Tips for effectively filing claims

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | Ryker Huizinga | Filing Claims | Homeowners Insurance | Get A Quote

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating, and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.

While the claims process isn’t something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.

Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.

Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple of copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.

Before filing claims reach out to your agent.

In the event of a potential claim, it’s best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.

Report your loss promptly.

Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it’s safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.

Be prepared for filing claims with the right information.

When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

The customer’s name and address
The policy number
The date the loss happened
A description of what happened
A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.

Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.

Record important details from all correspondence.

While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.

Make appropriate emergency repairs.

If you’re dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.

Ask questions about filing claims

Don’t be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.

Overall, it’s important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

More Blogs from Shield Insurance Agency

Things to consider before renting an apartment

Posted on February 22, 2023March 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Jenean McLoskey | Renting an apartment | Renters Insurance | Shield Self-Quoting Portal

It’s no secret that renting an apartment can be stressful. It can be hard to find the perfect one that meets your checklist, and that’s within your budget.

When I searched for my first apartment, I considered myself lucky when I found a dream dwelling right away! The walls were painted a deep olive green, granite countertops in the kitchen and I had my own bathroom, which is a big deal if you have a roommate. To make it even better, it was in a great location, and close to my job at the time. Before the landlord could even ask, I signed a year’s lease with my best friend. All seemed well until small fees started popping up on the contract and the rules of the property got longer and longer. That’s when I thought to myself, maybe I should have looked more into this renting thing before signing off my hard-earned money for a whole year.

All ended well with that apartment, but I moved out as soon as I could and learned a lot from the experience. Luckily, I’m here to share those tips and research with you!

When renting an apartment, here are a couple of things to focus on:

Find out how to pay rent, and how late fees are calculated. Most properties nowadays have an electronic payment option and will charge a small fee for doing so. In that case, it may make sense to write a handwritten check your landlord.
Will the maintenance workers enter your apartment without notice? Because you don’t own the apartment, some landlords have very loose rules on whether their employees have to tell you when they’re stopping by. Make sure your landlord will give you a heads-up before someone enters your apartment.
What is their guest policy? Having a friend from an out-of-town stay over for a few nights is fine, but some landlords have policies against anyone staying longer than two weeks.
Find out if you can sublet the apartment, or what the penalty is for breaking your lease. Life’s full of surprises, and you may run into a situation where you need to move ASAP. Some apartments are strictly against subletting, and it could be a serious breach of your contract. If you leave on bad terms, this could mean you just lost a future rental reference.
Can you make changes to the apartment? Adding some fresh paint and putting your own personal touch on the apartment could end up costing you at some complexes.
What utilities are included in the rent? This could make or break your decision on your ‘dream’ apartment. Renters are usually left to pay electric, gas, internet, and cable — but it’s different at every complex.
Does the landlord require you to obtain renters insurance? Your landlord should tell you before you sign the lease whether they require you to have this. Renters insurance is important to have even if the landlord doesn’t require it.
What is the parking situation? This is another big one. Find out if it’s included in your rent or not. If parking isn’t provided, what are the alternatives?

Finally, don’t be overwhelmed. Enjoy the apartment-hunting adventure and do your research before signing.

More blogs by Shield Insurance Agency

Steps to Take Now to Get a Jump on Your Taxes

Steps to Take Now to Start Your Taxes

Posted on February 13, 2023June 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

IRS.gov | 09-Feb-2023 | Taxes | Insurance Quoting Portal | Types of Insurance with Shield Agency

Tax planning is for everyone. Get ready today to file your 2022 federal income taxes. Planning ahead can help you file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow your tax refund.

Steps you can take now to make filing taxes easier in 2023

Create or access your account information at IRS.gov/account

Use your online account to securely access the latest information available about your federal tax account and see information from your most recently filed tax return.

You can:

View your tax owed, payments, and payment plans
Make payments and apply for payment plans
Access your tax records
Sign Power of Attorney authorizations electronically from your tax professional
Manage your communication preferences from the IRS

Gather and organize your tax records

Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier. It helps you avoid errors that lead to processing delays that slow your refund and may also help you find overlooked deductions or credits.

Wait to file until you have your tax records including:

Forms W-2 from your employer(s)
Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies, and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity, or retirement plan distributions
Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2, or other income statements if you worked in the gig economy
Form 1099-INT if you were paid interest
Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claims Premium Tax Credits for 2022 Marketplace coverage
IRS or other agency letters
CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN

Notify the IRS if your address changes and notify the Social Security Administration of a legal name change.

Remember, most income is taxable. This includes:

Check your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

More interesting blogs by Shield Insurance

The Top 2023 Bathroom Trends, According to Designers

Posted on January 10, 2023January 6, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Ultimate relaxation and personal style are high in demand.

Better Homes & Gardens | By Kristina McGuirk | January 4, 2023 | Bathroom Trends | Shield Insurance

Bathroom design in 2023 will continue to build on themes emerging since 2020, including clean lines, easy-maintenance materials, and heavy doses of natural colors. At the same time, an underlying current is shifting our view of bathrooms from task-focused spaces to rooms designed for comfort.

According to Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, a design expert with LIXIL Global Design, the bathroom has transformed into a space focused on health, wellness, and relaxation. At the same time, larger home design trends are influencing aesthetic styles. As a result, personalization is driving a lot of the design choices, encouraging homeowners to create comfortable rooms with custom bathing experiences.

1. Fabulous Walk-in Showers

It seems that everyone agrees 2023 is the year of the shower. Pinterest Predicts identified an “elevated shower routine” among its top trends for the year. Similarly, 2023 Design Trends research by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and 2022 Bathroom Trends research from Houzz both report continued and increasing popularity in shower upgrades. This includes expanding shower sizes—two-person showers are preferred, according to the NKBA–as well as shower seats, multiple showerheads, and zero-entry showers for ageless accessibility.

But walk-in showers don’t just have a functional focus: Michele Youell, an NKBA member and designer behind Natural Domain Interiors, points to design elements like sources of natural light, accent lighting, and visually stunning wall tiles that create an eye-catching shower when paired with the popular glass shower enclosure.

2. Removing Oversize Tubs

“While modern standalone tubs have been trending for several years, I have clients requesting removal of their large unused built-in tubs and reclaiming that space,” says Youell. Instead, that area is being repurposed for other trending bath design elements, such as expanded showers or bathroom linen closets. Removing a tub can also open a floor plan to create a bath that feels less crowded and more serene.

3. Spa Bathroom Trends

There’s a shifting mindset when it comes to bathroom design: instead of seeing bathrooms as strictly task-focused, consider them as spaces in which to relax and take care of your body. “It can help heal a sore body when you have the flu, or it can even help with sore muscles from skiing,” says Lauren Schulte, NKBA member and owner and designer of Monarch Kitchen Design Studio.

Although showers are trending in favor of tubs generally, 2023 bathroom design is all about personalization, which means a rainfall shower for some, a soaking tub for others, or both. Steam showers are an increasingly popular solution, often including a bench or seating to encourage relaxation. “I am also designing with a lot of open shelves so clients can roll towels like you would see at a luxury spa and incorporate soft inviting colors to help it feel zen,” says Schulte.

Natural and dimmable lighting, and incorporating more greenery, are similar spa-inspired trends noted by Houzz. Altering the floor plan and creating separate spaces, like partitioning off the toilet for more privacy, is another way to get a spa-like bathing experience.

4. Wood Vanity Bathroom Trends

Painted finishes, especially white, have been the dominant choice for bathroom vanities of all shapes and sizes for years. But in 2023, expect to see a lot more natural wood on bathroom vanities and cabinets. Both Houzz and the NKBA are seeing wood coming in close second to (if not surpassing) the once-domineering white vanities. Cane and wood-pattern inserts were also added to the NKBA’s vanity styles for the first time this year. This increasing appeal of wood complements the rapid rise of modern organic style and warm colors that we’ve seen in the last two years.

Click here for more beautiful bathroom trends!

More great blogs from Shield Insurance Agency

How to Cut Home Heating Costs This Winter

Posted on November 11, 2022November 8, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

Consumer Reports | By Janet Siroto | November 3, 2022 | Home Heating | Home Insurance

These smart moves will keep your house toasty without blowing your home heating budget

For the typical American household, utility bills are about $2,000 a year, according to the most recent Department of Energy figures. Heating an average home accounts for about $900 of that. So you want to keep the warm air you pay for inside instead of flying out through drafty windows, wonky doors that don’t fit their frames, and under-insulated attics and basements. Weatherizing your home is job No. 1 and may whittle down heating and cooling costs by 20 percent annually (or about $220), the DOE says. Keeping your heat and hot water systems running smoothly and taking advantage of available rebates and tax credits may save you even more.

Schedule a Checkup

Professional servicing of your heating system (typically $150 to $500 for an entire heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system) will include everything from replacing dirty filters to checking for safety issues like potential carbon monoxide leaks. A heating system that’s running efficiently may save you money. For instance, the DOE says a well-maintained heat pump can use up to 25 percent less fuel than a neglected one. “Ideally, have this done in what’s known as the swing season, before the real cold kicks in,” says Larry Zarker, CEO of the Building Performance Institute, a nonprofit credentialing and standards-setting organization for the industry. Also check air filters from time to time for dust and dirt, and change them if they’re dirty.

Decide Whether to Have an Energy Audit on Your Home Heating System

Think you’d benefit from details on your home’s energy performance? A trained energy assessor can evaluate it for issues like insufficient insulation or a heating system that might warrant replacement—and help develop a plan to improve efficiency and lower your energy bills. This can cost $210 to $670 but may uncover ways to lower your monthly energy bills by up to 30 percent, according to the DOE.

The Home Performance with Energy Star program, a collaboration between the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency, matches consumers in 20 states with reputable home performance contractors for assessments.

Other options that you might want to consider include the Home Energy Score program, an auditor registered with the Residential Energy Services Network, and a local certified inspector from the Building Performance Institute, which sets standards for energy audits and certifies analysts. Utilities may offer free audits, but they’re not always thorough, Zarker says.

Insulate Your Hot-Water System

Slipping foam “sleeves” (about $11 each) around water pipes in or near exterior walls may save up to $80 per year and reduce the risk of pipes freezing if temperatures dip below zero. Wrap a heat jacket (about $30 to $45) around your hot-water heater (if your utility company allows it) and it won’t have to work as hard.

Sleuth Out Leaky Doors, Windows, and More

Click here for the full story…

Visit other great articles featured by Shield Insurance Agency

What Are REITs and How to Invest in Them

What is a REIT and How to Invest in Them

Posted on November 4, 2022October 31, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

From what a REIT is to how it invests, here’s how to make money from these real estate vehicles.

US News.com | By Paulina Likos and Coryanne Hicks | May 18, 2021, at 4:17 p.m. | REITs

The Ultimate Guide to REITs

A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate.

This is often done by pooling investors’ money to buy and possibly manage commercial or residential buildings. The company then collects rent from its tenants and passes that income onto investors in the form of high dividends.

“REITs are publicly traded companies that exist purely to own real estate or real estate-related assets and allow investors exposure to real estate,” says Jeff Saul, co-CEO and co-founder at Nativ based in New York City. “You can think of a REIT as analogous to an (exchange-traded fund) in the stock world – this is a basket of diversified real estate assets (could be loans or direct equity investments) that is actively managed by qualified real estate investment managers.”

As REIT shareholders, investors get exposure to real estate without the headaches of owning, operating or directly financing properties.

Types of REIT

There are two broad categories of real estate investment trusts: equity REITs and mortgage REITs, or mREITs. Most REITs are equity REITs, which own or operate income-producing real estate such as apartment buildings, offices or shopping centers.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is legally bound to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that will help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Equity REITs typically invest in a particular type of property. For example, retail REITs invest in shopping centers, while residential REITs invest in apartment complexes, single-family homes and even student housing. There are other types of equity REITs, too, such as:

Lodging and resort REITs, which invest in hotels and resorts.
Self-storage REITs, which invest in storage facilities.
Data center REITs, which invest in data storage centers.
Infrastructure REITs, which invest in infrastructures such as pipelines and cellular towers.
Industrial REITs, which invest in facilities such as distribution centers and warehouses.
Timberland REITs, which specialize in harvesting and selling timber.

If a REIT invests in a mix of property types, it’s called a diversified REIT. If the properties it owns and manages don’t fit into any other category, it’s called a specialty REIT. Examples of specialty REITs include Lamar Advertising Co. (ticker: LAMR), an advertising real estate provider, and Gladstone Land Corp. (LAND), a REIT investing in the agricultural market, leasing land to farmers.

Mortgage REITs finance commercial and residential properties by investing in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities. These can be agency mortgages secured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, nonagency mortgages or commercial mortgages. Mortgage REITs typically specialize in either commercial or residential mortgages but some invest in both.

These REITs borrow money to buy mortgages paying a higher interest rate. The difference between the rate the REIT pays lenders and the one it receives from investments, called the interest rate spread, is how it generates income and ultimately pays dividends for investors.

How a REIT Works

Click here for the full story…

100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week

Posted on October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

NFPA.org | 2022 Campaign | Fire Prevention Week

Join NFPA® in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW). This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Home fire escape planning and practicing

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.

Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection.

For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Importance of fire prevention

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

On this site, you’ll find loads of educational resources to make sure that every person knows what to do in case of a fire. We have everything from apps to videos to printables and much more, to make sure you have the resources you need to keep your family, your community, and your city safe.

Learn more about Fire Prevention at this great website!

Check out more great articles from Shield Insurance!

The Drawbacks of Not Having Renters Insurance

Posted on May 27, 2022August 18, 2022 by admin

As a renter, you might feel like you don’t need insurance. After all, your landlord has insurance, right? And your belongings aren’t worth that much, right? Wrong. There are many drawbacks to not having renters insurance. Shield Insurance Agency in Michigan provides you with this guide to navigate the issues around not having this coverage.

The Drawbacks of Not Having Renters Insurance

1. You Could Be Held Liable for Damages

Did you know that you could be held liable if someone is injured on your property? If a guest trips and falls in your apartment, for example, you could be sued for their medical bills. Without coverage, you’ll pay those bills out of your own pocket. This can quickly become very expensive, especially if the injury is serious.

2. Your Personal Belongings Won’t Be Covered by Your Landlord’s Insurance

Your landlord’s insurance policy covers the building itself, but it does not cover your personal belongings. If there is a fire or another type of disaster, you would have to replace everything yourself. This can be very costly, even if you don’t have a lot of possessions.

3. You Might Be Kicked Out of Your Apartment

Some landlords require their tenants to have renters insurance. If you don’t have it and your landlord finds out, they could give you notice to vacate the property. This means you would have to find somewhere else to live, which can be very difficult on short notice.

4. You Could Miss Out on Important Coverage

Renters insurance doesn’t just protect your belongings; it also provides liability coverage and can even help with temporary living expenses if your apartment is damaged and you have to move out. Without renters insurance, you could be left without a place to live while your apartment is being repaired.

Get Renters Insurance in Michigan

As you can see, there are many potential drawbacks to not having renters insurance. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to purchase a policy. Shield Insurance Agency can help you find the right renter’s insurance policy for your needs. Give us a call today to get a free quote.

DIFS Alerts Consumers to Recurring Scam and How to Avoid It

Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Posted on May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by Shield Insurance Agency

FROM: Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Offers Insurance Tips Following Northern Michigan Tornado

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) As residents across northern Michigan assess the damage and begin to recover from Friday afternoon’s tornado, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing tips to assist residents when working with insurance companies to file claims and repair damages.

“DIFS stands ready to assist the residents of northern Michigan as they begin to recover from the incredible devastation wrought by Friday’s tornado, hailstorm, and power outages,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “It is important that those who have experienced damage understand their rights and responsibilities when filing insurance claims. They should carefully review their policies and work with their agents and insurers to see what coverage is available to them. DIFS is available to answer questions and assist consumers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.”

Anyone impacted by storm damage should:

Contact their insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Have the policy number and other relevant information readily available. DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet to make this process easier.
Take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss. Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
Document the loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
Review insurance policies to understand their coverage and discuss with their agent or insurer if there are any questions.
If there is water damage to a home or other structure, consumers should tell their insurance company that there is water damage and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. Consumers should not simply state that the damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as storm-related rainwater intrusion, sewer backup, or failing sump pump, that may be covered under the policy.
If there is damage to a vehicle, consumers should contact their auto insurance company. They may have coverage for the damage if they carry comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.

More Information

Additional disaster recovery information is available on the DIFS website.

DIFS encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS will help try to resolve disputes. To learn more and file a complaint, visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.