At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we strive to equip our customers in Muskegon, MI with a clear understanding of what each auto insurance policy coverage offers. While most people understand liability coverage as this is required from the moment they start driving, it’s also important to know how to protect your vehicle and yourself. When it comes to moving from basic auto insurance to carrying full coverage, we are here to help.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage – an optional type of auto insurance coverage that insures the policy owner against damage to their vehicle from everything except collisions. It covers a variety of perils, including falling objects and fire. According to Forbes, most auto policies that include comprehensive coverage protect against the following perils:

• Theft
• Civil disturbance
• Animal damage
• Falling objects
• Fire
• Explosions
• Hail
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Vandalism
• Windshield and glass damage

While some policies provide more extensive coverage, this list denotes the most common perils covered by comprehensive insurance. If any of these events occur, you can file a claim with your insurance agent under comprehensive coverage, also known as comp coverage. Once your deductible is paid, the insurance company will cover the rest of the repairs to your vehicle or replace it if it’s a total loss.

Comprehensive Deductibles

Every comprehensive policy comes with a deductible, which you set in your policy. Usually, a higher deductible leads to lower premiums, while a lower deductible results in higher premiums. Let us provide you with a few quotes featuring a range of deductibles to help you make a choice that fits your budget.

Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance

Never take to the streets of Muskegon, MI, without up-to-date auto insurance. Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance today to update your auto insurance and add comprehensive coverage.

A preliminary inspection of your vehicle should be conducted before you insure it. This inspection will reveal mechanical problems. It can also guide you in choosing the type of automotive coverage you need.

The Inspection Process

An inspection of your vehicle should be conducted professionally. The inspection process will determine any issues that could compromise your safety while driving. After the inspection is complete, you will be provided with a copy of the inspection report.

Keep this copy and refer to it as needed. Any issues that could affect your safety should be addressed promptly. The list below highlights some automotive issues that shouldn’t be ignored.

• Broken glass
• Engine failures
• Leaks
• Damaged tires
• Faulty lights

Mechanical Records

Keep track of all the upgrades that are done while you own your vehicle. Safely store receipts for the automotive repairs that you seek. 

Security Upgrades

Consider ways to keep your vehicle safe. Installing surveillance equipment, for instance, could lessen the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen or vandalized. Increasing security could have a bearing on your insurance premium too.

Choose a safe, protected area to park your vehicle when it is not actively being driven. The area should provide your vehicle with protection from the elements.

Followup Inspections

Seek followup inspections at scheduled times. Each inspection will determine the current status of your vehicle. The results of each subsequent inspection may influence your decision to increase or decrease the amount of automotive insurance you are supplied with.

Conclusion

Contact an agent who serves the Muskegon MI region. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, our agents recommend insurance products that are suited for each of our clients.

Buying auto insurance in Muskegon, MI is as simple as phoning the office at Janis-Shunta Insurance or visiting our website, but what you do with your automobile after buying insurance might change your coverage. Many vehicle owners customize their rides with various options, such as upgraded engines, spoilers, and custom wheels. These increases the vehicle’s value, which triggers a need for an insurance update.

Insurance Updates After Customization

When auto owners customize their vehicle after purchase, they alter it from its insured state. Therefore, they need to update their coverage to reflect the increase in value that the customization causes.

Many upgrades increase a vehicle’s value, and most auto insurance policies cap claims at the current fair market value of the vehicle. The insurer consults a tome like the Kelley Blue Book to find the fair market value of the precise make, model, and year vehicle you own. They won’t be covered unless you update your policy to list your specific upgrades.

Options for Fully Covering Your Vehicle’s Value

You’ve got two options to handle this update. The simpler of the two adds the customizations to the fair market value using scheduled items add-ons. Like a policy rider, when you schedule an item on an insurance policy, you fully cover it specifically. You can also fully cover your auto by switching to a policy that uses agreed-upon or stated value.

Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance Today

Did you customize your vehicle after purchasing it? Don’t lose the money you spent getting it just the way you want it! Update your Janis-Shunta Insurance auto policy today to fully cover it before you pull out of your Muskegon, MI, driveway.

If you are a motorist in Muskegon, MI, you need to make sure that you have adequate auto insurance. Are you looking for an auto insurance provider? We can offer you the coverage you’re looking for at Janis-Shunta Insurance.

The following are four priorities when you buy auto insurance. 

Meeting legal requirements in Michigan

Your number one priority when you buy auto insurance is to meet insurance requirements in Michigan. In Michigan, you need to carry at least $50,000 per person per accident, up to a total of $100,000 per accident. 

For adequate coverage, you should invest in increased liability coverage to protect you financially if you are deemed responsible for accident costs. 

Including collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy

Collision and comprehensive coverage allow you to protect the value of your own vehicle. If you invest in these types of coverage, you will get repair costs for your own car covered after an accident. 

Investing in gap insurance if you have an auto loan

If you borrow money to buy a vehicle, you could end up in a position where you owe more on your auto loan than your vehicle is worth. In this situation, it’s crucial to have gap insurance covering any difference between how much you owe on your auto loan and how much you’re compensated for your vehicle in the event of a total loss. 

Choosing the right insurance provider

It would be best if you bought auto insurance from a reliable insurance company that offers good customer service. Do your research and make sure that your auto insurance provider is convenient to work with. This can save you from many headaches when you eventually have to file a claim. 

Let us insure your vehicle in Muskegon, MI. Call us at Janis-Shunta Insurance, and we’ll answer any questions you have about auto insurance coverage. We can also provide you with a quote on an auto insurance policy.

Basic auto insurance is the amount of auto insurance that the state mandates. It is the least amount that is legal to drive in Michigan. While basic insurance is right for some people, it may not be right for you. At Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI, our team of insurance professionals will work hard to ensure that you have the right coverage for you. 

Michigan law requires that you have liability insurance in the amount of 20/40/10 and also to have PIP coverage. This protects other drivers from you and also protects you from any physical damage that happens to you due to an accident. But what about your vehicle? If it is damaged, can you pay for the repairs or replacement on your own? If it might pose a problem, you need to have insurance that can do that. 

Collision

Collision coverage protects your vehicle from the damage your vehicle may sustain due to an accident. It can be with another car, with some other object, or as the result of a hit-and-run. You will need to pay the deductible before the insurance kicks in. 

Comprehensive

Comprehensive auto coverage is often called non-collision coverage, even though it covers a collision with a large animal. Many weather events are covered, such as hail, flooding, and high winds. It also covers vandalism and theft. The deductible must also be met. 

Other coverage you can choose

Some types of coverage you may want to consider are:

• Rental car
• Full glass
• Gap coverage
• Roadside assistance

Give Janis-Shunta Insurance a call 

When you need to discuss your auto coverage, you can count on our team at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to provide the customer service you need. 

Being adequately insured with the right auto insurance policy gives you peace of mind behind the wheel. If you are a motorist in Muskegon, MI, you can rely on us at Janis-Shunta Insurance for auto insurance coverage.

The following are four of the most important things you need to know about auto insurance. 

Basic coverage won’t cover you for collision damage.

One of the most important things motorists need to know is that they have to add collision and comprehensive coverage to their policy for coverage for damage to their vehicle. 

A basic auto insurance policy meeting state minimum requirements only offers liability insurance. This type of coverage covers damages that policyholders cause to vehicles belonging to other parties out on the roads. 

Various add-on coverage types are available.

There are plenty of added coverage types that motorists can benefit from enormously if they have to file a claim. These include rental vehicle coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and glass coverage.  

The vehicle you drive affects your premium costs.

The more valuable a vehicle is, the more expensive it will be to insure if collision and comprehensive coverage are included in a policy.

However, some policy discounts may be available when a motorist insures a vehicle with certain safety features like lane departure warnings and antilock brakes. 

You can choose between various deductible amount options. 

The deductible is the amount the policyholder has to pay to enjoy coverage when a claim is filed. Motorists can choose a higher deductible amount if they want lower premiums. They can choose a lower deductible amount if they want accident damages to cost them less. 

Let us meet your auto insurance needs in Muskegon, MI at Janis-Shunta Insurance. You can call us to answer your auto insurance questions and get a quote on an auto insurance policy. 

Being involved in a car crash can be a traumatic experience. No matter the magnitude of the collision, there can be vehicular damage, injuries, and astronomical costs involved. Obtaining collision insurance beforehand is imperative for any driver. Even the best drivers can be involved in accidents, as you cannot control how others on the road choose to operate their vehicles. Preparedness is the number one component that can keep you from losing time, money, and your sanity.

In Michigan, it is legally required for every driver to possess liability insurance. Although collision coverage is not technically required in Michigan, this does not mean you are absolved of purchasing a policy covering accidents. It may seem too inconvenient to maintain insurance policies that are not required by law. But the fact is, collision coverage will help more than it will harm. Because collisions can be life-threatening, you are protecting your vehicle and your life. 

A standard insurance policy in Michigan is limited to personal injury protection, residual liability, and property protection. However, purchasing a policy that represents the bare minimum of coverage may not benefit you overall. 

Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI will assist you in purchasing the coverage needed to protect your assets. Buying the right policy can be complex, so you should leave it to the experts at Janis-Shunta Insurance. Call the experts today or stop by the office if you are near Muskegon, MI. Auto insurance is a requirement, not a luxury. Before disaster strikes, make sure that you are covered.

If you’re like most people, you probably only think about your car insurance policy when a claim is made. But what if you could optimize your policy to get the most out of it? Here are a few tips on how to do just that.

1. Review Your Coverage Periodically

Your insurance needs can change over time, so reviewing your coverage every year or two is essential. If you’ve got a new car, you might need more coverage than you did before. Or, if your kids have grown up and moved out, you might be able to save on your premium by dropping some of the coverage you don’t need anymore.

2. Compare Quotes

When it comes time to renew your policy, don’t just accept the first quote you get. Shop around and compare rates from different insurers. You might be surprised at how much you can save just by doing a little research.

3. Read the Fine Print

When signing up for an auto insurance policy, it’s important to read the fine print. Insurance companies often add exclusions to their policies that you may not be aware of, which can cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful. Make sure you understand everything included in your policy, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure.

4. Get More That the State Minimums

While getting the minimum amount of insurance required by your state might be tempting, this might not be enough to fully protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident. It’s important to consider how much coverage you need and ensure you have that amount. This way, your policy will serve your needs rather than just meet legal requirements.

Get Auto Insurance in Muskegon, MI

If you follow these tips, you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your auto insurance policy. Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find the right policy for your needs and make sure you’re getting the best possible coverage. Contact us today for a free quote.

Understanding the leading causes of car accidents in Michigan can help you prevent being involved in a tragic mishap yourself, bringing harm to yourself or someone else. The hazardous actions caused the most accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities in Michigan in 2020.

Unable to Stop 

Drivers who were unable to stop were involved in 45,227 crashes in 2020, causing property damage in 36,195 of them, injuries in 8,987 of them, and fatality in 45 of them. Driving cautiously, keeping a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and avoiding the roads when bad weather can help prevent catastrophes like these.

Failed to Yield

Drivers who failed to yield caused 34,404 accidents in the state in 2020. Of those, the vast majority resulted in property damage, but over 9,000 resulted in injury, and over 100 resulted in death. A minor infraction, like failing to yield, can have serious consequences. Staying focused on the road can help prevent disaster.

Speeding

As expected, speeding was a contributing factor in 22,391 motor vehicle accidents in 2020 in Michigan, causing fatalities in 190 of them. Of the remaining crashes, somebody was injured in 5,469 of them. Obeying posted speed limits helps prevent collisions – and helps avoid the severity of injury when collisions occur. 

Careless Driving

Another common contributor was careless driving, cited in 10,386 Michigan automobile accidents in 2020 alone. Of those 90 fatalities and 3,148 injuries occurred. Eliminating distractions can help prevent these tragic occurrences. 

Improper Lane Use

Improper lane use contributed to another 10,054 accidents, 17 fatalities, and 1,209 injuries in Michigan in 2020, changing or taking people’s lives. Property damage occurred in the remaining 8,828 accidents where improper lane use was the primary contributing factor. 

Careful driving is key to a safe experience on the road for all of us, but when you have an accident, having a trustworthy insurance carrier is important. To talk insurance, visit us at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI today!

Driving in Michigan winters is an adventure, and can be a scary one. The best winter driving tip for Muskegon, MI drivers is to stay home when the roads are bad. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we know that isn’t always realistic.

Use these winter driving tips to stay safe and avoid collisions during winter driving conditions this year.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Keep emergency supplies in your cars such as a blanket, non-perishable food items, a flashlight, scrapers and brushes, and even warm clothing in the event of an emergency.

Make sure that your car has at least half a tank of gas in the car during the winter. You will go through more fuel in tougher conditions.

Have your fluids topped up weekly, and your oil changed regularly, and make sure your tires are always inflated and in good condition. Winter tires in Michigan are also a great idea.

Drive Slowly and Carefully

It’s common sense to drive slowly and carefully in winter, but too often, we don’t do it. We don’t want to be out there and want to get home or to our destination as quickly as possible. Be slow and careful.

Don’t use your cruise control in winter driving, as this could lead to skids.

Don’t brake when you are in bad weather. Instead, accelerate and decelerate as slowly as possible. Braking on ice could cause a problem you can’t undo. Keep your heel on the floor if you do need to brake sharply.

Keep Your Distance

Keeping a safe distance is an excellent habit to get into for winter driving. You will likely see other drivers on the roads in winter doing the same. Follow suit, and keep your distance. When you need to brake or exit, you will have plenty of room to do so.

Update Your Michigan Auto Insurance

When you are driving in the winter in Muskegon MI, you want to take every precaution. Go slow, keep your distance, and keep your car maintained. You can also update your auto insurance and add on elements such as Roadside Assistance to stay confident on the roads. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we want you to have every coverage you need. Call us for a quote today.