Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Welcome to the Shield Insurance Agency Blog. 

Here you will find a ton of articles on each of these topics: Auto Insurance, Boat/Watercraft Insurance, Business Insurance, Flood Insurance, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance, Life Insurance, Michigan Auto Insurance Reform, Recreational Insurance, Renters Insurance, RV Insurance, Things To Do At Home, Umbrella Insurance, and even a list of the Shield Agency Weekly Gift Card Winners,

If you have any suggestions for content, please drop us an email.

Breaking Up With Distracted Driving – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Breaking up with distracted driving

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Breaking up with distracted driving

Distracted driving is a bad habit, and one worth breaking.

It’s dangerous — not only for drivers and their passengers but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. It can also be deadly. In 2016, 9% of fatal crashes in the U.S. were reported as distracted driving crashes and about 14% involved a cell phone. Additionally, drivers age 15 to 19 years old made up the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

It all comes down to this: if we can break our distracted driving habits, we can help save lives. And that’s worth doing!

Safe driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention to work together. Taking your attention away from even one of these areas means you’re driving distracted.

1. Visual.

Visually distracted driving means taking your eyes off the road. To properly see, anticipate and react to obstacles while driving, you must watch the road.

Examples of visual distractions:

  • Taking your eyes off the road to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Reading something on your cell phone, a book or a computer
  • Looking in your rearview mirror to talk to a passenger
  • Watching an accident scene as you drive by (i.e. “rubbernecking”)

Reduce visual distractions by:

  • Asking a front seat passenger to adjust your radio or climate controls.
  • Setting the location in your navigation system prior to driving. If you need to adjust it mid-drive, safely pull off the road or park to update the system from your stationary vehicle.
  • Placing devices outside of your reach while driving so you can’t pick them up.
  • Focusing your eyes on the road instead of passengers inside your vehicle.
  • Practicing extra caution while driving by an accident scene and watching for people, cars and road debris in the path ahead of you.

2. Manual.

Manual distracted driving means taking your hands off the steering wheel. Keeping two hands on the steering wheel is the best way to stay on the road and avoid accidents. One hand, two knees or anything else you might use to steer your vehicle isn’t going to give you the control or turning radius to stay safe.

Examples of manual distractions:

  • Taking a hand off the steering wheel to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Texting or talking on a cell phone or operating a device while driving
  • Eating, drinking, smoking or putting on makeup
  • Searching for an item in your purse or fast food bag

Reduce manual distractions by:

  • Asking a passenger to adjust your radio, climate controls or help you navigate.
  • Making hands-free phone calls and committing to never text while driving.
  • Putting devices outside of your reach or turning them off.
  • Applying makeup, eating or smoking only in a parked and stationary vehicle.
  • Keeping both hands on the steering wheel when the car is in motion.

3. Cognitive.

Cognitive distracted driving means not focusing on driving. Stress is no stranger to most drivers. But when thoughts, feelings or tiredness get in the way of paying attention to what’s happening on the roadway, it’s time to pull over and take a break. Then you can come back onto the road ready to focus and drive safely.

Examples of cognitive distractions:

  • Tiredness
  • Daydreaming
  • Crying or emotional distress
  • Listening and singing with the radio or other music

Reduce cognitive distractions by:

  • Pulling over to rest if you become tired while driving.
  • Actively thinking about driving.
  • Pulling off to a safe location until you’re ready to drive again.
  • Driving alone without passengers or asking them to quietly occupy themselves.
  • Turning off the radio or music and enjoying the sounds of the world around you.

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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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Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Mi Returns Money– Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI Returns Money

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Returns Money to Customers, Individuals

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is returning more than $100 million to many fully insured customers this year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted what we consider to be a normal life in many ways, it has not left the health care system untouched. People are not receiving medical, dental, and vision care at the same pace that they usually do, as non-emergency services have been slowed – and in some cases, halted. As a result, Blue Cross isn’t paying out as many claims and has resources available to help business customers and individuals in numerous ways as they move through the pandemic crisis.

This week, Blue Cross announced a number of premium refunds along with rate stability measures for fully insured customers. This response joins other efforts we’ve made to help customers, including $37 million back to small group customers for medical plans, $10.5 million shared refund to Blue Dental and Blue Vision employer group customers, $45 million paid directly to individual health plan members from 2019 through rebates and more.

The refunds are in addition to the $494 million that BCBSM has invested in expanding the availability of no-cost benefits for members and to support health providers in response to COVID-19 – bringing the BCBSM enterprise’s commitment in response to the crisis to nearly $600 million.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has been working to provide customers with information and solutions to help navigate the health care system during an unprecedented time, taking many steps to remove barriers to healthcare for members and to keep care affordable.

Improving Access to Care

For Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members, Covid-19 diagnostic testing and treatment is free through June 30.

And we realize that during the pandemic people are seeing their doctors in different ways, so Blue Cross and Blue Care Network are providing free access to telehealth services for medical and behavioral health through June 30. Most Medicare Advantage members also receive these same benefits through Dec. 31. Additionally, Medicare Advantage members will receive free access to all the services provided in their primary care physician’s office.

To help members safely social distance and protect their health, Blue Cross is also allowing members to receive more of their prescription medications at once to limit trips to the pharmacy.

Helping Seniors

Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the coronavirus and may be socially isolated from friends and family as a result. Blue Cross has taken extra steps to help senior members through the pandemic by initiating contact to connect them with resources and community services and targeting high-risk seniors with extra help.

Prioritizing Behavioral Health

By working with behavioral health care providers to bring their services into a telehealth platform, Blue Cross doctors are leading a new era in behavioral health treatment. Many low-risk substance use disorder patients can be treated from the safety of their homes. This even includes group therapy situations. These telehealth efforts have helped improve access to mental health and substance use disorder care for members in rural Michigan.

Reaching Out to Communities

Blue Cross has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to help communities through the pandemic.

For small business owners, there’s a new special support program. For displaced workers, there are new transition services in place.

The pandemic has also placed a glaring spotlight on the racial disparities and inequities in health care. Blue Cross is taking steps to act now and, in the future, to address health disparities and to work with government officials.

That includes contributing funding to a mobile testing unit to bring COVID-19 testing directly to people where they are through a partnership with Wayne State University.

Empowering Health Care Workers

Blue Cross is supporting health care workers as they tackle COVID-19.

Together with 35 hospitals in Michigan, Blue Cross started a COVID-19 data collection effort to help identify best care practices and possible treatments.

More than 30 of Blue Cross’ employees with medical backgrounds volunteered to help on the front lines. Blue Cross has also accelerated payments to providers to help them better respond to their patients’ needs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to continuing to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 across the entirety of the business and will keep customers informed as more information becomes available. Stay up to date with the latest news and information at bcbsm.com/coronavirus or mibluesperspectives.com.

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Boat Insurance Exclusions– Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Boat Insurance Exclusions

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Sailing the high seas is exciting, but it can be a tricky business. That’s why boat insurance is a valuable consideration, to help protect against any possible perils your vessel might face. Your boat insurance gives you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your time out on the water. But boat insurance doesn’t cover anything and everything. Being aware of your boat insurance policy exclusions can help ensure that you operate and maintain your boat appropriately, as well as choose the right insurance coverage for your needs, so you don’t get stuck with a damaged boat and astronomical expenses.

In fact, most basic boat policies have exclusions. This means there are certain scenarios that are “excluded” and your boat insurance will not step in to provide coverage in those instances.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON BOAT INSURANCE EXCLUSIONS TO BE AWARE OF?

1. Wear and tear

Your boat will start to gradually deteriorate over time. We like to say, the more your boat is worn and weathered, the more loved it is! But despite this loving, your boat insurance typically won’t cover any repairs or replacements that’s a result of natural wear and tear. You are responsible for regularly maintaining and servicing your vessel to prevent loss.

Note that saltwater corrosion is a common boat deterioration that’s almost never covered by boat insurance. Protect your boat from corrosion and rust by frequently giving your boat a freshwater bath to remove the salt and other minerals that can damage your vessel.

2. Infestations

Most boat insurance policies exclude insects, animals, and mold. This means you won’t be covered if your boat is damaged by a raccoon sneaking on and ransacking the place or if termites, zebra mussels, or barnacles eat away at your boat. Mold loves warm, wet places, too, so it’s not uncommon for boats to get a mold infestation.

You want to take effective steps to protect against any and all infestations on your boat. This means you want to clean, drain, and dry all of your boat equipment after use. Getting rid of excess water and moisture helps deter marine infestations and mold. You’ll also want to clean up spills and messes to dissuade animals and insects from making their home on your boat.

Infestations can quickly do damage if not properly managed… and you’ll end up footing the bill. Talk to someone about the highest risks of marine infestation in your area and how you can take measures to defend against these.

3. Marine life

Most boat insurance doesn’t cover damage from marine life including sharks, octopi, whales, and other creatures. If you tend to sail in waters with a lot of unruly creatures, you may want to discuss a supplemental policy with your insurance agency.

It’s also important to note that mermaids and other mythical creatures are not covered under your boat insurance. (Tip: If you see a mythical creature, grab your camera, snap a few shots, and then sail away as fast as you can since it’s not covered.)

4. Faulty machinery

Basic boat insurance policies don’t cover any machinery or parts that need repair or replacement due to deterioration, lack of maintenance, improper use, or mechanical and production defects. However, that means your insurance would likely still cover machinery if it is damaged by a covered peril, like a collision or storm.

Even if the faulty machinery isn’t covered, your boat insurance may cover other damages that the machinery causes. For example, your water pump gets clogged up because you haven’t cleaned it. The water pump bursts and causes flood damage to your boat. Boat insurance may not pay for a replacement water pump, but it may help partially cover the damage that the water pump caused to the rest of the boat. This is dependent on your insurer and how they handle different claims.

4. Accessories

Most boat insurance won’t include additional accessories and equipment unless specifically stated in the policy. For example, it won’t cover life jackets, navigation gear, GPS systems, anchors, or boat modifications. We recommend purchasing supplemental boat equipment coverage and personal effects coverage to protect all the “extras” on your boat.

5. Improper storage and transportation

Your boat insurance can be year-round, and most basic boat insurance policies will protect against fire, vandalism, theft, and winter storms in the off-season. This protects your boat from serious financial strain in the case of an incident—which can occur more often than you might think.

However, your insurance company won’t cover your boat if it’s incorrectly stored and transported in the off-season. For example, if you don’t properly tie down your boat while driving it from the lake to the storage center and the boat falls off, your insurance company won’t cover it.

Essentially, most insurance policies cover your boat on-land—but only if you take appropriate measures and precautions to keep it safe.

6. Unnamed operators

Like auto insurance, your boat insurance covers certain named drivers on your policy. Anyone who isn’t a named boat operator on your insurance isn’t covered. If your boat gets into an accident while someone else is driving, your insurance likely won’t cover any of the damage. So don’t lend your boat out to friends for a joy ride unless you’ll be the one driving.

7. Navigation limits

Most boat policies will cover you for a specific geographic region. If you sail out of your navigation limits or into off-limits waters, your boat insurance “turns off.” Make sure you know your sea navigation area to understand where your boat is and isn’t covered on the water.

8. Competitions

Most boat coverage won’t include special events, like boating races with high speeds. If you’ll be using your boat for a competition, you may want to talk to your insurance agent about supplemental insurance, especially additional liability insurance in case of a collision during the race.

GET BOAT INSURANCE

Is your boat fully insured for this summer season?

It’s important to know your boat insurance policy in detail since inclusions and exclusions vary from company to company. Not sure what your policy looks like? Looking to get better coverage at the best possible price?  Get a quote from Shield Insurance Agency to make sure your boat insurance fits your needs.

Wondering what your boat insurance policy includes and excludes? Call or text our Shield Insurance Agency office today at 616. 896.4600 and an insurance advisor can review your policy and offer expert advice.
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What Is Toy Insurance – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

What Is Toy Insurance?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

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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Does A Homeowners Policy Cover Appliances – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Homeowners Insurance and Major Appliances

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Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Homeowners Insurance |

Is a home appliance covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy

We often overlook our home appliances until there’s an issue — the refrigerator quits, a tree crashes into our A/C unit or an oven is damaged beyond repair in a kitchen fire.

But maybe it’s time we start to take notice. After all, home appliances are some of the hardest working members of our homes, and the cost to replace a home appliance can be significant. An A/C unit, for example, can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to replace.

Before an issue arises, take the time to speak with one of our insurance agents and find out when your home appliances are covered by the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Prepare now so you can more quickly replace your home appliance when you need it most.

When are home appliances covered by a standard Homeowners Insurance policy?

When it applies to your Homeowners Insurance Policy.

All of the home appliances that help keep your home running are typically covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy when a peril covered by that policy is the culprit. So, if your oven is destroyed during a kitchen fire or if someone steals your toaster oven during a burglary, those losses would be covered by home insurance.

Appliances that are installed at your home, like your HVAC system, are also typically covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy.

Not covered when the issue is caused by age or normal wear and tear.

Similar to other types of insurance coverage, a home appliance would not be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy if the issue is caused by age or normal wear and tear. Also remember that if you’re renting your home, your landlord is typically responsible for maintaining or replacing any home appliances that came with the property.

If you’re unsure if your home appliance would be covered by your home insurance policy, call or text our office at 616-896-4600 and one of our agents will help you review your home insurance policy and answer any questions you have.

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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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