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Janis-Shunta Insurance Blog

Understanding Common Exclusions in Your Home Insurance Policy

No matter the cost or condition of your home, you need home insurance. It is a safeguard in an emergency and protects you from financial hardship if there is damage to your home. Sometimes it’s tempting to go for the most basic policy, but you may miss out on critical coverage, as many things are commonly excluded from home insurance policies. 

Coverage in the Event of Extreme Weather

We can control many things while maintaining our home, but the weather isn’t one of them. You may be surprised to learn that your policy might not cover earthquake, storm, and flood damage, even if you live in areas prone to these problems. Natural disasters are already devastating without dealing with the financial and logistical repercussions of not having full coverage. 

The Importance of Flood Damage Coverage

Flooding doesn’t just happen due to bad weather. While heavy rain and storms contribute, they can also occur due to leaks or issues with your plumbing, so you should always check that you have flood coverage, no matter what. 

Focus on the Add-Ons You Need for Your Property

Think about the add-ons you need. Remember, insurance is there to protect you in the event of the unexpected. Forecasting potential issues is crucial. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how well you look after your home; things age, break, and get damaged.

Expert Agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI

At Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI, we know how complex the insurance world can be. Providing you with the best coverage is our focus, and we will work with you so you fully understand everything involved.

To learn more about Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI, call (231) 737-000 today. 

How Umbrella Insurance Works

Having home and auto insurance policies may not be enough when you want to be well-insured. These policies can offer much protection but can come up short in some areas. To give yourself more protection, there is umbrella insurance. If you’re interested in this complimentary insurance coverage, call us at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of coverage that works alongside other policies that you also have. It works with your auto and home insurance policies to boost the amount of coverage that you have in each of these policies. It does this by boosting the amount of liability coverage that is in both. Liability coverage is what you need to pay for another person’s medical bills or damages when you are at fault for an accident. The problem is often that there isn’t enough liability coverage in these policies to pay for an expensive accident. This can mean you have to pay the overage left over after your home or auto policy has reached its maximum. 

A Higher Maximum

Umbrella insurance policies are known for their very high maximums. If there is an overage after your home or auto policy has maxed out for your claim, your umbrella insurance can pay that overage. The high maximums of umbrella insurance policies ensure you can pay for a serious accident that costs a lot in medical bills, damages, or both. It’s a good idea to have this type of policy so that you know you’re protected financially in case of a costly accident. 

Get Your Umbrella Policy

It’s less expensive to get an umbrella policy than it is to add coverage directly to both of your other policies. Call us at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to get your policy. 

Four of the most important things you need to know about auto insurance

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. 

Keep Your Condo Safe with These Simple Tips When You’re Away

Leaving your condo unattended can be a nerve-wracking experience. No one wants to return home to find out that their prized possessions are gone or that something happened in their absence. Fortunately, there are many proactive ways to keep your Muskegon, MI condo safe when you’re away. With just a few simple steps, you can rest assured that your home and belongings are safe until your return. Read on for some helpful safety tips from Janis-Shunta Insurance when you’re away from your condo.

Invest in Security Equipment

Investing in security equipment can help protect your condo when you’re on vacation by deterring potential burglars or intruders. Motion-activated cameras and alarms can alert you to suspicious activity, while locks and deadbolts can provide an extra layer of protection. A monitored security system can also provide peace of mind that your condo is being watched while you are away.

Use Timers to Automate Home Systems

Using timers to automate home systems when you’re on vacation can help protect your condo by making it appear that someone is at home. You can do this by setting the lights and other electronics on and off at specific times throughout the day, simulating a regular daily routine. This can deter potential burglars looking for an empty home to target. Additionally, you can use timers to control home security systems, enabling them to be activated while you’re away.

Have a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Check In

Having someone you trust to check on your condo while away can help protect your property in several ways. First, they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, such as people loitering around the building or unfamiliar vehicles in the parking lot. They can also keep an eye out for any issues that may arise with the property, such as plumbing or electrical problems, so that they can be addressed quickly and efficiently. Finally, having someone check on the property regularly can deter potential burglars, as it will be more difficult for them to break in if someone is actively monitoring the area.

Janis-Shunta Insurance of Muskegon, MI understands the unique needs of condo owners. Whether you are new to condo ownership or have owned a condo for years, we have the knowledge and resources to ensure that you and your investment are safe. With us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected from any unexpected circumstances. Please reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help protect you.

Auto Insurance and Collision Coverage: What You Need to Know

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.

How to Keep Your RV Safe in Winter Conditions

As the weather gets colder, many people wonder how to keep their RV safe in winter conditions. While there are a few different things that you can do to help your RV last through the winter months, here are some of the best tips to follow from Janis-Shunta Insurance of Muskegon, MI.

How to Prepare Your RV for Winter

The first thing you need to do is clean your RV inside and out. This will help eliminate any dirt, grime, or residue that could end up causing problems down the road. Once you have given your RV a good cleaning, you will want to ensure all the appliances are in working order. This includes the furnace, water heater, and any other appliances you may have in your RV.

After you have checked all the appliances, you will want to winterize your RV. This means adding antifreeze to all of the water lines in your RV. This will help prevent the water lines from freezing and bursting during winter. You will also want to disconnect the battery and any propane tanks that you may have.

Once you have winterized your RV, you will want to find a storage spot that is out of the elements. This means finding a place that is protected from wind, rain, and snow. You will also want to ensure the spot you choose is level, so your RV does not get damaged while in storage.

At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we specialize in RV insurance and are proud to serve the Muskegon, MI area. If you need insurance for your RV, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!

Three steps to go through when you purchase umbrella insurance

Umbrella insurance is an essential type of insurance coverage to carry for complete financial protection. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we offer umbrella insurance coverage in Muskegon, MI. 

The following are three steps to go through when you purchase umbrella insurance. 

Determine how much coverage you need

One of the most important factors when you purchase umbrella insurance, is the amount of coverage you need. The coverage amount needed varies depending on the net worth of the individual consumer who is being insured.

It’s best to purchase enough umbrella insurance to cover the full value of your net worth. This will offer you total financial protection through your umbrella insurance policy. 

Research umbrella insurance providers

You’ll need to choose the best umbrella insurance provider. Consider the possibility of purchasing umbrella insurance from an insurance provider that you already buy insurance from. This might qualify you for a discount when you add another policy. Some insurance providers offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple policies from them. 

Get quotes on policies from several different umbrella insurance providers

Umbrella insurance providers will offer you free quotes on policies available to you. Getting a few different quotes on umbrella insurance policies allows you to compare your options.

Once you have a few quotes, you can compare policies based on price, coverage features, and the coverage amount. You can then decide which umbrella insurance policy you’ve been offered will provide you with good value while meeting your umbrella insurance coverage needs. 

If you have questions about umbrella insurance in Muskegon, MI, we’re here to assist you at Janis-Shunta Insurance. Call or email us today to inquire about our umbrella insurance policy offerings. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Auto Insurance Policy

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.

How Condo Insurance Works

With the many risks that exist when you own a condo, it’s important to be protected with condo insurance. This type of policy comes with several different kinds of coverage rolled into one policy. These types of coverage will help you to be well-protected in the event of a damaging incident. When you need condo insurance, give us a call at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI.

Covering Your Condo

Part of the coverage that you get in condo insurance is coverage for the dwelling. This covers the parts of your condo that you own. There are many areas of it that you don’t own, such as the outside portion of the outer walls. Sometimes, you don’t own the inside portions of the exterior walls. When you get your condo insurance, it will be for your unique condo. It will protect it against a wide range of damaging events that can require expensive repairs. 

Protecting Your Belongings

Another type of protection that condo insurance gives you is coverage for all of your belongings inside the condo. Your items, when added all together, are highly valuable, and you need the protection given by condo insurance for them. When an event destroys your belongings, your condo policy can pay for them to all be replaced so that you aren’t left without anything. 

Liability Protection

You are also protected against liability when you have condo insurance. Someone who becomes injured in an accident while on your property may have medical bills that you’re liable for. With condo insurance, those medical bills and other expenses get paid. 

Protect Yourself With Condo Insurance

When you own a condo and need to protect it, give us a call at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to discuss condo insurance. 

How Home Insurance Protects You

If you own a home, you know that home insurance is a brilliant idea to protect your investment. Many people don’t know that many types of coverage are included in every home insurance policy. When you need a home policy for your house, call us today at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI. 

Coverage for the House

Part of the coverage that you get from home insurance is protection for the house. There is a wide range of risks that can befall a house and cause damage to it. When an incident happens that is covered by the policy, your home insurance will pay for the needed repairs so that you don’t have to. Repairs for significant incidents can be costly, so it’s wise to have home insurance so those repairs will be taken care of. This coverage can even pay to rebuild the entire house if an incident destroys it. 

Coverage for Possessions

In addition to home coverage, this insurance also covers your possessions inside your home. If an incident results in your possessions being damaged or destroyed, the policy can cover the cost of them. This will allow you to replace your items so that you don’t have to come up with the money yourself. This is important coverage when you consider how much each of your items costs and what it would cost to replace everything. 

Liability Coverage

This insurance also includes liability protection. If someone were to have an accident in your home, this policy would pay for the medical bills that you are liable for. This coverage can save you thousands in medical bills if the worst should happen. 

Protect Your Finances

With home insurance, you protect your financial future. Give us a call at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI to find out more.