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Dave Ramsey: Easiest Money-Saving Tip

Posted on January 7, 2021June 7, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

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

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

In a car accident or broke down? Helpful tips

Posted on June 18, 2020August 27, 2021 by Shield Insurance Agency

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.

5 Tips for Millennials Buying Insurance

Posted on January 13, 2020August 25, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Millennials Buying Insurance |

Adulting (verb) – acting like an adult or engaging in activities usually associated with adulthood, often responsible or boring tasks.¹

5 Tips for Millennials Buying Insurance

If you’re a millennial, you know this definition all too well. You’ve reached the age where you may be taking out student loans, buying or renting a place to live, having kids, and, ultimately, purchasing insurance. These major life events for millennials make it extremely important to have a financial security net. And that’s exactly what insurance is: a financial security net. So it’s troubling that a survey from Princeton Survey Research Associates International named millennials the most under-insured generation.

There are many reasons why people of all generations avoid purchasing insurance. It‘s often seen as a big investment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s an expensive one. In fact, insurance probably costs less than you think. For instance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), millennials overestimated the cost of renters insurance by more than five times its actual cost per year.

Also, the complicated terms can make finding a policy a puzzling experience and the subject matter can be tough to digest. No one wants to think about being in a car accident, experiencing a break-in, losing everything in an apartment fire, or any other sort of bad, unexpected event. But these things can happen, so you’ll want to be prepared.

And don’t let any initial confusion or preconceived notions drive you away. You’re a millennial, after all! Your generation is always tackling new challenges and expanding the way the world works, oftentimes in brilliant ways.

Insurance provides essential financial protection for your future, so now’s the time to start “adulting” and take that first step.

Here are five tips:

Shop smart. When looking for insurance, your No. 1 priority should be to find adequate coverage. Price is important, but you’ll want to determine what coverage you need first. Then you can fit that coverage into your budget and determine which carrier can provide you with the most comprehensive policy. You may be tempted to choose insurance with the lowest price tag, but if you don’t have enough coverage (or the right kind of coverage), you will see less financial benefit when it comes time to file a claim.
Look for discounts. Once you evaluate your coverage needs, factor in your budget and find ways to save. Ask your insurance agent if there are any discounts on your coverage. Often, carriers offer discounts for things like paying your policy in full, staying auto accident-free or, if you’re in school, getting good grades. You also can save money by “bundling” multiple policies, such as purchasing a home and auto policy from the same carrier.
Fill in the gaps. An average policy will cover the basics, but you may need to add extra coverage to meet your unique needs. For instance, you may have items like electronics or a nice piece of jewelry that would be financially difficult to replace, even with the assistance of your average renters or homeowners policy. You may want to add additional coverage for these items.
Purchase life insurance—you aren’t too young. Life insurance is essential, no matter how young or old you are. And for millennials, buying now may be a smart move because it’s cheaper to buy a life insurance policy when you’re young and healthy. This kind of insurance can help your family cover unexpected costs in your absence, including student loan debt or a mortgage, in addition to end-of-life costs. And if you have kids, a life insurance policy can also support their education or childcare expenses. Additionally, every millennial should consider long-term disability coverage, which helps you stay afloat financially if an accident happens and you become disabled and unable to work.
Talk to an independent agent. An independent insurance agent is an essential resource when purchasing insurance—especially if this is your first time. An independent agent works with multiple carriers, different from captive agents who can only sell insurance from the carrier they work for. Working with an independent agent can help make sure that you are getting the best coverage, for the best price. You’ll also benefit from independent agents’ insurance knowledge; they know how to talk you through your options and actually explain what each policy includes. An independent agent will make sure all of your assets are covered, help you find discounts or other ways to save, and be a valuable resource as your life changes and your insurance needs change, too.