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How can I pick a home insurance policy?

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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?

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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

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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. 

Why should I get recreational insurance?

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In the Muskegon, MI area, owning a recreational toy can be a great idea. With a recreational toy, you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors of Michigan, which can provide you with a lot of fun and recreational options all year long. While a recreational vehicle is something that will provide you with a lot of fun, it is also a big responsibility that you need to properly care for. One way to do this is by getting insurance for it. There are several reasons why you should get recreational insurance.

Insurance Gives Liability Protection

One of the important reasons to get insurance for your recreational asset is that it will come with liability coverage. There is always going to be a risk that you could cause an accident and damage when using your recreational asset. If this does occur, you will want to ensure that you have the ability to pay for damages. With insurance, you will get the coverage that you need to pay for the damages.

Insurance Protects Assets

You should also get this insurance to ensure that your asset is protected. If your recreational toy is damaged or stolen, paying to repair or replace it could be very expensive. However, if you do get a proper insurance policy in place, you can receive the coverage that you need to replace it. 

It is always a good idea to get recreational insurance for your asset. When you are looking for a new asset, you should call the team at Janis-Shunta Insurance. If you do call Janis-Shunta Insurance, you can learn more about how this insurance can protect you. The team can then help anyone in Muskegon, MI get into a new policy that will provide valuable coverage. 

Who needs to carry umbrella insurance

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Umbrella insurance is one of the most misunderstood types of insurance. Many people are not quite sure exactly what it is and who needs to carry it. The name umbrella gives an accurate visual of what the insurance does. It offers liability protection the same way that a physical umbrella protects against the elements. An important aspect of umbrella insurance is that it is not a policy that you can purchase unless you already have a primary policy that offers liability coverage. At Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI, we have the experience to help you to understand what an umbrella policy can do for you. 

So who needs to carry umbrella insurance? Anyone who has any assets can benefit from umbrella insurance. What it is in simple terms is excess liability insurance. If you are involved in legal action, someone suing you, it adds a layer of coverage to what you already have through your primary policy. What happens is your home or auto policy will pay any judgment and legal expenses up to the limit on that policy and then the umbrella policy will kick in.

You have worked very hard to accumulate the assets that you have. If you get sued for an amount beyond the limits of your primary policy and you don’t have an umbrella policy to protect you, you are responsible for the additional amount of the judgment out of your own pockets. Depending on how deep your pockets are, you could be forced to sell your assets and your future wages could even be garnished. Not something most people want to think about. An umbrella policy adds between one and five million dollars to your liability coverage. 

An umbrella policy is an affordable way to protect your assets. Call Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to get a no-obligation quote. We can give you the peace of mind you deserve. 

Three things to do before you select an auto insurance policy

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Any Michigan driver needs to find adequate auto insurance coverage to drive legally in Muskegon, MI. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we can help you to take all the key considerations into account before you purchase an auto insurance policy.

The following are three things to do before you select an auto insurance policy.

Determine what your coverage needs are

There are various types of auto insurance coverage available to you. It’s important to be aware of your options and to determine which types of coverage you should invest in.

You must purchase liability coverage in Michigan. However, you also probably want to purchase collision coverage. Collision coverage will cover the costs of damages to your own vehicle in an accident.

You also might want to purchase comprehensive coverage. This will cover you for additional expenses such as damages resulting from theft.

Get different quotes

Various auto insurance providers will give you quotes on their policies on request. These quotes tell you how much they will charge you for the coverage you request. It’s a good idea to get numerous quotes. You can then evaluate the different options. 

Select the best option for your needs and budget

Once you have quotes on the policies you’re interested in, it’s important to evaluate them carefully. You don’t just want to go with the least expensive quote you’re offered.

Think about the value that each insurance company you get a quote from provides you with. Some auto insurance policies come along with perks like roadside assistance and rental vehicle coverage that you should be aware of. 

Before you select a particular quote to follow through with, make sure you understand what you’re getting and you’ve carefully evaluated your options. 

Are you on the market for auto insurance in Muskegon, MI? We can help at Janis-Shunta Insurance. Visit our website to learn more about our insurance offerings. 

Smart Tips for Increasing the Value of Your MI Condo

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By making key upgrades to your Muskegon, MI condo, you can increase its value, especially if your upgrades help improve your condo’s appearance, function, and safety. Before renovating your condo, talk to your Janis-Shunta Insurance agent to see how remodeling will affect your condo coverage. The following upgrades will give your condo a fresh new look and add greater value.

Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen will definitely add value to your condo, especially if you use high-end materials. Granite counters, designer cabinets, and contemporary lighting will create a whole new look for your kitchen while boosting your condo’s value.

Upgrade Major Appliances

For function and appearance, consider upgrading your condo’s major appliances. Modern, energy-efficient appliances will enhance the function of your kitchen while adding value to your condo. Old, worn appliances are not only unsightly, but they may also pose a fire risk to your environment. In contrast, matching, modern appliances will improve safety, simplify meal prep, and increase the value of your Muskegon MI condo.  

Increase Storage Capacity

Storage space is often sorely lacking in a condo. By adding storage space to your condo, you can increase your unit’s value. Expand closets, add new closets where needed, or look for ways to convert nooks into storage areas. Storage is a valuable commodity in any home, but even more so in a compact condo.

Upgrade Flooring

Never underestimate the importance of flooring in adding value to your condo. Old carpeting or outdated flooring can detract from the beauty of your abode. Upgrading to hardwood flooring or planks can make a big difference in your ambiance and raise the value of your home.

Don’t forget to add renovations to your condo insurance, so they’ll be covered along with the rest of your abode. To update your condo policy, contact Janis-Shunta Insurance.

Do You Need to Update Your Home Insurance Policy?

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To keep your home insurance coverage up to date and get the best rate, there are times it’s necessary to update your home insurance policy. At Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI, we are happy to help you update your coverage or choose a new policy.

Improvements

The first, and most obvious reason to update your homeowner’s policy, is that you’ve made improvements to your home. If you have remodeled your home, replaced the roof, or added a new structure like a garage, it’s important to update your policy. Improvements can make your home more valuable, and you’ll want to make sure the insurance company has the updated worth of your home. Improvements like a new roof may result in a lower premium as well.

Security System

A security system can also result in a lower premium. An alarm system makes your home three times less likely to experience a break-in. They also result in quicker alerts and fewer damages in the event of a fire. 

Swimming Pool

Unfortunately, not all improvements to your home will lower your premium. A swimming pool presents an extra risk that could increase your premium. You’ll need to inform your insurance company to be sure you are covered in the event of an accident.

New Pets

Pets can also increase your premiums, particularly dogs. Your homeowner’s policy should cover the damages if your pet injures someone, but only if you inform them that you have a new furry addition to the family. 

If you are a homeowner in Muskegon MI, contact us at Janis-Shunta Insurance. We are happy to discuss a new or existing homeowner’s policy with you, and ensure that you get the right coverage for your needs. 

Recreational Insurance: The Basics for Michigan Residents

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Residents and adventure-seekers alike know that Muskegon, MI is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors. From miles of lakefront water to spacious parks, the region is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re driving your dune buggy over the sand or riding your dirt bike on rocky trails, purchasing recreational insurance is definitely a worthwhile investment. Not sure where to start? The friendly and knowledgeable agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI is eager to help!

Janis-Shunta Insurance has three locations, so agents are easily accessible in-person, online, or over the phone. When you choose Janis-Shunta Insurance as your provider, you will be working with a team of experts who are familiar not just with the insurance industry, but also of the Muskegon, MI region. They understand that recreational activities are a major part of life in the area and that it is important to protect your equipment.

Why should you purchase recreational insurance? Not only does having insurance gives you peace of mind, but it can save you money if unforeseen circumstances were to arise. Select policies that include medical coverage, collision coverage, and more. Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance today for a quote!

What are your options? You can choose from policies with basic coverage to comprehensive plans. No matter what type of policy you’re looking for or even if you don’t have the slightest idea where to begin your search, the agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI will help you find the perfect recreational insurance policy for your hobbies and interests.

So why wait? Call or visit Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI today to get started with your recreational insurance plan!

5 Important Things Umbrella Insurance Covers

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If you’re looking for coverage that goes above and beyond your current policies, you may be looking for umbrella insurance. This kind of policy is designed to pick up where other policies leave off, to increase the maximum benefits and protection levels offered by your insurance. If you live in or around the Muskegon, MI area, Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find the policy you need for security and peace of mind. There are a lot of great things an umbrella policy can do. For example, there are important areas where it can extend coverage that may be needed. Here are five of those areas to carefully consider when looking for an umbrella policy:

1. Your home, if a claim goes beyond your homeowner’s policy.

2. Your car, if an incident extends beyond your scope of coverage.

3. Your boat, if its current coverage limits aren’t enough.

4. Your rental units, if you need strong liability coverage.

5. Circumstances not handled by other policies, such as slander, libel, and false arrest.

If you’re in or near the Muskegon, MI area, Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find the right umbrella insurance policy for your needs. Not everyone needs or wants the same type of policy, but it’s very important to understand what works for your goals and situation. Then you can make an informed decision about your policy. Whether you have significant assets and want higher levels of protection, you’re a public figure who needs something beyond typical policies, or you’re just interested in making sure everything you have is thoroughly covered, we can help.

Reach out to us today, and we’ll work with you to find the right type and level of coverage for your situation and future goals. You don’t have to settle for worry about your protection level when you have us on your side.