admin

Protecting your business takes the right commercial insurance. Your policy can be customized by your insurance agent to give you all the protection you need and none that doesn’t apply to your business. At Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan, we have the commercial insurance policy experience you are looking for. We will make sure you have the commercial insurance mandated by the state of Michigan.

Mandated insurance

Commercial auto insurance

In the state of Michigan, all business-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance. The required amount of commercial auto insurance you must carry is 20/40/10. That is $20,000 for injuries to one person in an accident with a total of $40,000 for the entire accident with $10,000 property damage. While this is the required amount, it may not be the correct amount for your business.

Workers’ compensation insurance

If your business has one or more full-time employees, you must have workers’ compensation insurance.

While these are the mandated commercial insurances, they are not the only ones that can benefit your business.

Not Mandated but a good idea

Commercial liability insurance

Between 36% and 53% of small businesses are sued every year. That means that your chance of being involved in litigation is pretty high. Not only could there be a judgment against you, but you would also be responsible for the legal fees that go along with defending yourself. Commercial liability insurance can make the difference between surviving and having to close your doors.

Commercial property insurance

If a covered peril hits your business, it could destroy everything you need to do business. Your inventory, your machinery, your raw materials, your office equipment, and your records. Without commercial property insurance would you be able to replace all these things and get back to work? If the answer is no, this is the insurance you need.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan when you are ready to customize your commercial insurance.

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BOP Can Protect Your Company Assets and Save You Money

Posted on December 21, 2020January 25, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

BOP: Business Owners Policy

By buying business insurance, you take a big step to secure your finances and create a strong risk management strategy. After all, you never know when a single incident like a fire or break-in could devastate your business and cost you a fortune.

One of the simplest ways to put together a strong business insurance portfolio is to start your coverage with a business owner’s policy, better known as a BOP. It’s a great way to not only get strong coverage but also to save money on your benefits. Consider just a few of the extensive property benefits that a BOP can provide with just a few simple steps.

Why BOPs are Customizable

BOPs generally offer several standard types of commercial insurance in one place. These are:

Property insurance to cover your company’s owned assets, including equipment and inventory.
Liability coverage that pays for third-party injuries or property damage that are your fault.
Business interruption insurance will offer you coverage for lost income or overhead costs that continue to burden you even if you have to temporarily halt your work.

However, just because BOPs will offer you standardized coverage, that doesn’t mean they are not customizable. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to your company property. After all, no two businesses are alike. That’s why the belongings you seek to insure are going to vary considerably, and you’ll want your BOP to be able to address them.

Within your BOP’s property insurance, you might be able to insure:

Your inventory and the materials used to make products if you manufacture them on-site.
Marketing materials.
Company equipment. These items might be anything that you use to manufacture products.
Furnishings such as shelving or storage cabinets, break-room appliances, chairs, desks, or decorative items.
Electronic items such as computers, printers, company mobile devices, or tablets.
Signage (both indoors and outdoors)

Of course, if you own the buildings that house your business, then your BOP can also insure the structure of the property itself. However, if you rent the property, then you usually don’t have any obligation to buy coverage.

However, it is important to remember that all BOPs will include exclusions and limits to what they will pay for certain losses. For example, your policy won’t pay for normal wear & tear, nor will it cover any damage that costs less than the deductible on your coverage. Another common exclusion is a limitation on what your policy will pay for outdoor signage.

Still, you can work with your independent insurance agent to determine exactly how to tailor your BOP’s property coverage to your benefit. There are various coverage endorsements available which might be precisely the benefits you need for your company assets.