Auto Insurance

How To Winterize Your Motorcycle in 7 Simple Steps - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

How To Winterize Your Motorcycle in 7 Simple Steps

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Winterize Your Motorcycle | Start A Quote Today!

Ready to winterize your motorcycle?

Cold temperatures are settling in, which means motorcycle riding season is coming to an end. Unless you live in the southwest or southern states, odds are you will be putting your ride in storage for the winter months. Unfortunately, simply keeping it covered is not enough.

If this is the first time you are winterizing your motorcycle, or you simply need a refresher, we’ve put together a simple 7-step guide to help steer you in the right direction.

  1. Fuel stabilizer is the engine’s best friend. As fuel sits, it degrades and coats the inside of the tank and engine parts. Stabilizer in the tank prevents that. Run the engine a little to get the treatment into the carburetor and injectors.
  2. Top off the fuel. This prevents condensation build-up in the tank.
  3. Old oil becomes acidic. When the engine is warm, change it, and add a small amount into the cylinders to keep them protected, too.
  4. Add anti-freeze. If the bike is liquid-cooled, refresh the anti-freeze.
  5. Wash, dry and polish. The goal is to clean off corrosive material, then build up a protective coating on the metal, chrome and leather.
  6. Stay off the concrete. Park the bike on a sheet of plywood or an old carpet, or elevate the cycle on a stand. The intent is to prevent flat spots from forming and eliminate moisture build-up under the tires.
  7. Cover it. After completing the steps above, you can now put the entire bike in a storage bag. This will keep it protected from whatever the kids or wind bring into the garage over the winter.

Last but not least, check your motorcycle insurance policy or talk with your insurance agent.  Even if you’re storing your ride indoors, it’s still at risk of theft, vandalism, or physical damage.

For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.

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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 on by Shield Insurance Agency

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

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

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

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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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5 Tips To Safely Handle A Roadside Emergency – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

5 Tips to Safely Handle a Roadside Emergency

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Shield Insurance Blog | Roadside Emergency | Start A Quote Today!

A roadside emergency can happen at any moment, but knowing how to safely respond can help you feel more prepared. Whether your tire goes flat, car battery dies or you forget to check your gas light before it hits “E”, here are five tips to help you prepare and stay safe when a roadside emergency happens to you.

1. Have the proper tools on hand.
One of the easiest ways to prepare ahead of time for a roadside emergency is having an emergency kit in your vehicle. Pre-made kits are available to buy online and in-store, or you can put together your own roadside emergency kit. Tailor your kit to the weather in your area, including items that suit you and your family, and have multiple kits or backup kits.

Some potential items to include in your emergency kit:

  • First Aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Multipurpose tool
  • Jumper cables
  • Road flares
  • Bottled water and nonperishable snacks
  • Blanket
  • Clean, empty, refillable gas jug
  • Pencil and notepad

2. Get off the road.
If your vehicle is able to move, drive it over to the shoulder or as far out of traffic as possible. If you need to leave your vehicle and it isn’t safe to get out on your driver’s side for any reason, exit through the passenger door. If you leave, make sure to lock your vehicle and leave a note on the windshield with a phone number in case roadside assistance or a police officer stops by.

3. Make your vehicle visible to others.
Using your hazard lights is an easy way to alert other drivers to your vehicle. If included in your emergency kit, use flares, warning lights, or a hazard triangle to better alert other drivers that your vehicle is having problems.

4. Exercise caution.
Keep the doors locked if you stay in your vehicle, and when accepting help from strangers, always exercise good judgment. Keep your seatbelt fastened when sitting in your vehicle. If you exit your vehicle, stay far away from moving traffic.

5. Call for assistance.
You can’t always solve a roadside emergency by yourself, which is why it’s important to call in help when you need it. Having access to a roadside assistance service can make an emergency less frightening, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar when it’s dark outside or during inclement weather.

Roadside assistance services can help with a variety of car problems, and it’s good to know someone has your back if something goes wrong. Check with your auto insurance carrier or car manufacturer to see if they offer on-demand roadside assistance.

Remember to call 911 if it’s an emergency.

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In case of emergency How to prepare your phone - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

In case of emergency: How to prepare your phone

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | prepare your phone | Start a Quote Today!

Today, our phones are rarely outside of our reach. This makes them one of the best tools we have for quickly responding to an emergency situation and increasing the chances of a more positive outcome.

How prepared is your phone to handle an emergency?

In most emergency situations, you would be the one to contact someone for help. So, it’s important to take a few minutes to research and save important emergency contact numbers on your phone so you can make the call immediately and get help faster.

Here are the main emergency phone numbers to save on your phone:

  • Your emergency contact, such as a parent, spouse or close friend
  • Police, 911 in the United States for emergencies
  • Poison Control Center
  • State Highway Patrol
  • Your nearest police and fire department (for non-emergencies)

You should also consider saving these important numbers in your phone to help you in an emergency:

  • Your doctor, pediatrician and/or veterinarian
  • Your pharmacy
  • Home health aides
  • Your insurance company
  • Your roadside assistance provider
  • Your employer
  • Your child’s school or caregiver
  • A nearby relative or friend
  • An out-of-town relative or friend

There are also some emergency situations, like a bad fall or car accident, where you might not be able to communicate with first responders. For this reason, it’s important to take these two steps:

  1. Add an emergency contact in your phone, such as a parent, spouse or close friend who can come to your aid.
  2. If your phone locks, set up a lock screen message to communicate helpful information to first responders, like your emergency contact, blood type, allergies and medications.

Depending on the type of phone you’re using, there are different ways to add a lock screen message.

iPhone users can use the Health app on their phones to add their basic personal information, important medical details, and emergency contact numbers within the Medical ID tab and make them accessible from their lock screen. Just make sure you select “Show When Locked” and test it out after you’ve finished setting it up.

Android users can set up their lock screen message by going into their Settings, Users & Accounts, and then Emergency Information. Enter your medical information and emergency contact. Then test it out by locking your phone, swiping up, and tapping “Emergency” to find the information you entered.

Additionally, Android lets you put any message you want on your locked screen. To do this, open your Settings, go to Security & Location, and next to the Screen Lock tab hit Settings. Then, tap Lock Screen Message. Here, you can enter your primary emergency contact or important medication information so that it always displays on your locked phone screen.

Because it’s difficult to predict when or where an emergency will happen, it is a smart idea to update your phone now so that you’re prepared to handle any situation that comes your way in the future. Be safe out there!

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Who Can I Add to My Auto Insurance Policy - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Who Can I Add to My Auto Insurance Policy?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Can I add my parents to my auto insurance policy even if they are aged?

Can I keep the kids on my auto insurance even tho they have moved out?

The short answer is NO. 

Who pays the MEDICAL BILLS? Covered by PIP BeforeCovered by PIP Now
Named InsuredYESYES
Spouse of named insuredYESYES
Household relatives of named insuredYESYES
Household drivers who are not related to Named InsuredYESNO
Non-Household relatives of named insured listed as driversYESNO
Other passengers or pedestriansNONO

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Is Your Motorcycle Coverage a Perfect Fit

Is Your Motorcycle Coverage a Perfect Fit?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Motorcycle Coverage | Contact Shield

Not all bikes are the same. Motorcycle Coverage isn’t all the same, either.

Picking good motorcycle insurance is more than just choosing between comp and collision or liability-only. Here are four questions to ask yourself about coverages and options before you switch to a new policy or renew your current one.

1) What is your health insurance Motorcycle Coverage like?

An odd question? Not really, given the big changes we’ve all experienced in the last few years with health care. If you have a high-deductible policy, and need an x-ray or go to urgent care, you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket.

Medical payments coverage (often called “Med Pay”) might be worth considering. The typical $500 limit should be enough to cover smaller medical bills and it does not cost much to bump up to a higher limit.

While you’re at it, you might want to consider uninsured and under-insured motorist (UM/UIM) protection, too. That covers larger medical costs as well as repairs or bike replacement — if you’re left with the bill from an at-fault driver without sufficient insurance.

2) Are you into long road trips?

Whether it’s that bucket-list ride to Sturgis, or just a long-weekend cruise, you’ll want to consider:

  • Rental coverage – If you can’t ride your bike due to physical damage, your trip isn’t over. This endorsement covers the cost of a rental to finish the trip or get you home.
  • Travel loss reimbursement – This could coverour room, dinner, and a ride-share after an accident.
  • Towing and emergency assistance – Coverage for the reimbursement of some of these costs, too.
  • Trailer coverage – Separate coverage can be added for damage to your bike trailer.

3) Does your wingman have a fuzzy face?

No, we don’t mean your uncle Earl. Coverage for injury to your dog or cat is a newer option you can add.

4) Do you ride year-round?

In much of the country, riding is a seasonal sport. It’s tempting to save a few bucks by canceling your policy when you put your bike under wraps for the winter. But it can still be stolen, vandalized, or damaged. Consider year-round coverage for your bike.

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Top Eight Towing Mistakes People Make - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Top Eight Towing Mistakes People Make

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Top Eight Towing Mistakes People Make

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren’t familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

  1. Overworking Your Engine
    The number one mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand new transmission.To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.
  2. Wrong Weight Distribution Bars
    If you don’t have your weight distribution bars set up right, you’re bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too.And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they’ll be parallel to the trailer’s frame.
  3. Not Checking or Maintaining Brakes
    Brakes are the most essential and most overlooked safety system.Trailer brakes don’t self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.
  4. Poorly Loaded Vehicles
    It’s crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don’t, your tow vehicle won’t last very long.
  5. Wrong Ball/Ball Mount
    Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your breaking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.
  6. “Racing” While Towing
    We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it’ll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.
  7. Low-Pressure Tires
    If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you’ll have even tire wear, which means you’re less likely to have blow-outs from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.
  8. Not Lubing Your Components
    Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.

Shield Insurance Agency wants you to travel and tow safely.

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18 years past 9/11 Memorial - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

18 years past the 9/11 Memorial

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Shield Insurance Blog | 9/11 Memorial |

I was watching the TV, on 9/11, as my young children were in the driveway waiting for the school bus. I peeled myself away when I heard the bus driver honk the horn to give me a wave goodbye.

The TV images were numbing. We remember them, they are unforgettable.

Days later as the rubble from the buildings settled, and the immediate chaos cleared, people started to do more, be more, give more, go to church more. For a while, it changed many areas of our everyday life.

Weeks later our neighborhood held a block party. I set a jar out to collect funds to do something in a neighborhood affected by 9/11, from a neighborhood to a neighbor. I was thinking maybe a bench or a birdbath. The money and support poured in, not only from our neighbors, but local companies, communities, the city of Flower Mound, and beyond.

9/11 Memorial

We ended up with almost $10,000 in cash, 12 square feet of granite, and the etching donated. Even Federal Express stepped up to ship a stunning 12-foot square laser etched memorial. Designed by two teenage boys from our neighborhood, it was placed in a New Providence New Jersey Neighborhood that lost 6 people that fateful day.

It was a project of good love and support, from our neighborhood, our community, the city, area businesses, and it had the same effect on the people of New Providence whom I am still very close friends today.

I wish there was a way to commemorate this event for the vast goodness it brought out in the people. I wish the anniversary wasn’t so difficult on all the families that lost loved ones, and the thousands of people that were in the path of responding…. It was a very painful time for too many people. Some years I don’t want to mention the Memorial our town made happen.

But I always go back and remember all the good that people gave and the goodness that we, as a nation, need to keep showing over and above all the other bad in the world. It always boils down to the simplicity of Good vs Bad. I choose to rejoice in the Good.

Connie Simmons-Miller

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