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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

Posted on 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.

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5 Road Trip Safety Tips – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

5 Road Trip Safety Tips

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

5 road trip safety tips for your family

Your family has packed its bags, your gear is in the trunk and you’ve filled a cooler will all the best snacks. But being prepared for a family road trip is more than just what you bring with you – keep these five family road trip safety tips in mind the next time you’re planning a family trip:

1. Schedule a tune up.

Before you hit the road, perform a basic safety check by checking your vehicle’s tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights and air conditioning. Scheduling regular maintenance for your vehicle is also important – not only will it help prevent breakdowns, but it can offer peace of mind the next time your family is ready for a road trip adventure.

2. Prepare for a roadside emergency.

A long stretch of highway can lead to the unexpected. If you experience a breakdown during your family trip, make sure you’re prepared to handle a roadside emergency. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, as well as important phone numbers saved in your contact list. Include your insurance company in case you need to make a claim and check with your auto insurance carrier or car manufacturer to see if they offer on-demand roadside assistance.

3. Buckle up for the road trip!

Safety first – always make sure you and your passengers are buckled up properly, including using child safety seats and booster seats when needed, and that they remain buckled in whenever the vehicle is moving. Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, and remember that if the weather is warm, a car can heat up quickly putting your child or pet in grave danger.

4. Share the road.

Warm weather also means different types of vehicles are out on the roads. Remember when you’re driving to watch out for motorcycles and bicycles, too. While they have the same rights to the road as you do, their smaller size makes them much more vulnerable. Remember to allow extra following distance and check your surroundings carefully before turning.

5. Don’t drive distracted.

Lead by example for your family – never drive distracted. In 2017 alone, 3,166 lost their lives to accidents related to distracted driving.

Unfortunately, a family road trip can increase the chances for distraction, so it’s extra important to take precautions and keep your eyes on the road. If you need to check your phone for any reason, pull over to a safe shoulder. Remind passengers of the importance of not distracting the driver while the driver is operating the vehicle. Take time to learn how to break common distracted driving habits.

This also goes for driving drowsy, which can be dangerous. Get a good night’s sleep before a road trip, and make sure to switch driving responsibilities with another driver, if possible, or to stop and rest every few hours.

Road trips are a wonderful way to spend time with family, explore the world and experience new things with those you love. Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you plan a family trip to help your travels run safely and smoothly.

Check out some other blogs about taking road trips!

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Plan A Safe Driving Route – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Plan a Safe Driving Route

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Plan a safe driving route with these few things in mind

Whether you’re driving to your vacation destination or planning your route to work, there are tips and tools you can leverage to plan your safest driving route and give you additional peace of mind behind the wheel.

After all — long or short — you want your journey to be a safe one. By planning ahead and using technology, you’ll reduce your driving risks while saving yourself and your passengers time and stress.

Consider these three things when planning your safest driving route:

Implement a safe driving app (or two).

Before you head out the door, consider downloading a safe driving app or route planning app. Many apps can help drivers find peace of mind for themselves or their loved ones while on the road. For example, if you get distracted often by incoming calls or texts while driving, consider an app that will put your phone on “do not disturb mode” the second you start moving. There are also apps that can help you control your driving speed or help parents support safe driving habits for young drivers

For example, the route navigation app Routewise by TNEDICCA helps drivers understand accident frequency along a certain route and provides trip feedback as well as recommendations on safer route alternatives. According to TNEDICCA, 10% of crash locations account for more than 66% of all crashes. Knowing exactly what areas to avoid on your trip could potentially make a big impact on the overall safety of your journey.

Be mindful of rush hours and popular travel times.

When planning your travel route, keep in mind the time of day and the time of year you’re traveling. By planning your trip times to avoid city rush hours, you’ll drive safer with fewer drivers on the road and have the additional bonus of minimizing potential delays to your trip

Route planning apps can help you set your departure time by showing how long it’ll take to reach your destination depending on the time you leave. These apps can also alert you to potential hazards ahead so you’re aware of potential road delays or slowdowns.

Travel during the holidays can also increase traffic and the chance of accidents. According to the NHTSA, there are generally more crash fatalities during holiday periods than non-holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol use and excessive driving speed. Give yourself extra travel time so you’re not rushed. And, since holiday travel can sometimes occur during inclement weather, check the weather along your route ahead of time and be on the lookout for alerts to road conditions. It’s a good idea to be prepared for a roadside emergency just in case.

Use your GPS (safely).

While GPS has been a tried and true driving partner for many years, there are a few ways you can use your GPS to create safer driving habits. For example, consider plugging in your destination before you start moving. You’ll be ready to go the moment you start driving and have one less distraction to take your eyes off the road.

Many drivers can point to a time on a long drive when they became stuck in traffic or made a wrong turn. GPS offers a hands-free way to automatically create an alternative route — however, don’t drive distracted. Remember to pull over if you need to use your phone or make changes to your travel plan. Just sending or reading a text for five seconds can take your eyes off the road for the length of a football field, leaving you exposed to many potential hazards and increasing your chance of getting in an accident. Learn other ways to combat distracted driving here.

Your travel itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a safe driving route to help you reach your destination. The next time you plan a getaway or a long drive, consider implementing these tips and tools to help you find the safest travel route.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. Talk to your local Shield agent to learn more about auto coverage and safe driving tools.

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Auto Insurance Rebates– Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Auto Insurance Rebates

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Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Insurance Rebates | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today

Governor, Department of Insurance mandate Auto Insurance Rebates

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have ordered all auto insurers operating in the state to either issue Auto Insurance Rebates or premium waivers to consumers.

The premium relief measures are being mandated to account for the reduction in driving activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Michiganders have been staying safe and staying home and they should see the benefit in reduced auto insurance rates during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Every family is feeling added financial pressure due to this virus, and this order will provide some much-needed relief to drivers.”

According to the DIFS Order No. 2020-10-M, insurers have until June 10, 2020, to submit filings that detail the refund or premium waiver amount, information on how that amount was determined, and how consumers will receive the premium relief measures.

The order also requires insurers to properly communicate to customers about the refund, as well as additional options for those with long-term changes in their driving habits.

WWJ 950 reported that the order does not stipulate a minimum amount that insurers are required to refund their customers.

“This order will ensure all insurers are issuing appropriate refunds or premium waivers to their customers,” commented DIFS director Anita Fox. “Consumers may realize additional savings by modifying their policies to reflect their current driving habits. Drivers should contact their agent to discuss garaging a car or making other changes to save on their premiums.”

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What Is Toy Insurance – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What Is Toy Insurance?

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What Is It?

Toy insurance coverage can represent two different categories. One is your valuable and luxury collections. The other is your recreational toys like ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, etc. These are all fairly expensive and require toy insurance to protect them. 

What Does It Cover?

For your precious collections, comprehensive toy insurance coverage includes burglary, fire, flood, loss, natural disasters, theft, and other causes of loss. 

For your recreational toys, coverage includes liability (including bodily injury liability and property damage liability), collision, comprehensive (damages/losses that aren’t due to collisions such as fire, vandalism, and theft), and underinsured/uninsured (especially during hit-and-runs). 

Why Do You Need Toy Insurance?

Accidents do happen and when they do, this insurance may help pay the cost of damage to the vehicles involved and any medical bills. It will also give you peace of mind in knowing these valuable types of assets are protected in the event of an accident. Based on what you have and what value your toys are, you should buy applicable insurance coverage.

If you have questions about your insurance requirements, please give us a call or text our Hudsonville, MI home office at 616-896-4600. Or send us an email at Info@ShieldAgency.com friendly agents will be happy to assist you.

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16 Car Insurance Discounts – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

16 Car Insurance Discounts

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

16 car insurance discounts to ask your agent about

You don’t have to skimp on quality to get the kind of car insurance that fits your unique needs and your budget. In fact, car insurance discounts can help you get the best of both.

Shield Agency is a knowledgeable resource that can help you become aware of and take advantage of any car insurance discounts that are available to you. The next time you speak with your insurance agent, use this list to get the conversation started. Consider asking about these 16 car insurance discounts to see if you qualify.

Common car insurance discounts

These discounts are available through most car insurance companies

  1. Safe driver discount – Haven’t been at fault in an accident or received a ticket in a long time? Having a good driving record can save you money on your car insurance.
  2. Good student discount – If you have a student on your policy with no chargeable accidents, excessive speed violations or major violations, you could qualify for this discount.
  3. Multiple policy discount – When you purchase multiple policies with the same insurer (home, auto, life, etc.), you may be able to “bundle” your policies and receive this discount.
  4. Multi-vehicle discount – If you have multiple vehicles you’re adding to your auto policy, you could receive this discount.
  5. Paid in full discount – For policyholders who pay in full before their due date, you could receive this discount.
  6. Electronic payment discount – Paying your bill online or setting up automatic payments can help reduce your car insurance costs with this discount.
  7. Student away discount – You can receive this discount while your college student is away at school and not using a vehicle.
  8. Homeowner discount – Own your home, townhouse or condominium? You’ll qualify and be able to save on your auto insurance with this discount.
  9. Legacy loyalty discount – Your child will receive this discount when they move off your policy and onto their own policy with the same insurance carrier.
  10. Advance quote discount – A new customer whose auto policy starts at least one day after receiving their quote will receive a discount.

Less common car insurance discounts

Some car insurance carriers offer unique discounts to help you save on your auto insurance.

  1. Education discount – You’ll receive a discount if you or your spouse has completed post high school education. This discount is based on the highest level of education achieved.
  2. New beginning discount – This discount is available for customers who are recently divorced or separated.
  3. Full coverage discount – For those who purchase Collision Coverage on all vehicles on their policy, you can receive this discount.
  4. Occupation discount – You’ll receive a discount based on the occupation level of you or your spouse.
  5. Violation free discount – You’ll receive this discount if you’ve had no chargeable violations for three or more years.
  6. Young operator renewal – New drivers will receive a discount based on the length of the current customer’s policy with Grange.

Contact our office and let us find the best policy for your best coverage!

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Ladder Safety Tips Everyone Should Know – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Ladder safety tips everyone should know

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety. Remember in old cartoons when the main character is caught wobbling at the top of an extension ladder? A funny skit ensues as the ladder inevitably begins to fall and a friend scurries around under an expanding shadow trying to catch them.

Scaling a ladder in real life, we know, is a lot more serious. According to OSHA, portable ladders (step, straight, combination, and extension ladders) are one of the leading causes of falls and injuries to workers on the job. Knowing how to use a ladder properly at home or at work decreases your chances of risk and injury.

From cleaning your gutters to fixing a roof, you’ll most likely need a ladder to get the job done. Keep these ladder safety tips in mind the next time you climb to ensure the job is completed in a safe and timely manner.

Before use

Preparation is key to ladder safety. Keep these tips in mind before you climb:

  • Inspect the ladder for cracked or broken parts such as rungs, steps, side rails and locking components.
  • Be sure all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
  • Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, tables or other unstable objects to gain additional height.
  • Make sure all tools and materials are securely fastened to the ladder to prevent falling.
  • Do not use a self-supporting ladder, like a step ladder, as a single ladder or in the partially open position.
  • An extension ladder should extend three feet above the point of support.
  • To set your ladder at the right angle, place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
  • If using a ladder outside, do not use in windy or inclement weather.
  • Check in with yourself: Avoid using a ladder if you feel dizzy, tired or are impaired.

During use

Ladder safety doesn’t stop on the ground. Keep these tips in mind while your ladder is in use:

  • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder. Read and follow manufacturer’s labels and warnings for use and weight rating.
  • When climbing, maintain three points of contact through a combination of hands and feet at all times.
  • Don’t stand on the top rung of the ladder unless it’s designed for such activity.
  • Never have someone climb up to bring you something. Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
  • Don’t move the ladder while it’s in use.
  • Don’t lean or overreach. Reposition the ladder instead.
  • Face the ladder and always grip the rungs, not the side rails.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. To learn more about your insurance needs, contact Shield Insurance Agency.

References:
– Grange Risk Management
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– National Safety Council (NSC)

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Homeowners Discount For Insurance – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Homeowners Discount for Insurance

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Dependable homeowners insurance shouldn’t have to strain your family’s budget. Nationwide helps you get affordable insurance by offering a range of homeowners discounts. Find out which homeowners insurance discounts you qualify for and start your quote today.

Multi-policy for a Homeowners Discount

Combine and save. Get a discount on home and renters insurance when you bundle your property and auto insurance with Nationwide.

Protective device

Get a discount if your home has smoke detectors, fire alarms, burglar alarms, or other qualifying devices.

Claims-free

You may qualify for a lower premium on your home insurance when you stay claims-free.

Home renovation credit

Get a homeowners insurance discount for renovating your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical systems.

Roof rating

Save money based on your roof’s age and surface type.

Home purchase

Receive a discount if you purchased a home within the last 12 months.

Prior insurance

This discount is available to new members and is based on the number of years you were continuously insured by your previous carrier.

Gated community

A discount is available when all vehicle entrances to your community are protected at all times by security guards, residence cards, or key-lock devices.

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Which Car Brands Make The Best Vehicles – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

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Shield Insurance Blogs | Car Brands | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Consumer Reports’ exclusive testing and member survey data reveal the best and worst automotive brands overall

By Consumer Reports Last updated: February 20, 2020

Porsche pulls into the top spot this year, leapfrogging third-place Subaru, whose score remains unchanged. Genesis holds steady in second place.

Those are CR’s findings, based on our exclusive testing and member surveys. The leaders benefit from outstanding results in our road test and reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, which are factored into each model’s Overall Score. The best brands on this list tend to have more vehicles in their product lineups that consistently performed well.

CR recommends all the Porsche, Genesis, and Mazda (another top brand) models we’ve tested. Subaru falls just short of that distinction because of the below-average predicted reliability of its WRX sedan. Tesla was the biggest gainer, climbing eight positions because of the improved reliability of the Model 3 and Model S sedans.

The bottom brands are also an unchanged club, with Fiat, Mitsubishi, Jeep, Land Rover, Cadillac, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and GMC again falling short. We tested a total of 36 models from those brands, and we recommend only one, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Brands that move slightly up or down in our ranking tend to have new or redesigned model offerings, such as Audi with the A6 and A8, or changes in predicted reliability. Shoppers should remember that models from all brands can vary in reliability performance.

How We Rank the Car Brands

Brand report cards are built on an average of the Overall Score for each model tested. A brand must have at least two models tested to be included. The Overall Score is based on four key factors: road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

• The road-test scores are for vehicles purchased by CR and run through more than 50 tests.
• Reliability predictions are based on problems reported by CR members in 17 trouble areas.
• Owner satisfaction from surveyed CR members reflects whether drivers would purchase the same car if they had it to do again.
• Safety includes crash-test results and extra points awarded for proven advanced safety features that come standard for the model.

Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

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How To Improve Your Credit – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

How to Improve Your Credit Score

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CNBC Select explains what range is considered to be a bad credit score, how to get a free credit report, and how to improve your credit score fast.

Having a bad credit score isn’t the end of the world, as long as you work toward improving it.

While bad credit may make it more difficult to achieve financial milestones, such as being approved for an auto loan or mortgage, there are steps you can take to repair your credit score.

Lenders look closely at your credit report when determining whether you qualify for the credit, such as credit cards or loans. One of the factors they consider is your credit score. This three-digit number is calculated by analyzing your financial actions, such as debt and payment history, to predict your ability to repay the money lent to you.

If you have a less than stellar credit score, you should take action as soon as possible, so you can work toward good credit and increase your odds of being approved for financial products like credit cards and loans.

Below, CNBC Select explains what credit score range is considered bad, how to improve a bad credit score, and how to get a free credit report.

The rundown: Bad credit scores

  • What is a bad credit score?
  • How a bad credit score can hurt you
  • How to improve a bad credit score
  • How to check your credit score for free

What is a bad credit score?

Credit score ranges vary based on the credit scoring model used (FICO versus VantageScore) and the credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) that pulls the score. Below, you can check which credit score range you fall into, using estimates from Experian. Take note that the credit score lenders use varies, though 90% pull your FICO score.

FICO Score

  • Very poor: 300 to 579
  • Fair: 580 to 669
  • Good: 670 to 739
  • Very good: 740 to 799
  • Excellent: 800 to 850

VantageScore

  • Very poor: 300 to 499
  • Poor: 500 to 600
  • Fair: 601 to 660
  • Good: 661 to 780
  • Excellent: 781 to 850

What factors influence your credit score

Credit scores are calculated differently depending on the credit scoring model. Here are the key factors FICO and VantageScore consider.

FICO Score

  1. Payment history (35% of your score): Whether you’ve paid past credit accounts on time
  2. Amounts owed (30%): The total amount of credit and loans you’re using compared to your total credit limit, also known as your utilization rate
  3. Length of credit history (15%): The length of time you’ve had credit
  4. New credit (10%): How often you apply for and open new accounts
  5. Credit mix (10%): The variety of credit products you have, including credit cards, installment loans, finance company accounts, mortgage loans and so on

VantageScore

  1. Extremely influential: Payment history
  2. Highly influential: Type and duration of credit and percent of credit limit used
  3. Moderately influential: Total balances/debt
  4. Less influential: Available credit and recent credit behavior and inquiries

How a bad credit score can hurt you

Denials for credit

A bad credit score can reduce your approval chances for credit cards and loans, making it difficult to accomplish many goals. If you want to get out of debt with a balance transfer card, such as the Discover it® Balance Transfer, you’ll need good or excellent credit. And if you want to earn rewards or receive luxury travel perks, it’ll be near impossible to find a card that accepts bad credit.

Less favorable loan terms

If you’re approved for credit, odds are you’ll receive less favorable terms, such as high-interest rates or annual fees, compared to applicants with good credit. For example, one of CNBC Select’s best credit cards for bad credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, has a $35 annual fee; though there are no annual fee options.

Limited credit card choices

Bad credit limits which credit cards you can qualify for; the options you have will be primarily secured cards. While a secured card, such as the Discover it® Secured or the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®, can help you rebuild credit, you’re required to make a security deposit — typically $200 — in order to receive an equivalent line of credit.

Take note that even if your credit score falls within the bad range, that is not a guarantee you’ll be approved for a credit card requiring bad credit. Card issuers look at more factors than just your credit score, including income and monthly housing payments.

How to improve a bad credit score

If you have bad credit, take some time to review your credit score and identify the cause. Perhaps you’ve missed payments or carried a balance past your bill’s due date. In order to achieve a fair, good, or excellent credit score, follow the credit-building tips below.

  • Make on-time payments. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so it’s key to always pay on time. Consider setting up autopay to ensure on-time payments, or opt for reminders through your card issuer or mobile calendar.
  • Pay in full. While you should always make at least your minimum payment, we recommend paying your bill in full every month to reduce your utilization rate, which is the percentage of your total credit limit you’re using. To calculate your utilization rate, divide your total credit card balance by your total credit limit.
  • Don’t open too many accounts at once. Every time you submit an application for credit, whether it’s a credit card or loan, and regardless if you’re approved or denied, an inquiry appears on your credit report. Inquiries temporarily reduce your credit score by roughly five points, though they rebound within a few months. Try to limit applications as needed and shop around with prequalification tools that don’t hurt your credit score.

How to get a free credit score

There are dozens of free credit score services available that offer your free FICO Score or VantageScore. Here are some popular free credit score resources.

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