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Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance

13892 Hough Road
Berville, MI 48002

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Thanksgiving Safety Check

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the dinner table in the company of family and friends and be thankful for all that you have. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with unattended cooking as the leading contributing factor. Keep your holiday full of laughter and fun by following these safety tips.

  1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.
  2. Stay at home when cooking your turkey and check it frequently.
  3. Keep children at least 3 feet away from the hot stove.
  4. Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly!
  5. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. NEVER throw water on a grease fire!
  6. Always use turkey fryers outdoors and on level ground.

In 2017 the U.S. fire department responded to an estimated 1,600 cooking fires on Thanksgiving. Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during the holiday will keep you from having a Thanksgiving disaster! (Agency name) hopes you and your family have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving!

Sources:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving
https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2010/11/24/thanksgiving-safety-tips-us-fire-administration-usfa

Are Musical Instruments Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance policies often cover musical instruments, but it might not include coverage if the instrument is being played for compensation. Situations including fire damage, vandalism and theft are often covered by homeowners insurance.

            You should check your policy to find out the total coverage limit for your personal property. If you have about $150,000 to replace all of your personal items in an incident of a fire or other disaster, but your instrument is worth $50,000 alone, that only leaves $100,000 for the rest of your belongings. In cases like this, it would be a good idea to insure your instrument separately. Here are some ways to determine whether or not you may need extra coverage for your instrument(s):

  • Take an inventory of your instrument(s).
  • Figure out the value of your instrument(s), and get a professional appraisal if your instrument(s) are extremely valuable.
  • If your homeowners insurance policy isn’t enough to cover your instrument(s) in addition to the rest of your belongings, consider getting extra coverage.

There are two options for getting extra coverage for your instrument(s). One option is to get add-on coverage on your current homeowners insurance policy. The other option is to get separate coverage for your instrument(s). Add-on coverage will most likely cover a larger range of disasters that involve your instrument(s) than a standard homeowners policy does. There may be a coverage limit, and if you perform for a compensation, the instrument(s) may not be able to be covered at all through a homeowners insurance policy. Like add-on coverage, circumstances that are not covered in standard homeowners policies would usually be covered by a musical instrument policy. Standalone instrument policies also often cover the instrument(s) no matter where it is at any given time. Musical instrument policies may cover the following circumstances:

  • Damage caused by temperature changes and/or humidity
  • Theft
  • Water damage
  • Flood damage
  • Earthquake damage   
  • Vandalism
  • Shipment damage
  • Repair damage

Musical instrument policies may not cover:

  • Gradual deterioration
  • Mold damage
  • Damage from insects, worms, rodents, or vermin

Separate musical instrument insurance policies usually provide an agreed value coverage as well. This is important for higher valued instruments that appreciate, so that they are being insured at their full value. Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/finance/theft-music-instruments-homeowners-insurance-1214015/

How an Independent Insurance Agent Saves You Time & Money

Are you looking for an agent that can save you time and money on your insurance? Look no further! As an independent insurance agent, we are what you need. We are knowledgeable and versatile. 

Best of all we have options, and these options give you options and can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars in premiums.  As an independent insurance agent, we can tailor each policy to your specific needs and price range. We can do this because we work with dozens of insurance companies. With these carriers, we can give you more options to choose from in all different price ranges.

We know the complexities of the insurance market and are knowledgeable about the laws that could apply to each policy type. This is invaluable knowledge when it comes to writing your insurance policy. 

How an Independent Insurance Agent Saves You Time

No one likes to waste valuable time trying to find the best deal on insurance to fit their budget. That’s the beauty of an independent insurance agent; we do all the work for you. Most independent agents are alerted when your policy has an increase of 10% or more. While it is normal for rates to fluctuate up and down over time, a 10% increase is when we typically start shopping with our other carriers. 

How an Independent Agent Saves You Money

You know how we can save you time, and in the same way, we can also save you money. Since we have access to several different insurance carriers, we can find pricing to fit your budget. 

Where there are more options, there are better rates, and that gives you a lot of flexibility. Most of the time, the lower premiums don’t mean less coverage. It just means we know where to look. 

You don’t have to sacrifice coverage for better rates and shouldn’t have to. With an independent agent, that’s the least of your worries. Source:  Candace Jenkins | June 23, 2020 https://www.trustedchoice.com/insurance-articles/i/how-insurance-agents-save-you-money/

Smart Choices, Safe Roads: Options to Avoid DUI and Insurance Premium Increases

The consequences of driving under the influence (DUI) extend far beyond legal repercussions; they can significantly impact your auto insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are various responsible choices and alternatives available to ensure you stay safe on the roads without jeopardizing your insurance rates. These options may help you make informed decisions and contribute to safer streets.

Designate a Sober Driver
One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid a DUI is to designate a sober driver. Plan ahead and ensure that someone in your group remains alcohol-free to take the wheel. This not only safeguards you from legal troubles but also keeps your insurance premiums in check.

Use Ridesharing Services
In the era of technology, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made it incredibly easy to secure a safe ride home. These services are cost-effective, convenient, and eliminate the need for you to drive under the influence. Spending a few dollars on a ride is a small price compared to the potential increase in insurance premiums after a DUI.

Public Transportation
If available, public transportation can be a reliable and economical option to avoid driving under the influence. Buses, trains, and subways provide a safe and responsible way to get home without the risk of a DUI impacting your insurance rates.

Stay Overnight
If you find yourself in a situation where driving is not an option, consider staying overnight. Crash at a friend’s place or book a nearby hotel to ensure you’re well-rested and sober before hitting the road. This decision not only keeps you safe but also protects your insurance premiums.

Arrange for a Taxi
Traditional taxis remain a viable option for those looking to avoid a DUI. Although they may be less prevalent in some areas due to the rise of ridesharing, taxis provide a reliable means of transportation without the risk of an insurance premium hike.

Community Programs and Services
Some communities offer programs or services that provide safe rides home for individuals who have been drinking. Look into local initiatives, such as designated driver programs or free ride services during certain events, to help you make responsible choices without affecting your insurance rates.

Utilize Driving Alternatives
Explore alternative modes of transportation that don’t involve driving under the influence. Consider walking, biking, or carpooling with a sober friend. These alternatives not only keep you from facing a DUI but also contribute to environmentally friendly and socially responsible choices.

The options to avoid driving under the influence and prevent increases in insurance premiums are numerous and accessible. By making smart choices and taking advantage of alternative transportation methods, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to safer roads for everyone. Remember, the impact of a DUI goes beyond legal consequences, and the best way to navigate these challenges is by prioritizing responsibility and safety on the road.

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