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.

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.

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.