Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Health Care Insurance for Adult

When a good friend of mine inquired where he could obtain information about medical insurance for his out of state, elderly mother, I told him to try the Internet.

He reported back to me about a week later, in desperation: I am giving up, I am too confused. He had taken on an overwhelming project with his widowed mother, living in another state. As the only child, and following the sudden death of his father, it was his responsibility to care for his mother.

Protecting your parents assets and health is a huge and daunting undertaking, which requires a tremendous amount of education and practical application. Our seniors face many diverse responsibilities upon reaching age 65. To name just a few: Estate planning, taxation, Medicare, social security, wills, insurance, and various other legal and financial matters. All of these different areas require expertise from accountants, lawyers, estate planners, insurance agents, home brokers, financial advisors, and others.

Twenty years ago, insurance for elders was sold by senior insurance specialists, with just a handful of companies in each state. The programs were most often Medic gap or Medicare supplemental policies, which covered the expenses not covered by Medicare, including hospital and doctor deductibles, durable medical devices, and no approved Medicare costs. Ironically these specialists did not sell a lot of nursing care policies, even though Medicare paid a national average of less than 2% of these expenses. With the advent of financial and estate planning and more insurance companies entering this market, a broader and diversified product line became available to agents, brokers, planners, and seniors.

Part of this new diversification was the home health care plan, sold by itself, and in conjunction with senior health insurance products. The appeal of the home health care policy was that a senior could stay at home and still receive medical and custodial benefits, allowing a person to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.

This was the answer to a huge problem. The last place an older person wanted to go was a retirement home, or rest home, or, God forbid, the nursing home. It appeared that seniors could now rely on this new innovation without worry of having to move out of their home environment in the event of a health problem.

As with most things, if it is too good to be true. The home health care policy is no exception. The problem is there is not enough coverage for a lengthy illness or recuperation time. The fact is the new trend is toward an all in one type facility, allowing for a variety of levels of care all in one location. In other words a senior could start off with little or no health care concerns in an independent, less expensive area, and then go to an assisted living, or nursing care facility, all within the same compound.

About the Author:
Francis Lua Find out more information at my website which is at www.healthinsurancesuper.com
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Basic Auto Liability Insurance Policies

Basic auto liability insurance policies are low-cost auto insurance policies with a minimum number of benefits. It is a contract between an insured person and the insurance company, in which the insured person pays a premium and the company, in turn, provides financial support within the limits of the policy.

Basic auto liability insurance policies consist of two types of benefits or coverage. They are coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury liability provides protection from various claims and court cases that are filed against insured persons, in case the insured person is the cause of injury or death of another person. This type of coverage pays costs for the affected person or his relatives for the pain, suffering, and other hardships, and also for economic damages. This coverage is optional, as it can be selected if a person needs it.

In property damage liability, insured persons are protected from claims and court cases for the damage of property of another person as a result of accident. Property generally refers to the vehicle of another person. However, damage to lamp posts, fences, telephone poles, and buildings is also considered in property liability.

Basic auto liability insurance policies are affordable and simple. Once a policy is selected, a "Limitation on Lawsuit" option is obtained along with the policies. There are certain limitations on the lawsuit option. Legal action can be taken only if death occurs or the person is seriously injured with any one of the conditions such as displaced fracture, dismemberment, major disfigurement or scarring, loss of fetus, and also for other permanent injuries in which body parts cannot function normally.

Basic auto liability policies are risky and provide very less or sometimes even no protection for bodily injury. Two-wheel motorized vehicles and commercial autos are commonly insured using these basic auto liability insurance policies.

About the Author:
Peter Emerson
Auto Insurance Companies provides detailed information on Auto Insurance Companies, Types of Auto Insurance Companies, Top Auto Insurance Companies, Auto Insurance Company Ratings and more. Auto Insurance Companies is affiliated with Car Insurance Policies.
Article Submitted On: September 19, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Monday, January 29, 2007

How To Change Auto Insurance Companies

Changing Auto Insurance Companies May be Easier Than you Think!

There are many reasons why you may choose to change your auto insurance coverage to another company. Perhaps you’ve found another company that offers you the same amount of coverage for considerably less money. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you’re unhappy with the service that your present company provides. With the growth of the internet and quote comparison sites, investigating your options has never been easier!
Why change to a new Auto insurance carrier?

You need to regularly review your auto insurance coverage to make sure that you are receiving the best insurance value for your money. You will discover that it pays to shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies vary widely among different auto insurance companies. The reasons for this price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a company's claims experience with policyholders in a coverage group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in a coverage group files claims during a given year, their rates will likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower overall premiums may be available at other insurance companies. When you decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you’ll find that it's fairly easy to do so.
How to cancel your old Auto Insurance policy

Generally, all you need to do to cancel your auto insurance policy is to inform your insurance company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy canceled. In some states, the new agent must notify the previous agent of the policy change. Some auto insurance companies ask the policyholder send back the actual printed policy. The insurance company will send a cancellation request form that will need to be signed and returned. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all information regarding the policy is correct. If the form is not received within two weeks of sending the letter, call the agent or company immediately to check on the status of the cancellation. Don't just walk away from the old policy without formally canceling it. Each state requires that auto Insurance policies be cancelled with notice, thus the insurance company might assume one wished to continue the coverage, and it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay premiums and report the lack of coverage to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating and ability to get a new policy.
Be sure to get a new Auto Insurance policy first

Always have a new policy in place before canceling the old auto insurance coverage. Otherwise you might have a gap in protection for a day or more! Most states require all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance and most insurance companies require policyholders to present proof of new coverage before they will cancel an active policy. The new company will be able to time the beginning of the new policy to coincide with the cancellation of the prior coverage.
When to Change Auto Insurance policies

At Renewal

Renewal is a convenient time to change auto insurance policies, as you don’t have to wait for a refund from your current carrier. A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately 30 days before a new policy begins, depending on the regulations in your state. Should you decide to switch companies, you’ll need to have a new policy by the time the current policy renews. Though a company might say there is 10-30 days to get your payment in before a policy terminates, you do not have coverage until the carrier receives the payment. If you have an accident during this time period you most likely will have no coverage since the premium wasn’t paid!

Anytime:

All Auto insurance policies contain a provision allowing you to cancel your policy with proper notice at any time. In a few states auto insurance companies “short rate” the policy that means one pays a penalty for canceling before the policy renews. Most insurance companies pro-rate their policies so there is no penalty. The advantage of switching before the renewal date can save you a lot of money. For example if you have a policy that runs from Jan 15th to Aug 15th and you have an accident or ticket that will be over 36 months on March 15th. By switching Auto insurance companies on March 16th, you get a discount for having a clean driving record. Your current carrier won’t apply this discount until the policy renews on August 15th! This can save you Hundreds of dollars immediately!
How long does it take to change Auto insurance?

When you change auto insurance companies, the new agent or insurer can generally change carriers while you wait! Generally they’ll just need a copy of your current declaration page, driver’s license and down payment to get the policy issued.

So why not get started today and Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes from Top Companies

About the author:
BIO: Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com
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Sunday, January 28, 2007

Why Bother With Farmers Auto Insurance?

Farmers auto insurance is a very large insurance company that offers all types of coverage including car insurance. The insurance policies cover many things concerning insurance on vehicles. There are many different types of auto insurance coverage such as collision, comprehensive, deductible and a wide variety that goes on and on. Farmers auto insurance company covers it all concerning vehicles.

When you have collision coverage it basically covers damage to your vehicle that is caused by hitting another vehicle or an object. This means that you will be reimbursed by Farmers car insurance the amount needed to repair or replace your damaged vehicle. This Farmers auto insurance coverage is standard when you lease a vehicle or you are paying off a loan on it.

If you have a collision and it is your fault, then property damage covers your Farmers auto insurance liability for the damage caused to someone else’s property. A car, house or fence or anything that would be considered as someone else’s property and is covered under this section of the Farmers car insurance.

Comprehensive coverage with Farmers auto insurance usually covers things like fire, falling objects, riots, storms, earthquakes, floods, collisions with animals or other natural occurrences. This usually includes a deductible that is also required if you lease your vehicle or owe money on it. A deductible with Farmers car insurance requires that you pay a portion of the damages. For example, in the case of a fender bender that cost $1100.00, you would have to pay a certain amount of this cost yourself.

Farmers auto insurance also offers uninsured motorist coverage. This car insurance protects you, members of your family and your passengers. If you have an accident with someone who has no auto insurance or someone that is under insured Farmers car insurance protects you and them, if there is an injury.

The same would apply if it is a hit and run driver. This insurance also applies to you or members of your household if you are the victim of a pedestrian accident. This car insurance will pay medical cost, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are in an accident you have enough worries about trying to recover, so let the insurance company worry about paying the bills.

Farmers auto insurance covers a lot of different liabilities, but you need to make sure that you know which ones you need and want before you take out your policy.

About the Author:
For a website totally devoted to Car Insurance visit Peter's Website Car Insurance Answers at http://www.car-insurance-answers.com/ and find out about Car Insurance as well as Cheap Car Insurance at http://www.car-insurance-answers.com/cheap-car-insurance.html and more, including Online Car Insurance Quotes, UK Car Insurance, Car Insurance Rates and Car Insurance Quotes.
Article Source: Articles Directory.net

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Cheap Auto Insurance Tips

To the contrary of what many people might think, there is a way to get cheap auto insurance. Insurance doesn't have to be purchased locally anymore, the internet is a very valuable tool that we all have at the tip of our fingers. Most companies offer coverage nation wide, and with the internet, you have access to all of these companies that are in competition for your business. With this in mind, you have the ability to compare auto insurance rates and find the best policy for you. A great way to find cheap car insurance is simply comparing rate quotes on the internet, which is fast, easy and convenient. By doing this, you can easily save hundreds of dollars.

There are other ways to save on car insurance, however some of them take time, such as years of claim-free driving experience and a clear record of traffic offences. Whether you are a new driver, young driver, experienced driver, male or female, you can find cheap auto insurance with rate comparisons. Free quotes for car insurance are widely available to help you compare rates and find out for yourself just how much you can save.

If you are trying to save as much as possible on your insurance policy and are in search of cheap auto insurance rates, comparing rate quotes can be very beneficial. Other than mentioned above, you can lower your rates even more by driving a less expensive vehicle, and even choosing a higher deduclible for your policy. This can be very advantageous for good drivers. In the auto insurance world, prudent drives are rewarded in time with cheap auto insurance rates, either way, online rate quote comparisons can save you big money.

About the Author:
Dean Cecere is author and owner of Insurancecoverage-quotes.com
Where you can find solutions to all your insurance needs.
Submitted: 2006-08-07
Article Source: GoArticles

Friday, January 26, 2007

The Elements of a Renters Insurance Rate

A renters insurance rate is based on several factors. Everyone considering a purchase of a renters insurance should have a basic understanding of how the premium is arrived at and the various aspects affecting the rate.

The first thing one should ask is whether the insurance company offers coverage for your belongings based on actual cash value or replacement cost value. As the names imply, the actual cash value coverage will reimburse policyholders for the actual cost of the property at the time of the loss, while the replacement cost coverage will pay for the actual replacement cost of the property at the time of loss. A replacement cost renters insurance rate is higher than the actual cash value insurance and it also pays more when an actual claim is made.

A renters insurance will protect a customer's personal property against fire, storm or other natural disasters. It also covers losses due to theft or accidents caused to a third party while within the rented property. Computing for the rate is, of course, based on the actual properties being insured. There is a great risk of under-insuring when renters do not have an inventory of all their personal belongings. An inventory also greatly simplifies the claims process. When drawing up an inventory, it is wise to indicate the prices of each and every item that will be insured. Renters should also take extra note of their high-priced items, such as jewelry. Some insurance companies would deem it fit to ask customers to take out a separate rider policy for high-priced items. The basic rule for claims processors is that if an item, especially a high priced one has not been declared, it is not covered by the policy.

Another standard coverage offered by a renters insurance is for liability. It has a limit of about 30 to 50 percent of the value of the policy. Also called the additional living expenses coverage, this portion of the insurance pays for the customer's living expenses after a loss and the costs incurred when a visitor meets an accident within the premises.

A renters insurance rate is based on several elements including the location of the rented property, the deductible set by the policy-holder, and any additional coverage required by the policy-holder. These elements are used to compute the premium. A high deductible yields a lower premium, but policy-holders should make sure that they can afford whatever deductible they set as this is the amount they will shoulder at the actual time of the loss. Most insurance companies would offer discounts for so-called protective devices, such as fire extinguishers, smoke and fire detectors and burglar alarms. Discounts are also offered to senior citizens and for customers who purchase another line of insurance product from the company, such as a motor insurance policy for their vehicle.

About the Author:
GSET Publishing
Insurenters.com provides you with information on renters insurance related issues like renters insurance rate, the pitfalls and the best tips. We help you find your renters insurance. www.insurenters.com/
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Ins And Outs Of Public Liability Insurance

With the compensation culture increasing around the world, having public liability insurance is becoming more and more important. If you don't have liability insurance included in your current building insurance, then now is the time to look at getting better cover. Here is some advice about why you need insurance, and what to look out for:

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance is an insurance policy that protects you from claims that other people might make against you in the event of an accident. If someone damages their property or injures themselves in or around your property or business then insurance will cover you for any compensation claims that might occur. Cover usually ranges from £250,000 up to £1 million.

What are you covered against?

Insurance will insure you against accidents or loss that others might suffer in or around your home or business premises. You are covered against claims from trespassers, as well as injury that might occur to anyone from falling objects or people carrying out repairs. If an accident occurs on your property and someone claims against you, your insurance will help you pay any compensation.

Included in your contents insurance

Some contents or property insurance policies have in-built liability insurance. You should check with your insurer whether this is the case, and what level of cover you have. Even if the insurance is included, you need to make sure that you are adequately covered for any accidents that might occur.

Premiums

The premiums that you pay depend on the level of coverage you want. If you are simply covered your home, then premiums are likely to be lower than if you are covering a business. However, premiums are relatively cheap for the level of cover that you are afforded, and it is therefore essential for anyone running a business. With compensation claims on the rise it is also a good idea for homeowners to have adequate insurance.

Dangers of not having insurance

If you don't have insurance then you could end up with a massive compensation bill. If you are at fault or negligent and someone makes a claim against you, then you will have to pay the full level of compensation if uninsured. A claim might range from a few hundred pounds to a few million for more serious accidents. If you cannot pay the claim amount then you could lose your home and other possessions in order to pay for the claim.

Requirements

Some businesses are required to have insurance, such as horse riding schools. Any type of business that has some obvious risk to the public will be required to have liability insurance. Also, many businesses and customers will want proof that you have insurance before they work with you, in case anything should happen and a claim is made.

About the Author:
Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.co.uk. For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at UK Credit Cards and Business Insurance
Posted: 14-09-2006
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Employment at Auto Insurance Companies

Licensing is a major requirement for employment at auto insurance companies. Some companies provide employment for those who have a current applicable license, and others assist you in getting the proper license before providing employment. As licensing requirements differ for various departments within the same company, it is necessary to verify these requirements.

Employment at auto insurance companies is controlled by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, from where these companies are issued licenses. Based on the type of insurance selected, job seekers can inquire about vacant positions by visiting the recruiting departments of auto insurance companies. If there are no openings available, you can ask whether your resume can be submitted for future openings. Another option for employment is to contact recruiting agencies in insurance companies, through which one can apply for different positions in multiple companies simultaneously. The third option is to search web resources for insurance-related jobs.

The workers in auto insurance companies are benefited by competitive salaries, bonus programs, and comprehensive packages. Salary is paid on a monthly basis. A wide range of benefits?including medical, dental, life insurance and pension plans, prescription drug coverage, flexible spending accounts, and a stock purchase plan?are available for employees. Some companies even assist their employees in taking different industrial courses. Some companies have employee assistance and charitable gift matching programs.

As auto insurance companies constitute a growing industrial sector, these companies provide a wide range of employment opportunities for beginners as well as experienced persons. People are employed as managers, representatives, specialists, programmers, accountants, and supervisors in these companies. Most of the persons are employed in claims departments as adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators. In addition, sales agent jobs are always competitive in these companies.

As part of employment, some companies prepare their employees to handle frauds; others impart training to find weaknesses in various insurance cases so as to minimize financial liabilities in companies.

About the Author:
Peter Emerson
Auto Insurance Companies provides detailed information on Auto Insurance Companies, Types of Auto Insurance Companies, Top Auto Insurance Companies, Auto Insurance Company Ratings and more. Auto Insurance Companies is affiliated with Car Insurance Policies.
Article Submitted On: September 19, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40_

Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town.

However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value.

It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25àHowever, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks.

Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates.

Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high).

Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time.

Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans.

Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen.

Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

About the author:
Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.Free daily email with locations and prices.
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Monday, January 22, 2007

Life Insurance Information

Life insurance is a personal insurance plan designed to pay out a sum of money on the death of the policyholder. Life Insurance is an insurance that is taken out against a persons life. It will pay out either a lump sum or monthly contributions to the “trustee” or next of kin in the event of the policy holder's death.

Life insurance is, as the name implies, an insurance policy taken out on an individual's life. As with any other insurance policy, regular premiums are paid by the policyholder to the insurance company - and should the policyholder die, then the policy will pay out either a lump sum or a regular income.

People think about the future more now than ever before. We want a good standard of living not just now but also as we grow older and this is why the financial services industry has become more important.

The most obvious reason for a life insurance policy is to provide financial protection for family and loved ones, should you die unexpectedly. However, there are a number of different circumstances in which life insurance is an important factor to consider, such as protecting your mortgage, your estate or your business.

Upon the death of the policyholder, a life insurance contract provides a one-off lump sum payment - particularly important if either you or your family take on a big loan, any long-term financial commitment, or purchase a house. For example, if the policyholder does die the payment from a life insurance deal could be used to pay off a mortgage.

Life Insurance is particularly valuable if taken out at a younger age, due to the fact that it will cost much less. It will help you to protect your family against any financial difficulties that may arise from your death. It can replace lost income, provide a lump sum towards funeral costs, pay off an outstanding loan or credit card.

But it is worth remembering that an effective life insurance policy should provide for both your partner's or your family's short-term and long-term financial requirements. Short-term requirements include taxes and funeral costs, while long-term requirements often range from vital expenses, such as school tuition for your children or your partner's needs upon retirement.

Life insurance comes in many different formats to allow people to choose the best type of cover for themselves. The types of life insurance available include:

Mortgage Life Insurance

Designed to pay off your mortgage in the event of your death, or the death of your partner.

Level Term Life Insurance

Designed to cover fixed repayment loans.

Whole of Life Insurance

Policy continues until the policy holder dies when a lump sum is paid out. As long as the payments are kept up to date, the sum assured, which is the level of life insurance cover, will be paid to your estate.

Family Income Benefit Life Insurance

This form of insurance can provide an income for your family or a lump sum if you die during the term of the family income insurance policy.

Your personal circumstances will affect the premiums for life insurance policies, with the most important factors being age and medical history. Which life insurance company you choose can also have an impact on the level of premium required as different life insurance companies treat clients differently.

Life Insurance products have now become very cost effective. Life cover is so cheap to obtain that you have virtually no reason not to obtain a policy.

Getting life insurance can be complicated due to the different types of policies available. If you are unsure about which life insurance to go for, then you should seek some financial advice.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

About the Author:
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
Article Source: Articles Directory.net

Sunday, January 21, 2007

It's Better To Have Too Much Life Insurance Than Not Enough

The term "Life insurance" might not be music to your ears but it's really important. Life insurance is the mode of providing money to your dear ones after you are no more. That money comes in as savior in case of any financial crisis and huge loss. For those who do not have insurance, it is like being subjected to facing a financial crunch along with mental agony due to the loss of a loved one.

The amount of money you should put in life insurance varies for each individual. As a rule of the thumb, you should always have too much life insurance than too little.

This life insurance acts a survivor for the family whose only bread earner dies. However it should be made sure that the amount is enough to last long and not just a year. It is advisable that the families should even pool in money for the insurance policy, as no one would want a situation like this to occur.

In order to best estimate the desirable amount of life insurance needed, list your current debts and bills. Include in this amount any car payments, mortgages, student loan bills, or credit card debt. This amount should be taken into account when purchasing your life insurance. Also, be sure to include any potential final expense that are necessary, as funerals are often expensive endeavors.

There are certain individuals who stay at home, don't get an insurance done as they undermine the services provided by them. However, it is a good idea to have insurance despite the fact that whether you are working or non-working. Although you don't make any financial contribution to the family, the services that you provide should not simply go unnoticed. Estimate the amount of services that you provide: laundry, cleaning, cooking, childcare and many other services in order to arrive at the appropriate amount of insurance.

Do not wait for anything to happen to buy that insurance policy. You also get good deals if the insurance company insures while you are still young, else, be prepared to shell out exorbitant rates when you near retirement. It is advisable to get a medical insurance done as a precautionary measure. Else, you might just be left on your own to fend off those huge bills.

This is a matter that should not be postponed. So, find out which plans and options are suitable to your wants and needs and get started at once. It's a good idea to speak with a licensed insurance provider and plan for your future to protect your family and loved ones. Remember, it's good to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. It's the only way to cope with misfortunes if and when they come uninvited and unannounced.

About the Author:
David Neehly runs an interesting Life Insurance site called "Life Insurance Cash" You'll find all the latest Life Insurance news there. David's recent Life Insurance articles are archived at LifeInsuranceCash.com/sitemap
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Saturday, January 20, 2007

The Benefits of Holiday Travel Insurance

Tourism is a growing industry worldwide. So are undesirable things like terrorism, flight crashes, accidents, wars, disease, natural calamities etc. Any experienced traveler can tell you that travel is full of uncertainties. But it is not possible to sit at home afraid of calamities. Holiday travel insurance is one way of mitigating the financial risk of such unforeseen events or calamities.

There are a variety of holiday travel insurance policies available today on the internet or the market. It is easy to get confused with so many offers. However most holiday travel insurance policies have certain basic benefits which are common. Holiday travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

Trip cancellation/interruptions. Trip cancellation/interruptions due to a variety of reasons like death of an immediate family member, weather, sudden illness, bankruptcy of airliner, jury duty, terrorist activities etc.

Medical costs. Costs incurred for doctor visits, medicines, treatment, surgery etc and some policies even provide coverage for costs of medical evacuation to nearest medical facility.

Accidents. Accidents or calamities like earthquakes, tsunami, storms etc and the related costs. Some policies also provide vehicle accident costs. These are especially useful when going for a driving holiday to a foreign country. Most of your regular policies for auto insurance only provide insurance within the United States and do not provide for accidents out of the US.

Baggage Loss. Costs incurred for loss of baggage and valuable is also covered by most travel insurance policies. These are especially useful when going out for a shopping holiday for antiques, valuables, jewelry or electronics.

All the above-mentioned costs are borne by the travel insurance company depending upon the travel insurance policy. Before purchasing the policy read the fine print carefully, especially the parts covering, deductibles, co-insurance, specific limits, exclusions, hotline numbers and emergency services. Purchasing a policy for a family works out cheaper. Purchasing a policy online also works out cheaper as you do not have to pay for the insurance agent.

About the Author:
Oliver Turner
We are holiday travel insurance experts. Find all about travel insurance on http://www.lowcost-travel-insurance.info . http://lowcost-travel-insurance.info - Your place for travel insurance.
Submitted: 2006-08-04
Article Source: GoArticles

Friday, January 19, 2007

Buying & Insuring Imported Cars - Top Tips To Save Money

With new cars in the UK coming at high prices, it's not surprising that many people turn to importing vehicles from other countries. If you are prepared to put in the effort it can save you a lot of money, but there are many things to be aware of when considering importing a car.

The Law
European Law prohibits any manufacturer from preventing an EU citizen from purchasing a vehicle at the pre-tax price in any other EU country. What this means is that there's nothing stopping you from buying a car from anywhere within the European Union.
There are also no holds in place to prevent you from importing a car from America. However, bringing a car over from the states will cost you an extra 10% import duty as well as the standard 17.5% VAT.

Vehicle Specifications
One of the main things to be careful with when importing a vehicle to the UK is the standard and specifications of the car. Many vehicles which appear to be exactly the same can have subtle differences from country to country. Items such as headlights, steering wheels, mirrors etc. must meet the UK specifications if you want to be able to drive it over here. Find out which fittings come as standard as this can also vary from country to country, and make sure you get all details and specifications in writing from your dealer. Also remember to specify that you want a right hand drive vehicle.

Ensure that the car comes with an EU "Certificate of Conformity" approval to allow you to register the vehicle in the UK. Imports from America must pass the Single Vehicle Approval regulations (SVA).

Payment & Hidden Costs
When importing a car, it is worth being as secure as possible when parting with your money. Many dealers will ask for a large deposit up front, which you are unlikely to receive back if the dealer goes bust. For this reason it is advisable to pay by credit card so you have payment protection cover.
Before making any deal however, and parting with any cash, you should consider all the costs involved with purchasing and transporting the vehicle over to the UK. Will it really save you as much money as you hoped?
There will be a standard addition of 17.5% VAT for all cars purchased and brought into the UK, and as mentioned above, an additional 10% Import tax when buying from America. On top of this, you must consider shipping costs, shipping insurance while your vehicle is in transit, and the possibility of the increased cost of imported car insurance.

Shipping & Registering
Arranging shipping for your vehicle can be expensive, but their are a lot of companies that specialise in these services so shop around for the best price. Alternatively, you can travel to the dealer and drive the car back yourself if you really want to try and save a bit of extra money. You will require 'transit' or temporary plates for the journey home which will last a month and won't set you back too much. You also need to make sure you have insurance while travelling back.

Once the vehicle has arrived in the UK, it must be registered and taxed as soon as possible. The vehicle should not be used or kept on public roads until the registration and vehicle tax formalities have been completed. The only exception to this is if the vehicle requires an MOT or an SVA, in which case to vehicle may be driven to the pre-arranged appointment.

Once your vehicle is road legal, the only thing left to do is arrange insurance for your imported car.

About the Author:
Duncan Hall
For more information on importing vehicles, and to get deals on insurance for imported cars, visit QuoteA, a specialist in modified and imported car insurance.
Article Submitted On: September 19, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Thursday, January 18, 2007

"How To Get Fit And Slash Your Health Insurance Costs"

Okay, before we start, let me explain the purpose of this article. I want you to get so healthy, you'll never need to make a health insurance claim. You'll save money by increased fitness. You'll save money with a long no-claims insurance history. And you'll look and feel much better.

There's three sides to your maximum health and fitness. Diet, and Exercise. But that's only two ! Let me split Exercise into Aerobic exercise and Aneorobic exercise.

Get all three right. Get the right balance. And you'll get as fit and healthy as your body and genetics will allow.

Whole forests of paper have been filled with advice on each of these fitness factors. Just go into your local bookstore, and see shelves of diet advice. Shelves of exercise advice.

Funny how so much contradicts itself, especially for diet e.g right next to each other on the shelf, you'll find a book advocating low carbs & low fat; another saying high fat is okay if you keep the carbs low. Yet another focuses on high protein, and says carbs don't matter...

* Diet

Let me give you this simple diet advice. Stick to low fat, low carbs and high protein. Many medical and weight loss studies over the last 10-20 years prove this approach.
Many other diet myths come from way back in time, and look just plain wrong when analyzed with modern methods.

* Aerobic Exercise

Couch potatoes don't realize how easily they can start feeling fit and healthy. Just walk somewhere 3-4 times per week, for around 20 minutes each time.

Ideally, do some more demanding aerobic exercise. I do a lot of cycling, because it's great low-impact exercise. And I get to see beautiful scenery while I ride.

Running provides even more intensive aerobic exercise, but careful of your joints. Maybe you prefer hiking, to see the local countryside ? Or take up a sport like rowing or tennis. You also get to meet new friends by taking up exercise as a sport.

* Anaerobic Exercise

Many people work on their diet. Many people take aerobic exercise. But many people ignore anaerobic exercise, or weight training.

What makes weight training so important ?

As you get older, muscle mass decreases. Muscle burns fat. So as you lose muscle, it gets harder to keep the fat off. Equally important, weight training can reshape your body.

No matter how much aerobic exercise you do, you'll still be a pear shape (a smaller pear shape) if you started out a pear shape.

Using weights you can flatten your stomach, tone your thighs, bulk up your chest and shoulders, and reshape your body any way you want.

Weight training is incredibly beneficial to your general skeleton strength and conditioning. Older women can reduce the effects of osteoporosis, and older men can maintain their strength and agility.

This short article can do nothing more than provide an introduction to the three keys to your health. Follow these and you shouldn't need to make a health insurance claim.

Slash your health insurance costs with a long no-claims bonus. Slash your health insurance costs with any insurer who rates your fitness.

About the author:
"How To Get Fit And Slash Your Health Insurance Costs"
- by Neil Stelling BSc, MBA
© DigiLectual Inc. 2004
http://www.healthinsurance--quotes.com/
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Which Car Should You Own to Keep Your Insurance Rates Low

Do you consider the cost of insurance before you buy your dream car? You should. The Highway Loss Data Institute analyzes the cost to insurance companies from theft, collision, and injury claims as they relate to cars. They look at the color of the cars, how many doors they have, and even break them down type.

The Highway Loss Data Institute is a nonprofit public service organization. It is closely associated with and funded through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is wholly supported by auto insurers. HLDI gathers, processes, and publishes data on the ways losses vary among different kinds of vehicles. http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl.htm

4- Door cars have a 93% less chance of having a claim related to theft than their sibling 2-Door cars. Buy a Buick LeSabre and have relatively no chance of a theft loss. Compare that to the convertible Chevrolet Corvette that has over 5 times the average theft rate. You may have known that. However, did you know that the Toyota Celica has a 67% higher chance of theft than the Toyota Camry?

In addition, even though the 2002 Lexus IS 300 gets a "best pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its performance on crash tests, previous years' models of the same car are some of the most costly in terms of collision claims. "One of the factors that come into play there is the cost of repairing an expensive vehicle," says Russ Rader, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What about safety? You may be surprised at some of the results. For example, the Porsche 911 has a 67% less chance for injury claims than the norm. Go figure. The Mitsubishi Lancer has almost double the injury claim rate over the norm.

Where does you car fit for injury theft and collision? What about your dream car? Take a look at this run down based on 2000-2002 HLDI data:

Models that are among the most expensive for theft claims include:
Cadillac Escalade four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lincoln Navigator four-wheel drive
Jeep Cherokee four-door
BMW 3 series Convertible

Models that are among the least expensive for theft claims include:
Buick LeSabre
Buick Park Avenue
Volvo V70 Station Wagon
Mercury Grand Marquis four-door

Models that are among the most expensive for injury claims include:
Suzuki Esteem four-door
Kia Rio four-door
Mitsubishi Mirage two-door
Kia Sepectra four-door

Models that are among the least expensive for injury claims include:
GMC Sierra 2500 two-wheel drive
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500 four-wheel drive
Chevrolet Tahoe two-wheel drive

Models that are among the most expensive for collision claims include:
Subaru Impreza WRX four-wheel drive four-door
Lexus IS 300 4 door
Hyundai Tiburon two-door
Porsche 911 Coupe
Acura RSX

Models that are among the least expensive for collision claims include:
Ford Excursion two-wheel drive
GMC Safari four-wheel drive
GMC Sierra 2500
GMC Yukon XL 1500 four-wheel drive

Source: The Highway Loss Data Institute

Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Affordable Car Insurance

About the Author:
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com offers the ability to shop for car insurance online. Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online...anytime!
Article Source: Articles Directory.net

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Why the Need for Motorcycle Insurance?

After you have purchased a vehicle, one of the first things you have to attend to in terms of paperwork is that vehicle's insurance. This goes for everything - cars, trucks, trikes, and even motorbikes. A vehicle is an investment, and you need insurance in order to protect your investment. Motorcycle insurance, for example, would ensure that regardless of life's many sudden turns and bumps, you will be able to drive around in your trustworthy vehicle for a long time.

The need for motorcycle insurance cannot be stated too much, or too many times. Motorcycles do provide maximum freedom of movement when you're on the road. They are invaluable for people who value speed and flexibility in transit, people who would prefer to be able to control their own travel time. However, motorcycles expose their riders to a great deal of physical injury, if only due to the fact that they have no protective covering that would protect riders from sudden impacts and climate changes.

Motorcycles in fact are extremely high-risk vehicles. As the number of motorcycle owners increase yearly, the number of accidents yearly also increases. Based on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s "Hurt Report," the number of motorcycle incidents has not ceased to increase annually since 1997. The latest figure from the NHTSA, shows a total of 4,008 fatalities in 2004 due to motorbike acidents - a huge jump from the 3,714 total in 2003.

The government's crash prevention programs could only do so much. As a responsible driver, you must do your part in ensuring your own safety, the safety of your vehicle, and the safety of whoever else you will allow to ride on your vehicle. Now as a responsible motorcycle owner, you must do whatever you can to make sure that you can handle the damages that may come your way. We can never really foresee every possible disaster, but it's best to be prepared for anything.

The first line of defense is always insurance. Pick out a motorcycle insurance plan that will be easy for you to keep up in terms of premium and payments. You ought to be able to get in touch with cheap insurance outfits over the web, but note that even if you want a completely streamlined plan, made out only for the most basic protection, you may have some needs that are still not considered "basic" by the company. Don't settle for the cheapest right off the bat. Shop around for good deals.

About the Author:
GSET Publishing
Motorcycle-coverage.com provides you with information on motorcycle insurance, quotes, progressive insurance and more to help you make an informed decision about your motorcycle insurance. www.motorcycle-coverage.com/
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Sunday, January 14, 2007

When Purchasing Life Insurance There Are A Number Of Factors One Must Consider.

When purchasing life insurance there are a number of factors one must consider. First, how much life insurance do I need? Second, what kind of insurance do I need? Third, who should my beneficiary be? Lastly, when should I purchase life insurance? Some of these questions may never enter your mind. However, they are all important to your future.

How much insurance does one person need? Well, this is a hard question. How do you put a value on life? Yet, one must focus on the monetary considerations. How much would the funeral cost? Add to that the amount of wages you earn each year with tips and health benefits. All of this will be have to be replaced to your family. You should also take into consideration and subtract any life insurance you have from employers, banks, and others. However, this should only be done if the life insurance goes to your beneficiary after you die and not if the money is simply to pay off your debts.

Second, you should consider whether you want term or whole life insurance. You see, term life insurance is lower in payments. However, when you cancel term insurance, that is the end. The money then goes to the insurance company. Whole life insurance is a little higher priced. However, you retain a portion of the payment in an investment account. So, each life insurance premium is actually insurance and investments in one payment. The decision is up to you and should be based upon your income, preference, and age.

Now, most people know who they want their beneficiary to be. Yet, have you though of what will happen if your beneficiary is no longer living? It would be wise to name a hierarchy of beneficiaries just in case something should happen to one. In fact, this is especially true for husbands and wives who have a higher chance of dying together.

Lastly, when should I purchase life insurance? This may seem like a dumb question. Yet, there are many young adults who think that they have all the time in the world. In fact, they may have 60 years to go. However, the time to plan is now. In fact, if you invest in a whole life insurance policy, you can have a pretty good sized investment by the time you retire, if you are young. There is no time like the present.

No one expects to meet their end when they are young. Unfortunately, accidents happen and it is better to be prepared so your family does not have to deal with a financial burden on top of your untimely death. What we have to remember is that this planning isn't to make our lives easier, it is meant to make our deaths easier to our families.

About the Author:
Robert Michael is a writer for Fhl Insurance which is an excellent place to find insurance links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.fhlinsurance.com
Posted: 14-09-2006
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Automobile Insurance – A Legal Requirement

Every state in America makes having some form of automobile insurance or proof of financial responsibility a legal requirement, and each state has its own minimum requirements when it comes to the amount of automobile insurance or proof of financial responsibility a driver must have. Most law abiding citizens comply with the legal requirement of having a minimum amount of automobile insurance or proof of financial responsibility; however, there are still drivers out there who don’t have automobile insurance, or who haven’t shown proof of financial responsibility in the event of an automobile accident.

Even though many states are cracking down by requiring drivers to show proof that they hold the state’s minimum automobile insurance or financial responsibility before they can register their vehicles, there are still drivers who are slipping by. Why would a driver choose not to insure himself and his automobile? Many drivers feel that by purchasing automobile insurance, or by forking out the minimum amount of money to cover the financial responsibility requirements of their state, they are spending money they’ll never see again. Plus, this money they feel “they’ll never see again” is usually money they feel they can’t afford. However, should these drivers find themselves in an automobile accident without at least the minimum automobile insurance or financial responsibility requirements of their state, the legal mess will most likely cost much more than the automobile insurance payments or financial responsibility would have cost.

If you’re thinking about “slipping by” without purchasing the minimum automobile insurance or showing the minimum financial responsibility required by your state, don’t. You may think you’re an excellent driver who will never cause an accident, but your state has made automobile insurance or financial responsibility a legal requirement for a reason and it’s not just to protect drivers who may be involved in an accident in which you are at fault – it’s also a legal requirement that will protect you.

About the Author:
Elizabeth Newberry
Find Helpful Auto Insurance Policy Information
Texas Home Owner Insurance
Car Insurance Los Angeles

Article Submitted On: September 19, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Friday, January 12, 2007

Imagine Life Without Property Insurance? How Would You Sleep at Night?

Imagine going through life with no insurance at all. Must be a bit like driving car without a seat belt in place.

For most people, insurance is a necessary aspect of life. It is the safety net that protects you from a crushing fall or an imminent disappointment during hard times.

Nothing is worse than an unforeseen natural or man-made disaster that unfortunately removes earnings capacity or assets from you or your business.

There are many types of insurance available, such as life, auto, workman's compensation, liability. And, sometimes it would seem that we can "over-insure" ourselves.

But perhaps the commonest type that is really necessary is property insurance. Whether you are a homeowner or a business operator, property insurance is the one area you should not neglect. So, what is property insurance?

Property Insurance - A Definition

This cover is a type of insurance that provides protection for building structure or structures and its contents. This coverage is malleable and is oftentimes depended on the consumers needs. In some cases, the cover may protect outdoor signs, crime coverage, and property of others, glass coverage, and more.

You can get property insurance through a written contract, called a policy. This policy legally binds you, the policyholder, with an insurance company. The policyholder will pay the insurance company a certain amount of money, called 'a premium' and in exchange, the company will agree to pay for certain types of damages or losses. These damages or losses to be covered by the policy are outlined specifically in the contract.

Property Insurance - Importance and Benefits

Property Insurance has many benefits. Monetary value is one of these benefits that such cover can provide .

The company on risk will pay for damages or losses you encounter in such cases as fire or theft. It is therefore a way for you to protect yourself and your interests.

The amount of money you get from the insurance company will depend on how much cover you've bought at the time of the contract-signing.

For instance, if you bought a $100,000 amount of protection, your insurer will only pay for replacement or reconstruction of damaged property up to that stated amount. Most property insurance companies pay up to 10% in total damages.

Property Insurance - Types

There are many types of property insurance available. Most of these are categorized according to the needs of the policyholders.

For instance, a landlord has different cover needs than a homeowner. What the landlord owns is rental property and the specifics involved in that property type is different from a home. Rental property insurance covers the damages or losses arising from negligence on the tenants part.

As all schemes, rental property insurance offers coverage for the actual building structure and its contents. Rental property insurance can pay for the cost of repairing damaged articles, such as carpets, furniture, curtains, and other house items, caused by guests or tenants.

A homeowners policy provides the same type of coverage offered by a typical property insurance policy.

Most lenders require buyers to have property insurance when applying for a mortgage.

The homeowners insurance policy gives the lenders the security they need to close the sale. It also protects the homeowner from damages caused by disasters, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, theft, vandalism, and the like.

There are several other types of property insurance available. From small business, to medium enterprise, to commercial properties - there's a different kind of coverage for each.

About the Author:
Geoff Morris has been helping others build up their property portfolios to match or exceed his. For more information on the world of property insurance, visit his Protected Property On Line Guide
Submitted: 2006-08-05
Article Source: GoArticles

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Auto Insurance Primer

What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred. By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:

* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident
* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair
* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends. The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.

Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered.


About the author:
Belinda Waters
What is auto insurance? A basic primer on auto insurance.
Circulated by Article Emporium

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Cheap Car Insurance 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Cost

With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?

Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.

So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don’t just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.

And there’s ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips

1.Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

2.Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

3.Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won’t get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

4.Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

5.Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

6.Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

7.Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.

About the Author:
For a website about Car Insurance visit Peter's Website Car Insurance Answers and find out about Car Insurance as well as Cheap Car Insurance and more, including Online Car Insurance Quotes, UK Car Insurance, Car Insurance Rates and Car Insurance Quotes.
Article Source: Articles Directory.net

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Unusual Specialist Insurance Explained

Although most people are familiar with regular types of insurance like life insurance and home insurance, there is an increasing demand for more unusual types of insurance. Basically, anything that you might feel is a risk can be insured against. Here are some examples of insurance types that you might not have considered before:

Reasons for an increase in unusual policies

Unusual insurance policies are becoming more common for a number of reasons. Firstly, people are more informed about what they are at risk from, and so want to protect themselves accordingly. Secondly, the increase in lawsuit culture has increased the need for types of insurance. People are being sued for more and more reasons, and so the level of cover they need is increasing both in value and in scope. Also, the rise in unusual insurance policies amongst the rich and famous is leading everyday people to follow suit.

Pet insurance

One type of insurance that has moved from unusual to fairly common is pet insurance. Many people love their animals as if they were a member of their family, and with vet's bills being so high it does make sense to insure your pet. Pet insurance usually covers vet bills as well as liability and compensation should the animal die. There are now dozens of dedicated pet insurers to choose from, with cover for dogs starting from around £5 per month.

Star employee insurance

A number of companies are beginning to see the importance of their top employees, and are taking policies out to cover them against loss should anything happen to these key members of staff. Whether you are a sales company with a great salesman or a club owner with a great singer, then you could lose earnings should anything happen to your star employee. Taking out a policy to cover you against a drop in earnings might be a good idea.

Body part insurance

Some of the most unusual insurance policies that are in demand are for the insurance of particular body parts. With celebrities like David Beckham and Jennifer Lopez insuring their prize ‘assets', other professions are following suit. Many chefs, athletes and musicians are getting their hands or feet insured in case they are damaged. Although this might seem a little vain, it can in fact be very sensible. If using your hands for playing an instrument is how you make your living and you severely injure yourself, then you might need significant compensation to stop yourself getting into financial difficulty.

Antique insurance

Perhaps the most frequently used unusual insurance policy is the insurance of specific art pieces or antiques. Regular contents insurance is unlikely to cover you for such items, and you may be better taking out a specific policy that covers against more regular loss or theft. If something is irreplaceable and gets damaged you will want a policy that will cover you for the costly restoration of that item. Whatever type of unusual insurance you get, remember to ask yourself if you really need it, and to shop around to get the best deal. Although these policies are not advertised, many insurers might be able to help you with your specific requirements.

About the Author:
Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.co.uk.
For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at Balance Transfer Credit Cards and Home Insurance
Visit http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk
Posted: 13-09-2006
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Why Have to Buy Health Insurance?

These are some of the follow up questions that people have regarding health insurance for the average consumer, it is easy to become baffled by the process; but, learning about the process, educating yourself, gives you much more purchasing power.

1. What is an HMO?

A health maintenance organization HMO is an organization that provides comprehensive health care to a voluntarily enrolled population at a predetermined price. Members pay fixed, periodic fees directly to the HMO and in return receive health care services as often as needed.

2. What is a PPO?

A preferred provider organization PPO is an association that contracts with a group of doctors, dentists, hospitals or other health care service providers to provide care at prearranged rates or discounts.

3. Can an employer work directly with an insurance company?

It is possible for an employer to deal directly with an insurer through a group sales representative to purchase group insurance. Premium rates and underwriting practices vary considerably from one insurer to another, however. In addition, the coverage provided is rarely identical. This means that comparison shopping is often beyond the capability of all but the most sophisticated purchases, for example, the very large company that has sufficient internal employee benefits expertise to do so. For this reason, many group insurance purchasers do not deal directly with insurance company underwriters or group insurance representatives, preferring instead to deal with an intermediary.

Smaller employers need a qualified professional to act as intermediary because they lack the resources and expertise to handle their group insurance needs. An intermediary can help them define their needs and objectives, design a plan to meet those criteria, select the proper purchasing and funding vehicle, obtain competitive quotes from insurers and service the plan.

4. What is a risk?

The risk an insurance company assumes when it agrees to cover a particular group is the possibility that claims will exceed the expected level. It is the chance of financial loss inherent in the group. Insurance companies use it to determine whether they will underwrite an insurance policy on a particular group.

The spread of risk is necessary not only because of the expected variations in a populations health but also because some policy holders particularly very small groups purchase group insurance to cover certain individuals with known health problems. This is a more costly way to obtain coverage for those high risk individuals, but often the only way possible, given the evidence of insurability requirement for individual policies.

About the Author:
Francis Lua Find out more information at my website which is at www.healthinsurancesuper.com
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com