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Does Condo Insurance Help Pay For Shared Amenities?

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Condo owners in Muskegon, MI, understand the importance of having insurance. A winter storm can cause power outages, burst pipes, and severe damage throughout your home. Tornadoes can tear through neighborhoods, destroying pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds. This often raises the question: who is responsible for the cost of the damaged amenities?

Personal Policy Coverage

Your personal condo insurance policy typically does not cover shared amenities, such as a dog park or playground. Instead, it provides coverage for your property and personal belongings. This may include damage to your condo’s structure or items inside, such as appliances.

Master Policy

Shared amenities, such as a community pool or the building’s roof, are usually overseen by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) or Condo Association. These organizations are responsible for obtaining a master policy that covers shared assets. The master policy ensures that common areas and shared structural components are protected.

The Deductible

While the master policy typically covers shared amenities, the deductible must still be paid. Some HOAs require all residents to contribute an equal amount toward the deductible, while others use HOA fees to cover it. In rare cases, some personal condo insurance policies may help cover the master policy deductible, but this depends on the insurer. Agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance can help you understand what’s included in your policy.

Covered Events

Every insurance policy, including the master policy, specifies a list of covered perils. These often include certain natural disasters, vandalism, theft, wind damage, and lightning damage. However, specific events, such as tornadoes or floods, are often excluded. In these situations, a personal policy would still not cover the damage.

We understand that navigating how personal and master policies work together can be confusing. There are several factors that insurance companies consider, but our agents are here to make it easy to understand. Contact us at Janis-Shunta Insurance today to learn more. We proudly serve the Muskegon, MI, area.

Got Expensive New Items For Christmas? The Importance of Documenting Your Home Assets

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Christmas morning brings excitement as you unwrap that new 75-inch TV, expensive jewelry, luxury designer clothing, or high-end gaming system. But once the wrapping paper is cleaned up, Janis-Shunta Insurance, serving the Muskegon, MI area, wants to remind you about an important step that many homeowners forget: properly documenting your new valuables.

Why Documentation Matters More Than You Think

Your homeowners insurance policy covers your belongings, but proving what you owned and its value becomes crucial when filing a claim. Without proper documentation, you might find yourself struggling to remember exactly what brand that laptop was or how much you paid for those new appliances. Insurance adjusters need evidence to process claims fairly and quickly.

Simple Steps To Protect Your Investment

Start by taking clear photos of your new items from multiple angles, including serial numbers and model information. Keep receipts in a safe place or scan them to cloud storage. Create a simple spreadsheet listing each item with purchase date, cost, and description. Don’t forget to update your insurance agent about high-value items that might exceed your policy’s standard coverage limits.

Make It a New Year’s Habit

Consider doing a complete home inventory annually. Walk through each room with your phone, recording a video while describing items and their approximate values. Store this documentation in multiple places like cloud storage and a safety deposit box.

Taking time now to document your Christmas gifts and other valuables can save you significant headaches later. Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance, proudly serving the community in and around Muskegon, MI, to review your coverage and ensure your new treasures are properly protected.

Travel Trailer Coverage for Winter Damage

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Anyone who owns a recreational vehicle hates to see the winter months come. Putting your vehicles away for the next season means taking steps to protect them. If you have a travel trailer you use and rely on, you might expect that your recreational insurance policy will cover any losses you have with it. But that may not always include winter damage.

At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we offer recreational insurance in and around Muskegon, MI that aims to meet all of your needs and minimize your financial risks.

Will Recreational Insurance Cover Winter Damage?

In many situations, recreational insurance provides a level of protection against unavoidable and accidental incidents. If the travel trailer is stored properly, but a roof collapses, causing damage to it, or someone breaks into it, and that leads to winter damage, you can expect your comprehensive coverage to pay for those losses up to the value of your policy. Keep in mind, there are limits to this.

These policies do not cover normal wear and tear. That means if the damage is due to a lack of sealing and protection, and not just from a winter accident, that may impact your ability to receive compensation for the losses. It also depends on the type and the value of coverage you have for your vehicle. If your policy does not offer comprehensive protections, and only has the minimum required liability insurance, you may not have the financial protection you need.

Discuss Your Needs With Our Insurance Adjusters

At Janis-Shunta Insurance, we offer a range of policies to meet your needs. When you are shopping for recreational insurance in or near Muskegon, MI, let us help you compare options to be sure you have the coverage type and amount that fits your specific needs and keeps you safe from risks.

How an Umbrella Policy Enhances Your Existing Insurance Policies

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Insurance is a great way to protect your assets, and each policy is usually enough to take care of the item that’s insured. But sometimes, an individual insurance policy doesn’t provide enough money to carry a claim, leaving you to pay out of pocket in a lawsuit. At Janis-Shunta Insurance, serving Muskegon, MI, we want you to understand the benefits of having umbrella insurance. Read on to learn more about how this policy extends the protection of your existing policies. 

Getting More Out of Your Current Insurance Policies With Umbrella Insurance

Your individual insurance policies have maximum payouts that differ, but are in keeping with what they cover. However, those limits can be exhausted quickly. An umbrella insurance policy extends those limits to a higher amount, typically $1 million or more. It also addresses claims that may not be covered under other liability policies. 

Umbrella Insurance Offers Extra Protection

You can also gain protection from personal liability issues, such as injury to others, some lawsuits, and property damage. If you own a dog, you can get more coverage in case the dog attacks someone. You can get coverage for libel or slander if you’re sued for a comment on social media. Lastly, an umbrella policy can extend your coverage limits for a teen driver. 

Contact Us To Find Out More About Umbrella Insurance

Get in touch with our agents at Janis-Shunta Insurance to find out more about how this type of policy protects you and your assets. We’ll go over your insurance portfolio with you and show you how you can benefit from umbrella insurance. You can set up an appointment to meet with us and explore all of your options. We’re currently serving Muskegon, MI.

How to Claim Medical Expenses on Auto Insurance Policy

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Michigan drivers have unique protections when it comes to auto accidents, thanks to the state’s no-fault insurance system. That system means medical expenses after a crash are often handled differently than in other states. Knowing how to file a claim and what to expect makes the process less stressful when an accident happens.

Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Rules

Under Michigan law, your own auto insurance through Janis-Shunta Insurance serving Muskegon, MI typically covers medical costs after a crash, regardless of who caused it. The coverage level depends on the medical benefits you selected when you purchased your policy. Some drivers choose unlimited coverage, while others pick capped amounts to save on premiums. Understanding your limits up front is important, since it directly affects how much of your expenses will be covered.

Filing a Claim for Medical Bills

After an accident, the first step is notifying your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers require you to file a written application for no-fault benefits, usually within a year of the accident. Along with the form, you’ll need to provide documentation such as hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and proof that the treatment was related to the crash. The more thorough your paperwork, the faster the claim tends to move.

Working With Providers

In many cases, medical providers in Michigan will bill the auto insurer directly. Still, it’s smart to keep copies of every record and receipt. If there’s ever a dispute or a delay in payment, having a full paper trail helps protect you.

Accidents are stressful enough without worrying about medical bills. By understanding your no-fault coverage and staying organized with the claims process, you can make sure the benefits you’ve paid for actually work when you need them. Questions? Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance serving Muskegon, MI for personalized help!

Insurance Coverage for Condo Upgrades

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Are you planning to add permanent fixtures to your condo to enhance its functionality and appearance? If so, it’s important to consider how these upgrades may affect the amount of insurance coverage you need.

Addressing Liability Concerns

Before making changes to your condo, evaluate the potential risks of injury or property damage. Adding new features may alter the layout and functionality of your living space, potentially increasing the likelihood of accidents.

For instance, new floor coverings could pose a tripping hazard. If you frequently host guests in your condo, you may want to increase the liability protection provided by your condo insurance policy.

Protecting Against Material Damage

Consider the possibility of unforeseen incidents damaging the new materials used in your condo upgrades. Materials susceptible to water or wind damage should be covered under your condo insurance policy.

This coverage can help you manage repair costs if the materials are damaged during an unexpected event.

Safeguarding Personal Assets

Evaluate the security of your condo and the risk of theft. If you’re concerned about intruders, protecting your personal assets through your condo insurance policy is a wise decision.

Listing your valuables in your policy ensures you can replace stolen items. Before adding them, assess your possessions and determine their value to ensure accurate coverage.

Consulting an Insurance Agent

An insurance agent representing Janis-Shunta Insurance Agency can assist you with your condo insurance needs. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with an agent serving the Muskegon, MI, area.

What is Key Man Insurance?

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Commercial insurance is essential to protect your company and its employees if you own a small business. Many small business owners have questions about the types of insurance they need and how much insurance to purchase. If you’re a business owner in the Follansbee, WV area, our Mutual Insurance Partners team looks forward to meeting you and working with your team. We’ve been serving businesses in your area since 2015.

What is Key Man Insurance?

Many small businesses procure a Key Man insurance policy to safeguard their assets. According to InsureOn, a Key Man insurance policy pays a death benefit when a designated person passes away. Key Man policies are typically taken out for a company’s founders or its chief executive.

According to InsureOn, in addition to purchasing a Key Man policy for the chief executive, such policies may also be procured for an associate whose specialized skill set is vital to the operation of the business (such as the leading chef of a restaurant). Depending on the terms of the Key Man policy, the same policy may also provide payment if the insured individual is too ill or otherwise unable to fulfill their role at the company. The same website reports that the intention of the policy is to provide funds to prevent the company from going bankrupt due to the loss of the insured individual.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

You’ll need several types of insurance to protect the assets you work so hard for. Businesses in the Follansbee, WV, area can rely on the guidance they receive from our team at Mutual Insurance Partners. Each team member is dedicated to providing education and supporting your business needs. Call us today, and let’s discuss insurance.

Do Businesses Need Recreational Insurance?

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Many businesses in Michigan, particularly those in the travel and tourism industry, require recreational policy coverage. This includes businesses in Muskegon, MI, such as private parks, boat rental companies, lakefront toy rentals, tour guide firms, and many others. While recreational insurance is often associated with personal motorized toys, Janis-Shunta Insurance also provides it for businesses. If your hotel, motel, or resort rents out vehicles or uses them for business purposes, you need this type of policy.

Understanding Recreational Insurance for Businesses

Which local businesses in Muskegon, MI, need recreational insurance? Any business that rents out vehicles for land or water use. A recreational policy covers the following types of vehicles:

  • Bicycles
  • Mopeds
  • Jet skis
  • Seadoos
  • Boats
  • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
  • Snowmobiles
  • Other forms of transport

This policy protects against loss if equipment is stolen or totaled and covers repair costs if the vehicle is damaged. However, a recreational policy does not include liability coverage, so you’ll need to maintain separate coverage for that. We can help you add a recreational insurance policy to your commercial insurance package.

Contact Us to Create Your Policy

Contact us at Janis-Shunta Insurance to find out which pieces of your equipment can be protected under a recreational policy. Let us help you safeguard your bottom line with insurance that protects you from financial loss due to damage to your rented vehicles. Don’t let the cost of replacing a damaged snowmobile or jet ski eat into your profits. Let your insurance policy handle the replacement. Contact us today to get your policy started.

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