Start Quote from Scratch
Janis-Shunta Insurance Blog

Janis-Shunta Insurance

Are Damages From Road Hazards Covered Under Auto Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Some road hazards can jump out of nowhere and are completely unavoidable. Unfortunately, when Muskegon, MI roads have those unexpected hazards, accidents can occur with vehicle damage and injuries. Determining if your auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle from a road hazard depends significantly upon your insurance coverage, what the object was, where it came from, and the damage caused. 

Learn more about insurance coverage options by calling the agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance. 

Comprehensive and Collision coverage

Those who carry comprehensive and collision coverage in their auto insurance policy have coverage should their vehicle get damaged. However, all expenses get paid out after the applicable deductible is subtracted from repair and replacement costs. 

Objects Lying on the Road

Sometimes objects fall off trucks or blow into the road. When this happens, they can cause unavoidable accidents with drivers who cannot swerve out of the way or do not see the object in time to stop. When striking an object lying on the road, the driver that struck the object is responsible for paying for the damages and filing an insurance claim. However, if the owner of the fallen thing is identifiable, they may be responsible for the damage caused to the vehicle. 

Flying Objects

An object moving at the time of the accident is considered a flying object. Therefore, the damage is covered under your comprehensive car coverage in your auto insurance policy. Flying objects can include falling rocks or kicked-up debris. As with objects lying in the road, if the person responsible for the flying object is identified, they would be accountable for the damage. If they cannot be identified, the driver would be responsible for the damage to their vehicle. 

Muskegon, MI drivers know there is a risk of encountering road hazards while out driving. To learn more about road hazards and insurance coverage, call the experts at Janis-Shunta Insurance today. 

How Does Condo Insurance Work?

Posted on by admin

If you live in a condo, there is an insurance policy that you must have as the owner of the home. A condo insurance policy contains a number of different types of coverage that are all helpful. If you don’t have your condo policy yet, give us a call at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to find out more. 

Dwelling Coverage

Like home insurance, condo insurance covers the dwelling that you are living in. However, unlike home insurance, it doesn’t cover that entire dwelling. It only covers the specific parts of the condo that you own. This generally excludes the outside portion of the condo. It may also exclude the inside portion of the outer walls. For others, it includes the systems inside the walls but does not cover the outside of the walls. If you have improved the outside of the property, you will likely need to ensure that portion as well. 

Possessions Coverage

As with home insurance, your possessions are all covered by your condo insurance policy. The coverage will pay for many items that are destroyed in an accident or disaster so that you don’t have to begin again without any belongings. When you have condo insurance, it is a smart idea to take photos or videos of what you own so that you can prove they were thereafter they have been destroyed or ruined. 

Liability Coverage

If a third party were to enter your condo and then get injured or become sick, your condo insurance will pay those medical bills that you as the owners are liable for. This is coverage that no property owner should ever be without, as medical bills can be extremely high. 

Get Condo Insurance

If you need condo insurance, or you want to switch providers, contact us today at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI.

Home insurance buying tips for first time homeowners

Posted on by admin

Buying home insurance in Muskegon, MI may not be as exciting as buying the home itself, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a critical policy to have. Home insurance is designed to protect you, your family, and your investment if the unexpected occurs. If you have already decided to buy home insurance but are not sure how to go about it, you’re in the right place. In this article, Janis-Shunta Insurance will explain a few tips to get you in the right direction.

Assess Your Needs

Before you begin your shopping, make sure you know your home insurance needs. First, do little research to determine the average cost of insuring a home in your area based on the size and location. Next, calculate the price for rebuilding and know the value of your possessions. Lastly, create a priority list of the coverages and terms you would want to be included in your home insurance policy.

Shop Around

Like any other item in the market, don’t just shop blindly. Instead, use your priority list to determine which companies offer what you need at relatively low rates.  Most insurance companies in Muskegon, MI will generally have similar items but charge different rates based on your insurance needs.

Read and Understand Your Policy

Don’t sign anything if you don’t understand what is written. Read the terms and conditions provided by the insurance company, and if you have any questions, ask before signing. Let your insurance company explain the entire process of filing an insurance claim and what is covered in your policy. Take your time to read, fill forms, and sign where necessary. Remember, your home insurance policy is equally important as it is supposed to protect your home and loved ones. 

Your home is a valuable investment; you should protect it with enough home insurance. If you’re not sure which company to approach for your home insurance needs, Janis-Shunta Insurance is here to take away your worries. Call us today!

Recreational Insurance Protects Your Family

Posted on by admin

When it comes to outdoor fun and recreation, fewer places in the country have more to offer when it comes to adventures in nature than we do here in the Wolverine State.  For that reason, you should consider the advantages of getting recreational insurance from a reputable agent you can trust before you put the finishing touches on loading the family RV.  Serving the greater Muskegon, MI with pride and distinction from three locations, Janis-Shunta Insurance has answers for your recreational insurance needs.  

How Recreational Insurance can Protect you in Muskegon, MI

What is recreational insurance?  Unlike many who may believe that such coverage is designed to protect their RV vehicle, the reality is different.  Specifically, recreational insurance in the greater Muskegon, MI area is designed to protect the bevy of toys we bring into the wild, whether that be ATVs, campers, boats, jet skis, and more.

Recreational insurance policies will often be attached to either a homeowner or auto policy, and our trained representatives will be more than happy to sit down to discuss each option, its ramifications for your overall insurance picture, and the best way to ensure that you have interlocking coverage regardless of any given situation.

In short, if you have questions, we have answers, and our friendly team of Janis-Shunta Insurance agents are looking forward to the opportunity to gain your trust and business here in Muskegon, MI.

Serving the Greater Muskegon Area with Pride

Our team of brokers and agents here at Janis-Shunta Insurance has an array of details, policies, and information to help craft an insurance policy that protects you without coverage gaps that can get the expert advice you need to make an informed decision regarding your insurance needs.

Umbrella Insurance for Busy Sporting Complexes

Posted on by admin

Many Muskegon, MI sports complexes have found themselves suffering from unnecessary and unfair lawsuits and felt unsure of where to get help when they impacted them. Thankfully, we at Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find an umbrella insurance policy that may help you. These policies are an excellent option for those businesses that may be the most impacted by unnecessary lawsuits.

Ways Umbrella Policies Help

Umbrella insurance policies are a type of extended liability policy that helps pay for issues triggered at a business. They come into play when your regular liability policy has been paid, and you still have money owed to a plaintiff. At a sports complex, where injuries and other problems are common, a good umbrella insurance policy will:

  • Protect against excessive liability claims 
  • Cover problems caused by sports complex issues
  • Provides long-term coverage for sports centers
  • Manages serious problems triggered by unsafe athletes

As a result, athletic compounds need to consider adding umbrella insurance policies to their coverage level seriously. Doing so will help them to avoid long-term complications and keep them from getting into serious financial troubles. Make sure to do a little careful research before you buy a policy, as well, to ensure that you find the best option for your needs.

Things to Look For in a Policy

When seeking out an umbrella insurance policy for a sport’s facility, it is crucial to look for a variety of different elements, including:

  • Coverage for serious injuries
  • Liability help competing athletes
  • Protection against unlawful lawsuits
  • Diverse and precise coverage option
  • Capable and robust policy types

All of these simple concepts help Muskegon, MI sports complexes avoid severe long-term consequences. So if you need an umbrella policy and aren’t sure where to turn, please contact us at Janis-Shunta Insurance to get the help that you need to avoid serious lawsuits.

Do You Have Sufficient Auto Insurance Coverage?

Posted on by admin

As a resident of Muskegon, MI, you already know that have auto insurance coverage is very important. However, reports by Janis-Shunta Insurance show that most of the auto owners in this region do not know whether they have sufficient auto insurance coverage. So, what makes your auto insurance complete, and where can you get such policies?

Should Cover State Requirements

As a Michigander, you should make sure that your auto insurance policy covers all the state requirements so that you can avoid the unnecessary pull-over by the state patrols. There are very many individuals who have auto insurance policies that only cover the basics, but they do not meet the state requirements, which, in this case, they are not sufficient.

Should Meet Lender Requirements

If your car has been financed by a lending institution, you should have auto insurance that meets their requirements. Lenders are very sensitive when it comes to the insurance policy that you will be using. Most of lenders will always insist on comprehensive insurance cover because they own a stake in the car. They want the asset to be replaced in case of severe damages, and this can only be done through comprehensive policies. 

Should Meet Your Driving Needs

As a new driver, your insurance policy should have a provision for an amateur so that you can be exempt from some of the tough penalties that you might experience during the claim process. If you do not often drive, your insurance provider should offer some discounts on the premiums you’ll be paying every month. 

Getting a sufficient auto insurance cover in Muskegon, MI, is not easy. Most auto insurance companies will always look for an opportunity to get the better of you. However, Janis-Shunta Insurance has been focusing on ensuring that customers get sufficient coverage so that they can drive with confidence. 

Why should I get condo insurance in Michigan?

Posted on by admin

If you live in the Muskegon, MI area and are looking for a new home, getting a condo is a good option. Those that own condos will enjoy the homeownership benefits without having the same maintenance obligations. If you do buy a condo in this area of Michigan, getting insurance is important. You need to get a condo insurance plan for a few reasons. 

Insurance is an Association Requirement

A reason that a lot of people will need to get a condo insurance plan when they are in Michigan is that it is a requirement that is set by the condo association. Most condo owners will be part of a home association that will have a variety of rules. One rule that needs to be followed is the requirement to carry condo insurance. In many cases, you will need to provide evidence of coverage at all times.

Insurance Protects Assets

Getting a condo is also a good idea as it will give protection for your investment and assets. Buying a condo is a major investment that you will want to have paid off in the future. Due to this, you should protect the investment as well as you can. A great way that you can do this is with a full condo insurance plan as you can get protection for the condo and your personal belongings.

If you are in the Muskegon, MI area, owning a condo can be a good option. When you are going to purchase a condo, getting the proper insurance is very important. Once you are ready to start looking for insurance, it would be a good idea to work with Janis-Shunta Insurance. The insurance professionals at Janis-Shunta Insurance understand the value that this coverage provides and they can help you build a quality policy. 

How can I pick a home insurance policy?

Posted on by admin

The Muskegon, MI area can be a great place for someone to invest in their home. Property owners here will benefit from price appreciation and will enjoy having a consistent place to call their home. When you are going to purchase real estate in this area, you need to get proper home insurance for it. There are several tips that should be followed that can help you pick a quality home insurance policy. 

Consider Requirements

One tip that you need to follow when you are looking for a new policy in this area of Michigan is to consider your needs. Anyone that is in this area of the state will need to consider requirements that are set by their mortgage lender and home association, if applicable. When you get the insurance that meets your requirements, it will keep you in good standing with all of your requirements. 

Consider Unique Needs

Another factor to consider when you are shopping for property insurance is to consider your specific needs. The home insurance needs are not always the same for all people. Due to this, you should spend time considering your individual risks and how you can cover them with insurance. One form of coverage you may need can include additional protection for your personal assets, which can be obtained through a policy rider. 

There continue to be many advantages that come with getting home insurance in the Muskegon, MI area. When you want to get a new policy here, it would be a good idea for you to call Janis-Shunta Insurance. The team with Janis-Shunta Insurance understands the complexities that come with picking a new policy. The team here can then help you choose a policy that will continue to provide the right coverage for your situation. 

Is Condo Insurance the Same as Homeowners Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Condos remain a popular housing choice in Muskegon, MI for many reasons. For example, they allow homeownership and customization while still having convenient surrounding property and common areas cared for by another entity. Like all home investments, it’s important to protect your condo by getting a good insurance policy. But here’s where many people get confused because condo insurance policies are actually separate types of policies than homeowners insurance. Our team at Janis-Shunta Insurance examines the difference. 

What is Condo Insurance (and Condo Association Insurance)?

Condo insurance covers your individual unit. While personal property and dwelling coverage are often aspects, it’s worth noting that one of the most important aspects of condo insurance is often liability coverage. This prevents you from having to pay all costs out of pocket for incidents that happen on your property. 

Now, condo association insurance is often a separate form of coverage that is built into your condo/community fees. This coverage will generally take care of any damages to the exteriors or anything considered community space. If you are not aware of this form of insurance is in place within the condo community, it’s important to ask.  

Why Condo Insurance is Not the Same as a Homeowners Policy

A homeowners policy is generally more extensive than condo insurance. Homeowner’s policies usually cover the property as a whole, both inside and outside. This is the kind of insurance needed for homes that are not attached to any other homes. As a condo owner, however, you’ll need to primarily worry about only your individual unit and everything inside it. Since you most likely share walls with neighbors, that’s where condo association insurance comes in as over-arching community coverage. 

Don’t Wait to Find Coverage

You’ll be expected to carry condo insurance coverage in just about any Muskegon, MI condo dwelling community. If you don’t have it and an incident takes place on your property, you could wind up facing hefty out-of-pocket costs or even find yourself facing fines from the condo association. Contact the experts at Janis-Shunta Insurance to learn about your condo insurance options today!

Do I need auto insurance when my car loan is paid off

Posted on by admin

It’s a great feeling when you make your last car payment. Lenders require that the vehicle they give a loan on be fully insured. Now that you are free of the loan, it may seem like a great idea to be free of your car insurance payment as well. Talking to a trusted independent insurance agent is the way to get the insurance information you need. At Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI insuring what is important to you is important to us.  

In the state of Michigan, you are required to have insurance coverage. It is against the law to drive your vehicle without no-fault insurance or to let someone else drive your vehicle. You must have basic coverage to register a vehicle. If you are caught without insurance you can be fined up to $500 or put into jail for up to a year. Since Michigan is a no-fault state you must have mandatory no-fault insurance which comes in three parts. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) this protects you in the event you are injured in an auto accident. PPI (Property Protection Insurance) pays for damage your vehicle does to someone else’s property ( a parked car or a home) and Residual Liability Insurance 20/4010 which is $20,000 accident injury per each person in an accident and $40,000total for each accident and $10,000 in property damage to the other driver’s vehicle. 

This is what you have to have but maybe not what you need or want to have. Collision and comprehensive auto insurance protect your vehicle and if you have assets you may want to add additional liability coverage. 

In Muskegon, MI, and the surrounding area at Janis-Shunta Insurance, we can offer outstanding service at an affordable price. We have 13 plus carriers we write for and that gives you access to a policy that is perfect for you. We are here to help, call our office or stop by for a no-obligation quote.