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Janis-Shunta Insurance Blog

What is recreational insurance?

There are toys reserved for kids, and then there are toys that adults love. You can consider watercraft and motor homes as toys that adults enjoy since these vessels are not necessary for life but still pleasurable to the individual who has the pleasure of owning one of these products. You definitely do not want to have an RV or watercraft in Muskegon MI without a good insurance plan that protects against losses due to damage. What does a recreation assurance policy entail, though? Also, who can help you get the right plan?

The agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance can explain all that you need to know about recreational insurance. Read on to learn more about the field before giving them a call!

What is recreational insurance?

Recreational insurance is best understood when viewed from the perspective of auto insurance. Like an auto indemnity plan, the person with recreational insurance purchases a policy that covers everything from collisions to damage caused by natural means. The recreational assurance holder has the right to file a claim when tragedy strikes and may receive compensation up to his policy limits.

Contrary to car insurance, recreational indemnity plans cover more than accidents and thefts. You can purchase a recreational assurance plan that pays when your appliances are damaged in your RV. Likewise, there also make be coverage for off-road vehicles such as ATVs and golf carts.

How much does it cost?

It is difficult to establish a price tag for recreational insurance in Muskegon, MI because the nature of the field is so varied. It is best to contact an agent at Janis-Shunta Insurance who can explain the details of a typical plan and help you tailor the policy that suits your lifestyle.

You should not wait for the unexpected to happen before seeking out a recreational insurance place. Call Janis-Shunta today to get started with a quote!

Basics of umbrella insurance

Umbrella insurance policies are, as the name implies, an umbrella to protect you when your world is falling apart. All insurance coverages have limits to the liability coverage they offer. An umbrella policy will cover you for any amount beyond that when you are at fault, or ruled responsible, for something bad that happens.  Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI can help you decide if an umbrella policy is right for you.  

Most accidents do not cause catastrophic damage and liability coverage is often enough. Umbrella policies are rarely used and not very expensive for that reason. It is nice to have the peace of mind to know you are covered if the worst happens.

If you own a home, a car, or have good savings account with investments, you have a lot to lose.  It is possible to get into a car accident and have damages of $500,000 or more. It is possible to get sued by someone who gets hurt on your property and be ordered to pay millions in court. If you have a standard policy with a $300,000 liability limit, you will be responsible for paying everything beyond that amount. You could lose your house, your savings, basically everything.

An umbrella policy protects you there and can protect you for things like slander and plagiarism violations.  This is useful for people with life savings and about to retire, or for people with a lot of property to protect. It is also useful for people who have a moderate amount of property and want the peace of mind of knowing they are protected.

Stop by or call Janis-Shunta Insurance today in Muskegon, MI to learn more about umbrella insurance coverage. You must have insurance with us, or a policy on your home and car in order to get this extra coverage.

What You Need to Know About Insuring Your New Car

Buying a new car can be exciting. However, making sure that your new car is properly insured can help expand that enjoyment in the future. Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI would like to help you with your insurance needs.

Before You Buy Your Car

If you are carrying a loan on your new car, most lenders will require that you have insurance on your car before leaving the dealership or car lot. It is a good idea to have your insurance representative aware that you are purchasing a new vehicle so that you can get insurance set up quickly the day of the purchase.

What Type of Insurance?

If you will be making payments on your vehicle, it is usually required that you carry full coverage insurance. Full coverage insurance is always the best option because it protects the driver in every way possible. If you are at fault in an accident, or even if you are not at fault, full coverage will protect you from expensive vehicle repair costs and liability from other drivers.

Is Liability an Option?

Liability coverage is an option if you are not making payments on the car through a lender. However, this type of insurance does not cover repairs or replacement of your car in the event of an accident. This will only cover liability if you are the cause of an accident which causes damage or injury to another person.

Amounts of Insurance

Before settling on a plan, make sure you are comfortable with the coverage amounts. Many people are under the impression that because they have insurance, they are covered for an unlimited amount. This is not the case. Your coverage is limited to the coverage amounts you choose.

If you would like to learn more about insuring your new car, call Janis-Shunta Insurance today serving Muskegon, MI and surrounding areas.

What You Need to Know About Insuring Your Condo

If you own a condo, you should not assume that the condo company has insurance covered. Insurance for condos is very different than it is for say homeowners or even apartment dwellers. It is very important to do your research so that you can make sure you are fully covered in the event of a loss. 

Janis-Shunta Insurance wants you to ask, What’s The Difference?

Whereas homeowners insurance covers the exterior and the interior of a home, plus the possessions inside, the condo insurance which is held by the condo management team, only covers the exterior of the property and possibly common areas. This means that insuring the interior of your condo is your responsibility. 

What Kind of Coverage Do I Need?

In order to figure out what kind of condo insurance you should purchase, you need to check with your HOA and review the type of insurance they have first. This is your starting point. The HOA will have one of two types of policies. They will either have an "all in" policy or a "bare walls" policy." The "all in" policy covers the exterior of the building, main common areas, plus things that were built into your condo interiors such as cabinets, wiring, and plumbing. A "bare walls" policy" however requires the condo owner to be responsible and insure everything else inside the condo except the walls, ceiling, and floor. Once you have determined what is and is not already covered, then you will be able to make a wise and well-informed decision about your coverage. 

The best way to purchase condo insurance is through an insurance agent. Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI will be happy to discuss your condo insurance needs. You can call our friendly staff to today or drop into our Muskegon, MI office to learn more. 

3 Reasons to Upgrade Your Home Insurance

The start of a new year is an excellent time to review your home insurance. If you’ve made major changes to your home, received costly gifts, or altered your lifestyle since purchasing your policy, upgrading your coverage with Janis-Shunta Insurance will ensure you have the protection you need. Here are three reasons to update your policy in the New Year.

To Maintain Maximum Protection for Your Dwelling

Significant home improvements that enhance the appearance, function, or security of your home will increase its value. If you made such changes to your Norton Shores or Muskegon, MI home since purchasing home insurance, you might need to increase your dwelling insurance to match the new value of your home.  

Dwelling insurance should cover the cost of replacing your home in the event of total loss. Anything less could result in your paying thousands of dollars in rebuilding costs out of pocket. Upgrading your insurance ensures your home has adequate protection for the New Year. 

To Cover Costly Gifts or Purchases

If you received costly gifts over Christmas or purchased pricey electronics, these need to be added to your insurance policy to protect them from theft or damage. Including these items in your personal property coverage may require an upgrade to your plan. If the limits on your property insurance aren’t high enough to cover these items, you can obtain an insurance rider to protect these valuable goods.  

To Protect You against Lawsuits

If you added a pool to your home or adopted a dog, you may need to increase your liability coverage to protect yourself against lawsuits in case of an accidental drowning or dog attack. Liability coverage pays for injuries visitors may sustain while visiting your property, so you don’t have to dip into your savings to cover these costs.

To upgrade your home insurance or to learn more about insurance options and costs, contact Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI.

Is Recreational Insurance the Same as Auto Insurance?

Insuring your recreational vehicle is always a good idea, mainly if you often ride and if it gets a fair amount of use. For those in the Norton Shores and Muskegon, MI area, the agents with Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find the perfect policy for your recreational vehicle.

Understanding Recreational Insurance

When it comes to recreational insurance, it is a separate type of insurance all its own. The only items that can be insured on a recreational policy are those that are not used for everyday use and those items that are not being driven on the road for regular transportation. This means things like boats, all-terrain vehicles, and even four-wheelers. You cannot insure a daily driver car on a recreational insurance policy.

When it comes to auto insurance, you cannot always insure a recreational vehicle on this type of policy. You can however in some cases add this type of vehicle in some capacity to your auto policy. It is always best to take the time to talk with an agent and to get a specific policy that covers your recreational vehicle on its own rather than trying to find a way to add it to another policy that you already have in place.

You can get a recreational policy for your recreational vehicles that will help cover the cost of repair, replacement, and damages if you are in an accident. It may also help cover the medical expenses of the person riding with you if you are in an accident as well. For those in the Norton Shores or Muskegon, MI area, the agents with Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you find a policy that is going to work for you and that is going to cover your recreational vehicles and yourself in the event of an accident.  

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work in Michigan?

General liability protection is typically a part of your auto and home insurance policies, but if you have considerable assets or you feel at risk, additional coverage in the form of an umbrella policy is important. This type of coverage supplements your general liability insurance in other policies after those payout thresholds are met. Getting an umbrella policy is typically an easy process.

You’ll want to meet with a Janis-Shunta Insurance representative in Muskegon, MI, to get an idea of what your auto and home policies look like. Adjusting those policies may be the first step in optimizing your insurance coverage. Reviewing your coverage thresholds and specific risks applicable to you is critical to get an umbrella policy that meets your needs. It’s sometimes hard to judge whether you’re underinsured without professional insight.   

It’s important to remember that personal and commercial umbrella policies in Michigan and other states do not cover the same things. If you want general liability insurance for your business and its assets, you’ll have to work with a Janis-Shunta Insurance representative to get a policy that meets your needs. Personal umbrella policies may cover you and your spouse, but it is essential to clarify this detail as your policy is written. Working with a professional is key for navigating the insurance market in Michigan and getting the protection you need to safeguard your financial nest egg.

Umbrella insurance is a practical method to protect your personal assets if you’re faced with litigation and financial liability. To learn more about coverage options and thresholds, please contact Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI. Insurance representatives are ready to help get the right policy for you.

Importance of Winterizing Your Vehicle

Keeping your Vehicle Safe in Winter

Snow, sleet, and ice are common occurrences in Michigan during winter. That’s why it’s important to winterize your vehicle. Winterizing your car will protect it from harsh winter weather and make it much safer for you to drive. Here are some winterizing tips to get you started.

  • Check Battery: Check your battery to make sure it has the juice to withstand the cold. Your battery will need to work harder in cold weather to hold its charge. If it’s 4-5 years old, you may want to replace it with a new one before winter comes.
  • Top off Fluids: Top off your fluids to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly in cold weather. This includes engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check antifreeze to ensure it’s at the right ratio with water, 50/50, to prevent freezing during winter months.
  • Inspect Windshield Wipers: Inspect your wipers to make sure they’re capable of clearing your windshield of snow and ice. Poor blades will reduce your visibility on the road.
  • Examine Tires: Make sure your tires have ample tread to keep you safe when traveling on sleet, ice, and snow. If you plan to travel extensively around Muskegon, MI during winter, consider getting winter tires to enhance safety on the road.
  • Test Heater and Defroster: Make sure your vehicle’s heater and defroster are working properly as they are essential to surviving winter travels in Michigan.

Winterizing your vehicle protects your car from hazardous winter weather and helps it perform better so you can enjoy safer travels during this time of year. Auto insurance coverage from Janis-Shunta Insurance will also protect you and your family during your winter holiday travels. To learn more about auto insurance options and costs, contact an agent from Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI today.

Condo insurance: Protecting Your Corner of the World

You Have Friends In Muskegon, MI

Whether you are new to the area or have been a long time resident of the beautiful landscape of Muskegon, know you have friends.

Be The King Or Queen of Your Castle

At Janis-Shunta Insurance, the staff understands that your pending purchase of a condo is a huge responsibility. Maybe you’ve owned your condo for a while and never considered that condominiums have special needs when it comes to effective insurance coverage. Owning a condo is a unique combination of certain aspects of apartment insurance and many more aspects of home insurance.

Condo insurance is similar to apartment insurance in that you do not have to protect the surrounding buildings that your condo is connected to. Your main concern is protecting your “four walls.” That’s why it is so important to speak with an expert in condo insurance to understand if you are  following the guidelines set forth in your agreement with the building owners.

Depending upon the type of structure and how your condo is designed, some standalone condos are part of a huge multi dwelling structure. The type of insurance that you will require will undoubtedly be different. Sometimes, it is not very clear to see what you have to insure. Some agreements stipulate that the condo owner must insure some of the common areas of the property which houses your condominium.

Speaking with an insurance agent at Janis-Shunta Insurance about your condo insurance needs today will let you know if you’re on the right track or not. Serving Muskegon, MI, and the surrounding areas, our professionals will guide you toward the appropriate condo insurance policy. Call or stop in today to have a professional review your existing policy to make sure that you are fully protected or help you with your brand new coverage needs.

 

Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism?

Homeowners take many measures to protect their investment and prevent financial losses as a result of accidents and unexpected events. The best way to protect your home from the unexpected is to purchase insurance coverage that will protect you from a variety of incidents. For example, if your home is vandalized, you need to know that your insurance will have you covered. 

Vandalism Coverage

Most quality insurance policies will cover your home in the event that it is vandalized. You must still be vigilant when purchasing insurance and ask your agent whether or not the policy includes vandalism coverage. Not all policies are the same, so always ask about different scenarios including vandalism. Also, inquire about protocol when submitting a claim to help expedite the process. 

Purchasing Home Insurance

Not all insurance is the same, which is why you need a skilled and knowledgeable agent working with you to help you get the coverage you need. If you are a resident living in or around the Muskegon, MI area, you can rely on Janis-Shunta Insurance to work with you closely to give you the results you need. We can help you build a policy that fits your lifestyle and protects your home and possessions from unforeseen events and covered perils.

If you would like more information about home insurance and what it covers, call or stop by Janis-Shunta Insurance. We serve residents living around the Muskegon, MI area. We can help prevent gaps in coverage that could mean financial losses in the event of a vandalism to your home. Don’t risk leaving your home unprotected. Get the peace of mind you need so you can rest easy knowing you are covered.