Insurance

​W​hy Business insurance?

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Business insurance is a safeguard for your business. 

Business insurance protects you/your business against various risks and potential financial losses that can arise from unexpected events or claims.

Protection Against Financial Loss

It covers unexpected costs related to accidents, natural disasters, theft, lawsuits, and property damage, minimizing the financial impact of unforeseen events and helping to pay for costly damages and legal claims.

Legal Compliance

Certain types of insurance are legally mandated for businesses depending on the industry and location, and some clients or partners may require specific policies as a condition for doing business.

Protection for Your Business and Assets

Insurance can cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged buildings, equipment, inventory, and other assets due to events like fires, theft, or natural disasters.

Liability Protection

Liability insurance protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties, covering legal costs, settlements, and judgments, thus offering peace of mind.

Business Continuity

Business interruption insurance can help cover lost income and ongoing expenses when operations are disrupted, allowing for faster recovery and continued operations during shutdowns.

Employee Protection

Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and employers’ liability insurance protects the business from related legal claims.

Enhanced Credibility

Having business insurance enhances your business’s credibility, demonstrates professionalism, and can attract clients and partners who prefer to work with properly insured businesses.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your business is protected against various risks reduces stress for business owners, allowing you to focus on growth and operations.

In summary, business insurance is an essential tool for mitigating risks, protecting financial assets, ensuring compliance, and enabling business continuity in the face of unexpected events. It provides a safety net that can help your business survive and thrive even when facing challenging circumstances.

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**Summer Safety ​T​ips**

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As summer approaches, it’s essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the warmer weather and engaging in outdoor activities. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and fun summer for everyone:

* **Water Safety:** Practice and teach your family and friends water safety. Never leave children unsupervised near water, even for a moment. Consider taking swimming lessons, CPR certification, and basic water rescue training. Always wear a life jacket while boating or participating in water sports, regardless of your swimming ability.

* **Fire Safety:** Practice and teach fire safety to your family and friends. Keep fire pits and grills a safe distance from structures, vegetation, and other flammable materials. Always do a quick check of your propane hoses for leaks. Keep your fire equipment and grills clean to prevent grease fires. Never leave your fire unattended, especially around children. Always have a water source or extinguisher nearby.

* **Hydration:** Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Ignoring dehydration can result in serious health issues like heat injury, kidney problems, and even death.

* **Sun Safety:** Use sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses. Avoid prolonged exposure, especially during peak hours (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Sun damage causes premature aging, skin cancer, and other visible changes. Did you know that sun damage to your eyes can cause permanent discoloration?

* **Heatstroke Prevention:** Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars. Temperatures on a hot day can rise to 130 degrees, sometimes even 170 degrees.

* **Vacation Insurance:** Have vacation insurance, which can provide financial protection against things like trip cancellations, interruptions, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen issues that might arise while traveling.

* **Summer Toy Insurance:** Keep insurance on your summer toys, such as ATVs, motorhomes (RVs), travel trailers, fifth wheels, Golf carts, personal watercrafts, boats, dirt bikes, and more. Having these insurances can cover a range of potential risks, including liability for bodily injury and property damage, collision damage to your ATV, and comprehensive coverage for events such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can also be included, as well as medical payments for you and your passengers. At the very least, have liability coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other related costs if you injure someone in an accident while operating your recreational vehicle. It can also help pay for damages to someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident.

By following these simple guidelines, we can all have a safer and more enjoyable summer.

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Boat insurance?​

Posted on by Marketing

Does Michigan require boat insurance?​

While Michigan law does not mandate boat insurance, ​​we highly recommend​ it to all of our clients. 

Michigan is​ well known for ​its boating enthusiasts​.

We have over ​10,000 lakes and miles of Great Lakes​ shoreline.

Despite being freshwater, the Great Lakes​ are also known as “inland seas”​. This is because they present similar risks to ocean boating, including significant waves, strong currents, and considerable depths. 

Sadly, thousands of boating accidents and fatalities occur yearly on these waters, with some individuals still missing.

As ​Ted Karamanski, professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago,​ said, “We know more about the top of Mount Everest than we do about the bottom of Lake Michigan.”

Even though it’s not legally required, ​here are some Benefits of Having Boat Insurance​: 

**Liability Coverage​: Protects you financially if you cause injury to someone or damage another boat, covering medical bills, legal fees, and repair costs.

**Comprehensive​ Coverage​: This can protect your boat​ or items in or on your boat ​that are stolen or vandalized​. It can also help cover repairs to your boat if it’s damaged in an accident involving other vessels or stationary objects.

**Medical Coverage​: This can cover medical expenses for you or your passengers if injuries occur on your boat, often without a deductible.

Some policies also cover wreckage removal, fuel spill cleanup, and coverage for water sports-related accidents.

Given the unpredictable nature of boating and the potential for significant financial burdens from accidents ​or theft,​​ ​this should be crucial ​for the protection​ of your property and loved ones. 

​We here at Shield ​I​nsurance Agency always strongly advise that you insure your boat​ to safeguard yourself and your investment​ during your priceless memory-making adventures.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss boat insurance options, please Call, Text (616-896-4600) or email us mailto:ContactUs@ShieldAgency.com.

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

Posted on 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.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful tips and updates!

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Are your pets insured?

Posted on 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.

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A great way to make an impact on your community

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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 plate​d 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​.

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New Commercial Insurance: A Key Component in Michigan Warehouse Operations

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Running a warehouse in Michigan involves managing a variety of risks, from property damage to employee injuries. Commercial insurance plays a key role in mitigating these risks, providing crucial protection for warehouse operations. Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you understand the importance of commercial insurance in your warehouse operations.

Warehouse Operations in Michigan: A Risk Landscape

Warehouses face a unique set of risks, including damage to goods, equipment breakdown, and liability issues. These risks can lead to significant financial losses if not properly managed. This is where commercial insurance comes in.

Commercial Insurance: A Safety Net for Warehouse Operations

Commercial insurance provides coverage for a variety of risks associated with warehouse operations. This can include property insurance for your building and contents, liability insurance for any injuries or damages caused by your operations, and workers’ compensation insurance for employee injuries.

Why Choose Shield Insurance Agency for Your Commercial Insurance Needs?

At Shield Insurance Agency, we understand the unique challenges that Michigan warehouse operations face. Our experienced agents can help you navigate the complexities of commercial insurance and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Commercial Insurance and Warehouse Operations: The Bottom Line

Commercial insurance is a key component in managing the risks associated with warehouse operations in Michigan. By understanding the role of commercial insurance, you can ensure your warehouse is protected against potential losses. Contact Shield Insurance Agency today to learn more about commercial insurance and how we can help protect your warehouse operations.

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Trust, And Verify: Ensuring Your Insurance Coverage

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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.

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Protect Your Finances: The Truth About Small Insurance Claims

Protect Your Finances: The Truth About Small Insurance Claims

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Small Insurance Claims | Contact Our Sales Team!

Small Insurance Claims Can Raise Premiums

Small insurance claims, such as those for minor property damage, may seem like a hassle to deal with. Many policyholders may be tempted to file a claim for every little incident in the belief that their insurance policy will cover all damages. However, filing small insurance claims can have long-term financial consequences. One major consequence of filing small insurance claims is the potential for increased insurance premiums. When you file a claim, it signals to the insurance company that you are more likely to cost them money in the future. As a result, the insurance company may raise your premiums to offset the potential risk.

Loss of Discounts: Deductibles

Frequent claim filing can also lead to the loss of discounts you may have earned, such as claims-free discounts. These discounts are a reward for not filing claims, and once lost, it may take a while to regain them. Additionally, small claims often require you to pay a deductible. If the cost of repairs or replacements is close to the deductible amount, it may not be financially advantageous to file a claim.

Claims History

Another factor to consider is your claims history. Insurance companies keep track of your claim history, and a long history of making small claims can negatively impact your insurability. Prospective insurers may view a history of frequent claims as a red flag and may offer you higher premiums or could even turn you down for coverage.

When to Consider Not Filing Small Insurance Claims

So, when should you consider not filing a claim? If the cost of repairs is just a little over your deductible amount, it may be more financially sound to pay for the repairs out of pocket. Additionally, if the property damage is minor and does not affect the functionality or safety of your property, it might be best to avoid filing a claim.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before filing a claim, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Consider the potential premium increases, loss of discounts, deductibles, and long-term impact on your claims history. Sometimes, it may be better to pay for the repairs or replacements out of pocket rather than file a claim.

Alternative Options to filing Small Insurance Claims

If you decide that filing a small insurance claim isn’t the best choice, there are alternative options to consider. You can explore other ways to handle the repairs or replacements, such as seeking a settlement negotiation with the party responsible for the damage. Additionally, you can consider paying for the repairs out of pocket, especially if the cost is manageable.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to file small insurance claims for property damage, it is important to consider the long-term financial consequences of such actions. Increased insurance premiums, loss of discounts, and impacts on your claims history are all factors to consider when making a claim filing decision. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of filing a claim and consider alternative options for managing the repairs. Remember, every decision about filing small claims has potential long-term financial implications.

Shield Insurance Agency represents over 45 insurance companies. 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.

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Life insurance for retirees: What you need to know

Life insurance for retirees: What you need to know

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Life Insurance | Contact Us Today!

As we reach our retirement years, many of us start to consider what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. One crucial aspect of this planning is life insurance. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of life insurance for retirees and the options available to ensure financial security and peace of mind.

Retired Without Life Insurance

It’s a common misconception that life insurance is only for the young and employed. However, the reality is that retirees can also benefit greatly from having life insurance. Whether you have outstanding debts, want to leave an inheritance for your loved ones, or simply want to cover your final expenses, life insurance can provide essential financial protection.

Senior Life Insurance Options

There are several life insurance options specifically designed for seniors. These include term, whole, and guaranteed universal life insurance. Each type has its own features and benefits, catering to different needs and financial situations.

Getting Covered After Retirement

While it may seem challenging to get life insurance coverage after retirement, it’s certainly not impossible. Many insurance companies offer specific policies tailored to the needs of retirees. By exploring your options and understanding the available coverage, you can find a policy that suits your requirements.

Life Insurance Without Age Limit

Contrary to popular belief, there are life insurance policies available that do not have age limits. These policies can be a great option for retirees who want to ensure their loved ones are financially secure after they’re gone.

Future Planning and Insurance Options

When planning for retirement, it’s essential to consider future financial needs. Life insurance is a crucial component of this planning, providing peace of mind and financial security for you and your family. Understanding the available insurance options is key to making informed decisions.

Shield Insurance Agency Represents Over 50 Insurance Companies

When it comes to choosing the right life insurance policy, having options is crucial. Shield Insurance Agency can help you find the perfect policy to meet your unique needs and budget.

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.

In conclusion, life insurance for retirees is a vital aspect of financial planning. By understanding the available options and seeking the guidance of professionals, retirees can ensure financial security and leave a meaningful legacy for their loved ones. Contact Shield Insurance Agency today to explore your life insurance options and secure your financial future.

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