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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

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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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Umbrella Insurance Policies – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Umbrella Insurance Policies

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Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Umbrella Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Hello everyone, this is Tj Simmons from Shield Insurance, and today I wanted to write a blog about an Umbrella Policy, and what it actually means, and how to actually use it, and then I am going to show some examples of Claim situations that the Umbrella Policy actually came into play. 

The first thing that I would like to mention when explaining an umbrella policy to someone – especially if they own a business, is there are two different types of Umbrella policy, Personal, and Commercial, Personal umbrella is for PERSONAL use (go Figure) and Commercial is for Commercial. 

The purpose of an Umbrella policy in Insurance is to cover the unforeseen tragic accidents that could leave you responsible for paying out of pocket if an umbrella policy was not in force. A lot of times when we ask people what an umbrella policy is for – they tell us “it is to cover the things that my regular policy does not cover” that is false. Your Umbrella policy is there for when your regular policy limits are exhausted, and there is more money to be paid out, that your regular policy has already maxed out its coverage. That is where an umbrella comes in (You can think of it like an umbrella opens up HIGHER than you, and WIDER than you, to protect you from rain.)

Umbrella Insurance

So the Umbrella is for a payout that is higher than what your current policy is written for. The Umbrella policy covers each policy that you have, as long as the carrier that is writing all of the policies, has the right guidelines. What that means is whether it’s a Liability Claim, an Auto Claim, a Workers Comp Claim, a Home Claim, RV Claim, no matter the policy, your Umbrella policy is ready to cover any payout that has exceeded the written policy limits. The easiest example that Tammy my business partner likes to use when we are discussing with people, is a car accident.

Let us say that you ran a red light and you T-Boned a car that had a high-paying Surgeon Driving. You just broke both of his hands! (yikes) this Surgeon makes $1000/Hr, and now he cannot work because his hands are shaky from getting T-Boned by you. This surgeon’s entire life now is changed because of you. After the claim situation is handled, it is stated that you must pay the Surgeon $2 Million Dollars, for hurting his hands and preventing him from working.

Your Auto Liability limit is only $1 Million per Claim, so now without an umbrella policy in force, you as the insured are on the hook to pay $1 Million dollars out of your pocket…Get ready to go Bankrupt! So – that is why you have an Umbrella policy in play. In this scenario, your umbrella policy would cover the last $1 Million, and you would just pay your deductible out of pocket. This is what the Umbrella policy is for. Here are a few more Examples – 

  • A Baby Sitter left a 5 month old infant unattended in a walker. The Infant toppled the walker, struck her head on the floor, and suffered Brain Damage. The parents of the Infant sued the teenage babysitter and her parents. The court awarded the infant’s parents $11,000,000.
  • The Insured’s Tenant Claims she became ill from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning resulting from a Faulty furnace. the Tenant Claimed Permanent brain Damage and Demanded $750,000.
  • A Teenager, who was destined for greatness as a softball player, Filed a $700,000. lawsuit against her Former Coach, Alleging his “incorrect” teaching style ruined her chances for an Athletic Scholarship. 

All of these claims were paid out, and if there was an Umbrella Policy in place, they came into play in these scenarios. Now – think about the $11 Million – do you think their Umbrella policy covered all of that? Or do you think that Babysitter is still paying for her mistake to this day? 

Thanks for reading everyone! Have a wonderful day, please feel free to reach out to me at Tjsimmons@Shieldagency.com or 616-377-4398 to Chat. Or connect on LinkedIn.

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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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Do You Know Your Flood Risk - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Do You Know Your Flood Risk?

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Are you in a flood risk zone?

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), everyone lives in a flood risk zone. Even those who don’t live near water are at risk because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains, and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that puts your home and belongings at risk.

Your home is one of your greatest investments. It’s important to prepare ahead should a disaster occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you’re ready in the event of a flood risk.

  • Create a “flood file” and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
  • Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
  • Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

It’s important to know that most home policies don’t cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. To find out if you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, type in your address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and use this interactive tool to learn more.

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What To Do After A Flood - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What To Do After A Flood

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Anyone who’s been through a flood knows that recovering after this kind of disaster isn’t easy. You’re forced to accept that irreplaceable family treasures and memories may be gone forever, your furniture is destroyed, potentially along with your home. It’s a devastating and emotional moment and a lot to take in all at once. But you know the only thing you can do is move forward, and begin the steps needed to restore your home.

As soon as the floodwaters recede, you can return to your home as long as officials give the OK to do so. Before entering your home, however, make sure it is safe!

Tips for staying safe upon return:

  • Check for structural damage and use extreme caution. One way to do this is to check if the walls are vertical and straight.
  • Turn off the electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box. Make sure you stand in a dry spot to do this! If you can’t stand in a dry spot, call an electrician who will take care of the risk.
  • Turn off the gas. If you smell something unusual, leave immediately and call your gas company from another location.
  • Check your sewage system. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. These are serious health hazards.
  • Take precautions when inspecting your home. Your home may have sagging ceilings and areas that are still flooded. Also beware of critters like snakes, spiders, and rodents that may have taken refuge in your home!

Bring waterproof boots, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies, and a battery-powered flashlight with you before entering the house! You never know what you’ll run into.

Tips for claim reporting:
Another important step to take when recovering from a flood is reporting your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. While flood coverage is typically not provided under most homeowner’s and renter’s policies, flood insurance may be available to you through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you need assistance to locate your flood insurance carrier, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A claims adjuster should contact you within a day or two after the report of the claim, depending on the severity of the flood event.

When reporting a claim, you should have the following information available:
– Your name and address
– Policy number
– Date the loss happened
– Description of events that led to the loss
– Active phone number
– Confirm what’s covered under your NFIP policy (some policyholders may only have building or personal property items coverage, not both)

Tips for inspections:

The next step, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to prepare for your inspection. After deeming the structure safe for entry, take as many photos or videos of the flood-damaged property on the outside and inside. Take pictures of high-cost items as well like washers and dryers, hot water heaters, televisions, and kitchen appliances. It’s also a good idea to separate the damaged from undamaged items prior to the inspection.

When the adjuster arrives, they will inspect your property including taking measurements and photos, and give you an overview of the NFIP flood claims process. Remember that some flood insurance claims are more complex than others. Some may be opened and closed quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to resolve.

If your vehicle was also damaged in a flood event, it’s best to call your auto insurance provider to see if you’re covered for the loss.

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Preparing For Severe Weather - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Preparing For Severe Weather

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Are you ready for Severe Weather?

Try and put yourself in the shoes of those who have gone through a natural disaster, and imagine this: Before a severe weather event hits – you hear the warnings from state officials and your local news, but might not take them too seriously. They’re urging the public to stock up on food and supplies, fill up on gas – or – worst-case scenario, they tell you to evacuate the area immediately. As the storm system nears, you realize this is serious. But, by the time you make it to the grocery store for important supplies and water– everything is sold out. It’s at that moment you might be asking yourself, “How did I let this happen?”

Severe weather can strike anywhere in the U.S., and if a disaster hits in your area, you may not have access to food, water, or electricity for days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the U.S. do not have the resources or plans in place for an emergency – that’s a big number! Always remember – there’s no such thing as being “too prepared,” and it’s better to start preparing now than later when the store shelves are empty!

Below are some important items to include in an emergency preparedness kit:

  • Food and water. A three-day supply of non-perishable goods, and have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. (Also have a manual can opener on hand!)
  • Prescription medicines. Have at least a three-day supply on hand.
  • Personal care items. Items like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and contact lenses.
  • First aid kit. Your local store should have them in stock. They cost anywhere from $25 to $35.
  • Electronics. Be sure to have battery-powered or solar flashlight, a cell phone with a portable charger and have extra batteries on hand.
  • Important papers. Copies of drivers’ licenses, special medical information, social security cards, etc. Keep them in a waterproof, air tight bag so water doesn’t seep through.
  • Cash. With no power, stores may not be able to take credit cards and ATMs may be out of cash so keep a reasonable amount of cash available so you have it if needed.
  • Basic hand tools. A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet. Your furry friends also need a three-day supply of food and water!

Depending on the size of your family, you may need additional supplies not included in the list, such as baby formula or games for the kids.

If you do end up losing power, it’s important to think about ways you can keep your food cold temporarily if you don’t have a cooler on hand. One option is your washing machine – just fill it with ice and voila! You won’t have to worry when the ice starts melting since it can drain water. Plus – it has a lid! A second option is to fill your bathtub with ice.

Keeping these items on hand is crucial and could potentially save a life. Place your emergency kit in a designated spot all family members are familiar with and have it ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. From everyone here at Foremost – stay safe and stay prepared!

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It's Hot Out There. Are You Staying Cool - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

It’s Hot Out There. Are You Staying Cool?

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It’s Hot Out There. Are You Staying Cool?

All you have to do is turn on the news, or leave air conditioning, to know that it’s hot outside all over our country. I learned firsthand because I spent six hours outside yesterday when the Foremost Chopper visited our office park in Michigan.

This was about halfway through the day. Can you tell that my hair doesn’t cooperate with humidity? I was exhausted at the end of the day and fell asleep well before 10 p.m. and for a person who’s usually up to 11:30, that’s strange. So while I had time to prepare for an afternoon out in the heat, I wasn’t prepared for the heat. Let’s review where I went right and where I went wrong yesterday using the following heat-related illness preventative tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recommends… “Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.”

This was my first failure. While I brought a bottle of water, I rarely drank from it because of that second sentence. I didn’t feel thirsty. If you are outside, remember to keep hydrated, regardless of thirst level. So I’m 0-1.

The CDC recommends… “Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.”

I usually only drink water, so I had this right. My water was also outside with me, so it wasn’t cold. BUT, and it’s a big but, I’ve already mentioned that I rarely drank my water. So I’m saying that I’m 0-2.

The CDC recommends… “Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.”

Well, as you can see in the photo, that dress I’m wearing is both light-colored and loose-fitting. I can also attest that it’s pretty lightweight. I’m 1-3.

The CDC recommends… “If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.”

I was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I’m 1-4.

The CDC recommends… “Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat,…sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher…”

I wasn’t wearing a hat, but I was wearing sunglasses and I did wear a broad-spectrum SPF 70 sunscreen. If that is three items, I’m 3-7. 43% is not even close to a passing grade.

So while I was fortunate not to suffer from heat exhaustion, severe sunburn, heat cramps, or worse, hopefully, you’ll learn from my errors—especially if you’re trying to beat the heat while in your RV, on your boat, or PWC. Your safety is important to us.

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Seeking Shelter During a Tornado - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Stay Safe During a Tornado: Essential Tips for Seeking Shelter

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Shield Insurance Blog | Seeking Shelter | Start A Quote Today

Seeking Shelter: Tornadoes are some of the most devastating storms anyone can witness – and they’re also a reminder that a disaster can strike quickly, with little warning. What makes these storms extremely dangerous is that they are in a concentrated area, and although they appear to move slowly, tornadoes can have wind speeds up to 100 mph or more. Even if you’re not in the path of the tornado, you still have the chance to get hit with flying debris, which can cause serious injury or death.

It’s hard not to worry about the safety of my own family and consider what I would do if my house is in the path of a tornado. But I counter that fear by telling myself I don’t live in tornado alley, so it can’t happen where I live.

Wrong.

Tornadoes can happen anywhere in the U.S. at any time of the year. According to the National Weather Service, 46 different states experienced a tornado in 2012 with property and crop damage of an estimated $1.6 billion. OK, but the greatest threat for tornadoes is in Tornado Alley and I don’t live there.

Well, where exactly is Tornado Alley? It typically includes the plains states from South Dakota down through central Texas. But did you know that as of last year, researchers at CoreLogic Storm Prediction Center have questioned the geography of Tornado Alley and suggest expanding its footprint? According to their data, only one tornado alley state —Kansas — fell in the top five states for tornado occurrences from 1980 to 2009. The others in the top five were Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Based on that frequency and the severity of the storms, here’s an article from USA Today that illustrates CoreLogic’s suggested “new tornado alley.”

While the new tornado alley doesn’t encompass my home in Michigan, this graphic from the National Weather Service does. It maps the EF5/F5 tornadoes in this country since 1950. See number eight, that tornado’s path was about fifteen miles from my house. Just ask the resilient people of Moore, OK if a tornado can strike the same place twice.

What’s your plan should a tornado strike quickly? Take some time to become “Red Cross Ready” for disasters. Preparing now could be the difference when you only have seconds to respond. For me, I would go to the basement. While it’s completely below ground, it has a few basement windows to get away from. My tornado plan now includes taking shelter in this small bathroom.

We do have plans to do some work on our basement eventually, so I will definitely make it a priority to have a safe place to hide. Where will you take shelter? I can’t reiterate how important it is for you to know where you will go should disaster strike. Your safety is important to us.

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Flood Insurance - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Why Flood Insurance is a Must-Have – Don’t Get Caught in the Storm!

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Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Flood Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Many people think of flood insurance as only for those who live right next to a large river, lake, or ocean. Did you know that flood insurance can be purchased by almost anyone, whether you are in a flood zone or not? Your typical home insurance policy does not cover claims associated with a flood. So, what is the definition of a flood you ask? A flood is “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from Overflow of inland or tidal waters; Unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source; mudflow; Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or a similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood.” (FEMA NFIP)

That definition doesn’t sound like it affects Michigan too much right? Wrong! Michigan ranked in the top 10 states for the total number of claims filed and the total claim payments for 2014. The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) reports that in 2014 there were 495 claims filed in the State of Michigan with total claim payments totaling $8,816,751. That’s Michigan only! The NFIP paid out more than $345 billion total in flood insurance claims in 2014.

Is flood insurance right for everyone, not necessarily, but it is worth looking into to protect your family and your investment. It’s important to know what is covered under your regular home insurance policy and what would be covered under a flood insurance policy. Just a couple of inches of floodwater can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

The average flood insurance policy costs about $700 per year and there are a few different programs that homeowners fall into or qualify for. Every home location is different so it is important to check out flood rates for your specific location and not base your decision on your neighbor’s findings; yours might be very different.

I’ll blog next time about what is covered and what is not covered under a flood insurance policy. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries.

Tammy Kaptein

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RANT Why Do Some People Hate Insurance Companies - Shield Insurance Agency Blog

RANT: Why Do Some People Hate Insurance Companies?

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Shield Insurance Blog | Insurance Companies | Contact Us Today!

Why do some people hate insurance companies?  

OK… The big giant asterisk here first… Some of what I’m about to say is unproven, although I believe it to be true.  Feel free to email me to dispute what I say and I will be happy to listen to what you have to say about this.  Education on a topic is sometimes skewed by one’s beliefs, so I’m going to try to be unbiased.  🙂

Insurance company’s profits are usually around 3% !!!  They are highly regulated by the States. People complain that their rates are too high.  Can people see that insurance companies are simply a pass-through for our money?

Car crashes… SOME car repair companies sometimes over-quote since they know insurance is involved.  We tell people to please get 3 quotes.  Sometimes, they are 50% apart!!  I KNOW this is true SOMETIMES for glass companies too.  You can tell them that there’s no insurance involved and get a quote for $180 for a windshield, and someone else calls back on the same day for the same exact car and they say there is insurance involved and it’s over $400??  The list of examples goes on and on and on.

How about Fraud.  

Insurance companies have to employ people to fight this!  I don’t have a lot of stats on this, but I know it’s a HUGE deal and it makes our premiums go up and up and up! Some fraud is black and white, but others… not so much… did you have a fire?  how much was that watch that got burned up worth?  Even some good people will stretch the truth!

Frivolous lawsuits.  

Yep, they’re out there… lots and lots and lots of them.  Here again, I don’t have stats at hand, but I know it’s another big deal that the insurance companies have to hire people to fight against and many times just payout to settle to reduce court costs whether right or wrong!  Not to mention valid lawsuits where people get more than they deserve?  OK… I know this is debatable on many levels, so please don’t grill me or razz me on this one!!

You can apply these issues to any type of insurance!  Car, Home, and Health (have you seen pharmaceutical profits!!??) are probably the big ones.  I know Medical Malpractice is a big one too, but I’m not much of an expert on this one, but I heard 1/3 of doctor’s salaries go to pay for this.

So the next time you want to complain about your insurance rates, trust me, I completely agree…. but please don’t blame the insurance companies!!!

Submitted by Andy

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