Spring is here, let’s get our recreational vehicles out

Posted on May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 by Marketing

As the weather warms up and spring is in full swing, many of us are eager to get our recreational vehicles out and enjoy the season.

Whether you own a motorhome, pop-up, ATV, or other recreational toys, it’s crucial to ensure they have the right insurance coverage.

It’s a common misconception that standard auto insurance policies will cover recreational vehicles. In most cases, this isn’t true. Standard policies typically do not extend to these types of vehicles. That’s why it’s essential to work with a trusted agent who can explore your options and find a policy tailored to your specific needs. Ensuring your recreational vehicles are listed on the correct type of insurance policy is key.

Keep in mind that different types of recreational vehicles require varying levels of coverage. A Class A motorhome has different insurance needs than a pop-up camper, just as an ATV’s requirements differ from a golf cart’s. Even if you have an older vehicle like a dirt bike, while it might not need comprehensive coverage, liability protection is still important.

The cost of recreational vehicle insurance can vary based on factors such as the type and size of the vehicle, your driving record, and your location. However, there are numerous ways to potentially save on your premium.

Even if you only use your recreational vehicles occasionally for camping trips or monthly trail rides, having the right insurance in place is vital. Accidents happen, and if someone gets hurt, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses without adequate coverage.

Some individuals choose not to get recreational vehicle insurance, believing their home and auto policies will suffice. While your auto insurance might extend to a personal trailer while it’s hitched, coverage typically ends once it’s unhitched. Home insurance may offer some coverage while the vehicle is on your property, but it won’t cover damages that occur during travel. Only a specialized recreational vehicle insurance policy provides full-time protection, whether you’re on the road or parked at a location away from your property. Additionally, filing claims on your home or auto insurance can potentially increase your premiums.

Now is the perfect time to review your insurance needs for your recreational vehicles. We can help ensure you have the necessary coverage to keep you and your family safe while you enjoy your toys this spring and beyond.

If you have any questions about recreational vehicle insurance or would like to connect with an agent to discuss your options, please contact us today. We are here to help you find the coverage that best suits all your insurance needs, including home, auto, commercial, and life insurance.

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Are your pets insured?

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Marketing

Today, May 8th, is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, as recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This day serves as an important reminder to consider the safety and well-being of our beloved pets during emergencies.

In any disaster situation, our animals depend entirely on us, making it essential that our emergency plans include them.

There are many important reasons to prepare for your pets’ safety. Given the potential dangers our pets can face, from wildlife encounters (Michigan reports around 60 animal rabies cases annually, with bats being responsible for approximately 90% of these) to accidents and illnesses, ensuring their protection is crucial. It’s also worth noting the significant costs associated with unexpected veterinary care, such as surgery to remove a foreign object, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

For those involved in Michigan’s animal farming industry, where livestock insurance plays a key role in protecting against unexpected events, the principle of safeguarding animals is well-understood. Similarly, for pet owners, considering how to protect our companions from various risks, including poisonous plants common in Michigan like Azaleas and Lilies, is paramount.

Let’s use this important day to reflect on how we can better prepare for the unexpected and ensure the safety of our cherished pets. Numerous resources are available to guide us in effective disaster preparedness for our animals.

Have you considered if your pets are insured? Today is a good day to think about how we can better prepare for the unexpected to keep our cherished pets safe. Many resources are available to help us learn how to do this effectively.

A great way to make an impact on your community

Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025 by Marketing

We here at Shield Insurance Agency wanted to thank Meals on Wheels Western Michigan for allowing us to volunteer this month.

On Thu, Apr 3, 2025, half of our “in-house” team joined the MOWWM team to volunteer locally in our community; this included Andy and Dawn Simmons (owners of Shield Insurance Agency), Jade Browne, Patti McCarthy-Stejskal, Melissa Hunt, and Nate Schaap. We also had some out-of-office agents, Ruth Lian and Jordyn Tyler, join us.

We plated food for homebound clients; we made 1,663 meals that day!

The following week, on Apr 11, 2025, the other half of the team was able to experience volunteering with MOWWM; this included Alisha Stankus,
J Vargo, Brianna Kornoelje, Sami Garcia, Leah Koets, Shantell Watkins, Breianna Larink, Paula Stein, and her Husband. We also had Joe Peiffer, an out-of-office agent, join us.
On this day, we assembled 2,587 meals.

That’s a total of 4,250 meals we were able to help plate for our community.

Our team will make this a yearly visit to volunteer; this has been a gratifying experience. It allows us to connect with my community while providing essential services to those in need. MOWWM meals ensure that individuals receive proper nutrition, and the Delivery drivers offer companionship to those who may be isolated. Each visit is an opportunity to positively impact, highlighting the importance of community support and compassion. Knowing that we are improving others’ quality of life is fulfilling.
If you are interested in volunteering, I have attached information about upcoming volunteer opportunities with Meals on Wheels; this is a great way to impact your community.

Trust, And Verify: Ensuring Your Insurance Coverage

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Marketing

In today’s fast-paced world, we often rely on others to handle essential tasks, and insurance is no exception. Trusting your insurance agent is crucial, as they play a vital role in protecting your assets. However, verifying that the necessary steps have been taken to secure your coverage is equally important. Let’s delve into why this “trust, and verify” approach is essential.

Recently, a situation arose that highlights the importance of confirming your insurance details. A client voiced a complaint online about a mistake they believed was made. Upon review, it was clear that while an error occurred on the agent’s part, there were also steps the client had not taken to ensure their desired coverage was in place.

Here’s what happened: The client requested to add a home to their insurance policy. The agent responded to an email and said, “I should have the policy ready for you tomorrow”. And that’s where the communication ended. The agent (who no longer works at our agency) failed to insure the home. However, several key confirmations were missing. No payment was made for the added coverage, no invoice was issued or received, and no written confirmation was sent to the client verifying that the house was added to their policy. This lack of confirmation led to confusion and frustration.

This example serves as a reminder that while we strive for accuracy and efficiency, clients must actively verify their insurance details. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your coverage is in place:

Request a Written Confirmation: Always ask for written confirmation that any changes or additions to your policy have been processed. This can be an email, a letter, or an updated policy document.
Review Your Invoices: Carefully review your invoices to ensure all desired coverages are listed and paid for. If you don’t receive an invoice, request one.
Check Your Policy Documents: Review your policy documents regularly to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.
Communicate with Your Agent: Maintain open communication with your insurance agent. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspect of your policy.

Ultimately, a successful insurance relationship relies on both trust and verification. By taking these proactive steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your assets are adequately protected. We value your trust and are committed to providing excellent service. However, we also encourage you to be an active participant in managing your insurance coverage.