Saturday, September 30, 2006

Car Insurance


Nothing is easy even in today's one-click world. Buying car insurance can be a big hassle, and take most of a day calling around, talking to different companies to get quotes. A lot of people don't have the time to waste to call several different companies out of the phone book, haggling for the best deal and the lowest car insurance rates. Yet everyone still wants to find the best deal, whether or not they have a lot of time on their hands to shop around with. If you're a bargain shopper, then you know the Internet is your best bet to find the greatest deals � on anything. If you buy your car insurance online, you're liable to come away with a great deal.

Every car insurance company says they can offer you the best deal and the lowest rates, and it seems almost impossible to get a straight answer when you get a quote over the phone. Many shoppers feel more comfortable buying car insurance online, in a quick and easy process that doesn't mean sitting through a long series of automated questions and answers. By gathering quotes on the Internet, you won't have to talk to anyone on the phone, answer any questions posed by automated voices, or sit and wait for a human to have the time to talk to you. The Internet allows you to move easily through the process of getting quotes, and many consumers prefer this method.

If you want to get quotes online, the first rule of thumb is not to go to car insurance company's web site. This will limit your quotes and your options. There are tons of sites out there that allow you to fill out a single questionnaire and then compare quotes side-by-side. You can, in this fashion, look over the rates and coverage of several different companies at once. Using the phone as your only tool, getting that many quotes could take hours. With the Internet, you can compare a large list of quotes, immediately weeding out companies whose prices don't fit your budget. Any Internet search will produce web sites that offer comparison-shopping and multiple quotes for your car insurance needs.

Another good way to go when it comes to buying car insurance is to buy through an independent agent. Independent agents do not work for any one company but for you, the consumer. They do all the work of comparing quotes for you, and in the end they can usually provide you with a much better deal than what you can find on your own. Independent agents are offered select deals through car insurance companies, policies and rates that aren't available to the average person. You will never have to talk to your car insurance company, and will only have to send them a check every month or six months (depending on your payment plan). If there is any problem, simply contact your insurance agent and they'll take care of everything. The best part is, there are no fees involved with using the independent agent � you only pay your car insurance bill.

Most people have to have car insurance because of state laws, and others just know that having car insurance is a good idea. Just because you have to have it doesn't mean you can't get a great deal at the same time, and the less you have to pay, the better. You can find the best car insurance rates without wasting a ton of time or staying on hold for hours. Really, doesn't everyone deserve the best possible deal on affordable car insurance?

Friday, September 29, 2006

Term Life Insurance vs. Permanent Life Insurance


Choosing a life insurance plan is difficult; it takes a lot of time and research in order to ensure that all aspects are thoroughly examined before making a final decision. There are basically two forms of life insurance to choose from: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.

Below you will find valuable information regarding both forms of life insurance as well as other helpful information which will assist you in deciding which form of life insurance is best suited for you and your situation.

The first thing to do is to research and understand the concept of both forms of life insurance. These two forms of insurance have been compared to buying or leasing a car. Term life insurance is much like leasing a car, you can purchase insurance for a specific number of years, but once those years are up, so is your insurance coverage. Permanent life insurance is similar to buying a car. When you buy a car, it's yours and you can drive it forever if you like. Permanent life insurance stays with you until you die.

Depending on your situation, each form of insurance can be very beneficial and offer many great opportunities. Below you will find a more in-depth explanation of each form of insurance providing advantages and disadvantages of both.

Term Life Insurance

Benefits
� Term life insurance is inexpensive and can cost a considerable amount less than permanent life insurance.
� There are no strings attached with this form of insurance and you are free to stop paying whenever you want.
� You can begin using term insurance and if you feel like you want more coverage, you can then convert to permanent life insurance if you wish.

Downfalls
� Term life insurance only provides coverage. There are no other rewards and there is no cash value.
� Yes you are free to stop paying whenever you please, but should you choose to do so you will no longer have any life insurance coverage.
� Term prices increase at a rapid pace as you get older and as you get older, your need for this type of insurance will become more and more crucial.

Permanent Life Insurance

Benefits
� Permanent life insurance can accumulate into cash value and savings. Any cash value which you receive will be tax deferred.
� There is no risk involved in this form of insurance. Your loved ones will receive a death benefit regardless of when you pass away, whereas term life insurance will only pay out if you happen to be covered when you die.
� You can borrow the cash value you receive to pay for college, a vehicle, etc. You can do this without receiving a penalty for doing so.

Downfalls
� The most noticeable disadvantage to permanent life insurance is the cost. This form of life insurance will cost you a great deal more than term life insurance.
� Should you decide to forgo your permanent life insurance coverage, you will be required to pay a large penalty which will be bounded by law.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Your Auto Insurance



Owning and purchasing a vehicle is one of the most expensive investments that a person could spend on in his or her lifetime. That is why most owners opt to spend on car insurance so as to alleviate any further costs in cases of loss or damage of the vehicle.

Vehicle insurance is also known as auto insurance, car insurance, or motor insurance. And this type of insurance is actually purchased for various automobiles like cars and trucks. Primarily, its purpose is to provide protection against great losses that could be incurred as a result of traffic accidents or crashes. However, there are various types and ranges of coverage that these auto insurances have.

Car insurance is actually determined by many factors although, of course, there are basic things and information that an insurance company asks for when it comes to determining the price and rate of car insurance. Most insurance companies that offer car or auto insurance would ask interested parties about their driving record. The more reckless a person is when driving, the higher the rates. This is primarily because a reckless person is more likely to get into crashes and accidents compared to those who are careful drivers.

Usage of the vehicle is also another factor used by insurance companies in determining a vehicle's insurance. The more you use the vehicle, the higher the rates. The same principle as per a driver's record is used here and for most of the factors used by insurance companies.

Other factors as well as drivers and driving information include how many drivers would be using the vehicle and how old they are, how many vehicles you own, the kind and extent of coverage that you want, the area where you live in, and your payment history. The color of the car that you drive is also included as well as your insurance credit score, your occupation, and your mileage.

Vehicle manufacturers and brands, like Dodge, have a tradition of keeping their vehicles filled with safety features. The more safety features that a vehicle has, the lower the rates that the auto insurance would have. Continuing this kind of tradition in providing and keeping passengers safe is Auto Parts Deal and it is one of the trusted stores when it comes to supplying Dodge parts and Dodge Truck parts.


Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Getting Medical Care after an Accident


Different states treat different cases such as personal injuries differently. Therefore, if you are for example in the state of Michigan, where the law does not cover medical treatments for automobile accidents, do not expect that they will handle your medical expenses. The truth hurts but what would hurt more is finding out that there you are not able to obtain the benefits for your injuries. You may argue with your insurance company and they may claim that your injuries have occurred from something that happened after the incident.

If you were injured in the accident, and you sue the other driver, you will find out that his statements claim that your injuries were not obtained from the accident. How are you going to prove that the injuries you have were due to the accident? You can prove them by presenting medical records just after the incident took place. It should not be prolonged for an extended period because they will surely claim that it was due to your recklessness and that they have no obligation to it.

The adrenaline rush that you felt during the accident can also help to mask your symptoms by a physical examination. However, such actions need immediate response in order to be accepted and studied carefully. Your physician should also be accurate with the diagnose because it holds the key to your benefits and compensation which is the most important of all.

If you are talking to your physician, you must describe carefully what you feel. If there are changes in your physical and internal organs, you should report it to them at once so that it can be diagnosed properly and the doctor can give you the right medications for you to recover quickly. Automobile accidents are not that simple. Some effects of the injury may work silently in your body especially in your brain. There can be after-effects after the incident which does not show up during the first day of check-up. Do not be sure that you are in good condition with those bruises.

It is important to state clearly to a doctor what you feel so that he won't be mistaken with the medications and diagnose. Besides, you will be the one to suffer if you do not explain it and it might further lead to serious cases that can lead to suffering in the next few years.

For more related articles, you may visit http://www.mesrianilaw.com

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Life Insurance � a gamble on your life!


Insurance may be described as a hedge against life's uncertainties. To that end, it can never be taken too seriously. Every year, the person insuring himself bets that he will not be living another year and the insurer is betting that he will. If the person lives, and loses the bet, he pays the insurer a small premium; if he dies, the insurer pays the lump sum "jackpot" to the person's nominee. While the person taking up the policy has only one life to bet on, his insurer is playing the same game with millions of other people like him. Since the insurer's risk is spread, he can offer huge odds. Moreover, the insurer invests the premium he receives each year, and has employees (called Actuaries or Actuarial Officers) who calculate the odds on each policy based on mortality rates, the mortality experience of the insurer, and the return on investment which the insurer is likely to get. These in essence, form the framework of determining the premiums paid by policy holders, and the returns expected from the policies.

It is the Life Advisors of each company who are responsible for creating the relation between the insurer and the policy holder. He meets with the prospective policy holder, and in conjunction with him, determines which policy would best suit his needs. Indeed, it is through the Life Advisors that every Life Insurance Company manages to maintain a personal relationship with its clients.

It is the requirement of each company to constantly try and establish an identity for itself, and to provide to its customers, both existing and prospective, that which its competitors can't.

In other words, to establish one or multiple Points of Differentiation. Again, the customer for life insurance ends up paying a rate of premium which has been determined upon data which is sadly loaded in the insurers favor.

As stated earlier, the insurance premiums are calculated by the insurer's actuaries after taking into account mortality rates, and mortality experience. In many countries, especially the poorer countries, neither private insurance companies, nor the LIC are permitted to conduct the nationwide studies required to determine the mortality rates.

The information is provided by the governments, for a fee, from data taken during the Census. Since this data in itself is old, and mortality rates have significantly decreased in the last 14 years, the customer is actually paying more premium than he should for a life insurance policy.

Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same

Monday, September 25, 2006

Really Cheap Car Insurance


There are the usual tips for getting really cheap car insurance. You may need to be reminded of these. Then there are the secrets that you haven't heard about. You'll find a few of those here too.

1. Shop around. Call several companies for quotes, starting with those that advertise the lowest prices. be sure to include at least one independent agent, since they can check many companies for you. Use the tips here to make a list of questions to ask them.

2. Raise your deductible to lower your rates. If you really can't afford the first $500 of an accident, you should rearrange your financial life. After all, you're going to find away to afford more than that over time, on higher premiums.

3. Consider dropping collision. Why pay for it if the car is worth $1000? All you'll get is $1000. The rule is: drop the collision if you can afford the loss. You can't drop it if you owe on the car. However, if the car is worth only a couple thousand and you still owe a little on it, get a personal loan to pay off the car loan, drop the collision coverage, and the savings on the insurance may almost make the payments.

4. Round down your distance to work. You are charged more if you drive farther to work, so be sure to give the shortest distance on the application. Fifteen miles is a common cut-off, at which point you start to pay more.

5. Demand the legal minimums. Do this if you have no assets. Most companies will try to sell you their "company-recommended minimums" on liability, but you may not need that much coverage. Remember, if you are broke, you are not an attractive target for a lawsuit.

6. Get any discounts you are eligible for. Ask about any "safe driver" non-smoker" or other special discounts.

7. Home and auto discounts. See if there is a discount if you insure car and home with the same company. This can often save you a lot.

8. Pay for 6 months at a time. Don't take the easy monthly payment option. They always charge you more for that. Learn to budget and you not only get really cheap car insurance, but everything else is cheaper too.

9. Review your policy. Have your policy reviewed and get new quotes every year or so. If the speeding ticket you had is now past the three year mark (or whatever the company thinks is important) they won't automatically drop the rate, so ask.

10. Consider the insurance costs when buying a car. Sports cars and others are charged higher rates. This isn't a one time charge. You'll pay more for as long as you own the car.

11. Keep policy current. I went without a car for a while, and let the policy lapse because I didn't need it, and there wasn't enough time left on it to request a refund. When I bought a car again, the cost for a six-month liability policy went from $167 to $400 because of my lapsed policy. Keep the policy active if you will be buying again soon, or cancel it, but don't let it lapse.

12. Get paid for diminished value. If you have an accident, be sure the insurance pays what it should. "Diminished value" is often not paid unless you push the point, even though a car loses value from being in a wreck, even after it is repaired.

13. Remove kids from policy. If the kids are at a college that's more than 100 miles away, you can have them taken off the insurance policy and save a lot of money. You can't let them drive the car when they come home to visit though.

14. Get older. Rates drop, especially after 25 years old, so get new quotes now and then as you get older. They may not adjust your rate automatically. Old safe drivers can get really cheap car insurance.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Types of Auto Insurance Available


Most people don't fully understand why they need to carry auto insurance. But it is to protect yourself, your family and your vehicle. It is for these same reasons that the law also requires you to have auto insurance coverage on all vehicles you own and operate. Each state has different auto insurance requirements, for instance the state of FL requires you to carry at least the minimum requirements which is property damage at ten thousand dollars and personal injury protection at ten thousand dollars. Make sure you know and understand what your state insurance requirements are.


There are several types of auto insurance policies to choose from that will depend on the coverage you want and the coverage you can afford. But where do you start? It can all be very confusing at first but we are going to help you understand auto insurance policy basics to make your decision easier.

First, do you have enough auto insurance coverage in case of an accident? By law you have the minim required coverage, however there is another insurance coverage that is important, bodily injury. Bodily injury coverage is not required in all states. Bodily injury would cover you in the event you are at fault in the accident and the person in the other vehicle has injuries exceeding their own personal injury coverage on their policy. If you do not carry this coverage the injured party involved has the right to sue and the state can place financial responsibility on your vehicle report, which you then have to carry for three years. The financial responsibility is called an SR22.

Uninsured motorist is another insurance coverage type you may want to have. Uninsured motorist's coverage covers you if the other party was at fault and you were injured in the accident exceeding your personal injury coverage on your policy and the driver that caused the accident doesn't have bodily injury coverage. This coverage can be used to cover the difference in your injuries exceeding your coverage.

Comprehensive and Collision are two more important types of insurance coverage you may want to consider. Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle in the event of theft, vandalism, natural disasters and the like minus your auto insurance policy deductible. Collision coverage covers physical damage to your vehicle, if you should be at fault of an accident, minus your policy deductible. Your insurance company would pay the cash value of your vehicle. Most vehicles that are financed require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage by the financing institution.

There are more options available to you, the list goes on but it all comes down to what you can afford and what you want. Keep in mind your life and your family are the most important and having the proper insurance coverage should be one of your main priorities. Use the internet to help you learn more about insurance requirements in your state. It is much easier to read and then ask questions and it allows you to pick a company you think will fit your needs with the least amount of hassle!

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Pssst: Wanna (not) Buy a Stolen Car?


Would you buy a used car--with cash--from someone you just met in the bar, and who walked you down a dark alley to show you the car? Not likely. How about from a well-dressed, friendly, middle-aged man or woman, who placed a classified ad in your local newspaper, and who meets you midday at a restaurant of your choice?

Oops! You may be more likely to be cheated by seller number two. That's the story of Jennifer Warwa, who bought a minivan and had her mechanic examine it. The mechanic later said how shocked he was that Jennifer had been scammed:

"Because I met the gentleman who was selling the vehicle. Very clean cut. In his fifties. Very soft spoken.... And he went with her to get it inspected. There was just no sign that was the kind of person he was" the mechanic told CBC's Marketplace.

A few months later, Jennifer got a phone call from the police. They said she had purchased a stolen minivan, and they were coming to seize it. She was so upset, she tried to hide the van from the police. Eventually they caught up with her and she ended up paying for a year and a half for a $5,000 bank loan on a van she could not drive. Ouch!

Jennifer was just one victim in the chain that included the original owner, the insurance company, other consumers whose insurance rates keep rising, and the police, who spend thousands of hours tracking thefts. According to the FBI, a vehicle is stolen about every 25 seconds in the USA, amounting to an $8 billion yearly problem.

Here's how these scams often work. Thieves target particular cars: for their value, their ease of resale as a whole or in parts, or because they are easier to steal. Years ago, most cars were stripped for parts, including unusual parts such as airbags. But today some thieves are so brash they sell cars through newspapers.

This newer scam is called "VIN cloning", because the Vehicle Identification Number is stolen from another car. Criminals obtain VINs by copying them from the dash of cars in parking lots--even at dealerships. Some even physically remove the VIN plate from vehicles in auto salvage yards that allow customers to "pick your own parts." (They do not mean that literally!) The number is used to falsely obtain new ownership documents, or documents are forged. Either way, a cloned VIN allows them to transform stolen cars into pseudo-legal vehicles that can be officially titled and sold. Many thieves work across state lines: cars may be stolen in the East, registered in the Mid-West, then sold in California. Scary!

Here's what you can do to avoid buying a stolen car:

** Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver's door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork

** Use the VIN to get the car's history at carfax.com for about $20

** Ensure title and registration documents match the name and address of the seller

** Is the car from out of state?

** Be suspicious if you must meet a private seller in a parking lot. Better to see that they live at the address where the car is registered

** Has the vehicle recently been transferred?

** Does the seller use a home or work phone number, or just a cell?

** Is the selling price oddly low?

** Be warned that some used car dealers are getting scammed, too

** Pay by certified cheque or money order, not cash.

Keep in mind that most private sellers are not thieves, but rather honest, regular folks like you. And prices do tend to be lower with private sales. So if you follow my advice, you can greatly improve your chances of driving away with a "genuine" used car.

Friday, September 22, 2006

8 Easy Tips for Cheaper Home Insurance


No one likes paying for home insurance, but it's a necessary evil for most of us. This doesn't mean you have to pay through the nose for it though - try these 8 easy tips for cheaper home insurance and see how much you could reduce your premiums by.- Shop AroundBy comparing prices from several insurance companies, you'll probably be able to reduce your premiums by a substantial amount. This may seem obvious, but research has shown that a surprisingly large proportion of people either just renew their current policy, or get only one or two quotes. Many insurance web sites will automatically compare dozens of policies for you, making this one of the easiest ways to reduce your insurance bill.- Buy onlineIf you buy your policy online you can often get a discount of up to 20% on normal prices, because there are less administration costs involved and the savings can be passed on to you.- Combine your buildings and contents policiesMany insurers will give you a discount if you take out both types of home insurance with them, and this usually works out cheaper than getting the two kinds of policies from different companies.- Pay upfrontAlthough most insurers let you pay your premium in monthly instalments, many will charge interest for this. If you can afford to pay a full year's premium in advance, then this will work out cheaper in the long run.- Don't claim for small amountsMaking many small claims can increase your insurance costs, as your insurer may see you as a greater risk and increase your premiums. You will also lose any no claims discount your policy has. Of course, you're entitled to claim for anything your policy covers, but ask yourself if making a small claim is really worth the hassle and possible future costs.- Voluntary excessThis is related to the last point. Insurance policies feature something known as 'excess', which basically means that the policy won't pay out on claims below a certain value. On some policies, if you choose to raise your excess to a higher level, then your premiums will be lower.- Increase your home securityBeefing up your home security with better door locks, window locks, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems can all result in lower premiums. Ask your insurer what you could do to get extra discounts.- Reduce your coverMany policies feature benefits that you might not need, such as cover for personal possessions while travelling, or 'free' legal advice. Look through your policy and see what parts of it you really need - by cutting your cover down to size you may be able to reduce your premium.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Purchase Vehicles On-Line Through SAM'S CLUB Auto Website


SAM'S CLUB is the largest membership-only warehouse discount store, with outlets across the United States as well as in Canada and Mexico. Although its customer base was originally small businesses, individuals and families have found the value of buying in bulk. Memberships start at only $40 per year. SAM'S CLUB offers other benefits besides discount groceries and house wares.

One of the more valuable services is the SAM'S CLUB Auto, Boat and RV program. If you are in the market for any sort of vehicle, you can utilize your SAM'S CLUB membership to purchase a vehicle. Both new and used vehicles are available through the SAM'S CLUB auto program, and they can be found on-line and in person. And they don't just sell cars and trucks. All types of vehicles are sold, including boats, motorcycles, campers, trailers and various other recreational vehicles. Even commercial trucks can be purchased through SAM'S CLUB.

There are many dealers and vehicles available, but they can't all be listed on the SAM'S CLUB auto website. If you specify the make of vehicle you want, a Dealer Representative will personally contact you with the details of available vehicles in your area.

The auto program at SAM'S CLUB isn't only about finding a low-cost car. It offers members several other services as well, including a collection of research tools to help you make the right decision when buying your vehicle. The Used Vehicle Appraiser can tell you what that used car is really worth, or you can just read through the reviews to see what other drivers think. Calculators can help you budget your vehicle purchase by figuring out your monthly payments.

SAM'S CLUB members can save a significant amount of money by financing through the program instead of a bank. Interest rates are often lower than what you'll find at most banks or credit unions. You may even qualify for an auto loan with no down payment. Or you can take advantage of these low rates by refinancing your current vehicle loan. Further savings can even be found on your vehicle insurance. You can get a quote in order to find the best deal from among twelve different insurance carriers.

If you have a Plus membership at SAM'S CLUB, then you can receive more benefits while shopping for your vehicle. Not only do you receive five free history reports for used vehicles, SAM'S CLUB also provides you with two free classified ads so that you can sell your own vehicle, in addition to offering you more financing options on your SAM'S CLUB auto purchase.

If you aren't looking to buy or sell a vehicle, SAM'S CLUB still offers its members deals on service for your existing car or truck. You can print off certificates from the SAM'S CLUB web-site that will award you 10% off your vehicle service, at participating dealers.

The SAM'S CLUB auto program website offers an online magazine that highlights all the features of the program, as well as a number of articles that will help you when buying or selling your vehicle. This on-line magazine is a definite must-read before you begin your vehicle shopping.

Though SAM'S CLUB is best known for its discount warehouse stores, they offer members much more than just groceries and consumer goods. Take advantage of your SAM'S CLUB membership next time you are in the market for a new or used vehicle.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Florida Flood Insurance: How Residents Can Obtain and Benefit from It


Florida Flood Insurance: How Residents Can Obtain and Benefit from It

Flooding is a tragic event that damages countless homes and can cause injuries to hundreds of people each year. What many individuals do not know is that flooding can occur just about anywhere in the United States. Excess rain and broken drainage systems are just a few of the many causes of flooding all across the country. Despite the fact that flooding can occur anywhere in the United States, there are some areas that are more prone to flooding than others.

Each year, a large number of individuals move into the state of Florida. Due to its warm temperatures and beautiful weather, Florida has not only become a vacation hotspot. Florida has also become a popular place to live. Despite the fact that Florida is almost always beautiful, it does have its fair share of bad weather. When this bad weather comes it is often in the form of a hurricane.

Hurricane can bring high winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and large amounts of rainfall. When it comes to a hurricane it has been said that flooding is a large concern in Florida. Many individuals are unable to pay out-of-pocket to repair their flood damaged homes. That is why a large number of Florida residents obtain flood insurance coverage.

Insurance anywhere in the United States is important, but Florida flood insurance could be on the most important. Every summer Florida is at risk for multiple hurricanes, excess rainfall, and flooding. That is why it is important that all residents obtain Florida flood insurance.

As with car insurance, homeowner's insurance, and life insurance, there are options when it comes to selecting a coverage plan. A large number of individuals mistakenly believe that all flood insurance coverage is the same. The cost of Florida flood insurance is likely to vary. The National Flood Insurance Program, which offers affordable flood insurance to all Americans, takes a number of factors into consideration when deciding on coverage plans.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed Flood Rate Maps. These maps are used by the National Flood Insurance Program to determine the risk associated with providing flood insurance to a specific household. In addition to the Florida Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the National Flood Insurance Program may also take into consideration what Florida has done to prevent or limit the amount of flooding that occurs in their area.

Florida flood insurance that is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program and the Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sold directly through the program or through a licensed agent. Purchasing Florida flood insurance from a licensed agent may save Florida residents additional money. Due to state laws on rebates, flood insurance agents are able to offer insurance coverage for a discounted price. In fact, AmeriFlood is currently offered a 12% upfront rebate discount on all plans.

Florida flood insurance is a must have for all state residents. When the next hurricane makes landfall, do not be unprotected. You are encouraged to contact a flood insurance agent today to obtain a free flood insurance quote.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

The Benefits of Having Flood Insurance


The Benefits of Having Flood Insurance

Each year, flooding causes damage to millions of homes. When flooding occurs there are some individuals who are luckier than others. You may be wondering how a homeowner with flood damage could be lucky. The lucky ones are the homeowners who purchased flood insurance.

Flood insurance is coverage that protects a home when flooding occurs. Flood insurance coverage is similar to other insurance policies. Homeowners are able to choose the amount of coverage that they wish to purchase for their home. Flood insurance, like most other insurance policies, does have a small deductible. Many homeowners wonder why they should have a flood insurance policy. The answer cannot be summed up in a few words because there are an unlimited number of benefits to having flood insurance.

The greatest benefit of having flood insurance is that your home and the belongings inside will be covered in the event of a flood. This means that should your home flood, you will not have to worry about paying out-of-pocket to replace all of your items. As previously mentioned, you will have to pay a deducible. Your deductible will be decided when flood insurance is first obtained and the amount is usually reasonable.

Another flood insurance benefit is that your home is covered under a wide variety of different flooding events. Flooding most commonly occurs when an area has received too much rain in a short period of time. Despite the fact that too much rain causes most of the world's flooding, there are other events that may cause flooding. Flood insurance covers a home that is damaged due to a swimming pool leak, melting snow, clogged storm drains, and much more.

The price of flood insurance is another benefit of obtaining it. The cost of your flood insurance will all depend on the coverage plan that you select. It is important to note that no matter what plan you select, flood insurance can be obtained for a low price. In fact, to guarantee that you are getting a good deal on flood insurance you should search for a low-cost flood insurance provider.

One of the most popular low-cost flood insurance providers in the United States is AmeriFlood. AmeriFlood is a licensed agent that sells flood insurance coverage at a discounted price. Their flood insurance coverage plans are recognized and have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that you are obtaining quality flood insurance coverage, but for a discounted price. In fact, that discount can be up to 12%.

The above mentioned flood insurance benefits are just a few of the many. Many other benefits cannot even be expressed in words. Until you experience flooding firsthand, it is hard to imagine the pain, anger, and sorrow that a homeowner goes through. Hopefully you will never have to experience these emotions, but if you do be prepared and have flood insurance.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Homeowners Insurance


What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners Insurance provides you with the coverage in case of a disaster. In the event of a disaster your homeowners insurance will provide you with financial protection. A homeowners insurance policy insures the home in which you live along with the possessions you keep in it.

Home Insurance is a Package Policy

Homeowners insurance is purchased in a package policy. A package policy means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or a member of your household cause to other people. Homeowners insurance also covers damage caused by household pets.

A homeowner's insurance policy covers most disasters, however there are some exceptions such as floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance (Also known as wear and tear). If you want coverage for floods or earthquakes, you will have to purchase separate policies. However, maintenance related problems are the homeowner's responsibility to take care of. In fact, keeping up with the maintenance of your home will help to reduce the likelihood of a loss in the future. A good example of this is the replacement of a roof that is showing signs of wear.

Overall it is very important to have homeowners insurance coverage that suits your specific needs. You never know when a loss is going to occur and you are going to need the money to fix it. Take Hurricane Katrina for example; there were many of people that were without homes because they didn't have flood insurance. That is why it is very important that you get the proper coverage.

Remember that standard homeowner's policies do not cover flooding so you will have to purchase that separate through your homeowner's insurance agent. Discuss all of the possible exposures with your agent, broker, or insurance company.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost coverage is available for the structure of your home; This allows you to repair the home to the state that it was before the damage took place. Actual cash value coverage is replacement cost less depreciation. The older your possessions are, the less you will recover from the homeowners insurance company.

Renters Insurance

Not only is insurance coverage available for homeowners it is also available for the people who rent apartments or houses. If you rent a house and you have a renters insurance policy, you will be covered in the event of a loss. The coverage for a renter is relatively inexpensive and will cover your property, your liability, and loss of use of the home due to a covered loss.

Coverage Types

The standard homeowner's insurance policy includes four different types of coverage.
1) The coverage for the structure of your home is offered by the homeowner's insurance company. This means that they will repair or rebuild your home in the event of a covered loss.
2) The coverage for your personal belongings that you have in your home is also covered by the homeowner's insurance company. This means in the event of a claim that is covered by your insurance policy, your personal belongings will be able to be replaced. Note: It is a good idea to carry replacement cost coverage for your contents. This way, your items are not depreciated if there is a loss. With replacement cost coverage, your property can be replaced with items of like kind and quality.
3) Liability protection covers you in case of a law suit against bodily injury or property damage that you are your family members caused to another party.
4) Additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of an insured disaster.

There can be more to a home insurance policy and there are limitations for certain types of property. It is best to discuss these options with a representative at the time your are applying for coverage.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Travel Pet Insurance


Recent changes to the UK's quarantine laws mean that it is now possible for you to obtain a pet passport (under the government's �passport for pets' scheme) and take your family pet away with you on holiday. However, before you run off down to your local travel agent and book tickets for the whole family to that exotic seaside tropical location you have always wanted to visit but have to put off because everyone else at home didn't want to leave Fido in the kennel, you might want to consider getting you and your family some travel insurance � including that all important travel pet insurance.

A number of leading pet insurance providers now offer pet owners travel pet insurance to give pet owners the comfort of knowing whether they are far away in exotic places enjoying the sun and sea or closer to home enjoying the cultural delights of Europe, their pet will be insured against any illness or mishap that may unfortunately befall them.

Typically, included in the travel pet insurance is:

- x-rays
- injections
- lab tests
- prescriptions
- costs while they stay at the vet and recuperate

Keep in mind, however, that as with other types of insurance, travel pet insurance usually comes with what is known as an excess. In short, what this means is that you � as the owner if the pet � will be required to pay a certain amount until a threshold amount is reached. Thereafter you can claim for a reimbursement against the insurance provider. However, unlike humans, travel pet insurance premiums are usually calculated on the type of animal you have and the age of the animal. As such, it is possible to leave arranging the travel pet insurance policy until the last minute, then purchasing this online once you have decided that you will definitely be taking your family pet away with you on your family holidays!

Moreover, as with human travel insurance policies, pet travel insurance can be purchased either as annual policy or as a one-off travel policy. If you get an annual pet travel policy, this means you can take your pet with you whenever you travel one of the 25+ countries outside of the UK which the UK government currently has arrangements for the �passport for pets' scheme, or any of the European Union countries (which are all part of the �passport for pets' scheme already). Alternatively, with one-off pet travel insurance policies you need to name the country you are going to visit and the dates you'll be there and the policy will only cover you for the duration and place stated.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Credit Card Insurance - What Do They All Do?


Most major credit card issuers now offer their members a variety of different free insurance programs. It is highly recommended that you review the insurance terms of your credit card agreement as in certain circumstances the credit card insurance offered by your card issuer may cover situation beyond those you may originally have thought.

The major credit card insurance programs offered include:

Purchase protection

If you purchase a product on your credit card that is later damaged, lost or stolen, you should be able to reclaim all or part of the purchase price cost from the insurance policy. Not only is this a useful protection to have if you purchase expensive or fragile products, but can also be a very good additional insurance to any home contents insurance policy you have.

Fraud protection

Policy covers you should you be the victim of fraudulent use of your card. With the rise of identity theft, and the ever increasing Internet fraud taking place, this policy not only covers the traditional fraud methods but should also cover you for any Internet or telephone fraud.

Stolen card protection

Provided you report your card stolen at the first opportunity you have once you have become aware of your card's theft, this policy should reimburse you for any transactions processed on your card following your last genuine transaction.

Price protection

Not offered by all card providers, basically this policy will reimburse you the difference between the price you paid for a product and the cheaper price of the same product you later found elsewhere.

Travel insurance

If you purchase your holiday on your credit card there are two useful beneficial insurances you should check to see if you have. The first is a cancellation policy, which covers you in the event that you need to cancel your holiday between the period of purchasing the holiday and the date of travel.

The second is holiday accident insurance, which should cover you in the event that you have an accident � including emergency accident evacuation - or are killed on holiday. Both of these are very useful to have as they can be a considerable extra on your holiday travel expenses if purchased independently.

Obviously all of the above credit card insurance schemes are subject to time and monetary limitations, so make sure you check these out. Additionally, you should also make sure that any purchases or use of your credit cards outside of the country of issue are also covered by the policy � as, in some cases, they are not.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Your Car Needs Auto Insurance



Auto insurance is insurance that consumers and automobile owners purchase. It also goes by other names � vehicle insurance, car insurance, and motor insurance. This type of insurance primarily is used to provide protection against losses that a vehicle incurs because of traffic accidents, crashes, and mishaps.

Most companies that offer auto insurance have various types and scopes of ranges for their policies. In fact, auto insurance can actually cover the insured party, the insured vehicle, and third parties. However, not all companies offer such deals.

If you are wishing to purchase auto insurance for your vehicle, you can always do so. You can browse through the Internet or ask around for companies that offer good car insurance coverage. You see, most insurance companies actually provide discounts for good car grades. To know if you are qualified, you can ask the company. Also, there are some insurance companies that also give discounts for people who are taking their driver's training program or other driver education programs. If you would like to take advantage of this promo, you can have a new teenage driver be the primary driver or the family driver since you could get lower rates.

Remember that various types of vehicles have also different auto insurance rates and quotes. You can check with insurance companies regarding their rates. You see, sports cars and other expensive cars have higher rates. Also, it is important that you know the crash safety rating for your vehicle. If your vehicle has a good and satisfactory rating, chances are that you would be getting lower insurance rates.

There are some bases for a car insurance premium charges. Aside from those previously mentioned like crash safety ratings, and the driver taking car and traffic education lessons, other criteria that insurance companies include in their computations are gender, the distance that the vehicle usually covers, and the color of your car.

Keep in mind that if you constantly keep you vehicle in good shape, chances are that you would be getting a much lower insurance rate. You can get new auto parts for your vehicle at Auto Parts Fast. It has top of the line Ford Truck parts and other vehicle parts. The company boasts of an impressive array of performance parts, and accessories that will surely help your vehicle perform well.


Thursday, September 14, 2006

Selecting The Best Used Car For Your Lifestyle


When shopping for a used car, it is important to select one that best fits your lifestyle. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to harsh winters with a lot of snow, a 4-wheel-drive will likely be a good choice. However, these automobiles use more gasoline than a compact car. So, if gasoline consumption is at the top of your list for concerns, a smaller automobile may be the best option.

When you purchase a used car, it's also important to understand the varying cost of insurance. Automobile coverage for an SUV, for example, is more expensive than a smaller vehicle. The same is true of a sports car, which will likely garner an increased cost of insurance.

The next thing to consider is the style of the used car. If you have children, a van or SUV may be the best way to accommodate everyone comfortably and still have plenty of storage space. If you are single and just want to have a reliable mode of transportation, a smaller car will more than suffice.

If you plan to travel often or will be adding a lot of mileage, your best bet would be to find a used car with the lowest mileage possible. Another selection will include the choice of either an automatic or manual transmission. What about doors? Do you a prefer two or four door automobile? This is an option that most people don't really think about right away, but it is an important one nonetheless. A four door used car is very convenient for loading luggage or groceries and it also makes it really convenient for passengers to climb in and out of.

When it comes to interior, car owners will have the option of selecting from cloth and leather. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for you? Leather is excellent when it comes to cleaning up spills, but fabric interior is more susceptible to stains. Leather is often very hot to the touch on sunny days whereas fabric interior is comfortable even on the warmest day. Both will show tears and require their own method of maintenance.

When searching for the perfect used car to fit your lifestyle, carefully consider the cost before deciding to purchase. Monthly payments can be high even on a used car, so think about the budget and what you can afford prior to signing on the dotted line.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Compact Cars For Sale



For people who would like to have a vehicle that does not use up a great amount of gas, compact cars would be the right kind of car for them. Aside from this, compact cars are much more affordable. People who would not like to spend much on driving and on purchasing a vehicle opt for compact cars.

For around $10,000, you can now own a compact car. Decide how much you are willing to spend on a car. Also, try to think of the features that you would like your vehicle to have. Consider safety, performance, value, handling, comfort, reliability, dealer service, looks, interior room, mileage, and sources of parts.

Try to do your own research and find out the makes and models of compact cars. And start to choose among them. List down those that catch your fancy. Compare and contrast each of their features and capabilities. You can also search on the internet and read reviews about them.

If you are worried about safety, try checking the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) vehicle ratings. Their website could be found at www.hwysafety.org. Visit the site and see your considered vehicles' statistics when it comes to providing safety. You can also ask around and talk to friends who own such cars so you can know details about them from first-hand experience.

Visit car dealers. Ask them to allow you to test ride a couple of cars on your list. That way, you can focus on feeling the performance and the comfort that you chosen car could provide you. But do not commit yet. Inform them that you are still considering which one to buy.

Compare information and find which one suits your preferences best.

You can also shop for discount parts and accessories from Same Day Car Parts. They have in stock a large array of auto parts like Mazda parts.


Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Business Insurance


What do you know about business insurance? What you should know about business insurance are two things that are important when you are out to get business insurance for yourself. There are many factors that you will need to take into consideration. But the most important of them are:

1. Price: You need to know you are getting the best quote available. The only ways to ensure that is by getting quotes from at least five different insurance companies and compare them. When you do that, check all the pros and cons so you get the complete picture. Some insurance agencies charge a very small fee upfront but has a lot of other fees such as processing fees, inspection fees, documentation fees, etc which will take the price through the roof. Better still run a search through the Internet and get savvy about the running rate. Another good way to find a good quote is to ask around from friends and relatives. There is nothing better than a tried and trusted hand.

2. Stability: professional companies such as Standard & Poor's Insurance Rating Services, AM Best, Weiss Research, etc rate all insurance companies' performances. Make it a point to get sufficient information about the company you choose for your business. Be warned that there are millions of scams out there and unless you are very careful, you will end up in many more woes than without insurance. Be careful when you make the decision � a wrong decision can be the road to bankruptcy.

3. Service: Everyone in this world who buys something looks forward to have the best value for their money. When it comes to insurance the best value is synonymous with service. You can decide how good is your company through the way they answer to your queries and their patience in explaining the nitty-gritty of the insurance policy and its alternatives. You can also gauge the quality of their service from their references. You make it a point to ask for references and follow up on them. Make enquiries and decide only after you are thoroughly satisfied. Once you sign with the insurance company, you cannot do much if you find it giving you horrible service. Be sure before hand.

4. Be informed: All insurance companies need to be registered with the National Insurance Producer Registry. You should not look at insurance companies with a rating of less than B+ as they might be spelling trouble. You want to make sure there is no major black spot on your company; you need to check it out here whether the insurance company has any complaints against it. The Registry will also confirm the validity of the complaints and you can get a pretty accurate picture about the said insurance company from here.

Insurance agent: You can get your business insured through an insurance agent as well. They work on commission basis with the major insurance companies and if you get a good agent he will be able to guide you that can be the best policy and scheme for you. However, keep in mind that he works for commission and he will definitely be interested to earn the highest amount. Hence he will be more likely to promote the company that pays him the highest commission more aggressively. You accept his advice, and run your check on the company as well. When buying an insurance policy through an agent, you will have to ensure two things, i.e. (i) that the agent is a good worker and has a good reputation and (ii) that the company he is representing is above reproach. Ask references from the agent, ask for names of at 5-10 clients and check up on them. If the agent refuses to cooperate, change him/her immediately.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Why Buy Travel Insurance?


When you choose to travel, you take the risk of lost luggage, flight cancellations, reservation cancellations, theft and many other situations which may cause anxiety. Planning a vacation is stressful enough without having to worry about something going horribly wrong. Purchasing travel insurance will ensure that you are compensated if anything goes wrong on your trip. When trying to determine whether or not to purchase travel insurance, keep in mind the points listed below which may make your decision much easier.

Many forms of travel insurance will cover you in the following areas:

1. Medical Emergencies � Travel insurance will provide you with financial help should you encounter a medical emergency while traveling. If you become ill or are injured while on vacation, your travel insurance will provide you coverage in both situations.

2. Cancellations or Delays � If for any reason (beyond your control) your trip is cancelled or delayed your travel insurance will provide you with financial coverage. This includes coverage if your airline goes bankrupt or out of service. Your travel insurance will either compensate you for the money you lost or provide you with new means of transportation.

3. Theft � If anything belonging to you is stolen while you are on vacation, your travel insurance will provide you with financial assistance to replace the items which were stolen.

4. Damage or Loss of Personal Property � This is likely to happen while on vacation. If your luggage is lost or damaged while on vacation, your travel insurance will definitely cover at least some percentage of the property that is missing. Depending on the insurance plan, it may financially cover all the items that are missing.

5. Lost Passport � If you lose your passport or it is stolen while you are on vacation, travel insurance will provide you with the means to get a temporary one. Your travel insurance company will inform you on how to get in contact with your country embassy so that you can arrange to receive a temporary passport.

Depending on the insurance plan you choose, you may be fully or partially covered in the areas listed above. Choose your policy according to what you think the possibility will be that you will require the assistance on your trip.

For many vacationers, travel insurance eliminates any worry that an unforeseen circumstance may arise in which you do not have the money or means to take care of.

Travel insurance helps you relax and enjoy your trip without agonizing over things that may or may not go wrong. Relaxing and enjoying? Isn't that why you planned the vacation in the first place?

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Homeowners Insurance: Lessons from Katrina and other gulf storms


Homeowners Insurance is supposed to protect us in case of disasters. That is what we have come to expect from our homeowners insurance over the years. But what if the disaster is the costliest in U.S. History? What if your insurance agent's home and office were destroyed in the disaster also?
That is what happened to many customers and homeowners insurance agents and companies after Katrina hit the Gulf coast. Many agents' homes, offices and insurance Companies' claims centers were in the same situation as their clients due to the storms. So what did they do? They set up "office" in tents and mobile trailers. Then Hurricane Rita blew away these temporary offices and the agents and companies set them up again. These temporary shelters acted as a communications center for all people in the surrounding areas. Local people would come by to ask questions, meet with their claims adjustors and just catch up on the news with their neighbors. Extreme circumstances dictated unconventional responses: some agents even filed claims for their clients without even talking to the clients just so they could get the claim "in the queue." Allstate allowed customers to submit claims through any agent in the country and set up a priority line to assist. They sent email to agents in the areas surrounding the disaster areas to act as messengers by "word of mouth" to their fellow agents in the effected areas. The larger companies such as State Farm & Allstate that service claims for the national flood Insurance Program even used satellite imagery to determine damage in some neighborhoods that were entirely flooded.
Lessons Learned: Those of us not effected by these disasters can learn a few lessons about coping with future disasters from the thousands of policyholders that are still waiting to get their claims paid. As soon as possible, take steps to prevent further damage to your home if possible: such as covering the roof with a tarp if possible. You can hire a contractor if you can find one, as that would be safer for most of us than climbing on our roofs. Hold off making any repairs until you see or talk to an adjuster first. Plus, keep your receipts, as you'll need them to prove expenses that can be re-imbursed later.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
You can generally expect your homeowners insurance to help pay for additional living expenses for up to 12-24 months while your home is being repaired. But, homeowners insurance usually pays only after they verify you have a legitimate claim. After Katrina, many insurers made an exception, automatically distributing enough to cover two weeks' worth of additional living expense to anyone in an area subject to mandatory evacuation. Some companies even gave small advances on contents under the personal property part of their homeowners insurance policies.
If you have to wait to get your check, it helps to have cash that is easily accessible in a bank account or money market fund. Stashing cash at home isn't a great idea because if your home burns down and you weren't able to get to your cash, most homeowners insurance policies only cover $100-$200 in cash whether it is stolen or burned up in a fire. Your goal should be to have an emergency fund available to take care of your family for 2-4 weeks (minimum)if possible. In a disaster it might be hard to even find a local bank to get cash. Debit/credit cards with a statewide or national bank would perhaps be better.
Your biggest problem in getting your claim handled may be in either not having the proper homeowners insurance coverage or not having enough coverage. Most good homeowners insurance policies today cover up to 120% of your dwelling coverage limit. It is important that you review the dwelling limit with your agent every couple of year's at a minimum. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover Flooding, but you should again see your agent for this coverage.
If your homeowners insurance falls short, you may qualify for money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or a disaster-assistance loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 for rebuilding and $40,000 to replace personal property at very low interest rates for up to 30 years.

You may reprint this article on your site or in your newsletter with proper credit to the author and a simple link to http://www.hometownquotes.com

Friday, September 8, 2006

Auto Insurance Explained in Simple Terms


Auto insurance, is insurance that you purchase for your cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats etc. It provides you with protection from losses that may incur as a result of a car accident. While this may sound simple enough to understand there are many types of auto insurance policies available to you and it can be rather confusing. Your coverage level and types will vary depending on the policy that you choose. In general, these are the most common types of auto insurance programs available to you:


The Different Auto Insurance Coverage Available

Collision Coverage: insures your vehicle against repairs if the vehicle is in an accident or the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if yours is damaged beyond repair.


Comprehensive Coverage: insures your vehicles against the cost of purchasing a new vehicle should yours be stolen or destroyed in a fire.

The Different Auto Insurance Coverage Protection

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) � insures against medical expenses and lost wages related to ownership or maintenance of a vehicle. This insurance is mandatory in most states, but not all so be sure to research your state requirements prior.


Medical Payments (MP) � insures against medical expenses for bodily injury sustained in an accident that is beyond any of the expenses that are covered by personal injury protection (PIP).


Legal liability claims against the owner or driver of the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party involved in an accident. Liability Insurance only covers legal liability.


Comprehensive Insurance covers PIP, MP and legal Liability. In the U.S. liability insurance covers claims against the policyholder and also that of any other operator of the insured's vehicle. If any other operators reside at the same address, they must be additionally covered on the auto insurance policy.


Comprehensive Insurance covers most details of damage which can affect the car, the driver, there is risk associated with buying a new car that is not covered even by comprehensive insurance. Basically, once the car is bought, there is a decline in the cars total value. During this period the remaining car payments exceed the value of the vehicle, thus making the compensation the insurer will pay for a totaled (destroyed) vehicle. To help with this scenario the insurer can purchase GAP insurance. GAP insurance will cover these costs. GAP insurance was established to provide protection to consumers based on the buying and market trends.


As you can see there are many different auto insurance considerations when picking a new insurance policy. Be sure you understand them all in detail and that you have the best coverage for you, your car and your family should you need it if you get into an accident. Also keep in mind that these are general guidelines and the laws may vary within your state so ask questions!

Thursday, September 7, 2006

Where to Find Cheap Life Insurance


Life is unpredictable. There are so many things that are out of our control and try as we might we can never decide the outcome. Therefore the best thing in life that we can do is to prepare ourselves for any eventuality that may occur. The most common and uncontrollable event in life is death. No one knows where and when it can happen and that is why perhaps a lot of people dread the moment. There are those however who know that death is an eventuality and not only prepare all their lives for this but do so in a structured manner. One of the most common ways one can prepare for death is by buying a life insurance policy for your self or your loved ones.
If you are the earning member of the family and if they are dependent on your earnings taking a life insurance policy will offer them the financial benefit that they would so require.

Buying a life insurance policy today is a very easy task. What is difficult is choosing the right life insurance that best suits your need and pocket.

There are several insurance agencies that offer a wide variety of insurance policies. There is life insurance that basically covers you for death. There are term life insurance policies that usually last for a specified period which is usually 10 to 25 years. This period is determined by the length time you actually pay the premium. After that the policy lapses and no insurance can be claimed for any eventuality that occurs thereafter.

You also have life insurance policies that are tied to medical insurance policies and accident policies.
The actual life insurance policies are determined and specific to the individual.

When a person decides on taking a life insurance policy there are basically two things he must note. One, what is his requirement? This would mean he would have to first see why he needs a life insurance policy. While everyone can take a life insurance policy to protect themselves and their families financially, there are some cases in which taking a life insurance policy cannot be compromised. Some of these cases could be if the person is in potential danger of death due to the nature of his work, if frequently traveling within dangerous territory, if his family has a history of life threatening diseases etc. What is clear is that some people must simply take a life insurance policy no matter what.

The second factor to consider when taking a life insurance policy is the premiums to be paid. Premiums are the cost of owning a policy. These are paid by the person to the insurance company as a kind of charge for obtaining the life insurance policy when required.

While we now know that taking a life insurance policy is very important it is the costs of buying one that deters many people. While we hope that we would not need to use the money from the life insurance policy ( which would mean in event of death) it requires a certain amount of discipline and foresight to take a life insurance policy. Premiums would have to be paid either monthly or annually and this would entail a certain amount of budgeting. As we don't see the benefits of this money in the present, it is very easy for a person to decide not to continue with the premiums and give up the life insurance policy. This could however be the worst thing to do.

Is there any way then that we can get a cheap life insurance policy, if at all it exists? The good news is yes! A cheap life insurance policy does exist and it can be taken by anyone.

To get a cheap life insurance policy we have to come back to our requirements. What is the amount of life insurance that you need? While the life insurance companies can offer huge amounts, you may not need them. It is not the amount of the policy only that you have to keep in mind but also the premiums. The premiums you pay depend on the policy amount and this is why you must choose a policy amount that requires you to pay a premium that you can afford.

Usually quite a few life insurance policies come with add-ons like loss of income benefit, medical benefit, waiver of premium benefits etc. When you are choosing your life insurance policy you can decide how much of these you really require. If you already get social security cover or medical cover through your employer you can do without adding these to your personal life insurance policy.

Apart from the above what you need to do in order to get a cheap life insurance policy is research the and find out the various insurance companies that offer good life insurance policies and do a study. Read the fine print and get all the information you need to make the best decision.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Secure Your Car For Lower Car Insurance Premiums


A question often asked is whether or not securing your car will help to reduce your UK car insurance premiums. Will this is certainly a factor you need to discuss with your car insurance company, you should note the following:

Steering Wheel Locks

While steering wheel locks may deter thieves from steeling your car, the fact is that most UK car insurance companies will not allow for the fact that you have one to affect the level of your car insurance premium. In short, if the thief is a professional, steering wheel locks are not much of a deterrent.

Immobiliser

If your car has an immobiliser system inserted � such as the Thatcham Category 1 � then you should be talking to your UK car insurance company about ways to reduce your car insurance premium. Indeed, as a security extra on the car in itself, your car having an immobiliser is likely to be the only factor your car insurance company will be willing to listen to when discussing ways to reduce your annual car insurance premium.

Garage

26 percent of all car theft in the UK last year took place right outside the front door of the car owner! So, if you have the ability to lock your car away at night in a garage, then mention this to your car insurance company as there is a very good chance that this will cause you to have a reduced car insurance premium! Remember, however, that if you arrange to have a car insurance discount based on the fact that you'll be locking your car away all night, you'll need to make sure that's exactly what you do � otherwise, if your car is stolen from in front of your house � you may find that your car insurer will not pay out!

Location

64 percent of car crime in the UK last year took place in the neighbourhood of the car owner! In most cases, these were inner city areas. Where you live, and the crime rate in your area, will have a major influence on the car insurance premium you are quoted. So, if you are being quoted a very high UK car insurance premium, it might be time to consider moving!

And finally�

Obviously securing your car is more than just about reducing your car insurance premiums � it is about making sure no one steals your personal belongings. To this end, keep in mind that 90% of car crime in the UK is opportunist car crime, so make sure you minimise the chance that your car will be stolen by keeping your car safe and secure at all times.

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map: What Is and Where You Can Find One


FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map: What Is and Where You Can Find One

Flooding is a disastrous event that can occur in a wide number of locations. Despite the fact that flooding can occur just about anywhere in the United States, there are some areas that are more prone to flooding than others. It is often hard for individuals, especially those who are new to the area, to tell if they are living in an area that is prone to flooding. That is one of the many reasons why FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps were developed.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are a collection of maps that detail the likelihood of flooding occurring in a particular area. In addition to keeping the public aware of flooding risks, the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate maps are also used to assist the National Flood Insurance Program in offering affordable flood insurance to Americans living in high-risk flood zones.

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps are a valuable source of information to homeowners, business owners, construction workers, city officials, and others. While the maps are beneficial, there are many individuals who are unaware that there may be a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for their area. If you are looking to purchase a home or a business in an area that you are unfamiliar with or you just want to educate yourself on flooding risks, you have a number of ways gain access to your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.

The most common way to obtain access to your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map is to visit the FEMA's online website. Once at FEMA's website site you should be able to easily search for your local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. If you are only interested in quickly viewing a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map you can do so for free online. If you are interested in having your own printed FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map then you may have to purchase one.

In addition to obtaining a local FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you may also be able to view one by speaking to local government officials. Many cities, towns, and state offices have a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map on hand. You may not be able to take the map outside of their offices, but you may be able to quickly examine it.

Many individuals prefer to look at a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, but sometimes hearing the information on those maps is just as good. If you are unable to find a free FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, you can contact a local or national flood insurance agent for more information. These maps are taken into consideration when flood insurance is offered; therefore, most flood insurance agents would have access to multiple FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Many individuals who are searching for a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map are doing so because they are interested in obtaining flood insurance. If you contact a flood insurance agent, you may be able to determine your flooding risk and obtain flood insurance coverage all at the same time. In addition to providing valuable flood insurance information, a small number of agents are also able to offer National Flood Insurance Program coverage for a discounted price. That discount can be as high as 12%.

Monday, September 4, 2006

Federal Flood Insurance Programs: Helping to Lower the Cost of Flood Insurance


Federal Flood Insurance Programs: Helping to Lower the Cost of Flood Insurance

Thousands, if not millions of homes, are damaged each year due to flooding. Flooding is an event that can not always be prevented. It is often hard to predict well in advance when a large amount of rainfall is going to cause flooding in a specific area. This has caused a large number of individuals to be unprepared when the weather does cause flooding in their area.

It is a known fact that flooding can occur at just about any point in time and in any location in the United States. While flooding can occur just about anywhere, there are some locations in the Untied States that are more prone to flooding than others. This means that a specific area may be likely to see flooding on a yearly basis. Individuals in these areas are often charged higher premiums for flood insurance.

High premiums are something that can be prevented, but homeowners cannot prevent them all on their own. That is why the National Flood Insurance Program was developed. The National Flood Insurance Program is a federal flood insurance program. The goal of this federal flood insurance program is to offer affordable flood insurance coverage to all homeowners.

The National Flood Insurance Program offers affordable flood insurance coverage that can be purchased directly through the federal flood insurance program or it can be purchased through a licensed agent. The National Flood Insurance Program works to get insurance affordable by monitoring the coverage plans and the amount of money they cost.

Another way that this federal flood insurance program works to help Americans is by improving cities and towns across the United States. By working with the National Flood Insurance Program a city or town could receive flood insurance reductions. These reductions are most often seen when a city or town agrees to make improvements to their area that will limit or restrict the amount of flooding that occurs. If these improvements are made and kept up-to-date, flood insurance reductions may be offered by the National Flood Insurance Program.

In addition to requesting that a city or town make flood improvements, the National Flood Insurance Program also works to save Americans money by allowing agents to sell their coverage plans. As previously mentioned, an agent must be licensed to offer flood insurance coverage from this federal flood insurance program. In many states, licensed agents are able to offer flood insurance for less. This is most commonly seen in the form of upfront rebates. AmeriFlood is one of the few agents that are offering this amazing discount that is 12% off the traditional cost.

If you are interested in receiving low-cost flood insurance premiums, then you should get working now. Whether you choose to get your community to take action or you start looking for a licensed flood insurance agent, you could be saving money on flood insurance in no time at all.

Sunday, September 3, 2006

Online Car Insurance


Car Insurance Quotes

Buying car insurance can be a real hassle, taking up most of a day while you call different companies to get quotes and wait to hear back. Everyone advertises that they are the best and they give the best deals � but the same can't be true for all of them. And you know that you want to get the most for your money. If you're a serious bargain shopper, it might take you a long time before you can narrow the field when it comes to car insurance. However, real bargain shoppers know that the Internet is their best bet for a great deal � on virtually anything. When you get your quotes online, the whole process is much quicker and easier. And the best part of all is, no automated voices telling you to press 1�or 2�or 3�

Ah, the Ease of Online Buying

Because it's so much easier, a lot of people feel more comfortable buying car insurance online, in a click-and-point process that doesn't involve sitting through ten minutes of automated questions and answers. The options and companies are endless even in a strictly online environment. The casual consumer might search through web sites and read quotes for hours, and still be no closer to finding what they really want. Yes, even comparing quotes online can be tedious. It's possible to compare quotes from many different companies very quickly and with no stress or a lot of web site-hopping.

How to Find Online Car Insurance Quotes

There are many sites dedicated to giving you car insurance quotes online. These sites will help you compare rates and plans side-by-side from many different companies at once. One of the most time-consuming factors of searching for affordable car insurance is the variety of companies offering this service. You could drive yourself crazy accessing each web site and gathering different quotes, one at a time, from each company's web site. Why not get many quotes all at the same time? The beauty of the Internet is that you can, and this will save you a whole lot of time and aggravation.

Where Do You Find These Sites?

A simple Internet search will lead you in the right direction if you're looking for companies that will give you online car insurance quotes. These web sites are very easy to use and to navigate, and in most cases you have only to fill out a very simple online form. All the standard questions are part of this form � what kind of car you drive, your age, etc. You will be under no obligation to purchase any of the plans you take a closer look at, and can compare and bargain shop to your heart's content.

Online Car Insurance

Some plans can only be purchased through an online means with some companies. More and more in today's world, everything is going online, so it only makes sense that car insurance move online, too. Online car insurance is becoming more and more popular, and every virtually every company that is in search of new customers has a web site now. Why go through the stress of talking to twenty different people on the telephone if you can avoid it? Online car insurance is definitely your best bet if you're thinking about changing you car insurance plan...or even if you aren't. Use this as a resource to be sure your current company is offering the best coverage and price. If you find otherwise, bring your findings to your current insurance agent and see if there is anything better that they can do.

Saturday, September 2, 2006

Does Your Car Insurance Cover Everything Important?



It is important that you do take good care of your car. After all, possibly like most people, it would be one of the most expensive investments you might ever have spent on. To protect you and your car as well for any other excess expenses due to accidents or other untoward incidents, vehicle insurance could do just the trick. However, keep in mind that to actually purchase insurance for your car would also mean that you would have to spend a considerable amount.

Vehicle insurance, or car insurance or auto insurance or whatever term you may want to call it, is mainly used to provide protection against losses that could be incurred as a result of being part of traffic accidents. You see, accidents could lead to huge damages which equate to huge expenses as well. Vehicle insurance covers that so that you would not have to shell out any more money. In fact, there are even some insurance companies whose coverage includes you, your car, and even other parties included in the accident.

Of course, you should try choosing the right kind of auto insurance for your car. Remember that the wider and the greater the range of coverage also means that you would have to spend more. If you have a limited amount of finances, you can try to simply ask around and inquire about auto insurance quotes. Also inquire about the areas covered. Try to find out also if you have the option to include or not to include certain areas.

Bodily injury liability insurance covers the other party's medical bills if you actually hurt someone in an accident that was purely your fault. If you have property damage liability as part of your auto insurance, you would not have to worry much if you drive your car into another car or into a streetlight or bus stop.

Lincoln Parts and Car Parts provides customers with a complete line of the highest quality Lincoln Continental parts and Lincoln LS parts. These are highly dependable and proven to work well.


Friday, September 1, 2006

Dental Plans: How To Choose The Best Dental Insurance For You


You understand that you need dental insurance. After all, it is an essential part of life, no different than any other medical coverage. And, despite the fact that you hate going to the dentist, you know that, one day, you may need more than a simple check-up. If an extensive amount of work is done, you need to find yourself covered. So, you need the right plan to suit your lifestyle. Often, businesses will cover dental insurance and offer plans to their employees. This is how the majority pays for their dental work so,
below, we will explain the must common plans used to give you an idea of where to start:

One: direct reimbursement plan. The most favored plan, this lets employees be reimbursed for any money they spend on dental care. If you have anything from a check-up to an operation, you will pay for it, and then your employers will give the money back. This makes it a simple process, hence its popularity. Not all companies can afford to do this, however. Small businesses may not be able to match larger bills.

Two: indemnity plan. Smaller businesses are more likely to use this plan. With it, they will pay one hundred percent of cleanings amount, eighty percent for basic work like getting a cap and fifty percent for surgical procedures. The employee will then pay the rest. While some find this an unfair plan, smaller companies can not afford to pay one percent of every visit. They just do not have the funding.Still, unless a major procedure is being done, the employee will have to pay very little.

Three: managed care plan.This is often the most common, though not always the most favored plan. For businesses with little money to spend on dental insurance, this plan will suffice. Employees pay a co-payment. This, in turn, helps pay for procedures. The more involved the procedure, the higher the co-payment. This allows employers to pay for only some of the bill. Of course, this plan is not popular with most employees as they may end up paying the majority, but it must be understood that, for smaller businesses, dental insurance is more luxury than necessity.

These three plans are the most common found in the work place, and you will--in all likelihood--deal with them. If you have the fortune to work in a larger business, expect the first plan and, therefore, the best plan. Smaller companies will rely more on the other two. While all plans provide coverage, direct reimbursement provides the best and most wide-spread. Of course, because of this, it takes a company with a solid financial ground, Employers lose money with it. Your smaller businesses cannot afford to do that; they need every cent to pay the bills.

Do learn all you can about your company's care plan, however. Never simply sign anything without understanding what it offers and entails. Learn all you can about benefits and stipulations.