Insurance

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

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Consumer Reports’ exclusive testing and member survey data reveal the best and worst automotive brands overall

By Consumer Reports Last updated: February 20, 2020

Porsche pulls into the top spot this year, leapfrogging third-place Subaru, whose score remains unchanged. Genesis holds steady in second place.

Those are CR’s findings, based on our exclusive testing and member surveys. The leaders benefit from outstanding results in our road test and reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, which are factored into each model’s Overall Score. The best brands on this list tend to have more vehicles in their product lineups that consistently performed well.

CR recommends all the Porsche, Genesis, and Mazda (another top brand) models we’ve tested. Subaru falls just short of that distinction because of the below-average predicted reliability of its WRX sedan. Tesla was the biggest gainer, climbing eight positions because of the improved reliability of the Model 3 and Model S sedans.

The bottom brands are also an unchanged club, with Fiat, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Land Rover, Cadillac, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and GMC again falling short. We tested a total of 36 models from those brands, and we recommend only one, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Brands that move slightly up or down in our ranking tend to have new or redesigned model offerings, such as Audi with the A6 and A8, or changes in predicted reliability. Shoppers should remember that models from all brands can vary in reliability performance.

How We Rank the Car Brands

Brand report cards are built on an average of the Overall Score for each model tested. A brand must have at least two models tested to be included. The Overall Score is based on four key factors: road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

• The road-test scores are for vehicles purchased by CR and run through more than 50 tests.
• Reliability predictions are based on problems reported by CR members in 17 trouble areas.
• Owner satisfaction from surveyed CR members reflects whether drivers would purchase the same car if they had it to do again.
• Safety includes crash-test results and extra points awarded for proven advanced safety features that come standard for the model.

Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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How to Improve Your Credit Score

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CNBC Select explains what range is considered to be a bad credit score, how to get a free credit report, and how to improve your credit score fast.

Having a bad credit score isn’t the end of the world, as long as you work toward improving it.

While bad credit may make it more difficult to achieve financial milestones, such as being approved for an auto loan or mortgage, there are steps you can take to repair your credit score.

Lenders look closely at your credit report when determining whether you qualify for the credit, such as credit cards or loans. One of the factors they consider is your credit score. This three-digit number is calculated by analyzing your financial actions, such as debt and payment history, to predict your ability to repay the money lent to you.

If you have a less than stellar credit score, you should take action as soon as possible, so you can work toward good credit and increase your odds of being approved for financial products like credit cards and loans.

Below, CNBC Select explains what credit score range is considered bad, how to improve a bad credit score, and how to get a free credit report.

The rundown: Bad credit scores

  • What is a bad credit score?
  • How a bad credit score can hurt you
  • How to improve a bad credit score
  • How to check your credit score for free

What is a bad credit score?

Credit score ranges vary based on the credit scoring model used (FICO versus VantageScore) and the credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) that pulls the score. Below, you can check which credit score range you fall into, using estimates from Experian. Take note that the credit score lenders use varies, though 90% pull your FICO score.

FICO Score

  • Very poor: 300 to 579
  • Fair: 580 to 669
  • Good: 670 to 739
  • Very good: 740 to 799
  • Excellent: 800 to 850

VantageScore

  • Very poor: 300 to 499
  • Poor: 500 to 600
  • Fair: 601 to 660
  • Good: 661 to 780
  • Excellent: 781 to 850

What factors influence your credit score

Credit scores are calculated differently depending on the credit scoring model. Here are the key factors FICO and VantageScore consider.

FICO Score

  1. Payment history (35% of your score): Whether you’ve paid past credit accounts on time
  2. Amounts owed (30%): The total amount of credit and loans you’re using compared to your total credit limit, also known as your utilization rate
  3. Length of credit history (15%): The length of time you’ve had credit
  4. New credit (10%): How often you apply for and open new accounts
  5. Credit mix (10%): The variety of credit products you have, including credit cards, installment loans, finance company accounts, mortgage loans and so on

VantageScore

  1. Extremely influential: Payment history
  2. Highly influential: Type and duration of credit and percent of credit limit used
  3. Moderately influential: Total balances/debt
  4. Less influential: Available credit and recent credit behavior and inquiries

How a bad credit score can hurt you

Denials for credit

A bad credit score can reduce your approval chances for credit cards and loans, making it difficult to accomplish many goals. If you want to get out of debt with a balance transfer card, such as the Discover it® Balance Transfer, you’ll need good or excellent credit. And if you want to earn rewards or receive luxury travel perks, it’ll be near impossible to find a card that accepts bad credit.

Less favorable loan terms

If you’re approved for credit, odds are you’ll receive less favorable terms, such as high-interest rates or annual fees, compared to applicants with good credit. For example, one of CNBC Select’s best credit cards for bad credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, has a $35 annual fee; though there are no annual fee options.

Limited credit card choices

Bad credit limits which credit cards you can qualify for; the options you have will be primarily secured cards. While a secured card, such as the Discover it® Secured or the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®, can help you rebuild credit, you’re required to make a security deposit — typically $200 — in order to receive an equivalent line of credit.

Take note that even if your credit score falls within the bad range, that is not a guarantee you’ll be approved for a credit card requiring bad credit. Card issuers look at more factors than just your credit score, including income and monthly housing payments.

How to improve a bad credit score

If you have bad credit, take some time to review your credit score and identify the cause. Perhaps you’ve missed payments or carried a balance past your bill’s due date. In order to achieve a fair, good, or excellent credit score, follow the credit-building tips below.

  • Make on-time payments. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so it’s key to always pay on time. Consider setting up autopay to ensure on-time payments, or opt for reminders through your card issuer or mobile calendar.
  • Pay in full. While you should always make at least your minimum payment, we recommend paying your bill in full every month to reduce your utilization rate, which is the percentage of your total credit limit you’re using. To calculate your utilization rate, divide your total credit card balance by your total credit limit.
  • Don’t open too many accounts at once. Every time you submit an application for credit, whether it’s a credit card or loan, and regardless if you’re approved or denied, an inquiry appears on your credit report. Inquiries temporarily reduce your credit score by roughly five points, though they rebound within a few months. Try to limit applications as needed and shop around with prequalification tools that don’t hurt your credit score.

How to get a free credit score

There are dozens of free credit score services available that offer your free FICO Score or VantageScore. Here are some popular free credit score resources.

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8 Lesser-Known Home Insurance Facts

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8 lesser known home insurance facts: what you should know

Having home insurance can help keep you financially sound when disaster strikes. It covers damages to your abode, protects your belongings, and safeguards your liability — but there are more obscure areas of coverage you may not be aware of. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 8 lesser-known (but nevertheless crucial) home insurance facts you should know about.

1. an insurer cannot cancel your home insurance policy without a good reason

If your policy has been active for more than 60 days, your insurer cannot legally cancel it, unless you fail to pay your premium, lie on your application, or commit fraud.

Your insurance company can, however, decide not to renew your policy — typically around the one-year anniversary of its start date. In most states, a homeowners insurance company has to give at least 30 days’ notice to the insured as well as an explanation for why the policy has been non-renewed.

If you receive a notice of non-renewal, don’t fret! It doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong, nor does it mean you won’t be able to find insurance elsewhere. It could be that coverage is simply no longer available in your region, or your property no longer fits your insurer’s guidelines. In any case, there are options at your disposal and ways to bounce back if your home insurer decides not to renew your policy.

2. certain dog breeds can make it difficult to buy home insurance

No one knows how slobbery and cuddly your wolf-coyote hybrid is better than you. But you might run into complications when trying to find adequate homeowners coverage for your beloved pooch’s breed. The average homeowner’s insurance policy includes liability coverage for all household members, which is why insurance companies are on guard when it comes to particular dog breeds they’re willing to insure — especially when you consider the fact that dog bites account for a third of all liability claims, each averaging $30,000. For this reason, most home insurers won’t provide coverage if you have a pit bull or the aforesaid wolf hybrid. Other blacklisted breeds typically include:

  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Akitas
  • Staffordshire terriers
  • A cross-mix of any of the above breeds

Rules for how insurers can regard certain dog breeds vary by state. In Michigan, for instance, an insurance company cannot deny coverage based on your canine’s breed alone, but you may see a higher premium.

3. your credit may have an influence on your premium

As you may already know, your credit history wields influence in various venues of your financial life — from apartment rentals to the interest rate on your leased car. But did you know it could also affect your home insurance premium?

Roughly 85 percent of home insurers use certain attributes of your credit score to create what is called a “credit-based insurance score” (CBI). That’s because studies show a strong correlation between someone’s financial risk and the likelihood that he or she will file a claim.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, studies have shown that most policyholders get a better deal when CBI scores are used to determine a premium since there’s greater accuracy.

However, there are a few states, including California, Massachusetts, and Maryland, that prohibit insurance companies from factoring in a credit history to set policy rates. If you live in a state where the practice is permitted, you have the right to obtain your score through LexisNexis, and learn how different factors were used to determine your policy rate.

4. your lender can restrict the size of your deductible

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay for a loss before your insurance coverage kicks in. Many homeowners try to earn savings on their premiums by raising their deductible. But mortgage lenders typically won’t allow you to set your deductible at more than $1,200. That’s because your lender has a stake in your property too, and should anything happen to it, they want to have the peace of mind (much like you do) that the necessary repairs will be covered.

Moreover, they will likely require that they be listed as the “loss payee” on your homeowner’s policy — which means that if disaster rears its ugly head, the reimbursement would go to them, where they’ll ensure it’s used to repair the damage or pay off the loan.

5. maintaining a home inventory is paramount

Taking stock of all your belongings (that’s right, all your belongings) is very important. Not only does a home inventory give you an idea of how valuable your belongings are, but it’s also a helpful way to determine a sufficient personal property coverage amount. Additionally, having a record of your stuff can be very useful during the claims process if you ever experience a loss.

Recording the details of your items — from brand and model, to purchase price and serial number — is no simple task. But following some useful home inventory guidelines could mean the difference between financial hardship and quickly getting back on your feet if you ever need to file a claim.

6. you can reopen a claim after you’ve received reimbursement

If your home is damaged by a windstorm or fire, your homeowner’s insurance company will assess the loss, and reimburse you to repair or replace the damaged portion. But sometimes you may discover additional damage that had gone previously unnoticed. Luckily, you may be able to reopen the claim so that any supplementary damage can be addressed.

Bear in mind that, depending on the state in which you live, claims for damage usually have to be filed within a year of the loss date. If you’re ever unsure, your best bet is to contact your insurer or your state’s department of insurance.

7. your home remodeling project isn’t automatically covered

Thinking of building a front porch or constructing an in-ground swimming pool? If so, it’s always wise to notify your homeowner’s insurance company before you begin your project.

That’s because you’ll likely need to update your home insurance policy to reflect the additions and determine whether you’ll need financial protection during the course of the project. If you fail to do so and the project is damaged in the process, your renovation may not be covered. Additionally, you run the risk of getting dropped by your home insurance company. For this reason, it’s best to be totally up front with your insurer.

And before you commence the remodel, make sure all contractors and subcontractors involved carry their own insurance and ask to see physical copies of it. That should include both worker’s compensation and general liability policies. If they don’t have sufficient coverage, a worker could sue you if he or she gets hurt on the job.

8. adding home safety features could lower your premium

Many home insurance companies (including Esurance) offer discounts if you outfit your pad with security features, such as burglar alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and water safety systems. That’s because these safety devices help safeguard the home against common perils, thus reducing the likelihood that you’ll have to file a claim.

In addition, you could earn savings if no one on your policy smokes, if your roof has hail-resistant shingles, or if you install storm shutters on your windows’ exteriors. The fewer risks there are, the more affordable your insurance rate is likely to be.

And at Esurance, the perks don’t just end there. For starters, you could earn savings the moment you purchase a policy with us, and if you go just one year without filing a claim, you’ll see your premium continue to go down. Plus, if you do have to file a claim (hey, it happens), our claim forgiveness program will prevent your premium from hiking up.

Get a fast, free homeowners quote today and learn about our other myriad discounts as well as wide-ranging coverages customized to fit your lifestyle.

Have questions or concerns about homeowners insurance? Feel free to give us a ring at 616-896-4600, where our agents are here to help you along the way.

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Ice Dams Create Roof Danger

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

You may be feeling cozy and warm in your home as the snow serenely falls outside. But, up on your roof, a dangerous situation could be forming – one that can compromise your roof and lead to water damage inside your home. It’s all the result of an ice dam. If you live in a snowy area and you’re not familiar with what an ice dam is, it’s imperative that you read on.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof and prevents snowmelt from running off. It often occurs because heat from the attic warms the middle of your roof, causing snow to melt. When that runoff reaches the eaves, or overhang, of your roof, the cooler surface temperature (there’s no heat rising from inside your home to this part of the roof) can cause the water to refreeze. As this happens over and over, an ice dam forms, preventing melted snow from running off your roof.

Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?

Yes, ice dams cause the water from melted snow to back up under the shingles of your roof and into your home – the water doesn’t have anywhere else to go. This can damage your roof, not to mention your interior. And, remember, water damage can lead to toxic mold inside your home.

How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?

An easy way to help prevent ice dams is to keep your eaves, gutters, downspouts, and drains clear. This way water can drain away from your home as the snow melts on your roof. It’s ideal to have your gutters cleaned out before the snow season even begins. While you’re at it, install gutter screens for added protection.

Here are some other ways to help prevent ice dams:

  • Keep your attic cool. Proper insulation between your living areas and attic will help keep warm air from escaping into your attic and warming your roof. Ideally, during a snow storm, your attic won’t be more than 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside.
  • Remove snow with a roof rake. Only if you can safely do so, remove accumulated snow from your roof using a long-handled roof rake, a specialized tool for clearing roofs, that won’t damage your roofing material. Do this from the ground. Never climb on top of a snowy roof.
  • Update your roof with materials that help prevent ice dams. These include a rubberized, water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles and a heating cable along the eaves. For either installation, consult a professional.

Ice dams may not be the first thing you think about once the snow stops coming down. After all, there’s the sidewalk and driveway to clear. But, for the sake of your roof and the integrity of your overall home, it’s important to keep an eye out for this winter roof danger.

So, how can you spot ice dams? Icicles may be a sign of ice dams, a buildup of snow and ice along your eaves that blocks water runoff. Discolored ceilings or walls may indicate that your ice dam has turned into a leak.

Remember, in the midst of this harsh winter, it’s important to keep your gutters clear, your roof updated and an eye out for the signs of ice dams. If you suspect trouble, call a trusted roofing contractor at once.

Need Homeowners Insurance Coverage?

Talk to Shield Agency about homeowners insurance coverage that’s right for you.

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Top ten of the most extravagant Celebrity insurance policies

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Shield Insurance Blog | Celebrity Insurance |

Celebrity insurance: Top ten of the most extravagant insurance policies

To insure one’s house, one’s car or to underwrite a life insurance policy, that is common practice. But who would pay an insurance premium for his/her thumb, legs, or smile? Stars, of course.

Stars are underwriting new policies which are more and more common and are sometimes deemed «unreasonable», much to the delight of insurers who make these policies their flag bearer.

Zoom on celebrities’ most extravagant insurance covers

  1. At the top of the ranking are the legs of Mariah Carey, worth 810 million USD: The diva became, in 2006, the Gillette brand muse for the advertising campaign «Legs of a Goddess». She then took out an insurance policy with London Lloyds to protect her legs, a decision that is far from insignificant. Among its customers, the London insurer then included several icons of music, such as Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart.
  2. David Beckham’s body was insured for 195 million USD: European champion with Manchester United in 1999, David Beckham was in 2006 the most renowned footballer on the planet. In relation to his sporting activities, he took out an insurance cover for his legs. The huge amount paid for his insurance would reportedly exceed the 103 million USD disbursed by Real Madrid for the cover of Christiano Ronaldo in 2009. The fashion model would later extend his insurance cover to his entire body.
  3. The singer Taylor Swift insured her legs for 44 million USD: At only 28, the singer estimated the value of her legs at 44 million USD. The perfectly-proportioned star decided to purchase a cover for her legs before her world tour in May 2015.
  4. Julia Roberts’ smile is worth 24.5 million USD: Crowned on several occasions the «most beautiful woman in the world», Julia Roberts, the «pretty woman», is endowed with the priciest smile in the history of the cinema. A smile that is beautiful enough to be insured for the sum of 24.5 million USD.
  5. 15 million USD in insurance for Kim Kardashian’s curves: The curves of Kim Kardashian are her number one beauty asset. The reality TV star, who is crazy about plastic surgery, has underwritten an insurance policy worth 15 million USD to protect her famous butt.
  6. The pilot of Formula 1 Fernando Alfonso insured his thumbs for 11.7 million USD: The double world champion took out a cover for his thumbs. A bargain for his insurance company put the Formula 1 pilot in the spotlight in order to promote their new insurance program. The cover was underwritten in 2010, a few days before the Barcelona Grand Prix, as part of a road accidents campaign for the promotion of life insurance.
  7. America Ferrara, star of the TV show «Ugly Betty», insured her smile for 11.5 million USD: In 2007, America Ferrara played the role of an assistant with a repulsive metallic smile in the series «Ugly Betty». She was then contacted by the brand of dental products Aquafresh. Within the framework of her partnership with Aquafresh, the actress took out an insurance cover to protect her teeth and her gums for the amount of 11.5 million USD. Part of the sales of the Aquafresh metal trays was devoted to the charitable organization «Smile for Success». This action will make America Ferrara one of the first ambassadresses of Lloyd’s of London.
  8. Bruce Springsteen has insured his voice for 9.3 million USD: While female singers would rather insure their legs or their breasts, the singer Bruce Springsteen has insured his vocal cords for 9.3 million USD; Once again, and like other celebrities, it is with Lloyd’s that the singer has underwritten his policy.
  9. Keith Richards insured his finger for 1.7 million USD: The Rolling Stones guitarist insured his right middle finger for the amount of 1.7 million USD. A work tool that is worth gold for the guitarist, making him essential for the group.
  10. The culinary critic Egon Ronay assured his taste buds: The famous Hungarian culinary critic has insured his taste buds since 1957, for the amount of 400 000 USD. An original insurance policy that allows him to cover his sense of taste without which he will no longer be able to practice his job.

source: Atlas Magazine, July 2018

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Just How Bad is Soda for Your Teeth?

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Soda, pop or soda pop. Whatever you call it may likely depend on where you live or what region of the country you grew up in. But, the bottom line is they can be bad for your oral health and deliver a blow to your teeth.

Sugar itself doesn’t do the damage, but the bacteria in your mouth feeds on the sugar to create acid, and that can erode the enamel that protects your teeth.  Soda itself is very acidic. Between the bacteria feeding on the sugar and creating acid, every time you sip, soda starts an acid attack that lasts about 20 minutes. These ongoing acid attacks weaken the tooth enamel. This leads to an increased chance of, you guessed it, tooth decay.

If you’re a soda drinker, we’re not going to ask you to stop, but we do have some quick tips to help reduce any potential harm they may cause:

  • Cut back. Drink soda in moderation. Try not to have more than one a day.
  • Don’t let it linger. The longer it takes to drink a soda, the more time the sugars and acids have to damage your teeth.
  • Rinse. If brushing isn’t an immediate option, rinse your mouth with water after drinking a soda. Flushing your mouth with some water will help wash away any remaining sugars and acids.
  • Drink plenty of water, possibly in place of that extra soda you may have. Fluoridated tap water is best for your teeth.
  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss.
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Dental Basics presented by Delta Dental

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

What are dental basics of cavities?

A tooth cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when your enamel breaks down, usually from plaque and bacteria in your mouth that eat away at your tooth. Tooth decay may take years to develop into an actual cavity. Caught very early, tooth decay may even be reversed through the use of fluoride or other preventive care you can discuss with your dentist.

What are some causes of cavities?

  • Bacteria in your mouth.
  • It’s not just about candy and soda. Cavities can also be caused by frequent consumption of starchy, refined carbohydrate foods such as chips, crackers and cookies and high sugar drinks such as fruit juices and energy or sports drinks.
  • Not keeping up with your daily oral health routine, including brushing and flossing.

How can I prevent tooth decay?

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss regularly.
  • Eat nutritious meals and limit snacking and sugary treats.
  • Check with your dentist about the need for topical fluoride and sealants to protect you or your child’s teeth from tooth decay.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for preventive care.

Contact Shield Agency for details on a dental policy with Delta Dental

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Insurance Terms Important to Know - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Common Insurance Terms Made Easy

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Insurance can be confusing…we get it! But we’re here to help provide you with a better insurance experience. Learn more about what these common insurance terms mean so you can be prepared when looking for a policy.

For customer information or to get a quote, please visit our website at www.ShieldAgency.com .

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2019 Tax Season Is Here!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Here’s how to prepare

Attention: 2019 tax filing season has started. Here’s what you can do now to get ready.

3 steps to get ready for 2019 tax season filing:

  1. Look for Form 1095-A.
    • If you or anyone in your household had a 2019 Marketplace plan, you’ll get Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement in the mail by early February. It comes from the Marketplace, not the IRS.
    • It may also be available online in your HealthCare.gov account.
  2. Check Form 1095-A for accuracy.
    • You’ll use Form 1095-A to “reconcile” your premium tax credit if you used advanced payments of the premium tax credit to lower your monthly premium payment, so it’s important the information on it is correct. If you file with an incorrect version, you may need to file an amended return later.
    • Confirm things like your coverage and household information, monthly enrollment premium, and “second lowest cost Silver Plan” (SLCSP).
    • If you find errors, contact the Marketplace Call Center. We’ll send you an updated copy. Wait to file until you have it.
  3. Use your correct 1095-A to “reconcile.”
    • Now that you have an accurate 1095-A and second lowest cost Silver plan premium, you’re ready to fill out Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit.
    • See this step-by-step guide to reconciling for next steps.
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Free Preventive Medical Services in 2020

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Preventive Medical Services | Health Insurance |

With Marketplace coverage, you have access to free preventive services, like flu shots, check-ups, and screening tests. Getting these recommended services is an important step toward good health and well-being.

  • Preventive services are routine health care procedures, like screenings, check-ups, and counseling to prevent illnesses, diseases, and other health problems.
  • Taking advantage of these free services can help detect illness early, when treatment is likely to work best, so talk to your provider about what’s right for you.
  • Note: Preventive services are free only when provided by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network. (A network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers your health insurer has contracted with to provide health care services. Contact your insurance company to see which providers are “in-network.”)

Where can I learn more about preventive medical services?

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