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Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance

13892 Hough Road
Berville, MI 48002

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Maximizing Home Insurance Savings:

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Practical Tips for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Owning a home is a significant financial responsibility, and managing household expenses is crucial for budget-conscious homeowners. In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies and tips to help homeowners save money on their home insurance premiums, building on the concept of cost-saving measures to ensure you’re getting the best value for your coverage.

Shop Around Annually:

  • Regularly compare insurance quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the most competitive rates. Loyalty to one insurer may not always result in the best savings.

Bundle Your Policies:

  • Consider bundling your home and auto insurance with the same provider. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling, providing savings on both policies.

Raise Your Deductible:

  • Increasing your deductible can lower your premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible in case of a claim.

Improve Home Security:

  • Installing a home security system, deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers can not only enhance your safety but also qualify you for discounts on your premiums.

Maintain a Good Credit Score:

  • Keep your credit score healthy by paying bills on time and managing your credit responsibly. A good credit score can lead to lower insurance rates.

Review Your Coverage:

  • Regularly assess your coverage to ensure it aligns with your current needs. You may find that you’re overinsured for certain items or that you need to adjust your coverage based on changes in your home or lifestyle.

Ask About Discounts:

  • Inquire with your insurer about available discounts. They might offer special discounts for retirees, veterans, or members of certain organizations. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Maintain a Good Claims History:

  • Avoid filing frequent small claims if possible. Insurance companies may raise your premiums if you have a history of numerous claims.

Review and Adjust Annually:

  • Make it a habit to review your home insurance policy annually. Life changes, and so do your insurance needs. Ensure that your coverage remains aligned with your circumstances.

Consider Umbrella Coverage: – If you have significant assets to protect, consider umbrella insurance. It can provide additional liability coverage at a relatively low cost.

By implementing these practical strategies, you can take proactive steps to save money on your home insurance without sacrificing the protection your home and belongings deserve. Remember that it’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and adequate coverage to safeguard your home and family effectively.

Auto Insurance Costs

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If you own a vehicle, you should own an auto insurance policy. Have you ever wondered how the cost of your policy is determined? There are a number of different factors that impact the cost of your auto insurance. While not all companies use the same parameters, we will help you understand what commonly determines the bottom line of your auto policy.

First, your driving record – The better your record, the lower your premiums. If you have been in accidents or had serious traffic violations, it is likely you will pay higher premiums. How much you use your car is also considered while determining the cost of your premium. The more miles you drive, the more chance for an accident. Even where you park is taken into consideration. Do you park in a secure garage? Or do you park on a street?

Other factors taken into consideration while determining your auto insurance costs are: your age,  the car you drive, and the amount of auto insurance you wish to carry. Mature drivers generally have fewer accidents than beginners. The cost of your car and the amount of insurance coverage you want to carry are major factors in the cost of your policy as well.

There are many different factors that go into determining the cost of your auto insurance policy. Some factors can vary from one area or state to another. To get the best idea of the cost you will pay for auto insurance, contact our agency to request your free auto insurance quote!

Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-determines-price-my-auto-insurance-policy

Three Things You Probably Didn’t Know Your Auto Insurance Covers

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Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage isn’t just about choosing between liability, comprehensive, collision, and full coverage. Every insurance policy is different. Many policies include coverage of situations and items in your vehicle that most policyholders don’t even realize they have. This could cause them to supplement their coverage when it is not required.

The following are three things most policyholders don’t realize are covered:

1. Pothole Damage

There is no shortage of potholes in Berville, MI. These can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s suspension and tires over time. Nobody wants to pay for the exorbitant bills that come with repairing a suspension or an axle from something as avoidable as pothole damage. Did you know collision coverage generally covers damage from running over a pothole? Be aware that the claim could increase your monthly premium. 

2. Attorney Fees

If the other party sues you after an accident, your insurance could cover the costs associated with hiring a lawyer. Inform your insurance company right away if you are sued. Time is of the essence in any legal proceeding. The quicker you hire a lawyer, the better your chance of getting a favorable result. 

3. Hotels

You might need an accident if you are out of town when you get into a car accident. In many cases, your insurance policy will cover this cost. You will need to at least have comprehensive coverage if you want your lodging covered after an accident. Check your policy because each one provides a different ceiling for expenses and how long you can stay. 

Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance Is Here To Help

If you are looking for the ideal car insurance policy for your needs, contact us at Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance for guidance. We will design the best car insurance policy for you as we have been doing in Berville, MI for years. We will also strive to keep your insurance costs within your budget. 

Types of Pet Insurance and Coverage Options

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Pet insurance is a kind of health insurance policy for pets, and depending on the coverage you choose, it can pay for medical expenses and even other costs. Our pet insurance plans at Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance in Berville, MI may be reimbursement-based or directly paid to the vet after any deductibles. Let’s discuss the most common pet insurance plan types.

Policies to Protect Pet Wellness and Your Wallet

There are several plan options available for pet insurance, and it’s likely that we accept most provider’s policies. Some to consider include:

Comprehensive Coverage

If you want your pet to have the best coverage possible, choosing a comprehensive policy is the way to go. Often called a “nose-to-tail” policy, this option covers:

  • Routine Checkups & Wellness Plans
  • Vaccinations
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Injuries
  • Chronic & Hereditary Conditions
  • Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention

Accident and Illness Coverage

These policies generally cover veterinary bills related to physical injuries and hereditary and common conditions. Serious conditions, such as cancer, are also covered. However, routine wellness exams, vaccinations and other routine preventives are not covered under this policy.

Pet Wellness Coverage

For pet owners only looking to cover routine veterinary checkups and wellness-related expenses such as vaccinations and pest prevention this is an affordable plan. Those who want extra protection can add this coverage to an illness or accident plan.

Accident-Only Coverage

If a pet is injured in an accident, this policy will help cover related expenses. However, no illness-related or wellness coverage is included.

Schedule A Consultation Today

At Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance in Berville, MI, we offer a full array of insurance options for home, auto, life, and even your furry friends. We are locally owned and operated but offer those in Macomb County and all of Michigan affordable policies. Contact us today for a quote.

Chimney Safety Tips

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Leaning towards an old wood-burning fireplaces to help cut your heating bill this winter? Before you spark a log you should know, fireplaces and chimneys are involved in 42% of all home-heating fires. So before you use your fireplace, ensure you know how to properly use it and follow these safety tips.

  1. Hire a chimney sweep – The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys be swept at least once a year to remove soot and debris. A professional chimney sweep should also inspect for any damages.
  2. Cap your chimney – Chimney caps will keep rain, birds, squirrels, and debris from entering your chimney. Repair or replace a missing or damaged cap.
  3. Burn seasoned hardwood – Choose dense wood that has been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least 6 months.
  4. Don’t overload – Small fires generate less smoke and less creosote buildup. Large, hot fires can potentially crack your chimney.
  5. Build it right – Place logs at the rear of the fireplace on a metal grate. Use kindling instead of flammable liquids to start the fire.
  6. Use a spark guard. Spark guards will prevent embers from shooting out of the fireplace. A guard in front of the fireplace is especially important when the room is unoccupied.

Winter is coming. It will be here before we know it. Get everything prepared for the cold months now before it’s too late! Stay warm and safe all winter long. Another good tip is to contact our agency to review your homeowners insurance policy before you strike a match.




Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/fireplaces/21018422/how-to-prep-your-fireplace-for-the-cold-season

When should you review your home insurance?

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Home insurance is something that needs to change as you and your home change. It needs to be reviewed to make sure that it is meeting your current needs. At Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance in Berville, MI we have been providing personalized service to our customers since 2012.  

When your policy is renewed

Most home insurance policies are reviewed yearly. When you get your policy, whether it is a paper copy or a digital copy, you should read the Declaration Page. This gives you all the details of your coverage. You will see the amount of property coverage you have, coverage for additional structures, content coverage, and liability coverage. Any additional coverage and discounts you are eligible for will also be listed. You should study it diligently to determine if it makes sense to you. 

When you make major renovations

If you have increased the square footage of your home with an addition or by finishing your basement or attic, it can increase the value of your home. If you do bathroom and kitchen upgrades, this can also increase the value of your home. Be sure to let your insurance agent know if any of these things apply to you. 

When your need for liability coverage increases

If you have added a pool to your home or gotten a trampoline for your children, your liability has increased. If you have added a dog to your home, this also increases your liability. 

When you install safety equipment

If you have added a home security system to your home this can make you eligible for a discount. This also applies to other safety equipment like smoke detectors. 

We Are Here To Help

Contact Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance in Berville, MI when you need an independent insurance agency to help you with your home insurance needs. 

Making sure your home is properly covered for a disaster

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How to avoid being underinsured

For many people, their home is their greatest asset, so it is crucial to avoid being underinsured. To properly insure your home, it is important to ask your insurance professional four key questions.

1. Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?

Your policy needs to cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs. Unfortunately, some homeowners simply purchase enough insurance protection to satisfy their mortgage lender. Others confuse the real estate value of their home with what it would cost to rebuild it.

2. Do I have enough insurance to replace all of my possessions?

Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your personal possessions for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If you have $100,000 worth of coverage on the structure of your home, you would be covered for $50,000 to $70,000 worth of the contents of your home, depending on the policy.

The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory, which details everything you own and the estimated cost to replace these items if they are stolen or destroyed by a disaster.

3. Do I have enough coverage for additional living expenses?

Coverage for additional living expenses pays the extra costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to an insured disaster such as a hurricane. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals, transportation and other living expenses incurred while your home is inaccessible or being rebuilt.

4. Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets?

Although not a key element in disaster planning, it is also important to have adequate liability protection. This covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your family members may cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by pets.

Your answers to these 4 questions will give you a good idea if your home is properly covered.  Don’t wait until it’s too late to know if your home insurance policy will cover your home and its possessions.

Source:  https://www.iii.org/article/making-sure-your-home-properly-covered-disaster

Importance of Obtaining Landlord Insurance

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Landlord insurance protects you against perils that can cause damage or loss to your rental property. As renting a home, condo or apartment is a business, landlord insurance is actually a form of business insurance to protect your valuable investment. If your rental unit is hit by an unexpected disaster, landlord insurance will help cover the repair costs.

At Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance, we can customize your Berville, MI landlord policy to provide the exact protection you need. 

Importance of Landlord Insurance

As the owner of a rental property, you’re responsible for its upkeep and care. If your unit suffers structural damage due to a storm, your tenant will expect it to be repaired so he or she can continue living there. By covering the cost of repairs, landlord insurance can save you thousands of dollars out of pocket. If your unit is totally destroyed in a disaster, landlord insurance can save you from financial ruin.

Coverage Options

Landlord policies offer various coverage options to protect your rental property. These include:

  • Dwelling insurance to cover structural damage to your home, condo, or apartment
  • Other structures coverage to pay for damages to detached structures on the property such as a fence, shed, or garage
  • Personal property coverage to protect equipment that services your rental unit, such as a lawnmower, leaf or snow blower, etc.
  • Liability protection to pay for someone’s injuries on your property if you’re found negligent in causing an accident.

You can also obtain additional coverage against vandalism, burglary, or floods. By working closely with our agent, you can determine the type and amount of coverage you need, taking into consideration the condition and value of your property, the risks of damage, what you stand to lose, and your budget.

Reach Out To Us

To learn more about landlord insurance policies, contact Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance. We proudly serve the greater Berville, MI region.

Tips to keep your car running like brand new

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Having a car that is running like it did when you first bought it can seem like an impossible task. But, with the right maintenance and care, you can keep your car running like brand new for years to come here in the Berville, MI area. Here are a few tips from us at Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance for keeping your car in top shape. 

Tips to keep your car running like brand new

1. Make sure to change your oil regularly

The oil in your engine helps reduce friction and keeps all parts moving smoothly. To ensure this keeps happening, make sure you’re changing your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles (or as recommended by the manufacturer). 

2. Keep a close eye on fluid levels

In addition to oil, there are other important fluids that need to be maintained in order for optimal performance. This includes coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check the levels monthly and top them off if needed. 

3. Replace air filters

Replacing the air filter can help keep your engine breathing properly and prevent dust and debris from clogging up important components. It’s recommended to replace it at least once a year or more often if you drive in dusty conditions. 

4. Get regular tune-ups

Scheduling regular tune-ups with a certified mechanic can save you time and energy down the line by catching small problems before they become bigger issues. This should include checking all belts, hoses, spark plugs, and ignition wires as well as checking the compression in each cylinder of the engine. 

Keep Your Auto Insurance Updated

For more tips, give us at Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance a call today. We are proud to serve the Berville, MI area and would be happy to help.

Will Pet Insurance Cover My Pet When We’re On A Trip?

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Yes. Human insurance won’t because you have to stay in your provider’s network. Vets don’t have networks. Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance Berville, MI explains more about pet insurance.

Why Pet Insurance?

If your pet becomes ill or sustains an injury while visiting out of state, then you can use any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency 24-hour clinic in the city you’re visiting. You’ll pay for the treatment up-front. The insurance company will reimburse you for covered claims. You should also know these things about pet insurance.

It’s About Healthcare

You’ll hear about pet travel insurance and pet health insurance. You want pet health insurance. The travel insurance is about your pet traveling in the truck to a client’s house. Furthermore, only commercial businesses can buy pet travel insurance (think K-9 units or pet boarders and groomers.)

Travel Insurance 

Many people get traveler’s insurance when they go abroad. It usually covers health emergencies in other countries to a point. Also available is trip cancellation insurance for obvious reasons. None of this, however, pertains to pets. 

If pets are going abroad with you, remember the quarantine they’ll have to endure before being deemed healthy enough not to hurt the natives. On the other hand, if it’s a service animal, you’ll have an easier time, although the travel and cancellation insurance still won’t pertain to the animal.

Fly Like An Eagle

Thinking of flying with your pet to visit Aunt Millie? Call the airline first. Your pet will require all kinds of paperwork, and that’s just before s/he can get a ticket. 

We Are Here To Help!

Mitten Heritage Fraternal Society of Insurance in Berville, MI knows how much you love your pets. Give us a call or pop into the office to learn how much we can do for your pet.

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