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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.

One of the best things about living in America is the right to a fair trial if you’re accused of wrongdoing—and the right to bring someone else to trial if they wrong you. It can also be one of the worst.

The fact is, almost everyone is open to some sort of civil suit—even if they don’t do anything to deserve it. If you own a business, that liability is increased. In order to truly protect yourself against losing assets in a legal battle, you might need umbrella insurance.

Here’s how it works, how to get it, and how to decide if you really need it.

What is umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance protects people when they’re sued after an event that happened at their home, in their car, or because of something they did. For example, if you’re skiing and accidentally hurt a fellow skier on the slopes, they could sue you for medical expenses.

Or let’s say you’re hosting a party at your home and someone trips down the stairs. They could sue you for any injuries as well as emotional pain and suffering. While some insurance policies cover this type of personal liability, there are limits to what they can pay.

Once those limits have been met, your umbrella insurance policy will kick in. Think of umbrella insurance as a secondary policy, with your homeowners, renters or auto as your primary policy.

An umbrella policy will pay for your legal expenses and protect you if you lose the case. If you win, an umbrella policy would cover your lawyer’s fees.

If you’re sued and lose, the judge could award the plaintiff an amount that exceeds what you currently have. In this situation, the judge will usually allow the plaintiff to go after your future earnings until they receive what they’re owed.  If you have an umbrella policy, the insurance company will pay so your salary isn’t garnished for years to come. In other words, an umbrella policy covers your future earnings as well as your current assets.

When is it worth it?

It’s easy to be held liable for something that happened on your property—that’s why umbrella insurance is so popular. If you don’t own a home, have little to no net worth and don’t keep any dangerous equipment on your property, you can probably do without umbrella insurance.

However, most people should consider buying a policy. Umbrella insurance can be necessary if you fit one or more of these categories:

-People who own (or rent) boats, cars or other vehicles

-Coaches of youth sports

-People with dogs or dangerous pets

-Parents

-People who host guests in their home or on their property

-Anyone who own rental properties

-People who talk about other people or businesses

-People who volunteer their time and services

Many of these activities increase your chance of being involved in a lawsuit, even if they might seem harmless.

Umbrella insurance is a safeguard. It provides protection against claims and lawsuits from accidents you’ve caused and shields your future income from garnishment.

A $1 million policy is sufficient for most people and only costs $200 or less a year (about $16/month). It’s one of the most affordable insurance policies you can buy—less than the price of a few lattes.

Call your Aitken & Ormond agent to get rates, and see if you can get a discount for bundling with your other policies.

 

 

All members of your family driving your vehicle should be included in the auto insurance policy covering your car. After all, it pays to be cautious and prepared, and you’ll be in less financial risk if your insurance company acknowledges the person involved in an auto accident as someone covered by the insurance policy.

However, the rules can get confusing when it comes to teenagers—particularly those who are just driving on a learner’s permit. In Michigan, teenagers driving on a learner’s permit are not legally required to be enrolled in the family’s car insurance policy when driving the family vehicle. However, that doesn’t mean that they are automatically covered in the insurance policy should they get involved in a car accident.

There are various insurance companies in Michigan. They all have different provisions when it comes to covering uninsured teenagers involved in auto accidents.

Some car insurance companies need to have everyone registered on the insurance policy for them to be acknowledged. To be better prepared when it comes to accidents, you should study the contractual provisions of your insurance policy to see what it says about covering teenagers driving on a learner’s permit.

Auto Insurance Laws for Minors in Michigan

All individuals (including minors) that own vehicles in Michigan are required to have an insurance policy with the following minimum coverage:

$50,000 – bodily injury per person per accident

$100,000 – for all persons per crash

$10,000 – property damage liability

However, while these are the minimum rates, people are encouraged to seek insurance policies with higher limits to make sure that they are less vulnerable from financial risk if they ever get involved in an accident.

 

Considerations When Adding Your Teen under Your Auto Insurance Policy

You should definitely consider adding your teenager to your car insurance policy once they’ve acquired a learner’s permit. Here are some issues to consider when thinking about involving your teen driver in your family’s insurance policy:

• Inform your car insurance company of the change

Once you plan to include your teen under your family’s insurance policy, you should involve your insurance company as soon as possible. Listing your child in the insurance policy ensures that the insurance company will cover and recognize your teen if they ever get involved in an auto accident.

• Choose the optimal coverage for your teen driver

It has been mentioned earlier that there’s a minimum requirement needed if you want to register for car insurance as a minor. However, it is recommended that you choose a plan higher than the minimum. This helps make sure that you’re covered in case you get involved in an accident with thousands of dollars in damages. Adding an Umbrella policy is another way to cover items that exceed these limits.

If your child wants to wait to get a license that will certainly save you money. However, don’t be surprised if your insurance company asks you about your teen and if he is licensed. Insurers receive reports that list residents at your address and will know you have a teenager. If your child doesn’t have a permit or license, your insurance company may still list him on the policy, but as unlicensed and unrated. That won’t affect your premiums.

• Saving money on teen car insurance rates

High rates caused by adding a teenager to car insurance can be lessened, at least a bit, by getting discounts. Here are the common discounts teens or your household can receive that various companies provide:

Good student discount – Insurers advertise discounts of anywhere from 5 to 25% if your young driver does well in high school or college, typically defined as obtaining a GPA of 3.0 or above or ranking in the top 20% of their class.

Good driver discount – Keeping a clean record will allow your child to eventually receive a good driver discount, normally of 10 to 25%, though insurers may require the person be licensed and with a clean license for three to five years.

Family plan discount – Some auto insurers offer a discount specifically for unmarried young adults under age 21 who live with their parents. Also, some insurers give discounts for young drivers who obtain their own insurance plan with their parents’ insurer.

Student away discount – If your child goes off to college more than 100 miles away from your home and without a car, many insurance companies will offer a discount. The discount varies greatly from 5% to up to 35%, depending on your insurer.

Learning to drive is an important milestone in a young person’s life. Give us a call if you have any questions, we are here to make sure you and your teen are protected.

Jay Leno

04 March 2021

Once I had a gentleman on The Tonight Show who had climbed Mount Everest, which is an amazing feat that is nearly impossible for most people under the best of circumstances. But this guy was also blind. Imagine being 29,000 feet up, grabbing at snow, not knowing if it’s night or day, with the wind howling and every breath a challenge, and you can’t see anything. Anyway, he was a nice gentleman and an incredible athlete who afterward had been doing motivational speaking. I asked him how it was going and he sort of grimaced. He said the frustrating part was the meet-and-greet after, when at least one person in every audience would come up and say, “Yeah, I was going to climb Mount Everest, but, you know, the kids have soccer and work is crazy and I just haven’t gotten around to it.”

Like it was so easy except, you know, soccer practice. Here this fellow had trained his whole life to do something that maybe one out of 10 million people can do, had endured incredible hardship, and had even overcome the fact that he was blind, and people were so dismissive of it.

Maybe it’s because life has gotten pretty soft and we don’t make anything for ourselves anymore, but we’re losing respect for other people’s accomplishments and hard work, for what the human hand can do instead of just the human brain. I hear this all the time from guys who have their cars restored and who have never turned a wrench in their lives: All mechanics are crooks, they’ll overcharge you at every turn. They’ll moan about the high cost of a paint job, for example, not realizing that the paint is $600 a quart and somebody has to spend hours sanding it and finishing it because a good finish doesn’t come out of a rattle-can of Rust-Oleum.

 

Our appreciation or understanding of other people’s hard work is fading, and that rankles me. The last time I pulled a transmission out of something here at the garage, it took hours and my hands were bleeding and covered in grease, and I thought, “Some guy only makes a couple hundred bucks for doing that?” That’s why I don’t usually question a quote for something we need to get done outside the garage. Good work doesn’t seem expensive when you think about how much actual effort goes into it, and that someone needs to be able to make a living doing it or else nobody will do it. Besides, I have yet to meet anyone who is getting rich by sandblasting rusty parts or re-chroming bumpers. They’re not overcharging—in fact, they’re probably undercharging.

Well, nowadays we watch these shows where they restore a car in a weekend, literally, and it seems so easy. The sparks are flying and guys are trying to ram a big-screen TV into the dash, and after a couple of commercial breaks and some pounding music, the car is done. It gives people an unrealistic picture of what it takes to restore a car—the thousands of hours, many of which are never billed. Just the amount of research a restorer has to do, figuring out how things go together and what is supposed to be original, is huge.

These days, Amazon will drop a package on your doorstep the same day you order it, so we’re also losing touch with how long things take in the real world. A very famous country western star called me not long ago and said, “It’s my husband’s birthday, he’s always wanted a 1953 Ford F-100, a red one, and I want to get one for his birthday. Can you get me one?” I said I couldn’t promise it would be red, but I would look around. Then I asked when his birthday is. She said, “Thursday.” I said, “This is Tuesday! I’m not going to find a car in two days. It takes a while!” She didn’t get it.

Next time you’re walking a car show, before you judge some guy because his paint isn’t perfect, think about how much of the work you do yourself. Unlike everything else we buy these days, there’s nothing quick, easy, or cheap about old cars. And while few of us will ever climb Mount Everest, restoring a classic car is enough of a mountain for most people. Give them some credit.

Everything You Need to Know

You need insurance. We all do. In some cases it’s required by law, in others it’s required by the unwritten code of being a responsible adult that owns things. So, what’s the best way to buy it?

Online or with an agent? What kind of agent – independent or captive? Oh, and what does this all mean? We think life is complicated enough; your insurance doesn’t have to be.

What is an independent insurance agent?

An independent insurance agent is a trained and licensed professional that tailors programs to meet their customer’s specific needs. They can do this because they work with many insurance carriers, rather than just one. They are locally based and operate out of their own local insurance agency.

This may surprise some people, but an independent agent is a small-business owner. Agents are not an employee of the insurance companies whose products they offer.  The insurance agency is often run by a few agents and administrative staff members. Oftentimes its family owned. Another misconception is that they sell their own insurance products. They do not. Instead, they work on behalf of their customers to obtain policies from insurance companies.

Now, it’s important to point out that every insurance agency you see is not an independent agency. There are also captive/exclusive agencies that operate differently.

What’s the difference between independent insurance agents and other insurance agents?

The main difference is that independent insurance agents offer more choices than captive/exclusive insurance agents. Captive/exclusive agents offer only one insurance company’s products. This means they can only place your policy with that one company.  Independent agents, on the other hand, have options. They can place your policy with one of the several insurance companies they work with to make sure your unique needs are met.

Summary: Independent insurance agents help you find a policy with one of the several insurance companies they work with at their agency. Other, captive or exclusive, insurance agents can help you find a policy with the one insurance company they work with at their agency.

So, what’s the best way to buy insurance? If you ask us, an independent insurance agent!

 

What are the advantages?

1. Your local independent agency is your one-stop shop for all types of insurance. Since independent agents offer a variety of insurance products from several insurance companies, you are more likely to be able to handle all of your insurance needs in one place rather than trying to coordinate with businesses all over town. Most independent agencies offer life, home, car and business insurance. This means you may only need one point of contact for all your policies.
2. Local support from somebody you know. Many customers share stories about their independent agent being the first one on the scene after losing their home to a storm or fire. Agents take their job seriously, especially when their customers experience a loss. They know you personally and are ready to help when you need it most. For many agents, this is why they became insurance agents – to help people during hard times.
3. You can have the same point of contact even if you want to switch insurance providers. Let’s say you are interested in changing your insurance. When you have an independent agent, you don’t have to go back to the drawing board. Instead, you can call the same agency and they can help coordinate the switch. This means you can often stay with your same agent even if you switch insurance providers. This way you can continue to work with the person you’ve built a relationship with and who knows your needs.
4. Your independent agent knows your community, because it’s their community too. Independent agents live and work in your community, maybe even in your neighborhood. This means they personally understand the insurance needs specific to your area. This is extremely valuable since insurance requirements vary from state to state. Your local, independent agent can offer you more personalized guidance than a 1-800 number or website can.
5. Expert advice means you’ll have confidence and peace of mind. Do you really want a flashy website form and an automated formula to be what stands between you and financial distress in the event of a claim? With an independent agent, you will receive expert guidance from their experience. And, if you need to file a claim you will know whom to call. Not to mention, if you have questions about your policy you can call your agent. This beats waiting on hold for what feels like forever just to get a simple question answered.
6. You get insurance that fits your needs rather than a one-size-fits-all policy. When you call or visit an independent insurance agent, they will work with you to review several options for your insurance. This allows them to focus on finding a policy that fits your needs rather than fitting your needs into what one insurance company offers.
7. Working with a local, independent agent means you are supporting a local business. Most independent agencies are locally owned. Many agencies are owned and operated by a family from your community. So, when you call the agency to find your policy or inquire about a potential claim you are likely calling a familiar area code rather than a 1-800 number.

 

What about all those cheap and easy options I see online?

We’re not going to pretend there isn’t an option to buy insurance online, directly from other insurance companies. Because, well, there is. They like to convey that insurance can be cheap and easy. They say you can get a quote fast and get the cheapest coverage.

But, let’s take a second and ask ourselves if “cheap and easy” is how we want to describe one of the most important financial decisions we make in our adult lives? Does cheap and easy give you confidence?

Alternatively, would you find confidence in the fact that a licensed professional that knows your name has your back? The expert that you know personally did a thorough review with you when you purchased your policy. They looked it over, they know the companies and put your assets with the company they know from experience provides the coverage you need.

Call, email or drop by any of our three Aitken & Ormond locations to speak with one of our Agents. We have been serving the community since 1948 and are here to help you with your insurance needs.

 

Warm, weather, sunshine and time away. Traveling by RV or boat is a fun way to make the most of the warm Michigan spring/summer months.

Make sure you have the right insurance when heading out on the open road or water.

Boat Insurance

Marinas often request proof of insurance before allowing you to rent a dock or boat slip. Even if you don’t plan to contract with a marina, boat insurance is a wise investment in order to have sufficient protection for yourself, your passengers and your watercraft. Listing a boat on your homeowner’s policy will only provide limited coverage.

Regardless if it’s a sailboat, speedboat or other vessel, being out on the water poses unique risks such as hitting a pier, dock, buoy or other boat. Beyond collision, someone may suffer an injury, or your boat may fall victim to vandalism, fire or theft. With the proper coverage, you can be insured for medical costs, bodily injury, and property liability and damage to your boat and equipment, as well as to others. While customizing your policy to your needs, you should also go over exclusions with your insurance agent.

When discussing your boat insurance quote, be prepared to share as much information as possible about your boat usage and storage as well as descriptive information such as the age, type, length, horsepower and value.

RV Insurance

Whether you are traveling to a favorite campground or exploring a series of small towns, RVing comes with special insurance needs.

More than a vehicle, an RV is a home while you travel or may even be your permanent residence. Even the electronics within an RV differ from a typical vehicle. You may have outfitted your camper with a satellite dish and more expensive sound equipment that needs protection. When selecting RV insurance, your premium will differ if you live in your RV versus using it for trips, as full-time RVers need coverage similar to a homeowner’s policy.

Also consider the amount and types of personal property that you will be storing in your RV as you travel and speak to your agent to make sure your policy is crafted to provide the coverage you’re expecting in the event of a loss.

RV insurance should provide you with liability coverage for bodily injury and property. This covers costs if you cause damage to another vehicle or cause an injury during an accident. RV owners may also be liable for claims from guests and should make sure their policies are designed to cover injuries and property damage that occur in your RV as well as on your campsite.

Because of the amount of time spent on the road, another important feature of RV insurance is total loss replacement coverage if your RV is totaled in an accident. You might prefer a policy that provides you with the replacement value of the RV – a new, comparable RV – instead of the “actual cost” or depreciated value. (Depending on the type of boat, you should also look into this on a boat policy.)

Contact your Aitken & Ormond Insurance Agent today for more information about RV or Boat Insurance

Tips to Prepare for Severe Spring Weather

Severe Weather Awareness Week will be held March 22-28, with the Statewide Tornado Drill being conducted on March 25th at 1 p.m. We hope the tornado drill begins a broader conversation about emergency preparedness.

For the last several years Michigan has experienced significant weather situations involving flooding, thunderstorms, damaging winds and tornadoes. We at Aitken & Ormond strongly encourage folks to set aside time to review their insurance protection plan with their agent to ensure they are adequately protected if financial loss is experienced.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is not included in a typical homeowner’s and renter’s policy. It is instead made available by a federal program. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective. You should also inquire with your agent if coverage for damage caused by a sewer or drain back-up is available and appropriate to add to your policy.

Advance Insurance Planning Tips

Be sure you have adequate insurance coverage and deductibles that are reasonable for your needs. Damage caused by rain, hail, lightning and tornadoes are generally covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy and an auto insurance policy’s “comprehensive” or “other than collision” coverage. Call your agent or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 888-379-9531 and visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance. Include many details as you need and take photos of your possessions.

Post Storm Recovery and Insurance Tips

Call your insurance agent or company as soon as you can. Be sure your agent knows how to contact you, especially if you have to move out of your home. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage if permitted by public safety authorities and if you will not endanger yourself. Closely inspect your property and cars for damage. Note and photograph any damage. If required to seek temporary housing, check your homeowner’s insurance policy for “loss of use” coverage. Be sure everything is considered in your claim. Back up claims with written estimates.

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud

Obtain a list of reputable contractors from your insurance company, the Better Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization. Contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate. Do not allow a contractor to inspect your property when you are not home. If you give a contractor permission to inspect your property, personally watch them conduct the inspection.

Obtain the terms and conditions of the project in writing. Avoid signing a contract until the document is reviewed fully and/or discuss the terms of the contract with a legal representative or a trusted adviser. Pay the contractor by check or credit card, rather than in cash, and do not pay in full until all work has been finished.

You can visit Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Toolkit at www.michigan.gov/miready/ and download the Emergency Kit Checklist under the Plan Ahead Tab. You may contact any of our Aitken & Ormond office locations with any insurance questions or concerns.

Aggressive Driving Could Mean Compromised Coverage

Road rage incidents are not only dangerous, they are exempted from coverage by many auto insurance policies. Understand your risks and take precautionary measures to avoid being a victim—or a cause—of aggressive driving accidents. Crowded highways and traffic backups at times cause drivers to lose control and become extremely aggressive. Road rage is a real problem that can lead to serious accidents or even incidents of violence on the road. It’s important to realize that road rage is listed as an exemption in many auto insurance policies. This is because any damage or liability stemming from aggressive driving isn’t considered an accident but rather as having been caused by risky behavior. Rather than risk paying the consequences of road rage—one of which may be not having your auto insurance claim paid—it’s best to avoid a dangerous and costly aggressive driving incident in the first place.

If you encounter an aggressive drive on the road…

Stay as far away as possible. Slow down or change lanes if need be, let the driver pass you and give yourself room at intersections to drive away. Record a description of the car and note the license plate number if possible so that you can report him or her to the police for the sake of everyone’s safety. Do not engage with or challenge the offender in any way. Ignore the driver’s rudeness and don’t give into the temptation to react in kind or you might escalate the risky behavior. Put your safety first. If an aggressive driver starts to follow you, keep your doors locked, and head to the nearest police station. Never stop and confront an aggressive driver.

If you have a short fuse yourself, stay cool and…

Leave plenty of time to get where you need to go. When you’re in a hurry, your patience is short and you are much more likely to become aggravated. Remember other drivers are not annoying you on purpose. People make mistakes or they might be driving more slowly for a reason—they might be lost, or their sight might be impaired by sun glare. Don’t use hand—or single finger—gestures other than a wave to someone who lets you into your lane. Don’t tailgate slow drivers. Hanging on another car’s back bumper is dangerous. If the car in front of you has to stop short and you rear-end it, the accident would be considered your fault. Don’t honk your horn insistently. Leaning on your horn is a bad practice. While it might make you feel better to express your frustration in a traffic jam, it won’t make anyone go any faster, it’s annoying to other drivers and passengers and it increases everyone’s stress level, which may lead to more aggressive behavior.

Never stop to confront another driver. It could lead to a dangerous situation for all concerned.

Business insurance protects you from the unexpected costs of running a business. Accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits could run you out of business if you’re not protected with the right insurance.

Business insurance can fill in the gaps to make sure both your personal assets and your business assets are fully protected from unexpected catastrophes.

In some instances, you might be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance.

Some states also require additional insurance. Laws requiring insurance vary by state, so visit your state’s website to find out the requirements for your business.

Six common types of business insurance

As a general rule, you should insure against things you wouldn’t be able to pay for on your own.

Here are six common kinds of business insurance to look for.

Insurance Type	Who it’s For	What it Does
General liability insurance	Any business	This coverage protects against financial loss as the result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits, and settlement bonds or judgments.
Product liability insurance	Businesses that manufacture, wholesale, distribute, and retail a product.	This coverage protects against financial loss as a result of a defective product that causes injury or bodily harm.
Professional liability insurance	Businesses that provide services to customers	This coverage protects against financial loss as a result of malpractice, errors, and negligence
Commercial property insurance	Businesses with a significant amount of property and physical assets.	This coverage protects your business against loss and damage of company property due to a wide variety of events such as fire, smoke, wind and hail storms, civil disobedience and vandalism.
Home-based business insurance	Businesses that are run out of the owner’s personal home.	Coverage that’s added to homeowner’s insurance as a rider can offer protection for a small amount of business equipment and liability coverage for third-party injuries.
Business owner’s policy	Most small business owners, but especially home-based business owners.	A business owner’s policy is an insurance package that combines all of the typical coverage options into one bundle. They simplify the insurance buying process and can save you money.

 

Four steps to buy business insurance

Assess your risks. Think about what kind of accidents, natural disasters, or lawsuits could damage your business.

Find a reputable licensed agent. Commercial insurance agents can help you find policies that match your business needs.

Shop around. Prices and benefits can vary significantly. You should compare rates, terms, and benefits for insurance.

Re-assess every year. As your business grows, so do your liabilities. If you have purchased or replaced equipment or expanded operations, you should contact your insurance agent to discuss changes in your business and how they affect your coverage.

As always, if you have more business insurance related questions do not hesitate to contact our Aitken & Ormond Insurance offices!