Simple Steps for an Extra Safe Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2022October 21, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

National Safety Council | October 21, 2022 | Safe Halloween

Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. These tips can help make a safe and happy holiday for everyone.

Costume Safety for a Safe Halloween

To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, fda.gov has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards.

● All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
● If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
● Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
● Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

When They’re on the Prowl

Here’s a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.

Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:

● A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
● If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
● Agree on a specific time children should return home
● Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
● Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
● Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies

Safe Halloween Tips for Motorists

NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

● Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
● Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
● At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
● Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

Visit the National Safety Council website for more great safety ideas!

Should everyone in Michigan get auto insurance?

Posted on October 26, 2022October 27, 2022 by admin

In the state of Michigan, owning a car is a good idea. When you are a car owner here, you will have an easy and convenient way to get around the state and enjoy all that it has to offer. When you are going to drive a car here, you also need to carefully assess your auto insurance needs.

There are various reasons why you should always get an auto insurance plan:

Protect Your Car

A reason that all people here should have an auto plan is so they can protect their car. If you are going to buy a car, you will want to know that it is covered in the event there is an incident of theft or an accident. When you are insured with auto insurance, you will have support in these cases. It is important to select a collision and comprehensive plan to ensure you have full coverage.

Meet Auto Insurance Obligations

You also should obtain auto insurance coverage to meet any of your insurance obligations. People that live in Michigan will need to have liability coverage in order to drive their car on a public road. Further, those that have taken out a loan when buying a car will need to have comprehensive and collision coverage. If you remain properly covered, it will ensure you are in good standing with your obligations.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

It is always a good idea for someone here to get auto coverage. As you shop for insurance, discussing your insurance needs with the Shield Insurance Agency is always a good option. Our team of insurance experts at Shield Insurance Agency will give you the guidance to build your next plan. This can help ensure you are properly covered and in good standing with any obligations.

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What is the value of having an auto insurance plan in Michigan?

Posted on September 21, 2022September 26, 2022 by admin

For anyone living in the state of Michigan, having a car can be a great idea. With a car, you will be able to get around all of the great parts of the state including large cities, small lake communities, and plenty of recreational activities throughout the area. If you are going to buy a car in this area, you will also want to know that you get the right auto insurance.

An auto insurance plan offers various forms of value:

Ensure You are Supported and Protected

If you do get an auto insurance plan, it will help to ensure you are covered as well as possible. With the right plan, you will get the support you need to replace or repair your car if you incur a covered loss. Further, you will have support if you cause an accident and need to cover the damage.

Remain in Compliance

You also will need to have an auto insurance plan so you can remain in compliance with any requirements you may have. Those that drive any type of car in this state will need to carry insurance to meet the state’s minimum liability coverage standards. You also will need to have coverage to meet any requirements that may be set by your auto loan provider.

Get Auto Insurance Today

If you would like to purchase a car in Michigan, it is very important that you get proper insurance. As you are looking for coverage, it would be wise for you to call the team with the Shield Insurance Agency. Those that do work with the Shield Insurance Agency will get a lot of help in deciding what the right policy is for their situation. This will help give you comfort that you are selecting the right policy.

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Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Posted on May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

FROM: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Offers Insurance Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) As residents across northern Michigan assess the damage and begin to recover from Friday afternoon’s tornado, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing tips to assist residents when working with insurance companies to file claims and repair damages.

“DIFS stands ready to assist the residents of northern Michigan as they begin to recover from the incredible devastation wrought by Friday’s tornado, hailstorm, and power outages,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “It is important that those who have experienced damage understand their rights and responsibilities when filing insurance claims. They should carefully review their policies and work with their agents and insurers to see what coverage is available to them. DIFS is available to answer questions and assist consumers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.”

Anyone impacted by storm damage should:

Contact their insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Have the policy number and other relevant information readily available. DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet to make this process easier.
Take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss. Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
Document the loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
Review insurance policies to understand their coverage and discuss with their agent or insurer if there are any questions.
If there is water damage to a home or other structure, consumers should tell their insurance company that there is water damage and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. Consumers should not simply state that the damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as storm-related rainwater intrusion, sewer backup, or failing sump pump, that may be covered under the policy.
If there is damage to a vehicle, consumers should contact their auto insurance company. They may have coverage for the damage if they carry comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.

More Information

Additional disaster recovery information is available on the DIFS website.

DIFS encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS will help try to resolve disputes. To learn more and file a complaint, visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Michigan Drivers Reminded to Take Quick Action after Health Insurance Changes That Could Leave Them Without Medical Coverage in the Event of an Auto Accident

Posted on April 29, 2022February 16, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

March 08, 2021, | Press Release | Michigan Drivers | Auto Insurance | Self-Quoting Portal

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michigan drivers who excluded or opted out of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage for themselves or a family member that changes to or loss of health insurance coverage in their household can also affect their auto insurance coverage. Drivers may need to take action within 30 days after such an event to ensure that no one in their household is left without medical coverage in the event of an auto accident.

“Auto insurance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when your health insurance changes, but people who choose to rely on their health insurance coverage for auto accident injuries must take quick action if they lose or change their health insurance,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “There may be serious financial consequences if someone in your household has opted out of or been excluded from PIP medical coverage, loses their qualified health insurance, and is then involved in an auto accident.”

Under Michigan’s new auto insurance law, drivers can select the level of PIP medical coverage that they want to have for themselves and their families, which covers their medical and other expenses if they are injured in an auto accident.

Drivers can opt-out or exclude themselves from PIP medical coverage, as long as they have qualified health coverage, which means either: Medicare Parts A and B or Medicare Advantage; a health insurance policy that doesn’t limit or exclude auto accident injuries and has a deductible of $6,000 or less per individual; or another Michigan auto policy, depending on their selection. Other family members in the household can also opt-out or exclude PIP medical on the auto policy if they have qualified health coverage or another auto insurance policy.

Under the new law, if a person who has opted out of or is excluded from PIP medical coverage loses qualified health coverage, and does not do one of the following in 30 days they may find themselves with no medical coverage if they are injured in an auto accident:

Get replacement qualified health coverage and provide proof of coverage to the auto insurer, or
Add PIP medical coverage to their auto insurance policy.

If they do not take action within 30 days, they will not be entitled to any PIP medical benefits, potentially making them personally responsible for their own medical bills in the event of an auto accident. During the 30-day period only, if the consumer is injured in a car accident before they have obtained alternate coverage, they may receive up to $2 million in coverage from the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.

“It is critical that Michigan drivers or family members in their household who have opted out of or excluded PIP medical coverage who lose qualified health coverage get alternate coverage for auto accident injuries before this 30-day period runs out, whether by obtaining new health coverage or getting PIP medical coverage under an auto insurance policy,” said Fox. “If anyone in your family who opted out or excluded PIP medical coverage recently lost their qualified health coverage and does not know how to buy replacement health coverage, DIFS is here to help answer your questions so you and your family can get the coverage you need.”

Anyone who needs health coverage may purchase a plan and take advantage of subsidies to lower their costs during the current special enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which runs from Feb. 15 through May 15. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll. To review coverage options and enroll, consumers can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

Consumers with questions about auto insurance can contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or visit Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance.

Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442
Laura Hall / Media Contact
517-290-3779 or email to halll17@michigan.gov

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DIFS – Make Sure Your Health and Auto Insurance Policies Work Together to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Posted on April 28, 2022January 25, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | DIFS | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

DIFS Drivers who rely on health insurance to pay for auto injuries may be responsible for their own medical bills if they lose or change their health insurance

Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS, AutoInsurance@michigan.gov

From: DIFS Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders that if someone in their household does not have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage, a change in their health insurance can also affect their auto insurance coverage. Under Michigan’s auto insurance law that went into effect in 2020, eligible Michiganders may now choose to opt out of or exclude themselves or family members from PIP medical, but they must take quick action after a change in health insurance or they risk not having medical coverage in the event of an auto accident.

“Your auto insurance may not be the first thing that comes to mind if you lose your health insurance, but Michiganders may now rely on their health insurance coverage for auto accident injuries and they must take quick action to protect themselves and their families after a change,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “There can be serious financial consequences if someone in your household does not have PIP medical coverage, loses their qualified health coverage, and is then injured in an auto accident without taking the appropriate action.”

Michigan’s auto insurance law now gives Michigan drivers the chance to choose from six different PIP medical coverage levels when they buy or renew their auto insurance. PIP covers medical bills and other expenses for those who are injured in an auto accident.

For people who have Qualified Health Coverage (QHC), two options allow them to remove PIP medical coverage for themselves and/or eligible household members. To count as QHC, the driver’s health insurance policy must not exclude or limit coverage for auto accident injuries and must have an individual deductible of $6,000 or less. Medicare Parts A and B or Medicare Advantage also count as QHC, but VA Health Benefits do not.

If a person who has been excluded from PIP has a change in their health coverage, they may have no medical coverage in the event of an auto accident. To prevent this from happening, DIFS is urging Michiganders who have a health insurance change in their household to A.C.T.:

A – Ask your auto insurance company or agent about your PIP medical coverage choice and find out if you need QHC to maintain your current selection.
C – Contact your health insurer to determine if your new policy counts as QHC and to get an updated QHC letter.
T -Tell your auto insurance company immediately if you lose your QHC. You have 30 days to obtain replacement health insurance or make a different PIP medical selection, or you risk not having medical coverage for yourself and your family in the event of a crash.

Drivers who do not secure replacement PIP medical coverage or QHC will not be entitled to any PIP medical benefits after 30 days, potentially making them personally responsible for their own medical bills in the event of an auto accident.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Consumers with questions about auto insurance can contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or visit Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance.

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Michigan Auto Insurance Rebates are Coming Soon

Posted on February 1, 2022May 11, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

From the Department of Insurance and Financial Services | Insurance Rebates | Shield Insurance

Feb. 1 is National Auto Insurance Day: Governor Whitmer Reminds Consumers that Auto Insurance Refund Checks Are Coming Soon

Millions of Michigan drivers to receive $400 per vehicle refunds no later than May 9, 2022

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS, Michigan.gov/MCCArefund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 1, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) February 1 is National Auto Insurance Day and Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are reminding consumers to be on the lookout for refund checks from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fund surplus that will be sent out by auto insurers later this spring.

“The bipartisan auto insurance reform law I signed has saved Michiganders hundreds of dollars per year and, as a further result, auto insurance companies will deliver $400 refund checks per vehicle to drivers no later than May 9,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are putting money back in people’s pockets and putting Michiganders first as we grow our economy and continue lowering costs for families.”

“DIFS has communicated to insurers that refund checks or ACH deposits must be delivered to eligible consumers by their auto insurers as quickly as possible, and in no case later than May 9, 2022,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “We are working with the MCCA and Michigan’s auto insurance companies to ensure they accurately, fairly, and promptly issue these refunds.”

In December, the MCCA announced it will refund Michigan policyholders $400 per vehicle, or $80 per historic vehicle, for each vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021. The funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies by March 9, 2022. DIFS has directed insurers to issue refund checks or ACH deposits to consumers as expeditiously as possible, but in no event later than 60 days after the transfer of funds, which is May 9, 2022.

As part of its core mission to protect consumers, DIFS is also reminding Michiganders that scammers may try to take advantage of consumers with scams or phishing operations based on their MCCA refund.

“Whenever there is a widespread distribution of funds to consumers, inevitably there will be bad actors who attempt to take advantage of the situation in order to steal personal information or money from consumers,” said Fox. “You do not need to take action to receive a refund, and if someone calls to ask for your personal information in order to process a refund – hang up and contact your insurer or DIFS.”

Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov. DIFS has also launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline and eligibility requirements.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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DIFS Warns Consumers of Possible MCCA Refund Scams

Posted on January 11, 2022January 23, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

From Michigan.gov | DIFS Warns Consumers | Shield Auto Insurance | Start a quote today!

Press Release:

DIFS Warns Consumers of Possible MCCA Refund Scams

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-Press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS, Michigan.gov/MCCArefund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging consumers to be on the lookout for scammers who may try to exploit the recent announcement that Michigan drivers will be receiving refunds from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) in 2022.

“Whenever there is a widespread distribution of funds to consumers, inevitably there will be bad actors who attempt to take advantage of the situation in order to steal personal information or money from consumers,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Your refund check or ACH deposit will come directly from your insurer, and you will not have to take any action to receive it. Never give out personal information to a caller claiming to be from your insurance company.”

In December, the MCCA announced it will refund Michigan policyholders $400 per vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021. The funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies by March 9, 2022, and DIFS has directed insurers to issue refund checks or ACH deposits to consumers as expeditiously as possible, but in no event later than 60 days after the transfer of funds, which is May 9, 2022.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a representative of the MCCA, your auto insurance company, or another official, end the communication with the individual reaching out to you, and contact your auto insurer directly. Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov.

If you would like to learn more about the MCCA refunds, DIFS has launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline, eligibility requirements, and tells consumers what to do if they have questions or concerns about their refunds.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

DIFS Warns Consumers

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How Much Do Cold Temperatures Affect an Electric Vehicle’s Driving Range?

Posted on January 6, 2022February 14, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

The cold, hard truth about winter’s effects on EV batteries

By Consumer Reports | December 19, 2021

With a proliferation of choices covering electric vehicle styles and driving range, more Americans are considering purchasing an EV. One of the common hesitations, aside from range anxiety in general, is how an electric car will perform in extreme temperatures. But should this concern prevent a potential buyer from making the leap to an EV?

The main reasons driving range goes down in cold weather are the impact on battery chemistry when parked and the drain in order to maintain battery temperature and supply cabin heat. Cold temperatures can reduce an unplugged EV’s range by about 20 percent, according to testing by the Norwegian Automobile Federation, and recharging takes longer than in warm weather.

Running the cabin heater, seat heaters, defroster, and other accessories that combat the cold weather inside the car all sap range. For cold temperatures, what we have found is that 20° F and colder is when the range really drops. (Learn how to get the most out of your car’s heater.)

Click here for the rest of the story…

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Shield Insurance is helping Roslyn & Maddox by donating $25 to the family for each non-client who gets a quote from Shield

Shield’s Referral Program is Changing Lives in the Local Community!

Posted on December 23, 2021August 9, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Referral Program Supports Local Sparta, Michigan Family

Your referral can make a difference for Roslyn and Maddox who both have a form of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital. Shield Insurance is helping this Sparta, MI family by donating $25 for each non-client who gets a quote from us.

No purchase is necessary!

CLICK HERE to get a quote and we’ll donate $25 to them! (Be sure to mention Roslyn and Maddox in the comment section!) You can also call or text the office (616) 896-4600 and one of our agents will take a few minutes of your time to offer up a quote. Don’t forget to mention Ros and Maddox