$10,000 Donation for Kids’ Food Basket

Posted on June 26, 2017October 18, 2018 by admin

As you all know, we were awarded the 2017 Make More Happen Award! This award included $5,000 to donate to Kids’ Food Basket, which is committed to helping communities feed their children so that they can learn and live well. Along with that, a story about our award was posted on Safeco’s website and if we could get 50+ likes, comments, and/or shares on our story, then we would earn an additional $5,000 for Kids’ Food Basket!

With all of YOUR help, we did accomplish the 50+ shares on our story and earned the additional $5,000! Because of this, we were able to present Kids’ Food Basket with a $10,000 check last Thursday! These sack suppers generally go about $1 per supper, so we were fortunate enough to be able to provide a meal for 10,000 children in the Grand Rapids area. This has been one of the most exciting opportunities that our agency has been given. We are so blessed to be able to help feed the hungry children.

Check Presentation Our agency owner adopted some of his daughters from a low-income area of Grand Rapids where they had been relying on Kids’ Food Basket to provide them with a couple meals. Our personal lines Manager, Phalesha Kyes, was volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket when she realized that it was the very same organization who used to help provide for herself and her sisters. This realization was an inspiration and started a lifelong volunteer opportunity for our agency.

We now send a couple agents to help pack the suppers once a month and we really enjoy it. Going to the locations and meeting the people really displays the size of the heart that they have for giving. Phalesha was also the Keynote speaker at the “Feast for Kids” event this past May and gave a heartfelt speech just sharing her story.

This was very impactful to see the effect that these sack suppers have had on someone who has now grown into a very successful adult. She was able to communicate the importance of these sack suppers and the hope that they spread.

You can listen/watch this speech on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/allianceins.agency/

Kids’ Food Basket is a wonderful opportunity for you to give back to your community. It’s as simple as going on Tuesday nights for an hour and making sandwiches for the suppers, or a Thursday afternoon to decorate the brown paper bags. These small things add up and make a huge difference.

We want to say a big Thank You to everyone who helped and encouraged us along the way! We doubled our earnings with your help! Together, we were Nutritious Snack able to provide meals for 10,000 children in need. We’re so thankful for each and every one of you who shared, liked or commented on our story. This award has changed many lives and we’re so grateful for it.

A big thank you to Safeco Insurance, as well! Without Safeco, this award wouldn’t exist. We cannot thank them enough for being such a generous company and allowing us the opportunity to win this money for the non-profit that we partner with and the help to get us the extra donation.

If you’d like to volunteer, you can do so by following this link: http://www.kidsfoodbasket.org/volunteer/volunteer

and signing up for whatever location, and time suits you best!

Make More Happen Award

Posted on June 8, 2017October 18, 2018 by admin

We are so happy to announce that we have won the 2017 Make More Happen Award from @SafecoInsurance for our volunteer work with Kids’ Food Basket! This award donates $5,000 to Kids’ Food Basket. The coolest part of this award is that if we can get 50+ likes, shares, and/or comments on our story that’s posted on Safeco’s website, then they will donate another $5,000! A huge thank you to Safeco Insurance, for this opportunity to give back to the community!

Kids Food Basket’s mission is to stop childhood hunger in the community. They currently work with schools in the greater Grand Rapids area. When a school has 80% of its students on a Government Assisted Program for lunch, Kids Food Basket steps in to help prepare “Sack Supers” for the children. Typically, the hot lunches they receive at school is their last meal of the day.The sack suppers allow the students to have healthy meals for dinner. Not only does this help the children, but alleviates the stress of the parents who are unable to afford to feed their families. Unfortunately, there are schools on the waiting list to receive Sack Suppers; meaning, there are hungry children going without dinner. Being able to provide “Sack Suppers” to the children as they leave school provides them with a healthy dinner; giving them the strength and energy to begin school the next day.

Their own impact in our community has not gone unrecognized! Kids Food Basket received the “Governors Service Lifetime Achievement Award” for volunteerism. They were chosen for this honor from a list of 160 nominees committed to community involvement. They also received “Honor and Award from Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons”. They were one of 3 recipients recognized by Palace Sports for their volunteerism in the community.

Our personal lines manager, Phalesha Kyes, has a personal background with this nonprofit organization and has a very touching story that gives insight as to how Kids’ Food Basket has changed the lives of children and the importance of giving back. Ryan Kyes, the owner of our agency, and his wife, Amara Kyes, adopted Phalesha and her sisters from inner-city Grand Rapids. Ryan and Amara continue to give to this charity that provided for their daughters before they were brought into they’re home by dropping off a donation check biannually. In addition to this, the office staff commits time each month to head over and pack these suppers. Due to the high involvement and history of Kids Food Basket in the Kyes’ family, Phalesha was asked to be the Keynote speaker at their “Feast for Kids” event that happened in May and is shown in the pictures here. Our goal is to raise money to help Kids Food Basket extend their work to schools currently on the waiting list.

Importance:

It’s amazing how hard it is to focus in school (or on anything for that matter) when ‘food’ is the only thing on your mind. We easily take for granted the luxury of grabbing food on our lunch break, or planning dinner; this relationship with Kids Food Basket allows us to appreciate those amenities and learn to not take that for granted. Our favorite part about volunteering is that we can make such a large impact on a child’s life; knowing we are helping children right in our back yard. Helping kids who have no control over their food situation is an unforgettable experience. For as little as $1 per meal, a child gets dinner. It is extremely humbling to serve those in need, especially children.

While reading a letter written to Kid’s Food Basket from a student recipient, they expressed how much they appreciated receiving the food and how it helped them to “be strong”. They also expressed how much they loved the decorated bags and how they keep them on their wall as art. Our agency took part in their “Decorate a Bag” campaign, striving to obtain a goal of 2,500 decorated lunch bags to serve Sack Suppers. We turned in 200 decorated bags! Seeing the smile on the kids’ faces, or reading the letters, brings such joy to our agency.

If you’d like to volunteer you can sign up here: http://www.kidsfoodbasket.org/

5 Boating Safety Tips for Memorial Weekend

Posted on May 26, 2017October 18, 2018 by admin

Memorial Day is one of the most popular vacation weekends. Everyone is getting their outdoor toys out of storage! Boats can be a real blast but there are a couple important safety tips that could make or break your summer!

1. Know the weather – getting caught in a storm, blinding rain, or rough waves could turn disastrous quick! Make sure there are clear skies in the forecast!

2. Be prepared – make a checklist of necessary items before you head out to be sure that you don’t forget any necessary items! Sunscreen, sunglasses, extra fuel, sound producing devices (in case of emergency!), and plenty of flotation devices of all shapes and sizes!

3. Develop an EAP – Any emergency can be easily complicated by water, make sure you have an Emergency Action Plan to avoid chaos in a tough spot.

4. Avoid Alcohol – this is one of the most important things when boating. Alcohol can be dangerous in any situation and holiday weekends like this are when it can easily get out of hand. If you’re driving anything, car or boat, you should stay clear of alcohol to be sure that your reflexes and judgment are all top notch.

5. Come experienced – learning basic swimming skills and boating skills are going to be necessary for a fun weekend on the lake. Experience is a great teacher but learning on a busy weekend like this may not be the best time for a beginner.

With all the excitement of summer, we can get distracted and forget to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the risks that can come from these fun activities. Getting your boat, ATV, motorcycle, car, and home insured keeps you more relaxed over the holiday because you know that you’re covered. Make sure your boat is adequately covered, heaven forbid, something happens.

Safety
Share your favorite Memorial weekend memory with us in the comments!

Insuring Your College Student

Posted on September 21, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Insurance for College Students You may wonder “why should I pay for insurance when my kids are at away college?” It may be tempting to skip purchasing insurance as a cost-saving measure. However the coverage that a good policy provides can be invaluable, so before your children leave for college in the fall, make sure that they’re properly insured in case of an emergency. Below are three types of insurance you should strongly consider for your college-bound children.

Health Insurance
If you have children under the age of 26, they can qualify for coverage under your health insurance plan while they attend college. However, if you are currently without health insurance or have only modest coverage, you may wish to purchase a different plan for your children.

Keep in mind that some colleges will require your children to have health insurance before enrolling in classes. While most colleges do offer individual policies if your children don’t have health insurance coverage, these plans often skimp on benefits to keep premiums low. For this reason, if you’re considering purchasing individual health insurance, you may want to check with an independent insurance agent before buying a policy. Your agent may be able to find a plan with more coverage for a similar monthly rate.

Car Insurance
If your children were already driving their own car before going to college, they probably won’t need a new policy. However, it’s important to notify your insurance agent of your children’s address change. If you don’t let the agent know, any insurance claim could be denied. You should also notify your agent if your children are borrowing one of your cars for the semester. They can probably stay on the family auto insurance policy, but your agent will still need to know that they will be living outside your home.

Even if your children won’t have their own cars on campus, it’s still a good idea for them to have some car insurance coverage. Find out if your existing policy will cover them if they rent a car or borrow a friend’s vehicle. If your current policy won’t extend coverage to them, you may want to purchase a non-owner car insurance policy to make sure they’re covered.

Travel Insurance
Studying abroad can be a great way for your children to learn about different cultures while expanding their educational horizons. However, once they leave the country, it becomes even more important for them to be covered in case of an emergency. Before they leave, check their health insurance policy to make sure they’re covered in case of an accident while traveling. Many policies don’t offer coverage to your children if they’re outside of the United States. In these cases, travel insurance that offers medical coverage is essential.

When comparing travel insurance policies, be sure to look for medical emergency evacuation coverage. Emergency transportation to a local medical center can cost you thousands of dollars, but this service can be lifesaving. You should also look for policies that offer emergency evacuation in case there is civil unrest, a natural disaster, or other unforeseen events in the country your children are visiting.

Other Considerations
Where will your student be living? On campus in a dorm or fraternity/sorority house? Or have they moved off campus to an apartment or rental house? The different variables involved in your child’s living situation, especially for older students, can have an impact on your current policies covering your child. They can also dictate a need to modify your policy or purchase a new one. There could also be a consideration based upon how many roommates your child will be staying with.

The college years often represent your children’s transition into adulthood. To help smooth their path, make sure they’re ready for life’s emergencies. To discuss your children’s travel, health or car insurance needs with a professional, call our office today at (616) 897-1515 and one of our experienced agents will help you assess your child’s changing coverage needs.

History of Life Insurance

Posted on September 20, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Far from its humble beginnings, the concept of life insurance has exploded in recent years into something much more far-reaching than a mere death benefit for a grieving family. It’s a tool for businesses to preserve and pass on assets, a tool for individuals to strengthen retirement goals, and a tool for families to combat risks. Let’s take a look at the humble beginnings of this versatile tool and follow its progress into the dynamic product that it is today!

The Law of Large Numbers

The concept of life insurance is based on the law of large numbers. This basically means that the larger the group of people you have, the easier it is to spread out the financial burden of risk to members. A group of 100,000 people only need to contribute $10 each in order to create a financial reserve of $1,000,000 whereas a group of 100 people must contribute $10,000 each for the same result. Creating large groups in which each member contributed a small amount of money allowed there to be a significant benefit to a widow after the death of her spouse without breaking the bank for all other members.

Life Insurance — The Beginnings

Life insurance began as a loosely organized way to help widows and their children survive after the loss of a home’s breadwinner. Hundreds of years ago, women were not able to inherit land—and many peasant families had nothing to inherit to begin with. As working men died, they left no one to care for and support their families, so churches and other groups organized funds for the payment of their support. Some of these groups didn’t provide complete financial support for the widows, but just burial benefits for the recently deceased. Eventually, the clubs even expanded to offer other benefits like disability and dismemberment payments.

Life Insurance — The Middle Years

During the 1800’s, some companies determined that taking a premium in exchange for the promise of an insurance benefit was a more efficient and dependable way to offer a life insurance policy to a surviving spouse. This progress followed the Great Fire in New York in 1835 that left many families bereft emotionally and financially. During this time the face of insurance was changing as the automobile was making an impact and its insurance policies (created based on the historical policies of ship captains on the cargo their vessels carried) were becoming more and more popular.

Life insurance quickly grew from being an occasional luxury policy of the rich to a necessity in every family—something that could not be said for auto insurance. It was offered as a benefit by employers and provided by unions. In the 1900s inexpensive burial policies became very popular with door-to-door salesmen selling them and collecting the premiums.

Life Insurance — Today

Now life insurance has become as sleek and modern as the latest Apple gadget. Insurance premiums can be taken directly out of your bank account without you having to write a check and policies can be purchased online and issued electronically—without a piece of paper touching your fingertips.

Even the benefit itself has changed. While life insurance’s main attraction is still its death benefit, there are many other benefits you can add on in the form of insurance riders. These include additional death benefits for spouses and children, accelerated benefits that allow you to access your funds after you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, and accidental death benefits that double your death benefit should you die in an accident.

Life insurance policies are more frequently being considered investments that are to be considered in a family’s net worth. Their cash value accrual methods range from simple, fixed growth to variable growth that relies on the movement of the stock market to help your accumulation along.

No matter what you need your life insurance policy for or what benefits and riders you decide to take advantage of, it is a vital part of your family’s financial future. What was once merely a tool to help bury individuals and provide menial support to grieving widows has become a sophisticated tool to preserve wealth, as well as a utilitarian product to ensure a way of life.

10 Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Posted on September 16, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Halloween Candy Corn There’s no doubt your little ones are beginning to get excited about Halloween. You can’t blame them – it’s the yearly chance to go splurge on free candy. Plus who wouldn’t be counting down the days to dressing up as a superhero, princess, or firefighter?

To make sure your family has the best Halloween this year, here are 10 safety tips:

1. Never trick-or-treat alone. Always make sure you are either with your kids or they are in a group of friends you trust.

2. Plan your route beforehand. If you aren’t accompanying your kids, plan out where they’re going to go with their friends. Tell them what neighborhoods are good, which they aren’t allowed to go to, and what’s too far from home.

3. Have a flashlight. You want to be able to see that candy right? It’ll also make your trick-or-treaters more aware to other children and drivers on the roads.

4. Wear comfy shoes. Sure, Spider-Man might not rock sneakers with his outfit but you’re going to want your children to be comfortable for the long walk that night. If your child insists on those sparkly princess shoes, consider bringing some more practical back-up shoes for when reality (or blisters) set in.

Halloween Costume

5. Never accept rides from strangers or go inside strangers’ houses.

6. Only visit well-lit houses. If a house doesn’t have its porch light on or any other indicators that they’re open for candy, it’s best to skip that house and move on.

7. Don’t eat any candy that isn’t properly wrapped. A tummy ache will crush your child’s candy-eating dreams.

8. Don’t run! Those costumes aren’t built for sprinters, so tell your kids to not be in such a hurry and avoid tripping over theirs or others’ costumes. Be especially aware of this when capes or long robes are involved!

9. Stay on sidewalks as much as possible. Don’t wander into the street and stick as close to houses as possible.

10. Make sure your child can properly see and move comfortably. It’s fun to put on the cape and cowl of your favorite hero, but make sure they can see and enjoy the night properly and avoid getting hurt.

What rules do you have for keeping your Halloween safe? Share in the comments!

3 Scary Halloween Insurance Claims

Posted on September 16, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Let’s look at some of the most common tricks that are pulled on policyholders over the holiday and ways you can safeguard your car and home this Halloween.

Dog Bites on Halloween

1. My dog bit a trick-or-treater! Halloween creates heavy traffic to your home and can be downright spooky for dogs. A scared dog is on higher alert than normal, and this could result in your furry friend taking a bite out of one of your costumed visitors.

It’s best for you, and your pet, to have them put away from the door when you know traffic will be high – such as Halloween night. They should be fine in a back room, away from the front door. If possible put some of their favorite toys and a treat back with them so they know they are not in trouble. We also recommend turning on the TV or a radio in the room your dog is in to help muffle the doorbell or noise and giggles of trick-or-treaters at the front door, which may stress them out.

Remember not to take this risk lightly. There were over 16,000 dog bite claims last year, making up more than one-third of all liability claims paid out homeowners insurance companies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). They totaled almost $479 million, averaging nearly $29,400 paid out per claim. Every state has different rules about dog bites, homeowners policies typically cover the liability and medical expenses related to a dog bite, unless your dog or his breed is excluded from your policy.

2. Does my homeowners policy cover TP in the trees? Toilet paper typically doesn’t damage trees, most of the time it’s just paper blowing through the branches, so a claim isn’t necessary. For the most part, toilet paper is merely an annoyance that must be cleaned up in the morning.

However, there have been instances when a tree has been damaged during an act of vandalism. If this happens, your homeowners policies may cover this – check with your agent to be sure. If your tree does have damage from vandalism, avoid cutting down limbs or hauling away any debris until a claims adjuster is able to come out to take a look at the damage to the tree or your home. Halloween

3. My car was egged, am I covered? Vandalism is most likely covered by your car insurance policy if you have comprehensive coverage. Whether or not you should file a claim depends on the amount of damage versus the amount of your deductible. You may be able to remove egg with a simple car wash – though more extensive damage may occur depending on the severity of the vandalism.

In the last few years, we’ve seen claims increase for damage caused by paintballs, water balloons filled with paint or other liquids, and broken windshields with pumpkins thrown through them. If you see severe damage, dents, or your paint eaten away, then a claim may be justifiable.

Your best bet to protect your vehicle is to park your car in the garage or another well-lit, covered area. If you do not have this option, even simply buying a tarp to cover your car can detour vandals.

The good news is that most neighborhoods are prepared for Halloween, and you and your neighbors can look out for each other and the rest of your neighbors. By working together, and helping others be vigilant about safeguarding your street from pranksters, your street will be unattractive to teens ready to egg cars or toilet-paper trees.

What other tips do you have for preventing pranks during Halloween? Share them with us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

3 Scary Halloween Insurance Claims

Posted on September 16, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Let’s look at some of the most common tricks that are pulled on policyholders over the holiday and ways you can safeguard your car and home this Halloween.

Dog Bites on Halloween

What other tips do you have for preventing pranks during Halloween? Share them with us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

Fall Daylight Savings Checklist

Posted on September 13, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

An Extra Hour of Sleep… An Extra Hour to Organize

Every year, Daylight Savings Time sparks debate and frustration. But there’s one thing we think everyone can agree on – an extra hour of sleep is always welcome! ‘The words “Fall Back” are sweet music to the ears of many sleepy people looking forward to the extra hour of sleep that comes with the fall time change. But Daylight Savings Time can also be a reminder to home and automobile owners to patch up any holes or leaks before colder weather approaches.

Now that you’ve moved your clock back one hour, here’s a quick maintenance checklist before the Michigan winter arrives.

1. Clean your chimney
Planning on having a fire during the cold weather? Make sure your chimney is cleaned first. A buildup of creosote, found in every chimney, can lead to a fire that you didn’t plan.

2. Roofing Regulations
Now is a perfect time get your roof cleared of damaged shingles and bothersome branches.

3. Good Gutters
Fall means leaves, which means a clogged gutter. Get your gutter cleaned and discourage unwanted pests from making their home inside. Plus, prevent roof damage that can occur due to overflowing gutters.

4. Protect against the upcoming freeze
Wrap your faucets!

5. Insulate on the cheap
Insulation strips can be bought cheap at any hardware store, and are a great way to lower your heating bill. Scope out any cracks that lead outside, especially through windows or at the bottom of your front and back door, and insulate before the snow piles up.

6. Water heater and furnace check
These are two things you absolutely do not want to fail you when you need them most, during the bitter winter. Get them checked out before it’s too late.

How do you prepare for winter weather in Michigan? Comment below with your favorite fall to-do’s.

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6 Autumn Driving Tips

Posted on September 13, 2016October 18, 2018 by admin

Autumn Road Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Michigan. Leaves are changing to magnificent colors, complex and savory vegetables are in season, and the crisp air revitalizes your senses. During such an invigorating time of the year, it can be easy to forget the road hazards that come with the season. As the summer shifts to autumn, be sure to remember these safety tips to help reduce your driving risks and enjoy a safe fall.

Watch for deer. Fall is deer breeding season, the time of year when they become most active and tend to travel in larger groups. Keep a sharp eye out, especially on country roads or in wooded areas. Always slow down around curves, keep your headlights on, and be ready to stop should a deer suddenly cross your path. When driving at night, watch out for your headlights reflecting back in their eyes, and if you see one, assume there may be more close behind!
Monitor visibility. Fall brings shorter days and different sunrise/sunset times. Autumn’s brilliant sunrises and sunsets can be breathtaking, but they can also cause dangerous glares. Consider keeping sunglasses on hand for your daily commute. Additionally, it may be safest to keep your headlights on throughout your commute home to make yourself more visible and to help you see pedestrians, other vehicles, and cyclists.
Be mindful of where you park. There’s nothing more inviting than a pile of leaves during the fall, but be sure not to park your vehicle nearby. Large quantities of leaves near your exhaust system can create a dangerous fire hazard.
Check your tires. A change in seasons means a change in weather patterns. The shifting temperatures can affect your tire pressure, so be sure that all of them (including your spare) are fully inflated and have enough tread.
Be cautious around leaves. Leaf accumulation can cover up street markings, debris, and those potholes Michigan is famous for. Wet leaves in the roadway can also reduce your tire traction, cause skidding, and may also freeze if the temperatures drop too far. Make sure to give yourself enough distance from the car ahead of you and be cautious of your surroundings.
Beware of construction. Here in Michigan, we know fall by another name – “Construction Season.” Be sure to slow down and watch out for workers near the road. Consider checking out Mi Drive, an interactive map created by the Michigan Department of Transportation (and also available as an app) with live construction updates to help you avoid construction and navigate the roads safely.

Fall is a magical time of year. Enjoy the season to its fullest by keeping your risks low, practicing safe driving habits, and being aware of your surroundings.

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Alliance Financial & Insurance

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$10,000 Donation for Kids’ Food Basket

Make More Happen Award

5 Boating Safety Tips for Memorial Weekend

Insuring Your College Student

History of Life Insurance

10 Trick or Treat Safety Tips

3 Scary Halloween Insurance Claims

3 Scary Halloween Insurance Claims

Fall Daylight Savings Checklist

6 Autumn Driving Tips

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