Another vacant space in downtown Niles has been filled with the opening of Look Insurance, 224 N. Front St.

Vandalia resident Ken Kendall opened it Tuesday in the historic John B. Reddick building, formerly home to Studio 224 salon, which moved to Main Street earlier this year.

Kendall, formerly employed in the manufactured home industry, decided to pursue a career in auto insurance with persuasion from his father’s friend, owner of Look, which has 80 locations in Michigan.

“He’s been telling me to come aboard for years,” Kendall said.
Look’s niche is insuring high-risk drivers. In fact, Kendall’s business motto is “Don’t get caught ridin’ dirty.”

The only requirement Look needs to insure a motorist is a valid Michigan driver’s license. Factors such as a bad driving record, lapses in coverage, no Social Security card, lack of health insurance and age are not taken into consideration. Quotes can be given within minutes over the phone.

“A lot of people who come in, say, ‘oh my God, that’s all I have to pay?’” Kendall said.

Look offers full and liability coverage, which Kendall claims is comparable to insurance for those with good driving records. He said Look is beneficial for parents who are insuring children with learner’s permits, which can be costly. Look does not insure motorcycles or RVs and does not offer homeowner’s insurance.

Kendall made the decision to locate offices in Benton Harbor and Niles based solely on proximity to Secretary of State offices; the next closest are in Coldwater and Kalamazoo. Since motorists seeking to insure their vehicles usually want to visit a Secretary of State office, Kendall thought it was a logical decision.

He is also considering a third location in Dowagiac.

Look Insurance is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It can be reached at 687-9221 and is online at lookinsuranceofbentonharbor.com.