Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

It’s the end of your day and you walk into your house, saying hello to the kids. You’ll spend the evening with your family, maybe watching some TV, and finally going through your stack of mail.

In the mail is the dreaded monthly cell phone bill.  Although you love your smart phone and all of its features, much like insurance, you hate seeing that bill. All of the add-on’s, the taxes, etc. really add up, so you go over it for any possible reduction.

In the list of charges is insurance, which may be $6 to $10 a month depending on your carrier. $6 to $10 a month doesn't seem like a lot of money to offer protectio

n on a $700 phone (retail value, not the $200 it'd cost if this was for an upgrade), but what if you’re covering multiple phones?  Now the numbers really start to add up…..you’re paying anywhere from $300 to $480 a year to “insure” them!!

  

How your Homeowners or Renters Insurance can help save you $410 a year.

Assume you have the same family of 4 and you're shelling out $480 a year for coverage on your smart phones.

Here is a little secret on how to reduce this cost, schedule your phones on your homeowners or renters insurance policy.

What does it mean to “schedule” an item on your homeowners/renters insurance policy?

Scheduling an item means you’re listing the item on your policy, and paying the additional cost to insure it.  The value is usually determined through an appraisal or receipt of purchase.

For example, you would schedule your phone not for the promotional price you received as an update but for the price to replace your phone should you not receive promotional pricing.

How would scheduling my cell phones save me $410 a year?

Let’s continue our assumption that you are paying $480 a year under your insurance program with your carrier for four phones and their insurance.

The average rate you can expect to pay on your homeowners/renters insurance policy is $17* a YEAR per phone. With four phones your out of pocket expenses for the YEAR is $70*.

So instead of the current $480 you’re paying your costs are now $70, which is a savings of $410.

By scheduling your smartphones on your policy you can reduce costs on your cell phone plans.

Think about all that you could do with an extra $410 a year.

-Buy tickets to more concerts or sporting events

-Stay an extra day or two on your vacation

-Invest in life insurance or more life insurance

We Can Help!

We can, in all probability, reduce this cost and improve your coverage!    Are you aware of the Deductible under your cell phone carriers plan?   Depending on the type of phone you have, it might be as high as $99.  Our companies are offering better rates, with no deductible, by “scheduling” your phone on your homeowners/renters insurance policy.

*All figures are used to represent the potential savings and cost to schedule your cell phone. This information was taken from current clients accounts. 

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs.We love to save you money in life and on your car, home, and business insurance. For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

How Working in a Dentist Office Can Save You Money on Insurance.

Working in a dental office can be quite an experience. Although I personally have no experience working in one, I do have experience with visiting my dentist regularly.

I’d like to commend the men and women who go to work each and everyday working with people and their teeth. Working inside people's mouths was not the career path for me…..I get grossed out easily and would constantly be worried about having a patient bite my finger. A big shout out goes to dental assistants, oral hygienists, and the dentists who put their fingers at risk everyday to make the world's smiles better!

But let’s not forget about the other heroes in the office, the administrators. I know for a fact that working with insurance companies and the general public can be a major struggle. Your job is not easy and it would be unfair of me to let you go unnoticed. Your days are full of multitasking and keeping the ship sailing smoothly.

Outside of my regular visit to my dentist, the only other way I can let the staff know how valuable they are to me is through spreading the word on how they qualify for special INSURANCE DISCOUNTS.

Why do I get a discount for working at a dentist office? 

Each of the 5 companies we represent offer group discounts for members and associates of different groups or organizations. As an employee of a dental office you're entitled to a group discount on your home and auto insurance.

How do I receive this discount?

Not all insurance companies or agencies offer these discounts. Luckily for you, we do and we would love to provide you with it.  All that you have to do is take the first step towards qualifying for your discount and click here. 

Is this the only discount Spalding Insurance Agency has to offer?

No, thru the companies we represent we are able to offer many other discounts! Some other discounts include multi-policy, multi-car, good student and prior carrier discounts.

Why are you telling me about this discount?

Because we appreciate and respect what you do everyday in helping make the worlds smiles brighter.

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs.We love to floss as much as we love to save you money and service your insurance needs.  For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

Why You Can't Miss the 2013 SIA Golf Classic!

For the 9th straight year we are proud to host the Spalding Insurance Agency Golf Classic that benefits the Perry, Morrice, Shaftsburg Area Emergency Relief Fund.

It is our pleasure to host this golf classic and hope that you and your foursome will look to join us on August 24th at Glenbrier Golf Course in Perry, Michigan.

Outside of getting the chance to spend time with your favorite insurance agency staff here are 5 reasons you should clear your schedule for August 24th, 2013 and join us on the course:

1) A great cause. Over the last 9 years we have raised over $25,000 for the local food bank. This wouldn't be possible without participants and hole sponsors. As our tournament continues to grow we look forward to providing an even better experience for our participants and sponsors. 

2) Cash. Think your team has what it takes to win a $250 first place prize? You better go low as past tournaments have had scores as low as 16-under. 

3) An Excuse. A day spent on a golf course is a day that you are not at the office or doing household chores. Use this as an excuse to get out and enjoy yourself for one of the last Saturdays we have in summer. 

4) The competition. How often do you get a chance to get your competitive juices flowing? Here is your chance to get a group of friends together and take on our agency staff. 

5) The Randomness. Not the best golfer but enjoy supporting a good cause and having a great time? Your team will automatically be entered to win $500 just for competing in the tournament.

The Cost and What it Includes

The cost of this years event is $50 a person or $200 for a team. With your entry fee you will receive 18-holes of golf with a cart, a hot dog , your donation to the food bank, and entry into the tournament with a $500 prize to one random team and $250 prize to the first place team.

I can't make it to golf, how else can I help?

If you are unable to make this years event but would still like to help support the outing you can do so by stopping into Spalding Insurance Agency and making a donation to the food bank.

We have hole sponsorship opportunities available for businesses who are interested in advertising their services whilst supporting a great cause. For more information on hole sponsorships, e-mail Jon@SIA1905.com.

See you on the course!

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs.We love to beat our competition on the golf course and in the insurance world. For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

Read your insurance application before you sign it...and here's why!

You buy or lease a car, you sign a contract.  Buying a house?   Sign not only a contract to buy it, but also a contract with the bank loaning you the money!!

Did you know that signing an application for insurance is considered to be a “warranty contract”?    The definition is simple…..you are stating that you have read the application in its entirety, and by signing it you are “warranting” that the information is accurate.

           

Why is this important?  If you have read your policy (and only those with insomnia do…) contained in every policy is an important clause called the “Misrepresentation Clause”.   It gives the company the legal right to deny a claim if the information that you have said was true when you signed the application, actually wasn't.  

Things like hiding an aggressive breed of a dog you may own, or even the name of the fire department that services your property being incorrectly listed can trigger this clause.

Insurance Companies base the cost of insurance on the likelihood of losses occurring.  

An aggressive breed of dog sometimes makes an insurance company charge you extra in your premium.   They may even go as far as denying your application if the dog you own is on their list of unacceptable breeds.  If you sign an application that states you don’t have any dogs, or you don’t have a dog that’s considered to be aggressive, and they bite someone, the insurance company can deny your claim!

Look at the primary fire department listed on the application, and verify that it’s correct.  In outlying areas, you may have a township fire department that responds, and not the city that your address reflects.

Although I have yet to see an insurance company deny coverage under the “Misrepresentation Clause”, there is always a first time.  Do you want to be the one to “test the waters”?   Do you want to do business with an agency that willfully jeopardizes your assets by improperly rating your policy?   Remember folks, by signing that application, you’re saying what’s on it is true!  Make sure it is…….

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs.For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

How an Open House Can Become a Nightmare.

One of the most exciting times in any young persons life is when they put on a cap and gown for high school graduation. One could argue that only a first kiss or getting their drivers license might rival this milestone.

Traditionally, parents throw an open house to celebrate the graduates past success and dreams for their future. These events are always an enjoyable experience but come with some risks that you most likely don't come across very often..

Serving Alcohol to a Minor, Criminal Implications

The legal drinking age in the State of Michigan is 21. As much as you may agree or disagree with the law, it is important to remember that if a minor at your event is served alcohol and you're somehow caught by law enforcement you may receive a $1000 fine and up to 60 days in jail. 

You can be held responsible for the actions of a minor if you provide them alcohol. It is considered a felony, should the minor you provide alcohol to die or is responsible for the death of another. This can be punishable up to 10 years in prison and a $6000 fine. 

Serving Alcohol to a Minor, Civil Implications

Providing alcohol to a minor makes you directly responsible for their actions. Even if the minor is 20 years of age, you're still responsible for any damages that occur while they are considered to be under the influence. 

For example, at your child's graduation party you are serving their friends, all under the age of 21. One of the boys in the group, Jeremy, has had too much and is getting angry at Floyd for talking to his girlfriend. Jeremy decides to take a swing at Floyd and knocks Floyd out. Floyd is taken to the hospital and has suffered vision damage for the rest of his life. As the hosts of the party and adults serving Jeremy, you can be legally found responsible for Jeremy's actions and dragged into a civil lawsuit. 

Serving Alcohol to someone 21 or over

With any celebration and party you might have a guest that gets carried away. Please keep in mind that Michigan is a social host liability state. This means is that you can be held liable if a guest injures themselves or someone else as a result of alcohol consumption from your party.

Serve Your Guests Responsibly

If you are going to serve your guests here are some tips:

- Limit your own alcohol intake so that you can better judge your guests sobriety

- Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated

- Stop serving alcohol at a certain time, switch to other products such as pop or coffee

- Encourage guests to have a designated driver 

- If you have guests who are intoxicated without a ride, offer to call them a cab or allow for them to stay at your home.

Be Responsible and Enjoy Your Time

Although the graduate loves this time of year and looks forward to their graduation party, there is a lot of stress that goes into planning an open house. As our agency staff knows these parties keep you busy with planning, cooking, and cleaning. So although you're putting on the party, don't forget to enjoy the celebration.

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs. We want to wish all of the 2013 graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors. For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

'Merica

Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Nothing says 'Merica like Memorial Day Weekend. It is the unofficial kickoff to the summer season and with summer comes grilling, beaches, bonfires, and boating. With all of these activities we can assume that you will decide to enjoy one of America's other favorite "b" words, beer. Please remember to enjoy all of these activities responsibly this weekend.

The forecast in Michigan is calling for sunshine and perfect weather to be out on a boat. We would like to remind you of some basic boating safety rules.

Boat Safety

1) Make sure you know the weather and water conditions. The internet and television is where you should check first. If you're truly in the great outdoors without access to these luxuries, use common sense by looking at the sky and your surrounding environment.

2) Have a pre-departure checklist so that you can make sure that your equipment is running correctly and that you have emergency equipment handy. Emergency equipment should include but not be limited to life-vests and flashlights.

3) Designate an assistant skipper, think Gilligan, to help you with any issues that might arise. Some issues you might face is out of control guests, needing navigational help, or help locating emergency gear.

4) Make sure as the captain you limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol plays a major role in boating accidents. Enjoying alcohol responsibly will lead to helping keep your guests and others on the lake safe.

5) Have a trip plan and make sure someone on the boat knows what your plan is. A lot can happen on a lake and sometimes it is not all fun and games. Make sure someone who is not on the boat knows your intentions and is able to have an idea of your location should you not return at the time you're supposed to.

Enjoy Your Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is not only a time to remember those who lost their life while serving but also a time to celebrate. So whether you are celebrating with your friends or family on a lake or a golf course, take the time to enjoy yourself.

Our office will be closed on Monday May 27th, 2013 for the holiday weekend. Please keep in mind that our website has a list of emergency phone numbers for you to use should an emergency arise.

Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service you. We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend, we know that we will. For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.

Severe Spring Weather

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Oklahoma who are dealing with the aftermath of the tornadoes. It is a sad day when any community goes through a great loss of life and devastation to their homes and surrounding environment.

With such a tragedy the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the American spirit and willingness to help out complete strangers. Over the next few days we will here stories of people who will travel from all over this great country of ours to lend a hand to a community in need.

If you would like to donate to help the victims of these storms you can text RedCross to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Get Prepared!

As you know the weather in Michigan, like the mood of an infant, can change in a heartbeat. For instance look at the past couple of days, we have had sunshine and literally minutes later we are in the eye of a severe thunderstorm. Being prepared takes time and planning but here are some quick tips for you to get a plan in place.

Before the Storm

So you don't have a plan in place for your family? Good news for you is there is still time. But before the storm you need to know what to do. Here are ideas of the things you should do before a storm.

1) Build an emergency kit. This kit should include; a flashlight, non-perishable food, water, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a radio, and a cell phone in case you're trapped by debris.

2) Have an emergency plan. Make sure your family knows where to go in case of severe weather. Include information on where to meet when the storm is over, in case not everyone was together.

During the Storm

1) Use your weather radio to listen to updates about your local weather

2) Avoid contact with cords and electronics plugged into outlets.

3) Avoid contact with plumbing. Try not to wash your hands, shower, do laundry. These fixtures can conduct electricity.

After the Storm

1) Stay off of the roads and allow for emergency crews to clear roads and provide assistance.

2) Try to use your phones for emergencies only, it is important for cellphone lines to be open for people who truly need to contact help.

3)Watch out for debris such as tree limbs, power lines, and other hazardous debris.

4) Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to help those who are seriously injured.

Severe Weather Resources

Before the internet, how were we taught to be prepared? Our local schools who taught us it was important to have fire safety and severe weather plans. The great thing about the internet is there is still a lot of information available and that a plan is important.

For more information and to help prepare a plan, I would recommend using Ready.Gov as a resource in preparing your family for all emergency situations.


Spalding Insurance Agency is an independent agency with two locations in mid-Michigan to service your insurance needs. We want to make sure you and your family are prepared for natural disasters. For a quote on your personal or business insurance click here.