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The Drawbacks of Not Having Renters Insurance

The Drawbacks of Not Having Renters Insurance

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As a renter, you might feel like you don’t need insurance. After all, your landlord has insurance, right? And your belongings aren’t worth that much, right? Wrong. There are many drawbacks to not having renters insurance. Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan provides you with this guide to navigate the issues around not having this coverage. 

The Drawbacks of Not Having Renters Insurance

1. You Could Be Held Liable for Damages

Did you know that you could be held liable if someone is injured on your property? If a guest trips and falls in your apartment, for example, you could be sued for their medical bills. Without coverage, you’ll pay those bills out of your own pocket. This can quickly become very expensive, especially if the injury is serious.

2. Your Personal Belongings Won’t Be Covered by Your Landlord’s Insurance

Your landlord’s insurance policy covers the building itself, but it does not cover your personal belongings. If there is a fire or another type of disaster, you would have to replace everything yourself. This can be very costly, even if you don’t have a lot of possessions.

3. You Might Be Kicked Out of Your Apartment

Some landlords require their tenants to have renters insurance. If you don’t have it and your landlord finds out, they could give you notice to vacate the property. This means you would have to find somewhere else to live, which can be very difficult on short notice.

4. You Could Miss Out on Important Coverage

Renters insurance doesn’t just protect your belongings; it also provides liability coverage and can even help with temporary living expenses if your apartment is damaged and you have to move out. Without renters insurance, you could be left without a place to live while your apartment is being repaired.

Get Renters Insurance in Michigan

As you can see, there are many potential drawbacks to not having renters insurance. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to purchase a policy. Shield Insurance Agency can help you find the right renter’s insurance policy for your needs. Give us a call today to get a free quote.

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RV Insurance Shield Agency

RV Insurance Requirements in Michigan

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Shield Insurance Blog | RV Insurance | Start a quote today!

Driving an RV in Michigan can provide many a memorable vacation for you and your family, but your state government requires you to carry the same minimum level of insurance on your RV as on your car or truck.

Shield Insurance Agency wants you to understand that there’s no getting around this law. If you get caught driving without auto/RV insurance in the state, you’ll get hit with a costly fine and potentially lose your license, although perhaps temporarily.

RV Insurance Requirements in Michigan

As a no-fault state, Michigan requires every driver on its roads to carry insurance that would cover their own damages or those incurred to another party’s vehicle. You’ll need to purchase at least the following coverage levels:

  • bodily injury coverage in the amount of $20,000 per person per accident,

  • bodily injury coverage in the amount of $40,000 per accident for all persons injured or killed,

  • property damage in the amount of $10,000 per accident,

  • personal injury protection (PIP) with no limits,

  • property protection insurance (PPI) in the amount of $1 million per accident.

You can and should add to your RV insurance coverage by tacking on collision and comprehensive coverage. Your collision coverage provides reimbursement for damages when you incur a single-vehicle accident. Comprehensive coverage protects you from theft and other unavoidable perils. Roadside assistance coverage can help you obtain quick service when your RV breaks down on the road. Car rental insurance can mean you have a vehicle while your RV undergoes repairs.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency to discuss the state minimum requirements and add-ons that would provide full coverage for your RV. Don’t drive without insurance in Michigan.

 

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Boat Insurance Shield Agency

Boat Insurance Limits

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Boat Insurance | Shield Insurance | Self-Quoting Portal

Shield Insurance Agency is an independent agency. We have working relationships with multiple carriers throughout Michigan. We take pride in simplifying the process of searching for coverage for our clients. We provide flexible coverage options that evolve over time.

Why Navigation Limits Are An Important Part Of Boat Insurance Policies

Michigan is a tourist attraction for its beautiful lakes. There are multiple places throughout the state where large boat parties occur and bring people together to have fun. If you own a boat, consider the benefits of boat insurance. Boat insurance covers you while you’re out on the water. There are some risks associated with operating a boat. Perhaps you lose temporary control of your boat and crash into an object. Liability coverage will take care of any damages or medical treatment of bodily injuries. Boat insurance also includes collision coverage, which covers any damage to your boat due to an impact on another watercraft. All of your personal items inside your boat are covered if damaged or stolen. Comprehensive coverage protects your boat in multiple ways. You’re covered if you’re out on the water and severe weather moves into the area, causing damage. You’re also covered if your boat is damaged due to a fire. You can also add emergency towing or fuel spill coverage to your policy.  

Boat Insurance

Pay attention to your policy’s navigation limits. Your policy will outline a specific radius in which you can operate your boat while maintaining coverage. If you cross that line, you are no longer protected if something happens to your boat. Check your policy carefully to avoid a potential disaster.

Shield Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact us today at 616-896-4600 to speak to one of our licensed agents to learn more about boat insurance. Click here to learn more about Boat Insurance

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Shield Insurance Agency shares 4 benefits of umbrella coverage - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Shield Insurance Agency shares 4 benefits of umbrella coverage

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Nothing gives you coverage like an umbrella coverage.

This applies to insurance too. Umbrella coverage policies provide an extra layer of protection. This extends beyond the coverage established in homeowners and auto insurance plans. When these limits have been reached, umbrella insurance kicks in. It’s about preparing for the worst.

Shield Insurance Agency understands this more than most. They want to ensure all Michigan residents have the proper protection. While there are many reasons to buy a policy, the agency lists four primary benefits of umbrella insurance.

Offers personal protection

Any insurance plan provides personal protection, but umbrella insurance extends to some unique areas. Slander, defamation, and libel are likely covered. Even false arrests or losses resulting from being wrongly accused could also be included. None of these are provided by a standard homeowners or renters policy.

Protect assets

Umbrella insurance typically has a $1 million coverage limit. So, if an incident does occur, keep your savings and future unharmed. Umbrella insurance will pick up the tab.

Lawsuits can be even more damaging than accidents. Umbrella insurance will pay for some legal defense costs up to a policy’s limit. This exists no matter who is determined to be at fault.

Umbrella Coverage Shields the entire family

The policyholder is protected. However, umbrella insurance extends to your family too. Each policy will set specific definitions for what is considered a “household.” Review your policy carefully.

Contact a Michigan insurance agent

Shield Insurance Agency can provide an umbrella to keep you safe. Their experienced agents protect you, your family, and your assets, shielding you all when you need it most. For added security and peace of mind, call to set up an appointment today.

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Shield Agency Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance: Have A Home In A Flood Zone? What You Need To Know

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Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Flood Zone | Flood Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Water views are fantastic, but the thought of a flood in your home can be scary. Flood insurance works to protect homeowners against the devastation that can be caused by a flood. Here, we’ll take a look at what you need to know if you’re considering buying a home that requires flood insurance.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines a flood zone as an area that has a 1% or greater chance of flooding in the coming year. Changes in water levels can mean that a home may be in a flood zone one year, but not the next.

If you’re considering purchasing a home in a flood zone, you’ll need to have flood insurance in order to move forward with the purchase of your new home. Sometimes, flood insurance is covered as a part of homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. In other cases, homeowners need to purchase flood insurance on their own.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Thankfully, your flood insurance policy may cover all direct damage related to a flood. In the event of a flood, your insurance policy may cover functional aspects of your home (such as a sewer system that has backed up as a result of a flood), and damage to personal items. It’s important to note that your policy is specific to you and your home, and you’ll need to work with your insurance agent to fully understand your flood insurance coverage.

Need Flood Insurance? We’re Here To Help.

Reach out to Shield Insurance Agency, serving Michigan, for more information about how a flood insurance policy can help keep you, your family, and your home protected against the unexpected.

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Getting Health Insurance in Michigan - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Getting Health Insurance in Michigan

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Most people get their health insurance through an employer, though there are other health insurance plans that are available for those who don’t qualify or who are unemployed or self-employed. If you are shopping for health insurance, we can help. Call us at Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan to find out more about the types of plans available and more.

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Many people who are otherwise uninsured get a catastrophic health policy. This is an affordable plan that protects you against very high medical bills but that doesn’t cover lower ones. These plans generally have a very high deductible. However, some of these policies come with a discount for lower-priced medical bills. These policies are often chosen by those who are self-employed because they don’t get health insurance through an employer and regular health coverage can be highly expensive.

Insurance From an Employer

If you are a business shopping for health insurance for your business and its employees, we can help. We can assist with the shopping process by finding out what kind of coverage you need and matching that to health plans that are available in Michigan. We can help you to shop around for the best price as well. When it comes to health insurance, we are highly knowledgeable and ready to assist you with every step of getting health insurance for your business. Employees today have certain expectations when it comes to health insurance benefits, and we can help you to reach those expectations.

Get Your Health Insurance

Whether you’re unemployed, self-employed or you need a health plan for your employees, we are ready to assist you with the whole process. Shopping for health insurance can be complicated, and we can help you to make sense of it all. Give us a call at Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan.

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Life Insurance and How to Protect Your Family

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Shield Insurance Blog | Life Insurance |

If you’re debating getting life insurance and you live in Michigan, let the team at Shield Insurance Agency provide you with some details on why this insurance policy is a wise investment for you and your family’s future. 

Life insurance provides your family with the financial support they will need should you pass away. It can be a sensitive subject because no one wants to imagine this possibility, but it’s more important to make sure that your loved ones are well cared for in the event that you are no longer with them. 

Life insurance can cover things like funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses. Your beneficiaries can use the money for everyday living expenses, like bills, groceries, household essentials, and more. They can use the money for college and other educational expenses, like books and room and board. 

Most financial support and security you provide now are things that can be covered using a life insurance policy. 

Whether you have children, a spouse, or other family members you take care of — life insurance is a beneficial way of knowing they will be taken care of should anything happen to you. While it’s uncomfortable to think about, you can rest assured that your loved ones won’t struggle financially with you gone. And that’s a worthwhile cause. 

For any Michigan residents looking to invest in life insurance, Shield Insurance Agency is here for you. Be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns about life insurance and what it can offer you and your loved ones. We’re confident it’s a great investment to ensure your family is well cared for in the event of your death. Contact us today! 

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4 Areas Covered by Auto Insurance - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

4 Areas Covered by Auto Insurance

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Even though you have a valid driving license, driving your car off the dealership won’t happen until you purchase auto insurance. While Michigan laws require every driver to purchase car insurance, there are plenty of other reasons to consider auto insurance coverage. Buying this coverage from Shield Insurance Agency protects you in the following areas.

Liability protection

Despite how keen you are on the road, accidents can still happen. Unfortunately, when deemed liable for an accident, you are likely to face bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties. Worse yet, you could face expensive lawsuits that could severely dent your pocket.

The good news is that auto insurance shields you from such nightmarish costs. Car insurance compensates you for liability claims up to your policy’s limit.

Asset protection

Whether you use your car to commute, for fun, or run personal errands, your vehicle is precious to you. And just like any other valuable asset, you would do everything to shield it from any harm. While installing car alarms and tracking devices is superb, car insurance protects your vehicle beyond theft and vandalism. It covers your vehicle from other perils, including fire, falling objects, accidents, and natural disasters. 

Uninsured motorist protection

Did you know that about 25.5 % of motorists in Michigan are uninsured? Given this startling statistic of uninsured motorists, you are likely to be involved with a motorist carrying no insurance. Fortunately, you can purchase uninsured motorist coverage to compensate for bodily injuries and property damage when you collide with a motorist with no insurance. Besides, this coverage comes to your rescue in hit-and-run scenarios.

Medical coverage

When your purchase MedPay or PIP coverage, it pays for medical costs for you and your passengers following a vehicular accident. Besides, PIP coverage covers partial loss of income and funeral expenses for the injured.

Car insurance in Michigan

If you are shopping or looking to renew your auto insurance in Michigan, your search has ended. At Shield Insurance Agency, we have long-standing experience in auto insurance. Contact us today, and we will provide you with a car insurance policy that meets your needs. 

 

Check out more blogs from Shield Insurance Agency!

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What every new homeowner should know about home insurance - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What every new homeowner should know about home insurance

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Your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make in your life. That makes protecting your investment even more important. Home insurance protects lots of different things and all of them are customizable. You need to make sure you have the right type and amount of home insurance. Your independent insurance agent is here to help you make that choice. In Michigan, Shield Insurance Agency has a team of experts who are here for you.

You can choose the type of content coverage you want

Two types of content coverage are available to homeowners. The less expensive option is actual cash value. This pays you what something is worth today. What that means is your 10-year-old washing machine won’t have the value you need to get a new washing machine today. If you want to be able to actually replace things, you need to have replacement cost coverage.

Many things are a liability

Part of your home insurance is liability coverage. This protects you and the members of your family from lawsuits against you. It also pays for medical expenses if someone is hurt while visiting your home. If you have a dog, a pool, or a trampoline, you are at increased risk and should take that into account when choosing the amount of liability coverage you choose.

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything

Like most types of insurance, home insurance has some exclusions. Some may surprise you. Flooding is not a covered peril. Sewer backup is also not covered. Earthquakes and other types of earth movement are also excluded. Termite damage as well as other pest damage is not covered, since as a homeowner it is up to you to protect your home from these types of damage.

When you are ready to get your home insurance, Shield Insurance Agency will be here to help.

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What Commercial Insurance Is Required In Michigan - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What commercial insurance is required in Michigan?

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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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