How to Hitch a Trailer

Posted on March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Hitch a Trailer | Auto Insurance | Request a Comparison Quote

Hooking up a trailer to a vehicle requires patience and attention to detail. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the process can be frustrating, and way harder than it should be. Luckily, Foremost^® prepared this guide to help you feel more confident and move forward with a plan.

First of all, remember that ball hitches are not one-size-fits-all. Before you start towing anything, research to make sure you have the right ball hitch for the situation.

Once you know you have the right ball hitch, you can get started. According to driving-tests.org, the first thing you should do is use the trailer jack to position the coupler a few inches higher than the ball hitch. Then, you should align the ball hitch with the coupler on your trailer, and back the vehicle up so that the coupler is directly above the hitch.

Once aligned, you should be able to lower the coupler onto the hitch. Then, you can latch the coupler and lock it in place. After that’s complete, you can remove the jack.

Next, you should attach the safety chains from the trailer to the vehicle in a crisscross pattern. So, attach the left chain to the right side, and attach the right chain to the left side. This pattern is recommended so that the chains can catch the trailer if it detaches.

When all that is done, you can plug in the electrical wires from the trailer to the vehicle. Be sure to check all lights to ensure they’re working properly. If they are, you’ll be all hitched up and ready to go!

Shield Insurance Agency has insurance policies for cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and many other things you could be towing. If you’re looking for insurance, you can get a quote with us today!

Is it Time for a Roof Replacement? Look for These 8 Warning Signs

Posted on March 13, 2023March 8, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Jenean McLoskey | Roof Replacement | Home Insurance | Quoting Portal

You may tend to overlook your roof, but it’s actually one of the most important component of your home – and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don’t last forever and it may be time for a roof replacement.

You may not think about the importance of roofs until you, a neighbor, or a friend has a situation that causes a reality check. So, when it comes to roof maintenance, there are two key questions you should be asking:

How long does a roof last? According to the Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 15-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn’t hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow or crazy rain.

Here are eight warning signs to look for when condiering a roof replacement:

Loose shingle tabs
Cracks in shingles
Broken or missing tabs
Buckling or curling shingles
Shingles covered in moss or algae
Majority of granules worn off tabs
Sunlight is shining through the attic
Extensive leaking

According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. The size of your home, the materials used and where you live will affect that price range. It’s no small sum, but in return for the investment, you’ll add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don’t need a new roof right now? Do a quick check each month to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, be sure to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible – it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks.

Emergency Water Storage

Posted on March 10, 2023March 8, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Creative Team | Emergency Water | Flood Insurance | Comparison Quoting Portal

The loss of safe drinking water is deadly. Most individuals will begin to experience side effects from dehydration after 36 hours. Starvation can be delayed by several days or weeks provided there is an ample, safe emergency water supply.

At the bare minimum, you should store one gallon, per person, per day, for seven days. A three-week supply is ideal.

After an earthquake, city water is vulnerable to contaminants through ruptured pipes and adulterated filtering systems. Do not take adequate water supplies for granted. If you store an ample amount for your family beforehand, you’ve already greatly increased your family’s chance of survival after an earthquake.

Proper Water Storage

Most grocery stores sell water in one or two-gallon containers. These are not designed for long-term storage and will leak after six months. Your best option is to purchase one to five-gallon sealable containers of water from your local camping store. All stored water must be in a sanitized container and the water must be treated to avoid contamination by bacteria and algae. If you are storing your own water, treat the water as soon as you store it in the container with eight drops of pure, unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water. You must also rotate your water supply every six months, which includes store-bought treated water as well as the water you’ve treated yourself.

If your water supply is questionable, use these methods to treat it:

The best option: Add liquid chlorine bleach – eight drops per gallon of water. Double this amount if the water is cloudy.

A good option: Add 2% tincture of iodine to the water, or twelve drops per gallon of water. Double this amount if the water is cloudy.

An acceptable option: Boil the water vigorously for 10 minutes.

Dirty water should be strained through cheesecloth, a paper towel or a coffee filter before treating it to remove suspended matter. Wash and sanitize all food containers before use by washing them with warm, soapy water followed by a 10% bleach solution. Empty the bleach out after a five-minute soak, and let dry.

Emergency Water Sanitation

As part of your earthquake supply list, it’s also key to provide sanitation items. Having these materials staves off infection or illness that is caused by unsanitary conditions, and also makes a stay at a shelter or other unfamiliar or rustic territory more comfortable and worry-free. Store these items in your equipment kit as well:

Plastic bags – heavy-duty garbage can size and small, zip-lock types
Powdered chlorine lime – proper storage is required. This is an oxidizer and it’s corrosive.
Portable camp toilet with chemicals
Toilet paper
Handi-Wipes for water-free cleaning
Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, and sanitary napkins
Insect, fly, mosquito, and ant spray

For more information on Emergency Water Storage visit these sites:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Get Your Boat Ready for Spring

Posted on March 7, 2023March 3, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Boat | Boat Insurance | quoting portal

Springtime is here! The weather is beautiful, the water is inviting, and your boat is looking better now than when you first laid eyes on it. The only thing that would make your marine beauty even better is a gorgeous body of water underneath it. But not so fast…

Before you take your boat out on the water, complete the actions on this de-winterizing checklist created for you by Foremost^® Insurance.^*

Check engine and fluid levels.
To keep your boat running smoothly, remember to check engine and fluid levels. This includes engine oil, oil filters, power steering, coolant, and transmission fluid. If you didn’t change your engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants before winter, you can do this now. For everything else, check for any leaks and repair the source first. Once this is addressed, refill the fluids.
Inspect your battery.
If your vessel has been idle for a long period of time, it’s likely the battery is dead and will need to be recharged. Additionally, the water in the battery can freeze in the winter. When this happens, the water can expand and cause cracks in the battery creating irreversible damage. If there are no issues here, ensure that your battery is filled with the proper amount of water. Be certain to use distilled water and not tap water, which can diminish performance. Next, check for any corrosion and clean the battery with a mix of baking soda/distilled water. If you discover your battery is damaged beyond repair, replace it.
Examine the boat’s exterior.
When checking the exterior of your seagoing machine, look closely for any cracks and holes. Check all around the hull and underneath it. If you notice any damage, repair them immediately. Always remember: “boats don’t sink because of water around them, boats sink because of water that gets into them.”
Check the belts.
Lack of use during winter can cause belts to crack and break. This happens because of the stress and tension placed on the belts. If any belts are cracked, replace them. You will also need to replace your belt if it’s loose or if you notice black soot around the pulley.
Examine fuel lines.
The cold winter weather can cause damage to your watercraft’s fuel line. Damage to your fuel line can stop fuel from reaching the engine, and your boat won’t run. Be sure to check this when you pull your watercraft out in the spring. Pay close attention to your fuel hoses and replace them if you see any leaks. Replace any section of your fuel system that show any leaks, cracks, or structural damage.
Inspect the sails (if applicable).
Winter weather can cause considerable damage to your sails. Take note of the shape of your sails. If your sails don’t maintain proper form, you could have issues when boating in strong wind. Lookout for wear, chafing, and other structural damage. Inspect your bolt rope and replace it if it is fraying or weak. If your sails are damaged, replace them.

It is important that you perform each action in this checklist with as much attention to detail as possible. Properly de-winterizing your watercraft is crucial to your performance and safety out on the water.

^*Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for any other maintenance requirements not mentioned in this article.

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Top 3 challenges entrepreneurs face

Posted on February 28, 2023March 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

The Foremost Team | entrepreneurs | Business Insurance

The bell above the door dings and the first customer of the day enters. Grandpa hops up from his desk and greets the customer with a small-town smile ready to answer any question the customer has about his window and door display. Grandma is ready too. She’s in the back room rolling new screens on old frames, ready for any customer problem—broken glass, a hole in the screen, or bent slider frames. I was busy rolling sticky letters on the windows, drawing pictures for my grandpa’s back office, and giving the customers a big five-year-old toothless grin as they entered the shop.

When I think of a small business, memories of my grandparent’s little window and door shop come to mind. With humble beginnings, they poured all they had into their business, but it didn’t come without its challenges. In fact, putting aside economic impacts on a small business, there are several challenges that entrepreneurs face daily to keep the doors open.

Putting aside economic impacts on a small business, there are several challenges that entrepreneurs face daily to keep the doors open.

Here are the top three obstacles small business entrepreneurs face on a daily basis:

Client Base and ServiceGrowing your client base can be a challenge, but it’s vital. Your business might have created the most useful thing since a toothpick, but if no one knows about it, income is doomed. Attaining clients can be hard for those that don’t have a marketing plan or don’t know how to implement it. One step beyond that is retaining a customer base and providing a great product or service that keeps the client motivated to come back.
FinancesMoney management is essential to keep a small business operating, even when the cash is flowing in. Many small business owners have their own assets invested in the company, which means added pressure when business is slower than anticipated. Poor planning and lack of funding can be added stressors.
TimeMany business owners, even successful ones, usually work more hours than their employees and more hours than they plan on. The constant pressure to grow can lead to more work and result in exhaustion. Even those with high energy and passion can find themselves fatigued. It’s important for business owners to find the right pace to keep the business running and the employees positive and healthy.

Most smart small business owners consider the challenges they might face before they even begin. Although daily obstacles are sure to come up for a business, it certainly doesn’t mean failure is ahead. In fact, facing these types of obstacles is sometimes what drives people to pursue their dream in the first place, like my Grandpa. The old window and door shop didn’t come without stress, but that’s what drove him and grandma to continue excellent customer service and impeccable work. He ran a successful small business for years, devoted time to his family, and retired early. I’d say that’s the dream most people hope for.

Protect what you own and what you do.

Five Ways to Cook While on the Road

Posted on February 24, 2023March 2, 2023 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!

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!
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!
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.
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.
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!

Things to consider before renting an apartment

Posted on February 22, 2023March 2, 2023 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Posted on February 20, 2023February 16, 2023 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:

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

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Motorcycle routes: Must-ride hidden gems

Posted on February 17, 2023February 13, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Kaitlin Cassell | Motorcycle Routes | Shield Insurance

The best part about riding a motorcycle is being up close and personal with the scenery around you. It can be hard to find new places to take your bike and get the most out of every ride. If you are craving a new adventure, look no further! This list of routes highlights some lesser-known areas that are definitely worth a ride.

Cherohala Skyway

The Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina is a frequent #1 must-ride for bikers all across the U.S. With 318 curves in 11 miles, it is perfect for any thrill seeker. Bordered by the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, it is breathtakingly beautiful and thrilling. The only downside is that its invigorating charm makes it one of the most crowded rides in the country.

Travel 25 minutes southeast and you will find Cherohala Skyway. This 43-mile-long ride is less busy and leads you through the mountains of North Carolina and the forests of Tennessee.

The lack of tourists and buildings makes Cherohala the perfect place to escape. There is no civilization for about 41 miles, except for a bathroom or two. If you are looking for a smooth ride with no distractions (other than nature’s overwhelming beauty), this is the ride for you.

Moonshiner 28 | Motorcycle Routes

Not too far from Cherohala, Moonshiner 28 offers an entirely different riding experience. The road features good food and plenty of places to stay during your trip. If you are looking for more action during your ride, Moonshiner 28 is for you.

This 103-mile ride extends from Deal’s Gap to Walhalla, South Carolina, cutting through Georgia along the way. You will encounter beautiful mountains, crashing waterfalls and several lakes on this spectacular route. You won’t want to miss it! Fun fact: Moonshiner 28 was once home to illegal moonshiners on the run from the law, hence the name. Stop at the (now legal) moonshine distilleries along the way to learn about the area’s rich history!

Beartooth Highway | Motorcycle Routes

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

Posted on February 16, 2023March 2, 2023 by admin

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.

Shield Insurance Agency

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Proper Water Storage

Emergency Water Sanitation

For more information on Emergency Water Storage visit these sites:

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Before you take your boat out on the water, complete the actions on this de-winterizing checklist created for you by Foremost® Insurance.*