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Janis-Shunta Insurance Blog

Condo insurance: Protecting Your Corner of the World

You Have Friends In Muskegon, MI

Whether you are new to the area or have been a long time resident of the beautiful landscape of Muskegon, know you have friends.

Be The King Or Queen of Your Castle

At Janis-Shunta Insurance, the staff understands that your pending purchase of a condo is a huge responsibility. Maybe you’ve owned your condo for a while and never considered that condominiums have special needs when it comes to effective insurance coverage. Owning a condo is a unique combination of certain aspects of apartment insurance and many more aspects of home insurance.

Condo insurance is similar to apartment insurance in that you do not have to protect the surrounding buildings that your condo is connected to. Your main concern is protecting your “four walls.” That’s why it is so important to speak with an expert in condo insurance to understand if you are  following the guidelines set forth in your agreement with the building owners.

Depending upon the type of structure and how your condo is designed, some standalone condos are part of a huge multi dwelling structure. The type of insurance that you will require will undoubtedly be different. Sometimes, it is not very clear to see what you have to insure. Some agreements stipulate that the condo owner must insure some of the common areas of the property which houses your condominium.

Speaking with an insurance agent at Janis-Shunta Insurance about your condo insurance needs today will let you know if you’re on the right track or not. Serving Muskegon, MI, and the surrounding areas, our professionals will guide you toward the appropriate condo insurance policy. Call or stop in today to have a professional review your existing policy to make sure that you are fully protected or help you with your brand new coverage needs.

 

Protect Your Toys in Michigan with Recreation Insurance

The outdoors are filled with opportunities for fun and adventure. Having the “toys” to enjoy Michigan’s summer and winter activities make it more enjoyable to live here. Whether you have a boat, RV, jet ski, or other recreational vehicles, it is essential to have them protected with appropriate insurance. While Michigan does not require that a boat, for instance, be insured, it is wise to protect it in case it is damaged or vandalized. Also, recreational insurance will also give you liability coverage if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. The agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance in Muskegon, MI fully understands the types of outdoor activities most people participate in so you are able to make sure that you have the coverage you need.

If you enjoy the outdoor life, it’s important that you protect your equipment from damage or theft. If your boat or ATV is damaged or destroyed, with a good insurance policy, you will be able to have it repaired or even replaced. It is vital that you spend a little time with your agent so that you fully understand what is covered and what isn’t. Given how you use the vehicle, there may be several different policy options to choose from. Also, if the boat, recreational vehicle, or ATV is only used a few months of the year, there may be a clause allowing you to defer coverage while it’s not in use. These are things that the agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you with. You can find more information through our website or you can visit our offices for personalized service. 

Reach out to our agents to learn how to get a quote and get started on a policy.

Can an Umbrella Policy Help Pay Medical Expenses for an Auto Accident?

Being injured in a car accident in Muskegon, MI can be an overwhelming experience. From trying to focus on your recovery to communicating with insurance agencies, even a minor injury can be stressful. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether or not your insurance is going to help cover any medical expenses. Let’s take a look at how insurance works and what types of policies from Janis-Shunta Insurance can generally be used to pay for medical expenses incurred from being in a car accident. 

Personal Liability 

Personal liability coverage on a vehicle can be used to cover medical expenses. Your policy, however, has a limit on it. If your expenses exceed your limit, then you will have to dip into your pockets to cover the debt. Many drivers choose to get the minimum amount of personal liability coverage required by their state. Even though doing so is enough to keep them legally on the road, it is often a good idea to increase the coverage. For example, if your current personal liability coverage has a limit of $30,000 and your medical expenses exceed this amount, then you will, of course, wish that you had purchased extra coverage. 

Umbrella Insurance

You also have the option to invest in an umbrella insurance policy. This type of insurance can be used if your existing auto policy is exhausted, such as your medical bills exceeding their limits. It is important to understand that umbrella insurance cannot be used without an existing auto policy. It simply acts as a supplement, not an actual insurance policy. 

Underinsured Motorist

There may be some instances in which underinsured motorist coverage can be tapped into to pay for medical expenses. This is usually allowed if your injuries exceed the limit of the payout given to you by the at-fault driver. 

To learn more about insurance and medical expenses, contact Janis-Shunta Insurance today serving the Muskegon, MI area. 

How Is Condo Insurance Different From Regular Policies?

If you’re thinking about investing in a condo, there are a few things you might not have considered. One of them is insurance. You might be thinking that condo insurance is just like home insurance, but there are some key differences. Janis-Shunta Insurance has those differences spelled clearly for you. So, if you want a home away from Muskegon, MI, keep these things in mind.

Your Responsibility

The biggest difference in insurances is what belongs to you. With a house, you own the building, everything in it, and the surrounding property. With a condo, you don’t even technically own the building (usually). Instead, you’re only insuring what is inside the walls. This usually applies to personal belongings, furniture, fixtures, and appliances. Since you’re responsible for less with a condo, your policies can be less expensive as a reflection of that. However, that isn’t the whole story, and other factors can have a large impact on your premiums.

Vacancies

Every condo is different, but it’s a common practice for a condo to remain unoccupied for large swaths of time. This is the trickiest part of condo insurance. Most insurers won’t cover a home with no permanent occupants, and a lot of companies shy away from condos for similar reasons. It may sound counterintuitive, but unoccupied buildings are at a greater risk of damage and theft. The amount of time your condo spends empty can dramatically impact the cost of insurance. A few things can help with this. If your condo has professional security, it can reduce risk for insurers and might lower premiums. Condo sharing services (think Timeshare) can also lower risks by keeping the property occupied on a regular basis.

In the end, the best way to truly understand your options for condo insurance is to talk to an expert. Janis-Shunta Insurance has representatives serving Norton Shores and Muskegon, MI. Have a simple conversation and see what works best for your condo.