All-Season Tires vs Snow Tires

Posted on June 22, 2019August 29, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

Updated: Aug 6, 2018

Written by Shield Insurance Agency

All-Season tires vs Snow Tires?

The tread compound of All-season tires can harden in low temperatures, so there’s less traction between the road and your tires. But snow tires use special rubber compounds that stay pliable in the cold, giving them better grip and improved braking, even in extreme conditions.

Sometimes Michigan cold temperatures tend to drag on for longer periods. If it’s still below the 45–50-degree mark, leave the tires on. If the temperatures are well above freezing, the 50s, and above, then make sure to get those winter tires off and get your summer tires placed back on your vehicle. The longer you leave your winter tires on, the faster your treads are going to wear off your tires.

I love my snow tires! They help my vehicle a lot! But I will not take them off until the freezing temperatures are over. Since Memorial Day is almost here, I would say “get those winter/snow tires off of your vehicle”.

Submitted by Dawn

Written by Shield Insurance Agency

Home Safety Tips

Posted on June 22, 2019April 28, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Home Safety Tips

I follow the blog of a family friend who is a real estate agent and he recently had some great tips on keeping your home safe – safer than you think it might already be. I thought this was too great of a list not to share.

A home is a place you should feel safe and secure. Sometimes, we take it for granted, and unfortunately, we do need to remain vigilant about things we do that could compromise our safety. Here are a few tips to consider:

Everyone loves an inviting home including burglars. Make sure it looks occupied and is difficult to break in. Always lock outside doors and windows even if you’re only gone for a brief time. Lock gates and fences. Leave lights on when you leave; consider timers to automatically control the lights. Keep your garage door closed even when you’re home; don’t tempt thieves with what you have in your garage. Suspend your mail and newspaper delivery when you’re out of town or get a neighbor to pick it up for you. Posting that you’re out of town or away from home on social networks is like advertising your home is unprotected. Equally dangerous could be allowing certain social network sites to track your location. Don’t leave keys under doormats, in flowerpots, or the plastic rocks; thieves know about those hiding places and even more than you can think. Trim the shrubs from around your home; don’t give criminals a place to hide. Use exterior motion detectors and yard lighting. Have an alarm system and use it when you leave home and go to bed. Put 3 ½” deck screws in door plates and door hinges. Have good deadbolts on all exterior doors. Exterior doors should be solid core.

submitted by Tammy

Other Drivers In the Household - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Are There Other Drivers In the Household?

Posted on June 22, 2019August 31, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Updated: Aug 6, 2018 | Drivers In the Household | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Sep 10, 2017 Share

One of the many questions we ask while preparing an auto quote is if there are other drivers in the household. Here are some of the reasons why:

First off, under Michigan’s No-Fault rules, if someone ( let’s call him Marvin) is in an auto accident and needs medical attention, Marvin’s auto insurance will end up paying those medical bills. It doesn’t matter if Marvin caused the accident or if he got hit. It doesn’t even matter if Marvin was walking down the street and got struck by a car, Marvin’s auto insurance will get that bill.

Now if Marvin doesn’t have auto insurance, guess who would be next in line to get those bills? If Marvin lives with someone, that person’s auto insurance would be next in line.

So that’s why the insurance companies want to know who lives with you. If your roommates are driving without insurance, there’s a good chance a medical bill would land in your insurance company’s mailbox.

submitted by Joe

Recent Blog Articles

Happy Groundhog Day, 2018

Posted on June 22, 2019August 29, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

Updated: Aug 6, 2018

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Feb 2, 2018

Groundhog Day 2018

Punxsutawney Phil indeed communicated in “groundhog talk” that he had cast a shadow. According to legend, that means the weather will be wintry for the next 6 weeks. OK! So if he wouldn’t cast a shadow, then we would have an early spring. Which either way you look at it, March 20th is the 1st day of Spring regardless. I will always remember when the first day of Spring is because it is my sweet Mother’s Birthday, a nice way to welcome the season.

Of course, visually seeing the 1st Robin of the season helps too! 🙂 In the meantime, we are getting a bunch of snow right now and still have to be extra cautious when we are driving. But, if you are a true Michigander, you do appreciate the beautiful, majestic, gorgeous Wintry splendor. The warm weather will be on us soon enough, but sit back and read your favorite book by your crackling fire or take a walk outside and marvel at the beautiful snowflakes casually drifting down on you and realize that the warmer weather is just around the corner.

submitted by Dawn

Recent Blog Articles

Commercial General Liability Insurance: Are You Properly Covered?

Posted on June 22, 2019September 5, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | General Liability Insurance | Contact our office today! | Start A Quote

Commercial General Liability Insurance: Are you properly covered? Should a contractor you perform work for be listed on your policy as an additional insured?

These are very common questions in the insurance world today. Typically, your general liability policy covers you & your employees for liability in the work that you perform for your customers. Adding an additional insured to your policy protects that additional insured from liability “arising out of work you perform”.

One example I can think of would be that of a cleaning company: Company A (you) does the cleaning at Company B (additional insured). One of Company A’s employees mops the floor with the wrong cleaner and leaves the floor extremely slippery. A customer goes to Company B & slips/falls causing injury. The customer files suit against Company B for liability. Because this slippery floor is a result of the work of an employee of Company A and Company B is listed as an additional insured on Company A’s insurance policy, Company B has additional liability coverage under Company A’s policy because the incident occurred “arising out of” work Company A performed.

General Liability Insurance

If you have any questions or would like to explore your options for health insurance, it is always a good idea to contact your insurance carrier or speak with an insurance agent. Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can provide you with a free quote and personalized advice. 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.

Be sure to check with your agent to make sure you are properly covered for all liability exposures. Submitted by Tammy

Recent Blogs

Captive vs Independent Agents

Posted on June 22, 2019August 31, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Captive vs Independent Agents |

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Apr 11, 2018

Captive vs Independent Agents

Hello Friends, Family, Clients, Potential Clients.

I am writing this Blog Entry today, because my Dad, Andy, the owner of the Agency, is asking me to. We believe that a website with Blog entries every so often will get more views than one that has none. We are always looking for ways to get our Business more Business, and if a Blog is one, then we will have a Blog!

I was struggling very hard on what to write about for this blog, as I am not exactly a person who just writes for fun by any means. I thought that I would tackle the thought process of buying from an Independent Agency, versus Buying from a Captive Agency. Not a lot of people know the difference, and not a lot of people even know there IS a difference.

First, let me explain the Difference between Independent Agency and a Captive Agency. A Captive Agency is an agency that can only sell one single Insurance Company Product. For example; State Farm, Farm Bureau, Farmers. These type of Captive Agents sell their Customers that specific companies Products, and then after the Policy renews, they renew with that Specific company. Year after year the customer stays with that specific company no matter what happens to the Price or coverage because that Captive Agency only sells that company. Captive Agencies have the Majority of Personal lines, customers, in the United States, but I personally think that is because of the Marketing these captive Agencies do.

An Independent Agency sells many company’s products to their customers. Shield Insurance is an Independent Agency, we sell 8 different Home and Auto Companies to our Customers. Here is the List; Wolverine Mutual Insurance, Fremont Insurance, State Auto Insurance, Foremost Specialty Insurance, Progressive Insurance, AAA Insurance, Safe-co Insurance, Grange Insurance. When an Independent Agency Writes a policy for a client, they quote all of their companies to figure out which one is going to give that client the lowest price, with the best coverage, and that is who they put the client with. After 6 months when the Policy Renews, the agent will evaluate the Price, and if there is any sort of Increase, the agent will check all of the Other companies they Represent, and see if any of them have a cheaper price, and if they do, they will present that to their Client, and save them money on the renewal. (Some agencies don’t check, but we do!).

This is the Process of a Captive Agency, Versus an Independent Agency. The Independent Agent Shops for you, Year after Year. The Captive agent, keeps you as a Client Year after year, while your Policies are stuck with one Company. Obviously, I am a bit bias being an Independent Agent, but just think about the Thought process, would someone want to go somewhere they can only receive the same quote, or would they want to go somewhere that shops for them, and find the best price for them. I have yet to find More Benefits to being with a Captive Agency, versus an Independent Agency, but if anyone knows any, feel free to email me about it! Thanks for reading my Blog Entry today Folks, Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

submitted by TJ

Latest Blog Posts

Roadside assistance is a great buy for your wallet and also your peace of mind.

Posted on June 22, 2019August 28, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

There are many situations you may find yourself in need of roadside assistance. Even if you feel you are prepared for potential problems, like a flat tire, knowing that you can call someone in an emergency may give you some peace of mind. With most auto insurance companies, it can cost as little as $1/ month to add roadside assistance to your auto policy and services are available 24/7. The savings of having roadside assistance can add up really quickly with just one service provided. Here are a list of the services that roadside assistance can help with:

Lockout Service

Most cars come with two keys but in many situations, the “spare” key isn’t available. Having roadside assistance on your policy could save you a lot of time and money. The cost to have a locksmith unlock your vehicle is between $50-$100 depending on the year of your vehicle.

Flat Tire

Flat tires are one of the most common reasons to call for roadside assistance. Changing a flat tire yourself is generally quick and easy as long as you have a spare and jack available. But if you’ve never done it before, then it’s probably best to just call for help. With roadside assistance, help is just a phone call away.

Dead Battery

Jumper cables are a great thing to keep in your vehicle and many people do. But if you’re alone, it is almost always better to call for help than to flag down another motorist, which could be dangerous. If your battery is completely dead or the temperature is too low, even jumper cables might not help. Roadside assistance becomes very handy in this situation.

Towing

If you break down or are in an accident, you’ll need to get your vehicle off the road and into a repair shop. Most towing companies will charge you between $75-$200, depending on the number of miles being towed. This fee is due at the time of service and unfortunately might not fit into your budget. With roadside assistance, you can just call your insurance company who will then dispatch an approved tow provider to your location and you won’t see a bill.

Out of Gas

Most basic roadside service plans include emergency fuel delivery because running out of gas is such a common problem for motorists. This saves you the time and energy of walking to the nearest gas station. Especially if you’re traveling with small children, pets, or in inclement weather. Knowing that this service is available can give anyone great peace of mind!

***As always, it’s recommended to check with your agent to make sure which services are available with your current insurance companies roadside assistance.***

Latest Posts

Ways To Keep Your Auto Insurance Premiums Down - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Ways To Keep Your Auto Insurance Premium Down

Posted on June 22, 2019August 31, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Auto Insurance Premium | Start a Quote Today!

Auto Insurance is something we must all have and how much we pay is different from person to person. Although we each pay something different there are ways to help keep your premium lower.

Here are a few examples:

Control your speed- every speeding ticket you get raises your insurance rates. Never drink and drive- getting a ticket for drinking and driving will greatly increase your premium. For many companies, it affects your premium longer than a normal speeding ticket and some companies may not even accept your policy.

Take advantage of discounts- Most companies offer discounts for different things. Using email, shopping at Spartan stores, having home and auto together, multiple cars, and being claims-free are just a few examples of discounts.

Talk to your agent to see if you qualify for any discounts. Double-check your coverage- Make sure the coverage you have fits your vehicle. For example, if you have a really old car with full coverage maybe look at increasing the deductibles or removing the full coverage altogether.

These are just a few examples of steps you can take to help save money on your auto insurance premium.

Auto Insurance Premium

Recent Blog Posts

How Much Coverage Do You Really Need for Your Vehicle - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

How Much Vehicle Coverage Do You Really Need?

Posted on June 22, 2019August 30, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Vehicle Coverage | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today

This is a question that I have been asked often and while I can list all the amazing coverages offered to you, the answer really depends on your personal needs and assets.

Let’s start with PLPD coverage only. As most people know, PLPD (Personal Liability, Property Damage) is the minimum coverage needed to drive your vehicle on the road legally. Yet, what a lot of people don’t realize is that PLPD has so many different coverage options on its own.

The dreaded state minimum requirement for Bodily Injury Liability Limits is $20,000 per person up to $40,000 per accident.

If someone else were to be injured in an auto accident that was your fault (or worse, a whole family with multiple kids), that is the coverage you have to offer. That doesn’t mean that the injured person can stop suing you for money after $20,000 or $40,000, it just means that you are on your own to pay anything over that. So you could be paying tens to hundreds of thousands out of your own pocket!

The saddest thing about this incredibly LOW coverage is that better coverage is CHEAP!!! I have seen someone with 1 vehicle & 1 driver have the state minimum and to upgrade to $100,000 per person up to $300,000 per accident was only $25 more for a whole 6-month policy. That’s less than $5 extra a month for more than QUADRUPLE the coverage!

Vehicle Coverage

Then there’s Full Coverage, which means comprehensive (~acts of God coverage) and collision coverage added to PLPD. This is where it all depends on where you are at financially and what your vehicle is worth.

My husband and I do not have loans on our vehicles. Mine is an old beater van that isn’t worth much. According to Kelley Blue Book, (www.kbb.com) the actual cash value is only $1,500. Based on this, it wasn’t worth paying the higher premium for full coverage when that is all the money I would get if it was a total loss in an accident.

Now, my husband’s truck, on the other hand, is worth closer to $6000 actual cash value, and if that truck were to be totaled tomorrow, I would not have a spare $6000 to throw at another vehicle. If I did have enough cash handy to purchase a new/used vehicle tomorrow, I would take off the full coverage (but I don’t) so that truck will stay on full coverage until I do.

It was worth my time and effort to figure out what our vehicles were worth, that way I am insured correctly and not paying more premium than I should!

submitted by Melissa

Insurance for your Home-Based Business – To Have or Not to Have?

Posted on June 22, 2019August 30, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Home-Based Business | Business Insurance | Start A Quote

Having a home-based business is a booming trend these days. Who wouldn’t want to work from home (in their slippers if they want), be their own boss, and avoid the traffic and corporate office hassles? Just a couple of examples are Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Lu-La-Roe, Photography, Real Estate Sales and so many more. Most home-based business owners have homeowners insurance and assume they are completely covered for whatever goes on inside their homes. This could not be more wrong! It is important to talk to your insurance agent about what actually is covered & what is excluded since most business exposures in the home/on-premises are excluded. Also, operating your business from home without telling your insurance company could also void your entire homeowner’s insurance policy and result in a claim being denied. So how will you know if you need a separate insurance policy for your business? Answer these questions and talk to your agent:

Do I have clients come to my home?
Do I keep inventory or supplies in my home or in an off-site location?
Do I have client or employee records on my computer?
If I had to close my business due to damage to my home would I lose income?

Having the right coverage for these and many more scenarios is key to a successful and financially responsible business. Why leave yourself financially responsible for lawsuits or issues related to data loss? There are so many options available for the right coverage for your small business! Give us a call and talk to one of our commercial experts today & protect your investment!

-Tammy