You wouldn’t want to be without a working air conditioner or refrigerator on a sweltering summer day — or without a furnace or water heater in the middle of winter.

Typical home insurance policies cover damages to your appliances, home equipment and other personal belongings caused by fires, lightning, theft and other named disasters in your policy.

Equipment breakdown coverage covers heating and air conditioning systems, boilers and appliances when they break down due to electrical or mechanical failures.

It’s just one more tool to protect your appliances and home equipment, in addition to other tools like home warranties, manufacturer warranties and the standard coverage provided by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

What is equipment breakdown coverage?

Equipment breakdown coverage is an endorsement to your homeowner’s insurance policy.  In other words, it is added to your homeowner’s policy and provides more coverage than a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

Some common mechanical and electrical failures that you might face include ruptures or bursts, power surges, short circuits and motor burnouts. It doesn’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, rust, mold, or not taking care of your equipment.

What does equipment breakdown insurance cover?

Equipment is a broad term that includes much more than just your appliances and your heating and air conditioning system. A good way to think about it is that, if it draws an electrical current from your home, it’s probably considered equipment. It also helps cover extra charges to speed up repair or replacement of damaged property.

How much does equipment breakdown coverage cost?

You might expect to pay about $25–$50 per year for a standard equipment breakdown coverage plan that provides $100,000 of coverage.

Also remember that you’re responsible for paying your deductible before your insurance company will help you pay to repair or replace your equipment. Equipment breakdown coverage typically includes its own deductible that’s separate from your policy deductible. A common equipment breakdown coverage deductible is $500, regardless of what your policy deductible is.

Is equipment breakdown coverage worth it?

Remember that homeowners insurance covers your appliances and other belongings after certain disasters. If you’re worried about other issues like power surges and motor failures, you might consider equipment breakdown coverage. Additionally, you might consider this form of coverage to protect yourself after your warranties expire.

You probably don’t typically think about your appliances and other equipment when they’re working properly. However, you certainly notice when they’re not working as they should. Make sure that you have enough coverage to protect your air conditioner, water heater, freezer and other essential items in your home. Call your Aitken & Ormond Agent to find out more about adding Equipment Breakdown coverage to your Homeowners policy.

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) recently conducted a study concerning the increasing dangers from deer-related vehicle accidents. Deer-related car accidents have consistently risen over the years due to increasing deer populations and destruction of their habitat.

Around 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year on the nation’s roadways, estimates the Humane Society of the United States. How can you avoid becoming part of that statistic?

Defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer:

• Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
• When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
• Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
• Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
• If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.

Contact your Aitken & Ormond Insurance Agent to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is usually covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.

You can almost smell the pumpkin spiced lattes in the air. Autumn will be arriving soon, and all over the state homeowners will find themselves raking fallen leaves from the lawn, but is that enough to prepare and maintain your property for the season? Certainly not.

Leaves and debris don’t just fall on the lawn.

They collect on your roof and in your rain gutters too. This will impact the condition of your roof, and will weigh heavy on your gutters and downspouts, resulting in clogs that can cause rainwater to overflow and may cause gutters to break. Begin a weekly regime that includes a full inspection of your gutters, downspouts, and shingles. Keep them clean and clear, and inspect for damage.

Gutter damage to look for includes cracks, loose screws/brackets, and wear and tear at the fascia board.

Once clean, run a stream of water through the system to see if water is escaping anywhere aside from the base of the downspout. Once complete, step back and walk the perimeter of your property, noting any sections where your gutters may be sagging. Attend to any damage right away with the necessary repairs or replacement. The cost of doing so is nothing in comparison to what exterior and interior water damage can cost you.

The same applies to your shingles.

Loose shingles need to be repaired/replaced right away. Consider investing in a roof rake that will help keep the surface clear of debris, without having to risk injury while standing on a ladder.

Protecting your home begins on the property exterior.

For starters, mend broken fences to keep bigger pests at bay (raccoons, etc.) and inspect bushes for outdoor nests. When the cold strikes furry residents will leave their outdoor home and head for yours.

With the landscape in the clear you must now divert your attention to the base of your home.

Look for and attend to cracks around basement windows. Once complete, head indoors and have a good look from within. This includes inspection and repair on the interior of basement and main-floor windows, doors, and floorboards. Make sure wooden trim is properly nailed in or glued shut and that caulking is reapplied where needed.

It’s not too early to winterize your pipes.

Doing so is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to protect your home from a winter-like autumn season. Inspect pipes for leaks, cracks and fractures and have them repaired before cold late-autumn temperatures cause them to worsen. With that out of the way, visit your local home and garden store for fitted pipe insulation. If your budget doesn’t have room to outfit every pipe, prioritize the ones that are the most likely to freeze (the ones closest to the exterior). In addition, shut off the water for any faucet (i.e. basement or guest bathroom sink, etc.) that you do not commonly use, it will have a positive impact on your overall water damage prevention plan.

Because water can leak from pipes or appliances, it can cause major damage to your home’s walls, doors, cabinetry, and neighboring units if you are in a condo/apartment. That’s why it’s important to stop those leaks before they get out of hand. Prevention requires early detection. One of the best ways to help protect your home from water damage is by installing point-of-leak sensors so that they can alert you if there is an issue.

How does a water shut-off device work? Installed by a plumber directly onto your water line, a flow-based water leak detection device monitors the flow of water throughout your home. If an unusual activity or flow of water is detected – probably caused by a leak somewhere in your plumbing or pipes – the device will alert you first and then shut off your water supply to help minimize damage. Ask your Agent if there is a discount on your Home policy if you have this preventative device installed in your home or condo.

It’s a good time to ask key questions about your policy. Find out if you have standard, broad, or comprehensive coverage on your Homeowner’s Policy. Give your Agent a call, only then can you find the peace of mind that you are protected during this fall season.

How do you know if you’re paying too much? What makes auto insurance premiums go up? Let’s take a look at some of the factors that affect the price of your car insurance.

1. You have teenage drivers.

This one is not entirely your fault. But unless you want your children to wait until they are old enough to pay their own insurance policy, you may be stuck with higher car insurance rates. Why, you ask? Simply because teens are less experienced drivers, meaning they are a higher risk driver. (Not to mention all the distractions they now have). If you think your rates increase enough just by adding a teen to your insurance, then you’re going to be in shock if they get in an accident while driving your car.

2. You’re under 25 or over 60.

Young drivers with less experience are involved in more accidents which makes premiums higher. Once drivers enter their 60s, however, the trend begins to slowly reverse as age and slower reflexes begin to impact driving.

3. You get tickets.

If you are cited for a moving violation, consider driving a lot slower for a while — your second ticket could trigger a rate increase. Your insurance carrier may disregard the first ticket after a time, typically two years.

4. You filed an at-fault claim.

As soon as a claim is filed against your insurance, you become a more expensive customer. Expect your rates to go up. However, don’t be afraid to talk to your insurance company after you’re involved in an accident. If you are found to be not at fault, sometimes, your rates won’t be affected. Generally, you should be eligible for a lower rate after a period with no claims.

5. You make small claims.

Yes your insurance company is there for you to make claims, but they are not there to pay for every small amount of damage that happens to your vehicle. Insurance is meant to save you from huge financial losses. Those with a tendency to file a claim every time something happens, also tend to watch their insurance rates increase over time.

6. You cancelled an insurance policy or drove uninsured in the past.

If you cancelled an auto insurance policy before it expired, you might pay more to get your next policy. Operating a vehicle without insurance makes you a riskier customer.

7. Your deductible is low.

The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurer covers a claim. Having a higher deductible will lower your premium.

8. Your car is expensive to insure.

Expensive cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure than inexpensive ones because the cost to repair or replace is higher. Small sports cars are involved in accidents more often than family sedans, so they come with higher premiums.

9. You have more coverage than you need.

Consider the types of coverage you opt for. When a car is new, full coverage is appropriate. You wouldn’t want to owe money on a car that’s totaled in an accident. If you have a car loan, the lender will probably require full coverage until the loan is paid off. But if you’re driving an older car with a lower value, consider lowering collision coverage.

10. You haven’t asked about discounts.

Contact your Agent to find out how you might bring your premiums down. Here are some situations that might make you eligible for a discount:

• You’re a full-time student with good grades
• Your vehicle has OnStar, Lo-Jack or another tracking device
• Your vehicle has an anti-theft device
• Multiple vehicles on the same policy
• Multiple policies with the same Company

To keep auto insurance costs low, it helps to keep your record clean, choose your coverage carefully, and avoid claims. Have more questions about how to lower your premium, call us at 586-949-5570, we’re here to help.

As summer winds down and you think about your back-to-school to-do list, think about looking at more than school supplies this summer. You may want to think about these insurance considerations this fall.

Back to School Tips

If Your Kid is Going to College…

Consider renters insurance

If your son or daughter is planning to live on campus or rent an apartment in college, they’ll likely need renters insurance. Even if the apartment complex is “approved” by the school or has a university landlord, your child needs to be insured with a distinct renter’s policy. Most landlords’ or university insurance will only cover the structure of the building. That means anything within the walls of the apartment, including appliances and personal possessions, should be covered with appropriate renters’ insurance.

Contents coverage is important to consider. Before your student packs up the car and heads off to school, you may want to review all the belongings they’re bringing with them with your insurance agent. Most homeowners’ insurance policies put a special limit on items away from the primary residence which may not be enough to cover what your child is bringing to school.

You’ll also want to decide whether making a claim on your homeowners is worth it for your family, since claims can raise your homeowners’ insurance rates. A renter’s insurance policy is a generally low cost alternative to using your homeowners for a child at school.

College insurance tips:

• Safeguard your items from theft. Lock your dorm room or apartment. Don’t leave belongings unattended. Even the safest campuses have theft, so it doesn’t hurt to take precautions.
• Leave valuables at home unless you need them. Expensive jewelry and electronics may be safer at the parents’ house.
• Consider purchasing umbrella insurance for additional liability. If your college kid accidentally causes an accident, they could be responsible for personal injury or property damage worth thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. An umbrella policy is an inexpensive way to mitigate these risks and protect your family’s assets.

 

If Your Teen is Starting to Drive…

Every high schooler dreams of rolling up behind the wheel of a cool car to pick up their friends. But a teen’s dream is often a parent’s nightmare. There’s a lot to worry about when you have a new driver on the road. Insurance is there to help.

 

What do you need to know about a new or teen driver?

Add all drivers to your auto policy. If your teen will be driving your car, even occasionally, you’ll need to add them as a named driver on your insurance policy.

Rates for young, new, and inexperienced drivers are always higher. If you’re adding them to your policy or purchasing their own insurance, the premiums will be higher than you’ve seen in the past. You can offset these costs with certain auto discounts.

The best way to save on auto insurance—and to keep your child safe—is by having your teen take a safety driving program. A driving course can ensure your teen learns how to drive defensively, avoid distractions, and stay safe on the road. Some insurers offer discounts if you take a defensive driving course also.

Inquire about a good student discount if your teen gets good grades in school.

 

Get ready for Back to School Roads…

More risks pop up as school starts. Traffic increases, and school zones and bus stops are more hazardous.

As kids are preparing to start another school year, you have to prep to go into a new season with its own unique challenges. Contact your Aitken & Ormond Insurance Agent to make sure your family, home, assets, and lifestyle are fully protected with all the insurance you need.

As many are still cleaning up from the latest flooding in the area, what should you do if you find your basement floor submerged under a foot of water? Don’t panic. You’ve got this! Act quickly enough and you’ll be able to avoid the common ill effects that come with water damage — things like the ruining of personal belongings, loss of your basement’s usability and a number of threats to your family’s health.

Learn About Your Coverage Options

Get your homeowners policy right with added coverage.  Water damage — resulting from backed up drains or failed pumps — is one of the most common homeowners’ insurance claims. Because some water damage incidents are often not covered by a home policy, it’s important to make sure you are protected with a water backup endorsement.

• What is water backup insurance coverage? A water backup and sump pump overflow endorsement on your homeowners or renters insurance provides added protection from costly water damage resulting from backed up drains or failed sump pumps.
• What does water backup insurance cover? Water backup insurance provides coverage for damage to your property caused by a clogged sewer line, failed sump pump and backed up drains. It also covers mold damage to your home caused by water or sewer backup.
• What causes water backup? Water backup damage most commonly occurs when a drain, sewer or gutter backs up, or a pump fails, forcing water into your home. This could stem from a heavy rain, debris causing a clog or even root invasion from your yard outside.
• Does homeowners insurance cover water backup? Homeowners insurance does not typically cover water backup damage. Water backup and sump pump overflow coverage is an optional coverage that must be added on to a homeowner’s policy.
• How much does water backup coverage cost? The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage may range from $50 to $500 per year, with limits of coverage from $5,000 to the full replacement cost of your home. Talk to your independent insurance agent to find the level of coverage that is right for you.

What to Do When there is Water in Your Basement?

It’s easy to panic and think the worst when you notice that your basement is filling up with water. Take a deep breath and follow these steps carefully to mitigate the damage and get your life back to normal as soon as possible:

Step 1: Evaluate Potential Hazards: High water in the basement comes with a whole host of problems beyond the damage to your belongings and your house’s structure. Before you enter your basement, homeowners should check thoroughly for these dangers:

• Electrical shock. If you have electrical outlets or electrical equipment below the water line, stay out of your home until the power can be turned off. If this is the case, shutting off the main power is a job for a professional and shouldn’t be attempted by homeowners. Contact your electric company as soon as possible.
• Gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and contact your gas company. Gas leaks are extremely harmful to your health and can lead to fires or explosions if they come in contact with electric or heat sources.
• If your basement flooded due to a sewage backup, that water could contain bacteria and raw sewage that are extremely dangerous to your health. Don’t wade in — instead, get in touch with a professional plumber as soon as possible.
• Structural damage. No matter how that water got into your home, it could cause damage to your home’s structure. Don’t go in the house until it’s determined to be structurally sound.

Step 2: Find the Source of the Flooding: Once you’ve made sure your home is safe to enter, it’s time to figure out what caused the water in your home. If the source is a burst pipe, turn off your water supply. If it’s from something else like a flooded body of water or heavy rain, wait until the storm has passed and conditions have improved before clearing out the water.

Step 3: Remove the Water from Your Basement: After you’ve identified the source of where the water came from and can be certain that its done pouring water into your basement, it’s time to clean up the mess. Use a wet/dry vacuum, water pumps, mops, buckets or enlist the help of a professional cleanup company to get the water out.

Time is of the essence when cleaning up your basement. Water and residual moisture are a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and harmful bacteria that could endanger your family’s health and further damage your home and belongings.

Who to Call When there is Water in Your Basement?

Not all basement water damage can be handled by homeowners. Sometimes, it’s best to call professionals and let them do what they do best. Be sure to reach out to professionals right away in the following situations:

• If a pipe burst. Contact a plumber and turn off the main water valve, if possible.
• If you have electrical problems. Any sort of issues with your electricity should lead you to evacuate your home right away and call an electrician and your electric company.
• If your sewer backed up. Contact a plumber and don’t use any plumbing or water until they can assess the situation.
• If your furnace failed. Furnaces are often impacted and damaged during floods. If yours has fallen victim to the intruding water, contact an HVAC professional right away.

How to Prevent Water in Your Basement

Here are a few tried-and-true ways to keep rain on the lawn and away from your home:

• Give your gutters some TLC. Keep them clean and damage-free. Use downspout extensions to direct water away from your foundation.
• Cover window wells. Prevent rain from filling your window wells and seeping into your basement.
• Check the roof and flashing. Replace missing shingles, repair damage and keep flashing sealed.
• Keep your sump pump going strong. Check on it regularly — it’s a good friend to have working in your favor when the rain starts pouring! You also might consider installing a battery backup, so your home is protected if the power goes out in a storm.

When to Call Your Insurance Agent

Contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent as soon as possible when you notice damage to your basement. And before any sort of damage ever occurs, talk with your agent about getting the protection and peace of mind you deserve — we’re always happy to help.

 

Credit: Jack Hungelmann

Health insurance, car insurance, and life insurance are a part of everyday life. When you’re in a car accident, remembering all the information your insurance company wants you to get is easier if you carry a list in your glove compartment. Also, making a list of all your insurance policies makes sense to help you keep track and for your loved ones if the day comes that your life insurance policy is activated..

Insurance Information to Gather at the Scene of an Auto Accident

When you’re in a car accident, it’s easy to forget what information you need — you’re shaken up and rattled. But for your insurance company and that of any other people involved, carry a copy of the following list in your glove compartment so that you get all the information you need to protect yourself and expedite your insurance claim.

• Date and time of accident
• Accident location (take photos if you have a cellphone with a camera)
• Name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number of the driver of the other vehicle
• Injuries (for each person)
• Name, address, and phone number of each witness
• Police department responding, including phone number
• Police case number
• Police officer’s name
• Tickets issued (if any)
• Name, address, and phone number of each passenger in your vehicle
• Name, address, and phone number of each passenger in the other vehicle
• Name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number of the owner of the other vehicle (if different from driver)
• The year, make, model, license plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the other vehicle
• The insurance company, insurance agent (name and phone number), and policy number of the other vehicle’s driver
• The insurance company, insurance agent (name and phone number), and policy number of the other vehicle’s owner (if different from driver)

How to Summarize Insurance for Your Survivors

It may not be a particularly welcome thought, but you generally purchase insurance for when things go wrong, and death is the last thing that will go wrong for you in this life. But the list you make now — and update annually — of your insurance policies can save your loved ones a lot of headaches at a difficult time.

Make copies of a list of all your insurance policies, investments, and bank accounts that includes the following information:

Policies and type: Umbrella, auto, home, health, dental, disability, and life insurance; and IRA, 401(k), and bank accounts

• The insured item or person
• The issuing company or institution and the policy or account number
• Amount of coverage
• Annual premium
• Agent and contact information
• On the same list include, phone numbers for the professionals knowledgeable about your Will and legal dealings (write down the location of your Will)
• Accountant
• Investment manager or advisors
• Banks and bankers
• Insurance agent

 

As always, if you have any questions about your insurance, feel free to contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent.

We are here to help!

It’s July in Michigan

Get Out and Have Some Fun!

There are so many things to see, do and explore in Michigan!! No way you will be bored! Check out some Things to do this July and go to: https://www.michigan.org/things-to-do/index for more details.

Camaro Superfest 2021, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, July 1, 2021 – July 4, 2021

Waterfront Art Fair, Saugatuck, July 3, 2021. Fantastic July Michigan event!

Traverse City National Cherry Festival, July 3-10, 2021 Grab a Traverse City Cherry Festival Interactive Map and Guide for the tips, event locations and the schedule! Kick off the National Cherry Festival with the Air Show, micrcobrews, as well as the finest BBQ around!  Classic car shows, Midway, Blue Angels Air show, Cherry Pancake Breakfast, Arts and Crafts fair, Parades and Cherry Farmers Market.  So many things to do in Michigan!

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Fest, June 30- July 4, 2021. Air show, night air show, rock bands, balloon illumes, 2 amazing fireworks shows, carnival and vendors galore! Fantastic summer Michigan event!

Fireworks on the Bay/Fourth of July – Fireworks Cruise, Pictured Rocks Cruises, Sat. July 4, 2021

Tour the Tawas Point Lighthouse-Tawas, Come tour the lighthouse! Tours are available at select times on select days. See their website for more information. Fee.  A Recreation Passport is required to enter the State Park.

Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. 7354 Horton Bay Rd. North, Boyne City, MI 49712, Guided tours and lilac labyrinth.(Open Daily May 10 – Oct 27 from 10 AM – 5 PM)

Lunch in Lavender, Lavender Hill Farm, 7354 Horton Bay Rd N., Boyne City, Dates TBD

Visit Harbor View Lavender Farm-17770 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI, View and purchase gorgeous lavender plants and products! Fantastic summer Michigan event!

Bay City Fireworks Festival, July 1, 2 3, 2021. Fireworks Schedule: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, fireworks begin at 10:12 pm. Saturday is the largest show, lasting 36 min. People travel from all over the United States to witness the amazing fireworks display!

Jim Henson Exhibition at The Henry Ford: June 5, 2021 – Sept. 6, 2021, Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm

Volkslaufe-The People’s Race in Frankenmuth. July 3, 2021. Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI.  More than 2,500 people train and anxiously anticipate the race that passes by several of Frankenmuth’s popular landmarks.

South Haven Art Fair, The South Haven Center for the Arts will host the Annual South Haven Art Fair on July 3, 4, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The South Haven Art Fair is longest running event in the region! Over 120 artists!

Traverse City 4th of July 2021 – The National Cherry Festival (July 3-10, 2021) is in full swing and will have incredible fireworks!  Join the fun with the Traverse City Boom Boom Club 4th of July Fireworks Party, located near the National Cherry Festival Beer Tent Entrance.  Fun starts at 8:30 p.m. and concludes after the fireworks display at 11:00 p.m.

Saugatuck 4th of July 2021 – Saugatuck’s 4th of July Parade & Fireworks are spectacular!  The 4th of July parade travels along Butler Street and begins at 2:00 pm.  Fantastic summer Michigan event!

Petoskey 4th of July 2021 – Sunday, July 4th enjoy an Art Fair at Harbor Springs’ Zorn Park. Harbor Springs is also hosting a parade down Main Street from 1:00 PM – 2:00, street vendors and activities, and fireworks launched from the harbor at dusk.

University of MI Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor. Check out the 9 outdoor gardens and conservatory!  Best viewed June to October, the perennial gardens begin blooming in June.  Lots of wildflowers too!

The Botanical Gardens at Historic Burns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City. This gorgeous 25-acre botanic garden offers a visitor center, workshops & guided tours.

W.J. Beal Botanical Garden at Michigan State University, W. Circle Drive, East Lansing.  July through August is just stunning!

Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival Frankenmuth, 2021. July 8, August 12, and September 9. Pop on down to Frankenmuth River Place Shops (925 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI). Admission: FREE, Time: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Support food trucks from across Michigan! Featuring around 20 food trucks, including a dessert option.

Appledore Dinner Sails, Sail the Saginaw Bay! Enjoy the sails, the sunset, and a delicious catered dinner. Friday night sails feature a light BBQ dinner and run from 6p – 9p. Saturday night Dinner Sails are four hours long and many feature live entertainment!  Things to do in Michigan

Mad Dogs and Englishmen’s British Auto Faire, July 10-11, 2021, Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners.

Rockin’ the River (formerly known as the River Roar) – Bay City, MI July 10-11, 2021 Come out to see great boat racing and entertainment along the waterfront!

Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts, July 7 – July 11, 2021 is five days of exceptional outdoor community theatre at The Stage at Kindleberger, a Festival Day of exciting family-friendly fun in and around Parchment’s beautiful Kindleberger Park.

Birch Run Speedway and Event Center:

-Friday, July 2, 2021 is the Fourth of July Eve of Destruction​

-Friday, July 9 is the I-75 Modified Challenge Time Trial Challenge

-Saturday, July 10, 2021 is the I-75 Modified Challenge and the MCR Dwarf Cars​ (Sunday, July 11, 2021 is the rain date)

​-Friday, July 16, 2021 is the House Division Racing with Outlaw Street Stock Racing (2 of 3 Races) American Trucks, Pure Stocks, Mods.

Frankenmuth Food Truck Festival, July 8, 2021. Next one is August 12, 2021. Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival is located at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun begins in May and will take place on the second Thursday of each month (May – September) from 3 pm – 9 pm each date.

Blake’s Lavender Market, July 9-11, 2021.  Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI. Featuring a lovely lavender market with 150+ local artisans.

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, Saturday – Sunday, July 10-11, 2021. Ticketed event this year. Saturday 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. This can’t miss event brings together hundreds of artists and thousands of people in Southwest Michigan. Tons of shade trees but be prepared to walk several blocks for parking.

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational 2021 LPGA Tour, July 11-17, 2021. Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Midland, MI. The LPGA Tour and Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational experience: See the world’s best female golfers, feast on Eat Great Food Festival flavors, travel the Eat Great Hospitality Trail, and explore the regional culinary and craft beer scene during Eat Great Restaurant Week! Awesome July Michigan event! Midland Country Club

2021 Garden Walk, July 13, 2021, Midland, MI Enjoy gardens throughout Midland as homeowners open their gardens for a citywide “garden walk” to help Reece Endeavor of Midland raise funds to provide housing for individuals with special needs in Midland County.

Art in the Park, July 17, 2021, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., For over 30 years, approximately 130 booths have graced Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey, with items ranging from pottery to jewelry, from paintings to photographs, and much more.

Ann Arbor Art Fair, July 15-18, 2021. Outstanding art show that is actually 4 fairs. We have gone to this show every year for around 12 years!  Crazy hot but crazy good! It’s one of our favorite July Michigan events! Read more here!

Frankenmudder, July 17, 2021, Frankenmuth. Get dirty for a cause!!  This three mile boot-camp style mud run is a fundraiser for Michigan’s Military and Space Heroes Museum.

Cass River Living History Encampment, July 17 and 18, 2021, Frankenmuth. Free at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Experience an 18th Century encampment of historical re-enactors representing British, French, and Americans. Visit and tour military camps and shop at historical vendors from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Witness Tactical Battle Re-enactments, Flag Raising, Musket Firing, Period Concert & Games, Fashion Show and many other events!

Hot Air Jubilee, July 22-July 25, 2021 at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, MI.

Richland Art Fair, July 17, 2021, Downtown Corner Of M-89 And M-43, Richland, MI. This juried show features a diverse selection of original artwork, jewelry, and superior hand‑crafted items. Approximately 100 artists from all over Michigan and beyond exhibit their beautiful work for sale. We love this July Michigan art show as its on grass (not too hard on the feet) with lots of shade trees!

Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival 2021, Riverside Park – Depot Town, Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States, Friday, July 23, 2021 – Saturday, July 24, 2021(verify these dates on their website.)

Corvette Envy, Sunday, July 29, 2020. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners.

Flower Festival, July 31-August 1, 2020. (Buy your timed tickets on line this year) Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, 7775 Weiss Street, Frankenmuth, MI. A celebration of Frankenmuth’s floral season. Enjoy garden tours, flower and art vendors, food, entertainment and beautiful displays

Keepsake Arts and Crafts Show, Friday, July 30, 31 and August 1, 2021, Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI. Other dates in 2021:

-August 20, 21, 22 During Summer’s End Festival

-August 28, 29 at Uncle Johns Cider Mill’s Sunflower Days

-September 10, 11, 12 Frankenmuth Historical Museum Lot at Auto Fest

Antique Fire Muster– July 31, 2021. Antique fire trucks will be on display in the Heritage Park.  Don’t miss the exciting parade through downtown Frankenmuth on Saturday morning. Location: Heritage Park, 601 Weiss Street.

Grand Haven Coastguard Fest, July 30-August 8, 2021, 113 N 2nd St, Grand Haven, MI. Tons of concerts, cardboard boat races, food and more! This is a fantastic July Michigan festival to attend with family and friends.

Dahlia Hill-2809 Orchard Dr, Midland, MI, View eight exquisite terraces planted yearly with 3,000 dahlias – over 300 varieties late July through October. A favorite July Michigan event! 😉

Get out and enjoy the summer weather and our beautiful State this July!

The colder weather has moved out and we are ready to enjoy the sunshine. Summer is a time for cooking out, lounging by the pool, and enjoying the company of your friends and family. Here at Aitken and Ormond, we want you to soak in all the sunshine — and the fun too. That’s why we are offering several summer backyard safety tips so you can focus on relaxing.

 

Grilling

We know you’ve waited all year to fire up the grill again — but did you know that your grill poses some serious risks? The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly 9,000 home fires per year involve grills. Here are steps to take for a safer backyard cookout.

-Choose a safe location for your grill. Your grill should be outside to prevent carbon-monoxide buildup. It should be on a level surface more than ten feet away from your home.

-Inspect. If your grill has been out of duty since last summer, do a quick inspection before you fire it up. For gas grills, check your gas cylinder for cracks or holes that could cause leaks.

-Do not leave your grill unattended. This should be a no-brainer, but never leave a lit grill unattended.

-Clean your grill. Make sure to routinely clean your grill. If you don’t do this, grease and food remnants can build up and become a fire hazard.

Fire Pits

What a perfect way to end a summer night — toasting marshmallows over an open fire in your own backyard. But make sure that’s the only thing heating up.

-Choose a safe space for your fire pit.  Place your fire pit away from your home or low hanging tree branches.

-Watch it. Never leave the fire unattended and make sure there is adult supervision at all times.

-Put it out. Before going back inside for the night — smother the flames with sand.

Trampolines and Playsets

Backyard trampolines and playsets are a great way to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy good conversation. But they can also be an easy place for an accident to happen.

-Supervise children. Always have adult supervision and make sure to limit the number of children on a trampoline or playset at one time.

-Secure structure. Make sure the trampoline or playset is bolted to the ground and sturdy before allowing children to use it.

-Inspect for damage. Weather-worn playsets and trampolines should be addressed before use. Check for rust and rotted wood and make necessary repairs.

Lawnmowers

Lawnmowers can easily cause injury when not used properly. Make sure to follow these tips to safely trim your grass.

-Read the manual. Manuals include safety instructions for each specific model. Be sure to read your manual to know how to safely operate the controls on your mower.

-Clear your yard. Before mowing, inspect your yard for toys, rocks, or anything else that can fly up and cause damage.

-No passengers. Do not allow passengers on a riding lawn mower.

-Protect your eyes and ears. You should wear protective eye-wear to prevent debris from getting in your eyes and ear plugs to protect from damaging noise.

Water Safety

Do you plan on cooling down in your backyard pool this summer? We have everything you need to know for you and your guests to stay safe while splashing around.

-Maintain a secure perimeter. There should be a perimeter on all sides of the pool that has a self-closing and locking mechanism. You can also install alarms on the gate doors to alert you if someone has opened the pool gate.

-Don’t let anyone swim alone. Never leave children unattended when they are in or near the pool. After swimming, remove all toys and floatation devices from the pool to prevent someone from trying to go in after them.

-Check the pool area.  Be sure that entertainment systems and electrical devices are away from the pool and wet surfaces. You should also check for things like loose boards in your deck or even nails that stick out, both of which could cause injuries.

-Store chemicals. Chemicals used to clean the pool should be closed tightly with a child-proof lid and stored out of reach of children.

-Plan for an emergency. In case of an emergency, make sure you have a plan. Have emergency numbers on hand so you can easily access them. Ring buoys, a reach stick, and a first aid kit should all be kept near the pool as well.

 

Hosting a Party

Who doesn’t love a good backyard party? In the midst of all the fun, it’s easy to forget the risks that come with hosting people at your home. Here are some tips to help you be a responsible party host.

-Remember — you’re the host. You should limit your own alcohol intake so you can focus on making sure your guests are safe.

-Encourage guests to have designated drivers. Did you know that if a guest leaves your party and then gets into an accident, you could be held liable for damages done to a third party? Keep an eye on your guests, and make sure everyone has a designated driver. If they don’t have a sober ride home, call them a cab or allow them to spend the night.

-Provide food and non-alcoholic beverages. If you plan to serve alcohol at your party, make sure to provide food and non-alcoholic beverage options for those who aren’t drinking (like the designated driver).

-Understand your homeowners or renters insurance policy. It is important to understand any exclusions, conditions, or limitations that your homeowners or renters insurance policy might have. Homeowners insurance usually provides some liquor liability coverage, but it is typically limited, which might not be enough if an incident should occur. Not sure what your policy covers? Ask your independent insurance agent for more details!

Summer should be a time to relax and spend quality time outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, play date or just simply doing yard work — these tips can help keep you, your family and friends safe.

At Aitken & Ormond, we know we can’t prevent accidents from happening, but in the event that they do, it’s important to make sure you are covered. Understanding your homeowners or renters insurance policy is the first step to do this. Make sure to talk to your independent insurance agent to discuss your situation and to assess if you would benefit from excess liability coverage through an umbrella insurance policy.

 

You’ve likely entertained this thought experiment: “what would I save if my house were on fire?” Many of us have a sentimental answer to the question, including anything from family photographs to the stuffed animal a grandparent gave us. In addition, you might think about some of your more expensive items: an instrument, fancy camera equipment, or an engagement ring. There are two distinct methods of Homeowners insurance protection: scheduled vs. unscheduled personal property coverage.

What is Unscheduled Personal Property?

Unscheduled personal property includes any personal belongings that are covered under your standard personal property coverage but have not been specifically itemized on the policy. When it comes to unscheduled personal property, many insurance companies have an overall limit to coverage, as well as sub-limits for different types of property. You might, for example, have a $1,500 limit for jewelry coverage, which may or may not cover the total amount of jewelry you own.

 

What is Scheduled Personal Property?

Scheduled personal property includes any personal belongings that have been added directly to your insurance policy. This optional add-on coverage can protect big ticket items like jewelry, art, cameras, electronics, firearms, and musical instruments from a greater number of risks. To add a specific endorsement to your coverage, you’ll likely need to provide a complete description, a receipt, an appraisal, photos, and anything else that proves ownership of the item.

Scheduled Vs. Unscheduled Personal Property Coverage

While many people rely on unscheduled personal property coverage, there are certain benefits to scheduling your belongings, especially if you own expensive items that exceed the limits on your policy.

Unscheduled Personal Property Coverage Pros & Cons

Choosing the standard personal property coverage is perhaps the most convenient option. When dealing with unscheduled personal property, you don’t necessarily have to do the legwork of scheduling specific items, which means you won’t have to track down receipts and appraisals for all of the items you’re trying to cover. That said, it’s still in your best interest to create a thorough home inventory. An investment of your time before a loss will save you hours of heartache and frustration after a loss when you are trying to build an inventory of your belongings.

 

If you do decide to stick with your standard personal property coverage, make sure you understand the total limit for each type of item and the limits for an individual item, as well as what types of loss and damage that are covered.

 

Scheduled Personal Property Coverage Pros & Cons

While adding a specific extension to your coverage in the form of scheduled personal property means you won’t be beholden to the typical limits and sub-limits of Renters and Homeowners insurance policies, it does require some legwork on your end. However, collecting receipts, organizing appraisals, and tailoring your insurance coverage often means broader coverage, not just in terms of the amount of coverage, but in the types of risks that are covered. If, for example, you accidently drop your engagement ring down the drain, that would not be covered by standard policies but would be covered under many scheduled personal property policies.

 

In addition to the extra effort involved in scheduling personal property, doing so will often raise your premium. While this is a deterrent for many people, the reality is that better coverage is more expensive.

Contact an Aitken & Ormond agent to learn more about your coverage options.