Insurance

Tips on filing claims

Tips for effectively filing claims

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | Ryker Huizinga | Filing Claims | Homeowners Insurance | Get A Quote

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating, and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.

While the claims process isn’t something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.

Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.

Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple of copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.

Before filing claims reach out to your agent.

In the event of a potential claim, it’s best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.

Report your loss promptly.

Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it’s safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.

Be prepared for filing claims with the right information.

When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

  • The customer’s name and address
  • The policy number
  • The date the loss happened
  • A description of what happened
  • A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.

Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.

Record important details from all correspondence.

While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.

Make appropriate emergency repairs.

If you’re dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.

Ask questions about filing claims

Don’t be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.

Overall, it’s important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

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Home security devices

Home security devices

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | Home Security | Home Insurance

Homeowners should consider protecting themselves with an alarm system or motion detector to help protect their homes from burglaries.

Alarm systems range in sophistication and price. Choose from do-it-yourself kits that set off a siren or lights or professionally installed systems that hook directly to the police station or monitoring service. A basic alarm system is composed of sensors to detect an intruder, a control panel that receives messages from the sensor, and an alarm that sounds off when activated by the control unit. Don’t expect any single alarm system to do the job alone. An excellent mechanical system is only effective when it’s used in conjunction with other security-minded habits.

Home security devices

Motion detectors can also be an effective weapon against burglars. An intruder’s movement or body heat triggers the alarm. Technological advances have made motion detectors less expensive and easier to install. Most motion detectors incorporate infrared, microwave, or ultrasonic technology. Typically, the movement of an intruder, or merely the person’s body heat, breaks a photoelectric beam and triggers the alarm. One or two well-placed motion detectors can usually do the work of several individual door and window alarms.

Finally, you might consider walking around your home and evaluating it as a burglar. Even try gaining access without a key. If you find any flaws in your anti-burglary precautions, correct them immediately. Remember, no home is totally safe from a determined, experienced burglar. However, if you make it difficult for someone to enter your home, the burglar will likely select an easier target.

For more information on Home Insurance, and Home security devices, give Shield Insurance Agency a phone call at 616-896-4600. Our licensed agents will have the answers you need to make the best decisions on the best insurance.

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Five Ways to Cook While on the Road

Five Ways to Cook While on the Road

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

 by Jenean McLoskey | Cook | RV Insurance | Shield Self Quoting Portal

Traveling on the road in your Recreational Vehicle can get pricey if you eat out for every meal, but cooking your own meals may require some creativity. While many RVs do have full, functional kitchens, some may not have that option. However, there are other ways to cook your meals in and around your RV safely, even if you don’t have a source of heat.

Here are five unique ways you can cook delicious meals while you’re on the road!

  1. Propane StoveIf you already have a stove in your RV, use it to your advantage! The burners are most likely smaller than your regular stove at home, so be sure to buy the appropriate-sized cookware for it. Keep in mind that if you have a refrigerator in your RV, it most likely runs on propane too. Be sure to bring enough propane tanks on your trip if you plan on using both!
  2. Portable Grill No stove? No problem! There are plenty of electric grills you can bring on the road to cook all of your favorite foods. Please remember, do not use any of these grills inside of your RV due to flames and the poisonous gases these grills can give off. They are for outside use only!
  3. Cook With FireWho doesn’t love a good cookout? Many RV parks offer fire pits and grills for guests, so you may not even need to bring your own. This is also a perfect opportunity to grill a bunch of foods at once so you have leftovers for the next couple of days. With this option, you also need to make sure you are not around your RV while grilling to avoid a serious fire or any kind of explosion.
  4. Home Kitchen AppliancesYou don’t need to say goodbye to your favorite appliances just because you’re away from home. You can bring along your toaster oven, microwave, pressure cooker, blender, etc. as long as they are all safe for RV usage. If you are unsure if your appliance is safe to use, call the manufacturer to get more information.
  5. Prepare No-Cook MealsIf you have no stove, no grill, or you’re just not in the mood to cook – go cold! There are plenty of recipes you can prepare without heat such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, and, of course, any kind of fruit.

Before you begin cooking food of any kind in your RV, you should have basic fire safety materials available at all times. Putting together an easy-to-access fire safety kit and having a fire extinguisher on hand will make all the difference during your cooking ventures. Visit the Learning Center for more information on RV fire safety. Have fun and happy cooking!

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Things to consider before renting an apartment

Things to consider before renting an apartment

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

 Foremost | by Jenean McLoskey | Renting an apartment | Renters Insurance | Shield Self-Quoting Portal

It’s no secret that renting an apartment can be stressful. It can be hard to find the perfect one that meets your checklist, and that’s within your budget.

When I searched for my first apartment, I considered myself lucky when I found a dream dwelling right away! The walls were painted a deep olive green, granite countertops in the kitchen and I had my own bathroom, which is a big deal if you have a roommate. To make it even better, it was in a great location, and close to my job at the time. Before the landlord could even ask, I signed a year’s lease with my best friend. All seemed well until small fees started popping up on the contract and the rules of the property got longer and longer. That’s when I thought to myself, maybe I should have looked more into this renting thing before signing off my hard-earned money for a whole year.

All ended well with that apartment, but I moved out as soon as I could and learned a lot from the experience. Luckily, I’m here to share those tips and research with you!

When renting an apartment, here are a couple of things to focus on:

  1. Find out how to pay rent, and how late fees are calculated. Most properties nowadays have an electronic payment option and will charge a small fee for doing so. In that case, it may make sense to write a handwritten check your landlord.
  2. Will the maintenance workers enter your apartment without notice? Because you don’t own the apartment, some landlords have very loose rules on whether their employees have to tell you when they’re stopping by. Make sure your landlord will give you a heads-up before someone enters your apartment.
  3. What is their guest policy? Having a friend from an out-of-town stay over for a few nights is fine, but some landlords have policies against anyone staying longer than two weeks.
  4. Find out if you can sublet the apartment, or what the penalty is for breaking your lease. Life’s full of surprises, and you may run into a situation where you need to move ASAP. Some apartments are strictly against subletting, and it could be a serious breach of your contract. If you leave on bad terms, this could mean you just lost a future rental reference.
  5. Can you make changes to the apartment? Adding some fresh paint and putting your own personal touch on the apartment could end up costing you at some complexes.
  6. What utilities are included in the rent? This could make or break your decision on your ‘dream’ apartment. Renters are usually left to pay electric, gas, internet, and cable — but it’s different at every complex.
  7. Does the landlord require you to obtain renters insurance? Your landlord should tell you before you sign the lease whether they require you to have this. Renters insurance is important to have even if the landlord doesn’t require it.
  8. What is the parking situation? This is another big one. Find out if it’s included in your rent or not. If parking isn’t provided, what are the alternatives?

Finally, don’t be overwhelmed. Enjoy the apartment-hunting adventure and do your research before signing.

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What to do when driving in a work zone

What to do when driving in a work zone

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

 Foremost | by Noelle Kimble | Work Zone | Auto Insurance | Self-Quoting with Shield

Once I see that the cars are slowing down, I always get frustrated and then I see that the cars are merging to one lane (way too late) and all that makes me think is, ugh…it must be road construction. I’m sure some of you have the same feelings and after researching this topic I feel very guilty. Not only are work zones good, because that means that our roads are being improved upon and made safer, but it also provides jobs to our economy.

So, why do I get so frustrated when I come upon a work zone? Impatience probably. Or maybe it’s that person who sped by everyone at the last minute and wants to merge in front of me, I’m sure you know the one. But, I do understand the importance of driving safely and being aware while I am in the work zone. Fines and tickets are usually double or triple, depending on your state, and very expensive. And, an even more important reason is that people are actually working in this area. I can’t imagine what it would be like to go to work every day on the road, where people are impatiently speeding by you. That’s why this week is Work Zone Awareness Week. To remind drivers, like me, to be aware and careful at these “places of business.”

The Department of Transportation offers 10 tips that should help with your awareness while driving through that oh-so-common work zone:

  1. Expect the unexpected. (Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes changed and people working very close to the road).
  2. Slow Down. (Speeding is the major cause of work zone crashes)
  3. Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. (The rear-end collision is the most common crash in a highway work zone.)
  4. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and construction workers.
  5. Pay attention to the signs. Enough said.
  6. Obey road crew workers.
  7. Stay alert and minimize distractions.
  8. Keep up with the traffic flow. (Don’t drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.)
  9. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information before you began your journey.
  10. Be patient and stay calm. (Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience you.)

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Tips on How to Negotiate a Used Car Price

Tips on How to Negotiate a Used Car Price

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Used Car | Get a quote today from Shield Insurance

The sticker price on used cars usually isn’t the cheapest price the seller will accept. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, their main goal is likely to make a profit. This means they will probably try to sell the car for more than it’s worth. Unfortunately, some people don’t know this, and they pay the asking price. Luckily, savvy buyers like you know better, and Foremost® is here to help you with some negotiating tips.

Here are a few steps to consider.

Find out the market value of the vehicle you want to buy.
You may want to know exactly how much a dealer will come down on the price of a used car. The answer is, it depends. Several factors, including the year, make and model of the vehicle, along with how much the seller paid for the car will determine how much they can come down.

As a starting point, you should find the market value of the vehicle you’re interested in. Sites like Kelley Blue Book can help with this. All you need to do is enter the year, make and model of the vehicle, along with your ZIP Code, and you’ll see what recent buyers in your area have paid for the same vehicle. If you see that people are paying $25,000 for a vehicle and the seller is asking for $30,000, you know you have some room to negotiate.

Consider making your initial offer for a used car lower than what you’re willing to pay.

A mistake you can make when negotiating a used car price is immediately telling the seller the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. Sellers rarely accept the first offer, much like you aren’t accepting their initial number.

If you tell the seller your max offer right away, they may assume that you’re willing to pay more.

Make smart counteroffers for a used car.

Read more about used car purchasing…

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Umbrella Insurance

Three things to do when you’re interested in buying umbrella insurance

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Umbrella Insurance | Shield Quoting Portal | Business Insurance

Umbrella insurance is great to have if you want total financial protection. Consumers on the market for umbrella insurance in Michigan can purchase the coverage they’re looking for from Shield Insurance Agency. 

It’s essential that you go through a few steps before you purchase an umbrella insurance policy.

The following are three things to do when you’re interested in buying umbrella insurance:

Research umbrella insurance so that you know what you’re getting

Misconceptions about umbrella insurance are common, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you completely understand umbrella insurance before purchasing a policy.

Remember that umbrella insurance protects you against liability expenses. This is not a type of insurance that insures your personal belongings like your vehicle. 

Determine what the total value of all your assets is

You’ll need to choose how much coverage to carry when you purchase umbrella insurance. It’s best if you have enough coverage to equal your net worth.

As part of preparing to buy umbrella insurance, it’s good to evaluate your assets and find out what your total net worth is. This will help you to choose the right amount of coverage. 

Shop around with different umbrella insurance providers

You’ll have options to pick from when you buy an umbrella insurance policy. You should explore your options so that you can get a policy that meets your specific needs. 

Research different umbrella insurance providers in your area and get quotes on policies from numerous companies so that you can compare. 

Give Us A Call

Once you’ve done all the things mentioned above, you can choose an umbrella insurance policy that’s right for you. Shield Insurance Agency can come to your assistance to get a quote on an umbrella insurance policy in Michigan. 

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Science Fair Projects

Easy Science Fair Projects

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

LittleBinsForLittleHands.com | By Sarah McClellan | January 23, 2023 | Science Fair | Shield Insurance

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS

When it comes to science fair projects, it can be difficult to help your kids find balance. Too often, kids want to take on something that takes TOO much time and resources! While other kids may go for projects that have been done time and time again, and provide little to no challenge for them. Ta, da… Introducing our list of easy science fair projects with simple tips to help make your kid’s science fair project a big success this year!

HOW TO CHOOSE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

We know that you are looking for a fast and easy science fair project that is also cool! Below you will find simple tips for how to choose the best science fair project, as well as some unique and super easy science fair project ideas.

These science fair projects really don’t require a ton of supplies. Most can be completed with items you can find around the house. Instead, you will find interesting and fun ideas that are suitable for kindergarten, to elementary, and older.

BONUS RESOURCES

Make sure to read up on the engineering design process, scientific method for kids and the best science and engineering practices explained. These processes of asking questions, collecting data, communicating results etc. will be invaluable as a framework for a science fair project.

START WITH A QUESTION

Science fair projects are at their core problem-based learning. You start with a great question that attempts to solve a problem.  The best questions can’t be answered just by searching for answers online but rather with experiments and results.

Effective questions include questions asking about causes and effects. For example, “What effect does changing how often I water have on plant growth?”

Questions that focus on causes and effects make for realistic and achievable science fair projects and lead to tangible and easy-to-interpret results.

EXAMPLES OF QUESTION-BASED SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS

WHY DOES A VOLCANO ERUPT?

The homemade volcano science fair project is a classic baking soda and vinegar chemistry demonstration that simulates an erupting volcano. While a real volcano doesn’t erupt in this manner, the chemical reaction makes an appealing demonstration that can further be explained in the results and conclusion phase. This is both a question and research-based project!

WHAT MILK IS BEST FOR THE MAGIC MILK EXPERIMENT?

Turn this magic milk activity into an easy science fair project by investigating what happens when you change the type of milk used.  Explore other varieties of milk including reduced-fat milk, heavy cream, and even non-dairy milk!

HOW DOES WATER AFFECT SEED GERMINATION?

Turn this seed germination jar into an easy science fair project by exploring what happens to seed growth when you change the amount of water used.  Set up several seed germination jars to observe and record growth, depending on how much water you add to each jar.

Read on for more great Science Fair ideas

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Fun Valentine's Day Facts

30 Fun Valentine’s Day Facts That Will Surprise You

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Including the history behind Valentine’s holiday.

Goodhousekeeping.com | BY CAMERON JENKINS | UPDATED: JAN 12, 2023 | Valentines Day | Shield

When you start to think of Valentine’s Day, you may envision gorgeous flower bouquets, heart-shaped balloons, tons of sweet treats, and sentimental cards that are sure to make you blush. But have you ever stopped to think about how this tradition of celebrating love on February 14 came to be? Look no further than our list of interesting and fun Valentine’s Day facts to inform you and your loved ones about the history behind why this special day of love is celebrated.

While some of these little-known truths about the holiday may be expected, like how much Americans spend on the perfect V-Day gift or when the very first Valentine’s message was sent, others are more unusual. In fact, some of the earlier customs associated with the holiday were not romantic at all, but instead focused on fertility and included sacrificing animals. (We know, the complete opposite of a lovey-dovey grand gesture.)

Regardless of how much or how little you already know about the most loving day of the year, these factoids are sure to come in handy as an icebreaker for your Valentine’s Day party and will definitely give you the upper hand at any Galentine’s Day trivia night.

1. St. Valentine wasn’t just one person.

You may already know that Valentine’s Day was named after its patron saint, St. Valentine — but there’s actually some confusion surrounding which St. Valentine the holiday technically honors. According to History.com, there are at least two men named Valentine that could’ve inspired the holiday, including one Valentine who was a priest in third century Rome. As the story goes, this Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage (he thought it distracted young soldiers), illegally marrying couples in the spirit of love until he was caught and sentenced to death.

Another legend suggests that Valentine was killed for attempting to help Christians escape prison in Rome, and that he actually sent the first “valentine” message himself while imprisoned, writing a letter signed “From your Valentine.”

2. Valentine’s Day has its roots in an ancient Pagan festival.

Though some historians believe that Valentine’s Day commemorates the death of St. Valentine on February 14, others believe that the holiday actually has its origins in a Pagan fertility festival called “Lupercalia,” which was celebrated on February 15 in ancient Rome. Dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Roman founders Romulus and Remus, the day was celebrated by sacrificing animals and smacking women with animal hides, a practice that was believed to encourage fertility.

3. In the 1300s, it officially became a holiday associated with love.

Read more about Valentine’s Day…

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Steps to Take Now to Get a Jump on Your Taxes

Steps to Take Now to Start Your Taxes

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

IRS.gov | 09-Feb-2023 | Taxes | Insurance Quoting Portal | Types of Insurance with Shield Agency

Tax planning is for everyone. Get ready today to file your 2022 federal income taxes. Planning ahead can help you file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow your tax refund.

Steps you can take now to make filing taxes easier in 2023

Create or access your account information at IRS.gov/account

Use your online account to securely access the latest information available about your federal tax account and see information from your most recently filed tax return.

You can:

  •  View your tax owed, payments, and payment plans
  • Make payments and apply for payment plans
  • Access your tax records
  • Sign Power of Attorney authorizations electronically from your tax professional
  • Manage your communication preferences from the IRS

Gather and organize your tax records

Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier. It helps you avoid errors that lead to processing delays that slow your refund and may also help you find overlooked deductions or credits.

Wait to file until you have your tax records including:

Notify the IRS if your address changes and notify the Social Security Administration of a legal name change.

Remember, most income is taxable. This includes:

Check your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

Read more on preparing for taxes…

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