Insurance

Michigan’s Four Seasons: A Journey Through Nature’s Spectacular Transformations

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Four Seasons | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Michigan’s Four Seasons:

Michigan is a state known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the stunning shores of the Great Lakes to the lush forests and rolling hills, Michigan offers a unique experience in every season. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through Michigan’s four seasons, exploring the spectacular transformations that nature undergoes throughout the year.

Spring: A Time of Renewal

As winter fades away, Michigan awakens to the vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms of spring. The snow melts, revealing the lush greenery that blankets the state. The cherry blossoms in Traverse City and the tulip fields in Holland are a sight to behold, painting the landscape with a riot of colors. Spring is also the time when wildlife emerges from hibernation, and birdwatchers flock to the state to catch a glimpse of migratory birds making their way north.

Summer: Fun in the Sun

Michigan summers are synonymous with outdoor adventures and endless fun. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, the state offers an abundance of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Great Lakes provide a refreshing escape from the heat, and the sandy beaches beckon visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Summer is also the perfect time to explore Michigan’s numerous state parks and hiking trails, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Fall: A Tapestry of Colors

When autumn arrives, Michigan transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. The leaves on the trees change from vibrant greens to fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning display that attracts visitors from near and far. The Upper Peninsula is particularly famous for its fall foliage, with the Porcupine Mountains and Tahquamenon Falls State Park offering some of the most picturesque views. Fall is also the season for apple picking, cider tasting, and enjoying the harvest festivals that dot the state.

Winter: A Winter Wonderland

Michigan winters are a true winter wonderland. As the temperatures drop, the state becomes a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. From skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing and snowshoeing, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy in the snow-covered landscape. The Upper Peninsula is a haven for snow lovers, with its abundance of snowfall and pristine trails. The frozen waterfalls at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the ice caves at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are must-see attractions during the winter months.

All Four Seasons: Shield Insurance Agency isYour Trusted Insurance Partner

While exploring Michigan’s four seasons, it’s important to ensure that you have the right insurance coverage to protect yourself and your belongings. Shield Insurance Agency is here to help. With over 40 insurance companies represented, we can find the perfect policy to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for auto, home, renters, or business insurance, our experienced agents will guide you through the process and provide you with a free quote.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Shield Insurance Agency today for a free quote. You can reach us at (616) 896-4600 or start the quoting process by visiting our website and filling out the form. An agent will be in touch soon to discuss your options and help you find the insurance coverage that gives you peace of mind.

In conclusion, Michigan’s four seasons offer a journey through nature’s spectacular transformations. From the enchanting beauty of spring to the mesmerizing magic of summer, the hidden wonders of fall, and the winter wonderland that blankets the state, Michigan is a destination that never fails to captivate. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an adventure through Michigan’s four seasons. You won’t be disappointed.

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Happy Groundhog Day, 2018

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Updated: Aug 6, 2018

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Feb 2, 2018

Groundhog Day 2018

Punxsutawney Phil indeed communicated in “groundhog talk” that he had cast a shadow. According to legend, that means the weather will be wintry for the next 6 weeks.   OK! So if he wouldn’t cast a shadow, then we would have an early spring. Which either way you look at it, March 20th is the 1st day of Spring regardless. I will always remember when the first day of Spring is because it is my sweet Mother’s Birthday, a nice way to welcome the season.

Of course, visually seeing the 1st Robin of the season helps too! 🙂   In the meantime, we are getting a bunch of snow right now and still have to be extra cautious when we are driving. But, if you are a true Michigander, you do appreciate the beautiful, majestic, gorgeous Wintry splendor. The warm weather will be on us soon enough, but sit back and read your favorite book by your crackling fire or take a walk outside and marvel at the beautiful snowflakes casually drifting down on you and realize that the warmer weather is just around the corner. 

submitted by Dawn


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Captive vs Independent Agents

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Captive vs Independent Agents |

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Apr 11, 2018

Captive vs Independent Agents

Hello Friends, Family, Clients, Potential Clients. 

I am writing this Blog Entry today, because my Dad, Andy, the owner of the Agency, is asking me to. We believe that a website with Blog entries every so often will get more views than one that has none. We are always looking for ways to get our Business more Business, and if a Blog is one, then we will have a Blog!

I was struggling very hard on what to write about for this blog, as I am not exactly a person who just writes for fun by any means. I thought that I would tackle the thought process of buying from an Independent Agency, versus Buying from a Captive Agency. Not a lot of people know the difference, and not a lot of people even know there IS a difference. 

First, let me explain the Difference between Independent Agency and a Captive Agency.  A Captive Agency is an agency that can only sell one single Insurance Company Product. For example; State Farm, Farm Bureau,  Farmers. These type of Captive Agents sell their Customers that specific companies Products, and then after the Policy renews, they renew with that Specific company. Year after year the customer stays with that specific company no matter what happens to the Price or coverage because that Captive Agency only sells that company. Captive Agencies have the Majority of Personal lines, customers, in the United States, but I personally think that is because of the Marketing these captive Agencies do. 

An Independent Agency sells many company’s products to their customers. Shield Insurance is an Independent Agency, we sell 8 different Home and Auto Companies to our Customers. Here is the List; Wolverine Mutual Insurance, Fremont Insurance, State Auto Insurance, Foremost Specialty Insurance, Progressive Insurance, AAA Insurance, Safe-co Insurance, Grange Insurance. When an Independent Agency Writes a policy for a client, they quote all of their companies to figure out which one is going to give that client the lowest price, with the best coverage, and that is who they put the client with. After 6 months when the Policy Renews, the agent will evaluate the Price, and if there is any sort of Increase, the agent will check all of the Other companies they Represent, and see if any of them have a cheaper price, and if they do, they will present that to their Client, and save them money on the renewal.  (Some agencies don’t check, but we do!).

This is the Process of a Captive Agency, Versus an Independent Agency. The Independent Agent Shops for you, Year after Year. The Captive agent, keeps you as a Client Year after year, while your Policies are stuck with one Company.  Obviously, I am a bit bias being an Independent Agent, but just think about the Thought process, would someone want to go somewhere they can only receive the same quote, or would they want to go somewhere that shops for them, and find the best price for them.  I have yet to find More Benefits to being with a Captive Agency, versus an Independent Agency, but if anyone knows any, feel free to email me about it! Thanks for reading my Blog Entry today Folks, Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

submitted by TJ


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Roadside assistance is a great buy for your wallet and also your peace of mind.

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

There are many situations you may find yourself in need of roadside assistance. Even if you feel you are prepared for potential problems, like a flat tire, knowing that you can call someone in an emergency may give you some peace of mind. With most auto insurance companies, it can cost as little as $1/ month to add roadside assistance to your auto policy and services are available 24/7. The savings of having roadside assistance can add up really quickly with just one service provided. Here are a list of the services that roadside assistance can help with:

Lockout Service

Most cars come with two keys but in many situations, the “spare” key isn’t available. Having roadside assistance on your policy could save you a lot of time and money. The cost to have a locksmith unlock your vehicle is between $50-$100 depending on the year of your vehicle.

Flat Tire

Flat tires are one of the most common reasons to call for roadside assistance. Changing a flat tire yourself is generally quick and easy as long as you have a spare and jack available. But if you’ve never done it before, then it’s probably best to just call for help. With roadside assistance, help is just a phone call away.

Dead Battery

Jumper cables are a great thing to keep in your vehicle and many people do. But if you’re alone, it is almost always better to call for help than to flag down another motorist, which could be dangerous. If your battery is completely dead or the temperature is too low, even jumper cables might not help. Roadside assistance becomes very handy in this situation.

Towing

If you break down or are in an accident, you’ll need to get your vehicle off the road and into a repair shop. Most towing companies will charge you between $75-$200, depending on the number of miles being towed. This fee is due at the time of service and unfortunately might not fit into your budget. With roadside assistance, you can just call your insurance company who will then dispatch an approved tow provider to your location and you won’t see a bill.

Out of Gas

Most basic roadside service plans include emergency fuel delivery because running out of gas is such a common problem for motorists. This saves you the time and energy of walking to the nearest gas station. Especially if you’re traveling with small children, pets, or in inclement weather. Knowing that this service is available can give anyone great peace of mind!

***As always, it’s recommended to check with your agent to make sure which services are available with your current insurance companies roadside assistance.***

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How Much Vehicle Coverage Do You Really Need?

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Shield Insurance Blog | Vehicle Coverage | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today

This is a question that I have been asked often and while I can list all the amazing coverages offered to you, the answer really depends on your personal needs and assets.

Let’s start with PLPD coverage only. As most people know, PLPD (Personal Liability, Property Damage) is the minimum coverage needed to drive your vehicle on the road legally.  Yet, what a lot of people don’t realize is that PLPD has so many different coverage options on its own.

The dreaded state minimum requirement for Bodily Injury Liability Limits is $20,000 per person up to $40,000 per accident.

If someone else were to be injured in an auto accident that was your fault (or worse, a whole family with multiple kids), that is the coverage you have to offer. That doesn’t mean that the injured person can stop suing you for money after $20,000 or $40,000, it just means that you are on your own to pay anything over that. So you could be paying tens to hundreds of thousands out of your own pocket!

The saddest thing about this incredibly LOW coverage is that better coverage is CHEAP!!! I have seen someone with 1 vehicle & 1 driver have the state minimum and to upgrade to $100,000 per person up to $300,000 per accident was only $25 more for a whole 6-month policy. That’s less than $5 extra a month for more than QUADRUPLE the coverage!

Vehicle Coverage

Then there’s Full Coverage, which means comprehensive (~acts of God coverage) and collision coverage added to PLPD. This is where it all depends on where you are at financially and what your vehicle is worth.

My husband and I do not have loans on our vehicles. Mine is an old beater van that isn’t worth much.  According to Kelley Blue Book, (www.kbb.com) the actual cash value is only $1,500.  Based on this, it wasn’t worth paying the higher premium for full coverage when that is all the money I would get if it was a total loss in an accident.

Now, my husband’s truck, on the other hand, is worth closer to $6000 actual cash value, and if that truck were to be totaled tomorrow, I would not have a spare $6000 to throw at another vehicle. If I did have enough cash handy to purchase a new/used vehicle tomorrow, I would take off the full coverage (but I don’t) so that truck will stay on full coverage until I do.

It was worth my time and effort to figure out what our vehicles were worth, that way I am insured correctly and not paying more premium than I should!

submitted by Melissa

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Why You Should Buy Term Life Insurance

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

This Blog is about life insurance. I honestly don’t understand why people don’t buy more term life insurance. It’s so dang cheap!!! And so so smart!! And for the people that have life insurance through their employer, I can guarantee you that it’s not nearly enough!!!

Some people do get more voluntary life insurance through their employer which is sometimes portable, but most employers don’t offer that and even if they do, most employees don’t buy it!

So if you have a policy through your employer and you get sick and lose your job, then what? Well, you can’t buy a different policy since you’re sick, so you’re just outta luck!

I keep hearing stories of people dying and their family having to scrounge money together for a cheap funeral… can’t afford even an obituary…. can’t even rent a casket…. stories like that…. C’mon, man! Take better care of the ones you love!!! That doesn’t even address lost wages or other future financial plans that are now demolished…. Take care of your loved ones!!

This stuff costs SO little! And the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper it is. So your best bet is to get a policy that lasts 30 years while you’re in your 20’s. How much coverage should you purchase? Well, Dave Ramsey says to get a policy for about 10 times what you earn in a year, but for most people, that just seems like too much! Most people end up getting $250 or $500K. If a healthy 25-year-old guy buys a $250K plan that lasts for 30 years, it could cost as low as $18 a month or $215/year with that price locked in for the whole 30 years. That’s so cheap for great peace of mind!!

So buy this stuff… take care of your loved ones!!!

Thanks and have a great, SAFE day!

Andy

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O’ Christmas Tree Don’t Burn Down On Me!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

‘Tis the season, the busy Christmas season. All of us are busy decorating our homes, buying gifts, and preparing to spend time with family and friends.

For some of us, myself included, decorating our homes for the Christmas season is a longstanding tradition. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 240 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires result in 21 deaths and $25.2 million in direct property damage.

Here are some tips to protect your Christmas Tree:

  • Keep the tree watered
  • Choose a freshly cut tree. You can tell if the tree has been cut for a long time by bouncing the trunk on the ground. If needles fall off the tree, it’s been sitting too long and will be a fire hazard.
  • Do not place your tree near a heat register or heat source like a fireplace.
  • Do not block doorways or exits.
  • Turn the lights off when you leave or go to bed.
  • Test the lights to be sure they are all working to prevent and electrical short.
  • Do not overload your electrical outlets.
  • Do not connect more than 3 strands of lights together, unless the package says that it is safe.
  • If you have an artificial tree, choose one that is fire resistant. This may not always mean the tree can not catch fire, but if it does, it will be more easily extinguished.

Taking just a few extra steps and precautions will help protect your home and family this time of year. We hope that you all have a safe and blessed Christmas Season!

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If In An Auto Accident: Who ya gonna call? Where ya gonna tow?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Auto Accident | Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Start A Quote Today!

What would you do?

Have you ever thought about who you want to fix your car and who you want to tow it if you were in an auto accident?

77% of auto accidents occur within 15 miles of your house.  So, it would be a good idea to figure out who you want working on your vehicle before the accident happens instead of trying to figure it out while on the side of the road.  If you have full coverage, many insurance companies will have a preferred vendor list. However, you’re going to have the freedom to choose any reputable repair shop.

This is especially important if you don’t have full coverage and/or no towing coverage.  You wouldn’t want to pay for your broken car towed home then end up with another bill to tow it to a repair shop.

— Joe

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