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All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

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Empowering Individuals: Introducing the "Road to Standard Auto Insurance Market" Guide

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe in more than just providing insurance coverage; we are dedicated to empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions about their insurance needs. That's why we're excited...

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Navigating the Road of Adding an Inexperienced Driver to Your Policy: Rathbun Insurance Has You Covered

Adding an inexperienced or new driver to your insurance policy can be a daunting task for any guardian. The concerns about safety, potential accidents, and the impact on premiums can be overwhelming. However, Rathbun...

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VIDEO: Understanding the Hard Insurance Market and Cost Sharing

In the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry, we currently find ourselves amidst what experts term a "hard market." This phase challenges insurance companies to reevaluate their strategies in the face of mounting...

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What can an Independent Insurance Agent do for you?

Looking to change your auto insurance, cover your home for damage or get liability insurance? An independent insurance agent can help you with all of these needs. What makes independent agents different from “captive”...

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15 Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

Driving in snow and ice requires quick reflexes, patience and know-how. If you can’t avoid driving in wintry conditions, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the challenge. Also, try to time your trip so you...

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Protect Your Trucking and Freight Operation

The trucking and freight industry is crucial to the economy, transporting goods from coast to coast. But a lot of liability is riding on your trucking and freight operation. Thieves stole over $31.1 million in shipments...

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Importance of timely insurance premium payments!

In the realm of financial planning, insurance serves as a safety net that shields individuals, families, and business from unexpected and potentially devastating losses. Whether it’s health, life, auto, liability, or...

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Demystifying Insurance Rates: How Carriers Set Premiums and the Role of Independent Insurance Agencies

Insurance is an essential aspect of financial planning and risk management. It provides a safety net that helps individuals and businesses safeguard themselves against unforeseen events and unexpected expenses. However,...

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10 Reasons To Consider an Independent Insurance Agent

We live in an app-enabled world. You can order groceries, hire a dog walker and book a vacation without leaving your home or speaking to a real person. It makes sense to think insurance is something you can do online,...

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The Hard Insurance Market: Navigating Through Cost Sharing

In the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, we find ourselves in the midst of what experts refer to as a "hard market." This term is indicative of a phase where insurance companies face increasing...

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Understanding Underwriting Decisions vs. Coverage Decisions

At Rathbun Insurance, we understand that traversing the world of insurance can be complex and overwhelming. In this blog, we'll shed light on the crucial difference between underwriting decisions and coverage decisions....

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Have You Missed an Auto Insurance Payment?

Life happens. The car breaks down, the kids get sick, an appliance fails. When the insurance bill arrives, you have every intention of paying it, but somehow you forget. The next thing you know, a cancellation notice...

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Prepare for Emergencies with Rathbun Insurance: September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and it's the perfect time to ensure you're ready for unexpected disasters. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is emphasizing the importance of...

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How a DUI Affects Insurance

Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is deadly and expensive. Yet it continues to happen every day across the United States. Sadly, alcohol-impaired crashes alone claim more than 10,000 lives per...

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Are You Taking Advantage of Auto Insurance Discounts?

You know how expensive auto insurance can be, especially if you have multiple family members on your policy. And insurance companies understand how important it is to make auto insurance more affordable. As a result,...

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Michigan Supreme Court Rules No-Fault Reimbursement Limits Not Retroactive

Today, we bring you an important update regarding the 2019 No-Fault law in Michigan. The long-awaited decision from the Michigan Supreme Court has been released, and it directly impacts the reimbursement limits for...

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Weathering the Storm: Top Strategies for Hail Storm Preparedness

As your trusted independent agency in Lansing, MI, we are committed to ensuring your safety and protecting your property. With a severe thunderstorm watch in effect, there is a possibility of a hail storm heading our...

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Why does my agent ask me so many questions?

When purchasing insurance, you may have noticed that insurance agents ask a lot of questions. This can often seem like an intrusive and time-consuming process, but it is actually a necessary part of the insurance...

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Independent vs. Captive Agent

As you navigate the world of insurance, you may encounter different types of agents. Two common types are independent agents and exclusive or captive agents. While both types of agents can provide you with insurance...

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Why Young Adults Need Umbrella Insurance: Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected

As a young adult, you may not be thinking about purchasing insurance, let alone an umbrella insurance policy. However, it's important to understand that accidents and unexpected events can happen at any time and it's...

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Why Unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is Crucial for Young Adults in Michigan

As a young adult, you might not think much about the potential costs associated with a car accident. However, the reality is that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age or driving experience. In Michigan,...

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Does my personal auto policy cover delivery driving? Probably Not!

As online shopping has become increasingly popular, the demand for delivery drivers has risen. Many people have taken on this role to earn extra income or even as a full-time job. However, what many people don't realize...

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Why are my Insurance Premiums Going Up?

If you received your home or auto insurance renewal and are wondering why your premium has increased yet you’ve had zero claims - you’re not alone! From gas, to groceries, to insurance, prices are going up as the U.S....

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First, A Refund. Now, A Charge!?

It’s no secret that Michigan drivers pay some of the highest insurance premiums throughout the nation. However, in doing so, some Michigan drivers are afforded unlimited and lifetime medical benefits from the Michigan...

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Why Do Agents Need To Know Where I Live?

When we are in the process of putting insurance proposals together, we tend to ask quite a few questions. By far, one of the most important is “Where do you reside?” Michigan has some of the most generous medical...

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What is Personal Injury Protection Coverage?

Whether you’ve lived in Michigan your entire life or are new to our state, everyone knows auto insurance here is expensive. Michigan is the only state in the country in which you have the option of purchasing unlimited...

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Why You Need to Be Concerned About Those Who Aren’t

As trusted insurance advisors, we are commonly faced with the question “What do I need to protect myself from?” When referring to automobile insurance, the reality is who you insure yourself against is equally important...

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Where's My Refund!?

As we reported back in December, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services announced that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) would be returning surplus funds to...

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What Is Mini Tort & How Do I File A Claim?

A mini tort claim is like a small civil suit that you file against an at-fault driver. It is important to note that a mini tort claim is filed with the other drivers insurance company. We as your agent can provide you...

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When Trying to Help Can Actually Cause More Harm Than Good

For the parent of a young adult who is ready to declare independence – and make the move out of the family home - times are particularly trying. We are left shaken from the economic fallout of the pandemic, fearful of...

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Michigan Drivers To Get Refund Checks of $400 Per Car

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services has announced that the Michigan Catastophic Claims Association (MCCA) will be returning surplus funds and will begin the process of...

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Cancel My Policy. I Signed Up For A Car Subscription Service.

We see new things everyday in the insurance world. And we've had quite a few questions lately about car subscription services and the accompanying insurance. Many car dealers are now offering car subscription services....

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How Do I Protect My Catalytic Converter?

Within the last few months, we have had a rash of claims related to the theft of catalytic converters. Especially in downtown Lansing, these incidents appear to be getting more and more common. But why are they getting...

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Rathbun Agency Adds Pioneer State Mutual To Carrier Lineup

For sixty four years, we have been proud to partner with the best insurance carriers that offer broad coverage and competitive pricing. We are very excited to announce that we have added Pioneer State Mutual to our...

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Do We Really Need Insurance Agents Anymore?

With access to just about all the information you need online to make purchasing decisions, do you really need an insurance agent anymore? The thought of interacting in person with a local agent seems like an obsolete...

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Why Should Drivers on Medicare Keep Unlimited Coverage?

One of the major changes that no-fault reform is bringing to the auto insurance landscape is the option to select different medical benefit levels. Drivers will have choices moving forward in their Personal Injury...

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What Changes are Coming to Order of Priority?

The term “order of priority” (OOP) refers to the set of rules that outline which no-fault insurer or entity has primary responsibility for payment of personal injury protection (PIP) benefits arising out of a motor...

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How Are My Insurance Policies Affected by Coronavirus?

We have had several questions the last few weeks on how to reduce premiums during the mandatory stay-at-home order for both businesses and individuals. Most all carriers are making accommodations if you call their...

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Auto No-Fault vs. Medicare - What's Covered?

One of the major changes that no-fault reform is bringing to the auto insurance landscape is the option to select different medical benefit levels. Drivers will have choices moving forward in their Personal Injury...

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What is Order of Priority?

The term “order of priority” (OOP) refers to the set of rules that outline which no-fault insurer or entity has primary responsibility for payment of personal injury protection (PIP) benefits arising out of a motor...

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What is Qualified Health Coverage?

As a result of recent no-fault legislation, beginning July 1, 2020, there will be the option of selecting from several different options in regards to the medical coverage carried on your auto insurance policy. The...

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What is a Mini Tort Claim and How Do I File One?

A mini tort claim is like a small civil suit that you file against an at-fault driver. As a courtesy to our customers, The Rathbun Agency files mini tort claims with other insurance carriers. At this time, the maximum...

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What No-Fault Changes Are Effective Now?

While there are several implementation dates that affect the recent no-fault reform law, the vast majority of provisions do not take effect until July 1st, 2020. However, there are certain provisions that took an...

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Do I Need A Personal Umbrella Policy?

Yes. But what is an umbrella policy? A personal umbrella policy is an additional liability policy that provides coverage beyond the limits of your primary personal insurance policies. Typically, the umbrella is...

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Auto Insurance Reform Bill Drastically Changes Landscape of Michigan Insurance

Originally posted in Lansing State Journal: Last Wednesday morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an auto insurance reform bill that drastically changes the landscape of the Michigan insurance industry. The new law will...

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What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Coverage?

In order to legally drive your vehicle, The State of Michigan requires that you carry casualty or liability insurance. This provides coverage for damage done by YOU to some other party for which you are legally liable....

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Do You Need the Car Rental Insurance if You Already Have Car Insurance?

When on vacation, the nice salesperson at the rental car company counter is going to offer you their insurance coverage. Do you really need everything they're offering? It depends. The four coverages that the rental car...

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Winter Driving Tips

Fair or foul weather driving always presents hazards. Driving conditions in winter months are far different than those faced by drivers during our Michigan summers. 1. Be able to see and be seen. Clean all the snow and...

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