**Summer Safety ​T​ips**

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As summer approaches, it’s essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the warmer weather and engaging in outdoor activities. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and fun summer for everyone:

* **Water Safety:** Practice and teach your family and friends water safety. Never leave children unsupervised near water, even for a moment. Consider taking swimming lessons, CPR certification, and basic water rescue training. Always wear a life jacket while boating or participating in water sports, regardless of your swimming ability.

* **Fire Safety:** Practice and teach fire safety to your family and friends. Keep fire pits and grills a safe distance from structures, vegetation, and other flammable materials. Always do a quick check of your propane hoses for leaks. Keep your fire equipment and grills clean to prevent grease fires. Never leave your fire unattended, especially around children. Always have a water source or extinguisher nearby.

* **Hydration:** Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Ignoring dehydration can result in serious health issues like heat injury, kidney problems, and even death.

* **Sun Safety:** Use sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses. Avoid prolonged exposure, especially during peak hours (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Sun damage causes premature aging, skin cancer, and other visible changes. Did you know that sun damage to your eyes can cause permanent discoloration?

* **Heatstroke Prevention:** Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars. Temperatures on a hot day can rise to 130 degrees, sometimes even 170 degrees.

* **Vacation Insurance:** Have vacation insurance, which can provide financial protection against things like trip cancellations, interruptions, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen issues that might arise while traveling.

* **Summer Toy Insurance:** Keep insurance on your summer toys, such as ATVs, motorhomes (RVs), travel trailers, fifth wheels, Golf carts, personal watercrafts, boats, dirt bikes, and more. Having these insurances can cover a range of potential risks, including liability for bodily injury and property damage, collision damage to your ATV, and comprehensive coverage for events such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can also be included, as well as medical payments for you and your passengers. At the very least, have liability coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other related costs if you injure someone in an accident while operating your recreational vehicle. It can also help pay for damages to someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident.

By following these simple guidelines, we can all have a safer and more enjoyable summer.

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Why Michigan’s Young Families Should Consider Life Insurance

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For young families in Michigan, planning for the future is a top priority. One important aspect of this planning is life insurance. At Shield Insurance Agency, we understand the crucial role life insurance plays in securing your family’s financial future.

Income Replacement

Life insurance can provide a financial safety net for your family if the unexpected happens. The death benefit can replace lost income, helping your family maintain their lifestyle and cover everyday expenses.

Debt Repayment

From mortgages to student loans, many young families in Michigan carry significant debt. Life insurance can help ensure that your family isn’t burdened with this debt if something happens to you.

Future Education Costs

As the cost of education continues to rise, many parents worry about funding their children’s future education. A life insurance policy can help cover these costs, providing peace of mind for parents.

Shield Insurance Agency: Your Partner in Life Insurance

At Shield Insurance Agency, we’re committed to helping Michigan’s young families navigate the complexities of life insurance. We understand the unique challenges you face and are here to provide the coverage you need.

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Boat insurance?​

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Does Michigan require boat insurance?​

While Michigan law does not mandate boat insurance, ​​we highly recommend​ it to all of our clients. 

Michigan is​ well known for ​its boating enthusiasts​.

We have over ​10,000 lakes and miles of Great Lakes​ shoreline.

Despite being freshwater, the Great Lakes​ are also known as “inland seas”​. This is because they present similar risks to ocean boating, including significant waves, strong currents, and considerable depths. 

Sadly, thousands of boating accidents and fatalities occur yearly on these waters, with some individuals still missing.

As ​Ted Karamanski, professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago,​ said, “We know more about the top of Mount Everest than we do about the bottom of Lake Michigan.”

Even though it’s not legally required, ​here are some Benefits of Having Boat Insurance​: 

**Liability Coverage​: Protects you financially if you cause injury to someone or damage another boat, covering medical bills, legal fees, and repair costs.

**Comprehensive​ Coverage​: This can protect your boat​ or items in or on your boat ​that are stolen or vandalized​. It can also help cover repairs to your boat if it’s damaged in an accident involving other vessels or stationary objects.

**Medical Coverage​: This can cover medical expenses for you or your passengers if injuries occur on your boat, often without a deductible.

Some policies also cover wreckage removal, fuel spill cleanup, and coverage for water sports-related accidents.

Given the unpredictable nature of boating and the potential for significant financial burdens from accidents ​or theft,​​ ​this should be crucial ​for the protection​ of your property and loved ones. 

​We here at Shield ​I​nsurance Agency always strongly advise that you insure your boat​ to safeguard yourself and your investment​ during your priceless memory-making adventures.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss boat insurance options, please Call, Text (616-896-4600) or email us mailto:ContactUs@ShieldAgency.com.

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Spring is here, let’s get our recreational vehicles out

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As the weather warms up and spring is in full swing, many of us are eager to get our recreational vehicles out and enjoy the season.

Whether you own a motorhome, pop-up, ATV, or other recreational toys, it’s crucial to ensure they have the right insurance coverage.

It’s a common misconception that standard auto insurance policies will cover recreational vehicles. In most cases, this isn’t true. Standard policies typically do not extend to these types of vehicles. That’s why it’s essential to work with a trusted agent who can explore your options and find a policy tailored to your specific needs. Ensuring your recreational vehicles are listed on the correct type of insurance policy is key.

Keep in mind that different types of recreational vehicles require varying levels of coverage. A Class A motorhome has different insurance needs than a pop-up camper, just as an ATV’s requirements differ from a golf cart’s. Even if you have an older vehicle like a dirt bike, while it might not need comprehensive coverage, liability protection is still important.

The cost of recreational vehicle insurance can vary based on factors such as the type and size of the vehicle, your driving record, and your location. However, there are numerous ways to potentially save on your premium.

Even if you only use your recreational vehicles occasionally for camping trips or monthly trail rides, having the right insurance in place is vital. Accidents happen, and if someone gets hurt, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses without adequate coverage.

Some individuals choose not to get recreational vehicle insurance, believing their home and auto policies will suffice. While your auto insurance might extend to a personal trailer while it’s hitched, coverage typically ends once it’s unhitched. Home insurance may offer some coverage while the vehicle is on your property, but it won’t cover damages that occur during travel. Only a specialized recreational vehicle insurance policy provides full-time protection, whether you’re on the road or parked at a location away from your property. Additionally, filing claims on your home or auto insurance can potentially increase your premiums.

Now is the perfect time to review your insurance needs for your recreational vehicles. We can help ensure you have the necessary coverage to keep you and your family safe while you enjoy your toys this spring and beyond.

If you have any questions about recreational vehicle insurance or would like to connect with an agent to discuss your options, please contact us today. We are here to help you find the coverage that best suits all your insurance needs, including home, auto, commercial, and life insurance.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful tips and updates!

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Are your pets insured?

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Today, May 8th, is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, as recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This day serves as an important reminder to consider the safety and well-being of our beloved pets during emergencies.

In any disaster situation, our animals depend entirely on us, making it essential that our emergency plans include them.

There are many important reasons to prepare for your pets’ safety. Given the potential dangers our pets can face, from wildlife encounters (Michigan reports around 60 animal rabies cases annually, with bats being responsible for approximately 90% of these) to accidents and illnesses, ensuring their protection is crucial. It’s also worth noting the significant costs associated with unexpected veterinary care, such as surgery to remove a foreign object, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

For those involved in Michigan’s animal farming industry, where livestock insurance plays a key role in protecting against unexpected events, the principle of safeguarding animals is well-understood. Similarly, for pet owners, considering how to protect our companions from various risks, including poisonous plants common in Michigan like Azaleas and Lilies, is paramount.

Let’s use this important day to reflect on how we can better prepare for the unexpected and ensure the safety of our cherished pets. Numerous resources are available to guide us in effective disaster preparedness for our animals.

Have you considered if your pets are insured? Today is a good day to think about how we can better prepare for the unexpected to keep our cherished pets safe. Many resources are available to help us learn how to do this effectively.

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Seasonal Changes Can Affect Your Auto Insurance in Michigan

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At Shield Insurance Agency, nestled in the heart of Michigan, we know that as the seasons change, so do your auto insurance needs. Especially when you’re dusting off your vehicle after a long winter’s nap and gearing up for sunnier days ahead.

Spring Cleaning Your Coverage

While your vehicle was hibernating, you might have tweaked your auto insurance to reflect its sleepy status. But as you awaken your auto from its winter slumber, it’s time to spring clean your coverage. Reinstating collision coverage or adjusting your liability limits can ensure you’re ready to hit the Michigan roads with confidence.

Maintenance: The Key to a Smooth Ride

Waking your vehicle from winter storage isn’t just about turning the key. It’s about ensuring your ride is ready to roll safely and smoothly. And remember, good maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns – it can also keep your auto insurance premiums from skyrocketing due to avoidable accidents.

Seasonal Vehicles: A Unique Insurance Journey

Got a summer-loving convertible or a motorcycle that thrives in the Michigan sunshine? Your insurance coverage should reflect your vehicle’s seasonal lifestyle. We can help you tailor your coverage to your usage, keeping you protected while potentially saving you some hard-earned cash.

Seasons Change, and So Does Your Auto Insurance

Seasonal changes don’t just mean swapping your winter coat for a spring jacket. They also mean adjusting your auto insurance to match. At Shield Insurance Agency, we’re here to guide Michigan drivers through these changes, ensuring you’re covered for every twist, turn, and season on the road.

Discover more about auto insurance at Shield Insurance Agency.

Please let me know if you need any further changes.

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A great way to make an impact on your community

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We here at Shield Insurance Agency wanted to thank Meals on Wheels Western Michigan for allowing us ​to volunteer this month.

​On Thu, Apr 3, 2025​, half of our “in-house” team ​joined ​the  MOWWM team to​ volunteer ​locally in our community; this included Andy and Dawn Simmons (owners of Shield Insurance Agency), Jade Browne, Patti McCarthy-Stejskal, Melissa Hunt, and Nate Schaap. We also had some out-of-office agents, Ruth Lian and Jordyn Tyler, join us.

We plate​d food for homebound clients; we made 1,663 meals that day! 

​The following week, on  Apr 11, 2025,​ the other half of the team was able to experience​ volunteering with MOWWM; this included Alisha Stankus,
J Vargo, Brianna Kornoelje, Sami Garcia, Leah Koets, Shantell Watkins, Breianna Larink, Paula Stein, and her Husband. We also had Joe Peiffer, an out-of-office agent, join us.
On this day, we assembled 2,587 meals​.

That’s a total of 4,250 meals we were able to help plate for our community.
 
​Our team will make this a yearly visit to volunteer​; this has been a gratifying experience. It allows us to connect with my community while providing essential services to those in need. MOWWM​ meals ensure that individuals receive proper nutrition, and the Delivery drivers offer companionship to those who may be isolated. Each visit is an opportunity to positively impact, highlighting the importance of community support and compassion. Knowing that we are improving others’ quality of life is fulfilling.
If you are interested in volunteering, I have attached information about upcoming volunteer opportunities​ with Meals on Wheels​; this is a great way to impact your community​.

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New Commercial Insurance: A Key Component in Michigan Warehouse Operations

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Running a warehouse in Michigan involves managing a variety of risks, from property damage to employee injuries. Commercial insurance plays a key role in mitigating these risks, providing crucial protection for warehouse operations. Shield Insurance Agency is here to help you understand the importance of commercial insurance in your warehouse operations.

Warehouse Operations in Michigan: A Risk Landscape

Warehouses face a unique set of risks, including damage to goods, equipment breakdown, and liability issues. These risks can lead to significant financial losses if not properly managed. This is where commercial insurance comes in.

Commercial Insurance: A Safety Net for Warehouse Operations

Commercial insurance provides coverage for a variety of risks associated with warehouse operations. This can include property insurance for your building and contents, liability insurance for any injuries or damages caused by your operations, and workers’ compensation insurance for employee injuries.

Why Choose Shield Insurance Agency for Your Commercial Insurance Needs?

At Shield Insurance Agency, we understand the unique challenges that Michigan warehouse operations face. Our experienced agents can help you navigate the complexities of commercial insurance and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Commercial Insurance and Warehouse Operations: The Bottom Line

Commercial insurance is a key component in managing the risks associated with warehouse operations in Michigan. By understanding the role of commercial insurance, you can ensure your warehouse is protected against potential losses. Contact Shield Insurance Agency today to learn more about commercial insurance and how we can help protect your warehouse operations.

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Trust, And Verify: Ensuring Your Insurance Coverage

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In today’s fast-paced world, we often rely on others to handle essential tasks, and insurance is no exception. Trusting your insurance agent is crucial, as they play a vital role in protecting your assets. However, verifying that the necessary steps have been taken to secure your coverage is equally important. Let’s delve into why this “trust, and verify” approach is essential.

Recently, a situation arose that highlights the importance of confirming your insurance details. A client voiced a complaint online about a mistake they believed was made. Upon review, it was clear that while an error occurred on the agent’s part, there were also steps the client had not taken to ensure their desired coverage was in place.

Here’s what happened: The client requested to add a home to their insurance policy. The agent responded to an email and said, “I should have the policy ready for you tomorrow”.  And that’s where the communication ended.  The agent (who no longer works at our agency) failed to insure the home.  However, several key confirmations were missing. No payment was made for the added coverage, no invoice was issued or received, and no written confirmation was sent to the client verifying that the house was added to their policy. This lack of confirmation led to confusion and frustration.

This example serves as a reminder that while we strive for accuracy and efficiency, clients must actively verify their insurance details. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your coverage is in place:

  • Request a Written Confirmation: Always ask for written confirmation that any changes or additions to your policy have been processed. This can be an email, a letter, or an updated policy document.
  • Review Your Invoices: Carefully review your invoices to ensure all desired coverages are listed and paid for. If you don’t receive an invoice, request one.
  • Check Your Policy Documents: Review your policy documents regularly to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.
  • Communicate with Your Agent: Maintain open communication with your insurance agent. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspect of your policy.

Ultimately, a successful insurance relationship relies on both trust and verification. By taking these proactive steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your assets are adequately protected. We value your trust and are committed to providing excellent service. However, we also encourage you to be an active participant in managing your insurance coverage.

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Protect Your Adobe Oasis with Essential Home Insurance Tips in Michigan

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Learn how you can secure your Michigan home against unexpected perils like breaking winds, uncontrollable wildfires, and theft in the guide from Shield Insurance Agency below. 

Essential Home Insurance Tips for Your Adobe Oasis

Create an Inventory 

The first step towards protecting your home and its contents is to create an inventory of your home’s interior and exterior. Document additions and customizations in case you ever need to repair or replace these items. 

Take Security Measures to Safeguard Your Home from Theft 

Installing security features such as video doorbells, motion sensor lights, deadbolt locks, and a monitored alarm system is an excellent way to prevent burglary and theft.

Talk to a trusted insurance agent to find out how safeguarding your home can reduce home insurance costs. 

Routine Maintenance Can Save on Costly Home Repairs

Proper landscaping and clearing gutters can prevent unsightly buildup and stress on your roofing system. Ensure adequate drainage for your indoor and outdoor water systems to prevent water damage. 

Invest in Fire-Resistant Landscaping

Michigan is prone to intensely hot weather, flash flooding, and wildfires. Investing in a home insurance policy with comprehensive fire protection can help shield your home from wildfire-related damage. Choosing fire-resistant landscaping is another proactive measure you can take to reduce the effects of wildfires. 

Get Specialized Coverage for Intense Weather

Protect your adobe abode from the unexpected with a comprehensive home insurance policy that shields your home from a variety of perils. Perils can include weather-related damage, theft, vandalism, burglary, and damage from natural disasters like wildfires. 

Contact a knowledgeable insurance agent at Shield Insurance Agency to learn more about your best coverage options! 

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