It is once again that magical time of year where it seems to never quit snowing. As you drive around town, you may also notice large icicles hanging off homes and businesses. While they can certainly be interesting to look at, they could potentially be the start of a more serious winter issue, ice damming.  But what exactly is ice damming? What causes it? How do we get rid of it and keep it away? I’m here to answer all of those questions! Ice damming is when you get a buildup of ice on the edge, or eave, of a … Continue reading

Kelly Schultz, Alison Neumann, Jane Wanberg and Andrew Flannery of VAST have all recently obtained the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) after successful completion of a comprehensive insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives. The Society of CISR is a key member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, the nation’s preeminent provider of insurance and risk management education. This program is designed to serve a variety of individuals practicing insurance so that they may better serve their clients’ needs and requirements. Kelly, Alison, Jane and Andrew have demonstrated their professional … Continue reading

School is back in session, summer is on its way out the door, and the autumn season is upon us. With this brings seasonal allergies, colds, and potentially the start of the flu season.  Following preventative measures is highly effective to protect yourself against falling ill with the flu. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine by the end of October. This gives your body time to build antibodies that protect against the flu before the season begins,  and it starts spreading throughout the community. A common question regarding vaccinations is, “How is the flu shot covered by my insurance”?  … Continue reading

“Why do I have medical payments coverage on my home insurance?” This is a question that comes up quite often when people discuss their home insurance policy with me.  It’s actually a great question, because at first glance this doesn’t seem like a coverage that should be associated with your home. That’s what you have health insurance for, right? The truth is that this coverage actually isn’t for you, or any of your household members for that matter. Allow me to elaborate. Medical payments coverage is only for non-household members. Essentially, it is a good faith payment that your home … Continue reading

If you have traveled to our website lately you may have noticed three little words staring at you from the bottom right corner: Chat with us! While these words are self-explanatory, what they don’t tell you is that this has been an adventure two years in the making. Allow me to elaborate. Two years ago we decided to totally revamp our website, and after plenty of high level collaboration with a local creative agency, Elegant Seagulls, our vision became the reality that you currently see when you go to vastsolution.com.  Part of the collaboration that I just mentioned was the … Continue reading

It’s a hot one out there! As we head into the dog days of summer the temperature outside seems to show no signs of coming down any time soon. Not everyone has the pleasure of being able to sit in air conditioning; so that got me thinking, “What are some of the best ways to stay cool?” These are my top five tips to beat the heat, in no particular order. 1. Drink more water – It’s always important to stay hydrated, but it’s especially important when it’s hot out. Your body essentially acts like an air conditioner. It cools … Continue reading

I have a confession to make. Like many other people, I have an unhealthy obsession with watching HGTV. I turned it on this weekend, and a show came on called “Tiny House, Big Living.” The show highlights people who are building their dream home, with the catch being that the homes are so small that most of them are built on the frame of a utility trailer. As I began to watch this program, I started to see why tiny homes are becoming a trend in the United States. These people have little to no mortgage, mobility, and very simplified … Continue reading

The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) recently put out a press release detailing changes in their rate for 2016. Some of you may be wondering, “What is the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association?” Better yet, some of you may be wondering, “What does that have to do with me?” I am here to answer both of those questions for you. Simply put, the MCCA is reinsurance for the insurance companies in the state of Michigan. It has been in place since 1978, and every insurance company in the state that sells auto or motorcycle coverage is required to be a member.  … Continue reading

Welcome to part three of our series on workplace culture. The focus of this blog is on the group of people at VAST who enjoy technology, and everything that comes with it. This group is eloquently known as “The Nerd Herd.” If you look in the Merriam-Webster dictionary you will find the word nerd defined as, “An unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits.” I am writing this today to tell you that I respectfully disagree with that definition. Look around you in popular culture, and nerds have become what I call … Continue reading

In the year 1885 a company was started in Marquette, Michigan. The name of that company was Sidney Adams Real Estate, Insurance, and Loans. Following the old saying that all you need is a dollar and a dream, this company was started by a man, who in 1850, had come to Marquette with only a dollar in his pocket. Over the years this company has changed locations, names, and faces. Yet, 130 years later this company, now known as VAST, is not only surviving but thriving. The biggest question is; Why? Simply put, it is this writer’s opinion the reason … Continue reading