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RANT: Why Do Some People Hate Insurance Companies?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Insurance Companies | Contact Us Today!

Why do some people hate insurance companies?  

OK… The big giant asterisk here first… Some of what I’m about to say is unproven, although I believe it to be true.  Feel free to email me to dispute what I say and I will be happy to listen to what you have to say about this.  Education on a topic is sometimes skewed by one’s beliefs, so I’m going to try to be unbiased.  🙂

Insurance company’s profits are usually around 3% !!!  They are highly regulated by the States. People complain that their rates are too high.  Can people see that insurance companies are simply a pass-through for our money?

Car crashes… SOME car repair companies sometimes over-quote since they know insurance is involved.  We tell people to please get 3 quotes.  Sometimes, they are 50% apart!!  I KNOW this is true SOMETIMES for glass companies too.  You can tell them that there’s no insurance involved and get a quote for $180 for a windshield, and someone else calls back on the same day for the same exact car and they say there is insurance involved and it’s over $400??  The list of examples goes on and on and on.

How about Fraud.  

Insurance companies have to employ people to fight this!  I don’t have a lot of stats on this, but I know it’s a HUGE deal and it makes our premiums go up and up and up! Some fraud is black and white, but others… not so much… did you have a fire?  how much was that watch that got burned up worth?  Even some good people will stretch the truth!

Frivolous lawsuits.  

Yep, they’re out there… lots and lots and lots of them.  Here again, I don’t have stats at hand, but I know it’s another big deal that the insurance companies have to hire people to fight against and many times just payout to settle to reduce court costs whether right or wrong!  Not to mention valid lawsuits where people get more than they deserve?  OK… I know this is debatable on many levels, so please don’t grill me or razz me on this one!!

You can apply these issues to any type of insurance!  Car, Home, and Health (have you seen pharmaceutical profits!!??) are probably the big ones.  I know Medical Malpractice is a big one too, but I’m not much of an expert on this one, but I heard 1/3 of doctor’s salaries go to pay for this.

So the next time you want to complain about your insurance rates, trust me, I completely agree…. but please don’t blame the insurance companies!!!

Submitted by Andy

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End of Summer Road Trip? Be safe! Be Smart!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Summer Road Trip | Start A Quote Today!

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy, or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Shield Insurance:

Summer Road Trip Safety

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precautions with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

submitted by Joe

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Giving Back To The Community

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Giving Back | Contact Our Office

Giving Back To The Community

With the holidays right around the corner, it seems like we get busier and busier every day. We have to plan for Thanksgiving with family, Christmas celebrations, presents, and celebrating the start of a new year. We all tend to get so busy that we don’t always stop to look around and notice that not everyone might be as lucky as we are. 

There are many families that won’t be able to sit down to a nice meal at Thanksgiving or be able to provide even the most basic of necessities for their children. There are homeless people who won’t have a home to go to, children that won’t have gifts to open on Christmas, and families who won’t have enough food to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

As we enter the Holiday Season we should stop and reflect on how much we have and how much we can give back. It can be a simple as donating a toy to Toys for Tots or donating the clothes you no longer wear to a men’s or women’s shelter. We can also go as far as starting food drives, toy drives, and clothing drives. Nothing is impossible when we choose to give to those who are less fortunate. Take it upon yourselves this year to give back and bring a smile to those in need. There are a lot of non-profit organizations that would be very happy to work with those who want to give back. You can also provide children in the hospital with toy donations. We should want to give back not only during the holiday season, but every day, but this time of year seems to make a difference for a lot of people who are in need. It is a beautiful thing when we can give back to those in our community. While there is a lot of people who volunteer with organizations they never seem to have enough to fulfill all the responsibilities. I encourage you this Holiday Season to give back to at least one person who is in need because we never know whose life we could be changing by doing a simple act of kindness. 

Submitted by Gabi

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How To Get Rust Off A Trailer Hitch

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Rust Off A Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance

How To Get Rust Off A Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance | Shield Agency

If you tow a camper, boat, or trailer you may notice your trailer hitch rusting. Prevent this with proper maintenance, regular use, and wax and/or painting. But if you have an existing hitch that’s rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust.

Removing Rust From Chrome Hitch

If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that’s showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft clean rag. Follow up by polishing with two coats of any brand carnauba car wax.

Removing Rust from Iron Trailer Hitch

If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that’s beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. First, remove any loose or flaking rust with a wire brush. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes—no longer than 15. Rinse and repeat if any rust remains. Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust.

Rust Off A Trailer Hitch

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Are There Other Drivers In the Household?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Updated: Aug 6, 2018 | Drivers In the Household | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Written by Shield Insurance Agency on Sep 10, 2017 Share

One of the many questions we ask while preparing an auto quote is if there are other drivers in the household.  Here are some of the reasons why:

First off, under Michigan’s No-Fault rules, if someone ( let’s call him Marvin) is in an auto accident and needs medical attention, Marvin’s auto insurance will end up paying those medical bills.  It doesn’t matter if Marvin caused the accident or if he got hit.  It doesn’t even matter if Marvin was walking down the street and got struck by a car, Marvin’s auto insurance will get that bill.

Now if Marvin doesn’t have auto insurance, guess who would be next in line to get those bills?  If Marvin lives with someone, that person’s auto insurance would be next in line.

So that’s why the insurance companies want to know who lives with you.  If your roommates are driving without insurance, there’s a good chance a medical bill would land in your insurance company’s mailbox.

submitted by Joe

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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?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

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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