Health Tips For Truckers

When you think of dangerous occupations, police officers and construction workers probably come to mind. But research has shown that truck drivers, in comparison to the rest of US workers, are twice as likely to be obese. Over 80 percent of truckers have at least one chronic disease risk factor like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Not to mention, the amount of time truckers spend on the road makes it statistically more likely for them to suffer an accident and/or other road hazards. These factors combined prove that trucking can be a hazardous occupation. Luckily, there are ways to improve your health, even with a sedentary job.

Rest stops make it easy to consume sugary beverages and greasy fast food. Combine that with sitting all day and you have a recipe for gaining weight and weakening your heart health. One simple step toward better health is to limit your soda consumption to no more than three beverages per week. Drinking good 'ole water is much better for keeping you hydrated on the road.

And drinking plenty of water can also curb cravings for snacks by making you less hungry, whereas sodas and energy drinks can actually enhance your cravings for junk food. Speaking of junk food, try to make smarter choices for meals and snacks. When you do indulge in an unhealthy favorite, remember that portion has a lot to do with your health. Try eating a healthy meal with an indulgent side dish or dessert. That's much better for you than eating an entire unhealthy meal.

During breaks and your time off, make sure you get in some quality exercise. That doesn't necessarily mean pumping iron at the gym. It can be as simple as going on a long walk or doing five to ten minutes of calisthenics at rest stops. Introducing exercise into your daily routine helps improve heart health, enhances your mood and reduces your risk for chronic disease.

Stay well while on the road. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint trucking insurance.

Surety Bonds for Contractors

As a contractor, you know that the industry has some strict regulations when it comes to state and federal projects, but it can be difficult to determine the right bonds for the job with so many options out there. You already know that you need certain bonds before you can legally break ground, but which bonds?

Here’s a brief overview of the most common bonds for contractors. For more details, contact your independent insurance agent.

·         Bid bond: Ensures that the contractor who wins the project bid will obtain a performance bond and begin work in a timely manner. Bid bonds are required during the bidding stage, before the contract is awarded.

·         Performance bond: Ensures that a contractor will complete the job according to the details and timeframe listed in the contract. If the contractor defaults, the surety company must find a replacement or compensate the project owner for losses.

·         Payment bond: Ensures that subcontractors, suppliers and laborers are compensated fairly for their contributions to the project.

·         Supply bond: Ensures that the project owner will be compensated in the event that the supplier cannot provide materials as promised.

·         Subdivision bond: Ensures that the contractor makes mandatory improvements during the construction of a subdivision, which may include sidewalks, curbs, gutters and other items as mandated.

·         Site improvement bond: Ensures that the contractor makes mandatory improvements to an existing building, while ensuring that new work remains within building code.

Questions about bonding your business? Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint surety bonds.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Basic liability insurance on your car or home covers losses, damages, lawsuits or other similar claims. If you are in a car wreck, your liability will cover damages to other people. Same for your home. If someone is injured at your house, liability insurance covers the costs medical expenses, lost wages and other associated costs.

However, there are limits on what insurance will cover. You can look at your policy or ask your agent what those limits are. Are they too low? That’s where umbrella insurance comes in.

Umbrella insurance takes over after those limits are met. An umbrella policy is usually written at a much higher limit than your auto or home insurance. If you are a fan of Dave Ramsey, you know that he recommends everyone have a minimum of $1 million of umbrella insurance. The $1 million is recommended because you want to protect your property. If you are sued and the costs exceed your regular policy, then your car and home may be in jeopardy. But, if you have an umbrella policy, then you have much more protection for your finances and assets.

But, what does umbrella insurance cover? It covers you if someone sues you for injuries from an auto accident or injury on your property. It can also cover legal fees, false arrest, libel and slander.
Umbrella insurance includes professional liability for teachers, psychologists, financial planners and investors. If your job involves providing services to clients, you need umbrella insurance on top of your professional liability insurance.

Umbrella insurance is what its name suggests. A liability insurance that covers a multitude of things. The best way to know if you need this insurance is to consult your independent agent.

Get the coverage you need. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint umbrella insurance.

8 Tips for Lowering Your Renters Insurance Rate

Renters insurance is well known for being inexpensive, making it very valuable coverage. But why settle for an inexpensive price tag when you could reduce the cost even more? Here are some tips for how you can save on renters insurance.

1. Location: You may qualify for a lower rate if your apartment is located in a safe area with a low crime rate. Your chances of saving may increase if you’re located near a fire station.
2. Credit score: Individuals with good credit scores are considered to be less risky and may qualify for lower insurance rates. Request a credit report and fix any errors or concerns as soon as possible.
3. Method of payment: Insurance companies often charge a processing fee when you make a payment. This is often a larger sum when you mail in a check and a minimal sum when you pay electronically.
4. Deductible: This is the amount you must pay when filing a claim before your insurer picks up the rest of the tab. A higher deductible equates to lower premium payments.
5. Bundle: When you purchase renters and auto insurance (and any other insurance policy you desire) from the same insurance provider, you are often eligible for a bundle discount. This provides savings across all of your bundled policies.
6. Protective devices: Items like smoke alarms, fire sprinklers, burglar alarms and deadbolts can all lead to discounts due to the reduced risk within your rental unit.
7. Nonsmoking: Homes of nonsmokers have a much lower risk of catching fire. Ask your independent agent if you qualify for a nonsmoking discount.
8. Customer loyalty: Years of business with the same insurance provider may earn you a customer loyalty discount.

Ask us how you can save today. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint renters insurance.

Is your Sleep Disorder affecting your Car Insurance?

If you suffer from a sleep disorder, it can affect every facet of your life. Most people don't give driving much thought, but if you haven't had a restful night's sleep due to sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, insomnia or sleep deprivation, you could be putting yourself and others in danger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sleep disorders are one of the major risk groups when it comes to driving drowsy. Every year there are 5,000 to 6,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents that can be contributed to driving while tired. These numbers are probably conservative, and there are just as many accidents that are not fatal.

If you would never consider driving while intoxicated, driving while drowsy has surprisingly similar consequences. The CDC found that if you haven't slept in 18 hours, your impairment level is about the same as a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05. Those that haven't slept in 24 hours have the same judgment and reaction time of a person with a BAC of 0.10, which is illegal in all states.

If you're driving down the road and find yourself yawning a lot, it's time to take action. If you are hitting rumble strips or are drifting into another lane, pull over. Take a rest or let someone else drive. At the very least, take a brisk walk and get some coffee.

Sleep disorders are difficult to deal with during the night, but the consequences of these issues have to be dealt with during the daytime too. If you have a sleep disorder, consider whether you should be driving a car, because you could be putting yourself or somebody else at risk.

Stay safe on the road. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint auto insurance.

3 Lesser Known Business Insurance Policies

Most business owners know the importance of property, liability and workers compensation insurance. But what about the assortment of additional business coverages that provide more well-rounded coverage for a variety of needs? This article discusses five lesser known business insurance policies that might be right for your business.

1. Key employee insurance: This policy protects your business from the loss of a key employee. Think about it—the continued success of your business is likely dependent on a few executive employees and their guidance. What would happen if one of them become disabled, fell ill or passed away? This coverage provides monetary rewards to compensate for the search for a new staff member, training said staff member and sometimes even lost profits that are directly related to the loss of the previous staff member.
   
   
2. Loss of income insurance: A covered event, such as a fire, tornado or severe storm, can interrupt daily business operations if the building is too damaged for employees to work. The lack of work can reduce profits, which can impact your business’ ability to uphold financial obligations, such as payroll, rent and utilities. This vicious cycle can be the demise of a business, unless you have loss of income insurance to cover the profits you’ve missed out on.
   
   
3. Equipment breakdown insurance: Businesses rely on computers and a variety of additional pieces of equipment in order to operate. If machinery or electronics get damaged or fail, this coverage can provide the funds to repair or replace such equipment. This includes phone systems, break room appliances, computers, printers, boilers etc.

We’ll help you find the coverage you need. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint MI business insurance.

Don't forget these Top Trucking Safety Tips

Trucking is a dangerous job, between the obvious road hazards and the effects of sitting for hours on end. While you can’t avoid all of the dangers while hauling cargo, you can employ certain tactics that make the job safer for you and everyone else on the road. Try some of these safety tips while behind the wheel of a big rig:

• Seat belt: Seat belts are essential for stabilizing a trucker’s body during an accident. Without one, a person can be thrown through the windshield or side window, causing more damage as the truck continues moving without a driver.
  
  
• Brake: Big rigs take longer to fully stop than passenger vehicles. Applying slow, steady pressure to the brakes well in advance is required for safely stopping.
  
  
• Bad weather: Drive slowly during bouts of rain and other bad weather to keep from sliding or jackknifing.
  
  
• Blind spot: Make good use of your mirrors when turning and changing lanes to avoid accidents in a truck’s blind spot (or no-zone).
  
  
• Exit ramps: Slow your speed when driving over highway entrance or exit ramps. Taking the curves too quickly can cause loss of control or a rollover because of trucks’ high center of gravity.
  
  
• Cell phones: Talking on a cell phone is more distracting than you may think and texting while driving can have worse effects than driving while intoxicated. Limit phone usage to your breaks and, if you must make a call, use a hands-free headset.
  
  
• Rest: A lack of sleep can make you sluggish and irritable, while reducing your reaction time. Get a full night of sleep before climbing behind the wheel (which goes for any form of driving!).
  
  
• Breaks: Take a break every two to four hours to stretch out your arms and legs. Walk a few circles around your truck to relieve the tension that develops from sitting for extended periods of time. Breaks help you stay focused and feel refreshed.

The right coverage is a great way to stay safe. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint MI trucking insurance.

Frankenmuth Insurance Makes Security First Associated Agency Preferred Agency

Frankenmuth, Mich. – At its recent Executive Round Table regional meeting, Frankenmuth Insurance recognized the Security First Associated Agency of Flint, Michigan as a “Preferred” partner with the insurance carrier.

The Preferred status the Security First Associated Agency has earned is a result of outstanding performance involving several factors, including insurance volume, partnership, growth, accounting practices, and claims handling.

The Security First Associated Agency and its staff have consistently fared well in this process, ranking among the top 15% of all agencies representing the insurance company. Due to their outstanding performance, professionalism and adherence to the highest service standards, Frankenmuth has awarded the agency with this prestigious classification for 2014.

“It is the loyalty and dedication of our Independent Insurance Agency partners that enables Frankenmuth Insurance to continue serving policyholders throughout the region with the best and most comprehensive insurance solutions,” says Frankenmuth Insurance President and COO Fred Edmond. “The effort and professionalism of the management and staff at the Security First Associated Agency reflects our own goal of exceeding the expectations of those we serve. It is indeed a privilege to honor the agency with our Preferred designation.”

At Frankenmuth Insurance, our promise is to provide security in troubled times. Frankenmuth Insurance is headquartered in historic Frankenmuth, Michigan. We are represented by local Independent Insurance Agencies who are dedicated to providing the right coverage to meet your needs. We are a financially stable and strong company with more than $1 Billion in assets and an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Relying on our more than 145 years as an industry leader, you can rest assured we are With You All The Way.

For more information about Security First Insurance, or to get an Flint insurance quote, call 800-530-9225.

Bundle Your Policies and Save on Insurance

While the idea of insuring everything you own sounds great in theory, the truth is that many people must pick and choose the most important insurance policies according to what their budget will allow. Most people own, at the very least, homeowners and auto insurance.

But, rather than buying your home insurance from one company and your auto insurance from another company, why not bundle them together with one trusted insurance provider? Not only is it easier to maintain a single monthly payment and single renewal date, but it can also mean big savings.

Insurance companies are businesses, and, as such, their goal is to get more business from customers. By bundling multiple policies with a single insurer, you are effectively giving that company more business. Because of this, many insurers incentivize the purchase of a bundle by offering an across-the-board discount. That means that you can save up to 20 percent on your premium payments!

And remember, you’re not limited to only homeowners and auto insurance. The most common bundle in the US is auto, home and life, but most insurers will allow you to customize your portfolio with additional policies, such as RV, boat, motorcycle, disability and more.

Interested in even more savings? Many insurers offer a variety of discounts. You have a good chance of qualifying if you keep your driving record clean and you improve the security of your home. Basically, the less of risk you have of filing a claim, the less you can expect to pay for your insurance. Talk to your agent for more details today!

Want to learn more about bundling discounts? Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on home insurance in Flint.

Independent Insurance Agents can help you fill Policy Gaps

When you’re purchasing insurance for your home or business, the most important investment you make is not the premium you pay, but the time you spend with your agent.
Once every three years, at least, sit down with your independent agent and get some good advice.

Some policyholders are disappointed when their expectations for insurance coverage are not met: they have a loss and file a claim, but things don’t work out the way they expect. In many instances, you can avoid a less than satisfying outcome by taking just a little time beforehand to discuss your situation and expectations.
For example:

• Businesses benefit from business interruption insurance, but they need to understand what’s covered and what’s not. It can be complex to establish appropriate limits to cover the interruption of income from a covered loss – funds you would need to pay bills, payroll, mortgages and other expenses. An agent can help you identify your specific needs.
• Many people don’t know that damage from flood is not covered under a standard homeowner policy, nor do they completely understand other water damage limitations: backup of sewer, hydrostatic pressure, sump pump failure, etc. An agent can help you understand these limitations and your options.
• A homeowner might have thousands of dollars of heirloom silverware – It’s not automatically covered for its full value in a standard policy. But you can get coverage. Your agent has to understand your specific exposures and expectations in order to advise you on the right coverage for valuables and collections.
• Rental cars – should you take the insurance offered by the rental company? It depends on your auto policy. For some of these things, even your agent may have to think about it. But you need to give them the opportunity to do so.

You can get quotes online for generic coverages, assuming the details of your situation are just like everyone else’s. But every situation is unique, and unless you take the time to identify what makes it so, an insurance company may assume your needs are generic.
After a loss, it seems we all have plenty of time to talk with an agent. But the best time to have that conversation is before the loss occurs.
Make an appointment with your insurance agent as you would any other financial adviser. Explain what is unique about you, your family, your situation, your plans and goals. Your agent will review your assets and risks and propose a customized insurance program from a reliable insurer. You’ll leave with more peace of mind.
The time you spend up front with a professional independent agent is an investment. You will be rewarded with a return on your investment: a solid insurance program with the right coverage for you and no surprises should you have a loss. (Source: cinfin.com)
We’ll help with all of you coverage needs. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint Michigan insurance.

5 Risks Your Business May Face

Every business, big and small, faces risks on a daily basis. Though the risks are always there, you can combat them by planning ahead and putting security measures in place. Let’s look at five of the biggest potential risks and what you can do to minimize them.
1.       Legal risks: Today’s litigious society is the perfect breeding ground for a variety of lawsuits. Your business can be sued for poor product performance, third party injuries on the premises, copyright infringement, wrongful termination, libel, harassment and a host of other incidents, whether grounded or frivolous. The best way to combat this risk is to make sure your business is operating legally and ethically. Test products before selling, keep the workplace clean and tidy, buy all necessary rights and purchase business liability insurance that will cover legal and medical fees.


2.       Reputation damage: Social media makes it easy for customers and competitors to say nasty things about your business. The best way to combat this risk is to closely monitor your online presence and promptly address any upset customers to resolve the situation. Similarly, quality customer service can eliminate many issues. It’s better for a customer to say “I had a problem with Company X, but I feel better now that they worked with me to fix their mistake” than it is for a customer to say “I hate Company X because I had a problem.”


3.       Property damage: Natural disasters, storms, fire, theft and vandalism can all contribute to loss of property, which can mean building structures, inventory, equipment etc. If damages are severe, your business may lose profits if the company is unable to operate for an indefinite amount of time. The best way to combat this risk is to beef up your business’ security and to purchase business property insurance and business interruption insurance.


4.       Cyber risks: Digital data can be stolen by hackers, lost in a power surge or even leaked by fraudulent employees. The best way to combat this risk is to install top-of-the-line firewalls (even if that means hiring an online security consultant) and to purchase cyber risk liability insurance.


5.       Loss of a key employee: The illness, disability or death—whether sudden or foreseen—of a key employee can be detrimental to your business. Both temporary and permanent absences can significantly impact daily operations and profitability. The best way to combat this risk is to plan ahead for this possibility in your yearly business plans and to purchase key employee insurance.
We’ll help with all of you coverage needs. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint business insurance.

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes may sound innocent enough, but the real problems arise if they burst. A crack as small as an eighth of an inch can gush up to 250 gallons of water each day, resulting in flooding, a breeding ground for mold and potential structural damage to your home. Both plastic and copper pipes can freeze and burst in any climate if three conditions are met: poor insulation, quick drops in temperature and thermostats set too low. So how can you prevent this expensive disaster?
Take some time to prepare your pipes for the worst of winter. If they aren’t already, insulate the pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables, focusing on the pipes in the attic and near outside walls. Check for air leaks near pipes and seal them with caulk or insulation. Even a small leak can let in enough cold air to freeze a pipe.
When the cold reaches freezing levels, leave your faucet open to drip warm water. That slow trickle can keep the water moving enough to avoid freezing. It also helps to leave cabinet doors open to allow the heated air to reach pipes underneath sinks. Even if you leave for a vacation, set the thermostat no lower than 60°F to give the pipes enough warmth. Remember, the interior of the walls where the pipes are located is a colder area than inside the living areas; a higher temperature is necessary so the heat can penetrate the walls and warm this interior space.
If your pipes do freeze, despite your best efforts, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Call a plumber right away. While you wait, turn the faucets on and try to warm the pipe with a hair dryer, starting close to the faucet and working back. However, do not use electrical appliances if there is standing water and do not use any open flame that would create a fire hazard. If your pipes burst at any point, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve and do your best to dry the mess while help arrives. Keeping the area dry and clean will prevent mold and mildew from causing further problems.
We’ve got your back when you need us most. Call Security First Insurance Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint home insurance.

What Types of Trucking Insurance Are Available?

Trucking insurance is required by law for both businesses and owner-operators who provide trucking services. However, the legal requirements are few and there are many additional types of coverage that are designed to protect your trucking business more completely. Let’s look at some of the coverages that you may want to consider:

·         Primary Liability: Every rig, even leased units, must have primary liability coverage, which protects third parties who suffer bodily injury or property damage following an accident.

·         General Liability: This coverage protects third parties from injury or property damage from accidents that occur when trucks are not on the road. For instance, a warehouse worker could trip and fall while unloading a truck.

·         Physical Damage: This coverage protects your rigs from damage as a result of collision, fire, theft, vandalism or severe weather. The premium is typically a percentage of the value of your equipment.

·         Non-Trucking Liability: This coverage protects trucks and third parties when the driver is not under dispatch. This may include trucks that are parked.

·         Cargo Insurance: Covers any damaged or lost freight during transit. This coverage may have exclusions such as unattended vehicle and maximum theft limits.

·         Terminal Coverage: Covers freight located at terminals. This coverage may have time limitations, such as 72 hours per load.

·         Warehouse Legal: Covers goods that are warehoused in the event of loss, damage, theft or fire. The amount of coverage is dependent on the goods being stored at any given time.

·         Non-Owned Trailer: This can be divided into liability and physical damage. Both cover trailers that you pull for a third party.

Ask what trucking coverage is right for you. Call Security First Associated Agency at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint trucking insurance.

Beware of Winter Road Hazards

It goes without saying that winter driving can be more dangerous than at others times of the year. Slippery roads and limited visibility dampen one’s ability to drive safely, but there are also winter road hazards that some individuals may not be as familiar with. Let’s take a look at some of the most common road hazards and what you can do to improve your winter driving experience.

• Rain, snow and ice: These wintertime staples can lead to slippery road conditions. The degree of slipperiness can be affected by type of precipitation and varying temperature changes during precipitation and/or winter storms. If you begin to slip, remove your foot from the pedals and steer in the direction your car is sliding. If you need a boost of traction, pour salt or kitty litter around your tires.
• Drifting snow: Drifted snow is more densely packed than fallen snow. Because of this, deep snow drifts can lift cars up off the road and strand them. See below for emergency kit items that will get you through being stranded.
• Diminished visibility: Conditions out of your control, such as sleet, rain and snowfall, can affect driving visibility. However, there are easy ways to improve your chances of clearer winter vision. Thoroughly de-icing your windows and mirrors will assist with your ability to see in all directions while driving. And don’t forget your headlights. They should also be brushed free of ice and changed regularly to ensure that they remain bright and functioning. This not only improves your own visibility, but also helps other drivers see you on the road. Turn your headlights on during any form of precipitation and when the weather is misty or grey.
• Tires and battery: Tires loose air pressure faster in cold temperatures. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure monthly and fill them as need, according to your owner’s manual. Before winter hits, check the tread on your tires. They’ll need replacing if the tread has worn down. Batteries over three years old should be replaced, as the cold can impair a battery’s ability to start a car. Have your battery properly checked and replaced if needed.
• Plan for emergencies: You should always plan for the worst. Anyone can become stranded in a car for hours during poor winter driving conditions. Pack an emergency kit, which can include items such as blankets, protein-rich food, bottled water, weather radio, salt or kitty litter, road flares, jumper cables and any other items you see fit.

Stay safe while driving down harsh winter roads. Call Security First Associated Agency Inc. at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint auto insurance.

Staying Safe in Your Vehicle

By now, even if you reside in a state without seat belt regulations, you’re aware that buckling up can save your life. But buckling up is not the only way you can proactively act to keep you and your loved ones safe in your car.

1. Properly arm your airbags: If your car contains air bags, make sure they are properly armed. If they have been triggered, you’ll need to have them armed again.

2. Utilize your seat belt properly: There is a purpose for seat belts stretching across our chests and not only our waists. These chest straps prevent us from hitting the dashboard, the seat in front of us, or getting an extreme case of whiplash. Make sure to utilize your seat belt as it was designed so you can get the maximum level of protection.

3. Practice suitable and timely vehicle maintenance: Transmission problems can cause your vehicle to seize up in the middle of the street; improperly filled tires can impede your brake system—there’s no limit to the prospective collisions that car maintenance issues can cause. Bring your vehicle to the mechanic regularly so he or she can test for these issues before they help cause a collision.

4. Practice airbag safety: Airbags have saved many of lives, but they can also be damaging in some instances. Kids under age twelve should not sit in the front seat with driver’s side airbags. If they must, they should be correctly buckled up with the seat pulled away from the dashboard, since airbags can actually injure anyone who is 2-3 inches from the point of inflation. Because the driver’s airbag is located in the steering wheel, he or she can be hurt, too. Measure your standard seating position when you drive and ensure that you are located at least 10 inches away from the middle of the steering wheel.

5. Purchase rear facing car seats: Airbags are not the only in-car hazard to a child’s safety. Children less than one year old or who weigh less than 20 lbs. should always be strapped into rear-facing car seats in the back seat of the car. Kids under 4’ 9” should also use booster seats when riding in the car. This prevents seat belt injuries in case of an accident.

6. Adjust your mirrors: It’s easy to get into your car after another driver has ridden in it and forget to adjust your mirrors. This can cause blind spots that let you back into an obstacle or change lanes without seeing a neighboring driver. Always be sure that your mirrors are properly adjusted and that you check your mirror’s blind spots before making any moves in traffic.

Exercising these easy auto safety precautions will give you peace of mind and might eventually even save a life.

For more information about Flint car insurance, give Security First Insurance Agency a call at 810-732-5800.

Getting the Right Advice on Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Your friends and family want you to have what’s best for you, just like you want the same for them. Unfortunately, this desire for you to have the finest things in life can steer several of them to suggest advice that—while well intentioned—is not always as educated as you require it to be.

One good example of this can be found in the advice that many family members and friends extend while you are searching for Flint home insurance.

Many Streets are Paved with Good Intentions…

Everyone has their own thoughts about what is and isn’t necessary in a homeowners insurance policy. And that’s fine—when it’s their insurance they are referencing. But when you are looking for insurance to cover your house, the best advice you can receive is from your own agent. Your agent knows about all the different benefits of insurance plans and is able to get you the most comprehensive coverage at the most reasonable price.

While goodhearted friends can suggest great advice about dating, television programs and new restaurants, it is wise to leave the monetary guidance to the licensed, and experienced, professionals. It is unlikely that your friends and family have had as much preparation, instruction and experience with insurance as your local insurance agent. The familiarities of friends and family are often narrow—resulting from their personal insurance shopping experiences or stories told by their friends and neighbors. Not only are these just an incomplete sampling of the information available, they can also be peppered with misinterpretation and bias that your friend or family member does not even know of.

Agents, on the other hand, go through rigorous educational courses before they can even obtain a license. Then, they must attend continuing education programs every year in order to remain licensed. They deal with thousands of various insurance and claims situations each year and they stay up to date with trends and changes in legislature. They are experts in their field, and they have put a large amount of effort into earning that status.

So while Aunt Audrey has the best advice for making homemade bread, and Uncle Rick knows just how to keep your lawn perfectly seeded, trusting these helpful, but often misinformed people to offer you information about insurance could put you on the wrong track.

Fore more information about home insurance, give Security First Insurance Agency a call at 810-732-5800.

Disaster and Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

When you start learning about insurance, there are a lot of different phrases and policy options that can be easily misunderstood. Many consumers do not recognize the full scope of what their policies do and don’t cover, some do not understand what their deductibles and limits are, and others are not certain whether or not special incidents are covered in their car or homeowner’s policies. All of these areas of confusion are easy to fix with a call to your insurance agent or a fast read of your policy.

But not all insurance misunderstandings are safe. If you assume some insurable incident is covered by your existing car or home insurance policy and it actually isn’t, you could be subjecting yourself and your family to financial risks that you simply cannot carry on your own. One constant source of this kind of risky misunderstanding involves flood insurance.

Many consumers assume that flood insurance is inherently included in their home policy. Unfortunately, this error is so widespread that many policy holders don’t ask their agent or insurance company if their Flint home insurance policy will cover the damages accompanied with flood waters—they just assume that it will. This guess can turn out to be an extremely costly mistake after a flood actually happens because assuming that their homeowner’s insurance policy offers flood protection prevents them from taking the steps needed to find out the truth about flood insurance and protect their loved ones and their possessions accordingly.

Now that we all know that home insurance plans do not protect against damage caused by flooding, let’s learn what actually constitutes as flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program describes a flood as:

“A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.”

The explanation of flood is easy enough to understand, but the reason that many homeowners think it’s built-in to their home insurance policy is because several of the incidents that can cause flooding cause other damages that ARE covered under a home insurance policy. For instance, a hurricane may cause wind damage to your house that is covered in your policy, but it may also cause normally dry land to be temporarily drowned by water, which could run into your home and damage your carpets and possessions—but because those are flood waters, you will only be protected if you have a flood policy.

So be sure you have a flood policy in effect today. Whether you reside in a flood region or not, its protection that is not covered in your homeowner’s policy but needs to be in effect to protect you and your family.

For more information about home insurance, give Security First Insurance Agency a call at 810-732-5800.

5 Actions You Should Take Before Purchasing a Used Auto

Since new vehicles can lose more than 15 percent of their value once they are driven off the lot, purchasing a used car is often a smart financial choice to make. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to do any research before making the purchase. There are five important things you should do before you sign the papers and commit to buying a used automobile.

1. Contact your insurance agent. Your Flint auto insurance agent can give you some direction in deciding which type of car would be the most reasonably priced as far as your insurance policy is concerned. This can be based on safety features, popularity with thieves and other factors.

2. Get a Carfax report. A used car has an unknown past that it can never reveal to you—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want to know about it. Carfax has a series of complimentary and paid reports that will show you the history of your car with its previous owner or owners. This will help ensure that you don’t buy a lemon or a car that may have been mechanically compromised in a way that is not completely corrected through repair or replacement.

3. Compare safety options. Not only will a vehicle with front and rear airbags, anti-lock brakes and automatic seatbelts help keep you and your family secured, it will also lower your insurance premiums. Because used cars can be decades old, you cannot take for granted that the one you consider purchasing will have the safety features you desire. Make sure you research what options are available in used cars of different years and different models so that you can better focus your search.

4. Look up car values. Before you spend money or get a loan for a used car, make sure that you are paying a reasonable price based on its Kelley Blue Book value. Don’t believe that the company selling it is being completely fair; do your own research and, if necessary, be prepared to negotiate.

5. Bring the vehicle to your mechanic. Your mechanic can tell you whether or not a used car you are about to buy is worth purchasing or if it’s better left in the lot. He or she may charge you a small fee to inspect the car, but it would be well worth it to avoid potential repair fees beyond the basics that any used car buyer should expect.

Used cars may be a fiscally responsible choice, but it is still a big decision to make when buying one. Put the time in and do your research so you can drive off the lot with full confidence, an insurance policy you can afford, and an intact wallet.

Contact SecurityFirst Insurance Agency today at 810-732-5800 for all of your auto insurance needs!

Business & Commercial Insurance

We offer a broad line of products to meet your business insurance needs. Products and services include:

• Religious Institutions: Churches and Schools
• A Businessowners' Policy that is broad and comprehensive to meet businessowners' needs in the areas of property and liability coverage. Coverage for specific businesses and optional extended coverage are also available.
• The Commercial Package Policy is flexible to ensure comprehensive coverages tailored for specific businesses. It includes Property, Comprehensive General Liability, Crime, Inland Marine and Automobile coverages.
• The Commercial Umbrella Policy provides the extra protection every business requires with extra limits where general liability and automobile limits end.
• Loss Control Services that help you reduce loss severity exposure, provide information on reducing loss frequency, and identifies safety programs. 

Click below for a Flint business insurance quote or call us at 800-530-9225.

Auto Insurance in Flint Michigan

Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.

We offer competitive premiums and complete coverage for all your vehicles. Coverages include:

• Preferred and standard auto
• High risk auto
• Motorcycle
• Motor homes
• Camping trailers, travel trailers, utility trailers
• Recreational vehicles: all-terrain vehicles, trail bikes, snowmobiles, golf carts, mini bikes, dune buggies, jet skis and wet bikes antique, classic or special-interest cars

Why you should insure your vehicle Michigan has the most comprehensive no-fault auto insurance system in the nation. If your vehicle is insured in Michigan, you and your family will be provided with unlimited medical and rehabilitation benefits, wage loss benefits and $20 per day for replacement services for up to three years if you are injured in an auto accident, regardless of fault. This security is one of the most important reasons to purchase insurance. 

In addition to the security that insurance provides to you and your family, Michigan law requires no-fault insurance. Every registered vehicle must be insured. If you own a car and you drive it, or allow someone else to drive it without basic no-fault insurance, you can be sued and held personally liable. You may also be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined from $200 to $500, or put in jail for up to one year, or both. The court may also order your license suspended for 30 days or until you are able to provide such proof. In addition, if you are uninsured you may be held liable for all damages that result from an accident while uninsured, including your own. 

What auto insurance coverage you have to purchase There are three basic parts to a no-fault policy that must be purchased and carried on every vehicle. They are:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Personal injury protection (PIP) pays all necessary medical costs if you are hurt in an auto accident.
• Property Protection (PPI) - Property protection (PPI) pays up to $1 million for damage your car does in Michigan to other people's property, such as buildings and fences.
• Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance (BI/PD) - Residual bodily injury and property damage liability (BI/PD) pays your defense costs and any damages you are found liable for as the result of an auto accident, up to the limits of the policy. The minimum limits of coverage that everyone must purchase are $20,000 for a person who is hurt or killed in an accident, $40,000 for each accident if several people are hurt or killed, and up to $10,000 for property damage in another state. These minimum limits are often referred to as 20/40/10. You can also purchase additional limits of BI/PD coverage, which will be explained in the next section. (Source: http://www.michigan.gov/difs)

Contact us for a Flint Michigan auto insurance at 810-732-5800.