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Winter in Michigan. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to address glass issues. This could include windshield calibration.

Automotive technology is constantly evolving and windshields are no exception. In fact, they are a vital component to the safety of your vehicle. That means fixing and replacing them is a more complex process than it once was.

These days, newer model vehicles have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This involves other pieces of equipment that work in conjunction with your windshield.

Cameras, sensors, and additional mounted items can affect how your car functions and must be adjusted (i.e. “calibrated”) whenever your windshield is replaced.

What is a Windshield Calibration?

So, you’re wondering what is calibrating a windshield and how it’s a requirement for replacement. As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have made cars safer over the years, they must be maintained to work efficiently. Features like lane departure warnings and forward collision detection are complicated and delicate technologies.

In order to function safely, an ADAS system relies on sensors, cameras, and other equipment mounted to a car’s windshield. Calibration is a method of adjusting a system and realigning all of the parts.

When a windshield is replaced, the ADAS-related equipment (like cameras and sensors) is removed and then re-attached. A change of just one degree in a camera angle can have a large impact on the vehicle’s viewing area.

The calibration process will adjust and test all of the cameras and sensors on the windshield. This is to ensure everything is functioning properly after windshield replacement.

Does my Windshield need Calibration?

The simple answer is that any modern vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system will require windshield calibration at some point.

Here is a list of the most common ADAS and driver’s assistance features you should know of when you call to schedule a windshield replacement:

• Rain sensing wipers
• Automatic headlights
• Heads-ups displays
• Shade band
• Forward collision alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assistance (LKA)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
• Pedestrian detection (PD)
• Blind-spot monitoring

If you’re unsure of what type of ADAS features your car carries, contact your dealership or the auto shop that currently services your car. You can also check out your vehicle manual.

In general, the calibration process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and done at the same time as your window replacement. Contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent if you have any questions about glass replacement coverage on your policy.

Love may be priceless, but traditional Valentine Day gifts can be expensive and should have financial protection with the proper insurance coverage.

While there is no way to insure the sentimental value of jewelry or other gifts, having them properly covered will at least provide financial protection in the event it is lost or stolen.

Contact your insurance agent immediately

Let your agent know that you are now in possession of an expensive piece of jewelry or other costly items. Your agent can help you figure out how much coverage you already have and whether you need additional insurance.

Have the item appraised

Heirlooms and items that were purchased several years ago will need to be appraised for their dollar value. It is important that expensive items be appraised properly. If you add a floater or endorsement to your policy for the item, your premium will be based on the appraised value and, in the event of a claim, you will be compensated accordingly.

Keep a copy of the store receipt

Forward a copy of the receipt to your Agent or carrier so that the company knows the current retail value of the item. Keep a copy for yourself and include it with your home inventory.

Store valuables in a secure location

Protect your jewelry by storing it in a secure location in your home. If you do not plan to wear the item regularly or are holding it for a child, consider keeping it in a safe deposit box. You may save money on the cost of insuring it as some companies offer “in vault” coverage. If you want to wear the jewelry for a special occasion, many insurers will offer the option of purchasing additional coverage for the time it is out of the bank; you should, of course, notify your Agent or carrier ahead of time if you plan to do this.

Update the value of your valuables

Expensive items can go up or go down in value. Talk to your Agent about how to make sure the dollar amount of your floater or endorsement for your item reflects these changes.

Take a picture of the item

Get into the habit of keeping a visual record of all of your personal possessions. This helps to document your loss and can speed up the claims process. It is also useful when documenting antique and unusual pieces of jewelry.

Add the item to your home inventory

Everyone should have an up-to-date inventory of their personal possessions, including valuables. This can help you purchase the correct amount of insurance. It will also make the claims process easier if you suffer a loss. Contact your Aitken & Ormond Insurance agent if you have questions about adding your special Valentine’s gift to your policy, we are here for you.

If you’ve owned your home for a while, you may want to refinance or contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent to start comparing quotes with different carriers. Then you remember: Your insurance premiums are paid through an escrow account.

You realize you’re not entirely sure what escrow means, and what happens if you change your insurance carrier. But changing homeowners insurance, even when it’s paid through escrow, is pretty painless. Just follow the steps below.

First, what’s an escrow account? If closing day was the last time you heard the words “escrow account,” here’s a quick refresher:

It’s where your lender stashes a portion of each mortgage payment you make. Your lender uses the funds to pay property tax and homeowners insurance bills on your behalf. Escrow makes paying taxes and insurance a “set it and forget it type of thing.”

Now that you remember how escrow works, let’s tackle the original issue: Changing homeowners insurance when the premiums are paid through an escrow account.

Give your mortgage servicer a heads-up. You don’t have to tell your mortgage servicer before changing your carrier, but you should. Cluing them in will let you know what to expect from the process and help you avoid inadequate coverage.

Your mortgage company wants to be sure the new policy will pay to replace your home if it’s completely destroyed.

If you change homeowners insurance without notifying your mortgage servicer, send a copy of the new declarations page and written notice that you canceled the old policy as soon as possible.

Another good tip is to buy the new policy before canceling the old. A lapse in coverage could spell trouble if Murphy’s Law strikes. Play it safe by scheduling your new policy to be active before the old one is canceled.

You may get a refund check for unused premiums if you cancel in the middle of your policy. But don’t rush out to spend it; you may need to return those funds to the escrow account to pay for the new policy.

Leave the rest up to your servicer. As soon as you schedule the switch, notify your mortgage servicer. Your records will be updated so future payments go to the right company.

If your new homeowner’s insurance policy premium is lower, switching may result in an escrow surplus check at the end of the year. If your new premium is higher, you may owe the escrow some money. But don’t worry about misdirected funds: Anything you’ve put into escrow will either come back to you as a refund or be used to pay future premiums.

As always contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent if you have any questions. We are here to help.

It was announced early December that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) will refund $3 billion of its $5 billion projected surplus, resulting in refunds of $400 per vehicle. Every eligible insured Michigan driver as of Oct. 31, 2021, will receive refunds during the second quarter of 2022.

Under the 2019 no-fault law changes, the MCCA was to analyze the need for a refund to motorists in September of 2022. The surplus funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies by March 9, 2022. The Insurance Carriers will be responsible for issuing checks to eligible policyholders. Insurance companies will have no longer than 60 days after receiving the funds to issue refund checks.

Aitken & Ormond Insurance will keep you updated and additional information and answers to any questions can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-13648_60666_109325—,00.htm

Whether you run out of fuel, puncture a tire, or slip off a snowy road, a car emergency kit can help you get back on the road safely and quickly.

In addition to the items listed below, keeping a cell phone on hand is always recommended. Make sure your phone is charged every time you get in the car and keep a spare cell phone charger and a rechargeable battery pack in your emergency kit as well.

CAR EMERGENCY KIT LIST

Keep the below items in a bag in your trunk. Ideally, we’d suggest keeping these items in a clear, plastic container so it’s easy to see and locate everything. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or create your own.

Minimum Supplies:

In an emergency situation, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, the National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:

1. Blankets, mittens, socks and hats
2. Ice scraper and snow brush
3. Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
4. Jumper cables
5. First-aid kit (band-aides, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap)
6. Bottled water
7. Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife)
8. Road flares or reflective warning triangles
9. Windshield cleaner
10. Extra Supplies for Frigid Weather

Add the items below to your emergency kit during the wintry snowy times of the year.

1. A bag of sand to help with traction (or bag of non-clumping cat litter)
2. Collapsible or folding snow shovel
3. Blanket
4. Tire chains and tow strap
5. Hand warmers
6. Winter boots for longer trips
7. Sleeping bag for longer trips

Note: Use salt for de-icing driveways and roads. (Excess salinity can damage vegetation and contaminate groundwater, however. So, with this in mind, salt your driveway only when you must, and try not to use more than necessary.)

Other Essentials:

1. Small fire extinguisher (5-lb., Class B and Class C type) in case of a car fire
2. Tire gauge to check inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire
3. Jack and lug wrench to change a tire
4. Rags and hand cleaner (such as baby wipes)
5. Duct tape
6. Foam tire sealant for minor tire punctures
7. Rain poncho
8. Nonperishable high-energy foods such as unsalted and canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, hard candy.
9. Battery– or hand-crank–powered radio
10. Lighter and box of matches (in a waterproof container)
11. Scissors and string or cord
12. Spare change and cash
13. Compass
14. Paper maps

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING

Before You Go

• If you must travel, make sure you share your travel plans and route with someone before you leave.
• If you become stranded in bad winter weather, do not leave your car. Don’t try to push your vehicle out of snow. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or any object.
• Besides checking the weather, it’s important to have a mechanic check the condition of the following vehicle systems before heading out on the road.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank filled above halfway to avoid a gas line freeze-up

Winter Driving Tips

• Beware of black ice. Roads may look clear, but they may still be slippery.
• Stuck without traction and lacking sand or cat litter? In a pinch, you can take the floor mats out of your car, place them next to the tires, and slowly inch the car onto and across the mats.
• Make sure windows are defrosted and clear. And be sure to clear snow and ice from the top of the vehicle! Gently rub a small, moistened, cloth bag of iodized salt on the outside of your windshield to prevent the ice and snow from sticking.
• To restore proper windshield wiper blade action, smooth the rubber blades with fine sandpaper to remove any grit and pits.
• Fog-proof your mirrors and the inside of your windshields with shaving cream. Spray and wipe it off with paper towels.
• Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.
• Look and steer in the direction you want to go. Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Know whether you have antilock brakes, which will “pump” the brakes for you in a skid.
• If possible, don’t stop when going uphill.
• Signal distress with a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna or in a rolled up window.

Keep a copy of your insurance certificate in your vehicle with roadside assistance and carrier contact information. And remember, we are always just a call away for you here at Aitken & Ormond Insurance.

‘Tis the season when even those who know a thing or two about Internet scams tend to let down their guard in the face of an eye-popping discount or the stress of last-minute holiday shopping. So here’s a quick refresher course on how to make it through the next few weeks without getting snookered online.

Adopting a shopping strategy of simply buying from the online merchant with the lowest advertised prices can be a bit like playing Russian Roulette with your wallet, for the simple reason that there are tons of completely fake e-commerce sites out there looking to separate the unwary from their credit card details.

Even people who shop mainly at big-name online stores can get scammed if they’re not wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. Here are some other safety and security tips to keep in mind when shopping online:

WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK ‘EM OUT:

If you don’t know much about the online merchant that has the item you wish to buy, take a few minutes to investigate its reputation. After all, it’s not uncommon for bargain basement phantom Web sites to materialize during the holiday season, and then vanish forever not long afterward.

If you’re buying from an online store that is brand new, the risk that you will get scammed increases significantly.  How do you know the lifespan of a site selling that must-have gadget at the lowest price? One easy way to get a quick idea is to run a basic WHOIS search on the site’s domain name. The more recent the site’s “created” date, the more likely it is a phantom store.

USE A CREDIT CARD:

It’s nearly impossible for consumers to tell how secure a main street or online merchant is, and safety seals or testimonials that something is “hacker safe” are a guarantee of nothing. Such sites are just as likely to be compromised as e-commerce sites without these security seals.

It’s best just to shop as if they’re all compromised. With that in mind, if you have the choice between using a credit or debit card, shop with your credit card.

Sure, the card associations and your bank are quick to point out that you’re not liable for fraudulent charges that you report in a timely manner, whether it’s debit or a credit card. But this assurance may ring hollow if you wake up one morning to find your checking accounts emptied by card thieves after shopping at a breached merchant with a debit card.

Who pays for the fees levied against you by different merchants when your checks bounce? You do. Does the bank reimburse you when your credit score takes a ding because your mortgage or car payment was late? No.

THE PADLOCK IS SECURE?:

For years, consumers have been told to look for the padlock when shopping online. Maybe this was once sound advice. But, the “look for the lock” has created a false sense of security for many Internet users, and has contributed to a dangerous and widespread misunderstanding about what the lock icon is really meant to convey.

To be clear, you absolutely should run away from any e-commerce site that does not include the padlock (i.e., its Web address does not begin with “https://”).  But the presence of a padlock icon next to the Web site name in your browser’s address bar does not mean the site is legitimate. Nor is it any sort of testimonial that the site has security against intrusion from hackers.

The https:// part of the address merely signifies that the data being transmitted back and forth between your browser and the site is encrypted and can’t be read by third parties.

Now that anyone can get SSL certificates for free, phishers and other scammers that practice their trade via fake Web sites are starting to up their game. According to PhishLabs, roughly half of all phishing sites now feature the padlock.

CHECK THE SHIPPING:

Often times, items that are advertised at steeper discounts than other online stores make up for it by charging way more than normal for shipping and handling.

Be careful what you agree to: Check to make sure you know how long the item will take to be shipped, and that you understand the store’s return policies. Also, keep an eye out for hidden surcharges, and be wary of casually clicking “ok” during the checkout process.

DON’T TAKE THE BAIT:

Be on guard against phishing and malware schemes that take advantage of shopper distraction and frenzy during the holidays. In years past we’ve seen both leverage emails crafted to look like they were sent from a name-brand store claiming that there was a problem with your order or some component of the shipping process.

One perennial phishing and malware scam that seems to kick into high gear around the holidays is spam that seems to have been sent by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS or some other shipping service, warning of a wayward package.

When in doubt about such a message, visit the site you ordered from or your package is being shipped from directly, and avoid clicking on links or attachments in the email — particularly messages that warn of some dire consequences unless you act quickly. Phishers and malware schemes typically seize upon some kind of emergency to create a false alarm that often causes recipients to temporarily let their guard down.

CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS:

Some credit card companies offer cardholders that ability to use “virtual credit cards” — apps that generate a unique, credit card number that is good for just one purchase or for a short period of time. The idea being that if fraudsters compromise the virtual card number, your bank doesn’t have to issue you a new card and you won’t have the headache that comes with entering new card details at all of the sites where you’ve set up automatic monthly payments.

Most importantly, keep a close eye on your monthly statements. Most scammers wait until the holidays to cram through a bunch of unauthorized charges on stolen cards, so that the bogus purchases would get buried amid a flurry of other legitimate transactions. That’s why it’s key to closely review your credit card bill and to quickly dispute any charges you didn’t authorize.

BUDDY UP:

If you’re planning to spend time with friends and family this holiday season, consider giving the gift of your time and helping out with a security checkup. This might involve making sure that their new or old PC has up-to-date security software, or locking down their wireless router by enabling security features and disabling risky ones.

If you’re visiting parents or older relatives, consider helping them bookmark at various online sites and services if they haven’t already done so, such as at the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, or their wireless phone provider and/or Internet Service Provider (ISP). You might even take a minute to explain the perils of re-using passwords across multiple sites.

The internet has completely changed the shopping experience. People have easy and convenient access to products around the globe. Don’t let this year’s busy holiday season catch you off guard. Happy holidays and happy shopping from your Team at Aitken & Ormond Insurance.

Small Business Saturday is November 27^th 2021

Small businesses, like the family-owned businesses or mom-and-pop shops, are the lifeblood of our nation’s economy. There are more than 31 million small businesses in the U.S., which accounts for 99.8 percent of all firms. They employ 60 million people, create more than two-thirds of all new jobs, and generate close to half of our gross domestic product (GDP). Small Business Saturday is an annual event that celebrates these and the countless other achievements of small businesses.

Why Do Businesses Need Business Insurance? Because accidents can happen at any time. And when they do, business insurance helps pay for damages you’d otherwise have to cover out-of-pocket.

There are plenty of reasons you need business insurance coverage for your company. Having it helps:

-Save you time, money and stress

-Protect your business from damages

-Provide benefits to your employees

To make sure you’re protected, you’ll want to consider these business insurance coverages:

-Commercial property insurance

-General liability insurance

-Business income insurance

-Data breach insurance

-Workers’ compensation insurance

Some reasons for business insurance coverage are:

Business Insurance Is Required By Law: Most states require small business insurance. Without it, your business may face financial losses if:

-A customer sues you after getting hurt at your place of business.

-A fire destroys your building or inventory.

-A computer with your clients’ personal information on it is stolen.

Business Insurance Protects Your Employees: Workers’ Compensation Insurance covers your employees if they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, it provides benefits like:

-Medical care

-Missed wages

-Funeral benefits

Business Insurance Protects Your Customers: A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines business property and business liability coverage into one to help protect your business from:

-Property damage

-Personal and advertising injury

-Bodily injury

-Product liability

For instance, if one of your customers slips, breaks their leg and needs to go to the hospital, your BOP can help pay for their medical costs.

There is also data breach insurance to help protect your business and customers if a security breach occurs. This coverage can help pay for:

-Identity protection solutions

-Public relations

-Legal fees

-Liability

Business Insurance Builds Credibility: Your business insurance does more than protect your business. Having the right policies shows your customers and contractors that you take managing risk seriously. It also helps communicate to everyone that you’ll provide the right protection, no matter what accident occurs.

Business Insurance Helps with Lawsuits: Every company can get sued and face legal fees. One of the reasons you need business insurance is to help cover the costs. For example, if you have an injured employee that sues you, your workers’ compensation insurance can help pay the legal fees. And, if that injured worker ends up with a disability, workers’ compensation can act as disability insurance and provide them with benefits.

We love serving small businesses, and we’re here to help any way we can. You can learn more about how to get business insurance by calling Aitken and Ormond at 586-949-5570 today.

When Do We “Fall Back” In 2021?

The first Sunday in November is when Daylight Saving Time ends in most areas of the U.S. We will “fall back” one hour and return to Standard Time on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 2 a.m. So be sure to set your clocks back one hour before bed Saturday night. While setting back your clocks, it is a good time to check out your smoke detectors!

Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety devices you can install in your home. It’s absolutely vital to test them regularly to ensure that they will work during a fire and replacing smoke detector batteries is critical to their usefulness and to keep your home and your family safe.

When selecting a smoke detector, keep the following in mind:

• Photoelectric units are better for smoldering fires—such as electrical fires in the walls—so they’re ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where these fires tend to occur.
• Ionization units give the surrounding air an electrical charge and then measure whether the charge remains constant or if a fire consumes the oxygen in the air. These units are better suited to areas where fires get out of control, such as a basement or near a furnace.

Use this guide to ensure that your smoke detectors are working properly:

• Press the test button on the unit and wait for it to sound.
• Light a candle and hold it 6 inches below, so the heated air will rise into the detector.
• If the alarm doesn’t sound within 20 seconds, blow the candle and let the smoke rise.
• If the alarm still doesn’t sound, open the detector and clean the unit. Then, test the unit again.
• If the detector still isn’t working, it should be replaced immediately.

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.