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Dave Ramsey: Easiest Money-Saving Tip

Dave’s Easiest Money-Saving Tip

4 MINUTE READ | DECEMBER 17, 2020 | Dave Ramsey | Term Life Insurance

Dave Ramsey on his radio show.
Dave Ramsey endorses Shield Insurance Agency

Everyone loves saving money—especially after the year we’ve just come out of. 2020 was a rough one, and there’s no denying people are looking for even more ways to save a buck or two going into the new year.

You probably already know some of the usual ways to cut back on your expenses—everything from packing brown-bag lunches to having an extreme no-spend month. But here’s an easy one you might not have thought of yet. And it could save you a lot of money.

So, what’s the secret we’ve got up our sleeve here? Shopping for insurance with the help of an independent insurance agent like Shield Insurance Agency! (Didn’t see that one coming, did you?) Hear us out, though. This easy-saving tip is worth your time!

The Difference Is the Dave Ramsey Name

Why is an independent insurance agent such an easy money saver, you ask? It’s all in the word independent. They’re not limited to a single insurance provider’s options. With access to a whole network of insurers, an independent agent casts a wider net to find you the best deals on the coverage that’s right for you. It’s like having your own personal shopper . . . but for insurance. Connect with Shield Insurance Agency today and save more. 

And you can feel confident knowing your independent agent doesn’t have a stake in the game when it comes to which provider or policy you choose. They don’t get paid extra for helping you choose a specific one—so, at the end of the day, the choice is yours!

Old Policies Aren’t Always Better

The only constant in life is change, right? We all know that. But a lot of people treat their insurance policy like a bottle of wine that just gets better with age. Spoiler alert: Insurance doesn’t work like that.

Never taking a second look at your insurance policy is a mistake that could cost you. In fact, a recent survey found that one out of every three Americans with homeowner’s or car insurance have never shopped around for better coverage. Ever. That means they could be missing out on new discounts that apply to where they’re currently at in life.

Did Junior get good grades this semester? Did you get married recently? Drive a different car these days? All of that might impact your insurance rates.

After 15 years with the same auto insurance company, Zach D. decided to give an independent agent a try. Now his family is saving $1,200 a year on the exact same coverage.

Dave Ramsey: It’s About More Than Your Bottom Line

You also shouldn’t have to sacrifice your coverage quality to save a buck. Saving money is awesome. But cutting costs shouldn’t mean cutting corners. A true pro takes time to walk you through your coverage options so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

Sadly, this basic level of service isn’t always part of the package. Many people don’t fully understand the details of their insurance policies at all. And if you’re confused about what’s covered and what’s not, that could really cost you. Things like floods, earthquakes, and normal wear and tear are not usually covered under a basic homeowner’s policy.2

So be sure you know what you’re paying for. No one wants to be surprised in the middle of a crisis when they’re trying to file a claim. Take our 5-Minute Coverage Checkup to make sure you have the right kind of coverage you need.

Brandi’s insurance premiums went up 10%. With help from her independent insurance agent, she cut her rate by 20% and got increased coverage with lower deductibles.

Start Saving Today

What would you do with an extra $700 or more to your name? That’s how much people save on average by having an insurance Endorsed Local Provider (ELP), like Shield Insurance Agency, check out their rates. With that kind of extra money, you could knock out your debt snowball, boost your retirement fund, or get hustling on paying off your mortgage. The possibilities are endless! So what are you waiting for?


More blogs by Shield Insurance Agency

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Distracted Driving – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Distracted Driving? Find out here…

Don’t think you drive distracted?

You might be surprised.

Distracted driving has become an epidemic, taking more than 3,000 lives a year in the United States alone. And while your first instinct might be to think that you don’t drive distracted, not so fast. Because the truth is, most people don’t associate their distracted driving habits as “distracted driving.”

While driving, have you ever:

  1. Adjusted your radio station or playlist?
  2. Touched up your makeup?
  3. Texted?
  4. Talked on your cell phone?
  5. Had something to eat or drink?
  6.  Looked at your GPS or a map?
  7.  Focused so much on conversation with a passenger that you nearly missed a turn?

Distracted driving isn’t just talking or texting on your phone. Anything that takes the eyes or mind off the road and hands off the steering wheel is causing you to drive distracted. It’s important to note, though, that texting while driving is especially dangerous because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. The facts are unsettling.

  • Anytime drivers look at their phones, they take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds.
  •  This also causes drivers to drift out of their lane about 10 percent of the time.
  • At least 28 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by texting and cell phone use alone—never mind other distractions.2

Tips to prevent distracted driving

The simple truth is that distracted driving is a dangerous safety risk. Help keep everyone on the roadways safe by following these simple tips.

  • Put it away. Your phone, that is. It’s the absolute best thing you can do while behind the wheel so that you can safely control your vehicle and respond to events on the road.
  • Use safe-driving apps: While apps are not generally safe while driving, apps like Textecution, tXtBlocker, DriveSafe.ly and DriveMode can prevent you from texting while driving and keep you safer on the road.
  • Think ahead. Take care of distractions before or after your trip so you can devote your full attention to driving.
  • Ask passengers for help. If another activity requires immediate action, enlist the help of your passengers or safely pull off the road and stop your vehicle before handling the situation.
  • Use hands-free for emergencies. If you need to be accessible at all times, invest in a hands-free device. However, please note that hands-free does not mean risk-free, so only use it in absolute emergencies.
  • Speak up. Be a good passenger by reminding friends and other drivers to follow these rules. Parents especially should talk with their young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Make a family pledge where everyone commits to safe driving.

Visit our blog for more articles on safe driving!

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Here’s What to Do in A Car Accident Or Breakdown – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

In a car accident or broke down? Helpful tips

Helpful tips if you are in a car accident or a breakdown.

No one expects to get into a car accident. Although you can work to prevent and prepare for one, the sudden jolt may leave you shocked and stressed, and unsure of what to do next. While you try to wrap your head around what just happened, it’s easy to forget vital actions that can aid your physical and financial recovery.

Just remember to be SAFE—both literally and by following our acronym:

  • S – Safety first
  • A – Alert authorities
  • F – Fact collection
  • E – Exchange information

Safety first

The No. 1 priority after a car accident is the safety of yourself and others. Immediately after the accident, be sure you:

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • If possible, pull your car over to a safe place. If not, stay inside with your seatbelt on.
  • Check the safety of others and provide assistance to anyone with an injury.
  • Don’t move an injured person. This can cause additional damage and should be avoided unless the person’s safety is at risk.

Alert authorities

Even if it’s a minor fender bender that you think you can settle among yourselves, it’s still important (and in some states, the law) to call the authorities no matter how small the accident is.

  • Call 911 or the local police station.
  • Avoid saying “I’m sorry.” Even if you feel guilty, don’t admit fault—especially when talking to the police. You may find out later that the other driver was actually to blame or that you share the blame.
  • Even if you don’t show visible injuries, it’s recommended to call for medical help or at least visit the emergency room or your doctor after you leave the area.
  • Be sure to file an accident report, even if police don’t come to the crash site. Depending on the state’s laws and the severity of the accident, police may not be dispatched. Filing a report puts the accident on the books and can help speed up the claim process.

Fact collection

After an accident, you may feel a whirlwind of emotions. Stay calm, and immediately document the accident as you experienced it.

  • Take pictures of your car, any other cars involved and the surrounding area.
  • Take notes on what happened before, during and after the accident. Include details about the location, weather, road conditions and traffic control.
  • Write down the names of any law enforcement officials or witnesses who are at the scene.

Exchange information

Swapping information is essential to work through any sort of claim or legal process that could result from a car accident. Be sure to exchange:

  • Names
  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance providers
  • Policy numbers

What to do once you arrive home
Unfortunately, even after you have SAFE-ly left the accident, there are still a few matters to take care of, such as filing a claim. You’ll want to report your claim ASAP. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner your insurance provider can start working on it—and the sooner you can get your life back together.

Note: This article contains helpful tips for any driver involved in an auto accident. Policyholders may choose to follow this advice or not without it affecting their auto coverage.

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Breaking Up With Distracted Driving – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Breaking up with distracted driving

Breaking up with distracted driving

Distracted driving is a bad habit, and one worth breaking.

It’s dangerous — not only for drivers and their passengers but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. It can also be deadly. In 2016, 9% of fatal crashes in the U.S. were reported as distracted driving crashes and about 14% involved a cell phone. Additionally, drivers age 15 to 19 years old made up the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

It all comes down to this: if we can break our distracted driving habits, we can help save lives. And that’s worth doing!

Safe driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention to work together. Taking your attention away from even one of these areas means you’re driving distracted.

1. Visual.

Visually distracted driving means taking your eyes off the road. To properly see, anticipate and react to obstacles while driving, you must watch the road.

Examples of visual distractions:

  • Taking your eyes off the road to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Reading something on your cell phone, a book or a computer
  • Looking in your rearview mirror to talk to a passenger
  • Watching an accident scene as you drive by (i.e. “rubbernecking”)

Reduce visual distractions by:

  • Asking a front seat passenger to adjust your radio or climate controls.
  • Setting the location in your navigation system prior to driving. If you need to adjust it mid-drive, safely pull off the road or park to update the system from your stationary vehicle.
  • Placing devices outside of your reach while driving so you can’t pick them up.
  • Focusing your eyes on the road instead of passengers inside your vehicle.
  • Practicing extra caution while driving by an accident scene and watching for people, cars and road debris in the path ahead of you.

2. Manual.

Manual distracted driving means taking your hands off the steering wheel. Keeping two hands on the steering wheel is the best way to stay on the road and avoid accidents. One hand, two knees or anything else you might use to steer your vehicle isn’t going to give you the control or turning radius to stay safe.

Examples of manual distractions:

  • Taking a hand off the steering wheel to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Texting or talking on a cell phone or operating a device while driving
  • Eating, drinking, smoking or putting on makeup
  • Searching for an item in your purse or fast food bag

Reduce manual distractions by:

  • Asking a passenger to adjust your radio, climate controls or help you navigate.
  • Making hands-free phone calls and committing to never text while driving.
  • Putting devices outside of your reach or turning them off.
  • Applying makeup, eating or smoking only in a parked and stationary vehicle.
  • Keeping both hands on the steering wheel when the car is in motion.

3. Cognitive.

Cognitive distracted driving means not focusing on driving. Stress is no stranger to most drivers. But when thoughts, feelings or tiredness get in the way of paying attention to what’s happening on the roadway, it’s time to pull over and take a break. Then you can come back onto the road ready to focus and drive safely.

Examples of cognitive distractions:

  • Tiredness
  • Daydreaming
  • Crying or emotional distress
  • Listening and singing with the radio or other music

Reduce cognitive distractions by:

  • Pulling over to rest if you become tired while driving.
  • Actively thinking about driving.
  • Pulling off to a safe location until you’re ready to drive again.
  • Driving alone without passengers or asking them to quietly occupy themselves.
  • Turning off the radio or music and enjoying the sounds of the world around you.

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Don’t Hit The Deer In The Headlights – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Don’t Hit the Deer in the Headlights

Deer in the Headlights

Just picture it — you’re driving on a winding road blasting some music, enjoying your time with family and friends, when something pops out in front of you. Do you brake? Do you try to swerve around the thing? Animals seem to have other things on their mind near the roads, and can often jump out at us while we drive, which can cause major safety issues. These moments need a quick response but it can be challenging to think through what to do and then do it on the fly. That’s why we’re providing some guidelines to help prevent a collision between your car and an animal during this season!

  • Fasten your seatbelt. While this will not help you avoid hitting an animal, it is the best way to help ensure safety for you and the passengers in your car. Buckle up during every auto trip!
  • Pay attention to animal-crossing signs. These yellow, diamond-shaped signs on the side of the road with an animal picture on them (deer, moose, bear) warn you about areas where the pictured animal is known to cross the road.
  • Use your high beams whenever possible (as long as there is not oncoming traffic) during this time of the year. The extra light does a great job of revealing your surroundings, and is especially good at lighting up animal eyes along the side of the road, where deer and other wildlife are most likely to congregate.
  • Honk your horn in short bursts (for deer)If you are in an environment with a high likelihood for deer crossings, honk your horn in short spurts throughout the drive to scare away any deer that may have been near the road. However, honking your horn too much may confuse the deer and lead them closer to the road, so make sure you are rationing out those honks throughout the trip.
  • Be especially alert at dawn and dusk. Animals are most likely to be roaming at dawn and dusk, so stay especially alert during these times to avoid collision.

If a Deer in the Headlights appears on the road…

  • Never swerve! Don’t do it. The instinctual action of swerving can actually cause more harm than good because you may swerve into the other lane with oncoming traffic, a tree, a fence, or road sign, which can increase your chance of injury.
  • Drive towards where the animal came from. Roaming wildlife are most likely to either stand where they are discovered in fear or will run onward in the continual direction from whence they came. If you feel you can safely maneuver your car, your best option to miss the animal is to drive towards the direction where the animal came from (this will not work for deer).
  • Brake firmly. Unless there is a car directly behind you, brake firmly and safely slow your vehicle. If there is a car close by, slow down, but make sure to honk your horn to signal to the other driver that there is a problem ahead. By the way, Mythbusters busted the myth that speeding up will decrease your chances of injury — so don’t do that!
  • Lean towards a door pillar. In the event of an unavoidable crash, leaning towards a door pillar will give an extra layer of protection between you and the approaching impact. In most instances of a severe collision between man and animal, the center of the car is crushed, so lean towards the door pillar to benefit from the added protection of the pillar.

Under every circumstance, you should also always make sure you are driving at a safe speed — those speed limits are more than a suggestion! Following the posted speed for a specific stretch of road gives you the benefit of being under control regardless of twists and turns and unexpected visitors!

Recent Shield Agency Blog Posts

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Rental Vehicle Coverage. Do You Have It Do You Need It – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Rental vehicle coverage. Do you have it? Do you need it?

posted by Melissa Hunt | Shield Agency Blog | Start A Quote Today! | Rental vehicle coverage

I am currently a mother of 3 little ones so I typically need more than a compact sedan to get around. Now, imagine I get t-boned in an intersection…. I have auto insurance, I make a claim, I have collision coverage BUT I didn’t include rental vehicle coverage on my auto policy. 

Now what? I have to hope and pray that one of my family members, friends, or co-workers have a vehicle I can use otherwise I pay out of pocket for a rental. The tiniest, cheapest car would still cost me around $250/ week and a van can run upwards of $550 per week!!! The average family can not afford this extra expense, especially if there is already a deductible that will be owed from the claim.

This coverage that I was missing out on, can be as little as $5 a month depending on the insurance company and the amount of coverage you select. That is pennies compared to what it would take to keep me in a rental vehicle for up to a month! 

So, if you determine that you would need this coverage, how much do you think you would need? Depending on the insurance company, you could get anywhere from $20/day to $75/day for up to 30 days. I should have had at least $40/day if not more to be able to get a decent size vehicle for my family and me. The added perk of having this coverage is that a lot of rental vehicle companies will try to work with the coverage that you have so you will have to pay very little to nothing out of pocket.

Nowadays, there are fewer and fewer repair shops willing to provide loaner cars while your vehicle is in the shop. Those that do tend to still charge you for that loaner if they determine that your car is a total loss. They won’t get any money from you or the insurance company for the repairs to your car so they charge you for using the loaner car for those 2-3 days that it took to look over your car. The safest bet is to have the coverage on your auto policy. You can always quote out what the additional coverage would be with your agent.

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7 Things to Know About Rental Car Coverage - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

7 Things to Know About Rental Car Coverage

Do you have Rental Car Coverage? After a car accident, you have enough things to worry about. Getting to work the next day shouldn’t be one of them.

We’ve all been there—and arranging alternate transportation while your vehicle is in a repair shop can be a hassle. But rental reimbursement coverage can help alleviate some stress after an accident while also saving you money.

Here are seven things you should know about before buying rental car reimbursement coverage:

1. It’s optional.
Rental reimbursement coverage does not automatically apply after an accident. As an optional coverage, it must be purchased separately. A common misconception is that auto insurance automatically covers the cost of a replacement rental car. In reality, you often have to select this coverage and apply it to the policy.

2. There is a limit.
You’ll likely have a per day and per occurrence limit. For example, if you have a 25/750 limit, your insurance company will pay up to $25 per day but no more than $750 per claim for the rental vehicle. Most insurance companies will offer several different options, allowing you to choose the limit that is right for you.

3. Your vehicle must be in the shop due to a covered loss.
Rental reimbursement coverage can be used while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident or another covered loss, not for routine maintenance or leisure. So, if your car is at the body shop after an accident, a rental car is covered up to your limit. But if your car is undergoing routine maintenance that will keep it in the shop overnight or you are renting a vehicle for a family road trip, then rental reimbursement coverage would not apply.

4. You can use it right away.
After reporting a claim, if your vehicle isn’t drivable, you can be authorized for a rental car right away. Otherwise, you will be relying on the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and you may have to wait a little while before they can assess the claim and agree to pay for a rental car. With rental reimbursement coverage, there’s no waiting.

5. No need to worry about additional insurance.
For the most part, when you have collision and comprehensive coverages in your auto insurance policy, it will transfer to the rental vehicle, eliminating the need to purchase additional coverage from the car rental agency. Check with a Shield agent, who will be able to tell you when this applies.

6. You may not need it at all.
If you have access to another vehicle, rideshare service or public transportation in the event your vehicle isn’t drivable, you may not need rental reimbursement coverage. But if you prefer the safety net of having a rental available if you need it, you may want to opt-in to this coverage.

7. It costs less than you might expect.
One year of rental reimbursement coverage will typically cost less than one day of out-of-pocket rental car expenses.

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What To Expect During A Car Insurance Claim – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What To Expect During a Car Insurance Claim

Shield Insurance Blog | Car Insurance Claim |

When you’re involved in an auto accident, working through a claim can be stressful. But knowing what to expect can ease you through the process and help you have a pleasant experience working with your claims professional.

Although the car insurance claim process can vary, most of the basics are the same.

If you’re in an auto accident, here’s what to do:

  1. Stay at the scene.
  2. Contact the police immediately.
  3. Exchange contact information, the name of your insurance company and your auto insurance policy number with the other parties involved in the accident.
  4. If applicable, be sure to gather contact information from any witnesses.
  5. Avoid discussions of insurance policy coverage, limits or fault.
  6. Report the claim once you and your car are safe.

So, what comes next?

1. Let’s chat.
You’ll get a call from your claim representative, who will ask you about the details of your loss and explain your policy coverage and the claims process, including options for obtaining an estimate for the damage to your vehicle.

With many insurance companies, you’re able to access your account online or via a mobile app to quickly and easily check the status of your claim at any time. For example, if you’re a Grange Insurance policyholder, you can do this by logging into or creating a MyGrange account or by adding the Grange Mobile app on your smartphone

2. Get back on the road with a rental car.
If your car is no longer drivable and you have Rental Reimbursement coverage, you should be covered for the daily rate of your rental vehicle. The amount covered by your auto insurance is based on your policy’s rental reimbursement limits. Not sure if you’re covered for a rental vehicle? Your claim representative will provide direction. But, before you’re even involved in an auto accident, you should talk to your independent agent about rental reimbursement coverage and see if it makes sense to add it to your policy.

3. Sometimes claims require an investigation.
In claims with multiple vehicles, the adjuster will need to talk to all parties involved to determine things like liability, getting estimates, repair shop options, and other important factors.

4. Repair your vehicle.
While you always have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop you like, most insurance companies can provide you with a recommended body shop that could come with extra perks, such as a lifetime guarantee on repairs while you own your vehicle, convenient scheduling, and priority service.

After you select a repair shop, your claim representative will guide you through each step of the repair process and work with you to resolve your claim fairly and effortlessly.

5. Tell your insurance company how the claim process went.
After your claim is resolved, you may receive a survey regarding your experience. Your feedback is important to your insurance provider and essential to the growth and development of their products, services, and people. If asked, be sure to provide your two cents, which will help improve the car insurance claims process for others. And lastly, consider giving kudos to an adjuster or claim representative who helped you have a great experience with your claim.

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Autonomous Cars - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Autonomous Cars?

A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous car, driverless car, or robotic car, is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and moving safely with little or no human input.

What do you think, will autonomous cars affect the insurance industry?

From what I understand, the manufacturers of the vehicles are planning to have their own insurance plans. But, many variables are still in the process of being determined. Such as, many tracking sensors will need to be placed in vehicles so they will be able to determine whether a human or autonomous vehicle is at fault. The northern states weather conditions still need to be tweaked, because no matter what…you can’t control “Old Man Winter”!!


Can you believe that as many as 94% of all accidents are preventable and only happen because of human error! WOW.. That’s hard to fathom! Saving human lives is the ultimate goal, and I really do believe that this is going to help our future generations. 🙂


They are saying that insurance premiums will become much lower because accidents will become rarer. Autonomous vehicles will be on the roads with our regular vehicles, then they will eventually take over all roadways. Can you imagine sitting in a car, reading, eating, napping? This could become a new norm in our future. The future is coming and autonomous cars are right around the corner!!

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If In An Auto Accident Who ya gonna call Where ya gonna tow - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

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

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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