Home Insurance

Are School Supplies Covered by Insurance?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Homeowners Insurance may cover some of the cost of school supplies

In those lazy days of summer, it’s easy to forget about the school supplies needed for that quickly approaching fall season. Some of you may be busy buying school supplies, and school clothes, and getting ready to send kids off to college while squeezing in one last trip to the beach or pool.

School supplies are not cheap these days.

Have you checked with your home or renters insurance to see if that TI-85 scientific calculator is covered? What about the new Apple Mac Book, Ipad, or smartphone you just invested in? What about the vanload of stuff your college student is taking with them to their dorm?

Most insurance policies offer limited coverage for electronic items unless a special endorsement is purchased or they are specifically listed. Some policies offer a portion of your home’s property coverage for the things your college student is taking with them.

Check with your insurance agent to see if you are properly covered so you can send your kids off to school with this peace of mind. Have a great school year!

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Here Comes Winter Again

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

As of December 21 – the official first day of winter – approaches, we all know what is likely to come with it. Snow! We live in a state shaped like a mitten, stands to reason that we will get snow. We have already had a dose of winter weather, heavy snow, and even some snow days! Are you prepared? We know from experiences last winter that snow can build up quickly and be really heavy. The excessive weight from snow and ice can lead to structural stress and damage to roofs and walls, even collapse. Please take precautions to reduce the amount of snow on your roof. Especially flat roofs. Just like snow build-up, a snow and rain cycle can lead to ice dams. Below are a few steps that you can take to help prevent ice dams from forming, brought to you by Fremont Insurance:

  • Keep gutters and down spouts clear of debris, snow and ice, so melting roof snow can flow
  • Keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Roof rakes let you stand on the ground to safely pull the snow off the roof.
  • Evaluate attic insulation and ventilation. Good airflow is essential to a cool dry attic.

Stay warm. Stay safe. Enjoy and be awed by the amazing weather changes we experience in this great state!

Merry Christmas & Blessed New Year!

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Why Flood Insurance is a Must-Have – Don’t Get Caught in the Storm!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

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

Many people think of flood insurance as only for those who live right next to a large river, lake, or ocean. Did you know that flood insurance can be purchased by almost anyone, whether you are in a flood zone or not? Your typical home insurance policy does not cover claims associated with a flood. So, what is the definition of a flood you ask? A flood is “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from Overflow of inland or tidal waters; Unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source; mudflow; Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or a similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood.” (FEMA NFIP)

That definition doesn’t sound like it affects Michigan too much right? Wrong! Michigan ranked in the top 10 states for the total number of claims filed and the total claim payments for 2014. The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) reports that in 2014 there were 495 claims filed in the State of Michigan with total claim payments totaling $8,816,751. That’s Michigan only! The NFIP paid out more than $345 billion total in flood insurance claims in 2014.

Is flood insurance right for everyone, not necessarily, but it is worth looking into to protect your family and your investment. It’s important to know what is covered under your regular home insurance policy and what would be covered under a flood insurance policy. Just a couple of inches of floodwater can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

The average flood insurance policy costs about $700 per year and there are a few different programs that homeowners fall into or qualify for. Every home location is different so it is important to check out flood rates for your specific location and not base your decision on your neighbor’s findings; yours might be very different.

I’ll blog next time about what is covered and what is not covered under a flood insurance policy. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries.

Tammy Kaptein

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Springtime in West Michigan means tulip time!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Spring is here despite the snow and cold which means Holland’s Tulip Time is right around the corner! A long-established tradition for not only West Michigan but the world, Tulip Time helps Hollanders and others alike remember the area’s Dutch roots.  This year’s celebration is set for the second week of May from the 7th through the 14th. Starting with a 5k/10k run and ending with fireworks Tulip time has something for the whole family.

Did you know??

  • Tulip time started in 1928 to celebrate the area’s Dutch heritage. Only during WW2 did they discontinue the major festivities and only held a small flower show and music.
  • They first purchased 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands to plant around the city. They now have 4.5 million planted around the greater Holland area.
  • The festival activity of Klompen dancing started with just 12 dancers and has grown over the years to 1,000.

If you want to track the progress of the Holland Tulips you can visit the tulip tracker at http://www.cityofholland.com/parksandcemeteries/tulip-tracker-centennial-park 

Windmill Island is a special place during Tulip Time. The island is 36 acres with 150,000 tulips and a working 250-year-old windmill.

For more information on the parades, dancing, food, and tulips visit: http://www.tuliptime.com/

submitted by Autumn

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Flood Insurance: What is Covered

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Flood Insurance | Contact our office!

Back in August we talked about the definition of a flood and how it affects clients in Michigan. I would like to continue that topic and discuss what is actually covered by a flood insurance policy.  According to the NFIP, generally, physical damage to your building or personal property “directly” caused by a flood are covered by your flood insurance policy.  Here is a brief list (not limited to) of what is covered under “Building” coverage:

  • The insured building and it’s foundation
  • The electrical and plumbing systems
  • Central air conditioning equipment, furnace and water heaters
  • Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances like dishwashers
  • Permanently installed carpet over an unfinished floor
  • Detached garage (up to 10% of building coverage)
  • Debris removal

A brief list of what is covered under the “Personal Property” coverage:

  • Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
  • Curtains
  • Portable and window air conditioners
  • Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
  • Carpets not included in building coverage
  • Clothes washers and dryers
  • Food freezers and the food in them

What is not covered by either Building or Property Coverage:

  • Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner.
  • Currency, precious metals and valuable papers such as stock certificates.
  • Property and belongings outside of a building such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools.
  • Living expenses such as temporary housing
  • Financial loss caused by business interruption
  • Most self propelled vehicles such as cars, including their parts.

Now, with all of the above being said, we will discuss next time the coverage limitations in a basement.  Stay tuned because I think you will be surprised.

*Lists taken from the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Summary of Coverage.*

Submitted by Tammy

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RANT: Why Do Some People Hate Insurance Companies?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Insurance Companies | Contact Us Today!

Why do some people hate insurance companies?  

OK… The big giant asterisk here first… Some of what I’m about to say is unproven, although I believe it to be true.  Feel free to email me to dispute what I say and I will be happy to listen to what you have to say about this.  Education on a topic is sometimes skewed by one’s beliefs, so I’m going to try to be unbiased.  🙂

Insurance company’s profits are usually around 3% !!!  They are highly regulated by the States. People complain that their rates are too high.  Can people see that insurance companies are simply a pass-through for our money?

Car crashes… SOME car repair companies sometimes over-quote since they know insurance is involved.  We tell people to please get 3 quotes.  Sometimes, they are 50% apart!!  I KNOW this is true SOMETIMES for glass companies too.  You can tell them that there’s no insurance involved and get a quote for $180 for a windshield, and someone else calls back on the same day for the same exact car and they say there is insurance involved and it’s over $400??  The list of examples goes on and on and on.

How about Fraud.  

Insurance companies have to employ people to fight this!  I don’t have a lot of stats on this, but I know it’s a HUGE deal and it makes our premiums go up and up and up! Some fraud is black and white, but others… not so much… did you have a fire?  how much was that watch that got burned up worth?  Even some good people will stretch the truth!

Frivolous lawsuits.  

Yep, they’re out there… lots and lots and lots of them.  Here again, I don’t have stats at hand, but I know it’s another big deal that the insurance companies have to hire people to fight against and many times just payout to settle to reduce court costs whether right or wrong!  Not to mention valid lawsuits where people get more than they deserve?  OK… I know this is debatable on many levels, so please don’t grill me or razz me on this one!!

You can apply these issues to any type of insurance!  Car, Home, and Health (have you seen pharmaceutical profits!!??) are probably the big ones.  I know Medical Malpractice is a big one too, but I’m not much of an expert on this one, but I heard 1/3 of doctor’s salaries go to pay for this.

So the next time you want to complain about your insurance rates, trust me, I completely agree…. but please don’t blame the insurance companies!!!

Submitted by Andy

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How To Get Rust Off A Trailer Hitch

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Rust Off A Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance

How To Get Rust Off A Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance | Shield Agency

If you tow a camper, boat, or trailer you may notice your trailer hitch rusting. Prevent this with proper maintenance, regular use, and wax and/or painting. But if you have an existing hitch that’s rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust.

Removing Rust From Chrome Hitch

If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that’s showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft clean rag. Follow up by polishing with two coats of any brand carnauba car wax.

Removing Rust from Iron Trailer Hitch

If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that’s beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. First, remove any loose or flaking rust with a wire brush. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes—no longer than 15. Rinse and repeat if any rust remains. Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust.

Rust Off A Trailer Hitch

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Home Safety Tips

Posted on 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

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Captive vs Independent Agents

Posted on 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


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

Posted on 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

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